February 15, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 70

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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Rs 110 lakh cr infra to power India’s rise: PM

KOCHI, FEB 14 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched various new projects of central public sector organisations in Kerala’s Kochi on Sunday, announced that his government is looking at building infrastructure worth Rs 110 lakh crore to power India’s rise.

During his flying visit, amid tight security, to Kerala’s commercial capital, Modi who inaugurated the five new projects from a single venue, said the definition and scope of infrastructure has changed and it includes roads and connectivity.

“We are looking at quality and quantity infrastructure of Rs 110 lakhs crore. India is embarking on broadband connectivity for all our villages. Likewise, India has given top most importance to ‘blue economy’... I call upon researchers and fisheries sector for creating more infrastructure,

‘‘

We are looking at quality & quantity infrastructure

which will be a great tribute to our fishermen,” he said.

Among the projects were the dedication of BPCL’s Rs 6,000-crore propylene derivatives petrochemicals project to the nation, the launch of Sagarika, the Cochin Port’s new Rs 25 crore international cruise terminal, laying the foundation stone for Cochin Port’s reconstruction of the south coal berth and a new

knowledge centre of Cochin Shipyard Ltd Vigyana Sagar among others.

Modi, who began his speech by saying that it is always wonderful to be back at Kochi- Queen of the Arabian Sea, touched on all these projects.

“We have gathered here to celebrate the development of Kerala and India through the wide-ranging sectors which will energise

the growth trajectory of Kerala. The projects that have been dedicated will help increase foreign exchange, besides offering wide ranging job opportunities,” he said, adding that economic growth requires augmenting existing capacities.

With the Assembly elections round the corner, Modi also sought to emphasise what his government has done for Kerala.

“This year’s budget has sufficient reasons for Kerala to be happy as the second phase of the Kochi Metro has been sanctioned,” he said. He also took time to elaborate on the steps taken to bring back the diaspora from various Gulf countries.

“The year gone by saw several challenges especially the fight with Covid and we were considerate to the diaspora. We brought back 50 lakh Indians which in-

cluded a good number of Keralites. In the last year we saw several Gulf countries who have to be thanked for the release of prisoners. We (Centre) are always with you for your needs,” he said.

Noting India is standing at a historic point, he said: “Our actions of today will shape the growth trajectory of India and we all should work to create a strong Atma Nirbhar Bharat.”

Modi, who was earlier in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, arrived at the airport of the Southern Naval Command at around 3.15 p.m., about half an hour behind schedule.

The police and the SPG had taken over the entire place after reports surfaced that the Congress workers might stage a protest. He was received at the airport by state PWD Minister G. Sudhakaran and others.

Fuel prices surge; LPG hiked Forest mobile team reacts to NTTU

DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (NPN): Petrol, diesel continue to soar across India, touching all-time highs after being increased for the sixth straight day on Sunday. Oil marketing companies hiked fuel prices by almost 29-32 paise.

In Dimapur, the price of petrol has been raised by 29 paise from Rs. 90.85 per litre to Rs 91.14 a litre, while diesel was increased by 33 paise from Rs.81.66 per litre to Rs. 81.99 a litre.

In Kohima petrol and diesel were priced at Rs. 92.07 and Rs. 82.71 per litre.

F u r t h e r, S t a t e - r u n Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) also hiked the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder.

Following the hike, LPG price in Nagaland will now cost Rs. 25 more. In Dimapur a cylinder will cost Rs. 737.50 while in Kohima the price was 738.50. The price of LPG in other districts were at Rs. 735 except Kiphire Rs. 738.

The price of LPG gas cylinders is determined by state-run oil companies and is revised on a monthly basis.

DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (NPN): Mobile Duty Team under Chümoudkedima Forest Range Office (FRO) has termed as baseless the allegations made by Nagaland Timber Trade Union (NTTU) president Kevise Sogotsu of illegal taxation by police and forest personnel.

Clarifying on the matter, the FRO through Forester-1 (Chumukedima range) Ruokuo Angami said royalty is governed under certain rules of the government and that it was shocking that the president of a responsible organisation was “reluc-

tant to abide by any existing government rules and regulation”. He said the allegation was tantamount to illegal activity or smuggling of state’s resource and making wild allegations against the government servants on enforcement duty.

As “admitted by the NTTU”, that the truck was transporting timber “without any valid document”, the official pointed out that this was illegal as per the law and that penalty imposed was as per existing government guideline and then credited to government revenue and

NE United go 3rd with 3-1 win over Odisha

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not for personal use.

He further countered NTTU’s claim that the timber from Kiphire was for local use, but pointed out that it was public knowledge that the NTTU president “himself is a veteran timber trader” who supplies “huge quantity of timber outside the state every year” through non-local timber traders.

The official said the attempt by NTTU to “evade payment of legitimate government taxes” under the pretext of “local consumption is very unfortunate”.

sports, Page 12

Manipur newspapers on indefinite strike to protest against bomb attack Correspondent

IMPHAL, FEB 14: All newspapers in Manipur failed to hit the stands on Sunday as scribes and editors went on an indefinite strike in protest against the hurling of a hand grenade at the office of the Poknapham at Keishampat in the heart of the Imphal city.

On Saturday evening, miscreant(s) launched a China-made hand grenade at the office of “Poknapham”, a local daily which also housed its sister (English) publication, in Imphal’s Keishampat, but failed to explode. The police suspect hand of an armed outfit behind the bomb attack.

However, none of them has so far owned up.

Terming it as a threat to media, scribes under the aegis of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union and Editors’ Guild Manipur decided to cease work immediately on Saturday night.

Following the decision, all local dailies cancelled their publication and local TV cable networks suspended broadcasting news.

On Sunday, the protesting scribes gathered in

Manipur scribes during the protest in Imphal. (NP)

Imphal’s Keishampat where they staged a sit-in protest to condemn the threat to media and demanded “unconditional apology from the wrongdoer(s)” while alleging that it was not only an insult to the media but also an attempt to strangulate the freedom of press.

“Attack on journalism is an attack on democracy,” one of the many placards held by the protesting scribes read. Others read like “We demand unconditional apology from the wrongdoers”, “Threatening press, threaten democracy,” “Hand off press freedom”, etc. After the sit-in, representatives of the scribes proceeded to chief minister’s secretariat to submit a memorandum

and draw his attention towards the latest threat to media in the State.

While strongly condemning the “cowardly attack” on the media, Manipur’s I&PR minister Th Biswajit Singh termed it as an attempt to strangulate freedom of expression. This kind of attack on the fourth pillar of democracy through coercive means to dictate the media would never be acceptable, he asserted.

Condemning the attack, Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU) extended solidarity to the protesting media persons. IJU, in a statement, demanded the State government investigate the attack and bring the culprit(s) to book.

NSCN (I-M) reacts to Tokheho’s statement in Parl

DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has expressed dismay over the manner in which Nagaland’s Lok Sabha member Tokheho Yepthomi presented the Naga issue in the Parliament.

In a statement issued through its MIP, NSCN (I-M) observed that the historical and political dynamics were missing and hence the punch was found wanting in (Cont’d on p-8) Tokheho.

According to NSCN (I-M), the conspicuous failure of Tokheho was noticed when he could not even mention the correct date of signing of the historic Framework Agreement. Accusing the MP of using misplaced political terminologies like Naga “underground’ and “militants”, NSCN (I-M) said his failure to do proper homework had left the Naga people seething with righteous anger.

Arunachal honours Bob Khathing JD (U) questions govt on logic

Dignitaries after unveiling the statue of R. Khathing.

GUWAHATI, FEB 14 ( AG E N C I E S ) : S eve n ty years after he brought Tawang under Indian rule by reaching the area located near McMahon Line and unfurling the tricolour there, Arunachal Pradesh government on Sunday honoured Major Ralengnao Khathing with a memorial.

Khathing, who was more popular as Bob, is relatively an unknown figure for most of India and even parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

But people in Tawang still

This is it!

remember him with respect for establishing Indian control over the area when the threat of China loomed.

Arunachal Governor Brig (Retd.) BD Mishra laid the foundation stone of the memorial at Tawang, coinciding with the day Khathing

is believed to have hoisted the Indian flag in Tawang in 1951. The state government also awarded Arunachal Ratna award to Khathing.

Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu, Meghalaya CMchief minister Conrad Sangma, Union minister for sports Kiren Rijiju, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat and family members of Khathing were present on the occasion.

“It a magnificent function where Khathing was honoured. Contribution of the hero of Tawang cannot be forgotten. A due recognition has been given, who was so far neglected,” Rijiju (Cont’d on p-8) said.

of SOPs for Churches, schools

DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (NPN): Janata Dal (U) Nagaland has questioned the logic of the State government in permitting resumption of normal classes for students of only classes VI and above when on the other hand, the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the government allowed congregation of devotees in religious places up to 100% of the capacity of that building/place.

While considering the need to continue with the precautionary measures in view of the ongoing COVID-19 despite vaccina-

tion being underway, JD(U) through its media cell said it was flabbergasted to note the contradiction in the SOP of the government for educational institutions and religious places.

JD (U) termed it as hilarious that the State education authority had even gone to the extent of warning of appropriate action in case of violation of the SOP by any educational institution.

It said churches in Nagaland were attended by everyone irrespective of age and therefore to contend (Cont’d on p-8)

Balipara Foundation seeks to push agro ecology project sport Pvt Ltd, the company summit held in 2017, the that owns Indian Premier trade body wanted to help League team Rajasthan Roy- Nagaland in all its economic als, visited Nagaland along endeavours. with two other officials from According to the BaliFICCI and Assam Invest- para Foundation’s trustee, ment Advisory Society.

Nagaland missed industrial He explained that the and technology revolution, objective of their visit was pointing out that the new to sensitise stakeholders revolution would be about about FICCI. Observing ecology and in which Nathat Nagaland had a stable galand had the assets to take administration and leader- advantage of by organising (L) Ranjit Borthakur along with others in Kohima. (NP) ship, he said, as a follow-up itself in a much better way.

(Cont’d on p-8) Correspondent Borthakur said the project to the FICCI connectivity would be targeted at the KOHIMA, FEB 14 (NPN): villages “with the community, Assam-based non profit- owned by the community, As Rajasthan Royal (RR) co-owner, Borthakur said able organisation-- Balipara for the community and of he wanted to see the possibility of opening a cricket acadFoundation has expressed the community”. its desire to start a long-term Borthakur, who is also emy in the State, adding he would be meeting Nagaland agro-ecology project to aug- chairman of Federation of Cricket Association for discussion in this regard and visit ment agro-economic assets Indian Chamber of Com- the cricket stadium at Sovima, Dimapur.

Referring to Khrievitso Kense, the leg spinner from in Nagaland. merce & Industry (FICCI) I n t e r a c t i n g w i t h North East Advisory Coun- Nagaland, Borthakur said he was impressed by Kense’s Nagaland Post, Balipara cil (NEAC) and executive performance during a match in Nagpur. He also met the Foundation trustee Ranjit chairman of Royal Multi- parents of Kense.

Proposal to open cricket academy

“Well if you’re grumbling about inflation, it stands to reason that you’ll have to increase my spending too.”

K Y M C

K Y M C

2

Awareness on PCPNDT Act

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

news in Brief

Implementation of JJM in Tsg discussed

CWSK road safety: Charity Welfare Society Khezhakeno (CWSK), Phek will be carrying out Road Safety Advocacy Programme on February 15 at Meluri Town. This was informed in a press release issued

by CWSK chairman, Ezekiel Koza.

SOUD elects new team: Sumi Officers’ Union Dimapur (SOUD) has elected a new team of office bearers 2021-2022 headed by Zakabo Rotokha as president and Kughalu Chishi as general secretary. The handing and taking over programme was held on February 14 at the residence of its banker. Meanwhile, the SOUD has convened its first executive meeting with office bearers on February 27 at the residence of its banker.

All members have been informed to compulsorily attend the meeting and come prepared with agendas.

Farmers sensitized on ATMA scheme Medical camp in progress at Old Ralan.

DIMAPUR: Wokha district administration and DLCW-MSK in collaboration with department of Health & Family Welfare and SAKHI- One Stop Centre (OSC), Wokha organised an awareness programme on Pre Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and free medical camp under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) at Old Ralan on February 13.

According to DIPR report, the awareness programme was organised as part of the year long activities under BBBP 2021 to be conducted in the district.

Around 200 participants took part in the programme.

During the programme, baby kits to new born girl child were distributed and sanitary pads were also distributed to the participants.

Besides free medical check up was conducted and free medicines were also distributed to the participants.

SDO (C) Ralan, who chaired the programme thanked the team for visiting the area and conducting the awareness programme and hoped that such kind of initiatives will definitely benefit the area people.

Advocate Thungbeni Kikon, Case Worker OSC

enlightened the gathering about the activities of One Stop Centre- Sakhi and the various beneficial activities relating to the welfare of women and girl child.

Chief Medical Officer, Wokha C.W. Tungoe briefed the participants about the Pre Conception& Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and the on-going COVID-19 vaccination in the State.

CMO also encouraged all to avail the COVID-19 vaccine to free from Corona virus. He further appealed all to follow the guidelines and SOPs even after taking the vaccine.

DIMAPUR: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Wokha on February 10 organised a sensitization and training for farmers to make them aware of the ATMA scheme, at ATMA fishery training hall, Wokha.

A press release by ATMA Wokha, stated that Deputy Project Director, ATMA Wokha, T Subenthung Yanthan, explained the farmers on the duties and responsibilities and further appraised about working hierarchy of ATMA, which was headed by Project Director in every district.

Deputy Project Director, Hukia Zhimomi, in

his short speech encouraged farmers friends to work hard with zeal and determination so that their fellow farmers would be further encouraged.

Later a power point presentation about the various activities undertaken

by ATMA Wokha in the last instalment was given, followed by distribution of manual maize sheller to all farmers friend.

Vote of thanks was delivered by Assistant Technology Manager, Eyingbeni Humtsoe. Altogether 30 farmers and nine Agricultural Technology Management Agency officials attended the programme.

DC and chairman DWSM, Kumar Ramnikant chairing the DWSM meeting. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Members of District Water and Sanitation Mission (DW&SM) held a meeting on February 5 in Tuensang on the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

T h e m e e t i n g wa s chaired by DC and DWSM chairman Kumar Ramnikant.

The objective of JJM was to enable all the rural households to have access to safe and adequate drinking water within the premises to the extent possible.

According to DIPR, for verification of the implementation of the project

Condolences from Kronu, Konyak Union, CPO DIMAPUR: Minister of Planning and Co-ordination, Land Revenue, Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, Konyak Union (KU), former Nagaland L e g i s l a t ive A s s e m b ly speaker, Thenucho Tunyi and Chakhesang organisations have expressed shock on the untimely demise of Müdongoyi Chüzho, ADC Tobu on February 13.

In a condolence note, Kronu described late Müdongoyi as a dedicated, humble and sincere administrative officer.

The minister further

expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

Fo r m e r s p e a k e r : While conveying condolences to the bereaved family members, former NLA speaker Thenucho Tunyi recalled his encounters with late Müdongoyi and described him as capable and dedicated officer.

“Wherever he went, he developed good relationships with people and given the responsibility as a public servant, he made sure that his actions and

decisions uphold sincerity and justice”, Tunyi said.

Tunyi further said late Müdongoyi contributions to the community will be long remembered by the people.

The former NLA speaker also extended condolences to late Müdongoyi’s wife Er. Akule Chüzho and children and prayed for the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Konyak Union: Konyak Union (KU) in a statement said that sudden demise of Müdongoyi Chüzho has shocked the

Dimapur 24/7 celebrates V-Day with SFs

entire Konyak community.

The union stated that his selfless sacrifice and commitment towards uplifting the common interest of the people and his contribution towards development in every field has been appreciated by the Konyak community.

KU also acknowledged his immense contribution and concern though which many developmental works has been achieved during his posting in Mon district and will never be forgotten. The union further

conveyed condolences to bereaved family members and prayed that departed soul rest in peace.

Chakhesang organisations: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang Students’ Union and Chakhesang Mothers’ Association have expressed grief on the untimely demise of Müdongoyi Chüzho ADC, Tobu, son of Rev. Pusazo Chüzho of Phusachodü village.

In a condolence note, issued by CPO on behalf of the organisations, de-

scribed late Müdongoyi as a young dynamic, dedicated and an able administrator, who has many potentialities to contribute for the community.

The organisations stated that the demise of Müdongoyi was a great loss to the Chakhesang community and that his concerns and contributions towards the people will be cherished and remembered.

The organisations prayed for the departed soul to rest in eter nal peace.

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved

a third party has been empanelled and for Tuensang district, TolenThangjam has been nominated.

JJM is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connection by 2024 to all household in rural India.

PHED executive engineer, Er. Kedolhuto highlighted on the records of the department for 2019 – 20, and stated that out of the seven JJM projects in seven inhabitants, three projects have been completed and the remaining four almost completed (only

verification left).

He also highlighted on the compulsory implementation of water connection to the PHCs/CHCs, Schools and anganwadi centers in the village under the scheme. The importance of inclusion of medical department in the committee to check the quality of drinking water was also enlightened.

DW S M c h a i r m a n Kumar Ramnikant also urged the members to give cooperation so that the JJM scheme will be successfully implemented in the district.

KLC conducts social work DIMAPUR: Kohima Law College (KLC) conducted social work on February 12 with a motto to promote “Dignity of Labour” where all the students and teachers took part by cleaning the college compound, class rooms and constructed toilets etc.

Assistant professor, Kezhokhoto Savi, who is in-charge of students’ welfare said that the dignity of

labour was the philosophy that all types of jobs should be respected equally, and that no occupation has been considered superior and none of the jobs should be discriminated on any basis.

“Regardless of whether one’s occupation involves physical works or mental labour it is held that the job deserves respect”, he stated.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Late Samak Nokdir Time flies fast.

Life goes on at its own pace.

But some memories can never be forgotten from the mind of the dearest ones.

You will always remain in our thoughts.

DP-885

Loving wife, sons, and loved ones

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the family of Late ATOVI SANGTAM conveys our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all, who have supported us physically, mentally and financially at the demise of our beloved Father who expired on 11th February 2021 from Dimapur.

Our sincere thanks goes to:1. Doctors & Nurses of Eden Hospital Dimapur.

2. Yangsekyu Village Council 3. Yangsekyu Village Baptist Lithro 4. Yangsekyu Village Catholic Community ATOVI SANGTAM 5. Yangsekyu Village Students Union 01/02/1942 - 11/02/2021 6. Sitimi Area GB’s Association 7. St. Jose Centre Sitimi 8. St. Peter’s Parish Kiphire 9. Chumoukedima Sangtam Baptist Lithro 10. Kohima Town Sangtam Baptist Lithro.

We regret our inability to mention each and everyone individually but it is our earnest prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Team Dimapur 24/7 with Women police personnel on Sunday.

D I M A P U R : Te a m Dimapur24/7 on Sunday celebrated Valentine’s Day with security forces by distributing roses.

The team stated that they had organised the event as a token of love and tribute in the memory

of the brave heroes who sacrificed their lives for us in the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019.

The team distributed roses to CRPF, Assam Rifles, Women Police personnel, Police Flying Squad, Traffic Police, Commis-

sionarate of Police, etc.

“We salute Our Army, Police Personal and all those who safe guard us and our county, so that we can be safe and live our lives in peace and love”, Team Dimapur 24/7 stated.

AR conduct pre-recruitment rally

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Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren and Relatives.

2nd DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Lt. Kelhouvikuo Kelio

I. YEVIHE AYEMI

Pre-recruitment rally training in progress at Medziphema.

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles Ghaspani battalion, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted pre-recruitment rally training at Medziphema on February 13.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), 84 youth from various towns and villages of Kohima and Dimapur participated in K Y M C

the event. The pre- recruitment rally training included verification of education documents, mock physical tests, medical tests, written tests and ended with know your forces weapon display. Various entry schemes available for armed forces were also briefed to the youth.

Husband, Father, Grand and Great-Grandfather (20/11/1931 – 15/02/2020) A man of wisdom and foresight, You left behind a great legacy.

A story-teller and harbinger of joy and laughter.

Always young and cheerful at heart, Your legacy will always light a way for us.

A year has passed since you left us heartbroken; we miss you.

Rest in the Lord, dear beloved.

DP-796

Loving Family Members

15-02-2019

It's been two years since you left us for your heavenly abode but the memories of you still lives in our hearts. Your philanthropic deeds and resilience for people will never cease to die but will continue to be with us throughout. We know that you are now in a better place and on this very day we remember and cherish you.

"To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die" We miss you !

K-370

Loving Children, Grandchildren, In-laws & Relatives K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will the govt of Nagaland also cut fuel prices like in other states ?

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

A B C

Farmers’ market inaugurated in Mkg

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

6% 91% 3%

Next poll

Q: Are continuing rise

of fuel price affecting the price of various commodities?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST February 15

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Sunshine

31 13

Aizawl

Sunny and pleasant

Guwahati Sunshine and pleasant Imphal

Sunny and pleasant

25 9 29 14 26 5

Itanagar A morning shower, not as warm 23 14 Shillong

Mostly sunny

20 7

Kohima

Plenty of sunshine

21 8

Dimapur Nice with plenty of sunshine

27 13

Mkg

Mostly sunny and comfortable 22 10

Tuensang Sunny and cooler Wokha

15 6

Mostly sunny and not as warm 20 13

Zunheboto Mostly sunny

19 8

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

RD director Imnukshila Jamir along with other dignitaries. (NP)

Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, FEB 14 (NPN): Director Rural Development, Imnukshila on February 13 inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Farmers’ Market’ at Impur Lemjem and ‘rostrum’ at Longjang village playground, Mokokchung.

Speaking as special guest, Imnukshila congratulated the VDB secretaries of Kobulong block

for successfully completing the marketing complex (marketing shed and a restaurant).

She also thanked the Walling clan of Sungratsu village for donating the site.

The special guest said that the complex would go a long way in promoting the farmers produce from the area since the site was in a strategic location. She further suggested hosting

of a “marketing day” once in a week in collaboration with the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industries.

Earlier, short speech was delivered by Sungratsu village council chairman M Taka Longchar and welcome note was delivered by Project Director, DRDA Mokokchung M Toshimongla Kichu.

The building was dedicated by Yimchalu Baptist

Church pastor Anok while the vote of thanks was said by Kobulong Block VDB Association president Nungshi Aier. The programme was chaired

by Kobulong Block, BDO Er. Temsu Jamir.

Meanwhile, the director while inaugurating the rostrum stated that it should host various community based activities, apart from games and sports and encouraged the villagers for a common vision towards evolving Longjang village into a ‘towship’.

Earlier, short speeches were delivered by Project Director, DRDA Mokokchung Taliyanger and Barrick, Longjang village council S Imti Longchar while the welcome address was delivered by Longjang village council chairman L Chuba Jamir.

The rostrum was dedicated by Longjang Baptist Church pastor, Senti Longchar.

The programme was chaired by Longjang Baptist Church Associate Pastor Limatemsu while the vote of thanks was said by Longjang Village council Barrick S Imti Aier and a special song was presented

by Sunep and Lima Imchen.

78 HCWs receive 2nd dose of COVID vaccine at NHAK

DIMAPUR: Managing Director, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), Dr. Thorsie Katiry along with other 77 Health Care Workers (HCWs) received the second dose of COVID vaccine at NHAK on February 14.

According to DIPR report, 11 more HCWs also received the first dose of COVID vaccine on the same day at NHAK taking the total to 1,298 HCWs and 1255 Front Line Workers vaccinated in 47 session sites till date.

District Immunization Officer Kohima Dr. Rupert Peseyie informed that on February 15, vaccination will be carried out at IGAR HQ, 14 AR Tsiesema, 78 BN CRPF Sechü, 93 BN BSF Chedema, Jakhama army camp, Seikhazou UPHC and 4th NAP Thizama.

Sensitization programme on COVID vaccine for all police units will be held at SP’s Conference Hall Kohima on February 17 and Chiephobozou block February 16.

Meanwhile, in Tuensang, the second dose vaccination drive against COVID-19 for the health care workers was con-

Dr. Thorsie Katiry receiving the second dose of COVID vaccine on February 14. (DIPR)

ducted at District hospital Tuensang on February 14.

On the first day, 45 health care workers were administered the second

dose vaccination on Covid19.

This was stated in a press release issued

by DMO Tuensang, Apheang.

MUMBAI RGU 6X8

Sanitation vehicle flagged off in Mokokchung PCCI directives to traders Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, FEB 14 (NPN): ADC and administrator Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), Shashank Pratap Singh on February 13 flagged off sanitation vehicle at Sungkomen ward, Mokokchung after it was dedicated by Sungkomen Baptist Church pastor, Rev. O Yashi Jamir.

On the occasion, Shashank lauded the ward authority and church for purchasing the sanitation vehicle, which will be beneficial to the community.

He termed the initiative as a perfect example of community efforts towards cleanliness and was optimistic that others would follow suit. The function was chaired by Sungkomen ADC & administrator MMC Shashank Pratap Singh along with Rev. O Yashi and ward authority chairman, Limanungsang. the Sungkomen ward authority. (NP)

DIMAPUR: Phek Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) has resolved that business establishments will not be allowed to run “extra business” unless applied for new permit under different categories from PCCI. The decision was unanimously adopted at the general session held on February 13 at Christian Higher Secondary School Auditorium Phek, PCCI stated in a press statement.

It was also decided that as per the norms of ACAUT, no illegal taxation will be allowed to be practiced under the jurisdiction of PCCI. During the session, former president of PCCI, Kevese Lasuh shared the words of encouragement.

The session was chaired by PCCI assistant general secretary, Vethikholu Kezo and women co-ordinator, Keduneipe-u Lasuhgrace. The report was laid by general secretary, Chetezo Akami and treasure report for the last tenure was presented by Vezobayi Keyho.

Meanwhile, the induction of new office bearers was also held by the nominating committee headed

by Zachive Rhakho as convenor where Chetezo Akami was inducted and appoint as the president of PCCI for the tenure 2021- 2022. The committee also inducted new executives for different post for the same. The session was followed by mass feast following the protocol of Covid 19 guidelines.

NBC observes cultural fest

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Baptist College (NBC) held its 18th college cultural fest on February 5, under the theme “Culture and tradition: our prized inheritance”. The event was graced by, proprietor of M/s multi builders, Howoto Jakhalu as chief guest. He shared his concern and thoughts for the young people especially As part of the ongoing Road Safety Advocacy Programme, volunteers of Vikehie in preserving the cultural Welfare Society, Viswema distributed 1395 pamphlets to vehicle drivers on February heritage of the land and re-inculcating work culture 13 near Jakhama local ground NH-2 in the presence of traffic police personnel.

Workshop on ‘Arduino Robotics’

Participants, resource persons and officials at the workshop.

DIMAPUR: Innovation hub NSC department of Science and Technology Nagaland conducted a “workshop on open source Arduino Robotics - Get Them Go” at Azedon School, Kohima.

In a press statement, junior mentor department of S&T, V. Zale K Y M C

stated that at the workshop, the background note on innovation hub and its activities was delivered by chief mentor Innovation Hub, Er. Onongoto Soleho. Aloina of class 7 presented a special number followed by technical session by junior mentor Innovation Hub, Er. Vikuovotuo

Zhale. A total of 50 participants took part in the workshop by following COVID-19 SOPs. The event was chaired by secondary teacher of the School, Boya.

Earlier, the workshop began with a welcome address by headmistress, L Sentinaro.

for which Nagas have been known for.

Howoto also dwelt work culture and reminded the students on how the forefathers were known for their self sufficient and hard working by nature.

Northern Sumi Students Union president, Puloto G. Awomi who was the guest of honour also exhorted the students. NBC students’ union president, Kahito K. Kinimi welcomed the guests.

NPF minority wing holds coordination meeting in Dimapur DIMAPUR: NPF minority wing held a coordination meeting on February 5 at Zalmahal conference hall to felicitate secretary (COB) NPF Central, Mukibur Rahaman for bringing laurel to minorities in Dimapur in political field.

A press release by NPF minority wing central, vice president, Debendra Rana stated that while delivering their speeches, the speakers at the meeting lauded the selfless activities carried out by minority leaders under NPF minority wing and expressed gratitude to NPF president, Dr. Shurhozelie and Achumbemo Kikon secretary general NPF for inducting a minority leader in the central team as COB. Bishnu Bhattacharjee shared about the activity report and services by minority leaders.

Apun Naben shared his experience while sitting in opposition when the minority wing extended “tremendous service” to common people especially during the pandemic.

K Y M C

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No CAA if Cong voted to power in Assam: Rahul

SIVASAGAR (ASSAM), FEB 14 (PTI): Accusing the BJP and the RSS of “dividing” Assam, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said his party will protect every principle of the Assam Accord and will not let the Citizenship (Amendment) Act be implemented if voted to power in the upcoming assembly polls.

Sounding the Congress’ poll bugle in the state, Gandhi attacked the Modi government repeatedly alleging that it was working with an approach of ‘Hum do, Hamare do’ -- a term he recently used while speaking in Lok Sabha to claim that the country is being run by only four people.

At his first public rally in Assam ahead of the assembly elections due in the next few months, Gandhi along with all the senior leaders on the dais wore a ‘Gamocha’ (Assamese scarf) on which symbolically the word CAA was crossed out, making it clear that Congress’ opposition to the controversial law will be a major poll plank.

Gandhi hailed the contribution of former Assam Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Tarun Gogoi, who passed away recently, calling him Assam’s soldier who united the state and spent his entire life protecting it.

In an apparent reference to former principal secretary to the Prime Minister Nripendra Misra

Sikkim to reopen schools for LKG to Cl 5 from Monday G A N G TO K , F E B 1 4 (PTI): Schools in Sikkim will reopen on Monday for pre-primary and primary students after a gap of 11 months with strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocol, the state government said. Elementary Education and Samagra Shiksha Director Bhim Thatal issued a circular directing all staterun, government- aided and private schools to reopen the educational institutions for LKG to class 5 students.

Classroom teaching for senior students had started in a phased manner in the Himalayan state from October. Schools were closed since March last year following outbreak of COVID-19.

The institutions will be required to abide by the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and guidelines of the Ministry of Education of the Union government as well as the SOP and instructions of the state education department.

Rahul Gandhi during a public meeting, ahead of the Assam Assembly polls, in Sivasagar district. (PTI) being awarded the Padma Bhushan, the Congress leader, without naming anyone, said that in the same award list which had Tarun Gogoi, there was also the “name of a bureaucrat from PMO and I felt sad that the government of India had insulted Tarun Gogoi and this state”.

“On one hand there is the person who dedicated his entire life for the people, united Assam and protected the flag of India, while on the other hand is the bureaucrat from PMO who only hailed the PM. Tarun Gogoi was my Guru, and I did not feel good about it,” Gandhi said.

Stressing the importance of the Assam Accord, Gandhi said it was in a way the “protector” of Assam and the “tool of peace”.

“I want to tell you that I, along with all Congress leaders, will protect and defend the principles of the Assam Accord. We will not

back off even an inch from that,” he asserted.

Gandhi said illegal immigration was an issue in Assam and exuded confidence that the people of the state have the capability to resolve the issue through dialogue. Alleging that the BJP and the RSS are trying to divide the state, he said, “If Assam is divided, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi or your Chief Minister (Sarbanand Sonowal) will not be affected, but the people of Assam and the rest of India will be harmed.”

Underlining the importance of the state, Gandhi said it was a beautiful flower in India’s bouquet.

“Never forget that as much you need the country, the country needs you,” he said in his address to the gathering at the boarding field ground here.

If there will be violence in Assam and it is divided, then India will

BPF not to be part of BJP-led NDA in Assam polls: Himanta GUWAHATI, FEB 14 (PTI): Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday made it clear that the ruling BJP will not have any alliance with its existing ally Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) in the upcoming Assembly polls in the state.

In the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), the BJP has already formed an alliance with the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and is currently holding talks with another outfit Gana Suraksha Party (GSP) regarding seat sharing arrangements, Sarma said.

“We have been telling it many times that our alliance with BPF was for five years only and both sides were committed to it. They are still in our government and it is healthy politics,” the BJP leader said.

In the BTR, the BJP will have a seat sharing agreement with the UPPL and Lok Sabha MP Naba Sarania-led GSP, Sarma, who is also Convenor of

North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the NDA version in the north-east, said.

Formed in 2005, BPF is a state political party in Assam with its headquarters in Kokrajhar. “ We h ave a l r e a dy started negotiations with Sarania and it is moving in the positive direction. We will announce our candidates within 48 hours of announcing poll dates,” he added.

BPF’s relation with BJP went sour during the latest elections of the 40member Bodoland Territorial Council, where the saffron party dumped its state ally BPF and formed the council government in alliance with UPPL and GSP. The BJP is currently the single largest party in the 126-member Assam house with 60 MLAs, while its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and BPF now have 13 and 11 lawmakers respectively. The ruling coalition also has the support of an Independent MLA.

be harmed along with the state, he said adding that, “we will not allow this to happen”.

“We are wearing this ‘gamocha’ which has CAA written on it which is crossed out which means that no matter what happens, CAA will not be allowed (to be implemented by us)... listen ‘hum do humare do’, we will never allow CAA (to be implemented),” Gandhi said.

“I have come here to tell you, all the Congress leaders are standing here that no power in the world can break Assam. The Congress and the people of Assam will teach a lesson to those who try to touch the Assam Accord and spread hatred,” he asserted.

In his address, Gandhi said the state needs its “own chief minister” who will listen to the voice of the people and not the one “who listens only to Nagpur and Delhi”.

“Remote control can operate a TV but it should not operate a state. The current CM listens to Nagpur and Delhi. If Assam gets a CM like this again, it will not benefit the people. The youths need a CM who will give jobs to them,” he said. Taking a dig at the Modi government and the state dispensation using an old family planning slogan, Gandhi alleged India is being run by four people -“Hum do, humare do’ baaki sab mar lo.”

Congress brought people together: Baghel

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said the BJP keeps on asking what the Congress has done in its decades in power and his answer to that is it strengthened the country’s unity and brought people of different castes and religions together.

Addressing a rally here that kickstarted the Congress’ poll campaign in Assam, Baghel said that from the time of the independence movement, there have been two ideologies at work -- one that divides and the other which unites.

Earlier, on one hand there were the Britishers who implemented their ‘divide and rule’ policy, and on the other side were those, who under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, united workers, farmers, women and youth to take on the British, he said in the presence of former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

There was one ideology that was led by the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, while on the other hand the Britishers were following the ‘divide and rule’ policy, making brothers fight and pitting castes and religions against one another.

Today, Rahul Gandhi is providing leadership to those who are working to

unite people, while those sowing discord are being led by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he alleged.

“There is a need to unite the country. The BJP always asks what the Congress has done in the last 70 years, I would like to reply that they strengthened India’s unity and integrity,” Baghel, who has been appointed as a senior observer by the Congress for the upcoming Assam Assembly polls, said.

The Congress kept the people of different religions and castes together and, therefore, gave the slogan ‘Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isaai, aapas mein sab bhai bhai’, the Chhattisgarh chief minister said.

The BJP says the Congress did not do anything, so who made the railway stations and airports that they are “selling”, Baghel said.

For 70 years, the Congress united the people, he asserted.

Slamming the BJP for allegedly making “false promises” to the people for the sake of polls, he alleged that it is a “party of jumlas (rhetoric)”.

“On one side, there are the ‘jumlebaaz’ who only know how to defraud and loot, and on the other hand is Rahul Gandhi, who walks on the path of truth and does what he promises,” Baghel said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

7-hour daily power cut begins in M’laya due to pending bills SHILLONG, FEB 14 (PTI): Amid burgeoning dues to a state-run electric utility, the ailing power supplier company in Meghalaya is going for a seven-hour daily load-shedding across the state from Sunday, an official said.

The outages are being carried out in three shifts on rotational basis, a senior Meghalaya Electric Corporation Ltd (MeECL) official told PTI. The MeECL owes Rs 74.65 crore to Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) as transmission charges, and it was not in a position to pay the dues due to extreme financial condition of the company, the official said.

“We can barely afford to pay the salaries of our employees. Recently we had requested the state government to extend Rs 113.47 crore financial assistance to make payment for the outstanding bills of PGCIL and to reinstate the letters of

credit with central generating stations. “Deliberations are going on at the highest levels of the government,” the MeECL said in a statement. The MeECL was forced to regulate about 70MW of energy and the PGCIL wanted a firm commitment on payment of 50 per cent of dues in one week and a definite timeline for the remaining 50 per cent, it added. The state government has availed a loan of Rs 1,345 crore under #AatmanirbharBharat from the Centre to clear all outstanding power purchase dues of the MeECL. “The loan under the special package given by the Prime Minister will be disbursed to all gencos and transcos which include NEEPCO, OTPC, NHPC and PGCIL. We expect that we will be able to end all our liabilities to the generating companies and transmission companies soon,” state’s Power Minister James Sangma said.

Heroin worth over Rs 19L seized, Myanmarese arrested in Mizoram

Aizawl, Feb 14 (PTI): A 47-year-old Myanmarese has been arrested and heroin worth Rs 19.25 lakh seized from his possession in Mizoram’s Hnahthial district, an official said on Sunday. Acting on a tip-off, Excise and Narcotics Department sleuths along with Assam Rifles personnel seized 667 gm of heroin from the man in a forest near New Ngharchhip village along the India-Myanmar border on Saturday evening, a spokesperson of the department said.

The contraband is suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar, he said. The accused has been booked under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Badruddin Ajmal is enemy of Assam: Himanta Biswa ‘I am extremist in protecting Indian, Assamese culture’

GUWAHATI, FEB 14 (PTI): Labelling AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal as the “enemy of Assam”, state minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday asserted that he is an extremist in protecting Indian and the Assamese culture.

Accusing Ajmal of trying to do something alien to Assamese culture, Sarma, the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor, said he will talk about politics of identity till the Lok Sabha MP and opposition leader is in the political scene. Ajmal, Lok Sabha member from Dhubri heads All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) which has 14 MLAs mostly from the minority Muslims dominated areas of Assam at present.

AIUDF has teamed up with Congress and four other political parties to form a Grand Alliance against the ruling BJP in the upcoming state polls.

“Yes, I am an extremist in protecting Indian culture

Himanta Biswa and Assamese culture in this land. If anybody has given me this title, kindly convey my regards and thanks to them,” Sarma told reporters when asked about the opposition branding him as the extreme of polarisation politics. Asked if he and Ajmal are equal in politics of polarisation, the Assam Finance Minister claimed that while the AIUDF chief is doing something “alien to Assam’s culture”, he is trying to protect Assamese culture.

“I am trying to protect Indian nationalism. There have to be two extremes.

So, if there is a north pole, there will be a south pole.

If Badruddin Ajmal disappears, then we will also disappear. Then we will talk about development and something else.

“But as long as Badruddin Ajmal is there, we will talk about development and politics of identity. And if that made me an extremist, I am happy about that,” he said.

When asked if Ajmal is a messiah of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, the senior BJP leader declined to comment on him as an individual, but chose to give opinion on Ajmal as “an institution or what he represents”.

“Probably this is the most dangerous phase of Assam politics. He is bringing money from fundamentalist organisations. In the name of social service, he is creating a network which is not conducive for Assamese culture.

“So, I think that not as an individual but as a symbol of certain people, they are the enemy of us,”

Sarma said. Asked about the BJP’s campaign strategy for the upcoming polls for 126-member assembly, the Assam minister said party’s election committee has not finalised it yet, but said he has his own publicity theme.

“My personal campaign theme is clash of culture. Jati- Mati-Bheti (community, land and homeland) was a defensive statement.

Now it is time to be offensive. For the next five years, it should be victory of culture,” he added.

In 2016 Assembly polls, BJP’s main slogan was to protect the ‘Jati-MatiBheti’ of Assamese people from the infiltrators from Bangladesh.

“This will be in line with our delimitation work of constituencies as well. I have decided my strategy till 2026. It will be healthy regionalism and total nationalism. There should be strong nationalism with positive regionalism,” Sarma said.

On being pointed out to the issues of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens (NRC) and unemployment, the senior BJP leader said these are no more the poll issues in the state.

“The major issue in Assam is whether the boys will get Bullet or Splendor.

People are busy with the point that government of Assam has given scooty to girls and now whether the boys will get Splendor or Bullet.

“Congress is behind the nation. If the nation has progressed by 50 years, then they are behind by 50 years. They will rake up an issue, which is old and already stale. We will rake up an issue which is fresh in the minds of young people,” he added.

Under an Education Department scheme, the Assam government has distributed scooties to thousands of girl students who secured first division in Higher Secondary final examinations.

against persons disrupting Army helps douse major forest fire Manipur high court gets new chief justice Action movement of vehicles in M’laya Correspondent

New chief justice of Manipur HC taking oath in Imphal s Raj Bhavan on Sunday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, FEB 14: Justice Puligoru Venkata Sanjay Kumar was sworn-in as the chief justice of the High Court of Manipur on Sunday.

Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla administered the oath of office to the new chief justice at a simple cer-

emony held at the Durbar Hall of Imphal Raj Bhavan with strict adherence of COVID19 SOPs. Justice PV Sanjay Kumar was appointed as chief justice of the High Court of Manipur by the President of India on February 12 last.

Prior to this, he served as a judge in the Punjab and

Haryana High Court.

State chief minister N Biren Singh, deputy chief minister Y Joykumar Singh, cabinet ministers, state chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, DGP LM Khaute and judges from outside the state and High Court of Manipur were among others who attended the swearing-in-ceremony.

SHILLONG, FEB 14: Meghalaya government has directed all district magistrates to take strict action against anyone attempting to disrupt free movement of vehicles across the State.

The directive was issued by Commissioner and Secretary for Transport department, Meban Synrem after the Meghalaya Joint Action Committee of Commercial Vehicles (MJACCV) announced a “48hour road-blockade” starting from 5 am of February 15 to mount pressure on the State government to reduce the spiral rate of petrol and diesel in the State.

While terming the “road blockade” as “uncalled”, the senior Transport department official informed that the State government is actively considering further reduction in petrol and diesel to provide relief to consumers within the State. On the other hand, the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo has also issued a statement urging associations not to disrupt movement or prevent commuters and general public from plying on the roads.

“Action will be taken as per law against any individual or group found in violation of law,” she said.

Commercial vehicles have remained off the road since February 3 in view of the indefinite strike demanding reduction in tax rates and revision of taxi fares in view of the steep rise in fuel prices.

along China border in Arunachal

Itanagar, Feb 14 (IANS): Army troops successfully doused a major forest fire in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley district along the China border, officials said on Sunday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col P. Khongsai said that troops of the Spear Corps extended immediate and critical help to the civil administration in dousing the major forest fire near Anini in Dibang Valley.

“The forest fire broke out at Koylabasti and Anini on Thursday night and soon engulfed the surrounding mountain ridges. In a quick response to the developing situation, the units of the local formation quickly deployed three response columns and immediately took charge of the situation. It took the Army and local administration almost 11 hours to douse the forest fires,” he said.

Khongsai said the

we l l - c o o r d i n a t e d a n d timely response by the Army averted a major disaster and saved lives and property. The local authorities and members of civil administration lauded the Indian Army’s effort in averting a major tragedy in the area.

Last month, the Army, Indian Air Force, National and State Disaster Response Force, local volunteers and administration jointly doused a major wildfire in the famous Dzukou Valley on NagalandManipur borders after two

weeks of battle.

The forest fire caused huge damage to the flora and fauna, forest and environment of the Dzukou Valley, which is one of the 10 most beautiful places in the mountainous northeast India.

The Dzukou valley, situated at an altitude of 2,452 metres above the sea level and 30 km from Nagaland capital Kohima, is also a sanctuary for the endangered Blyth’s tragopan Nagaland’s state bird - and other species of birds and animals.

Dear Mhabe (Naro) Many many happy returns of the day.

May God bless you...... Happy Birthday Always, Ekon and long

Activist held for sharing Greta’s ‘toolkit’ New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI): A 21-year-old climate activist has been arrested from Bengaluru for being allegedly involved in sharing the “toolkit” related to the farmer’s protest on social media, police said on Sunday.

Disha Ravi was arrested by a Cyber Cell team of the Delhi Police from Bengaluru on Saturday.

She was picked up from her house for questioning and was later arrested for her alleged involvement in formulation and dissemination of the “toolkit Google doc”, a senior police officer said.

Ravi, who is a graduate in Bachelor of Business Administration from a private college in Bengaluru, is also one of the founding members of a group named ‘Fridays For Future India’.

“In connection with a case regarding the investigation into the criminal conspiracy related to the toolkit document, Disha Ravi has been arrested from Bengaluru.

“She was one of the editors of the toolkit Google Doc and a key conspirator in the document’s formulation

Disha Ravi

and dissemination,” said Anil Mittal, Additional Public Relations Officer (Delhi Police) in a statement.

She was produced before a Delhi court here on Sunday. She has been remanded to police custody for five days, he said, adding that further investigation is in progress.

Her laptop and mobile phone has also been seized for further investigation and the police are ascertaining if she was in touch with more people who were involved in the case case.

Thousands of farmers protesting the Centre’s new agri laws had clashed with the police during their tractor parade on January 26.

Their parade had dissolved into unprecedented

scenes of anarchy as they fought with police, overturned vehicles and delivered a national insult hoisting a religious flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort, a privilege reserved for India’s tricolour. Over 500 police security personnel were injured while one protestors died during the Republic Day violence.

Earlier, the Delhi Police had asked Google and some social media giants to provide information about email id, URLs and certain social media accounts related to the creators of the “toolkit” shared by teen climate activist Greta Thunberg and others on Twitter in connection with the farmers’ protest.

The Cyber Cell had on

February 4 lodged an FIR against “pro-Khalistan” creators of the “toolkit” for waging a “social, cultural and economic war against the Government of India”.

The case against unnamed persons was registered on charges of criminal conspiracy, sedition and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code, the police had said.

Addressing a press conference earlier, a senior Delhi Police officer had said initial investigation linked the document with a pro-Khalistan group named “Poetic Justice Foundation”.

According to the police, the “toolkit” has a particular section that mentions “digital strike through hashtags on or before January 26, tweet storms on January 23 onwards, physical action on January 26 and watch-out or join farmers march into Delhi and back to borders”.

The “toolkit” was aimed at spreading disaffection and ill-will against the government of India and creating disharmony among various social, religious and cultural groups, the police had added. PTI

NCP faction in Kerala joins opposition UDF Kottayam (Ker), Feb 14 (PTI): A faction in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Kerala on Sunday formally joined the opposition Congress-led UDF, a day after severing its ties with the ruling LDF in the state.

The faction, led by Mani C Kappan and a large number of his followers attended the ‘Aiswarya Kerala’ Yatra led by senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala when it reached his constituency Pala in the district.

Kappan was received by senior UDF leaders, including Chennithala, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty and Kerala Congress leader P J Joseph when he reached the venue of meeting of the yatra.

Sources said Kappan would soon announce a new political party to officially become a constituent in the UDF. He quit the LDF in protest against the state LDF leadership following the move by the CPI(M) to hand over Pala Assembly seat to Kerala Congress (M)led by Jose K Mani.

Major terror plan averted in Jammu on Pulwama attack anniv Jammu, Feb 14 (PTI): A major terrorist plan to set off an explosion at a crowded place here on the second anniversary of the Pulwama attack was scuttled with the recovery of a powerful IED from a nursing student who was arrested along with three others, a top police officer said on Sunday.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu Range, Mukesh Singh also said six pistols and 15 small Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were seized from Samba district in a separate operation.

“Over the past four days we were on high alert because there was general intelligence input that terror groups want to trigger a major blast in Jammu city on the second anniversary of the Pulwama attack. The security around all important locations were strengthened and checking intensified,”

he told reporters here.

Singh, who was also flanked by Director General of Police Dilbag Singh, said a youth was found moving in suspicious manner along with a bag in the general bus stand area and it led to the recovery of nearly seven kg of IED which was, however, not activated as yet. who was pursuing nursing course in a college in Chandigarh and was assigned the task to plant the IED in Jammu by his Pakistan-based handler affiliated with Al-Badr terror outfit.

“He was given four targets including (the famous) Ragunath mandir, bus stand, railway station and Lakhdata bazar (jewellers market) and was scheduled to take a flight to Srinagar after completing his job,” he said.

Singh said Athar Shakeel Khan, who is a high

seized six pistols along with a large quantity of ammunition and 15 minor IEDs while patrolling in Jang area of Ramgarh in Samba district during the intervening night of February 13 and 14.

“We are investigating the backward and forward links of the consignment,” he said.

The IED recovery comes close on the heels of the arrest of two top terrorists from Kunjwani J&K Police personnel display arms and ammunition in Jammu district and Bari recovered from a bus stand in Jammu, Sunday. (PTI) Brahmana area of Samba ranking overground worker the IGP said, adding Bomb district. of Al-badr, was supposed to disposal squad was investireceive him at Srinagar air- gating the IED and it is not port and accordingly, Khan yet clear whether RDX was was arrested. used in the fabrication of “His fellow student the device. from Kashmir, Qazi Wasim, However, he said was aware of the plan and he timely recovery of the IED was picked up from Chandi- averted a major tragedy in garh, while their another Jammu region. associate Abid Nabi was In another successful arrested from Srinagar,” operation, he said police

Disengagement in areas of eastern Ladakh is surrender to China: Antony NEW DELHI, FEB 14 (PTI): Senior Congress leader and former defence minister A K Antony on Sunday alleged that disengagement in both the Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso Lake areas and the creation of a buffer zone was a “surrender” of India’s rights.

Addressing a press conference, he also said that at a time when India was facing multiple challenges at the border and was facing a two-front war-like situation, the increase in defence budget this year is meagre and insignificant and was a “betrayal” of the country.

The government had on Friday emphatically stated that India has not “conceded” any territory following the disengagement agreement with China in Pangong lake areas in eastern Ladakh.

Antony said he was sad that the Narendra Modi government was not giving proper priority to national security at a time when China was getting belligerent and Pakistan continued to promote terrorism.

He said disengagement was good as it reduced tension but it should not be done at the cost of national security.

“Both disengagements in Galwan and Pangong Tso are a surrender,” he alleged, adding that it amounted to surrendering of areas traditionally controlled by India.

“We are surrendering our rights,” he alleged, noting that Galwan Valley as Indian territory was never

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Former Defence Minister A K Antony during a press conference, in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

a disputed land even in 1962.

“Disengagement and buffer zone means surrender of our land at the moment,” he alleged, while warning that the government is not understanding the importance of this disengagement and creation of the buffer zone.

He warned that China can play mischief anytime by helping Pakistan in Siachen.

“We want to know from this government when there will be status quo ante as on mid-April 2020 in the entire India-China border,” he said, asking what was the government’s plan in this regard.

He also said that the government must take the country and the people into confidence on restoration of status quo ante at the borders.

He said the government always consulted leaders of all political parties before taking such a decision and must keep national security in mind.

Antony alleged that the government did not increased the defence budget to “appease” China and to give a message that it did not want to confront them.

“To appease China, the government sent a message by not increasing this defence budget that we do not want to confront you.

To appease China, we have agreed to disengagement on China’s terms,” he alleged.

When the whole country is facing serious challenges from both China and Pakistan, the senior Congress leader said the armed forces are demanding support and substantial increase in the defence budget.

“But compared to last year’s revised defence budget, this budget has made a meagre and insufficient increase of only 1.48 per cent.

“It is a betrayal of the country. The government has let down our armed forces. The government is not paying proper attention of national security,” he further charged. PTI SKC

Won’t let govt sit till demands met: Tikait Karnal, Feb 14 (PTI): Upping the ante against the government, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Sunday said they won’t let it sit in peace till the farmers’ demands are met.

Addressing a farmers’ “mahapanchayat” at the Indri grain market in the district, Tikait said the 40 leaders spearheading the agitation against the Centre’s farm laws will tour the entire country to drum up support for the stir.

“Till the time the government does not decide in our favour, talks to the committee (spearheading the agitation) and does not agree to the demands, we won’t let it sit in peace,” Tikait said, demanding the repeal of the laws. He once again reiterated that the Centre’s farm laws “will finish the public distribution system.”

The laws will not only impact farmers but also small traders, daily wagers and other sections, he said.

Questioning the government’s intention behind bringing the laws, Tikait said, “Godowns were built first and the laws came later.

Don’t farmers know these laws are in favour of big corporates? Business on hunger will not be allowed in this country.” Tikait reiterated that the “panch” (leaders spearheading the stir) and the “manch” (stage) will remain the same.

“Whatever decisions are taken by the committee are acceptable to all. Farmers of the country stand behind it,” Tikait said.

U’khand deluge: Rescuers pull out 12 more bodies; toll rises to fifty

NDRF personnel carry the mortal remains of a flash flood victim near Raini village, in Chamoli district, Sunday. (PTI)

T A P OVA N / D EH R A DUN, FEB 14 (PTI): Rescue teams on Sunday recovered 12 more bodies, including the first ones to be pulled out from the sludge-choked Tapovan tunnel where a massive operation to reach about 30 people trapped inside began after a flash flood in Chamoli district a week ago.

Five bodies were recovered from the Tapovan power project tunnel, six from Raini upstream and one from the riverbank in Rudraprayag, taking the confirmed death toll in the Uttarakhand disaster to 50.

Officials said 154 people still remain missing after the February 7 devastation, possibly triggered by an avalanche in the upper reaches of the Alaknanda river system. A surge of water in Dhauliganga and Rishiganga rivers had ripped through two hydel projects.

Bodies of victims were being found at different locations by the river over the past week, but rescuers had so far failed to reach anyone – dead or alive – in the tun-

nel network at the National Thermal Power Corporation’s 520 MW TapovanVishnugad project.

Chamoli District Magistrate Swati S Bhadauria and Superintendent of Police Yashwant Singh Chauhan rushed to the tunnel when the first two bodies were brought out in the early hours of Sunday.

Three more bodies were recovered later from the tunnel, which is packed with debris brought by the flash flood.

Officials said a helicopter has been kept on standby at the Tapovan rescue site to quickly fly out survivors, if there are any, for medical treatment.

Rescuers are also continuing with an alternative approach –- trying to widen a hole they have drilled into another interconnected tunnel from where the trapped men could perhaps be reached.

The men found dead Sunday were identified as Alam Singh from Tehri, Anil (Dehradun district) Jitendra Kumar (Jammu),

Shesh Nath (Faridabad), JItendra Dhanai (Tehri), Suraj Thakur (Kushinagar) Jugal Kishore (Punjab), Rakesh Kapur (Himachal Pradesh), Harpal Singh (Chamoli), Ved Prakash (Gorakhpur), Dhanurdhari (Gorakhpur).

The bodies were kept at a temporary mortuary at Tapovan, officials said.

The Chamoli DM said about 445 people stranded after the flash flood have so far been sent to their villages using helicopters. Over 500 ration kits have been distributed in the affected areas.

Medical camps put up in the affected villages have so far treated 998 patients.

The process of cremating the victims after taking their DNA samples continued in Chamoli district.

Two bodies and four severed limbs were cremated on Sunday.

The agencies involved in the Tapovan rescue work include the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force.

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 70 Dimapur, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Extension of deadlines

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t is not clear whether the expansion of the NH 29 to four-lane will be completed within 2021 but certainly there has been some improvement with the pace of work undertaken by two construction firms--M/s ECI Engineering & Construction corporation limited and M/s Gayatri Projects limited. The four-lane has a total length of 42.48 Km and was approved in 2013 at a cumulative cost of around Rs 1570.71 crore and initiated in 2015. The ongoing construction of 4- lane road project on the National Highway 29 (Asian Highway –I) was supposed to be completed by the end of 2019 and accordingly, specific instruction have been given to the respective contracting firms on several occasions.

After the work for extension of the 2-lane highway on NH 29 began in 2015, there has been considerable improvement with the pace of work especially after huge outcries from several organisations especially how travellers and motorists had to endure the horrendous four to five hour journey on the road, that throws up thick dust during dry months and turns into slush and mud during monsoon. Seeing the helplessness of the situation, the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench in November 2019, filed suo moto PIL. The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench issued suo motu PIL where the Ministry of Road Transport and National Highways (MoRTH) and six others including the State government were made Respondents. A two-judge bench of the High Court- Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice Manish Choudhury- while passing the order, drew attention to a report in a news daily that appeared on October 9, 2019, which informed that the construction work of the fourlane road, entrusted to National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) began in the year 2015 with the stipulated completion time of three years, that is by 2018. The governor had also shot off his famous letter on June 16 to the chief minister, especially highlighting the problems faced by contractors and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) officials. In the letter the Governor also mentioned that he had held meetings with the NHIDCL and contractors in presence of top state and police officials. On November 5 last, the Governor convened a review meeting with NHIDCL to assess the status and progress of construction of road projects under NHIDCL in the state. The Governor also reiterated that the contractors must expedite the ongoing work and achieve the target as assured by the contractors. After the governor let it be known that the inordinate delay was unacceptable, NHIDCL assured that it will finish the construction of two lane road in Kohima before December 15, 2020 along the 4 lane Dimapur-Kohima road.

Follwing these development, the NHIDCL and contractors were spurred into action. The work resumed after few months of stoppage due to lockdown and the pace of work also improved significantly. The minister of national highways and deputy chief minister Y.Patton had also inspected the spot where rockslides occurred.

Though the NHIDCL has said it will complete the work by March 2021, it would seem that it could take another two to three months or more.

DailyDevotion The Discipline of Hearing

Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. —Matthew 10:27 Sometimes God puts us through the experience and discipline of darkness to teach us to hear and obey Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and God puts us into “the shadow of His hand” until we learn to hear Him (Isaiah 49:2). “Whatever I tell you in the dark…” — pay attention when God puts you into darkness, and keep your mouth closed while you are there. Are you in the dark right now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? If so, then remain quiet. If you open your mouth in the dark, you will speak while in the wrong mood— darkness is the time to listen. Don’t talk to other people about it; don’t read books to find out the reason for the darkness; just listen and obey. If you talk to other people, you cannot hear what God is saying. When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else once you are back in the light.

After every time of darkness, we should experience a mixture of delight and humiliation. If there is only delight, I question whether we have really heard God at all. We should experience delight for having heard God speak, but mostly humiliation for having taken so long to hear Him! Then we will exclaim, “How slow I have been to listen and understand what God has been telling me!” And yet God has been saying it for days and even weeks. But once you hear Him, He gives you the gift of humiliation, which brings a softness of heart— a gift that will always cause you to listen to God now.

Quotes

Love the giver more than the gift. ~ Brigham Young

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Employment crisis, low wages may stunt growth T he country may continue to have employment crisis as it missed the recipe for quick progress through new job opportunities after a prolonged period of slowdown and recession.

The Economic Survey 2020-21 (ES) neither speaks about labour reforms, trends like flexi-staffing nor discusses lack of job creation. The pandemic has led to severe job losses, cut in wages and work from home and social distress. The previous ES discussed about impact of employment or lack of it on the economy. This year it has deviated though a CMIE report estimated that during lockdown 122 million, over 12 crore, people have lost jobs in Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Himachal, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam and other states.

The worst hit has been the education. Thousands of private secondary and primary schools have closed down and lakhs have been thrown out of jobs without a sight of these being restored.

The small education entrepreneurs have gone broke and are not venturing to

invest in education now.

The average employment is estimated at 404 million (40 crore) during 2018-19. It reduced to 396 million (39 crore) by March 2020. In April, 2020, it reduced by 122 million to about 282 million (28 crore).

Since June unlocking, there has been some minor restoration of jobs but in September 2020, the answer given by the labour Minister in Rajya Sabha does not indicate a figure.

Some jobs are restored but at wages lower than the pre-pandemic period and many now on daily wages basis. About 15 million less people were employed in December 2020. Salaried employees who accounted for 21 per cent of total employment in 2019-20, accounted for 71 per cent of the total job losses.

About 17 crore migrant workers are stated to have lost their jobs, mostly daily wagers or casual workers.

About ten crore of them walked back to their distant homes on foot facing inhuman miseries and humiliation by the police in many states, including Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, UP, Odisha, Maharashtra, and other states. At Bareilly in UP and other

places they were made to have a chemical bath by the police. The ES citing lack of data says it cannot estimate how many migrant workers lost their jobs. The budget does not mention a scheme about them.

The loss has been not only to wagers and the salaried workers but according to CMIE, 18 million businesspersons are estimated to have lost employment in April 2020. The average count of entrepreneurs was 78 million in 2019-20. This fell to 60 million in April 2020. This included small traders and hawkers. Though some of this class is returning to Shivaji work postlockdown, the salaried workers are finding it difficult to get back to work.

The ES did not touch the issue of taxations, falling revenue collections though various business groups like CII and PHDCCI have been clamouring for relief in income tax and other levies to the individuals for raising their purchasing power for fast recovery.

The ES is silent also about private sector investment that has remained stagnant for at least four years.

The social security benefits of workers particularly con-

tributions to provident fund and ESIC have been hit despite the government announcing subsidy or employers’ contribution.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech takes note of it, “Some employers deduct the contribution of employees towards provident fund, superannuation fund, and other social security funds but do not deposit these contributions within the specified time. For the employees, this means a loss of interest or income and non-deposit”.

Her budget does not ignore it but alSarkar locations are dicey. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana or the EPFO subsidy scheme has been allocated Rs 3130 crore against its initial allocation of Rs 22,810 crore in November over three years. It may be an indication of official assessment of economy remaining sluggish in 2021-22. Other employment generation schemes are allocated Rs 976 crore this year against Rs 1424 crore in revised 2020-21 budget.

The NREGA was expected to increase number of working days to 150 from 100. The new 2021-22 allocations of Rs 73,000 crore

is higher than the BE for FY’21 of Rs 61,500 crore, but it is less than what Rs 1,11,500 crore the government actually spent on the programme for the 2020-21 fiscal. May be the government hopes that additional 1.23 crore of the 2.69 crore MNREGA workers would go back to their previous work as the economy opens up and the tally would remain around 1.56 crore as it was pre-pandemic.

It is expected to save Rs 38,000 crore equal almost to the allocation for covid vaccine.

The education budget at Rs 99312 crore in 202021 saw actual spending at Rs 85,089 crore in the pandemic year that saw many private schools being closed down.

It has been further cut to Rs 93,224 (Rs 54,873.66 crores for schools and Rs 38,350.65 crores for higher education) in 2021-22 crore suggesting that central universities and school education would face crunch in their delivery mechanism.

Even it would not be easy to fund 100 new Sainik and 750 Ekalavya schools sought to be set up with the gasping private partnership.

The key anganwadi scheme of ICDS of the

women and child development ministry employing low-paid but key workers for children and women’s welfare would go through a cut of Rs 5572 crore with a reduced allocation of Rs 24,443 core. It is significant loss to poor women and children.

Possibly the government feels that 34 percent higher capital expenditure of Rs 5.54 lakh crore in 2021-22 budget and Rs 4.12 lakh crore in 2020-21 would generate jobs. The large projects have longer gestation and usually do not create jobs that fast.

The budget discusses the new labour code but not of its benign or malign impact. All codes like 12-hour shift- are not stated to be labour-friendly. The ministry of labour and employment has been allocated allocated Rs 13,306.5 crore, Rs 413 crore less than the revised estimate for 2020-21. The allocation for existing social security schemes for workers is down 3.4 percent to Rs 11,104 crore.

The job picture in a post-crisis period does not evoke confidence for a fast recovery. The progress in the new fiscal could be far stunted than the optimism expressed.

Post-mortem

The invisible pandemic of drug resistance

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andemics are a play of geopolitical power – wealthier nations have once again shown us that consequences suffered across the world are not comparable.

It is no coincidence that the first 40 countries that rolled out vaccination programmes all fell within the high income/ upper middle-income bracket.

India is an outlier, having managed to roll out its vaccination programme buttressed by its indigenous capacities. For the country to continue standing its ground within this inequitable global order, it has to sustain its “Atmanirbhar spirit” and start strengthening systems for future pandemic resilience.

A recent white paper released by NITI Aayog, “Vision 2035 Public Health Surveillance in India” comprehensively lays down the public health challenges that the country faces as well as the opportunities that can be harnessed.

India should double down and escalate surveillance measures against the next big pandemic that could cause suffering at an even larger scale. If WHO’s list of 10 global health issues to track in 2021 is any indication, drug/antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could trigger morbidity and mortality at an even larger scale. NITI Aayog’s white paper reaffirms this threat for India.

This is the phenomenon where disease-causing pathogens develop resistance to the drugs deployed against them due to indiscriminate exposure.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of our health systems to infectious diseases and the lasting consequences when the necessary drugs/vaccines are unavailable. Even though there is talk of AMR in medical circles, the visibility of the crisis is limited as cases do not appear in “outbreaks”. Indeed, AMR claims 7,00,000 lives each year – a number which could grow to be 10 million by 2050. Data has shown that if action is not taken, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could be responsible for as many as 10 million deaths per year by 2050. Since India (along with China) produces almost 90 per cent of the world’s active pharma ingredients (APIs) as well as antibiotics, the AMR issue needs to be tackled as a priority to safeguard public health Already, the growth of AMR has proved to be a major challenge in the treatment of sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition and, unfortunately, the failure of antibiotics is leading to deaths which are preventable. AMR is also undermining and undoing

medical advances made over decades, especially for highburden diseases like tuberculosis and various cancers, and taking us back to a time when a scrape of a knee could potentially cut our lives short.

Taking action to address AMR is not just a prudent measure but a necessity at this point and needs accelerated momentum from stakeholders across sectors. Fortunately, India identified the threat of AMR and came out with a National Action Plan for Containment of AMR (NAP) in 2017. The state governments of Kerala, MP, Delhi supplemented the Centre’s efforts with state action plans of their own.

The NAP espouses the One Health approach and outlines measures to scale down the use of antibiotics in humans, animals in poultry farms and in agricultural settings. Of these, the action that demonstrates the government’s deep understanding of local contexts and its unwavering commitment is the step to exercise environmental stewardship through regulation of pharmaceutical effluents.

India prides itself on being the “pharmacy of the world” and manufactures about 80 per cent of the global antibiotic stock jointly with China. Such guidelines are, therefore, crucial for positive health outcomes of the population.

In January 2020, the government released draft standards prescribing permissible concentration of antibiotics in effluents from the pharmaceutical industry. Once implemented, this will be a leap towards mitigating the risks of AMR. India can also wear a badge of honour in being first in the world and the chief architect of a decisive and scientific initiative.

But this is a race against time and delaying multisectoral action in administering control over widespread use of antibiotics can vividly aggravate the health risks that we face. And so, we need to adopt strategies for optimising use of antibiotics across disciplines and exercise prudence across the board including in pharmaceutical effluent discharge. Promoting research to address the data deficiency around AMR for evidence-based assessment and intervention will further arm us in this fight where we are at a clear disadvantage. With clearly set out strategies, we can navigate our way through a prospective catastrophe and meet the moment.

K Madan Gopal, Senior consultant, health, NITI Aayog (The views expressed are personal)

NNC (PB) reiterates stand on Naga unity

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he NNC (Parent Body) under the leadership of Yilow Humtsoe, Zhiongba Yimchungru and V. Nagi once again want to make it very clear to all the Naga people in particular and all concerned thatIn 1946 the NNC The Political institution was established in the name “Naga National” covering all the Naga Inhabited areas for freedom by the Central Naga people, and at that point of time wisely and distinctly mentioned NAGAS. On 14th August ,1947, The NNC officially declared the Naga Independence mentioned NAGAS as cabled to the United Nations Organisation, one day before Indian declaration of her Independence, and this was acknowledged by the United Nations Organisation.

The NNC conducted Naga voluntary Plebiscite in 1951 as per the advanced information given to the Government of India requesting to send its representatives and observers to Nagaland to witness the holding of Plebiscite vide NNC letters dated March 30th and April 11th, 1951.

The result which was finally tabulated showed 99.9% voted for a Sovereign Independent Naga Nation.

On January 24,1950, the NNC informed the Government of India, the United Nations Organisation and all the Foreign Ambassadors in New Delhi that NAGAS DO NOT ACCEPT THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION. The NNC rejection and non participation of Indian general elections of 1952 and 1957 in Toto. The NNC had rejected and condemned 16th Points Agreement of 1960 and statehood of 1963.

The NNC had condemned and rejected the Shillong Accord of 1975 in letter and spirit, and none of the NNC leader or leaders signed or participated in the treacherous accord as a clear cut and crystal clear record of the political institution of the Naga people as a whole.

The NNC have never till date failed or committed any blunder in the fight and struggle for freedom of sovereignty of the Naga homeland. Rather the NNC tirelessly worked for Naga peace and National unity after the fragmentation caused by some officials of Federal Government of Nagaland who signed the Accord of 1975 under duress. Since 1982 and till date the NNC stood firm for Naga peace and unity, and upholding our freedom first.

The NNC always stood firm for the downtrodden Naga people of Burma region in the interest of all concerned. And at this political situation, no one should be left out for the larger and best interest of the Homeland. Since the Government of India have officially recognised the historical and political rights of the Nagas to self determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity and the unique history and situations of the Naga people signed on 3rd August 2015 and 17th November 2017 as political agreements.

Therefore, the NNC earnestly appeal to all concerned to come together to hammer out all the differences politically for the sake of freedom in the best interest of the Naga people as a whole to achieve our political goal with one voice, one political stand and one freedom. Kuknalim Information & Publicity Wing Naga National Council

India’s success story

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country that is the largest supplier of generic drugs in the world and meets over 50 per cent of the global demand for vaccines need not prove its prowess in the field of pharmaceutical. The recent drive to successfully produce COVID19 vaccines for shielding over 130 crore population from the virus has served as a reminder of what India is really capable of.

Notably, the operative word here is ‘shielding’ and not ‘inoculating’, in wake of the fact that not all of the population has to take the jab.

But even a reduced count in India implies enormous numbers by any calculation.

No doubt, such a mammoth exercise has prompted scaling up of manufacturing of COVID vaccines. Both the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech have ramped up the production of their respective vaccines at a frenzied pace. The SII, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer in terms of the number of doses, is producing 50 to 60 million doses of Covishield per month while already having built up an inventory of around 80 million doses.

With an existing universal immunisation programme that covers nearly 27 million infants and 30 million pregnant women annually, the country already has a vast vaccination network and infrastructure in place. The colossal manufacturing operation has been suitably backed with an extensive country-wide logistics, transportation, distribution and storage exercise involving considerable infrastructure and personnel.

When added to 37 State vaccine stores which have been identified, as many as 41 destinations in total have been earmarked for the delivery of COVID vaccines across the country.

In light of storage being a critical part of the whole exercise with extremely low temperature being a primary prerequisite for storing the vaccine, as many as

29,000 cold chain points, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers and 300 solar refrigerators are to be used for the safe storage of the Coronavirus vaccines.

In order to carry out a smooth and foolproof operation of such magnitude, the Government has in the last few months trained around 1.7 lakh vaccinators and 3 lakh vaccination team members on the processes that need to be followed during the drive. Some of these processes would entail verification of beneficiaries, actual vaccination, cold chain and logistics management, bio-medical waste management, adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) management and updating on COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system, the specially created digital platform to monitor and run the whole programme.

With the authorities setting their sights on inoculating as many as 30 crore people in the first phase itself — equivalent to nearly the entire US population, the country with most COVID fatalities in the world — is not a modest ambition by any stretch of imagination. Before various vaccines showed up on the horizon, no one should forget the help that India extended to other countries in terms of COVID-related drugs, aid, information and knowledge transfer. Inspired by the SII and Bharat Biotech, more vaccines will likely receive approvals and Indian vaccines are expected to make their mark. This means that the world will have more valuable low-cost options, thanks to India.

Gurpreet Sandhu, President, Council for Healthcare and Pharma, and founder, Reva Pharma.

(The views expressed are personal.)

Reader’s Post

City bus fare should be reduced

Sir,

I humbly plea the concern authority to lower the price of bus fare in Kohima. Before the advent of Corona virus, the fee was normally rupee 10. Consequently, with the coming of Corona virus had altered the whole system and yet functioning this Virus defected mechanism which turns to be a pro of income.

The current bus fare is rupees 20 whether you board from the main picking point or you just take for a close destination exceptional to some, and no SOP is maintained- two persons in a row exceptional to some people. The fuel prices might be rising; however, do you have a thought of concern for the Lower class section who are struggling everyday for the survival? The environment in Kohima is also getting hotter and hotter every year and no 100% pedestrians will walk under the scorching sunlight.

It's a fact that a bus has 20 plus seaters depending on its body platform.

Nevertheless, the classes have already resumed. Therefore, I on behalf of laymen kindly request to cut the present fare and reamend the old rate for the Renaissance of normal and usual lifestyle.

Z Peter Kvz, Midland, Kohima

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.

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

PM hands over indigenous Arjun tank to Army to become self-reliant in the defence sector.”

Of the two defence corridors in the country, the one in Tamil Nadu has already received investment commitments of over Rs 8,100 crore, Modi said.

“We will continue working to make our armed forces one of the most modern forces in the world. At the same time the focus on

making India Atmanirbhar in the defence sector moves with full speed,” he said.

Later, in a tweet, he said it was “a special day in our journey to become Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector,” referring to Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A).

Fifteen academic institutions, eight labs and several MSMEs were also involved in the Arjun MK 1A.

PM, Vice Prez pay tributes to Pulwama martyrs; CRPF says will not forget sacrifice

PM dedicates to nation BPCL’s petro-chem complex in Kerala

Chennai/ KOCHI, Feb 14 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over to the Army the home-made Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK1A) here, dubbed by him as an example of India’s united spirit as the south made armoured vehicle will guard the northern borders of the country.

At a function, he also accepted a salute by the state- of-the-art tank, indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment here.

Modi later handed over a replica model of the tank to Army Chief General M M Naravane.

“Today I am proud to dedicate to the country one more warrior to protect

our frontiers. I am proud to hand over the indigenously designed and manufactured Arjun MK-1A.” “It also uses indigenous ammunition. Tamil Nadu is already the leading auto manufacturing hub of India. Now I see Tamil Nadu evolving as a tank manufacturing hub of India,” he said.

“A tank made in Tamil Nadu will be used in our northern border to keep our nation safe. This showcases India’s united spirit-Bharat’s ekta darshan,” Modi added.

According to reports, the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Avadi here, has been placed with a Rs 8,500 crore order for manufacturing 118 of these tanks.

Arjun MK 1 Alpha is a “contemporary tank in the world with battle winning efficacy,” officials

said.

It is ‘infused’ with 71 new features and would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.

The production order opens up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian companies and scores of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with employment opportunities to 8,000 people, they said.

The tank is a “shining example” of the Centre’s much touted “atmanirbhar bharat,” a concept of attaining self- reliance in various sectors including the defence.

Quoting from revolutionary Tamil poet and freedom fighter Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi, Modi said that inspired by the former’s vision, “India has taken a massive effort

CRPF personnel pay tribute to martyrs of Pulwama attack on its second anniversary, at Lethpora in Pulwama district, Sunday. (PTI)

New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the nation in paying tributes to the CRPF jawans killed in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, while the paramilitary force remembered the bravehearts, saying the country “did not forgive” and “will not forget” their supreme sacrifice.

On February 14, 2019, 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in the attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama. Soon after the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out an airstrike in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 targeting terrorist camps.

“No Indian can forget this day. Two years ago, the Pulwama attack happened.

We pay homage to all the martyrs. We are proud of our security forces and their bravery will continue to inspire generations,” Modi said at an event in Chennai.

‘Mamata card’ matters in WB, not ‘Ram card’: TMC

Indore, Feb 14 (PTI): Days after his release from jail in a case against him for allegedly insulting Hindu deities, stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui has said that it is never his intention to hurt anyone’s feelings through his jokes.

Stating that the “herd mentality of fighting on the internet” as well as “someone’s politics” can ruin a person’s life, Faruqui said he had to suffer for something which he had not done.

Faruqui, 32, who was arrested on January 1 in connection with the case and was in Indore Central Jail since January 2, was released from the prison late night on February 6, a day after he was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court.

In a YouTube video of over 10 minutes posted late night on Saturday, the comediansaid, “How can I hurt someone’s feelings?

How can I cause heart pain?

I apologise four times even if I bump into someone by mistake.”

Munawar Faruqui

“It can never be my intention to hurt someone’s feelings through my jokes,” he said. He said that the internet debates over worthless topics, abuses and hatred being spread there should stop.

“Why have we forgotten that the internet is for entertainment and information?” he asked.

“Shall we only keep on fighting on the internet?

Anyone can fall prey to this herd mentality, politics. I did not fall prey to it. But I was bruised for something which I had not done,” he said.

Someone’s politics and herd mentality can ruin a person’s life, he added.

TEACHERS WANTED

Applications are invited from interested candidates for the following posts to work in a Private School at Chuchu Town, Mokokchung District.

Post Qualification Headmaster / M.Sc /MA/B.Sc (with B.Ed) 1. Headmistress 2. English Teacher MA/BA (English Major) Experienced / fresh candidates may mail your resume along with contact number and documents at greenhillsacademy2012@gmail.com on or before 20th February 2021.

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Will you privatise Gujarat PSUs: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS): In wake of the government announcing the disinvestment of two public sector banks and one insurance company, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday asked if the BJP government in Gujarat will privatise PSUs of the state.

“Here is a list of public sector undertakings in Gujarat (see thread) “When will Mr. Narendra Modi and the BJP government in Gujarat privatise them?

“Will they privatise the Gujarat PSUs BEFORE two public sector banks and one public sector insurance company are privatised?” he said in a series of tweets, listing out 30 organisations.

Chidambaram has been critical of the Budget and in his Rajya Sabha speech during the debate on it, he charged the government with ignoring the poor.

Dial:- (O) 03862-359047, (M) 9436002701, 9862227758

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Never intended to hurt anybody through my jokes: Comedian

ADMISSION GOING ON:- FOR BOTH REGULARS & REPEATERS OF CLASS X & XII (ARTS & COMMERCE).

NPSC, BANK P.O & SSC (GIRLS HOSTEL ATTACHED).

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meeting at Haldia in pollbound West Bengal a week ago, Modi had said that the TMC government has committed several fouls in the last 10 years and time has come to show it the ‘Ram card’ in the assembly elections due in April-May. Chatterjee claimed that while other states have received relief from the BJP-led central government following natural disasters, West Bengal has not got any assistance from it for the devastation caused by

Launched on December 1 last year, ‘Duare Sarkar’ is an initiative of the state government for delivery of some of its specific schemes at the doorstep of people through camps organised at the levels of gram panchayat and municipal ward.

He said that the chief minister launched the ‘Duare Sarkar’ programme after holding 500 administrative meetings where issues affecting people were discussed, and 2.75 crore people visited over 25,000 camps across the state.

Meanwhile, two leaders of the state BJPs Scheduled Cast Morcha joined the TMC saying that they want to be a part of the development agenda of Mamata Banerjee.

Chatter jee handed over the TMC flag to Dipak Kumar Roy and Subrata Roy, a vice president and a member of the Morcha respectively.

GALAXY COACHING CENTRE

(Above ICICI Bank, L. Chase Complex, Midland, Dimapur)

Sl. No

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Partha Chatterjee

cyclone Amphan last year.

“Bengal is being ignored and punished, people will give them a befitting reply,” said Chatterjee who is the state’s parliamentary affairs and school and higher education minister.

The senior TMC leader said that the way petrol and diesel prices are increasing, these are likely to soon cross the Rs 100 mark.

“People are being pushed to a corner owing to increase in prices of food and other essential items because of the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel,” he said.

Claiming that the ‘Duare Sarkar’ (government at doorsteps) programme of the Mamata Banerjee government is a huge success, he said that nearly 25 lakh people have applied for caste certificate under it and verification process of all these have been completed.

force at its headquarters here participated in the event in the virtual mode, CRPF spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Moses Dhinakaran said.

“Did not Forgive, will not Forget: Salute to our brothers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation in #PulwamaAttack.

Indebted, we stand with the families of our valiant Bravehearts,” the force said in a Twitter post.

CRPF Director General A P Maheshwari also unveiled a video book dedicated to the 40 personnel killed in the line of duty.

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Ko l k ata , F e b 1 4 (PTI): Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee on Sunday said that the ‘Janata card’ and the ‘Mamata card’ are what matter in West Bengal and not the ‘Ram card’ which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has talked about.

Chatterjee, a senior minister in the Mamata Banerjee cabinet, claimed that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are losing ground in the face of welfare measures taken by the Trinamool Congress government, and that they are now indulging in rhetoric which will not have any impact on the electorate.

“The prime minister has talked of ‘Ram card’, but in West Bengal, only the ‘Janata card’ of development and the ‘Mamata card’ matter,” he told a press conference at the TMC headquarters in Kolkata.

Addressing a public

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among leaders who remembered the 40 jawans on the second anniversary of the deadly attack, along with film personalities like Akshay Kumar, Var un Dhawan and Rajkumar Rao. Th e C R P F he l d a wreath laying ceremony at its camp in Lethpora in Jammu and Kashmir and said the country “did not forgive” and “will not forget” the supreme sacrifice made by the personnel.

Senior officers of the

DC-95

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while handing over the indigenously developed Arjun Main Battle Tank (Mark 1A) tanks to the army, in Chennai. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday dedicated to the nation a Rs 6,000 crore petrochemical complex of oil major Bharat Petroleum here and Ro-Ro vessels of Inland Waterways at Willingdon Islands, asserting these projects would energise India’s growth trajectory.

On a brief visit to Kerala, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Cochin Port Trust’s International Cruise Terminal and Cochin Shipyard’s Vigyana Sagar, a campus for Marine Engineering Training Institute.

At a function here, he also laid the foundation stone of Cochin Port Trust’s South Coal Berth and said these projects covered a wide range of sectors and will energise India’s growth trajectory.

Referring to the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) located close to its Kochi Refinery that will produce Acrylic Acid, Oxo-Alcohol and Acrylates, which are predominantly imported, at present, he said it would save considerable foreign exchange every year.

Besides, a wide range of industries would gain, and employment opportunities will be generated, he noted.

According to BPCL, these products have applications in paints and coatings, solvents, adhesives, water treatment chemicals, construction industry and super absorbent polymer among others.

The two new Roll-on/Roll-off vessels, deployed between Bolgatty and Willingdon Island on National Waterway-3, will have the capacity to carry six 20-feet trucks, three 20-feet trailer trucks, three 40-feet trailer trucks and 30 passengers each.

The service, operated by Inland Waterways Authority, will benefit trade as a result of reduced transportation cost and transit time, and will also lead to reduced congestion on the roads of Kochi, it was stated.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Mansukh L Mandaviya and V Muraleedharan attended the event held at Ambalamedu near here.

KAKURO

No. 9833 Yesterday’s solution No. 9832

No. 4452 Yesterday’s solution No. 4451

No. 3476 Yesterday’s solution No. 3475

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Further, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for December released on Friday showed that the factory output grew by 1 per cent in December 2020 from a contraction of (-) 2.09 per cent in November and rose to 0.4 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

Favourable base effect, along with a broad-based rise in production across sectors, accelerated India’s industrial activity in December. Motilal Oswal’s Khemka added that next week, European Central Bank’s monetary policy will also be eyed along with India’s trade balance data.

“From the long-term perspective, the structure of the market remains constructive, and one can apply buy on dips strategy,” he added.

On the foreign fund inflow, S. Ranganathan, Head of Research at LKP Securities noted that several reforms aimed at protecting shareholder rights in have improved ease of doing business and FPI’s have invested Rs 39,000 crore till date during in 2021 into Indian equities. Sectors like private banks, consumer, FMCG and IT have seen foreign flows as Indian companies have exhibited resilience and demonstrated growth post lifting of the lockdown restrictions in Q3, he said.

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(From p-1) He remarked that Nagaland could be the hub of hospitality, tourism and agro-ecology industry. Borthakur said former chief secretary Temjen Toy was in touch with FICCI and discussing on “new form of employment” even before assuming the charge as the chief secretary, and regretted that he had passed away too early. Since Toy was his mentor, he said he visited the grave of the former chief secretary and paid his tribute, besides meeting parents and family members of Toy, assuring them to extend any support, if required. The visiting FICCI team also met chief secretary Jane Alam and had a cordial discussion in continuation of the talks since the time of Toy. Borthakur said the team was happy meeting the chief secretary, adding that the latter was very supportive. It was also learnt that the team had proposed to the state government to host the South East Asia farmers centric Agri convention in the state. The state government was yet to respond to the proposal. NEAC director Biswajit Chakrabarty, Assam Investment Advisory Board executive operating officer Nitu Kumar Kalita and Zynorique Initiative Society director Richard Belho were also present during the interaction with Alam.

JD (U) questions govt on logic of SOPs for Churches, schools (From p-1) that children of classes V and below were more prone to COVID virus and so, barred from attending their classes was devoid of any sense, if such had been the reason for preventing the educational institutions for resumption of classes below V, the party pointed out. JD (U) urged the controlling authority for COVID-19 to be more judicious while dealing with the issue of resumption of activities post-pandemic and relevant measures so as to ensure smooth passage to normal life.

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along with dovish Federal Reserve outlook kept the overall mood positive, he said. “Going ahead, with the earnings season largely over, global cues will dictate the short-term market trend.

Market would react to the key macro data -- IIP, CPI and WPI data,” Khemka said. The Wholesale Price Index for January, which shows the wholesale inflation rate, will be released on Monday.

Lower food prices, especially those of vegetables and cereals, brought down India’s sequential retail price inflation in January 2021.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on Friday declined to 4.06 per cent from 4.59 per cent reported for December 2020.

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1. Residntl. cum Commercial Plot at Thahekhu Tinali-9000 sq. ft.

2. Purana Bazar, Model Colony a) 1 Bigha - 1 no. b) ½ Bigha - 2 nos 3. Thilixu - 1½ Bighas Contact No : 7005424879

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1. Naga King Chilly Hybrid Seeds Free Distribution for all Farmers At Naga Hotel, 7th Mile Gate Chumukedima : Dimapur Contact : 8794389065/8974709783 2. Land for sale urgent Price Rs. 70/- per sq. ft.

On the highway touch 15 puras (Dimapur) Contact : 8974709783

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Mumbai, Feb 14 (IANS): As the Indian stock market remains largely bullish with intermittent correction and consolidation, wholesale inflation data, global cues along with the trend in the foreign institutional investments (FII) will drive the domestic indices in the coming week, analysts said.

Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services noted that post the sharp rally after the budget, the Indian equity market saw some consolidation in the week ended Friday, although it ended on positive note.

G l o b a l c u e s we r e mixed as prospects of higher US fiscal stimulus and larger vaccine rollouts globally,

Mumbai, Feb 14 (IANS): Foreign portfolio investments (FPI), which have touched record highs amid the pandemic, have continued to pour into the Indian equity market post the Union Budget for FY22.

Net FPI inflow into equities in the month of February has been Rs 20,593 crore, as per NSDL data.

Since January, FPIs have invested over Rs 39,000 crore.

S.Ranganathan, Head of Research at LKP Securities said that sectors like private banks, consumer, FMCG and IT have seen foreign flows as Indian companies have exhibited resilience and demonstrated growth post lifting of the lockdown restrictions in Q3. “We expect foreign flows to be positive in Q4 as well in line with the trend so far as the Budget has been pro-growth with privatisation gaining ground,” he said. Further, hopes on the Covid vaccination front and the government’s push for capital expenditure and infrastructure boost have also led to positive sentiments among the investors, analysts said.

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Su doku

(From p-1) He said the claim that “possession of TP did not arise when transportation of timber or any local forest produce was within the state” was totally misleading and a punishable offence as per Forest Act. On the NTTU question on whether the forest personnel have to stoop to “fleece money” from tree traders and farmers; the official responded saying that the government paid their salary regularly and so were duty bound to check any forest related illegal activities.

The official reaffirmed that the personnel will continue to perform their duties as per government guidelines and not for any individual interest.

FPIs invest Rs 20,593 cr in Indian equities

Balipara Foundation seeks to push agro ecology project

DP-859(B)

Crossword

reacts to NTTU

Inflation data, global cues to drive Indian equities

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nipur in 1912, Khathing had served in the British Army in the Second World War. He was awarded the Military Cross and received the Member of British Empire (MBE) as well. After Independence, he was appointed as an assistant political officer in November 1950 in Tirap division and was posted in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh (known earlier as North East Frontier AgencyNEFA). Later, Khathing became the Chief Secretary of Nagaland in 1967. It was during his tenure, the Nagaland Armed Police and Naga Regiment were established. Five years later, he became the first Indian tribal to become an Ambassador when he was selected as the Indian Ambassador to Burma, in 1972.

tive” manner. The governor had said the extraordinary event of the pandemic has resulted in deviation from the fiscal consolidation roadmap but declined to comment on what view the rating agencies will be taking on the high fiscal gap at 9.5 percent in FY21 and 6.8 percent in FY22.

Das had said the RBI, being the debt manager for the government, did discuss the borrowing with the Ministry of Finance even before the Budget.

The government was earlier committed to getting the fiscal deficit down to 3 percent in the medium term as per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act mandate, and

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(From p-1) Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu also took to tweeter saying: “Arunachal is elated to honour its true hero Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing with Arunachal Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the state.”

“Not many of us are aware of Major Khathing and his contribution to Arunachal Pradesh. Once the memorial is constructed, visitors will come to know about him and his contributions,” Khandu had said last month while announcing the plan to honour the hero with a memorial. The memorial will highlight Khathing’s life and will also showcase traditions of the local Monpa tribe.

Born at Ukhrul in Ma-

Six new COVID-19 cases were detected in Kohima on Sunday, taking the state’s total caseload to 12189.

As on February 14, the state recorded 73 active cases while 11877 patients have recovered from the infection till date.

Nirmala Sitharaman

now plans to touch 4.5 percent by FY26. A wider deficit generally entails bigger borrowing by the government.

The finance minister would also apprise the board of various other announcements made in the Budget to revive growth by spending more on infrastructure and attending to the needs of the healthcare sector. The Indian economy is expected to contract by 7.7 percent in the current fiscal ending March, hit by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Budget has estimated nominal GDP growth rate of 14.4 percent and revenue growth at 16.7 percent for the next financial year. Real GDP growth is expected to be in the range of 10-10.5 percent. To boost growth, the finance minister in the Budget increased spending on capital expenditure to Rs 5.54 lakh crore from Rs 4.12 lakh crore, while the health sector allocation has been hiked to Rs 2.23 lakh crore from Rs 94,000 crore in the Budget estimate for 2020-21.

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Arunachal honours Bob Khathing Forest mobile team

6 COVID cases reported in Kohima

New Delhi, Feb 14 (Agencies): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to address the post-Budget meeting of the RBI’s central board on Tuesday and highlight key points of Union Budget 2021-22, including the fiscal consolidation roadmap.

Fiscal deficit - the excess of government expenditure over its revenues - is estimated to hit a record high of 9.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the current fiscal ending March 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the next 2021-22 fiscal, the deficit has been pegged at 6.8 percent of GDP, which will be further lowered to 4.5 percent by the fiscal ending March 31, 2026. The meeting will be held virtually for the first time due to COVID-19 protocol, sources said. Earlier this month, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank will able to manage the high quantum of government borrowings at Rs 12 lakh crore for the next fiscal in a “non-disrup-

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on the four codes and firmed up those for notification.

Talking to PTI, Labour Secretary Apurva Chandra said, “We have finalised the rules under the four codes which are required to implement the four labour codes.

We are ready to notify these rules. The states are doing their work to firm up rules under the four codes.”

Parliament had passed four codes on four broad codes on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety health & working conditions (OSH) which would ultimately rationalise 44 central labour laws. The Code on Wages

D I M A P UR , F EB 1 4 (NPN): The second round to give second shot of the Covid-19 vaccine to health care workers in the state began on Sunday at NHAK, Kohima and District Hospital, Tuensang.

Altogether 123 healthcare workers were inoculated with the second dose led by senior doctors and nurses in the two hospitals with a turnout of 96%. No adverse events requiring medical intervention was reported and the HCWs were also issued COVID-19 vaccination certificate for successfully completing the full dose, State Immunization Officer (UIP) Dr. Ritu Thurr stated.

Till date 11,601 doses have been administered in the 11 districts (1st dose11,478 + 2nd dose-123).

Finance Minister to address post-Budget RBI board meeting

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New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI): The Ministry of Labour and Employment has finalised rules under the four labour codes paving the way for making reforms a reality by notifying those for implementation soon. The four broad codes on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety, health & working conditions (OSH) have already been notified after getting the President’s assent.

But for implementing these four codes, the rules need to be notified.

Now the ministry has completed the process of consultation on draft rules

was passed by Parliament in 2019 while the three other codes got clearance from both the Houses in 2020.

The ministry wants to implement all four codes in one go. After firming up of rules, now four codes can be notified in one go.

Earlier on February 8, 2021, Chandra had said in a press conference, “Rule-making process is already underway and likely to be completed in the coming week. All stakeholders are also consulted in the framing of rules. This ministry would soon be in a position to bring into force the four Codes, viz., Code on Wages, Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) and Social Security Codes.”

Since labour is a concurrent subject, certain rules would also be framed by the states under the four codes.

The states are also in the process of notifying draft rules and holding tripartite consultations to firm up those for implementation.

State begins second round Covid vax drive

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

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Labour Ministry finalises job rules under 4 codes

business/state

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8

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Senate acquits Trump over Jan 6 violence

30 injured in massive Japan earthquake

said Trump, who received 74 million votes in the election, higher than that of any president before him.

In his first reaction to the development, President Biden said that the Senate’s acquittal of his predecessor was a reminder that democracy was “fragile” and every American had a duty to defend the truth.

“This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism have no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies,” Biden said in a statement.

While the final vote did not lead to the conviction of Trump, the substance of the charge is not in dispute, he said.

“Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a “disgraceful dereliction of duty” and “practically and morally responsible for provoking” the violence unleashed on the Capitol,” Biden said.

The Democratic Party criticised the Republi-

can senators for acquitting Trump, saying their vote to clear him “will live as a vote of infamy in the history of the US Senate”.

“January 6th will live as a day of infamy in the history of the United States of America. The failure to convict Donald Trump will live as a vote of infamy in the history of the US Senate,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Senate Republicans who voted not to convict Trump chose to abandon the Constitution, the country and the American people, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

“What we saw in that Senate today was a cowardly group of Republicans who apparently have no options because they were afraid to defend their job, respect the institution in which they serve,” she said.

After the vote, Senator Mitch McConnell said Trump had been “responsible” for the assault on the Capitol and called it a “disgraceful, disgraceful dereliction of duty”.

However, he voted against his conviction, saying it was unconstitutional now that Trump was no longer president. But he warned Trump could still be held liable in court.

TOKYO, FEB 14 (IANS): At least 30 people were injured after a massive earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck Japan’s Fukushima prefecture, authorities said on Sunday.

The quake which struck late Saturday night was preliminarily measured with a magnitude of 7.1 and was later revised up to 7.3, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The injuries were reported in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, Xinhua news agency quoted the authorities as saying.

The temblor occurred at 11.08 p.m., with its epicentre at a latitude of 37.7 degrees north and a longitude of 141.8 degrees east, and at depth of 60 km, according to the JMA. So far no tsunami warning has been issued. The quake logged Upper 6 in some parts of Fukushima prefecture on the Japanese seismic intensity scale which peaks at 7. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said about 950,000 households were left without electricity following the strong earthquake. The blackout affected 860,000 homes under the area covered by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. and 90,000 homes under Tohoku Electric Power Co., Kato said.

Following the quake, the Japanese government set

Over 80 killed in Yemen’s Marib within 24 hours

Pak to deploy drones to supervise highways

Myanmar amends law on protecting citizens’ personal freedom, security

ISLAMABAD, FEB 14 (IANS): In a first of its kind initiative, Pakistan will deploy drones for the supervision of the country’s highways and motorways network, the media reports on Sunday.

Citing sources in the National Highways and Motorways Police, The Geo News report said that the system will be in place in a couple of weeks.

According to the sources, the system would provide a record of roundthe-clock movement on roads and it would not only help in controlling and managing the traffic volume across the motorways and highways for its smooth and safe flow, but also provide for effective and timely interception of crimes.

The information gathered by the drones could be used in nabbing criminals.

The use of drone’s technology would be displayed towards the end of this month at few points on the motorways, the Geo News report further quoted the sources as saying.

NAY PYI TAW, FEB 14 (IANS): Myanmar’s new military-led State Administration Council led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing issued an order amending the Protection of the Citizens for the Personal Freedom and Personal Security Law. According to the order issued on Saturday, Sections 5, 7 and 8 of the law will be suspended during the state of emergency declared on February 1, reports Xinhua news agency.

The suspended Section 5 says that the relevant ministry and responsible authorities shall ensure that there is no damage to the privacy and security of the citizen except where this occurs in accordance with existing law, and when acting in accordance with existing law, the authorities shall not enter into a person’s residence or private places for the purpose of search, seizure, or arrest, unless accompanied by minimum of two witnesses from local administration organizations.

The suspended Section

SANAA, FEB 14 (IANS): More than 80 people were killed due to continued intense armed confrontations between pro-government Yemeni forces and the Houthi militia over the past 24 hours in the country’s northeastern oil-rich province of Marib, according to local sources.

An official of Marib’s local authority told Xinhua news agency that on Saturday “scores of the Houthi rebels continued in launching a series of armed attacks on the governmentcontrolled sites in Marib’s northwestern parts”, reports Xinhua news agency.

Units of the progovernment armed forces were engaged in intense armed confrontations with the Houthi attackers and attempted to repulse their offensive against the oil-rich province, the source said.

He explained that the Iran-backed Houthi militia mobilized hundreds of its fighters from other northern provinces in preparation for launching an all-out offensive to seize Marib.

Warplanes of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition launched a number of airstrikes against the Houthi-controlled sites

of Representatives twice, and the first to be tried for impeachment after leaving office.

He was first acquitted by the Senate on February 5, 2020 on charges of abuse of power and on obstruction of Congress. The Democrats had charged Trump in December 2019 with pressuring Ukraine to smear Biden, his rival in the November election.

On Saturday, seven Republican senators -- Bill Cassidy, Richard Burr, Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Ben Sasse and Pat Toomey -- voted in favour of impeaching Trump.

If he had been convicted, the Senate could have voted to bar Trump, who has not yet conceded defeat to Biden, from running for office ever again.

Minutes after the verdict was announced, Trump released a statement, saying “no president has ever gone through anything like it”.

“It is a sad commentary on the times that one political party in America is given a free pass to denigrate the rule of law, defame law enforcement, cheer mobs, excuse rioters, and transform justice into a tool of political vengeance, and persecute, blacklist, cancel

LONDON, FEB 14 (IANS): UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will host a virtual meeting of the G7 leaders on Friday to discuss efforts to ensure an equal distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and prevent future pandemics. Johnson will call for a new global approach to pandemics, drawing on lessons from the divisions that characterised the initial international response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a press statement released Saturday night by Downing Street.

“The solutions to the challenges we face, from the colossal mission to get vaccines to every single country, to the fight to reverse the

and suppress all people and viewpoints with whom or which they disagree,” he said.

Trump, now based in his resort in Florida, denounced the trial as “the greatest witch hunt in history”.

He thanked his team of lawyers and others for their tireless work “upholding justice and defending the truth”.

He also said that the Democrats’ attempt to end his political career had also failed, telling his supporters, “our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun.”

“In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. There has never been anything like it!”

File photo of Yemeni soldiers.

in Marib to support the government forces on-ground, according to the official.

An officer of the progovernment forces told Xinhua that “the Houthis are desperately trying to make progress towards Marib but their attacks were aborted by the government soldiers”.

The pro-government forces received reinforcements from the neighbouring Shabwa province and largely participated in repelling the Houthi attacks on Marib, he said anonymously.

Nearly 50 members of the Houthi rebel group and

UK PM to host virtual meeting of G7 leaders

Boris Johnson

Donald Trump

damage done to our ecosystems and lead a sustainable recovery from coronavirus, lie in the discussions we have with our friends and partners around the world,” Xinhua news agency quoted Johnson as saying in the statement. Noting that governments around the world have a responsibility to work together to put vaccines to the best possible use, he said: “I hope 2021 will be remembered as the year humanity worked together like never before to defeat a common foe.” Friday’s meeting will be the first hosted by Johnson as part of the UK’s G7 Presidency this year and the first gathering of the bloc’s leaders since April 2020.

The Prime minister will use the meeting, which will also be US President Joe Biden’s first major multilateral engagement since he took office on January 20, to call for leaders to work together on a global approach to pandemics that brings an end to the nationalist and divisive politics that marred the initial response to coronavirus.

30 pro-government soldiers were killed during the ongoing armed confrontations over the past 24 hours near Marib, according to local medical sources.

Escalation of fighting between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels has displaced nearly 400 families in Marib.

The Iran-allied Houthi rebels stepped up their military operations and launched an large offensive to seize the oil-rich province of Marib controlled by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

Ye m e n h a s b e e n mired in civil war since late 2014 when the Iranbacked Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the Yemen conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi’s government.

The war in Yemen has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million others, and pushed the country to the brink of famine.

NZ to move up Covid Alert Levels

20 injured in Afghan dry port blaze

WELLINGTON, FEB 14 (IANS): New Zealand will move up its Covid-19 Alert Levels from 11.59 p.m. on Sunday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

Due to the three new community Covid-19 cases reported on Sunday, the Covid-19 Alert Level in the largest city of Auckland will move up to Alert Level Three and the rest of the country will enter Alert Level Two, Xinhua news agency quoted Ardern as saying at a press briefing here.

The decisions around upgrading the Covid-19 Alert Levels were made after an urgent Cabinet meeting on Sunday.

“Cabinet has chosen to response with a cautious approach,” said Ardern, who reiterated the importance and efficacy of “go early and go hard” approach.

People in Auckland, including students, were asked to stay home while essential services including supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies will stay open.

A liquor shop’s manager clears the damaged bottles following an earthquake in Fukushima Feb.13. (AP/PTI)

up a task force at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga instructed the government to quickly survey the damage from the quake, conduct rescue efforts in areas necessary, and to relay information to the public as soon as possible.

The quake was also felt in the capital Tokyo where an intensity scale of 4 was logged, with many reporting that their houses and furniture underwent strong shaking and some saying they felt dizzy because of the quake. Tokyo Electric Power Company said it has found no abnormalities with the reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear power plants after the quake. Meanwhile, no abnormality has been found at Japan Atomic Power

Gen. Min Aung Hlaing

7 of the law says that no one shall be detained for more than 24 hours without permission from a court unless the detention is in accordance with existing law.

The Section 8 limited entering into a citizen’s private residence or room for the purpose of search, seizure, or arrest, surveilling, spying upon or investigating any citizen which could disturb their privacy and security or affect their dignity, intercepting or disturbing any citizen’s communication with another person or communications equipment in any way, demanding or obtaining personal telephonic and electronic communications data from telecom operators without

Co.’s inactive Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in the village of Tokai in Ibaraki prefecture, according to the operator. The quake is believed to be an aftershock of the earthquake that triggered a massive tsunami in 2011 in the same area, said Kenji Satake, a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Earthquake Research Institute. “Because (the 2011 quake) was an enormous one with a magnitude of 9.0, it’s not surprising to have an aftershock of this scale 10 years later,” Satake said.

According to the professor, although the quake was relatively large in scale with the focus off Fukushima prefecture, it was unlikely to cause tsunami because it had a deep epicentre of about 55 km below the sea surface.

order, permission or warrant in accordance with existing law or responsible authority.

It also prohibited opening, searching, seizing or destroying another person’s private correspondence, envelope, package or parcel, unlawfully interfering with a citizen’s personal or family matters or act in any way to slander or harm their reputation and unlawfully seizing the lawfully owned movable or immoveable property of a citizen or intentionally destroying either directly or by indirect means.

The one-year state of emergency was declared in Myanmar after former President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were detained along with other officials from National League for Democracy (NLD) by the military on February 1 after which a coup was staged.

The state power was handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the State Administration Council was formed later.

AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE IN NAME By this deed I, the undersigned Smt, Sarika Jain, Daughter of Padam Chand Jain and Late Shakuntala Devi Jain and Wife of Ashish Jain, Date of Birth-17/09/1997, Home Maker, Address - House Number- DMC 242, Vandana Station Road, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on Oath as under:1. That for and on behalf of myself and my husband, children and remitter issue, I wholly renounce/relinquish and abandon the use of my former name/surname as SARIKA DEVI JAIN (OLD NAME) and in place thereof I do hereby assume from this date for all my official works and in all documents, my name/surname as SARIKA JAIN (new name) as mentioned in my Voter Card, Bank Passbook with Indian Bank, Dimapur so that I and my husband, children and remitter issue may hereafter be called, known and distinguish not by my former name/ surname, but assumed my name/ surname of SARIKA JAIN (new name).

2. That for the purpose of evidencing such my determination declare that my name shall at all times hereafter in all my records, deeds and writings and in all proceeding, dealing and ransaction, private as well as upon all occasions whatsoever use the name of SARIKA JAIN (new name) as my name/surname in place and in substitution of my former name/ surname.

3. That, I expressly authorize and request all persons in general and relatives and friends in particular, at all times hereafter to designate and address my name/surname of SARIKA JAIN (NEW NAME) accordingly.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto subscribed my former name SARIKA DEVI JAIN (OLD NAME) and adopted my name/surname of SARIKA JAIN (new name) affix my signature and seal, if any, this 12th Day of February, 2021.

Former name : SARIKA DEVI JAIN DEPONENT In the presence of SARIKA JAIN Regd. No. 6526/2021, Date: 12.02.2021 NOTARY PUBLIC DP-881

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR YIKHUM EKHUNG

Iranian firefighters work on a burning tanker carrying fuel at the Islam Qala border with Iran, in Herat Province, west of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

KABUL, FEB 14 (IANS): At least 20 people were injured in a fire that broke out at the customs office of the Islam Qala dry port in Afghanistan, the media reported on Sunday.

“More than 1,000 oil, gas and cargo trucks were destroyed by Islam Qala port fire in Herat province that broke out Saturday afternoon and put out late

Saturday night,” Xinhua news agency quoted a Tolo News report as saying.

Local officials was quoted in the report as saying that the fire had caused a direct economic loss of over $50 million in the port that connects Afghanistan with Iran.

Iran has provided help in response to a request from Afghanistan’s authorities.

Jilani Farhad, provincial government spokesman, told Xinhua that an armed clash between militants and security forces took place in Islam Qala on Saturday.

However, Farhad did not say whether the incident was a terrorist act, saying that investigation could determine the reason.

“A probe is still on,” he added.

Dimapur: Nagaland.

FELICITATION With immense joy, We the Office of the Dimapur Yikhum Ekhung extend our heartiest congratulations to our following Yikhum bonafide members, on adding one more feather to success crown.

1. Dr K Thungchamo Murry, S/o Lt. Khangshio Murry, Promoted to Jt. Director, Dept of Animal Husbandary & Veterinary Services Govt of Nagaland.

2. Mr. T Phyokhamo Kithan, S/o Tsenso Kithan Promoted to Survey Officer under Land Records & Survey Department Govt of Nagaland.

3. Mr. Thungbemo P Kithan S/o Mr T Phyokhamo Kithan.

Promoted to Survey Officer under Land Records & Survey Department Govt of Nagaland.

The Ekhung wish them success in their new post and new career.

(Yambos Murry) Chairman, DYE

(Chumbenthung Kikon) General Secretary, DYE

DP-890

WASHINGTON, FEB 14 (PTI): The US Senate has acquitted a defiant Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in just over a year, after the Democrats failed once again to muster enough votes to convict the former president on a charge of inciting the deadly insurrection at the Capitol on January 6.

The Senate voted 5743 on Saturday to convict Trump on a single impeachment count – incitement of insurrection. But that majority of all 50 Democrats in the upper chamber of the US Congress, joined by seven Republicans, fell 10 votes short of the 67 needed for a conviction, two-thirds of the 100-member Senate.

The Senate acquitted the 74-year-old Republican leader of inciting insurrection at the US Capitol last month after he urged hundreds of his supporters to confront lawmakers as they were certifying that he had lost the November 3 presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden.

He was accused of inciting riots in the Capitol which left five people, including a police officer, dead.

Trump is the first president in US history to be impeached by the House

Infotainment

10

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Charity marks Valentine’s Day at Dimapur

Potential drug treatment for fatal childhood cancer

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Alobo Naga performing at the “Coffee for a cause” event, organised by Team Can Youth Chief Functionary, Jenpu Rongmei along with Networking and Fundraising Better Dimapur.

Team at the charity aid, on February 14.

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very year, February 14 is celebrated as Valentine’s Day across the world, where people spend the time with their loved ones.

Dimapur however witnessed a greater share of love where citizens and organizations came together to support financially deprived students by organising charity events in aid of the students educational career.

Team Better Dimapur Fe w d ay s b a c k , Ebenezer Or phanage Home (EOH) posted an ad on Facebook, selling off a set of Tata Sky Dish and its set up box for a sum of Rs. 1500, to pay off school fees of two students of EOH. Social media however did justice to the posted ad when Alobo Naga, along with Team Better Dimapur,

an initiative of Dimapur Municipal Council, came forward to organise a charity event to help the students in the orphanage, and also help them retain their dish and the set up box.

Speaking with Alobo Naga, he stated that the greatest gift we can give our children was education, adding that once we provide education, they can survive on their own.

“We should make it a social responsibility that every children around us is not deprived of education and not as charity” he stated, and urged every Naga to do so in their own capacity.

He further gave glory to God and lauded team Better Dimapur for coming forward and making the event a grant success.

He also thanked his fans and well wishers for

contributing towards the noble cause, further maintaining funds were not only generated not only from within the state but also outside and even abroad.

Speaking with a member from Better Dimaur, Along Aier maintained that when the team saw the ad in Facebook, the energy to do something about for the orphanage home was very much urging amongst the team members.

He stated that resources were collected from amongst the team members, whereby on the process of organising the event for the noble cause, it went viral on social media and people from different walks of life approached the team to help out, both in cash and kind.

He stated that team Better Dimapur only created

the platform for the people to help the orphanage, and further reiterated that that the team was always ready to help anyone in their needs. He also informed that the team was planning to repaint Clock Tower.

Director, EOH, Akum Amri, in the interview gave glory to God for everything and thanked everyone for their generous and humanitarian contributions.

He stated that anything that the orphanage needed or desired was always answered through prayers, and further added that the event in itself was a miracle.

Amri revealed that the ad posted in Facebook was to pay off the school fees of two children from the orphanage home.

“God’s plan was much bigger than my plan”, Amri

confessed.

He manifested that as long as one is alive and breathing, one should not hesitate to fulfil the act of kindness, sharing and love.

“The more we exercise love, the more we feel comfort and happy”, Amri added.

“What started as a simple Facebook ad, amalgamated to a bigger aspect” Bambi Kevicusa stated.

It can be noted that EOH presently takes care of 18 Children.

Can Youth Can Youth too on Valentine’s Day organised charity under the theme, “Act of Benevolence” for two financially deprived students, here at Buna Café.

Chief Functionary, Can Youth, Jenpu Rongmei, in an interview stated that education plays a piv-

otal role in a youth’s life and is a key success for the future which provides advantages in achieving their desired goals.

He stated in Nagaland there are many families who are unable to send their children to school because of financial constraint, whereby, Can Youth, Networking and Fundraising Team, initiated the charity aid to support the two less privileged student.

“A small act of our kindness towards the people who are in need will be a happy moment for the children in fulfilling their dreams and in upbringing their lives” Jenpu added.

He stated that the charity aid aimed to develop and provide sustainability for the underprivileged Children in their educational career.

(Staff Reporter)

Reigning Miss Nagaland tours Zbto district Study sheds light on

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eigning Miss Nagaland Vikuonuo Sachu under her project Beauty With a Purpose (BWAP) based on the theme “Livelihood Generation and Education”, aims to cover all the 12 districts to “reconnect with the roots”.

In phase II of the project from February 9 to 12,

she had covered Zunheboto town and four villages- Luvishe, Sukhai, Asukhomi and Sukhalu.

While highlighting her project, Vikuonuo said that given the tag to various districts from being "The Land of Plenty to The Land of Traditions to The Land of Virgin Forest" and many more, Nagaland has

been excessively blessed with numerous astonishing history, magnificent culture and traditions and surrounded with spectacular flora and fauna. Adding to that she said thousands of farmers and street vendors, kept alive the spirit of the essence of agriculture in Nagaland.

She said under the

KLBCZ conduct Music retreat Sonu Sood to distribute

e-rickshaws, starts with his hometown Moga

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K

hukiyeLukhayi Baptist Church Zunheboto (KLBCZ) Nagaland organised a one-day music retreat with director, Immanuel Music Academy (IMA), Aron Asumi as resource person on February 12 at its chapel hall.

Speaking during the retreat, Aron Asumi stated that “music was a universal language which enhances ones emotions, imagination and memory and also gives pleasure”.

While acknowledging the many job opportunities in the music field such as music producer, recording engineer, session musician, artist manager etc, K Y M C

Asumi also informed the audience the initiative of government of Nagaland to introduce music teachers in government schools in the future.

In addition, he also stressed on the role of music in the Church by affirming that Bible itself contains over 400 music references and around 50 direct commands urging the believers to sing.

The programme was chaired and invocated by music director, Khukiye Lukhayi, Aristo Aye and benediction was pronounced by Pastor KhukiyeLukhayi Baptist Church.

(KLBCZ)

ctor Sonu Sood has decided to distribute electronic rickshaws to those in need in different parts of the country. He has started by distributing 100 e-rickshaws in his hometown Moga.

The actor has started this initiative to help the unemployed, especially those, who have suffered because of the pandemic.

Sonu tells IANS, “I plan to distribute in as many states from Uttar Pradesh to Bihar, Jharkhand, Orrisa and more. For now, I have started with my hometown Moga, in Punjab.”

Talking about the motive behind his action is his pledge to reduce unemployment.

“I want people to be self-reliant, so that they get employment and earn their own living. After the pandemic it became very difficult for many people to maintain their employment. E-rickshaws are a good way to help them.

I would request everyone to not waste money or unnecessary expenses but instead give an e-rickshaw to someone in need so that they can help their families,” the actor says.

(IANS)

BWAP project, supervised

by Beauty Aesthetic Society of Nagaland and associated with Entrepreneur Associates and its travel partner India Trail, it has successfully visited three districts and found out that many parts of the state lacked basic amenities.

“From not being able to receive the facilities of proper drinking water, lack of electricity supply, lack of public transport, lack of medical healthcare facilities, lack of marketing source and due to the unavoidable road condition there places where people are unable to even reach the government offices”, she added.

She therefore hoped that her BWAP project will be able to picturise Nagaland at its worst to the best and educate the younger generation to start practicing "Made in Nagaland".

solutions for overeating

S

cience is a step closer to a new response to obesity, thanks in part to a study conducted by a team at The University of Texas at El Paso. The 10-member team led by Brandon Warren, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmacodynamics at the University of Florida, made discoveries about a specific area of the brain tied to recollection and the desire to seek and consume food. It could lead to a way to inhibit the desire to overeat.

Iniguez, who directs UTEP’s Iniguez Behavioral Neuroscience Lab and helped design novel experimental techniques for the research, said that people tend to overeat when exposed to cues or environments that remind them of treats, which is one reason why people opt for dessert

even after a filling meal.

The study showed that neurons in a specific part of the brain control the link between the cue (seeing the dessert) and the action (ordering the dessert).

Iniguez and team found that animal subjects consumed fewer treats when they regulated that region of the animal’s brain.

The techniques and the data eventually could help overcome some issues linked to obesity such as stroke, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high levels of bad cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.

“This is a big discovery because we now have experimental tools that allow us to turn off neurons while the subjects engage in a specific behavior,” Iniguez said.

(Hindustan Times)

Priyanka Chopra talks about favouritism in Bollywood

P

r i ya n k a C h o p r a , who made it big in Bollywood without any kind of family support, opened up about the favouritism that exists in the industry. She also addressed the subject in her recently released memoir, Unfinished.

On Lilly Singh’s chat show A Little Late with Lilly Singh, Priyanka was asked if she has faced hurdles in her career due to favouritism. “Yeah, actually, I have written about it in my book quite a bit.

The terrible thing about favouritism is... It’s okay, everyone wants to take care

of their families, right? We all want to take care of our friends and families, create opportunities. I want to do it,” she said.

However, Priyanka maintained that supporting one’s friends and family members should not mean shutting out others completely. “I think for people who have a large table, wouldn’t it be better if we just start extending the table instead of just monopolising it? That’s kind of the thing about favouritism. It lacks giving other people the opportunity to also have a seat at the table,” she said.

After winning the Miss World crown in 2000, Priyanka made her Bollywood debut with The Hero: Love Story of a Spy in 2003. She has acted in a number of films, including Fashion, Dostana, Barfi!, Mary Kom and Bajirao Mastani. Her most recent Hindi release was The Sky is Pink.

In the last few years, Priyanka has been busy with her career in Hollywood. She has a number of projects in the pipeline, including Amazon series Citadel, The Matrix 4, Text For You, a romantic comedy with Mindy Kaling and an unscripted Amazon series tentatively titled Sangeet, which she will executive produce with husband Nick Jonas.

Meanwhile, Priyanka made her debut as an author earlier this month with a memoir titled Unfinished, which she wrote during the lockdown.

The book traces her journey, from childhood years to high school in the US where she faced racist bullying to winning Miss World and finally, straddling careers in Bollywood and Hollywood.

(Hindustan Times)

team of researchers have identified a potential new drug treatment for a fatal childhood cancer Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveals a potential drug combination that -- in animal studies and in world-first 3D models of the tumour -- is “spectacularly effective in eradicating the cancer cells,” according to the researchers In pre-clinical testing in mouse models, the researchers found that the promising drug combination led to survival in twothirds of the mice and that the drug combination completely halted the growth of these highly aggressive tumours in these mice.

Importantly, the drug therapy, which is currently in early trials in adult cancer, is the most effective treatment ever tested in laboratory models of this incurable childhood cancer, the researchers, including David Ziegler from the Children’s Cancer Institute in Australia, said.

The treatment is a combination of two drugs -- difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an established drug, and AMXT 1501.

The DFMO is increasingly getting attention as a treatment for difficult-to-

control cancers like neuroblastoma, another aggressive childhood cancer, and colorectal cancer in adults.

DFMO works by targeting the polyamine pathway - an important mechanism that allows tumour cells to grow, the team said.

For the study, the team developed Australia’s first research program into DIPG by using tumour cells donated by the parents of children who have passed away from the disease.

From these, they created the first laboratory models of the tumour in order to test new drugs. These models have been used to show that DIPG can bypass the activity of DFMO by pumping polyamines into cancer, essentially allowing the tumour to continue growing despite treatment with DFMO, the team said.

They have now made the breakthrough discovery that treatment with a new developmental drug, AMXT 1501, potently blocks the transport of polyamines into the DIPG cancer cell.

Treatment with AMXT 1501 was found to re-sensitize the DIPG cells to DFMO leading to what Ziegler said, “was a spectacular response in animal models, with a significantly increased survival and minimal toxicity (side effects)”.

(IANS)

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY ABOU (DAD)

Congratulations Dad, You’re a half century old today. Thank you for being our wonderful father, our most supportive friend and the best mentor. We thank Almighty for granting you with good health and life to celebrate this day. May you be as radiant and golden as the sun this day and beyond. We wish you endless happiness and pray to celebrate many more of your birthdays.

May Almighty bless you always.

DP-884

With love from blessed families.

DC -144

K Y M C

Man City extend winning run in EPL lision with debutant Ozan Kabak, ended with him kicking the ball to Leicester’s Jamie Vardy, who gleefully slotted home before an error from Salah gifted the ball to Leicester allowing Harvey Barnes to seal the points five minutes from time.

Emi Martinez was Aston Villa’s hero with nine saves as his side withstood a constant wave of attacks from Brighton for a goal-

less draw in a game where the home side probably still don’t know how they didn’t win. Burnley took another step towards safety thanks to a 3-0 win away to Crystal Palace in a game they were winning 2-0 after just 10 minutes with goals from Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Jay Rodriguez, before Matthew Lowton assured the win soon after the break.

Bruno Fernandes’ stunning volley salvaged a point for Manchester United 1-1 at struggling West Brom, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lost further ground in the Premier League title race.

United moved back above Leicester in second place, but are now seven points behind leaders Manchester City, who also have a game in hand.

The Baggies took a shock lead after just 83 seconds as on-loan striker Mbaye Diagne outmuscled Victor Lindelof to head in from Conor Gallagher’s cross. United where finding it difficult to make inroads in a lacklustre opening period until Fernandes hooked Luke Shaw’s cross into the top corner with his weaker left foot. The visitors improved in the second half,

Mason Greenwood testing Sam Johnstone with a low strike and Scott McTominay seeing his follow up cleared off the line.

With time running out, skipper Harry Maguire leapt to send his header towards the top corner, but Johnstone tipped the effort against the post to deny United an injury-time winner.

Though they claimed a draw, West Brom remain in deep trouble at the wrong end of the table, second from bottom and 12 points from safety.

Southampton lost its sixth Premier League match in a row as Wolverhampton Wanderers mounted a second-half comeback to beat them 2-1 on Sunday and avenge a 2-0 loss to the Saints in the FA Cup on Thursday.

West Brom hold Man United 1-1

Manchester City teammates celebrate their goal against Tottenham hotspur.

LONDON, FEB 14 (IANS): Manchester City defeated Tottenham 3-0 to strengthen their grip at the top of the Premier League in their latest encounter to extend their already record-breaking winning run.

S a t u r d ay ’s g a m e showed how things have changed since Spurs beat City 2-0 on November 21 to go top of the league and left City with 12 points from eight games as Pep Guardiola’s side won with ease

against a rival that is now struggling to qualify for Europe, reports Xinhua news agency.

City’s record 16th consecutive win was inspired by Ilkay Gundogan, who won the penalty that allowed Rodri to open the scoring from the penalty spot, before scoring himself in the 50th and 66th minutes to assure what was a very comfortable home win. Liverpool’s title defence continues to fall apart and coach Jurgen

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Klopp admitted it was over after they suffered their third consecutive defeat 3-1 after looking to be in a winning position against Leicester City. Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead in the 67th minute after a good assist from Roberto Firmino, but James Maddison’s free kick in the 78th minute (given after consultation with the VAR) was the start of Liverpool’s collapse.

Keeper Alisson Becker was at fault again after a col-

Chepkoech breaks 5km world record NA I RO B I , F E B 1 4 (AGENCIES): Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech broke the 5 kilometres world record on Sunday, finishing in a time of 14 minutes 43 seconds round the streets of Monaco to clip one second off the old mark.

The 29-year-old Chepkoech, who also holds the world record in the 3,000 metres steeplechase, battled windy conditions with assistance from her pacemaker Luuk Maas. “I’m so happy. Even though there was a lot of wind, I managed to run right on pace,” Chepkoech said.

Beatrice Chepkoech

“In the end, my pacemaker told me ‘we can do it, let’s push it’. I’m really happy with this world record.” Uganda’s Joshua

Cheptegei, the 10,000 metres world champion, won the men’s race in a time of 13 minutes and 14 seconds.

World Para Athletics GP: Cornwall 4-wicket haul helps India finish with 23 medals Windies beat B’desh, win series 2-0

ARRAYDUBAI, FEB 14 (IANS): Teenaged high jumpers Praveen Kumar and Nishad Kumar produced personal best jumps to take a gold medal each and set new Asian records as curtains came down on the 12th Fazza World Para Athletics Grand Prix here.

Praveen’s and Nishad’s gold medal winning efforts were the high points in the final day’s action for India who also had three silver and a bronze on Saturday, to end their campaign at the championships with 23 medals.

At the end of the competition, India were among the top finishers in the medal tally with Thailand returning home with 34 medals, while Turkey, Kenya and India finished with 23 medals. The hosts UAE ended with 14 medals, including two silvers, by their paralympic medallist middle-distance racer Mohammed Al Hammadi.

After a stellar show from the Indian javelin throwers on Day 3, expectations were high from the high jumpers and they didn’t disappoint. Eighteenyear-old Praveen’s 2.05m jump was enough to make a new Asian record and fetch him the gold in men’s high

jump F42/44/64 event. He finished ahead of former Asian Para Games gold medallist and fellow Indian Sharad Kumar (1.76 m) and Hamada Hassan who also cleared the 1.76m bar.

This was Praveen’s first senior international gold in his second senior event after the Dubai 2019 Worlds where he had booked a quota with his fourth-place finish.

In one of the last events of the day, Nishad, who already has booked a quota for India with his bronze medal finish at the Dubai 2019 Worlds, leapt to his personal best 2.06 m for the gold and an Asian record in men’s high jump T46/47 event.

Earlier, Simran won her second medal in the championships -a silver in women’s 400m final T13 event crossing the finish line in 1:01.56 minutes.

Simran already had a gold in the women’s 100m T13.

Bhagyashri Mahavr Jadhav claimed the silver in women’s shot put F34 event with a throw of 6.18 m finishing second to Morocco’s Saida Amoudi (8.33 m).

Atul Kaushik claimed the bronze in men’s discus F57 event clearing a distance of 42.00 m.

the last laugh as he picked up the wicket of Miraz’s wicket for 31 as the last batsmen.

Brief scores: West Indies 409 & 117 (Nkrumah Boner 38, Joshua da Silva 20; Taijul Islam 4/36) vs Bangladesh 296 & 213 (Tamim Iqbal 50, Mominul Haque 26; Rahkeem Cornwall 4/105)

TRIBUTE TO DR. ATOPU G. KIBA Rahkeem Cornwall

DHAKA, FEB 14 (IANS): Rahkeem Cornwall took a four-wicket haul on the fourth day of West Indies’s second Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-EBangla stadium to lead the hosts to a 17-run win. The West Indies have thus won the two-match series 2-0.

Cornwall followed up on figures of 5/74 in Bangladesh’s first innings with four wickets for 105 runs in 30 overs. Bangladesh, chasing a target of 231, were dismissed for 213.

Earlier, the visitors started the day with the overnight score of 41 for 3 but they faced batting collapse from the start.

Despite Bonner’s fighting

38-run knock, West Indies were all out for 117. Taijul Islam took four wickets.

Chasing 231, Tamim Iqbal gave Bangladesh a good start with a 46ball 50-run knock. But West Indies fought-back as they kept taking wickets from both ends following Tamim’s departure and reduced to 115 for 5. Liton Kumar Das got the start but he too dismissed after scoring 22.

Bangladesh’s hopes were then hanging on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a half-century in the first innings and looked capable of leading Bangladesh to victory. But it was Jomel Warrican who had

Race Walking National: Rawat, Gurpreet win golds NEW DELHI, FEB 14 (IANS): It was a stroll in the park for Uttarakhand’s international race walker Manish Singh Rawat as he comfortably won gold medal in the newly introduced 35km event in the eighth National Race Walking Championships in Ranchi on Sunday.

Rawat’s gold medal winning effort of two hours 49 minutes and 12 seconds, however, fell short of the 2022 Oregon World Athletics Championships qualifying time of two hours 33 minutes.

Gurpreet Singh won the title in the gruelling 50km race with a time of three hours 59 minutes and 42 seconds. He too couldn’t achieve the Tokyo Olympic qualification time of three hours and 50 minutes.

The women’s 35km was cancelled as there were no entries. As compared to Sunday’s race, Saturday was quite productive for the Indian athletes as three race walkers -- Sandeep Kumar, Rahul Kumar and K Y M C

Manish Singh Rawat

Gurpreet Singh

Priyanka Goswami -- qualified for Tokyo Olympics and were also successful in earning berths for the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

In the post race interaction, 29 year old Rawat said that he could have improved his time but there wasn’t anyone to push him.

“The second half of the 35km race was slow, and it eventually robbed me of a good time. But two or three races over the

35km distance will give me a fair idea how to tackle it. The efforts have to be evenly spread (the pace), otherwise fast pace early in the race can be disastrous,” Rawat told IANS. T he p a r t ic ip a t i o n in 35km was thin. There were only four entries in the men’s category while women’s 35km had to be cancelled as there wasn’t any response.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had announced a week before

the national race walking championships that 35km would also feature in the program.

Tamil Nadu’s Ganpathi Krishnan, who finished second with a time of two hours 58 minutes and 23 seconds, looked good in the opening 15km, but gradually slowed down.

Rawat, who had given a good account of his fitness in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing 13th in the 20km race, said during the lockdown he couldn’t train on expected lines.

“It was tough to do endurance work. But I’m better off now. I should be able to do better in the next race,’’ said the Olympian.

The qualification for the 2022 World Championships started in December and runs until June 2022.

“Both R awa t and Krishnan will have another opportunity to achieve the qualification time in May and June during the National Inter-State Athletics Meet,” said a national-level coach.

28.09.1992 to 08.02.2021 Psalm 23:3: “He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Dearest Ato, Words cannot express how good a person you were. Yet, these few lines inscribed below reflects your brief life sojourn testimony.

You grew up in obedience to your parents and loved ones. Never did complain about anything in life. Your selflessness made you to always put others first. You led a simple life without extravagance but lived life to the fullest, yet brief.

A sincere person, a beloved child, a humble colleague, a cheerful friend who were loved by so many. Who extended his warmly touch to anyone who came close to his demeanor. That was the essence of your life on earth.

All these memories of yours will be recalled with laughter and tears. “If tears could build the stairways to heaven and memories were a lane, we would walk all the way to Heaven, to bring you home again. No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. Our hearts ache in sadness and secret tears will flow all the times on your absence.”

With this thought, we bid adieu to you with no regrets and we will celebrate your life everyday, with fond memories of your good deeds. It is our prayer that we meet again when Heaven’s trumpet blows; Rest in Peace.

We, the family members would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual, friends, churches, various organisations and well-wishers who stood by us and helped us spiritually, physically and financially.

Special thanks to: 1. Lhomithi Baptist Church.

16. Mithihe Baptist Church.

2. Asukhomi Union Dimapur.

17. Shevukhu Baptist Church.

3. Sumi Christian Guwahati Fellowship.

18. Amboto Old Baptist Church.

4. Proprietor and staff of A.R. Enterprise, Guwahati.

19. Amboto New Baptist Church.

5. Dr. Nilo Z. Kiba and staff of Pain Clinic, Chekiye.

20. Azuhoto Village.

6. Shozukhu Baptist Church.

21. Khakuthato Baptist Church.

7. Northern Sumi Union Dimapur.

22. Sumito Village.

8. Northern Sumi Hoho.

23. Akuhaiqa Village.

9. Northern Sumi Students Union.

24. AYUSH Doctors, Nagaland.

10. Xukiye Baptist Church.

25. Batch mates of: Christ School, Honili Memorial 11. Asukhomi Baptist Church.

Hr. Secondary School, Livingstone Foundation Hr. 12. DEO, Dimapur Staff.

Secondary School, Immanuel College and A.M. 13. Officers and Staff NHHDC Ltd. Shaikh Homeopathic Medical College, Belgaum.

14. Kibami Kuposhukulu.

15. NSBAK. We regret our inability to mention and thank each and every individual personally, but it is our earnest prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Ever loving; Parents, Mr. Ghokuto Kiba and Mrs. Kihoshi Shohe, siblings and relatives.

DP-878 K Y M C

12

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

2nd Test: Ashwin, Rohit put NE United go 3rd with 3-1 win over Odisha India in command on Day Two

Match in action between NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC on Sunday.

VASCO, FEB 14 (AGENCIES): NorthEast United took advantage of both their rivals for the topfour spot -- FC Goa and Hyderabad FC -- dropping points, with a convincing 3-1 victory over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, on Sunday.

Goals from Luis Machado (9’, 24’) and Deshorn Brown (19’) moved the Highlanders to third and two points clear of both Hyderabad and Goa. With the latter two teams taking on each other in their final game, NorthEast are now heavy favourites to grab a playoff spot. Bradden Inman (45’) netted a consolation for Odisha.

NEUFC started the game at a furious pace and only needed nine minutes to come up with the first goal. Ashutosh Mehta found Machado with an accurate cross and the latter hit it first time past a diving Arshdeep Singh. It was no less than what NorthEast United deserved given the attack intent they showed in the first period of the match.

A second came ten minutes later through Brown. Federico Gallego entered the Odisha half with the ball and threaded through a pass for the new recruit, who had been enjoying a fruitful stint since his arrival from Bengaluru FC. The Jamaican slot-

ted home with a sublime finish.

Another five minutes later, NEUFC had their third goal, Gallego again at the centre of things. He spotted Machado making a run into the box and found him with an accurate looping ball. Machado made no mistake and headed the ball past the onrushing Arshdeep. There seemed to be no way back for Odisha from there.

But they did manage to get back into the game in stoppage time just before the first-half whistle.

New signing Inman, who has impressed since arriving from ATK Mohun Bagan, received the ball from Daniel Lalhlimpuia

Usman beats Gilbert Burns to retain UFC welterweight title

Kamaru Usman

LAS VEGAS, FEB 14 (AGENCIES): Undisputed welterweight champion Kamaru Usman cemented his position at the top of the 170-pound division by beating top contender Gilbert Burns at UFC 258.

Usman, 33, was stunned early by the Brazilian, his former training partner. But the Nigerian recovered superbly to turn the tables on his heavy-handed opponent, 34, and claim a third-round TKO finish at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

He has won all 13 of his UFC fights and surpassed Georges St-Pierre for the longest winning streak at welterweight.

The two rivals were for-

merly team-mates at Florida gym Sanford MMA before Usman left to join Elevation Fight Team in Colorado.

After the result was announced the pair shared an embrace in the middle of the octagon, with Burns in tears and Usman appearing to fight off emotions of his own.

Usman’s victory ended Burns’ six-fight winning streak, extended his own winning run to 17 consecutive fights and improved his mixed martial arts career record to 18 wins and one loss.

After the fight he called for a rematch with Jorge Masvidal, who he beat at UFC 251, adding: “He keeps running his mouth. If he’s

going to talk, step in here and see me.”

The action star ted quickly as Burns pushed the pace and rocked Usman with a big right hand that connected just behind the champion’s left ear.

Burns continued to push forward in search of a first-round finish but Usman recovered superbly and started to establish the weapon that would eventually win him the fight - his jab.

Usman continued to work behind his lead left in round two and stunned Burns with a big right hand of his own as the momentum swung back in the champion’s favour.

But, rather than looking to rush the finish, Usman calmly stalked the challenger around the octagon, switching stances and mixing kicks into his combinations before dropping Burns with a well-timed jab.

That jab proved decisive at the start of round three when Usman decked Burns with his first punch of the round then followed up with a succession of well-placed ground strikes to force referee Herb Dean to step in and wave off the contest just 34 seconds into the round.

and attempted a finish from a narrow-angle. His shoot took a heavy deflection off NEUFC defender Mashoor Shereef and went in.

The goal injected new life into what had been a poor first half from Odisha and they signalled their intention to go looking for more goals by throwing on Diego Mauricio at halftime. But it was their opponents, who kept creating chances.

Machado had a chance early in the second half but his shot was wide.

Then, in the 62nd minute, Arshdeep had to pull off a

fantastic double save as he denied both Gallego and Machado.

There was some late drama as Gurjinder Kumar was sent off for a second yellow, putting NEUFC at a numerical disadvantage. Immediately after that, Brown missed a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt as his shot from a one-on-one position was straight at Arshdeep.

Odisha kept applying pressure till the end, but the NorthEast defence stood firm as they took their team to victory and India’s spinner Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates with teammates the wicket of England’s three points.

Dom Sibley during the 2nd day of second cricket test match in Chennai, Feb. 14. (PTI)

ATK Mohun Bagan beat Jamshedpur 1-0

ATK Mohun Bagan beat Jamshedpur FC 1-0 in the Indian Super League 2020-21 clash to go on top of the table.

Roy Krishan (85’) scored the lone goal of the match as David Williams did well to direct the ball to him on the left flank. The Fijian, who was closed in by Peter Hartley, then picked up his spot and send the ball at the back of the net.

It was a cagey start with Aitor Monroy distributing three free-kicks in the first 11 minutes. But his deliveries lacked precision.

ATK Mohun Bagan, how-

ever, took control of the proceedings in the second half. Nerijus Valskis came close to score a goal for the Men of Steel in the secondhalf off a free-header but it was easily collected by Arindam Bhattachrja in the goal.

The Mariners go on top with 36 points having played a match more than Mumbai CIty FC while Jamshedpur FC are sixth with 21 points.

Monday’s Match Mumbai City FC Vs Bengaluru FC Time 7:30 PM

C H E N NA I , F E B 1 4 (IANS): Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday picked his 29th five-wicket Test haul to help India strengthen their position in the ongoing second match against England here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. After bowling out England for just 134, India reached 54/1 in their second innings at Stumps on Day Two, thus swelling their lead to 249 runs.

Rohit Sharma, who had scored a brilliant 161 in India’s first innings, was unbeaten at the crease on 25 and was accompanied by Cheteshwar Pujara who was batting on 7. Shubman Gill was the lone wicket to fall in India’s second innings as he

was out lbw against spinner Jack Leach after scoring 14 runs. Earlier, Ashwin and debutant Axar Patel made full use of the spin-friendly conditions as India bundled out the visitors inside 60 overs. Wicketkeeperbatsman Ben Foakes was the lone England batsman who could tackle the Indian bowlers on a wearing ‘Chepauk’ pitch. He remained not out on 42 runs for which he consumed 107 balls. The right-handed batsman hit four boundaries during the course of his innings.

Ollie Pope (22) and Ben Stokes (18) were the other two batters who made notable contributions during the course of the England innings. Ashwin was the pick

of the bowlers for the hosts as he scalped five wickets, conceding 43 runs. Ishant Sharma and Patel picked two wickets each while Mohammad Siraj scalped one.

In the morning session, India could add just 29 runs before getting bundled out for 329 as Rishabh Pant remained not out on 58 as India’s tail could stay long at the crease. Ajinkya Rahane had also contributed with valuable 67.

Brief scores: India 329 and 54/1 at Stumps (Rohit Sharma 25 batting, Shubman Gill 14; Jack Leach 1/19) vs England 134 all out (Ben Foakes 42 not out, Ollie Pope 22; Ravichandran Ashwin 5/43) lead by 249 runs.

Aus Open: Djokovic through but Thiem knocked out

Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams into last eight

Novak Djokovic

Grigor Dimitrov

MELBOURNE, FEB 14 (AGENCIES): Defending champion Novak Djokovic came through a stiff test of his fitness as he moved into the Australian Open quarterfinals, but third seed Dominic Thiem was stunned by Grigor Dimitrov.

Bulgarian Dimitrov, a semi-finalist in 2017, dismantled the US Open champion of Austria 6-4 6-4 6-0.

World number one Djokovic, struggling with an abdominal injury picked up on Friday, beat Milos Raonic in four sets.

The Serbian eight-time Australian Open champion won 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-1 6-4.

He will play sixth seed Alexander Zverev after the German beat Djokovic’s compatriot DusanLajovic 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-3. Dimitrov, the 18th seed, will face Rus-

sian qualifier Aslan Karatsev, who stunned Felix Auger-Aliassime as his dream Grand Slam debut continued.

Thiem came through a gruelling five-setter against Nick Kyrgios on Friday to reach this stage, fighting back from two sets down, but there was no such reprieve against Dimitrov on Sunday. The Austrian looked to have taken the momentum with a break in the opening set, but Dimitrov immediately broke back and won four successive games on his way to taking the first set. It was the same pattern in the second set, a Thiem break followed by a revival from the 29-year-old, before he motored to victory in the final set to win in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena.

Naomi Osaka saved two match points and Serena Williams was taken to three sets as two of the favourites reached the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Having lost the opening set to Garbine Muguruza, Japan’s Osaka was a break down in the second and faced two match points at 5-3 in the third.

But she won four games in a row to win 4-6 6-4 7-5 against the Spaniard, who is also a former world number one.

Williams then came through 6-4 2-6 6-4 against Belarusian ArynaSabalenka. The American surged into a 4-1 lead in an entertaining final set, before 22-year-old seventh seed Sabalenka broke back and

Naomi Osaka

Serena Williams

levelled at 4-4.

But Williams held serve and then broke her opponent’s serve to clinch the win and keep alive her hopes of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.

Williams will face second seed Simona Halep,

who recovered to beat 19-year-old French Open champion IgaSwiatek 3-6 6-1 6-4.

Osaka, who won the second of her three Grand Slams at the Australian Open in 2019, will face Hsieh Su-Wei in the last eight.

Alexander Zverev

sealed victory with his 15th ace. The German got 72% of his first serves in and racked up 44 winners to dominate the 30-year-old Lajovic throughout the match to register his 50th win in majors.

Lajovic started strongly by breaking the German early to take a 2-0 lead in the opening set but Zverev broke back in the next game and did not look back.

Zverev reaches last eight with easy win over Lajovic

German sixth seed Alexander Zverev used his powerful serve to good effect to overcome 23rd seed DusanLajovic of Serbia 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3 on Sunday and reach the Australian Open quarterfinals. Zverev needed five sets to beat Lajovic in each of their two previous meetings at the French Open, but the 23-year-old was in a more ruthless mood on Margaret Court Arena and

World’s largest cricket stadium at Motera gears up to welcome fans

World’s largest cricket stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad.

NEW DELHI, FEB 14 (IANS): Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) is thrilled to welcome its cricket fans for one of the most riveting series between India and England when it opens the gates of the world’s largest cricket stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad after a break of six years.

GCA said the booking

for the 3rd test match against England will open at 11.00 am on Sunday, 2021.

The authorities have decided to allow 50 per cent spectators of the stadium’s capacity during the test matches at GCA’s cricket stadium at Motera. England will play two test matches including a day-night test match starting from Febru-

ary 24 and five T-20 Internationals.

Dhanraj Nathwani, vice president of Gujarat Cricket Association, said: “We are honoured to be hosting this series after a hiatus and are excitedly looking forward to entertain gathering of cricket fans at the world’s largest cricket stadium at Motera considering social distancing and safety norms. We hope normalcy returns soon and we get to see the stadium packed with fans cheering from all the stands for their teams.”

“We at GCA thank Jay Shah, Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allocating two test matches and five T20 International matches at this newly built cricket stadium,” said Nathwani.

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