February 22, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 77

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Protesters in Mandalay march in defiance international, Page 7

KTB digs into irregularities of deptts through RTIs, PILs

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 21 (NPN): Kezekevi Thehou Ba (KTB) has filed a slew of RTI applications with various State government departments besides PILs against the departments of health & family welfare (H&FW) and school education.

This was disclosed during an interaction with Nagaland Post with KTB members at the residence of the chairman Niketu Iralu at Sechu Zubza here on Sunday. Iralu emphasised that unless something was initiated, indulging in blame-game will not help solve problems faced by Naga society.

He said KTB deemed it necessary to initiate steps during the pandemic, at a time when clashes were reported between health workers and uniformed personnel. He however clarified that KTB has no intention of damaging the reputation of any individual or organisation. “But fearing that the boat would drown, KTB began its mission,” he added. Iralu said Nagas should understand the crisis at this stage and see things in totality as the outcome would affect everybody.

KTB general secretary Robert N Solo said the hearing for the PIL filed against H&FW department would be held soon in the court. He also disclosed that another PIL was filed against the school education department over implementation

Govt working on law to regulate social media: BJP New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI): Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav said that social media has become so powerful that it can even topple governments, leading to anarchy and weakening democracy, and solutions to tackle this are needed to be found within the constitutional framework.

Speaking at the launch of his new book ‘Because India Comes First’, Madhav said democracy is stressed and facing new challenges with the rise of “nonpolitical” and “non-state” forces.

“Social media is so powerful that it can even topple governments and regulating them is difficult as they are borderless,” he said.

“We require new rules and laws to tackle and manage.

The government is already working in this direction,” he added.

This is it!

“No wonder so many are carrying branded bags.

This costs Rs.5000 but here it is only Rs.800.”

K Y M C

of Mid Day Meal scheme.

Solo said KTB also filed RTI application with Transport department over the issue of illegal condemnation of vehicles before attainment of period. He said vehicles including Innovas were disposed off without tendering public notice. He said response to this query was awaited.

Mentioning that another RTI was filed with National Health Mission (NHM) under the H&FW department, Solo explained that once responses were received, it will be brought to the notice of the court to seek justice. He said response from National Health Project (NHP) was under examination.

On Mid Day Meal scheme, he said separate representations were sent to the Union Human Resources & Development ministry and the State government, besides filing of PIL. He said once hearing takes place, the next course of action would be decided by KTB’s legal adviser and elders with the consent of public.

Tr ustee member Kuolachalie Seyie lamented

that owing to monumental corruption at various levels of government, the Centre has been aware of various complaints and taken due not while reassign project proposals. Hence, to be trusted, he said Nagas should place trust, honesty and integrity in place to redeem the future generation.

He said due to pursuit of easy money society has been damaged and to the only way out is to revive the age-old work culture so as to enable economic self sufficiency.

Seyie said the only way to cleanse and correct the system was by taking up issues legally and not through threats. He said even in the purchase of PPE kits during pandemic lockdown, where inferior quality were supplied, the health workers had refused to accept because of the high risks involved.

KTB members said they received information that the protective kits were purchased by superseding all protocols because of which differences cropped up between H&FW directorate officials and health workers in hospitals. (Cont’d on p-6)

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NEW DELHI, FEB 21 (AGENCIES): All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) director, Dr Randeep Guleria has warned that the new Covid19 strains which are found in Maharashtra could be more dangerous and highly transmissible than the original one. He said that herd immunity for coronavirus is a “myth” in India because at least 80% people need to have antibodies for the whole of the population to be protected.

He also highlighted that the new Indian strains found in Maharashtra could be highly transmissible and dangerous, and can even cause re-infections in people who have developed anti-bodies to the virus in an interview to NDTV on Saturday.

NDTV quoted Dr Shahshank Joshi, member of Maharashtra’s Covid Task Force, as saying, “240 new strains of the virus have surfaced across India, which

are behind the fresh surge of infections the state has been witnessing since last week.”

Besides Maharashtra, four more states-- Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Punjab -- have been witnessing a spike in numbers. The government’s vaccination plan depends on creating herd immunity by immunising a critical mass of people. In the first phase of vaccination, the government plans to immunise 3 crore health workers and frontline workers. After it will be the turn of 27 crore people who are above the age of 50 years or have comorbidities.

Explaining why herd immunity is not achievable, Dr Guleria said: “Mutations or variants in the virus have ‘immune escape mechanism’. They can threaten the immunity achieved by a person through vaccinations or the disease and cause re-infection.” Under the circumstances, he said

‘Fast-track NSSB implementation’ DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (NPN): Public Service Aspirants of Nagaland (PSAN) has urged the state government to fasttrack the implementation Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) by resolving all the issues through collective wisdom at the earliest and comply with the genuine plea of thousands of educated youth of Nagaland.

While appreciating the state government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio for setting up the NSSB, to encourage meritocracy in the recruitment process of

Farmers taking part in the ‘Kisan Mazdoor Rally’, Sunday. (PTI)

to underline that farmers must be respected and no “repressive measures” should be taken against them.

The Morcha said February 26 will be observed as

sports, Page 8

New Indian COVID strains could be more dangerous

all the group C posts and to select deserving candidates, PASN was however apprehensive that many aspirants will not taste the fruits of it on account of becoming overage due to the delay in its timely implementation.

In this regard, PSAN sought early implementation of NSSB and said that NSSB could be the gift of the PDA government as an indelible ink of legacy for the younger generations which could also resolve the unemployment crisis in Nagaland which has reached its zenith.

Farmers announce series of events to further escalate stir NEW DELHI, FEB 21 (PTI): Protesting farmers Sunday announced a series of events from February 2327 to further intensify their agitation against the three new agricultural laws as they accused the government of adopting “repressive” measures against them. They also said they will soon devise a strategy to keep the protest going for long.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is spearheading the protests, told a press conference here that under their proposed escalation programme, February 23 will be observed as ‘Pagadi Sambhal Diwas’ and February 24 as ‘Daman Virodhi Diwas’, essentially

Aus Open: Djokovic clinches singles title

‘Yuva Kisan Diwas’ (youth farmers day) and February 27 as ‘Mazdoor Kisan Ekta Divws’ (farmer-labourer unity day). “The government is adopting all the repressive measures, mischief

and manipulations including arrests, detentions and registration of cases against the protesters. The Singhu border has been fortified and appears to be an international border,” farmer leader Yogendra Yadav said.

A long-term plan for movement will be discussed in view of the Parliament session from March 8, and the strategy will be shared in the next meeting of SKM, he said.

Another Morcha leader, Darshan Pal, also alleged “repression” by the government. He said around 32 people have got bail out of 122 arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with Republic Day violence.

THE NEW INDIAN STRAINS 240 new strains of the virus have surfaced across India Vaccines will be effective, but their efficacy might be less Can cause re-infections in people who have developed anti-bodies it is imperative to maintain ‘Covid-appropriate behaviour’. “India needs to go back to aggressive measures of testing, contact tracing and isolating infections,” he added.

Asked if the COVID19 vaccines in India be effective against the new strain, Dr Guleria said the vaccines will be effective, but their efficacy might be less. For example, people might not be able to avoid getting the disease, but they will have a

1 COVID-19 case reported in State DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (NPN): Nagaland recorded only one COVID-19 positive case on Sunday from Kohima, taking the total caseload to 12192.

The active case in the State also dropped to 13 while a total of 11936 patients have recovered so far from the infection.

PTI: Daily COVID-19 cases in India registered an increase for the fourth consecutive day with the country recording 14,264 new cases, taking the total tally to 1,09,91,651, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The death toll increased to 1,56,302 with 90 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

mild version of it.

Dr Guleria reiterated this while speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Sunday. “Herd immunity is something that is going to be very, very difficult to achieve and it is something one should not really think of in practical terms... because the variant strains and varying immunity with times can lead to a chance where people may have reinfection or get infection DIMAPUR, FEB 21 again,” he said.

(NPN): Aqahuto Area civil society organizations have clarified that the proposed first phase of the ‘chakka bandh’ on February 22 will be imposed for 12 hours (from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and not an indefinite bandh as stated earlier.

AAGBU president, Kakiho Achumi said that the administration, police, paramilitary and emergency services are exempted from the purview of the bandh.

12-hour chakka bandh, clarifies Aqahuto area CSOs

Nothing short of extortion: Sonia on rising fuel prices NEW DELHI, FEB 21 (AGENCIES): Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to bring down fuel prices, which have been on the rise for the past 12 days. Calling the hike in prices of petrol and diesel “nothing short of extortion”, she accused the government of “profiteering” off “people’s misery”.

In the letter to Modi, conveying “every citizen’s anguish and deep distress regarding the spiralling fuel and gas prices”, she wrote, “On one hand, India is witnessing systematic erosion of jobs, wages and household income. The middle class and those at the margins of our society are struggling.

These challenges have been compounded by runaway inflation and an unprecedented rise in price of almost all household items and essential commodities...”

Terming the spike in fuel prices “historic and unsustainable”, she said that it is surprising that the prices have increased despite the fact that the prices of international crude oil are moderate.

“To put it in context, the crude oil price is nearly half of what it was during

Sonia Gandhi (File)

the UPA Government’s tenure. Therefore, your Government’s act of raising prices (continuously for 12 days till February 20th) is little less than a brazen act of profiteering.”

Accusing the government of justifying “thoughtless and insensitive measures” directly at the cost of people, she said, “Your government has increased excise duty on diesel by 820% & on petrol by 258% over and collected upwards of Rs. 21 lakh crore in the last six and a half years.”

However, such “unaccounted-for windfall” has not yet been passed to the public for whose benefit it was ostensibly collected, she argued. Sonia said it is equally distressing that inspite of governing India for almost seven years now, PM Modi’s government continues to blame previous regimes for its own economic mismanagement.

Petrol, diesel prices unchanged after hitting record highs New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS): After an incessant increase in petrol prices to new record high levels for the past 12 days, oil marketing companies (OMC) have kept the prices of the fuel unchanged across metros on Sunday. In the past 12 days, petrol prices have increased in the range of Rs 3.2 per litre (Kolkata) to Rs 3.63 a litre in Delhi.

On Sunday, price of the fuel in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata was at Rs 90.58, Rs 97.00, Rs 92.59, Rs 91.7 per litre, respectively, unchanged from the previous levels.

In the past few days, petrol and diesel prices increased with steep hikes, pinching the consumers harder, and drawing criticism for the government from several quarters along with the opposition.

IIYF sets 24-hr deadline for H&FW directorate, CMO NDPP terms budget 2021-22 DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (NPN): Following an accident on Saturday where four persons were injured, two in serious condition, IkiyeItovi Youth Front (IIYF) said it was shocked to learn about the pathetic condition of Satoi primary health centre (PHC) when the injured were rushed to the PHC for medical aid.

IIYF president Kavi Awomi said three persons including the pastor (who was unconscious for about an hour) and pastoress of Itovi village, were seriously injured and another person sustained minor injuries when the Tata Sumo vehicle they were travelling met with an accident between Itovi and Ikiye village in Satoi area around 2 p.m. on Saturday. When the injured

Primary Health Centre, Satoi in a deplorable condition. (IIYF)

were rushed to Satoi PHC, IIYF said it was shocked to learn that no healthcare worker like doctor or nurse was present barring one lady who it alleged was a proxy in-charge.

The youth body alleged

that not even Wokadine was available at the PHC to stop constant bleeding of the patients and that only a single dose of tetanus toxoid (TT) injection was given in the name of first aid. Thereafter, as the patients were serious,

they were shifted to Zunheboto for better treatment, IIYF said.

Dismayed by the state of affairs at the PHC, IIYF served a 24-hour deadline on the Health & Family Welfare directorate and Zunheboto

chief medical officer (CMO) from the date of publication of their demand to initiate stern action against all erring healthcare workers of Satoi PHC under Satakha sub-division in Zunheboto district, make necessary arrangements for posting medical staff and providing medical equipment at the PHC and carry out physical inspection of the centre.

IIYF also urged EAC Satoi block to look into the matter in public interest. The youth body warned that in the event of failure to meet the demands, IIYF would leave no stone unturned and initiate strict legal action against the department concerned, declaring that the youth body should not be held responsible of any consequences.

visionary and path-breaking

DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (NPN): Terming the State’s budget for 2021-22 as “visionary and path-breaking”, NDPP said the special impetus on infrastructure development, innovation, creativity and focus on youth empowerment was commendable and needed to be appreciated by all sections.

In a communiqué, the ruling party also lauded and congratulated chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds finance portfolio, and the PDA government for having successfully passed the budget on February 19.

According to NDPP, the budget indicates that the government is constantly strategizing on new ideas and policies to usher in a

new era of economic growth and employment generation.

Even as the battle against COVID-19 pandemic continues, it added that the government has undertaken a herculean exercise in ensuring that all sectors were adequately covered by the budget.

The party expressed the confidence that the PDA government under the leadership of Rio would continue to deliver to the people justice, development and good governance despite the financial constraints the State is going through.

NDPP further appreciated and congratulated members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Cont’d on p-6) (NLA) K Y M C

2

state

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

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A

B

C

78% 22% 0%

Next poll

Q: Does the govt have the

political will to resolve the huge losses in power revenue?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST february 22

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun

32 11

Very warm with sunshine

28 10

Guwahati Plenty of sunshine

31 13

Plenty of sunshine

29 7

Imphal

Itanagar Sunny much of the time

29 15

Shillong

Sunny and nice

23 8

Kohima

Mostly sunny and beautiful

23 10

Dimapur Sunshine Mkg

Sunny and pleasant

Tuensang Mostly sunny and cooler

30 14 26 10 18 7

Sunshine and nice

24 14

Zunheboto Sunshine and nice

22 9

Wokha

Staff Reporter

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

Aizawl

NCRCS Dmu new church building inaugurated DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (NPN): The new church building of Nagaland Christian Revival Church Sumi (NCRCS) Dimapur was inaugurated on Sunday, opposite to veterinary office, Burma camp.

The church was dedicated by NCRC Sumi, Dimapur youth pastor A Kayepu Assumi and the monolith and inaugural programme was presided over by ES, NCRC Sumi Hq Pughoboto, Rev. Vitoka Kinni.

Addressing the congregation, NCRC Sumi ES Rev. Vitoka Kinni shared on the importance of seeking God’s blessing. He cited the example of Solomon, and asked the congregation to seek the Lord to guide them, lead them and bless them as He has blessed Solomon.

He said that God has bless the Church and therefore, it was time for them to repent, humble oneself and come before Him and be blessed.

Brief highlight of the construction report was delivered by Church construction board chairman,

ES NCRC SUMI Rev. Vitoka Kinni inaugurating the new church building.

Kuhoi Zhimo wherein he informed that the total amount of land acquisition and church building expenses till February 19, 2021cost Rs. 4.81 crore, the total amount of budget and donation received comprises of Rs 2.5 crore and overall total amount of donation received comprises of Rs 57 lakhs. The church has a seating capacity of 1400 approximately.

At the programme, invocation prayer was said by Z Savito Chophy, welcome

address was delivered by NCRC Sumi Dimapur pastor Rev. Ahoshe K Chophy, greetings message was delivered by NCRC Sumi council chairman Jambo Sema.

Special number was presented by NCRCS choir and “An instrument of thy peace” was presented by Vini Assumi, Inakali Kiba and Omekali Chishi.

Later, vote of thanks was delivered by church construction board member, Khehoshe Aye.

Peren CSOs oppose ‘chakka bandh’

DIMAPUR: Peren district civil society organizations (CSOs) through the presidents of Zeliangrong Baudi (N) C.R. Zeliang, Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation Kevipele Iheilung and Zeme Council (N) Dr. Tumda Newme have opposed and took strong exception to the proposed indefinite ‘chakka bandh’, from February 22 on Mhainamtsi-Pimla and Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani

roads, allegedly called by “an unknown illegal Aqahuto area organisations”.

In a representation to the Commissioner Nagaland, the CSOs, while appreciating the democratic means of protest against the state government for any unmet demands by any citizens of the state, however claimed that there was no area called Aqahuto within the ancestral Zeliang Naga land who shared traditional

and time honoured boundary with Chakhro Angami.

The signatories also reminded that the CSOs had “heartily pursued and engaged on inter-tribal organisations to bring about permanent trust between communities” for peaceful coexistence by bringing about due honour to each other’s customs as Naga family. However, they said that their sincere reciprocation of peaceful coexistence

was “ditched by throttling the district blocking both the routes of accessibility within the ancestral land of Zeliang Naga.

In this regard, the CSOs have urged the state government authority “to avert such illegal activities on the district.” They also warned that the CSOs should not be held responsible for any consequences in case of any situation that may arises as the fallout.

Painting and essay competitions on ‘plastic free’

CYF condemns alleged abduction, assault on dobashi

DIMAPUR: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and Administrator Tuensang Town Council (TTC), Tuensang, Ajit Kumar Verma, has informed that there will be inter-school painting and essay competitions on February 23, at Government Higher Secondary school, Thangjam, to promote plastic free sensitizing campaign in educational institutions.

According to DPRO, painting competition will be held under the theme “Plastic free schools/Tuensang town” for classes 6 to 8, while essay competition will be held under the theme “Challenges and measures to make our town plastic free”, for classes 9 and 10.

It further informed that only two participants for each category from one school were allowed to participate and that all necessary material required for above mentioned competitions such as sketch pens, chart papers, writing pens and papers etc. would be provided at the venue.

DIMAPUR: Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction and brutal assault on dobashi of Khezhakeno village T Ngolo Koza, who hails from Chakhesang tribe, from Chida resort by a mob from Tungjoy village in Manipur on February 15 while he was on official duty.

Terming the “cowardice” act as a direct challenge to Chakhesang community and the Government of Nagaland, front’s president Lhuvesayi Lohe and general secretary Nyitso Therie in a press release demanded that the State government should expedite the investigation and arrest and punish the culprits.

Voicing their anguish, they also warned of not tolerating such “inhuman behaviour” on any member of Chakhesang

K Y M C

way” for Kakiho Awomi to be the WSSU president during the last tenure. In view of the pandemic and the lockdown situation prevalent last year, WSH said Kughato could not be installed. If not, Kughato should have now even completed almost a year as WSSU president.

However, WSH said that some individuals “with vested interests who are all hell bent to bring discord, disharmony and disunity amongst the Sumi community are tormenting this division and problem.”

In this regard, WSH has cautioned everyone be it the district administration, government officials, departments, business establishments, institutes and media houses or individuals not to entertain any WSSU group other than the one led by Kughato Achumi.

2ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR MOST BELOVED FATHER

LT. NEILASA KIEWHUO

TRULY MY SOUL FINDS REST IN GOD; MY SALVATION COMES FROM HIM.

K-419

PSALMS 62:1 LOVING, WIFE, CHILDRENS, GRANDCHILDRENS & RELATIVES

22.02.2019

Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) conducted cleanliness drive at Flyover and Old Overbridge on February 20, under the theme, “My city, My responsibility”. The main aim of the drive was to install a sense of responsibility and belongingness by maintaining cleanliness.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

of our beloved Late Tinutemsu Changkiri One year has passed today on 22/02/2020 since you left us for your heavenly abode but your memories still remain fresh among us.

Every single day of your life on Earth was a blessing for us. You are remembered with love and fondness Loving wife, children, grand children and relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With an aim to improvise the church activities both spiritually and physically, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Ministers’ Hill Kohima(CBCMHK) conducted orientation and fellowship for its church workers at the church premises on February 20. The resource persons were Sr. Pastor, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, Pastor Rev. Dr. Wepre Mero, church advisor Rev. K. Luruo, church council chairman Vevo Sapuh, deacon Er. Zuvehu Vero and deacon Nelhipe Mero. (media & publicity committee, CBCMHK)

Book on ‘reading in context’ released DIMAPUR: The Tribal Development and Communication Centre (TDCC), Mokokchung-Nagaland released a book titled “Reading in Context: 1 King 1:11 in a Contemporary Tribal World” authored by Dr. TemsüyangerAier.

The book was formally dedicated and released by principal of Clark Theological College Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, professor of History and Culture on February 21, at Multipurpose Hall, Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung.

The author, Dr. Temsüyanger Aier, an associate professor in the department of Old Testament and biblical languages at Clark Theological College, Aolijen completed his Bachelor of Science from Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (NU), Bachelor of Divinity

commissioner and Manipur State deputy commissioner, where Tungjoy villagers were ordered not to violate watershed demarcation.

Again, CYF said two chief secretaries of Nagaland and Manipur had on May 29, 1982 reaffirmed “As far as the State boundary is concerned, the 1872 survey made by Mr. Butler and Dr. Gordon is final and inalienable and state boundary can be altered by an act of Parliament only and therefore, there is no question of opening any discussion on the State boundary.”

Therefore, the front asserted that T Ngolo Koza, who was deputed

by Khezhakeno extra assistant commission, had every right to perform his official duty well within his designated jurisdiction.

WSH cautions on WSSU issue

DIMAPUR: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has cautioned all about certain impostors masquerading as Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU) officials, asserting that they were in no way endorsed or recognized by the WSH and the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) or any of its frontal organizations whatsoever.

WSH through its media cell maintained that the only authentic and the bonafide WSSU endorsed and recognized by WSH, WSKH and all frontal organizations was the one led by Kughato Achumi as president, who was officially installed on February 9, 2021 at WSSU office, Thahekhu in the presence of WSH, WSKH and frontal organization president and officials.

WSH said that Kughato had “obediently paved the

RSU to launch verification drive

DIMAPUR: Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) will be launching its first phase of non-Naga verification drive 2021 under Tseminyu sub-division from February 22 to 26 at RSU office Tseminyu.

In a press release, RSU president Heiko Kent stated that union was constrained to undertake this exercise as a routine and preventive measure to check the “influx of illegal immigrants” within Tseminyu jurisdiction. Further, the drive would not discriminate any Indian citizen possessing valid Inner Line Permit (ILP).

RSU also informed all non-Nagas residing in Tseminyu sub-division to appear in person with all necessary and valid-documents including photocopies of ILP, Addhar card, Pan card or driving license, valid trade License and two recent passport photos.

Non-Nagas, who are government servants have been exempted from the purview of the exercise, RSU stated.

Further, the union has sought the support and cooperation of the administration and the public, Tseminyu subdivision, in carrying out the exercise.

community.

CYF claimed that the incident occurred well within the demarcated Nagaland State boundary based on “watershed principle” followed in the survey by Captain Butler and Dr Gordon in 1872 under British-India administration, which was reiterated by subsequent cases.

The organisation referred to political case no.

41 of 1933 of Naga Hills deputy commissioner JH Hutton and Manipur State Darbar president GP Steward that affirmed the inter-district-State boundary as notified in 1925, whereby the inter-districtState boundary coincides with the two villages’ boundary.

It also referred to political case no. 6 of 1950 Khezhakeno (Naga Hills)–Vs-Tungjoy (Manipur State) as decided by then Naga Hills deputy

K-421

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Ca n t h e s t a t e g ov t cut down further on unnecessary expenditure?

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

Prof. L. Imsutoshi Jamir, Dr. Temsüyanger Aier, Prof. Mar Pongener and Dr. A. Temjen Jamir, Academic Dean, CTC.

from Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, Master of Theology from Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai, and Doctorate in Theology from SATHRI/ Senate of Serampore College, West Bengal. He is

a regular contributor of articles and essays in various academic journals and edited books.

The author in this book employs sociological method in studying and understanding the social realities of Solomonic pe-

riod, and examines how far this paradigm will be of assistance to address the realities and particularities of contemporary Naga society.

Throughout the pages, the author argues that the vitality of a biblical text can be discerned only against its dynamic relation with the contexts of the reader.

Also speaking at the launching programme, L. Imsutoshi Jamir, professor of communication and cultural studies at Clark Theological College said that Tribal scholars, were consciously devoted for Transformative Hermeneutics and that the present book will assist on both “Why” and “How” democratic dialogue between text and context is unavoidable in contemporary Tribal biblical hermeneutics.

Nyu-ve Bambü Nyümei (Adieu Beloved Woman)

Lt. Mrs. B. ENYU PHOM

Born on : 05/10/1952 – Died on : 13/02/2021

DP-1016

As we lovingly remember our Beloved Lt. Mrs. B. ENYU PHOM; her husband, Children, Grand-children and in-laws wish to express our deepest gratitude to all those who sympathized with us during our family’s sorrow with the saddest loss of our Beloved on Saturday, the 13th February 2021.

We are so deeply overwhelmed by the kind of support and love our family received logistically, morally and financially.

Our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful neighbours, friends, relatives, work colleagues and all the multitudes of people from different Tribes, Communities, Towns and Villages who called home travelling long and short distances from various places - Kohima, Dimapur, Longleng, Mon, Tamlu Town, Tamlu village, Kangching, Naginimora and Namsang Area villages to attend the funeral service all the way to our Resident at Tamlu Town and back to our native Bura Namsang.

As much as we carry the pain of losing our Beloved, We are moved by the comfort and solace we received through countless prayers, condolences, phone calls, messages, flowers, gifts and donations.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Baüngan MO. Tamlu CHC along with the Medical Health care team for all your wonderful help and services.

We also express our gratitude to Mr. Shaophen Pastor TTBC. And Mr. Hamchong Pastor BNBC for conducting the funeral service and all the rituals at Tamlu Town and Bura Namsang respectively.

We regret our inability to thank everybody individually.

However it is our humble prayer to kindly accept our deepest gratitude and acknowledgement to each and every person who has been part of her beautiful life’s journey till the very last. May God Almighty Bless you all.

“Thank you” “What Earth’s Lost is Heaven’s Gain” - Husband, Children, Grand-Children and In-laws.

DP-1013 K Y M C

‘Cong’s ‘Mahajoot’ an unholy alliance’

Guwahati, Feb 21 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday described the opposition Congress-led ‘Mahajoot’ as an “unholy alliance”, saying it will not be acceptable to the people of the state as one of its constituents, the AIUDF, espouses the cause of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Sonowal said during the five-year rule of his BJP-led government, peace was restored in Assam after uprooting insurgency and a corruption-free administration has been delivered.

“The so called ‘Mahajoot’ led by the Congress is an unholy alliance. It is not an ideological alliance but an opportunist alliance. The AIUDF is a communal party which has always espoused the cause of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. How can the right thinking people of As-

Sarbananda Sonowal

sam accept it,” he said in an interview to PTI. The Congress stitched the alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), the Left parties and a regional party to fight the Assam assembly elections likely to be held in April-May. The AIUDF is headed by Dhubri MP Maulana Badruddin Ajmal.

“Whatever alliance the Congress has formed will not have any impact on the BJP or its allies. People will reject them,” the 58-year-old chief

AASU announces protest during PM’s Feb 22 visit Guwahati, Feb 20 (PTI): All Assam Students Union (AASU) on Saturday announced that it will hold agitations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state on February 22 to protest against his government’s alleged failure to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

Member of the students’ organisation will wave black flags and wear black badges at all district and sub-divisional headquarters, AASU President Dipanka Kumar Nath and General Secretary Shankar-

jyoti Barua said in a release on Saturday.

The BJP-led government at the Centre has failed the people of Assam by not implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, failing to declare floods and erosion as national problems and not stopping construction of all big dams in the region, including the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project.

Nath and Barua that during floods, the prime minister did not bother to visit Assam and had merely reviewed the situation over phone.

3 ULFA(I) defers decision on Cong holds protest against fate of 2 abducted oil firm staff fuel price hike in Assam

Northeast/State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

minister said. Sonowal, the BJP’s only tribal chief minister in the country, also said that the two recently formed regional parties -- Asom Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal -- will not be able to dent the prospects of the BJP-led alliance comprising the saffron party, Asom Gana Parishad and few ethnic groups.

“The people of Assam are not ready to experiment with some new political parties at a time when the BJP has been providing them efficient and responsive governance,” he said.

Asked about the biggest achievements of his government, the chief minister said, peace was restored and insurgency uprooted in the state. “Assam has seen worst kind of terrorist violence during the tenure of previous governments.

But in the last five years, there has not been a single

major incident of shootout or blast,” he said. Sonowal said that he has been able to deliver corruption-free administration and all recruitments in the state under him have been clean and transparent. “There were many financial scams under previous governments. The recruitment process was full of scandals. There was hardly any job which one could get on merit. We have ended all these malpractices and brought hope to the people, especially the younger generation,” he claimed.

Expressing gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for his continuous support, Sonowal said though the year 2020 was very challenging for the country, the prime minister has always been kind to Assam and provided liberal financial assistance and granted several mega infrastructure and industrial projects to the state.

Guwahati, Feb 21 (PTI): The banned ULFA(I) on Sunday said, the outfit has “deferred” the decision to take any step on the fate of two abducted employees of an oil firm and will continue to hold discussions with authorities concerned for a positive outcome.

United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) chief Paresh Barua informed general secretary of Gauhati Press Club (GPC) Sanjoy Ray over phone that discussions on the release of the two employees were continuing and “We hope that there will be a positive outcome soon”. However, Barua said, there has to be a “definite time-frame to resolve the issue and negotiations for their release cannot go on endlessly”.

Two employees of Quippo Oil and Gas Infrastructure Ltd were abducted by the insurgents on December 21 last year from Kumchaikha hydrocarbon drilling site in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Initially, the ULFA(I) chief had called the GPC president Manoj Kumar Nath asking him to provide a platform to him for clarification of certain facts allegedly ‘misinterpreted in a certain section of the media’ on the outfit’s stand on the fate of the two abducted persons.

Accordingly, media persons gathered at the GPC where Barua was expected to brief the media over telephone which was put on amplifiers, but he could not contact the particular number on which he was supposed to brief journalists. Barua subsequently called another journalist who was present at the GPC, who connected him to the club’s general secretary Sanjoy Ray and he was briefed by the ULFA(I) leader.

Meitei community’s demand for ST status resurfaces

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Feb 21: The demand for inclusion of Meitei community of Manipur in the Schedule Tribe (ST) list of Indian Constitution resurfaced when members of the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (STDC) Manipur staged a peaceful demonstration in Imphal on Sunday. The demonstrators demanded the state government not to delay sending the mandatory recommendation for inclusion of the community in the ST list to the Central government.

STDC, an apex body of some civil society organisa-

tions have been pressing the state government to send the mandatory recommendation for inclusion of the indigenous community to the Central government. The members staged the demonstration in the backdrop of a recent statement which chief minister N Biren Singh had given to the floor of the state Assembly in its ongoing budget session.

Admitting the threatened Meitei community needed protection, Singh, on February 10, informed the state assembly that the state government was positively looking into the demand for inclusion of Meitei

community in the Schedule Tribe (ST) list. During today’s demonstration, the STDC threatened to launch intense forms of agitations if the state government delayed recommending the Centre for inclusion of the community in the ST list.

“We will be compelled to resume our agitations, this time with intense forms if the state government further delays in sending the recommendation,” STDC general secretary K Bhogendrajit said.

Bhogendrajit recalled a series of agitations that STDC had launched for the inclusion of Meitei in

the ST list in the last eight years and said the agitations were suspended following positive assurances from the government.. “The agitations were suspended only after the state government had given assurances to take up the needful steps.

However, no new development was seen till date,” the general secretary said.

He claimed a mammoth rally marched on the streets in Imphal on March 3, 2019 in which over one lakh individuals had participated and showed that the demand got the support of the entire population of Meitei community.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi along with other senior party leaders protest against fuel price hike. (PTI) Guwahati, Feb 21 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday carried out protests against rising fuel prices in nearly two dozen petrol depots in several districts of Assam and slammed the BJP-led central governments at the Centre and the state.

Party workers marched in a procession to the petrol depots against the steep rise in prices of petroleum products.

Former union minister and AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik, All India Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev, Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora and other leaders like Pradyut Bordoloi, Gaurav Gogoi, Debabrata Saikia and Rakibul Hussain led the protests in the districts. The leaders and hundreds of Congress workers held placards and shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for failing to contain the prices.

The Cong ress has

been demanding that tax on petrol and diesel be reduced and the common people given relief in prices of fuel.

“The so-called ‘double engine’ BJP governments are fooling the people of Assam. Reducing Rs 5 on petrol-diesel just before elections in Assam is a hoax,” said Dev while addressing the protest in Hojai.

The assembly election in the state is due in April- May. Protests took place in Cachar, Dibrugarh, East Karbi Anglong, Biswanath, South Salmara, Karimganj, Majuli, Nalbari, Darrang, Hailakandi, Sonitpur, Barpeta, Guwahati, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat and Lakhimpur districts.

“The base price of petrol is Rs 33.46 per litre and that of diesel is Rs 31.82 per litre. However, the common man is forced to pay Rs 87 per litre for petrol and Rs 82 per litre for diesel in Assam. The BJP is simply looting the people in the name of taxes,” Bora said at Hojai.

State

International Mother Language Day celebrated at Chungtia

Junior and intermediate class students of CBC Sunday school presenting a special song on Sunday.

DIMAPUR: As per the directive of the Ao Baptist Church Council (ABAM) to all its affiliates to commemorate the International Mother Language

Day, the Child Education Department of Chungtia Baptist Church (CBC) held a special programme on Sunday with Aso Imsong, writer and general

secretary of Ongpangkong Mungdang as the main speaker.

The programme was held on the theme ‘Tetsu oshi ajanga kin ka longjem-

daktsur’ (A nation is unified by mother language).

Hundreds of young children and youths, in their traditional attire, from the Chungtia Baptist Church and also from the nearby Sabangya Baptist Church attended the special programme.

The main speaker, Aso Imsong, while speaking at the programme, stressed on the importance of mother language in the modern Naga society.

While appreciating the ABAM for giving much importance to promotion and preservation of the mother language, Imsong hoped that the commemoration of such an important day by the church would be the starting point towards the de-

velopment of Ao language in the days to come.

He said that the church has a ver y important role to play in promoting the native language as the church is one place where the mother language is intensively used to communicate to the congregation. Besides, he also pointed out that the involvement of the church in printing and publishing of periodicals and magazines was a great medium to preserve and encourage the usage of mother language in day to day life.

He also encouraged the village councils and student unions to encourage the youngsters to learn proper Ao vocabulary, speak frequently in

mother tongue and also try to write in vernacular language among native speakers.

The programme was led by Walang while CBC Associate Pastor Youth, Kathyla invoked God’s blessings. Chungtia village council member, I. Wati Jamir and CBC Deacon L. Tali exhorted the congregation and highlighted on the importance of why the younger generation should not ignore the mother language.

Presentation of special cultural songs, a short skit, narration of Ao poems, folktales by young children marked the programme attended by a host of parents. CBC associate pastor CED delivered the vote of thanks.

On the day of International Mother Language Day, a book authored by P. Alem Jamir (L) ‘MamatetbaKumTatem School Benjong’ was launched at Unity Village Ao Baptist Church Dimapur. The book was released by Ao Senden Literature Board secretary I. TemjenTzudir (centre) and dedicatory prayer was offered by L. Panger Jamir, pastor, UVABA.

Legal awareness at Ungma village

Resource persons, village council members and participants at Ungma village. (NP)

Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, FEB 20 (NPN): Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) organised a “Legal Awareness”, programme at Bubu Tzubu Amphitheatre, Ungma village on February 20.

The awareness camp was led by retainer lawyer, Limanungsang.

Speaking on the topic ‘Moneylender’s Act 2005 & 2006’ of Nagaland, adK Y M C

vocate L B Namo stated that a person who aspires to be a moneylender has to acquire a license/certificate from the government with a minimum deposit of Rs. 1 crore in a nationalised bank and can practice money lending business by levying annual interest of 3%.

He cautioned that money lending business without the certificate was illegal and punishable under law with a jail term of six months and a fine of

Rs.2500 or both.

MDLSA, district project assistant Mapujungla Pongen, who spoke on the topic “Domestic Violence Act and POCSO Act”, cited that Domestic Violence Act was entirely to protect the violence or harassment meted out against women in a family.

But after thorough review, she stated that the Act also implies for men, as well. She said that the POCSO Act was enacted to

protect children below the age of 18 from every form of sexual abuse.

Advocate I Imkong Jamir spoke on the “Village council act” while MDLSA Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) Bendangsenla spoke about ‘Cyber Crime’.

The programme was chaired by PLV Molusen while the vote of thanks was proposed by retainer lawyer Limanunsang and Ungma village council chairman, Nungshi.

K Y M C

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 77 Dimapur, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

Sugar coated budget

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nlike in other states where economists appraise the budget and point out the good and bad of it, apparently, the budget presented to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on February 18 went largely un-scanned as crucial misses were not pointed out. Probably the inhibition comes after the recent earth shaking pandemic that affected not only the state with its fragile economy, but also the country as well as the world around. It was a well-crafted budget containing a lot of imaginative proposals. Like the first budget, it is long on intent and short on content. This may be seen in how deficit continues to soar. In the budget the shadow of the looming deficit indicates that the current deficit(2021-22) will end with a negative Rs.365.33 cr and along with negative opening balance of Rs.2314.13 crore, the total deficit at the end of 2021-22 is projected to close at Rs.2679.46 crore. The budget is effusive and full of fresh ideas and initiatives, but these increasingly look like post-dated cheques. It falls far short of addressing crucial issues such as corruption, economy, employment among others. While the leader of the opposition TR Zeliang, described the budget as “contract-oriented”; most refrained from deciphering the budget that was long on intent and short on content. What the opposition leader had said can be understood from the proposals, where much of the fund allocated to various departments went largely towards construction of new office building or roads and supply of various items. If there is one issue of major concern, then it is with unemployment. Despite having spent huge amount, the state’s economy is still unable to rise to desired levels for job creation. The government has on paper stopped fresh appointments but there are reports of ‘backdoor appointments’ going around. Perhaps the opposition could have addressed this pertinent issue. Financial institutions and banks in Nagaland are inhibited in giving loans and for which they cannot be faulted. One is that Banks, which have to play a major role in any revival of the economy, are bogged down with bad loans and rising Non Performing Assets(NPA).The other reason is that mortgage of land and property required as collateral for loan, is not permitted under state laws. The state government has yet to give its assent to SARFAESI (Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002).The Act allows banks and other financial institution to auction residential or commercial properties (of Defaulter) to recover loans.

However, under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2002 financing institutions, nationalised banks and cooperative societies are not permitted to transfer any land to any person other than the indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland, except with the previous sanction of the state government or an authority appointed in this behalf. Banks etc are unable to access SARFAESI, and find it difficult to provide loans under normal terms and conditions.

There appears to be a dichotomy of approach- one is wanting to get loans and the other is not wanting to give land and building as mortgage, or like wanting the cake and eating it too. With falling revenues from state’s share of Central Taxes, rising fuel prices, dwindling internal revenue collection, unemployment, corruption and other problems; budgetary visions without addressing the core issues, have not contributed anything much or justified the huge expenditures incurred, if the past serve as indications.

DailyDevotion Do You Really Love Him?

She has done a good work for Me. —Mark 14:6 If what we call love doesn’t take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love. If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning. This may describe affection and it may bring us a warm feeling, but it is not a true and accurate description of love.

Have you ever been driven to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him? Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I’m not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things— things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him. Have you ever created what Mary of Bethany created in the heart of the Lord Jesus? “She has done a good work for Me.” There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him even small gifts of surrender, just to show how genuine our love is for Him. To be surrendered to God is of more value than our personal holiness. Concern over our personal holiness causes us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and we become overly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, out of fear of offending God. “… but perfect love casts out fear…” once we are surrendered to God (1 John 4:18). We should quit asking ourselves, “Am I of any use?” and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time.

Quotes

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao Tzu

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

Reinventing wheel: Pvt banks’ feat not ideal for PSB divestment

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he country is in a quandary about the privatization of the public sector banks and needs to reconsider.

Amendments to the Banking Companies (Acquisition and transfer of Undertakings) 1970 and 1980 are on the cards.

The two laws led to bank nationalisation of banks in two phases.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced privatization of PSBs as part of disinvestment drive to garner Rs 1.75 lakh crore, in reality not a very large sum. That has raised another question whether for such small gains, the nation should sell the family silver. Or why should it go back to 1969 when these were taken over?

The banks were in the hands of large houses.

They have been defying regulations and many unsavory practices were in use, including taking out funds risking the banks and quietly refunding causing immense interest and operation cost losses. Apart the small lenders had little space in the controlled practices.

Some banks were off and on were in the news of facing liquidation thought

the 1960s.

The takeover was then considered a bold step as now the announcement of selling off is being projected as bold decision.

The Narendra Modi government is in financial crisis and wants the nation to steer out of it. All of it is not the doing of this government. The bank crisis has built up with the changes in Basel recapitalization norms as well as the growing NPAs. As of March 31, 2010, gross PSB NPAs were Rs 8.06 lakh crore. A 2020 JC Review study by four academicians - Sunita Sharma, Rajesh Kothari, DS Rathore and Jagdish Prasad - say that the private sector banks were not doing well post 2012 (as also were many public sector banks) and the NPAs have been growing. They say that the economic performance had not declined 2012-2019 but sharp rise in NPAs raise questions on transparency in showing correct picture of their health. They note that the banks had been concealing facts particularly about high value accounts, which in their opinion, had come under NPA even before 2010-13. “Increasing NPAs suggest that high

number of credit defaults affect profitability, liquidity and solvency positions of (all) banks”, they say.

They found Axis Bank profitability since 2017 has continuously been falling due to rise in NPAs till partly checked in 2019. Similarly the ICICI bank NPAs continuously increased since 2015 and reached a peak of 8.85 percent in 2018. Though in 2019 it reduced to 6.7 percent but the net profit further came down due to higher provisioning.

Banks in general have witnessed a decline in Shivaji the profitability during the last about eight years. That raises a question whether the PSBs should be singled out in a choppy market particularly when some private sector banks indulged in major malpractices. Does it mean that privatization is not a panacea? This is a critical question that the government and the society need to have a review. The privatization cannot be a mantra. It seems the problems lie in practices and those in the country need severe corrections.

The study is almost in tune with the 2018

report of the Standing Committee on Finance where it observed that capacity to lend has been severely affected due to NPAs. It says, “A lot of the loans currently classified as NPAs originated in mid-2000s, at a time when the economy was booming and business outlook was very positive. Large corporations were granted loans for projects based on extrapolation of their recent growth and performance. With loans being available more easily than before, corporations grew highly Sarkar leveraged, implying that most financing was through external borrowings rather than internal promoter equity. But as economic growth stagnated following the global financial crisis of 2008, the repayment capability of these corporations decreased. This contributed to what is now known as India’s Twin Balance Sheet problem, where both the banking sector (that gives loans) and the corporate sector (that takes and has to repay these loans) have come under financial stress”.

So the prescription of privatizing the PSBs needs

a review and a new approach to curing the disease than shifting it from one clinic to another. Poor regulatory frameworks and related problems are some of the pitfalls. Additionally profit-centric and shareholder wealth maximizing monopolies by banks will not to cater to the needy individuals.

The government would also be losing out on potential dividends that give significant budgetary support.

In 2014, Rs 88, 188 crore were paid by PSES, including Rs 43996 crore from PSBs. Since, however, the PSB dividend contribution has been dwindling though RBI has paid about Rs 2 lakh crore during the past two years.

A problem the government faces is of continuous recapitalization – pumping in funds as per Basel norms.

During financial year (FY) 2015 to FY2019 the government infused Rs 2.5 lakh crore plus Rs 70,000 crore in FY2021 and Rs 25,000 crore in FY2022 – Rs 3.5 lakh crore. This is natural if the profitability of banks comes down. But so has it happened to private banks as well. It means there is a basic flaw in banking operations. The PSB losses mounted to Rs 85,000 in

FY 2018 crore and came down to Rs 50,000 crore in 2019. Suggesting a solution is not easy. The deposits with PSBs are rising. In 2018 it was Rs 117 lakh crore and in FY2018, it rose to Rs 128 lakh crore. Savings bank deposits also rose

by Rs 4 lakh crore between FY 2018 and FY 2019 from Rs 35.9 lakh crore to Rs 39.1 lakh crore.

But liabilities are rising due to defaults, increase in operational costs of larger low-quality accounts like Jandhan, digital and other populist operations. The recapitalization despite high for the government has been below the operational needs as the banks were to support announcements like farm loans, MUDRA and other schemes.

The faults are for extra-banking causes. The privatization is not likely to solve these but even in their dwindling health the PSBs have enormous wealth and before these are sold to a select group of eager large corporate buyers, country needs to wait and reconsider massive revamping of the system and through that how to strengthen the economy. Once the silver is lost, it could again be reinventing the wheel.

Post-mortem India’s vaccine strategy Learning to create a world of peace

I

needs transparency

sn’t it odd the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine — known to us as Covishield — is our main one and yet we are uninformed of the international debate about its efficacy and dosage? I’m not referring to the confusion created by AstraZeneca’s results when it claimed 62% efficacy after two full doses, but 90% after half a dose followed by a full one. Even though unresolved, that’s slipped into history. My concern is two recent issues and the fact that our government hasn’t said a word about them.

The first is an official guidance issued by the World Health Organization on February 10: “In the light of the observation that two-dose efficacy and immunogenicity increase with a longer interval, WHO recommends an interval of 8 to 12 weeks between the doses”.

Gagandeep Kang, perhaps our top vaccine scientist, has explained the reasons behind this. Because of delays in availability of the second dose, 59% of the efficacy trial sample got the second dose between four and eight weeks after the first, 22% between nine and 12 weeks and 16% after 12 weeks. Their vaccine efficacy was 56%, 70% and 78% respectively. This, she concludes, indicates “a clear trend of increasing efficacy with longer intervals between doses”. When the immune response is included, “it was found that the longer the intervals between the two doses, the better was the human response”.

So, clearly, there’s good evidence for this guidance.

It also makes sense for three other reasons. A longer interval means more people can receive a vaccine quickly. If more people get it, we would be better protected if a second wave — God forbid — happens. And with cases and deaths sharply declining, we’re in a position to increase the interval.

Yet, on this issue the government is silent or, if it’s spoken, it’s done so sotto voce. Why? This is a matter on which I would expect a carefully thought-out, if not also confident, opinion. Moreover, it needs to be widely known.

Silence feels like irresponsibility.

The second issue is more

complex, but the government’s lack of response remains perplexing. It’s to do with the efficacy of AstraZeneca for people over 65. Because only one-tenth of the participants in the efficacy trials were older than 65, Germany and Denmark have decided not to give it to this age group.

Commenting on this, Kang writes that for over-65s, the trial showed “a vaccine efficacy of 52%”, which isn’t great. More importantly, “the numbers are too small for firm conclusions”. Spain, Italy and Belgium, it seems, have gone one step further. They’ve decided not to give AstraZeneca to anyone over 55. Switzerland is not giving it at all.

Now, these are countries that have alternatives with proven efficacy for the over65s. We don’t. Our alternative is Covaxin, and its efficacy is yet to be proven. Fortunately, WHO has come to a very different conclusion. Its guidance says: “WHO recommends the vaccine for use in persons aged 65 years and older”. Kang explains it’s done so after considering both immunogenicity and efficacy. So there’s no reason why we should not give it to this age group.

But — and this is my point — should we not have informed our 65-year-olds of the European concerns and discussed them? Don’t our elderly have a right to be informed and then reassured?

Leaving them unaware is not what one expects of a democratic government.

Let me end by raising two other unconnected issues. France has decided to only give a single dose of any vaccine to people who’ve had Covid-19. As Kang puts it, it believes “an infection and one vaccination are equivalent to two doses of the vaccine”.

Is this something we should consider too?

Second, given vaccine hesitancy, should we shift focus to districts with a worrying number of cases rather than continue with a nationwide rollout? Has this been thought about? If it has, I’d like to know why it was considered inadvisable.

Karan Thapar Author of Devil’s Advocate: The Untold Story (The views expressed are personal)

T

he first two decades of the 21st century are over. We are saddled with wars and violence all around, distrust and apprehensions can be smelled across international borders, and terrorism and fundamentalism have wracked the backbone of several nations, leaving them in greater poverty and insecurity. Imagine the plight of those who are forced to migrate to unfamiliar lands. This happens despite the fact that a considerable number of nations has moved ahead economically and achieved some semblance of social and cultural uplift, besides the equality of opportunity in access and success. Looking around, one would find global deliberations getting centred around markets, GDP growth, economic policies; of course issues like global warming, climate change and environmental degradation do come up regularly, but without much commitment.

The greatest promise of the 20th century was inclusion, equality of opportunity, and that meant human dignity to all those who had been deprived of it by vested interests, suffering subhuman practices like racism, apartheid, caste considerations, gender subjugation and a lot more. The biggest decision of the 20th century was to respect diversity and cut down on exclusion.

Numerous initiatives at the national and international level may be cited in support of an emerging climate that would permit every human to savour the scent of fresh breeze in an environment of liberty, equality and fraternity! By implication, it would mean eradication of ignorance, poverty, poor health and universal access to human rights. People in such a society must know their rights and be committed to performing their duties. When the UNO (now the UN) was established on October 24, 1945, it was expected that the world would henceforth move towards global peace, harmony and brotherhood. The same year, Unesco was also born with a preamble to its constitution that generated huge hopes all around: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” The untold sufferings of the World Wars and the cruelty on Hiroshima and Nagasaki left people with no option but to strive hard to avoid wars in future, and sincerely move towards a world of peace. To augment their faith, there were luminaries like Albert Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi.

They motivated many more, prominent mentions being Martin Luther King, Jr, and Nelson Man-

dela. Yes, there was an alternative available which preached global brotherhood through mutual trust and faith in truth and nonviolence. Unfortunately, it has not clicked effectively so far.

The how and why of the dichotomy of the expectations of the 20th century, and where we stand in the 21st at this stage, deserves an incisive scrutiny. The fundamentals were not beyond the comprehension of the luminaries who had an awareness of factors that could lead to serious distortions of the core values necessary for a vibrant democracy. When Gandhi responded to Julian Huxley, the then Director General of Unesco, on the draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Charter, he put on record an eternal guiding principle which is the lifeline of sustaining humanity on earth: “If everyone does his duty, everyone else would get his right.” Men and women devoted to the cause of human rights the world over would not find even a treatise on the subject that could say more. This principle is to be implemented at the grassroots, and should extend to the top level. There are only two ways to achieve the transformation: Those in control of power and authority at every level are convinced that to create a better tomorrow for the generations ahead — including their own kith and kin — they must be honest to themselves and perform their duties with integrity. Without this, they would be totally unfair to their progeny. This could be a national campaign. In the long term, schoolteachers could be roped in to realise how they are

the prime movers in the process of preparing the next generations.

In fact, they are at the top of the workforce pyramid that creates national future.

They are the acharyas; people are supposed to follow their conduct, character and composure. They are the original icons.

If a teacher is punctual, sincere, dexterous and empathetic, he would never have to tell children about values and human qualities. These would silently be absorbed by his wards. A national plan on these lines shall need no financial investment. It is the initial schooling that could — without burdening the textbooks — let children learn that nature could offer sufficient resources to meet the need of everyone but not the greed of anyone. A generation could be prepared in about a decade that would sincerely realise its primary role in maintaining the sensitive man-nature relationship and be ready to accept its responsibility to maintain and sustain it.

Human beings have the gift to envision, both individually and collectively. As humans we have not applied our minds, and often human indiscretion and greed have triggered disasters that were already anticipated. The latest tragedy in Uttarakhand could be one more eye opener. Too many hydel power plants, cutting of trees and indiscreet mining were known to cause disasters. Let this warning from Mother Nature not go unheeded.

JS Rajput (The author works in education and social cohesion. The views expressed are personal.)

Reader’s Post Sir,

Hike in fuel prices

Through your esteemed daily i want to highlight the reason for hiking the price of petrol and diesel to general public.

There are many factors leading to hike of petrol and diesel prices.

The deregulated rule implemented by central govt for petrol in 2010 and diesel in 2014.which apply the price of petrol will depend on crude oil.so,basically current situation state that the rise of price in petrol and diesel are due to the hiked in price of crude oil but if we compare the price of petrol to our neighbouring countries it stands:1. Pakistan - 51.14 per litre; 2. Sri lanka - 60.26 per litre; 3. Bangladesh - 76.41 per litre; 4. Nepal - 68.98 per litre Whereas the petrol price is cheapest at Bhutan 49.56 There are many countries which have higher rate of petrol. Germany, France, Hongkong but if we compare their per capital income to ours we stand low even it implies on HDI( Human development Index ). Moreover they pay only 10% tax levied on fuel. Whereas India now has the highest tax on fuel in the world.

Hypocrisy at peak (Bahut hui janta par petrol, diesel ki mar, abki bar mera sarkar) Swuto Swu, Pherima ‘B’ village

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.

5

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

CBI knocks at Abhishek Banerjee’s India-China to disengage in friction points home, wife gets notice in coal theft case

New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI): India and China held extensive deliberations on expanding the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh at the 10th round of the military talks that lasted for around 16 hours, official sources said on Sunday.

The Corps Commander-level talks at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control began at around 10 am on Saturday and ended at 2 am on Sunday, they said.

The sources said the focus of the talks was to take forward the disengagement process in friction points like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh.

However, there was no official word on the talks so far.

The talks took place two days after both militaries concluded withdrawal of troops and weapons from North and South banks of Pangong Tso in the highaltitude region.

In the talks, India is

File photo of disengagement

learnt to have insisted on a faster disengagement process in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region.

On Saturday evening, sources had said that bringing down the tension in the region was the broad priority of the talks. India has all along been maintaining that disengagement at all the friction points was necessary to de-escalate the situation in the region.

On February 11, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced in Parliament that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to “cease” forward deployment of troops in a “phased, coordinated and verifiable” manner.

Under the agreement, he said China will pull back its troops to east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank

of Pangong lake while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region. Similar action would take place on the south bank of the lake as well, he said.

The sources said troops of both sides have retreated to positions in line with the agreement.

The disengagement process began on February 10.

The Indian delegation

at Saturday’s talks was led

by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the Commander of the Lehbased 14 Corps.

In his statement in Parliament, the defence minister also said that it was agreed to convene the next meeting of senior commanders of both sides within 48 hours of completion of the disengagement in the Pangong lake areas so as to resolve all other remaining issues.

Days later, the defence ministry said other outstanding “problems” including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry even as the two sides continued military and diplomatic talks.

New Delhi/Kolkata, Feb 21 (PTI): A CBI team on Sunday went to the Kolkata residence of Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, serving a notice to his wife Rujira to join the probe in the coal pilferage case, a development that has further raised the political temperature in poll-bound West Bengal.

The team handed over the notice issued by Investigation Officer Umesh Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police in CBI, in connection with the case of coal pilferage from the mines of Eastern Coalfields Ltd in West Bengal in which Anup Manjhi is the alleged mastermind, sources said.

The notice issued on Sunday asked Rujira Banerjee to remain present at her address on Harish Mukherjee Road on the same day “for the purpose of answering certain questions relating to the case”.

The Trinamool Congress and the BJP targeted

Abhishek Banerjee each other over the CBI action.

Alleging political vendetta, the Trinamool Congress took a swipe at the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying “CBI is its only ally” that is left now.

The BJP hit out the TMC, accusing it of politicising the matter, and said the law will take its course.

The central probe agency had on Friday carried out a fresh round of searches in connection with the case, they said.

The CBI had registered an FIR in November last year against the alleged kingpin of the pilferage

racket Manjhi alias Lala, Eastern Coalfield Ltd General Managers Amit Kumar Dhar (of then Kunustoria area now Pandaveswar area) and Jayesh Chandra Rai (Kajor area) besides ECL Chief of Security Tanmay Das, Area Security Inspector, Kunustoria Dhananjay Rai and SSI and security in-charge Kajor area Debashish Mukherjee.

It is alleged that accused Manjhi Lala is involved in the illegal mining and theft of coal from leasehold mines of ECL in Kunustoria and Kajora areas, the sources said.

Abhishek Banerjee, Lok Sabha member from Diamond Harbour constituency, wields considerable influence in the party and has been leading the Trinamool Congress’ counterattack.

The CBI has also summoned Binay Mishra, understood to be a close confidant of Abhishek Banerjee, in a separate case of cattle smuggling.

BJP leader raises issue of delay in property Simplify GST, trader body tells PM; calls penalty system ‘tax terrorism’ registration, seeks LG intervention

Two more MLAs quit in Pondy; govt’s strength drops to 11

Chandrayaan-3 launch delayed further to 2022

Puducherry, Feb 21 (PTI): Two more MLAs of the Congress-DMK alliance in Puducherry resigned on Sunday, delivering yet another jolt to Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, a day before he is scheduled to face a floor test in the assembly to prove his majority.

The resignation by Congress MLA K Lakshminarayanan and DMK legislator Venkatesan further reduced the strength of the ruling alliance to 11, while the opposition has 14 MLAs in the 33-member assembly, which has seven vacancies.

Lakshminarayanan and Venkatesan submitted their resignation letters separately to Assembly Speaker V P Sivakolundhu at his residence here, the both said.

Speaking to reporters, Lakshminarayanan said, “this government led by Narayanasamy has lost majority.” He said he has also

resigned from the party membership. Later, Venkatesan told the media that he had quit the post of MLA only and continued to be in the DMK. “... I was not able to meet the needs of the people in my constituency since there was no allocation of funds under the MLA Local Area Development fund,” he said.

Four Congress MLAs-including ex-ministers A Namassivayam (now in BJP) and Malladi Krishna Rao had quit, while another party legislator was earlier disqualified. Narayanasamy’s confidante A John Kumar had resigned this week.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, handed over additional charge of Puducher r y, had on Thursday directed Narayanasamy to prove majority by ordering a floor test on February 22.

New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI): Chandrayaan-3, India’s third mission to Moon, is likely to be launched in 2022, ISRO chief K Sivan has said.

The COVID-19 lockdown has hit several projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) including Chandrayaan-3, which was scheduled to be launched in late 2020, and Gaganyaan, the country’s first manned space mission.

Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 will not have an orbiter.

“We are working on it. It is the same configuration like Chandrayaan-2 but it will not have an orbiter.

The orbiter launched during Chandrayaan-2 will be used for Chandrayaan-3.

With that we are working on a system and mostly the launch will be next year in 2022,” Sivan told PTI.

the other things would be auto-populated by the GST portal to facilitate the traders to comply with the law in the easiest manner and would give them sufficient time to focus on growth of

their businesses.

“Much against the public announcements on GST, the GST Council has made the GST as the most complicated tax system,” said Khandelwal.

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ment which has been rendered redundant after the abrogation of Article 370,” he said.

He said the registration process should either be designated to judicial officers again or efficient ones.

“We are calling investors to Jammu and Kashmir but if they face so many troubles and hurdles for this simple process, then it will send a bad signal across the nation,” the BJP leader said.

He Urged Lt Governor to direct revenue officials to streamline their functioning and ensure a time-bound registration of documents as well as appoint officials exclusively for this job.

policy of the government”.

CAIT national president B.C. Bhartia and secretary general Praveen Khandelwal highlighted the fact that in their discussions with late Union minister Arun Jaitely, prior to the implementation of GST, they were assured that it would end the “woes and suffering” of traders and that they would be required to upload their sales statements on GST portal only once. Bhartia and Khandelwal said they were told that

DP-652

ly and does not meet the expectations of common people as the processes are going on at a snail’s pace, causing huge inconvenience to the people,” he said in a statement here.

He said the government had effected transfer of the related powers from the judiciary to the executive with a purpose to help people, but now the situation is that the commoners are not getting slots for two to four months due to online procedures.

“Lack of proper communication has resulted into a sheer mess wherein some officials are still asking for Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), a docu-

In its letter, the confederation has sought the PM’s “immediate intervention to simplify GST taxation system and streamlining the e-commerce rules and policies to save the domestic trade from the clutches of malpractices of big ecommerce companies”. The CAIT has also appealed to PM Modi to “break the unholy nexus between Banks and e-commerce companies who are co-partners in violation of the law and

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Jammu, Feb 21 (PTI): A senior BJP leader Sunday claimed that people are facing huge inconvenience due to delays in registration of documents pertaining to immovable properties and sought the intervention of the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.

Raman Suri, a BJP executive member, said the new department of registration under the Revenue Department was established in 2019 with an aim to provide hassle-free and speedy services pertaining to sales, gifts, mortgage, lease and bequest of immovable properties.

“However, it seems to be functioning contrari-

New Delhi: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention on the issue of Goods & Services Tax (GST) and streamlining e-commerce rules and policies.

The tra ders’ body has already announced a “Bharat Vyapar Bandh” on 26 February on issues “pertaining to complicated GST taxation system and vitiated e-commerce market”.

Pamela Goswami close aide of BJP’s West Bengal pointsman Kailash Vijayvargiya, “plotted” her arrest.

Goswami, a former fashion model and smalltime actress, was remanded in police custody till February 25.

Very active on social media platforms where she had taken on celebrities like

singer Rihanna over the farmers protest, Goswami was arrested with Dey and her personal security guard Somnath Chatterjee on Friday after 90 gm of cocaine was allegedly found in her handbag and concealed in the car she was travelling.

“I want a CID investigation. Rakesh Singh is close to Kailash Vijayvargiya.

Arrest him. This is his conspiracy. I have all evidence,” Goswami shouted, as a battery of journalists followed her into the courtroom.

Claiming that Goswami had been “brainwashed”

by Kolkata police and the ruling TMC, Singh said he was not in touch with her for over a year. He said he was ready to face investigation by any agency.

DC-168

KOLKATA, FEB 20 (PTI): The father of Pamela Goswami, the flamboyant youth wing leader of the BJP arrested for alleged possession of cocaine, had told Kolkata police she had become a drug addict under the influence of a friend whom he wanted to be kept “under watch”, police sources said Saturday.

Sources in the city police said Goswami and her friend Prabeer Kumar Dey, who was arrested with her on Friday, were living together for some time.

Clad in a red saree, a bespectacled Goswami created a flutter at a city court where she was produced, trying to wriggle out of the grasp of police and screaming that Rakesh Singh, a

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Pamela is a drug addict: Kolkata police

6

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021

India signs defence agreement with Maldives Naidu bats for use of mother tongue as

Male, Feb 21 (PTI): India on Sunday reiterated its commitment to the Maldives’ security and signed a USD 50 million defence Line of Credit agreement with it to boost the maritime capabilities of the strategic island nation.

The USD 50 million credit line agreement for defence projects was signed between the Finance Ministry of Maldives and the Export Import Bank of India.

The signing of the agreement took place after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam.

Jaishnakar, who is here on a two-day visit, held a “cordial meeting” with the Defence Minister.

“Useful exchange on our defence cooperation.

India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives,” Jaishankar tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi. (PTI)

After their talks, Jaishankar and Didi signed an agreement to develop a Coastguard harbour and dockyard at the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) naval base.

The agreement was signed under a defence action plan signed in 2016 by then-President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom during a visit to India.

In addition to the harbour and dockyard, India will also support the development of other infrastructure needed for the harbour, support the development of communications resources and radar services, and pro-

vide training.

“Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR ( Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) efforts. Partners in development, partners in security,” he said.

Didi said it was a great pleasure to welcome Jaishankar.

“From time immemorial Defence Cooperation has been a key element of the sisterly relationship that exists between India and the Maldives. The Coast Guard

Harbour & Dockyard at SIFAVARU will mark another significant milestone,” she tweeted.

Jaishankar also witnessed the signing of a project execution contract for the construction of roads in Addu, the second-largest urban area in the Maldives in terms of population.

“Underscores the importance of connectivity in our Maldives partnership,” he tweeted. Jaishankar also called on Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and reaffirmed India’s fullest commitment as a comprehensive development partner of the island nation during the COVID19 pandemic and beyond.

Jaishankar on Saturday handed over 100,000 additional doses of the COVID19 vaccine to the Maldives.

After holding talks with President Solih, Jaishankar tweeted, “Thank President @ibusolih for receiving me.

Conveyed PM’s greetings.

Reiterated our fullest commitment as comprehensive development partners - during COVID and beyond.”

“Always a pleasure to meet my friend and Indian

EAM @DrSJaishankar .

In our discussions today, I conveyed our thanks to PM @narendramodi and the people of India for the generous assistance announced during the EAM’s visit including an additional 100,000 doses of Covishied vaccine,” Solih tweeted.

Jaishankar also met the Speaker of Maldivian Parliament Mohamed Nasheed.

“Delighted to meet Speaker @MohamedNasheed. As always full of ideas & energy. Told me that building democracy was a big project in the Maldives.

And that India is a valuable development assistance partner,” Jaishankar tweeted.

Nasheed was the first democratically-elected President of the country.

The External Affairs Minister also met with a delegation of leaders from the Progressive Party of Maldives and the People’s National Congress and underlined that India was a long-standing and reliable partner of the Maldives in development and democracy.

medium of instruction at primary level

New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI): Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday called for making mother tongue the primary medium of instruction, at least until class 5. He suggested that educating a child in a language that is not spoken at home can be a big impediment to learning especially at the primary stage. Referring to multiple studies, Naidu said that teaching through the mother tongue in the initial stages of education can boost a child’s self-esteem and enhance his or her creativity. Describing the New Education Policy as a visionary and progressive document, he urged for implementing it in letter

and spirit. Speaking at the inaugural session of the webinar organised by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, the vice president focused on five key sectors to promote the use of mother tongue.

Apart from emphasising the use of mother tongue in primary education, the other highlighted areas are the use of local languages in administration, court proceedings and to deliver judgments in them, he said.

He also wanted gradual increase in the use of indigenous languages in higher and technical education, an official statement said. The final emphasis was on everyone to

proudly and preferably use their mother tongue in their homes. Naidu said that with hundreds of languages coexisting, linguistic diversity is one of the cornerstones of India’s ancient civilisation.

Highlighting the importance of mother tongue in governance, Naidu advised the need to increase their use, especially at state and local levels. Advocating an inclusive model of governance, he said, “Only by communicating with the common person in a language he or she understands can we include him or her in the process of governance and development. Language of administration should be the language of the people.”

KTB digs into irregularities of deptts through...

(From p-1) Solo also said KTB received complaints from NHM doctors in the H&FW department who had already served for more than 10 years. He said these doctors were not recruited and instead junior doctors were chosen instead of the senior ones.

He expressed doubts whether the junior doctors who have been already recruited even had intern certificates.

Alleging that disbursement of salaries irregular even after NHM health workers had rendered their service sincerely, Solo said based on the complaints received, KTB filed an RTI application and a response was awaited.

Even as the hearings on the PILs were awaited, KTB office bearers said that they would file more RTIs applications in other departments.

Bengal BJP lodges complaint with Sreedharan’s impact likely to be ‘minimal’: Shashi Tharoor EC, HM over state police bias

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E Sreedharan and Shashi Tharoor

about someone who is 88?”

Tharoor said. On whether Sreedharan’s entry will make the Kerala polls a three-way contest and the BJP will emerge as a serious contender alongside the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), he said the BJP is not a serious contender at all except in a

handful of seats, and it will be very difficult for the party to improve upon the one seat it won last time.

“The high point of the impact (of Sreedharan) will turn out to be this announcement itself,” the 64-year-old former Union minister said.

Sreedharan, who recently announced that he will enter the political fray by joining

the BJP, had told PTI last week that he will contest the assembly elections if the BJP wants and will also be open to chief ministership if the party asks.

Known as the ‘Metroman’ and for completing big infrastructure projects, the 88-year-old technocrat has also said his main aim is to help the BJP come to power in Kerala. Sreedharan’s entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is being seen as a major boost for the party in election-bound Kerala. The state has been ruled by the LDF and the Congress-led UDF alternately for the past many years.

Tharoor said the UDF has the talent, the experience and the creative energy to build a new narrative for the future of Kerala.

NDPP terms budget 2021-22 visionary and path-breaking

(From p-1) for unanimously passing the seven-point resolution on Naga political issue urging all Naga national groups to come together as one to bring about “one solution for one people” on February 18.

Mentioning that this spoke volume about the commitment of people’s representatives who rose above party politics in the greater interest of people, the party further appealed to all legislators to continue to stand united in pursuing an early settlement to the Naga political issue and, at the same time, ensuring that the resolution passed in the recently-concluded NLA LAND FOR SALE Prime Land at Mon Bosti Area : any size available Contact No. : 9862564114 7005424879 DP-985

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session was taken up in letter and spirit.

NDPP also congratulated Assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer for having successfully concluded the seventh session of NLA on the February 19.

Though a first-time member of the NLA and young in age, the party said his command of the House and his

conduct of the session was second to none.

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Crossword

Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh was attacked in Minakhan triggering a scuffle between activists of the saffron party and the TMC on Saturday.

However, no bombs were used in the attack and there was no report of any casualty, they said.

The TMC alleged that workers of the saffron party had ransacked its party office in the area.

A few days ago, BJP leader Fitoze Kamal Gazi alias Babu Master was injured in an attack in Minakha area.

BJP national president JP Naddas convoy was attacked in December last year in South 24 Parganas district.

DP-963

fron party workers.

“Despite prior intimation, the local administration did not take any steps for the safety and security of the participants,” Banerjee wrote, seeking action against “biased officers, TMC miscreants, and also deploy honest and neutral personnel to conduct peaceful and fair assembly election.”

The BJP has launched ‘Parivartan Yatra’ rallies ahead of the assembly election in the state, which is due in April-May. Banerjee alleged that the local police remained “mute spectators” when the attack took place.

Police had said, a convoy of cars led by West

ment that Sreedharan was going to enter the political fray and join the BJP. He said Sreedharan’s entry came as a surprise to him because the technocrat had a long innings executing engineering projects, not making or implementing policies in a fractious democracy. “It’s a very different world,” he added.

Asked what kind of impact Sreedharan could have on the Kerala Assembly polls, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram said, “Since he has no political background or experience, I think his impact is likely to be minimal.”

“When I joined politics at 53, I thought I had left it too late to make the kind of impact I felt I was capable of. What can I say

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Kolkata, Feb 21 (PTI): Claiming that the ruling TMC had attacked its ‘Parivartan Yatra’ rally in North 24 Parganas district, the BJP’s West Bengal unit on Sunday complained to the Election Commission and Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing the state police of bias and not providing enough security to the participants.

BJP state vice-president Pratap Banerjee alleged in the complaint that miscreants owing allegiance to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had attacked the ‘Parivartan Yatra’ at Minakhan in Basirhat of North 24 Parganas district on Saturday with bombs and brickbatted participants, injuring two saf-

New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI): With E Sreedharan throwing his hat in the political ring by deciding to join the BJP, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the technocrat is likely to have a “minimal” impact on the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls, and asserted that the BJP is not a serious contender except in a few seats in the state.

Tharoor also said it will be very difficult for the BJP to improve upon its performance of winning one seat in the 2016 assembly polls and the high point of Sreedharan’s impact on Kerala elections will turn out to be the announcement of joining the BJP itself.

In an interview with PTI, Tharoor said he was surprised at the announce-

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7

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

UN nuclear chief in Iran as it Protesters in Mandalay march in defiance threatens watchdog’s cameras

He told a news conference on Tuesday the army’s actions were within the constitution and supported by most people, and he blamed protesters for instigating violence.

In the main city of Yangon, thousands of mostly young people gathered at different sites to chant slogans and sing.

“Us young people have our dreams but this military coup has created so many obstacles,” said Ko Pay in Yangon. “That’s why we come out to the front of the protests.”

In Myitkyina in the north, people laid flowers for the dead protesters. Big crowds marched in the central towns of Monywa and Bagan, in Dawei and Myeik in the south, Myawaddy in the east and Lashio in the northeast, posted pictures showed.

At the tourist spot of Inle Lake, people including Buddhist monks took to a flotilla of boats holding aloft portraits of Suu Kyi and signs saying “military coup - end”.

The more than two weeks of protests had been

largely peaceful until Saturday, unlike previous episodes of opposition during nearly half a century of direct military rule to 2011.

“The number of people will increase ... We won’t stop,” protester Yin Nyein Hmway said in Yangon.

The trouble in Mandalay began with confrontations between the security forces and striking shipyard workers.

Video clips on social media showed members of the security forces firing at protesters and witnesses said they found the spent cartridges of live rounds.

U.N. Special Rapporteur for Myanmar Tom Andrews said he was horrified by the deaths of the two, one of them a teenaged boy.

“From water cannons to rubber bullets to tear gas and now hardened troops firing point blank at peaceful protesters. This madness must end, now,” he said on Twitter.

The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said the strikers sabotaged boats at the city’s river port and attacked po-

All UK adults to get Covid vax jab by July 31: Boris

Floods inundate several areas in Indonesian capital

Nepal gets 1 mn doses of COVID India signs USD 50 mn defence LoC deal vaccine bought from India to boost maritime capabilities of Maldives KATHMANDU, FEB 21 decided to procure a total

NAYPYITAW, FEB 21 (AGENCIES): Huge crowds marched in Myanmar on Sunday to denounce a Feb. 1 military coup in a show of defiance after the bloodiest episode of the campaign for democracy the previous day, when security forces fired on protesters, killing two.

The military has been unable to quell the demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign of strikes against the coup and the detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others, even with a promise of new elections and stern warnings against dissent.

Tens of thousands of people massed peacefully in the second city of Mandalay, where Saturday’s killings took place, witnesses said.

“They aimed at the heads of unarmed civilians.

They aimed at our future,” a young protester told the crowd.

Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun has not responded to attempts by Reuters to contact him by telephone for comment.

LONDON, FEB 21 (IANS): All adults in the UK will be offered their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine by the end of July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged.

More than 17 million people have been given a jab since the UK’s Covid19 vaccine rollout began in December 2020, the BBC reported on Saturday.

But Johnson said he now wants the programme to “go further and faster”.

He said the July target would allow vulnerable people to be protected “sooner” and would help to further ease lockdown rules across the country.

The prime minister is expected to hold a final meeting on Sunday about how to ease England’s lockdown, before he sets out the full “road map” on Monday.

A speedy rollout of the vaccine to all vulnerable people is seen as critical to reducing the pandemic’s death toll and relieving pressure on the NHS. The government’s previous target was to offer all adults the first dose by September. The new plans mean that by April 15, all

Demonstrators protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, February 21.

Boris Johnson

adults aged 50 and over, as well as younger people with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk, should have been offered a jab.

However, the order of priority in which the under50s will be offered jabs has yet to be outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The Labour welcomed the vaccine targets being moved forward, but called on the government to prioritise people based on their job.

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “It’s perfectly reasonable for teachers, police officers and other key workers who haven’t been able to stay at home in the lockdown to ask when their turn will be.

JA K A RTA , F E B 2 0 (IANS): Floods inundated several areas in Jakarta on Saturday, forcing thousands to leave their homes following heavy rains in the capital city in the past few days.

No casualties were reported, the Jakarta disaster mitigation agency’s acting head Sabdo Kurnianto said in a statement on Saturday, the Xinhua news agency reported. According to him, more than 1,300 people have to leave their homes as the depth of floodwaters reached between 0.4 meters and 1.8 meters, mostly in the southern and eastern parts of the city. Weather data from the country’s meteorology agency showed moderate to heavy rains fell across the capital city early Saturday.

(PTI): Nepal on Sunday received the one million doses of Covishield vaccine it bought from India’s Serum Institute, in a major boost to the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield is being manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) which has collaborated with Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for making the vaccine.

An Air India aircraft carrying the consignment of COVID-19 vaccines landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport in the morning, according to sources at the Indian Embassy here.

The Nepal government has

lice with sticks, knives and catapults. Eight policemen and several soldiers were injured, it said.

“Some of the aggressive protesters were also injured due to the security measures conducted by the security force in accordance with the law,” the newspaper said without mentioning the deaths.

Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) condemned the violence by security forces in Mandalay as a crime against humanity.

A young woman protester, Mya ThwateThwateKhaing, became the first death among the demonstrators on Friday. She was shot in the head on Feb. 9 in the capital Naypyitaw.

Hundreds of people attended her funeral on Sunday.

Military media said the bullet that killed her did not come from any gun used by police and so must have been fired by an “external weapon”.

The army says one policeman has died of injuries sustained in a protest.

of two million doses of the vaccine manufactured by the SII. Last month, India gifted one million doses of Covishield vaccine to Nepal.

The Nepal government has already started administering the vaccines on health workers, security personnel and journalists on priority basis. It is planning to soon start a vaccine rollout for elderly citizens, according to the Health Ministry.

Nepal has so far reported 2,73,431 COVID-19 cases and 2,061 fatalities.

India is one of the world’s biggest drug makers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring the coronavirus vaccines.

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TV in an interview aired during Grossi’s visit. “This is an internal domestic issue between the parliament and the government.”

“We have a democracy.

We are supposed to implement the laws of the country.

And the parliament adopted legislation — whether we like it or not.” Zarif ’s comments marked the highestlevel acknowledgement yet of what Iran planned to do when it stopped following the so-called “Additional Protocol,” a confidential agreement between Tehran and the IAEA reached as part of the nuclear deal.

The IAEA has additional protocols with a number of countries it monitors.

MALE, FEB 21 (PTI): India on Sunday reiterated its commitment to the Maldives’ security and signed a USD 50 million defence Line of Credit agreement with it to boost the maritime capabilities of the strategic island nation, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with the country’s top leaders to further strengthen bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation.

The USD 50 million credit line agreement for defence projects was signed between the Finance Ministry of Maldives and the Export Import Bank of India. The signing of the agreement took place after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam. A Letter of Intent between FahiDhiriulhun Corporation and EXIM Bank was also signed during this visit towards extending a credit facility under EXIM Bank’s Buyer’s

Credit scheme to support the design and construction of 2000 social housing units in Hulhumale, a joint statement on the visit said.

The External Affairs Minister held a cordial meeting with Defence Minister Didi and reviewed the various facets of defence and security cooperation. During his meeting with Didi, Jaishankar said India would always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives.

After their talks, Jaishankar and Didi signed an agreement to develop, support and maintain a Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard Harbour at Sifavaru (UthuruThilafalhu). “The agreement was signed pursuant to the request Government of Maldives made in April 2013 for support and cooperation of the Government of India to assist the Government of Maldives for enhancing the capability of the Defence Forces of the Maldives in exercising jurisdiction and undertaking maritime surveillance of its Exclusive Economic Zone and islands,” the joint statement said.

CAIRO, FEB 21 (IANS): Egyptian and Spanish naval forces held joint military drills in the Red Sea, Egypt’s armed forces said in a statement on Saturday.

The joint exercise is the second in recent days, after the two navies held similar drills on February 14 also in the Red Sea, the Xinhua

news reported.

The training involved various activities, including carrying out sailing formations, surveillance of suspected ships, night transportation, helicopter landing on helidecks of marine units and more, according to the statement.

The Egyptian military

highlighted the importance of the joint drills “in consolidating Egyptian-Spanish bilateral relations and enhancing the horizons of military cooperation between the two countries, which contributes effectively to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region.”

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dressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had said “Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind.”

He told the meeting that it is this spirit in which India approaches the COVID challenge and urged the Council to work collectively to address its different dimensions.

The 200,000 doses essentially mean that it will be possible to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers across missions.

According to UN Peacekeeping, currently, a total of 94,484 personnel are serving in 12 peacekeeping operations across the world led by the Department of Peace Operations.

A total of 121 nations are contributing uniformed personnel to the UN peacekeeping missions. India is traditionally among the largest troop-contributing countries to peacekeeping missions.

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Antonio Guterres

veloping and manufacturing one of the two vaccines currently granted Emergency Use Listing by the World Health Organization bring a much-needed supply to the global vaccine market. I also appreciate your continued efforts to support and strengthen the COVAX Facility to ensure more equitable access.”

COVAX is is a global initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. On Wednesday, India, which has been hailed as the pharmacy of the world, announced the gift of 200,000 COVID-19 doses for UN peacekeepers.

“Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them,” Jaishankar said, ad-

Rafael Grossi

Under the protocol with Iran, the IAEA “collects and analyzes hundreds of thousands of images captured daily by its sophisticated surveillance cameras,” the agency said in 2017. The agency also said then that it had placed “2,000 tamperproof seals on nuclear material and equipment.”

In his interview, Zarif said authorities would be “required by law not to provide the tapes of those cameras.”

It wasn’t immediately clear if that also meant the cameras would be turned off entirely as Zarif called that a “technical decision, that’s not a political decision.”

“The IAEA certainly will not get footage from those cameras,” Zarif said.

The Vienna-based IAEA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Zarif ’s comments. The agency last week said the visit was aimed at finding “a mutually agreeable solution for the IAEA to continue essential verification activities in the country.”

Egypt, Spain hold joint naval exercise in Red Sea

UN chief voices appreciation for India’s fight against covid

UNITED NATIONS, FEB 21 (PTI): UN chief Antonio Guterres has voiced appreciation for India’s leadership in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic and its efforts to bring a “much-needed supply” of the COVID19 vaccines to the world market.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted on Saturday that Guterres, in a letter dated February 17, “extends his personal gratitude” to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for “India’s offer of 200,000 doses” of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers.

The Secretary-General says “India has been a global leader in pandemic response efforts”, Tirumurti tweeted, expressing his gratitude to the UN Chief.

In an excerpt of the letter tweeted by Tirumurti, Guterres says, “Indeed, India has been a global leader in pandemic response efforts having provided critical medicines, diagnostic kits, ventilators and personal protective equipment to more than 150 countries.

“Efforts by India in de-

TEHRAN, FEB 21 (AP): The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog met Sunday with Iranian officials in a bid to preserve his inspectors’ ability to monitor Tehran’s atomic programme, even as authorities said they planned to cut off their surveillance cameras at those sites.

Rafael Grossi’s arrival in Tehran comes as Iran tries to pressure Europe and the new Biden administration into returning to the 2015 nuclear deal, which President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from in 2018.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who under President Hassan Rouhani helped reach the nuclear deal, said the cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency would be shut off despite Grossi’s visit to follow a law passed by parliament.

“This is not a deadline for the world. This is not an ultimatum,” Zarif told the government-run, Englishlanguage broadcaster Press

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8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

vijay hazare trophy: Nagaland Aus Open: Djokovic clinches singles title thrash Sikkim by 98 runs Dodig, Polasek win men’s doubles title

Novak Djokovic

MELBOURNE, FEB 21 (AP): Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open dominance is intact — nine finals, nine championships.

And he keeps gaining on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam standings, now up to 18 overall, two away from the men’s record shared by his two rivals.

Djokovic used superb serving and his usual relentless returning and baseline excellence to grab 11 of 13 games in one stretch and beat a visibly frustrated Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 on Sunday for a third trophy in a row at Mel-

bourne Park.

The 33-year-old from Serbia improved to 18-0 combined in semifinals and finals on the hard courts of the Australian Open.

Looking at the bigger picture, Djokovic has won six of the last 10 major tournaments and is assured of remaining at No. 1 in the rankings at least through March 8. That will give him 311 weeks in the top spot, breaking a mark held

by Federer.

The No. 4-ranked Medvedev was appearing in his second Grand Slam final — he was the runnerup to Nadal at the 2019

U.S. Open — but is still left trying collect his first such championship.

Djokovic ended the 25-year-old Russian’s 20match winning streak.

Medvedev also had won his previous 12 matches against Top 10 opponents.

But going up against Djokovic in Australia is a much different challenge.

By the second set, as things slipped away, Medvedev bounced his white racket off the blue court, then absolutely destroyed it with a full-on spike. By the third, he kept looking up at his coach with palms up as if to ask, “What can I possibly do here?”

It is a familiar sentiment in this stadium, on this court, at this tournament. Federer, Nadal, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem — all Grand Slam champions, all defeated by Djokovic in semifinals or finals in Melbourne.

So place the nine triumphs in Australia alongside five at Wimbledon, three at the U.S. Open and one at the French Open for Djokovic.

Filip Polasek and Ivan Dodig celebrate with the trophy after winning the men’s doubles final.

Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek won their first Grand Slam doubles title together by comprehensively defeating defending champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury at the Australian Open on Sunday at the Rod Laver Arena.

Croatian Dodig and Slovakian Polasek beat Ram and Salisbury 6-3 6-4 winners at Rod Laver Arena, not facing a break point on and constantly applying pressure on their higherseeded opponents. It had to be particularly special for

Polasek, who came out of retirement in 2018 after a back issue led to leg problems and forced him out of the game. Two days ago, his partner gave birth to their second child, a daughter.

Polasek served out the contest with ease. He was the lone player of the quartet on court not to have lifted a Grand Slam trophy in men’s doubles. Ram and Salisbury were foiled in their bid to become the first repeat men’s doubles winners since Bob and Mike Bryan tallied three in a row from 2009-11.

nagaland cricket team members after winning the match against sikkim at the TI Cycles Ground, Murugappa, Chennai on Sunday.

DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (NPN): Nagaland thrashed Sikkim by 98 runs in Round 1, Plate match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2020-21 at the TI Cycles Ground, Murugappa, Chennai on Sunday.

Put into bat, led by half centuries from Sedezhalie Rupreo and Jonathan Rongsen, Nagaland scored 310/8 in 50 overs.

Sedezhalie missed century by one run while Jonathan scored 92 runs. Hem Ba-

hadur Chetri remained not out on 44 runs while Chetan Bist and Stuart Binny scored 18 and 16 runs respectively. For Sikkim, Nitesh, Varun Sood and Rajiv took two wickets while Anureet Singh claimed one wicket.

In reply, led by three wickets haul by Hem Bahadur, Sikkim were bowled out for 212 runs in 49.2 overs. Robin Bist scored 72 runs while Nilesh Lamichaney and Anureet

Singh made 37 and 20 runs. Khrievitso Kense, who was shortlisted in IPL auction, took wickets while Nagaho, Imliwati and Hokaito claimed one wicket each Nagaland will next play Mizoram on February 23 at 9 am. Live score updates will be available at @ BCCI.TV. This was stated in a press release issued by Hon. Secretary Nagaland Cricket Association, Hyunilo Anilo Khing.

FC Goa beat Bengaluru FC Miami beat Lakers Underdog Derrick Lewis wins while 2-1 to remain in top four in NBA final rematch Tom Aspinall earns biggest victory

LOS ANGELES, FEB 21 (AGENCIES): Miami Heat beat the host LA Lakers 9694 on Saturday in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals.

The Lakers claimed a 4-2 series win to take the title last October. But in the first meeting between the sides this season, Kendrick Nunn scored 27 points and Jimmy Butler had 24 points and eight rebounds for the visitors in Los Angeles. “You can tell that the chemistry is building,” said Nunn, who hit five three-pointers.

“We’ve been together for a week and a half, and it just gives us more of a feel for each other.” Both teams struggled in the fourth quarter, combining for just 32 points, but two free throws Dheeraj Singh of FC Goa and Erik Paartalu of B’luru FC in action during the ISL match. by Butler with 12.4 seconds left were the difference. Kyle FAT O R DA , F E B 2 1 keeper Gurpreet Singh Just when it looked Kuzma had 23 points and (PTI): FC Goa put paid Sandhu with no chance. like FC Goa were in the to Bengaluru FC’s play-off Just minutes later, driving seat, BFC pulled hopes with a 2-1 win in a Tlang doubled FC Goa’s one back soon after the waHero Indian Super League tally. After Rahul Bheke ter break. Entering the box match here on Sunday. FC failed to clear a cross, Alex- after beating Seriton with a Goa took the lead through ander Jesuraj got to the ball clever first touch, Wangjam Igor Angulo (20th minute) and flicked it towards the curled his shot at the far and Redeem Tlang (23rd) path of Tlang, who scored corner with a delightful finNEW DELHI, FEB 21 before Suresh Wangjam (33rd) reduced Bengaluru’s his first goal in Goa colours ish to notch up his first goal (IANS): Budva, Montewith a well-taken strike. for BFC. negro, is proving to be a deficit. happy hunting ground for With the result, FC the Indian youth boxers as Goa not only consolidated K e r a l a B l a s t e r s numerous chances in the they won two more gold their spot in the top four but are also now unbeaten spoiled Chennaiyin FC’s opening minutes of the medals to take the counin 12 games -- matching desires of finishing the match. Chennaiyin were try’s gold tally to three at their own record between season on a high after reduced to 10 men after the 30th Adriatic Pearl 2014 and 2015 and Mum- holding them to a thrilling Sipovic got his marching Tournament. Vinka (60kg) bai City’s 12-game run this 1-1 draw in the Indian Su- orders. Prasanth Karutha- and T. Sanamacha Chanu season. BFC started the per League (ISL) at GMC dathkuni swivelled away (75kg) finished atop the game brightly but a lapse in Stadium, Bambolim, on from Sipovic. Chennaiyin podium in the women’s defended well in the final category late on Saturday concentration from them Sunday.

Fatkhulo Fatkhulloev few minutes of the game night. saw FC Goa break the Alfiya Pathan (81kgdeadlock. Glan Martins gave Chennaiyin a lead to end their season with plus) had won the first dispossessed Erik Paartalu in the 10th minute which a draw. gold, also in the women’s just outside the box before was cancelled out by Gary Monday’s Match section. In all-Indian final, finding Angulo. The striker Hooper’s 29th-minute goal Hyderabad FC Vs Sanamacha prevailed over made his way into the box from the spot. ChennaiATK Mohun Bagan Raj Sahiba to win gold before burying his shot at yin got off to an electriTime 7:30 PM while Vinka defeated Molthe far post, leaving BFC fying start and created

LeBron James added 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers.

Elsewhere, Stephen Curry missed out on his homecoming as the Golden State Warriors lost 102-100 at the Charlotte Hornets. Curry, who missed playing in his home town last season with a broken hand, warmed up but returned to the locker room before the start of the game feeling unwell. There was more drama at the end of the game as Golden State’s Draymond Green was given two technical fouls and ejected from the game with 9.3 seconds remaining and his side 100-98 ahead.

It allowed Terry Rozier to first level the game with the resulting two free throws and then score a winning jump-shot on the buzzer to give his side the victory.

Derrick Lewis and Tom Aspinall

LAS VEGAS, FEB 21 (AGENCIES): Underdog Derrick Lewis claimed an upset win over Curtis Blaydes in the main event at UFC Fight Night 185 in Las Vegas as Britain’s Tom Aspinall gained his biggest career victory.

Lewis knocked out Blaydes with a stunning uppercut one minute and 26 seconds into round two.

Adriatic Pearl boxing: Vinka, Sanamacha win gold medals

Kerala Blasters hold Chennaiyin 1-1

Racing Team India finish 5th in their 1st Asian Le Mans Series

Naveen Rao, Narain Karthikeyan and Arjun Maini.

ABU DHABI, FEB 21 (IANS): Racing Team India ended its first Asian Le Mans Series campaign fifth in the overall championship standings. Narain Karthikeyan, Arjun Maini and Naveen Rao raced their ORECA 07 LMP2 car to a pair of fifth place finishes in the final two races of the

season at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina track.

The results came on the back of the fifth and fourth-placed finishes the team chalked up in the two season-opening races in Dubai. Their fifth-placed finish ruled out any possibility of the team gaining automatic qualification to

the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans in June as it is reserved for the team that wins the Asian Le Mans series.

“Racing Team India is grateful to the Asian Le Mans Series and the ACO. Organisers were extremely supportive of the team’s effort and goals and welcomed it into the series with open arms,” said the team in its statement.

The fifth-placed finish is, however, an impressive feat considering it was the team’s debut season at the Asian Le Mans series and it overcame significant obstacles in the Abu Dhabi leg.

dova’s Kristna Kriper.

Indian team is on course to win three more gold medals as Lucky Rana notched up a 3-0 win against Uzbekistan’s Gulshoda Istamova in the last four-stages of women’s 64kg and set up a title clash with Finland’s Lia Pukkila.

Apart from Lucky, Babyrojisana Chanu (51kg) and Arundhati Choudhary (69kg) also entered the finals of their respective weight categories.

All three finals will be played on Sunday night.

Babyrojisana will face Uzbekistan’s Sabina Bobokulova while Arund-

hati will take on Maryana Stoiko of Ukraine.

Indian team coach Bhaskar Bhatt attributed the team’s success so far to good preparation.

Indian men’s team, however, failed to win any title. On Saturday night, Priyanshu Dabas (49kg) and Jugnoo claimed bronze medals in their respective weight categories. Both boxers lost their respective semifinal bouts. While Priyanshu suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat in a hard-fought match against Ishjonov Ibrokhim of Uzbekistan, Jugnoo lost to Ukraine’s Vasyl Tkachuk 0-5 in the 91kg-plus category.

Heavyweight Aspinall forced ex-champion Andrei Arlovski to submit via a second-round rear naked choke.

Aspinall, a former sparring partner of Tyson Fury, made his intentions clear early on, immediately taking the centre of the cage and daring Arlovski to engage in a striking match.

The 42-year-old took

the bait but was caught with a heavy strike which allowed Aspinall to unleash a flurry of quick-fire punches.

However, the veteran withstood the early barrage and managed to catch his younger opponent with a few clean shots as the first round drew to a close.

As Arlovski tried to resume the striking match, Aspinall forced his opponent up against the cage with a double leg takedown.

Arlovski attempted to escape, but in doing so gave Aspinall a window to take his back which he did just over a minute into the second round.

In the main event, Lewis came in with the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history and added another for his fourth straight win.

Daruvala finishes third on Asian F3 Championship ABU DHABI, FEB 21 (IANS): India’s JehanDaruvala finished third in the Asian F3 Championship as Mumbai Falcons ended their debut season in international racing on a high note with both their drivers finishing on the podium at the Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. The team grabbed a total of three podiums during the last weekend of the five-round F3 championship. The Falcons missed the second place by a mere two points, riding on an impressive nine podium finishes through the championship.

Daruvala earlier briefly led the championship standings after round 2. However,

a difficult round 4 in which he scored points in just one race led to his title challenge slipping away. Daruvala’s third place on the standings, however, earns the Formula 1 hopeful 12 Super Licence points. Kush Maini, who has had a tough season as opposed to Daruvala, started Race 1 in fourth position while Jehan started in sixth.

Kush had a rousing start and drove a flawless race to earn his maiden podium in the championship. He took advantage of a retirement ahead of him to move into third position and hold on to it till the end. He completed the two remaining races in eighth places.

West Ham beat Tottenham to climb to fourth in EPL

LO N D O N, F E B 2 1 (AGENCIES): West Ham manager David Moyes says his side “haven’t hit top gear yet” despite climbing into the top four of the Premier League with victory over London rivals Tottenham.

Goals early in each half from Michail Antonio and Jesse Lingard gave the Hammers a two-goal cushion at London Stadium, before Lucas Moura’s header reduced the arrears.

Gareth Bale and Son Heung-min both struck the woodwork for Spurs in the second half, but West Ham held on for their seventh win in nine league games.

“I think we can play much better,” Moyes told BBC Match of the Day

Match in action between west Ham and Tottenham Hotspur during the EPL match.

afterwards. “The players have been finding ways to wrestle points off the opposition. “They have done a brilliant job. You need a

bit of luck along the way but we had all the right things.” Antonio - back in the Hammers’ starting line-up after a two-game

absence - poked the hosts in front after Hugo Lloris had failed to deal with Jarrod Bowen’s cross.

Lingard’s third goal in

four league games was initially disallowed for offside against Pablo Fornals.

But VAR ruled that the Spaniard was not interfering with play when the Manchester United loanee skipped through the visiting defence before powerfully finding the far corner to make it 2-0.

Half-time substitute Bale set up Moura to give Spurs hope, before hitting the top of the crossbar with a fierce strike 10 minutes later. Son also struck the frame of the goal in stoppage time.

The win - Moyes’ first over Jose Mourinho in 16 attempts - lifts West Ham two points clear of Chelsea in fifth, while Spurs remain in ninth.

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