February 6, 2020

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 60

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Govt forms 15 member Ram Mandir trust

1st ODI: New Zealand beat India by four wickets

China coronavirus toll inches closer to 500; 65 new fatalities

national, Page 7

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

fuel adulteration kingpin nCoV: Over 5000 under surveillance in India Nagaland operating from Khatkhati: Report

World Health Organization played down media reports Wednesday of “breakthrough” drugs being discovered to treat people Indian nationals, who were airlifted from Wuhan city, inside a infected with the coronavirus quarantine facility set by up ITBP in Delhi, Wednesday. (PTI) which is causing an epidemic

in China and has spread to at least 20 other countries. A Chinese TV report said that a research team at Zhejiang University had found an effective drug for the virus, while Britain’s Sky News said researchers had made a “significant breakthrough” in developing a vaccine. Asked about the reports, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said: “There are no known effective therapeutics against this 2019-nCoV (virus).” The deadly novel coro-

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (IANS): Union Ministry of Health and Family welfare, on Wednesday, said that 5123 people were under home surveillance as a precautionary measure for coronavirus. Besides, the ministry also informed that at least 741 tests for nCoV have been done so far. “A total of 741 tests done for #nCoV2020. Of these 738 have tested NEGATIVE, and 3 found positive. 342 are under process. Also, 5123 people are under home surveillance,” the Health Ministry tweeted. Earlier, the Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a high level review

meeting to take stock of the novel coronavirus situation even as the government issued a new travel advisory that urged people to refrain from travelling to China, saying intended visitors from China might apply afresh for an Indian visa. It was reiterated in the meeting that from now on, anyone with a history of travel to China since January 15, 2020, could be quarantined. The high-level review meeting on the preparedness for tackling the coronavirus threat was attended by the secretaries of Health and Family Welfare, External Affairs, Civil Aviation,

dima, DPRO, SMO, WHO, Kohima and Team Leader Rapid Response Team. Discussing measures for coordination with Railway department, the house decided that announcements and display system for disseminating awareness on nCoV at Dimapur Railway station would be initiated. Medical department has been asked to set up helpdesk at various locations at Dimapur Railway station. Further, DMC has been asked to set up display system in town to inform public not to panic and observe precautionary measures. The

Nirbhaya convicts get 7 days to avail legal remedies

NFHRCC calls for NLA resolution supporting foothill road work

Pharma, Dept of Health Research, Member Secretary (NDMA), and other officials from the Home Ministry, Commerce, Army and Defence, here on Wednesday.

No effective treatment for Coronavirus: WHO

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): The Delhi High Court Wednesday said all the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case have to be executed together, not separately, and dismissed the Centre’s plea against the trial court’s order staying the execution of their death sentence. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, while reading out the operative portion of the decision, directed the convicts to exhaust within seven days all the remedies available to them after which the authorities should act as per law. The high court also faulted the authorities concerned for not taking steps for issuance of death warrants after rejection of appeals of the convicts by the Supreme Court in 2017. The victim’s parents and Delhi government had sought warrants for execution of death sentence to the four convicts in February 2019 and on December 18, 2019, respectively. The Centre and the Delhi government had challenged the trial court’s January 31 order staying “till further orders” the execution of all the four convicts in the case -- Mukesh Kumar Singh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Kumar Sharma and Akshay Kumar.

This is it!

“Since you demand to know our CM face. We ask you who your Deputy CM face is?” K Y M C

DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN): Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) has urged all 60 elected legislatures to adopt a resolution in the ensuing Assembly session in support of the mega and historic “Trans Nagaland Expressway” project and convey it to Prime Minister’s Office for early declaration of the project officially. In a statement by its convener Supu Jamir, general secretary W Lemba Chang and assistant general secretary Chenithung Humtsoe, the committee also appreciated the relentless initiatives of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton and PWD (R&B) chief engineer and for expressing their desire to expedite the completion of the remaining uncut portions at the earliest. It fur ther resolved to appeal to the authority

navirus has so far spread to at least 24 countries, including Germany, Australia and the United States. The US State Department told Americans not to travel to China as the first case of person-to-person transmission reported in the country on Thursday. Nearly 25,000 cases have been reported in 24 countries and territories. Chinese authorities said the virus isn’t yet under control despite aggressive steps to limit movement for millions of people.

District task force for nCoV formed in Dmu

DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN): District Task Force for preparedness for Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been formed in Dimapur district during a meeting held in the office chamber of the deputy commissioner Dimapur on February 5. Members of the District Task Force include DC, commissioner of police, chief medical officer, medical superintendent, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) administrator, chief veterinary officer, Airport Authority of India Director, Dimapur Railway Station Manager, EAC Chumuke-

concerned to clear up the stretch where earth cutting was done in 2013-14 in Mon, Mokokchung, Dimapur and Wokha/Baghty divisions. NFHRCC pointed out that Doyang bridge at governor’s camp, LiphanyanKoro was in progress and expected to be completed within this working season. Therefore, while awaiting the mega project, it would be appropriate and wise to maintain at least a jeepable road to ease pain and agony faced by Naga public, especially during bandhs and agitation in neighbouring Assam, the committee stressed. And once the bridge construction was complete, it would imply that the foothills road would survive as earth cutting was done in almost all the stretch, except in some portions, NFHRCC added.

meeting decided that screening of passengers at Dimapur airport for passengers travelling from affected countries would continue. Public has been advised to extend cooperation to Health and Family Welfare department. Further, those persons who have travelled to the affected countries on or after January 15, 2020 have been asked to be proactive and come forward if they exhibit any symptoms. In this regard, the following officials could be contacted: Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, DSO (9612288073) and Dr. Kainyu, Epidemiologist (9612484361).

B O K A JA N, F E B 5 (AGENCIES): In the aftermath of the Tuesday fire that burnt a series of fuel tankers in a parking lot here, panic has gripped the residents of the Khatkhati area where a dozen such parking lot operate and pilfer fuel from tankers in a regular basis, a report in the The Sentinel stated. According to reports, at least five tankers were burnt Tuesday by a devastating fire that reportedly sparked off from an electric motor used to pump out fuel from the tankers parked. As per preliminary investigation, it appeared to be a clear handiwork of some fuel adulteration racketeers involved in the round the clock concoction of mixing a range of highly inflammable chemical solvent with petrol. According to report, within a span of 12 months, this was the fourth incident of fire in such parking are and this is for the second time that an oil tanker caught fire at the same Parking lot.

The oil tankers reportedly parked in an unauthorised parking place near Lahorijan, Khatkhati.

Reports also highlight the fact that syndicates of the organized gang were responsible for supplying contaminated fuel to various fuel refilling stations in Nagaland and Manipur. Earlier, these syndicates had their base in Dimapur but after a recent crackdown by Nagaland police, they were booted out of Nagaland and conveniently shifted base in Khatkhati close to Dimapur. “The kingpins of Nagaland fuel adulteration are

PM announces trust to build Ram temple

Important subject for the country: Modi Oppn questions timing of announcement NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced in Lok Sabha the formation of a trust to construct a Ram Temple in Ayodhya as directed by the Supreme Court in its landmark verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case in November last year. Making a statement in the lower house soon after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Modi said he wants to share information on a “very important and historical subject for the country.” “This topic is close to my heart like millions of countrymen and I consider it my great fortune to talk about it,” he said. He said the government has readied a “broad scheme” for the development of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, evoking slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ from trea-

sury benches. “An autonomous trust has been formed, it is called ‘Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teertha Kshetra,” he said. Since Parliament is in session, the government decided to inform the House on the important decision taken by the Cabinet. The prime minister said that after the verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue came out, the people of India displayed remarkable faith in democratic processes and procedures. “I salute the 130 crore people of India,” he said in his over 10-minute long address. “Let us all support construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” he said. The Supreme Court had directed the government to form the trust within three months and the deadline was ending on February 9.

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (AGENCIES): Opposition members including Congress questioned the timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Ram Mandir trust with Delhi poll. Though Congress MP Vivek Tankha welcomed the decision, he raised questioned on its timing ahead of Delhi election. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also questioned the announcement. “I’m certain that this announcement has ensured that it impacts the voters’ (Delhi elections) thoughts,” he said. He said Modi couldn’t make the announcement during his rally, so he took it to the Parliament. “Parliament will end on 11th February, the announcement could have come after 8th February,” Owaisi said. Cong ress Spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi

said the government should go ahead with the process mandated by the Supreme Court but the politics over Lord Ram should now end. He said seeking votes on behalf of Lord Ram should end as it is a matter of faith. “The Supreme Court had laid out all the instructions for the government to follow. The government is simply following Supreme Court’s instructions. The day the Supreme Court verdict came out, the Congress had respected it and welcomed it,” he said. “So the government is going ahead and constructing (the temple) they should do so, it is their duty. But I only hope the politics over Lord Ram should end,” he said. Meanwhile, Election Commission has said its approval was “not required” for the government to announce the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra trust.

part of this syndicate. They include PDS kerosene dealers and several fuel station owners of Nagaland. The same gang was involved in the earlier episodes of fire in Khatkhati but no action has been initiated against them till date. They shall manage to give a slip this time as well,” said a local who is well versed with the illegal trade. Sources said there are several parking lots under the Khatkhati police station in Karbi Anglong district where oil is pilfered.

LMO supports Patton’s statement DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN): Lotha Mhonka Okho (LMO) has welcomed the statement of deputy chief minister Y Patton at the 51st Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) general conference held at Merapani recently. In a press release, LMO president Merithung Odyuo claimed that on September 22, 2017 it had exposed alleged unfair practices and manipulations in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) at the interview stage for Nagaland Civil Service (NCS), Nagaland Police Service (NPS) and Allied Services examination of 2015, whereby meritorious and deserving candidates from Lotha community were denied positions. Pointing out that it had exposed how the commission had allegedly manipulated interview marks, LMO said out of the six candidates who had scored 400 marks and above (Cont’d on p-7)

Centre mulls outreach programme in Nagaland No proposal to link social media NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (AGENCIES): In an effort to connect to the masses, particularly the youths, the Central government has plans to hold massive outreach program in Nagaland soon, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi may also attend, a Northeast Now report stated. Sources told NE Now, that the Centre was apprehensive about the response of the people in Nagaland including insurgent groups, that may develop a sense of rejection of the BJP and the NDA following the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act . “However the Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a big gamble in this regard, and had directed all the concerned agencies to keep a watch on the situation in Nagaland. Shah’s gamble worked in

his favour, and though there was some resentment initially after the passage of the CAA, nothing was very serious and with passage of time, everything will be smooth again like before,” a BJP secretary in-charge of Nagaland told the Northeast Now. There has also been much speculation in the state as the peace pact with the NSCN was slated to be signed by the end of the year, and it was thought that the much needed and expected peace process would be affected. “That was a major concern in the state and also for the union government, and to ensure that nothing of that sort happens, the government deputed its senior official who is well versed on issues in North East and on Nagaland to keep a track of

issues there and also to access the situation and mood of the people. This started soon after the government took the firm decision of introducing and passing of the CAB in the last parliament session,” said the BJP secretary. “The situation and the protests which erupted are bare minimum. Also the state of Nagaland has been provided concessions and exemptions in the CAA, and so this has made the political parties and the civil society groups aware that the state will not be impacted,” he added. Centre, which has identified the North East region as a potential investment destination, is inviting investors to invest in areas which will benefit the region, and the government is seeking investors to invest in the tourism sector

in Nagaland, as the state is known as a very tourism friendly destination which attracts tourists from all across the world. “Tourism is a strong area for Nagaland and the government is looking for private players to enter tourism in the state, but only through an understanding that the local entrepreneurs will not be impacted. Now with good connectivity and air connectivity to several states, Nagaland could become a booming destination in South Asia,” said the secretary. Centre is also happy with the success of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, and according to sources, the government is looking at it as a model tourism festival for promotion of similar tourism in other parts of the country.

users’ profiles with Aadhaar: Govt

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): Centre on Wednesday said there is no proposal to link social media profiles of users with their Aadhaar numbers and asserted that steps are being taken to curb spreading of fake news and pornography through social media platforms. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also said that pornography, particularly child pornography, is a “serious menace” and measures are being taken to curb it. “Revenge porn is also rising in the country”, he told Lok Sabha during Question Hour. According to him, the government has taken several steps to keep a check on the spread of fake news, pornographic and anti-national content via social media platforms.

“There is no proposal to link social media profiles of users with their Aadhaar number(s),” Prasad said in a written reply. His response was to a question on whether the government proposes to formulate any policy to link social media profile of users with their Aadhaar numbers. Speaker Om Birla said there has to be a serious discussion on issues related

to social media. Agreeing with him, Prasad said there has to be a discussion on the issue in the House on social media misuse. While replying to a supplementary on blocking websites that are spreading fake news and pornography, the minister also said that India should not be compared with China or the Middle East, adding, “We are a democracy”. K Y M C


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