23 March 2023

Nagaland Post

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China, Russia to jointly counter US’ Indo-Pacific strategy; Xi returns

ULB elections will be held, says Rio CM hints at opposition-less govt; accepts

process for ULB polls on or before March 9, 2023.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 22

(NPN): Even as the associations and unions within three Municipal councils of Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung have affirmed not to participate in the urban local bodies (ULB) polls if the government failed to address their demand on the contentious clauses in the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) 2001, the state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, on Wednesday asserted that there was nothing left to delete when everything had been omitted. The unions had submitted a representation to the government requesting it to “delete” the clause “taxa-

MHA panel meets ENPO members

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 22

(NPN): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) constituted committee headed by advisor North East AK Mishra held a closed-door meeting with the officebearers of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) here on Wednesday.

Sources informed Nagaland Post that the meeting was “cordial” and both sides deliberated on how to go about the agreement for ‘Frontier Naga Territory’.

It was learnt that the Centre and the ENPO were yet to sign the agreement for the new arrangement.

Sources said that the next meeting was likely to take place in Delhi.

According to sources, both the Centre and ENPO would be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before implementation of the new arrangement.

No further details were made known till the time of filing this report.

Later, Mishra accompanied by other members of the team-- joint director Intelligence Bureau Dr. Mandeep Singh Tuli and MHA director North East Division, AK Dhyani called on chief minister Neiphiu Rio at his residence.

It may be mentioned that the MHA after series of meeting with ENPO considered to offer ‘Frontier Naga Territory’ for Eastern Nagaland areas.

This is it!

“It’s a case of nervous breakdown since you’re still waiting to be made a minister or adviser.”

tion on land and property” which was in the NMA 2001.

Interacting with media persons after thanksgiving cum felicitation for elected members of the party from Kohima Region to the 14th NLA organised by NDPP Kohima Region, Rio said, “look up for the word omitted in the dictionary, when everything is omitted there is nothing else to delete.”

Earlier, speaking at

the programme, the chief minister recalled that during a consultative meeting with all the tribe hohos and political parties on March 9, 2022, the House resolved to hold the ULB election to which all those attending the meeting gave their consent to go ahead with the polls.

Rio pointed out that recent Supreme Court judgement dated February 13, 2023, had directed the State government to announce the

Therefore, after the new government took oath on March 7, he said the cabinet had a meeting following which a notification was issued on March 9 as directed by SC.

Rio said since it was court’s order to hold ULB polls, the issue could not be discussed in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

He urged the people to stay united on the issue as there could be divisions and misunderstandings.

He said the property tax had been amended and even if there were to be tax of any sort only the elected members would decide on it.

Rio said whatever was collected in the form of tax would be utilised to upgrade that particular town.

Since Nagaland was not following the directives till now, it had been missing out the grants and funds

entitled to the state.

Rio said for a long time the Nagas were living in the villages, however, people have now moved into cities and towns and therefore should not impose village laws in urban area.

“We have to move forward if we want to catch up with the rest of the world especially in this 21st century world. We should not be left behind because of our reluctance to embrace change,” Rio said.

He requested the people not to be anti-establishment and that anything could be discussed when people speak out in unison.

He suggested that even though SC had, through its judgement, hinted that it was not ready to listen to the predicament faced by Nagaland government on the issue, if the people stay united and voice out together it would be heard even by SC.

support from other parties

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 22

(NPN): Hinting at the probability and importance of an opposition-less government, state chief minister Neiphiu Rio said Wednesday that all the elected representatives had given him their unconditional letters of support towards the government. He said that copies of the letter had been submitted to the Governor while another had been submitted to the Assembly Secretariat. Rio said he had discussed the issue with BJP leaders who had all agreed that when someone extends their support towards the government, it would be improper to turn it down. In order to find a solution to the vexed Naga issue, Rio said it was important for the members to stay united.

On the ENPO demand, Rio said since Nagas were

PM holds high-level meeting on Covid, influenza situation

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised on Wednesday that COVID-19 is “far from over” as he chaired a highlevel meeting and called for maintaining vigil and precaution amid a spike in influenza and coronavirus cases in the country in the past two weeks.

He stressed on the need to enhance genome sequencing and keeping Covid-appropriate behaviour, an official statement said.

India has recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,813 with five

SaysCovid-19‘farfromover’;stressesonCAB

deaths. One death each has been reported in Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra while one fatality was reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

Modi chaired the meet-

ing to assess COVID-19 and influenza situation in the country in terms of preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, status of the vaccination campaign, emergence of new COVID-19 variants

and influenza types and their public health implications for the country. He directed effective monitoring of IRI/SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) cases, and that testing for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus be followed up with states. PMO said he also emphasised on the need to ensure availability of required drugs and logistics for influenza and Covid across health facilities along with availability of sufficient beds and health human resources. The review meeting came in the backdrop of a spike in influenza cases in the country and rise of Covid cases in the past two weeks.

a family the people have to help out each other and resolve any issues that needed to be addressed.

He suggested that even if there was an oppositionless government, members should hold debates and question each other even in the Assembly. Sharing his opinion on the issue of NPF claiming itself as the “real Naga party”, Rio said no one should make such tall and false claims and brag around.

Rio recalled that after he revived the party (NPF), which was reduced to zero in the assembly, it had been in alliance with BJP since 2003 and even now it was sharing power with BJP in Manipur. On the occasion, Rio also urged the party workers to work for the welfare of the people and be proactive in guiding the government towards development.

Earlier, delivering short speech, minister for Women

Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse attributed her success to God’s providence. She said it was a huge achievement and also a learning experience for her.

Advisor school education & SCERT, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, also spoke at the programme. The programme was chaired by NDPP Kohima region working president Keduolhoulie Huozha while invocation was given by Phezoucha Baptist Church pastor Keduoneituo Yhome. NDPP vice president, Prasielie Pienyü , conveyed greeting while special numbers were presented by NDPP vocal band and Kenei Metha.

It may be recalled that Nagaland Post had reported likely imminent on formation of the third oppositionless government, to have all on board so as to ensure peaceful Naga solution.

RTI activists demand clarification from LRD

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): RTI

activists Odi Jamir and ST Yapang

Lkr have accused the Land Resources Department (LRD) of furnishing wrong information to their query on “Tsudiyim village” under Mokokchung district.

Reacting to a rejoinder issued by the department, the duo in a statement said the LRD in its reply to their RTI query had listed almost all villages in Mokokchung district and Tsudiyim was mentioned 36 times.

Again, in the project name category, they pointed out that Tsudiyim was not mentioned even once, while the villages listed in the name of village category were all genuine except Tsudiyim.

Further, in the beneficiaries’ list of 2019-20 at Tsudiyim, almost all beneficiaries’ names were identical

to a particular village, but they were not aware of the amount mentioned against their names and they did not receive any money or carry out any activities. But since many names were identical in many Ao villages, they admitted that this was not a big issue. However, they noted that Mokokchung district project officer (DPO) in the rejoinder had stated that Tsudiyim was a project under the Watershed Programme. Therefore, if Tsudiyim was a project, they said the DPO needed to openly declare the location of the project and the name of the village to clear the doubt in people’s mind. They also suggested spot verification of the activities conducted at Tsudiyim in 2019-20 like gully pluck, half-moon terracing, counter trenching and such other activities.

NMC calls upon doctors for ethical practice Gov urges students to contribute towards nation-building

DIMAPUR, MAR 22

(NPN): Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) has called upon its members practising both in private and government sectors to continue maintaining highest levels of ethical practice.

Drawing attention to a news article “Govt doctors in private practice warned” in Nagaland Post on January 26 2023, council president Dr Joyce Z Angami in a statement pointed out that the principal objective of medical profession was to render service to humanity with full respect for the dignity of profession and man.

She said the honoured ideals of the medical pro-

Correspondent

fession implied that the responsibility of the physician extended not only to individuals, but also to society (MCI Code of Medical Ethics).

Angami also appreciated the Government of Nagaland for clearly defining “Private Practice” and for offering to in-service doctors a onetime option to opt for Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) in 2011. Hence, she asserted that in-service doctors availing NPA and indulging in private practice was unethical as it violated government rules.

She also reminded private hospitals that, under the Health Establishment

Act, 1997, they could not employ in-service doctors. However, he clarified that non-compliance of these rules should not be construed as a criminal act, but seen as violation of government rules.

Therefore, to avoid attracting punitive action from the government and to uphold ethical practice, the NMC president stressed that it was the responsibility of each individual. To honour the ideals of medical profession and to gain confidence of the society, she said it was the bounden duty of every doctor to uphold the highest ethical practice in their profession.

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Nagaland governor La. Ganesan on Wednesday encouraged the students to be an inspiration and role model for everyone around them and contribute towards nationbuilding.

Governor, who graced the “District Level Yuva Utsav” as chief guest at Xavierite Auditorium, Jalukie town, said that as model citizens of the country, everyone should not just conform to the law of existence i.e., birth, grow, marry, bear children and die. “With education comes responsibility; responsibility towards our own-self, to-

wards our families, towards our state, and our country,” Ganesan stated.

According to a DIPR report, the event, which was held on the theme “Remove Any Trace of Colonial Mindset”, was organised by St. Xavier College, Jalukie, and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

On the occasion, governor launched the initiative for women—”the introduction of E-Rickshaw” as a new resource for the girl students, to be managed by the girl students and supervised by the women’s cell.

With this new intro-

duction, the governor expressed hope that it will instil in youth, especially girls, a greater sense of dignity of labour and responsibility.

Ganesan noted that the number of girl students in the college has been comparatively higher than that of the boy students in the last few years, which he said was itself another remarkable feature about the college. “This is women empowerment and this is nation building,” he said.

To uplift the wellbeing of the citizens of the country, governor said “we must first empower women.”

Former minister YM Yollow Konyak passes away Neihunuo

KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Former minister YM Yollow Konyak passed away at Delhi on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. Yollow is survived by his wife Minching Konyak and four children– two sons and two daughters.

According to family members, the body would be flown to Dimapur on March 24 and will be taken to his native village where the funeral will be held.

Born on March 1, 1970 at Wakching village and son of Yongyo Konyak, Yollow passed matriculation from

Government High School (GHS), Wakching in 1987, pre-university (PU) from Kohima Arts College, Kohima in 1991 and BA from Dimapur College in 1994. He had entered politics by successfully contesting in the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) from 42- Wakching Assembly constituency as an independent candidate in 2013 and was appointed chairman of Honey Mission in April 2013. He was later appointed parliamentary secretary of Agriculture in May 2017 and re-elected to 13th NLA on an NPF ticket in 2018. He thereafter retired from politics and abstained

from contesting in 2023 Assembly election owing to health issues.

Yollow also served as language translator under the Department of Information & Publicity from 1989 to 1997 and as block development officer under the Rural Development Depart-

ment from 1997-2012. He also served various organisations in different capacities.

Condolence messages

A host of leaders led by Nagaland governor La. Ganesan and chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday mourned the passing of former minister YM Yollow Konyak.

In a condolence note to Mrs. Minching Konyak, the governor said he was deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely demise of her husband Yollow Konyak.

In his death, the governor said the State has lost a dedicated public leader. Ganesan said Yollow’s con-

tributions to the people of Nagaland in various assignments would be remembered for a long time.

The governor, on behalf of the people of Nagaland, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God grant them peace, solace and strength to overcome this irreparable loss.

CM: Expressing grief over the sudden and untimely demise of YM Yollow Konyak, the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio said Yollow’s demise was a great loss for the State in general and Konyak tribe in particular.

Bishop of Nagaland, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, who was the guest of honour, also spoke at the programme.

Earlier, college principal, Dr. Fr. Francis Cheerangal, delivered greetings, while the relevance of Yuva Utsav was shared by NYKS nodal officer, Ruokuovikho Chale, and a vote of thanks was proposed by Xavierite Youth Care Coordinator, Mahieyile.

Young Writers’ & Artists’ Contest, Declamation, Photography & Cultural Dance were the different competition events that were held during the daylong event.

receives Padma Shri Award

the Padma Shri Award, 2023 to Neihunuo Sorhie from Nagaland in the field of Art, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony-I at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.

Altogether 54 Padma Awards were conferred for the year 2023, which includes three Padma Vibhushan, four Padma Bhushan and 47 Padma Shri awards.

The ceremony was also attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, host of Central leaders and other dignitaries. (Spl. Correspondent)

Rio flanked by Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Kekhrie Yhome at the thanksgiving programme held in Kohima, Wednesday. (NP)

Nothingtodelete wheneverything has been omitted

Neihunuo Sorhie receiving the award from the President.

Modi chairing the high-level meeting on Wednesday.

NEXT POLL

Youth, farmers trained on scientific farming

gramme, senior scientist and head, KVK Kohima, Dr. Ruokuovilie Mezhatsu said the programme was aimed to impart skill-based training to rural unemployed youths on agri-based vocational areas. Dr. Mezhatsu said the training was in compliance with national policy skill development and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied areas to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Governor to visit Tseminyu: In view of the Nagaland governor La Ganesan’s scheduled to Tseminyu district and Chunlikha Village on March 28, a consultative meeting was held at the DC’s conference hall, Tseminyu on March 22. At the meeting, the committee resolved to hold social work on March 24 and 25. The meeting was attended by all the Heads of Offices, NGOs, and public leaders and chaired by Deputy Commissioner Tseminyu, Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi.

DIMAPUR: With an objective to empower farmers and youth of Nagaland, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been organising various programmes across the state.

KVK Peren: As a part of “KVK Day” celebration, KVK Peren, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Research Complex (RC) for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Nagaland Centre, Jalukie on March 21 inaugurated model pig village, organised awareness programme and input distribution under TSP at Gailli Namdi Village.

The programme funded under TSP project on “animal health camp/ awareness programmecum-input distribution in Peren district of Nagaland”, aimed to develop a model

ENPO felicitates 20 new legislators

ENPO legislators at the felicitation program in Kohima on Wednesday. (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 22 (NPN): Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) felicitated 20 new legislators elected from Eastern Nagaland here on Wednesday.

In their address, ENPO president Tsapikiu Sangtam, Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation (ENWO) president Shamthai Phom and Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) president Chingmak Chang congratulated the MLAs

and urged them to stay united.

They reminded the legislators that, irrespective of their political party affiliations, they all belonged to eastern Nagaland and thereby they were expected to keep the welfare of the region top priority.

They further urged the MLAs to speak out in one tone inside the Assembly keeping in mind the interest of eastern Nagaland.

On behalf of the 20 MLAs, minister C L John spoke on the occasion.

Sensitisation-cum-workshop on ‘Palliative Care’ at Impur

DIMAPUR: Impur Christian Hospital (ICH) organised sensitisation-cum-workshop on “Palliative Care” sponsored by Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) on March 22 at Impur.

A press release by ABAM informed that the programme was organised as a healing ministry by ABAM to inculcate the importance of palliative care so that the churches could access the ill people in their localities and avail proper care available at ICH.

In a presentation, resource person, Dr. Obangjungla said that palliative care had become an important concern for both Churches and organizations as it has become inevitable in all localities. She said the palliative care initiated by ICH was a massive move towards calling for mass initiatives.

Dr. Obangjungla opined on the concern for spiritual care and appealed to the church in particular that the best way the church can do to the ill person before anything happens was to lead them to the understanding of the real meaning of life’s existence and the purpose of God for

pig village for breeding purpose so as to enable supply of good quality piglet and sustainable farming for income generation and livelihood improvement.

During the programme, CTO (animal science) and the project leader, Dr. L. Babita Devi delivered a keynote address and highlighted the objective of the programme. A lecture on care and management of new born piglets was also delivered during the technical session. Special guest of the programme, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jalukie, T. L. Kiusumong Tikhir congratulated the village on being selected as a “model village”, and encouraged them to work sincerely, cooperate and follow the scientific technologies.

In a presidential ad -

dress, Head of Regional Centre (HoRC), ICAR Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Dr. H. Kalita encouraged the participants to commit themselves to make the “model village” a success. Guest of honour and resource person, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Jalukie Dr. Namsui elaborated on the details about the different schemes in veterinary and encouraged the participants to take the facilities available both in state and central departments. A lecture on important diseases of pig and their management was also delivered.

During the technical session, Scientist (Animal Reproduction and Gynaecology), ICAR Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Dr. Mahak Singh highlighted

Kohima police issue traffic advisory

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): In view of the G20 Business Summit, Kohima police have issued traffic advisory to all concerned as discussed during the RTA meeting held on March 22, 2023. In a press release, superintendent of police Kohima ordered removal of all off-road vehicles, roadside dumped construction materials and “private no parking signages” in front of shops/business establishments, which were causing obstruction to free movement of vehicles, on or before March 27, 2023. The Kohima police have cautioned that failure to comply with the directive would result in removal and confiscation of the materials. Further, police stated that all off-road vehicles would also be towed away and the towing charges would be borne by the owners. Kohima police have sought co-operation and support from all citizens.

Free legal aid cell for women in Kma

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) has informed that Free Legal Aid Cell has been set up at its at NSCW office chamber to facilitate women seeking grievances relating to women issues. In a press release, NSCW secretary informed that the services could be availed in the office chamber at NBCC Complex, 1st Floor, Bayavü Hill, Kohima. One could also contact Legal Consultant (9485232722) and through email: nscwkohima@gmail.com. The cell was set up with support from the National Commission for Women.

the importance of scientific technologies for animal rearing and the importance of establishing breeding unit for sustainability.

KVK Kohima: A sixday Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) programme on the topic, “Seed Production” was organised by KVK Kohima on March 16-21 at KVK, Conference Hall, Kohima.

The training was organised under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, government of India, in association with State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Nagaland & National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad.

Delivering a keynote address at the inaugural pro-

Eye camp at IMDH

Mkg concludes

DIMAPUR: A five-day free cataract surgery eye camp organised by the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) Nagaland at IMDH Mokokchu ng concluded on March 18. A press release by CMO Mokokchung office stated that during the camp, District Hospital Tuensang, consultant eye specialist, Dr. Phyantsuthung conducted 23 cataract surgery for 18 patients at the camp. Meanwhile, a team led by Medical Officer, IMDH, Mokokchung, Dr. Renjano N Okhyopvui screened a total of 160 patients for cataract as well as glaucoma.

The resource persons during the technical sessions were ACTO, (GPB), Dr. Martina Shitiri, SMS (plant protection), Eliseni Tsopoe, Technical Officer (FM), Dr. Sesenlo Kath and technical officer (home science), Keviyieno Zhasa.

The participants were trained on introduction of seed production, importance of seed, production technology of cereals and vegetables crop, special selection technology of seed production, disease and insect pest management, nutrient management, water management; harvesting, threshing, storing, marketing, seed act, entrepreneurship on seed production. Hands on demonstration on seed extraction and field demonstration on harvesting, cleaning, sorting and cleaning were also imparted to the participants.

LOU NH-19 informs: Office of the Land Owners Union NH-29 (Purana Bazar to Chumoukedima) has informed all landowner/ member of Purana Bazar, Naharbari, Padampukhuri and Darogapathar that spot verification of land/damaged would be held on March 23, 9 a.m. onwards. All landowner/member have been requested to be present at their respective plots along with the original land patta and also photographs of building/property damages if any.

WYH holds 31st session: Western Yimkhiung Hoho (WYH) held its 31st executive meeting on March 21 at Council Hall, Old Showuba Village. A press release by WYH informed that the meeting was held along with representatives from Yimkhiung Village Council, Western Yimkhiung Tribal Union and Western Yimkhiung Student’s office bearers of Niuland, Chumoukedima, Peren, Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung and Dimapur districts, BJYM Nagaland attends: A team of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Nagaland attended the BJYM National Youth Parliament held on March 19 at SRM University, Chennai. BJYM Nagaland was represented by BJYM state secretary, Bendangliba, BJYM state secretary, Rajat Ghosh and state executive member, Laipha Konyak. Peren arms license holder informed: Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Peren Vineet Kumar has informed all the arms license holders who have deposited their arms to collect the same from the concerned Office at the earliest.

State need to adopt modern technology in agriculture: Yanthan

Correspondent KOHIMA, MAR 22 (NPN): Advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan on Wednesday called for adoption of modern technology in agriculture sector to increase productivity and production.

He said this at the introductory meeting with the department of Agriculture at Hotel Vivor. Pointing out that Agriculture was the backbone of the economy, Yanthan encouraged the department officials to assist and empower the famers with the help of the technologies to improve their

yields and profitability. He also briefed the department officers on the benefits of the integrated farming system and advised them to encourag the famers to adopt integrated system of farming. Agriculture Production

Commissioner, R.Binchilo Thong in his speech, reminded the field officers to compulsorily remain in their respective places of posting as the main Kharif cropping season is approaching. He also urged the officers to disseminated necessary agricultural advisory to the farmers in time. At the introductory meeting, power point presentation on overview of the department activities and action plan was highlighted by additional director, Jacob Yanthan. The meeting was chaired by director of Agriculture M.Ben Yanthan and vote of thanks was delivered by additional director Peter.

every individual.

The programme was attended by 37 individuals comprised of the leaders from seven churches of ABAM and the ICH staff.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the bereaved family of Late MEDOZHALIE TERHÜJA would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual, churches, organisations and well wishers who stood by us physically, financially, materially and spiritually during his illness and also during his demise.

We convey our special thanks to:

13.

14.

15.

We are unable to thank each and everyone individually, but may God bless all of you abundantly.

family and relatives

1. Western Angami Students' Union

2. Phiroe Eloe Yanpia Eyiden, Kohima

3. DIET Chiechama (2022-2024)

4. Sechü Zubza Baptist Church

5. Sechü Zubza Youth Organisation

6. Sechü Zubza Students' Union

7. Sechüma Village Council

8. Sechüma Women Organisation

9. Govt. Primary School, Sechüma

10. Khonoma Rüffüno, Sechü Zubza

11. Kenei Kro, Sechü Zubza

12. Kherüthi B Colony, Sechü Zubza

Sechü Zubza Village

Khonoma Village

Dzüleke Village

Inauguration of model pig village at Gailli Namdi village Resource pesons and participants in Kohima.

Mhathung Yanthan (NP)

Call for conservation of water on ‘World Water Day’

of World Water Day at the Eastern Christian College, Dimapur.

200 cadets participated in the event and took out a rally at Purana Bazar, Dimapur, and interacted with the locals by spreading the message on the importance of water as a valuable resource.

the significance of water for humans and how it was essential for survival as well prevention of various diseases.

He also talked about the challenges of managing water in Nagaland, including the decreasing groundwater level due to population pressure in towns and cities.

DIMAPUR: Nagaland

Wednesday joined the world in observing “World Water Day” to highlight the importance of water and raise awareness about the global water crisis under 2023 theme, “Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.”

Kohima: The “World Water Day” was observed by around 50 villages under Kohima district in a programme organised by Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Kohima Rural division and sponsored by Sanitation and Water & Sanitation Support Organisation (WSSO), PHED, Nagaland at the PHED Kohima Rural division office.

Delivering the keynote address, Executive Engineer, PHED, Kohima Urban division, Er. Subongyanger said “World Water Day 2023” was about “accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis,” and shared that there was an urgent need to “accelerate change, to go beyond business as usual.”

He said, “Water affects everyone, so we need everyone to take action.”

Er. Subongyanger also

Inauguration of water purifier at SIB.

dwelt on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6, which is about clean water and sanitation for all.

Speaking on the theme of 2023, “Accelerating change”, District Coordinator, PHED, Kohima division, Ashale Seb said that it needed concerted efforts of all stakeholders to bring about positive change in Nagaland. Sharing an action list, she stressed on certain lifestyle changes that could help in saving water.

During the programme, 25 villages under Kohima district were declared Open Defecation-Free (ODF) plus by sanitation and hygiene consultant, PHED, Kohima division, Virhelie Kruneilie, while informing that the rest of the villages would follow suit. ODF plus resolution was administered to all participants by WATSAN chairman, Chiephobozou, Thepfulhou Theünuo. A Field-Testing Kit (FTK) user, Neilabeinuo Kense from Tuophema shared her experience in the field of water testing and monitoring.

Mon: Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Mon Division observed the World Water Day

with the students of Pinnacle School, Totok Chingnyu Village, Mon block. Wokha: District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Wokha division observed “World Water Day” at Government High School (GHS) Englan Village, with the aim to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management practices.

At the programme, district co-ordinator, Chuba Longchar highlighted the present global crisis and its impact on communities around the world. Longchar also underscored the need for sustainable water management practices and the importance of access to clean and safe water as a basic human right. The event was attended by students, teachers and members of the local community. Students also participated in essay writing and paintings aimed at promoting water conservation and sustainable water use.

Zunheboto: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Zunheboto

StatelistsMFSWrequirements

the provision of all required logistics to upgrade the Food Laboratory and enable it to obtain NABL accreditation making it one of the few food laboratories in the nor theast state.

in collaboration with department of Soil and Water Conservation, Zunheboto district observed “World Water Day” on the theme “Accelerating change” at Zhekiye village, under Sa -

takha block, Zunheboto.

In an introduction of the programme, DSCO & PD ATMA Zunheboto, Hetoho Y. Swu highlighted the importance and judicious us e of water and the need to preserve water source by retaining the vegetative cover, and also the tree line around the water bodies.

Resource person, ATM Suruhuto Block, Er. Kaoto Sema gave a presentation on “Per drop, More crop”, where he explained the various irrigation systems and the schemes available in the state. He laid emphasis on rain water harvesting and maintaining cover crop to reduce run off around the water sources.

DGC: Dimapur Government College (DGC)

Jal Shakti Team observed “World Water Day 2023” under the theme, “Catch the rain where it falls, when it falls” on March 22 by creating an awareness walk on the theme and sensitisation programme.

S IB: Commemorating “World Water Day,” South Indian Bank (SIB) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project installed a water purifier at Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima. The purifier was inaugurated by chief manager, regional office, Kolkata, Muralimohan D. No 1 Nagaland Air Squadron, NCC: The No 1 Nagaland Air Squadron, NCC under the aegis of NCC Group HQs Kohima conducted an awareness campaign on the occasion

During the event, a lecture cum interaction was conducted with Akangmeren Imchen, Scientist B of Nagaland Pollution Control Board as the resource person.

PCC (A): The day was also observed at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) under the theme “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis,” with focus on challenges, shortages and preservation of water, among others.

The event was organised by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Eastern Region, under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

On the occasion, chief guest and chairman Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), Rusovil John, IFS (rtd) highlighted

To meet various challenges, he called for sustained campaign to spread awareness, sensitising the general public and working together to address the water crisis and sanitation issues.

Guest of honour and EAC, Chümoukedima Seyiekhrietuo Solo described water as “future currency” and spoke on the issue of water shortage in towns and cities in Nagaland.

Presiding over the proceedings, Regional Director CGWB North Eastern Region, Suresh Chandra Kapil emphasized on the importance conservation of water in India.

Earlier, the event began with a welcome and key note address by CGWB, and concluded with rendition of few lines from the poem, “I Am Water” by Renu Rakheja.

Kikheto Sema interacts with the visiting team.

DIMAPUR: Nagaland state requirement for four or more Modified Food Safety on Wheels (MFSW) was highlighted to the visiting team of National Institute of Health & Family welfare (NIHFW), government of India led by Professor, VK Tiwari.

A press release by Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW), SPO, Food Safety, Dr John Kemp informed that the need of MFSW was highlighted to the visiting team by commissioner secretary to the government of Nagaland, H&FW-cum-commissioner food safety, Y Kikheto Sema on Wednesday at an interaction with the official team at the FSSAI notified State Public Health Laboratory (State Food Laboratory).

The team was informed that at present Nagaland has one functional Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) and two new MFSWs provided by government of India, which will be made functional shortly. However, in view of the geographical terrain, where the distance from one district headquarter to another takes time unlike that of the mainland, for better coverage of the state, the team was requested to highlight the need of four or more MFSW to the government of India.

The team consisting of Prof VK Tiwari, dean, Dr Ravinder Kumar, CMO, and Dr Ramesh Gandotra, ARO, are visiting the SPHL for “Rapid Appraisal of

Strengthening of Food Testing system including provision of Mobile Testing Labs (SOFTEL)” in the country in collaboration with the Food division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, government of India, from March 21-23.

During the interaction, Kikheto Sema acknowledged the FSSAI, government of India for

With the ongoing infrastructure development and logistics installations once completed, he said the stateof-the-art Laboratory would be able to function optimally and also may assist the other neighboring states.

He also thanked the visiting teams for coming all the way from Delhi to contribute to the Strengthening of food Testing Ecosystem and apprised them on the need for another such Food Testing facility preferably in Tuensang district which can cater to eight districts viz Mon, Longleng, Tuensang, Noklak, Shamator, Kiphire, Zunheboto, and Mokochung districts.

Studnets of DGC at the awareness walk.

Students of GHS Englan and PHED staff.

PHED employees and others in Kohima.

Students of Pinnacle School, Totok Chingnyu

Reducing regional divide key priority: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, MAR 22

(IANS): Prime Minister

Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that reducing the regional divide is one of the key priority areas for India during its G20 presidency.

Modi said this after inaugurating the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area office and Innovation Centre in India at a programme in Vigyan Bhawan here.

The prime minister also unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision Document and launched the 6G R&D Test Bed. On the occasion, he also launched the ‘Call before u Dig’ App.

ITU is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).

“Today, when India is presiding over the G20, one of our priorities is to reduce the regional divide. Global South is making major strides in bridging the technological divide,” the prime minister said on the occasion, adding that the ITU Area office and Innovation Centre will also play a key role in this.

For India, telecom

technology is not just a mode of power but a mission to empower. India rolled out 5G connections in more than 125 cities within 120 days and similarly India will set up 100 5G labs in the coming years, he informed the gathering.

“Within six months of 5G, we are already talking about 6G technology. This shows the confidence of India,” Modi quipped. He went on to add that

more than Rs 800 crore UPIbased digital payments are made in India every month and every day over seven crore e-authentications take place.

“More than Rs 28 lakh crore are directly transferred to citizens’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer,” he added.

Noting that India’s 5G standards are part of the global 5G systems, the prime minister said that India will

COVID-19 cases on rise in Kerala; Govt sounds alerts to all districts

THIRUVANANTHA -

PURAM, MAR 22 (PTI):

COVID-19 infections increased in Kerala slightly prompting the state government to sound alerts to all districts on Wednesday.

In a statement, Health Minister Veena George said there has been a marginal rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, with the state reporting 172 cases on Tuesday.

She noted that Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam districts saw more virus cases.

“There are a total of 1,026 active cases of COVID-19, and 111 people are under treatment in hospitals. All districts have been alerted,” the minister said. She said the districts have been directed to strengthen surveillance.

The Health department

Veena George

also urged the people to take measures to protect themselves from the viral infection by wearing masks and taking other precautions.

“People with comorbidities, the elderly, children, and pregnant women should take special care. They should wear masks properly when going to public places. All those arriving at hospitals must wear masks”, George said.

Ahead of polls, Pawar calls meeting of opposition leaders

the wake of several efforts being made to bring unity in opposition ranks to help take on the BJP together.

A high-level meeting, chaired by the health minister, also assessed the COVID situation in the state.

After the meeting, George said the health department is reviewing the cases of COVID every day.

Although no COVID-19 clusters have formed in the state, districts and hospitals have been directed to draw up plans to tackle the rising cases, the health department said.

In view of the increase in the number of virus infected patients, the minister also directed hospitals to arrange the ICU and ventilator facilities in their hospitals, it said.

Noting that the new COVID-19 variant is more contagious, the health department said genomic sequencing tests will be increased to detect it.

also work closely with ITU for the standardisation of future technologies.

Modi underlined that the new Indian ITU Area office will also help in creating the right environment for 6G.

He announced that the World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly of ITU will be held in October next year in Delhi where representatives from all over the world will visit India.

India signed a Host Country Agreement in March 2022 with ITU for the establishment of Area Office.

It will serve India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Iran, enhancing coordination among the nations and fostering mutually beneficial economic cooperation in the region.

Doreen-Bogdan Martin, Secretary General of ITU thanked PM Modi for helping develop the new ITU Office and innovation center in India, which marks a new chapter in the long history of India and ITU.

She expressed confidence that ITU’s presence in the region will help in the introduction of advanced technologies, improve capacity development and foster entrepreneurship and partnerships.

India signed a Host Country Agreement in March 2022 with ITU for the establishment of an Area Office. The Area Office in India also envisaged having an Innovation Centre embedded in it, making it unique among other area offices of ITU.

Anti-Modi posters in Capital: 44 FIRs filed, 4 arrested

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (AGENCIES): The Delhi

Police has registered 44 FIRs and arrested four persons, including two printing press owners, after posters including some seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (‘Modi hatao, desh bachao’), were found pasted on walls and poles in several areas of the Capital, reports Indian Express . At least 2,000 posters were removed and 2,000 more seized after a van was intercepted.

Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order of Northern Zone) Dependra Pathak told The Indian Express that police intercepted a van in I P Estate when it was coming from the AAP headquarters on DDU Marg and arrested a man. “The arrested man disclosed that he was asked by his employer to deliver the posters at AAP’s headquarters, and that he had made a delivery a day earlier as well.

We have arrested two other men and further investigations are on,” Pathak said.

There was no immediate response from the AAP.

According to police, two printing press firms were given orders for 50,000 such posters each, and workers linked to the companies pasted several of them from late Sunday night to Monday morning.

The owners have been arrested for not publishing the names of their printing press on the posters.

The incident comes two years after Delhi Police arrested 30 people and lodged 25 FIRs over a similar incident of posters with remarks critical of Modi during the Covid vaccination drive.

According to police, 20 FIRs in the latest incident were registered in the Northwest district, six in North and five in West, apart from

three each in Shahdara and Dwarka, two each in Central, Northeast and East, and one in Southeast. DCP (Northwest) Jitendra Meena confirmed the registration of 20 FIRs in the district and said they have not made any arrest so far. “Mostly, the FIRs were registered under the Prevention of Defacement of Public Property Act, and Press and Registration of Books Act,” an officer said. Officers said three persons were arrested from the Central district and one from West. DCP (West) Ghanshyam Bansal said, “We have arrested one person, an owner of a printing press, and we are probing from where he obtained this order.”

Fake news endanger democratic values: CJI Chandrachud

NEW DELHI, MAR 22

(PTI): Flagging the dangers of fake news in this digital age, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Wednesday said such misinformation has the capability of creating tensions between communities thereby endangering democratic values.

Speaking at the Ramnath Goenka awards ceremony, where he was the chief guest, the CJI also said the vibrancy of a democracy is compromised if the press is prevented from speaking truth to power and stressed that the press must remain free if a country is to remain a democracy.

On media trials, he said there have been instances where the media has rendered an accused guilty in eyes of public even before the courts find them so.

He said as with every institution, journalism is also facing its own challenges. “Fake news poses

a serious threat to the independence and impartiality of the press in the current society. It is the collective responsibility of journalists as well as other stakeholders to weed out any element of bias or prejudice from the process of reporting events... Fake news can misguide millions of people at once, and this will be in direct contradiction with the fundamentals of democracy which form the bedrock of our existence,” he said. He termed responsible journalism as the engine which drives democracy towards a better future.

“Responsible journalism is the engine that drives democracy forward to a better tomorrow. In a digital age, it is more important than ever for journalists to be accurate, impartial, responsible and fearless in their reporting,” he said. He asserted that a “functional and healthy de-

DY Chandrachud

mocracy must encourage the development of journalism as an institution that can ask difficult questions to the establishment - or as it is commonly known, ‘speak truth to power’. The vibrancy of

any democracy is compromised when the press is prevented from doing exactly this. The press must remain free if a country is to remain a democracy”.

Referring to the Emergency era, when the Indian Express carried blank op-ed pages, CJI Chandrachud said it is a reminder how powerful silence is.

He said that the Emergency era was a fearful time but such occasions also give rise to “fearless journalism” and hence June 25, 1975, the day when emergency was imposed, was a defining moment in history.

“One proclamation

defined and redefined our perceptions of liberty and threats to it and how tenuous it can be,” he said, adding that is “why we celebrate these awards as symbolising our eternal sense of optimism on which we hope nation will continue.”

He said journalists and lawyers and judges like him share something in common.

“Both share a belief in the saying ‘pen is mightier than the sword”, he said. He added judges and journalists also share the occupational hazard of being disliked by virtue of their professions -no easy cross to bear.

Sharad Pawar

NEW DELHI,

MAR 22

(PTI): Amid talks of opposition unity in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar has invited leaders of various opposition parties here on Thursday 23 to discuss issues of common interest and efficacy of EVMs.

Sources said the meeting will take place at 6 pm.

Pawar has held that in the interest of free and fair elections, electronic voting machines (EVMs) need to be accurate and any doubts over their efficacy must be addressed by the Chief Election Commissioner.

Experts have said that any machine with a chip inside can be hacked and we cannot allow democracy to be hijacked by unscrupulous elements. Therefore, in the interest of free and fair elections, we must sit together and listen to the views expressed by eminent IT professionals and cryptographers, Pawar said in his letter to the opposition leaders.

Leaders of several opposition parties are likely to attend the meeting keeping in view Pawar’s stature.

The meeting comes in

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Telangana Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao have made some efforts in this direction in the recent past.

The Congress has been maintaining that there can be no opposition alliance without it as the party has a national spread.

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Narendra Modi along with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Wednesday. (PTI)

Time for serious work

With a new government in place, there is a lot to be done in order to correct the drift so that Nagaland can be put back on track for development. Just merely being new does not mean that the contents are new also. The contents are like old wine being put in new bottle. Putting old wine in new bottles can be worse unless there is a dynamic change with regard to strategy and goal. The past decades serve as lessons to understand that the consequences of poor infrastructure have seriously undercut the potential for growth and adversely affected job creation. The state’s economy is on weak foundation as it is sustained mostly by a salary-economy. As the main job giver, the state government alone employs around 1.4 lakh out of a total of 19.8 lakh people. The demand for government jobs is a constant demand since several thousand youth graduate from colleges or institutions each year and find no placement. The state government had also expanded the administration by adding more and more new districts some of who have less than 10,000 population. Over and above several departments have also been bifurcated on the plea of providing better and efficient services and also launching skill development programmes. These efforts have proved incapable of absorbing a large segment from among the rising number of unemployed youth in the state. The number of unemployed is not easy to ascertain but conservative estimates put the figure to around one lakh that includes graduates and diploma holders and many school drop outs. Each year, thousands who come out of colleges or various institutions are unable to find “suitable jobs”. The investments in furthering education appears to have been in vain. Frustration has grown because more and more are not finding jobs and unfortunately, expose the desperate ones into taking up undesirable activities. The sense of frustration is more when the practice of “backdoor appointment” continues in the government. The new government needs to address this issue through a broader perception and also invite involvement of various CSOs and NGOs across districts to put their heads together to address this issue. Imparting skills that are honed in for employment may not be the cure for the ailment because jobs are not always available. With no industries and restricted opportunities for investments by private enterprises owing to the sense of prevailing insecurity on the ground, the problem is compounded. The best bet is for the state to go for exploiting oil resources as it would not only benefit the state financially but also provide the much needed quantum to job opportunities for many thousands of youths with self-employment avenues. However, the mover of all these is good governance to effectively enforce the rule of law and being accountability at all levels so as to check lawless elements spreading their tentacles. An economic vision prepared through political aberration that does not take into account the ground reality will not go far and thus be worth the paper it is printed on. This has been the case and will remain unless there is a will to make a turnaround.

DailyDevotion

The Burning Heart

Did not our heart burn within us…? —Luke 24:32

We need to learn this secret of the burning heart. Suddenly Jesus appears to us, fires are set ablaze, and we are given wonderful visions; but then we must learn to maintain the secret of the burning heart— a heart that can go through anything. It is the simple, dreary day, with its commonplace duties and people, that smothers the burning heart— unless we have learned the secret of abiding in Jesus.

Much of the distress we experience as Christians comes not as the result of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test we should use to determine whether or not to allow a particular emotion to run its course in our lives is to examine what the final outcome of that emotion will be. Think it through to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something that God would condemn, put a stop to it immediately. But if it is an emotion that has been kindled by the Spirit of God and you don’t allow it to have its way in your life, it will cause a reaction on a lower level than God intended.

That is the way unrealistic and overly emotional people are made. And the higher the emotion, the deeper the level of corruption, if it is not exercised on its intended level. If the Spirit of God has stirred you, make as many of your decisions as possible irrevocable, and let the consequences be what they will. We cannot stay forever on the “mount of transfiguration,” basking in the light of our mountaintop experience (see Mark 9:1-9). But we must obey the light we received there; we must put it into action. When God gives us a vision, we must transact business with Him at that point, no matter what the cost.

We cannot kindle when we will

The fire which in the heart resides, The spirit bloweth and is still,

In mystery our soul abides;

But tasks in hours of insight willed

Can be through hours of gloom fulfilled.

- By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

“In life you need either inspiration or desperation.”

My dear countrymen, Greetings on behalf of NSCN/GPRN as we mark the 68th Naga Republic day. Historically, this is the day when the NNC/FGN began to commemorate this occasion after the first Tatar Hoho in 1956.This auspicious day also marks the formation of the NSCN/GPRN in the history of the Naga struggle for independence 44th (Forty Four) years ago in 1980. With the passage of time, the NNC/FGN has gradually diversified into various entities with different nomenclatures but the purpose for this day remains the same, that is, to pursue and reclaim the Naga People’s birthright and sovereignty as a republic. Locating ourselves within this historical point of reference, we urged the Naga People to join us as

SPEECHES ON NAGA REPUBLIC DAY President Lt. Gen. Retd Khango Konyak

we reassert our right to freedom and sovereignty as a republic and rejuvenate the spirit of Naga patriotism.

At the outset, no matter how rich or prosperous, a nation without its definite identity and a recognized territorial boundary is vague and void before the galaxies of sovereign communities in the world. Nagaland is one such nation, still struggling to be recognized as an independent entity. We are not lesser lives but voiceless; our voices go unheeded before the international platforms, our intellectual assets are controlled and utilized to build up foreign nations, and our rich natural resources are under the subjugation of dominating authority. On this auspicious occasion, I want to call on my beloved Nagas to reflect on our history

and the direction we are taking towards the future.

Brethren, throughout our journey it has been clearly established that we are unique in our identity and our history. Have we not spent enough time in exercising our intellect to generalize our distinct identity before the world? We have bartered our identity in exchange of momentary comfort but do we not recognize that wealth, fame, and glory alone cannot generate complete contentment unle ss we have a legally recognized freedom. In this collective journey towards the future, it is important to acknowledge that there are weeds that grow along with the corn. And while it is unfortunate that today, we tend to focus more on the darker side of the actions of our freedom fighters, as prudent Na -

gas, we should not let the adversities in the system completely blow out the flame of patriotism that has somehow being kept burning thus far. Along these lines, today it is pertinent to place on record that the recent commotion/conflict within the group has no collusion with our Naga struggle for freedom and should not be considered as a hindrance towards our goal. Rather, the recent events unfolded as a result of growing concerns that the seat of leadership should be used to truthfully further the greater Naga cause.I reiterate again, that the matter should not be considered an obstruction to our greater Naga cause. My beloved Nagas, God has given us knowledge and wisdom ; can we not use it to truthfully comprehend our history

and dispassionately discern our identity without selfish interests? He has given us strength and resilience; can we not forge through and dedicate our efforts today for a tomorrow where our children may hold their head high before the world, proudly declaring themselves as the Children of sovereign Nagaland? Brethren, how long? For how long should we voluntarily remain handicapped when we have full capacitated minds and bodies, strong enough to strive and toil for our dignity, integrity and pride? Why do we choose to continue to remain acquiescent and pretend to be blind when we can clearly see where we are heading? Why should we remain dump when we can raise our voice and eloquently speak our right and freedom? We seem to lend our deaf ears to our

children crying against discrimination. Are we doing justice to our upcoming generation?

There were times in history when violence was employed to fight for rights and freedoms. However today, weapons are contained from combat and warfare against rivals and adversaries but for peace keeping and security. Today, dialogue and diplomacy has substituted bloodshed and violent mediums of patriotic communication. With the door for dialogue keep wide open, we renew and reaffirmed our stand to strive for freedom of Nagaland-our God gifted land and its people. We call on all the Naga people from all walks of life-Let us rekindle the spirit of nationalism and continue to strive for freedom and sovereignty. “KUKNALIM”

Ato Kilonser GPRN Isak Sumi Yilow Humtsoe, Acting President of NNC

All glory to God the almighty for having sustained us through the ages of our existence as a nation and our sacred struggle for liberation. At the outset I would like to take this privilege to extend the 44th Naga republic day greetings to all the rank and files of NSCN/GPRN and to all my fellow Naga citizens. On this auspicious occasion let us pay homage to all the martyrs who have given their ultimate sacrifice with their life and sanctified our land with their blood for which we are where we are today proudly holding our heads high as a nation and people. I also would like to thank and applaud Nagas from every walk of life for their unflinching and unwavering support towards our sacred struggle rendering their service through prayers and sheltering us from the adversaries for more than 7 decade of our struggle. Today because of the sacrifices and collective efforts and mandate of the Naga Civil societies and Naga people from all walks of life the NNPG have signed the “Agreed Position” with the Government of India and successfully concluded the Indo-Naga political negotiation on 31st of October 2019 and have painstakingly prepared the future of the

Nagas on the basis of our historical and political rights, the Nagas must also acknowledge the recognition endowed by the GOI that the Nagas have every right to self-determine our own future as in consonance to the contemporary political realities. And even as we are gearing up to open the new chapter in the existence of Naga nation let us remain vigilant of the evil designs of the adversaries from sabotaging our dream. Once again taking this privilege on this auspicious occasion 1 on behalf of all the rank and file of the NSCN/GPRN heartily congratulate our newly elected President/Chairman NSCN/GPRN His Excellency Luyangba Yimkhiung a true patriot who have stood the test of time through his 67 years of Naga National service and not once given away to worldly pleasures and other materialistic pursuits by holding his ground and serving faithfully thus far. He is and will always be our pride and leading beacon and we must all continue to emulate his example. The Prayers of the Naga Nation will always be with him for his good health and long life so that he will lead us to our long cherished dream. LONG LIVE THE NAGAS. Kuknalim

Gen. (Retd.) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN

Dear Countrymen,

In the history of the Naga Nation, 22nd March is a red letter Day from 1956 onwards. As we commemorate the 68th Nagaland Republic Day, in the first place we must thank the Almighty God for His protection and blessing upon the Naga Nation all these years. We are also grateful to our former Naga National leaders who took timely initiative to declare Nagaland a Republic at Parashen in the Rengma Region, and formed the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) encompassing all the Naga territories on 22nd March, 1956.

On this important national day, let us not forget to acknowledge but remember afresh the wisdom and strength of our ancestors who carefully protected our land and our people from falling to outside forces.

Thereby, handing the unspoiled legacy to the modern era at the right time and moment where our pioneering national leaders could organize our people into a nation state in keeping with the international trend. We are immensely indebted to them for their foresight and timely action.

We owe our existence to them today. Secondly, it is an occasion to say thank you to all the national workers who are currently serving the nation at various levels; in the Federal Government, the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Naga Army. Your patriotic ser vices and tenacity speak volumes. The Naga nation salutes you.

lacks nothing. To briefly enumerate, Nagas were never conquered by any foreign power. Hence, it could formally declare its age-old independence on14th August, 1947.

To that effect, a voluntary plebiscite was conducted on 16th May 1951 to ascertain the declaration of independence and received overwhelming mandate of 99.9% to stay independent.

With that mandate the Federal Government of Nagaland was formed on 22nd March, 1956. With these impeccable historical rights and position of Nagaland, Nagas are accepted and recognized by the International Community wherever we go.

However much against our will, the newly gained independent India launched its naked aggression on Nagaland by 1954 and is occupying much of our land till today.

That, in defense of our land and nation we have lost thousands of lives, so many tortured and maimed, our women humiliated and violated, and our villages and properties destroyed over and over in many Regions. The war crimes committed by India must be accounted for sooner or later.

Nagas will always remember and pay their deepest homage to the supreme sacrifices of lives and sufferings given by patriotic Nagas for the sake of Nagaland and its people. On the part of the Federal Government of Nagaland, it is our bounden responsibility to safeguard and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Nagaland at all times. Long live Nagaland. KUKNALIM

Dear Naga People, On this 68th year of Naga National Republic Day, I on behalf of the Naga National Council (Parent Body) sincerely wish all the Naga people in the homeland and abroad, and also to the North-East people who stood for the Naga Rights of Freedom. The NNC also extend our sincere wish to all our sympathisers and well-wishers who support the Naga cause for Freedom on this occasion.

Today, with reverence, I remember & honour all the Naga Martyrs who sacrificed their all for Naga Freedom of Sovereignty. As we observe our National Day, may we rededicate ourselves to stand strong and work collectively for the freedom of our Historical and Political rights as a people and Nation. The Military Junta of Burma and the Government of India have forcefully invaded and divided the Naga Homeland to their advantage, hence the Nagas

never accepted nor can we accept this forceful division of the Naga Homeland into parts of India and Myanmar. Therefore, the Naga people must fight together to restore all the Inhabited lands back to the Homeland for peace and tranquillity in the region as longed for by the people and for the best interest of all concerned.

The NNC on this occasion must also insist all our North-East people stand together to protect and defend our God-given Region to flourish and attain freedom of democracy as our historical facts are solid. We have to work for our future progress and development while also preserving and protecting our rights, culture and religion. Our region has seen enough political games of the Indian Government and even during the recently imposed Indian elections in the region, we were able to see how the election was used as a divisive

tool to create enmity between families, clans, villages and our society in general. Our society which is grounded on the traditions of peace and honesty as a Mongoloid race has been polluted and infiltrated with fraud and corrupted money causing division, hatred and even loss of lives. Such are the techniques of the Indian Government to eliminate our society and completely dominate us and our Homeland. Therefore, our people in the region must realise this danger of domination before it is too late to save our people and Homeland.

The world political scenarios are shifting rapidly and endless wars are prevailing among nations and regions. Therefore, our people must stand strong to defend our rights to become a free and recognised Nation, as the Nagas have fought and stood for the last more than 70 years. Long live Naga National Republic Day. Kuknalim

Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya Kedahge FGN

My beloved Country Men and Women, It is a great honour and a privilege for me to address you on this historic occasion of the 68th Republic Day of our Nation. I thank our Almighty God for His continued Guidance and Protection. I put on record our profound gratitude to our pioneers for laying firm political foundations for us because of which we are able to stand up today with dignity and pride. I pay my tribute and homage to the many martyrs who have made the supreme sacrifice for the Naga Cause. I salute all Naga patriots for their visions and sacrifices in pursuit of the long cherished Naga dream. May their unyielding spirit and selflessness continue to inspire, guide and strengthen us.

Nagaland became a Republic on 22nd March 1956 when the Federal Government of Nagaland was established resulting from the convening of the First Tatar Hoho by the Naga National Council which brought together the Free Nagas, represented by the Hongki Government and the erstwhile Naga Hills District, represented by the Naga Natio nal Council.

With the National Mandate of 1951 immutably entrusted to them and acknowledging that the Almighty God is the Supreme Sovereign over this world and the authority of the people on the territory as a sacred trust from God, our leaders established our National institution based on the modern principles and ideals of Democracy, Justice, Liberty and Fraternity and instituted the Republic on the concept of the Federal System of Governance. The historic Declaration of Naga Independence on 14th August, 1947 and the Plebiscite of 16th May, 1951 were the foundations which shaped the political course of our people. As we commemorate the 68th Republic Day, we celebrate the

exemplary lives and courage of the pioneers and the numerous patriots. Our history is our legacy and we have to place ourselves within the historical framework of the past and follow the path till our historical rights finds full expression. In the midst of opposition from others, we must free ourselves from distrust, unite and with strength march forward. We believe there is a future awaiting those who are morally strong, determined and resolute to make it their own.

The Nagas as a people and as a nation have an ardent desire to live in peace and harmony and have always sought to live in peaceful co-existence with our neighbours. Thus for Peace to prevail and for a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue, the Federal Government of Nagaland actively participated and concluded the political dialogue with Government of India as an entity of the NNPGs Working Committee to arrive at a political settlement which is honourable and mutually acceptable. However after a lapse of more than two years the final inking of the agreement remains. The lackadaisical attitude of the GoI makes us to wonder whether India is genuinely concerned about resolving the Indo-Naga political issue and whether India is prepared to be honest with her commitments.

History has made us doubt the sincerity of GoI. Our ancestors were honourable people and their words used to be their law.

The British recognized this custom and treated the Nagas as honourable people.

Despite several conflicts and agreements between the two, no written document was necessitated. And so we respected each other for what each was. But when the Indian leaders made the first agreement with the Nagas, they neither honoured our customs nor their promises. We had to make a

written agreement - the 9 point agreement (Hydari agreement). Even after getting written assurance from the representatives of the GoI, a letter signed by Bordoloi and Hydari themselves, the agreement never saw the light of day. Successive Indian leaders have failed to uphold even the promises made to the Nagas by their most venerated leaders like Gandhi and Rajagopalachari. These have made us to wonder what we are up against, a people whose honour is questionable. To cite few instances - India never honoured the Hydari agreement; India betrayed the Peace Mission of 1964; India divided the Nagas even after her promise to bring the Nagas under one political umbrella; India is not even serious about her commitments to the 16 point agreement in all important matters. We are also aware that the conflict between the Nagas and India could have been resolved long ago had the Government of India been really sincere in trying to resolve it.

The GoI in the past has instead of seeking permanent solution rather has basically succeeded in prolonging the problem by manipulating the situations as and when desired by her. It is up to the Government of India whether to restore faith or make a mockery of the Indian System of Democracy. We expect India to live up to her world image as the largest Democracy in the world and hope to see India become a self-respecting and honourable country. We Nagas, as a Nation of trustworthy and honourable people have the moral strength to stand, wait and watch as we firmly believe that what is rightfully ours cannot be crushed by power or might. May God’s grace be upon us all and His Wisdom continues to guide us and may His will prevail as we continue our journey.

God Bless My Nagaland. Kuknalim.

~ Tony Robbins

CHANDIGARH, MAR 22 (PTI/IASN): The brains behind pro-Khalistan fugitive Amritpal Singh’s escape from the police dragnet was 38-year-old Papalpreet

Singh, who was in close contact with Pakistan’s ISI and was taking instructions from it, officials said on Wednesday.

They said Papalpreet Singh is considered one of Amritpal Singh’s mentors who had been advising him on various issues. Papalpreet had been working with Amritpal closely since he returned to India last year and took over the reins of ‘Waris Punjab De’, an organisation founded by actor Deep Sidhu, who died in a road accident in 2021.

Papalpreet was seen driving a motorcycle with Amritpal riding pillion. The two-wheeler was found deserted at Phillaur in Jalandhar.

The officials said Pa-

Papalpreet Singh (PTI) Amritpal Singh

palpreet Singh was taking instructions from the ISI to raise the bogey of Khalistan in Punjab and working to plunge the state into the dark days of terrorism.

They said it was on Papalpreet’s instructions that Amritpal changed his appearance from a radical Sikh preacher to an ordinary person and finally abandoned the motorcycle at a canal in Phillaur.

The officials said the interrogation of four people arrested by the Punjab Police on Tuesday provided insight into the role of Papalpreet in Amritpal dodg-

ing the police.

They said Papalpreet took the motorcycle arranged by Manpreet Singh and Gurdeep Singh, famously known as ‘Manna and Deepa’ who run local gangs in the state, and escorted Amritpal to a gurdwara at Nangal Ambian village in Jalandhar where he changed his looks, put on a pink turban and black goggles before fleeing.

Papalpreet faces some criminal cases, including that of a murder attempt.

Police, in the meantime, have circulated pictures of Papalpreet through-

out Punjab and in neighbouring states. They have also released a combo of seven pictures of Amritpal Singh’s different looks.

Bikeusedinescape

seizedbutAmritpal

Singhstillatlarge

The motorcycle on which Khalistani ideologue and fugitive Amritpal Singh fled has been found by Punjab Police, officials said, as the massive manhunt for the self-styled preacher continued on the fifth day.

The Bajaj Platina motorcycle was found abandoned near a canal in the Darapur area, some 45 km from Jalandhar city.

Before fugitive Amritpal Singh’s uncle Harjit Singh and associate Harpreet Singh surrendered, they had forcefully entered the house of the sarpanch of Udhowal village near Mehatpur and stayed there after

threatening him.

Sarpanch Manpreet Singh told the police his brother Kamalpreet Singh was at their home when two persons came in a Mercedes car and threatened his brother to open the gate.

“They forced my brother to open a room for their stay. They also forced our family to stay within the house and threatened not to inform the police,” he said.

Explaining how fugitive Amritpal Singh is still absconding while 154 people have been arrested in connection with the March 18 crackdown, Punjab Police’s Inspector General Sukhchain Singh Gill said on Tuesday that he escaped by changing clothes in a gurdwara and fled on a bike. The car he earlier used has been recovered by police.

“We have recovered the car which was used by Amritpal to escape. After escaping, Amritpal went to

SC Collegium concerned over withholding names recommended

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): The Supreme Court Collegium has voiced concern over instances of the Centre withholding or overlooking the names recommended for appointment as judges and asked it to take “necessary action” for elevation of those selected earlier. The critical remarks by the Collegium, which noted that this practice disturbs the seniority of the candidates, come amid the tussle between the Centre and the judiciary over the Collegium system of judges appointing judges.

The Collegium, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, in a March 21 resolution said a notification for the elevation of persons including the name of Advocate R John Sathyan recommended earlier should be issued at the earliest. The name of Sathyan was reiterated by the Collegium on January 17 this year. The Collegium had reiterated its February 16, 2022 recommendation

Notice against Rajnath for remarks against Rahul

NEW DELHI, MAR 22

(PTI): Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore on Wednesday gave to Speaker Om Birla a notice of violation of rules against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over his allegations made against Rahul Gandhi on March 13.

In his notice, he said when Lok Sabha reconvened for the second part of the Budget session, Singh without offering any advance notice addressed the House and made “defamatory statements” against the Congress MP. Tagore in his notice also demanded action against the BJP member.

The notice has been given under Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (LS Rules) against Singh for violating Rule 352 (vii) and Rule 353 of the LS Rules during his address to the Lower House of Parliament on March 13.

The notice comes in the wake of demands by BJP members that Gandhi tender an apology for his “democracy under attack” remark in the UK and for defaming India from foreign soil. Congress member Gandhi has separately written to Lok Sabha Speaker Birla seeking time for responding to the allegations made by the minister and some others over his remarks made in London.

The issue has forced several disruptions in both Houses of Parliament, which has not been able to transact any significant business ever since the start of the second leg of the Budget session on March 13.

75-feet ‘Statue of Knowledge’ to come up in Latur

a gurdwara in Nangal Ambian, where he changed his attire and left on a bike.

“This came to be known in questioning of the four people who have been arrested,” he said.

He said a lookout circular and non-bailable warrant has been issued against Amritpal Singh. The National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against him.

Police have also arrested four people -- Manpreet Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Harpreet Singh and Gurbhej Singh -- for facilitating Amritpal Singh’s escape.

IG Gill said the police have also arrested and detained Kulwant Singh Raoke and Gurinderpal Singh under the NSA.

The police have launched massive search and cordon operations in the state against activists of Amritpal Singh’s ‘Waris Punjab De’.

LATUR, MAR 22 (PTI):

The Maharashtra government has given approval for a 75-feet tall `Statue of Knowledge’ dedicated to Dr B. R. Ambedkar in Latur city, local MP Sudhakar Shrangare said on Wednesday. He had submitted a proposal in this regard, he said.

On Tuesday, the state government issued an order regarding the statue and

also the beautification of the Ambedkar Park in the city, the BJP MP said, adding that Rs 10 crore have been sanctioned for the entire project.

Shrangare had last year installed a 75-feet replica of Ambedkar’s statue and there was a demand from some organizations that a permanent statue should be installed in the city.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

Advocate R John Sathyan

those recommended later steal march on them. Loss of seniority of candidates recommended earlier in point of time has been noted by the collegium and is a matter of grave concern,” it stated.

k-447/23

“By its resolution dated 17 January 2023, the Collegium of the Supreme Court recommended the appointment of Shri Ramaswamy Neelakandan, advocate practising before the Madras High Court, as a judge of the high court.

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL MANAGER, DISTRICT INDUSTRIES CENTRE CHOZUBA, PHEK: NAGALAND

Email: dicchozuba19@gmail.com

NO.DIC/CZBA/TRG (RAP) 18/2006

Dated Chozuba, the ___March 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT

for appointing Sathyan as a judge of the Madras High Court, brushing aside the objections of the Intelligence Bureau(IB) to his social media posts including the one critical of PM Narendra Modi.

The Collegium voiced its concern in the resolution in which it recommended the names of four district judges--R Sakthivel, P Dhanabal, Chinnasamy Kumarappan, and K Rajasekar--for appointment as judges of the Madras High Court. “The names which have been recommended earlier in point of time including the reiterated names ought not to be withheld or overlooked as this disturbs their seniority whereas

The March 21 resolution stated that the recommendation made by the High Court Collegium on August 10, 2022, for the appointment of the four judicial officers as judges of the Madras High Court has the concurrence of the chief minister and the governor of Tamil Nadu. The file was received from the Department of Justice on January 5 this year, it said. The resolution further said that in order to ascertain the fitness and suitability of the above-named judicial officers for elevation to the high court, in terms of the memorandum of procedure, the apex court Collegium has consulted the judges of the Supreme Court conversant with the affairs of the Madras High Court.

As on March 31, 2023, Shri Ramaswamy Neelakandan was 48.07 years of age while Shri K Rajasekar on that date was 47.09 years of age.

ment of Neelakandan is notified. The Collegium had on January 17, 2023 noted that the IB while objecting to Sathyan’s social media posts has reported he has a good personal, professional image and nothing adverse has been found with regard to his integrity.

Dr. Rituparna Baruah, MD, DM, FACAI, SENIOR CONSULTANT INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST, APOLLO HOSPITAL, Guwahati will be available for consultation on 25th Mar 2023 from 11:30 AM -5:30 PM

For further details and Appointments, Kindly call the Reception at 03862-248288 / 248722. dp-1230/23

“Shri Neelakandan, who is a member of the Bar, has been recommended earlier in point of time and must be appointed before Shri Rajasekar is appointed. Otherwise, Shri Rajasekar, who is a judicial officer and younger than Shri Neelakandan, would rank senior to Shri Neelakandan. Such a deviation in seniority would be unfair and against the settled convention,” the resolution said.

The Collegium said that while recommending the name of Rajasekar for elevation, it is of the view that his appointment should be notified after the appoint-

VISITING CONSULTANTS

Dr. Rituparna Baruah, MD, DM, FACAI, SENIOR CONSULTANT INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST, APOLLO HOSPITAL, Guwahati will be available for consultation on 25th Mar 2023 from 11:30 AM -5:30 PM

dp-1142/23

Application are hereby invited from bonafide local candidates for undergoing 9(nine) months cutting and tailoring training under Rural Artisan programme (RAP) at District industries Centre Chozuba, Phek. The Training will commence from 10th April to December 2023.

k-609/23(b)

It said Sathyan belongs to the Christian community and the IB report notes he does not have any overt political leanings.

“In this view, the Collegium is of the considered opinion that R. John Sathyan is fit and suitable for being appointed as a Judge of the Madras High Court. The Collegium, therefore, resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated February 16, 2022 for appointment of R. John Sathyan, advocate, as a Judge of the Madras High Court,” said the January 17 resolution.

k-609/23(b)

Number of trainees will be 10(ten) and Education Qualification for the candidate will be Class-VIII (Eight) passed and above. The candidate will have to appear an interview on 5th April 2023 at DIC chozuba in the office chamber of the undersigned in their own expense and no separate calling letter will be served in this connection. The candidate should bring their original certificates during the interview without fail. The application along with the photo copies of the documents should reach the office on or before 3rd April 2023. Documents Required-:

1. Indigenous certificate 2. Schedule Tribe certificate. 3. Certificate for proof of Education Qualification.

The selected candidates will be provided with a stipend of Rs 500/- per month during the training. The training is being imparted for self employment avenues.

(CHOLZO SOPHIE)

General Manager District Industries Centre, Chozuba, Phek, Nagaland

dp-1239/23

Amritpal’s mentor Papalpreet helped him escape police

PM Modi launches 6G project

NEW DELHI, MAR 22

(AGENCIES): Prime Min-

ister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled India’s 6G mission which aims to create a focussed initiative for the next generation tech in India, and the official 6G testbed project that will allow research on new network techniques to take place. The government has constituted a Bharat 6G project and appointed an apex council to oversee it, Business Standard reported.

India is the second largest telecom market globally, with 1.2 billion digital subscribers.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said India is the most connected democracy in the world, where 70 million e-authentications and 8 billion UPI transactions occur digitally daily.

In November 2021, the government formed a 22-member innovation group headed by telecom secretary K Rajaraman to create a vision for the 6G roadmap in India.

Opening up 6G air

Railways lowers fare of AC-3 tier economy ticket

NEW DELHI, MAR 22

(IANS): The railways ministry has issued an order to reduce the price of AC-3 tier economy class ticket with effect from Wednesday.

Along with this, bedding will be made available as before. According to railway officials, passengers who have booked tickets online and over the counter will be given a refund of the extra amount for the prebooked tickets. As per the order, the fare for a 3-tier economy class ticket, which had been made equal to the fare of an AC-3 tier ticket through a circular issued last year, has been reduced.

Three tier economy coaches were introduced by the Railway Board to provide the ‘Best and Cheapest AC travel’ service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released ‘Bharat 6G Vision’ document in New Delhi on March 23. (Kamal Narang) waves is a part of India’s efforts to attain a key toehold in the global supply chain for emerging technology such as satellite and terrestrial communication gear and components.

The 6G testbed is being co-developed by a consortium of various Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), including those in Guwahati and Madras.

The project will provide an R&D Platform to start-ups, researchers, industry and other broadband wireless applications in India like e-governance, smart cities, rural broad

band or other Digital India initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Within a few months, India’s 5G deployment will cross a few hundred thousand sites, Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. He stressed that the average time needed to secure permissions for setting up telecom towers has decreased from 222 days to just seven days. Given how 6G is expected to serve as a convergence platform for satcom (satellite communication) and terrestrial networks, the Department of Telecommunications has said that

Gold tumbles Rs 480; silver declines Rs 345

India is aiming to participate in global discussions, currently working on setting 6G standards and pursuing technological innovations.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the first Area Office & Innovation Centre of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in India.

ITU is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICT).

The new office will help ITU coordinate more with India and other countries in the region, ITUs Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, currently in India, said.

“India is a role model in the digital revolution. The innovation centre is in one of the world’s best hubs for cutting edge innovation,” Bogdan-Martin said. India has firmly set its sight on the ITU, recently winning a key segment of the elections at ITU’s Radio Regulations Board (RRB), a top body administering frequency allocation to nations and resolving disputes.

Cement Cos. may hike price in April, fuel costs go down

CHENNAI, MAR 22 (IANS):

Cement manufacturers are expected to announce discounts and schemes to meet their yearend volume targets and price hikes could be there early April 2023, said Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFS). Based on the interaction with the channel partners, MOFS said the cement manufacturers may announce discounts/schemes to meet their year end volume target.

In a research report, MOFS said the cement companies may hike their prices early April, 2023. The cement players attempted price hikes in FebMar’23; however, a significant portion of the hikes was reversed by offering discounts, incentives and price cuts. As a result, the all-India average cement price appears to be flat to marginally negative in 4Q v/s 3QFY23,

MOFS said.

The MOFS said cement manufacturers consuming imported coal in the overall fuel mix will report higher reduction in fuel cost than players with higher usage of petcoke in the coming months.

As per its calculation, average fuel cost for the industry should decline Rs 80-90/t in 4QFY23, followed by Rs 200/t decline in 1QFY24 (based on current coal/ petcoke prices), MOFS said.

“Imported (South African and Australian) coal price has dipped sharply in the past few months with a 34-54 per cent decline from Dec’22-exit and 28-33 per cent QoQ drop in 4QFY23 QTD. Imported Petcoke price has remained rangebound over the past few months at $165-185/t. Average petcoke price dipped 3-7 per cent QoQ in 4QFY23 QTD,” MOFS said.

Former minister YM Yollow Konyak passes away

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): Gold price tumbled Rs 480 to Rs 58,770 per 10 gram in the national capital on Wednesday amid a fall in rates of the precious metal internationally, according to HDFC Securities.

The yellow metal had settled at Rs 59,250 per 10 gram in the previous trade.

Silver also declined Rs 345 to Rs 68,850 per kilogram.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 58,770 per 10 gram, down Rs 480 per 10 gram,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

In the overseas market, both gold and silver were quoting lower at USD 1,939 per ounce and USD 22.34 per ounce, respectively. Comex gold prices traded lower in Asian trading hours on Wednesday after prices corrected by almost 1.80 per cent in the previous session.

Airtel 5G Plus launched in Kolkata

KOLKATA, MAR 22 (PTI): Telecom operator Bharti Airtel on Wednesday announced the launch of its “cutting-edge” 5G services in Kolkata.

The company also said that its 5G services are already live in Haldia, Ranaghat, Contai, Krishnanagar, Puruliya, Bongaon, Bankura, Raniganj and Kolaghat in West Bengal.

Airtel 5G Plus services will be available to customers in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the rollout, Bharti Airtel said in a statement.

Customers with 5G-enabled devices will enjoy a high-speed Airtel 5G Plus network at no extra cost until the rollout is more widespread.

The leading telecom operator will augment its network making its services available to cities across the entire state in due course, the statement said.

Talking about the launch, Ayan Sarkar, the CEO (West Bengal) of Bharti Airtel, said, “I am delighted to announce the roll-out of Airtel 5G Plus in Kolkata in addition to Haldia, Ranaghat, Contai, Krishnanagar, Puruliya, Bongaon, Bankura, Raniganj, Kolaghat and more.”

Customers can now experience the power of an ultrafast 5G network and enjoy speed up to 20-30 times faster than what the current 4G offers, he added.

(From p-1) In a condolence message to Mrs. Minching Konvak, the chief minister described late Konyak as “an energetic and promising leader”, who had a deep passion for politics ever since his younger days. “He was a sincere, hardworking and soft spoken person, and a capable public leader,” Rio said.

The chief minister, on behalf of the government of Nagaland, extended condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God Almighty grant them strength and solace as they come to terms with this irreparable loss.

Dy.CM: State deputy chief minister, Y Patton, condoled the death of YM Yollow Konyak and said that his passing away at this juncture was a great loss for the people.

In a condolence message, Patton said late Konyak was a senior politician who represented his people for two consecutive terms and made serious impact by his contributions.

Patton, who is also state BLP leader, on behalf of the state BJP legislators, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in peace.

ENLU: Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) has expressed shock and grief over the sudden demise of former minister YM Yollow Konyak.

In a condolence note, ENLU convener and minister P Paiwang Konyak stated that late Yollow was a dynamic leader who always worked for the welfare of the society passionately and executed his assignments diligently.

ENLU said late Yollow was a humble and dedicated government servant who served the government in various capacities with

utmost sincerity and also served in various social organizations during his young days for the welfare of the Konyak community.

The union stated that passing away of YM Yollow was a big loss for the Konyak community in particular and Nagas in general.

ENLU conveyed deepest condolences to Mrs. Minching Konyak and all the bereaved family members and prayed that God Almighty grant them comfort and solace at this darkest hour.

Imkong L. Imchen: Advisor IPR and soil & water conservation, Imkong L Imchen has expressed grief over the demise of his “beloved bother” Yollow Konyak, whom he described as “a very intelligent versatile young and dynamic public servant”.

In a condolence note, Imchen said “human destiny becomes so cruel at times and so as to my beloved brother Yollow, to be taken away from our midst.”

Stating that there were no adequate words to express sorrow and grief, Imchen said “Perhaps we shall always linger his illustrious carrier in public life in the days to come.”

The advisor conveyed heartfelt condolences to all the members of bereaved family. And prayed that the Almighty God grant solace and mercy to the departed soul and eternal rest in heavenly abode.

Moatoshi: Advisor labour, employment & skill development and excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, has expressed deep grief over the sudden demise of former minister and his friend YM Yollow Konyak. In a condolence message, the advisor said that late Yollow was a

WaNted

SaLe

leader who envisioned great things for Eastern Nagaland and Nagas in general. “The void created by him will be felt hard by all,” Moatoshi said and offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this time of sorrow and grief.

Azo: Leader of NPF legislature party Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA, expressed deep pain and sadness over the sudden demise of former minister YM Yollow Konyak and said that a big vacuum had been created following his death.

In a condolence message, Azo said “he was my former colleague who dedicated, sacrificed and gave his best for the Naga people. His death is a great loss for the Nagas.”

MLA conveyed sincere condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God grant them solace and peace in this hour of great grief and sorrow.

Chingang: Advisor geology & mining, DUDA, W Chingang Konyak, expressed deep shock and sadness over the untimely demise of YM Yollow Konyak.

In a condolence note, Chingang Konyak said that in his death the State has lost a capable leader and has left a huge void which will be hard to fill.

Describing late Yollow as a diligent public servant, an eminent public leader and an outstanding legislator, the advisor said that his contribution to the social economic and political sphere of the constituency would be fondly remembered by the people. Chingang also extended condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God grant peace and solace to the family members.

For Urgent Sale

China, Russia to jointly counter US’

Indo-Pacific strategy; Xi returns

BEIJING/MOSCOW, MAR 22 (PTI): Chinese

President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to Moscow on Wednesday and vowed to build “an equal, open and inclusive security system” with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to counter the Indo-Pacific strategy pursued by the US.

Xi held an intense round of discussions with Putin after which the leaders signed two joint statements to deepen their “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era” and “Pre-2030 Development Plan on Priorities in ChinaRussia Economic Cooperation’’.

Xi embarked upon the 3-day Moscow trip ostensibly to broker a peace deal and end the raging conflict in Ukraine, as he sought to push a peace talks plan that elicited a frigid response from the US, Kyiv’s key ally.

The trip, described by Xi as “one of friendship, cooperation and peace,” marked his ninth visit to Russia since he first became the Chinese President in March 2013. The joint statement issued in Chinese and Russian languages said the two sides expressed serious concern over NATO’s continued strengthening of

military security ties with the Asia-Pacific countries, which undermined regional peace and stability.

It said the two sides opposed cobbling together a closed and exclusive bloc structure in the Asia-Pacific region, creating camp confrontation, in an apparent reference to the Quad alliance comprising the US, India, Australia, Japan and AUKUS, consisting of Australia, the UK and the US.

Both sides said the US adheres to the Cold War mentality and pursues the Indo-Pacific strategy, which has a negative impact on peace and stability in the region, it said. China and Russia are committed to building an “equal, open and inclusive security sys-

Japan’s Kishida pledges aid for Ukraine-backing Poland

East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years.

On the Ukraine conflict, the joint statement said the Russian side positively assesses the objective and impartial position of the Chinese side on the issue.

WARSAW, MAR 22 (AP): Japan’s prime minister pledged on Wednesday to provide Poland with development support to help the European country assist neighbouring Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia’s invasion. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Warsaw a day after Kishida made a surprise visit to Kyiv

and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Bearing in mind the increasing burden on Poland due to the prolonged invasion of Ukraine,” Kishida said Japan would offer Poland assistance to support its role and is looking to “vigorously build up” projects. Japan usually provides the type of promised aid to developing countries, which Poland is no longer, but the

Japanese government is making a special exception, he said. Kishida said it was crucial for like-minded countries such as Japan and Poland, to remain united in their support for Ukraine and in furthering sanctions against Russia. During a joint news conference with Kishida, Morawiecki said that at the time when a “new geo-political order” was emerging, both countries understand

the “threat to world peace coming from Russia’s imperialism.” Poland has supplied military, humanitarian and political support to Ukraine during the war that started 13 months ago.

Kishida, who is preparing to chair a Group of Seven summit in May, said Japan would stress the need for continued cooperation with Poland and for international backing for Ukraine.

tem” in the Asia-Pacific region that does not target third countries, in order to maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity, it said. Both countries expressed serious concerns over the consequences and risks of the trilateral security partnership -- AUKUS and related nuclear-powered submarine cooperation programmes on regional strategic stability, it said.

The US, India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China’s rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region.

China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and

12 dead as powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan

zens out on the streets.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Peshawar in a tweet said that nine persons, including five men, two women and two children were killed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan.

Both sides oppose any country or group of countries seeking military, political and other advantages to the detriment of the legitimate security interests of other countries, a veiled dig at the US and EU, which backed Ukraine in resisting Russia’s military aggression.

Russia reiterated its commitment to restarting peace talks soon, which was appreciated by China, it said.

The Russian side welcomed China’s willingness to play an active role in resolving the crisis in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means, it said.

Significantly, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin in his media briefing on Wednesday parried questions on reports that Xi will speak to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy through a video call to further his peace plan.

Israel attacked Aleppo airport, no casualties: Syria

DAMASCUS, MAR 22

Rescue workers and people gather at a hospital, where earthquake victims are brought, in Saidu Sharif, Tuesday. (AP/PTI)

I SLAMABAD, MAR 22 (PTI): A strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre in Afghanistan shook Pakistan, killing at least 12 people and injuring nearly 250 others in both the countries, authorities said on Wednesday.

The earthquake’s epicentre was Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, while its depth was 180 kilometres, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Depart -

ment. Tremors were also felt in many parts of north India, including the DelhiNational Capital Region.

In Pakistan, earthquake tremors were felt in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Kot Momin, Madh Ranjha, Chakwal, Kohat and GilgitBaltistan areas.

Television footage showed panic-stricken citi-

Russia hits apartments and dorm, killing civilians: Ukraine

KYIV, MAR 22 (AP): Russia stepped up its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine on Wednesday, killing students and other civilians, in a violent follow-up to duelling high-level diplomatic missions aimed at bringing peace after 13 months of war.

“Russia is shelling the city with bestial savagery,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote in a Telegram post accompanying video showing what he said was a Russian missile striking a nine-story apartment building on a busy road in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia.

“Residential areas where ordinary people and children live are being fired at.” At least one person was killed in the attack shown in the Zaporizhzhia video, apparently recorded by closed circuit TV cameras.

Elsewhere, Moscow’s forces launched exploding drones before dawn, killing seven people in or near a student dormitory near Kyiv. Ukrainian media showed charred apartments and flames billowing on several floors of the buildings.

Two children were among the wounded, said Zaporizhzhia City Council Secretary Anatolii Kurtiev, adding that 25 people needed hospital treatment, with three in critical condition.

Zaporizhzhia city is about 100 kilometers from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest which has previously come under threat during the war and has been shut down for months. The U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency reported the plant had suffered another loss of a backup external power source.

Its six reactors still need power to cool nuclear fuel, and were relying on only a primary source Wednesday, the IAEA said.

Russia has denied targeting residential areas even though artillery and rocket strikes hit apartment buildings and civilian infrastructure on a daily basis. Russian officials have blamed Ukrainian air defences for some of the deadliest strikes on apartments, saying the deployment of air defence systems in residential areas puts civilians at risk.

Two persons - a man in Islamabad and a 13-year-old girl in Abbottabad - lost their lives due to sudden cardiac arrest after the quake, Dawn newspaper reported.

At the time of the earthquake, a stampede was reported in the markets of Rawalpindi, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Nearly 200 people were injured in Swat, where hospitals had declared a state of emergency.

The earthquake also jolted the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), where the resultant landslides created fear. However, no loss of life was immediately reported.

(AP): An Israeli airstrike early on Wednesday targeted the international airport in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, causing material damage and putting it out of service, Syria’s state news agency reported. It was the second attack on the facility this month.

SANA quoted an unnamed military official as saying Israeli warplanes fired the missiles toward Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and once commercial centre, while flying over the Mediterranean Sea. It did not mention any casualties.

Bassem Mansour, head of Syria’s civil aviation, told the pro-government Sham FM radio station the strike damaged the airport’s runway and put the facility out of service. Repair work has started, he said, adding that “the airport will resume work within a short period”.

CONGRATULATIONS

I wish to congratulate Tongpang Ozukum (Angetyongpang) for winning the 2023 Nagaland Assembly Elections. In today’s world we feel proud to have young leaders like you who are committed and who has the vision for a better tomorrow. I pray that God continue to guide you as you lead the people during your tenure.

Warm regards, Meyisongla, Lower Chandmari, Kohima K-610/23(C)

CONGRATULATIONS

I wish to specially congratulate Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (Kohima Town) on your victory during the Nagaland Assembly Elections 2023. Your charity towards patients in need and selfless contributions in saving hundreds of thousands of lives has not gone wasted. I extend my blessings and heartfelt gratitude to you for saving my life too during my sickness. May God provide you the wisdom and leadership to navigate our people towards a brighter and more prosperous Nagaland.

Warm regards, Meyisongla, Lower Chandmari, Kohima K-610/23(B)

CONGRATULATIONS

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the two lady candidates, Hekani Jakhalu (Dimapur III) and Salhoutunuo Kruse (Western Angami) who has won the Nagaland Assembly Elections 2023. You have broken the Iron Curtain against Women Empowerment and brought over an existential meaning towards womanhood. Your victory has brought courage and sense of freedom from the social clutches for generations to the women of Naga societies. May our Almighty God provide you the wisdom to lead and create the essence of inclusiveness of Naga women in policy making and good governance in Nagaland state from now onwards.

Warm regards, Meyisongla, Lower Chandmari, Kohima K-610/23(A)

Office Of the TAJUNGKHUMA-RUI

TSUNGIKI VILLAGE

h.Q. tsungiki Village, BPO chukitong, Dist. Wokha APPRECIATION

With immense pride and honour, the Tajungkhumarui of Tsungiki Village would like to appreciate Lieut col Mhachan Lotha on being promoted to Colonel.

Further, the Tajungkhuma-rui extends heartfelt thanks to Gen. (Retd) M.B. Neokpao Konyak His Excellency the President GPRN/NSCN Kitovi Zhimomi, Hon’ble Ato Kilonser for reposing trust and assigned the rank.

The Tajungkhuma-rui prays Almighty God to grant good health and wishes all success in his endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Zubenthung Ngullie Khumkhothung Ngullie Secretary Chairman WC-62/23

OFFICE OF THE GOVT HIGH SCHOOL ENGLAN WOKHA NAGALAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the teaching and non teaching staff of G.H.S Englan Wokha staff extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Commanding Officer (CO) and his staff of 45 Assam Rifiles Bhandari Wokha, for your invaluable service to us and supported us financially during our two day exposure trip to Kaziranga on 13th to 14th March 2023. It was indeed a memorable trip without which the trip is incomplete.

We would also like to thank for being an amazing host and the hospitality shown to us as well as the amazing lunch served to us during the trip.

We further extend prayers and wishes that our almighty God grant you good health, wisdom and success in all your future endeavours.

‘Jai Hind‘

OFFICE OF THE UNGMA SENSO MONGDANG MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND FELICITATION

The Ungma Senso Mongdang with immense pride and honour conveys our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Sharingain Lkr Ndpp for being elected in the recently concluded 14th Nagaland Legislative assembly and inducted as Speaker for the 2nd consecutive term. The Ungma Senso Mongdang further appreciates the able and dynamic leadership of Shri. Neiphiu Rio, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland and Shri. Chingwang Konyak p resident N dpp Nagaland.

The Senso Mongdang extends our prayer and wishes that our Almighty God continue to bless him, with a healthy and a long life to serve the people with great success.

M. Sutsung Lkr Tatar Temjenyapang pongener Tatar president Secretary Ungma Senso Mongdang Ungma Senso Mongdang Mokokchung, Nagaland Mokokchung, Nagaland

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping toast during their dinner at The Palace of the Facets in the Moscow Kremlin. (AP)

Will water become the new oil?

Scarcity alone doesn’t seem to be the reason.

Poverty, inequalities in income and power contribute primarily for this fear. But the moot point is what is the context and perspective to this looming likely scenario? Whether water will become the new oil depends upon who is asking this question and what’s the premise? Trade warriors see this as a future commodity and therefore will create market conditions to do so.

Environment campaigners see this as mismanagement and abuse. And finally people who see this as potential for conflict arising out of diminishing supplies or scarcity.

We have enough examples at home wherein states are engaged in constant bickering over share of river water supplies.

However for the mo-

ment lets go by some of the startling facts as shared by the UNICEF website purely highlighting the water scarcity:

Four billion peoplealmost two thirds of the world’s population - experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year. Over two billion people live in countries where water supply is inadequate.

Half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025. Some 700 million

people could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030.

By 2040, roughly 1 in 4 children worldwide will be living in areas of extremely high water stress. Scenarios like the above and many others to which we aren’t exposed to as yet could only lead to Water making its nebulous way to being the “next oil”. Of course Mankind can and have been making scientific advances to find out greener alternatives to oil and in a sense that one

can still live without oil but to imagine a day without water is hard to fathom.

Its therefore imperative that we learn our lessons from the history of oil and its rampant misuse leading to rampant exploitation leading to skyrocketing of oil prices and ensure that we look at conservation, rejuvenation , and recycling of water both at industrial and domestic level.

The kind of impact a limo has on oil consumption is akin to what our jacuzzi does to water. A 2018 UN report states that the growth of the world population increases by approximately 83 million every year wherein the current world population is expected to cross 9 billion by 2030 and 11.2 billion by 2100. Imagine the kind of pressure that it will have on fresh water scarcity next only to climate change.

Freshwater biodiversity is a valuable resource for ensuring the consistent wellbeing of humans and other species. It supplies safe drinking water, nutritious food, and employment, and is calculated to be worth more than $4 trillion every year. Its rather unfortunate that we humans consider every element on this planet as a primary resource meant only for us .

However there does exist solutions which needs a major global political will that includes encouraging the conservation of clean water, restoring freshwater ecosystems, and prioritising the addressing of the problem of freshwater habitat loss. Let’s hope that in our times we are not faced with a disastrous situation wherein our water wells dry out much before the oil wells. (IANSLife)

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine hospitalised after attack at Florida gym

American rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was hospitalised after being ambushed by a group of attackers in the bathroom of a gym in South Florida.

The 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, sustained injuries to his face and bruises, according to his attorney, Lance Lazzaro, reports ‘Variety’.

Lazzaro said the rapper was attacked in and outside the LA Fitness gym sauna by three or four men who beat him up, though he tried fighting back. “He had cuts to his face and bruises,” Lazzaro said.

The attorney said that the perpetrators fled after employees heard the disturbance.

Police in South Florida were called, and Hernandez was transported

SRK as Rambo, Akshay as Indiana Jones, Ajay as Maximus: AI reimagines B-Town stars

Top Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn, among many others, have been reimagined as popular Hollywood characters by an artificial design programme.

The AI programme turned Shah Rukh into Sylvester Stallone’s character Rambo, while Ajay Devgn became Maximus Decimus Meridius from ‘Gladiator’. Their images too were shared on Twitter.

Indian design company Lazy Eight took help from the artificial design

programme to transform Bollywood stars into Hollywood characters.

Upon sharing the pictures, it was captioned: “As a fun, light lab ex -

periment, we wanted to test the power of the new Midjourney V5 by rei -

magining Bollywood actors as iconic Hollywood characters.”

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar was turned into Indiana Jones from the 1981 film ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, directed by Steven Spielberg.

Actor Kunal Kemmu was reimagined as the Joker from Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’.

Actor Vir Das was turned to Bilbo Baggins from JRR Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’. (IANS)

OFFICE OF THE NAGALAND STATE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE & LIVESTOCK MARKETING BOARD FELICITATION

via ambulance to a local hospital, according to Lazzaro. As of now, it is unclear if the rapper remains hospitalised.

Lazzaro told TMZ he plans to ensure Hernandez gets some protection, since he was released from federal prison in April 2020.

Hernandez was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison in 2019 on nine

charges, including racketeering, drug trafficking and firearm offences in relation to his involvement with the Nine Trey Bloods gang.

Hernandez received a shortened prison sentence after he cooperated with federal officials to imprison his associates. He was released early due to COVID-19 concerns, after a judge called the rapper a “model prisoner.”

In a video leaked on Twitter, one of Hernandez’s assailants is heard saying, “Take a picture. I’m gonna be famous now.” Another video captured a bloodied Hernandez walking out of the gym.

According to several media reports, Hernandez was ejected from a Miami baseball stadium Friday for being intoxicated and disturbing fans. (IANS)

FELICITATION

With immense joy and inspiration, the Dihoma Village Youth & Sports Organization heartily congratulates Er. VIPULHOU LHOUNGU, on his promotion as Director of Technical Education, Government of Nagaland. The Organization is hopeful that the department under his abled guidance will usher much progress in the field of Technical Education. We wish him the very best in all his undertaking and further pray for his good health. With best compliments!

Sd/- Sd/-

Dievi Yano Thejasatuo Zhale President General Secy. DVYSO DVYSO

OFFICE OF THE NATIONALIST DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY (NDPP)

26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency Mokokchung Region

K-607/23

With immense pride and honour, the Ungma Senso Telongjem, Kohima (USTK) conveys our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Sharingain Longkumer on his victory during the 14th Nagaland Legislative Election from 26- Aonglenden A/C and also for being re-elected unopposed as honorable Speaker of the newly constituted 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The USTK would also like to extend our congratulations to Shri. G.Kaito Aye on being elected for the 6th consecutive times from 36- Satakha A/C and being inducted as Minister for Roads & Bridges and Shri. Tongpang Ozükum on his victory from 24-Angetyongpang A/C for the 2nd consecutive time and inducting as Advisor, Water Resources, Government of Nagaland

The Union wishes all the elected members good health and wisdom as they continue their journey to serve and lead the people with more commitment. (IMLIKUMZUK

With immense pride and reverence, the Officers and Staff of NSAPLMB, would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. G. IKUTO ZHIMOMI, NDPP candidate, 34 Aghunato A/C on his success in the 14th Nagaland General Election 2023 and for being inducted as Advisor of Land Resource Department, Government of Nagaland.

You had been sincere and efficient and so may you continue to excel in your new venture. We pray that God Almighty bless you and your family with good health and peace. We wish you success as you continue your journey as a public leader.

Officers & Staff of NSAPLMB Dimapur, Nagaland

FELICITATION

Shri. Sharingain Lkr first contested in election in 2019 under NDPP during the Bye-Election and elected as the Deputy Speaker after which he was again promoted to Speaker of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and by God’s grace, he is again elected as the Speaker of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly without any entrants under the same party ticket (NDPP). We highly appreciate the estimable relation with the party including Shri. Neiphiu Rio and also the NDPP President Chingwang Konyak.

Holding the position as a Speaker for two tenure could be a history in the book of Nagaland Legislative Assembly. After being chosen by the people of 26 Aonglenden and again being bequeathing him the same position only proves him as a sensible person of which we are highly delighted. May the good Lord bless him and his family and in all that he do. NUNGSANGMEREN LKR

India beat Myanmar 1-0 win in Hero Tri-Nation

IMPHAL, MAR 22 (PTI):

Anirudh Thapa struck in the added time of the first half to hand India a 1-0 win over Myanmar in the opening match of the TriNation International Football Tournament, here on Wednesday.

The scoreline should have been bigger considering the fact that India dominated the share of possession, but missed chances combined with the luck factor kept the victory margin at the bare minimum for the hosts.

Indian wingers Bipin Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte looked lively from the start, as they made repeated inroads into the opposition third.

Sunil Chhetri had an early look in, as he headed a cross by Thapa over the crossbar. The India captain had another chance from a flag kick at the far post, but the effort produced the

Football referee recruitment from April 11

DIMAPUR, MAR 22

(NPN): Nagaland Football Association in collaboration with All India Football Federation (AIFF), will be conducting the 2nd edition of Referee Recruitment-cum-upgradation course 2023 from April 11 to 15 at DDSC ground, Dimapur.

The course will be hosted by Dimapur District Football Referee As-

sociation (DDFRA) for recruitment of CAT-5 and upgradation of CAT-4. The course will be conducted by referee instructor AIFF, Joy Chandara Singh.

In this regard, District Football Association and District Football Referee Association have been requested to nominate three intending referees preferably footballer, class X

passed onwards and above 35 years of age and preferably footballers. Further details for registration/application can be obtained from the following members- Shiyito Achumi (convener)9436002733, G. Kami (member)- 9862484596, Vikato (member)8132935025, Avar (member) - 8037048122 and Ren (member)- 7085924464.

same result. Local boy Jeakson Singh, playing a holding role, stood up to his task, nipping Myanmar attacks in the bud.

Chhetri had a golden chance just a little over the half-hour mark, when Chhangte played him in, but his shot from close range went straight into the keeper’s gloves.

Minutes later, India

‘keeper Amrinder Singh kept the scores level at the other end, when he put his big gloves in the way to keep away Aung Thu’s effort.

The Blue Tigers finally found the breakthrough they were looking for during the injury time of the first half as Thapa latched on to a stray rebound inside the box and smashed it past the keeper from close range.

India head coach Igor Stimac decided to

National Para Table Tennis: Bharati, Poonam, Pragati, Prachi emerge women’s champions

give more reason for the Imphal crowd to cheer, as he brought on Suresh Wangjam instead of Mohammad Yasir in the second half. Soon after, local boy Mahesh Singh got his debut as he and Manvir Singh replaced Bipin Singh and Chhangte.

India thought they had added another goal to their tally with little over quarter of an hour of regulation time left when Chhetri poked in a Thapa cross, but he ruled offside.

The India captain had a crack at the rival goal just minutes later, but it was saved by the opposition keeper. As the clock wore down, Ritwik Das was given his debut.

Das and Roshan Singh replaced Akash Mishra and Thapa. Seconds before the final whistle, the Myanmar goal had a close shave when Suresh’s shot was saved by the custodian.

INDORE, MAR 22

(IANS): Bharti Ben Pabaria, Poonam, Pragati Kesarvani, Prachi Pandey, Kartik Sharma and Sandip Dangi emerged winners in the National Para Table Tennis Championship conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Table Tennis Association under the aegis of All India Para Table Tennis Association.

In the men’s Class-1 event, Dangi of Haryana defeated JD Madan of Tamil Nadu 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 116. Karthik of Himachal Pradesh overcame Patrick D’Souza of Goa 11-5, 114, 11-4 to clinch the men’s Class-2 title.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) secretary general Kamlesh Mehta, All India Tennis Association secretary general Anil Dhupar, Nagender Reddy

Patel, treasurer of TTFI and Madhya Pradesh Olympic Association vice-president Om Soni among others.

In the women’s Class-6 category, Chandigarh’s Poonam defeated Bhavika Kukadia of Gujarat 11-8, 11-4, 11-2 to emerge the champion.

In the corresponding Class-5 section, Bharati of Gujarat beat statemate Manisha Songara 11-6, 113, 11-4 to bag the medal.

In the Class-7 competition, Prachi of Uttar Pradesh defeated Dhawani

Shah of Gujarat to emerge the winner. Prachi won 11-8, 11-6, 11-4. Pragati of Uttar Pradesh scored a facile 11-8, 11-5, 11-7 victory over Gujarat’s Bhavana Champaneri to grab the Class-8 title. In Class 3, Sonal Patel beat Vidya Kumar 3-0 to bag the title while in Class 4 Bhavina Patel bagged the gold blanking Usha Rathore. B Sahana bagged the top award in the Class 10 event scoring a 3-0 win over Devyani Wahle.

Miami Open: Giorgi outlasts Kanepi, ties for longest match of the year

FLORIDA (USA), MAR

22 (IANS): Camila Giorgi overcame Kaia Kanepi in the Miami Open 2023 first round in 3 hours and 32 minutes, tying for the longest main-draw match of the WTA season.

Last month in Austin, Erika Andreeva defeated Harriet Dart in the same time. Giorgi had chances to make this match shorter. She led 5-0 in the third set and held one match point

at both 5-3 and 5-4. But Kanepi methodically pulled her way back into contention, sweeping five games in a row to level the affair at 5-5 in the third on Tuesday. In the third-set tiebreak, Giorgi fired a forehand winner to grab the first mini-break at 4-2. Giorgi never relinquished that advantage, closing out the victory on her fourth match point with another forehand winner. Kanepi slammed 19

Swiss Open: Gayatri-Treesa crash out, Malvika qualifies for main draw

the 2023 BWF World Tour.

aces in defeat while Giorgi had 11 aces of her own. The pair had identical 4-for-10 break point conversion rates and each player won exactly 135 points.

Giorgi will now take on three-time Miami Open champion Victoria Azarenka in a second-round meeting. Giorgi won their first two meetings (one via retirement) but Azarenka won their third and most recent at 2019 Toronto.

BASEL (SWITZERLAND), MAR

22 (IANS):

The Indian women’s double pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly crashed out in the first round while Malvika Bansod qualified for the women’s singles main draw at the Swiss Open 2023 badminton tournament, here

Gayatri and Treesa, who reached the semifinals at All England Open in Birmingham last week, lost 14-21, 14-21 to second seeds Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti of Indonesia on Tuesday.

On the other hand,

2023 ODI WC in

India

likely to start on Oct 5: report

NEW DELHI, MAR

22 (PTI): The 2023 ODI

World Cup in India is likely to start on October 5 with the final to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, according to a report.

The BCCI has shortlisted at least a dozen venues for the 10-team marquee event, which will see 48 matches, including three knockouts across the 46-day period, an ESPNcricinfo report said.

The 11 other shortlisted venues, according to the report, are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Indore, Rajkot and Mumbai.

Except for the final match, which is set to be played at the world’s largest stadium in Ahmedabad, the BCCI has not specified the venues for any games as yet.

The list of 12 cities, however, does not include Mohali and Nagpur, which had hosted a Test match against visiting Australia recently.

Malvika Bansod beat USA’s Lauren Lam 21-17, 21-7 in the women’s singles qualifiers to advance to the main draw. In another

qualifying match, Aakarshi Kashyap got a bye into the main draw of the BWF Super 300 event, which is the eighth tournament of

Meanwhile, India’s veteran doubles player Ashwini Ponnappa lost bot h her mixed doubles and women’s doubles qualification matches. In the mixed doubles qualifier, Ashwini, partnering Sumeeth B Reddy, went down 20-22, 12-21 to Chiu Hsiang-Chieh and Lin Xiao Min of Chinese Taipei.

Thereafter, Ashwini and Tanisha Crasto lost in the women’s doubles qualifiers, going down 19-21, 15-21 to China’s Du Yue and Xia Yu Ting.

However, the doubles

pair of N Sikki Reddy and Arathi Sara Sunil made it to the main draw with a hard-fought 21-15, 15-21, 21-18 win over Lauren Lam and Paula Lynn Cao Hok of the USA. In the men’s singles qualifiers, Meiraba Luwang Maisnam and Priyanshu Rajawat failed to qualify for the main draw. While Meiraba beat Spain’s Luís Enrique Penalver 21-16, 21-16 in round 1, he lost 13-21, 25-23, 2022 to Netherland’s Joran Kweekel in the next round. Priyanshu lost 7-21, 5-21 to Chinese Taipei’s Chia Hao Lee in the first round.

Indian players celebrate after scoring against Myanmar.

Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly.

Kamlesh Mehta handing over prize to the winners.

Camila Giorgi

3rd ODI: Aus beat India by 21 runs; win series 2-1

CHENNAI, MAR 22

(IANS): Leg-spinner Adam

Zampa took four wickets while left-arm spinner Ashton Agar chipped in with two scalps to lead Australia to a 21-run victory over India in the series decider at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, here to win the series 2-1.

After posting 269 in 49 overs on a slow pitch where strokeplay wasn’t easy, Zampa and Agar helped Australia fight back in the middle overs to break the back of India’s batting. Even though Mitchell Starc went wicketless, the rest of bowlers along with fiery fielding show and spot-on fielding placements led to India being bundled out for 248 in 49.1 overs.

Despite India having a 65-run opening partnership, India lost four wickets for 43 runs after Virat Kohli and KL Rahul had put on 69 runs for the fourth wicket. But after Rahul and Kohli fell, the chase went downhill and India ended up on the losing side, which meant they lost an ODI series at home after four years. With the pitch offering not much help for the fast

Inaugural NE Judo C’ship in Imphal from March 31

NEW DELHI, MAR 22

(IANS): The inaugural edition of the Northeast Judo Championship for the IISSangai Cup will be held in Imphal from March 31 to April 2, the organisers announced on Wednesday.

The Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) announced that the Judo championships in association with the Manipur Judo Association (MJA), will be held as per the International Judo Federation (IJF) and Judo Federation of India (JFI) contest rules and regulations and the sports code at the SAI Complex, Takyelpat.

The tournament will have sub-junior, cadet, and junior age groups. Speaking about the competition Rushdee Warley, CEO of Inspire Institute of Sport said,”The IIS-Sangai cup is the first step in the direction of building a robust ecosystem for the judo program. The Northeast has always been the hotbed of sporting talent for all kinds of sports, especially Judo. The tournament will help us dig deeper into the sea of talent that Manipur and the entirety of the region have to offer.

bowlers, Shubman Gill took a liking to the pace from Mitchell Starc. A whipped six over deep mid-wicket was followed by his trademark short-arm jab and two leaning drives to pick three boundaries off the left-arm pacer. Rohit Sharma joined the boundary-hitting party in the seventh over with an elegant loft over long-off for six against Starc, followed by a pre-mediated scoop and pull off Sean Abbott to get two boundaries. After he lofted Adam Zampa over long-on for six, Rohit couldn’t keep a swipe down and was caught at deep

square leg off Abbott. Three overs later, Gill missed a drifting in delivery from Zampa and was struck on pad first, with Australia getting him out after taking the review. Kohli took time, before pulling Agar off backfoot through midwicket and followed it up with a beautiful inside-out loft over extra cover for six. Rahul then hit India’s first boundary after 49 balls with a smash over Zampa’s head for four, bringing up fifty of his partnership with Kohli. When Starc pitched it full, Rahul was quick to slam it down the ground for

six and one ball later, unfurled a loft over extra cover for four. Just when Rahul had started to shift gears, Zampa took him out in the 28th over as the right-hander never got the elevation on a googly and toe-ended loft to long-on. In the next over, Axar Patel was run out after facing four balls, by a brilliant diving throw from Steve Smith at mid-wicket. After Kohli reached his fifty in 61 balls, Hardik Pandya got off the mark with a pulled six off Abbott, followed by a punch through extra cover for four. Agar produced a twist in the 36th

over - Kohli chipped a drive to long-off.

It was immediately followed by beating Suryakumar Yadav on the cut with a skiddy delivery to get him out for a first-ball duck for the third time in the series. Pandya and Jadeja kept India in the contest with a 33run partnership as Australia put the pressure on the duo. With the asking rate climbing and pressure building up, Hardik tried to slog across the line off Zampa in the 44th over. But the ball took the leading edge and Smith took the catch at cover. In the next over, Jadeja danced down the pitch to slog across the line against Zampa, but sliced to backward point. Mohammed Shami shined with a six and four off Marcus Stoinis. But the all-rounder had the last laugh by rattling Shami’s off-stump.

Brief Scores: Australia 269 all out in 49 overs (Mitchell Marsh 47, Alex Carey 38; Hardik Pandya 3/44, Kuldeep Yadav 3/56) beat India 248 in 49.1 overs (Virat Kohli 54, Hardik Pandya 40; Adam Zampa 4/45, Ashton Agar 2/41) by 21 runs

ISSF WC: Sarabjot clinches gold in 10m Air Pistol

medal in some style.

While Sarabjot was among the top three throughout the course of the ranking round, compatriot Varun Tomar had a blow-hot blowcold final and even as at one stage it looked like it would be an all-India gold medal match, but he finished with a score of 250.3 to settle for the bronze.

Sumit Raman, the third Indian in the field, shot 577 to finish 10th among medal contenders.

Women’s World Boxing: Nikhat, Lovlina, Saweety, Nitu punch their way into SFs

reen Veenekamp of Germany 17-5 in the gold medal match.

Qian Wei ensured that they picked up two of the three medals on offer by finishing the ranking round in third place with a score of 250.2.

China and hosts India ended competition day one with an identical medal tally of one gold and a bronze.

BHOPAL, MAR 22

(IANS): Sarabjot Singh gave India a dream start at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol, demolishing Ruslan Lunev of Azerbaijan 16-0 in the gold medal match of the men’s 10m Air Pistol here on Wednesday.

Sarbjot’s compatriot Varun Tomar won bronze in the event on the opening day. This was the 19-year-old’s second medal this year at the ISSF World Cup, having won the bronze in Cairo earlier this year, his first-ever senior World Cup medal.

Sarabjot, however, was the toast of the day, dishing out a dominating perfor -

mance in his very first senior World Cup final, held at the newly inaugurated Finals Hall at the MP Shooting Academy range.

It was a pillar-to-post finish for the 21-year-old pistol shooter, as he first topped the 60-shot qualification round among the 24 medals with a score of 585.

In the 25-shot top eight ranking round, he topped again with a score of 253.2 before going on to register probably the first-ever blankout of an opponent in an ISSF World Cup stage gold medal match.

To put the icing on the cake, he shot a perfect 10.9 for his final shot to win his first-ever ISSF World Cup

In the women’s 10m air pistol event, Divya Thadigol Subbaraju finished fifth with a total score of 197.1, after finishing third in the qualifications with 579.

Two other Indians in the fray, Rhythm Sangwan and Manu Bhaker, shot scores of 572 and 568 in qualification to finish 10th and 12th among medal contenders respectively.

Esha Singh and Yashaswini Singh Deswal, competing under RPO in the qualifications shot 576 and 574 respectively.

After losing out on a medal in the men’s event, Chinese women shooters have made the job done, Li Xue defeated two-time world championship medallist Do-

MessimaniainArgentinaasstarmobbedatrestaurant

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA), MAR 22 (AP): A steakhouse in the trendy Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo was mobbed by hundreds of frenzied soccer fans late Monday night when word spread that Lionel Messi was inside having dinner.

People rushed to the exclusive Don Julio restaurant eager to get a glimpse of the man who led Argentina to its third World Cup title. Messi eventually needed a police escort to leave.

Fans on the street corner chanted “Messi, Messi” and sang the words to “Muchachos,” which became the unofficial anthem for the Argentina squad that beat France in a thrilling final in Qatar.

The scene witnessed in the neighborhood of Argentina’s capital known for its bars and restaurants illustrates how Messi has now become like the late Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to its second World Cup trophy in 1986, and he can no longer walk through Argentina’s streets without being mobbed.

It wasn’t always this way. The man who is now cheered wherever he goes once used to suffer the indifference and even apathy from

many Argentina fans who blamed him for the country’s failings in previous championships. All that vitriol led the man who is often called the best soccer player in the world to even quit the national team in 2016, although he later backtracked.

All of that now seems to be forgotten as Messi fever has decidedly taken over, recalling what happened with Maradona 36 years ago after he raised the World Cup in Mexico. The then-captain also had to deal with fans who chased him wherever he went in the hopes of getting a photograph or an autograph.

On Monday night, the multitude was so great that police officers had to arrive at the restaurant to accompany the 35-year-old Messi to his vehicle while keeping fans at

bay. Images and video posted on social media showed the furor of the fans who seemed willing to do anything to greet and touch the Paris Saint-Germain player. “Messi I love you” and “Thank you, Leo” were just a few phrases that could be heard as he was escorted out of the restaurant.

“Thank you for looking at me captain, I can die in peace,” one user wrote on Twitter accompanied by a video that showed a smiling Messi being escorted as people shouted “I love you!”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni celebrated the Messi mania that has been unleashed in Buenos Aires and across the country.

“What Leo is experiencing is beautiful because he deserves all that love, him

and all the players who are here,” Scaloni said at a news conference Tuesday. “Leo also needs to see that people love him and what happens when he comes here. I think it’s beautiful, it will stay with him forever.”

Messi arrived in Argentina on Monday to celebrate the World Cup title with a friendly match against Panama on Thursday in Buenos Aires. The 63,000 tickets sold out in a flash.

Security officials are not revealing any details about how the team will travel to the stadium out of fear that fans will block roads and ultimately block the passage of the players. There are rumors the players could travel via helicopter. After winning the World Cup title in December, a planned celebratory opentop bus ride throughout the city had to be cut short as millions of fans made it impossible for the bus to advance.

Messi has yet to say what he will do after June 30, when his contract is set to expire.

For now though, he’ll enjoy the adoration of Argentine fans as the team will play another friendly match against Curaçao on March 28 in Argentina’s central Santiago del Estero province.

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): Tournament favourites Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain lived up to expectations as they secured medals for India with quarterfinal wins, alongside two other home boxers at the ongoing Women’s Boxing World Championships here on Wednesday. Competing in new weight classes, reigning champion Nikhat (50kg) eked out a 5-2 win over Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat to secure her second world’s medal and then Lovlina (75kg) added a third medal in her kitty with a 5-0 win over Adosinda Rady Gramane of Mozambique. Apart from the duo, Commonwealth Games champion Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) and the seasoned Saweety Boora (81kg) also moved to the semifinals. For India, however, it was a roller coaster day as four pugilists -- Sakshi Choudhary (52kg), last edition’s bronze medallist Manisha Moun (57kg), CWG bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria (60kg) and Nupur Sheoran (+81kg) failed to move to the last four stage. While Sakshi lost to

Yu Wu of China 0-5, Manisha was outplayed by a 1-4 margin by Amina Zidani of France.

Like last year, Jaismine faltered in the quarterfinal stage once again, falling 0-5 to Colombia’s Paola Valdez. Nupur went down fighting to Lazzat Kungeibayeva of Kazakhstan 3-4 after a bout review.

Nikhat,Lovlinamarchon

Nikhat had to dig deep to get a favourable decision against two-time world championships bronze medallist. She attacked cautiously in the first two rounds hitting clean punches. Nikhat will face Rio Olympics bronze medallist Ingrit Valencia of Colombia in the semifinals.

Lovlina, who has endured a rough patch since winning the Olympics bronze, put up a much better performance than her previous round as she controlled the proceedings.

UnstoppableNitu

The first Indian to take the ring, 22-year-old Nitu notched up a secondround RSC (referee stops contest) win over Madoka Wada of Japan in her quarterfinal bout.

Nitu looked a bit tentative at first but as the seconds ticked, she gained confidence and attacked her opponent.

Nitu has won all her three bouts in the tournament so far by RSC verdicts.

She will take on reigning Asian champion and last year’s silver medallist Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan in the semis.

Saweetystartsstrong

Saweety, playing her first bout of the tournament, lived up to her top seeding to dispatch 2018 bronze-medal winner Viktoriya Kebikava of Belarus 5-0 to confirm her second world championship medal. She had won the silver in 2014.

Multiple-time national champion Saweety, who received a first-round bye, was just one win away from a medal and the 30-year-old managed to earn it comfortably. The bout between the two light heavyweight boxers was a messy affaire filled with body blows. But Saweety defended and attacked well, landing hooks and jabs with ease.

Saweety will be facing Emma-Sue Greentree of Australia in her next bout.

Nitu Ghanghas Saweety Boora Nikhat Zareen Lovlina Borgohain

Sarabjot Singh (Centre) with the trophy.

Combo photo of Lionel Messi being mobbed by fans.

Australian players celebrate with the trophy after they won the third ODI match. (PTI)