7 Jan 2023

Kremlin-ordered truce amid mutual mistrust

Shah launches 5 projects worth `50 cr

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN):

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had achieved success in its goal of achieving three “P’s– Peace, Progress and Prosperity” in Nagaland.

Addressing a gathering at virtual launch of five projects worth Rs 50 crore in the State at Niathu Resort here on Friday, he said the vision of Modi mainstreaming Northeast was bearing fruits now and cited his various initiatives, including the directive that every Union minister should visit the region once in a fortnight.

The projects included-Virtual Reality (VR) laboratories in 42 government higher secondary schools at a cost of about Rs 8 crore, Atal Tinkering Labs built at a cost of Rs 1.80 crore

CNTC asks Shah to fulfill 2018 ‘Election for Solution’ promise

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN):

Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) appealed to the Centre to announce solution to the Naga political issue before elections and fulfil the promise made by the BJP during the 2018 polls under‘Election for Solution’.

CNTC in a memorandum to Union Home minister Amit Shah, signed by president T. Lanu Imchen, Friday, maintained that “unless Naga political solution is announced, the CNTC may abstain from participating in the upcoming Assembly election in the interest of Naga political solution.”

CNTC reminded Shah that during 2018 Assembly election BJP had adopted the slogan “Election for Solution”, which was accepted by the people of Nagaland and who participated in the election. However, CNTC lamented that even as the term of the current 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly about to end, no solution has been secured even now.

Rupin Sharma to take charge as DGP

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN):

Following the resignation of incumbent Director General of Police (DGP) TJ Longkumer, Nagaland Governor has allowed DG (Prisons &HG.CD & SDRF) to take the charge of DGP Nagaland. As per the notification, Rupin will hold the charge of DGP in addition to his normal duties with effect from January 7, 2023 till further orders.

in nine government higher secondary schools, 12.5 megawatt (MV) sub-station at Chiephobozou at a cost of Rs 14 crore, trekking and base camp at Mount Saramati, Thanamir village and Kiphire and two-lane bridge over Doyang River at a cost of Rs 28 crore near Governor’s Camp Liphayan.

Shah disclosed that Modi not only visited the North Eastern region 51 times in the past eight-anda-half years but also made successful effort to connect the region with the main-

stream of India by giving big projects of infrastructure to the Northeast.

Shah maintained that the region, once infamous for insurgency, was now known for peace and fastpaced development due to Modi’s relentless efforts to transform the region. He claimed that due to improved infrastructure, emotional bond had increased between people of the region and rest of the country.

“Because of the enduring vision of Modi, not only Nagaland, but all eight

North Eastern States were witnessing developments,” he asserted.

Giving a comparison of budgetary allocation to Nagaland between 2004 and 2014 under UPA government and 2014 to date under NDA, he pointed out that there had been a four-fold increase.

He said the 15th Finance Commission had allocated Rs 4,773 crore for Nagaland, in comparison to only Rs 1,283 crore allocated in 2009. He revealed that a special package of Rs 219 crore had been allocated in 2021-2022.

Referring to insurgency in the State, the Union minister noted that the incidents of militancy had come down by 74 per cent in 2021 as compared to 2014 in Nagaland, while the number of deaths of security personnel and civilians reduced by 60 and 84 per cent respectively.

SH backs WSH stand on NSCN (Khango)

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN): Strongly endorsing the January 5, 2023 resolution of the Western Sümi Hoho (WSK) to “impose indefinite non-cooperation to NSCN (Khango) faction”, the Sümi Hoho along with its frontal organizations and units on Friday further declared ‘Indefinite Non-cooperation” to NSCN (Khango) faction in “all Sümi inhabited areas” with immediate effect.

Basing on its stand for peace and unity amongst every group and section of the society, SH said a team of public leaders led by Western Sümi Hoho

president, who is also Sümi Hoho vice president (by designation) on learning about the conflict had gone to NSCN (Khango-Isak) ceasefire monitoring office on January 4 night to try to defuse and avert any unwanted situation.

However, the hoho said a commander and his cadres verbally abused and threatened the team with dire consequences, even loading and pointing the guns towards the Sümi public leaders.

SH stated that such act was “an act of cowardice and savagery”, adding that “such gun threatening cul-

ture” was a “foregone act of the past which has no place in a civilized society.” SH has, therefore, reaffirmed the January 7, 2014 and July 29, 2016 Sümi Baghi Hoho Resolution that “In the event any underground group intimidates any Sümi public or public leader, the entire Sümi populace will react to such act and retaliate in a befitting manner if required”.

SH also reaffirmed the 14 Tribes (now 15 Tribes) November 14, 2019 resolution to react against any individual/group that threatens its leaders.

Dr. Jamir reminds HM about promise on Naga solution

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN): Former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir was among those who met with union home minister Amit Shah when the latter arrived Dimapur from Imphal on a brief stop over at Niathu Resort.

Dr. Jamir and Shah had discussions for over half an hour. When asked what was discussed, Dr. Jamir told Nagaland Post that he told the union home minister that Nagas throughout Nagaland were crying for early solution to the political issue and that the government of India cannot afford to ignore it.

He also told Shah that since the Naga stakeholders have signed their respective agreements after 25 years of negotiations, it was high

Shiva, Hussamuddin clinch gold in Ntl Boxing

CSOs greet Amit Shah with banners for solution not polls

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN): Volunteers of Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC) and other civil society organisations (CSOs) held placards/banners outside Dimapur Airport to greet Union Home MinisterAmit Shah as he arrived Dimapur from Imphal by a special chartered plane Friday on his brief one-day visit.

Some of the placards read “Ink solution or call off”; “Amit Shahji, you have the power to deliver a solution”; “Settlement, now or never”; “Enough of talk and tall promises, Nagas want action”, “Give us solution, not election” etc.

NPAC dismayed by police action: NPAC convener Theja Therie informed this reporter that the police had confronted the volunteers and took away the plac-

ards while holding the rally peacefully. He expressed shock and disappointment over the police action.

Therieh explained that the sole purpose of NPAC volunteers in holding placards was to welcome the Union Home Minister and also express their disappointment against the longpending solution despite 26 years of negotiations.

Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) general secretary Shikuto Zalipu pointed out that Nagaland

was a democratic set-up and questioned the police action against NPAC volunteers.

It was learned that the police received order from their higher authority to restrict movements, including holding of placards, near the airport as precautionary measure.

Zalipu questioned why were NPAC’s welcome banner removed by the police when BJP flags and bannerswere allowed along the entire stretch of Airport Road?

Nagaland CSOs ask Shah for solution before polls

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN): Various prominent civil society organizations (CSOs) of Nagaland have combined their voices to demand solution to the Naga political issue before the Assembly election, adding that they have also “lost faith in the democratic process.”

This was contained in a memorandum addressed to Union Home minister Amit Shah. It was jointly signed by- Nagaland People’s Action Committee convener Theja Therieh; co-conveners Shikuto Zalipu & convener of Peace Committee NGBF and Imsumongba Pongen; joint secretary Akhu Naga; NGBF president Sahlem

CM launches 10BedICU projects for 12 districts

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 6 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, on Friday virtually launched the 10BedICU projects in 12 districts of the state during a programme at Capital Cultural Centre, here on Friday. The 10BedICU Project is an innovative Public Private Partnership project between the department of health and family welfare, government of Nagaland, and 10BedICU partner NGOs (eGov Foundation and Karuna Trust) led by eGov Foundation.

Addressing the launching programme, Rio lauded the collaborative effort of the implementing agencies,

state government and the donors in completing the project. He disclosed that as of January 6 a total of 12 district hospitals were connected with tele-ICU hub and spoke infrastructure.

Rio, who had earlier launched the tele-ICU hub at Naga Hospital Authority

Kohima (NHAK), said the new facilities were impressive. He expressed hope that those handling the facilities would make the best use out of it in helping the general populati on get the critical care in the best possible manner. Rio said the state had heard about the innovative

and focused manner with which eminent sponsors of the project wanted to establish 10BedICU facilities in some districts in the country at a time when the country was grappling with the deadly second wave of Covid-19.

“Feeling that it would help us meet the challenges for providing such facilities in the State, we had approached the eGovernment Foundation through Nachiketa Mor on May 31 2021 subsequently Nagaland government signed a quadripartite MoU with the eGovernment Foundation, Nirmaan Organisation and Karuna Trust,” CM said.

Konyak; ACAUT convener Tia Longchar; CNTC president T Lanu Imchen; Senior Citizens’ Association president Dr Khanlo Magh; Ex-Parliamentarians’ Association of Nagaland president Joshua Sumi; CNCCI president Dr Khekugha; Nagaland Tribes Council president Toniho Yeptho and general secretary Nribemo Ngullie.

The signatories welcomed Shah to Nagaland and mentioned that his physical presence bore much significance and assured Shah that as primary stakeholders, they would give full cooperation towards implementation of expected solution.

They also urged upon the Centre to take the decision on whether the negotiations be brought to logical conclusion in a solution or call it a fiasco, as the indecision did not benefit any party.

While pointing out that the political negotiations between Centre and the two negotiating groups– NSCN (I-M) and Working Committee of NNPGs– has reached the 26th year, the CSOs maintained that prolonged negotiations had taken an immense toll on the lives of people and economy of Nagaland.

They further reminded that the people had submitted several memoran -

dums and representations to Prime Minister, particularly during the last few years, in urging him to resolve the issue without delay. However, they lamented that uncertainty loomed large till date despite the official negotiations having been concluded in October 2019. Also, the memorandum stated that even the public assurance by then BJP general secretary incharge of Nagaland of “Election for Solution” in 2018 seemed has ended in a damp squib as the term of current Nagaland Legislative Assembly was about to end without the assured solution.

NSCN (Khango) says Isak holds no authority

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN): Khango-led NSCN (K) on Friday affirmed that Isak Sumi was “impeached from the government” and, therefore, holds no authority to represent the “government” in any manner and in any platform including Working Committee (WC) Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).

The group through its MIP asserted that since NSCN-Khango is a member of WC, NNPGs, the “government” would nominate an official to represent it in the WC.

The group has questioned how WC NNPGs convener Kitovi Zhimomi “immediately sided with the

impeached general secretary who no longer holds any authority?”

MIP maintained that the problem was within NSCN (Khango) political set up and not with the NNPGs or any particular community. The group affirmed that it joined hands to be part of WC NNPGs since it was committed to a peaceful solution.

Further, MIP questioned how WC convener Kitovi Zhimomi wrote “a fabricated and unscrupulous letter” to CFMG chairman stating that Khango group has “seized Isak’s arms and is conniving to join NSCN(YA)?”

It stated that Kitovi, a

Jain community protests declaration of holy site as tourist spot

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN):

Even as the Centre stayed Jharkhand government’s move to promote tourism at the holy Parasnath hill, the Jain community members of Dimapur staged protest against the declaration of their holy place-- Sammed Shikharji on Parasnath hills in Jharkhand-- as a tourist spot. The community members also kept their business establishments closed during the day as part of the protest.

Around 150 members including women from the community, who gathered outside Jain temple, Marwari Patti here Friday demanded withdrawal of declaration.

Speaking to the media, Shree Digambar Jain Samaj Dimapur president, Om Prakash Sethi said the purpose of the

peaceful protest was to deliver a message to the Centre and Jharkhand government to scrap the proposal of transforming the holy place into tourist spot.

He said that if Shri Sammed Shikharji turned into tourist a spot there would be indulgence of alcohol and consumption of non-veg food, which would destroy the sanctity of the “Holy Hill” and would negatively impact religious beliefs of the Jain.

He said that closing of business community by Jain community around Dimapur town was to give information to state government about their stand.

Sethi also informed that

the Centre has considered their appeal. However, he said that unless they received any official approval or notification from the government, they would stand unconditionally for the cause. Asked what would be their next move in the event the Centre turned down their appeal, he said the next decision would be taken by entire Jain community of the country.

Jains across the country have been demanding the scrapping of a 2019 Jharkhand government notification designating Parasnath Hills as a tourist place, fearing this would lead to an influx of tourists who may consume non-vegetarian food and liquor at their holy site.

leader on whom people look up to with high expectation, should “not blatantly favour the impeached general secretary” without studying and analysing the issue in detail.

The group said it signed a formal ceasefire with government of India and would continue to uphold ceasefire. It stated that the present ceasefire office was not forcefully occupied but its approval came from the ceasefire group.

Khango-led NSCN (K) has, therefore, appealed to the Naga public particularly citizens of Dimapur “to bear with us as we are treating and diagnosing a very serious patient.”

Over 20 BSF jawans on poll duty injured in mishap

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN): In a delayed report, at least 20 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed for election duty in Nagaland were injured when the bus they were travelling in reportedly went downhill some 50 feet below the road along Wokha-Mokokchung highway on Thursday.

According to reports, the bus carrying around 40 personnel reportedly developed technical snag and lost control while on the way to Zunheboto.

Police sources said that the injured BSF personnel along with three in critical condition were rushed to district hospital, Wokha. Later, the critically injured personnel were airlifted to Guwahati.

It was learnt that Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, who were also on their way for election duty along the same route, rushed to the spot and assisted in rescuing the injured BSF personnel.

Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter

Volunteers holding a banner during Amit Shah’s visit.

Jain community members staging protest in Dimapur on Friday. (NP)

Rio speaking at the launching of 10BedICU projects, Friday. (NP)

Shah virtually inaugurating the projects on Friday.

Student bodies, CABYF hold conference, session

Er. Picto exhorts ARSU

ARSU general session

ZSU general session-cum-felicitation programme

NPCC president, K. Therie graced the Zuketsa Students’ Union (ZSU) 64th general session-cum- felicitation programme Zuketsa Area Public Organisation, ground, Zuketsa Town under the theme “Believe and Achieve”.

Er. Picto Shohe MLA 32 A/C graced the ARSU conference as special guest at Akuhaito town.

A press release by PRO, NDPP 32 A/C Atoizu Inoto Z. Chophy stated that Er. Picto Shohe in his speech said that, with the coming of the Christianity among the Sümis at Aizuto Mission Center, the educational system was influenced that led to the establishment of educational institutions.

He said that the leaders of the area were sensitive towards education and became patrons and pioneers to establish schools, many of whom were politicians, scholars, bureaucrats etc.

He therefore expressed the hope that they will be the inspiration to all

the students gathered and encouraged the students to follow their footsteps.

Picto also highlighted the development executed by the former leaders and also the developmental works carried out under his leadership for the area.

He also highlighted some of the proposals taken up for the area.

Earlier, the programme started by hoisting of the flag by special guest and invocation by Yeshuluto Baptist Church pastor Rev. Mulaho Assumi.

Welcome song was presented by Sümi Totimi Loka Akuhaito town and welcome address was delivered by ARSU president Iketo H. Zhimo. Later, the special guest also declared the Games and Sports opened.

The three-day, 27th general conference of Amahator Range Student’s Union held under the theme “Embracing change and transformation” came to an end on January 6. Former minister, Kipili Sangtam graced the session and encouraged the students to make book as their best friend reminding them they cannot do anything without Education.

He lauded the ARSU office bearers and encouraged them to work out a better mortalities in its functioning and bring some new changes to take the student community forward.

Head GB of Kisetong village L Chumpise shared the genesis of ARSU and its nomenclature by remembering the founder and former workers.

Amahator Area comprised of nine federating units (villages): Kisetong, Amahator, Yingshükur, old Resethsi, new resethsi, Changchore, Hurong, Keor, Bilongkyu. (Correspondent)

The academic guest was EAC Atoizu, Zunheboto, Dr. Riku Khutsov.

Addressing the session, Therie stressed on the importance of unity and oneness among the Kuzha Netho Ketshü.

It may be noted that Kuzha Nu Khru (Kuzhale, Kuzhami Chakhesang dialect) or Khezha nuo Khruo (Tenyidie), House tax originated and exercised by forefathers of Kuzha Netho Ketshü is being adopted till today in Naga Society.

Therie also spoke on

Chokri

the importance of sovereignty for the Nagas in general, and urged the people not to forget the sacrifices,

toils and sweat of the forefathers with greed of power and money. Also speaking in the session, Dr. Riku

DIMAPUR: Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) have condemned the “gruesome murder” of Khrutalu allegedly by her husband, Thejakolie Angami on December 24. In a condemnation note, NMA stated that such gruesome crime cannot be justified and was against the culture and religion. Condemning the “heinous killing in the harshest terms”, the NMA urged the law enforcing authorities to give exemplary punishment in accordance with the law of the land.

One arrested for kidnapping case

DIMAPUR: Kohima police arrested, “a habitual highway robber and a self-styled tax collector for various outfit” identified as Nawaz Khan on charged of kidnapping a truck driver near Peducha bridge on December 30. According to PRO of Kohima police, on receiving information, police activated various police teams and after thorough investigation, a special team of Kohima police led by SDPO (N) Kohima rushed to Dimapur and arrested Khan at Nepali Bosti junction, The arrested person was brought to Sechu (Zubza) police station for further legal action. In this connection, a case has been registered U/S 364(A)/384/386/392 IPC.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the bereaved family of Lt. Zelalhou Semou (Nerhema) who left for his heavenly abode on 1st Jan 2023 would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and profound appreciation to all our Relatives, Neighbours, Unions, Churches and Well Wishers who stood by us physically, financially, morally and spiritually during the demise of our beloved father.

Words are inadequate to thank you all individually, but it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Wife, Children & Grand Children

Khutso

Area Baptist Youth Fellowship 36th session begins

The 36th session of the Chokri Area Baptist Youth Fellowship (CABYF) got underway at Khulazu Basa village under the theme “stand firm”.

Delegates from nine villages under Chokri area, Phek district, including Khulazu Bawe, Thenyizu, Chetheba town, Khulazu

Basa, North Kikruma, Chesezu, Thipuzu, Phusachodu, Kikruma, are participating in the session.

Chairman Chokri Area Baptist Church Council, Rev. Vevotso Theluo while hoisting the flag said that everything has a starting and that the fellowship will also come to a start.

Kehuve Chuzho, pastor of Khulazu Basa Baptist Church, spoke on the topic “stand firm in the truth”. He said that works done by Jesus Christ was all perfect but was ruined by men himself.

He therefore called upon the youths to follow the right path and reminded them that what they sow

NSCN/GPRN-K warns against collection of tax

DIMAPUR: NSCN/GPRN-K has informed all business community within Dimapur, Chumukedima and Niuland districts to not entertain any taxation in the name of NSCN/GPRN (Khango) till further notice.

In press statement, NSCN/GPRN-K, commander Naga Army, ‘col.’ Phuyeka Achumi cautioned that stern action will be initiated against any individual defying the “dikat”.

For any queries, the NSCN/GPRN-K informed that it can be contacted at 8798204427.

today will be reap tomorrow. Among other competitions throughout the threedaylong programme, solo competition from all the nine villages was conducted on first day. Earlier, at the opening ceremony, hoisting church Khulazu Basa Children Ministry performed choreography.

CMA: Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) vehemently condemned the “devilish act” and stated that no cause can justify such brutality and senseless killing. CMA shared grief with the tragic loss and appealed to all right thinking citizens to condemn the barbaric act. It also urged the law enforcement authorities to carry out the investigation and held those involved accountable.

WCSC fellowship

DIMAPUR: Western Chakhesang Senior Citizen (WCSC) held its fellowshipcum-picnic on December 28 at Selouphe Village with former executive secretary of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), Rev. Khrutsoyi Luruo as the speaker. It is to be clarified that fellowship was not hosted by Selouphe village.

2nd d eath a nniversary Lt. Kovizo Chüsi

two years have passed since you left us, yet your good deeds are freshly remembered.

Loving Family

DP-78/23

We, the family members of Late Resenjiba would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who stood by us spiritually, morally, financially and physically during the prolonged illness and sad demise of our beloved son on 27.12.2022.

We would like to convey our thanks to: Doctors and Nurses

Neurological Institute Guwahati, Doctors and Nurses of Referral Hospital Dimapur, Citizens of Longkhüm, Vairous Unions, Churches, Fellowships, Neighbors (Seitheke Basa Village) Relatives and Well Wishers.

Resenjiba (Longkhüm) 11.11.1988 – 27.12.2022

We greatly regret our inability to thank each and everyone in person, but your good deeds will always be in our hearts.

DP-74/23

Loving Parents, Family Members, Friends and Loved Ones

DIMAPUR/KIPHIRE, JAN 6 (NPN): The 42nd conference of Atoizu Range Students’ Union (ARSU), 27th general session of Amahator Range Student’s Union and 64th general session-cumfelicitation programme of Zuketsa Students’ Union (ZSU) were held on January 6 at Akuhaito and Kiphire respectively. Chokri Area Baptist Youth Fellowship (CABYF) also observed its 36th session at Khulazu Basa village on January 6.

Er. Picto Shohe speaking at the conference.

inspired, enlightened and motivated the students to be consistent in their academic pursuit.

Minister of Soil and Water Conservation Geology and Mining and chairman NSMDC, V Kashiho Sangtam graced the 27th UBA general session of Amahator Range Students Union (ARSU) on January 5 at Old Risethsi village as special guest. The minister also inaugurated the two newly recognized villages, Ighoto and Aso under Kiphire district. (Kiphire Correspondent)

ADC Mon, Y Chingyak Konyak along with District Election Officer published the final electoral roll for Mon division on January 5, at the conference hall of the office of DC Mon in the presence of members from different recognised political parties. (IA Mon)

C.Kipili Sangtam

K. Therie addressing the students.

MoS of MSME Bhanu reviews central schemes in Peren

A DIPR report stated that at the visit the union minister also held a meeting with the officials of Peren district at DC’s Conference Hall, Peren. The minister in his address advised all departments implement -

ing central schemes in the district to make the best use of the schemes and assured them that the centre would extend all possible assistance.

The meeting was presided by Deputy Commissioner Peren, Vineet Kumar.

At the meeting, officials from RD, PHED, Agriculture, PWD (R&B), Social Welfare, Horticulture, District Industries Centre, Health & Family Welfare, Power Department, Fisher-

Kazheto inaugurates council hall, sub centre at Mapulumi

ies, Lead Bank Manager, Land Resources, and Water Resources highlighted the progress of various centrally sponsored schemes undertaken under their respective department.

Bhanu along with district administration also visited electrification project at New Market, Jalukie and Amrit Sarovar site at Punglwa Village. He also visited Punglwa ‘B’ Village and interacted with the beneficiaries of the Jal Jeevan Mission.

SVEEP mobile flagged off in Niuland

DIMAPUR: As a part of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activity under DEO Chumoukedima, a mobile demonstration van was flagged off for EVM/ VVPAT awareness from the office of Deputy Commissioner by DC Niuland, Sara S. Jamir on January 5.

The mobile van was set up in Niuland town market area and awareness was imparted on the use of EVM / VVPAT.

In addition, a hands-on demonstration on the use of EVM/VVPAT was imparted to the public.

Block level workshop on

‘Jal Jeevan’

DIMAPU R: As part of Jal Jeevan Mission, a daylong “Block Level Workshop” on Jal Jeevan was conducted on January 4 at area court Chare town, Tuensang.

The workshop was organised by PHE department in collaboration with Alongphi Welfare Society under the theme “Source Water Conservation and its Sustainability in Rural Areas”.

According to DIPR report, assistant professor, Fazal Ali College, Nohochem Sangtam speaking at the workshop said that conservation of water began from the participation of the community in the village areas through limitations of deforestation and jhum cultivation to maintain the balance of spring water. Toma JE, PHED Chare block spoke on the topic of community participation in the Jal Jeevan Mission.

The programme was followed by demonstration of practical field testing kits of water by the department.

12 villages, members of WATSAN Committee and village council attended the workshop.

Pangnyu unveils foundation stone of district hospital in Noklak

DIMAPUR: Minister of Health and Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom on January 5 unveiled the foundation stone of Noklak Community Health Center (CHC) upgradation to district hospital in the presence of advisor of Prisons, Printing, and Stationery, H. Haiying.

According to DIPR report, Pangnyu in his speech said that the hos-

pital has been upgraded by the government but for early improvement it depend on the support of local citizens.

He also thanked the land donors for their contribution and urged them to avoid disturbance in developing the district hospital.

H. Haiying, in his short speech, urged the citizens to work collectively

leaving aside their differences.

He thanked the State government under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, and Medical department for the concern towards the district.

DC Noklak, TPRO president, and KTC vice president delivered short speeches on the development of the district hospital.

Pukhayi inaugurates SDPO office in Aghunato

DIM APUR: The office of SDPO Aghunato was inaugurated on January 5, 2023 by advisor Food and Civil Supplies, Pukhayi Sumi.

In his address, Pukhayi congratulated the people for the establishment of the SDPO office in Aghunato and appealed to the public to support in running the office.

The advisor said that Aghunato town being the oldest ADC headquarter, he will work to develop Aghunato into a fullfledged well developed area.

He also extended gratitude to people of aghunato for the approval for

DIMAPUR: Advisor CAWD and NSDMA, Kazheto Kinimi on January 5 inaugurated Council Hall and Medical sub-center at Mapulumi under Akuluto, Zunheboto.

A report by DIPR stated that the inauguration of the sub-center and council hall was held at

different places.

Head GB of Mapulumi Village Khekato Chishi expressed gratitude to the advisor for the successful completion of the project and also acknowledged Dr. Vikato Kinnimi for taking the initiative in establishing the new Sub-Center at Mapulumi village.

He said all these developments in the area was possible due to the dynamic leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio.

The programme was chaired by Niloto, associate pastor NCRC and recorded by Holivi Tuccu associate youth pastor of Baptist Church of Mapulumi.

establishment of SDPO office in Aghunato.

He also thanked the chief minister for the support and said that Aghunato belongs to everyone and therefore they should

co-operate with each other to work for the development of the area. Pukhayi also erected and unveiled the monolith.

Earlier the programme was chaired by

additional SP, Vekhrolo and began with an invocation by Vitoho Yeptho, pastor Aghunato town Baptist Church and concluded with a prayer by Vitoho, pastor ATBC Aizuto.

Assam Rifles organise lecture on drug abuse

DIMAPUR: Various battalions of Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (N) conducted various welfare activities across the state.

Mon Battalion organised awareness lecture on drug abuse under Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) at Nyahnyu village, Mon on January 5.

The lecture was focused on prevention of drugs use and to spread awareness among villagers.

The villagers expressed grati-

Refreshments

in

TNR

for redressal of Eastern Nagaland grievances within Nagaland

of separate budget under special dispensation from the Central government.

Combined annual training camp of NCC underway

was delivered by Col CST Swamy, Camp Commandant.

10-bedded ICU launched in district hospital Tuensang

DIMAPUR, JAN 6 (NPN):

Naga Rising (TNR) has appealed to people of Eastern Nagaland led by Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and its federating tribe hohos to seek a solution within Nagaland, instead of seeking a separate State of Frontier Nagaland.

The party also suggestedseveral alternative arrangements.

TNR convener Along Longkumer and secretary Khriezo Yhome said TNR understood that the grievances of ENPO required immediate attention and major correction, and admitted that the fruits of development had not reached the grassroots.

They also acknowledged wide gap in development and governancedeficit, which were at the core of the problem, contributing to the present grievances and alienation.

They mentioned that their appeal for unity of people and land was based on the premise that any decision taken today should not be driven by short-term gains, but mut rather serve the larger interest of Naga people and their aspirations for peace, reconciliation and a common territorial and political entity.

The duo pointed out that separation from Nagaland need not necessarily be the answer and suggested exploring alternative arrangements first.

They suggested restoring the special status (regional council) enjoyed by Eastern Nagaland under the erstwhile Tuensang area and recognising it as a Special Development Region (SDR) with full financial independence, but under the administrative control of Nagaland, besides considering allocation

The TNR leaders also proposed delegating all subjects/powers to the regional council or legislature consisting of elected representatives from each ENPO district, barring administration, including law and order, which could be under the Nagaland government.

Further, according to them, Eastern Nagaland should continue to be represented in Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) through its elected MLAs.

They proposed that Nagaland government could also explore the option to create a separate ministry, similar to DoNER, to deal exclusively for ENPO areas under a full-fledged Cabinet Minister from the region.

They said prospect of increasing Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats by one each, which could be reserved for ENPO areas, could be explored with the Central government.

Cadets being screen for Covid on arrival.

DIMAPUR: The combined annual training camp for NCC cadets from schools and colleges affiliated to 25 Naga Bn NCC got underway at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung.

Around 250 cadets from the districts of Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Shamator, Noklak, Woks, Phek, Peren, Chumukedima and Kiphire are participating in the camp.

The cadets on arrival were screened for Covid before being allowed into the camp.

A team from the Blood Centre, District Hospital, Mokokchung headed by Dr. H. Tsipongchem Sangtam carried out blood group testing of the cadets.

The opening address

The basic tenets of discipline and the importance of various training activities planned for the cadets was highlighted by the officer Lt Col Pradosh and a number of associate NCC officers and permanent instructor staff attended the event.

A lecture was delivered by Molodongba, president, Mokokchung Voluntary Blood Donors Association on the benefits of blood donation. Athili, Chief Manager of Financial Inclusion Division, State Bank of India Mokokchung, spoke about financial literacy and explained the benefits of opening a savings bank account.

Meanwhile, Camp Commandant informed that various activities like PT, Yoga, Drill, Weapon Training, Map Reading, Sports and Games will be organised at the camp which will continue till January 12.

DIMAPUR: A 10-bedded intensive care unit (ICU) was launched at District Hospital Tuensang on January 6 in Tuensang. A press release by DMO, NHM Tuensang, Apheang stated that DC Tuensang, Nokchasashi, who launched the ICU, expressed the hope that the functioning of ICU will further improve the heathcare service.

He also encouraged the heath care workers to

put more efforts to prove quality services to the people.

DC also assured to write a letter to urge the higher authorities to provide a Anaesthesia doctor in district hospital Tuensang.

A brief introduction of ICU was given by MD (Medicine) DH Tuensang Dr. Alem, where he highlighted the main aims and objectives of ICU.

He also gave a back -

ground and history of 10–bedded ICU project under five partnerships. The programme was chaired by Medical Superintendent, Dr. Puse Liegise and pathologist DH Tuensang Dr. Tochi Chang gave a briefed introduction of the hospital.

The launching programme was attended by DC, SP, MS, DIO, doctors and nurses from district hospital and DMO (NHM).

DIMAPUR: Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma on January 5 visited Peren and reviewed the central schemes implemented by different departments under Peren district.

Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma with the officials in Peren on Friday. (DIPR)

S. Pangnyu, H. Haiying and others at the unveiling of foundation stone for Noklak CHC upgradation to a district hospital on January 5. (APRO Noklak)

Pukhayi Sumi, police officers and others at the inauguration of SDPO office.

Kazheto Kinimi and others after the inauguration programme.

tude to Assam Rifles and vowed to end use of drugs in the Village. Tuensang battalion organized screening of animation movie at Chenloisho village, Mon district on January 5.

Altogether of 54 children of Wangto, Kangnyu and Selambasti attended the movie screening.

were provided and

the end chocolates were also distributed among the children.

A patient admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) at District hospital Tuensang.

The awareness programme in progress at Nyahnyu village, Mon.

BJP’s next target to make Mnp free from drugs: Shah

BJP freed Manipur from terrorism, bandhs: Shah

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Jan 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the BJP government’s next target is to make Manipur drug-free and claimed that the BJP government has fulfilled its promise of making Manipur totally free from bandhs and blockade.

In his address in Bishnupur district, Shah said insurgency has also almost fully subsided to bring the state back on the path of development.

On the promise to make Manipur drug-free by the next election, he said the state government was undertaking massive operations against drug trafficking and abuse to make Manipur drug-free.

“I am sure we will be successful in making Manipur free from drugs,” he said.

He added that with insurgency almost curved, stability and peace prevailed in the state after decades and there has been unprecedented growth and development in the state.

Union home minister Amit Shah in Imphal on Friday.

He said Manipur has marched forward without any bandhs and blockades maintaining peace and tranquility in the state under chief minister N Biren Singh in his six years tenure.

Law and order has been improved, the Union minister claimed as he highlighted the lifting of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 from six districts of the state.

Reiterating that the BJP government at the Centre is giving special focus in the northeast region,

the Union home minister claimed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has invested Rs 3.45 lakh crore in the northeast in less than eight years.

Shah who arrived in Imphal on a two-day visit in the state inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 21 development projects worth together Rs 1,311 crore at a function held at Chengkhei Lampak in Bishnupur district on Friday.

State chief minister N Biren Singh and his council

of ministers, Union minister of state for education & external affairs Dr RK Ranjan Singh, MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs and civil & police officials were present at the virtual inauguration and foundation stone laying function.

Shah inaugurated 10 projects virtually after he physically inaugurated two projects - Marjing Statue Complex in Imphal East district and Churachandpur Medical College in Chura-

chandpur district. He also laid the found stones for nine new projects which included construction of 40 police outposts (34 along the India-Myanmar international border and six along National Highway 37).

Addressing the occasion, chief minister N Biren Singh informed that the Union minister came to the state to review the developmental works taken up by the present government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that the Union home minister played a great role in introducing the Inner Line Permit System in the state and rechristening Mount Harriet to Mount Manipur.

“Today, Manipur can stand proud in the world,” he said. Expressing his joy in hoisting the tricolor at the heritage site at INA Headquarters, Amit Shah, later tweeted, “Immensely proud to unveil a 165 feet long Tiranga, the tallest in north east at the historic ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ headquarters in Moirang, where Netaji’s INA hoisted the Tiranga in 1944. The Tiranga will keep reminding us of the heroes of our freedom struggle and inspire the youth.”

SC halts HC order staying Assam-Meghalaya border pact

NEW DELHI, JAN 6 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday stopped the execution of the Maghalaya High Court order staying the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the chief ministers of the two states for settling their festering boundary dispute.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and the lawyers representing Assam and Meghalaya and ordered a stay on the order of the Meghalaya High Court.

The bench took note of the submissions that some of the areas, which are covered under the MoU, are not getting the benefits of the developmental schemes due to the old border disputes and, moreover, the boundary between the two states has not been altered due to the agreement.

It also issued notices to the four people who had originally moved the high court against the execution of the MoU on various grounds including that the settlement breached Article

3 of the Constitution.

Article 3 empowers Parliament to make a law related to the formation of new states and alteration of the boundaries of existing states. Earlier during the day, the apex court agreed to hear the plea challenging the order of the Meghalaya High Court.

“We will hear it. Please provide three copies of the petition,” the CJI said.

A single judge bench of the Meghalaya High Court had on December 8 ordered an interim stay on physical demarcation or erection of boundary posts on the ground following the interstate border pact.

Later, a division bench of the high court refused to interfere with the order of the single judge bench, prompting the petitioners to

On March 29 last year, the agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah by the chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya.

The pact sought to resolve the protracted dispute in six of the 12 places along the 884.9-km border between the two states. The boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya has lingered for 50 years. However, efforts to resolve it have gained pace in recent times.

NAGAON, JAN 6 (PTI):

A woman from Nagaon in Assam and her minor son, who have been missing since November, have landed in a Pakistan jail for allegedly entering that country without proper documents, the police and her family members claimed here.

The woman, who lost her husband two years ago, and her minor son went missing from their home since November 26, 2022, her mother Azifa Khatun said in a complaint lodged at the Nagaon police station after the incident.

Subsequently, she received a letter in December from a law firm in Pakistan by post stating that the two were arrested for crossing the borders without any legal travel documents and were lodged in the Quetta district jail, Khatun said.

The woman had sold her marital property here before leaving for Pakistan with another man, suspected to be an Afghan national, who is also reported to be

arrested and lodged in the same jail, she said.

Assam woman, son in Pak jail Assam govt will help in Sainik School infrastructure development: Himanta

Khatun had approached the police again for “recovery of the lady from Pakistan and handing her over to the family here,” she said.

The matter has been referred to higher authorities as it concerns two countries and a decision can be taken only “at an appropriate level,” a police official said.

Khatun claimed that she had written to the Pakistan embassy, but as she did not get any response from it she has decided to file a petition in Delhi High Court to ensure the safety and security of the life of her daughter and grandson along with their release from Pakistan jail.

She said she has also written to President Draupadi Murmu seeking the mandatory permission to file the petition with the High Commissioner, Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a respondent in the case.

GOALPARA (ASSAM), JAN 6 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday assured all help from his government for infrastructure development of the Sainik School in Goalpara district, the oldest such institute in the North East.

He exhorted the students to aim big and strive hard to achieve it while also underlining the role of the teachers in ensuring that the students realise their potential.

Speaking at a programme at the Sainik School here, Sarma said, “Our government is committed to improve infrastructure of the school. We will provide with swimming pool, athletic track, indoor stadium, whatever be the requirement.”

“But as chief minister of the state, I must also have the guarantee before investing that at least 10 students

from the school will crack the NDA examination annually,” he added.

Located 18 km from Goalpara town, the residential school was founded on November 12, 1964.

Pointing towards Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, an alumnus of the Goalpara Sainik School present on the occasion, Sarma exhorted the students to follow his example and reposed faith that more such high ranking officers will be produced by the school.

“I don’t like youngsters

who dream low. I like those with high ambitions. You must aim high and work hard to achieve it,” he said.

He also reminded the students of the hardships their families have to ensure, financial as well as emotional, for putting them through Sainik School education and asked them to repay it by coming out with shining colours.

The chief minister also emphasised the role of teachers in the students excelling and urged the teachers to put in their best efforts.

“If any teacher does not have the aptitude to put in their maximum effort, I suggest they seek transfer to some other school,” he said.

The chief minister also inaugurated a 350-seat amphitheatre at the school premise during the visit.

He was accorded a guard of honour by the students, which impressed the visiting dignitary.

ITANAGAR, JAN 6 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh has 8,31,618 electorate as per the final electoral rolls, with women voters outnumbering men, an election official said here on Friday.

The northeastern state has 4,22,418 female voters and 4,09,200 male voters, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Liken Koyu said.

Arunachal Pradesh has registered an increase of 1.51 per cent electorate in the final electoral rolls, which was prepared by the state election office here.

“The exercise (final electoral roll) was taken following the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing the schedule for the special summary revision of electoral rolls with reference to January 1, 2023, as the qualifying date in all 60 assembly constituencies of the state,” Koyu said.

Arunachal has 8,31,618 electorate CEC

Correspondent

Church vandalism must stop: Meghalaya CM

SHILLONG, JAN 6 (PTI): Condemning the recent attack on a church in Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said acts of vandalism on churches are “unfortunate” and must stop at once. A church was vandalised and six police personnel, including an IPS officer, were attacked and injured on January 2 during a protest by tribals in connection with an alleged religious conversion in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur city, police had said.

The chief minister said that Christians have been “at the receiving end” and the state governments should intervene and ensure justice is done. “An attack on a church is unfortunate. Such acts of vandalism should stop at once. Christians are at the receiving end and justice (should) be given wherever due,” Sangma told PTI.

The Meghalaya government has urged upon the district a dministration

and the state governments, especially in Chhattisgarh, to intervene and ensure that those responsible for such crime be booked in accordance with law. The chief minister also responded to a query on a letter issued by an SP in Assam who had sought details of churches established in the last one year and instances of conversions in Assam. “This is something that is really uncalled for. The chief minister of Assam has stated that this was not an instruction given by the government but it was done by the local administration and he has also assured that he would look into the matter and this thing would be revoked,” said Sangma.

visit M’laya on Jan 12 97 bird species recorded at Assam’s only Ramsar site TMC releases list of 52 candidates for M’laya polls

SHILLONG, JAN 6: The full bench of the Election Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar would be on a two-day visit to poll-bound Meghalaya from January 12 to oversee poll preparation for the upcoming assembly elections, due in February 2023, an election official said on Friday.

“The CEC accompanied by Election Commissioners--Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel -will be arriving in Shillong on January 12 after reviewing the poll preparedness in poll-bound Tripura,” State Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor said.

After reviewing the election preparedness in Tripura and Meghalaya, the full bench of the Election Commission will visit poll-bound Nagaland on January 14.

The Election Commission officials will be reviewing poll preparedness and hold a series of meetings with the Chief Election Officer, state Chief Secretary Donald Philips Wahlang, Director General of Police L.R.Bishnoi and senior government officials.

Kumar will hold a meeting with district election officers, superintendents of police, enforcement directorate and In -

come Tax officials

The CEC will also interact with representatives of various political parties. He will also interact with the media, before concluding the visit.

A committee of the Election Commission of India on expenditure had visited Meghalaya on December 15 and 16 and held a meeting with the state government election machinery and various government agencies which include Income Tax, Narcotics Bureau, Reserve Bank of India and the State police.

The term of the present Meghalaya Assembly is from March 16, 2018 to March 15, 2023 and as such, the new government has to be sworn in before that.

The government was installed on March 6, 2018 with the swearing in of Conrad K Sangma as the Chief Minister of the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

The MDA government was formed by six political parties - NPP, United Democratic Party (UDP), People’s Democratic Front (PDF), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), besides Independent legislators.

GUWAHATI, JAN 6

(PTI): Over 26,000 birds of 97 species were recorded during an initiative in Deepor Beel here, the only Ramsar Site in Assam, a forest official said on Friday.

There was a significant increase from 10,289 winged friends, belonging to 66 species, in the previous bird-counting exercise in 2021 to 26,647 this time, the official said.

A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated to be of international importance. These wetlands are protected under strict guidelines of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

“The bird count in Deepor Beel was a very important initiative undertaken by the Guwahati

GUWAHATI, JAN 6 (PTI): Assam Lok Sabha Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi has urged the Centre for visa stamping facility and a medical test center in Guwahati saying it will benefit people of the northeast who are intending to travel abroad.

He said he has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on this and said will raise the matter in Parliament. “Based on the feedback from my constitu-

Wildlife Division. The data on bird species and numbers obtained through such monitoring can help greatly in conservation planning in the long run”, wildlife activist and photographer Udayan Borthakur said.

The exercise was conducted on Wednesday

ents, especially young students from Assam seeking to travel abroad for higher studies, I have written to Hon’ble Minister @DrSJaishankar regarding the need for a visa stamping facility and medical test centers in Guwahati,” the Congress MP from Nagaon said on Twitter on Thursday.

Such facilities in Guwahati would benefit scores of travellers from the entire Northeast, who currently have to go to cities outside

morning.

The entire wetland was divided into nine areas and volunteers and experts conducted the bird count on foot as well as country boats, Divisional Forest Officer, Guwahati Wildlife Division Jayashree Naiding said.

The methodology of visual encounter survey was adopted during the bird count, she said.

Altogether 37 individuals, including forest department officials, bird experts, students and representatives from various prominent NGOs, participated in the bird count.

Renowned ornithologist Dr Anwaruddin Choudhury accompanied the participants and provided guidance during the exercise.

Eight wildlife photographers participated in the spot bird photography contest organised on the occasion.

A repeat exercise is scheduled to be conducted in the first week of February 2023 during the Asian Waterfowl Count.

Correspondent SHILLONG, JAN 6: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday announced its first list of 52 candidates for the upcoming Meghalaya Assembly election, fielding former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma from two assembly constituencies Songsak and Tikrikilla.

Former Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope, who is also Meghalaya TMC president, will be contesting from Nongthymmai assembly constituency while party opposition chief whip, George B. Lyngdoh will contest from Umroi.

Announcing the names of the party candidates in the 52 out of 60 assembly constituencies, Pyngrope

informed that a total of five women candidates will be contesting in this election. The list includes sitting TMC legislators, Dikkanchi D. Shira, Miani D. Shira, Zenith M. Sangma, Winnerson D. Sangm and Lazarus M. Sangma. Dr Mukul’s wife Dikkanchi will be contesting from Mahendraganj, his daughter Miani D. Shira from Ampati and his younger brother, Zenith M. Sangma from Rangsakona, while Winnerson and Lazarus will contest from Salmanpara and Chokpot respectively. S.G. Eastamur Mominin who had resigned from the primary membership of the ruling National People’s Party and from State Assembly will be contesting from Phulbari.

the region for these works, he said.“Intend to follow up closely with this request in subsequent parliament sessions,” Bordoloi said.

In his letter to Jaishankar, he pointed that when many people from the north east travel to different countries they experience numerous difficulties in getting their visa stamped and in undergoing medical tests as these services are not available in the region.

“As Guwahati is the

capital of Assam and is also a central point for the northeast region, the setting up of the facilities here would aid the process of obtaining visas for the region’s population of over 45 million people,” Bordoloi wrote.

He urged the ministry to facilitate engagement with countries like UK, US, Germany, Australia and Singapore for establishment of a medical testing facility and a visa stamping facility in Guwahati.

AGARTALA, JAN 6 (PTI): Over 80,000 voters have been enrolled in the final voters list in Tripura taking the number of total electors to 28, 13,478, a senior election official said on Friday.

Assembly elections are due in Tripura in February.

“We have published final electoral rolls for all the 60 Assembly constituencies on Thursday as per the instruction of ECI. The total electorate stood at 28, 13,478. It was 27. 33 lakh when the draft rolls were published on November 9, 2022”, the official said.

Out of the total electors, there are 13, 98,825 women while the transgender count is 77, he said.

Of the total voters enlisted during the special summary revision, around 65,000 are new voters. The northeastern state has 10,344 service voters .

Himanta Biswa Sarma

Birds at Deepor Beel on the outskirts of Guwahati.

an appeal in the top court. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma had in March last year signed an MoU for demarcating the border in at least six of the 12 contested locations that often raised tensions between the two states.

Conrad K Sangma

Assam MP seeks visa stamping, medical test facilities in Ghy Tripura publishes final electoral list with 80,000 newly enrolled voters

‘Modi govt heralding new era of cooperative federalism’

NEW DELHI, JAN 6

(PTI): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the ongoing second national conference of chief secretaries, official sources on Friday said the government has heralded a “new era of cooperative federalism” by making the process of policy making and implementation more collaborative and consultative.

The chief secretaries conference is aimed at rapid and sustained economic growth in partnership with states in coordination as the prime minister believes that this is an essential pillar for the development and progress of new India, they said.

With this vision in mind, Modi had conceptualised this conference, which was held for the first time last year in Dharamshala, they noted and cited several programmes and instances in which he has tried to leverage cooperative federalism.

The Centre and states have been working together in “Aspirational Districts Programme”, launched by Modi in January 2018 to

fast-track development in most backward districts across the country through the convergence of government programmes and schemes.

The Modi government has also worked to increase states’ share in divisible pool of tax resources, the sources said. Having been a chief minister for close to 13 years himself, Modi knows that the key to development for states is availability of sufficient resources. Taking a significant step in this direction, his government took the decision to increase states’ share in the divisible pool of taxes from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. This has provided them more

resources to design and implement programmes as per their needs, they said.

Another example is the GST Council where both the Centre and states are partners in decision-making. The workings of the council is an example of fiscal federalism with reliance on decision making through consensus, they said.

Modi has also initiated the unique concept of Pragati, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based multi-modal platform for “Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation” (Pragati), involving the Centre and states. The unique initiative brings the highest officials

Trainer aircraft crashes in MP

Patel. Captain Vimal Kumar (50), resident of Patna, was killed while trainee pilot Sonu Yadav (23), resident of Jaipur suffered injuries and was admitted to the government-run Sanjay Gandhi Medical College Hospital, Rewa collector Manoj Pushp said.

An inquiry has been ordered and aviation experts from Mumbai were on their way to the accident spot, minister Mishra told reporters in Bhopal. The plane belonged to `Falcon Aviation Academy’, said Additional Director General of Police K P Venkateshwar Rao.

of central government (secretary), state government (chief Secretary) and other officials on one table along with the prime minister, all working together to improve the implementation timelines of various government programmes and schemes.

The They noted that prime ministers used to attend annual DGP conferences but over the years it had become “routine” and involved their mostly “symbolic” presence.

However, Modi makes it a point to attend all sessions of the conference and encourages free and informal discussions with top police officials. He has also ensured that these meetings

are taken out of Delhi and are held in states.

This has helped develop a congenial environment for state heads of police to learn from best practices and work towards finding solutions to major law and order issues facing the country, the sources said. Modi also addressed the “Chintan Shivir” of home ministers of states in October 2022 and spoke at the national conference of environment ministers in Gujarat via video conferencing in September.

He inaugurated the “Centre-State Science Conclave” in Ahmedabad in September, a first-of-itskind conclave. Recently, he went to Shillong to attend the meeting of the North Eastern Council on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebration of the council.

The Modi government is regularly holding meetings of the zonal councils for strengthening and promoting cooperative federalism in the country, the sources said. He also addressed the national conference of labour ministers of all states and union territories

in August. Recently, Modi chaired the second meeting of the National Ganga Council and addressed the first “All India Annual State Ministers Conference” on water.

With India now chairing the G20 group of countries and set to host its meetings across the year, the prime minister chaired a meeting of the governors and chief ministers of states and lieutenant governors of union territories on December 9 to discuss aspects relating to it, the sources said.

These meetings will be held all across the country to showcase different cultures, customs and cuisines on the global stage, highlighting his emphasis on taking along all states in this endeavour, they said.

Modi has also “pioneered” post-budget webinar meetings with different ministries and stake-holders for effective implementation of budget provisions. These webinars see participation of state level officers also so that states can leverage budget related initiatives in an effective manner, they said.

Cong chief Kharge trains guns at BJPled Govt over inflation, unemployment

PANIPAT (HRY), JAN 6 (PTI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the Centre on Friday over a host of issues, including inflation and unemployment, and accused it of making tall promises during election time and going back on those words after coming to power.

Wreckage of the trainee plane which crashed into the dome of a temple, in Rewa, early Friday. (PTI)

BHOPAL/REWA (MP), JAN 6 (PTI): The pilot of a Cessna trainer aircraft was killed after it crashed into a temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district, 400 km from state capital Bhopal, officials said on Friday.

The trainee pilot who was on board was injured in the i ncident that took place around 11.30 pm on Thursday, said an official. His condition was said to be stable.

The crash probably happened as the aircraft, belonging to a private aviation training academy, tried to land in dense fog at night, officials said.

The plane hit the dome of a temple and electricity wires while landing in foggy conditions, said state Home Minister Narottam Mishra.

The crash site is three km away from Chorhatta airstrip, said Chorhatta police station in-charge J P

The Cessna trainer plane flew in circles a number of times before attempting landing in dense fog, he said. No locals were hurt in the crash while the trainee pilot was out of danger, he added.

Addressing a rally here as part of the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Kharge said there is rising inflation and unemployment in the country but the government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), does not seem to be bothered. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, senior party leaders Kumari Selja, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, K C Venugopal, Shaktisinh

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS DEPARTMENT (ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS BRANCH) NAGALAND: KOHIMA

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Dated: Kohima, the 8th December, 2022 No.AR-3/GEN-380/2020: In pursuance of the Cabinet decision vide CAB2/2013 dated 29.11.2022, the Governor of Nagaland is pleased to include Sumis of Sukiur village under Shamator district within the 2% Job reservation given to Sumis of Kiphire for all purpose of the public employment with immediate effect.

Sd/- J. ALAM, IAS

Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland.

Gohil,

Kharge

Gandhi

The Congress chief said essential items of use have gone out of the common man’s reach because of the rising inflation.

“In 45 years, unemployment was never so high. Educated youngsters, including those with degrees in engineering and medicine are without jobs, but (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji and (Union Home Minister) Amit Shahji are not worried about them. “They have no concern for youngsters, the economic condition or inflation. Only elections are on their mind,” Kharge said while accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies to target the opposition.

Dr. Jamir reminds

(From p-1)

time that the government of India provided the muchexpected solution.

Dr. Jamir also reminded Shah that since Naga political sovereignty and integration were not under negotiation and that as the government of India has rejected outright the demand to include Naga flag and constitution as part of solution, solution was the only outcome.

Further, Dr. Jamir said since NSCN(I-M) has agreed to the competencies and since the group accepted that demand for flag and constitution for incorporation into the constitution had been rejected, the way was clear for securing early solution. He said people are not only expecting but also demanding it. Dr. Jamir said If there is delay due to flag and constitution, then the government of India should ask NSCN(I-M) if it is sincere about bringing peaceful solution and give a time frame to end the stalemate.

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and some of the ministers also met Shah for the virtual inauguration of various projects in Nagaland.

NSCN (Khango) says Isak holds...

(From p-1)

The group said its action was not against any community “as we are a part of one family.”

The group has asked the “misguided workers” to realize and “wake up from the made up stories preached by certain individuals.”

It also appealed to all the party workers to report to the “legitimate authority as all these sickness is temporary and the government assures that there is nothing to worry.”

Reiterating its stand on the decision to impeach its general secretary ‘Col.’(Retd.) Isak Sumi, the group claimed that he has been “exercising absolute autocratic rule” seizing the powers and functions of the senior workers assigned by the president.

It said that Isak, from the inception of the government, has been the finance in-charge “with no transparency, budget session and audit” and administered the function of the government with the “help of ‘Kitchen Cabinet’ comprising of her wife and few other relatives.”

It said that his impeachment was the “major political ramification, and was requisite” as a result of untold miseries within the party set-up, which finally exploded in the form of complaint against him from all corners including Ministry of Kilo Affairs, Kilonsers, Central Secretariat and many party workers.

The group however said that “Unfortunately” all the complainers were coerced by some individual/groups in Dimapur to disclaim the government’s Impeachment Ahza.

dc-16/23

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the conference of Chief Secretaries, in New Delhi, Friday. (PTI)

Kiran Choudhary and D K Shivakumar were among those present at the rally.

said

has led the Bharat Jodo Yatra for more than 3,000 kilometres so far. The foot march reached Haryana from Uttar Pradesh on Thursday evening.

Mallikarjun Kharge

Reverse unity

Issomething that needs indepth and factual analysis on why has there been an abundance in the usage of the word ‘unity’ in the Naga lexicon and why , except for a few decades, it is still being pursued ? Unity through sharing of the same Christian faith and less with somewhat similar cultures had drawn the tribes together to giver a quantum leap for the political movement. However, a few decades later cracks appeared by the late 60s the united movement eventually began the reverse trend of disunity when the once powerful NNC split into NSCN in 1980. Subsequently, the factions began splitting and today there are over a dozen factions. Unity has always been the avowed and desired principle of Naga tribes and this has or was made to undergone transitional changes at crossroads and today the noble goal has been reduced to mere lip service. State politicians are perhaps infamous when it come to paying lip service. The strive to achieve peaceful solution through the much hyped ‘unity’ or coming together of all sections especially the elected( to show the way or to set an example) was demolished by the proponents of unity themselves. Elected members find it very credible to parrot the phrase ‘ all should unite for solution or for the common goal ‘. The elected members united or came together under the Joint Legislators Forum(JLF) formed sometime in 2012 . The JLF split after NPF walked out in to form its own facilitating forum titled Political Affairs Mission(PAM). The NDPP continued with the JLF but the split rendered the role as facilitator, quite unhelpful. The idea of coming together sounds like a good reason but the not based on good sound reasons or acting the role as facilitators for the Naga political issue didn’t get much traction as NPF broke Playing away form JLF to form its own Political Affairs Mission(PAM) in August 2020. It was only on union home minister Amit Shah’s prodding that both re-united under Core Committee on Naga Political issue. Later during June 2021, both JLF and PAM became redundant after the ruling and opposition resolved to form the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue. This then reopened the way for a repeat of the 2015 all party and opposition-less government after Congress merged with NPF. Thus the second dubious experiment, in the name or under the pretext of coming together happened on September 21,2021 when the opposition NPF joined the PDA government (NDPP, BJP, Independents) and the second opposition-less government was renamed as United Democratic Alliance(UDA). The coming together has not brought peaceful solution or even the greater goal of Nagas any closer. Further proving that unity continues to be a distant word which has been pursued half-heartedly, the NPF with 25 MLAs suffered a massive exodus when 21 MLAs defected to joint or merge with the NDPP and leaving four as the remnants. The defection of merger that shook the NPF in favour of the NDPP was certainly not a very good act of unity. Despite the reverse unity, the politicians have not gotten over the appeal to all to come together for the greater goal or solution. Reams can be written on this subject but the point that needs to be pondered is to understand where things have gone wrong and how to correct the total drift.

DailyDevotion

The Life of Power to Follow

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” —John 13:36

“And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me’ ” (John 21:19). Three years earlier Jesus had said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19), and Peter followed with no hesitation. The irresistible attraction of Jesus was upon him and he did not need the Holy Spirit to help him do it. Later he came to the place where he denied Jesus, and his heart broke. Then he received the Holy Spirit and Jesus said again, “Follow Me” (John 21:19). Now no one is in front of Peter except the Lord Jesus Christ. The first “Follow Me” was nothing mysterious; it was an external following. Jesus is now asking for an internal sacrifice and yielding (see John 21:18).

Between these two times Peter denied Jesus with oaths and curses (see Matthew 26:69-75). But then he came completely to the end of himself and all of his self-sufficiency. There was no part of himself he would ever rely on again. In his state of destitution, he was finally ready to receive all that the risen Lord had for him. “…He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ ” (John 20:22). No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.

All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to “receive the Holy Spirit.” “Receive the Holy Spirit” — the idea is that of invasion. There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Khuzama Village Council’s rejoinder to Mao Council’s claims

The Khuzama Village Council is constrained to issue this Statement as a rejoinder to the Press releases of the Mao Council of late through different platforms, distorting the History of our Village.

1. It may be put on record that, for Centuries and Generations, the People of Khuzama village and the neighbouring Mao villages have been living in peace and in cordial relation despite some niggles here and there. Irrespective of the external factors, we share our boundaries from top of the Mountains down to the bottom of the River, criss-crossing each other’s land. We know and share each other’s Culture and Language and have Family and Friends married into each other’s Homes and Families. Be it Human or Cattle, we wander/ forage into each other’s land for socio-economic activities in the true spirit of Neighbourhood and Friendship. Thus, having innumerable things in common out of the undeniable neighbourhood, the Goodwill and Camaraderie we share should never be manipulated for your personal gain.

As Nagas by blood and Tenyimi in heart, we have, through the ages heard, believed and passed on the Migratory narra -

tives, the Settlements, resettlements and also practiced the age old tradition of division of Land and Properties to the children and have lived on thus far. You have your story to tell and we have ours to tell. Kindly do not misinterpret and mischievously twist the History or Legacy of your Friend or Neighbour. You have your own past misadventures and miseries, which we ought not to sell you out and embarrass you.

2. Regarding the Settlement/Establishment of our Village, we reiterate the sole truth that we had the early settlements of our ancestors who came from Viswema, initially for Sentinel reasons to defend our land, at Kamu Bazho, Phe-eso, and Pheeso Bawe much before shifting down to the present site, which you have also acknowledged in your 2011 statement. The nomenclature of Khuzama is derived from the word Khwüza, meaning Pond/ Lake, as the whole stretch along the erstwhile National Highway 29, which runs through the middle of the Village was a cluster of Water bodies. We know our History, Land and its Boundaries. Since time immemorial, for your kind information, Viswema village and Khuzama Village have common Khels and Clans and each Clan from

either side have Land and Forests in both sides and the respective side owns and takes care of their Land and Forests. Our Land and its resources existed as is the Law of the Nature and you cannot change that to suit your case. Therefore, Khuzama Village was never a Donated, Gifted or a Disputed land as being claimed by the Mao Council. You also demarcate contrasting boundaries in your 2011 and 2016 statements which only speaks of your double standards. It only exposes the insecurity, notoriety and ulterior motives of your present day generation or the Council. We out rightly reject and condemn your claims which is totally misleading.

Now in 2022, it is ridiculous that you should claim someone’s land as your Grazing Land. Are you trying to claim or justify that the acts of Animals are superior to Human knowledge and Wisdom. We hope you are a progressive race and not a regressive lot. If you may recall, in 1902, a Political case was passed by A. E. Woods Major, Political Agent and Superintendent of State, Camp Mao, regarding a boundary of Grazing Land and has warned the Sopvoma (Maos) not to graze their Cattle beyond the demarcation towards

Khuzama and vice versa. Again in 1980, when the Buffalo herds of Punanamei village came and destroyed the standing Crops, Terrace fields and Kheti huts of Khuzama village, the Case was presided over and settled with the river as the demarcation, along with all the other Seven (7) neighbouring villages and they bear witnesses to it. So are you still trying to justify your Cattle’s illegal Trespassing, which you still do, but we have been more than generous and tolerant.

3. Regarding the Oath Taking at Mitotsü by one Neni S/O Kopfujü from Pudunamei village as you claim, You are belittling yourselves and we are tired of your lies. In any case, the very Logic of the parties involved and the sequence of events have so badly exposed your ignorance and deceit. You are confusing and differing yourself through your different Statements in 2016 and 2022, whether the Oath was taken prior to the establishment of the Khuzama Village or after. Whether it was taken between the Four Khels of Viswema on one side and Pudunamei and Punanamei villages on the other side, or between Khuzama Village and Pudunamei/ Punanamei villages. Etc.

To set the Record straight, we have never

heard or known of an Oath taking between the Four Khels of Viswema and Pudunamei and Punanamei villages. If you say, as stated earlier, it was taken prior to the establishment of Khuzama village and we are not a party to it, Viswema village too has never heard of the same.

If you say it was taken after the establishment of the Village, how Logical and Practical it is to keep aside Khuzama village, a recognized village and others Taking Oath in its Land. If not a Party we would have at least been Witnesses, let alone allowing that to happen in our land. For the matter of fact, the only Oath taking incident we know is over a land dispute over cutting of trees at Yhotwü, a part of Yote area. It was just a dispute over a particular Plot/Area of Land above the Village and TB Hospital and nothing beyond. It was just between the Khlüren family of the Luho Clan and some Sapumi (Maos). It did not even involve the whole Village. The disputed area was visible from Mewoboke where the NH 29 passes. The Oath taking was done near Viho Tsüse, Mewoboke. This Oath taking as we know was a misadventure for you as you know better what befell your Oath taker. All things put to rest, we only

hope that you do not come up with a fresh narrative or a twisted version.

4. The Khuzama Village Council has all these years been very civil and observant and never issued a Press Statement to counter your mischievously fabricated, cooked up stories now and then. Neither should you expect us to reply to your every cooked up tale as we would prefer to stay dignified. You often flip flop, play the Victim Card and turn to us only in your bad times, but we as a good Friend and Neighbour have been extending Help and Refuge whenever called for. Remember “You can change Friends, but not Neighbours”. Therefore, let us continue to Respect each other, keep the friendship and neighbourhood spirit of our Ancestors. Let the present generation not manipulate, and bruise the age old relation, for we have our generations to tell our story and to live on. Our reply and approach is point and issue specific. Regarding other bigger and complex issues, we have our parent body Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) to shoulder and deal with it accordingly.

Dil Naleo, Chairman, Khuzama Village Council. Kevikese Khizho, Secretary, Khuzama Village Council.

Election to the State Legislature Assembly in Nagaland within sniffing distance

As we usher into the New Year with the mixture of doubts and anticipations for a peaceful and progressive Nagaland, the present hype of much publicized and often acclaimed partyless Government that often portray a picture of ‘marriage of convenience’ will soon be embroiled in the combat of live or die. One will witness infighting among themselves in scrambling for party tickets for the next Assembly Election and those who are denied of party tickets will join other parties but carrying the pangs of bitterness in their chest.

Many aspirants also must have actively involved in the recent Christmas celebrations in visiting their respective constituencies and some joining the congregation in singing Christmas carols of “Joy to the World”

though the spirit of Joy will hold them no good in the matter of incoming Election hassle.

Participation in the election, both National and the State is the prerogative enjoyed by its citizens in a Parliamentary form of Government as we have in our country. Such Election is also an opportunity for a candidate in elevating himself or herself from ground zero to the seat of power from where they enjoy the privilege of scurrying the area of serving the people.

In our State, Election specially to the State Legislative Assembly is very hotly and often bitterly contested that result in creating chasms between individuals, class, tribes and various unions and unfortunately those successful candidates are made to spend precious time during the next five years not only in

reimbursing the expenditures incurred during such expensive elections but involved in the issues of recognition, negotiation and reconciliation between the individuals and various parties.

Every stage of election, beginning from declaration, nomination and actual Election entails huge expenditures so much so that a candidate is made to invest most of the time in defrying expenditures on Election related matters but less time on programmes for the Welfare of the people.

Another issue of concern is the practice of voters not exercising one’s franchise freely on grounds of conviction but more on grounds of its proximity to Tribe, Clan or individual relationship or in some cases on cash consideration. We have gradually evolved an Election

system that may be named as the ‘Silent Election Manifesto’ where good candidates are often ignored but those that use money and muscle powers are sadly elected and release them in exploiting the affairs of the State for the next five years.

This is one of the reasons why in many constituencies there is hardly any developmental works taking place.

Another unfortunate phenomenon tied to the Election issue is the employment or selection of personnel’s on grounds of favoritism so much so that they fail to deliver goods to the people but survive as liabilities.

The next Election to the State Legislative Assembly is near. There is, therefore a need to vote for the right candidate who will work more but talk less. There is also a need to refrain

People make a nation secure

National security is about protection of the nation’s physical boundaries, its citizens and its information assets. Our defence forces deal with any open attack or aggression of an enemy, the police machinery takes care of the safety and security of the people and the national security set up based on Intelligence agencies protects our national secrets against the hidden designs of the adversary to access them.

In an era of proxy wars, covert attempts to cause sabotage, recruit agents from among our own citizens by turning their loyalties or gain unauthorised access to ‘protected’ information - which is the classical definition of espionage - have made the counter-intelligence charter of India’s national Intelligence agencies a lot more complex and large - requiring a timely review of their tasks, capabilities and resourcefulness.

for rapid upgradation from time to time through a competent appraisal. The rise of terrorism and faith-based radicalisation of our own nationals have taken the call of internal security closer to the ground and given a new-found importance to the need for citizens to have a good idea of the threats facing the country, act as the eyes and ears of the nation and become a voluntary contributor to the safeguarding of national security. This should be considered a part of the mandate of the Age of Information that lays down that being well informed was the prerequisite of success in any sphere - one therefore, had to read both opportunities as well as the risks in the environment at any given time.

for a few months of shared orientation - was enriched with the inclusion of a segment on India’s national security and strategic affairs. These services provide the ‘steel framework’ of the country’s governance and their officers exposed to some crucial knowledge about the nation’s security concerns at the beginning of the career itself would be better placed to handle their responsibilities and also have the advantage of being able to coordinate with their colleagues wherever required. The officers would go on to hold senior positions in organisations of strategic importance whose security would be of crucial importance for the nation.

of Civics and Humanities at a level where the students were mature enough to imbibe it. The High School stage is perhaps the right occasion where this knowledge can be imparted more as an extension of the discussion on the rights and duties of a citizen as indicated in the Indian Constitution.

A simple add-on can be thought of for the current syllabus - it can point out the significance of geopolitical placing of India, the external and internal threats to national security and the country’s preparedness to deal with them.

from supporting an incompetent candidate that can create only problems not only for himself but for their people during the coming five years. To be more realistic, there is a tire need to concentrate more on the aspects of Naga unity and development rather than on issues such as Frontier Nagaland Tribe or Central Nagaland Tribe and vice-versa.

Nagaland as a whole should be treated as one unit and the entire citizens of the State should lend their support in building a strong and vibrant Nagaland that requires dynamic and capable leaders in leading the people to a goal of meeting the people’s needs but much less the needs of it’s leaders.

Tali Longkumer IAS (Retd), Kohima

The RRU, formerly Raksha Shakti University, is a Central University and an institute of national importance which specialises in national and internal security education and has some of the best experts on these subjects on its roll.

~ James M. Barrie

There has been a significant consolidation and expansion of the national security set-up in the Modi regime under the watchful eye of the National Security Advisor. Security is not a one-time event and the new geopolitical developments, large scale induction of technology in security and the newer threats to cyber systems - all make

It follows that there has to be a strategy of creating awareness of national security dimensions among the people at large. Those in the job of handling governance should be the first recipient of any programme formulated for this objective. It is a matter of great satisfaction that on the initiative of NSA the content for the Foundation Course - in which all officers of Civil Services of India including Indian Foreign Service, are put together at the LBS National Academy of Administration at Mussoorie

The learning acquired at a younger stage stays forever and this was the logic behind the introduction of this new segment in the Foundation Course - for which some of the most experienced national security and strategy experts were invited to interact with the probationers. The policy has turned out to be extremely fruitful in terms of serving the cause of national security. Another sphere where a general awareness of India’s security interests can help the nation on a long-term basis is an appropriate introduction of security education as a part

The exercise should be free of any political tint. If the classroom can be made an interactive place it would be more productive and reduce the tediousness of a serious sounding subject like national security.

The third instrument for popularising the idea of national security is to pitch it as a subject of education at the academic level - some universities in India have separate departments for security studies. The Centre has - at the initiative of Prime Minister himself - established the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) at Gandhinagar which is expanding fast as a premier national institute for training and research on defence, security and Police matters.

Time has also come for making arrangements that would facilitate the process of informed citizens sharing their observations of a suspect activity or individual -from national security point of view - with the designated authorities without fear of running into any hassle as a consequence. Even a communication made with anonymity should be looked at. External threats to internal security are translating on the ground - closer to where people live - such as terrorist activity, drug trade, attempts at radicalisation, appearance of strangers and bomb making. The receiving point for this type of feedback from citizens should be centralised enough to keep the communicator from being identified too easily.

The US Homeland Security is reportedly using Fusion Centres to maintain information inflow from people on matters related to security. Ever since Warren Christopher, Bill Clinton’s Secretary of State famously said in 1993 that ‘national security is inseparable from

economic security’, there has been a closer rapport between corporate America and the CIA on the matter of garnering information of national security interest for the US from across the world. Correspondingly this adds to the dimension of security awareness that all nationals engaged in globalised business interactions should have, in the interest of their own country.

National security orientation is desirable in citizens working for the government, for the private sector and for civil society projects. India is moving in the direction of Public Private Partnership in all spheres under the Modi regime - this is a measure of democratic governance and of the trust that the state had in the citizens. Awareness of the importance of national security facilitates this welcome advance. Economic development apart, collaboration between the government and the people is required in the sphere of security as well - citizens have to realise that national security was not the concern of the government alone and that their contribution to it was of great significance.

D.C. Pathak

(The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

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

Quotes Life is a long lesson in humility.

MUMBAI, JAN 6 (PTI):

DGCA has sought a report from Tata Group-owned Air India on an incident of a drunk passenger allegedly urinating on the blanket of a female passenger on the airline’s Paris-New Delhi flight last month, which it did not report to the regulator, a senior official has said.

Air India on Thursday confirmed the incident, which took place on December 6 last year.

This was the second mid-air incident of a similar nature on an Air India flight in less than 10 days, as on November 26 last year, an inebriated man allegedly urinated on his female copassenger in her seventies in the business class of the airline’s New York-New Delhi flight.

This incident was also not reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), for which the regulator pulled up the full-service carrier, stating its conduct was unprofessional and issued show cause notices to the airline, its director in-flight services and the

crew that operated the New York-Delhi flight, asking them to explain within two weeks why action should not be taken against them.

As per DGCA sources, an airline is bound to report any incident to the aviation safety regulator immediately.

“Air India did not report the incident of a passenger urinating on the blanket of a female passenger. We have sought a report from the airline,” the DGCA official told PTI.

DGCA will mull any action against Air India after it receives the report from the airline, the official added.

Air India Paris-Delhi flight landed around 9:40 am on December 6 at Delhi airport, and the airport security was informed that the

male passenger was “under the influence of alcohol and he was not following the instructions of the cabin crew, and he later peed on a blanket of an onboard lady passenger”, airport officials had told PTI on Thursday.

The lady passenger, who had initially made a written complaint, refused to file a police case, and hence the passenger was allowed to go by the airport security after he cleared immigration and customs formalities, they added.

It also said that “as the victim and the accused reached an understanding”, CISF allowed the accused to leave after he tendered a written apology.

“In deference to the victim’s wishes, Air India did not lodge a police report,” the statement said.

Rajnath Singh visits INS Baaz

PORT B LAIR, JAN 6

(PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Friday visited INS Baaz, the Indian naval air station under the joint services Andaman and Nicobar Command of the Indian Armed Forces, at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar Island, defence sources here said.

He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Ajai Singh AVSM, the commander-in-chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) and interacted with the troops there.

Singh’s visit and his interaction with the troops assume importance in light of the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region. INS Baaz overlooks the Strait of Malacca, the sea route through which the majority of Chinese imports pass and is one of the most important shipping routes in the world both from economic and a strategic viewpoints, the sources said.

INS Baaz, which is a full-fledged forward operating base of the Indian Naval Air Arm, also overlooks the Six Degree channel between Great Nicobar and the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Campbell B ay is the

country’s eye over the Strait of Malacca, which is the shortest shipping channel between Indian and Pacific Oceans and connect major economies like China, Japan, the Middle East and South Korea.

Singh was familiarised with the terrain of the southern group of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He later visited Indira Point, the southernmost tip of the country. After visiting INS Baaz he also went to the Air Force station at Car Nicobar, the sources said.

He had arrived in Port Blair on Thursday to review the operation preparedness of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). In

his address to the defence officers and jawans he raised the border stand off with China and lauded the bravery of Indian soldiers from Galwan in Ladakh to Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh.

During his two day visit, Singh held a high level meeting with Lt Gen Ajai Singh, the 16th Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) to get a first hand report of the overall operational situation and military surveillance. He also visited the ANC’s Joint Operations Centre (JOC), which is the nerve centre for integrated planning for surveillance, conduct of operations and logistics support.

NEW DELHI, JAN 6 (PTI): The woman who complained about a male co-passenger urinating on her during an Air India flight in November had informed the crew that she did not want to see his face and was “stunned” when the offender was brought before her and “started crying and profusely apologising”.

According to Delhi Police’s FIR against the accused, he also begged her not to lodge a complaint, saying he was a family man and did not wish his wife and child to be affected by the incident.

The woman alleged that despite her unwillingness, she was forced to confront the accused and negotiate with him, further disorienting her, according to the FIR registered on Wednesday based on her complaint to Air India.

According to the FIR, shortly after lunch was served and the lights were switched off on board AI 102 of November 26, the inebriated male passenger seated in Business Class seat 8A walked to the elderly woman’s seat, unzipped his pants and urinated on

to

NEW DELHI, JAN 6 (PTI): India will host a virtual summit on January 12 and 13 to bring together countries of global South and share their common concerns, interests and perspectives relating to various global challenges including of food and energy security triggered by the Ukraine conflict.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said more than 120 countries are being invited for the ‘Voice of Global South’ summit whose theme would be ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose’. At a media briefing, Kwatra said concerns and apprehensions of the developing countries often do not receive due attention at the global stage and the purpose of the summit would be to address these elements of “our concerns and priorities”. Asked whether Pakistan, China and Ukraine have been invited, Kwatra did not give a direct reply and said names of the participating countries will be made public in due course.

her.

He kept standing there until the person sitting next to the woman told him to go back, at which point he “staggered back to his seat”.

“I immediately got up to notify the stewardess of what had happened. My clothes, shoes and bag were soaked in urine. The bag contained my passport, travel documents and currency. The flight staff refused to touch them, sprayed my bag and shoes with disinfectant, and took me to the bathroom and gave me a set of airline pyjamas and socks.

“I asked the staff for a change of seat but was told that no other seats were available. However, another business class passenger who had witnessed my plight and was advocating for me pointed out that there were seats available in first class,” the victim was quoted as saying in the FIR.

After standing for 20 minutes, the woman was offered a small seat used by airline staff where she sat for about two hours. She was then asked to return to her own seat. When she

refused, she was offered the steward’s seat for the rest of the journey, the FIR stated.

Later, the flight staff informed the woman that the offender wanted to apologise to her. In response, she said that she did not wish to interact with him or see his face and wanted him to be arrested on arrival.

“...However, the crew brought the offender before me against my wishes and we were made to sit opposite each other in the crew seats. I was stunned when he started crying and profusely apologising to me, begging me not to lodge a complaint against him because he is a family man and did not want his wife and child to be affected by this incident.

“In my already dis -

traught state, I was further disoriented by being made to confront and negotiate with the perpetrator of the horrific incident in close quarters,” the FIR stated.

The woman also accused the crew of being “deeply unprofessional” and said they were not proactive in managing a “very sensitive and traumatic situation”.

She added that her son-in-law sent a complaint to Air India on November 27 and the airline had agreed to reimburse the ticket. However, it has only issued a partial refund that,

she said, was “hardly sufficient compensation for my traumatic experience”.

DGCA seeks report from AI on 2nd urination incident AI urination: victim says crew made her negotiate with perpetrator

Meanwhile, a police officer said that teams have sent to Mumbai and Bengaluru. The office of the accused is situated in Bengaluru and it was found in primary investigation that he was working from home, however, the investigation is underway. Police are trying to nab him. A lookout circular has been issued against the man to prevent him from fleeing the country, police said, adding that efforts were being taken to nab him.

Wells Fargo sacks accused

US financial services company Wells Fargo on Friday said it has sacked Shankar Mishra, who allegedly urinated on a female co-passenger on an Air India flight from New York, saying that the allegations were “deeply disturbing”.

“This individual has been terminated from Well Fargo,” the firm said in a statement.

The company further said it holds its employees to the highest standards of professional and personal behaviour and “we find these allegations deeply disturbing.”

“We are cooperating with law enforcement and ask that any additional inquiry be directed to them,” the statement added.

In a shocking incident, an inebriated man allegedly urinated on his female co-passenger, a senior citizen in her seventies, in the business class of an Air India New York-Delhi flight on November 26 last year.

Woman riding pillion in hit-and-run case to join probe

NEW DEL HI, JAN 6 (PTI): Delhi Police on Friday denied reports that the Kanjhawala case victim’s friend, who was riding pillion on her scooter at the time of the accident, has been arrested and said she has been called to join the investigation.

Anjali Singh, 20, was killed in the early hours of the New Year after her scooter was hit by the car which dragged her for 12 kilometres from Sultanpuri to Kanjhawala. Her friend, Nidhi, fell to the side and fled the spot after the accident because she was “scared”.

Nidhi was traced by the police after they examined CCTV footage. She recorded her statement with the police on Tuesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Harendra Kumar Singh said, “There are reports that Nidhi has been arrested by the police. It is hereby clarified that she has been called to join the investigation.”

Earlier, the police said they had arrested another accused in the case. The accused, who is the sixth person to be arrested in the

case, has been identified as Ashutosh. The five accused arrested earlier -- Deepak Khanna (26), Amit Khanna (25), Krishan (27), Mithun (26) and Manoj Mittal -- had allegedly borrowed the car under which Anjali Singh was dragged from Ashutosh. Ashutosh was among the two suspects that the police zeroed in on after going through CCTV footage and call detail records. He and Ankush Khanna were allegedly involved in shielding the accused, officials said.

Two more arrested

The seventh accused in the Kanjhawala accident in which a 20-year-old woman was dragged by a car surrendered before police on Friday evening, a senior officer said.

Police on Friday arrested another man, Ashutosh, under suspicion of shielding the accused.

According to the police, Ankush Khanna, who is a brother of Amit, one of the other six accused in the case, surrendered on Friday at Sultanpuri Police Station.

Police had earlier arrested Deepak Khanna (26), Amit Khanna (25), Krishan (27), Mithun (26), and Manoj Mittal in the case.

After going through CCTV footage and call detail records, police zeroed in on two more suspects -- Ashutosh and Ankush Khanna -- and said they were involved in shielding the accused.

Shankar Mishra

Victim’s friend (circled) had accompanied her before the fatal accident took place in Kanjhawala on January 1. (Screengrab)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Friday. (PTI)

India

host virtual summit of global South

‘Government, RBI in talk with countries for rupee trade’

(PTI): RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday said the government and the central bank are in discussion with South Asian countries to have crossborder trade in rupee.

He also said the central bank digital currency (CBDC) is in trial phase and the RBI is moving very carefully and cautiously on digital rupee launch.

“For UPI, we have already entered into agreements with countries in this region, for example, with Bhutan and other countries like Nepal and we are trying to provide the UPI facility to make cross-border payments much easier in this region...

“The other initiative is the RBI, together with the Government of India, have initiated rupee settlement of international trade. We are already in discussion with some of the countries in this region and to facilitate rupee settlement of cross border trade in the South Asian region,” Das

said. In his keynote address at an IMF conference here, the Governor also said that the RBI has launched a pilot project of CBDC.

“It’s in a trial phase, we are moving about it very carefully, very cautiously because this is something where the approach has to be very cautious, very careful. If there is cloning or anything which happens, it can be very, very risky... So that could be another area where there can be room for cooperation (between South Asian countries),” Das said.

After the successful launch of the pilot for the wholesale segment on No-

vember 1, 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on December 1, last year, began its retail CBDC pilot project. The use of the digital rupee is expected to make the inter-bank market more efficient, as settlement in central bank money will reduce transaction costs by pre-empting the need for settlement guarantee infrastructure or for collateral to mitigate settlement risk, the RBI had said while launching the pilot.

Das said with global trade outlook for 202223 overcast, greater intraregional trade in the South Asian region can enhance opportunities for growth and employment.

“At the central bank level a key dimension for cooperation has been learning from each other on common goals and challenges...

Rupee settlement of crossborder trade and CBDC, where the RBI has already started moving forward, can also be areas of greater cooperation in future,” Das said.

No need to visit bank to update KYC: RBI

NEW DELHI, JAN 6 (PTI): Bank account holders are no longer required to visit their bank branches to update ‘know your customer’ (KYC) details provided they have already submitted valid documents and not changed their address, the RBI has said.

Instead, if there is no change in KYC information, they can submit a self-declaration through email-id, registered mobile number, ATMs, or any other digital channels. Following up on Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das stating that banks should not insist on branch visits for KYC updation, the central bank on Thursday issued guidelines for the same. “As per the present guidelines, if there is no change in KYC information, a self-declaration to that effect from the individual customer is sufficient to complete the re-KYC process.

“The banks have been advised to provide facility of such self-declaration to the individual customers through various non-faceto-face channels...,” it said.

Shah launches 5 projects worth `50 cr

(From p-1)

This he said was an indication that law and order was being maintained in the state. He said that Centre led by Prime Minister Modi has initiated the process to gradually remove AFSPA from the state of Nagaland.

He also highlighted the ongoing development projects in the State like the State’s second railway station, construction of 15 national highways worth Rs 4,127 crore, Jal Jeevan Mission (2,18, 000 families benefited), Ayushman Bharat Scheme (around 3,00,000 families benefited), PM Awas Yojana (54,636 families benefited), PM Kissan Samman Nidhi (2,00,1000 farmers benefitted), PM Gram Sadak Yojana (4,157 km roads constructed), etc.

He further spoke on the achievements of BJP government and pointed out how it had been able to provide free Covid vaccine to people in every nook and corner of the country, including Nagaland. Shah remarked that he was overwhelmed by the richness of

the land as Nagaland had 12 different organic varieties of plants, and noted that the State had a huge potential in horticulture. He said Nagaland was famous throughout the world for its culture, ethnicity and also the respect with which Nagas treated their women. He hoped that the five schemes launched would help bring a revolutionary change in education, tourism and power sectors in the State.

BJP-NDPP alliance to continue: Speaking briefly on the seat sharing alliance between NDPP and BJP, he declared that the current alliance would contest the Assembly election together and see to it that it came to power with full majority to pave the way for a prosperous Nagaland.

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, chief minister Neiphiu Rio appreciated the Union Home Minister for his support to Nagaland and its citizens. He said along with the blessings and guidance of Modi, Shah too had always stood by the people of

Nagaland and never turned down any request in the past few years.

He mentioned that the State government had been able to provide a stable, progressive and developmentbased governance due to the support of the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister. Acknowledging that the State had many development deficiencies and pending issues, he requested Modi to visit Nagaland and announce approval to pending projects, lay foundation stones for some new ones and inaugurate those completed. He expressed the hope that the State would experience good things under the ruling coalition and asserted that it would get people’s mandate in the next Assembly election too.

Welcome address was delivered by deputy chief minister Y Patton and vote of thanks was given by Health & Family Welfare minister S Pangnyu Phom. Host of dignitaries including legislators, senior officials and others were present on the occasion.

(From p-1)

He thanked the organisations for coming forward to partner with the government.

Rio said the most critical part of running an ICU was manpower, but the newly launched project would innovatively address the difficulties.

The chief minister also expressed optimism that the medical doctors and nurses would be able to use the opportunity optimally. He said that any projects of such kind would evolve over time and hoped that the department would nurture it to maturity and success.

In his speech, state health minister, S Pangnyu Phom described the launching of project as “historic” and said it has marked an important step towards prov iding worldclass healthcare facilities to the people.

Through the project, he said the state government was enhancing the critical care infrastructure across the state, which would now be able to protect vulnerable population of the state.

Health minister also expressed hope that the

new facilities would bring transformational change across the state. Phom urged all the district hospitals to get the best internet connectivity to ensure smooth functioning of the new facilities.

The minister said the department would also ensure that specialist doctors at NHAK would be assigned to take care of patients in remote places through the project.

He disclosed that treatment would be provided free of cost through CMHIS while hospitals would be able to generate revenue through the same scheme. 10BedICU chairman, Srikanth Nadhamuni, introduced the project and also launched the promotional video of the project.

He also highlighted the donors who were involved in the project.

He expressed happiness that the project was completed in a record time of less than a year, which was very quick when compared with the other seven states where the project was implemented simultaneously. The project was launched in Kiphire, Phek, Tuensang, Noklak, Dima-

pur, Peren, Wokha, Longleng, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Mon and Kohima.

Nadhamuni requested HDFC Bank to finance the setting up of the project in the other four newly created districts including Chümoukedima, Niuland, Shamator and Tseminyü to which the latter agreed.

The chief minister had a virtual interaction with Khosla Ventures founder, Vinod Khosla and Infosys chairman, Nandan Nilekani during the programme.

Earlier, the launch programme was compered by Dr. Asangla Jamir and Adila Longkumer while commissioner and secretary, Y Kikheto Sema, delivered the welcome address.

Invocation for the programme was offered by Kohima Baptist Pastors Fellowship president, Rev Vezopa Rhakho while policy lead & program coordinator, eGov Foundation, Bisoya Loitongbam proposed the vote of thanks.

Later, a press conference was addressed by Nadhamuni, Y Kikheto Sema and other stakeholders and specialists involved in the project.

CSOs greet Amit Shah with banners for solution...

(From p-1)

He asserted that Nagaland was not a BJP State, but a State under Union of Indian and that people of the state have every right to welcome every political figure visiting Nagaland.

It was later learnt that when confronted by NPAC volunteers, police returned the banners and allowed them to carry on with their peaceful activity without causing any further disruption.

Other CSO representatives disclosed that their main intention was to greet Shah and hold up banners to express their longing for ending the long-pending Naga political issue.

It may be recalled that the CSOs held a meeting at Hotel Saramati a day

earlier on Thursday and expressed their dismay at the delay in securing solution even 26 years of negotiations. The CSOs noted that 26 years of political negotiation was enough to bring out a political solution if Centre was serious and had a political will for solution.

Meanwhile, NPAC in a statement expressed shock and disappointment at the manner in which the state machinery tried to sabotage the democratic expression of people of Nagaland voicing their sentiment during the visit of Amit Shah.

NPAC said the police

action was not only a surprise but a shock, when the entire Naga society including the state government have been vociferous in demanding early political solution.

NPAC hit out saying that claiming to facilitate solution on one hand and suppressing the people’s exertion on early solution on the other was contradictory.

“This double talk and action is the reason why the concluded talk cannot deliver the required solution,” NPAC said and demanded to know the role of facilitators in regards to Naga political issue.

(Khango)

(From p-1)

Appeal to resolve issue before election: Sümi Hoho has appealed to the negotiating parties—Government of India (GoI) and Naga Political Groups (NPGs) to come to a political conclusion before election.

“Should the solution be prolonged further and any kind of untoward situations arises that could harm the integrity of Nagaland and the Indian nation, the GoI and NPGs should be held solely responsible,” the hoho asserted.

CNTC asks Shah to fulfill 2018 ‘Election for Solution’ promise

(From p-1)

CNTC pointed out that 26 years had elapsed since political negotiations began and that formal talks had concluded on October 31, 2019.

CNTC said it was now eagerly waiting for a direction from the Central government for a permanent solution.

CNTC assured Shah that as a body representing the three major tribes of Nagaland (Ao, Lotha and Sumi), it was ready to welcome the political solution instead of election, which will be in the interest of both the Central government and Naga general public.

Further CNTC said it appreciated the sincerity and relentless efforts of the negotiating parties– the Centre and Naga political groups – for the sincere dialogue and efforts to bring a permanent solution for the Naga people.

Shaktikanta Das

SNIPPETS

Building collapse in northern Iraq kills 3, injures 9

BAGHDAD, JAN 6 (AP): A building under construction collapsed in Iraq’s northern city of Mosul, killing three people and injuring nine others, police said Friday.

The Thursday afternoon collapse occurred in a western neighborhood of Mosul when workers were casting the roof of the building with cement.

The police command in Ninevah province said the building is owned by the city’s department in charge of the sewage system. It said the nine injured were taken to a hospital in the city.

Crane crashes onto mall in Norway amid high winds; 2 injured

COPENHAGEN, JAN 6 (AP): A construction crane crashed onto a shopping mall in central Norway on Friday amid strong winds, injuring at least two people and leaving one person unaccounted-for, police said. The winds likely caused the unmanned crane, which was at least 50 meters (165 feet) high to slam onto the mall in Melhus, which is south of Trondheim, the Scandinavian country’s third-largest city, police spokesman Ebbe Kimo told the VG newspaper.

Israel police arrest 2 teens in attack on Christian cemetery

JERUSALEM, JAN 6 (AP): The Israeli police on Friday arrested two teenagers who they said vandalized over two dozen Christian graves in a historic Jerusalem cemetery earlier this week. The graves of Christian figures at the Protestant Cemetery on Jerusalem’s venerated Mount Zion were found pushed over and pulled from their foundations on Sunday, unsettling the contested city’s Christian minority and drawing worldwide condemnation. The cemetery is more than 170 years old and houses prominent members of the armed forces and clergy in the holy city.

Kremlin-ordered truce amid mutual mistrust

KYIV, JAN 6 (AP): The impact of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order for his forces in Ukraine to observe a unilateral, 36hour cease-fire was in doubt Friday after Kyiv officials dismissed the move as a ploy but didn’t clarify whether Ukrainian troops would follow suit.

Moscow also didn’t say whether it would hit back if Ukraine kept fighting.

The Russian-declared truce in the nearly 11-month war began at noon Friday and was to continue through midnight Saturday Moscow time (0900 GMT Friday to 2100 GMT Saturday; 4 a.m. EST Friday to 4 p.m. EST Saturday). There were no immediate reports of it being broken.

Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv about 40 minutes after the Russian ceasefire was to come into effect, but no explosions were heard. A widely-used Alerts in Ukraine app, which includes information from emergency services,

showed sirens blaring all across the country.

Putin’s announcement Thursday that the Kremlin’s troops would stop fighting along the 1,100-kilometer (684-mile) front line or elsewhere was unexpected. It came after the Russian Orthodox Church head, Patriarch Kirill, proposed a cease-fire for this

weekend’s Orthodox Christmas holiday. The Orthodox Church, which uses the Julian calendar, celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7.

But Ukrainian and Western officials suspected an ulterior motive in Putin’s apparent goodwill gesture.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

and mobilized people closer to our positions,” Zelenskyy said late Thursday.

He didn’t, however, state outright that Kyiv would ignore Putin’s request.

U.S. President Joe Biden echoed Zelenskyy’s wariness, saying it was “interesting” that Putin was ready to bomb hospitals, nurseries and churches on Christmas and New Year’s.

“I think (Putin) is trying to find some oxygen,” Biden said, without elaborating.

China seeks to minimize COVID risk during travel rush

BEIJING, JAN 6 (AP): China is seeking to minimize the possibility of a major new COVID-19 outbreak during this month’s Lunar New Year travel rush following the end of most pandemic containment measures.

The Transportation Ministry on Friday called on travelers to reduce trips and gatherings, particularly if they involve elderly people, pregnant women, small children and those with underlying conditions.

trips to be made during the weeklong festival season, the most important time for visiting family and friends in the traditional Chinese calendar. That is nearly double the number of last year and 70.3% over the same period in 2019 before the pandemic hit, Xu said.

Demand for family visits and tourism has “accumulated over the past three years of the pandemic to be met all at once,“ Xu said.

6. (AP)

questioned the Kremlin’s intentions, accusing the Kremlin of planning the fighting pause “to continue the war with renewed vigor.”

“Now they want to use Christmas as a cover to stop the advance of our guys in the (eastern) Donbas (region) for a while and bring equipment, ammunition

Germany, US to send combat vehicles to Ukraine

WASHINGTON, JAN 6 (AGENCIES): The leaders of the United States and Germany on Thursday announced they were sending armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine, ramping up military support for Kyiv to repel Russian forces after a similar move by France earlier this week.

In a joint statement after a call between President Joe Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the United States said it would provide Ukraine with Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles while Germany would provide Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles, reports Reuters.

Both countries agreed to train Ukrainian soldiers on how to use them, it said, while Germany would also supply a Patriot air defence battery to Ukraine, which has scored some battlefield successes since Russian forces invaded last February but has asked allies for heavier weapons to defend itself.

“President Biden and Chancellor Scholz ex -

pressed their common determination to continue to provide the necessary financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine for as long as needed,” the statement said.

The decision was announced after Scholz’s government faced a chorus of calls from within his threeway coalition to beef up military support for Ukraine after France announced it was sending light AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles.

Scholz has ramped up

Violence hits Mexico cartel stronghold as ‘Chapo’ son nabbed

city were blocked and similar acts were playing out in other parts of Sinaloa.

The Culiacan municipal government warned: “Don’t leave home! The safety of Culiacan’s citizens is the most important.” Schools, local government and many private businesses closed.

defence spending and sent aid and weapons to Ukraine since the invasion, but has, like other Western powers, sometimes hesitated before supplying powerful weapons for fear of risking direct conflict with Russia.

He has also made it clear that he did not want to go it alone on sending heavy weapons to Ukraine and that he would coordinate deliveries with other members of the NATO alliance.

On a visit to London, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said

Ukraine must be given weapons not only to defend itself but also to liberate areas under Russian occupation.

“We cannot leave any room to doubt our support, and we have to constantly see what more we can do, especially in terms of military support,” she told a briefing alongside her British counterpart James Cleverly.

That includes weapons that “Ukraine needs to free occupied areas and the people who are suffering under Russian terror”, she said.

German politicians had also renewed calls for Berlin to deliver tanks to Ukraine.

Marie-Agnes StrackZimmermann, the head of the parliamentary defence committee and a member of Scholz’s junior coalition partner Free Democrats (FDP), had publicly chided Scholz after the French announcement, saying that “other partner countries are once again leading the way”.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Washington had “little faith in the intentions behind this announcement,” adding that Kremlin officials ”have given us no reason to take anything that they offer at face value.”

The truce order seems to be a ploy “to rest, refit, regroup, and ultimately reattack,” he said.

The Institute for the Study of War agreed that the truce could be a ruse allowing Russia to regroup.

People using public transport are also urged to wear masks and pay special attention to their health and personal hygiene, Vice Minister Xu Chengguang told reporters at a briefing.

The call stopped short of asking citizens to stay home entirely, as the government had since the pandemic began, although some local governments have urged migrant workers not to return home.

Xu said authorities expect more than 2 billion

“We encourage people to make travel plans based on the situation of themselves and their family members,” he said.

China abruptly ended a strict regime of lockdowns, quarantines and mass testing in December amid growing concerns about the economic impact and rare public protests in a country that permits no open political dissent.

China on Sunday is also ending mandatory quarantines for people arriving from abroad.

Japan, US to hold security talks before Kishida meets Biden

TOKYO, JAN 6 (AP): Japan and the United States will hold security talks between their foreign and Defence ministers in Washington the day before Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida lands in the US capital next week wrapping up his tour of Group of Seven nations as Tokyo expands its military and deepens its alliance with America amid China’s growing influence.

Kishida will embark on a five-nation trip Monday to France, Italy, Britain and Canada ahead of his January 13 summit with US President Joe Biden.

While the two leaders last met during a Group of 20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, Kishida’s Washington visit will be his first as prime minister.

Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi will fly to Washington to join their American counterparts Lloyd

Austin and Antony Blinken for their “2+2” security talks on Wednesday, just before their leaders’ summit at the White House, Japanese officials said on Friday.

The “2+2” talks are expected to focus on their new national security strategies, released by Japan in mid-December and the United States in October, and how the two allies plan to tackle security concerns including China, North

Korea and Russia. “We will discuss strengthening of deterrence and response capability of the Japan-US alliance as we take into consideration our new strategy documents,” Hamada told reporters. Hamada said on Friday he and Austin will separately hold bilateral defence talks on Thursday to discuss details of how their militaries can expand and deepen their operations.

corrigendum

CHRISTIAN MODEL HIGH SCHOOL, WOKHA, GOLDEN JUBILEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT published on 5th Jan 2023

1) Sl. No. 4. should be read as *Mrs P. Ajano Ngullie and family (2001 Batch)*,

2) Sl.No. 11. of 'batch wise contribution' should be read as *Batch of 2003-04*.

T. Murry Proprietor, CMHS. DB-21/23

OFFICE OF THE CHUNGLIYIMSEN STUDENTS’ UNION FELICITATION

With immense pride and joy, the Chungliyimsen Students’ Union like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. R. Among Jamir for his promotion to Assistant Commandant, 2nd NAP.

The Union with great honor acknowledges his achievement and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Sd/- Sd/President General Secretary KARIBONG, CSU IMTISENLA, CSU MKC-07/23

PRESS RELEASE

Dt.06.01.2023

With due diligence and application of mind I have decided to voluntarily retire from service as of 07.01.2023. I believe that this is the right moral decision that I have taken in the best interest of all concerned. I have taken this decision after due consultation with my family and with due approval of the government leadership.

MEXICO, JAN 6 (AP):

The sun wasn’t yet up in Culiacan when David Téllez and his family began making their way to the city’s airport for a return flight to Mexico City after their vacation. But not long after they set out they encountered the first crude roadblock, an abandoned vehicle obstructing their way. Téllez turned to social media to find out what was going on and saw that Sinaloa’s state capital, a stronghold of the cartel by the same name, was filled with roadblocks and gunfire.

It would be hours before Mexico’s defense secretary would confirm that the military had captured Ovidio Guzmán, a son of the notorious former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, on Thursday in a pre-dawn operation north of the city.

Just like that, Culiacan

was thrust into a day of terror unlike any its residents had experienced since October 2019 — the last time authorities tried to capture the young Guzmán.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has railed against his predecessors’ aggressive efforts to capture drug lords, but his administration bagged the high-profile cartel figure just days before hosting U.S. President Joe Biden, and at least in the short term locals were paying the price.

Culiacan residents posted video on social media showing convoys of gunmen in pickup trucks and SUVs rolling down boulevards in the city. At least one convoy included a flatbed truck with a mounted gun in the back, the same kind of vehicle that caused chaos and mayhem in the 2019 unrest.

All entrances to the

Téllez pressed on trying to get his family back to Mexico City, circumventing several more abandoned vehicles blocking roads and eventually making it to the airport.

There the family hurriedly checked in for their flight before employees of an airport restaurant urged them to shelter in a bathroom. Gunmen were arriving at the airport to prevent authorities from flying Guzmán out.

“Ovidio’s fate had been decided. Moreover, he was identified as the biggest trafficker of fentanyl and the most visible Chapos leader.” Asked how locals were reacting to the arrest, Ayala said “People have differing views, but I think the majority are with them” — the Sinaloa cartel.

That may be because of the money the cartel brings to the region, but also because locals know that even after federal troops withdraw, the cartel will still be there. As bad as it is, the cartel has ensured relative stability, if not peace.

I am very grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland for the confidence reposed in me as DGP Nagaland, by extending my service, in public interest, by six months beyond my superannuation i.e. from 01.09.2022 to 28.02.2023.

I am very grateful to the Government of Nagaland for reposing faith and confidence in my leadership, as Director General of Police, to lead the Nagaland Police Department, which I have done so, for 4 years and 6 months. I am deeply grateful to all Officers and all ranks of the Nagaland Police department for the support and co-operation extended to me throughout my tenure. I believe that I have given my best effort to contribute to the public service as an IPS Officer. I confidently leave the Nagaland Police Department with satisfaction, knowing that I leave it in the very capable hands of many outstanding officers and ranks. I congratulate and wish my successor Shri Rupin Sharma a very fulfilling and successful tenure.

I also thank all the many well wishers and supporters for their constant support and good advice. I especially thank my family and my fellow Naga community elders and leaders for the wisdom and advice shared with me during my tenure.

I am also very grateful to the Madhya Pradesh Police Department and Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Chhattisgarh Police Department and Government of Chhattisgarh for the immense support and co-operation extended to me during my service there. I express gratitude to all the Senior officers and colleagues and subordinates for the immense support, guidance, and encouragement given to me throughout my career.

As an IPS officer, I demit office with the belief that I have had a successful tenure as my service record will show. I have served for about 18 years in Bastar Range and Surguja Range in Chhattisgarh, which were the most affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Central India. By God's grace and mercy I have survived many attempts on my life during my stint there. I thank Almighty God for having saved me from all dangers. I thank God Almighty for His grace and mercy for having blessed me with a successful career as an IPS Officer.

Last but not least, I thank my wife and my children for having stood by my side under all circumstances. They were, and remain, the bedrock of my life.

God Bless. Kuknalim. Jai Hind.

T. John. Longkumer, IPS Director General of Police Government of Nagaland DC-17/23

A firefighter passes by the dead body of a firefighter killed in the Russian shelling of the fire station in Kherson, Ukraine, on the Orthodox Christmas Eve Friday, Jan.

A Marder armoured infantry fighting vehicle of the German army Bundeswehr. (Reuters)

Men ride on a motorcycle past a burning truck on the streets of Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Thursday, Jan. 5. (AP)

Shooting on set of French Montana

Making for an exciting awards season for India, S S Rajamouli’s period action blockbuster “RRR” and Shaunak Sen’s celebrated documentary “All That Breathes” have made it to the BAFTA Film Awards longlist, the organisers said on Friday.

Ashooting on the set of an upcoming music video for French Montana and Rob49 left multiple injured on Thursday night. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Miami Gardens, Florida restaurant, The Licking, where the two rappers were filming.

According to CBS4, the Miami Gardens Police Department confirmed that “multiple people” had been shot. At least four

victims required air rescue and were flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown.

“There were multiple shots fired, it sounded like an assault rifle,” witness Ced Mogul told CBS4.

Mogul said there were 10 to 15 gunshots and people on the set began scattering everywhere.

“When we heard the gunshots... people started running, some people had blood on their shirts, some

people were crying on the ground,” Mogul said. “It’s just tragic.”

According to some reports, Rob49 was one of the victims shot.

Mogul provided a video to NBC6 taken prior to the shooting of French Montana and Rob49 sitting in the backseat of a car on the music video set.

He says that the altercation stemmed after someone was robbed on set. This has not been confirmed by police.

(Entertainment Tonight)

This is the initial longlisting round and the films will advance to the nominating stage of voting, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts said in a press release shared on the official website.

“RRR”, India’s biggest global hit of 2022, has already made it to the best music (original song) Oscars shortlist and is also nominated for two Golden Globes -- best picture, non-English language and the best original song for the Telugu track “Naatu Naatu”. Besides, it has four Critics Choice Award nominations - best picture, best foreign language film,

best song and best visual effects.

“RRR” finds mention in the BAFTA longlist for a ‘film not in English language’ category. It shares space with “All Quiet on the Western Front”, “Argentina, 1985”, “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths”, “Close”, “Corsage”, “Decision To Leave”, “EO”, “Holy Spider”, and “The Quiet

‘Avatar:TheWayofWater’swimspast‘TopGun:Maverick’atglobalboxoffice

James Camerons ‘Avatar:

The Way of Water’ has overtaken ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ at the global box office to become the top-grossing film released in 2022.

According to hollywoodreporter.com, through Wednesday, the 20th Century/Disney release has earned $454 million domestically, and crossed $1 billion internationally for a worldwide cume of $1.51 billion.

It is also now the No.

2’ grossed a hefty $1.49 billion globally following its release in May 2022.

When the The Way of Water first opened, some said the big-budget tentpole launched behind expectations in its opening weekend. The movie quickly made up ground. In December 2009, Avatar opened to a relatively modest $77 million on its way to grossing $2.92 billion globally, including re-releases, to rank as the top-grossing film of all time, not adjusted for inflation. (IANS)

Girl”.

The 10 films will compete to secure a place in the final five for the BAFTA Award. Forty-nine films were submitted for consideration in the category.

“RRR” , a pre-independence fictional story, follows two real-life Indian revolutionaries – Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Jr NTR) – in the 1920s.

Sen’s acclaimed “All That Breathes”, an internationally co-produced Hindi title, is also vying for a spot in the top five of the documentary category.

The documentary will advance to the final round of nominations with “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed”, “A Bunch Of Amateurs”, “Fire of Love”, “The Ghost of Richard Harris”, “Hallelujah: Leonard Co-

hen, a Journey, a Song”, “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues”, “McEnroe”, “Moonage Daydream” and “Navalny”.

The Delhi-based movie follows two siblings, Mohammad Saud and Nadeem Shehzad, who have devoted their lives to rescuing and treating injured birds, especially black kites.

“All That Breathes” previously won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, a film gala that promotes independent cinema and filmmakers, and earned the Golden Eye award for the best documentary at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

“The publication of the BAFTA Film Awards Longlist is a very special moment to recognise the wide range of exceptional crafts, performances and productions that make the magic of films a reality. (PTI)

AR Rahman launches digital music platform Katraar on his 56th birthday

Oscar-winning music director, singer, and songwriter AR Rahman is celebrating his 56th birthday on Friday and he took to Twitter to make an announcement about the launch of his digital platform ‘Katraar’. Born on January 6, 1967, the ace musician is opening up new avenues for emerging artists and his digital music platform is where musical artists

Filling foods that won’t fill you out

you have them for breakfast, especially if you’re overweight.

Cottage Cheese

It’s a good substitute if eggs aren’t your thing, because it seems to have the same kind of effect on appetite. At 163 calories in a cup, low-fat cottage cheese also has protein and is better at keeping hunger away.

Fish

Oatmeal

A bowl of this stuff in the morning can keep you going all day. Part of the reason is all the fiber. It fills you up and lets your body absorb the oatmeal’s nutrients more slowly. That keeps your energy steady. It may even help you eat fewer calories over the course of the day.

Soup

The liquid helps fill your stomach but doesn’t add many calories because it’s usually made with a lot of water. Just be sure to go for a broth-based recipe, like vegetable soup or those made with chicken or beef broth. Cream-based soups have far more calories.

Salad

Part of the secret to filling up without putting on weight is to eat foods with fewer calories per bite. It’s hard to beat salad and other vegetables in that area. Along with fiber, many are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Have a salad as your entrée, or eat a small one before your main meal to keep from eating too much. Just don’t add too many unhealthy extras, like cheese, croutons, and dressings.

Nuts

They’re high in fat, which gives them more calories per bite. So that’s bad, right? Not necessarily. The fat and protein in nuts may prompt the body to give off hormones that help you feel full. Plus, the fats are the unsaturated, “good” kind, which help your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, too. Just watch the portion size. One ounce is all you need -- about a small handful.

Avocado

Even though they’re full of fat, people who eat them in moderation tend to have less body fat. Part of the reason may be that if you eat avocados you’re more likely to eat lots of vegetables, too. Portion size is key, though. One-third of a medium avocado has about 106 calories. But they’re delicious with nothing but a thin slice of whole-grain toast.

Eggs

If your goal is to stay full until lunch time, these are a better breakfast choice than a bowl of cereal.They have fewer calories than you might think -- 78 in a large, hard-boiled egg -- and lots of protein. They’re so satisfying that they could help you eat less during the day if

It’s a healthy source of protein, which tends to make you feel fuller than carbohydrates. Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids in a lot of seafood -- especially fatty fish like salmon -- are particularly good at satisfying hunger.

Beans

People who eat them are often more satisfied between meals. Over the long term, this may translate into less body fat and a healthier weight. This makes sense: They’re light on calories but packed with protein and filling fiber.

Quinoa

It’s higher in fiber than most other grains, which means it fills you up more. It also has more protein. All told, it will keep you feeling full for longer than white or brown rice.

Whole Milk

Full-fat dairy gets a bad rap. But some studies say that it doesn’t seem to make you put on weight. It may affect your cholesterol levels, though. Talk to your doctor before you start drinking more of it if you already have high levels of “bad” cholesterol, or if you don’t know your levels.

Popcorn

Feeling snacky? Skip the chips and candy and go for popcorn instead. It’s a satisfying mix of fiber and low calories -- as long as you don’t load it up with butter or oil. Part of the reason may be the air that puffs it up when it pops. That makes it take up more room in your belly, which may make you feel fuller.

Foods That Leave You Hungry

Highly processed foods like soda, candy, and even white bread have little nutrition and dump too much sugar into your blood at once. Your body stores the extra as fat and leaves you hungry for more. Lean protein, unsaturated fats, and carbs with more fiber and nutrition (like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) take longer to digest, satisfy your hunger, and provide a steady stream of energy.

Stick to a Healthy Mix

You can’t eat oatmeal or popcorn all day and expect to stay healthy. Any food, however low-calorie or nutritious, is only good for you as part of a healthy, balanced diet that includes a wide variety of nutritious foods. Talk to your doctor or go to find the best balance for you.

you burn those calories. You should get about 30 minutes of exercise a day at least 5 days a week. Even 10 minutes at a time through the day can make a big difference in how your body uses the food you eat.

(ReviewedbyChristineMikstas,RD,LD)

can directly upload their creations and earn from them.

Rahman will also be releasing some of his exclusive creations through the Katraar platform.

He shared a video and wrote: “I’m excited to announce today-KATRAAR, the #metaverse platform currently in development, is one step closer to launching. And I look forward to

sharing this journey with you all.”

Rahman is known for giving music in a number of films and also for international collaborations. He was noticed by director Mani Ratnam and Rahman started scoring for his Tamil film ‘Roja’. Later, he worked for ‘Bombay’ as well. He won two Oscar awards. He is also a winner of six national film awards and was conferred the Padma Bhushan. He added in the video that the platform is for new technologies and bringing direct revenue to the artists. It is all about bringing new talent and giving them a platform to focus on innovation and bridging the gap between old and new. (IANS)

Filmmaker

AR Rahman

ISL: Bengaluru FC beat Northeast FC 2-1

into the top corner from the edge of the penalty box to give Bengaluru FC a 1-0 lead.

NorthEast FC were struggling to get a foothold in the second-half, but had a decent stretch from the 62nd minute to the 65th minute. This stretch was enough for them to open their account for the evening. They were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, and Romain Philippoteaux beat Sandhu in the 66th minute. The Frenchman deceived the Bengaluru FC wall and keeper by going for a low shot across the goal.

Chhetri, who came on as a substitute, came very close to scoring a diving header in the 82nd minute after Udanta Singh, the other substitute, played a delightful cross from the right wing - but Mirshad made a crucial close-range save to keep NorthEast United FC in the game.

Sarfaraz guides Pak to draw against NZ in thrilling 2nd Test

KARACHI, JAN 6 (IANS): Continuing the golden run since his comeback, Sarfaraz Ahmed hit a brilliant century to help Pakistan eke out a draw against New Zealand in the thrilling second and final Test, with the series ending 0-0, here on Friday.

Pakistan were 304-9 and needed just 15 runs to win the second Test when the play was called off due to bad light. For the second time in their Test history, Pakistan drew a Test match with just one wicket remaining.

in the first half.

GUWAHATI, JAN 6 (AGENCIES): Bengaluru FC nicked a late win against Northeast United FC for the second time this season,as they ran away with a 2-1 win at the Indira Gandhi National Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Brazilian defender Alan Costa was the hero for Bengaluru FC once again, scoring in identical fashion with a header to seal all three points on the road and complete the double for his team.

The match had a tight first half, with both teams creating just one clear-cut chance each. Wilmar

Jordan had the best chance for NorthEast United FC in the 9th minute. He was clean through on goal and went for a low curled finish, but Gurpreet Sandhu got down quickly to deny him after he hit his shot into the floor.

Sunil Chhetri was on the bench for Bengaluru FC, with Roy Krishna leading the line alongside Sivasakthi Narayanan. Krishna couldn’t get involved in the game for most of the first half because of NorthEast United FC’s stubborn defence – he only had 18 touches

The one time they did find him, he played a gorgeous outsideof-the-boot pass into the path of Sivasakthi. Sivasakthi’s effort wasn’t a bad one, but Mirshad Michu was alert to the danger, made himself big, and denied the Bengaluru FC forward. The first-half ended 0-0.

Bengaluru FC were rewarded in the 50th minute. Parag Srivas set up Sivasakthi on the left flank after driving forward, and he expertly poked the ball over Mirshad and

Indonesia held by Vietnam in Asean semi-final first leg

Bengaluru FC kept knocking on the door and got their winner four minutes into stoppage time. Udanta found space on the right wing, and played a perfectly lofted pass into the path of central defender Costa, who had stepped forward, and powered his header home to give Bengaluru FC all three points against NorthEast United FC for the second time this season.

NorthEast United FC remain in last place and will host FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi National Stadium in Guwahati on January 15, whereas Bengaluru FC will host Odisha FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore on January 14, with 13 points on the board after 13 games.

Former star Italy striker Vialli

dies aged 58

MILAN, JAN 6 (AGENCIES): Former Italy striker Gianluca Vialli, who earned 59 caps for his country and enjoyed a stellar club career with Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea, has died from cancer at the age of 58.

Vialli was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. He was given the allclear a year later only for the illness to return.

Sampdoria confirmed on Friday that he had died.

to convert.

JAKARTA, JAN

(AGENCIES): Indonesia were held to a 0-0 draw by visitors Vietnam in the first leg of their Asean Championship semi-final in Jakarta on Friday as Shin Tae-yong’s side look to reach a second successive final in the Southeast Asian competition.

Neither team were able to find a way through at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium with the Indonesians creating the better opportunities only to struggle

6

Lam to push the ball away for a corner.

Indonesia have never won the competition, but reached the final last year when the tournament was played on a centralised basis in Singapore before losing to Thailand across two legs.

Shin’s outfit threatened to open up the Vietnamese on several occasions in the first half with Yance Sayuri seeing his effort deflected towards goal by Do Duy Manh, forcing Vietnam keeper Dang Van

Van Lam was on hand to deny Sayuri again, palming a header to safety after he stepped inside a defender to meet Pratama Arhan’s cross from the left.

The teams will meet again in Hanoi on Monday and the winners will face either Thailand or Malaysia, who face each other in the first leg of their semifinal on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. The final will be held on Jan. 13 and 16.

“Surrounded by his family, he passed away last night after five years of illness faced with courage and dignity. We thank the many who have supported him over the years with their affection. His memory and example will live in our hearts forever,” Vialli’s family was quoted as saying in a statement by the Italian news agency ANSA.

Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea posted messages of mourning for Vialli on Twitter and on their websites.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tweeted: “To God Gianluca Vialli, Lion King on the field and in life.”

final whistle.

“I’ll probably remember it for the rest of my life, but that’s part of the game. It’s not going to affect me as a player or as a person. I’ll keep working hard to improve,” Kane told the Evening Standard newspaper.

LONDON, JAN 6

(AGENCIES): Harry Kane said his World Cup penalty miss that condemned England to a quarter-final exit will stay with him for the rest of his life but vowed it will not affect him personally or professionally and has made him hungrier than ever for success.

In England’s 2-1 defeat to France last month, captain Kane scored their first goal from the spot but blazed his effort over the bar when presented with a second chance to pull them level six minutes before the

“After it happened, I just wanted to play again as quick as possible and get it out of my head. It’s something you have to deal with .... It was a tough moment for me. It’s never an easy thing to go through, but it’s part of the highs and lows of our sport.”

Since returning to Tottenham Hotspur, Kane has found the net three times in as many games and scored a brace in Wednesday’s 4-0 Premier League win at Crystal Palace.

“I had a bit of time away after, just to reflect, and it’s made me even more hungry to come back and be successful. So nights like last night (against Palace) are always good for me and the team, and it was much needed after the last couple of results,” Kane added.

However, Pakistan have now gone eight home Tests with no wins with the latest result. Their last victory on home soil came against South Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021.

With light fading in Karachi on day five, all four results were still on the cards and Sarfaraz made his first Test century (118) in nine years to keep Pakistan in the hunt after New Zealand had them at 0/2 at stumps on day four.

At 80/5, New Zealand seemed to be on course to win a Test series in Pakistan

for the first time in more than 50 years but Sarfaraz and Saud Shakeel (32) came together to resurrect Pakistan’s innings with a century stand.

When that stand was broken after tea, New Zealand yet again edged ahead but Agha Salman (30) hung around with Sarfaraz to push the game into the final hour.

The visitors clawed back into the contest with three wickets in the space of five overs late in the day, including that of Sarfaraz. When Sarfaraz got out, 40

balls were left in the day but Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed held on and Naseem even smashed a six and a four an over before it was called off due to poor light. Brief Scores: New Zealand 449 (Devon Conway 122, Tom Latham 71, Matt Henry 68, Tom Blundell 51) & 277/5 (Michael Bracewell 74 not out, Tom Blundell 74. Tom Latham 62) drew with Pakistan 408 all out (Saud Shakeel 125, Sarfaraz Ahmed 78, Imam ul Haq 83) & 304/9 (Sarfaraz Ahmed 117; Micheal Bracewell 4-75).

Phekerkriezou sports meet begins

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 6 (NPN): The 52nd Phekerkriezou annual sports meet began at Phekerkriema Basa on Friday.

Chief guest for the meet was Northern Angami Youth & Sports Association-C president and Zhadima Village Youth & Sports Organization president, Vizosielie Khoubve.

In his speech, Khoubve reminded the youths that government jobs should not be their only target but they should venture into sports, entertainment and entrepreneurial activities as a mean of livelihood.

He further exhorted them to not allow circum-

stances to control them however, urged them to be bold enough to achieve greater heights. The inaugural programme was chaired by

Phekerkriema youth & sports organization (PYSO) general secretary, Vikhotso Miario while invocation was pronounced by Phekerkrie Basa CRC asst pastor,

Ruokuolie Miario. A special number was presented by Thejavizo Rossi and PYSO wrestling secretary Kesolelie Miario administered the oath.

Betis, Bilbao, Osasuna into last-16 of Copa del Rey

MADRID, JAN 6 (IANS): Copa del Rey holders Real Betis came back from a goal down away to fourth-tier Ibiza Islas Pitusas to win 4-1 and ensure their place in the last 16 of the tournament on Thursday night.

Ibiza briefly threatened an upset when Jose Miguel Bernal put them ahead midway through the first half, but Betis reacted strongly after the break, with striker Willian Jose scoring twice, along with Edgar Gonzalez and Nabil Fekir to ease Betis’ progress.

NBA roundup: Lauri Markkanen (49) carries Jazz past Rockets

his 19 in the second half as Boston snapped a twogame losing streak. Tatum recorded his only previous triple-double on April 19, 2021, in a loss to the Chicago Bulls. Luka Doncic scored 23 points, Spencer Dinwiddie had 18 and Christian Wood had a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double for the Mavericks, who had their seven-game win streak end.

Athletic Bilbao cruised past Eldense 6-1 in a game the Basque side took control of after goals in the 35th minute from Nico Williams and in the 40th from Alex Berenguer.

Oier Zaraga, Berenguer again, Iker Muniain and an own goal settled the match in the second half as Athletic produced a display of clinical finishing, reports Xinhua.

Osasuna had to work much harder away to third-tier Gimnastic Taragona, with the home side forc-

ing extra time thanks to Pablo Fernandez cancelling out Kike Garcia’s first-half opener for the top-flight side.

Fernandez was then sent off with six minutes of normal time left to play, but it wasn’t until a minute before the end of extra time that Eric Montes put the ball into his own net to give Osasuna a 2-1 win. The draw for the next round is on Saturday, with the games to be played on January 17th, 18th and 19th.

HOUSTON, JAN 6

(AGENCIES): Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 49 points and the Utah Jazz snapped a five-game losing streak with a 131-114 road win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Markkanen finished 15-for-27 from the floor and 13-for-13 from the freethrow line. The 25-year-old Finland native, whose previous high was 38 points, also corralled eight rebounds.

Utah’s Malik Beasley, who entered play fifth in the NBA in 3-pointers made despite making only five

starts, shot 5 of 11 from behind the arc and scored 19 points. Jordan Clarkson also had 19 points for the Jazz. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points. Kevin Porter Jr. added 23 points while Alperen Sengun paired 20 points with 14 rebounds as Houston dropped its eighth consecutive home game.

Celtics 124, Mavericks 95: Jayson Tatum posted a triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists to propel NBA-leading Boston to a win at Dallas.

Tatum scored 18 and Jaylen Brown added 15 of

Grizzlies 123, Magic 115: Ja Morant scored 32 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 31 points on 12-of14 shooting from the floor and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Memphis held off host Orlando’s furious fourthquarter rally. The Magic put together a 15-6 run in the fourth fueled by Franz Wagner’s individual burst. Wagner tallied 10 of his 22 points in less than 90 seconds. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 30 points and nine rebounds, but his 2-of-7 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc reflected Orlando’s overall struggles from deep. The team finished 11-of-36 on 3-point attempts.

Indonesia’s Yakob Sayuri (left) battles for the ball against Vietnam’s Bui Tien Dung during their first leg of AFF Cup 2022 semi-final match in Jakarta. (AP)

Chief guest with Phekerkrie youth during the meet on Friday. (NP)

Kane says WC penalty miss will haunt him for rest of his life

Harry Kane

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) shoots against Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23).

NorthEast United FC (Black) and Bengaluru FC (white) vie for the ball during the ISL match. (PTI)

Sarfaraz Ahmed

Shiva, Hussamuddin clinch gold in Ntl Boxing

HISAR, JAN 6 (IANS):

Heavy favorites Shiva Thapa and Mohammad Hussamuddin powered their way to remarkable victories and bagged gold medals while defending champions Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) topped the rankings with 10 medals at the 6th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championships, here on Friday.

The record six time Asian medalist Shiva of Assam had a pretty comfortable day at the office as he defeated the 2021 World Youth Championships bronze medalist Ankit Narwal of Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) to win by unanimous decision in the 63.5kg final.

Contrastingly, the SSCB pugilist Mohammad Hussamuddin had to toil hard to prevail against the 2016 World Youth champion Sachin of RSPB in the 57kg final. Having suffered defeat in last year’s final, the two time Commonwealth Games bronze medalist showcased brilliant tenacity to emerge victorious this time round with a 4-1 scoreline.

The 2022 Asian Championships bronze medalist Narender (+92) received a walkover in his finals bout

against the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist Sagar who could not participate in the matchup due to a minor injury.

Alongside Hussamuddin and Narender, the pugilists of SSCB stole the show on the final day of the tournament as the team successfully defended their crown at the Men’s National Boxing Championships with a total of six gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Bishwamitra Chongth-

am (51kg), Sachin (54kg), Akash (67kg), and Sumit (75kg) were the team’s other gold medalists.

RSPB, with two gold, three silver and two bronze, and Punjab with one gold, two silver and six bronze claimed second and third position respectively.

Native boxers Abhimanyu Loura (80kg) and Naveen Kumar (92kg) capped off their brilliant campaigns with hard fought wins that earned them gold

in their respective categories.

Abhimanyu who had recorded a stunning victory against Tokyo Olympian Ashish Kumar in the quarter finals replicated that grit and confidence in his finals bout against Sahil of Chandigarh. The 2019 Asian Youth Championships bronze medalist faced tough competition from his opponent but utilized his technical ability and dynamic attacking prowess to seal a 4-1 win.

Naveen, on the other hand, faced the 2021 Asian champion Sanjeet of SSCB in what was a repeat of last year’s final in the competition where the latter had prevailed. However, Naveen made sure that was not the case this year as he outpunched his opponent to secure a memorable 4-1 victory in a gripping encounter.

The 2022 Asian Championships bronze medalist Govind Sahani (48kg) and the 2021 Asian bronze medalist Varinder Singh (60kg) defended their title and attained gold for RSPB. While Govind defeated Keisham Singh of Manipur with a 5-0 win, Varinder won against Vijay Kumar of Punjab with the same scoreline.

Punjab’s Kartik (86kg) and Karnataka’s Nishant Dev (71kg) also obtained gold medals in their respective categories at the prestigious tournament which witnessed participation of 386 boxers fighting in 13 weight categories.

Apart from the medals, Abhimanyu Loura was also presented with the Best Promising pugilist award. Kartik of Punjab secured the Best Boxer award while Zoram Muana of Mizoram was given the Best Challenger award.

Manchester City squad depth makes the difference at Chelsea

LONDON, JAN 6 (AGENCIES): Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Chelsea on Thursday underscored the depth of their talent-rich squad which may prove to be a trump card in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal as they bid to retain the title. City coach Pep Guardiola threw on Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez - both guaranteed starters for many other teams - in the 60th minute, replacing England winger Phil Foden and Portugal’s Bernardo Silva.

Within three minutes, Grealish sent in a pinpoint cross for Mahrez to win the match for City.

The victory at Stamford Bridge, against an injury-hit and out-of-form

Chelsea, moved City to within five points of Arsenal who failed to pierce Newcastle United’s defence on Tuesday in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

While Arsenal have put their faith in the relatively inexperienced Eddie Nketiah as the man to replace injured striker Gabriel Jesus, City can count on Argentine World Cup winner Julian Alvarez should they need a back-up for goal machine Erling Haaland.

Despite the array of top-name stars at his disposal, Guardiola heaped most praise on 18-year-old Rico Lewis who came off the bench at halftime to replace wing back Joao Cancelo and helped turn the game in

City’s favour. Chelsea coach Graham Potter, whose early unbeaten run-in charge of the Blues seems a distant memory after picking up only six of the last 24 points available, was left to rue the injuries that have added to his challenge at Stamford Bridge. England midfielder Mason Mount was a surprise omission from the squad after picking up a training-ground knock and within the first 22 minutes, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were withdrawn due to injuries. Also unavailable on Thursday were a string of players including wing back Reece James, defender Wesley Fofana and midfield anchor N’Golo Kante.

Adelaide Intl 1: Djokovic beats Shapovalov to set up Medvedev SF

gula back from 40/0, but it was the American who maintained her initial momentum.

Pegula teed off repeatedly on Swiatek’s serves, firing clean return winners en route to breaking for 4-1. The 28-year-old out-rallied Swiatek in the highestoctane baseline exchanges ultimately tallying 21 winners to the Pole’s 18.

RIYADH, JAN 6 (AGENCIES): Cristiano Ronaldo was not included in Al Nassr’s squad for Friday’s Saudi Professional League match against Al Tai, amid media reports that the Portugal forward was going to make his debut despite having a two-match suspension.

SYDNEY, JAN 6 (IANS):

Jessica Pegula registered a 6-2, 6-2 win over reigning World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the first match of the United Cup semifinal to give the USA a 1-0 lead over Poland on Friday.

Pegula broke Swiatek five times and dropped her serve only once in storming to her first win over the three-time grand slam champion since 2019.

Swiatek lost the first seven points of the match - five with forehand errors. A slew of terrific winners enabled her to break Pe -

Swiatek showed some excellent volleying and overheads, but none led to any sustained momentum. In the first set, Pegula won 15 of her first 18 return points; in the second, she lost only five points behind her serve and did not face a break point.

After Swiatek’s loss in the opening tie, it will be up to her countryman Kacper Zuk to level the tie for Poland in the best-offive-match tie. The world No. 245 takes on US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe. Zuk replaced Daniel Michalski due to the latter’s illness.

The 37-year-old will miss his first two domestic games for the Saudi Arabian club after being suspended by England’s Football Association (FA) for knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand after Manchester United’s defeat at Everton in April.

According to FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), any sanction of up to four matches that has been issued to a player by their former association must be “enforced by the new association.” The game against Al Tai was originally scheduled for Thursday but was postponed by 24 hours due to heavy rain and weather conditions impacting the stadium’s electricity.

ADELAIDE, JAN 6

(AGENCIES): Novak

Djokovic defeated Denis Shapovalov 6-3 6-4 to reach the Adelaide International semi-finals where he will face Daniil Medvedev, who continued his fine form as he recorded a commanding victory over the World No. 7 Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 on Friday to reach the semifinals of the Adelaide International 1, here.

The pair last met in November with Djokovic victorious in the final of the Nitto ATP Finals event.

Adelaide is Djokovic’s first tournament in Australia since he was deported in 2022 because of his vaccine status.

So far, his progress in the tournament has been serene and he has yet to drop a set across three matches, 23-year-old Canadian Shapovalov the latest to be overcome as Djokovic prepares for the Australian Open which starts on 16 January.

The Serb will target a 10th title - and record-equalling 22nd overall Grand

Slam success - at the opening Grand Slam of the year after the Australian government overturned the his visa ban.

Medvedev is yet to drop a set this week in Adelaide, where he moved past Lorenzo Sonego and Miomir Kecmanovic in his opening two rounds. Fourteen of his 15 tour-level titles have come on hard courts, and he will hope to move one step closer to lifting another trophy on the surface when he takes on top seed Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

The No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka on Friday defeated Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 7-5 in straight sets to reach the semifinals at the Adelaide International 1.

The World No.5 will play against either No.4 seed Veronika Kudermetova or unseeded Romanian IrinaCamelia Begu for her 19th career WTA Tour singles final. The big-hitting Sa -

got complicated. She lost four of the next five games and failed to convert match point, before righting the ship in the late stages for a 6-3, 7-5 win.

Sabalenka hammered 38 winners to 26 unforced errors, while the crafty Vondrousova totalled 17 winners to just 10 mistakes.

It was Sabalenka’s fourth straight win over Vondrousova and her second straight triumph against

STOCKHOLM, JAN 6

(PTI):

The 16-year-old Pranesh crossed the 2500-rating threshold and became a GM, having completed his three norms before the Rilton Cup.

To become a GM, a player has to secure three GM norms and cross the live rating of 2,500 Elo points.

Seeded 22nd, the Indian made a clean sweep of the field in Stockholm, winning eight games and finishing a full point ahead of IM Kaan Kucuksari (Sweden) and GM Nikita Meshkovs (Latvia) as the tournament

concluded late on Thursday.

He topped the standings with eight points.

Tamil Nadu player Pranesh topped the charts in the tournament, which brought together 136 players representing 29 national federations. Compatriot R Raja Rithvik, a GM, finished eighth with six points.

Pranesh is now the early leader of the FIDE Circuit with 6.8 circuit points that he gets for this victory. The one who accumulates the most points by the end of the year qualifies for the 2024 FIDE Candidates.

He is trained by renowned coach RB Ramesh, who said, “Pranesh is a very practical player. Hard working, raw talent... his openings are not that good but his middle-game and end-game skills are quite good.”

The All India Chess Federation congratulated Pranesh and said on its Twitter page: “Congratulations to Pranesh M for winning the Rilton Cup at Stockholm, the first tournament of the FIDE Circuit and also becoming the 79th Grandmaster of the country!”

6-3, 4-1, 40-0

balenka was dominating the opening quarterfinal to the tune of a

lead against the 2019 Roland Garros finalist before things

the Czech Down Under. Last year, Sabalenka defeated her 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the third round of the Australian Open.

M Pranesh clinched the title in the Rilton Cup, the first tournament of the FIDE Circuit, here to become India’s 79th chess Grandmaster.

Chelsea’s Lewis Hall misses a chance to score against Manchester City. (Reuters)

Shiva Thapa (left) after winning gold medal at 6th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championships.

Ronaldo not in Al Nassr’s squad for Al Tai game

Novak Djokovic

Daniil Medvedev

Jessica Pegula

M Pranesh

Aryna Sabalenka