January 25, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 49

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Nepal PM expelled from his own party

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Violent phase of terror ended in NE: Shah

GUWAHATI, JAN 24 (IANS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that to fulfil the Prime Minister’s dream for a new India and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the violent phase of terrorism had ended and a peace and development era has begun in the entire North Eastern region and Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a gathering in western Assam’s Kokrajhar, bordering West Bengal, Shah said that with the repeal of Article 370, violence has been tamed in Jammu and Kashmir while with the historic Bodo Peace Accord the violent phase has ended in the Bodo Territorial Region (BTR) comprising four districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri.

“With absolutely no violence and a huge number of people exercised their franchise both in the District Development Council polls in Jammu and Kashmir (in November) and in the Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls (in early December),” he said.

Shah said that the BTC polls’ success is a semi-final and the BJP would win comfortably in the final match –- Assam Assembly

Dmu traffic regulations on Republic Day DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): As part of security arrangements for the 72nd Republic Day celebration at DDSC Stadium on January 26, the Dimapur police have partially restricted vehicular movement in certain stretch in Dimapur.

PRO of Dimapur police informed that the vehicular traffic from Tragopan Police Point till Newfield Check Gate will be restricted from 0830 hrs till the completion of the celebration.

While vehicles with ‘Z’ and ‘Y’ category car passes will be allowed entry from Tragopan Police Point/New Field Check Gate, only ‘Z’ category car pass will be allowed entry inside DDSC stadium. Normal traffic will be diverted towards Island colony via Khermahal junction while medical emergencies will be exempted after subject to anti sabotage checking. Vehicular traffic in all the major interstate/inter-district entry/ exit points under Dimapur district (Dellai/NewField/ Chumoukedima check gates) will be restricted from 0600 hrs till the completion of the celebration. In this regard, Dimapur police has requested all concerned to cooperate with the temporary traffic regulations.

Amit Shah being presented a traditional Assamese ‘japi’. (PTI)

elections, likely to be held in April-May. The Kokrajhar public rally was organised on Sunday to celebrate the first anniversary of the signing of the Bodo peace accord with the Central government on January 27, 2020 in New Delhi in the presence of Shah.

In all, 1,615 cadres of four National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) factions had laid down their arms on January 30 last year after the signing of the accord.

The Home Minister said that over 5,000 people had been killed during the many years of terrorism and

now the absolute peace has been prevailed in the BTR and adjoining areas after the signing of the historic Bodo Peace Accord and over 80 per cent people cast their votes in the last month’s BTC polls.

Promising to fulfil all the provisions of the Bodo accord, the Union Minister said that peace has been established and rapid development was now underway not only in Assam but also in the entire Northeast region.

“Over 700 militants of different outfits have laid down their arms and ammunition and joined the mainstream of life.

“Narendra Modi is the

first Prime Minister, who has visited the North Eastern states 40 times so far. All this shows how the Modi government is giving priority to the region,” said Shah.

He said that Rs 5,000 crore package as part of the Bodo accord was being implemented in the BTR and the adjoining areas while welfare and development schemes were being initiated for both the Bodo and the non-Bodo people.

The ruling BJP and its new allies United Peoples’ Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Gana Suraksha Party (GSP) took over the governance after the last month’s polls to the 40-member BTC. Shah said that as the UPPL has become the constituent of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance), the BJP victory in the next Assam Assembly polls would be easier.

The former national BJP chief said that during the Congress-rule violent activities had taken place in BTR and other parts of Assam and no development was done, but the BJP governments both at the Center and the state undertook unprecedented development and welfare schemes and

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Boost to early Naga solution after Niki group offers truce Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN 24 (NPN): The much-awaited solution to the Naga political issue, earlier expected in 2019 then by end of 2020, has spilled over to the new year 2021 and continues to be a matter of speculation.

Significantly, with the NSCN (K) faction led by Niki Sumi agreeing to a cease-fire and solution, the deck has been cleared for a broad-based agreement.

Niki Sumi group of NSCN (K) comprising of Nagas from India, was the last group not in cease-fire.

Meanwhile, it was informed that Niki Sumi along with senior members arrived Nagaland on Sunday and were kept at a designated area. Niki may likely meet civil society organizations.

Though Centre is yet to officially declare ceasefire or announce the peace pact with Niki Sumi-led group, informal talks have already been held between Niki Sumi and Home ministry officials.

It remains to be seen

whether Niki Sumi’s group will sign the agreement along with erstwhile comrades Khango and Isak Sumi group under the umbrella of the Working Committee, of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) or sit separately.

It is also speculated that Niki Sumi-led NSCN (K) group may choose to ink the deal as a separate group.

According to highly placed sources, as negotiations with Naga political groups have concluded, there remains no other issue and therefore, decks have been cleared to ink the broad-based agreement.

Government of India’s Interlocutor to Naga political talks R.N. Ravi who was appointed Governor of Nagaland in August 2019, had emphasised that there will be only one solution for the Naga political issue.

This was reiterated by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on October 15, 2019 when he told a consultative meeting that it was the message from the Centre.

According to sources,

draft of the solution has been finalized and only awaits the nod of the Prime Minister’s Office.

One source claimed “it is a matter of time for the solution to be officially inked and then announced”.

Several Nagalandbased organizations have recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the latter to announce final solution without delay.

In a statement earlier, Niki had explained that the decision to give peace a chance emanated from most of the Nagas appealing and yearning for peace, which had been absent spanning across decades and generations.

“I, as a Naga, cannot unilaterally go against the wishes and aspirations of our people and, consequent to our decision to give peace a chance, I might have hurt or let down the sentiments of a few which was never my intention. Therefore, I do request all to introspect on the wishes and aspirations of the Naga people to give peace a chance,” Niki Sumi stated.

Over 2 lakh tractors to be part of ‘kisan parade’ NCD imbroglio: PD&SJ

Farmers sit on tractors during their ongoing agitation, Sunday. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, JAN 24 (PTI): Over two lakh tractors will be part of the January 26 ‘kisan parade’ in the national capital and around 2,500 volunteers will be deployed to facilitate the movement of the vehicles, farmer unions opposing the Centre’s new agri laws said.

The number of volunteers can be increased, depending on the crowd, and a control room has been set up to look into the arrangements, they said.

Kirti Kisan Union president Nirbhai Singh Dhudike, who presided over a meeting of Punjab farmers’ unions, said that more than one lakh tractors are expected to arrive from the state on Sunday.

The main focus of the meeting was to discuss about the tractor parade to be taken on Republic Day, Singh said after the over three-hour-long meeting at Singhu. The tractor parades will be taken out only after 12 pm, after

the Republic Day parade on Delhi’s Rajpath concludes, according to the protesting farmer unions.

Talking about the preparations for the proposed tractor rally, Singh said a central committee has been formed and it will look into the preparations of the parade.

Dhudike said, “This is going to be a historic rally.” “We will have around 2,500 volunteers who will part of the tractor rally on Republic Day. In case, any one needs assistance or help during the rally, these volunteers will assist them. They will be responsible to ensure smooth movement of tractors in an organised and disciplined manner,” he said. The volunteers will also attend to emergencies if any, the farmer leader said.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar claimed that the Delhi Police has given permission to the farmers’ tractor parade on January 26. The tractor parade will start from the Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri border points of Delhi, but the final details of routes are yet to be finalised, Kohar said.

Hutovi clarifies upholds trial court’s order to media report

DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): In the ongoing legal battle over installation of office bearers of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), the principal district & sessions judge (PD&SJ) of Dimapur has upheld the October 19, 2020 ruling of the civil judge (senior division), Dimapur.

The judge on December 16, 2020 dismissed an appeal filed by former Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president T. Bangerloba Ao and nine others to quash the order of civil judge (senior division).

The court upheld the admission of Interlocutory Appeal (IA 93/2020) by the civil judge (senior division) and the resultant order passed by the latter on October 19.

The court was of the view that the trial court had dealt with the rival contentions exhaustively and had passed the order on October 19 on merits after due consideration of the prima facie case of the

plaintiffs/respondents, the balance of convenience in their favour and the injuries likely to be caused if the appellants/defendants were not restrained from functioning as office bearers of NCD. In view of the aforesaid legal position regarding procedure vis-à-vis justice and under the facts and circumstances of this case, where the plaintiffs/respondents clearly have a prima facie case in their favour, the judge said the trial court had rightly admitted the IA 93/2020 and passed the October 19 order exercising inherent powers under Sec. 151 of the CPC. The judge ruled that it did not see that any case for interference was made out by the appellants.

Consequently, the judge dismissed the appeal and ordered that the LCR be returned to the court of civil judge (senior division), Dimapur.

DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): Executive member and former convenor of the NSCN (I-M) steering committee, Hutovi Chishi has expressed shock at a report “floated in social media and PTI-sourced media report” after his exit as convenor Steering committee.

In a statement, Hutovi explained that the issue was simply a matter of normal change of guard in the NSCN (I-M)’s steering committee but which had been “blown out of proportion with venomous manipulation” and which did not reflect “his thoughts and emotions in any manner.”

Hutovi further alleged that it was undoubtedly “the handiwork of antiNSCN elements prodded by IB (Intelligence Bureau), to create crack within the organisation.”

Hutovi said he was “highly indebted to our Collective Leadership” for entrusting upon him, to serve the organisation as Co-convenor and also convenor of the NSCN(I-M) steering committee.

He said “NSCN has stood the test of time as a cohesive organisation, with unflinching commitment from members and shall remain as a cohesive force in Naga political affairs.”

Voter-ID cards to go digital from today COVID: India records 14,849 fresh cases

This is it!

“Our colleagues have decided on a wait-andwatch strategy on covid vaccine.”

projects in Assam.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, state finance and health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the convener of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), UPPL president and BTC’s chief executive member Promod Boro among others spoke in the gathering.

Sonowal last week (January 19) at a function in Guwahati handed over Rs 4 lakh each to 1,279 surrendered cadres of the NDFB. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP fought against the Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF) in the December’s BTC polls despite ruling Assam together since 2016 along with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

The Hagrama Mohilary-led BPF, which has ruled the BTC ever since 2005 after the tribal autonomous body was constituted in 2003 as a political solution to Bodo agitation for a separate state, won 17 seats this time while the BJP secured nine seats as against one in 2015, the UPPL bagged 12 seats. The opposition Congress and Gana Suraksha Parishad managed to get one seat each.

Odisha FC, B’luru FC play out thrilling 1-1 draw

NEW DELHI, JAN 24 (PTI): Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will on Monday launch the electronic version of the voter identity card which can be downloaded on a mobile phone or a personal computer.

The e-elector photo identity card is non-editable digital version of the elec-

tor photo identity card and it can be saved in facilities such as digital locker and can be printed in the PDF format, Election Commission officials said.

“Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will launch the e-EPIC programme and distribute e-EPICs and Elector Photo Identity Cards to five new voters,” a Com-

mission statement said on Sunday. The physical card takes time to print and reach the voter, and the idea is to provide faster delivery and easy accessibility to the document, the statement said.

The e-EPIC initiative would be launched in two phases. In the first phase from January 25 to 31, all new voters who have ap-

plied for the voter-ID card and registered their mobile numbers in Form-6 will be able to download the e-EPIC by simply authenticating their mobile number. The mobile numbers should be unique and not be previously registered in the ECI’s electoral rolls.

The Aadhaar card, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card and driving licence are available in digital mode.

Introduced in 1993, the elector photo identity cards are acceptable as proof of identity and address. The e-version of the voter card is being launched to mark the anniversary of the Election Commission. The EC came into being on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a republic. For the past few years, January 25 is also observed as National Voters’ Day.

New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI): India’s COVID-19 caseload has gone up to 1,06,54,533 with 14,849 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, while the number of recoveries has surged to 1,03,16,786, according to the health ministry.

The death toll due to the viral disease has climbed to 1,53,339 with 155 more fatalities, the ministry’s data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 1,03,16,786, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.83 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.44 per cent.

The active COVID-19 caseload of the country remained below two lakh for the fifth consecutive day.

There are 1,84,408 active cases in the country currently.

No new cases in State on Jan 24 COVID-19 STATUS AS ON january 24, 2021 ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsympCritical-ICU District tomMod- Se- With- With On Mild atic erate vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator Dimapur 33 7 0 1 0 0 0 Kiphire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 47 0 2 0 0 0 0 Longleng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mokokchung 8 2 1 1 0 0 0 Mon 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Peren 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phek 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuensang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Death MiRecovunder Total Death gratered InvestiCases ed gation 6291 40 3670 10 171 593 504 47 243

59 1 21 0 3 2 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

74 0 38 9 6 9 0 0 1

6465 41 3777 19 192 605 504 47 245

2

39

Wokha

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

35

1

0

Zunheboto Total

0 89

0 9

0 3

0 2

0 0

0 0

0 0

139 11743

0 88

0 0

3 142 142 12076

*10 deaths not due to Covid-19 *0 deaths under investigation

DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): No new COVID19 cases were reported in the State on Sunday while one patient recovered from the infection in Kohima.

As on Januar y 24, the COVID tally remained at 12,076. The state now

has 103 active cases, while 11,743patients have recovered from the disease so far.

Of the total 88 deaths reported in the state, 78 persons died due to COVID-19 infection. 142 cases have migrated to other states.

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Parakram Diwas celebrated in Nagaland

H. Tovihoto Ayemi speaking at the programme held on Women singing especially composed song for Netaji during the Youths watching a documentary on the life of Netaji during January 24 at Dimapur. (NP) celebration held on January 23. the Parakram Divas programme in Mokokchung.

DIMAPUR: Parakram Diwas, in commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose was observed in Nagaland. To honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, the government of India decided to celebrate his birthday on January 23 every year as Parakram Diwas.

DBSU: Dimapur Bengali Students Union (DBSU) in collaboration with Chatteswary Durgabari and Hindu Seva Samiti organised the programme on January 24, at Chatteswary Durgabari, Dimapur, with advisor of Power, H. Tovihoto Ayemi as special guest.

Tovihoto reminded that Bose was a personality that India had of the century and his sacrifice and contribution have been unmatched and unparalleled during that time

in India. Advisor said that his contributions will always remain as a boon in the history and to Indians.

Touching on Bose’s visit to Nagaland, Tovihoto said that in those days, there were no researchers to mention about it but with time, the truth has emerged. Advisor further encouraged the younger generation to live up to the set of values that Bose has lived upon.

Member of High Level Committee, GoI, Dr. Vekho Swuro, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring January 23, 2021, as Parakram Diwas which will be observed every year. Swuro also mentioned about his father Poswuyi Swuro (101 years old) who was called by Bose to be the dhobashi for the surrounding area of Ruzhaho village of Phek district.

He also appealed the younger to be part of signature campaign, online petition which seeks installation of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s statue near India Gate.

Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) general secretary B. Mhajan Tsopoe in his speech reminded the gathering to take time to reflect and ponder the hardwork and love Bose had towards the people of the nation and take pride in it.

Short speeches were also delivered by Hindu Seva Samiti president Gopal Sharma and Non-naga community convenor KK Paul.

Highlights of the programme included cultural presentation and felicitation. Earlier, welcome address was delivered by convenor Biplab Paul. (Staff Reporter) Ruzazho village: Parakram

Training on value added fish products

Diwas, was held at Ruzazho village under Phek district on January 23.

A press release by the organisers stated that, Ruzazho village composed a song in memory of Netaji in the local dialect, “Subash Bose is our only love one, brave man come to Ruzazho village, to liberate India to attain freedom, may his mission be accomplish.”

Dr. Vekho Swuro, chairman of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Development Society Nagaland, also a member of high level committee said that in 1944 Netaji came to Naga hills and held up at Ruzazho village and appointed dobashi & gaon bura. He also claimed that Indian Council of Historical Research has recognised Ruzazho village as the first administered village by Azad Hind Fauj in India in 1944. Dr. Vekho urged everyone to

dedicate themselves for nationalism and remember the thoughts and the visions of Netaji.

Mokokchung Battalion: Mokokchung Battalion conducted various activities like lectures highlighting contributions of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in India’s freedom struggle and a documentary on Netaji all across Mokokchung district to mark the celebration of 125th birth anniversary of Netaji as Parakram Diwas.

The aim of conducting such activities was to honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, to inspire people of region, especially youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did, and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour. A total of 58 youth attended the events.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

NNC (PB) reiterates on Naga national unity DIMAPUR: NNC Parent Body under the leadership of Yilow Humtsoe, Zhiongba Yimchungru and V Nagi held deliberations on January 20-22, where intensive discussions on key issues for the betterment of the Naga people and the North East were addressed and resolved.

A press release by NNC information and publicity wing stated that, the NNC once again reiterated its stand on Naga national unity for political solution as a whole for the best interest and peace to prevail among all the Naga people. NNC also stated that it would stand for down trodden people living across the Burma (Myanmar) region.

Meeting also touched upon the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the North East region through its geographical, political, social and historical connection as brotherly neighbour for better future.

news in Brief NCD councillors meet: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has conveyed a councillors meeting on January 27, 11 a.m at the council conference hall, Nyamo Lotha road, Dimapur. All councillors have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

Phukayi to unfurl national flag at Wokha: In partial modification of the earlier notification, advisor of FC/LM & CP and Taxes, Pukhayi Sumi will unfurl the national flag and take the Rashtriya salute on Republic Day at Wokha on January 26.

Revival meeting held at Peducha Baptist Church DIMAPUR: Peducha Bapdecision, Rev. Zotuo said tist Church (PBC) held a that God would then bless one-day revival meeting at each one. He added that its church premises on Januone becomes confused and ary 23, with pastor Rokopra a troublemaker when one is Mekro and Khriezovolie a distant follower of Christ, Suokhrie as resource pertherefore one must be a close sons. follower of Christ.

A press release by KoiHealing service was nonia media ministry stated conducted in the evening that, Koinonia Prayer Centre where people testified of worship team led by evangephysical healings from heart list Neilhou Sopfünuo lead problems, limb numbness, the praise and worship. knee and backache, deafDuring the day, the reness, blurred visions, skin source persons spoke on the diseases, eyesight problem, topics, deliverance and post Rev. Zotuo praying for healing of sick people at the revival meeting held on January loss of memory etc.

23 at Peducha Baptist Church. attack, identity in Christ and believers authority, signs and tattoos of satanism.

The main speaker Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo, senior pastor, Koinonia Baptist ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord’. Job 1:21 Church and principal, Kohima Bible College said that the workers of the church should not be desperate for titles and names but to walk worthy of their calling with burden for the lost souls and to raise not just believers but disciples.

Challenging the young generations to take decisions to obey and follow the word of God as life’s best

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Women trainees at the day long training programme held at Aree Old on January 22.

DIMAPUR: Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources organized one day hands on training on “Value added fish products” on January 22, at Aree Old, aspirational village under 39-Sanis assembly constituency, Wokha.

According to DIPR report, resource person, DFO Wokha, Dory Yanthan, with her staff trained on preparation of fish products which were simple and easy to follow processing techniques such as fish pickle, fish finger and fish

soup.

Training was held for women SHGs under gender budgeting during 201920, with an aim to help in entrepreneurship development, with 25 trainees participating in the day long training programme.

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born : 21.11.1955 – Died : 16.01.2021 The family of LT. LANUCHIBA IMCHEN wishes to acknowledge the expressions of sympathy and kind gestures shown to us during brief illness and death.

Though we are unable to thank each and everyone individually, we pray that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving family members DP-455

15TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF OUR BELOVED

KEDILUNGSIGWANGBE (KEDDY) THOU 10 APRIL 1971 – 25 JANUARY 2020

“They that love beyond the world cannot be Separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.”

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– WILLIAM PENN We miss you deeply.

– Loving wife & family members

4TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF LATE SHICHAMO LOTHA

of our dearest father Late ZENYÜ LEA (Sanyü)

25-01-2006 You lived a simple yet meaningful life and in dead you continue to inspire us with your good works. Though the loss is immense, we choose to treasure your precious memories and take comfort in the assurance that you are safe in God’s Almighty Arms.

“Those who walk uprightly enter into peace, they find rest as they lie in death”.

Isaiah 57:2 Loving wife and children.

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25/01/2017 It's been four years since you left us.

But you will always and forever be in our hearts and remembered.

Though you have left this world, but your love and memories still lives on.

“God has you in His arms; we have you in our hearts” Loving wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren K-159

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S. IMLIWABANG IMCHEN 13th June 1969 – 14th Jan 2021 The family of Late S. IMLIWABANG IMCHEN wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the innumerable expressions and gestures of Sympathy, Love, Kindness and Support shown to us following our sad loss.

We stood strong and our loss was made more bearable with the tireless and selfless Love & Support received from a multitude of Friends, Neighbours, Relatives and Well Wishers, and we humbly offer our deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to each one of you.

The family members would like to specially thank the following: 1. Dr. Anil Arora , Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi 17. Mangmetong Union, Mokokchung 2. Doctors & Nurses of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, 18. Mapa Kidong, Mangmetong Delhi 19. Longkhum Union, Kohima 3. Doctor Talimoa, City Medical Centre, Dimapur 20. Longkhum Union, Mokokchung 4. Doctors & Nurses of Zion Hospital, Dimapur 21. Directorate of Industries and Commerce 5. Doctor Hentok, Delhi 22. DICs – Chazouba & Mokokchung 6. Jesus Calls Prayer Tower, Delhi 23. Sub-DICs - Phek & Meluri 7. Mrs &Mr Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble CM Nagaland 24. NICGOA. 8. Mrs & Mr Pangyu Phom, Hon’ble Minister, 25. Officers & all Ranks of NAPTC, Chumukedima Nagaland 26. Officers & all Ranks of 1st, 2nd, 7th & 8th NAP Bns 9. Mrs & Mr Tongpang Ozukum, Hon’ble Minister, deployed at Delhi Nagaland 27. Tongdentsuyong Yimden 10. Mrs & Dr Nicky, Hon’ble Advisor, Nagaland 28. Tongdentsuyong Ward Youth 11. Mrs & Mr Mmhonlumo Kikon, Hon’ble Advisor, 29. Kohima Ao Baptist Church Nagaland 30. Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo 12. Mrs & Mr Imnatiba, Hon’ble Advisor, Nagaland 31. Ao Baptist Church, Delhi 13. Mrs & Mr Imkong L. Imchen, Hon’ble MLA, 32. Ao Senso Telongjem Delhi Nagaland 33. Highland Dazzlers, Mokokchung 14. Tangkhul Students Union, Imphal 34. Sisters and faculty of Little Flower Higher 15. Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem Secondary School, Kohima 16. Mangmetong Union, Kohima 35. Blood Donors – Dimapur & Delhi

Loving Wife, Children, Grand-Children, In-Laws And Family

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nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Are authorities strictly enforcing SOP in markets and public places?

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

A B C

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

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

11% 89% 0%

Next poll

enforcing road safety on the 4-lane NH 29?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST January 25

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Plenty of sunshine

27 11

Sunny and pleasant

Guwahati Mostly sunny and pleasant Imphal

Pleasant with sunshine

Itanagar Nice with sun and clouds

24 7 25 12 25 5 22 11

Shillong

Hazy sun

18 5

Kohima

Plenty of sunshine

21 5

Dimapur Sunny and pleasant

Mostly sunny and nice

Mkg

25 10 22 7

Tuensang Mostly sunny and cooler

17 4

Mostly sunny

20 9

Wokha

Zunheboto Sunny

20 5

Kiphire Battalion awareness drive

DIMAPUR: Kiphire Battalion organised awareness drive at Pungro town on provisions of free movement regime under the civic action initiative of Assam Rifles on January 23. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the lecture-cum-discussion included awareness on various policies and regulations to be followed. Awareness lecture was attended by 23 VCCs and head GBs of important villages in the border area.

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Girl child day observed in Longleng, Jalukie

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Q: Is police effectively

Aizawl

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

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Safety kits were distributed to the Angawadi and Asha workers under Longleng district on January 23. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: National Day of Girl Child week was observed by district administration and MSK Longleng and by Assam Rifles at Jalukie.

Longleng: In Longleng, the programme was held on January 24 at DC’s conference hall, Longleng.

According to DIPR report, CDPO Longleng, Longlang Luckpan in his short speech encouraged the women and girl child present to participate and attend any programmes conducted under BBBP. He also highlighted about the service provided by Social Welfare department for women and child health care.

Grandmother-granddaughter photography competition was declared at the event. Apang bagged the first position, Putunungla second and Akokla was placed in 3rd position. The best school monitoring committee under BBBP was awarded to Christian High School Longleng.

The winners were awarded with certificates and cash prizes.

Introductory note was delivered by EAC HQ Longleng, Rohbi Sangtam while pledge to enroll girls for education was led by Doichong Phom, ambassador for girl child Longleng and invocation was proposed by Yingliomei, superintendent Children’s Home PBCA, Longleng.

Meanwhile, as part of weeklong celebration of the girl child, safety kits were distributed to the Angawadi and Asha workers under Longleng district on January

Girl participants at the programme organised by Jalukie Battalion of Assam Rifles at Jalukie.

23 at DC’s conference hall.

The kits were received by CDPO Longleng, Longlang Luckpan and DCM Longleng, Henmei Phom.

Jalukie Battalion: Jalukie Battalion of Assam Rifles observed the girl child week at Assam Rifles Public School (ARPS), Jalukie from January 21 and to conclude on 26.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the aim of the event was to nurture

the capabilities of girls and their importance in family and society. While standing firm on Beti Bachao and Beti Padao (BBBP), an interactive session was conducted by Assam Rifles medical officer on nutrition and healthcare.

A demonstration on self defense was also conducted wherein girls were taught arm combat in order to protect themselves from physical abuses.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

Cong-AIUDF will open ‘all gates’ for infiltrators: Shah Sole aim of Cong, other regional parties is

Nalbari (Assam), Jan 24 (PTI): Pitching for another term for a BJP-led government in Assam to “safeguard” the interests of the state, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday the Congress-AIUDF combine would open “all gates” to infiltrators if voted to power.

In his first political rally in the poll-bound state, Shah also took a swipe at the Congress for calling the BJP “communal”, and questioned the grand old party’s alliance with the Muslim League in Kerala and the Badruddin Ajmalled AIUDF in Assam, two regional parties that draw their support mostly from Muslims.

At the ‘Vijay Sankalp Samaroh’, Shah asserted that an era of peace and development has ushered in Assam with the BJP in power in the state and also at the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shah projected his party as the only alternative capable of safeguarding and promoting the regional culture.

He also took a dig at the Assam Jatiya Parishad, a party floated by former AASU leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi which is tipped to ally with Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor

AASU, KMSS stage protest, demand scrapping of CAA

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays tribute to ‘Bodofa’ Upendranath Brahma Ji in Kokrajhar, Assam, Sunday. (PTI) Dal, without naming them, saying they are in the poll arena to help the Congress by trying to cut into votes of the BJP. A s s a m ’s i n t e r e s t s are not in their hearts, he said.

These two parties are stridently opposed to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and have alleged the CAA is a “threat” to Assam’s culture and identity.

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), which has led mass agitations over the issue of regional identity in the past, has backed Assam Jatiya Parishad.

Hitting out at the Congress, the Home Minister said the party had adopted

the British Empire’s policy of “divide and rule” by pitting different groups of people against one another, leading to bloodshed and loss of lives of thousands of youths.

The Congress created a divide between the Adivasis and the non-Adivasis, the Assamese people and the hill people, the Bodos and the non-Bodos, Shah said, alleging that over 10,000 Assamese youths were killed under the party’s reign.

“Tell me loudly,” he asked the crowd, “Can the Congress and Ajmal keep Assam free from infiltrators? If they come to power, they will open all gates to welcome them because they are their vote bank.”

BJP trying to destroy Assamese identity through CAA, Hindutva politics: Cong Guwahati, Jan 24 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday alleged that the BJP’s agenda is to destroy Assamese identity through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Hindutva politics.

Senior Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi said that the blatant violation of the Assam Accord by imposing CAA speaks volumes about the saffron party’s attitude towards the Assamese language and culture.

“The BJP’s claim of safeguarding Assamese language and culture by giving awards to renowned personalities is an eyewash to hide its agenda of destroying Assamese identity through CAA and Hindutva politics,” the Nagaon MP told reporters.

He alleged that the BJP was attempting to rename schools and colleges in the state after RSS leaders such as Deen Dayal Upadhaya and not Assamese freedom fighters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that the BJP has ensured peace and stability in Assam by curbing insurgency is untrue as it is well-known that the Congress government is credited with the surrender and rehabilitation of several ULFA leaders and bringing peace to the state, Bordoloi said. “It is evident from

Pradyut Bordoloi Assam’s growth chart from 2006- 2016 that the Congress had effectively curbed insurgency in the state with stability and development being reflected in the GDP growth from 1.75 per cent in 2001 to 6.68 per cent in 2013-14,” he said.

Bordoloi alleged that ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in reality is only aimed at promoting business for people from Gujarat and other parts of the country and there is no scope for Assamese entrepreneurs in the state.

He said that the construction of the Bogibeel Bridge, inaugurated by Modi in 2018, had started in 2011 during the Congress rule though it was launched by former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in 2002.

“Work on the construction of the bridge had not begun till the then chief minister Tarun Gogoi pushed

for it and 95 per cent of the work was completed by 2016 when the BJP came to power in the state,” he said.

The BJP has also failed to keep its promise of granting Scheduled Tribe status to six major tribes even after repeatedly promising it, Bordoloi said.

He alleged that the ruling party’s claim that Assam and the Northeast have got due attention from the Centre and made unprecedented progress in the last six years was far from the truth.

The North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy and special status for the northeastern states were scrapped while grantsin-aid to Assam have been decreasing since 2016 even though the BJP is in power in the state and the Centre, Bordoloi said.

Women have never been so insecure in Assam and the state has ranked number one in crimes against women for the third consecutive year while one in seven women face gender- based violence every day, he said.

The prime minister, after distributing land ‘pattas’ to Assamese people, had asserted on Saturday that the BJP-led government is committed to protecting the land, language and culture of the indigenous people.

Only the Modi government at the Centre and a government in the state which has its guidance and blessings can stop infiltration, he said.

The Cong ress has formed a “grand alliance” with the AIUDF, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) and the Anchalik Gana Morcha (AGM) for the elections to the 126-member assembly likely to be held in MarchApril.

Appealing to the people of the state to vote for the BJP, Shah said Assam has become “bullet-free and agitation-free” and the next saffron dispensation will make the state “floodfree”, describing floods as its biggest problem.

The four minor boys rescued by RPF from the Guwahati Railway Station. sary action, on checking her bag one Aadhaar card, one school identity card, some used clothes, one smartphone, two bank passbooks and Rs 1,430 in cash were found.

RPF Guwahati immediately informed her brother about the rescue telephonically and later after observing all formalities the rescued minor girl was handed over to Railway ChildLine Guwahati

for her safe custody.

In another incident also on the same day, an RPF team while conducting checking against human trafficking at Guwahati Railway station noticed four minor boys roaming on Platform no-7 of Guwahati Railway Station in a distressed condition.

On asking the boys stated that they have run away from their home to

Nalbari (Assam), Jan 24 (PTI): Senior BJP leader and Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the sole aim of the entire opposition, comprising the Congressled Grand Alliance and the newly-formed regional parties, is to bring “Babur’s rule” in the state.

Addressing a rally in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah here, the NDA’s regional wing North East Democratic Alliance Convenor also asked the opposition whether Hindus will be able to follow their faith if it forms the government.

“The only aim of (AIUDF chief Badruddin) Ajmal, Congress and regional parties is how to bring (Mughal emperor) Babur’s rule in Assam. But, till the BJP’s Hanumans are there, we will move ahead with Ram’s ideals,” Sarma said.

The Congress has formed the Grand Alliance with AIUDF, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) and the Anchalik Gana Morcha (AGM) to fight the upcoming assembly elections, likely to be held in March-April.

A new regional political party, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), was formed

Senior BJP leader and Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Credit- Twitter.@himantabiswa jointly by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP).

Jailed anti-CAA leader Akhil Gogoi’s Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and 70 other groups have formed another party -Raijor Dal. Training guns at the AIUDF chief, the Assam health and family welfare minister said, “Ajmal told Muslims won’t be able to go to mosques if BJP wins.

I want to ask today whether Hindus can visit temples if Congress and AIUDF form the government in the state.”

He asserted that till the “BJP is alive”, Ajmal will not be able to enter within 100 km of Dispur, the locality of the Assam secretariat.

Sarma also alleged that followers of Ajmal attacked ‘Satras’, the Vaishnavite places of worship, at Batadrava and other areas.

Attacking the AASU, which has been protesting against the visit of the prime minister and home minister, Sarma said, “Today you are taking out a torchlight procession against Amit Shah. But did you donate a single unit of plasma when we were fighting against COVID-19?”

Post-COVID, NE will be favourite 2 new COVID cases Private schools in Mnp object tourist, trade destination: Singh push Mizoram’s to halting admission processes tally to 4,351

Correspondent

Shillong, Jan 24: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that the Northeastern States will be one of the “favourite business destinations of India post-COVID19” and bamboo is going to be the key pillar of the economic activities.

He however asked all the states to equip themselves up to make optimum use of the favourable condition that the North East will have during the Post COVID period.

Singh was addressing the valedictory session of the 69th plenary meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at the Council headquarters here Sunday.

The 69th Plenary of the North Eastern Council was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday.

Urging all the states to utilize the funds that have been allotted by various ministries so that the benefits of the schemes reach the last person, the Union Minister said that the rate of utilization of funds under NEC has been encouraging and hoped that funds under other ministries allotted to the

RPF rescues five minors in Guwahati Guwahati, Jan 24 (PTI): Five minor children have been rescued by Railway Protection Force from Guwahati Railway station, an official said.

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesman Subhanan Chanda in a press release here on Saturday said a woman RPF constable during duty at Guwahati Railway station on Friday morning noticed a lone minor girl entering into the station through the main entrance gate in a distressed condition.

On being asked she disclosed her name and also informed that she fled away from her home at Pasighat in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh for onward journey to Delhi in search of employment without any intimation to her parents or relatives.

When the rescued minor girl was brought to RPF post for further neces-

The All Assam Students’ Union and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti on Sunday held protests against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the state and demanded withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. In several districts, AASU members burnt copies of the controversial act, while at Guwahati and other places, they waved black flags. AASU president Dipanka Kumar Nath said the CAA has threatened the existence of Assamese people and put their culture, identity and language in danger. “Till the CAA is repealed, we will continue our protests,” he added. KMSS members, meanwhile, blocked the National Highway-27 and burnt effigies of Shah and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Police later detained them and cleared the road, officials said. Earlier in the day, Shah took part in the first Bodoland Territorial Region Accord Day celebrations in Kokrajhar, and said the “historic pact” has initiated the process of ending insurgency in NE.

to bring Babur’s rule in Assam: Himanta

Guwahati by train without any intimation to their parents to search for work.

On further interrogation and upon them disclosing their names and address, it was detected that three of the minors are from Begusarai and another from the Samastipur district of Bihar.

As the rescued minor boys could not give any contact number of their parents or relatives, they were brought to RPF post and after observing all formalities were handed over to Railway Childline Guwahati.

Meanwhile, acting on a tip-off RPF Agartala along with Government Railway Police detained a woman and seized 16 packets of brown sugar with a market value of Rs 6 lakh from her possession at Agartala Railway station on Thursday evening, the release added.

region shall also be brought to optimum utilisation.

He iterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing the Northeast region and bringing it to the level of the other developed States.

“Northeast has been put on a fast track of development under the leadership of the Prime Minister Modi over the last six-seven years and this bears evidence in the form of the unanimous opinion across the country that Northeast has been put on a very fast track,” Singh said.

He also added that the expectation is very high and the Prime Minister wanted to achieve more than what have been achieved so far and said with the dedication of all the states and the different Ministries, Northeast will be able to overcome all challenges in the near future.

The two-day NEC Plenary focussed on all-round developmental plans for the North-Eastern Region and discussed about the progress made so far regarding the various projects that have been implemented in the region. Augmenting investments and improving rankings on ease of doing business were also deliberated upon prominently.

Correspondent

Aizawl, Jan 24 (PTI): Mizoram reported two new COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally to 4,351, an official said on Sunday.

The two new cases from Aizawl district were confirmed at Zoram Medical College (ZMC) through RT-PCR facility, he said.

While one patient has returned from Maharashtra, the other was diagnosed with COVID19 during contact tracing, he said.

Mizoram now has 58 active COVID-19 cases, while 4,284 people have recovered from the disease so far.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in the state now is 98.47 per cent, the official said.

The state has reported nine coronavirus fatalities so far.

Mizoram has tested 2,01,241 samples for COVID-19 till date, including 1,112 on Saturday.

M e a n w h i l e, 3 2 2 healthcare workers were given COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday in four districts, state immunisation officer Dr Lalzawmi said.

So far, 3,979 beneficiaries have been administered COVID-19 vaccines in the ongoing vaccination drive, she said.

One new COVID-19 case in Arunachal; tally rises to 16,818 Itanaga r , Jan 2 4 (PTI): One more person tested positive for COVID19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the tally in the northeastern state to 16,818, a senior health department official said on Sunday.

The single case was detected from Upper Siang district through rapid antigen test and the patient was symptomatic, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

One more people recuperated from the disease on Saturday, taking the total number of recoveries in the state to 16,725, he said.

T h e r e c ove r y r a t e among coronavirus patients in the state now is 99.44 per cent while the fatality ratio is 0.33 per cent, the official said, adding that the positivity rate in the state currently stands at 0.22 per cent.

Ar unachal Pradesh now has 37 active COVID-

19 cases while 56 people have succumbed to the infection so far. West Kameng district has the highest number of active cases at 22, followed by Changlang and East Siang at three each.

The Capital Complex Region comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa area, has four active cases, the SSO said.

The state has so far conducted 3,89,553 sample tests, including 404 on Saturday, he said. Meanwhile, a total of 6,291 health workers have received shots of COVID-19 vaccine so far in the state, including 555 during the vaccination sessions carried out on Saturday, State Immunization Officer (SIO) Dr Dimong Padung said. Padung said that the state health department has been carrying out inoculation drive four days a week - Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

IMPHAL, Jan 24: Private schools in Manipur on Sunday registered a strong objection to a recent government order directing school authorities to stop the process for admission to new academic session for all classes.

Taking cognizance of some schools in the state notifying and starting admission process for new academic session for all classes, state education department, in an order passed on January 20 last, directed all the school authorities “to stop the process for admission to new academic session for all classes immediately till an appropriate decision is taken in this regard.”

The order maintained that the direction was given to maintain a uniform academic session across the state both for those affiliated to state board as well as CBSE. All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association (AMRPWA) stated that the decision on switching uniform academic session was welcomed but it was against banning admission processes.

“We agree with government decision of switching uniform academic session.

But, we disagree with the order asking to stop admission processes,” AMRPWA

stated in a statement issued today.

The body of the private schools has also requested the state education minister to revoke the order citing that each year, normally admission and re-admission of students in the private schools starts two to three months ahead of the commencement of the new academic session.

The association also reminded a standing order of the education department asking all schools affiliated to the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM) and Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM) to begin the academic session to commence from January of each academic year so as to commence the session from the same month and claimed that the same order was yet to be revoked or suppressed by the state government.

The association claimed that the private schools have started the admission and re-admission of the students as per a standing order of the state education department. At the same time, schools have taken up the process of admission and re-admission as a part of preparation for the session and commencing the session against government’s order did not arise.

Dear Mum, You’re the most beautiful, graceful and wonderful woman in the world. We are blessed to have you, and we all know we owe you everything. Happy Birthday!

From, Lina, Atiba and Tessie Hello Neha ji.

Have a wonderful, happy, healthy birthday now and forever. #E20

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE

ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND No. JUD/SUCC-34/19-20/03 Dated Zbto, the 21-1-2021

Notice Calling Objection for the issue of Succession Certificate Whereas application has received from Smti. Vitoli X. Chophy, U/S 372 of the Indian Succession Act, resident of Atoizu Town, Zunheboto Dist. for succession of SBI A/C No. 33785331648, service benefits debts & securities of Late Angukato Shohe.

Notice is hereby issued for filling objections to all who has interest in the said claim(s) within thirty days from the date of publication to this notice.

Sd/District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto, Nagaland DP-456

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

Ladakh standoff: India, China hold 9th round of talks NEW DELHI, JAN 24 (PTI): After a gap of over two-and-half months, the Indian and Chinese armies on Sunday held another round of Corps Commander-level talks with an aim to move forward on disengagement of troops from all friction points in eastern Ladakh, sources said.

The ninth round of high-level military talks began at around 10 am at Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, they said.

The eighth and last round of military talks had taken place on November 6 during which both sides broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points.

The Indian delegation at talks is being led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps.India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region.

The seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks had taken place on October 12 during which China was pressing for withdrawal of Indian troops from a number of strategic heights

File photo of Indo-China engagement.

around the Southern bank of Pangong lake.

However, India insisted that the disengagement process has to start simultaneously at all the friction points. Nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in subzero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the standoff.

China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials. Last month, India and China held another round of diplomatic talks under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs. However, no concrete outcome emerged from the talks.

Following the sixth

round of military talks, the two sides had announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters. This round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.

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Ram temple in 3 yrs; to cost Rs 1100 cr, says Trust treasurer Mumbai, Jan 24 (PTI): The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be built in around three years and the construction cost of the project will exceed Rs 1100 crore, a prominent functionary of the temple trust has said.

“The main temple will be built in three to three and a half years and will cost Rs 300-400 crore. The expenditure on the development of the entire 70 acre land there will exceed Rs 1100 crore,” said Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Nyas.

He said he arrived at these figures after consulting experts involved in the Ram temple construction project.

The Nyas (trust) has not come out with an official statement so far on the expenditure involved in the project, he said while talking to ABP Majha Marathi TV channel.

“It was possible for us to raise funds (for the temple construction) from some corporate people.

Some (corporate) families had approached us, requesting us to hand over the (temple) designs and assuring us they will complete the temple project, but I humbly declined that request,” he said.

To a query on criticism from some quarters that the Ram temple funds

collection drive is a BJP campaign keeping in view the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he said, “People see this depending on the colour of spectacles they wear. We don’t wear any spectacles and our eyes are pointing at the path of devotion.”

“Our target is to reach 6.5 lakh villages and 15 crore homes (for collecting funds for the temple work),” he said.

Asked if he is willing to go to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s residence Matoshree in suburban Mumbai to collect funds for the Ram temple construction, he said, “I am willing to go there if he is ready to contribute.”

“Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has given us a one kg silver brick,” he said.

The Swami was at the Rashtrapati Bhavan last week when President Ram Nath Kovind contributed Rs 500,100 for the Ram temple construction at Ayodhya.

Asked if he would visit the residence of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to seek contribution for the temple, he quipped, “I am ready to do that if someone were to guarantee that I wont’s be disrespected there.”

Cong got SC Bose killed: Sakshi Maharaj UNNAO, JAN 24 (AGENCIES): BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao, Sakshi Maharaj, on Saturday alleged that the Congress got Subhas Chandra Bose killed.

While addressing a public rally here, the BJP lawmaker said, “My allegation is that Congress got Subhas Chandra Bose killed….neither Mahatma Sakshi Maharaj Gandhi nor Pandit Nehru could match his popularity.” on the day of Bose’s 125th The statement was delivered birth anniversary.

B o r n t o a dvo c a t e Janakinath Bose in Odisha’s Cuttack on January 23, 1897, Netaji went on to play a crucial role in India’s freedom movement. He is also known for establishing the Azad Hind Fauj.

While there is controversy over Bose’s death in a plane crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945, the Central government had in a (Right to Information Act) RTI in 2017 confirmed that he had died in the incident.

Rahul slams PM, says Chinese troops occupying Indian territory Tirupur (TN), Jan 24 (PTI): Continuing to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his second day of campaign in Tamil Nadu, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged Chinese troops have occupied Indian territory and the man with “56 inch-chest” cannot even utter the name of the neighbouring country.

Addressing meetings here and in neighbouring Erode as part of three-day campaign tour of Tamil Nadu for the assembly elections to be held in the next few months, he also repeated his charge that Modi governed the country for just five or six business people.

The Central government was not for the farmers, labourers or the Micro Small or Medium Enterprises, that are the nation’s future and abound in this region of the state, Gandhi, on a campaign tour of western districts, said.

“For the first time, the Indian people can see that Chinese troops have occupied Indian territory. As we speak today, thou-

sands of Chinese troops are occupying our territory and the man with a 56-inch chest cannot even say the word China. That is the reality of our country,” he said.

Taking forward his ‘Tamil language and culture’ pitch to connect with the people and attack the BJP, the Congress MP said he wanted to be the soldier of the Tamil people in Delhi and reiterated that he would not allow the Saffron party to disregard Tamil culture.

Gandhi, who also addressed people from his vehicle at some places during a roadshow, accused the BJP of trying to impose one culture one and language on people and relegate Tamil to a ‘second class place’.

“I understand, accept and respect the Tamil spirit and culture. I am not going to allow the Prime Minister and the BJP to disrespect the Tamil people no matter what,” he said in his speeches in English, translated into Tamil. India was home to many diverse cultures, religions and languages.

Arnab chats: Republic Media Network hits back at Congress

Act and booking those involved.

In the statement, the Republic Media Network said there has been collusion of corporate and political interests to target its Editor-in-Chief Goswami.

The validity, veracity and genuineness of the purported WhatsApp chats are still to be tested in the courts of law, but even keeping that aside for a moment, there is not one line, suggestion or shred of evidence in the chats which contain any wrongdoing or TRP manipulation by the Republic Media Network, the statement said.

The Republic Media Network also called upon the Competition Commission of India to probe the existence of “collusion and cartelization” in the media industry “which is selectively targeting Goswami”.

“The Congress which cannot get over its own infighting has peddled lies and falsehoods against us, accusing us of leaking official secrets, when the truth is that the possibility of airstrikes was a much-discussed topic in the public domain, much before the strikes actually took place,” it said.

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NEW DELHI, JAN 24 (PTI): The Republic Media Network on Sunday hit out at the Congress over its allegations that the purported WhatsApp chats of Arnab Goswami point to breach of national security and violations of the Official Secrets Act, and claimed that the party was peddling “falsehoods”.

In a statement, the Republic media group also accused rival TV channel Times Now of manipulating TRPs, suppressing facts and misleading the public on the alleged TRP scam.

The statement comes after Times Network, under which Times Now operates, said it is contemplating “all possible legal actions” against Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) for its unacceptable and unpardonable” failure to act on complaints of large-scale manipulation of TRPs to favour Republic TV. Also, the Congress had on Friday demanded a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the purported WhatsApp chats of Goswami for breach of national security and violations of the Official Secrets

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 49 Dimapur, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

Resolving decades of disputes

U

nion Home Minister Amit Shah’s advise to the chief ministers of the north eastern states to resolve their boundary issues through stateto-state dialogue and not to expect or depend on the Centre, while addressing the 69th Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Shillong on January 23, needs to be understood in its perspective. Shah also told the chief ministers that their boundary disputes be resolved by August 15,2022 when prime minister Narendra Modi gives his speech on the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. That means the states having border disputes should resolve the issue within 19 months by August 15,2022. The boundary disputes among north eastern states stem primarily from the fact they were bifurcated from Assam. A case in point is Nagaland, the first state that was created after bifurcation from Assam. Similarly Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram also have border disputes with Assam. The boundary dispute between Assam and Nagaland has remained unresolved for the better part of five decades despite mediation by the government of India and the stateto-state efforts. After both efforts failed, Assam took the issue to the Supreme Court in 1988. Assam urged the apex court to recognise the boundary as per the 1925 notification under which several thousand square kilometres of land belonging to Naga tribes were transferred by the British to Assam for administrative convenience. Nagaland, therefore rejected the Sundaram commission report. Nagaland also rejected the Sashtri Commission set up in 1985 to inquire into the Merapani incident since the commission recognised the present boundary between the two states. The closest that both states came to coming near resolution was during the tenures of then Assam chief minister Hiteswar Saikia and then Nagaland chief minister S.C.Jamir in 1993 when the two Congress chief ministers agreed to explore avenues for settlement of the long-pending dispute outside the court. This was echoed by then Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi in 2012 when a delegation from Nagaland met the late Assam leader. All the states in the north east are presently either under BJP rule (Arunachal Pradesh) or alliances with the BJP such as Nagaland(NDPP), Mizoram(MNF), Meghalaya(NPP). These states maintain that their claims are legitimate as per history and tradition. It would be a big challenge for Assam, also under BJP rule, to accept the boundary claims of other states.

Also whether other states, on their part, will agree to accept the present status of lands that are presently under Assam? The efforts for resolving the issues through state-to-state approach is a tall order. If that were possible, then the Assam-Nagaland boundary issue could have neared solution during 1993.

There are many interests tied with the issue and it would take a herculean effort to address them. For instance, the issue over the disputed boundary between Assam and Nagaland, has been compounded by the presence of illegal immigrants including other non-Assamese communities during the past several decades. True the issue cannot be settled legally or forcibly and therefore, a need on both sides to realize that the ground reality presents in itself a give-and-take option. Since boundary disputes have spanned over several decades, it would not be easy for Assam-Nagaland, Assam-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam-Mizoram, Assam-Meghalaya to resolve disputes within 19 months. The people in north east states want peaceful end to the border conflicts as peace and progress matter more in the light of fast changing economic environment.

DailyDevotion God’s Overpowering Purpose

I have appeared to you for this purpose…

—Acts 26:16 The vision Paul had on the road to Damascus was not a passing emotional experience, but a vision that had very clear and emphatic directions for him.

And Paul stated, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Our Lord said to Paul, in effect, “Your whole life is to be overpowered or subdued by Me; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but Mine.” And the Lord also says to us, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go…” (John 15:16).

When we are born again, if we are spiritual at all, we have visions of what Jesus wants us to be. It is important that I learn not to be “disobedient to the heavenly vision” — not to doubt that it can be attained. It is not enough to give mental assent to the fact that God has redeemed the world, nor even to know that the Holy Spirit can make all that Jesus did a reality in my life. I must have the foundation of a personal relationship with Him. Paul was not given a message or a doctrine to proclaim. He was brought into a vivid, personal, overpowering relationship with Jesus Christ. Acts 26:16 is tremendously compelling “…to make you a minister and a witness….” There would be nothing there without a personal relationship. Paul was devoted to a Person, not to a cause.

He was absolutely Jesus Christ’s. He saw nothing else and he lived for nothing else. “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Quotes

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. ~ Buddha

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

New budget has to set pace for 5-years

T

he Central Budget to be tabled in a few days has many hearts beating, many hopes rising and sets the pace for the economy. The high expectations may not match the formulations that are not likely to be easy, if not tough.

Amid the raucous of farm laws, RSS top leader Suresh Bhaiya ji Joshi has suggested a middle path to resolve the issue.

A top magazine survey reports that 73 percent of the people have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pandemic, recession and protests could not dent it.

This makes the government confident in presenting its budget proposals despite a severe contraction and possible fiscal deficit (contributed by revenue deficit) of 7.5 percent, (against the targeted 3.5 percent) which are likely to have some sops but may have many sugar-coated harsh pills.

Some showpiece programmes may have to be kept in abeyance.

The budget needs to loosen the purse, injection of cash for boosting consumption, raise funds for stimulus, lower bank

I

NPAs, more funds for rural schemes, special support to stressed sectors like tourism, hotels, aviation and railways and make industry competitive.

Though it is not centre’s direct concern but while crafting the budget it would have to take care of the historical high in combined fiscal deficit of the state hitting a peak of Rs 8.7 lakh crore, or 4.7 percent of their GDP, according to a Crisil study.

The large deficits of states and centre together of around Rs 20 lakh crore would have sticky impact on expenditure as committed expenses like salaries, pension and interest payments would take a major share of thin earnings.

The government naturally would have to struggle with developmental and day-today running expenditures, which are difficult to cut at such difficult times that require boosting of economic activities.

The housing sector is in focus and a credit-linked subsidy may be introduced along with liberalized FDI. Retail sector also needs a boost.

There are rumblings of hiking import duties on 50 items – from smart

phones, electric vehicles to refrigerators and airconditioners – being raised possibly by 5 to 10 percent.

Though it may raise prices of many goods it is expected to raise Rs 20,000 crore. Various duties and cess on petrol also is being reviewed as the country has the highest price on fuel.

There are suggestions to reduce it as it causes general inflation.

The pandemic has given a blow to India’s exports leading to a 25-month high of trade deficit in December as growth in merchandise imports outpaced exports.

Imports exShivaji panded 7.56 percent, while exports rose 0.14 percent, according to the commerce ministry. It is obvious that the government would have to depend on direct and indirect borrowings. The revenue raising measures are imperative and that may impact the farm incomes too as secondary sales of farm products are likely to be brought under GST. It means while the sale by the farmers would not have a tax but all subsequent sales by a trader or arhatiya would be called for GST details.

It would also lead to im-

position of income-tax on them. This can constrict the farmer’s income and rural cash flow.

With thousands having lost their jobs, and many more having had to undergo a salary cut across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman might be looking at possible ways to put more disposable income in the hands of the people.

One way is to raise the I-T threshold to Rs 5 lakh but a big if remains there.

Some minor cuts may be announced but that might be Sarkar taken away by some major steps. In reality, it would be prudent to have no income-tax as less than 3 crore are I-T payee and constriction of their incomes comes in the way of market growth.

It is necessary to lubricate the economy as India’s per capita income in 2017-18 is Rs 44,901 or Rs 3741 per month as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Longitudinal Ageing Study. According to Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), it is Rs 29896 annually (Rs 2491 a month). (A private

Indian Human Development Survey mentions it as Rs1,26,968 or Rs 10580 a month). Either of the figures is not representative of the earnings of average citizens hinting that income-tax in such a poor country is euphemism and a burden on the society as collection costs are more.

About 2.99 crore resident Indians filed ITR-1returns till January 10, 2021 which is less than 3.11 crore filed till September 2019.

However, to include technological changes the I-T Act may be amended.

This budget is not considering scrapping I-T though it needs to be done as overall industrial production (IIP) growth contracts to 1.9 percent, manufacturing 1.7 percent and capital goods output declines by 7.1 percent reflecting demand contraction. In reality, the process of contraction is evident even in November 2019.

This has implication on revenue earnings as also on job growth. These are critical issues that the budget has to address calling for an impetus to overall economic activities. The pandemic-stimulus ensured loans for low-income people but now the banks say that

most of these have turned into NPAs. The public sector is in focus. It has raised Rs 40,000 crore through bonds. The sector may be given a capital infusion, including considering a bad bank. It may also increase divestment target to Rs 3 lakh crore through longpending privatisation of Air India, BPCL, Concor and Shipping Corporations.

It is also looking at tax issues related to business organisations, mergers and amalgamation and restricting forwarding of losses in case of change in shareholding with a view to mopping more revenues.

Po s t - c ov i d 1 9 , t h e economy remains in critical condition and mediumterm growth is to remain slow, Fitch Ratings say. It is to remain at that level till the 2026 financial year – meaning the government has to gird up its loins for the next few years.

The budget making would be a herculean task as nominal GDP is 4.2 percent lower than the previous year. Eyes would rivet on how taxes are raised and funds are earmarked to mark the growth to have a dream for Rs 5 trillioneconomy dream.

Post-mortem Educational Policy and its Planning Focusing on women with disabilities

ndia has been successful in adapting to the ever changing global standards of education.

But over the years we have not seen any major reforms in its educational system. However, in the midst of COVID pandemic when everything came to a halt, the Union Cabinet approved the New National Educational policy on 29th July 2020, which is the 3rd major revamp of framework of education after independence.

After much deliberation and surveys done by the government and non-governmental organizations the NEP-2020 was formulated that will replace the National Policy of Education 1986.We have heard so much about the new National educational Policy (2020) and its vision however time will tell whether the policy is a success or not but, are you aware of the planning process that goes through in formulating the policy?

Policy formulation is quite a critical phase of the policy process. The success or failure of a policy depends mainly upon the policy designs and policy formulation processes. It involves the process of identifying and crafting a set of policy to address a problem and narrow down the alternatives to arrive at a final policy decision.

Thus, in the process of education policy formulation, plans for dealing with a problem is made in the context of education and the objectives, goals and priorities of education are framed and the ways and means of achieving the policy is also formulated.

Agencies involved in Policy formulation It is difficult for any policy formulator to make policy in isolation. Hence, various agencies are involved in formulation and development of a policy.

In India, the agencies that play the role of education policy making are Cabinet, legislature, opposition political parties, pressure group and NGOs, media, Professional bodies; Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), University Grants Commission (UGC) and bureaucrats, and citizens.

Planning at various levels The level of planning and process in formulating the policy are as follow:(a) Macro- level planning: Planning at macro level is the one performed at the national level.

Educational and high education planning is performed at macro level in economics, social and cultural development planning.

It is aimed at achieving national success and high productivity in education. It is also aimed at ensuring that the quantity and

quality of resource inputs produce high outputs at minimum cost. The component of macro level include policy formulation, financing of education, integration of education into the national development plan, education reforms, teacher education and administrative strategies for implementation of the plan. It requires a detailed budgetary plan. Macro planning takes into account national perspective of education. (b) Micro- level planning: This is the planning at the state level.

Micro- level planning of education is aimed at efficiency while macro- level planning at effectiveness. It deals with the problems linked to the access to the educational system, acquisition and maintenance of teaching facilities and equipments, attitude of parents, pupils and teachers to education. Other areas of concern in micro- level includes planning for recreational services, health and safety, guidance and counseling services, organization of school programmes and curriculum implementation. (c) Grass root level planning: This planning is prepared for a small community or village so that their needs or demands take place in the educational planning. Here, common man can participate actively in the planning process in the educational planning for his own community.

Grass root level planning provides an opportunity to the local community, school staff, students and teachers to join hands in improving the institution.

Process of policy formulation The process of policy formulation includes: i. Analysis of the existing situation- Analysis of the existing situation is the first step of policy formulation process. Here the policy maker will critically analyze the exact existing situation of political, economic, demographic, cultural, and social issues .To analyze the existing situation the country background, Political context, Economic context, Education sector and Dynamics change are taken into consideration. ii. Generation of policy optionWhen the present situation of the sector and its content is disturbed by a problem, a political decision or a reorganization scheme, then new policies are generated. iii. Evaluation of policy optionPolicy option can be evaluated if alternative scenarios are developed. If an implemented policy option is compared with the present situation then the imaginary situation would be created. The transition from the existing to the imaginary case is evaluated in

terms of desirability, affordability and feasibility. iv. Making the policy decision -After gathering all information, relevant to the decision and analyzed carefully, the final decision is taken so that a total optional policy might be designed and selected. For the proper implementation the policy framework must be unambiguous and clear.

Decision making takes place when, maximum members of the committee express same opinion. v. Planning of policy implementation -Policy implementation is the transformation of a policy into action. Policy decisions are taken with the consent of the people who will put the policy into operation. vi. Policy impact assessment - It is the ability to evaluate which policy will have the most impact that is truly admirable or commendable. Policy impact assessment is formal, evidence-based procedures that access economical, social and environmental effect of the public policy. Many methods are there for the policy assessment like- scoping, aggregation, comparison of options, data presentation etc. vii. Subsequent policy cycle - The process of policy design, planning, implementation, impact assessment and redesign are iterative. A policy process often begins from the beginning, anew, and one may duplicate much of the analysis, derivation of alternative options, evaluation and planning carried out earlier. It is a never ending process. Ideally, once implementation has been completed and policy outcomes are forthcoming, a policy impact assessment stage ensues, leading to a potentially new policy cycle.

In conclusion, the success of a policy depends upon how the policy is made, planned and implemented. It has to emerge from the perceptions, active participation and wisdom of all those who are likely to be involved in its implementation. In India, the overall goals of the country are given in the Constitution and accordingly specific policies in education are formulated as and when required to achieve its stated goals. Educational policy planning is thus a series of untidy and overlapping episodes in which a variety of people and organizations with diversified perspectives are actively involved- technically and politically. It entails the processes through which issues are analyzed and policies are generated, implemented, assessed and redesigned.

Class of M.Ed 3rd semester, State College of Teacher Education, Kohima

T

he Covid-19 pandemic has sharpened the focus on the vulnerabilities faced by many sections of the population, especially women. But among these groups, women living with disabilities — there are 11.8 million in India — face a particularly challenging situation.

Two civil society organisations, Rising Flame and Sightsavers, undertook a study of women with disabilities during the pandemic and found that those with sight and hearing impairments faced serious obstacles to accessing information, education, food and other basic amenities not to mention psychological support.

Many with sight disabilities were not able to access the Aarogya Setu app as it does not factor in their requirements.

Those with locomotor disabilities were not able to visit stores to access food and the virus acted as an impediment to getting delivery of essential services. Many payment apps are not accessible to the visually challenged and many online courses too are not tailored to their needs.

While work from home could be to the advantage of women with disabilities, there are several challenges in being able to access video calls and voice calls and, of course, there is lack of connectivity in many areas. The pandemic has also curtailed the possibilities of many disabled women being able to get physical and psychological support.

Social distancing and fear of the virus has led to many of them losing whatever little physical support they had in the form of attendants.

Gover nment schemes, which have been a lifeline for so many women in these trying times, must be responsive to the needs of women with disabilities. For a start, the government could use its robust grassroots systems with its health workers to create awareness in families

about the need to not compromise on health and education for women with disabilities.

Skill development, one of the flagship programmes of the government, should include courses and training specifically for women who are disabled in consultation with them. Some of these women should be inducted into local decision-making bodies so that they can participate in processes, which build their skills.

In India, many women in general and those with disabilities in particular have to face poverty, poor health conditions, little or no income, lower education levels and isolation. With resources being scarce, women usually get the short end of the stick, more so if they suffer from some form of disability. Trapped at home, they are also vulnerable to abuse and face barriers in being able to register a complaint with the police or bring this to the notice of a civil society organisation.

In many cases, fearing abandonment or further isolation, they chose to keep quiet.

The government and nongovernmental organisations can intervene to help. One, set up a functioning telephone network, accessible to women with disabilities so that they can convey their needs to a relevant person in the local governance system.

Two, create a database of those with disabilities and their medical needs. A noteworthy effort is a video made with relevant information by the office of the Commissioner for Disabilities.

Women with disabilities have been on the margins for far too long. The pandemic has been particularly cruel to them but also offers an opportunity to enable them to become more independent and productive if the government makes a concerted effort.

Lalita Panicker (The views expressed are personal)

Reader’s Post

An appeal on excess bus fare

Sir,

This is in regard to the recent happenings in Kohima. The price rate of a seat in the bus is Rs. 10 but due to the pandemic and SOP, a passenger is compelled to take dual seat for which he/ she pays Rs. 20 which is understandable but some buses have been charging Rs. 20 per passenger though there are dual passenger in one row of seat, which costs Rs. 40 in total. This is exploitation of the passengers on board and amounts to daylight robbery.

Therefore, it is my earnest appeal to the concerned department to look into this matter and also to the public to raise our voice when needed.

Meren Pongen Naga

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.

Modi said nothing on insult to Mamata: Bratya Basu

11th National Voters’ Day to be celebrated today

New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS): Election Commission of India will celebrate eleventh National Voters Day with the theme of ‘Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed’.

During the event on Monday, President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the National Awards for the year 2020-21 and launch ECI’s Web Radio: ‘Hello Voters’. The event will be held at the Ashok Hotel and the President shall grace the occasion virtually from the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Union Minister for Law and Justice, Communications and Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad will also attend the function as the Guest of Honour.

The theme for this year’s NVD, ‘Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed’, envisages active and participative voters during elections. It also focuses on the ECI’s commitment towards conducting elections safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year since 2011, all across the country to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India on January 25, 1950. The main purpose of the NVD celebration

is to encourage, facilitate and maximise enrolment, especially for the new voters. Dedicated to the voters of the country, the day is utilised to spread awareness among the voters and for promoting informed participation in the electoral process. New voters are felicitated and handed over their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) in the NVD functions.

The National Awards being conferred by the President on the occasion include those state and district level officers, who gave their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different spheres such as IT initiatives, security management, election management during Covid-19, accessible election and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach. National Awards will also be given to important stakeholders like national icons, CSOs and media groups for their valuable contribution towards voters’ awareness.

ECI’s Web Radio: ‘Hello Voters’ is an online digital radio service which will stream voter awareness programmes. It will be accessible through a link on the Election Commission of India website. The programming style of Radio Hello Voters has been envisaged to match that of the popular FM radio services.

Kaushani Mukhopadhay and the chairperson of Eastern India Motion Pictures Association, Piya Sengupta, joined the ruling camp at the meet.

“An ugly force is now out to throttle the voice of all artistes in the country.

Director Anurag Kashyap and actor Naseeruddin Shah have already got a taste of it,” he underlined.

Sengupta and her daughter-in-law Mukhopadhyay said they have always been inspired by the “pro-people approach” of the TMC supremo, and vowed to serve the people of the state.

Among others, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh was also present at the hastily called press meet.

Two days ago, popular actor Sourav Das joined the TMC, while actor Rudranil Ghosh, who was close to the CM till recently, was seen rubbing shoulders with saffron camp leaders, of late, fuelling speculation that he might switch sides.

Ballia (UP), Jan 24 (PTI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Uttar Pradesh’s Bairia, Surendra Singh, on Sunday said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee hails from a “demoness culture” and that her DNA is “defected”.

Singh was referring to Banerjee taking offence at the chanting of slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” on Saturday at a programme held in Kolkata on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

“There is defect in the DNA of Mamata Banerjee, and she hails from the demoness culture (Mamata Banerjee ke DNA mein dosh hai, woh raakshashi sanskriti ki hai). No demon can love Lord Ram. Mamata Banerjee is a dishonest and evil (shaitan) person. Her hatred for Lord Ram is natural,” he told reporters.

Singh added that the violence and murder unleashed allegedly by members of Banerjee’s party Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal pro-

E-version voter card to be launched today

National Girl Child Day: ministers, MP government trying to crush celebrities share photos with daughters farmers’ voice: Kamal Nath

New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI): Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will on Monday launch the electronic version of the voter identity card which can be downloaded on a mobile phone or a personal computer.

The e-elector photo identity card is non-editable digital version of the elector photo identity card and it can be saved in facilities such as digital locker and can be printed in the PDF format, Election Commission officials said.

“Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will launch the e-EPIC programme and distribute e-EPICs and Elector Photo Identity Cards to five new voters,” a Commission statement said on Sunday.

The physical card takes time to print and reach the voter, and the idea is to provide faster delivery and easy accessibility to the document, the statement said.

The Aadhaar card, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card and driving licence are available in digital mode.

Introduced in 1993, the elector photo identity cards are acceptable as proof of identity and address.

The e version of the voter card is being launched to mark the anniversary of the Election Commission.

New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI): On the occasion of National Girl Child Day on Sunday, netizens, including Union ministers such as Smriti Irani and S Jaishankar, shared photos with their daughters on Twitter.

Women and Child Development Minister Irani posted photos with her daughters on the microblogging website.

“My daughters are my pride who have set out onto different frontiers with determination and confidence. Give a shoutout to a #DeshKiBeti and celebrate their achievements,” she tweeted.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also posted photos with his daughter on Twitter. “Daughters - a special joy, a unique bond.

Their accomplishments always make us proud,” he wrote. Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” said he considers himself fortunate to have three daughters.

Surendra Singh

vide proof of their “evil” act.

Banerjee had on Saturday declined to speak at an official programme at the lawn of Victoria Memorial Hall to celebrate Bose’s birth anniversary after “Jai Shri Ram” slogans were raised by a section of the audience in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She said such “insult” was unacceptable.

The Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that Banerjee’s reaction reflected her mindset of appeasement politics, while the ruling Trinamool Congress said no one can teach lumpens to be dignified.

New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Indian scientists have done their duty by developing the COVID-19 vaccine and “now we have to fulfil ours” by defeating through the right information every network spreading lies and rumours.

Addressing NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and artists who would be participating in the Republic Day parade, Modi said such organisations have always played their role in dealing with challenging times.

“In COVID times also, the work done by you is laudable. When the government and administration needed it, you came forward as volunteers and provided help,” he said. “ W h e t h e r i t wa s spreading awareness about the Aarogya Setu App or coronavirus infection spread, the work done by you was praiseworthy,” Modi said.

The prime minister said the youths should now step forward to assist in the COVID-19 vaccination

Dr Harsh Vardhan with his daughters, Inakshi & Ankita.

“Today is National Girl Child Day. I consider myself fortunate that I have three daughters by the grace of God. Our daughters are our pride,” he wrote on Twitter.

Pokhriyal also called upon people to celebrate their daughters, give them good education and make them responsible citizens.

“I call upon all the countrymen today on the occasion to celebrate the birth of girls and make daughters responsible citizens of the country by providing them highest education. My good wishes to all

the daughters of the country and heartfelt wishes for their bright future,” he said in another tweet.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar called on people to set a right example and celebrate daughters and sons alike as he posted a photo with his children on Twitter.

“Love, care and opportunities for our girls and boys have to be equal at all times. We have to remember that our children learn from us. Let’s set the right example and celebrate our girls & boys alike!” he tweeted.

Indore, Jan 24 (PTI): Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath on Sunday hit out at the state government for use of force on his party workers during a protest in Bhopal against the Centre’s three new farm laws, and alleged that the government was trying to crush the voice of farmers.

Nath led a farmers’ tractor rally in Depalpur, to protest against the new agri laws. He was seen driving a tractor himself in an agriculture-dominated area.

On Saturday, Congress workers protesting against the three agri laws clashed with police and allegedly hurled stones while on their way to gherao the Raj Bhavan in Bhopal, prompting police to use water cannons, tear gas and canes to disperse

them, officials earlier said.

Talking to reporters in Depalpur on Sunday, Nath said, “The administration in Bhopal tried to crush the voice of farmers. The (ruling) Bharatiya Janata Party does not understand that farmers comprise the largest community in our country.”

The former state chief minister alleged that the central government was trying to privatise the country’s farming sector through the three new agricultural laws.

“Lakhs of farmers have been agitating against the three black laws at Delhi borders since many days.

These laws will destroy the economy of our state and the country as they will reduce the purchasing power of farmers, causing the markets to collapse,” Nath said.

THE GAUHATI HIGH COURT AT GUWAHATI

(The High Court of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh) KOHIMA BENCH

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Narendra Modi

programme by providing the right information to the people.

“You need to take it to the next level now. Your reach is in all parts of society. I request you to come forward to help the country with the COVID-19 vaccination programme. You have to provide the right information on vaccines to the poor and general public,” Modi said.

“Indian scientists have done their duty by developing the coronavirus vaccine and now we have to fulfill ours. We have to defeat through right information every network spreading lies and rumours,” Modi said.

He also said that India will not become self-reliant

just by somebody saying so, but this will be achieved by actions of the youth for which they have to be armed with necessary skills.

“India will not become ‘aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) just by somebody saying so, it will become so by actions of youths like you. You will be able to do this better when you will have the necessary skill set,” Modi said.

Realizing the importance of this, the ministry of skill development was formed when his government came in 2014 and more than 5.5 crore youths have been given training for different skills till now, Modi said. Under this skill development programme, not just training is being given, help is being provided for getting employment, the prime minister said.

The aim is that the youths in India get new employment opportunities based on their skill sets, Modi said. He again stressed on ‘Vocal for Local’, saying it will gain more strength from the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ sentiment.

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Ram” slogans were raised there, in the presence of Modi.

The TMC MLA claimed that “a dark fascist force” was trying to grab power in West Bengal, and alleged that freedom of expression would be under stake, if it gets to seize control.

“Please don’t allow this force to take control of Bengal. It will do away with our freedom of expression.

People of different ideologies are free to air their views in Bengal. That would all come to end,” Basu said, after popular Bengali actress

PM exhorts youths to defeat ‘network of lies’ on COVID-19 vaccination

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Mamata hails from ‘demoness’ culture, has faulty DNA: UP MLA

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Kolkata, Jan 24 (PTI): The TMC on Sunday expressed regret over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on the “reprehensible treatment” meted out to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a section of audience, who raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans ahead of her speech on Netajis birth anniversary.

State minister Bratya Basu, during a press meet here, said the incident reflects the “misogynistic mindset” of certain people.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present at the programme, did not utter a single word condemning the behaviour of a section of audience... This shows that the BJP has no respect for Netaji and has no idea what he stood for,” he claimed.

The chief minister on Saturday declined to speak at an event, organised to celebrate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 125th birth anniversary, after “Jai Shri

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

Pay for vehicle, insurance Ensure 5G at affordable price: CCI to govt separately, suggests IRDAI panel

Realty sector seeks sops in Union budget New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI): The real estate sector wants stimulus in the form of sops in the upcoming Union Budget to boost housing demand, a top Credai Bengal official said.

The demands include personal tax relief, tax rebate on housing, extension of interest subvention, GST waiver, infrastructure status for the realty and easing liquidity for the sector, the official said.

The Budget for financial year 2021-22 will be presented on February 1.

In recent months, the government had offered Rs 25,000 crore stress asset fund for the uncompleted housing projects, increasing the differential from 10 per cent to 20 per cent under Section 43(CA) of the IT Act till June 30, 2021 were announced apart from ongoing interest subvention scheme.

“The year 2020 has been an unprecedented period in human history that disrupted the normal course of life. Since the outbreak of the pandemic in India earlier this year, the real estate sector reeling under a liquidity crunch, witnessed a flurry of challenges, Credai, West Bengal, president Sushil Mohta told PTI. “There is a need to bolster the real estate sector that contributes 8 per cent of the country’s economy as it is gearing for a big leap in the next 10 years,” he said.

Global real estate consultant Knight Frank India chairman and managing director Shishir Baijal in a pre-budget wish demanded A separate annual deduction of Rs 150,000 that will provide the much-needed fillip to opt for house purchase. On the aspect of housing demand, Section 80 C tax deduction on

Crossword

home loan principal repayment does not provide for a focused benefit on housing, he said.

“Hike the Rs 2 lakh tax rebate on housing loan interest rates to at least Rs 5 lakh to generate healthier housing demand, most notably in affordable and midsegment housing. The last increase in the deduction limit under Section 80C (to Rs 1.5 lakh a year) was in 2014 and an upward revision is long overdue,” Mohta who is also the Merlin group chairman said.

He also demanded GST waiver for underconstruction homes and extension of the interest subvention by another three years. Baijal said the government should use this budget session to refer to recommendations on restoration of GST input tax credit to the upcoming GST council meet.

Govt may announce policy for toys sector

CAIT seeks action against Amazon, Zomato for ‘daylight robbery’

New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI): The government may in the Budget next week announce formulation of a dedicated policy for the toys sector to boost domestic manufacturing, sources said.

They said the policy will help in creating a strong ecosystem for the industry in the country and also attract startups.

The commerce and industry ministry is already taking steps to promote domestic manufacturing of toys. It has come out with a quality control order for the sector and had also increased import duty last year on toys.

Quality control order is one of the ways to stop flow of cheap sub-standard toys into the domestic market.

New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS): The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in a communication sent to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal demanded immediate action against ecommerce entities including Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy and others.

“It is a case of daylight robbery of e-commerce entities in India and therefore demand immediate action against the erring e-commerce portals and online mechanism providers,” CAIT said. CAIT has accused Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy and various other e-commerce entities for violation of mandatory display of Country of Origin and Manufacturer, seller details on products sold through their respective E-Commerce Portals as required under the Consumers Protection (E Commerce) Rules,2020, Legal Metrolo-

No. 9812 Yesterday’s solution No. 9811

Across 1. Light shoe (6) 7. Cloudy (8) 8. Look intently (4) 10. On a ship or train (6) 11. Scoff at (6) 14. Mineral (3) 16. Lowest point (5) 17. Active and brisk (4) 19. Refund, reimburse (5) 21. Of punishment (5) 22. Country (5) 23. Enemies (4) 26. Backless seat (5) 28. Deity (3) 29. Objective (6) 30. Stiffen, set (6) 31. Employs (4) 32. Guitar pick (8) 33. Golf club (6) Down 1. Large scissors (6)

Su doku

No. 4431 Yesterday’s solution No. 4430

2. Sad or dull (6) 3. Nobleman (4) 4. Arms depot (7) 5. Of rabies (5) 6. Complete, total (5) 8. Badly off (4) 9. Before (3) 12. Beam of sunlight (3) 13. Mournful song (5) 15. Of the kidneys (5) 18. Italian food (5)

KAKURO

No. 3455 Yesterday’s solution No. 3454

19. Agent (3) 20. Cooking vessel (3) 21. Paint-mixing board (7) 22. Run to keep fit (3) 23. Large wooded area (6) 24. Betting chances (4) 25. Vocalist (6) 26. Paces (5) 27. Command (5) 28. Household fuel (3) 30. Camel’s protuberance (4)

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New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS): The committee constituted by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recommended direct payment of insurance premium to the insurance company while purchasing a vehicle, thereby suggesting separate payments for both buying the vehicle and the premium.

The Committee for Review of MISP (Motor Insurance Service Provider) Guidelines examined the current practice of collecting the premium payment from the customer while soliciting the motor insurance policy.

“The customer should make payment to the insurance company directly which is facilitated by the MISP. MISP shall not collect the insurance premium amount in its own account and then transfer the same to the insurance company,”

gy (Packaged Commodities) Act, 2011 and guidelines of Food Safety & Standards Authority of India.

CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal in a communication to Goyal said that e-commerce entities conducting business in India including Amazon, Flipkart and others are highly violating the mandatory conditions spelled out in above Acts.

“It is a pity that particularly in e-commerce every guidelines, Rules & Regulations, Laws and policies are being flouted openly

its report said.

As per the panel, there is lack of transparency in the cost of insurance premium when the customer buys the vehicle for the first time through the dealer as the customer pays one single cheque or payment for the cost of the vehicle and the insurance premium.

The MISP then pays through the insurance intermediary or directly to the insurance company through his own account.

and no department has so far taken any cognizance of compliance issues resulting in a highly vitiated and mess like e-commerce trade of India,” CAIT said. Bhartia and Khandelwal said that Rule 10 of Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 provide that e-commerce entities should have to display name and address of the manufacturer, name of the country of origin, common/generic name of the product, net quantity, best before/use by date (if applicable), maximum retail price, dimensions of the commodity, etc.

The customer does not know the insurance premium being paid as it is subsumed in the cost of the vehicle.

“This lack of transparency is not in the interest of the policyholder’s interest as the true cost of insurance is not known to the customer. The customer may not be aware of the coverage options and discounts available in the process,” it said.

The committee also noted that the customer cannot negotiate with the MISP to get the best coverage at the optimal price.

“There are also instances, where the policies are cancelled immediately after issuance refunding the premium. In cases, where MISP is making the payment through its account, the sources of funding is not known to the insurer and may also lead to possible anti money laundering activities,” it added.

This rule was introduced in June 2017 and provided a transition period of six months thereby its implementation from January 1,2018 but even after a lapse of three years, the above rules are not being complied by e-commerce companies prominently by Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

Failure to make declarations as above will amount to selling non-standard packages and will invite penalty under the above said Act, including fine or imprisonment or both, CAIT said.

Both trade leaders further said that similar obligations were imposed on e-commerce food business operators vide guidelines issued by the Food Safety & Standards Authority (FSSAI) on February 2,2017.

“But such FBOs like Zomato, Swiggy, etc. are not complying with the above rules,” CAIT said.

RBI expected to rein-in rising rupee Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to rein in any sharp appreciation in rupee due to hefty FIIs’ inflows during the upcoming week.

Experts contend that effects of large FIIs’ inflows will be neutralised by the RBI as it aims to keep the country’s exports competitiveness.

“Rendezvous with 73 is becoming interesting, with RBI defending it and showing resolve that chunky capital flows should not lead to a strong rupee and hurt India’s trade deficit,” said Sajal Gupta, Head, Forex and Rates, Edelweiss Securities.

“The RBI has made it clear that sovereign interest is paramount even at

Petrol, diesel prices remain unchanged New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS): Retail fuel prices were unchanged on Sunday across the four metros. On Saturday, petrol and diesel touched fresh all-time high levels. In the national capital, petrol was priced at Rs 85.70 per litre. In Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, petrol was sold at Rs 92.28, Rs 88.29 and Rs 87.11 per litre, respectively. Although the pump prices of fuels were unchanged on Sunday, they have been elevated for long and have been touching new highs of late. Global oil prices are above $55 per barrel currently. Crude prices have remained firm for the last couple of weeks in the wake of unilateral production cuts announced

by Saudi Arabia and a pick up in the consumption in all major economies globally.

risk of being on the watch list for regular interventions. Equity markets look shaky now after a historical upmove and trade deficit rising strongly suggests that rupee strength might not come easy going forward.”

The RBI is known to enter the markets via intermediaries to either sell or buy US dollars to keep the rupee in a stable orbit.

Recently, the RBI was called out by the US Treasury Department to curtail its market activities.

“Rupee has appreciated back to 73 levels. In September month, when rupee came near these levels, RBI bought dollars aggressively and did not allow it to strengthen further,” said Devarsh Vakil- Deputy Head of Retail Research at

HDFC Securities.

“We believe the RBI will step in now and protect the rupee’s competitiveness this time also. We expect rupee to reverse its recent appreciating trend in next few weeks. 72.9 is a strong support for the coming week.”

According to Rahul Gupta, Head of ResearchCurrency, Emkay Global Financial Services: “Next week is the US Fed policy, so the ultra-loose monetary policy along with the verbal intervention will have a negative reaction on the dollar. However, RBI is keeping the spot near 73 zones, so if that breaks we can expect the spot falling to 72.75, while 73.50 will continue to be the resistance.”

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sector could result in an uneven speed of 5G adoption by operators, and the more profitable ones are likely to be faster off the block than the weakened debt-ridden operators,” the CCI said, adding that such a scenario would have “implications on the level of competition” in the 5G market.

Reliance Jio Infocomm is the sole profit-making private telecom carrier at present.

The CCI report said the battered financial health of the telecom industry – saddled with more

ernment for an early 5G auction as it has developed its own 5G technology that can be ready for field deployments this year. The company also plans to offer its 5G technology to telcos across the world, after testing and scaling it up in India. The older incumbent operators, however, say 5G spectrum prices must drop to give telcos more headroom to invest in networks and price the services affordably.

Separately, the CCI report said that while overlapping jurisdiction between institutions such as the CCI, Trai, DoT and the envisaged Data Protection Authority cannot be completely eliminated, these ought to be harmonised through better regulatory design and improved lines of communication. It said this would be critical, as there could be “potential abuse of dominance cases, which might also involve a breach of data protection rules”.

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ity of ringing in greater harmonisation across the respective jurisdictions of the CCI, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the future Data Protection Authority, calling for stronger informal lines of communications to ensure more robust and consistent regulatory decisions in future.

“Spectrum allocation will be key to the successful launch of 5G services in India, but the current financial health of the (telecom)

than Rs 8.55 lakh-crore of debt – would hurt the ability of weaker telcos to acquire new 5G spectrum, especially since the average spectrum holdings of an Indian operator at 31 MHz is sharply lower than the 50 MHz global average.

The government will auction 4G spectrum in March but is yet to clarify when 5G airwaves would be up for sale, though it is widely expected later this year.

India’s second-largest telco, Bharti Airtel, has maintained that it will give 5G spectrum a miss even if it’s auctioned this year, saying the reserve prices set by Trai make these premium airwaves unaffordable.

The CCI study appeared to back this view, noting that “based on available information, 5G spectrum in India will be relatively more expensive than other countries”.

Telecom market leader, Reliance Jio, though, has been pushing the gov-

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Ko l kata , J a n 2 4 (Agencies): Kolkata: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has urged the government to ensure adequate 5G airwaves are auctioned at affordable rates amid acute financial stress in the debt-laden telecom sector. Otherwise, it said, the more profitable telecom operators could end up enjoying an unfair edge in deploying the fast mobile broadband technology in the country and make the 5G market uncompetitive, ET Telecom reported.

Creating a competitive 5G market, it said, is crucial for the ultra-fast wireless broadband technology to work in India, which would require assignment of ample 5G airwaves at a reasonable cost to ensure the capital market stays interested in funding such network upgradation and expansion, including acquisition of 5G spectrum.

The antitrust watchdog also underlined in a telecom market study the critical-

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Nepal PM expelled from his own party

KATHMANDU, JAN 24 (PTI): Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was expelled from the primary membership of the Nepal Communist Party by the splinter faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Sunday for alleged anti-party activities, further intensifying the infighting within the ruling party.

The decision was taken at the Standing Committee meeting of the faction led by former prime ministers Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal in Parisdanda in Koteshwor after Oli failed to give explanation to his recent moves as sought by party leadership, said Ganesh Shah, a senior standing committee member of the party.

Earlier in December, the splinter group had removed 68-year-old Oli, one of the two chairmen of the ruling party, as the co-chair.

Madhav Nepal was named as the party’s second chairman. Prachanda is the first chairman of the party.

The Prachanda-led faction on January 15 sought clarification from Oli alleging that he was carrying out activities that go against the party’s policies. The faction decided to remove Oli even from the ordinary member-

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

K P Sharma Oli

ship of the party after he chose not to furnish any clarification, party sources said.

Oli had been accused of violating party statute by the splinter group.

There is a provision of disciplinary action in party’s Constitution in case of public activities against the party’s principles, programs, policies and legal system, factionalism and conspiracy within the party, violation of party decision, lack of loyalty and trust in the party, breach of confidentiality, according to party sources.

The latest political development came two days after the NCP’s splinter faction led a massive antigovernment rally, saying the “unconstitutional” dissolution of the Parliament

by Prime Minister Oli has posed serious threats to the country’s hard-earned

federal democratic republic system.

Prachanda last week said that by dissolving the House, Oli has given a blow to the Constitution as well as the democratic republic system which has been established in the country through seven decades of struggle by the people.

Madhav Nepal, who last month replaced Oli as the chairman of the party

by Prachanda-led faction, said that the Constitution has not given rights to the prime minister to dissolve Parliament.

Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Oli, known for his pro-China leanings, in a surprise move dissolved Parliament, amidst a tussle for power with Prachanda.

His move to dissolve the 275-member House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party.

Oli, who is the chairperson of a faction of the NCP, has said he was forced to dissolve the House after knowing that the Prachanda-led faction was planning to file a no-confidence motion against him and introduce an impeachment motion against President

Bidya Devi Bhandari.

Oli-led CPN-UML and Prachanda-led NCP (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections.

After a vertical split in the ruling party following the dissolution of the House, both the factions, one led by Oli and another led by Prachanda, have submitted separate applications at the Election Commission claiming that their faction is the genuine party and asked to provide them the election symbol of the party. However, the Election Commission is yet to decide the matter.

In December, China sent a four-member highlevel delegation to Nepal to prevent a split within the NCP. The team - led by a Vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party, Guo Yezhou - held separate meetings with several top NCP leaders before returning home without much success in its mission.

India has described Oli’s sudden decision to dissolve Parliament and call for fresh elections as an “internal matter” that is for the country to decide as per its democratic processes.

Aus oppn leader says preparing for federal election CANBERRA, JAN 24 (IANS): Leader of Australia’s opposition Labor Party Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that he is preparing for a federal election, promising to release his signature economic policies well in advance of votes being cast.

He told Sky News that the economic policies of the two major parties would be the main issue in the election, promising that a Labor government would prioritise boosting productivity and better outcomes for workers, Xinhua news agency reported. He said there would be revenue policies and expenditure policies before the election. An election is not due until 2022, but there is speculation Prime Minister Scott Morrison will call one in the second half of this year. “If it’s early, it’s because Scott Morrison doesn’t have the confidence in his own government to be able to last a three-year term,” Albanese told Sky News. The Labor Party has not governed in Australia since 2013. The party was defeated by the Liberal National Party coalition in the 2019 federal election despite opinion polls projecting a comfortable victory.

China-Taiwan tensions rise days into Biden presidency TAIPEI, JAN 24 (AGENCIES): Chinese air force planes including 12 fighter jets entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone for a second day on Sunday, Taiwan said, as tensions rise near the island just days into U.S. President Joe Biden’s new administration.

China views democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and has in the past few months increased military activity near the island.

But China’s activities over the weekend mark a ratcheting up with fighters and bombers being dispatched rather than reconnaissance aircraft as had generally been the case in recent weeks.

After eight Chinese bomber planes and four fighter jets flew into Taiwan’s defence zone on Saturday, between mainland Taiwan and the Taiwancontrolled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea, a further 15 flew into the same air space on Sunday, Taiwan said.

Ta i wa n’s D e f e n c e Ministry said China sent six J-10 fighters, four J-16s, two SU-30s, a Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft and two Y-8

The carrier strike group was deployed “to ensure freedom of the seas, build partnerships that foster maritime security”.

anti-submarine aircraft.

Taiwan’s air force was sent up to respond, it added.

“Airborne alert sorties had been tasked, radio warnings issued and air defence missile systems deployed to monitor the activity,” the ministry said.

China has yet to comment. It has previously said such actions are aimed at defending the country’s sovereignty and designed to act as a warning against “collusion” between the United States and Taiwan.

The move is likely to further concern Washington, which on Saturday urged China to stop pressuring Taiwan and reaf-

firmed its commitment to the island and desire to deepen ties.

Earlier on Sunday, the U.S. military said that a U.S. aircraft carrier group led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt had entered the disputed South China Sea to promote “freedom of the seas”.

Biden was sworn into office only on Wednesday.

His administration says its commitment to Taiwan is “rock-solid”.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

Ageing dams in India, US, other Biden talks up transatlantic ties, Covid, climate change with Boris nations pose growing threat: UN report

11 trapped miners rescued from gold mine in China Beijing, Jan 24 (PTI): Eleven miners, trapped underground for two weeks following a blast in a gold mine in east China’s Shandong Province, have been rescued, the state media reported on Sunday.

Authorities have been racing to dig out 22 miners trapped underground in the partially built gold mine in the city of Qixia in Shandong Province, since the explosion blocked their exit on January 10.

The rescuers set free two workers on Sunday, bringing the number of rescued miners to 11, the staterun Xinhua news agency reported.

The first miner was rescued from the mine in the morning. The worker, said to be in “extremely weak condition”, was rushed to the hospital for treatment, the report said. Currently, 633 people and 407 equipment are at the site for rescue operations.

Before Sunday, rescuers

had established contact with only 10 of the miners, who were in good physical and psychological condition.

Another is believed to have been dead, the report said, adding the deceased worker had been in a coma.

Efforts have been underway to reach the workers since the blast occurred about 240 meters from the mine’s entrance, but Chinese officials said on Thursday it could take 15 days to drill through 70 tons of debris trapping many of the miners.

Food, medical supplies, blankets, and batches of nutrient solution have been passed down a shaft to the 10 workers who have been located, Xinhua reported.

According to state media, rescue teams are hoping to pull the miners out through a 711-millimeter diameter passage. By noon on Thursday, rescuers had drilled 18 meters into the mineshaft but heavy debris could slow efforts.

are found in just four Asian countries: China, India, Japan, and South Korea - a majority of which will reach the 50-year threshold relatively soon.

The same is true of many large dams in Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe, it said.

In India, there are over 1,115 large dams that will be roughly 50 years old in 2025, more than 4,250 large dams in the country will be over 50 years old in 2050 and 64 large dams will be more than 150 years old in 2050, it said.

The report said that approximately 3.5 million people are at risk if India’s Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala, built over 100 years ago, “were to fail”.

conclude a post-Brexit free trade agreement with the US, but the new American administration has been less vocal over this amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The global health crisis and vaccination pro-

The leaders also discussed the need for coordination on shared foreign policy priorities, including China, Iran, and Russia, it said.

“The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the President’s decision to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the World Health Organisation and the COVAX programme to ensure equitable access for vaccines,” the Downing Street spokesperson said. On climate change, Johnson is said to have also praised President Biden’s early action on tackling climate change and commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050.

OFFICE OF THE

MOPUNGCHUKET SENSO MUNGDANG H.Q : Mopungchuket Village, P.O. Impur – 798615 Dist- Mokokchung, Nagaland

Ref. No …………………….

FELICITATION

Date ……………………

The Mopungchuket Senso Mungdang (MSM) with immense pride and honour extend our heartiest Congratulations to the following individuals : 1. Smti. Obangla Jamir on being promoted, as secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland.

2. Smti. Jatila Jamir on being inducted into the Indian Police Service (IPS).

3. Smti. Soyimna Aier Koza on being inducted into the Indian Police Service (IPS).

4. Shri. Takatemjen Jamir on being promoted to Joint Director under SCERT. 5. Shri. Tarepkaba on being promoted to Head Master under Dept. of School Education.

6. Shri. I. Chuba Aier on being promoted to Head Master under Dept. of School Education.

7. Smti. M. Narola Lkr on being promoted to Head Master under Dept. of School Education.

8. Smti. Alemjungla Jamir, Proprietor of Naga Bowl Express, for achieving the award- “Most Admired Traditional Naga Cuisine Restaurant in Nagaland”, awarded by the Merit Awards and Market Research Private Limited in the category of India’s Most Prominent Food and Hospitality Award 2020.

9. Smti. Lenien Jamir, D/o Shri. Amba Jamir, for becoming the first-ever tennis player from Nagaland to be selected for the women’s tennis team of Monmouth University, New Jersey, United States.

The Union, further, wishes all a grand success and pray that our Almighty God will guide and bless you all in all your future endeavors.

L. Tali Jamir Tiasunep Jamir President, MSM General Secretary, MSM

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on Earth will live downstream of tens of thousands of large dams built in the 20th century, many of them already operating at or beyond their design life,” according to the UN University analysis.

The analysis includes dam decommissioning or ageing case studies from the USA, France, Canada, India, Japan, and Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to the report, the world is unlikely to witness another large dam-building revolution as in the mid-20th century, but dams constructed then will inevitably be showing their age.

The report said that 32,716 large dams (55 per cent of the world’s total)

of the call only referred to “strengthening the special relationship”.

“The president conveyed his intention to strengthen the special relationship between our countries and revitalise transatlantic ties, underscoring the critical role of NATO to our collective defense and shared values,” the White House said.

“Building on the UK and US’ long history of cooperation in security and defence, the leaders re-committed to the NATO alliance and our shared values in promoting human rights and protecting democracy.

They also discussed the benefits of a potential free trade deal between our two countries, and the Prime Minister reiterated his intention to resolve existing trade issues as soon as possible,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

The UK is keen to

gramme in both countries and around the world as well as climate change were areas of more mutual agreement, with security and defence through strengthening the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) also high on the agenda – in contrast with former President Donald Trump’s hard ball with the alliance.

During the call, President Biden noted the importance of cooperation, including through multilateral organisations, on shared challenges such as combatting climate change, containing COVID-19, and ensuring global health security, the White House said.

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Representational image.

Joe Biden and Boris Johnson

MKC-28

NEW YORK, JAN 24 (PTI): Over a thousand large dams in India will be roughly 50 years old in 2025 and such aging structures across the world pose a growing threat, according to a UN report which notes that by 2050, most people on Earth will live downstream of tens of thousands of dams built in the 20th century.

The report, titled ‘Ageing water infrastructure: An emerging global risk’ and compiled by United Nations University’s Canadian-based Institute for Water, Environment and Health, says most of the 58,700 large dams worldwide were constructed between 1930 and 1970 with a design life of 50 to 100 years.

It said at 50 years, a large concrete dam “would most probably begin to express signs of ageing.”

Ageing signs include increasing cases of dam failures, progressively increasing costs of dam repair and maintenance, increasing reservoir sedimentation, and loss of a dam’s functionality and effectiveness, “strongly interconnected” manifestations, the report said.

“By 2050, most people

WASHINGTON/LONDON, JAN 24 (PTI): Joe Biden conveyed his intention to strengthen the “special relationship” with the UK in his first call as the US President with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, during which the two leaders re-committed to the NATO alliance and agreed to cooperate on combating climate change and containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conversation with Johnson over phone on Saturday was Biden’s third involving a foreign leader since his inauguration on Wednesday, after he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday.

“Great to speak to President Joe Biden this evening. I look forward to deepening the longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from COVID-19,” Johnson said in a tweet.

It seem that a new trade agreement was not on the list of priorities for both sides. While the Downing Street readout of the phone call referred to Johnson reiterating his intention to resolve existing trade issues as soon as possible, the White House communique

Infotainment

10

Dig script left me Glass Animals top Aus triple j inThe tears: Ralph Fiennes Hottest 100 of 2020 countdown R

G

lass Animals have topped Australia’s triple j Hottest 100 of 2020 with their song ‘Heat Waves’.

To take out the annual listener-voted poll, the band beat out Aussie group Spacey Jane (‘Booster Seat’ at number 2). They were separated by a tiny number of votes, hosts Hobba and Hing said, that could be “counted on two hands”.

Glass Animals had previously pledged to tattoo their arses with the outline of the Australian continent if they won.

Speaking to Hobba and Hing after the results were announced, frontman Dave Bayley said the band had considered tattooing each other, but decided against it. He didn’t have a tattoo artist standing by, he said – and was “open to suggestions”.

Bayley marked the achievement with a grateful message to fans on Glass Animals’ Instagram page.

“Can’t believe it. wish we

could be there to celebrate together…all those countdown parties are looking d*mn fun rn,” he wrote. “thank you to everyone who believed in this song. congratulations to everyone in the hottest 100…so many incredible, highly deserving artists. and congratulations to everyone who released something last year…so scary releasing records in a pandemic without the support of tour, friends, family and team.

Rounding out the top 5 were: Flume and Toro y Moi (‘The Difference’ at number 3), Ball Park Music (‘Cherub’ at number 4) and Tame Impala (‘Lost In Yesterday’ at number 5).

Other artists that made the top 10 included Billie Eilish, Hilltop Hoods, The Jungle Giants and G Flip.

Narrowly missing out on the top 5 was ‘WAP’ by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.

The voting for the annual poll closed on January

18. This year’s countdown included 66 Australian artists, tying the record set in 2016 for the most local artists in the poll ever.

The Hottest 100 of 2020 also had the largest number of songs by Indigenous Australian artists in its history, triple j revealed in a post-countdown press release. Six songs from Indigenous artists charted, including two from The Kid LAROI and one each from Thelma Plum, Sycco, Beddy Rays and Birdz.

Some notable entries of this year’s countdown include Eilish’s James Bond theme ‘No Time To Die’, which became the second Bond theme to ever chart in the Hottest 100.

Mashd N Kutcher’s ‘Get On The Beers’, a dance remix of a viral line uttered by Dan Andrews, Australian politician and Premier of Victoria state, in a COVID-19 press conference, also came in at number 12.

(NME)

alph Fiennes was “in tears” when he read ‘The Dig’ script for the first time.

The 58-year-old actor portrays archaeologist Basil Brown – who discovered discovered and excavated a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon burial ship in Suffolk in 1939 – in the new movie and he was attracted to the film because of the unique platonic relationship between his character and Carey Mulligan’s Edith Pretty, the terminally ill owner of the excavation site.

He said: “I was in tears when I finished reading it because the relationship between Edith and Basil was so obviously not about that. I can’t remember a time when I’ve seen a similar relationship portrayed on film.”

And Ralph was horrified to learn that an earlier draft of the script featured a romantic moment between the two.

Director Simon Stone admitted: “There was a kiss in a much earlier draft.”

Ralph exclaimed: “I don’t remember that! And I think I read the script earlier than Simon did, so it must’ve happened between

my version and yours.”

The veteran actor could hear a tone of his own parents in some of the dialogue from his kindly character.

He said: “I can hear my mum saying similar things. You know? ‘You learn through failure. It’s painful, but you learn.’ ” Ralph has won praise for his Suffolk accent in the movie, which he credits to his dialect coach Charlie Haylock, but he admitted that on one night, he treated pals in a pub to the delivery of a Shakespeare soliloquy in his character’s voice “out of playfulness”.

He told The Times Saturday Review: “The thing is that there was no Standard English before the 18th century.

“Everyone spoke in their own accents. I had heard that from Peter Hall, who used to say, ‘There was no beautiful English in Elizabethan theatre!’

“So, yes, out of playfulness I did, ‘To be or not to be that is the question whether ’tis nobler . . . to sleep no more.’ Yes. You could say I was showing off a bit.”

(Contactmusic)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

‘Dynamite’ by BTS hits 800 mn views on YouTube

T

he music video for “Dynamite,” the historic BTS song that topped the Billboard’s main singles chart last year, has earned 800 million YouTube views, the band’s agency said on Sunday.

YouTube views for “Dynamite” hit 800 million views on Sunday, becoming the septet’s sixth music video to reach the milestone, according to Big Hit Entertainment.

The feat came just a month after it earned 700 million views, it added.

“Dynamite,” an upbeat disco-pop track that was sung in English, has rewritten history in many ways. It earned the seven-piece band its first career No. 1 on the Billboard’s main singles

chart and stayed there for months.

The septet also received its first Grammy nomination in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category with “Dynamite.”

The awards ceremony is slated for March 14 (US time).

Upon its release, the music video for the hit song earned 101 million views in just 24 hours, setting a record as the most-watched music video in 24 hours, reports Yonhap news agency.

BTS’ most-watched music video is “DNA” with 1.1 billion views, followed by “Boy With Luv (Feat. Halsey)” and “Fake Love.”

The band owns 28 music videos that have been

watched at least 100 million times, according to Big Hit. Seven-member superband BTS was the most streamed Korean artiste and global group last year, according to streaming giant Spotify.

Spotify’s data showed that the top 10 most streamed Korean artistes logged a combined 10.6 billion streams in a sign of their growing clout around the world.

K-pop soloists and members of popular groups like Girls Generation and BTS who have released solo material led the streaming race in a separate chart of most streamed K-pop female and male artistes.

(IANS)

Ben Affleck says he is a better actor now than when he was younger

B

en Affleck believes his acting has improved as he has gotten older.

The 48-year-old actor - who shot to fame with ‘Good Will Hunting’ in 1997 - believes getting older and having different life experiences has improved his acting abilities.

Speaking to Sacha Baron Cohen for Variety about his movie ‘The Way Back’, Ben said: “I feel like my own acting, at least by my own standards, has gotten better as I’ve gotten older, and had more life experiences and had more stuff to access. And with a role like that, I am an alcoholic, so I understood to a certain extent the alcoholism, but I haven’t lost a child. This guy’s had a very different life from mine, but what was interesting about the story was

I hoped people would find some catharsis in watching him go through something very difficult. I was concerned that I have to find ways to make this as realistic as possible.”

Ben also revealed that directing ‘The Town’ and ‘Argo’ has made him a better actor.

He said: “This was a bit atypical for me. I’ve kind of changed as an actor, my approach, particularly from before and after I started directing, because it was really instructive. I learned more about acting from directing than I did from acting classes. There’s something really valuable about being on the other side, and seeing what works and what doesn’t. And what you can do editorially, and just getting used to the sound of your own stupid voice.” (Contactmusic)

11th National Voters’ Day Message

(ABHIJIT SINHA), IAS CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, NAGALAND. DC-68

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Election Commission of India was constituted on 25th January, 1950. To mark the foundation of the Election Commission, National Voters’ Day was first celebrated on 25th January, 2011 and this year on the 25th January, the 11th National Voters’ Day (NVD) is being celebrated. Nagaland also along with the rest of the country is celebrating the 11th National Voters’ Day in the State Capital Kohima, all the district HQs, Sub-Divisions and all the polling stations.

The National Voters’ Day celebrates the right to vote and the vibrant and beautiful democracy of ours. The Election Department throughout the State is organising befitting program for celebration of the Day which also includes facilitation of newly registered voters and recognizing those officials who have rendered exemplary service during election or management of electoral roll.

The theme of the 11th National Voters’ Day is “Making our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed”. In this regard, it is to mention that the constitution of India guarantees the right to all its citizens who is 18 years and above to be registered in the electoral roll and confer them the right to vote. Hence, an appeal is made to all the eligible citizens to exercise their right without fear, intimidation and inducement. All are also requested to be always vigilant against any kind of electoral malpractices, be fully literate about the electoral processes so as to be able to make informed decisions during the elections and to further follow all the current health safety protocols to ensure safe elections.

On this day, I once again make an appeal to all concerned, and every citizen to rededicate themselves for pursuing the objective of greater participation in the electoral process for an even stronger democracy.

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Ex-Ireland cricketer Roy Torrens passes away DUBLIN, JAN 24 (IANS): Former Ireland cricketer Roy Torrens has passed away at the age of 72, Cricket Ireland has informed.

A right-handed batsman and a right-arm fastmedium bowler, Torrens debuted for Ireland on July 20, 1966 v Middlesex at Ormeau (Cap Number 507).

He was capped 30 times between 1966 and 1984, taking 77 wickets at 25.66 apiece, and a best of 7/40.

After playing retirement, Torrens became president of the Irish Cricket Union in 2000, and in 2004 the Ireland men’s team manager -- a role he held for 12 years.

“I am greatly saddened to learn of the loss of our great friend, Roy Torrens.

Roy was a truly remarkable character, an immense presence in Irish cricket, and a truly great friend not just personally, but to many people within and outside the cricket family,” Ross McCollum, Chair of Cricket Ireland, said.

“He was a player, a team manager, a president and -- most importantly -- an inspiration to all he met. It goes without saying, but we will miss him greatly and our hearts go out to Joan, the family and his friends at this time,” he added.

Chelsea team players celebrate their goal against Luton Town during the FA Cup on Sunday.

after James Bree crossed in for Clark to squeeze his shot under Kepa, who should have done better.

The Blues were sloppy at times in the second half and Luton had chances, Kepa saving from Harry Cornick and Tom Lockyer to redeem himself after the earlier error.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

replaced Pulisic on 70 minutes and made an immediate impact, having a shot blocked with with his first touch before setting up Abraham with a low cross for Chelsea’s third goal.

Werner, who scored his first goal in 13 games against Morecambe in the third round, had the chance to make it 4-1 five

minutes from time after being tripped in the box

by Clark, but saw his spotkick saved by Luton keeper Simon Sluga.

It was a welcome victory for Lampard, who has come in for criticism over Chelsea’s Premier League position - they sit ninth in the table after five defeats in their past eight games.

Ogier clinches record 8th Monte Carlo win LO N D O N, JA N 2 4 (AGENCIES): Sebastien Ogier clinched a record eighth victory at Monte Carlo in the World Rally Championship’s seasonopening event.

The Frenchman led by 13 seconds heading into day four and despite snow and ice he finished 32.6 seconds ahead.

Welshman Elfyn Evans, Ogier’s Toyota teammate, finished second, with Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville third. Ogier’s season is off to a perfect start as he won the power stage to add five

Sebastien Ogier

bonus points to his maximum score. “That’s not a bad end to the weekend! The car has been amazing - it’s been such a pleasure,” Ogier said. “I almost have tears in my eyes and I think it was

a good decision to do one more year.”

Ogier’s 50th WRC win outdid compatriot Sebastien Loeb, the nine-time world champion who won in Monte Carlo seven times.

Evans was also pleased with his start, despite having led by seven seconds after day two. “It’s been good, but I felt never 100% as it should have been,” he said.

“There were some good stages, but never consistently where I’d really like to be.

Perhaps we were just a little below the point you could call the level of risk.”

Ozil completes Fenerbahce move

A R S E NA L , JA N 2 4 (AGENCIES): Mesut Ozil has signed for Fenerbahce on a free transfer to close the book on his eight-year spell at Arsenal.

Goal reported last week that Ozil had been given permission to travel to Istanbul to undergo a medical with Fenerbahce.

The Gunners agreed to terminate the midfielder’s £350,000-a-week contract at Emirates Stadium six months early, and he has now completed a move to the club he supported as a boy. MLS outfit D.C. United had also been strongly linked with Ozil, but he ultimately decided that Fenerbahce was the right place to continue

Mesut Ozil

his career, with the Turkish giants confirming his arrival on Sunday.

Ozil could be in line to make his debut when Fenerbahce take in a trip Sivasspor in the Super Lig on Thursday, but should that fixture come too soon, he will likely feature in a home fixture against Kayserispor

Pakistan announce 17-man squad for first Proteas Test

four days later instead.

The 32-year-old will be charged with helping Erol Bulut’s side secure the club’s first title since 2013-14, with only three points separating them and current league leaders Galatasaray.

He may well need some time to settle into his new surroundings and rediscover his best form, though, having spent the best part of 11 months on the sidelines in north London. Mikel Arteta opted to omit Ozil from his plans following Arsenal’s return to competitive action post-coronavirus lockdown last June, and he didn’t make a single first-team appearance in the first half of their latest campaign.

15th Jalukie Valley Open Football Tourney from Feb 24 DIMAPUR (NPN): The 15th Jalukie Valley Open Football Tournament under the aegis of Jalukie Valley Youth Organization (JVYO) will begin on February 24 at Jalukie ‘B’ local ground.

The tournament is one of the biggest and most anticipated tournaments of its valley. The champions will receive a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh while the runners-up will receive a cash of Rs. 50,000/-. The entry fee will be Rs. 3000. The individual awards include best player and best keeper with a cash prize of Rs. 5000 and 3000 respectively.

Entry form will be made available by January 27.

Interested teams and clubs have been asked to collect the entry form and by-laws from Mpom Pharmacy Jalukie Town or mail the organisers at jvyofootball@ gmail.com. The last date of submission of entry form will be February 22.

For further information, interested club/team may contact at 6909028097 or 6909250544.

Hemanth bags two gold medals for 7th national title in 4 years C H E N NA I , JA N 2 4 (IANS): Multiple national champion Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing was in his elements once again winning both the gold in the top-two categories as he emerged as the national champion for the successive fourth year, in the second and final round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Championship on Sunday.

Touching speeds of 205.65kmph, the 31-year old Bengaluru-based rider won the above 1051cc class with ease, clocking 7.879seconds for a course of 302-metres astride a BMW, beating Baba Satagopan (8.263) to second and convincingly defeating darkhorse Hafizullah Khan who ended up third with a time of 8.362.

Tuned by Sharan Pratap, who continued the legacy of popular Pratap Jayaram, Hemanth was astride a Black BMW and soon celebrated with a custom-made helmet and champion T-shirt.

In the 850 to 1050cc class, Hemanth was on a

Hemanth Muddappa

green Hayabusa clocking 8.071 for his second gold of the day. Zubair Ali Jung came second in 8.202sec while Baba Satagopan was third in 8.306sec.

Hemanth had won the National Drag Championship in the feature race of unrestricted foreign open class in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 besides winning the top-two classes above 1051cc and 850 to 1050cc in 2018 and two more gold in the same classes on Sunday to make it his seventh national title. The feature event, Unrestricted Foreign Open, was not run this

year.

“Winning can be an excellent form of motivation for a time, but the drive to be just a little bit better every single day can make you unstoppable,” said Hemanth.

In other classes, J Bharat Raj clocked 14.420 to win the gold in the 4stroke 165cc category beating PM Soorya to second and R Aravind Ganesh took third place.

In the 361 to 55cc, former Racing champion Karthik Mateti of Hyderabad won the National title edging out Aiyaz while Thulsi Ram took third.

India jr beat Chile sr 2-0 in women’s hockey SANTIAGO (CHILE), JAN 24 (IANS): Maintaining their unbeaten streak during the tour of Chile, the Indian junior women’s hockey team defeated Chile senior women’s team 2-0 in their latest encounter. The two goals for India came in the last quarter through Sangita Kumari (48’) and Sushma Kumari (56’).

On Saturday evening, it was a very open contest between the two teams during the first three quarters, with neither team managing to break the deadlock. There were chances for both the teams through open play and set pieces, but the defenses stood up tall to deny their opponents.

India looked like they were under pressure during a phase of play in the second quarter when they conceded back to back penalty corners, but some good defending inside the striking circle made sure the hosts couldn’t take the lead.

A similar story unfolded in the third quarter, but it was India who were on the attack, seeing a penalty corner execution being defended well by Chile’s senior team in the 32nd minute.

The hosts themselves had a penalty corner three minutes later, but again it was the defense which was successful.

What had become a tight and nervy contest by the start of the fourth quarter, it was India who drew

Indian junior womens’ hockey team players celebrate their victory against chile.

first blood as they orchestrated a beautiful team move to open the scoring through Sangita (48’). The young forward took her chance confidently, and maintained her goal-scoring form. Minutes later, Chile had a glorious chance to equalise through a penalty corner, but India’s rushers performed their task decently.

In the 56th minute, it was the visiting team’s turn to get a penalty corner, which proved to be the decisive moment in the match.

A well executed drag-flick and a successful strike off a rebound by Sushma hit the back of the net, and extended India’s lead to two goals, which they were able to maintain for the remaining few minutes to snatch their fourth win in five matches in Chile.

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Chelsea beat Luton 3-1 in FA Cup

LO N D O N, JA N 2 4 (AGENCIES): A Tammy Abraham hat-trick secured Chelsea 3-1 victory over Luton Town in the FA Cup fourth round to relieve some pressure on manager Frank Lampard on Sunday.

Abraham slotted in from Timo Werner’s cutback before nodding in a second from Reece James’ chip.

Jordan Clark scored for the visitors - after an error by keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga- on 30 minutes to keep them in the game.

But Abraham poked home to seal victory before Timo Werner missed a penalty.

C he l se a wil l fa c e Championship side Barnsley in the fifth round.

Chelsea - who won the competition in 2018 and were beaten finalists last season - were in complete control at 2-0 and Christian Pulisic and Abraham both went close to increasing their lead.

But Luton, who edged past Reading in the last round, settled into the game

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

FELICITATION

PRESS RELEASE

Ao Senior National Workers along with Ashiho Asoumai (seated centre) convenor steering committee.

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ner Yasir Shah in the spin department, while the fast bowling line-up includes Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Tabish Khan, alongside Hasan Ali. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz are the two all-rounders.

After the second Test which will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4-8, the two teams will compete in three T20 Internationals in Lahore on February 11, 13 and 14.

The last time the two teams met in Pakistan was

in 2007 when South Africa beat the hosts 1-0 in a twomatch Test series. South Africa are the fourth country to tour Pakistan in the last 15 months after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Squad: Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Yasir Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tabish Khan

Shri Razouvolie Dozo We, the Thüvopisümi Village, with immense pride and honor want heartily congratulate Shri Razouvolie Dozo, S/o Pukronyi Dozo for his promotion as Deputy Commissioner, Phek. We also expressed our profound gratitude to our PDA Government for giving an opportunity to serve the people of Phek District.

We pray to the Almighty God to bless him and his family with health and wisdom and success in his endeavor.

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File photo of Pakistan cricket squad.

KARACHI, JAN 24 (IANS): Pakistan on Sunday announced a 17-member squad for the first of the two-Test home series against South Africa beginning Tuesday at the National Stadium.

Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam and Salman Ali Agha are the players who have been left out from the list of probables who were part of the training camp in the lead-up to the Test series. Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan will part-

The convenor, Steering committee and Honb'le Kilo Kilonser, NSCN/ GPRN convened a meeting with the Ao Senior National Workers of NSCN/ GPRN on the 23rd of Jan 2021 at the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell office. At the meeting the following points were deliberated and reaffirmed to strengthen and work for the National cause.

The Ao Senior National workers reaffirmed strongly to support the “Frame Work Agreement” which was signed on 3rd Aug 2015 and also the ongoing peace talks with the GoI. The Ao Senior National Workers amicably resolved to forgo the past misunderstandings and mis-communications, which arose between the Ao National Workers and further agreed to strengthen and work for the National cause. Further, the Ao Senior National Worker congratulated Ashiho Asoumai for the new assignment as convenor steering committee and also thanked the collective Leadership for the prestigious assignment to Mr. Arep Jamir as the speaker of Tatar Hoho, NSCN/GPRN. Sd/P. Lima Kichu CAO, Ao Region NSCN/GPRN MKC-29

(MHATHOVEYI TETSE-O) (VESWÜNYI P. TETSE-O) (NÜZOTO VENYO) Chairman Chairman President Welfare Board Village Council Students’ Union

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Odisha FC, B’luru FC play out thrilling 1-1 draw Naushad Moosa decided to bring on Kristian Opseth for Ajay Morajkar in the second half. The substitution almost worked as the Norwegian’s long range free-kick tested the goalkeeper, who parried the ball away in the 48th minute.

Odisha almost doubled the lead in the 59th as Jerry Mawihmingthanga’s strike was stopped by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Few minutes later, on the other side of the ground, Cleiton Silva struck the framework of the goal from a direct free-kick. The second half proved to be even more

Odisha FC celebrate their goal scored against the run of play against Bengaluru FC.

Poirier stuns Conor in UFC rematch

exciting with end to end action.

Bengaluru eventually managed to equalise via Paartalu’s header in the 82nd minute after a fine delivery by Silva during a corner. With both teams in search of the winning goal, Odisha’s Daniel Lalhimpuia got a solid chance, but his shot hit the post. Immediately, at the other end, Sunil Chettri also missed a great chance as his shot went above the bar. But the golden opportunity fell to Opseth in injury time, but he did not even test Arshdeep in goal.

Jamshedpur end string of defeats with 0-0 draw against Hyderabad

Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier in action during the UFC rematch on Saturday.

ABU DHABI, JAN 24 (IANS): Former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor was on Sunday left stunned on his return to the UFC as Dustin Poirier claimed victory in their rematch at UFC 257 at the Etihad Arena.

McGregor, who came out of retirement for a third time to face Poirier, was beaten in the second round via technical knockout. The finish came at 2 minutes 32 seconds into round two.

McGregor seemed to start well as he survived an early takedown and pinned Poirier against the fence for

most of the first round.

However, the American southpaw replied with a series of leg kicks, before pouncing on McGregor midway through the second round to take his record to 27-6.

This was McGregor’s first fight in a year when he stopped Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds. Before that he had not stepped inside the octagon since October 2018 when he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“I’m gutted, it’s a tough one to swallow,” said McGregor after the bout as per BBC Sport.

“His leg kicks were good, my leg was dead and I wasn’t as comfortable as I needed to be. I have to dust it off and come back.”

After the bout, Nurmagomedov said on Twitter: “This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality.”

This was the second clash between McGregor and Poirier as they had fought before back in 2014.

At that time, the American was stopped inside 106 seconds.

freekick and a cross from Manuel Ownu in the right flank, which met the Brazilian, who slotted the ball home.

With Bengalur u known for scoring via setpieces, they were using the same route on Sunday as well, and it nearly paid off, but goalkeeper Arshsdeep Singh stood firm. If he came up with a fine save to deny Paartalu in the 37th minute, Arshdeep made another diving save a few minutes later to stop Rahul Bheke’s header.

With Bengaluru failing to open their account,

Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC settled for a point each after a goalless draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Tilak Maidan Stadium here, on Sunday.

W h i l e H yd e r a b a d ended up drawing their third game on the trot, Jamshedpur nabbed their first point of the calendar year, after a hat-trick of losses.

New signings Farukh Choudhary and Seiminlen Doungel were among the four changes made by Jamshedpur while Roland

Alberg was handed his first start as Hyderabad rang in two changes.

The opening half was an intriguing, open-ended contest with both sides hitting the post but failing to find the net. Hyderabad fashioned better chances but Jamshedpur keeper TP Rehenesh produced two fine saves to keep the scoreline 0-0 heading into the break.

Carolina Marin, Viktor Axelson win singles titles at Thailand Open

Cases of mutant Covid strain linked to Australian Open

Root’s century gives England hope in 2nd Test

PANAJI/VASCO, JAN 24 (AGENCIES): Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the ISL at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday. An early strike from Diego Mauricio helped the former take lead, but his strike was cancelled out

by Cleiton Silva (82) in a contest, which could have gone either way.

Both teams, especially the Blues got their fair share of chances to score the winning goal, but their players failed to find the back of the net. This result also means Bengaluru have

not tasted success in their last seven games.

Both teams got their fair share of chances to score a late winning goal, but neither managed to find the back of the net. However, Odisha goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh needs special praise as he came up with some big saves throughout the contest, which played an important role in the overall result as well.

Despite Bengaluru enjoying possession in the early exchanges, it was Odisha, who scored first as Mauricio scored from close range. It was a quick

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

Carolina Marin

BA N G KO K , J A N 2 4 (IANS): Reigning Olympic badminton champion Carolina Marin and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen on Sunday came out with dominant performances to win the respective women’s and men’s singles titles at the Toyota Thailand Open tournament.

In women’s singles final, Marin defeated top seed Tai Tzu-Ying 21-19, 21-17 in a match that lasted 48 minutes. In a much tighter contest than the first final

Viktor Axelsen

last week where the two had contested in the summit clash, Marin won the first game 21-19. The Taiwanese 26-year-old then appeared to lose her confidence early in the second game, as her 27year-old Spanish opponent asserted her dominance. Tai then saved four match points but it was not enough to stop Marin to seal the game 21-17 and clinch her second Thailand Open title in a fortnight. In men’s singles final, Axelsen eased past Hans-Kristian Solberg Vit-

tinghus 21-11, 21-7 in just 40 minutes to seal his second title within a span of two weeks in Thailand.

With the win, the world number four has become the first men’s singles player to win all three Super 1000 tournament in a season and has also extended his unbeaten streak to 28 matches. Thailand is hosting three consecutive badminton tournaments in a bio-secure bubble, without spectators amid the Covid19 pandemic.

SYDNEY, JAN 24 (IANS): A more contagious variant of Covid-19 first reported in the UK has been detected in three people associated with the Australian Open tennis event, officials have confirmed.

The three people are not players and initially tested positive for the virus shortly after arriving in Australia last week. All three have been in strict quarantine since their arrival.

“The residents arrived in Melbourne on a dedicated Australian Open charter flight on 15 January and returned their first positive tests on 15, 17 and 18 January,” a spokesperson for Covid-19 Quarantine Victoria said on Saturday, reports Xinhua news agency.

“The three residents include two men in their 30s and a man in his 50s and all are non-players.”

One of the cases linked with the event was reclassified on Sunday taking the total number to nine. There are roughly 70 competitors considered close contacts of those cases.

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

GALLE, JAN 24 (AGENCIES): Joe Root became the first England batsman to score over 150 in consecutive Tests in 16 years as he tormented Sri Lanka and led his side to 339 for nine in their first innings at the close of play on day three of the second and final Test in Galle.

However, the tired and cramping England captain was dismissed in the final over of the day for 186, run out after clipping the ball to short leg Oshada Fernando.

Root’s weariness did not allow him to get back into his crease having pushed forward after playing the stroke.

England still trail by 42 runs and will seek to wipe out the deficit with Jack Leach and James Anderson at the crease on the fourth morning, although Sri Lanka spinner Lasith Embuldeniya has been excellent with career best figures of 7-132.

Root followed up his 228 in the first Test to match the feat of Marcus Trescothick, who scored 194 and 151 in consecutive Tests against Bangladesh

Real Madrid cruise past Alaves in LaLiga M A D R I D, J A N 2 4 (IANS): Real Madrid recovered from a painful few days which saw them lose in the semi-final of the Spanish Suercup to Athletic Club Bilbao and then crash out of the Copa del Rey to third tier Alcoyano, when they cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win away to Alaves, who were celebrating their centenary.

Zinedine Zidane was not in the dugout on Saturday evening after testing positive for the coronavirus, but his side didn’t seem to miss his presence as they took a 3-0 lead before halftime, reports Xinhua news agency.

Casemiro opened the scoring with a header from a Toni Kroos cross following a corner, Eden Hazard then set up Karim Benzema to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute, before scoring himself from another Kroos pass in first-half injury time.

Joselu’s header just before the hour gave Alaves brief hope of a fightback, but Benzema’s second goal

Real Madrid players celebrate after scoring against Alaves during the Spanish laLiga match on Saturday.

10 minutes later killed that hope off and gave Madrid three points which should help to ease the pressure on a coach currently in

quarantine.

Youssef En Nesyri was Sevilla’s hero as he scored a hat-trick to give his side a comfortable 3-0 win

in their Andalusian derby at home to Cadiz.

His first goal was a left-foot shot from inside the area, while the second

two were both powerful headers as he outmuscled the Cadiz defense to help strengthen Sevilla’s place in the top-four.

Sevilla’s nearest rivals Villarreal were held to a 0-0 draw away to bottom of the table Huesca, who defended well, but without top scorer Gerard Moreno Villarreal lacked bite in attack.

Two goals in the last five minutes saw Betis take a point from their visit to Real Sociedad, who had led 2-0 in the 85th minute thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Mikel Oyarzabal, although Betis keeper, Joel should have done better with Isak’s goal.

Joel redeemed himself with several good saves before former Real Sociedad midfielder Sergio Canales gave Betis a lifeline with an 85th-minute header from Joaquin Sanchez’s cross and Joaquin leveled the scores with a deflected leftfoot shot two minutes into injury time following a pass from Cristian Tello.

Joe Root

in 2005.

Root’s innings was again built around the impressive use of the sweep shot, which he has waged to take the attack to the Sri Lanka bowlers.

He had failed to score a Test century in 2020, the first time in his career he

went a calendar year without a ton, and his return to form will be welcome as England head into four Tests in India straight after this series.

The tourists resumed the day on 98 for two having lost their openers cheaply for the third time

in as many innings in this series.

Jonny Bairstow never looked settled and fell on 28, an inside edge onto his pad off the dangerous Embuldeniya looping to Fernando at short leg.

Dan Lawrence was impressive on his debut in England’s seven-wicket win in the first Test but made just three as he edged Embuldeniya to Lahiru Thirimanne at slip.

At 132 for four, England were teetering, but Root and Jos Buttler (55) steadied the ship with a fifth-wicket stand of 97 before the latter tried a reverse sweep that went straight into his boot and bounced to short leg, providing a first Test wicket for debutant spinner Ramesh Mendis.

Sam Curran (13) was out in the final over of the afternoon session, caught at slip, before Dom Bess (32) put on a vital 81 with Root for the seventh wicket.

Bess and Mark Wood (1) were both also caught at slip by Thirimanne off Embuldeniya, the first time a Sri Lanka fielder had taken five catches in an innings.

Nuggets fend off Suns in double overtime A r i z ona , J an 2 4 (Agencies): Nikola Jokic had 29 points and 22 rebounds, Jamal Murray scored 26, and the visiting Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 120-112 in double overtime on Saturday night.

Michael Porter Jr. had 14 points and 11 rebounds, JaMychal Green scored 16, Monte Morris added 13 and Gary Harris finished with 10 for the Nuggets, who swept the two overtime games in Phoenix on successive nights.

Chris Paul had 21 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, Jae Crowder also scored 21 points and Deandre Ayton had 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns before fouling out in the first overtime.

C a m e r o n Jo h n s o n scored 19 points and Mikal Bridges had 11 for Phoenix, which played without leading scorer Devin Booker, who suffered a left hamstring strain in the Suns’ overtime loss on Friday night.

Denver found rhythm in the first minute of the

Deandre Ayton (22) blocks a shot by Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half at the Phoenix Suns Arena, Jan 23.

second extra period. Jokic fed Morris for a layup and a 3-pointer, and after Paul hit a jumper, Jokic scored two straight buckets to give the Nuggets a 115-108 lead.

Bridges hit a shot to make it a five-point game, but Denver was able to close it out.

Murray was a gametime decision with a sore left shoulder, but he was able to play, and he put the game into overtime with a 3-pointer at the end of the fourth.

The lead flipped several times in the first overtime,

with Paul’s jumper putting Phoenix ahead 102-101 with 2:26 left. The Suns had two chances in the final minute to add to the lead, and Jokic’s three-point play put Denver up 104-102.

A b d e l N a d e r wa s fouled on a 3-point attempt from the corner but made just one free throw. Jokic got the rebound and hit two free throws with 8.9 seconds left.

Crowder put the game into a second overtime with a 3-pointer with .7 seconds left.

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