January 30, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 54

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Locals, farmers clash at Singhu border national, Page 5

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Militancy in NE heading towards its end: Prez

Spl. Correspondent/Agencies

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (NPN): President Ram Nath Kovind said that extremism in the North East is heading towards its end with incidents of violence.

Terming the Central government as fully committed to the overall and balanced development of the region, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Friday that the benefits of the policy of sensitivity and partnership for lasting peace in the North East are evident today.

Addressing a joint session of Parliament on the first day of the budget session, Kovind said, “The benefits of the policy of sensitivity and partnership that the government has worked with for lasting peace in the North East are evident today.

“Today extremism in North East is on the wane and there is a sharp decline in the number of violent incidents. The youth who went astray on the path of violence are now returning to the mainstream of development and nation building,” he said.

He said that the policy of rapid development is

‘Kisan Rail Spl’ from W. Bengal to Nagaland launched KO L K AT A , J A N 2 9 (AGENCIES): Eastern Railway has started a “Kisan Rail Special” train from between Tarakeswar in West Bengal and Dimapur in Nagaland on Friday. According to an official statement issued by the Eastern Railway, the Kishan Rail Special Train between Tarakeswar and Dimapur will run from January 29 till July 30 this year.

“00329 TarakeswarDimapur Kishan Rail Spl Train (weekly) will leave Tarakeswar at 10 a.m. every Friday to reach Dimapur the next day and 00330 Dimapur-Tarakeswar Kishan Rail Special Train (weekly) will leave Dimapur at 9.30 p.m. every Saturday from January 30 and reach Tarakeswar on the 3rd day,” it said.

Taking on Twitter, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said the train will play an important role in the development of agriculture and farmers in the North East.

The train will stop at Bandel, Ambika Kalna, Nabadwip Dham, Purbasthali, Katwa, Azimgunge, Azimgunge City, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar, New Bongaigaon, Guwahati and Lumding en route in both directions for loading and unloading of parcels, ANI report stated.

This is it!

“By rejecting our demands, the ministers are indirectly daring us to spend more weeks here.”

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President Kovind addressing the Parliament, Friday. (PTI)

being worked out while preserving the geographical, cultural, linguistic characteristics and social identity of the North East. Kovind said that the Brahmaputra River is a ‘ life stream ‘ of north-eastern states including Assam.

Kovind further went on to assert that the Centre was committed to counter the forces challenging the sovereignty and unity of the country, at every level. While on the one hand, development is being promoted in violence affected areas, on the other hand firm action is being taken against the forces inciting violence, he said. As a result of this, Kovind said that the number of naxalviolence related incidents have declined and the naxalaffected area is shrinking.

He also condemned the violence during the tractor

rally taken out in the capital on Republic Day by the farmers protesting against the three farm laws and termed it as “unfortunate”.

Defending the three farm laws, Kovind said that his government wanted to make it clear that the rights and facilities available under the system prevailing before the enactment of the three laws were not affected in any way. Rather, through these reforms, he said that the Centre has provided new facilities to the farmers and has empowered them.

While the Constitution gives us the right to freedom of expression it is also expected that we abide by the laws and rules with equal sincerity, he said.

The President also noted how the country achieved success even in seemingly unattainable goals whenever it is united and said challenges like COVID-19 or border tension with China were faced with fortitude by everyone together. He said the country has faced every crisis with fortitude, be it the coronavirus pandemic, floods, earthquakes or major cyclones in several states, locust attack or the bird flu, border tension etc.

Setting up teaching hospital in Kohima NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): India and Japan reviewed a number of infrastructural projects that are being assisted by Tokyo at the 5th Joint Meeting of the two countries at the Act East Forum (AEF) on Thursday.

The forum, which came into existence in 2017, is co-chaired by Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and the Japanese envoy to India, Suzuki Satoshi.

In the meeting, the two countries covered such areas as road connectivity, health (including water and sanitation), forest conservation, and people-to-people exchanges for further col-

laborations.

A release from the Japanese embassy said, “Japan attaches a great importance to the cooperation for the development of India’s North East, anchored by its historical ties, trust, and friendship.”

The release further said that Tokyo was “proud to have been a partner with the people of North East in their aspirations for a better and sustainable future.”

The India-Japan Act East Forum has become a platform under which India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Japan’s vision for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ converge.

During the meet, Shringla said, “The AEF has proved to be an effective platform to facilitate connectivity and developmental projects and coordinate their implementation. I am happy to note that all stakeholders are constructively engaging together to

The budget session of Parliament began on a stormy note after members belonging to 20 Opposition parties boycotted the President’s customary address to the joint sitting of both the Houses, demanding repeal of the farm laws. They staged a noisy protest in the Lok Sabha and dharna outside.

As soon as the House read the obituary notices, members from the Congress, DMK and the Left parties entered the Well of the House raising slogans. Shiv Sena members were raising slogans from their seats.

They were also demanding that obituary be paid to the farmers who have died during the agitation by farmers against the legislations.

The two Houses later met separately for the tabling of the President’s Address.

Both, the President’s address as well as the Economic Survey was tabled first in the Lok Sabha amid sloganeering by opposition parties against the three farm laws.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

achieve the objectives of the forum as set out by our leaders.”

During the meet, the Indian side called for further momentum for the smart city project in Kohima, JIT Nagarbera, and specifically in three healthcare projects— the establishment of 4000 bedded teaching hospital in Kohima, super-specialty cancer and research Center in Mizoram, and strengthening of the health system and excellence of medical education in Assam.

Both sides have agreed to finalize work on the SDINE or the India-Japan initiative for sustainable development of the northeast region of India and this is expected to be taken up during the next India-Japan annual summit at the level of the prime ministers.

Ja p a n e s e O f f i c i a l Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1600 crore in North East.

later adjourned the House till Monday -- the day when the Union Budget will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Meanwhile, the BJP launched a scathing attack on the opposition parties for their decision to boycott the President’s address to Parliament accusing them of “constitutional and moral bankruptcy”.

The session is being held in two parts this year due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The first part of the Budget Session is scheduled to conclude on February 15 while the second part will commence on March 8 and is expected to end on April 8. Given the Covid-19 outbreak, Parliament will sit in two shifts. The morning session is dedicated to the Rajya Sabha while the Lok Sabha will sit in the evening.

The Rajya Sabha will sit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the Lok Sabha will sit from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Zero Hour and Question Hour will also be held.

State COVID tally 12088 DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (NPN): Nagaland on Friday reported four new COVID-19 positive cases-- three in Dimapur and one in Kohima, taking the caseload to 12088. Till January 29, the State recorded 53 active cases, while 11,804 persons recovered from the infection.

PTI adds: India has added 18,855 fresh COVID19 cases in a span of 24 hours, a jump from the previous day’s count of 11,666, with Chhattisgarh alone adding 6,451 cases because of a data reconciliation process, the Union Health ministry said on Friday.

The country’s COVID19 tally is now 1,07,20,048, Chhattisgarh has reported 6,451 cases, 6,479 discharges and 35 deaths.

India’s death toll due to the viral disease in the country has climbed to 1,54,010 with 163 more fatalities, the ministry’s data updated at 8 am showed.

JYO warns to shut water supply sources to Kohima DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (NPN): The State Capital -- Kohima could face a major water crisis as Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) has warned to tap off the source of water supply to Kohima. Organisation’s president Rokovizo Senotsu and press secretary Medoleto Seüno in a press release informed the general public of Kohima and its surrounding colonies and villages that, much against its will, it was being compelled to take the drastic step of taping off water supply source at Jotsoma village due to the State government’s failure to fulfil its commitments for the last 45 years.

While taping water of Dzüna and Kelorü streams, the two lifelines of Jotsoma village, they said the State government had made certain commitments through an agreement of December 15, 1976.

They claimed that as per clause iii of the agreement, the government had committed “To convert the existing Government ME School to a Government ME-cum-High School. And also for future expansion, to build additional school building, full sized playground, staff quarters and hostels, etc.”

Further, they claimed that the government had also assured that villagers would be appointed to suitable grade IV staff. Accordingly, about 18 persons from the village were appointed.

Over the years all these persons had retired, but regrettably no one from the village was appointed against the retirement vacancies, they added.

JYO said it had, along with Jotsoma Village Council and other organisations, repeatedly submitted representation to the government

international, Page 9

State bids final adieu to late Temjen Toy

Oppn boycott President’s address in solidarity with protesting farmers

India, Japan review infra projects in NE Meeting discusses Kohima smart city project

‘Scotland independence debate irrelevant’

nagalandpostofficial

calling for fulfilling clause iii of the agreement and for further augmentation of the existing infrastructure of the school.

Unfortunately, it regretted that not a single class room was added to the existing infrastructure that were built in 1968, and that the school was still an ME school, now upgraded to higher secondary level having Arts and Commerce streams.

Having seen the requirement of the school and in the larger interest of the students of Government Higher Secondary School, Jotsoma, the youth body said it had once again requested the government through a letter on February 6, 2019 to take immediate action to fulfil the commitments. Despite of having received its representation and the department concerned not having taken its

genuine demands seriously even after more than a year, JYO said it readied itself for further action, when the chief secretary intervened and called a joint meeting on March 19, 2020.

Held in the presence of 8th W/A constituency MLA, the meeting was attended by the chief secretary, principal secretary School Education and principal secretary PHE, while JYO was represented by its executives. In the meeting, JYO said the school education principal secretary assured that the department would find ways and means to improve the infrastructure of the school at the earliest.

The meeting further agreed to appoint 18 Grade IV staff to look after the water supply to Kohima would be deployed in and around Kohima, as and when the need arises.

(Cont’d on p-8)

(L) Nagaland Police personnel presenting the guard of honor (R) Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio paying his last respects to Temjen Toy on Friday. (DIPR/NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 29 (NPN): A State Funeral was accorded to late Temjen Toy, Friday afternoon at the official residence premises of the chief secretary, where hundreds of mourners bade farewell to the departed soul. Late Temjen Toy, was chief secretary Nagaland at the time of his death and died on Thursday evening after a brief illness.

Hundreds of mourners led by state chief minister Neiphiu Rio, his cabinet colleagues, opposition NPF leader T.R. Zeliang, legislators, senior government bureaucrats, high ranking officers of police and security forces paid their last respects to late Temjen Toy here on Friday.

Speaking at the funeral service, chief minister Neiphiu Rio fondly recalled his association with Temjen Toy whom he described as “one of the best and finest civil servant Nagaland has ever had”.

Rio recalled late Temjen as a humble upright and dedicated officer who always wore a cheerful look besides being “very loveable and a real gentleman.”

The chief minister recalled that Temjen , the senior-most bureaucrat, was

not a typical file-pushing officer, but always had an out-of-the-box approach in governance.

Further, Rio said late Temjen never shied away from any kind of storm but faced everything with a calm approach and contributed a lot in areas beyond his official call of duty.

Recalling his close ties, Rio said Temjen enriched him in various fields.

Despite suffering from a serious ailment, Rio said Temjen remained very positive about his recovery.

On Temjen’s insistence to resume official work, Rio said it was agreed . He said Temjen exuded the same confident spirit when he rejoined work on January 18 and functioned from his residence.

On the suddenness of Temjen’s demise, Rio said he “never knew that his life will be cut short in this manner”. Rio said the demise of Temjen was a huge loss for the state government and people who will always remember him, while conveying heartfelt condolences to the family on his behalf as well as the state government.

In his emotional eulogy, retired chief engineer (Power) Er. Lanu Toy, father of late Temjen Toy

expressed gratitude to God for the life of Temjen and how his son’s ailment provided the family to spend quality time during the past few months with him.

Recalling his son’s early childhood, Er. Toy said Temjen, while still a child, used to ask him to be honest in all dealings. Even though Temjen was suffering from the dreaded disease (cancer), Er. Toy said his son’s unwavering spirit gave them hope because he trusted God’s ultimate plan and surrendered to His will.

Er. Toy thanked all those gathered for sharing the grief of the family including the State government for according a befitting State funeral in honor of his son.

He also expressed gratitude to the people and churches who were praying for Temjen and also various tribal organisations for sharing their grief and concern in the hour of grief.

Speaking on behalf of IAS Association of Nagaland, addl. chief secretary & finance commissioner, Sentiyanger Imchen recalled that at their last meeting, late Temjen exuded hope that he would recover but only to “pass away so (Cont’d on p-8) soon”.

Condolences pour in for Temjen Toy DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (NPN): Condolences continued to pour in grieving the demise of chief secretary, Temjen Toy, who passed away on January 28 after a brief illness in Kohima.

Kashiho: Minister of Geology & Mining and Soil & Water Conservation, V. Kashiho Sangtam expressed sadness at the passing away of Toy and said that Nagaland in his demise has lost a an upright and dynamic bureaucrat.

Kashiho described late Toy as a “man of strong character” and a “brilliant officer” who served the people with sincerity and commitment.

The minister further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

Jacob: Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Jacob Zhimomi expressed deep sorrow and pain at the untimely demise of Temjen Toy. In a condolence message, Zhimomi described late Toy as a brilliant IAS officer, who dedicated his service for the welfare of the Nagas. Zhimomi further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

Noke: Advisor Social Welfare and Home Guard & Civil Defence, Noke Wangnao expressed shock on the untimely demise of Temjen Toy. While conveying condolences to the bereaved

family members, Noke described late Toy as one of the “finest bureaucrats” he had associated with during his long political career till date.

The advisor said that the state in his demise has lost one of the most sincere, dedicated and responsible bureaucrats, adding that his immense contribution to the government and the people of the state in various capacities during his illustrious career will be remembered forever. Noke further prayed for departed to rest in eternal peace.

NPF: NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on behalf of the party rank and file expressed pain at the untimely demise of Temjen Toy. In a condolence note, Dr. Shürhozelie said late Toy was not only a great administrator, who held the highest position in the State government but was an “upright, humble and a man of statesmen who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the Naga people”.

His death was a great loss for the government and the Nagas, but his contribution towards the State and the people will be always remembered, he said. Further, NPF conveyed condolences and prayed that God grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family members.

Thenucho Tunyi: Former home minister Thenucho Tunyi has mourned the demise of Temjen Toy and said that in his demise the people of the state have lost

a noble soul.

He described late Toy as an “able administrator” who demonstrated a firm dedication to his work. “His ability to discern was a God given gift and he could tackle complicated matters wisely and skilfully”, Tunyi said.

While conveying condolences to the bereaved family members, the former home minister said late Toy was a “man of humility”, who carried out his duties with dignity and confidence.

Naga Hoho: Naga Hoho has expressed sadness and sorrow on the untimely demise of Temjen.

The hoho in a condolence note by its president, H.K. Zhimomi described late Toy as a “dedicated, sincere and a promising officer and above all a very humble person”. NH said that late Toy’s contributions for the welfare of the people will always be remembered. The hoho conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for departed to rest in eternal peace.

AGOK: Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (AGOK) has expressed shock and pain over the untimely demise of T. Temjen Toy. In a condolence message, AGOK president, Dr. Kedozeto Punyü and general secretary, Megolhou Dolie stated that the state in his demise has lost a “great man, not only as a senior bureaucrat but a true leader, building team spirit and camaraderie wherever he (Cont’d on p-3) led”.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Wka DPDB concerned on non-completion of bridge DNSU to hold 3rd B&K Memorial award

Wokha DPDB meeting at Liphayan governor camp. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Wokha District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) expressed its concern on non-completion of bridge over Doyang at governor’s camp, Liphayan under Ralan sub-division.

According to DIPR report, the construction of the bridge over Doyang river which falls under Nagaland foot-hill road

(now renamed as Nagaland express highway) once completed would become the life line for the whole state of Nagaland.

The issue was raised and deliberated during the board meeting wherein, chairman DPDB Wokha and advisor for Horticulture and Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan stated that the motive behind

holding the meeting at Liphayan, was to help various departments understand the place and difficulties as well as lack of development activities faced by area people.

In this he urged all to put full effort to make their action plan successful.

The meeting also approved the proposal for upgradation of EAC Chan-

pang to SDO (C) with border magistrate after a lengthy discussion taking into consideration the need of officer on the ground to support the dialogue between the two states of Assam and Nagaland government as Wokha district shared the longest stretch of border with Assam and to ensure no untoward incident happens between the two states.

The board approved the proposal to higher authority for recommendation.

The board also approved the proposal to up-grade Baghty into town council as it fulfilled the required criteria and the area had a lot of scope for expansion in various areas of development.

Mhathung Yanthan expressed gratitude to the Commandant of 142 & 155 CRPF who attended the meeting and lauded for the yeomen service rendered to

the area people in the principle of maintaining neutrality and with the hope to co-exist harmoniously between the two states.

The chairman requested SDEO Bhandari to send proposal in the next DPDB meeting for up-gradation of Government Primary School to High School.

Discussing on the matter for setting up of recreation centre at Wokha town, the chairman requested DC to identify a good location for the same at the earliest.

During the meeting, Horticulture, Land Resources, Sericulture, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Forest, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and other departments highlighted their action plans and activities to be implemented during the targeted period at Liphayan which was one of the aspirational villages under 40-Bhandari assembly constituency.

DNSU officials at the press conference. (NP)

Staff Reporter D I M A P U R , JA N 2 9 (NPN): Diphupar Naga Students Union (DNSU) Bendangnungsang Longkumer and Khriesavizo Metha (B&K) Memorial award will be held on January 31, at Diphupar village gate.

This was informed by newly elected president, Mhasizolie Angami at a press conference held at the union’s office, here in Dimapur.

Briefing the media person, Angami informed that

the third edition of B&K memorial award would be held virtually, whereby unlike other editions, awards to awardees would be presented virtually. The president informed that this was initiated following the SOPs laid down by the state government.

Tr i b u n a l g e n e r a l DNSU, Pitovi Achumi who is also the former president of DNSU while highlighting the upcoming event announced that the award function would be held to honour the two martyrs, late Bendangn-

unsang Longkumer and late Er. Khriesavizo Metha who laid down their lives for the cause of Nagas on January 31, 2017 during the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election imbroglio.

He further clarified that the award was not to be conceived or not to be reflected as an award for the best performance in a specific field.

He also stated that a jury had been selected, whereby individuals were selected to be awarded for the contribution towards the society in various fields.

Some of the artistes who would be performing at the memorial award are Senüto Tetseo, Tutu Terhüja, Mono Shiu etc.

The categories of awards for the third edition of B&K memorial awards have been selected as; special mention, music, literature, humanitarian, entrepreneur, promoter, sports, young achiever, art, and green award.

Trg held on mental health issues Rio and Kense ancestral lineage event held

DIMAPUR: Two-day training for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) under Chumukedima Block in two batches was held at Community Mental Health Programme (CMHP) office on January 28 and 29, organised

by CMHP, under Prodigals’ Home, Chumoukedima on mental health, mental illness, intellectual disability and epilepsy.

A press release by CMHP, stated that resource person, CMHP field coordinator, K Sani and asst. field coordinator, Sukum Aier

covered topics on concepts of mental health as per WHO, different forms and symptoms of severe and common mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, etc, convulsive epilepsy and intellectual disability.

It added that 26 ASHAs attended training in two batches, wherein, main objective of the training was to accustom ASHAs with cited illnesses/disorders so that they can easily identify

persons with such illnesses/ disorders and refer for early treatment and intervention.

It may be noted that CMHP is a project working with persons with different kinds of mental illnesses; severe and common, persons with intellectual disability and persons with epilepsy by providing services such as diagnosis, medication, psycho education and follow ups through structured home visits besides other activities such as training for stakeholders, awareness programmes, etc.

performers in traditional attire at the programme.

KOHIMA: Marking the declaration of ancestral lineage between the Rio and Kense clans of Tuophema village, a programme

Dy.CM mourns demise of retired officer

was held on January 29 at Tuophezou Dahou.

A release from organising committee member, Kechangulie Kense stated

that following an intensive research by the elders, the ancestral lineage between the clans was validated, who descended from the same genealogy.

Gracing the occasion, Zhaleo Rio, advisor Sericulture, Excise, Minority Affairs shared on the importance of knowing one’s roots for a greater understanding and embracing one’s unique cultural values and traditions.

While observing the dying culture of reading habits, curiosity in learn-

ing one’s roots among the younger generation with the invasion of technology, Rio urged the young generation to learn about their roots and have a sense of pride.

He also stressed on the need to translate the rich oral history in the form of books to enable the young generation to have a better understanding of their ancestral roots and implied on the importance of knowing and speaking in one’s own dialect, which he noted is dwin-

dling among the people.

Rio fur ther maintained that speaking in one’s dialect helps connect with one another and promote better understanding of history and upbringing.

He advised parents and elders to teach and speak to their children in their own dialect.

Earlier, elderly blessings were pronounced

by Keviza Kense and Khrünyü-o Rio while history of ancestral lineage was shared by Salie-o Kense.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:8

DIMAPUR: Dy.CM, Y Patton expressed grief over the demise of retired district sports officer, Merithung Odyuo at Wokha town after prolonged illness at the age of 83 years.

A condolence note

by Dy.CM through media cell stated that Patton recalled late Odyuo as a keen sportsman and a sincere officer who played a vital role in uplifting sports and games.

He also stated that in his death, Englan range and Lothas had lost an elderly gentleman of vast experience.

Dy.CM further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest peacefully.

We, the bereaved family members of Late L. Vikiho Sema (S/o Latovi Awomi, Sürühuto), would like to express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to all our friends, wellwishers, churches and organisations who stood by us physically, spiritually and financially at the demise of our beloved father on 27/01/2021.

We deeply regret our inability to thank everyone personally, but will forever remain indebted to you for your kind gestures towards our family during our time of grief. It is our sincere prayers that the good Lord bless you and your families abundantly.

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Loving Wife, children, siblings, in-laws and parents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LATE J BENARD JAMIR Dear Oba It is very hard and painful for us to let you go. Nothing can fill up the vacuum that you left behind but your love and the fond memories that you left will always be cherished and etched in our hearts forever. We know that you are now with our Lord which gives us hope and strength to carry on with our lives.

Rest well until we meet again We, the bereaved family members express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, neighbors, friends, relatives, churches and different organizations who stood and supported us physically, mentally and financially and with unceasing prayer support during the prolonged illness and sad demise of our dearest J. Benard Jamir who left us for his heavenly abode on 14.01.21. Your sincere contribution made our loss more bearable As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude Loving wife, children and grandchildren MKC-39 K Y M C

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Viswema youth celebrate platinum jubilee

Zale Neikha along with Medo Yhokha and Viswema village leaders after unveiling the jubilee monolith. (NP)

Correspondent Kohima, JAN 28 (NPN): Viswema Youth Organisation celebrated its platinum jubilee on Friday with feasts and traditional songs during an event at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School ground in the heart of the village.

Speaking as the guest, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha said people should not expect development only from the government but also begin it from an individual and village level as well.

He said that developmental activities such as constructing washrooms

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

and toilets would go a long way in beautifying a village and inculcate hygienic lifestyles among the people.

Drawing the gathered people to the theme of the Jubilee, “Tapayalo”, loosely translated as “to emerge”, he pointed out that they have to come out of negative habits like jealousy, ism

and disunity.

“When you see someone doing something good don’t try to drag that person down, instead offer your assistance in whichever way you can and be the reason behind their success”, Neikha said.

He remarked that envy and jealousy among the people were two big obstacles on the path to success rendering all effort for unity useless.

Echoing chief minister, Neiphiu Rio’s call to cultivate work culture among the Nagas, Neikha, who is also a native of Viswema, encouraged the people to not be ashamed of engaging in manual labour to earn one’s livelihood.

“Our land is blessed with a lot of natural resources. We own the most number of mountains including Tempfü which has a height of 2994 metres.

Therefore all these should inspire us to bring laurels

to our village and people”, Neikha said.

Earlier, Neikha unveiled the jubilee monolith and later conveyed jubilee greetings sent by CM and minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along.

A group of 75 warriors in full traditional attire led the village to the celebratory event.

The host of guests include advisor to CM, Technical Education & Election, Medo Yhokha, representatives from frontal organizations and neighbouring villages.

The programme was led by monolith committee convenor, Kropo Neikha while finance committee member, Keneikhrül Noswe proposed the vote of thanks. A new team of VYO executives with Vizayie Naleo as president and Khrüpavil Neikha as general secretary was elected.

Prog in honour of Lt Temjen Toy held in Noklak

DIMAPUR: Obituary programme in honour of chief secretary of Nagaland, late Temjen Toy was held at Longdon Baptist Church, Noklak on January 29.

According to DIPR report, during the programme, DC, Noklak, Reny Wilfred delivered a short speech followed by observation of a minute silent prayer.

President, Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), M Thangou also extended his condolences during the programme.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by EAC Noklak, Yithachu Thur and special song was presented by district planning officer, Noklak, Meren Jamir while Pastor, Longdon Baptist Church Rev. B Chillia pronounced invocation. The programme was attended

by District Administration, departmental officers, civil societies and Churches.

DDADU cautions auto drivers on excessive fares

DIMAPUR: Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers Union (DDADU) cautioned auto drivers asking for excessive fares after several complaints about the hike of auto fares recently in the newspapers.

A release by DDADU throug h its president DDADU, Tito Yeptho while requesting all concerned to come to the terms with present circumstances such as the rise in prices of essential commodities such as fuel, food items, auto parts, etc., also asked people to inform DDADU head office if any excessive fares were charged so that proper actions would be taken upon unruly drivers.

The union stated that recently, an unwarranted incident occurred between some media persons and an auto driver with regards to excessive fare charges.

The driver was summoned to the office and let off with a warning not to do the same in the future.

Meanwhile it reiterated that on any accidents or incidents on the part of the drivers, the union would take no responsibilities for drivers not having union ID, uniform and relevant vehicle documents.

Owners have also been asked not to allow drivers without proper documents to drive in order to avoid any untoward incidents.

In this, it stated that D DA D U h e a d o f f i c e would not be held responsible for drivers who refuse to be affiliated with DDADU. Further it stated that unless he has union ID cards, uniform, the concer ned driver will not drive any autos in and around Dimapur.

Organisations, unions and others condole demise of Nagaland CS, Temjen Toy mitted and hard working bureaucrat that Nagaland has been blessed in recent years”. DAYO said that his death left a gaping hole not only among the ranks of committed bureaucracy in Nagaland but also among Ao community. “The simplicity, humility and dedication to his responsibilities have always been exemplary to others”, it stated. DAYO also stated that he would be remembered for his conviction towards achieving goals both in his private life and during his prolific career as an administrator. Further, the organisation said that it would continue to pray that the Almighty give his family members the strength and courage to overcome the dark time, as his soul rests in peace.

NPF Mkg div: In a condolence note by Naga People’s Front (NPF) M o k o k c h u n g d iv i s i o n through its president, Moasangba Jamir and general secretary, Tangit Imsong stated that his demise was a great loss to Nagas, the state government and society which he had served all the years with utmost sincerity and commitment.

“In his passing, we have lost a promising son, an able administrator and a competent officer” NPF Mkg div stated. Further, all ranks and files of the division offered its condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for God to console them at nagalandpost.com Poll the painful hour.

Q . : I s t h e s t a t e g ov t M D FA : M o k o k c sincere for promoting hung District Football Aseconomy? sociation (MDFA) in a condolence note through –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 100% its president Meyisanger 90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Lemtur described him 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– as a charismatic leader, 70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– whom the association al60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ways adored and respected.

50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “He will forever remain a 40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– shining beacon of light to 30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nagas all over the world”, 20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– it stated. MDFA pledged 10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 0% its solidarity and support A B C to the bereaved family in 15% A Yes. conveying its condolences and prayed the Almighty 77% B No. grant his family the strength 8% C Can’t Say. to bear the loss as his soul peace.

Next poll rest inNCD: A condolence Q: A re r i s i n g c o s t o f message by NCD through various commodities in the market due to price its general secretary, Thsapongkyu Sangtam stated manipulation? that his immense contri Yes. bution for the welfare of  No. the state would always be  Can’t Say. remembered. NCD said that in his death, Nagaland WEATHER lost an ardent administrator and a role model for FORECAST the youth, who would be January 30 remembered as a friendly (Temperature in ºC) Max Min and popular person. He Agartala Hazy sunshine 26 11 had strong conviction and Aizawl Hazy sunshine 22 6 his sincere contribution in Guwahati Mostly sunny and beautiful 25 11 various capacities served the Imphal Mostly sunny and beautiful 24 4 people of Nagaland, NCD Itanagar Partly sunny and not as warm 21 11 stated. Further, the council Shillong A p.m. shower in places 16 5 conveyed condolence to the Kohima Mostly sunny and cooler 18 5 bereaved family and prayed Dimapur Mostly sunny and pleasant 25 10 for the departed soul to rest Mkg 20 8 Partly sunny and cooler in peace.

Tuensang Mostly sunny and cooler 12 3 ENPUD: Eastern Wokha Mostly sunny and not as warm 18 11 Nagaland People’s Union Zunheboto Mostly sunny and cooler 17 6 Dimapur (ENPUD) while

DIMAPUR: Various organisations, unions and associations conveyed their condolences at the demise of Nagaland chief secretary, late Temjen Toy, who passed away at his Kohima residence on January 28.

ASTD: Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has mourned at the sudden demise of late Temjen Toy (IAS) chief secretary, Nagaland. Ina condolence message, ASTD described late Temjen Toy as a dynamic leader and a humble government servant who has profound record of service to the people of the state and that he was a rare gem of a leader who earned love and admiration to the people for his thoughtfulness, sense of upright public service and sheer honesty.

ASTD also mentioned that the demise of late Toy, the Nagas in general and Ao’s in particular has lost an eminent bureaucrat and above all an outstanding human being and that his legacy will live on forever.

ASTDfurthermore on behalf of the Ao community conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

DAYO : D i m a p u r Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) in a condolence message stated that late Temjen was “one of the most prolific, sincere, com-

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expressing its grief over the stated that his untimely demise was a great loss not only for the family members and state government, but for the entire people. A condolence note by ENPUD through its president Shahoto Yimchunger, and general secretary Yato Konyak stated that his sincere love and genuine concern for the people of Eastern Nagaland would always be cherished.

ENPUD conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty grant them strength and solace in this hour of grief.

14 tribes: In a condolence message on behalf of the 14 tribes, coordinator KT Vilie described late Toy as “one of the best administrator of the state who was fully dedicated in his work and in the service of the people”. 14th tribes further conveyed condolence and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

ANCSU: All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) in a condolence note through its president Vimeyiekho Vitso and general secretary, Imnameren N Jamir stated that “as an influential bureaucrat, he always paid sincere ears to the grievances and wellbeing of the students’ community whenever reached out to him”. The union conveyed its condolences to the family members, near and dear ones and prayed for his soul rest in eternal peace.

LYOD: Lotha Youth Organizations Dimapur (LYOD) in a condolence message stated that late Toy was a dedicated, sincere and efficient leader and that his contributions for the welfare of the people would be fondly remembered. The organisation further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

ENLU: In a condolence note, Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) described late Toy as an “officer par excellence who gave his brilliant mind and outstanding leadership to the Nagas and as an inspiration to all government officials in Nagaland who was a source of courage and strength to the state cabinet”. ENLU prayed that peace which passes all understanding would be upon the bereaved family members and loved ones.

NStCB: Nagaland State Cooperative Bank Ltd (NStCB) management, officers and employees in a condolence message through its managing director, R Lipoktoba Aier described late Toy as “one of the pioneer in leading the cooperative movement in the state and the cooperative bank in particular”. Expressing gratitude for his contributions, it stated that during his tenure as chairman of NStCB, he

assisted to a great extent for the advancement of cooperative movement in general and the bank in particular.

NStCB conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

CIHSR: In a condolence message, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) Dimapur director and staff described him as a man actively involved in the development, growth and health of the institute as the commissioner secretary, health then as finance commissioner. It expressed that they were grateful beneficiaries of his administrative and leadership initiatives and supports. CIHSR conveyed condolence and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

State NPP: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland unit in a condolence message through its president Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema stated that late Toy was “a man of rare acumen” who possessed high quality of workmanship, courage, immense wisdom and was undoubtedly a beautiful soul. NPP state unit president on behalf of party rank and file offered prayers for the departed soul and moral support to bereaved family members.

NTC: Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) through its president, Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary, Nribemo Ngullie described him as “a man of integrity and gentlemen dealing all situations with a smiling face which is a sign of rare human value”. NTC shared the sadness and conveyed its deepest condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for God to grant them courage to withstand this time of sorrow and grief.

Sumi Hoho: Sumi Hoho in a condolence note through its president Hekhushe Shikhu stated that in his demise, Nagas lost a very prominent administrator and the vacuum created by his passing would be deeply felt and difficult to fill. Sumi Hoho further conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty grant them strength and solace.

NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF through its president Ninoto Awomi stated that he was “a fine gentleman and a dedicated government servant who served the state in various capacities and brought several administrative reforms”.

NSF stated that the state and Nagas in general had lost one of the most efficient bureaucrats of their time.

Conveying condolences to family members, it prayed that they find solace knowing that the departed now rests in eternal peace.

W C H : We s t e r n Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) president, Dietho Rhakho

on behalf of WCH in a condolence note described late Toy as “a man holding high responsibility as top bureaucrat but accessible to all”. WCH conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

TUD: Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) in a condolence note through president, Hilo Semp said that in his death, the state lost a great soul whose place would be difficult to fill. It said that late Toy was a gentleman who was honest and knowledgeable person and mingled with every section of the people. It described late Toy as “an epitome of a true bureaucrat.” TUD further conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members.

KSON: In a condolence note, Kuki Students’ Organisation Nagaland (KSON) through its media cell stated that the passing of “an honest and dedicated officer” such as him was a tremendous loss for the entire state of Nagaland and further conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would grant them strength during the difficult hour.

KIN: Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) media cell in a condolence note stated that the departed leader had an “impeccable record in the service to humanity”, giving his best to uplift society and Nagaland during his lifetime. It stated that late Toy was working “unceasingly both within and outside the community, from the day he took the reins of an administrative leader”. He always stood for unity amongst the diverse tribal population and espoused the principle of coexistence in the state of Nagaland, it stated. Further, KIN extended sympathies to the bereaved family members.

FONSESA: Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Service Associations (FONSESA) through its president, Er Moa Aier and secretary general Er Chengato Kath stated that late Toy as the administrative head, as commissioner and secretary of various engineering department at various times exhibited scientific temper in all his understanding and dealings. The progress and development of the state was always his first concern and priority and all his actions were directed accordingly, it stated. FONSESA offered condolences to the bereaved family.

NGA: Nagaland Gorkha Association (NGA) in a condolence note through its president, Nobin Pradhan stated that the state lost “one of its most sincere, honest and capable officer”, and created a big void which will be hard to fill. NGA conveyed its condolences to

the family and prayed that they get the strength to tide over the loss.

NGTC: A condolence note by Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) through president, Karampal G Momin stated that on his death, the state in general lost a great personality and visionary leader. The council further extended its condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Lord grant them heavenly strength as the soul to rests in peace.

NLSF: Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) in a condolence message through its assistant general secretary, Atoni Shohe and information and secretary, Renbeni Ezung described late Toy as an able administrator whose contribution to the people would be remembered forever.

NLSF conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

KFN: In a condolence message, Kripa Foundation Nagaland (KFN) director and staff said that his death was “a huge loss to people Nagaland, especially to marginalized groups”. KFN said Toy was “a very competent and efficient administrator, a remarkable gentleman with humility ever willing to help marginalised group of people”. It prayed that God grant strength and peace to the bereaved family at a difficult moment.

NCP Nagaland Kohima: Office of Nationalist Congress party (NCP) Nagaland Hq Kohima in a condolence note through its state president, Vanthungo Odyuo along with the officials said that he was a humble, upright and dedicated government servant.

ENCSU: Eastern Nagaland College Students Union (ENCSU) through its president, Serichum J Sangtam and general secretary, Sanglekhamba C Chang extended its deepest sympathy to the family and prayed that God grant strength and spiritual courage to overcome the loss.

NDPP Mon: In a condolence note, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Mon region through its president, S Khoiwang Wangsa said that his contributions to Naga society and the people of the state would continue to be remembered for generations to come. All rank and files of NDPP, Mon region conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty comfort them.

YAN: Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) through its media cell said that his illustrious career served many important positions in the government with great distinction. Adding that his contribution as chief secretary to streamline the administration of the

state was remarkable, YAN stated that the early demise was not only a huge loss for Ao community but also for Nagas in general. YAN conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in eternal peace.

CNSA: Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA), media cell ina condolence note described late Toy as “a man of wisdom having great concern and love for the state and its people for which he was loved and admired by all”.

It stated that “his moral voice and guidance would be deeply missed at this time when the state seems to need his presence the most”. CNSA extended condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that the departed soul rest in peace.

DENSU: Dimapur Easter n Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) said that his demise was a great loss to the state and that he was more often than not, “known by his noble deeds and compassion to the people’ and the same would always be imprinted in their hearts. The union conveyed its sympathies to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty deliver strength to bear the loss with fortitude and courage.

IRCSN: Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland (IRCSN) in a condolence note through its general secretary, Dr Neiphi Kire stated that he was “a good officer, a gentleman and a dynamic leader who was always supportive of the RCS”. IRCS, Nagaland prayed that god comfort the family members at the hour of grief and that he find eternal rest in the loving arms of God. OHCC: Officer’s Hill Colony Council (OHCC) has expressed deepest condolence on the passing of late Temjen Toy. In a condolence message, OHCC chairman Khrielakuo Sekhose and general secretary Ruokuolhouvo Miachieo described late Toy as an extraordinary man and that his death, Nagas have lost a great and visionary leader.

OHCC further prayed for the departed soul for eternal peace.

NBA: Nagaland Dobashi Association (NBA) has expressed grief and mourned at the untimely demise of TemjenToy, chief secretary, Nagaland. NDA general secretary R Kemerio Yanthan mentioned that the void caused by his death shall be difficult to fill. Association further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

TPO: Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO) has expressed deep shocked and aggrieved by the untimely

demise of Temjen Toy, IAS, Chief Secretary, Nagaland.

In a condolence message, TPO president Timikha Koza and general secretary Vipopal Kintso stated that describe late Toy as a humble, upright and most sincere officer and that on his passing, Nagaland has lost one of the finest bureaucrats the state has produced.

Organization further conveyed condolence message to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

MHD: Mao Hoho Dimapur (MHD) through its president Motu John and general secretary, K Sani described him as “a towering personality and a very efficient administrator”.

In his demise, not only the government of Nagaland, but the Nagas as a whole has lost a noble being whose contribution will ever be remembered, it stated.

NVCO: Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) through its media cell said that he was a unique human being commitment and dedicated to his people as “a great leader of our time”. “Temjen Toy was a very humble person and his personality of pleasant accommodation with social activists like us as friend is to be highly recommended and appreciated even in the days to come”, he stated.

NSSA: Nagaland Shooting Sports Association (NSSA) in a condolence note through its vice president, JI Yaden and secretary, Neilasa Sopfii stated that late Toy, who was the founding member of NSSA helped in bringing various shooting associations in Nagaland under one single banner through his initiative. They described him as a “bold, courageous and decisive leader” and conveyed condolences to the family.

(Form p-1) The Krotho stated that late Toy was a great source of inspiration and encouragement to them, and recalled the foundation stone for the Multi Utility Centre at AGOK Badze, Meriema that was laid by him on November 9, 2017. The Krotho further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members, and prayed that departed rest in peace.

CANSSEA: Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA) too joined in mourning the demise of Temjen Toy, whom they described him as “humble, sincere, dedicated and upright bureaucrat”.

The association stated that his selfless service towards humanity shall go down in the annals of history.

The association prayed that Almighty grant solace to the bereaved family and departed to rest in eternal peace.

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northeast

agitators vandalise NSU in Manipur

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi takes auto ride in Guwahati

The under construction NSU campus at Koutruk in Imphal West district bordering Kangpokpi district is mired in controversies on ownership of the land allotted by the state government to the Centre for construction of the campus.

Civil society organisations based in Kangpokpi district have been claiming that the land lies within the administrative jurisdiction of the Kangpokpi district even as the land was allotted by the Imphal West district administration. While the matter was yet to be settled, a fresh controversy surfaced when Konsakhul, a village close to the NSU campus strongly claimed that the

land belonged to the village and government had allotted the land without the prior consent of the villagers.

Since Wednesday, villagers were protesting to put on hold all works related to the development of the site until and unless they reached an agreement with the state government.

The villagers have been blocking the roads leading to the campus with fences, stretching trees and piling stones on the roads.

The NSU should not be built without the consent of the village”, the agitating villagers demanded. They alleged that their repeated appeals to the authorities

concerned to construct the NSU with the consent of the village were unheeded.

Today’s violent incident happened as their repeated appeals fell on deaf ears and barely a day after the villagers threatened intense forms of if the construction went ahead without reaching an agreement with the government. Meanwhile, villagers of Koutruk supporting the construction of the campus alleged that it was armed miscreants who set afire the makeshift camps of the labourers and vandalised the machineries. They also alleged negligence on the part of the police personnel detailed to protect the campus despite the tense situation brewing up in the area.

They said that sensing some destructive activities from the agitators, a group of women from the village (Koutruk) went to the campus to assist the police in preventing any untoward incident inside the campus.

However, police let them back saying that they were there to guard the campus from any damage.

It was only after a few minutes had they returned from the campus that a group of armed miscreants descended from the hilltop attacked the campus and damaged the properties of the NSU..

President kovind invokes Assamese poet in speech

3 new cases push Arunachal’s COVID19 tally to 16,827

Won’t sack Home Minister, says Meghalaya CM

AR to relocate bases from Aizawl to Zokhawsang: CM

I ta nagar , Ja n 2 9 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh’s COVID-19 tally rose to 16,827 on Friday as three more people, including an Army jawan, tested positive for the infection, a senior health official said.

The fresh cases were reported in the Capital Complex region and West Kameng and Changlang districts, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said. Three more people have been cured of the disease, taking the recovery rate among the coronavirus patients in the state to 99.57 per cent, he said. The state now has 15 active cases, while 16,756 people have recovered from the disease and 56 patients have succumbed to the infection so far, he said.

Arunachal Pradesh has so far tested over 3.91 lakh samples for COVID-19, including 640 on Thursday, the official said. Meanwhile, 15,741 health workers have received the first dose of the COVID vaccine in the state so far, including 8,654 on Thursday, State Immunisation Officer Dr Dimong Padung said. The Health Department is carrying out the inoculation drive every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, he said.

Correspondent

on January 21.

The Chief Minister said that few individuals are making these statements but that doesn’t ref lect the views and opinions and stand of the BJP. “Almost 90 per cent of the BJP leaders are working very closely with the MDA coalition partners,” he added.

In fact, Home Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator, Lahkmen Rymbui has retorted back to BJP’s demand, asking for his coalition partner to seek the resignation of Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyuraapa instead, in whose home constituency five persons died in an explosion in a quarry.

“The BJP leaders from Meghalaya should first ask for the resignation of the Karnataka Chief Minister after five people have died on January 21, 2021 in the explosion at a quarry in Hunasodu village of Shivamogga which is his home constituency.

The BJP being a national party should first introspect,” Rymbui said.

Aizawl, Jan 29 (PTI): Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that Assam Rifles bases in Aizawl would soon be shifted to the outskirts of the city.

Kicking off the campaign for Aizawl Municipal Corporation polls at Ramhlun on Thursday, Zoramthanga said Assam Rifles have been asked to relocate their headquarters from the heart of the city to Zokhawsang within February. “Officials of Assam Rifles are also willing to shift their battalion headquarters to Zokhawsang and they are preparing for it,” he said.

Some of the officials have already shifted to Zokhawsang, around 15 km from the city, he added.

The chief minister said all other forces will also be shifted to other places.

Zoramthanga said that he approached both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the matter.

There are three Assam Rifles battalions in Mizoram.

First Assam Rifles is based in Lunglei, Eight in Serchhip and 46 Assam Rifles is camped in Aizawl’s Zodin and Khatla areas.

Five policemen hurt in scuffle Correspondent IMPHAL, Jan 29: As many as five police personnel were injured as agitators armed with deadly weapons intruded into the under construction permanent campus of the National Sports University and ransacked the campus on Friday.

The agitators further torched some makeshift camps of the labourers, vandalised machineries and damaged a car parked inside the NSU campus belonging to a policeman guarding the campus, reports said.

Additional police force who rushed to the spot fired several rounds of tear gas shells and used mock bombs to put the agitators under control.

The situation was brought under control but tensions were running high in the area even as additional armed police personnel were detailed to protect the campus from further vandalism. Today’s violent incident inside the under construction NSU was related to a fresh controversy over the ownership of the land demarcated for the construction of the permanent campus of the varsity.

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (PTI): President Ram Nath Kovind invoked nationalist Assamese poet Ambikagiri Raichaudhuri in his address in Parliament on Friday to describe how the country achieves success even in seemingly unattainable goals whenever it is united and said challenges like COVID-19 or border tension with China were faced with fortitude by everyone together.

Addressing the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, Kovind also said that the Narendra Modi government is fully committed to the overall and balanced development of eastern India.

He said whenever India has remained united, it has been able to attain even seemingly unattainable goals and this solidarity and Mahatma Gandhi’s inspiration had given us freedom from hundreds of years of colonial rule.

“Echoing the same spirit, Assam ‘Kesari’ Ambikagiri Raichaudhuri, the nationalist poet, had said – ‘Om tatsat Bharat Mahat, Ek chetonaat, Ek Dhyanot, Ek Sadhonaat, Ek Ave-

File photo of National Sports University in Manipur.

got, Ek Hoi Jaa, Ek Hoi Jaa’ (India’s grandeur is the ultimate truth. In one single consciousness, one thought, one devotion, one inspiration, let us unite; let us unite),” he said.

Raichaudhuri (1885– 1967), known as the lion of Assam for his firebrand nationalist character, was a freedom fighter and won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1965. He was also the President of Asom Sahitya Sabha in 1950.

The President said the unity and dedication of Indians has enabled the country to overcome multiple adversities.

He said the country has faced every crisis with fortitude, be it the coronavirus pandemic, floods, earthquakes or major cyclones in several states, locust attack or the bird flu.

The recent past also saw an unprecedented escalation in tension along the border.

“The nation stood together, battled crises on multiple fronts and surmounted every challenge.

During this period, we all have also witnessed the unparalleled courage, endurance, discipline and spirit of service of our countrymen,” he said.

Shillong, Jan 29: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has refused to sack Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui in the wake of BJP seeking his removal following the death of six labourers in an illegal coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district.

“That is the opinion of a political party. I don’t have anything to say but there is no question of dropping Rymbui,” Sangma told reporters The BJP, which is a partner in the National People’s Party (NPP)-led ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), of which the UDP is the second largest constituent, has been demanding for the resignation of Rymbui ever since the tragedy in illegal coal mine came to light. Meghalaya BJP unit president Ernest Mawrie has called for the resignation of Rymbui for failing to curb illegal coal mining in the state, and sought an independent inquiry into the deaths of six labourers in a coal pit in the Rymbai Elaka of East Jaintia Hills

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi along rides on an auto-rickshaw to attend a meeting with the members of Greater Guwahati Auto Rickshaw Association. (PTI)

NPCC minority dept takes part in rally in Assam D I M A P U R , JA N 2 9 (AGENCIES): All India Congress Committee (AICC) Minority Department chairman, Nadeem Javed invited Nagaland State PCC (NPCC) Minority Department Chairman Rajesh Kumar Sethi to attend the state convention of Assam PCC Minority Department and Vishal Rally organised by Assam PCC Minority Department under its chairman Salman Khan at Moregaon, Lahurighat, Assam on January 28.

A press release by NPCC State chairman, minority de par tment, Rajesh Kumar Sethi stated that he along with general secretary Ajit Gogoi, general secretary Salikur Raja Khan, and media co-ordinator Kevin Mewar participated in the rally and met Nadeem Javed AICC minority dept chairman, Gaurav Gogoi MP, Debabrata Saikia MLA and apprised them of the current position of the minority department of Nagaland PCC and its activities in the last one year and also handed over a memorandum letter in this regard to Nadeem Javed.

GUWAHATI, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): With an eye on the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi took an autorickshaw ride in Guwahati to get a better understanding of the problems and issues that the autorickshaw drivers of the city are facing, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Gogoi along with MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi and other Congress leaders, Durga Das Boro, Praneswar Boro met the autorickshaw drivers and had a meeting with members of the Greater Guwahati Autorickshaw Owners Association. President Yusuf Ahmed and General Secretary Rupam Kalita of the Association raised various concerns including the

issue of hiking the vehicle fitness certificate rates to Rs 1,500 a month from just Rs 100 a month.

Gogoi heads the manifesto committee of the Congress. Kurmi, Das Boro and Praneswar Boro are the other members of the manifesto committee. In the coming days, the members of the manifesto committee would be meeting people from different walks of life to get their feedback, understand their issues. These would then be included in the Congress manifesto for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Gaurav Gogoi said that once voted to power, the Congress would first addresses is-

sues of Shramiks (workers and labourers) and farmers.

He said raised the issue of the BJP government giving croporate tax breaks to industries while people like autorickshaw drivers are having to pay steep rates for fitness certificates and other taxes.

The interactive meeting was organised by All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC) Guwahati unit.

AIPC president Gauravv Somani was also present at the meeting. AIPC would be organising more such interactive meetings with various groups and professionals to understand their needs and submit the same to the manifesto committee headed by MP Gaurav Gogoi.

M’laya Government to focus on infrastructure development

Correspondent

Shillong, Jan 29: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said that it his government’s concerted effort to focus on infrastructure development across the State.

“The laying of foundation for upgradation of the Pasyih to Garampani Road, West Jaintia Hills under the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) of World Bank India is a step towards fulfilling the needs of our people for better roads and will strengthen connectivity between neighbouring villages in the area,” he said after laying the foundation for the vital road on Friday.

“This is a foundation of hope for a better future not only for Pasyih and Garampani but for the entire Jaiñtia Hills district and it is our promise to continue our efforts to connect our villages through better roads across the State,” the chief minister said.

Connecting Meghalaya to Assam, the Passyih – Garampani road is a State Highway starting from 8th Mile of Jowai – Ratacherra Road (NH 6) and ends at Saphai near the boundary of Meghalaya – Assam border.

The total length is 46.982 Km. The portion of this

road from 21st km to 47th km (Total length of 26.982 Km) has been sanctioned under Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) funded by World Bank. The road passes through several villages including Pyntei, Biar, Chatwakhu, Nongkroh, Lakadong, Theym and Saphai habitation areas.

The total cost of the project is Rs 62,49,18,004.

Meanwhile, with the aim to enhance sports infrastructure across Meghalaya, Sangma also laid foundation for the Wahiajer Multi Sports Complex.

The project is funded through State Plan Scheme and Sports Authority of India’s Khelo India Infrastructure Scheme and the cost of the project is Rs. 24,97,11,000.

The Chief Minister said that the provision of sports infrastructure will help hone the skills of sporting talents from the area and encourage youth of the State to take up sports as a career. Touching on the Meghalaya State Sports Policy, he said policies are being formulated to give direction to departments and guidance to the Government to create such infrastructure for the youth to excel in their skill and passion and encourage them to follow their dreams.

Arunachal launches pilot project Rs 1,751 cr relief for Assam, Manipur CM inaugurates 30 projects in for low-chilling apple cultivation Arunachal and other states Tamenglong; convenes cabinet meeting

The project, funded by North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society, will be implemented on 14 acres of land through 18 beneficiaries.

I TA NAG A R , JA N 2 9 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh has launched a pilot project for cultivation of a new variety of apple that can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas.

The project would be implemented in 14 acres at Ziro, the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district, through 18 beneficiaries, officials said.

It is being funded by North Eastern Region Community Resource Manage-

ment Society (NERCRMS) of North Eastern Council under the DoNER ministry.

HRMN-99 Apple is a low chilling variety developed by Hariman Sharma, a farmer from Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh several years back, which can be cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions and does not require chilling hours.

Chilling hours are the number of hours when tem-

peratures stay at 0-7 degrees celsius. This period of time is important for apple trees because it allows buds to develop into flowers as the weather warms up.

A 12-year-old plant of HRMN-99 variety yields a quintal of fruit per season, the officials said.

The first batch of apple saplings was distributed by state Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Tage Taki to the benefiaries at Ziro on Friday.

New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI): A high level committee headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday approved an additional central assistance of Rs 1,751 crore to five states for the damage caused by floods and landslides due to the southwest monsoon in 2020.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh were the beneficiary states. The committee has approved additional central assistance of Rs 1,751.05 crore to the five states from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), an MHA statement said.

It said Rs 437.15 crore has been approved for Assam, Rs 75.86 crore to Arunachal Pradesh, Rs 320.94 crore to Odisha, Rs 245.96 crore to Telangana and Rs 386.06 crore to Uttar Pradesh. For hailstorms during Rabi 2019-20, Rs

285.08 crore has also been approved for Uttar Pradesh, it said. While approving the additional central assistance, the home minister said the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to help the sisters and brothers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh who braved these natural disasters, the statement said.

In all the five states, the central government had deputed Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) immediately after the calamities, without waiting for the receipt of memorandum from the affected state governments, it said.

In addition, during 2020-21, till date, the central government has released Rs 19,036.43 crore to 28 states from the State Disaster Response Fund and Rs 4,409.71 crore to 11 states from the NDRF, it said.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Jan 29: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday inaugurated 30 developmental projects constructed in Tamenglong district and also laid foundation stones for nine other projects to be taken up at the district.

The chief minister who visited the district headquarters as a part of his government’s “Go to Hills” mission also convened a cabinet meeting there.

The chief minister inaugurated the phase-I of the water supply scheme at Hangoipat by water conservation taken up under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources at a total estimated cost of Rs 59.68 crore.

The project taken up under Jal Jeevan Mission has a target to provide connection to around 2,547 households.

The chief minister laid

the foundation stone of the project during his maiden visit to the district on November 15, 2017.

The phase-II of the water supply scheme was being developed at Joulen in Gadai Range and it is likely to be inaugurated before the onset of monsoon.

The chief minister further inaugurated 29 other projects at a public function held at Tamenglong MiniSecretariat.

Addressing a function after inauguration of the projects implemented in the district, the chief minister reminded that the “Go to Hills” mission was announced in his maiden speech as a chief minister on March 15, 2017, the day on which a new government was formed in the state.

The mission was introduced to bridge the gap between hill and valley regions and bring balanced development in the state, Singh claimed.

The chief minister said that the water supply scheme inaugurated today was constructed under Prime Minister’s Jal Jeevan Mission which aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to every household in the country by 2024.

He added that his government would try to inaugurate the water supply scheme at Joulen in Gadai Range by April this year after which every household in Tamenglong district would get access to safe drinking water.

He further expressed thankfulness to the people of the district for their support and contributions in the government’s efforts to complete the projects.

He assured that the government would construct an Astroturf or natural grass football ground at district headquarters.

He stated that Tamenglong was no longer an underdeveloped district.

Locals, farmers clash at Singhu border

Security personnel detain a member of a group of people claiming to be locals, who reached the Singhu border protest site to vacate the area. (PTI) NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (PTI): Police fired tear gas and resorted to baton charge Friday to break up a clash between farmers and a large group of men claiming to be local residents who hurled stones at each other at the Singhu border, one of the main protest sites against farm laws.

Delhi Police SHO (Al-

5

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

ipur) Pradeep Paliwal was injured in the violence after a man attacked him with a sword, an official said, adding that some people were also wounded.

The official said that police detained the man who attacked the station house officer. The group claiming to be locals demanded that the farmers

vacate the Singhu border, one of the main protest sites around the capital, alleging that they had “insulted” the national flag during their tractor parade on Republic Day. Armed with sticks, the group of locals reached the site and asked the farmers to leave while raising slogans against them. Both

sides also pelted stones at each other. The protesters at the Singhu border, much of which is barred for entry from outside, came out in numbers to resist the locals.

However, they were promptly stopped by farmer union volunteers which helped the situation from turning ugly.

“They are not locals, but hired goons. They were throwing stones, petrol bombs at us. They attempted to burn down our trolleys also. We are here to resist them. We won’t leave the place,” said Harkirat Mann Beniwal, 21, from Punjab’s Khana district.

Thousands of protesting farmers had clashed with the police during the tractor rally called by farmer unions on January 26 to highlight their demand for repeal of the Centre’s three farm laws.

Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort and entered the monument. Some protesters even hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts, where the national flag is unfurled by the prime minister on Independence Day.

PM weakening Thousands of farmers attend India by attacking mahapanchayat to back BKU farmers: Rahul

M U Z A F FA R NAG A R (UP), JAN 29 (PTI): Tens of thousands of farmers gathered in Muzaffarnagar town on Friday to attend a mahapanchayat in support of the Bharatiya Kisan Union-led protest against the Centre’s new farm laws in Ghazipur on the DelhiUttar Pradesh border.

A day after BKU leader Rakesh Tikait broke down at Ghazipur and tension spiralled amid fears that the farmers who had been camping there for two months would be forcibly removed by the local administration, all roads in western Uttar Pradesh it seemed led to Muzaffarnagar.

The GIC ground near Mahaveer Chowk was packed, a sea of people congregating to back the protesters at UP Gate in Ghazipur.

Hundreds of tractors with the tricolour and flags of farm unions were parked along city roads, disrupting traffic movement.

The GIC ground was the centrestage and scores of regional farmer leaders took the mike to back the

Farmers during ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ against the new farm laws, in Muzaffarnagar, Friday. (PTI) protesters at the UP Gate in Ghazipur As Muzaffarnagar became the meeting point for farmers from across the region, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh also announced support for the BKU and his son, party leader Jayant Chaudhary, participated in the mahapanchayat too.

Singh, RLD president and former Union minister, had spoken to BKU president Naresh Tikait and spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, party vice president Chaudhary said.

“It is a matter of life and death for farmers, but do not worry. All have to stay together, united in this -- this is Chaudhary saahab’s (Ajit Singh’s) message,” the RLD vice president said in a tweet in Hindi.

The Tikait brothers, sons of legendary farm leader Mahendra Singh Tikait, are leading the BKU. Members of the group have been protesting at Ghazipur for more than two months to demand a rollback of the contentious farm laws brought by the Centre in September last year.

New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI): The Congress hit out at the Centre on Friday over the farmers’ protest against the new farm laws, with former party president Rahul Gandhi alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “weakening” India by “attacking” farmers.

The remarks by Gandhi came a day after the Congress alleged that the government was trying to divide and intimidate the farmers to break their protest against the three laws.

“PM is weakening India by attacking our farmers and workers. Only anti-national forces will benefit,” Gandhi tweeted.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also slammed the government over the issue.

“Farmers’ trust is the country’s capital. Breaking their trust is a crime. Not listening to their voice is a sin,” Priyanka Gandhi tweeted. “Threatening and intimidating them is grave sin. Attack on farmers is an attack on the country.”

Editor’s Guild slams FIRs against journos Rakesh Tikait true patriot: JJP leader Digvijay Chautala BJP in Haryana, has been under pressure from a section of farmers and the opposition parties in the state to snap ties with the saffron party and openly stand in support of the peasants who are agitating against the Centre’s new farm laws.

Meanwhile, INLD senior leader Abhay Singh Chautala, who has resigned as MLA over the farm laws issue, said he will be going to the Ghazipur protest site on Saturday to express solidarity with Tikait and other farmers there. He said more farmers from Haryana

should join the protest sites at Ghazipur, Tikri and Singhu. “I want to tell farmers that the government is trying to propagate that this agitation is ending, which is not the case. I appeal to peasants to reach in numbers at Tirki, Singhu and Ghazipur borders. On Saturday, I will be reaching the Ghazipur border in the afternoon…,” Abhay Chautala, son of former Haryana Chief Minister O P Chautala, said.

He said Haryana farmers have always stood solidly behind their counterparts from across the country.

The INLD leader also said former deputy prime minister Chaudhary Devi Lal fought for the rights of farmers throughout his life.

“I call upon all those who are connected with agriculture to rise above petty interests and extend support to peasants. We will together fight for the rights of farmers and support this agitation till the time we force the Centre to repeal these laws,” Abhay Chautala said.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting at Delhi’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh

demanding the rollback of the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

The protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the “mercy” of big corporations.

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Chandigarh, Jan 29 (PTI): Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader Digvijay Singh Chautala on Friday called farmer leader Rakesh Tikait a “true patriot” and said he has always talked about farmers’ interests.

The Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Tikait and others in connection with the violence in the national capital during the farmers’ tractor rally on Republic Day. “He is the son of country’s great farmers’ leader Mahender Singh Tikait. It is wrong to call him antinational,” Digvijay told reporters.

“He has always talked about farmers’ interests.

If the government has to take action, it should catch people like (Gurnam Singh) Chaduni, who instigated people. But Rakesh Tikait and farmers are true patriots,” he said referring to Tikiat being booked by the police.

The JJP, an ally of the

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Jammu, Jan 29 (PTI): Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire on Friday as they opened heavy fire and lobbed mortars at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, prompting a befitting retaliation from the Indian Army, officials said.

This comes a day after a 20-year-old man was injured in shelling by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Shahpur sector of Poonch district. “At 1800 hours today (Friday), the Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along the LoC in Nowshera sector of Rajouri,” a defence spokesperson said. The Indian Army retaliated befittingly, he said. In 2020, over 5,400 instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the highest in the past 19 years, were recorded along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 36 people were killed and over 130 injured in these ceasefire violations, according to the officials. They said the shelling and firing by Pakistani troops last year was “very heavy”, virtually making the 2003 India-Pakistan border truce redundant.

as an independent watchdog of Indian democracy,” the statement said.

“We demand that the FIRs be withdrawn immediately and the media be allowed to report without fear and with freedom,” the Guild said.

The Guild also reiterated its earlier demand that the higher judiciary takes serious cognizance of the fact that several laws such as a sedition are often used to impede freedom of speech, and issue guidelines to ensure that “wanton use of such laws does not serve as a deterrent to a free press”.

The Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) also “unequivocally” condemned the Uttar Pradesh Police’s decision to file an FIR for sedition against Mrinal Pande, founder president of the IWPC, along with several leading journalists, allegedly because they shared “unverified” news during the farmers tractor rally in Delhi on Republic Day. In a statement, the IWPC said it believes that the charges against Pande, who has been the editor of several leading news publications in the country, “smack of a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the situation”.

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Pak army targets forward posts along LoC in J-K’s Rajouri

the intimidating manner in the way in which the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Police” have registered FIRs against senior editors and journalists (including current and former office-bearers of EGI) for reporting on the farmers’ protest rallies and the ensuing violence that took place in the national capital on January 26.

The FIRs allege that the tweets were intentionally malicious and were the reason for the desecration of the Red Fort, the Guild noted, asserting that nothing can be further from truth. “On a day thick with information, the EGI finds these FIRs, filed in different states, as an attempt to intimidate, harass, browbeat, and stifle the media,” the Guild said.

That the FIRs have been booked under a total of 10 different provisions, including sedition laws, promoting communal disharmony, and insulting religious beliefs, is further disturbing, it said.

“This targeting of journalists grievously violates and tramples on every value that our democratic republic stands for. It is intended to grievously hurt the media and prevent it from working

DP-556

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (PTI): Media bodies on Friday strongly condemned the filing of FIRs against senior editors and journalists for their reporting on the farmers’ tractor rally and the ensuing violence here on Republic Day, saying it was an attempt to “browbeat” and “intimidate” the media.

In a statement, the Editors Guild of India demanded that such FIRs be withdrawn immediately and the media be allowed to report without fear and with freedom.

It said journalists have been specifically targeted for reporting the accounts pertaining to the death of one of the protestors on their personal social media handles as well as those of the publications they lead and represent.

“It must be noted that on the day of the protest and high action, several reports were emerging from eyewitnesses on the ground as well as from police, and therefore it was only natural for journalists to report all the details as they emerged.

This is in line with established norms of journalistic practice,” the Guild said.

The Editors Guild said it “strongly condemns

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 54 Dimapur, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Forces against progress

I

n a marked departure from the routine Republic Day speech, Nagaland Governor R.N.Ravi, who is also the government of India’s Interlocutor to the Naga political talks, devoted space by hitting out against the “menace of rampant extortions under the guise of illegal taxation by anti-social elements” in Nagaland. Dropping all pretence of political correctness, the Governor-cum-Interlocutor said “some extra constitutional entities, in the guise of espousing Naga national cause” queered the pitch for the people and the government thus, keeping peace and progress at bay. Viewing the problem as the Interlocutor, Ravi said despite the government of India having taken various initiatives to resolve the Naga political, negotiations since the past 24 years, has not yielded result. He blamed the “unrealistic intransigence of some people” who were unwilling to forsake politics by gun. Forcible collection or imposing multiple taxes on all and sundry under whatever alibi, is practically “extortion”. A lot has been written on this issue that reared its ugly head since the late 80s. No development or progress can be achieved in any meaningful manner, if some elements deem it right to prey on the helpless people who toil and sweat to make an honest living. The governor also admitted the despite police and security forces taking action, the menace has not been fully curbed. It is also an irony that while the state continues to raise armed police battalions, ranger-commandos, special task force or QRT etc or under whatever names, all these have failed to curb the menace. It has been the experience of victims that the law exists only on paper, because in the end, they have to “negotiate a settlement”. The government is not ignorant about these strangulating taxes which are killing genuine business enterprises. Over and above this is the syndication of market where only those who pay some hefty auctioned fees are allowed to sell goods in the market. Sellers and traders have to pay multiple times to so many groups, associations or unions and indirectly encouraged to sell fake and substandard good. The end-user is made to bear the burden of the taxes and also compelled to buy only what is available through the syndicates. The government, especially police cannot hide behind the excuse that public do not come forward to complain. The government is not ignorant about these strangulating taxes which are killing genuine business enterprises. Ravi has called a spade a spade in reminding legislators that they are mandated to fulfil their constitutional obligations for their people, instead of focussing and parroting only about early solution to the Naga political issue.

For decades, the growing trend of rampant, multiple, unabated and illegal taxation a.k.a extortion has practically put the brakes on economic development.

Indeed, forcible collection or taxation under threat, carried out under whatever excuses has strangulated the artery of progress. Nagaland is the second oldest state after Assam when it attained statehood in 1963.

Nagaland had made giant strides from the mid-60s till early 80s but today it is way behind other states which attained statehood only after the mid-70s. It would be in the fitness of things to acknowledge that the enlarging cycle of corruption in the government system and unabated multiple extortions in society are the real enemies of progress.

DailyDevotion How Could Someone Be So Ignorant!

Who are You, Lord? —Acts 26:15 “The Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand…” (Isaiah 8:11). There is no escape when our Lord speaks. He always comes using His authority and taking hold of our understanding. Has the voice of God come to you directly? If it has, you cannot mistake the intimate insistence with which it has spoken to you. God speaks in the language you know best— not through your ears, but through your circumstances.

God has to destroy our determined confidence in our own convictions. We say, “I know that this is what I should do” — and suddenly the voice of God speaks in a way that overwhelms us by revealing the depths of our ignorance. We show our ignorance of Him in the very way we decide to serve Him. We serve Jesus in a spirit that is not His, and hurt Him by our defense of Him. We push His claims in the spirit of the devil; our words sound all right, but the spirit is that of an enemy. “He… rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of’ ” (Luke 9:55). The spirit of our Lord in His followers is described in 1 Corinthians 13.

Have I been persecuting Jesus by an eager determination to serve Him in my own way? If I feel I have done my duty, yet have hurt Him in the process, I can be sure that this was not my duty. My way will not be to foster a meek and quiet spirit, only the spirit of self-satisfaction. We presume that whatever is unpleasant is our duty! Is that anything like the spirit of our Lord— “I delight to do Your will, O my God…” (Psalm 40:8).

Quotes

Every man dies.

Not every man really lives. ~ William Wallace

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Post-mortem

Don’t punish all for the sins of a few

I

ndia’s 72nd Republic Day was marred by unprecedented violence and mayhem in the Capital. On one hand the country showcased its military might at the historic Rajpath, while on the other hand chaotic scenes were witnessed with a sea of farmers storming the Capital and laying siege to the Red Fort. The miscreants also hoisted a religious flag from the ramparts of the iconic building. Why is it that State violence bring “peace and stability” while outbursts by citizens end in chaos and obloquy.

Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky’s famous character from the acclaimed book ‘Crime and Punishment’ Raskolnikov, often thought: “When is murder (violence) right?” He asked himself why was Napoleon France’s greatest hero despite butchering millions, while he (Raskolnikov) felt extreme guilt even as he served a sentence in prison for murdering a tight-fisted moneylender?

The unfortunate events that took place on

Republic Day at the Red Fort will remain a festering wound on the farmers’ movement forever. It was a dark day, not only because of the mayhem and riots that took place but also because the cause of thousands of peacefully demonstrating farmers was lost in oblivion after the dark clouds of violence engulfed the Capital.

Farmer leaders like Rakesh Tikait and others have been named in the First Information Reports (FIRs) that were lodged soon after the incident.

Meanwhile, the “godi media” has already declared farmers and their leaders guilty and their media trial has begun. On the other hand, Deep Sindhu who is allegedly one of the main conspirators behind the chaos that erupted in Delhi, roams free. In his own video he is seen at the Red Fort inciting the farmers. Opportunist leaders have already parted ways and the issue at hand is no longer agrarian distress but “us and them.”

“Violence begets vio-

lence”, the Government’s response was quite natural.

But let us heed the warning of Bertrand Russell and “examine the facts” by ourselves. Those who were present at Delhi’s Ghazipur border when the farmers broke the barricades, narrate a different story. Of course some people were adamant on breaking the barriers, but a majority of the farmers resisted this attempt and were peaceful. Police surveillance footage would also confirm the same. Rakesh Tikait and other farmer leaders stood between the protesters and the barricades and stopped the protesters from breaking the barriers. They even fought with some of the farmers and tried to save the policemen. It was due to their efforts that a major part of the tractor rally stuck to the designated route and did not enter Delhi. These leaders even managed to call back some of the tractors that broke through the barricades.

Reports from Singhu and Tikri, too, indicate that the farmers’ leaders stood their ground and prevented

India most threatened of losing a generation

T

he impact of COVID-19 crisis on the lives of children in India has been far worse than most of the countries of the world, because the country’s share in the global burden was already unacceptably high in the beginning of the pandemic.

With neonatal mortality of 590,000 per year India was accounting 23 per cent, under 5 mortality of 960,000 accounting 17 per cent, and stunting of 47.7 million children accounting 27 per cent of the global burden. About 25 million households did not have toilets while 560 million have no access to improved water connection.

COVID-19 has changed life everywhere in the world. However, in India, it has triggered a negative chain reaction hurting the most disadvantaged section of the population.

According to a survey conducted in August and September by UNICEF, economic condition of people in the country was very bad. About 53 per cent people had reported their condition ‘bad’ compared to 17 per cent in the pre lockdown period. It was still high despite the opening up of the economy started from June 1. The people who suffered the most included about half of the casual workers, 62 per cent female headed families, and 64 per cent of the home returnee.

In this situation, children had to suffer silently for multiple reasons.

They are still suffering in a way that can be classified as ‘Child Rights Crisis’. Though 660 million children and their families reached by the UNICEF with COVID specific message, 3.6 million people across India reached with critical WASH supplies, 2.5 million healthcare workers trained in Infection Prevention and Control, 44.4 million children with education initiatives, 19.7 million children and women receiving essential healthcare, 61.8 million people have been engaged in activities that facilitate two-way communication, over 333,000 children and their caregivers have been provided with psychological support as a result of UNICEF’s support and 102,400 children between 6 to 59 months have been admitted for treatment of SAM, a huge gap still remains.

Over 290 million children in the country are out of school because their schools are closed under the lockdown orders. It prevented many of the children from the mid-day meal that they were being provided in their schools. The extremely poor persons, which are substantially increased due to many people sliding from lower middle class into below poverty line, could not cope with the new situation of their joblessness. They are therefore sending their children into labour.

Now, there is no guarantee that such children would ever be able to return to schools.

When schools were closed, government tried to encourage students to read online or through TV. Many schools started this mode of teaching. Students were provided links.

However, many of the families did not have, or still do not have smart phones

for their children. Many families were not able to even pay for their recharge.

There are connectivity problems both of electricity and internet. There are lessons on TV too, but many of the households do not have even TV sets.

Fathers, mothers, or guardians of millions of students have lost their jobs due to which they are unable to support the new kind of medium of education. It is still not known when schools and educational institutions would reopen, and how many of the students would actually be able to return to schools.

This new scenarios indicates the digital divide. It is going to breed inequality among the children. The children from the poor families are under threat of being losing their future vis a vis the children from the privileged families. The Divide is real and alarming. Only 1 in 4 children have access to digital learning in India.

The guardians of the children were not sure about their children going back to school after the pandemic, the Community Based Monitoring (CBM) findings have revealed. In urban districts, ‘do not know response is as high as 27 per cent compared to rural areas’ 11 per cent. Around 40 per cent mothers stated that their children were using smart phone, and only 28 per cent mothers reported that they were helping their children in studying.

Not only poverty, but also violence has been on the increase. Families are resorting to negative coping mechanism including child labour and child marriage. Both are on the increase. There is an alarming situation. The UNICEF has reported that they reached 333,000 children with psychological support, while 4 million calls of children in distress have been assisted.

A report released just before the World Children’s Day (November 20) by UNICEF has suggested sixpoint plan to respond, recover, and reimagine a post-pandemic world for every child, which is most relevant for India. We and our children have never been under so much risk, but worse is to come as the global crisis unfolds.

Risks to children are increasing with the economic fallout on government and household budgets and the private sector. We must protect the decades of past investment on children, the report emphasized.

This is not about a return to the way things were. Children will never accept a return to ‘normal’ after the pandemic because ‘normal’ was never good enough. Our post-pandemic rebuilding must meet the scale of this moment by overcoming our differences – and working across generations – to rebuild a world we want our children to grow up in, Executive Director of UNICEF Henrietta H Fore has rightly commented on the situation, which India must take note of and do the needful in shortest possible time.

Gyan Pathak

major violence. It would not be an overstatement to say that they collectively managed to transform a potential nuclear explosion into a pressure cooker blast.

But nevertheless there was violence by some people, which marred the peaceful spirit of the movement that had been going on for two months. Only an impartial investigation can reveal the truth.

We must not forget that it is these farmers who feed the policemen on duty at the protest sites. The policemen also enjoyed the langar that has been set up by the farmers. The big question is why the peace loving community of farmers would resort to violence and anarchy all of a sudden? The answer is that they were instigated by a few unscrupulous elements bent upon discrediting the stir, the cause and the peaceful growers. It makes sense that the farmer unions have also asked for an investigation into the links of Deep Sindhu with the BJP. What we saw was a

A

nefarious tactic of breaking a democratic movement with splinter groups, strike breakers and radicalised individuals. They discredited the peaceful movement with this one act of violence.

The Centre, which now has the upper hand, has already given an ultimatum to the leaders.

They must acquiesce to the Government’s proposal or there would be no further talks and there would be police action. Now the question remains, should the farmers’ leaders take moral responsibility for the violence unleashed by saboteurs and rabblerousers? Let us look back a year to the Delhi Riots in 2020. Should any of those leaders who were allegedly involved in the riots have taken moral responsibility for the bloodshed?

They should have, but they didn’t. So why should the farmers’ unions do so?

Machiavelli too gave us a mantra for the future: “He will be successful who directs his actions according to the spirit of the times

and he whose actions do not accord with the times will not be successful.” The age of violence is upon us and if Machiavelli is right a non-violent person cannot win in violent times.

Farmers unions need to prove Machiavelli wrong and Gandhiji right.

The unions are definitely on the back foot in the media and are fighting with their backs against the wall. If tomorrow the investigations reveal collusions between miscreants and the Government, all hell will break loose. Always keep in mind that violence at the Red Fort, may actually resonate with the masses and will add to the polarisation on both sides of the electoral base. To emerge victorious the Government should embrace the farmers’ cause and not obfuscate it because of violence by a few miscreants.

Indra Shekhar Singh Programme Director for Policy and Outreach, National Seed Association of India.

(The views expressed are personal.)

Beating Retreat Indeed!

s the sun went down, the reveille sounded the end of the day and the beginning of the retreat, marking the coming down of the curtains on the events of the week-the mayhem and the atrocities that happened on the 26th and the events after that.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy The events that marked the end of the retreat as it were not surprising as the patience of the people - the farmers at the borders of Delhi was being tested.

It was tested for 60 odd days. The restlessness among the farmers was visible.

Their voices not being heard so far were surprising; it was crying hoarse for response. It was as if the borders - those at the margins were raising their voices for a response, but was not heard, not even at the centre. It was ironic too as the debutante, the ignored and the novice stood as a team from the borders to claim the namesake trophy defeating the mighty powers down under on their home ground.

The Mayhem The farmers and their leaders had it coming. The increasing numbers and the tractor rally triggered the unfolding of the event as it were with the help of the powers that be.

In a congregation of lakes of farmers, opinions differ; the methods and modes are bound to debate and discussion. The differing opinions though do not mark the focus of the protest, the restlessness among the farmers in a silent and passive resistance to power was bound to break up. But it was not solely because of the farmers alone, is indeed an eye-opener.

The Game Plan The powers that be are adept at it. They seem to have mastered it since the JNU protests, the Shaheen Bagh sit-in and now the border protests of farmers. The game plan was not new; it probably started in Gujarat in the infamous riots, train burning and its aftermath - divide, discredit and destroy the intent, the nerve and the move.

The Tractor Rally was indeed a show of solidarity and strength for the farmers to exhibit their intent on a historic day. But it was a trap - a do or die situation.

The farmers fell into that trap and the powers that be took advantage of that and trapped them into divide, discredit and destroy their intent further.

Even before that the heckling had begun with name-calling - terming them as anti-nationals, Khalisthanis etc., and blaming the opposition political parties for the protest against the Farm Laws.

What if What if even the opposition strengthens the hands of the aggrieved if their rights are violated? What if these laws are detrimental to the farmers? What if the powers that be is unable to satisfy the needs of the farmers? What if the big corporate are out to destroy the Agri-enterprise with their intent? The questions continue, without answers.

Was it an intelligence failure that caused the mayhem on the 26th or was it the hand of hooligans taking advantage and the name of the farmers to foment trouble?

How come the police were not able to control the mobs? How come the Red Fort was open such that the mobs could enter? How come the HM was not held respon-

sible for the arrangements on the 26th?

How come the PM and HM and the powers that be are silent as usual when it comes to peoples’ troubles and protests?

How come the so called good as who led the mobs were not nabbed by the police?

How come patriotism and nationalism became the high point to put down the farmers, although it was their life and livelihood that were at stake?

How come the media also took sides to project the atrocities at the expense of the farmers’ troubles?

How come only the policemen were injured and not the farmers?

How come only the injured policemen were visited by the HM and not others?

Questions and queries, probes and FIRs. Where will it end?

Shouldn’t the concentration be upon the people - the farmers and their issues? Are we digressing, distracting and diverting the minds of the people?

It may be that the curtains have come down as it were as the reveille sounded.

But the Act has not ended and the scenes are not over.

It seems that there are many more acts to this; the drama has not ended; many more of scenes are yet to come; and obscene violations of peoples’ rights.

It is indeed not surprising that farmers and some leaders are still holding fort to press their intent as hope lingers in the hearts of the people at the borders. It is the borders that are marginalized taking the centre for questioning, as it were, the cricket metaphor still holds true.

Arun Kumar Wesley.

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Network nightmare in Mokokchung

The network in Mokokchung has gone from a simple ‘bad’ to worst over a year. Last year, AKM took stern actions against these network service providers; however, there have been no signs of improvements even after all the drastic measures taken by the student bodies. Infact, it has become so terrible to the point that service providers like Vodafone and Jio completely shuts down for days without any notice. The only sustaining network currently in Mokokchung is Airtel and even that does not work in some remote areas.

At present due to the pandemic, all the schools and colleges conduct online classes and because of the ignorance made by these telecom companies, students are the ones bearing all the brunt. Several students complain either because of their attendances being marked absent or the delay caused in the submission of assignments due to connection error. But what can we do about it when the government itself turns a blind eye towards such pressing matters. HSLC and HSSLC exams are coming up and the career of thousands of promising students are at stake. Therefore, it is my sincere appeal to the GoN to take note of this issue seriously and act upon it.

Azungla, Mokokchung 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.

7

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Minor blast near Israeli Embassy in Delhi President condemns R-Day violence No injuries reported

New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI): A minor IED blast took place near the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi on Friday evening, police said. No one was injured.

Some cars were damaged in the blast in the very high-security zone. Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said initial impressions suggest that it could be a mischievous attempt to create a sensation.

The blast took place when President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present a few kilometres away at the Beating Retreat ceremony at the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi and assured him of “fullest protection” to diplomats and the mission.

In a tweet, he said India has taken the incident “very seriously”. The matter is under investigation and “no effort will be spared to find the culprits,” he said.

Union Home Minis-

Bomb disposal squad of the Delhi Police carried our searches at the blast site to find out if there were more explosives in the area.

ter Amit Shah has been in touch with the Delhi Police top brass and is constantly monitoring the situation.

Delhi Police Commissioner S N Shrivastava visited the site in the evening and took stock of the situation.

The CISF which guards civil airports, vital nuclear and aerospace installations, Delhi Metro and central government buildings has put on alert all its units across the country after the blast, official sources said.

The paramilitary force has directed its personnel to enhance vigil at the 63 civil

airports and the Delhi Metro under its cover, besides vital installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) units that guard various government buildings in the national capital have been asked to maintain a “high level of alert”, they said.

In February 2012, an attack had occurred on an Isreali embassy diplomat’s car when a motorcycleborne person stuck an explosive to the vehicle at a traffic signal. The bomb had exploded seconds later, injuring the diplomat and three others.

Delhi Police Additional PRO Mittal said, “A very low intensity improvised device went off 5.05 pm.

No injury to any person was reported, nor was there any damage to property except the glass panes of three vehicles parked nearby.”

Preliminary investigation revealed that a bomb was planted in a flower pot on the median on APJ Abdul Kalam Road outside the embassy, sources said.

On Friday, the bomb disposal squad of the Delhi Police carried our searches at the blast site to find out if there were more explosives in the area. Forensic experts

also examined the blast site, an official said.

Sources said that some ball bearings used in making bomb were recovered near the blast site which is around 150 metres away from the Israeli Embassy.

The site is also near Jindal House, which houses Jaipuria House and Meghalaya House.

Samples of dust and grass from nearby area have been taken. It occurred near a tree. Some metal things have also been collected, a source said.

“We have handed over everything to investigating officers. The investigating officer will send it to our laboratory. There was an explosion and what type of explosion it was will be disclosed after the examination. Two teams of 10 experts reached the blast site,” Rajnish, a forensic expert, told reporters.

The fire department received a call about the blast at 5.11 pm. A fire department official told reporters that they had received the blast call and no one was injured in the explosion.

There was a heavy deployment of police personnel and APJ Abdul Kalam Road road has been cordoned off.

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday touched on almost every incident the country has witnessed since the beginning of last year, including the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian Army’s sacrifice in Galwan and the farmers’ tractor rally that turned violent on Republic Day, while addressing the joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament on Friday.

The President said that the joint sitting of Parliament being held during the time of the coronavirus pandemic has great significance, and mentioned that it is the “beginning of a new year and a new decade”.

“We will also be entering the 75th year of India’s independence this year,” said the President, adding “all the Members of Parliament present here today embody the conviction held by every Indian that the toughest of challenges will deter neither us nor India”.

“Whenever India has remained united, it has been able to attain even seemingly unattainable goals,” Kovind said.

He noted that the country faced every crisis with fortitude, be it the coronavirus pandemic, floods, earth-

President Ram Nath Kovind (C) being greeted by PM Narendra Modi at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, Friday. (PTI)

quakes or major cyclones in several states, locust attack or the bird flu.

The recent past also saw an unprecedented escalation in tension along the border.

The nation stood together, battled crises on multiple fronts and surmounted every challenge.

During this period, we have all witnessed the unparalleled courage, endurance, discipline and spirit of service of our countrymen, the President said.

In this fight against the pandemic, Kovind said we have also suffered the untimely loss of life of a number of our countrymen.

“Our beloved former President and my predecessor Pranab Mukherjee too passed away during the pandemic. The untimely

demise of six Members of Parliament was also due to the coronavirus. I pay my heartfelt tribute to all of them.”

Mentioning the farmers’ agitation over the three contentious farm laws, the President said Parliament approved these important farm reforms seven months ago. He said that the three farm reforms, have started reaching out to more than 10 crore small-time farmers instantly.

Appreciating the advantages that these reforms would bring to the small farmers, the President said several political parties too had, from time to time, expressed their support.

“Discussions were done over these farm reforms in every part of the country for over two decades.”

Shahnawaz Hussain takes oath Maha govt nod for resuming Will join investigation, need time as member of Bihar council train services for all from Feb 1 to bring out truth: Deep Sidhu

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar greets BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain and state minister and founding President of Vikassheel Insaan Party Mukesh Sahni, Friday. (PTI)

Patna, Jan 29 (PTI): Senior BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain and Bihar minister Mukesh Sahni were on Friday sworn in as members of the state legislative council.They were administered the oath of office by Acting Chairman of the council Awadhesh Narain Singh.

Several dignitaries, most notable being Chief MinisterNitish Kumar, were present on the occasion.

Both Hussain and Sahni were elected, unopposed, in by- polls necessitated by election of BJP leaders Sushil Kumar Modi and Binod

Narayan Jha to the Rajya Sabha and the assembly respectively.

The partys choice of Hussain, a former union minister and multiple term Lok Sabha member, has generated much curiosity in the political circles here.

Arguably the most notable Muslim face of a party which is often accused of being biased against the minorities, Hussain is expected to get a “big responsibility” in the state where BJP has outperformed Nitish Kumars JD(U) for the first time but lacks leaders of stature who can hold

Rahul has called for violence: BJP New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI): The BJP on Friday accused Rahul Gandhi of declaring “war” on Indians and giving a call for “violence” after the Congress leader warned the government that if farmers’’ protest is not defused then their agitation will spread across the country.

At a press conference, Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani alleged that Gandhi has said if Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not support his political stand, then cities will “burn”.

“Never before in our democratic history have we witnessed a political leader asking for fire of violence to spread instead of seeking and promoting peace,” she said, alleging that Gandhi wants violence that the national capital saw during the farmers’’ protest on Republic Day to be replicated across the country, including in slums where the poor live.

She also hit out at the Congress leader for not speaking a word of support and consolation to over 400 police personnel who were injured in violence during the farmers’’ tractor parade on Republic Day and not

speaking against the attacks on cops and others.

This is shocking but expected of him, Irani said.

He not only wants law and order breakdown but also supports anarchic elements daring to insult tricolour and break country, she alleged.

Taking a swipe at Gandhi, she said he is upset as Delhi Police remained restrained in tackling the situation and is unhappy that there was no pile of “dead bodies”. So he himself wants to fuel fire in the country, she said.

Earlier, Gandhi said the only solution to the farmers’’ issue was throwing the new agri laws in the “waste paper basket” and warned that if not resolved, the agitation will spread to other parts of the country.

In a no-holds-barred attack at the Centre, Gandhi accused the government of trying to intimidate and discredit the farmers, using the National Investigation Agency.

Hitting back, Irani said Gandhi is insistent upon creating political strife but citizens of India under one flag will ensure that law and order is maintained in our country.

their own.

Sushil Modi, who happens to be the tallest BJP leader from Bihar in his generation, recently dropped hints of the partys strategy behind shifting Hussain to state politics.

“His presence will be of immense help for the party especially in the Seemanchal region”, Modi had said referring to the densely populated Muslimdominated north-eastern part of Bihar.

Hussain had made his debut in 1999 Lok Sabha elections from Kishanganj, which falls in Seemanchal.

Mumbai, Jan 29 (PTI): The Maharashtra government on Friday approved resumption of suburban train services in Mumbai for the general public from February 1, a state official said here.

A railway official said the state government’s proposal has been conveyed to the competent authorities and a formal announcement regarding it is expected soon.

State Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar asked the Chief General Managers of Western and Central Railway to allow local train commuters to travel as per the laid down schedule, the state government official said.

Local trains have been off bounds for the general public since March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

They resumed in June for the essential services workers.

In the proposal sent to the Railway Board, the chief secretary said operations of local trains be allowed from the start of services for the day to 7 am and then again

from 12 pmto 4 pm, and from 9 pm to the closure of local train services for the day with effect from February 1, 2021.

“The local train services will be restricted to the essential services staff only from 7 amto 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm as is being permitted currently,” he said.

The services of the local trains, considered the lifeline of Mumbai, were resumed for the emergency and essential services staff in June this year.

Later on, the authorities permitted women to travel in locals during the non-peak hours.

During normal times before the lockdown, the Central Railway (CR) used to operate 1,774 services daily, while the Western Railway (WR) would run 1,367 services on the suburban network.

Currently, the railway authorities are operating 2,985 services, about 95 per cent of the total 3141 services, on Mumbai’s suburban network.

Of these, 204 special suburban services were added on Friday morning.

Tejashwi questions Nitish’s ideology

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav along with ‘Mahagathbandhan’ leaders addresses the media on the ongoing farmers’ agitation against Centre’s farm reform laws, in Patna, Friday. (PTI)

Patna, Jan 29 (IANS): Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday targeted CM Nitish Kumar saying he doubts whether Kumar is actually a socialist leader.

“Keeping in view the present situation, farmers, teachers and students are angry with the central and state government. Crime against women is on the rise...Instead of addressing their issues, CM Nitish Kumar is putting all effort behind saving his chair. He does not have any political ideology,” Tejashwi said in Patna. The RJD leader chaired a party meeting at the residence of former CM Rabri Devi on Friday to

discuss the progress of the human chain programme scheduled for January 30 to support the farmers agitation across Bihar. “We firmly believe that farmers of Bihar have the same ideology as the farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. They will also come out in their support,” Tejashwi said.

“In absence of Bazaar Samiti and Mandi, the farmers of Bihar are forced to sell their agriculture products way below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). They are selling paddy at not more than Rs 700 to 800 per 100 KG while the MSP is Rs 1868. The state government should establish Bazaar

Samiti and Mandi in Bihar so that farmers can sell their agriculture products,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, president of the Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) launched an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan on Friday morning in solidarity with the farmers. He said that the Modi government must roll back the three farm laws.

“The Centre should stop torturing farmers of our country. Our elders fought with Britishers and eventually forced them to retreat.

The current government at the Centre is more ruthless than Britishers,” alleged Yadav.

CHANDIGARH, JAN 29 (PTI): Actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu, who has been booked in connection with the religious flag incident at Red Fort, has said he needs some time to bring out the truth and will then join the investigation.

The 36-year-old Sidhu is in the eye of a storm for being among the protesters who put up a religious flag atop the Red Fort on Republic Day. “Arrest warrant has been issued against me and also a look out notice has been issued against me. First I want to give this message that I will join the investigation,” Sidhu said in a video uploaded on Facebook.

He said he needed some time to bring out the truth.

“Because whatever has been spread, it is false information and it is misleading the public at large. Therefore, I need a couple of days to bring out the truth and then I will join the investigation,” said Sidhu.

“I am requesting the investigation agencies...I have not done anything wrong

Maharashtra records 168 more bird deaths

Mumbai, Jan 29 (PTI): As many as 168 birds, including 142 poultry birds, were found dead in Maharashtra on Thursday, said an official from the state animal husbandry department on Friday.

Maharashtra has been reporting deaths of various birds, including poultry, amid an avian flu outbreak and a total of 19,406 birds have been found dead in the state since January 8.

Samples collected from dead birds have been sent to laboratories to find out cause of the death, the official said.

“All poultry birds, eggs, poultry feed and droppings within a radius of 1 km from the poultry farm has been scientifically destroyed,” he said.

A total of 71,773 poultry birds, 44,046 eggs and 63,234 kg of poultry feed have been destroyed from the infected zones, he said.

Some of the samples collected from Yavatmal and Nanded district, which were sent for testing on Wednesday, have tested positive for avian flu, he added.

Deep Sidhu

then why should I run away and why should I be scared.

I am not scared. I have done nothing wrong and that will come out,” he said.

He told the investigation agencies and the police department that he will come to them in two days.

“The kind of rumours being spread is not based on facts. I need two days to bring out the truth based on the facts and I will collect all the evidence and proof,” he stated.

The Delhi Police had named Sidhu in an FIR lodged in connection with the Red Fort incident.

Sidhu was present at the Red Fort when a religious flag and a farmer flag were put at the flagpole at

the historic monument, triggering massive outrage.

Sidhu had been accused by farm bodies of trying to defame their agitation and termed a “traitor”.

In his latest video, Sidhu alleged, “But after looking at all the information now, it appears that it could also be a trap. Be it of the Delhi police or of the government. It appears to be a trap.”

Narrating the sequence of events, Sidhu said, “I left my place at around 10:45 am in a car. By that time, the information was received that people on their own headed towards Ring Road and were moving towards Delhi and they did not follow the route as decided by the Delhi police and the government”.

He claimed that he passed through villages as the main road was blocked.

He reached a place where the barricading was broken.

Then the police at one place had stopped the traffic and they also got stuck there, he said. He claimed that “weak” barricading was put up by the police.

Shah on two-day visit to Bengal; to oversee poll preparedness Kolkata, Jan 29 (PTI): Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah will arrive in Kolkata tonight on a two-day visit beginning on Saturday to take stock of the BJP’s preparedness ahead of the assembly elections in West Bengal.

His visit comes in the backdrop of growing rebellion in the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) with several ministers and MLAs openly speaking out against the party and the functioning of the state government.

Speculations are rife that former minister Rajib Banerjee who has resigned as cabinet minister and TMC MLA, expelled TMC MLA Baishali Dalmiya and Uttarpara MLA Prabir Ghoshal may join the saffron party during Shah’s visit.

“On Saturday morning, Shah will be visiting Iskcon, Mayapur. Then he will be going to Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas, a bastion of Matuas, where he will address a public rally.

Later in the day, he will hold a closed-door meeting with social media cell of the party. He has some other engagements too,” a state

Amit Shah

BJP leader said. Shah will also hold a meeting with party leaders to review its poll prepararedness.

“On Sunday he will be visiting Aurobindo Bhawan to pay his respects to Sri Aurobindo. Then he will be going to Bharat Sevashram Sangha. From there he will proceed to Howrah where he will address a public meeting,” the BJP leader said.

Later in the evening, he will be visiting Belur Math.

According to BJP sources, there will be “surprises” at Shah’s rally in Howrah.

“Lists of TMC leaders likely to join our party are doing the rounds in social media. I can only say that there will be several surprises on Sunday,” BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

8

India GDP to grow 11 pc in FY’22: Eco Survey

New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI): India’s economy is likely to rebound with a 11 per cent growth in the next financial year as it makes a ‘V-shaped’ recovery after witnessing a pandemic-led carnage, the Pre-Budget Economic Survey said on Friday.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to contract by a record 7.7 per cent in the current fiscal ending March 31, 2021.

India witnessed its last annual contraction of 5.2 per cent in fiscal year 197980. The Economic Survey 2020-21 said the agriculture sector is the only silver lining while services, manufacturing and construction were most hit by the lockdown that was imposed to curb the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After an estimated 7.7 per cent pandemic-driven contraction in 2020-21, India’s real GDP is projected to record a growth of 11.0 per cent in 2021-22 and nominal GDP by 15.4 per cent. These conservative estimates reflect upside potential that can manifest due to the continued normalisation in economic activities as the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gathers traction,” the survey said.

The growth will further

Nirmala Sitharaman be supported by supply-side push from reforms and easing of regulations, push for infrastructural investments, boost to manufacturing sector through the Productivity Linked Incentive Schemes, recovery of pent-up demand for services sector, increase in discretionary consumption subsequent to roll-out of the vaccine and pick up in credit given adequate liquidity and low interest rates, it said.

The survey tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said there is likely to be a fiscal slippage during the year based on the available trends for April to November 2020.

India is expected to witness current account surplus during the current financial year after a gap of 17 years, it said. India has recorded a current account surplus of 3.1 per cent of GDP in the first half of the year largely

supported by strong services exports.

“Given the trend in imports of both goods and services, it is expected that India will end with an annual current account surplus of at least 2 per cent of GDP – after a period of 17 years,” it said. The contraction of 7.7 per cent in the current fiscal is on account of disruption in normal activities due to the pandemic.

However, India is expected to be the fastest growing economy in the next two years, the survey said.

Earlier in the week, the International Monetary Fund projected an impressive 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021, making the country the only major economy of the world to register a double-digit growth this year amid the pandemic. As per the advanced estimates of national income released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), India’s GDP is estimated to contract by a record 7.7 per cent during 2020-21 as the COVID-19 pandemic severely hit the key manufacturing and services segments.

Other global agencies too have projected contraction in the country’s economic growth for the fiscal 2020-21.

business/state 8 core industries’ output contracts 1.3 pc in Dec 2020 NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (PTI): The output of eight core infrastructure sectors contracted for the third month in a row by 1.3 per cent in December 2020, dragged down by poor show by crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel and cement sectors.

The core sectors had expanded by 3.1 per cent in December 2019, according to the provisional data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Friday. Barring coal and electricity, all sectors recorded negative growth in December 2020.

During April-December 2020-21, the sectors’ output declined by 10.1 per cent against a growth rate of 0.6 per cent in the same period of the previous year. The output of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel and cement declined by 3.6 per cent, 7.2 per cent, 2.8 per cent, 2.9 per cent, 2.7 per cent, and 9.7 per cent, respectively.

The growth in coal production slowed down to 2.2 per cent in the month under review from 6.1 per cent in the same month last year. However, electricity output grew by 4.2 per cent in December 2020.

The eight core industries constitute 40.27 per cent of the Index of Industrial Production.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur saturDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

State bids final adieu to late Temjen Toy (From p-1) He described late Temjen Toy a seasoned bureaucrat and known for his administrative skill as evident from his leadership in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said Temjen was a “friend, philosopher and guide” to many in the government service.

Sentiyanger said Temjen’s level of commitment and dedication in his service was witnessed by everyone and so the void caused by his sudden demise would be felt not only in various aspects of governance but in the lives of those who knew him.

Speaking on behalf of Ao Senden, Chubawati Longchar said the late Temjen Toy was the backbone of the society and that his contribution towards the Ao community was “immeasurable and too numerous to count”.

He described Temjen as the finest officer that Ao community had ever produced and who gave his best for all.

Longchar remarked that a personality of Toy’s stature “comes once in a generation” and his death has created a deep void in the Ao community that would be difficult to fill even in the years to come.

Meyi Onen Jamir of Kohima Aor Telongjem (Kohima Ao Union) also expressed shock at the sudden demise of Toy and said the union felt devastated.

A bona fide member of Kohima Ao Union, officers’ forum and KABA member, Jamir said late Temjen Toy was a committed officer and was privileged to have worked with him.

He said his demise was a big blow to the Ao community and his absence would be deeply

felt.

Jamir thanked the State government for according State funeral to Temjen Toy, who was the highest ranking officer in the State from the Ao community.

Former additional chief secretary, HK Khulu, a close colleague and family friend, also recalled his association with late Temjen .

Family members- Dr Kezevituo Keditsu; former legislator , I. Imkong and late Temjen Toy’s eldest son Sempisang were among others who also spoke at the funeral service.

After Senior Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Church Rev Sentisashi shared the word of God and benediction, a guard of honour was presented

by Nagaland Police for late Temjen Toy and the Tri Colour was handed over

to late Temjen’s wife, Mrs. Ruovi Toy. Nagaland Governor, R.N. Ravi, former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir besides various organisations, churches, tribal hobos, IAS associations, NCS, NBCC etc, also sent condolences to the family.

The funeral service was chaired by Cabinet secretary Jane Alam while State chaplain Rev YT Yamyap pronounced the invocation. The pianist of the program was Khyochano TCK. The funeral was attended by a host of dignitaries including ministers, advisors, legislators, government officials and well wishers.

After the funeral service the body was taken to the residence of late Temjen’s father Er. Lanu Toy at AG colony, Kohima, where it was laid to rest.

JYO warns to shut water supply sources to Kohima (From p-1) The meeting concluded with the decision to review action taken after every three months.

But, in spite of the decision being taken at the highest level with the chief secretary himself assuring that the long-pending commitments would be fulfilled, JYO lamented that no action has been taken either by the school education department to even go for joint verification as decided in

the meeting or the PHED in appointing 18 Grade IV staff.

The youth body recalled that the government’s non-action had compelled it to issue an ultimatum on December 18, 2020 calling for implementing the decision taken at the joint meeting on or before January 31, 2021, failing which it threatened to stop taping of water from the two streams for water supply to Kohima.

Regrettably, as the State government did not initiate any action to resolve the matter till January 29, JYO said taping of taping of water from Dzüna and Kelorü streams would be stopped on expiry of the deadline, which would result in scarcity of water in Kohima town.

Through the release, the organisation appeal to the public not to hold it responsible for the difficulties that might face.

Huawei loses spot in top 5 handset Tim Cook calls for reforming biz built on ‘data exploitation’ players for 1st time in 6 years

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LAND FOR SALE FOUR LANE TOUCHED 3 minutes drive from Showuba Flyover 4 bighas (road level), 290/ sq.ft Contact : 7005123406

LAND FOR SALE Area : 200 x 130 Rs. 110 per sq. ft.

Location : Nihoto Village (Near Eralibill) Contact : 7085618557

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

LOST NOTICE I, Mr. Atiba Sangtam am applying for a duplicate copy of 1st – 5th Semester Admit card & Marksheet as I have lost them.

Name : ATIBA SANGTAM F/ Name : Sepikyu Sangtam Roll No. AHI5050387 Regd. No. 15050387 Kohima College Kohima (NU)

LOST NOTICE

I, Miss Kivi Shikhu am applying for duplicate copy of B.A 1st Semester M a r k s h e e t a n d 3 rd Semester Admit Card as I have lost them.

Roll No. : 17AH125

DP-548 DP-537

DP-515

LAND FOR SALE

Rs. 190/- per sq. ft.

Near Hope Academy School, Dimapur Contact : 9436407416

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

Between Eralibill and Nihoto Village Size : 28,800 sq. ft.

(2 Bighas) Price : 140 per sq. ft.

(Negotiable) No Brokers, Only genuine buyers For more details Contact : 8974068089

DP-555

at Diphupar-B, Dimapur Rs. 340/- per sq. ft. (Nego) 4 mins drive from Green Park Junction, 29 Highway No Broker Contact No : 9856899425

AT KOHIMA CITY

(best suited for residential)

LAND FOR SALE (Ao Only)

1. 8437 sqft. Approach road touched, with CIC House of 3 rooms attached with kitchen, bath room and toilet.

2. 5829 sqft. 40 ft above approach road.

No broker Contact: 6009441771

K-200

DP-526

LAND FOR SALE

1. At Aoyimti Measuring : 13250 sq. ft.

2. Aoyimti Measuring : 9500 sq. ft.

Both boundary wall & Assam type house Contact : 9774247039 8974642470 DP-545

th

DP-420

DP-565

FOR SALE 1. Land : 100 ft x 50 ft = Rs. 8 lacs 100 ft x 100 ft = Rs. 16 lacs Chumukedima 'A' Village 2. Alto (Taxi), Yr. 2012, Regd. : NL01, Price : 130000/# 8730825500/9436203365

DP-495(B)

Chumukedima A Touching Jalukie Road Sq. Ft. Rs. 145 Contact No. : 8787826923

DP-466

Santro Xing, (75000 km done) (NL-01) Rs. 1,00,000/- fixed Very good condition Dial-9612002817

LAND FOR SALE

Location : Indisen, Dimapur Price : 270 per sq. ft.

Area : Any size available * No filling required, plain area * Developed Land with Concrete Road * Concrete drainage and Retaining wall Contact : 7005227608 DP-181(B) 8787777148

1. Padumpukhuri, Rs. 380 per/sq fts 2. Ura Colony Rs. 380 per/sq fts 3. Near New D.C. Office 4. Nagarjan 5. United Village Contact : 9862086218 8794493450 DP-496

STOLEN

LOST NOTICE

Owner's Name : Watinungsang Ao HERO Destiny 125 (VX) Regd. No. NL07EA9051 Engine No. JF17ELLGG00687 Chassis No. MBLJFW245LGG01473 Stolen on 15/01/2021 (11:30 to 12:00 pm) From near Footprint Printing Press Duncan Road Contact : 9774567827 9856721731 DP-546

I, Duangailiu Maringmei am applying for duplicate copy of B.A th 6 Semester Marksheet as I have lost it.

1. Name : Duangailiu Maringmei 2. F/Name : Kaibachung Meiringmei 3. DOB : 15.10.1995 4. Roll No. : AH15200338 5. Regd. No. : 15200360 (2015) 7. College : Pranabananda Women's College, Dimapur Contact : 8131058625

DP-544

KAKURO

No. 4436 Yesterday’s solution No. 4435

Across 1. Solitary (6) 7. Motherly (8) 8. Indian dress (4) 10. Mettle (6) 11. Adjust or accustom (6) 14. Colour (3) 16. Bee substance (5) 17. Relatively long time (4) 19. Group of nine (5) 21. Truncheon (5) 22. Putrefy, spoil (2,3) 23. Writing table (4) 26. Ring-shaped roll (5) 28. Can (3) 29. Slanting type (6) 30. Of cattle (6) 31. Among (4) 32. Think carefully about (8) 33. Works dough (6) Down 1. Afternoon nap (6) 2. Glowers (6) 3. Discharge (4) 4. Pagan (7) 5. As a joke (2,3) 6. Narrow way (5) 8. Father (4) 9. To free (3) 12. Toddler (3) 13. Requires (5) 15. Sum (5) 18. Big (5) 19. Arrest (3) 20. Signal agreement (3) 21. Country (7) 22. Hair-styling product (3) 23. Godlike (6) 24. Girl’s name (4) 25. Prepares to pray (6) 26. Female dog (5) 27. Haggard (5) 28. Male cat (3) 30. Dog’s noise (4)

other apps work, which they regularly do to preference their own,” Zuckerberg said on an earnings call on Wednesday. “This impacts the growth of millions of businesses around the world, including with the upcoming iOS 14 changes.”

Facebook earlier published full-page newspaper

DP-543

Su doku

No. 9817 Yesterday’s solution No. 9816

from users to track them for ad targeting. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has argued that the iOS 14 privacy changes will impact the growth of millions of businesses around the world.

“Apple has every incentive to use their dominant platform position to interfere with how our apps and

K-238

Crossword

place in 2019. Honor, however, has a colossal challenge ahead. “It needs to redefine the brand, from young demographics to address both premium and mass market. It needs to extend its product range to compare to the breadth of Huawei.” Liu added. Most importantly, it needs to re-enter channels which are already signing multi-year ranging deals with competitors. “For example, in critical channels like European network operators, the vendor onboarding process can take more than six months. For this reason, Honor is not expected to take substantial market share back in the near-term,” Liu noted in a statement late on Thursday.

system of companies and data brokers, of purveyors of fake news and peddlers of division, of trackers and hucksters just looking to make a quick buck, is more present in our lives than it has ever been,” he said.

The Apple CEO said that such an ecosystem degrades fundamental right to privacy first and the social fabric by consequence. His remarks came amid fierce arguments with Facebook over upcoming privacy changes in iOS that that will require app developers to seek permission

DP-553

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS): First time in six years, Huawei (including Honor) fell outside the global top five smartphone vendors, garnering the sixth place in Q4 2020 with 32 million smartphones shipped, according to a new report. Huawei dramatically receded in most markets as the result of the US sanctions. “Its decision to divest Honor, however, may prove vital, as Honor is not bound by the same restrictions and component supply is resuming,” said research analyst Amber Liu from market research firm Canalys. It was just nearly a year ago that the same research firm reported that Huawei had overtaken Apple to take second

San Francisco, Jan 29 (IANS): Taking aim at Facebook, Apple CEO Tim Cook has called for greater scrutiny of businesses built on “data exploitation”.

“If a business is built on misleading users, on data exploitation, on choices that are no choices at all, then it does not deserve our praise.

It deserves reform,” Cook said in his keynote speech at Europe’s Computers, Privacy and Data Protection (CPDP) conference on Thursday. “The fact is that an interconnected eco-

‘Scotland independence debate irrelevant’

LONDON, JAN 29 (IANS): UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the Scotland independence debate was “irrelevant” to most Scottish people, urging the people across the country to come together to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Johnson made the remarks during his day-long trip to Scotland on Thursday, which widely seen as part of a “charm offensive” following polls that indicated a rise in support for Scotland’s independence after Brexit, reports Xinhua news agency.

“I think endless talk about a referendum without any clear description of what the constitutional situation would be after that referendum is completely irrelevant now to the concerns of most people,” he told the BBC. “We don’t actually know what that referendum would set out to achieve...

We don’t know what the point of it would be -- what happens to the army, what happens to the Crown, what happens to the pound, what happens to the Foreign Office,” he said. “Nobody will tell us what it’s all meant to be about.”

The Prime Minister stressed that the priority right now should be “fighting this pandemic and com-

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Boris Johnson

ing back more strongly together”, rather than arguing about the Constitution.

Johnson started his trip to Scotland by visiting the Lighthouse Laboratory in Glasgow which processes coronavirus tests, before meeting troops who are setting up a vaccination centre in the city.

He also toured the Valneva vaccine factory in Livingston, which is expected to deliver 60 million doses to Britain by the end of the year if the jab is approved.

The Prime Minister praised the “amazing performance” of the Scottish people for their efforts to fight the pandemic.

Ahead of his trip, Johnson said the great benefits of cooperation across the whole of the UK “have never been clearer than since the beginning of this pan-

demic”.

“We have pulled together to defeat the virus, providing 8.6 billion pounds ($11.76 billion) to the Scottish government to support public services whilst also protecting the jobs of more than 930,000 citizens in Scotland.

“We have a vaccine programme developed in labs in Oxford being administered across the UK by our armed forces, who are helping to establish 80 new vaccine centres across Scotland... That’s how we are delivering for the people of Scotland so we can ensure the strongest possible recovery from the virus,” he added.

Johnson’s visit to Scotland came amid growing calls for another Scottish independence referendum after Brexit.

Majority of the Scottish people chose to stay in the European Union (EU) in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

In 2014, people in Scotland voted by a majority to remain part of the UK in what was described as a once-in-a-generation poll.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she will push for a second referendum on independence if her Scottish

National Party wins a majority in May’s parliament elections.

Meanwhile, Sturgeon also labelled Johnson’s Scotland trip as “not essential” since strict travel restrictions were in place.

Speaking ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, Sturgeon said: “I would say me travelling from Edinburgh to Aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential, and Boris Johnson travelling from London to wherever he is in Scotland to do the same is not essential.

“If we’re asking other people to abide by that, then I’m sorry but it’s probably incumbent on us to do likewise.”

In response, Downing Street defended Johnson’s visit, saying that it was important for the Prime Minister to be “visible and accessible” across the whole of Britain during the pandemic.

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer also backed Johnson’s visit to Scotland.

“He is the Prime Minister of the UK. It’s important that he travels to see what is going on, on the ground,” he told LBC Radio.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

Zhaparov takes office as Kyrgyz president

8-yr-old Indian boy in Johns Hopkins ‘brightest students in the world’ list

BISHKEK, JAN 29 (IANS): Sadyr Zhaparov officially took office as the new Kyrgyz president, becoming the sixth president of Kyrgyzstan.

Zhaparov took the oath at an inauguration ceremony at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic building on Thursday, and then head of the country’s Central Election Commission Nurzhan Shaildabekova handed over the president’s certificate and the badge, Xinhua news agency reported.

Zhaparov said Kyrgyzstan will adhere to a multivector foreign policy in his speech.

“Enhancing cooperation and strengthening economic and cultural ties with strategic partners is a priority of our foreign policy,” he stressed.

The new Kyrgyz president expressed hope for furthering mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

He also expressed great gratitude to countries that provided all possible assistance in difficult days, especially Russia.

Zhaparov also said Kyrgyzstan will make effort to start cooperation with the United States and countries in Europe and Asia.

the test but said “several” students were living in India during the testing period.

More than 15,000 students from the US, Europe and 70 other countries in grades two through eight tested through CTY’s Talent Search over 12 months ending June 2020. Nearly 1,400 students finished in the top 9 per cent, like Advay Misra.

Five test takers got a perfect score on the reading or math section. More than 160 testers under age 13 scored 700 or higher on the math or verbal section of the SAT. “This is especially commendable in a year that has been difficult for students everywhere. The global pandemic has affected nearly every part of your lives, from daily school routines to the special celebrations you look forward to all year. Nonetheless, you have demonstrated outstanding academic potential, and we hope you and your family will take the time to celebrate it together,” said Dr. Virginia Roach, CTY’s Executive Director, in a prepared statement that IANS has reviewed.

Advay Misra

NEW YORK, JAN 29 (IANS): Advay Misra, 8, an Indian student in N ew Yo r k , h a s b e e n named among 1,400 of the “brightest students in the world” by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) in Baltimore which counts among its alumni the founders of Facebook and Google, Rhodes Scholars and MacArthur Fellows.

Hopkins said Misra, a student at PS 59 Beekman Hill International Elementary School, was honoured for “exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, or similar assessment” taken by 15,000 students in grades two through eight as part of CTY’s Talent Search program.

Test scores are based on above-grade level testing.

“It was a little hard... um, the verbal part but the mathematics part wasn’t as hard,” Misra told IANS, over phone. Misra said he took “some practice tests to get familiar” with the Johns Hopkins test but “didn’t have to do a lot of preparation.”

Misra credits his “mom!” for his academic smarts. The 8-year-old cheerfully rattled off his bucket list of favourite geek outs: “Reading, Python programming and Khan Academy videos.”

When contacted by IANS, Hopkins did not confirm how many Indians or Indian Americans took

Taliban jeopardising Border issue with India should not be Ex-S. African Prez Zuma ordered linked with bilateral relations: China agreement with US: Pentagon to testify in corruption inquiry

YA N G O N, J A N 2 9 (AGENCIES): The United Nations and Western governments voiced alarm on Friday over threats by Myanmar’s military that have stirred fears of a coup in the aftermath of an election the army says was fraudulent.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was following with “great concern” developments in Myanmar, where the army has said it would take action if complaints about the election are not addressed. An army spokesman on Tuesday declined to rule out the possibility of seizing power.

Australia, Britain, Canada, the European Union and United States, and 12 other nations, in a separate statement urged the military to “adhere to democratic norms”. They said they opposed “any attempt to alter the outcome of the elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition”. A military spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment. Talks between the civilian government and army failed to ease tensions ahead of parliament’s opening on Monday, a ruling party spokesman said as pro-military protesters gathered in two cities. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won a resounding victory in the Nov. 8 poll, only the second

Policemen stand guard behind a road barricade, as a part of security preparations in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (AP/PTI)

election deemed free and fair by international observers since the end of direct military rule in 2011. But allegations by the army of widespread voter fraud, which the electoral commission denies, have led to the most direct confrontation yet between the civilian government and the military.

The country’s constitution reserves 25% of seats in parliament for the military, which has demanded a resolution to its complaints ahead of Monday, when parliament is set to convene, and has refused to be drawn on whether its lawmakers will show up.

The commander-inchief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, told military personnel on Wednesday that the constitution should be repealed if it was not abided by, citing previous instances when charters had

been abolished in Myanmar.

A Western diplomat in Yangon said information about the situation was hard to verify because “not many people speak with one of the sides”, referring to the army, but a coup would be a “tragic eventuality”.

“The country is defined by that history, so this would be unforgiveable. The people from Myanmar would consider that unforgiveable,” the diplomat said.

FRAUGHT TALKS Suu Kyi has not made any public comment on the dispute. A spokesman for her NLD said members had met military leaders on Thursday for talks but said they were “not successful”.

“We do have concerns but they are not too significant,” the spokesman, Myo Nyunt, said by telephone, explaining how they had anticipated some tension due

to the NLD’s plan to amend the constitution after the vote to curb the power of the military. He said police battalions were stationed in the capital, Naypyitaw, where the Supreme Court was set to hold an initial hearing on complaints filed against the president and the head of the election commission.

He said in the event of a coup the NLD would not respond with force.

Several dozen trucks carrying protesters with placards denouncing the government and election commission and praising the military circled the city on Friday morning but turned back from the court, where police were deployed. NLD lawmaker Zin Mar Aung said police were patrolling the parliament compound and there was need for caution. “We cannot pretend as if nothing is happening,” Zin Mar Aung said by telephone.

Win Htein, a senior member of the NLD who spent years in prison during military rule, said he was prepared in case he was arrested. “I am packed and ready to follow them if they come to take me today,” he said.

Author and historian Thant Myint-U said on Twitter on Thursday the country was likely “veering towards its most acute constitutional crisis since the abolition of the old junta in 2010”.

JOHANNESBURG, JAN 29 (IANS): The South African Constitutional Court has ordered former President Jacob Zuma to appear and testify before a state inquiry panel set up to probe corruption during his administration.

“Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is ordered to obey all summons and directives lawfully issued by the Judiciary Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture,” the highest court said in its ruling on Thursday. He “does not have the right to remain silent during these proceedings”, the ruling added.

The ruling came after Zuma refused to appear and give evidence before the inquiry in November last year, claiming the chair of the commission, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was biased against

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSION'S JUDGE

KIPHIRE: NAGALAND NO.PD&SI. KPE/Objection Notice-12/2021-2022/359 Dated the 27 Jan 2021, OBJECTION NOTICE Whereas KITSUCHA, Daughter of Late T. YANSOMONG of Salomi vilage has applied for issue of Succession Certificate under the Indian Succession Act, 1925 in order to draw/receive the payment of movable/ immovable properties of her father Late T. YANSOMONG, was serving as Office Peon under the establishment of the Executive Engineer, Likimro Civil Construction Division (Power) Kohima, Nagaland who expired on 30.09.2020.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY: 1 G.P.F 2. GIS 3. F.B.F 4. Pension Case 5. Any other dues etc.

Public are hereby asked to file objection/ claim if any within 30 (thirty) days from the date of issue of this order, if no objection/claim is received within the given time, Succession Certificate will be issued in favour of the applicant.

(VICTO SEMA) NJS From the Office of the Principal District & Sessions Judge Executive Engineer Likimro Civil Construction Kiphire: Nagaland.

Kohima: Nagaland

FELICITATION

Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) Aboi would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Smti. Lithrila Sangtam, E.A.C Aboi for having conferred Commendation Certificate by the Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland during the 72nd Republic Day for her outstanding service rendered. Aboi is priveleged to have you as our leader. May you be blessed abundantly as you continue in public service.

(LAMLEN KONYAK) (ANYO KONYAK) President, General Secretary KNSK Aboi Unit KNSK, Aboi Unit

Chiechama Village Council NOTE OF GRATITUDE

Through this column, we the Chiechama Village Council would like to express our profound gratitude to all those who assist us during the missing of our bonifide member Shri Kevi Metha (S/o Late Bao Metha). We are greatly indebted to residents of Merhülietsa colony, neighbouring villages, churches & prayer groups, police and district administration, various organizations and individuals for extending solidarity and assisting in the search operation. We are also deeply grateful to all those who helped us through physically, financially, materially and prayer supports.

We regret our inability to place and record each of you in this column, but it is our sincere prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

(Neitso Sogotsu) Chairman Chiechama Village Council K-237

Jacob Zuma

him, reports Xinhua news agency. Zuma’s legal team previously said if he was compelled to appear at the inquiry, he wouldn’t testify, however, the court directed him to give evidence.

The Constitutional

Court also ordered Zuma to pay all the costs including the expenses of two legal representatives.

It was not immediately clear what actions the embattled former president is likely to take now as the apex court compelled him to testify before the commission. His corruption trial is scheduled to begin this year after several delays in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The former leader, who was in office from May 2009 to February 2018, testified only once before the commission in July 2019.

OFFICE OF THE

LOTHA MURRYTSU EKHUNG H.Q. WOKHA, NAGALAND

FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour the Lotha Murrytsu Ekhung extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shri. Y. Mhathung Murry, S/o.

Shri. N. Yanasao Murry on being promoted to the Special Commissioner of the State Taxes Department, Government of Nagaland.

The Ekhung wishes that, Almighty God will bless him with more achievement in his future endeavours.

Sd/(N. Thungjamo Lotha) Chairman

(Y. Bichamo Murry) Secretary

WC-25

UN voices concern over Myanmar military threats

negotiated settlement that includes the Afghan government,” he added.

The US and Taliban signed the historic agreement on February 29, 2020, which called for a full withdrawal of the American military forces from the war-torn country by May 2021 if the militant group meets the conditions of the deal, including severing ties with other terrorist organisations.

Last week, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with his Afghan counterpart Hamdullah Mohib during which he made clear Washington’s intention to review the agreement, including to assess whether the Taliban was living up to its commitments to cut ties with terrorist groups, to reduce violence in Afghanistan, and to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Kabul government and other stakeholders.

OFFICE OF THE

PHSNS RANGE UNION DIMAPUR FELICITATION

The Phir-Ahi, Holongba, Sangsomong, New Sangsomong (PHSNS) Range Union Dimapur with immense pride and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to Dr. TSIPONGCHEM SANGTAM, S/O Er. HOTONGKYU SANGTAM on being promoted to Senior Medical Officer under Health and Family Welfare Department, Nagaland.

The union further wishes a grand success in his service career.

President PHSNS RANGE UNION

General Secretary PHSNS RANGE UNION

DP-549

WASHINGTON, JAN 29 (IANS): In its first address to the media under the Joe Biden administration, the Pentagon has claimed that the Taliban was jeopardising the landmark agreement it signed with the US in February 2020.

“The Taliban have not met their commitments.

Without them meeting their commitments to renounce terrorism and to stop the violent attacks on the Afghan National Security Forces, and by dint of that the Afghan people, it’s very hard to see a specific way forward for the negotiated settlement,” The Hill news website quoted Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby as saying at the briefing on Thursday.

“But we’re still committed to that, there’s no question about that... We need to find a reasonable, rational end to this war, and that it’s got to be done through a

OFFICE OF THE

TOBU AREA UNION

DIMAPUR - 797112 : NAGALAND Tobu Area Union Dimapur (TAUD), elects new team of Office Bearers for the tenure 2021-2025.

Office Bearers 1. President : HB Moba 2. Vice President : (1) SM Chemang (2) Shepong Wanmai 3. General Secretary : S Kossam Konyak 4. Asst. General Secy. : C Anpung 5. Finance Secretary : Moba Inggang 6. Asst. Finance Secy. : KB Chihba 7. Cultural Secretary : KK Angao 8. Asst. Cultural Secy. : Chungba 9. Information Secy. : Longao 10. Asst. Infor. Secy. : Moba 11. Treasurer : KS Anden

DP-542

choices will have profound repercussions, not just for them but for the entire world.

Issues related to the border figured prominently in Jaishankar’s eight point principles to develop bilateral ties.

The minister said the developments in eastern Ladakh last year brought the relationship under “exceptional stress” and India is yet to receive a credible explanation for the change in China’s stance or reasons for amassing troops in the border areas.

China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off in eastern Ladakh, but no significant headway has been made so far.

K-242

in comments posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

“Meanwhile, I need to stress that the border issue shall not be linked with bilateral relations.

This is also an important lesson learned through the two countries’ efforts over the past decades to keep our ties moving forward,” he said.

The foreign ministry spokesman also hoped the India will work with China to properly manage the differences, promote practical cooperation, and get the bilateral relations back on the right track.

In his address, Jaishankar outlined eight broad principles and three “mutuals” to mend strained ties between India and China, and said the two countries are truly at crossroads and their

DP-563

Beijing, Jan 29 (PTI): China on Friday said the border issue with India should not be linked with bilateral ties, even as it welcomed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks on the significance their ties and the importance New Delhi attached to relations with Beijing.

“I have noted his remarks,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here while responding to a question on the online address by Jaishankar to the 13th All India Conference of China Studies on Thursday.

“External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s stress on the significance of China-India relations showcases the importance the Indian side attaches to its ties with China. We approve of that,” Zhao said

HB Moba President, TAUD

S Kossam Konyak General Secretary, TAUD

Infotainment

10

Hollywood icon Cicely Tyson no more

E

Liam Gallagher bags one of the first Official Charts Number 1 Awards for vinyl

A

ctor Nikki Bella has announced her wedding date with beau Artem Chingvintsev.

The reality television actor made the announcement in the season finale of her reality show “Total Bellas”, reports eonline.com.

The finale episode aired with the Bella twins, Nikki and Brie, moving to Napa Valley, and with Artem winning a trophy on “Dancing With The Stars”.

During the show, Nikki announces: “We are going to be getting married the weekend of Thanksgiving 2021!”

The couple shared the news at Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan’s house, popping champagne as threeyear-old Birdie Danielson danced around, cupcake in hand.

(IANS)

L

iam Gallagher has bagged one of the first Official Charts Number 1 Awards for vinyl with ‘All You’re Dreaming Of ’. The Official Charts Company has expanded their Number 1 Award to include their specialists charts, including vinyl, Afrobeats and classical.

And the former Oasis rocker’s festive charity single in aid of Action For Children was the top-selling single on vinyl in 2020, meaning he’s become one of the first-ever recipients of a Number 1 Award for the Official Vinyl Chart.

The ‘Shockwave’ hit-

maker appeared in a video holding his award in a crash helmet with the word “peace” across it.

The 48-year-old singer said in the clip: “Thanks to everyone for making ‘All You’re Dreaming Of ’ the UK’s top-selling vinyl single of the year, number one on the Official Vinyl Chart 2020.”

Elsewhere, Idles’ LP ‘Ultra Mono’ was crowned the biggest-selling record in independent record stores.

On topping the Official Record Store Chart of 2020 and collecting the Number 1 Award trophy, guitarist Mark Bowen told

OfficialCharts.com: “If you’re going to buy a record, support independent local businesses, they need it as much as possible.

“Thanks to the fans, shout out to independent record stores. We’re top of the pops, Number 1 in the shops, a wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!”

Cellist Sheku KannehMason, who nabbed top classical album of the year for ‘Elgar’, also received one of the awards, as did Darkoo and One Acen after their tune ‘Gangsta’ was named Afrobeats track of the year.

(Contactmusic)

mmy award- winning actress Cicely Tyson, known for her portrayal of strong Black women on screen, is no more. She was 96.

Tyson, who was nominated at the Oscars for her role in “Sounder”, passed away on Thursday. The news of her demise was

announced by her family through her manager Larry Thompson, reports variety.com “I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” said Thompson, adding: “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree

Just-married Pamela accused of ‘stealing’ hubby from his ex

Kangana to play Indira Gandhi The Weeknd says he doesn’t care about the Grammys anymore in political period drama S

K Y M C

The period film will be mounted on a very big scale, and have actors portraying Sanjay Gandhi, Rajeev Gandhi, Morarji Desai, and Lal Bahadur Shashtri among other prominent figures.

Kabir flew to Bhopal where the actress is currently shooting for “Dhaakad” and has already done a few sittings with the actress. The screenplay is ready, according to sources.

(IANS)

Grammy!’ It’s just that this happened, and I’m down to get in front of the fire, as long as it never happens again. I suck at giving speeches anyways. Forget awards shows,” he said.

Re f l e c t i n g o n t h e months before his snub, The Weeknd insisted that he and his team “did everything right”, referring to his hits and chart-toppers. He added that the critical and public reaction to “After Hours” suggested he would be a Grammy frontrunner.

“We did everything right, I think. I’m not a cocky person. I’m not arrogant,” said the singer. “People told me I was going to get nominated. The world told me.

Like, ‘This is it; this is your year’. We were all very confused,” he added.

(IANS)

OFFICE OF THE

MIMA YOUTH ORGANISATION

50 YEARS TOGETHER

CONGRATULATES

PANGERTOSHI and NEKENRENLA (30-01-1971 to 30-01-2021)

MR. VILELIE KHAMO The Office of the Mima Youth Organisation would like to congratulate Mr. Vilelie Khamo on being awarded the prestigious Governor’s Gold Medal.

The Organisation would like to express our sincere gratitude for bringing laurels to our village. Your tireless efforts and dedication to the works you do is inspiring, and you deserve all the success. Wishing you many years of achievements and success.

Mima Youth Organisation (MYO) K-240

Kunal Kamra says SC judges powerful, but ‘have no protection from jokes

S

tand-up comedian Kunal Kamra told the Supreme Court that his tweets were not published with the intention to diminish the faith of people in the highest court of the country.

“To believe any institution of power in a democracy is beyond criticism is like saying migrants need to find their way back home during ill-planned, nationwide lockdown: it is irrational and undemocratic,” said Kamra in an affidavit.

Kamra is facing contempt of court case for publishing tweets making undignified and derogatory comments against the top court. In the affidavit Kamra stressed that

public’s faith in the judiciary is founded on the institution’s own actions and not on any criticism or commentary about it.

“The suggestion that my tweets can shake the foundations of the most powerful Court of the world is an overestimation of my abilities. Just as the Supreme Court values the faith public places in it, it should also trust the public not to form its opinions of the court on the basis of a few jokes on Twitter.

“The public’s faith in judiciary is founded on the institution’s own actions and not on any criticism or commentary about it,” said Kamra in affidavit.

(IANS)

OFFICE OF THE

MIMA GAZETTED OFFICERS' KROTHO

“May God bless your marriage with many more years of health, prosperity and bliss” DP-558

Loving Children, Grandchildren and In-laws

KOHIMA LONGJANG SENSO TELONGJEM KOHIMA : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

KOHIMA : NAGALAND

Congratulations

The Mima Gazetted Officers' Krotho is extremely pleased to congratulate Shri Vilelie Khamo on being awarded the prestigious Governor's Gold Medal for his meritorious service. His dedication towards working with excellence is truly inspiring and his achievement is well-deserved and truly-earned.

With great pride, we wish him many years of success as he takes our people to greater heights.

Mr. Neisakho-o Shunyii Er. Vibeizo Khamo President, MGOK Vice President, MGOK

The KLST have the greatest pleasure and honour to congratulate Er. Lanuakum Ao on being awarded the Governor's Commendation Certificate for his dedicatory service.

We wish him all the success in his future endeavours and responsibilities.

Tsükjemwati Secretary, KLST

L. Aomeren Imchen President, KLST

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oted theatre actor and director Arvind Joshi has breathed his last. He passed away reportedly at Nanavati Hospital in the city on Friday morning.

Arvind Joshi is the father of Bollywood actor Sharman Joshi, and though he is mostly known for his performances on stage, he had also appeared in a few Bollywood films including Sholay and Ittefaq.

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal offered his condolences to the Joshi family, calling Arvind Joshi’s death an “irreparable loss to Indian theatre”.

“Irreparable loss to Indian theatre; with grief we say goodbye to the noted actor Shri Arvind Joshi. A stalwart, a versatile actor, an accomplished thespian, are the words that come to mind when I think of his performances. My condolences to @TheSharmanJoshi & family. AUM SHANTI,” Paresh Rawal tweeted.

Trade analyst Komal Nahta tweeted: “Veteran and respected actor-director of Gujarati theatre, Arvind Joshi, passes away. Condolences to son Sharman Joshi, daughter Mansi Joshi Roy, and entire family.” (IANS)

Kangana added that “the film is based on a book”, although she did not elaborate on which written work.

The actress will produce the film that will feature Emergency and Operation Blue Star.

Director Sai Kabir, who worked with Kangana earlier in “Revolver Rani” will write the story and screenplay, and also direct the project.

inger The Weeknd says his past Grammy Award wins mean nothing to him, following his 2021 nominations snub.

Soon after the nominations were announced last year, The Weeknd called the Grammy Awards corrupt for denying him nomination even in a single category. The three-time Grammy winner was snubbed despite having the successful album “After Hours” last year. He had also topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Blinding lights” and “Heartless” in 2020.

In an interview to Billboard, the singer looked back at the snub, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“Look, I personally don’t care anymore. I have three Grammys, which mean nothing to be now, obviously.

It’s not like, ‘Oh, I want the

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Actor Arvind Joshi passes away

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angana Ranaut will essay the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in an upcoming political drama.

The actress says the yetuntitled film is not a biopic and has also revealed that many prominent actors will be a part of the upcoming project.

“Yes, we are working on the project and the script is in final stages. It is not the biopic of Indira Gandhi, it is a grand period film, to be precise a political drama that will help my generation to understand (the) sociopolitical landscape of current India,” said Kangana, in a statement released by her office.

“Many prominent actors will be part of this film and of course I am looking forward to playing the most iconic leader that we have had in the history of Indian politics,” said the actress.

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ust-mar ried actress Pamela Anderson has been accused of breaking a relationship and stealing her current husband Dan Hayhurst from his previous girlfriend Carey.

The 53-year-old Anderson had on Wednesday announced her marriage with her bodyguard Dan Hayhurst on the Christmas Eve of 2020. Now, Carry has accused the former “Baywatch” star of seducing Hayhurst and breaking a five-year-long relationship, reports thesun.co.uk.

“This is not the lockdown love story which is being portrayed, it’s all a facade.I decided to speak out because I want people to know that my almost five-year relationship, with three children involved, ended because of the affair Pam and Dan started while he was still with me. It’s sad that people celebrate this and cheer them on, when it started with deceit, denials and life-shattering choices for all the people involved,” says 42-year-old Carey.

(IANS)

decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”

Tyson’s memoir “Just As I Am” was published on Tuesday.

The actress had her Hollywood break in the 1959 Harry Belafonte film

“Odds Against Tomorrow”, and followed it with films like “The Comedians”, “The Last Angry Man”, “A Man Called Adam” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter”.

Tyson received an Oscar nomination in 1973 for Martin Ritt’s drama “Sounder” and an Honorary Oscar in 2018.

She is also known for featuring in “Miss Jane Pittman”, “Roots”, “The Wilma Rudolph Story”, “King: The Martin Luther King Story”, “When No One Would Listen”, “A Woman Called Moses”, “The Marva Collins Story”, “The Women Of Brewster Place”, “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All” and the TV adaptation of “Trip To Bountiful”.

Throughout her career, Tyson refused to play drug addicts, prostitutes or maids as she thought it demeaned and stereotyped Black women. The actress was one of 25 Black women honoured for their contribution to art, entertainment and civil rights as part of Oprah Winfrey’s 2005 Legends Ball.

Several Hollywood stars mour ned her demise.

(IANS)

Nikki Bella announces wedding date with Artem Chingvintsev

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Liverpool beat Spurs to revive title defence Day-3 of 3rd Aphuyemi Football Cup

LO N D O N, JA N 2 9 (AGENCIES): Roberto Firmino ended Liverpool’s 483-minute goal drought in the Premier League to set the champions on their way to a 3-1 win over Tottenham on Thursday and revive their faltering title defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane also netted as Liverpool ended a five-game winless run in a league it dominated so resoundingly last season.

“We were really up for the game, everyone was at it,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“No one put too much of a foot wrong and it was an unbelievable performance from the lads.”

The victory, which lifts Liverpool into fourth place, started with VAR ruling out an opener for Tottenham when Son Heung-min was adjudged to be offside.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg reduced the deficit to 2-1 with a powerful strike shortly after AlexanderArnold scored at the start of the second half, but the Liverpool right back set up Mane for the third that sealed the win.

While Liver pool moved within four points of leader Manchester City, Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham is eight points adrift in sixth after its first defeat in 2021, albeit with a game in hand.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino celebrate scoring their side’s second goal during the EPL match against Tottenham Hotspur. (AP/PTI)

And Mourinho faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of Harry Kane’s injury after the striker twice went down in the first half clutching his left ankle before being replaced at the interval.

“He is injured in both ankles,” Mourinho said. “He said to compete with one pain he probably could, but both — it was very painful and very sore and he couldn’t. He just couldn’t.

“He is a guy with a

6th Winter Cricket tourney from Feb 6 DIMAPUR (NPN): The 6th edition of Winter Cricket tournament organised by Kikon Brothers will kick off on February 6 at play ground, Wokha Village. The organisers informed that by this edition, the tournament will be played with leather balls. For more information, all interested cricket clubs have been requested to contact at 8259015202.

good sacrifice spirit, he can fight against pain, but it was difficult for him.”

There are problems at the back too for the north London club, which is in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive season after reaching the final in 2019 — losing to Liverpool.

Liverpool was forced to play midfielder Jordan Henderson at centre back due to injuries and also lost Joel Matip at halftime with

ankle ligament damage.

But it was Tottenham’s back three looking more fragile, “We were punished by our individual mistakes,” Mourinho said. “It’s nothing new for us.”

How different, though, this game might have gone had Son not been marginally offside when he was released by Kane before scoring.

Liverpool was more threatening going forward after that, with Mane test-

ing Hugo Lloris with tame shots before setting up the opener in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half. Firmino tapped in after Mane passed across the face of goal, scoring Liverpool’s first league goal since Dec. 27.

It was clear from Mourinho’s post-match comments that it was a tense atmosphere in the dressing room at halftime.

“It is the mood of a team that is difficult to accept that you are losing,” Mourinho said. “It’s a mood where people are not happy. But then we have to move on.”

But Liverpool doubled its lead two minutes into the second half when Lloris spilled Mane’s shot into the path of Alexander-Arnold.

Tottenham threatened an immediate comeback when Højbjerg powered in a shot from outside the area.

There was another break for Tottenham when Mohamed Salah’s goal was ruled out because Firmino was adjudged to have handled in the buildup despite Eric Dier grappling the Brazilian.

But Liverpool restored its two-goal cushion in the 65th when AlexanderArnold’s long cross came off Joe Rodon and fell for Mane to strike into the roof of the net.

Match in action between Natsumi FC (Yellow) and United FC Chisholi (Black).

DIMAPUR (NPN): During the third day of the ongoing 3rd Aphuyemi Football Cup at Ghathashi Town, four matches were played on Friday.

In the first match, Kichilimi FC holds Lazami Students’ Union (LSU) to 1-1 draw. Vikuto Swu from LSU scored in the 17th minutes while the equaliser goal was scored by Inoto Achimi for Kichilimi FC in the 44 minutes.

The second match

for Argentina, while India drew a blank. Argentina’s forward line created early pressure to push India on the defensive during the very first quarter.

A foot-foul by Indian defender in the striking circle, gave away a penalty corner to the home team which was capitalized by the experienced home team.

Silvina scored the goal, in a tactically executed PC, fetching her team a 1-0 lead in the second

minute of play.

Though India didn’t let this early setback dent their spirit and worked a disciplined structure to find opportunities in the striking circle, they could not breach the strong Argentine defence to score.

“If you don’t convert your opportunities, you know the other team will and that’s what happened today. Our structure was much better in this match and

Swu of Natsumi FC scored in the 11 minutes while Kimiyeto Swu scored three goals in the 24th, 52nd and 53rd minutes. Tokishe of Natsumi also scored in the 32nd and 45th minutes.

The opening goal for Chisholi was scored by Piketo in the 43 minutes and then doubled it in the 50 minutes..

In the fourth match, Spirities FF Pughoboto defeated Center Club Makati 2-1.

Whiskers CC, Dimapur Slammers in Unity Cup SFs

DIMAPUR (NPN): Whiskers CC and Dimapur Slammers have entered into 6th Unity Cup semi-finals after their quarter finals victories played on Friday.

In the first match, Whiskers CC defeated Rising XI CC by 40 runs against.

Whiskers CC batted first and scored 128 runs in 20 overs. Sonu of Whiskers CC was the highest scorer scoring 19 runs.

Chasing the target, Rising XI CC fell short of 40 runs and could scored only 89 runs in 17 overs by losing all wickets. Feroz was adjudged ‘man of the match’ for his 3 wickets and 12 runs

Indian women’s hockey team lose 0-2 to Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, JAN 29 (PTI): Argentina comfortably beat Indian women 2-0 to register their second successive victory in the hockey series having won a thrilling opening game couple of days back.

Indian women lost their first match by 2-3 margin against the hosts.

On the day, Silvina D’elia (2nd minute) and Agustina Albertarrio (54th) were the goalscorers

was played between Mishilimi FC and Ghokimi FC, where Mishilimi FC won by 2-1 against Ghokimi FC. Bovito Sheqi from Mishilimi FC has scored the opening goal in the 7th minutes and Pikugha from Ghokimi equalised in the 20th minutes. The winning goal for Mishilimi came in the 26th minutes from the boot of Bovito Sheqi.

In the third match, Natsumi FF defeated United FC Chisholi 6-2. Yekivi

that’s why in the first two quarters we created good opportunities in the circle,” said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. After the early jolt, Indian defence ensured an effective formation that kept the Argentine forward line at bay.

With no goals scored in the second and third quarters by either team, the match went down to the wire with intense play being showcased in the fourth quarter of the match.

knock.

The second match was graced by Rajan Das as match patron. Dimapur Slammers CC won the match by 75 runs against Das Brothers CC. Dimapur Slammers CC batted first and scored 174 runs in 20 overs.

Mughavi of Dimapur Slammers CC was the highest scorer scoring 58 runs.

Chasing the target, Das Brothers CC fell short of 75 runs and could scored only 99 runs in 20 overs by losing 9 wickets. Mughavi was adjudged ‘man of the match’ for his 58 runs knock.

Office of the Jangpetkong Senso Mongdang H.Q: Alongkima

CONDOLENCE The Jangpetkong Senso Mongdang(JSM) mourns the sudden demise of Nagaland Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy, on 28th Jan 2021.

The passing away of Lt. Temjen Toy, a visionary leader of outstanding capability is an irreparable loss to the Jangpetkong people and the Nagas as a whole.

The JSM conveys the deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.

President, Nungsangtoshi

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CONDOLENCE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race and II Timothy 4:7 I have remained faithful’’

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We, at Cornerstone Hr. Sec School and Cornerstone College are deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Shri. Temjen Toy, Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland. Shri. Temjen Toy was one of our Governing Board Members and today we honour his memory by celebrating his life and his leadership calibre. We also uphold the dearly departed soul in our collective prayers and send our condolences to the bereaved family.

For I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Late Asu KIHOZHE K. ACHUMI

MKC-38

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Director of City Prayer Centre, Dimapur Born on 5th Sept, 1955 – Died on 14th Jan, 2021 Through this column, we the family members of Late KIHOZHE K. ACHUMI, Son of Late Khukiche Achumi of Kitahumi Village, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who stood by us and support us through spiritual, physical, financial and many other ways during the brief illness and loss of our beloved Asu. Your love and comfort in our times of deep sorrow will be remembered. It is our prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

We, give special thanks to : 1. Mrs. & Mr. Kihoto Hollohon, Ex-Minister and family 2. Mrs. & Dr. Mulato Shikhu, City Hospital, Dimapur 3. Mrs. & Mr. H. Khehovi Yeptho, MLA & Advisor, Tourism, Art & Culture, Govt. of Nagaland 4. Mrs. & Mr. Kikheto Y. Sema IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland.

5. Mrs. & Mr. Yekhushe Kiba, GB of Thilixu Village, Dimapur.

6. Mrs. & Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, Sr. Pastor Thilixu Village Baptist Church, Dimapur.

7. Mr. Shikato Pastor, Achikuchu Baptist Church, Chairman, AACLF. 8. Mrs. & Mr. Vekuto Swu, GB of Shoxuvi Village, Dimapur.

9. The staff Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK).

10. The staff Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SBAK).

11. All the sponsor's family of City Prayer Centre.

12. All the special donor's family of City Prayer Centre.

13. All the Counsellors & Prayer Warriors of City Prayer Centre.

14. The Thilixu Village Baptist Church, Dimapur.

15. The Youth Department of Chekiye Baptist Church, Dimapur.

16. The Philimi Village B/C. 17. The Rotomi Village B/C. 18. The Kiyetha Village B/C. 19. The Asuto Town B/C. 20. The Achikuchu Village B/C. 21. The Koiboto Village B/C. 22. The Tuzuhumi Village B/C. 23. The Tazuhumi Village B/C. 24. The Lizutomi Village B/C. 25. Miss. Amentoli, Pastor, Kitahumi Village B/C. 26. The Mithipu Philo Kughuko.

From relatives and family members.

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LATE KELHOUSEZHÜ THOMAS VIZO We, the family members of Late KELHOUSEZHÜ THOMAS VIZO convey our profound gratitude and inability to thank each and every individuals, neighbors, friends, churches, organizations and well wishers who stood by us physically, spiritually and financially during his brief illness and sudden demise of our beloved father on 17th Jan. 2021.

We extend our special gratitude to: 1. Mr. & Mrs. Viu Belho & family. 12. Mr. Kuolie Mere, 2. Dr. Yogesh Batra PRO New Delhi.

(Apollo Hospital, New Delhi).

13. Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, 3. Dr. Dipanjan Panda Advisor, Urban Development & (Apollo Hospital, New Delhi).

Municipal Affairs.

4. Dr. Khriesatalie Yhome.

14. Mr. Khriehu Liezietsu, MLA. 5. Dr. Asa. 15. Mr. Kekhrie Yhome, MLA. 6. Dr. Kezhawetuo Miachie-o.

16. Narcotic Cell PHQ. 7. Dr. Vizodilhou Anthony Yhome. 17. Staff of Traffic Control, Kohima.

8. Doctors & nurses of Bethel 18. Staff of District Sports Office.

Hospital.

19. Staff of Directorate of School 9. Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo.

Education.

10. Priests, Catechist, different 20. Different organizations of organizations of Christ King Tsieramia & Phezoucha Parish & St. Luke Church, Council, L.Khel, Kohima Village.

Kohima Village.

21. Naga Timber Union, Kohima.

11. Phezoucha Nagamese Baptist 22. Vizo Clan L.Khel, Kohima Village Church & C.R.C, Kijümetouma & Rüsoma Village. village.

Loving wife, children, in-laws & grand children K-241 K Y M C

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East Bengal salvage 1-1 draw with FC Goa

Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem goalkeeper of FC Goa saves a goal during the ISL match between FC Goa and SC East Bengal at Fatorda Stadium, in Goa, Friday. (PTI)

MARGAO (GOA), JAN 29 (AGENCIES): SC East Bengal wasted a number of scoring opportunities before managing to hold a 10-man FC Goa 1-1 in an ISL match at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday. Igor Angulo took Goa ahead late in the first

half before Daniel Fox produced the equaliser for East Bengal in the second to help the latter pick up a point.

East Bengal had the chance to alter the scoreline in the very first minute when it was awarded a penalty. East Bengal’s left-

wing back Narayan Das was brought down by the Goa defender Mohamed Ali prompting the referee to point to the spot. However, Anthony Pilkington gave the East Bengal fans a heartbreak when he sent his attempt wide.

The Gaurs regrouped

Ronaldo under investigation for potential Covid-19 rule breach

Cristiano Ronaldo

TURIN, JAN 29 (IANS): Juventus star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is under investigation for allegedly breaching Covid-19 protocols after he took a birthday ski trip to a mountain resort.

According to a report

in goal.com, Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez posted footage on social media of the couple riding a snowmobile at a mountain resort in Italy earlier this week. Following the incident, Valle d’Aosta police has started an inquiry.

As per the current Italian laws, travelling between the Covid “orange zones” is forbidden unless proceeding to a second home or receiving valid clearance for work reasons. However, the pair have been accused of flouting those protocols to celebrate Rodriguez’s 27th birthday.

The 35-year-old and his partner could both face a hefty fine if found guilty.

Ronaldo has been embroiled in coronavirusrelated controversy before as well. In October, he was criticised for travelling to Portugal while Juventus were in isolation after two coronavirus cases.

Ronaldo then tested positive himself, and returned to Italy to spend a couple of weeks in isolation at home.

He recently became the top goal-scorer in football history when Juventus won the Italian Super Cup (Supercoppa) for the ninth time, beating Napoli 2-0 in the final.

quickly and almost got the break in the fifth minute when Angulo got the ball clear in the East Bengal half but failed to beat goalkeeper Debjit Majumder.

Goa defenders found E a s t B e n g a l f o r wa r d Bright Enobakhare’s silk-

Napoli knocks out Spezia in Coppa Italia ROME, JAN 29 (IANS): Napoli secured the last spot in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, as the Partenopei eliminated Spezia 4-2 in their lasteight encounter.

Napoli all but sealed the win before half-time on Thursday evening.

After breaking the deadlock just five minutes into the game with Kalidou Koulibaly’s stunning backheeled attempt, Hirving Lozano, Matteo Politano, and Eljif Elmas all scored to put the side up 4-0 at the break, reports Xinhua news agency.

Despite easing up in the second half and allowing Spezia to pull two goals back in a span of three minutes, it was too late to overturn the game.

Napoli will go on to face Atalanta in the semi-finals while the other semifinal clash will see the Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter Milan.

en skills with the ball a bit too hot to handle as the Nigerian weaved past his challengers in the 27th minute to release Pilkington in front of the goal.

But the Irish midfielder was sloppy with his finishing once again.

Goa then found the breakthrough in the 39th minute when Angulo made no mistake after receiving a nice throughpass from compatriot Alberto Noguera, who split the East Bengal defence open to find the former in the right spot inside the East Bengal box.

East Bengal returned strongly after the break and created a lot more opportunities but its finishing left a lot to be desired.

Finally it fell on seasoned defender Fox to find the equaliser, which he did off a corner from Pilkington.

Goa was reduced to 10 men in the 65th when its captain Edu Bedia was sent off for a second booking but East Bengal failed to take advantage of the numerical advantage.

Saturday’s Match Mumbai City Vs Northeast United Time: 7:30 PM

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Nauman Ali, Fawad Alam star as Pakistan thrash Proteas in 1st Test

Pakistan's Fawad Alam, follows the ball after playing winning score while South Africa's Quinton de Kock, watches during the fourth day of the first cricket test match. (AP/PTI)

KARACHI, JAN 29 (IANS): Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali came out with a brilliant performance on debut to help Pakistan register a thumping seven-wicket win over South Africa in the first Test at the National Stadium here on Friday.

Nauman bagged a fivefor while Yasir Shah also chipped in with four wickets as Pakistan first bundled out South Africa for just 245 in their second innings on Day Four and then chased down the 88-run target with ease to take a 1-0 lead in the twomatch series.

The hosts lost the wickets of openers Imran Butt (12), Abid Ali (10) and skipper Babar Azam (30) before

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gets fouled by Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (24) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena.

Davis sat out the game due to a quad injury. The Lakers lost their second straight road game after going 10-0 to start the season.

The Lakers were clinging to a 58-56 lead at half-

time. Ellington connected on four 3-point tries for Detroit while scoring 14 points in the half.

The Pistons committed just one turnover but shot just 41.7 percent from

the field. Neither side had a lead bigger than eight points during the half.

Detroit had a fivepoint possession midway through the third quarter to tie the score at 70. Plum-

a brilliant 109 while Faheem Ashraf and Babar also made useful contributions of 64 and 51 respectively.

Nauman finished with a match-haul of 7/73 while Yasir bagged a total of seven wickets conceding 133 runs during the course of the match.

The two teams will next face each other in the second and final Test beginning February 4 in Rawalpindi.

Brief scores: South Africa 220 and 245 (Aiden Markram 74, Rassie van der Dussen 64; Nauman Ali 5/35) vs Pakistan 378 and 90/3 (Azhar Ali 31 not out, Babar Azam 30; Anrich Nortje 2/45)

WTF: Consolation win for Sindhu, Srikanth loses

P.V. Sindhu

BA N G KO K , JA N 2 9 (IANS): Reigning badminton world champion P.V. Sindhu ended her campaign at the BWF World Tour Finals with a consolation win on Friday, but Kidambi Srikanth, the only other Indian to have qualified for the competition, ended at the bottom of his group with a third consecutive defeat and crashed out.

Sindhu, after losing her first two Group B matches, scored a 21-18, 21-15 win over Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong, when she was already out of running for a spot in the semi-finals having lost her both matches.

Srikanth, a former

world number one, lost to Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long 21-12, 18-21, 19-21.

Sindhu’s match was a dead rubber as Chochuwong had already booked a place in the semi-finals.

With one point in three games, Sindhu finished last in her group behind Chochuwong, Thai Ratchanok Intanon and Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying.

In a match that lasted 42 minutes, Sindhu held off late fightbacks from Chochuwong in both games to seal the win.

Srikanth also ended his campaign on Friday at the bottom of Group B. Unlike Sindhu, however, he fin-

India won’t outDetroit Pistons silence LA Lakers late, pull off upset spin Eng: Archer

LOS ANGELES, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Blake Griffin scored 23 points and the host Detroit Pistons held the Los Angeles Lakers scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the fourth quarter and pulled away to a 107-92 victory on Thursday.

For the Lakers, it marked their season-low in scoring and their first time losing consecutive games this season.

B o t h t e a m s we r e playing a second game of a back-to-back, but the Pistons had much more energy as the game wore on.

Wayne Ellington had 20 points, including six 3-pointers, and Mason Plumlee supplied 17 points and 10 rebounds. Jerami Grant and Derrick Rose added 14 points apiece for Detroit.

LeBron James had 22 points but only two after halftime for the Lakers. He also contributed 10 assists and seven rebounds. Kyle Kuzma had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Talen Horton-Tucker added 13 points off the bench.

Los Angeles’ Anthony

Azhar Ali (31 not out) and Fawad Alam (4 not out) made sure the hosts didn’t suffer any hiccups during their chase.

Resuming the day at 187/4, South Africa could add just 58 runs before their innings ended before Lunch. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen were the top-scorers for the hosts with 74 and 64 respectively. However, none of the other South Africa batsmen could stand long at the crease.

In the first innings, the visitors were bundled out for 220 before Pakistan replied with 378, gaining a healthy 158-run lead. Left-handed batsman Fawad had scored

lee converted in the lane while getting pulled down

by Kentavious CaldwellPope, who was handed a flagrant foul 1. Plumlee drained the free throw, and Griffin then made a bank shot.

That began a 15-2 Pistons run to give them an 80-72 lead. Griffin knocked down two 3-pointers during that span. Detroit carried an 82-78 advantage into the final quarter.

James made a steal and tossed the ball to Horton-Tucker for a transition 3-pointer, cutting Detroit’s lead to 88-87 with 8:40 remaining.

From there, it was all Pistons as Los Angeles went scoreless for the next 6:50. Griffin fired in a 3-pointer from the left wing to get the outburst going. Ellington provided a double-digit advantage with a long ball from the right wing.

Dunks by Plumlee and Grant and a layup by Plumlee made it 104-87 with two minutes remaining.

Devontae Cacok’s dunk ended the Lakers’ scoring drought.

C H E N NA I , JA N 2 9 (IANS): Right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer believes England have enough options in the spin department and therefore India won’t be able to “out-spin” his side when the two teams face each other in the upcoming four-match series.

“I’ve played lots of Indian Premier League here but nothing in terms of firstclass cricket, so the challenges of bowling with a red ball will become clearer,” Archer wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

“In the IPL the batters have to come at you, whereas in Test cricket they can sit on you for a full session if they want and if the pitch is dead there is nothing you can do about it,” he added.

Archer plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He has so far played 35 matches in which he has scalped 46 wickets. “So let’s hope we get some good wickets with a little bit of pace for the bowlers. Or even some turn, because if they spin, the matches will not be one-sided. We have good spinners in our squad and India won’t out-spin us,” said Archer.

Kidambi Srikanth

ished with zero points from three games, and finished at the bottom of the table behind Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei, Denmark’s Anders Antonsen and Angus Ng. Srikanth, who is yet to seal a Tokyo Olympics berth, won the opening game rather comfortably with a 21-12 margin in just 14 minutes.

However, the Indian made forced errors in the second game as Long first took a 11-9 lead at the interval and then went on to take the game 21-18 in 22 minutes to take the match into the decider.

In the final game, both

shuttlers progressed neck and neck. But towards the end it was the world number eight who kept his composure and sealed the game 21-19 in next 29 minutes to register a brilliant comeback victory.

In the two previous matches, Srikanth was impressive in both outings as he took a game off Denmark’s Anders Antonsen and Wang Tzu Wei of Chinese Taipei. Despite taking the first game in both matches, he had failed to close out the matches against his higherranked opponents.

Srikanth after his three consecutive losses, finished last in Group B.

Japan determined to hold Olympics this summer: Suga TOKYO, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Friday that Japan remained determined that the Olympics would go ahead as planned in Tokyo this summer.

Amid speculation the event might be cancelled again due to the coronavirus pandemic, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday the IOC was fully committed to it going ahead.

Suga told a virtual meeting of the World Economic Forum that Japan was “determined to deliver hope and courage to the world” through the Games, and he would continue to collaborate closely with Bach to realise a “safe and secure” event.

“Preparation is progressing solidly,” Suga added.

Bach on Wednesday described any speculation about the Games’ postponement or cancellation as unhelpful.

Japan has been hit by a third COVID wave that has triggered states of emer-

Yoshihide Suga

gency in some areas.

The government is not planning to start rolling out its vaccine programme until late February, casting doubts over whether a significant proportion of the population will have been inoculated in time for the Games.

Suga also said Japan would expand its support providing coronavirus vaccines for developing countries from an initial $130 million.

He stressed the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and said Japan would endeavour to establish a “stable relationship” with neighbours including Russia and China.

Suga became premier in September after his predecessor fell ill.

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