July 13, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 217

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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Cong govt in Raj shaken as Pilot revolts Sachin Pilot claims support of 30 MLAs; says Gehlot govt in minority NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (AGENCIES): The Congress government in Rajasthan stared at a political crisis on Sunday with a number of its legislators loyal to deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot camping in the National Capital Region amidst apprehensions over a possible split in its ranks.

The Congress called a meeting of all its Rajasthan legislators on Monday and rushed two central observers – Randeep Singh Surjewala and Ajay Maken – to state capital Jaipur in a bid to iron out differences between Pilot and chief minister Ashok Gehlot, who have differed on a number of issues since the formation of the party’s government in 2018.

In a late-night statement released on WhatsApp, Pilot’s camp said the deputy chief minister has the backing of about 30 legislators in the 200-member assembly. “The Ashok Gehlot

4 yr old tests +ve for COVID19 in Dimapur Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): A four-year-old boy has tested positive for COVID-19 and undergoing treatment at the COVID Care Centre (CCC), Chumoukedima.

This was revealed by a resource person during the programme-- ‘Brave front accolade & launching of Arijit Sharma’s COVID-19 tribute song” at DBIDL Hall Don Bosco campus, here Sunday jointly organized

by Nagaland NGOs Forum and Vivekananda Welfare Foundation.

It was informed that the boy had returned from Kolkata on July 8 along with his parents and family members where his mother and grandmother had undergone treatment for cancer.

Thereafter, after testing with TrueNat machine they were sent for home quarantine after consulting the colony council. However, by evening the boy was tested positive while others were tested negative for COVID19. The boy was shifted to Circuit house accompanied by his 19-year-old uncle. The second test by RT-PCR on July 9 was also confirmed positive. (Cont’d on p-8)

Ashok Gehlot (File)

Sachin Pilot (File)

government is in minority after over 30 Congress and some independent MLAs have pledged their support to Sachin Pilot,” said the statement released by Pilot’s media office.

But the Gehlot camp appeared confident about the government’s stability.

A large number of Congress and other legislators supporting the government met the chief minister at his residence amid hectic parleys.

The Congress, which had lost Scindia and Madhya Pradesh to the BJP after a similar long-drawn battle between the old guard and the new, claimed that there was no threat to the Rajasthan government. Even Scindia took a dig at his former party, saying the sidelining

of Pilot showed talent and capability find little credence in the Congress.

In a shot in the arm for CM Gehlot, three Congress MLAs, who had left for Delhi, said they would follow the party line.

Reports of the crisis were reignited after the state police, which arrested two BJP members for allegedly trying to lure away Congress and Independent MLAs with offers of Rs 20-25 crore each, lodged an FIR stating phone taps mentioned how the “Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are having a fight” and “Deputy CM says that he will be the CM” – a reference to the power tussle within the ruling Congress between Gehlot and Pilot.

Senior police officers said statements of both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister would be recorded in the matter.

According to reports, Pilot was especially upset over the recent summons for questioning by the Special Operations Group (SOG).

Though the Congress said a similar notice was sent to Gehlot as well, leaders close to Pilot called it a “joke” since the chief minister is also in charge of the home department that oversees the police force.

Ashok Gehlot said BJP leaders have “gone beyond humanity” as they are tried to destabilise his government in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

The Rajasthan BJP has denied allegations of trying to topple the government. “It is their own internal tussle for power that is coming out in open. BJP has got nothing to do with it,” said Satish Poonia, the state BJP president.

A BJP source told ThePrint that the party was in touch with Congress MLAs during the RS polls.

“The situation in Rajasthan is quite different from Madhya Pradesh as the number gap is too huge. We have 72 MLAs and Congress has 107. We are watching the situation closely but no attempts will be made by us at this juncture,” said the source. Another issue before the BJP is the choice of CM in case it musters up numbers, as the central leadership is not in favour of Vasundhara Raje.

international, Page 9

Dr. Jamir says Art.371A (1)(b) remains operative DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): Veteran Naga politician Dr. S.C. Jamir who is also the only surviving member of the erstwhile Naga People’s Convention (NPC) that signed the 16Point Agreement with the government of India on July 26,1960, has come out with explanation of Article 371A Clause (1)(b) in the agreement.

Dr. Jamir, who is also four-time chief minister and ex-Governor of Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Odisha reiterated that Article 371A(1)(b) of the Indian constitution provides special responsibility to the Governor of Nagaland over action to be taken on matters of law and order by exercising his individual judgment.

He said the conditions for invoking the clauses of Article 371A arose if internal disturbances occur in the Naga Hills-Tuensang Area immediately before formation of the state of Nagaland continue therein or any part thereof and that (a) the governor is obliged to consult the council of ministers but “entitled to exercise

his individual judgment as to the action to be taken.”

Fur ther, Dr. Jamir explained that such an arrangement of exercise of power by the governor would continue to exist, “till the president of India exercises powers as per the second proviso to Article 371A(a)(b).

He however pointed out that “the president of India has not exercised the powers in terms of the second proviso to Article 371A(1) (b)” so “consequently, the substantive part of Article 371A(1)(b) continues to be operative as a constitutional mandate.”

Dr. Jamir also mentioned that as per Article 166(3) of the constitution of India, the governor is empowered to make rules for more convenient transaction of business of the government of the state but that such rules “would not govern matters or business with respect to which the governor is by or under the constitution, required to act in his discretion.”

He said the prescription would attract provisions of Article 371A(1)(b)

Nagaland COVID tally now 774 NNPGs are not armed gangs: Kitovi Zhimomi NAGALAND COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 12, 2020 District Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang Wokha Zunheboto Total

ACTIVE CASES Asymptomatic Mild 97 4 0 0 94 0 0 0 4 0 76 0 134 0 8 0 28 0 1 0 1 0 443 4

DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday reported 26 fresh COVID-19 cases form across the state, while 14 more recovered from the deadly virus, taking the state’s total tally to 774 cases-- 447 active and 327 recovered till July 12.

In his tweet on Sunday, state Health minister, S. Pangnyu Phom said that positive cases on Sunday were reported from Dimapur- 18 cases, Phek- 4, Tuensang- 3 and Kohima- 1.

Recovered

Total Cases

158 0 60 0 0 0 81 9 16 0 3 327

258 0 154 0 4 76 216 17 44 1 4 774

All the positive cases have been referred to the designated COVID-19 hospitals and COVID-19 Care Centres for medical treatment.

The Health department has also initiated active surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further spread of the infection.

Further, Pangnyu said 8 COVID-19 patients from Phek, 5 from Peren and 1 from Kohima recovered from COVID-19.

Tinakali Sumi

DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): Convenor Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), N. Kitovi Zhimomi while acknowledging existence of “armed gangs” in Nagaland said it should not be confused with Naga national workers.

In an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post, Kitovi also maintained that NNPGs are national workers and that they do not extort but levy “legitimate tax” as per the Naga Plebiscite 1951.

Without specifying who the “armed gangs” are, Kitovi accused them of indulging in “illegal activities” taking advantage of the unresolved political conflict.

Commenting on Governor, R.N. Ravi’s letter dated June 16, 2020 to Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, Kitovi said Ravi’s role as the

Governor should not be confused with that of the Interlocutor.

“We should not confuse armed gangs with NNPGs or Ravi’s position as Governor with that of an Interlocutor.

Both are separate. If there is any confusion with regard to NNPGs then Governor may clear his doubts through the Interlocutor,” Kitovi said.

Kitovi, who is also the ato kilonser/general secretary of GPRN/NSCN, said that NNPGs and Government of India were preparing for the “signing ceremony” when COVID-19 pandemic occurred. He asked Nagas to be prepared for solution any time soon.

Excerpts of the interview:

NP: Your comment on Governor’s June 16, 2020 letter to Chief Minister highlighting precarious law and order situation in Nagaland.

Kitovi: It is very difficult to comment. There is an apprehension why an

N. Kitovi Zhimomi (NP)

internal confidential letter was leaked in this manner.

It is still not certain whether the letter was deliberately thrown to the public domain

by Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister Office (CMO) to know public opinion. If it was not a deliberate attempt then the incident has exposed that the two highest offices of the state have failed to uphold its credibility. The uncovering of the supposedly confidential letter has exposed everything of the state and its affairs. It is better not to further comment on it.

NP: The Governor in

his letter mentioned about over half a dozen organised armed gangs brazenly running their respective so called governments challenging the legitimacy of the state government. What do you have to say on this?

Kitovi: Gover nor, R.N. Ravi being the State Constitution head has constitutional obligations. I cannot comment on his role as a Governor. I also cannot deny the existenceof armed gangs in Nagaland.

However, I cannot comment anything on behalf of those armed gangs because I am a political leader. If possible, why don’t you go and interview those armed gangs?

NP: Though Governor has not directly mentioned any Naga Political Groups (NPGs) in his letter, it is understood that he was referring to NPGs when he mentioned “armed gangs”.

Do you deny existence of such “armed gangs”?

DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): As Dimapur COVID Hospital and paramilitary COVID hospitals are reaching their maximum intake capacity and accommodating more patients could become impossible in future, another location will be soon identified as additional COVID care centre (CCC). This was decided at a meeting convened by Dimapur deputy

commissioner (DC) Dimpaur, Anoop Khinchi and attended by chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Tiasunep Pongener and officials from paramilitary forces here on Sunday.

Ganeshnagar quarantine centre, new DC office complex at Chumukedima and Institute of Hotel Management, Kushiabill were suggested as possible sites for the new CCC at the

meeting, which also decided that the new CCC would be jointly managed with the help of military and paramilitary forces.

The meeting further decided that a central collection point would be identified for collection of samples of all military and paramilitary forces in Dimapur district.

It was also decided that the CMO would send his

team for imparting training on how to take samples and maintain necessary standard operating procedure (SOP) for initial few days, after which they would be able to collect the samples themselves. Further, it was agreed that CMO would provide medium for sample collection.

At the meeting, Kinchi stressed the importance of the district administration, medical department and paramilitary forces in working together to fight and contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Referring to increase in positive cases at paramilitary quarantine centres and cases of re-infection, Pongener urged everyone to maintain social discipline and following strict protocols for ensuring that cases dwindled down in the near future.

killing 6 cadres in cold blood

DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has accused security forces- Assam Rifles, Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh Police - of killing six of its cadres at Nginu in Arunachal’s Longding district on Saturday in a “cold-blooded manner”.

NSCN (I-M) MIP in a statement ‘Tribute to fallen comrades/brave hearts”, alleged that the killing was a well-planned and coordinated act of terrorism by Indian security forces as its cadres were caught by surprise at the break of dawn.

MIP said the cadres were overpowered from all sides which gave them no chance to position themselves and that “they died fighting to the last man standing”.

MIP also accused the security forces of crossing all decency by taking “sadistic pleasure in expos-

and as additionally under Article 371A being “notwithstanding anything in the constitution” any provision in the Rules of Business “cannot override the constitutional provisions in this regard under Article 371A(1)(b).”

He said deployment of manpower and personnel for maintenance of law and order is an integral part of the expression “action to be taken in matters relating to law and order”. Such personnel constitute the instrumentality of the state for maintenance of law and order. So , any rule framed by the governor for conduct of business under Article 166 of the constitution “would have to yield to and subjugate itself to the overriding mandatory prescriptions of Article 371A(1)(b).”

Consequently till any order is issued in terms of the second proviso to Article 371A(1)(b) by the president of India, there cannot be a prescription in Rules governor the conduct of business contrary or repugnant to the supervening mandate of Article 371A(1)(b).

(Cont’d on p-8)

KTC grateful to govt for upgradation of ADC post DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): Following state cabinet’s decision to upgrade ADC Noklalk post to that of deputy commissioner (DC) the Khiamniungan Tribal council (KTC) has expressed gratitude to the state government headed by chief minister Nephiu Rio and deputy CM Y. Patton, legislators and officials. KTC president, L. Ngon also expressed gratitude to different Naga tribal hobos, ENLU, ENPO, ENSF, ENGOA, ENDBU and all civil societies for the support. He said it was a long cherished dream of the people of Noklak to have a full-fledged district and “We as a people also believe in living with peace and reasoning and are friends to all and foe to none.” KTC conveyed special thanks to Governor R.N Ravi for officially notifying Noklak as a district.

DC Kohima orders sealing of areas

(Cont’d on p-8) D I M A P U R , J U L 1 2

New COVID care centres proposed for Dimapur NSCN (I-M) accuses SF of

Meeting chaired by DC Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi with medical and para-military officials. (DIPR)

K Y M C

Sachin Pilot, who has declared an open revolt against the Congress with the support of 30 MLAs that could bring down the Ashok Gehlot government, is likely to meet with BJP chief JP Nadda on Monday, sources said.

Pilot, who is camping in Delhi after setting his party up for another state collapse just three months after it lost Madhya Pradesh to the BJP, has refused to attend a key meeting of Congress MLAs called by Gehlot on Monday. Instead, he is likely to meet with JP Nadda and any future course of action will be decided after the meeting, sources said.

BJP rejects Ghelot’s charges

This is it!

“He’s very scared of COVID-19. We can’t go in. We only pass papers to him like this.”

Pilot likely to meet Nadda

Pope ‘pained’ over Turkey’s move on Hagia Sophia

ing the mutilated bodies” and shoving them like dead animals. MIP said even in battlefields, enemy showed respect to fallen soldiers..

NSCN(I-M) through MIP said it was being “pushed to the wall after repeated provocations and aggression” and that the goodwill spirit of ceasefire was being trampled upon.

Further, it said the cease fire has lost its meaning because ceasefire could only make sense where there was mutual respect.

MIP was also critical of certain electronic media showing NSCN(I-M) in bad light and accused the electronic media of being part of the “Indian statesponsored media campaign against the Nagas”, but asserted that truth would ultimately prevail.

(NPN): Following detection of COVID positive case in Upper AG colony, DC Kohima, has order sealing of-- Vizadel Residence, Circular Road, Sakhrie’s construction compound and Vipi road junction, a DIPR report stated. In this regard, all movement of persons/ vehicles within the defined sealed area has been prohibited and the area placed under active surveillance.

Pungro: Son kills mother

KIPHIRE, JUL 12 (NPN): A mentally deranged person reportedly killed his mother at Pungro town early Sunday.

According to reports, the son suddenly attacked his mother with knife, stabbing her in the chest multiple times. The fatally injured woman was rushed to nearby hospital but later succumbed to injuries.

The son, in his late 30s, was said to be mentally deranged for some years now. Soon after the incident, the son was arrested and taken into custody by Pungro police.

(Full text on p-6) (Correspondent) K Y M C

state

2

VWS seminar on cultural heritage concludes DIMAPUR: Three-day seminar and awareness programme on “Rich cultural heritage - folk dance and drama” under Cultural Functions Grant Scheme sponsored by the ministry of Culture, India, was organised by Vikehie Welfare Society (VWS), Viswema from July 10 and concluded on Sunday at K. Khel panchayat hall, Viswema.

A press release by VWS chairman Eyosa Kikhi stated that, main speaker Kruvil Kikhi focused on the main two major festivals in the village, Sekrenyi and Te-l Khukhu. He elaborated that Sekrenyi was celebrated in the 12th month of the year as a sign of purification and sanctification of oneself with thanksgiving and seeking blessings from the Almighty for the coming year. He also said that rituals were performed by the menfolk early in the morning (at dawn) by going to the nearby natural pond for collecting pure water known as “Dzuse” and on

AKIDA calls for indefinite ban DIMAPUR: All Kohima Indane Distributors Association (AKIDA) has called for an indefinite ban from July 13, in protest against miscreants’ criminal acts and threatening of lives and security of LPG workers.

A press release by AKIDA president, Kuolachalie Seyie and general secretary Tseibou Dzüichü, stated that, on July 4, around 11 p.m, two miscreants had reportedly attacked one LPG truck parked below Belho Gas Service godown, Kohima. The miscreants snatched away the mobile phones of the drivers after they could not meet with the amount demanded. One of the miscreant was later arrested by Kohima Police.

In another incident on July 9 at 1 a.m, three miscreants attacked one LPG truck below Belho Gas Service godown, and was demanded to produce UG tax receipt.

The release mentioned that when the driver was not able to produce the receipt, they were asked to pay Rs. 3000, which they were not able to pay. The drivers were then assaulted after which the miscreants seized their mobile phones and Rs. 200 from the drivers and pedalled towards Para Medical Colony, Kohima.

AKIDA condemning the act, called for all LPG showrooms and services to be closed indefinitely from July 13, in protest against the criminal act meted out on LPG workers.

Young people with VWS elders during the conclusion of three-day seminar held at Viswema.

returning home a rooster is killed as a sacrificial ritual.

Village folks gather at Owhe singing folk songs, narrating folktales and war-cry while also sharing festive meals with fellow folks, he said, adding that people showcase talents dressed up in full traditional attires on the day of “Talupü kini”. The festival is also associated with rigid rituals and social taboos, he said.

Stressing on the second

festival Te-l Khukhu, he said it was a women’s festival celebrated by the head shaven damsels in the olden days and falls on 13th of Chunyi, the 6th month of the indigenous calendar.

Woman folks celebrate in front attic part of the house known as “Chokhru”.

The festival foodstuffs are all cooked and prepared well ahead the previous night.

In the morning before distributing to girls, rituals

are performed and served first to Te-l (toad), he said, adding that food was shared with one another as a sign of love feast while the eaves and attic part of the house are decorated with wildflowers and Pithanu (tender maize).

Stressing on the importance of the festival, the speaker encouraged the participants to preserve own identity as in the future one might end up losing

own unique culture. He was apprehensive that a time would come when one would be confused to answer younger generation about the culture and traditional practices.

Earlier, chairman of VWS, Eyosa Kikhi gave the introductory speech. The programme was chaired

by Vinothul while invocation was pronounced by Vimetwel and folk song performed by Mezavinu.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

E-waste campaign and importance of recycling DIMAPUR: E-waste Management Company Hulladek Recycling has announced to launch a campaign called Sabko Batao Ewaste Ghatao (SBEG) in the city, which aims to create awareness about electronic waste, the informal sector of disposing e-waste and the importance of recycling.

A press release from Hulldeck Recycling stated that, the campaign has been launched in cities like Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Dimapur, Kohima and Agartala along with Kolkata. It stated that, chief executive officer, Hulladek Recycling Nandan Mall informed that, participants of these online programmes and webinars include children from the age of 10 years to adults of 60+ from all walks of life.

Hulladek Recycling was founded with the mission to combat the growing menace of e-waste generation and mismanagement in India.

Condolence for late Shantilal Jain

DIMAPUR: Renowned social worker and one of the oldest settling families of Dimapur, late Shantilal Jain passed away on July 11. He was 82 years old and is survived by his wife Sulochana Devi, 2 sons, 3 daughters and 11 grandchildren.

Late Shantilal served the Dimapur Jain Samaj for more than four decades in various capacities. He also served as president of Rotary Club of Dimapur, secretary of Nagaland Small Scale Industries Association, member of Growth Centre, SISI, Nagaland, advisor of Small Scale industries, New Delhi, advisor to Post & Telegraph, Dimapur, member of Executive Board of State Bank of India, Dimapur, trustee & president of All India Digambar Jain Mahasabha, Dimapur & trustee of Sohan Tara Sablawat Foundation, secretary of Veer Vikas Mandal, general secretary of

Late Shantilal Jain Purvottar Akhil Bharatiya Syadwad Shikshan Parishad, Sonagiri, president of Kirara Digambar Jain Samaj, chief patron of Jain Gazette etc.

The SD Jain Samaj and Marwari Samaj expressed deep sorrow at the demise of late Shantilal.

SD Jain Samaj president Om Prakash Sethi in a condolence note on behalf of SD Jain Samaj and Marwari Samaj pray to the almighty Lord to give strength to the bereaved family members and that the departed soul rest in peace.

ATMAs Phek, Kohima conduct training and demonstrations CANSSEA condolence

DIMAPUR: The fraternity of CANSSEA has expressed deep sorrow at the demise of late T. Tarep, who was a founding member and also the first president of CANSSEA till December 7, 1990 at Mokokchung on July 11.

A condolence note by CANSSEA president, Dr. Tali Imsong stated that, late T. Tarep was the elected convener of the committee that established the first combined State Employees Association with the nomenclature All Nagaland Service Association (ANSA) subsequently changed to the Confederation of All Nagaland State Service Employees Association (CANSSEA) on June 21, 1989.

CANSSEA stated that, late T. Tarep joined the state service in the year 1956 under the state government of Assam and retired in 1989 as deputy secretary under the state government of Nagaland.

While his contribution towards the association and the welfare of state government employees shall always be remembered, the CANSSEA stated that it has lost a visionary.

Fraternity of CANSSEA conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the departed soul to rest in Heavenly Peace.

ATMA functionaries with farmers during the training programme at Farmer participants with ATMA officials at the awareness training of Wazeho block. giloy plant at New Tesophenyu.

DIMAPUR: ATMA Phek conducted training and demonstration programmes at Wazeho block of Wazeho village on June 5 and Yisisotha village, Wazeho on June 25.

A press release from ATMA Phek ATM Vitsonuo Solo stated that, the trainings were conducted by ATMs Sinilo Kent and Vitsonuo Solo. They trained the farmers on banana cultivation, integrated pest management using yellow sticky traps and nursery management of vegetable crop. Demonstration on mushroom cultivation was also conducted at the villages.

The ATMA functionaries of Wazeho block also

conducted a field day for QUIYI group on bean cultivation at Wazeho village on June 22.

Fa r m e r ’s I n t e r e s t Group (FIG) and Food Security Group (FSG) were set up for the famers of Wazeho and Yisisotha villages by the ATMA functionaries.

K.Vilo of Wazeho village, involved in mixed farming of pineapple, tree bean and banana was presented the Farmers Award for best performing farmer (individual) while QUIYI group involved in farming and pickle making were given the Farmers Award for best performing group under Wazeho block. The total members in both groups were 35 for Wazeho

village and 30 for Yisisotha village.

AT M A K o h i m a : ATMA Chunlikha block, Kohima conducted training on awareness of giloy plant (Tinospora cordifolia) and its medicinal values on July 9 at New Tesophenyu, conducted by ATM Kebegi Kent.

A press release from ATMA Chunlikha block

stated that, farmers were taught on how to identify the plant, parts to be used, medicinal values and growing techniques. The giloy plant belongs to Menispermaceae family and is generally a climbing shrub, mostly found in tropical and sub-tropical area of India. The plant parts used are stem, leaves, roots and fruits. This medicinal plant

is also used for treating fever, sore throat, cold, high blood pressure, diabetes, jaundice, heart disease, piles, liver disorder, cancer as well as burning sensation during urination. This plant has the ability to mount an immune response or defend against pathogens. 10 famers attended the training and also planting materials were distributed to them.

news in Brief KVC bans import of livestock: Kushiabill Village Council (KVC) in accordance with the order passed

by EAC Chumukidima Dimapur has unanimously banned all import of goods/livestock entering through Kushiabill village jurisdiction. The resolution of the council shall stand till further government order.

1 st Death Anniversary of Late Korayangla (Mopungchuket) (13.07.2019)

10th Death Anniversary of

KEVISELIE SILAS SEKHOSE

2ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY

A year has passed since you left us for your eternal home. Although you are not here with us yet each and every moment we have spent together are always cherished and remembered. You are loved, missed and remembered always.

Loving daughters, grandchildren & relatives.

DP-3119

25 th Death Anniversary of our beloved Mother Late Mrs. Meyisangla Jamir Mongsenyimti Died on - 13-07-1995

LT. RAMONGO LOTHA

DP-3140

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is non upon earth that I desire besides you My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart And my portion forever.

(Psalms 73:25-26) Cherishing you in silence.

Loving Wife, Sons, In-laws and Grandchildren.

1921 - 2010 DATE: 13TH JULY 2010 It has been 10 years without you Apuo. As time passes and life goes on our pain of losing you still lingers and memories of you are still fresh in our hearts. We know you are at your heavenly abode watching over us as you have done so all our lives. We pray to God that he be kind to you just like you were to us.

Sadly missed along life's way, quietly remembered every day No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you're always there Children, Grandchildren and Great grand children It is 10 years since Apuo passed away. I have heard it said that time has a way of healing sorrow. While this might be true, I know a residual ache still lingers on in my heart whenever I remember him. Ten years and I Still miss him There are people we meet in life who exemplify what it means to be human.

When we encounter such giants, we can only be grateful to God for gifting us such persons. Apuo was such a gift.

Fr. Paul Coelho SJ, PhD.

K-1204

25 years have passed since you left us but not a single day passes by without remembering you. Your legacy of good deeds, love and prayers still inspires and blesses us.

Thinking of you reminds us of heavenly divine love. We deeply love and miss you.

Loving Sons, Daughter, In-laws & Grandchildren DP-3127

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will extending the lockdown till July 31 help contain the virus?

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

A B C

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

56% 44% 0%

Next poll

on government forest lands be carried out fearlessly?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MONday 13

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy with a thunderstorm

32 21

Cloudy with a downpour

28 21

Guwahati Some rain and a thunderstorm 32 25 Imphal

Cloudy with showers

27 21

Itanagar Rain and a thunderstorm

27 23

Shillong

Couple of thunderstorm

23 18

Kohima

Couple of thunderstorm

23 19

Dimapur A morning t-storm; cloudy

29 24

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

24 20

Tuensang A shower and t-storm around

19 16

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

25 21

Zunheboto Cloudy with a thunderstorm

21 18

Mkg Wokha

Brave front accolade & launching of COVID-19 tribute song

Staff Reporter

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Q: Can eviction drives

Aizawl

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): A brave front accolade and launching of Arijit Sharma’s COVID19 tribute song was held Sunday, at DBIL hall, Don Bosco campus, Dimapur, jointly organized

by Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) and Vivekananda Welfare Foundation (VWF).

Speaking at the programme, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) V. Lovitoly Sema, as special guest said that with the joint efforts of the frontline workers and the community, the administration has been able to deliver their best efforts during this pandemic period.

On behalf of the district administration, Sema extended gratitude to all those who have been involved towards the fight against pandemic and said that “we can win if we all stay together as one and fight against the pandemic.”

ADC said that with the assistance of the Police, peaceful environment was maintained in the district and issue of law and order has not been reported.

She pointed out that

(2nd from Left) CMO Dr. Tiasunep, ADC Dimapur V. Lovitoly Sema, ACP Tokavi Achumi and DMC administrator Albert Ezung. (NP) Dimapur being the feeder district of the entire state, the administration has been trying to make the supply chain of commodities available to the people.

During the entire lockdown period the supply chain has been continuous and for which the administration thanked the Police team for extending full support and cooperation.

She also highlighted that with the help of the NGOs and CSOs, the ad-

ministration was able to sensitise the people and also encouraged all to follow few principles - to stay indoors and stay safe.

ACP, Tokavi Achumi called upon all to stand together, while also extending gratitude toward the citizens of Dimapur for being obedient and disciplined during such time. He also thanked the NGOs, CSOs and volunteers for giving out their helping hand.

Meanwhile, chief medical officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr Tiasunep Pongener in his speech highlighted about the contribution carried out by the Medical department saying that over the past four months, the CMO team have been “ceaseless” and “tirelessly” working round the clock be it at the quarantine centres, various stations, airport and interstate border till date.

The team had been

covering almost the whole of Dimapur apart from the medical superintendent team which have been covering the COVID Hospital.

Pongener maintained that at present there were about 450 plus doctors including lab technicians, nurses, ambulance drivers and grade III and gradeIV staff.

The team tried their best to contain the Coronavirus but it has already

reached and was here to stay, but CMO encouraged all not to be discouraged but continue with the team work.

He also added that one day or the other community spread would take place and that “The war is not over, we need to continue to fight and win the war by staying together, supporting each other and obeying the guidelines.”

Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) admin-

istrator Albert Ezung asserted that the pandemic might have been a difficult time for all, but it has also brought out the best in many.

Ezung mentioned that for the frontline workers, it has been a real test of character and ability to recharge their capabilities and when it came to rendering service to the people, there has been no compromise.

Mentioning about the contribution of municipal council in fighting against the pandemic, Ezung said that the council has been silently contributing through their service.

At the programme, felicitation to the brave fronts was carried out including Medical, Police, administration, CSOs. Samaj and various NGOs were also felicitated. The tribute song composed

by Falguni Sharma and sang by Arijit Sharma was launched by ADC, Dimapur.

The programme was chaired by NNF joint secretary Asha Zhanuo Sanchu, invocation prayer offered by NNF advisor Rev. Fr. CP Anto and welcome address was delivered by NNF Dr Y Hesheto Chishi.

Sensitisation workshop on Biggest quarantine facility in NE at Ganesh Nagar run by Police substance abuse and prevention

DIMAPUR: Access to Rights and Knowledge (ARK) Foundation in collaboration with IBAPWO, PTSU and PSTAP with support from the department of Social Welfare conducted a webinar on “sensitisation workshop on substance abuse and prevention”, on July 9 with leaders and members of Pungro Town Students’ Union (PTSU) and Private School Teachers’ association Pungro (PSTAP), and IBAPWO. A press release by ARK Foundation stated that while speaking at the webinar, EAC, Pungro, Nahuta Tunyi maintained that alcohol and drug abuse in the society was a pertinent issue that needed urgent attention as recent studies had shown that 74% of people in Nagaland reported being introduced to substance and that, people significantly from 15 years and above consume alcohol or other substance.

Majority of the people from the age group of 15-30 years were vastly affected and teenagers were most prone.

He shared that collaborative

effort of government, public, NGOs and CSOs were crucial.

He stated that Nagaland State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy 2016 if implemented and made operational would help address substance abuse. He shared that Pungro experienced the presence of a sizable number of users where drugs and alcohol come from across the indo-Myanmar border and that government and the village councils were working to address this problem. The need to have a professional counselor and psychiatrist and rehabilitation centre in Pungro also was also felt.

In his exhortation, K. Wango Langsym, assistant director, Social Welfare department called upon student leaders to be a partner in spreading the awareness of substance abuse in one’s own locality.

While sharing his presentation on the topic, Ketho talked about the history of addiction in the state and while sharing about various types of drugs, he also talked about one

of the drugs in concern called Yabaa (WY- World is yours) and its consumption being reported in Kohima, Dimapur, Mon and Tuensang. On management and prevention perspective, he mentioned that primary prevention was the key and that people should be made aware of the harmful effects and treatment through rehabilitation for those who are in the addictive stage.

Further, he talked about some signs observed in a person who was starting or was into repeated drug use, and some tips to prevent the youngsters to keeping away from being introduced to the first “substance use” experience.

Earlier, Ketho Angami, president, ARK Foundation moderated the programme, welcome address was delivered by president PTSU, followed by round of questions and answers. Closing remarks was delivered by president, PSTAP and the workshop discussed on conducting “awareness on substance abuse” with students’ community of Pungro.

KOHIMA, JUL 12 (PTI/ NPN): Dubbed as biggest quarantine facility in the North Eastern region, managed by Nagaland police personnel, the facility located at Ganesh Nagar with 1027-bed was set up to augment the state government’s efforts to check coronavirus, Nagaland DGP T. John Longkumer said.

A police team was deputed to Ganeshnagar Special Economic Zone on May 20 to assess, plan, organise and work out modalities to set up the facility, which was set up in a fortnight, he said.

Work began to institutionally quarantine stranded returnees from other states, ADGP (Adm) Sandeep Tamgadge told PTI. DIG (Training) Aotemsu headed the team of officers handling accommodation, power supply, sanitation, water supply, office and control room, security, logistics, catering and transport there, Tamgadge said.

“Personal comfort and the risk of inevitable exposure to coronavirus took a back seat and all police personnel got the quarantine centre ready in

record time,” Tamgadge said.

Altogether 640 police personnel, including officers, were engaged to set up the centre. The first batch of 509 returnees from Bengaluru, including 383 men and 126 women, arrived at the quarantine centre on June 5, followed by returnees from Punjab, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The Ganeshnagar centre is the biggest one in Nagaland to be built and managed by police for people of the state through the Community Oriented Police Service (COPS) initiative, he said.

A police medical team comprising doctors, nurses and other health workers was also stationed in the facility.

The team has also been tasked with sample collection and swab testing and operates the TrueNat system, approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

“Nagaland police have always overcome challenges and during the unprecedented coronavirus situation also, we have performed our duties going beyond the task of normal polic-

DGP Nagaland T. John Longkumer along with CO NAPTC and IRB Mahilla security personnel at Police Ganesh Nagar quarantine centre, Doyapur Dimapur. ing and have not only enforced the lockdown but also secured the various quarantine centres in the state,” John Longkumer said.

“We resurrected an old disused industrial complex by clearing thick jungle, installing water lines, bathrooms, providing electricity and even digging a 1.25 lakh litre pond to replenish water supply,” the Nagaland police chief said.

Though the facility has not been officially shut down, it was told that the facility will be used as a quarantine centre as and when required.

According to sources 14th IRB personnel, posted in West Bengal, will be returning to Nagaland and they will be accommodated at Ganesh Nagar facility to complete the quarantine period as per the SOP of all returnees.

Leopard trapped by youths at Tuli town NSA panel discussion on delimitation in Manipur and Nagaland

DIMAPUR: Naga Scholars Association (NSA) organized its 3rd webinar panel discussion on the topic “Delimitation in Manipur and Nagaland” on July 11, wherein the panelists were Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Jonas Yanthan, Elu Ndang and Worso Zimik.

A press release from NSA general secretary, Dr. Lungthuiyang Riamei stated that, Dr Zuchamo Yanthan, The captured leopard in the trap used by the youth of president NSA highlighted in brief the legal underpinLongpong ward in Tuli. ning of delimitation.

The first speaker, Prof.

Rosemary gave the opening remark on the problem in Nagaland which erupted right after the RP Desai Delimitation Commission announced the redacted electoral process on deferment of the earlier Delimitation Act in Nagaland (and Manipur). She observed that, rectifying and re-adjusting the blatantly skewed development process demanded a just course of the electoral process which significantly hinges on the census data.

She further stated the gross violation of rights in the politics of constituency representation in Nagaland which is 1973 census-based and expressed the 2011 cenCISF Dimapur Airport in collaboration with Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) planted 200 saplings sus as a better option. at the DMC dumping zone in a mass tree plantation drive on July 12. (DMC) The second speaker,

DIMAPUR: A leopard which had reportedly killed a number of domestic animals around the area was trapped by a group of youth from Longpong ward under Tuli town on July 11 night.

A press release from the Longpong Ward Committee (LWC) informed that, the youths were able to entice the leopard into the local trap which had been skillfully put up.

Longpong Ward Committee also appreciated the youth for their fearless efforts in trapping the wild animal without any harm.

The committee further decided to hand over the leopard to the Wildlife department of Nagaland.

K Y M C

Worso Zimik dwelled, on the legal structure and its functionality in society. He highlighted the asymmetry between the territorial settlements and the demographic spread in Manipur. Pinning down to the politics of representation, out of 60 legislative seats, 40 are reserved for the valley people, and 19 are reserved for the STs and one an unreserved seat. Hammering on the productivity of the minorities, this gross political deprivation, he specifically asserted was the economic downside of the country’s legal structure.

The third speaker, Elu Ndang opined that compounded by the current COVID-19 fiasco and debacle, and the delimitation scenario was concomitant of perilous social unrest if one was not cautious enough.

He reasoned on the need to avoid the nitty-gritty of past inactions but make the most of the present looking at the posterity’s need. For instance, he noted, 2001 census in Nagaland was never an issue in development matters (like government schemes) until the delimitation announcement.

The fourth speaker, Jonas Yanthan, argued that there was an attitude problem by some sections on the

issue of delimitation, and that these groups of people see the delimitation exercise only as “transfer of seats from one district to another, or from one tribe to another, loss and gain of seat etc”. He further stated that linking the issue of delimitation and Naga peace talk is demeaning to the very sacred issue of the Naga cause.

The panel discussion came up with some findings and observations, where the main purpose of delimitation was not to deprive any district or tribe, rather, it was an exercise to bring proportionate representation of the people for equitable development. It also observed that facts and figures indicate that there was discrimination against some sections in the distribution of seats not only in Nagaland but also in Manipur. Exercising delimitation was not only necessary but also important for rectifying past mistakes for bringing social justice, as delimitation exercise was a constitutional exercise, and it does not violate the special provision of the Article 371A. Panel also observed that Naga solution and delimitation were two very different issues, hence, both issue cannot be linked together. The use

of 2001 census in Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 was an indication of its recognition and validity by government of Nagaland.

Finally there was an urgent call for justice, peace and understanding among the Nagas to uplift one another and not to look at each other as rivals. The rapportuer of the panel discussion was Shimreisa Chahongnao.

K Y M C

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northeast

21 Nepali women rescued in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Jul 12: Twenty-one Nepali women rescued from alleged human traffickers in Manipur were sent back home to Nepal on Sunday.

They left Imphal for Nepal in a bus along with security personnel and representatives of Nepal Embassy.

Six officials; four from the state home department and two from Ujjawalla homes of the state social welfare department, will accompany the rescued women during their journey till Kakadvitta-Panitank Border in West Bengal.

They left Imphal by bus early today morning after officials of the state social welfare department formally handed over the women to counsellor of Embassy of Nepal Prakash Adhikari after completing due procedures for repatriation to their homes in Nepal.

Out of the 21 women, one was mentally ill . All women were rescued in the month of November and December 2019.

Most of these women came to Manipur in small groups both by air and

Officials accompanied the 21 Nepali women rescued from human traffickers in Manipur left Imphal for Nepal on Sunday. (NP) through land routes in four batches, officials of the state social welfare department said.

Eight of them were detained by the Airport Authorities in Imphal International Airport on suspicion due to lack of proper travel documents while 12 were apprehended at the Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh.

They were detained by personnel of the Manipur

police and 43 Assam Rifles on duty at the ICP (Integrated Check Post). They were reportedly bound to travel to Gulf countries like Kuwait, Dubai (UAE) etc via Myanmar.

All the 20 suspected victims of trafficking stayed at three separate state run Ujjawala homes in Kakching and Chandel districts after they were rescued from being taken to Myanmar for onward trafficking

to other countries.

During their eight month stay in the homes, they were imparted vocational training besides medical aid and counselling, the officials said.

The mentally ill Nepalese woman was rescued by state police in Ukhrul district after she was found loitering in the paddy fields at Choithar village of the district in December 2019.

Since then, she was kept at Swadhar home (UNICAM) in Ukhrul district, run under the state social welfare department and provided medical and psychological treatment.

Sunday’s repatriation back was the second batch for sending back Nepalese women rescued in Manipur.

Earlier, a total of 179 Nepalese citizens including 32 men rescued from alleged human traffickers in Manipur were repatriated in February 2019.

Acknowleding that such rescue of victims of trafficking and sending back to their hometowns were due to the concerted efforts of the law enforcing agencies, NGOs, etc, state social welfare director Ng Uttam, in a statement, thanked them.

He urged all concerned to remain alert so that precious lives can be save from the clutches of human traffickers.

The director informed citizens to call Women Helpline-181 or the nearest police station immediately in case of women related issues and any suspicious activities relating women trafficking.

Total curfew clamped in Shillong Over 100 writers demand along with lockdown from today medical care for Akhil Gogoi Correspondent Shillong, Jul 12: Along with the lockdown, the District administration of East Khasi Hills on Sunday declared a total curfew in Shillong Urban Agglomeration and its adjoining areas with effect from 6:00 am of July 13 till July 15, 6:00 am even as COVID- 19 cases have been mounting in the city and the State as a whole.

With 95 percent of active COVID-19 cases detected from Shillong city alone, the State government on Saturday announced a 48hour lockdown in Shillong Urban agglomeration beginning Monday to trace high risk contacts of positive persons and also allow health workers to create awareness on the health protocols.

Night curfew has also been promulgated in rural areas of East Khasi Hills District including Civil Sub-division of Sohra and Pynursla and in all the Community and Rural Development Blocks with effect

from July 13 (Monday) to July 20 (Monday) between 8 pm to 5 am each day, District Magistrate, Matsiewdor War Nongbri said.

The order was issued under section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 promulgating total curfew in all of Shillong Agglomeration and its adjoining areas.

Nongbri said the curfew has been promulgated to “put in place preventive and mitigation measures, to identify and take more stringent steps including rigorous contact tracing, testing, quarantine and isolation and other forms of containment in the interest of health of general public against any possible spread of COVID-19 in Shillong and East Khasi Hills District.

Meghalaya so far has registered 295 COVID-19 cases, which includes 248 active cases and two deaths, while 45 have recovered from the viral infection.

12 more tests positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya

Twelve more persons, including four Indian Air Force personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya as on Sunday morning, taking the total number of active cases in the State to 248, a health official said.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that the total number of active cases is 248, including 178 Border Security Force (BSF) troopers, four Indian Air Force personnel and 70 civilians.

He said 45 have so far recovered from the viral infection.

With 95 percent of active COVID-19 cases detected from Shillong city alone, the State government on Saturday announced a 48hour lockdown in Shillong Urban agglomeration beginning on Monday to trace high risk contacts of positive persons and also allow health workers to create awareness on the health protocols.

Guwahati, Jul 12 (PTI): The writers’ community of Assam on Sunday wrote an open letter to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal demanding proper medical treatment for jailed peasant leader Akhil Gogoi and other activists who have tested positive for COVID19 and are admitted to hospitals.

More than 100 writers signed the letter and demanded the release of all political prisoners who were arrested during the antiCitizenship Amendment Act protests in December last year.

“Considering the fact that COVID test was done for Gogoi and his companions only after the agitation of people and subsequent intervention of court, the citizens are worried if fundamental constitutional and human rights of the political prisoners have been compromised”, the letter stated.

The letter was made available to the media.

The signatories to the letter include eminent writ-

ers Nilamoni Phookan, Hiren Gohain, Prabhat Bora, Apurba Sarma, Gnan Pujari, Arupa Patangiya Kalita, Sameer Tanti along with Maushumi Kandali, Nilim Kumar, Ratna Bharali Talukdar, Jiban Narah, Kushal Dutta, Areendom Borkotoki, Kamal Kumar Tanti, Dalim Das, Ankur Ranjan Phukan, Maitrayee Patar, Kukil Saikia, Panchanan Hazarika, among others.

Gogoi, his two key associates Dhoirjya Konwar and Bitu Sonowal, along with 52 other inmates of the Guwahati Central Jail have tested positive for COVID19 and admitted to hospitals with the jail being declared a containment zone since Saturday.

The writers are in solidarity with the jailed activists and have written to the chief minister primarily demanding “proper medical treatment of Gogoi and his companions, and also stressing on the release of all political prisoners of the anti-CAA movement across the country”.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

3 more COVID-19 patients die in Assam Guwahati, Jul 12 (PTI): Three COVID-19 patients who were in critical condition died at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital in Assam on Sunday, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

With the fresh fatalities, a total of 40 COVID19 patients have died in the state so far.

However, the fresh deaths will be officially added to the state’s coronavirus toll only after a Death Audit Board ascertains whether the “underlying cause of death is COVID19”, Sarma said.

The minister had said on Saturday that all deaths where COVID-19 is the “underlying cause will be certified by a Death Audit Board, as per the Indian Council Medical Research’s guidelines”.

Two of the deceased persons were women, aged 40 and 55, hailing from Guwahati, while the third patient was a 63-year-old man from Nagaon, Sarma said.

Twenty-six of the 40 deaths were reported since July 7, with eight just on July 10.

Meanwhile, AIUDF MP from Dhubri, Badrud-

din Ajmal, has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after a “mild dip in oxygen saturation level”, he said.

“AIUDF Chief, MP Dhubri @BadruddinAjmal is admitted at a Mumbai hospital after a mild dip in his oxygen saturation level.

I am in constant touch with his family and monitoring his health. I join all in wishing him speedy recovery,” Sarma tweeted.

The minister said he has also spoken to BJP MLA from Sadiya, Bolin Chetia, and former Congress MP from Silchar, Sushmita Dev, both of whom have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Former MP and friend @sushmitadevinc is under treatment at SMCH, Silchar, after having tested positive for #COVID. Another friend and colleague, MLA Bolin Chetia, also tested COVID positive and is under treatment at Tinsukia Civil Hospital. I am monitoring their health and also spoke to both of them,” Sarma tweeted.

Chetia became the third legislator in the state to test positive for COVID19. Earlier, two other BJP MLAs -- Krishnendu Paul from Patharkandi and Borkhetri’s Narayan Deka

-- contracted the disease.

Krishak Mukti Sang r a m Sa m iti ( K M SS) leader Akhil Gogoi, National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) leader Ranjan Daimary and 53 other inmates of the Guwahati Central Jail tested positive for the infection on Saturday. The prison has been declared a containment zone.

Gogoi was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged role in violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act last year.

Assam’s caseload has increased to 16,071 with the detection of 535 new cases on Saturday. Guwahati accounted for 410 of the 535 cases, taking its virus count to 6,631.

The 14-day lockdown imposed in Kamrup Metropolitan district, under which Guwahati falls, was extended by a week till July 19. Earlier, it was scheduled to end at 6 pm on Sunday, Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna said.

The number of active cases in the state stands at 5,607 while 10,426 people have recovered from the infection.

Part of ex-MP’s 6 fresh COVID-19 cases in house collapses Arunachal; count rises to 341 in Sikkim Itanagar, Jul 12 (PTI): and was housed in a quar-

GANGTOK, JUL 12 (PTI): A portion of former Rajya Sabha member Leonard Soloman Saring’s house in Mangan, the district headquarters of North Sikkim, came crashing down on Sunday amid incessant rainfall, even as the state continued top grapple with landslides, officials said.

Due to continuous rainfall over the last couple of days, Saring’s four-storeyed house in Mangan Bazaar partially collapsed due to subsidence, an official statement said. The residents and shopkeepers of surrounding areas have been evacuated by the local administration, it said. There was no report of any casualty, it added.

Saring, 78, was a twoterm MP between 1975 and 1987. Meanwhile, the Teesta river was in spate and residents of low-lying areas near Singtam in East Sikkim have been put on alert. The incessant rainfall over the past few days have caused landslides in several parts of Sikkim and disrupted normal life, officials said.

Six more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the northeastern state’s tally to 341 on Sunday, a senior Health Department official said.

Five of the six fresh cases were reported from the Capital Complex region comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa areas, while one new infection was detected in West Kameng district, he said.

The number of active cases has increased to 214 while 125 people have recovered and two patients have died, the official said.

Of the five new cases reported in the Capital Complex region, three are from different areas of Naharlagun while two health workers at state-run Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) also tested positive for the infection, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said.

The new patient from West Kameng district had returned from Uttarakhand

antine centre, he said.

“All the patients are asymptomatic and they have been admitted to COVID care centres,” Dr Jampa said.

Five people recovered from COVID-19 in Changlang district on Saturday and have been advised 14-days home quarantine and selfmonitoring, he said.

The state government on Saturday extended the lockdown in the Capital Complex for another week till 5 pm on July 20 in view of the spurt in COVID-19 cases in the region.

The lockdown which was imposed in the region on July 6 was scheduled to end at 5 pm on July 13.

The Cabinet decided to extend the lockdown for another week due to a spurt in COVID-19 cases in the capital region, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar told reporters in a virtual press conference on Saturday evening.

Several new patients in Naharlagun do not have any travel history, he said.

BJP attempts to save alliance with Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura Assam govt lists conditions for COVID patients seeking home quarantine

AGARTALA, JUL 12, (AGENCIES): The Indigenous Peoples Front (IPFT) of Tripura, on July 9, had called for a 24-hour strike in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) headquarters at Khumulwng area to protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the arrest of party worker, Pradip Debbarma, reports The Northeast Today.

The IPFT alleged that Debbarma, who is also the President of the Indigenous Motor Workers Union (IMWU) – a frontal organization of the tribal party, was arrested under false charges of arson at a BJP party office.

It has been almost two and a half years that both the parties have jointly governed the state. But there have been a lot of internal conflicts between the parties. However, with the TTAADC elections on the horizon, the rift between the political parties has made its way onto the streets.

To ensure the survival of the alliance in the upcoming TTAADC elections and to resolve the differences between both the alliance partners, BJP National General Secretary, Ram Madhav,

Supporters of IPFT protest against the arrest of a party worker, in Khumulwng area, the headquarters of the TTAADC on Thursday. (ANI Photo) along with State BJP President, Dr Manik Saha, on July 11, held a crucial meeting with a high-level delegation of the IPFT comprising IPFT President and Revenue and Fisheries Minister, NC Debbarma, IPFT General Secretary and Tribal Welfare and Forest Minister, Mevar Kumar Jamatia, IPFT Assistant General Secretary Mangal Debbarma, MLA, Prem Kumar Reang, Youth IPFT General Secretary, Shukla Charan Noatia and IPFT Women’s Wing leader, Swapna Debbarma at the state guest house.

The IPFT leaders expressed their frustration with the BJP state leadership on several issues and demanded a fair and respectable understanding between

both the alliance partners before the TTAADC. While speaking to The Northeast Today- TNT, Mevar Kumar Jamatia expressed his desire to continue the alliance in the upcoming TTAADC elections. “We have told Ram Madhavji that we are willing to continue the alliance and fight the TTAADC elections along with BJP. Everyone knows that the IPFT is an indigenous grassroots political party and the indigenous population comprises 90 percent of the TTAADC. The IPFT must get the majority of the seats and the BJP must support us the same way we supported the BJP during the 2018 assembly elections”.

Mevar Kumar Jamatia

also pointed out the role played by Himanta Biswa Sarma in forming the alliance between the BJP and the IPFT before the 2018 assembly elections.

“We told Ram Madhavji that we agreed to ally with the BJP because of the efforts and commitment given to us by Himanta Biswa Sarmaji. But the promises that were made to us remain unfulfilled. We submitted a memorandum to him in which we pointed out many issues. Ram Madhavji told us that the BJP national leadership wants the IPFT to be an alliance partner of the BJP in the state and assured us that all our issues will be resolved. He also said that there will be a meeting with the BJP National leadership

in Delhi,” Jamatia said.

“The IPFT is a strongly ideological party in Tripura.

We are committed to a cause and that is why we have so much support. That is why we have survived for so long.

We are not only focused on making new allies just for the sake of remaining in power. We have made it clear to Ram Madhavji that even though we might be a regional party, we have a high sense of self-respect and esteem. The type of language used by a few BJP leaders against us is highly deplorable and has hurt the sentiments and emotions of our supporters. This needs to stop immediately,” Jamatia added.

The BJP, on the other hand, wants to continue with the elections and is hopeful that the issues between the two parties will be resolved.

“The BJP is the largest political party in the state, the nation as possibly the world. We are committed to continuing the alliance with the IPFT in the upcoming TTAADC elections. There is a lot of time left and we will surely resolve all current issues between the two parties,” said BJP spokesperson, Subrata Chakraborty.

Guwahati, Jun 12 (PTI): The Assam government would allow nonsymptomatic COVID-19 positive patients to go for home quarantine only if they sign an undertaking agreeing to certain conditions, Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

Such patients have to ensure that their neighbours and housing societies have no objection to their home quarantine, there are no elderly persons in the family and they have a private physician to check their health condition every three hours, he said.

Besides, they need to have a pulse oximeter at home and should be able to reach in personal vehicle to a hospital, in case their condition deteriorates, Sarma told a press conference here.

“The health department does not prefer home quarantine as there is a risk of transmitting the disease to others in the house, particularly elderly persons and children. We also want to ensure that all COVID-19 patients will be available for timely treatment”, he said.

The social set-up in Assam is such that usually “three generations live together in a house and if the patient is not isolated, there are chances that the patient may infect 10 others”, he said. “There are, however, constant requests from patients for home quarantine and though they have the freedom of choice but we cannot allow them to infect others. We can allow it only if they fulfil these conditions”, he added.

Flight passengers coming to Guwahati will now be subjected to COVID-19 Antigen test at the airport and those testing negative will be allowed to go for home quarantine for 14 days, the minister said.

“It has also come to our notice that private hospitals are not admitting patients without COVID test, though we had asked them to set up testing facilities and except for a few, most have not done so resulting in an increase in the morbidity and mortality rate”, he said.

Therefore, in the case of critical patients needing immediate hospitalisation “we have decided that their results will be processed

within 24 hours, provided the samples are received prior to 12 noon each day”, Sarma said. The health department will also have a dedicated COVID care centre for pregnant women, and children below the age of 12 and a Geriatric Covid Centre for senior citizens above the age of 65 where round the clock doctors and nurses will be available, he said. He said that all deaths where COVID-19 is the underlying cause will be certified by a Death Audit Board according to the guidelines of the Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR).

Following the increase in the number of deaths, an aggressive line of treatment with steroids and plasma therapy has been initiated at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital with patients showing signs of improvement, Sarma said. The situation in Guwahati city, which has reported 6,221 positive cases till date, was still critical and “COVID19 is still very active but we have been able to bring down the positivity rate to 21 per cent from the 30 per cent when the lockdown was imposed”, he said.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

5

the country’s land is with our security Raj crisis: Cong tries to keep its MLAs together Allforces, says ITBP and BSF DG Deswal Sends MakEn, Surjewala as central observers; Pilot to skip cong key meeting

NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (PTI): Amid severe power tussle between Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot, the Congress on Sunday dispatched two of its senior leaders as central observers to Jaipur to talk to its MLAs, even as the party’s general secretary in-charge of the state asserted that the government was stable and will complete its full term.

The action by the Congress leadership came in the midst of widening rift between Gehlot, who convened a meeting of MLAs, including of Independent legislators supporting his government in what appeared to be a show of strength, and Pilot, who is camping in the national capital since Saturday and skipped the meet.

Sources in the Congress said the party cannot afford to lose another state, as it has already lost Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh even after forming the government following assembly elections there.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on

Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot

Sunday declared open rebellion, claiming that he has the support of the 30 Congress MLAs and some independents in the state assembly. The statement released on Pilot’s WhatApp group claimed that the Gehlot-led Congress government is in minority now.

It said Pilot, who is also the state Congress president, will also skip the Rajasthan Legislature Party meeting on Monday morning.

While the top Congress leadership was tight-lipped about the strategy for Rajasthan, some senior leaders said efforts were underway to keep all 107 MLAs to-

gether to avert any potential threat to the government in the wake of Pilot’s claims of support of 30 MLAs. The Congress is also assessing the future moves of Pilot and his bargaining power with the BJP, which the senior leaders alleged is the principal spoiler in the game. Party leaders are also working overtime to ensure a show of strength at the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party to be held in Jaipur on Monday.

Gehlot and other leaders are said to be in touch with party allies as also with independents MLAs supporting the government.

The events in Rajasthan come almost four months after the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh headed by Kamal Nath was toppled, with his bete noire Jyoritaditya Scindia switching sides to the BJP, along with his supporters.

However, in-charge of Rajasthan affairs in the Congress, Avinash Pande told PTI that the government was stable and would complete its full term. He said he has tried to reach out to Sachin Pilot, who is incommunicado for the last two days, and have left messages for him. The Congress has 107 MLA in the 200member state assembly, and also has support of at least 10 independent MLAs. The BJP has 72 MLAs and has the support of three MLAs of Rashtriya Loktantrik Party run by Hanuman Beniwal.

As the Congress grappled with factionalism, Pande wondered who were the MLAs who are purported to have sided with Pilot.

“All Congress MLAs are in touch with me and the government in Rajasthan

is stable and will last its full term,” he said.

Meanwhile, three of the MLAs considered to be close to Pilot - Danish Abrar, Rohit Bohra and Chetan Dudi, returned from Delhi to Jaipur and extended their support to Gehlot saying they are and will remain loyal soldiers of the party.

Pande also said party chief Sonia Gandhi has been updated on the developments in Rajasthan.

A power struggle between Gehlot and Pilot has been on since the Congress’ central leadership picked the senior leader for the chief minister’s post, but has now deepened with those in Pilot’s camp claiming that there have been repeated attempts to undermine his authority. Gehlot had on Saturday accused the opposition BJP of trying to topple his government by offering legislators large sums of money and said his administration is not just stable but will complete its five-year term. The BJP had asked Gehlot to prove his allegation of horse-trading or quit politics.

G U RG AO N, J U L 1 2 (PTI): As Chinese and Indian troops move to disengage in eastern Ladakh after a tense standoff, the chief of ITBP and BSF on Sunday said all the country’s land is under “full possession” of our security and defence forces.

S S Deswal, Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Border Security Force (BSF), was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a plantation drive held at a BSF camp in Bhondsi.

“All the country’s land is with us. Our land is in full possession of our security forces,” Deswal told reporters here. He made the remarks when asked to comment on the current military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

“All our borders are safe, be it the eastern, western or northern. The security forces of the country are very active, capable and dedicated.

“They are capable to protect the borders against any kind of enemy with all their might and efficiency,”

SS Deswal takes part in a tree plantation campaign at the BSF Campus, Bhondsi, in Gurugram, July 12. (PTI)

the 1984-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer said.

According to people familiar with the development, Chinese military has further thinned down its presence in the ridgeline of Finger Four and removed some boats from the Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh ahead of another round of Lt General-level talks between India and China aimed at finalising modalities for complete disengagement along the LAC. When asked if the ITBP had moved more troops to its posts along the LAC, Deswal said the forces are moved across the coun-

try as per requirement.

“The morale of the troops of the army and border guarding forces is very high. Since independence, the security forces have made numerous sacrifices to protect the country’s borders and for security of the country whether is is external threat or internal security,” he said.

“You can see our forces are quick and alert to ensure protection even at the cost of their lives,” Deswal said.

All the security arrangements are in place at the borders and we can say that the country’s security is ensured, he said.

Separatist leader, Jamaat UP govt forms panel to probe Kanpur ambush, Dubey’s encounter members detained in Kashmir dialogue as a means to end the violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

Seharai’s son, Junaid Sehrai, a divisional commander of Hizbul Mujahdeen, was killed in an encounter in Nawakadal area of the city in May this year. The officials said several other JeI cadres are being picked up ahead of the first anniversary of the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre on August 5 last year abrogated Article 370 of the constitution which gave Jammu and Kashmir special status and divided the erstwhile state into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

A similar crackdown on separatist and JeI leaders was launched by the police ahead of the Centre’s move last year. Most of the top separatist leaders are either under house arrest or in custody.

LUCKNOW, JUL 12 (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday constituted a one-member commission to probe the Kanpur ambush and police encounter with gangster Vikas Dubey.

UP Governor Anandiben Patel appointed retired Allahabad High Court judge Shashi Kant Agarwal to probe the incidents and submit a report within two months, according to a government notification.

Any change in its tenure shall be at the behest of the government, it said.

The panel was set up under the Commission of Inquiries Act, 1952 and it will be based in Kanpur.

Meanwhile, a government statement said the one-member commission will also probe the gangster’s “relationship” with police and people from various departments.

It will suggest ways so as to prevent such a repetition in future, it said.

A government spokesperson said the killing of

S R I NAG A R , J U L 1 2 (PTI): Separatist leader and chairman Tehreek-eHurriyat (TEH) Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai was on Sunday detained by police from his residence here and is likely to be booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), officials said.

They said a police party detained Sehrai from his residence at Baghat-e-Barzulla here early this morning and he was taken to police station Saddar.

Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbagh Singh said that Sehrai and some members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami have been detained and are likely to be booked under the stringent PSA which enables authorities to detain any individual for one year without trial.

Sehrai, a former Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) leader and a hardliner, is the chairman of TEH which was previously headed by hard-

line separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

TEH is a constituent of Hurriyat Conference which was headed by Geelani till he resigned from the amalgam last month.

Sehrai is believed to be eyeing heading the Geelaniled Hurriyat Conference, a conglomerate of 26 separatist parties.

This faction of the Hurriyat is different from the one led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, who has favoured

BJP chief JP Nadda set to have new team

Suspended cop Devender shared ‘sensitive’ info with Pak High Comm

NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (PTI): Several new faces are likely to enter the BJP parliamentary board, the highest body of the party, as its president J P Nadda appears set to announce a fresh team of office-bearers soon.

Nadda had taken over as party president in January and, sources said, the Covid-19 outbreak has delayed the announcement of the new team of office-bearers. A senior party leader said the fresh appointments, a customary practice under a new president, will be a mix of continuity and new faces.

Deaths of senior BJP leaders Ananth Kumar, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley and election of another party veteran M Venkaiah Naidu as the country’s vicepresident have caused vacancies in the parliamentary board, and they will be filled soon, sources said.

BJP leaders, however, have given no indication about the new faces likely to be inducted in the board and at other levels of the organisational machinery of the party.

There has been a speculation about a reshuffle in the Union Council of Ministers and that some office-bearers may join the government and a few ministers may be moved to the party organisation.

Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai

NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (PTI): Suspended Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Devender Singh allegedly shared information including “sensitive” particulars with his contacts at the Pakistan High Commission which was grooming him to get some confidential details, officials have said.

While probing Singh’s role, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had cracked passwords of his “secure” social media accounts which indicated his involvement with some staffers of the Pakistan High Commission, who had since been repatriated following their role in espionage activities in the national capital, officials said here.

The NIA filed a chargesheet against Singh, at present lodged in Jammu jail, and five others on July 6 in a case of allegedly waging “war against India” with the help of Pakistan-based terror groups especially the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Before his arrest, Singh’s last posting was at the crucial anti-hijacking unit of the strategic Srinagar airport. Immediately after his arrest on January 11 this year, the Centre began the process of handing over the security of the airport to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as a precautionary measure.

Devender Singh

The 3,064-page chargesheet, filed in a Jammu court under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code, names Singh, self-styled commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group Syed Naveed Mushtaq alias Naveed Babu and his alleged network of aides.

The others named are his brother Syed Irfan Ahmad as well as the group’s alleged overground worker Irfan Shafi Mir, alleged accomplice Rafi Ahmad Rather and businessman Tanveer Ahmad Wani, former president of the Line of Control Traders Association.

In the chargesheet, the NIA gave details of his role alleging that Singh was “in touch with certain officials of Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi through secure social media platforms. Investigation revealed that he was being

groomed by Pakistani officials for obtaining sensitive information”.

The chargesheet, which comprises 3,017 oral and documentary evidences, gives details about his contacts at the Pakistan High Commission and also about the information shared by him. The officials said he had been sharing “sensitive information” from the latter part of 2019 but refused to divulge further details.

The officials said Singh was in close contact with a person identified as Shafqat, an assistant working with the Pakistani mission here.

The official was among the 50 per cent staff which was repatriated late last month.

The officials said Irfan Shafi Mir, an advocate who worked as an overground worker for the terror group, had always been negotiating with the High Commission officials and even receiving money on a regular basis.

Before his arrest, the accused had received a huge amount for organising seminars in Jammu and Kashmir and was tasked with fuelling unrest in the union territory especially in the Kashmir valley, they said.

Mir also visited Pakistan from where he allegedly carried information for the cadres of Hizbul Mujahideen in the Valley about the future course of action, the officials said.

SIT team visits the Bikru village, where eight policemen were killed by gangster Vikas Dubey on July 3, for investigation into the case, in Kanpur, July 12. (PTI)

eight policemen in the ambush on the intervening night of July 2 and 3 by Vikas Dubey and his henchmen and the gangster’s encounter on July 10 are a “subject of public importance”.

“Hence, their probe is essential,” the spokesperson

Pakistani national among 3 militants killed in J-K S rinagar , J ul 1 2 (PTI): Three Lashkar-eToiba (LeT) militants, including a Pakistani national involved in a recent attack on security forces, were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation around midnight in the Reban area of Sopore town following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter around 4 am when the hiding militants opened fire at the security forces.

The security forces retaliated and in the ensuing gunfight, three militants were killed, the official said.

He said arms and ammunition have been ecovered from the site of the encounter. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said one of the slain militants was a Pakistani national involved in an attack on security forces at Sopore in which one CRPF Jawan and a civilian were killed.

“One Pakistani LeT militant Usman killed in the encounter. He was involved in recent terror attack at Sopore in which one CRPF jawan was martyred and one civilian was killed. Big success for police and security forces,” Police Twitter handle quoted him as saying.

said, adding that the panel will also investigate “all encounters in the period from July 2-3 to 10”.

Earlier, the Congress had demanded a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the entire episode to bring out the truth and identify those who

had “granted protection” to Dubey.

“The Congress demanded that the unholy nexus between organised crime and the ilk of Vikas Dubey with those sitting in the echelons of power be probed by a sitting Supreme Court judge,” party spokes-

person Randeep Singh Surjewala had said at a press conference.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too had demanded a judicial probe by a sitting SC judge.

On Saturday, the Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a special investigation team to probe all aspects related to the slain gangster besides the alleged laxity and role of the local police.

Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Bhoosreddy is heading the team, which will have Additional DG Hari Ram Sharma and DIG Ravinder Goud as its members, according to an official statement.

The SIT will submit its report by July 31 after looking into all the angles, studying all related documents and spot inspection in Kanpur, it said.

The team has been asked to probe what effective action was taken in all cases lodged against Dubey.

Six states against conducting university examinations

NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (PTI): With six states expressing reservations against conducting final year examinations in universities in view of the COVID-19 situation, the HRD Ministry has asserted that the guidelines issued by the UGC have to be followed mandatorily and academic evaluation of students is crucial to ensure credibility and career opportunities.

Last week, the University Grants Commission (UGC) in its revised guidelines directed the higher education institutions that final year examinations would be conducted in the month of September 2020, instead of July 2020, as per its guidelines announced in April.

Punjab, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Delhi have announced reservations against the plan citing the COVID-19 situation.

“The guidelines have not stated that the exams have to be conducted right away, the exams have to be concluded by September end. States can devise a calendar whenever it is feasible to conduct exams in this timeline. Also, the exams can be conducted either online, offline or in blended mode. Totally doing away with exams is not a feasible situation. The UGC guidelines are binding in nature,” a senior HRD Ministry of-

ficial said.

“Academic evaluation of students is a very important milestone in any education system. The performance in examinations gives confidence and satisfaction to the students and is a reflection of competence, performance and credibility that is necessary for global acceptability,” the official added.

The HRD ministr y may meet state education secretaries this week to ensure uniformity with regard to final assessment of students pursuing degrees.

“As per the UGC Act, the directive by the commission is binding. As of now the plan to conduct exams is very much in place. The Ministry is open to discussing the concerns with states and work out a feasible solution but academic credibility cannot be compromised.

“Top-ranking universities of the world have opted for final exams to be done remotely. Like Princeton and MIT, University of

Cambridge, Imperial College of London, University of Toronto and McMaster, University of Heidelberg and University of Hong Kong have resorted to the online technology-based model of conducting exams,” the official added.

The UGC guidelines of April and the revised guidelines of July changed the examination window from July to September. However, it directed all higher education institutions to conduct the terminal semester or final year examinations either offline, online or in blended mode.

The first and second year students were exempted from the exams and will be assessed based on previous semester performance and internal assessments.

U n i ve r s i t i e s a n d schools across the country have been closed since March 16, when the Centre announced a nationwide classroom shutdown as one of the measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 217 Dimapur, MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

T

Nadir of dynasty

o suggest that Congress is in existential crisis is too mild a term as the ‘grand old party’ is now actually left with a battle to survive as a national alternative while it watches Rajasthan slipping out of its fold. After losing its coalition government in Karnataka in July 2019 followed by the collapse of its Madhya Pradesh government headed by Kamal Nath in mid-March this year, Congress is now with only Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Maharashtra (as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi), and the union territory of Puducherry (in an alliance with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam). For the BJP it is two down and more to go while for the Congress, the end may be nearer than ever in Chhattisgarh. In Karnataka as well as in Madhya Pradesh, it the Congress high command failed to realise that its legislators were constantly bickering and attacking each other. Instead of blaming BJP for doing what the latter has been unabashedly doing; the Congress should admit that its worst enemies are from within. Congress legislators in states where the party has been toppled from power, have been at loggerheads with their own government or leaders. They have also shown a great inclination to allurements thrown by the other side. In the current Rajasthan crisis, the tussle between chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot has crossed beyond reconciliation. The frosty ties between the two are common knowledge ever since the Congress returned to power in Rajasthan in December 2018. Pilot resented the decision taken by then party president Rahul Gandhi to anoint Gehlot as the CM; his claim that after he took of the state PCC, he revived and revamped the party after it was wiped out in the state by the BJP during the 2013 assembly polls and the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Pilot rightly felt he was being marginalised when he was given insignificant portfolios and also largely ignored by the bureaucracy. Sources the tipping point for Pilot was the probe ordered by Rajasthan police into ‘poaching’ of Congress MLAs and a notice sent to him to record his statement. It is most likely that like in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, MLAs loyal to Pilot will resign if they cannot split the party and later re-contest as BJP candidates. Even as early as early as March this year, a section of the Congress warned that , attempts to dislodge Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh governments would be made in addition to engineering a split in the Congress. Was the Congress high command or for that matter, the Gandhis listening then? Unfortunately, the family has lost the plot and today, there is widespread disillusionment about the lack of clarity and leadership in the party. Instead of correcting the drift, the party is helpless by Rahul’s penchant for functioning as a Lone Wolf, Priyanka’s fading charisma and Sonia Gandhi’s obsession to reinstall her son as party president. To make matters worse, the family is now under the radar of the Modi and Shah duo who have decided to shed their gloves and close the chapter of the 135-year old party that had spearheaded Indian independence movement.

The Modi government has put the Gandhis on notice with the announcement of an inter-ministerial probe into three family-held trusts. They follow a long list of Congress politicians under probe by either CBI or Enforcement Directorate for alleged offences. Many have joined BJP to escape harassements.

DailyDevotion The Spiritually Self-Seeking Church

…till we all come…to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ… —Ephesians 4:13 Reconciliation means the restoring of the relationship between the entire human race and God, putting it back to what God designed it to be.

This is what Jesus Christ did in redemption. The church ceases to be spiritual when it becomes selfseeking, only interested in the development of its own organization. The reconciliation of the human race according to His plan means realizing Him not only in our lives individually, but also in our lives collectively. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this very purpose— that the corporate Person of Christ and His church, made up of many members, might be brought into being and made known. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy a quiet spiritual retreat. We are here to have the full realization of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of building His body.

Am I building up the body of Christ, or am I only concerned about my own personal development?

The essential thing is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ— “…that I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10). To fulfill God’s perfect design for me requires my total surrender— complete abandonment of myself to Him. Whenever I only want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. And I will suffer great humiliation once I come to acknowledge and understand that I have not really been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ Himself, but only concerned with knowing what He has done for me.

My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace, Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God. Am I measuring my life by this standard or by something less?

Quotes

The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see. ~ Gilbert K. Chesterton

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

Severe pandemic costs raise food costs, slump growth T

he rising food item prices are adding to woes of the post-corona lockdown recovery.

The states like West Bengal, Assam or UP are in quandary as to whether allow full opening or continue with half-shut half-open measures.

It is adding to the supply problems creating artificial shortage in most places in the country.

It is a double whammy.

Recession has hit not only India but the entire globe. Job losses, reduction in income, fall in production are common. But in countries like India rising cost of transportation, due to unprecedented hike in administered petroleum prices, is telling on the people.

With reduced purchasing power the inflation has added not only to the problems of consumers but also of farmers. The farmer despite higher minimum support prices has not been able to get even the minimum for either wheat, corn, potato or any other produce. He is forced to sell at any available price.

Since dhabas, hotels and processing plants remain under lockdown the demand for most vegetables or food grains

is low. It has direct bearing on most farm produces. Corn for example fetched Rs 2200 per quintal in 2019 but this year it is difficult to get even one-fourth of the prices. So a farmer who earned Rs 20 plus lakh last year, despite better production is content with Rs 5 lakh.

Similarly, potato and other vegetables see a slump.

So price for consumer is high.

The farmer, however, has earning which would not be more than what he earned last year. The expected growth on the rural strength of the economy that may have been a reality till February is not to be seen now.

The farm sector is in trouble as input costs have increased manifold during the past few months. Even irrigating the fields cost more than double as the administered prices of diesel is creating new records. The people are not beneficiaries of the crash in crude prices to around $ 40 a barrel. Taxes and higher prices have acted heavily.

The official view that petroleum products are used only for transportation and higher fares or freight can make up for the losses is a fallacy. Any society that

pays higher fuel cost suffers more than one way. It erodes income, reduces purchasing capacity and causes overall slowdown at a time when pace in production is a must.

So rising food prices in reality is pre-corona phenomenon. Even in December 2019 it was rising. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 14.2 percent on an annual basis.

This was the highest increase since December 2013. The food price index of the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FA) rose 12.2 percent in December, the highest since Shivaji 2017.

The latest 20 to 40 percent rise in prices of vegetables – potato, tomato, ladies fingers, bottle gourds, brinjals and others is attributed to higher labour costs and 15 to 20 percent more transportation costs. Supplies have reduced by about 15 percent due to summer rains damaging the vegetable crop. The shortage of labour following the reverse migration has increased wages of the labourers.

These all reflect in the vegetable and other food grain prices. Even prices of rice

and wheat have increased in the market despite a massive dole being given to the poor by the government. It is said that in about 11 states the free food grain distribution has not happened as planned.

According to the ministry of consumer affairs data, 36 states and union territories lifted 6.38 lath metric tonnes (mt) of 8 lakh mt allocated under Atmanirbhar Bharat for May and June for migrant workers. Till June 30, 1.07 lakh mt, about 13 percent, food grain was distributed.

Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhan, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Sarkar Meghalaya, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamilnadu and Telangana and Tripura distributed not more than one percent of the food lifted.

The crisis has been building up on the price front since the 2019 general elections.

The Food Corporation (FCI) procured 36 million tonnes prior to that in 2018, the highest since 2012-13, prior to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

It swelled FCI stocks to 75 million tonnes – 33 million tonnes of wheat and 42 million tonnes of rice. It is estimated to be about one-third

of the total production.

It has been utilized well for distribution till coming November at a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. But the mismatch in distribution, the market supplies and other factors have continued to add to the prices.

Interestingly enough despite free supplies, the prices have not come down in rural markets either. This is intriguing. It is attributed to reverse migration causing large influx in the rural areas The prices of edible oils have also noticed significant rise all over. The village markets have seen spike in locally produced oils. This has happened due to rise in mustard and other oilseeds prices, labour costs, electricity and diesel prices. Overall expelling and freight costs have increased.

The RBI in June noticed that inflationary situation has returned since April, when price index surged by 8.6 per cent from 5.8 percent in March owing to price spurt of vegetable, cereals, milk, pulses, edible and sugar.

The RBI monetary policy committee (MPC) says, “The macroeconomic impact of the pandemic is turning

out to be more severe than initially anticipated because of supply disruptions and demand compression. Beyond the destruction of economic and financial activity, livelihood and health are severely affected” The MPC says it is necessary to ease financial conditions further.

It has reduced interest rates. It has hurt the depositors, senior citizens and the poor the most. In fact, cut in interest rate has not helped anybody. It has caused hardships and further reduced purchasing power of the most vulnerable classes.

The high income-tax, bank charges, rude bank staff behaviour and tax on deposits are further hurting the economy.

There may not be any magic wand but a soft policy approach and reduction in income-tax rates though may momentarily accrue less to the official kitty, in the long run with the health of the economy back it would be more beneficial. With a benevolent tax regime, prices too can mellow. It would reduce governance costs and add to the well being of the country.

Post-mortem A call for an introspective and measured politics Tribute to fallen comrades/brave hearts

I

n the Pensées, the philosopher Pascal urges women and men to consider an unavoidable fact of humanity: that to be human is to fall. At the same time, the philosopher declares that to be an imperfect human is more desirable than to pretend to be an angel. The more we accept our imperfections, according to Pascal, the quicker our humanity will be salvaged. And yet, our human instincts drive us to a stubborn avoidance of confronting our own limitations and vulnerabilities.

Through the course of the Indo-Naga situation, these instincts have hardened into ingrained prejudices and unending games of politics passed down from one generation to the next. Is this instinctual slip a reason for recent circumstances in the Naga political saga?

Once again, it is clear that the too-familiar Naga reflex of “my rightness” is not doing us any good and does nothing to reveal the path forward in our collective journey. In fact, to say “I am wrong” has become a taboo—which in turn has led us to evade honest but painstaking introspection about the world and our place in it, further leading us astray from our moral and historical bearings. In our political context, spirituality without meaningful historical engagement (and vise versa) means that we end up with a kind of naïve and inadequate idealism.

At the center of the IndoNaga peace process, Nagas must accept the hard fact that political idealism without a foundation in, and recognition of, its historical setting will remain only a subjective concept. Reasonably, the IndoNaga political talks need to be identified and named in its de facto platform. India, the largest democratic country in the world, has admitted time and again that the issue and history of the Naga freedom movement merits a political solution. This is the unique signature of the Indo-Naga situation. Nevertheless, a protracted political history such as the Naga political issue will have difficult hurdles, which we need to gently wedge and position vis-à-vis the Government of India (GoI).

It is indeed a historical milestone that GoI has initiated an official peace process (i.e., political talks) with the NSCN/GPRN and the seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), represented by the Working Group (WG) under a sole Interlocutor. In this context, it will be absolutely futile for the Naga political groups to undo each other and keep on mustering the Naga primordial instinct of rightness over the other.

In the process of the political negotiations, human temperament and emotions, which at times surges, must never be permitted to engulf the hard-earned and distinctive trust between GoI and the Nagas. We must abide by the moral and ethical dimensions

of common humanity amidst differences. In the billowing sea of political negotiations, we are all on the same boat—and it is our collective and rightful duty to protect each other at all costs and to prevent the boat from sinking.

The Naga public needs to understand and appreciate the key agents and actions in the peace process. The hard-hitting practice of diplomacy is mentally and emotionally draining for all concerned. In times like these, the discipline of keeping from blaming anyone that seemingly differs from our position needs to be robustly exhibited. This is a sign of political maturity. On the other hand, the pursuit of political capital through realpolitik, such as the persistent issuance of contradictory statements, is counterproductive. Among the Nagas, a diplomatic reciprocity of common history and belonging are basic necessities to our survival.

Nagas will do well to listen to the age-old principle that one cannot stand too long by standing on another’s misery.

Attempting to position oneself only by targeting the other is no position at all. It is, in fact, an act of self-negation. Anger and hate are not political positions, but signs of serious disorder.

The seventy years of the Naga political narrative is replete with the destructive game of never-ending, backand-forth accusations hurled by one group to the other, which has resulted in spectators either feeling dismayed at the spectacle or applauding its futility. Should we continue losing, or should we start building a stronger team? The latter is the only viable option.

To build a team, even the most talented player must adhere to the principles and spirit of the group, or risk damaging the dynamics of the team.

The parties in talks with the GoI must be cautious about even attempting to deploy political tools that are counterproductive, manipulative, and divisionary. We should understand that Nagas are already sick of such methods that dig at unnecessary fault lines. Can we not discover a better way of dealing with each other? The 1980s and 1990s are over. In fact, two decades have passed since the turn of the new century. NSCN/GPRN and the seven NNPGs are in a political engagement with the GoI. This is not insignificant by any means.

What stops us, therefore, from moving forward? First, there is the issue of boundaries.

Essentially, the Naga political groups have built boundaries that are not permeable. The Naga political groups need to come to an understanding that the other “faction” is a functioning government in its locus.

In this, each “faction” has its own political ecology of power and procedures, and if pushed to the corner, will have nothing to lose by resorting to protect its boundaries. In this sense, while each group constitutes a boundary with agencies and interests,

having a boundary that is not permeable compels one to live in isolation. We must avoid this state of isolation.

Second, Nagas are living in a caged society at war with itself. Consequently, what takes root are one-dimensional mindsets that lead to discourse, whether through the media or in everyday conversation, that is incredibly contemptuous of the “other.” Unlike genuine, constructive criticism, contempt is harmful because it assumes the moral superiority of individuals or groups. The rhetoric coming out of the jurisdictional and national disputes is a dangerous distraction that diverts attention away from the real work at hand.

Third, we all know that throughout our political history, actors, both internal and external, have patronizingly domesticated some gullible homegrown personalities to focus on our differences. Till today, our politics simply ends here. Ironically, those individuals who are themselves victims of the “differences” are so bitter about it that they have ended up becoming another “difference.” This negative psychological tendency must be released from the self in order to be whole.

All being said, we can still transcend the present context of the Naga political process vis-à-vis GoI. Why are we focusing on how different we are from one another, and not on matters of common hope?

Let us sit together and listen to one another, and to think critically before we listen to the sophistry of others and swallow them gullibly. Our leaders have been devoutly ritualistic in front of others on countless encounters, but they had not made the moral, responsible decision to come together to sit and talk since the peace process began in 2015.

Freedom is not free in any sense of the word. Freedom unequivocally implies a high degree of responsibility. Minus the latter, freedom will never exist. Our imagination needs the horizon of the world to measure up to the realism of nationalism. Why don’t we pause for a moment to think along the lines of a constructive nationalism?

Lastly, let us not repeat our failures of the last three years. With a spirit of hope and faith bestowed upon us

by God, let us keep constructing. Let us focus our thoughts not on destructive tactics, but on proactive and courageous frames of mind. Let us reflect on how we have allowed our ingrained instincts and bad habits to become an undesirable, yet inseparable, part of our politics.

Let us give a chance to bigger, more hopeful possibilities. You will not be asked to surrender what you have today nor coerced to agree. The least we can do is agree to disagree in a gentle way. Shall we not take up this urgent task first?

Wati Aier (The views of this article do not represent any organization)

Name Army No. 1. 2nd Lieut. Somaya Shatsang GH-16513 2. Sgt. Maj. Ashak Wangsa AB-80418 3. Sgt. Somipam Shaiza 42474/11 4. Sgt. Sawang Pansa 41768/08 5. L/Corp. Lentsuba Lalii 44491/16 6. L/Corp. Paogouhao Lhangum 44454/16

J

uly 11, 2020 will go down into history when the combined forces of Assam Rifles {AR}1 Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh state police made Nginu in Longding District, Arunachal Pradesh {Wancho Region under Nagalim) as the killing field when six {6} Naga Army personnel were gunned down in cold blooded manner on the fabricated ground that they were planning to execute mischievous mission as claimed by the DGP of AP police. It was a well planned and coordinated act of terrorism by the Indian Security Forces (ISF) personnel.

The Naga brave hearts were caught by surprise at the break of the day1 overpowered from all sides. Giving them no chance to position themselves, they died fighting to the last man standing.

Not satisfied with the killing, the ISF personnel crossed all decency as they displayed sadistic pleasure in exposing the mutilated bodies and shoving them like dead animals. In the battle fields, even enemy shows respect to fallen soldiers.

This is the brazen manner of the Government of India (Gol) in dealing with National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) which is in a ceasefire agreement running more than twenty three (23) years. This is the repeat of another state sponsored terrorism against the ceasefire party. This is the work of India, the world largest democracy which wanted to make Indo-Naga Ceasefire as the killing field to force its will on the Naga people.

Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh inhabited by the Nagas is not far from the Indo-China border where India is having border dispute. There is reportedly heavy concentration of Chinese PLA soldiers in the disputed area. After the Ga/wan incident in June 2020 where more than twenty {20} Indian Army personnel were killed by the Chinese PLA this Longding killing of six Naga Army personnel by the /SF personnel may be understood to send the message across that Indian Army will not tolerate any forces who dare to come too close for comfort. It is, however, outrageous for Indian Security Forces to give vent their frustration to their humiliating encounter with Chinese PLA by targeting the Naga Army.

What is Government of India trying to gain by targeting NSCN under any slightest pretext when its hands are full confronting the Pakistanis in the Inda-Pakistan border and the Chinese in Ladakh, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal

Village Region Huishu Wung Tangkhul Region Khammoi Konyak Hango Kaphung Wung Tangkhul Region Nginu Wancho Pungro Saramati Mahur Mahur

Pradesh?? The existence of NSCN should not be construed as a nuisance to India in any manner. And the prevailing IndoNaga ceasefire signed between the Gal and NSCN is the standing evidence of Nagas' goodwill towards India to live in peaceful coexistence.

Indo-Naga Ceasefire of 1997 is for peace and political negotiation to bring permanent peace in Nagalim after mutually agreeing to accept the points of conflict taking into consideration the historical and political legitimacy of Naga movement. The signing of 3rd August, 2015 Framework Agreement was a milestone in the Indo-Naga political talks. But the irony is when Government of India reneged. This is the crux of the Indo-Naga political talked which has remain in doldrums.

In today's highly sensitive world it is difficult to imagine ceasefire signed for the purpose of negotiating for honourable political solution and military suppression going on side by side. Significantly, this is the manner of the Government of India in dealing with the Nagas. The suppressive nature that Go/ refused to part is the root cause complicating the 23 years of Indo-Naga political talks that has achieved much but honoured very little.

NSCN is being driven to the wall after repeated provocation and aggression. The goodwill spirit of ceasefire has been stamped to the ground. Ceasefire has lost its meaning because ceasefire can only make sense where there is mutual respect.

Certain electronic media going critical with malicious and insidious intent to put NSCN in bad light is considered to be a part of the Indian state sponsored media campaign against the Nagas. The truth shall, however prevail ultimately.

Today, Nagas in general and NSCN in particular mourns the death of the six sons of the soil who has made supreme sacrifices. We stand up for them with revolutionary salute. The precious lives of these promising young men have been cut short in their primetime but they have indeed gained martyrdom in this cruel death. They have made the ultimate sacrifices at the altar of freedom and their names have been recorded in the annals of Naga1s struggle for independence. The Naga Army will ever remember them and honour them with victory because their sacrifices will not go in vain. We shall overcome come what may. Kuknalim!!

Issued by MIP, NSCN/GPRN

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Recent concerns in the state

It is observed that following should be done on priority for the welfare of Naga people in general. 1. The delimitation process should be allowed without further delay.

2. The Covid-19 pandemic is to stay with us indefinitely so pattern of lockdown should be eased to enable people to manage to live with the virus under SOPs' long term measures. 3. The recent legislation bill on ban of eating dog meat should be repealed for the greater cause of the people of the state as far as their dietary habit is concerned.

Motto: Let the welfare of the people be the final law. Kuknalim Nagaland.

Mutukhru, Kohima

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.

national

India at good position in COVID battle: Shah

minister said. Across the globe, Shah said, governments are fighting this disease but in India everyone has joined hands.

“We are in a good position in this coronavirus battle and will continue this fight with determination and there is no atmosphere of fear. We have the passion to battle it and the enthusiasm to defeat it,” he said in his address to the chiefs of various CAPFs and troops who

heard him via a web link.

“As the home minister of the country, I can proudly say that the security forces of the country have a ‘big role’ to play in this battle fought by India,” he said.

He praised these forces for rendering duties at airports, railway stations and public places apart from aiding the state police forces for law and order duties.

Shah noted that COVID-19 is a very con-

Maoists blow up 12 buildings in Jharkhand

Charred remains of vehicles which were set on fire by CPI-Maoist groups at Barkela area in Chaibasa district of Jharkhand, July 12. (PTI)

C H A I BA S A , J U L 1 2 (PTI): Twelve buildings of the Jharkhand forest department were blown up by suspected Maoists in West Singhbhum district, police said on Sunday.

According to Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Mahatha, a group of armed Maoists had barged into the buildings in Berkela forest area of the district on Satur-

day night and asked all staffers to vacate the premises.

Several employees were also beaten up by the miscreants, and warned of consequences if they informed the police, he told PTI. The naxalites then blew up the buildings, located one after another in the forested area, with Improvised Explosive Devices

(IEDs), Mahatha said.

“Preliminary investigation showed that the Maoists had also felled trees in the forest to prepare a route, which they would have possibly used to attack the security forces,” the SP said.

A massive search operation is under way in the forest, and more details will be available after further investigation, he added.

He said the Home Ministry, under the ongoing mega plantation drive, has chosen a maximum of those plants which have a life span of over 100 years so that they can help preserve the nature for long.

Shah also said that he believes that his ministry should have a culture that all projects or initiatives launched by it should reach successful completion.

The Modi government, he said, is working to bring in more clean fuel and as part of that “we are enhancing the usage of ethanol over petrol”. “I am happy to say that between 2014 and 2020 the production and consumption of ethanol in the country has risen by 20 per cent and we further plan to increase it by another 10 per cent,” he said.

The minister also talked about PM Modi’s speech during the Paris World Environment Summit.

“The PM cautioned the world against over-exploitation of nature and the world accepted the Modi formula in the Paris declaration on tackling climate change. As a result of the prime minister’s efforts, the International Solar Alliance was set up in India,” he said.

the COVID-19 outbreak.

During the session, a total of 19 bills (18 in Lok Sabha and one in Rajya Sabha) were introduced, the Parliamentary Affairs

Divya Prakash Sinha

(CPIO) of the army has demanded a signed copy of his online RTI application as well as identity proof before providing him the records.

“In this regard, it may be noted that as far as CPIO’s request for citizenship proof is concerned, the same is not questioned as Commission in its prior decision(s) has held the view that Armed Forces stand on a slightly different footing as there may be instances that involve disclosure of sensitive information, and for such reasons it may be rationale for the CPIO to ask for citizenship proof,” Sinha noted.

He, however, said the

facts of the instant case “do not suggest disclosure of sensitive information”.

A Punjab and Haryana High Court judgment may be referred in the matter of Fruit & Merchant Union vs. Unknown, decided on November 2, 2012, which has validated the need for RTI applicants to provide identity proof, he said.

However, asking for a signed copy of an online RTI aApplication does not seem appropriate as the online portal does not mandate uploading of signatures, Sinha said. “...if applicants do so voluntarily by uploading a signed copy of the RTI Application under the supporting documents head, it is acceptable but insisting on signed copy of online RTI Applications cannot be a norm and delaying the provision of information for want of a signed copy of online RTI Application negates the whole purpose of filing an online RTI Application,” he said.

Sinha directed the CPIO to exercise due caution while dealing with online RTI applications in future.

Govt updates self- Madhav visits residence of slain BJP leader Wasim Bari declaration form workers in Kashmir for passengers demands proper security forfor party the act should be neutra- chief Ravinder Raina, told NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (PTI): The Civil Aviation Ministry has told the airlines that passengers who submit a self-declaration form that they have not tested positive for COVID19 during the three weeks prior to the departure date are allowed to take their flight, officials said.

On May 21, the government had made it mandatory for all passengers to submit the self-declaration form before a flight stating that they did not test positive for COVID-19 during two months prior to the departure date.

The officials told PTI that as there are a large number of people in India now who have recovered from the deadly virus, a need was felt to update the self-declaration form to avoid any hardships to them.

lised,” Madhav said.

The BJP’s pointsman for J-K said the killings have pained the party. “We demand that the party workers be given proper security,” Madhav, who was accompanied by Union Minister Singh and BJP’s J-K unit

Ministry had said in the statement.

As many as 15 bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 13 by Rajya Sabha. Total number of bills passed by

reporters in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.

Bari, his father and brother were killed on Wednesday evening outside their home. Following the incident, 10 of their PSOs were also suspended and arrested by the police.

Jitendra Singh and Ram Madhav convey their condolences to the family members in Bandipora, July 12. (PTI)

SRINAGAR, JUL 12 (PTI): BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, Union Minister Jitendra Singh and other leaders on Sunday visited the residence of the party’s Bandipora district president Wasim Bari who along with his father and brother was killed by terrorists.

Madhav demanded

Decision on monsoon session of Parl soon: Pralhad Joshi

both Houses of Parliament were 12, it had added.

The all important Finance Bill was passed by both houses before they were adjourned.

proper security for party workers in Kashmir Valley and swift action against those responsible for the killings.

“We have come here to offer condolences to the bereaved family and provided them some help.

“All BJP leaders of the country stand by the family in this difficult situation.

Those who are responsible

Pralhad Joshi

K-1201

total of nine sittings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and in the second part, there were 14 sittings of both the Houses. The minister had said the session was curtailed with consensus among all parties in view of

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NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (PTI): Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said a decision will be taken “very shortly” on when to start the monsoon session of Parliament.

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die on March 23, nearly two weeks before schedule, as the budget session was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“There will be monsoon session. But when.... it will decided very shortly,” Joshi told PTI. He said with regard to the monsoon session, the time in hand is till September, and many a times the session has been called by August-end.

However, the minister accepted that COVID-19 cases were witnessing a surge.

“As far as COVID is concerned, it is on the surge now. Let’s wait how it unfolds further,” he said.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was about 90 per cent and that of Rajya Sabha was 74 per cent in the budget session, the minister had earlier said in an official statement.

The budget session commenced on January 31 and was scheduled to conclude on April 3. Both the Houses adjourned for recess on February 11, and reassembled on March 2.

The first part of the Budget Session yielded a

NEW DELHI, JUL 12 (PTI): Demanding a signed copy of an online RTI application negates the whole purpose of such a mechanism, the Central Information Commission has said while cautioning the army to refrain from such a practice.

Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha held that seeking citizenship proof in case of demand of sensitive information is justified but seeking a signed copy of the application does not seem appropriate as the online portal does not mandate uploading of signatures.

Sinha was hearing the plea of an Odisha-based RTI applicant who had sought from the army information regarding implementation of rules under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 in all defence establishments.

The army did not provide any information to the applicant, the CIC noted.

Akhand approached the Commission with a complaint that the central public information officer

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Amit Shah waters a sapling during the launch of the nationwide tree plantation drive by the CAPFs on July 12. (PTI)

tagious disease that challenges the very existence of the human kind. Saluting the ‘corona warriors’ of the CAPFs and other security and police forces, the home minister said they have set a new example of rendering their duty and fighting the pandemic at the same time.

He said over 31 CAPF personnel have laid down their lives while rendering COVID-19 duties out of which ten personnel are from the Central Reserve Police Force.

“I assure you that your sacrifice will not go in vain.

Your sacrifice will be written in golden words,” he said. Talking about the importance of trees in environment protection, he urged the personnel to adopt at least one plant and ensure that they protect it till it grows bigger than them.

“Consider the plant like your child and treat it with the affection and care that you bring up your children,” he urged them.

“We are facing challenges of global warming, rise in temperature and depletion of the ozone layer.

Only trees can save us from environmental challenges and they can help to lessen the existing pollution and nothing else,” he said.

Can’t demand signed copies of online RTI applications: CIC to Army

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GURGAON, JUL 12 (PTI): India is in a “good position” in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic and the country will fight the disease with determination and enthusiasm, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday.

Shah spoke after participating in a mega plantation drive initiated by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to plant 1.37 crore saplings in their campuses by this month-end. He planted a peepal sapling at the CRPF officers’ training academy campus in Kadarpur village here.

“The world is seeing that if a successful battle has been fought anywhere across the globe against the coronavirus it is in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shah said. “It was feared that how would a large country like ours would face this challenge given that we have a federal structure of governance, dense population of 130 crore people and no single chain of command,” he said.

But the 130 crore people of the country, all states and every individual fought the battle against COVID19 as one nation, the home

7

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

business/state

conducted in June 2020 and drew responses from leading economists representing industry, banking and financial services sector.

“The latest round of FICCI’s Economic Outlook Survey puts forth an annual median GDP growth forecast for 202021 at (-) 4.5 percent - with a minimum and maximum growth estimate of (-) 6.4 percent and 1.5 percent respectively for 2020-21,” it said.

As per the survey, the quarterly median forecasts indicate GDP growth to contract by (-) 14.2 percent in the first quarter of 2020-21, with a minimum estimate of (-) 25 percent and a maximum estimate of (-) 7.4 percent.

Economic activitywise annual forecast indicated a median growth of

2.7 percent for agriculture and allied activities for 2020-21.

“Agriculture seems to be the only sector with a silver lining right now. There is an apparent upside as far as the performance of monsoon is concerned this year and the water reservoir levels in the country stand at good levels,” the industry chamber said.

According to the survey, the rural sector supported by a steady agriculture performance and hopefully a contained number of COVID-19 cases will be a key demand generator for India this year.

The survey further said that industry and services sector, on the other hand, are expected to contract by 11.4 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively in 2020-21.

FICCI survey predicts 4.5% contraction in India’s FY21 GDP

New Delhi, Jul 12 (IANS): With economic activities coming to a halt amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown, the Indian economy is expected to record a negative 4.5 per cent growth rate in the current financial year, according to the FICCI’s Economic Outlook Survey.

The minimum and maximum growth estimate stood at (-) 6.4 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively, for FY21, it said. The quarterly median forecasts indicated 14.2 per cent contraction in the gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of FY21, it added.

The signs of an impending slowdown have been sharply accentuated by the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown.

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely hit global as well as domestic growth.

The current round of survey, conducted in June, drew responses from leading economists representing industry, banking and financial

services sectors.

Economic activity-wise annual forecast indicated a median growth of 2.7 per cent for agriculture and allied activities for FY21. Agriculture seems to be the only sector with a silver lining.

There’s an apparent upside as far as performance of monsoon was concerned this year with enough water in reservoirs, it said.

The rural sector, supported by a steady agriculture performance and hopefully a limited number of Covid-19 cases, will be a key demand generator this year, as per the survey.

Further, the direct income support through the PM-KISAN and increased allocation to MGNREGA were helping the returnee migrants, lending support to the rural economy, it showed.

The industry and services sectors are expected to contract by 11.4 per cent and 2.8 per cent, respectively.

“Weak demand and sub-

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

dued capacity utilisation were manifesting into a drag on investment, and the pandemic has further extended the timeline for recovery,” it said.

Even though activity in some sectors, like consumer durables and FMCG (fastmoving consumer goods), is gaining traction, most companies are still operating at low capacity utilisation rates.

Labour availability and feeble demand remain major issues.

Therefore, fresh investments would be difficult to come by in the near-to-medium term, the survey predicted.

Absence of demand stimulus, a second wave of the pandemic and continuation of social distancing and quarantine measures would weigh heavily on growth prospects, it said.

“With demand and investment outlook muted, robust government expenditure has been the only saviour.

Nonetheless, growth is likely to bottom out after the second quarter of FY21,” FICCI survey said.

Weak demand and subdued capacity utilisation rates were already manifesting into a drag on investments and the COVID-19 pandemic has further extended the timeline for recovery, it said.

Even though activity in sectors like consumer durables, FMCG is gaining traction, majority of the companies are still operating at low capacity utilisation rates. Labour availability and feeble demand remain as major issues for the companies, it added.

“Therefore, fresh investments will be difficult to come by in the near to medium term. Also, a significant change in consumption patterns is expected on back of uncertainty with regard to jobs and income losses,” FICCI said.

Dr. Jamir says Art.371A (1)(b) remains operative

(From p-1) Dr. Jamir also explained that orders relating to appointment/deployment of higher posts involving discharge of duty relating to law and order in the state would “require the approval of the governor of Nagaland in his individual judgment after consulting the council of ministers.”

However, he said it must be appreciated that non-obstante provision of Article 371A(1) (b) in effect “debars any abdication of this power or a complete delegation of this power and the same will continue to be governed by the individual judgment of the governor after consulting the council of ministers in terms of overriding mandate of Article 371A of the constitution of India.”

4 yr old tests +ve for COVID-19 in Dimapur

(From p-1) The boy’s uncle took his nephew to Chümoukedima Covid Care Centre. The uncle also gave an undertaking that he was wilfully taking the risk of looking after his nephew.

Meanwhile, doctors tending to the boy said he was keeping well and the medical team at the CCC instructed to keep the child and his uncle in a separate building. The medical team have also been asked to provide nutritious food and vitamins to the child after consulting a paediatrician. It was also informed that a second test would be carried out, for other family members, on Monday.

No. 9622 Yesterday’s solution No. 9621

No. 4241 Yesterday’s solution No. 4240

No. 3265 Yesterday’s solution No. 3264

Across 3. Latin American dance (5) 8. Competitor (5) 10. Escort (5) 11. Intention (3) 12. Accountancy term (5) 13. Empowers (7) 15. Female relative (5) 18. Circuit (3) 19. Domesticated polecat (6) 21. Plant type (7) 22. Perceive sound (4) 23. Potato (4) 24. Not having (7) 26. Road (6) 29. Small flap of material (3) 31. Marsupial (5) 32. Persevere (7) 34. Senior (5) 35. A type (3) 36. Decree (5) 37. Loafer (5) 38. Topic (5) Down 1. Very tall person (5) 2. Gamester (7) 4. Is indebted to (4) 5. Old coin (6) 6. In motion (5) 7. Therefore (5) 9. By way of (3) 12. Down payment (7) 14. Insulate (3) 16. Burst out (5) 17. Short musical composition (5) 19. Boxer (7) 20. Kitchen utensil (5) 21. Iraqi port (5) 23. Abate (7) 24. Riches (6) 25. Rowing blade (3) 27. Amphibians (5) 28. Vote in (5) 30. Awry (5) 32. Hairstyle (4) 33. Unwell (3)

(From p-1) Kitovi: There are some armed gangs creating law and order problem in Nagaland, taking advantage of the unresolved political conflict. However, there is no involvement of any member of the seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) in such illegal activities. These armed gangs are creating problems posing as Naga national workers. Unfortunately, public by presumption blame the NNPGs. We are being made a scapegoat.

Fo r i n s t a n c e, f ew months back some unidentified miscreants opened fire outside the residence of Chief Minister’s aide, Abu Metha. Recently, some miscreants were nabbed with toy guys. All these are the handiworks of the armed gangs because nobody has come forward to claim such incidents. As for NNPGs, our government claim responsibility for our actions and decisions. There should be no confusion between the Naga national workers and armed gangs.

NP: You are saying that Naga national workers are not armed gangs. However, the Governor has implied otherwise. Is NNPGs comfortable negotiating with a person who harbour such views?

Kitovi: Ravi’s letter to Chief Minister was written in his capacity as Governor and not as the Interlocutor of Naga Peace Talks. We have nothing to comment on his affairs as Governor. However, if Ravi had said anything as the Interlocutor then there may be many things on our part to comment. We should not confuse armed gangs with NNPGs or Ravi’s position as Governor with that of an Interlocutor. Both are separate. If there is any confusion with regard to NNPGs then Governor may clear his doubts through the Interlocutor.

As the Convenor of Working Committee of NNPGs I can say that, till today, as the Interlocutor, Ravi is sincere, dedicated and committed to resolve one of the oldest political and armed conflicts as per the November 17, 2017 Preamble signed between Government of India and NNPGs. We are at the threshold to sign the final agreement. We cannot allow any element to destroy the dream of the people, which will soon translate into workable and practical reality.

NP: If Mr. Ravi is committed to sign the final solution as per November 17 Preamble then what about August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement signed with NSCN (I-M)?

K i t ov i : B e i t t h e Framework or the Preamble both are commitment to resolve the conflict. As for the NNPGs, we have agreed and are committed to resolve the conflict through democratic political process so that Government of India and Nagas can peacefully co-exist considering the political realities of the contemporary world.

NP: There has been

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Governor Shaktikanta Das said the Indian economy has started showing signs of getting back to normalcy in response to the staggered easing of restrictions.

“It is, however, still uncertain when supply chains will be restored fully; how long will it take for demand conditions to normalise; and what kind of durable effects the pandemic will leave behind on our potential growth,” he said.

Rajasthan political crisis: 30 Congress legislators, some Independent MLAs in touch with Sachin Pilot In May, the Reserve Bank had said the GDP growth during 2020-21 is likely to remain in the negative territory.

Releasing details of the survey, FICCI said the present round of ‘Economic Outlook Survey’ was

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New Delhi, Jul 12 (Agencies): Industry body FICCI on Sunday said its Economic Outlook Survey has projected the country’s annual median GDP growth for 2020-21 at (-) 4.5 percent. With the rapid spread of COVID19 pandemic manifesting into an economic and healthcare crisis globally, the latest forecast marks a sharp downward revision from the growth estimate of 5.5 percent reported in the January 2020 survey, it said.

The pandemic outbreak has severely impacted the economic activities as the country had to go through a lockdown to check spread of the virus.

However, the restrictions are being gradually eased.

While addressing SBI Banking and Economics Conclave on Saturday, RBI

NNPGs are not armed gangs: Kitovi Zhimomi

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‘ FY21 GDP growth to be in negative territory’

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, JULY 13, 2020

apprehension regarding a single person holding conflicting positions of Governor and Interlocutor. Some have even suggested that Mr. Ravi should resign from one of the posts. What do you have to say on this?

Kitovi: Whether to replace the Governor or not is the prerogative of President of India, we have nothing to say on that. As for the Interlocutor, there is no reason why the present Interlocutor should be replaced at this crucial hour. Anybody wishing to prolong the solution may want to replace Ravi as the Interlocutor because he is committed for early solution.

NP: So are you denying your government’s involvement in extortion or levying illegal tax?

Kitovi: We cannot deny levying tax. However, what we are collecting is legitimate and nominal tax as Nagas unanimously resolved through Plebiscite (1951) to contribute to the movement till our final destination is reached. These contributions are voluntary and in terms of hundreds and thousands of rupees and not lakhs and crores as assumed by public.

Through media, we have come to know that Nagaland state is losing money in terms of crores. So whoever has misused that money are the real culprits and extortionists, though they may not hold guns in their hands. Our people think that Naga national workers are the extortionist but their real culprits are all those who have accumulated public wealth for their individual benefits. As for the NNPGs, we have never extorted, what our government levy is legitimate tax.

NP: The Governor’s letter has also caused concern over the status of the ongoing Peace Process. What is the status of Government of India and NNPGs Talk?

Kitovi: We have concluded the negotiation since October 31, 2019. There is nothing left to negotiate.

We were preparing for the signing ceremony when the pandemic occurred. This unprecedented situation prevented us from meeting and chalking out the finer details for the signing ceremony. In the month of June, we met the Interlocutor and we decided to meet again on first week of July.

However, the Interlocutor is undergoing self quarantine.

We will meet very soon to finalise the details for the signing ceremony.

NP: After Governor’s letter was leaked, there has been in arrest of Naga national workers in the state and outside. Frequent raids are being conducted. Such a situation has cast shadows on whether the talk could discontinue and cease-fire abrogated. Should there be a concern over such eventuality?

Kitovi: The present situation can be likened to a child birth. As men we have not experienced labour pain but we are told that women Admissions Open 2020-21

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undergo immense pain.

This labour pain is replaced by joy when the mother first holds her child in her arms.

Today, people of Nagaland are undergoing such situation, there is tension and apprehension. However, I appeal our people to keep our surrounding in order and be prepared to receive the new born solution.

This present apprehension is temporary and it may be the pain for the impending solution.

NP: In his letter, Governor mentioned that Civil Society Organisations, at great personal risks to their members, have been raising voices against blatant unlawful activities of the armed gangs. He also mentioned that he received several representations in this regard. What do you have to say on this?

Kitovi: After the letter was made public, I have not come across any statement from Civil Society Organisations either in support or against it. Organisations that have been openly voicing against extortion and hurdling unfounded extortion charges against Naga national workers are yet to come out and acknowledge the letter. Initially it was they who insisted the government to get involved and act on such illegal activities.

Now that the Governor, due to their pressure, has written to Chief Minister, these organisations have opted to be mute spectators.

The best reason for their silence is known to heaven and them only.

NP: In a first, state government has directed all its employees to self declare relations with underground organisations. What do you have to say on such unprecedented move?

Kitovi: During 1950s, the Naga National government had prevented the people from serving Government of India. However, Indian agents convinced our people to work for their government. That is why today we have thousands of government employees in Nagaland. Today, I am yet to meet a government employee who has no Naga national worker relative. All state government employees have national workers as close family members, cousins or relatives.

If the state government is collecting such data in the interest of its employees then the state government must also take into consideration that there are good number of people from neighbouring states working as national workers here in Nagaland. The state government should consult its counterpart and make certain whether such data are being collected by them as well. If collecting such data is in the best interest of the government employees then equal treatment or benefits should also be extended to the government employees of our neighbouring states by their respective governments as well.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

Pope ‘pained’ over Turkey’s move on Hagia Sophia

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican as he arrives to deliver his Sunday Angelus prayer.

Philippines: China should comply with sea feud ruling

Manila, Jul 12 (AP): The Philippines on Sunday renewed its call for compliance with a 4-year-old arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s vast claims in the disputed South China Sea on historical grounds “without any possibility of compromise.”

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr issued the call on the anniversary of the July 12, 2016, ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague that he said “conclusively settled the issue of historic rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea” based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. “The award is nonnegotiable,” Locsin said in a statement. “The tribunal authoritatively ruled that China’s claim of historic rights to resources within the sea ... had no basis in law.”

It’s the strongest statement the Philippines has issued so far in marking the milestone.

China has dismissed the decision as a “sham” and refused to participate in the arbitration proceedings after the administration of Philippines’ president at the time, Benigno

Teodoro Locsin Jr (File)

Aquino III, challenged in 2013 China’s claims to virtually the entire disputed waters.

China has continued to defy the decision with aggressive actions that have brought it into territorial spats with Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia in recent years.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured close ties with China since taking office in 2016, raised the issue last year in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jingping, who he said flatly told him then, “We will not budge.”

Duterte has long been criticized by nationalists and left-wing groups for not

immediately and strongly demanding Chinese compliance with the ruling, which he initially relegated to the back burner while he took steps to revive relations with China that have been strained due to the long-raging territorial conflicts.

He has turned to China for trade, investment and aid while often lashing out at US security policies.

Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have also laid claims to the strategic waters.

The United States has no claims to the waters but has deployed warships and aircraft for decades to patrol and promote freedom of

navigation and overflight in the busy waterway.

The ruling also upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights over a wide stretch of waters called the exclusive economic zone, where Chinese territorial claims have delayed for years Manila’s plan to explore and extract potential undersea deposits of oil and gas.

Locsin said the arbitration tribunal ruled that certain actions within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone violated the country’s sovereign rights and “were thus unlawful.”

He outlined other Chinese violations cited by the tribunal, including the large-scale reclamation and construction of artificial islands that caused severe environmental damage.

“Compliance in good faith with the award would be consistent with the obligations of the Philippines and China under international law,” Locsin said.

“We commemorate the issuance of the award as a celebration of the rule of law, as a means to settle disputes amicably ... and clearly mark out who would be in the wrong to insist on claims contrary to this award.”

UK will pay price for imposing sanctions: N.Korea Seoul, Jul 12 (IANS): Denouncing the UK’s recent sanctions imposed on North Korean individuals and organizations, Pyongyang has threatened that the country will be “made to pay the price”. Earlier this week, the UK blacklisted 49 individuals and organizations under its new human rights regime, reports Yonhap News Agency. With the decision, two North Korean organizations, believed to be involved in the forced labour, torture and killings of prisoners in gulags in the country, were banned from entering the UK and channeling funds through British banks.

Quoted by Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea said the UK’s move was “a provocation” that follows the US’ “hostile policy” toward the North. ll contents based on which the sanctions were imposed were “fabrications” provided by North Korean defectors, according to the KCNA. “We resolutely condemn and reject the designation by the UK.,” the KCNA said, warning that the country “will be definitely made to pay the price”.

Vatican City, Jul 12 (AP): Pope Francis said on Sunday that he is “deeply pained” over the decision

by Turkey to change the status of Hagia Sophia — which was originally built in Istanbul as a Christian cathedral — from a museum to a mosque.

In a very brief, improvised remark, Francis, speaking from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, noted that the Catholic Church marked Sunday as International Day of the Sea. “And the sea brings me a little far away with my

thought: to Istanbul,” the pontiff said. “I am thinking of St. Sophia and I am deeply pained.” Francis said no more but was clearly referring to the move by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to formally convert the monumental building back into a mosque.

The colossal Santa Sophia cathedral was turned into a mosque after the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453. The Turkish secular government in 1934 decided to make it a museum.

The pope, who heads the Roman Catholic church,

China raises flood response to 2nd-highest level

Trump wears mask on camera Thousands protest in Israel over handling of economy for 1st time during hospital visit

Beijing, Jul 12 (IANS): China on Sunday raised the emergency response for flood control to Level II, the second-highest in the response system, as heavy rains continued to lash vast stretches of the country.

Since July 4, alerttriggering floods have been observed in 212 rivers nationwide, among which 19 topped previous water level records, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) as saying. By Sunday afternoon, floods in 27 provincial regions, including Jiangxi, Anhui, and Hubei had resulted in the deaths or disappearance of 141 people, and 2.25 million emergency relocations this year.

Around 28,000 homes were flattened and 3.53 million hectares of crops affected, with the direct economic loss at 82.23 billion yuan ($11 billion).

The water level in Taihu Lake, the country’s second-largest freshwater lake, has risen above the alert level for 15 consecutive days, said the MWR. China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters also lifted the emergency response to Level II later Sunday, following its last upgrade from Level IV to Level III on July 7.

WASHINGTON, JUL 12 (IANS): US President Donald Trump was seen wearing a mask while visiting a military hospital near Washington, D.C., the first time he did so on camera since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in the country.

“I’ll probably have a mask,” Trump told reporters on Saturday ahead of his trip to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he visited injured soldiers and medical workers tasked with containing the coronavirus, Xinhua news agency reported.

“I think when you’re in a hospital especially in that particular setting, where you are talking to a lot of soldiers, people that in some cases just got off the operating table,” the president said. “I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask. I’ve never been against masks but I do believe they have a time and a place.”

Trump has been refusing to wear a mask himself since the pandemic broke out, citing his good health and frequent negative tests for the virus. “I have no problem with a mask. I don’t think you need one when you’re tested all the time, everybody around you is tested, you’re quite a distance,”

Trump wears a face mask during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Saturday. (AP/PTI)

he said on Thursday.

Even Republican lawmakers have advised him to do so publicly so as to curb the spread of the contagion.

Regretting the fact that the “simple lifesaving practice” of wearing a mask has been politicized to showcase whether one supports Trump or not, Republican Senator Lamar Alexander said on June 30 that he had “suggested the president should occasionally wear a mask even though there are not many occasions when it is necessary for him to do so.”

Trump wore a mask behind the scene in late May during a visit to a Ford factory in Michigan. “I did wear. I had one on before,” he told reporters on camera

at the plant when asked why he decided not to wear a mask.

“But I didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it,” Trump said, showing the reporters a mask with a presidential seal on it that he said was the one he wore.

As the latest 1 million cases in the United States were added over merely 28 days, more than 20 states in the country have now mandated wearing face coverings in public, either statewide or limited to counties where the case rate has surpassed government thresholds.

Cases in the United States jumped by a staggering record of 71,389 Saturday from the previous day, according to Bloomberg News.

Poland votes in presidential run-off Wa r s aw, J u l 1 2 (IANS): Voting was underway on Sunday in Poland’s presidential run-off election, where incumbent Andrzej Duda, an ally of the conservative government, is pitted against the opposition-backed Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Duda, supported by the conservative Law and Justice party seeking a second five-year term, topped the first round of voting on June 28 with 43.5 per cent of the vote but fell short of the 50 per cent needed to win outright, the BBC reported.

Trzaskowski followed close with 30.5 per cent of the ballots.

For the run-off on Sunday, polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m.

Speaking on the last day of campaigning on Friday, Duda said he would continue strengthening the Polish state, “built on our inviolable tradition which is sacred to all of us and in which we have been

Incumbent President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda cast their ballots in Krakow, Poland, on Sunday. (AP/PTI)

brought up for genera- Trzaskowski, who won the tions”. capital’s race for mayor in M e a n w h i l e , 2018 promising “Warsaw

for All”, pledged to heal rifts with the European Union.

On Friday, a final poll, conducted by IBRiS for internet publication Onet. pl, confirmed a neck-andneck between the two candidates.

T h e p o l l s h owe d Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw and a candidate of the main opposition party Civic Platform (PO), at 47.4 per cent support, followed by Duda at 45.7 per cent.

Seven per cent were still undecided, the poll found.

Exit polls had indicated 62.9 per cent of voters cast their ballots on June 28, up from 49 per cent five years earlier.

The presidential race, originally planned for May 10, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown.

To date, Poland has a total of 37,521 COVID19 infections, with 1,568 deaths.

Jerusalem, Jul 12 (IANS): Thousands of Israelis have staged a demonstration in Tel Aviv to protest against what they say is economic hardship caused by the government’s mishandling of the coronavirus crisis.

Rabin Square was filled with mainly young protesters wearing masks but not observing social distancing, the BBC reported.

They say government compensation payments have been slow to arrive.

The event was organised by small businesses, self-employed workers and performing artists’ groups.

Many are experiencing economic hardship and have been angered by coronavirus measures which have taken their livelihoods away. They say money they are due from government support schemes has not been paid.

While workers on salaries received unemployment benefits via a furlough scheme, the self-employed say most of them have been waiting months for promised government aid.

“I have 40 workers with no income, no money,” Michal Gaist-Casif, vice-president of a sound and lighting company, told the Reuters news agency.

“We need the government to pump in money until we’re back to normal.

Israelis lift placards and chant slogans during a demonstration in Rabin Square in the central coastal city of Tel Aviv, on July 11.

We haven’t been working The country has seen of 354 people have died since mid-March through a spike in coronavirus cases from Covid-19 in Israel, acApril, May, June and July, with nearly 1,500 new cases cording to Johns Hopkins and August is looking to be reported on Friday. A total University data. a catastrophe.”

Prime Minister BenjaAPOLOGY min Netanyahu met activists on Friday to discuss I, Mr. M. Moasashi Jamir (Sashi Amer), S/o their frustrations.

Late Molopong of Changki Village, hereby tender “We will meet our my sincere apology for the derogatory remarks commitments including made against the Mokokchung Village Council hastening the immediate on social media Facebook group “The Nagas” on payments that we want to 2nd July 2020, violating the code of social media give you,” his office quoted ethics.

I hold myself responsible for causing him as telling them.

Israel imposed a strict unnecessary unrest and hurting the sentiments lockdown in mid-March of the council members which was uncalled but started lifting restric- for. I, hereby beg forgiveness from all who were tions in late May. Unem- affected due to my insensible actions. I shall ployment has risen to 21 refrain from such blunders in the future.

Sd/per cent.

MKC-160 Mr. M. Moasashi Jamir

DP-3145

is adding his voice to strong objections a day earlier by the head of the Genevabased World Council of Churches. That organization described its “grief and dismay” in noting that Hagia Sophia has been “a place of openness, encounter and inspiration for people from all nations.”

The council’s membership comprises Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican churches.

Erdogan declared the monument open for Muslim worship after a high court annulled the 1934 government decision.

9

international

Infotainment

10

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

After Amitabh & Abhishek, Aishwarya, daughter test COVID +ve Katty Perry chooses Jennifer Aniston to be her daughter’s godmother A S ctor Abhishek Bachchan said his wife, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya will be “self quarantining at home” after they tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Sunday.

A day after Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek revealed their diagnosis of COVID-19, the megastar’s daughterin-law Aishwarya (46) and granddaughter Aaradhya (8) also tested positive for the virus.

Amitabh’s wife, veteran actor-MP Jaya Bachchan, 71, has tested negative.

In a series of tweets, Abhishek also said he and his father will “remain in hospital till the doctors decide otherwise”.

“Aishwarya and Aaradhya have also tested COVID19 positive. They will be self quarantining at home. The BMC has been updated of their situation and are doing the needful. The rest of the family including my Mother have tested negative. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers,” Abhishek, who is admitted to Nanavati Hos-

pital along with his father, said.

“My father and I remain in hospital till the doctors decide otherwise,” he added.

The actor, who is currently seen in Amazon Prime Video series “Breathe: Into The Shadows”, further urged people to remain cautious and safe.

“Please follow all rules!” he said.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra’s Health Minister Rajesh Tope told PTI that it was “completely” the family’s decision to quarantine Aishwarya and Aaradhya at home or get them admitted to the hospital.

“Swab test of the staff has been taken, the reports

are awaited,” Tope added.

The news of coronavirus infecting the Bachchan clan triggered an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes for the 77-year-old screen icon who has dominated Bollywood for over five decades.

In Ujjain, a group of his fans offered prayers at the local temple, and wished

Bird Box 2 ‘is in development’

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz ‘will have two weddings in 2021’

B

B

ird Box 2’ is already in development. Josh Malerman, the novelist whose work inspired the original movie starring Sandra Bullock, has revealed efforts have begun to create a follow-up to the 2018 thriller.

He told Inverse: ‘’I can’t say much, but I can say that it is in development.

Sometimes it’s weird, all this secrecy, but I’m game.’’

At the moment, plot details of the upcoming movie remains unclear.

However, hints about the film could come from the synopsis for the sequel novel, ‘Malorie’, which is set for release later this month.

The upcoming novel is set 12 years after the events of the original, which would mean that the kids in the movie have now become teenagers.

The synopsis also reveals that the monsters in the original have ‘’changed into something even more frightening’’. Despite this, it’s not yet known whether Sandra, 55, will commit to staring in the sequel.

In the original, Sandra played a mother who tries to protect herself and two children from entities that cause people to go insane and kill themselves.

Speaking about the actress’ part in the original

movie, director Susanne Bier previously explained: ‘’When I read the script I felt there was the potential to portray a different picture of motherhood than that which is usually portrayed. ‘’I’ve always felt that motherhood is mainly defined by men and for many hundreds of years is automatically thought of as being soft, caring, naturally nurturing, calm. ‘’There are a lot of things that are part of our idealised vision of motherhood, but I always thought it was much more complex, much more ferocious ... I think that’s what Sandra gives it.’’ (Contactmusic)

rooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz are reportedly set to have two weddings in 2021.

The loved-up couple recently announced their engagement and according to a source close to the duo, they are planning to stage two no-expense-spared weddings next year.

Brooklyn, 21, and Nicola, 25 - who started dating at the end of last year - will have one ceremony in the UK and the other in Florida.

It’s also been suggested that Nicola’s billionaire dad will pay for both ceremonies.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ‘’Everyone is delighted for them.

Brooklyn has always looked up to his parents and grandparents, who have been married for a combined 70 years, and that’s what he wants. ‘’David and Victoria are thrilled. They feel he has finally met a girl who is not after him for fame or money.

In fact, her family wealth dwarfs the Beckhams’.

(Contactmusic)

Won’t allow Lady Antebellum to obliterate me: Lady A

T

he Black blues singer Lady A has said she won’t allow the country band of the same name – formerly known as Lady Antebellum – to “obliterate me or my career”.

The singer, whose real name is Anita White, has been performing under the moniker for more than 30 years. The band changed their name last month over their original name’s associations with slavery.

The band have since filed a lawsuit against White after she asked them to pay her $10million (£7.9m) in order to use the name.

They also revealed that they have had the name Lady A trademarked for “many years”.

In a new statement given to Pitchfork, White said she would not allow the band “to obliterate me and my career so they can look ‘woke’ to their fans.”

“I first heard about Lady Antebellum’s planned name change after they went public on June 11, 2020, at which point I was shocked and taken aback,” she said. “During initial calls with the members of the band, I hoped that we could reach an agreement that left both sides whole. Lady Antebellum understood that their use of ‘Antebellum’ was offensive and that their adoption of K Y M C

him and family speedy recovery.

A fan recalled on Twitter that the megastar overcame a life-threatening injury on the sets of film “Coolie” in 1982 and will do the same now.

Amitabh and Abhishek (44) shared their COVID19 diagnosis on Twitter on Saturday, saying they were in the isolation ward of the city-based hospital.

Dr Abdul Samad Ansari, director of Critical Care Services at Nanavati Hospital, on Sunday said the Bachchan father-son duo were “feeling better” and their condition was stable.

“Both Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek are comfortable and feeling better.

General blood chemistries are acceptable with stable vitals. Both slept well and had their breakfasts. They are stable,” Ansari told PTI. The BMC has declared four bungalows of the Bachchan family - Jalsa, Pratiksha, Janak and Vatsa - in Mumbai as containment zones and sealed them, a civic official said.

(PTI)

Lady A harms me, as I have been using the name professionally for over 30 years.”

She continued to say that, despite this, the band were “not receptive to my proposals for correcting their infringement”. “My fans used to be able to listen to my music on streaming services; now they struggle to find me,” she said.

“Due to Lady Antebellum’s massive rebranding efforts, Lady Antebellum has erased me from every platform. Lady Antebellum has used their wealth and influence to intimidate and bully me into submission without offering any real recompense for appropriating my name.”

White went on to accuse the group of “at-

tempting to change the narrative by minimizing my voice and belittling my experience as an artist” and said it was “absurd” that the way they had chosen to show their support to racial equality was “by taking the name of a Black woman”.

“The A in their name stands for Antebellum and always will,” she added.

“If they are truly committed to racial equality, why do they want to maintain that association, especially when it means making a public, intentional stand to disregard me and my rights?”

White also confirmed that she had asked them for $10million – $5million to compensate her and $5million to be donated to

a relevant charity.

“Their refusal to come to an agreement that would be respectful of my work and my rights, however, has given me the clarity and the drive to not back down,” she concluded.

“Black lives, names, experiences, work, art — they all matter.”

The band have yet to respond to White’s latest comments.

I n a p r ev i o u s i n terview, White said she had suggested alternative names to the band, including Lady A The Band. In that instance, she would then change her name to Lady A The Artist. The band declined the suggestion, according to the singer.

(NME)

close. During lockdown Aniston is already godthey went for socially-dis- mother to her “Friends” cotanced walks, and spent star Courteney Cox’s 16lots of time catching up, year-old daughter Coco. said the source.

(IANS)

Anupam Kher’s mother, brother test COVID-19 positive

V

eteran actor Anupam Kher has shared that his mother Dulari, brother Raju Kher and two other family members have tested positive for COVID-19.

The actor took to social media to share the health update. He also revealed that he had tested negative for the virus.

“This is to inform all that my mother Dulari is found Covid + (Mildly).

We have admitted her into Kokilaben Hospital. My brother, bhabhi & niece in spite of being careful have also tested mildly positive.I got myself tested as well & I have tested negative. @ mybmc is informed,” Anupam Kher tweeted along with a short video.

He took to Instagram to explain the symptoms his mother started showing.

“I would like to inform friends, well-wishers and everyone else that I had taken my mother for a check-up yesterday, as she had been experiencing loss of appetite. On doctor’s recommendation, we took her for CT Scan to rule out any

medical issue. Upon testing, she was found mildly Covid +,” he wrote.

Kher continued: “Owing to her age, we have admitted her into Kokilaben Hospital. She is doing fine. Three other members ( my brother, his wife and my niece) have also tested mildly positive.I got myself tested as well and I have tested negative. The family has self-quarantined themselves and we have informed the BMC. I would like to reach out to everyone with aged parents - please

Rekha's bungalow sealed after security guard tests COVID +ve

Teaser of ‘Hum Haii Rowdy SP Vijay’ launched in Dimapur

V

Lady A’s Anita White and the country band Lady A’s Hillary Scott.

inger Katy Perry has chosen her longtime friend and actress Jennifer Aniston to be her future daughter’s godmother.

Perry is expected to give birth in the coming weeks to her first child by fiance and actor Orlando Bloom.

In a report published in The Sun, it was revealed that the 35-year-old pop star and the 43-year-old actor have chosen Aniston to be their daughter’s godmother, reports dailymail.co.uk. “(Jennifer) is pretty chuffed about it as well and cried when they asked her,” said a source close to the trio.

The source claimed that Perr y and Bloom placed the 51-year-old actress at the top of their list of potential godparents and “wept when they asked her” to take on the role.

Aniston has reportedly provided Perry a lot of emotional support during her pregnancy.

Katy and Jen are very

eteran actress Rekha's bungalow in Bandra, Mumbai, has been sealed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after her security guard tested positive for coronavirus, reported news agency PTI. The BMC has also put a board outside the premises declaring the place as a containment area. The security guard at Rekha's house - Sea Spring - tested positive for the virus on Tuesday and he has been hospitalised at the BMC's COVID-19 care facility in Bandra Kurla Complex since then, a civic official said on Sunday, reported PTI. He added that BMC has sealed only a portion of the bungalow, which is standalone, reported PTI. Rekha is the latest Bollywood celebrity whose staff has been diagnosed with COVID-19 after Aamir Khan, Boney and Janhvi Kapoor and Karan Johar.

The actress in bestknown for her performances in films such as Umrao Jaan (1981), for which she even won the National Film Award for Best Actress, Khubsoorat (1980), Ghar, Judaai, Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye, Khoon Bhari Maang, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi and Silsila, in which she co-starred with Amitabh Bachchan.

(NDTV)

get your parents tested even if they show the slightest of symptoms. Despite the extreme amount of carefulness displayed by my brother and his family over the last few months, they still tested positive. So I urge everyone to take this seriously and understand that no amount of safety measures are enough. Friends, don’t let your guards down.

Let’s be vigilant, let’s be aware and let’s fight the bad times together.”

Many celebrities wished the family a speedy

recovery.

“Speedy recovery, lots of love and energy to mom, Raju and his daughter .. this too shall pass my friend .. take care… love you,” wrote Anil Kapoor.

“Prayers for the speedy recovery of your family,” Bipasha Basu commented.

Actress Bhumi Pednekar shared: “Eagerly waiting for her next video #DulariRocks”, while Neena Gupta said: “Oh ho take care my dear and good luck fr ur family.”

(IANS)

Munna Yadav, Basu Damani and Naresh Jain during the launching programme. (NP)

T

he teaser of Dimapur based filmmaker and proprietor of Murti Films Creations Munna Yadav’s Bhojpuri film, ‘Hum Haii Rowdy SP Vijay’ was formally launched Sunday at the premises of Murti dance Academy, Khermahal, Dimapur in the presence of actors and well-wishers.

While the release date of the film is yet to be finalized because of the pandemic, the film, which stars Prince Mishra in the lead, Hemant Birje, known for playing the lead role in 1985 Bollywood movie “Adventures of Tarzan”, and other popular faces like Priyanka Pandit, Kalpana, Munna Yadav, Megha Saxena etc.

and Udit Narayan as one of the playback singers, is set to have a nation-wide release.

During the launch of the teaser, Guest of Honour Naresh Jain, Director of Sales & Marketing, Everyday Salt, said that it is a matter of pride for the people of Nagaland that someone from the state (referring to Yadav) has stepped out and made such a big movie and wished the team a success.

General Secretary of NMDA, Basu Damani, who was present there as a special guest, while extending best wishes to the film, assured every possible support from his side.

Earlier, talking about the film, Yadav acknowl-

edged the contribution of everyone involved in the film.

Produced by Rani Kumari Pandey and Martha Yadav and releasing under Yashi Films Private Limited, the movie is a joint collaboration of Arawali Aryan Devi Film Production and Murti Films Creations.

The storyline of the movie starts in Dimapur and many of the scenes have been shot in Dimapur involving a number of local artists. The teaser is now available on YouTube.

The movie, which will be a part of different film festivals, is expected to get released towards the end of 2020.

(Staff Reporter) K Y M C

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

Barcelona beat Valladolid 1-0 in La Liga Zaha reveals online racist abuse

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi vie for the ball during their La Liga match against Valladolid.

M a d r i d, J u l 1 2 (Agencies): Lionel Messi registered his 20th assist of the season as a lacklustre Barcelona maintained pressure on leaders Real Madrid with a 1-0 victory over Valladolid.

Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal struck the only goal of the game in the 15th minute, firing into the net off the post after being played in by Messi, who now has 20 assists in the league to go with his 22 goals. Barca failed to build on their early advan-

tage and were forced to grind out the victory in the second half as Valladolid took the game to the champions.

Valladolid’s forward Enes Unal forced Barca’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to stretch across goal and tip away his shot, moments after Kike Perez had missed the target from inside the area as the home side made a lively start after the break. Ter Stegen was forced into action once again in added time to repel a shot from former Barca

forward Sandro Ramirez as the visitors were left begging for the final whistle to arrive.

The scrappy victory moved second-placed Barca to within a point of Real Madrid, who can restore their four-point advantage when they visit Granada on Monday, while Valladolid remain in 14th place.

Should leaders Real beat Granada and follow that with victory at home to Villarreal on Thursday, they will be crowned champions for the first time since 2017.

Hamilton eases to victory at Styrian

Lewis Hamilton

Spielberg, Jul 12 (IANS): Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on Sunday clinched a dominant victory at the Styrian Grand Prix after both Ferraris (Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc) had to retire following a collision in the first lap.

Hamilton’s first victory of the year was founded on a stupendous performance in wet qualifying, in which he took pole by more than

1.2 seconds.

His Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas clinched the second spot while Max Verstappen of Red Bull completed the podium.

“The team did a fantastic job with their strategy.

I’m so grateful to be back in first place. It feels like a long time coming. This is a great, great step forward. I love back to back (races)! I could do it all season long,” said Hamilton after the race. Bot-

tas, who came second, said: “Lewis had a good start and he could control the race.

For me, starting from fourth was damage limitation so to get second isn’t a bad result.

Meanwhile, Verstappen said he did try to make it difficult for Valtteri. “A podium was good, but still a lot of work to do.”

Leclerc also apologised for a rash move on the first lap that took out both cars.

“I am disappointed in myself. I’m sorry but being sorry is not enough. Seb (Sebastian) hasn’t got any faults today.

Behind Verstappen, an exciting battle for fourth place saw the Red Bull of Alex Albon finish ahead of the McLaren of Lando Norris, Norris passing the Racing Point of Sergio Perez with one corner to go in the race after the Mexican suffered front wing damage from contact with Albon.

Costa strike guarantees Atletico top-4 finish

Atletico Madrid sealed Champions League qualification for the eighth consecutive season by beating Real Betis 1-0 at home on Saturday thanks to a late Diego Costa goal after having a player sent off and seeing two goals ruled out following VAR reviews.

Costa scored the only goal of the game with a scuffed header in the 74th minute, although Atletico

Antoine Griezmann could miss remaining games Barcelona, Jul 12 (IANS): FC Barcelona striker Antoine Griezmann is set to miss his team’s final two LaLiga matches after pickup up a thigh injury during Saturdays 1-0 win over Real Valladolid.

“Tests this morning have shown that Antoine Griezmann has a quadriceps muscle injury in his right leg. He is not available for selection and the evolution of the injury will condition his availability,” Barcelona said in a tweet.

As per newspaper Spor t, the Frenchman would be sidelined for three weeks, ruling him out of Thursday’s home game against Osasuna and their final match, away to Alaves, next Sunday.

Barcelona are still in the title race after their win over Valladolid.

Juventus held by Atalanta in Serie A

Players of Juventus and Atalanta vie for the ball during their Serie A match.

TURIN, Jul 12 (Agencies): Cristiano Ronaldo converted two penalties, both awarded for handballs and the second in the last minute, as Serie A leader Juventus twice hit back to draw 2-2 with Atalanta to move closer to a ninth successive Serie A title on Saturday.

The Portuguese forward took his league tally to 28 goals this season as Juventus went eight points clear of second-placed K Y M C

Lazio with six matches to play. Atalanta are a further point back in third after being denied a tenth successive league win.

Both handballs were clearly accidental but, under the current rules, referee Piero Giacomelli had no option but to award the penalties. It was rough justice on Atalanta. The team, which leads Serie A in scoring, would have climbed into second place and cut the gap between themselves and

Juventus to six points if they had won.

Juventus, humbled 4-2 at AC Milan on Tuesday, dropped Miralem Pjanic but were quickly forced onto the back foot by a typically audacious Atalanta side.

Duvan Zapata put the visitors ahead in the 16th minute as an intricate exchange of passes with Alejandro Gomez opened up the Juventus defence before the Colombian slotted his shot past Wojciech Szcz-

esny. The visitors continued to pen Juventus into their half, enjoying 58% possession and five shots to the home team’s one before halftime, only to fall foul of the handball rule 10 minutes after the break.

Paulo Dybala fired a cross against Marten de Roon’s elbow and, although it was at point-blank range and the Dutchman’s arm was close to his chest, the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

Ro n a l d o s m a s h e d home the spot kick, scoring for the sixth game in a row.

The game opened up, with Atalanta regaining the lead in the 81st minute when Luis Muriel sent a pass across the face of the penalty area to Ruslan Malinovskyi who took it in his stride before firing a rightfoot shot past Szczesny.

But lightning struck a second time for Atalanta when Gonzalo Higuain got his foot to a corner and deflected the ball onto Muriel’s hand.

The Colombian did not have time to get his hand out of the way but, as it was outstretched, the penalty had to be given and Ronaldo converted in the 90th minute.

had to wait several minutes for the referee to determine whether the ball had then hit his arm or shoulder on its way into the net.

The victory took thirdplaced Atletico on to 66 points after 36 games, nine ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal, and maintained coach Diego Simeone’s run of reaching Europe’s premier competition in each of his full campaigns in charge.

Betis, who had already ensured their top-flight status, are 13th on 42 points.

Angel Correa had seen a goal ruled out in the first half for a handball against Marcos Llorente, and Alvaro Morata had a strike ruled out for offside, while Betis had come close to scoring through Andres Guardado and Loren Moron.

The visitors were the better side for most of the second half and striker Loren should have scored when he skipped into the area unchallenged but saw his attempted dink past Jan Oblak trickle wide of the target.

Atletico defender Mario Hermoso was sent off in the 57th following a straight red card for a reckless tackle, and Betis continued to dominate but could not keep their composure in front of the goal.

Instead, Atletico pounced with their weapon of choice, a set piece, as Costa got on the end of Yannick Carrasco’s lofted free kick into the area.

Lo n d o n, J u l 1 2 (Agencies): Wilfried Zaha was subjected to online racist abuse ahead of Crystal Palace’s Premier League match at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Since the resumption from the coronavirus shutdown, all Premier League teams have worn “Black Lives Matter” logos on their kits, with players taking a knee before kick-off in each match to show solidarity with the movement.

However, Ivory Coast international Zaha posted on Twitter before Sunday’s game at Villa to show screenshots he received from an Instagram account bearing the handle @jackdolan_avfc.

The first image showed a message that read: “You better not score tomorrow you black c***. Or I’ll come to your house dressed as a ghost.”

Further abusive messages featured a mocked-up image of a man in blackface on a cereal box, alongside a vile racial slur, and a picture of a Ku Klux Klan rally.

Zaha presented the images with the caption: “Woke up to this today.”

Former Palace and England striker Ian Wright tweeted in support of the 27-year-old.

“People like to make these experiences seem like it’s not the norm for black people,” he wrote.

“It’s always an outlier.

‘Not one of us’. ‘Not a real (insert club) fan’. These are real people & daily experi-

Wilfried Zaha

ences!! Sooner we accept it the better we can deal with it!!! We stand with you Wilf.”

In a short statement on their official Twitter account, Palace said: “This is an absolute disgrace and should not be happening.

“We stand with you, Wilf, and anyone else who has to suffer such horrific abuse.” Villa issued their own response, stating they had involved the police and intend to issue a life ban when the perpetrator

is identified. They tweeted, “We deplore the disgusting racist messages sent to @ wilfriedzaha. We condemn all forms of racial discrimination and stand with @ CPFC. We are working with the police in investigating this extremely serious matter and when the culprit is identified AVFC will issue a lifetime ban.”

Last October, Palace announced they had “taken action” after Zaha was subjected to racist abuse on social media.

‘Nadal changed court positioning against Federer’ Madrid, Jul 12 (Agencies): Rafael Nadal made his ATP debut at the home tournament in Mallorca in 2002 when he was only 15 years old. Immediately, despite the very young age, the now legend of Spanish tennis, showed a great level. He is one of the youngest tennis players in history to have won an official ATP match and in a short time, after 19 victories in the Challenger, he reached the top 150 positions in the world in the first three months.

Subsequently he already gave rise to his value on clay, but an injury stopped him at Roland Garros. It was the Wimbledon tournament the first Slam tournament where Rafa showed his great qualities: Rafa was only 16 years old and defeated in the first round in four sets the Croatian hostile (especially in the

PCB yet to zero in on major sponsorship deal Lahore, Jul 12 (IANS): In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic which has weakened their financial position, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may not get any good sponsorship deal for the senior national team.

The PCB has been reportedly struggling to find a sponsor for the side after their last sponsorship contract with a beverage company expired recently. According to a report in The Dawn, the board might be forced to sign even a one-year deal instead of the customary three-year deals in the past because of the situation arising from the health crisis.

A report said that only one company had shown interest during the recent bidding process put forward by the PCB for the sponsorship.

It added that the company has valued the deal at only 30 per cent as compared to the previous contract. The Pakistan team, which is currently in England to play three Tests and as many T20Is in August and September, will meanwhile be having the logo of Shahid Afridi Foundation on their playing kits.

Rafael Nadal

service) Mario Ancic.

We are talking about a tennis player who in 2008 won both Queen’s and Wimbledon but despite this the Spanish champion has always had several criticisms for his behavior on the grass.

Speaking on the podcast hosted by Mary Carillo, Matt Roberts and Christopher Clarey, top coach Larry Stefanki and Rafael Nadal’s PR manager discussed the 2008 Wimbledon final between the Spaniard

and Roger Federer. “Rafael Nadal has a great gift of developing and evolving as a tennis player. I would say ‘Rafa because it’s grass you can’t be 30 feet behind the baseline.’ He started playing closer to the baseline and he thought - ‘I’m gonna take the ball on the return, right off the baseline.

His footwork started to get more efficient going to right on his backhand side,” Larry Stefanki said.

“On his forehand he was

turning and whacking. He transformed as a tennis player. He changed his court position on the return of serve in 2008 against Roger Federer”. Rafael Nadal’s PR Manager Benito PerezBarbadillo recalled that crucial moment and said: “One thing I remember about that final. You find yourself in that position after losing the 4th set and soon going back into the locker room because of the rain.

There’s not a lot of people who would recover from that. I mean you (Rafa) had match points and stuff. I asked Maymo and he said ‘He’s (Rafa) feeling great, he says he’s not gonna lose, he’s gonna win!

He’s fine!’ I’m like ‘wow’ and I thought he could be so down, so difficult to turn around. And that gave us a lot of confidence in the box to cheer him on”.

I hated my part of the game: Paine Sydney, Jul 12 (IANS): Australian Test captain Tim Paine has said that his career threatening injury in 2010 had led to him hating wicketkeeping and he faced a lot of confidence issues.

“When I started training and playing again I wasn’t too bad, until I started to face guys who bowled a bit quicker. And they’d be running in and instead of thinking about hitting the ball, I was thinking: ‘Geez I hope he doesn’t hit me on the finger’,” Paine said on the ‘Bounce Back’ podcast.

“From there it was just a downward spiral. I lost absolutely all confidence.

I didn’t tell anyone about it. The truth is, one, I was scared of getting hit and two, I just didn’t know what I was going to do,” he added.

Paine said that the struggles made him a difficult person to be around.

“I didn’t sleep, I didn’t eat. I was so nervous before games, I’d have no energy.

I was horrible to live with.

I was pretty ordinary to my partner, who is now my wife. I was always angry and took out that I wasn’t doing well on other

Tim Paine

people.

“I was embarrassed at what I had become. I love training for cricket, and I love watching cricket. But when it came to my part in the game I just hated it. I would rather be anywhere else in the world because I was convinced I was going to fail,” Paine said.

“No one knew I was struggling, not my mates, not my partner. There were times when she was at work and I’d sit on the couch crying. It was weird and it was painful.”

He said the important

turning point was when he decided to see a sports psychologist at Cricket Tasmania.

“I sat with her for maybe only 20 minutes that first time and I remember walking out of that room and instantly feeling better, that I had let someone in.

“And, in the end, the first step to dealing with it was admitting that I needed help. It still took six (more) months, but I remember walking out of that room and feeling instantly better,” the Australian Test captain added.

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sports

Sheffield United stun Chelsea 3-0 in EPL

was scathing in his criticism of his team’s performance.

“They were better than us, physically, in the mind and with the ball. So you lose the game,” he said.

“They were stronger than us. You feel and hear every noise and all I could hear was Sheffield United voices. They are a good team. If you come here and perform below par this is what will happen. Disappointing. Mistakes. You analyse all season and review and move forward.

We need to put that to bed quickly and fight for the top four. I learned a lot and I won’t forget that,” he said.

McGoldrick said his barren run had not perturbed him. “I had told the lads ‘don’t worry when it comes I will get a brace’,” he said. “Thirty-five games in Players of Sheffield United and Chelsea fight for the ball during their Premier League match. and the league table doesn’t SHEFFIELD, Jul 12 result as they could fall to moved up to sixth on 54 nie then doubled the lead in lie. That was us at our best (Agencies): Sheffield fifth if Leicester City beat points. the 33rd minute with a pow- today.”

United’s David McGoldrick Bournemouth on Sunday Forward McGoldrick erful, angled header from an Manchester City hit scored twice as they stunned and Manchester United had not previously found the Enda Stevens cross.

Brighton for five Chelsea with a 3-0 win at overcome Southampton a net in the Premier League The 32-year-old McBramall Lane on Saturday, day later. since winning promotion Goldrick wrapped up the Raheem Sterling struck loosening the visitors’ grip A f o u r t h s t r a i g h t with Chris Wilder’s team but win in the 77th minute, a hat-trick as Manchester on a Premier League top- home win in the league for opened the scoring when Oli slotting home after Chelsea City crushed Brighton 5-0 four place.

Chris Wilder’s side, how- McBurnie’s shot was pushed defender Antonio Rudiger at the AmEx Stadium in the Chelsea’s Champions ever, boosted their hopes of out by Chelsea keeper Kepa failed to deal with a low ball Premier League on Saturday.

League qualification hopes a first-ever appearance in Arrizabalaga and the Ireland from Lys Mousset. Chelsea Second-placed City had lost were badly weakened by the the Europa League as they striker fired home. McBur- manager Frank Lampard their previous three away

games but never looked likely to extend that streak against a Brighton side that struggled from the outset.

Sterling, who has now netted 27 goals in all competitions, opened the scoring in the 21st minute when he collected a nod-down from Gabriel Jesus outside the box and superbly drove it into the bottom corner.

Jesus made it 2-0 just before the break, turning in from close range after Rodri had headed a corner goalwards.

City took total charge in the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne striking the post in the 51st minute and two minutes later Sterling heading in a fine curling cross from Riyad Mahrez.

Bernardo Silva made it four and then Sterling bundled in the fifth in the 81st minute, the ball bouncing in off his head after he had fallen to the floor.

The result ensures that City, on 72 points, will finish in the runners-up spot, although they will have to wait for the decision from the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on Monday to find out if they will be able to compete in next season’s Champions League.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

Ronaldinho loses appeal for release from house arrest

Ronaldinho

A s u n c i o n, J u l 1 2 (IANS): Ronaldinho has been ordered to remain under house arrest in Paraguay after an appeal court judge refused a request to release the former Barcelona star and his brother.

The 40-year-year-old and his older sibling Roberto Assis spent more than a month in prison for allegedly entering the South American country with fake passports, reports Xinhua news agency.

In April, the pair were relocated to the four-star Palmaroga Hotel in the capital Asuncion after agreeing to pay $1.6 million in bail.

Local media reported that the failed appeal means the brothers will be kept in preventative detention for

up to six months, pending a trial. Ronaldinho and Assis travelled to Paraguay on March 4 to participate in a children’s charity event and promote a new book. They were arrested later that day on accusations of using false travel documents.

The pair have denied any wrongdoing and said they were presented with the passports as a “gift” upon arriving in Asuncion.

Ronaldinho retired from football in 2018 after a career that included spells at Gremio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Milan and Atletico Mineiro, among other clubs. He was a part of the Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup and was twice voted the FIFA world player of the year.

Not worried about qualifying for Olympics: Hima New Delhi, Jul 12 (PTI): Star sprinter Hima Das is not unduly worried about having to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, as she feels she can make it to her maiden Games once the international season, suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, resumes.

Hima, the reigning junior world champion in 400m, is yet to qualify for the postponed Tokyo Olympics and the international season has been suspended till November 30 due to the global health crisis.

“I am not worried about it (Olympics qualification), it will only create tension. There is a year still to go for the Olympics,” Hima told PTI in an interview from NIS Patiala.

“Let us first pray that this pandemic ends quickly. Then athletics season begins (on December 1) and there is a lot of time next year to qualify for the Olympics,” she said, exactly two years after she won the gold in the World Junior Championships in Finland.

Hima Das

The 20-year-old Hima, known as “Dhing Express”, had become the first Indian woman to win a gold in a World Championships. She holds the national record (50.79 seconds) in 400m.

A lower back injury has been troubling Hima for some time, leading to speculation that she may not run 400m in future and

may switch to 200m.

Asked about this, she said, “I am recovering (from the injury). I will do whatever is decided by my coach and the AFI. They will decide it (which one I will run).”

Asked if she is fully recovered from the lower back injury, she said, “It is in the process but I am fit to undergo outdoor training

and we have been doing that in the last 30 to 40 days.”

She won a silver in the individual 400m race in the 2018 Asian Games and was a part of the gold-winning quartets in the women’s 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay events.

She, however, suffered a back injury during the race in the Asian Games and she pulled out midway the individual 400m race in the Asian Championships in Doha in April last year. She was later dropped from the team for the World Championships.

After treatment on her injured back, Hima won six low-grade races in Poland and Czech Republic in July and August last year. But she ran just one 400m race the whole of last year, the four out of five other wins coming in 200m.

Hima said the national campers at the NIS Patiala have started easing into their specialised training after working on their outdoor fitness regime.

“There are no immediate competitions and so we

are neither doing low level training nor intense. We are just doing medium intensity training. Let us see when we picked up our training to a high momentum.

“It is very hot here and so we do only morning training. So in the evening we have spare time and I do cycling (in the velodrome) and even do cricket ball bowling.”

The AFI has tentatively fixed September 12 as the start of domestic season.

With the COVID-19 cases in the country increasing by the day, the AFI will have to take a final decision whether to go ahead with the tentative calendar or not.

Asked if the September 12 start of domestic season is feasible, Hima said, “We are doing training thinking the tentative schedule. But on the other hand, COVID19 cases are increasing, even in Patiala, and a lot of athletes will have to come (for a national meet).

“Ultimately, the AFI will take a decision on the issue, taking into account all the circumstances.”

New Delhi, Jul 12 (PTI): Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju is set to hold a two-day online meeting with his counterparts from various states and Union Territories, starting July 14 in order to chalk out a roadmap for the development of grassroot-level sports.

The meeting will also discuss activities of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) during the coronavirus-forced lockdown period.

Speaking about the decision to hold the meeting, Rijiju said, “The country is in the second phase of unlock now and it is important to have a dialogue with the states to align the way forward for sports and youth related activities.

“During the lockdown, activities of both youth affairs and sports have continued keeping in mind the larger goals that have been set.

Rijiju also praised the 75 lakh volunteers who have helped the civic bodies in country’s war against the dreaded virus.

“Our NYKS and NSS volunteers have worked relentlessly alongside civil bodies to help in the fight

Kiren Rijiju

against COVID-19.

“About 75 lakh volunteers across India have been involved in creating awareness about safety and health guidelines, distribution of masks, helping the elderly among many other things. Their contribution in this fight against the pandemic has won them praise from various state governments.

He also spoke about the online classes which has received good response from athletes.

“In sports too, despite closure of on-field training, online training has been conducted for athletes of all levels as well as for coaches, so that athletes and coaches could remain

closer to the sport.

“We want to assess the impact of all these activities and also plan the way forward, in collaboration with the states,” he added.

According to a Sports Ministry statement, the agenda of the meeting is to review action taken during the pandemic, as well as hold discussions on restarting sporting activities at the state-level and identification of budding sports talent through competitions at block and district levels.

During the meeting, inclusion of fitness and sports as part of the curriculum in all schools across the country will also come up for discussion.

The two-day meet will

also deliberate on plans to conduct Khelo India events and Youth Festivals later this year or early next year.

“Strengthening of the sports ecosystem at the grassroot level is crucial if we want to realise the dream of making India one of the top 10 countries at the Olympic podium in 2028, and we must start that process now,” the minister said.

“The Sports Ministry has already decided to set up Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) in all states and UTs. Further, 1000 Khelo India Centres (KIC) at the district level will be set up to enable local talent to be identified and trained in 14 identified Olympic sport and traditional sports.

“Both the KISCEs and KICs will strengthen the grassroot-level sports ecosystem in India in a big way, and states have a big role to play in it. Also, the one state, one sport policy that the government has made needs to be discussed and implemented early.”

The states have been divided into two groups over the two days to allow every participating state time to discuss various issues during the meeting.

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Rijiju to hold online meet with sports ministers

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