July 14, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 218

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

China sanctions top US officials, politicians

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international, Page 9

nagalandpostofficial

State COVID tally crosses 800-mark

Highest single-day spike of 71 cases; state tally now 845 Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUL 13 (NPN): With a record single-day spike of 71 new COVID-19 positive cases, Nagaland’s tally zoomed past the 800mark on Monday while 13 patients also recovered from the deadly virus. With this the state’s tally stood at 845 cases-- 505 active and 340 recovered. Out of 71 cases, 60 were reported from among the paramilitary forces who had recently come to Dimapur from several parts of the country, sources said.

They include 39 personnel from ARTC, Sukhovi, 16 from 5 Assam Rifles and 5 CRPF personnel.

The remaining cases were reported from Mon- 7 cases and Kohima- 8 cases. As per the severity of symptoms, 490 active cases were asymptomatic and 15 with mild symptoms. Sources said that the security personnel were quarantined at their respective unit’s quarantine centre during which

NPF anguished over killing of NSCN (I-M) cadres DIMAPUR, JUL 13 (NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) Monday expressed anguish over the recent killings of NSCN (I-M) cadres by security forces in Arunachal Pradesh and said that any “aggressive action” by either side of the party would only derail the hard earned peace. NPF through its press bureau said that when the general public was eagerly waiting for the honourable solution to the Naga political problem at any moment, such actions would “only hamper” the political negotiation.

NPF has, therefore, appealed to all the stakeholders in the political negotiations to expedite the political process so a mutually agreed settlement was brought about at the earliest.

Slams govt’s COVID handling: NPF has alleged that due to “inefficiency on many parts of the state government and its machinery” the cases of COVID-19 positive was rising each day and slowly entering into community transmission.

Justifying its call for PDA government to step down on moral ground, NPF said the call was neither unconstitutional nor illegal as claimed by the

NAGALAND COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 13, 2020

ACTIVE CASES Asymptomatic Mild Dimapur DH 46 1# Dimapur CCC SIHFW 9 0 ARC Hospital Dimapur 89 14 Kohima NHAK 29 0 Kohima Chedema 20 0 Jakhama Army Hospital 35 0 Kohima 24 AR Chieswema 3 Mon CCC 83 0 Peren CCC Jalukie 44 0 Peren Covid Hospital 27 0 Peren CCC ISBT New Peren 28 0 New Peren Rseti CCC (Ladies) 35 0 Tuensang DH 28 0 Wokha DH 1 0 Zunheboto DH 1 0 Kiphire DH 0 0 Longleng DH 0 0 Mokokchung IMDH 4 0 Phek DH 8 0 State Total 490 15 *Recovery Rate 40% #1 migrated to Dimapur Covid Hospital from Peren District

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Total Cases

128 12 20 47 14 10 0 0 74 7 0 0 16 0 3 0 0 0 9 340

174 21 123 76 34 45 3 83 118 35 28 35 44 1 4 0 0 4 17 845

Distribution of Cases by domicile district Dimapur

Mokokchung

Phek

Zunheboto

Tuensang

Mon

Wokha

Kiphire

Longleng

Peren

Others

Total

86

219

4

18

6

49

108

11

4

2

292

46

845

some had shown symptoms for COVID. Accordingly, 155 samples were collected from among those returnees (paramilitary personnel) and sent to Bio Safety Level-2 laboratory at CIHSR on July 11 for testing and 60 tested positive for COVID-19.

The positive cases were shifted to designated COVID hospitals and COVID Care Centre, Chümoukedima.

M e a n w h i l e, s t a t e Health & Family Welfare minister, S. Pangnyu Phom Monday informed that 13 more persons recovered from COVID-19. 10 of them were from COVID-19 Care Centre, Jakhama, 2 from Dimapur and 1 from Kohima. However, he said the patients will be kept under strict surveillance.

Till July 13, a total of

16,656 samples were sent for testing through RT-PCR and results of 16,214 samples were received. Out of the 16,656 samples, 12,338 were been sent for testing at the BSL-3 lab (NHAK) and BSL-2 lab (CIHSR) and out of which 698 samples have tested positive. In addition a total of 10,257 samples were also sent for testing through TrueNat out of which 9,619

Tension de-escalated along NagalandAssam border after July 12 incident

Villagers and Assam police personnel at the check gate.

Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG, JUL 13 (NPN): Tension prevailed along the Assam-Nagaland border near Saring village on Sunday after a group of armed miscreants from the neighbouring village in Assam attacked a policeman.

According to reports, around 20 to 30 people armed with machetes from no. 9 Naginijan village reached the police check gate near Saring village in Mokokchung district on

the pretext of searching for a lost cow, which they alleged, was stolen by Saring villagers.

Saring Village Council (SVC) members and youth volunteers along with police personnel were also present at the gate for monitoring movement of people in view of the lockdown.

However, when the miscreants reportedly tried to cross the check gate, a commotion broke out during which one of the miscreants reportedly attacked a 2nd NAP personnel on duty with

samples tested negative and 305 samples tested positive, which have been sent for confirmation by RT-PCR. As on July 13, a total of 3330 persons were presently under facility quarantine.

NL House Delhi sealed after 5 test COVID +ve

Kohima

a machete and cut through his boots injuring the latter’s left toe. The situation was later brought under control after police teams from both sides held a meeting on July 13 in the presence of members of SVC, Japukong Youth Organisation and Japukong Students’ Union.

When contacted, director general of police (DGP) T John Longkumer confirmed the incident and said that a policeman was injured by one of the miscreants. He said the Assam Police had identified the miscreant responsible for the assault.

Mokokchung superintendent of police Vishal also informed that the issue had been amicably settled by both the Assam and Nagaland villagers. He added that the two sides had also filed a case at Longchem police station. Police would investigate the matter to get further details, he added.

The entire Nagaland House complex in Delhi at Dr. A.P.J. Kalam Road (erstwhile Aurangzeb Road) has been sealed as containment zone after five staff had tested positive for COVID19. According to official sources, the first case was detected about a week ago from one of the staff who had recently returned from Dimapur.

The staff was then shifted to BLK and admitted to ICU and presently recovering. As part of contact tracing, three more staff members of the guest house were also tested and confirmed COVID-19 positive.

On Sunday, the fifth positive case was confirmed after around forty staff and families were tested. It was learnt that by Tuesday, another sixty staff and family members will also be tested for COVID-19.

SPORTS, Page 12

NLA Speaker to decide on disqualification case today Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUL 13 (NPN): Commissioner & Secretary Nagaland Legislative Assembly Dr. P. J. Atony has informed that NLA Speaker Sharingain has fixed the final hearing and judgment on the disqualification petition filed by NPF against seven rebel MLAs on Tuesday afternoon at the conference hall of the NLA. In this regard, Commissioner & Secretary NLA Dr. P. J. Antony also directed both Petitioners and Respondents to appear in person for the final hearing on Tuesday. The Commissioner & Secretary NLA also said that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to follow strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) measures, attendance would be restricted to minimum on the day of the final hearing.

The notice was served on the Petitioners and NPF legislators - Chotisuh Sazo and Imkong L Imchen and Respondents and suspended NPF MLAs- EE Pangteang, Eshak Konyak, Kejong Chang, BS Nganlang

Record spike of 28,701 COVID-19 cases takes India’s tally to 8,78,254 NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): India saw yet another record single-day jump of COVID-19 cases, with 28,701 fresh infections pushing its tally to 8,78,254 on Monday, even as the recovery rate further improved to 63.02 per cent, according to the Union health ministry.

The recovery rate in 19 states and UTs is higher than the national average of 63.02 per cent, it said.

The death toll climbed to 23,174 with 500 people succumbing to infection, according to the ministry’s data updated at 8 am.

The number of recoveries stand at 5,53,470, while there are 3,01,609 active cases of coronavirus infection currently in the country, and one person has migrated, the data stated.

This is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases in the country have increased by more than 26,000.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

According to ICMR, 1,18,06,256 samples had been tested for COVID-19 till July 12, of these 2,19,103 samples were tested on Sunday.

Phom, Toyang Chang, N Thongwang Konyak and CL John. It may be recalled that the NPF had petitioned for disqualification of the seven rebel MLAs on April 24, 2019 but due to inordinate delay by the NLA Speaker, it approached the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court. In response, the Court in its latest hearing on June 2,2020 directed the Speaker to dispose of the case within six weeks.

Meanwhile, speaking to Nagaland Post, Imchen exuded confidence that the speaker’s judgment will be in all fairness since petitioners had a good case.

Asked what could happen if judgment was not favourable to the NPF Imchen said it all depended collective decision to be taken by the NPF Legislative Party, It may be recalled that the seven rebel NPF legislators had defied the decision of NPF to support the Congress candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The seven MLAs had on March 25, 2019 also issued a written declaration to support the rival NDPP/ PDA candidate for the lone

months only 16.7 percent had maintained high levels of COVID-19-neutralising antibodies, and after 90 days several patients had no detectable antibodies in their bloodstream.

When the body encounters an external danger such as a virus, it mobilises cells to track down and kill the culprit.

As it does so, it produces proteins known as antibodies that are programmed to target the specific antigen the body is fighting, like a key cut for a particular lock.

As long as someone has enough antibodies, they will be able to snub out new infections, giving them immunity.

But Monday’s research suggests immunity cannot be taken for granted and may not last more than a few months, as is true

with other viruses such as influenza.

Experts said the findings may change how governments plan for the next phase of the pandemic, including how they fund and organise vaccine research and development.

“This is an important study that starts to define the longer-term dynamics of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2,” said Lawrence Young, professor of Molecular Oncology at the University of Warwick, using the full name of the virus strain.

“It further emphasises the need for us to better understand what a protective immune response looks like if we are to develop an effective vaccine,” said Young, who was not involved in the research.

James Gill, an honorary Clinical Lecturer at

Warwick Medical School, said the research reiterated the need for everyone to continue taking measures to mitigate the virus spreading, particularly at the start of Europe’s holiday season.

“In the same way that these patients were surprised to have antibodies to COVID19, we should NOT be surprised if any protective benefit is mild, or at least transient,” he said.

“If you played the lottery and won £10, you wouldn’t immediately think that you had acquired increased natural luck, and used your life savings to buy further lottery tickets.

“Even those with a positive antibody test -- especially those who cannot account for where they may have been exposed -- should continue to use caution, social distancing and appropriate mask use.”

Lok Sabha seat from Nagaland. Following the declaration, the NPF Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) served a show cause notice on the seven MLAs which was followed by suspensions from the primary and active membership of the party. Later the NPF filed a petition with the office of the Speaker NLA seeking disqualification against the MLAs on April 24,2019.

On March 11 this year, Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench directed the speaker to dispose the disqualification petition against the MLAs within three weeks.

It may be mentioned that Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench had on June 2, 2020 directed NLA speaker to conclude the disqualification proceedings against seven NPF MLAs and pass appropriate orders within six weeks with effect from June 2, 2020. NPF had filed disqualification petitions against its seven suspended rebel MLAs for “wilfully” defying the party’s collective decision to support the Congress candidate in the Lok Sabha polls 2019.

Rajasthan power tussle: Congress keeps doors open for Sachin Pilot JAIPUR/NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): C ongress MLAs were holed up at a resort near Jaipur, where a second legislature party meeting will be held Tuesday as the top leadership tries to woo back dissidents led by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot.

Former party president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are among the senior leaders who have been in touch with Pilot, sources said.

The second meeting of the Congress Legislature Party was announced several hours after the first one ended Monday afternoon, skipped by Pilot and 18 other party MLAs, according to one party source.

Congress had issued a whip, asking all 107 Congress MLAs to be present at Monday’s meeting at the chief minister’s home. In addition, 15 independents MLAs and those from the allies were invited. Party leaders said 106 of these 122 MLAs attended, a claim contested by the Pilot camp.

The meeting expressed support for Gehlot government, adopting a resolution urging “strong disciplinary action” against any party office-bearer or CLP member who does anything to

weaken the government or the party.

But it stopped short of naming Pilot, who also heads the party’s state unit.

Before the meeting, AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also adopted conciliatory tone, saying Pilot and other MLAs could still attend it.

“Doors are open for Sachin Pilot and other MLAs. They will be heard and solutions found. This is the discipline of the party,” he said.

Apart from Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, former Union finance minister P Chidambaram and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal are learned to have spoken with Pilot.

As the CLP meeting ended, MLAs sat in waiting buses which took them to Fairmont hotel on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Hours later, Surjewala announced the CLP will meet again at 10 am on Tuesday at the hotel, a move seen as another attempt by the party to get the dissidents back into the fold.

Pilot has been upset since he was denied the Rajasthan chief minister’s post after the December 2018 assembly elections.

Virus immunity may disappear within months: Study Centre directs Nagaland govt

PARIS, JUL 13 (AGENCIES): Patients who recover from coronavirus infections may lose their immunity to reinfection within months, according to research released on Monday that (Cont’d on p-8) experts said could have a “significant” influence on how governments manage the pandemic.

In the first study of its kind, a team led by researchers from King’s College London examined the levels of antibodies in more than 90 confirmed virus patients and how they changed over time.

Blood tests showed even individuals with only mild COVID-19 symptoms mounted some immune response to the virus.

Of the study group, 60 “I guess we’ve been on percent showed a “potent” quarantine much before viral response in the first few COVID-19 came to the weeks after infection. world.”

However, after three

This is it!

Recovered

Tottenham beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League

nagalandpostofficial

to post IAS officers as DCs

NEW DELHI/DIMAPUR, JUL 13 (AGENCIES/ NPN): The Central government pulled up the Nagaland government last month for posting non-IAS officers as district collectors/magistrates in six of its 11 districts, reports ThePrint. In a letter addressed to Nagaland chief secretary Temjen Toy, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said the postings were “in violation of Rule 9 of IAS (Cadre) Rules, 1954”.

“Further, it has been observed that there is no shortage of suitable IAS officers,” noted the letter dated June 1, a copy of which was seen by ThePrint. It listed the names of at least nine IAS officers who were posted to ex-cadre (a temporary post created by the government with the same rank as a regular cadre post)

or subordinate posts instead of being appointed as DCs. Rule 9 of the IAS (Cadre) Rules 1954, states: “A cadre post in a state shall not be filled by a person who is not a cadre officer, with certain exceptions.” And according to Rule 9(2), the “exceptions” are intended to be short-term measures and require that the state government shall duly obtain the prior approval of the Centre.

NPN Adds: A senior state government official confirmed that the state government received the letter from the DoPT in June, directing the state government to post eligible IAS officers as DCs. Another official said that DoPT issues such directives to state governments from time to time to adhere to the laid down Rules.

Pandemic is worsening globally: WHO LONDON, JUL 13 (AP): The head of World Health Organization has warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening globally and things won’t return to “the old normal” for some time.

At a press briefing Monday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “there will be no return to the old normal for the foreseeable future.”

He said that while numerous countries, especially in Europe and Asia, have brought outbreaks under control, too many others are seeing virus trends move in the wrong direction. Tedros also chastised political leaders for mixed messages about outbreaks that damage trust. Tedros called for countries to adopt a comprehensive strategy to curb the soaring caseloads in many countries.

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state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

State officials inspect NEC funded projects in Dmu

Kikheto Sema, commissioner & secretary IPR, Maria Yanthan along with other officials at the multimedia-cumconvention centre Dimapur on July 13. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: As per the order of chief secretary Nagaland, a team headed

by Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) Y. Kikheto Sema started the tour at Dimapur on Monday, for monitoring and inspection of NEC funded projects.

According to DIPR report, the team visited

development of eri culture for sustainable livelihood at Seithekhima, New Shouba, Ao Imti and Khehokhu villages. Interacting with the villagers, Kikheto dwelt on the benefits of eri culture, stating that it has huge demand in the market even within the villages itself as eri serves as a sugar free healthy food.

He observed that eri culture gives turn over within a year unlike other plants where one has to wait for several years to get the benefits. He further opined that it was not so difficult to rear eri and added, “if you feed well it grows well.” With so much of advantage, Sema emphasised on the need for creating more awareness in the villages so that eri rearing could be taken up in a cluster approach.

Sema also advised and encouraged the eri farmers

for judicious use of the assistance rendered by the government either in cash or kind. Sema noted that he was very encouraged to see many women eri farmers. Expressing concern about the huge number of returnees due to COVID 19 pandemic, Kikheto said that with more than 15000 returnees in the category of working class not likely to return back, he encouraged the Sericulture department for imparting training/ awareness on Sericulture

farming. “This is one area where department has to focus for providing livelihood/employment to the young people,” he maintained and further expressed that rearing eri would be one of the best option.

Team also visited the Abiogenes centre for performing art and culture at Dimapur, district transport office Dimapur and multimedia-cum-convention centre Dimapur under IPR department. Commissioner & secretary Maria Yanthan was also present at the project site of IPR during the team’s visit. Y. Kiketo was accompanied by CE, Water Resources, additional director IPR, Tokishe Sema, engineer Planning department Kiyheto, secretary, director and officers from Sericulture department besides others.

The team will be leaving for Jalukie on July 14 for inspection of Botanical garden-cum-recreation park and on July 15, the team would proceed to Phenshunyu village for inspection of Integrated Ney Valley irrigation project.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith

news in Brief DC Dimapur informs on relief for beneficiaries: Deputy commissioner and chairman, DDMA Anoop Khinchi has informed concerned State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) applicants under Dimapur district applied through Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home department Nagaland that the approved beneficiaries list has been displayed in the DDMA cell of the deputy commissioner office Dimapur.

DDMA Dimapur is set to release relief for only Agri & allied and other items damaged by disaster during the year 2017-18. The relief distribution in Dimapur district for beneficiaries shall commence from July 15, whereby beneficiaries in the approved list have been informed to submit their 2 photocopy of aadhar and 2 recent passports while claiming the relief. Beneficiaries are to come in person to claim the relief.

DC Mokokchung allows shops to open: Deputy commissioner (DC) Mokokchung Limawapang Jamir in an order has allowed opening of shops on all working days except Sunday till further order. The market timing in Mokokchung has been fixed between 7 a.m to 3 p.m. Further the directives issued on May 4 by DC office for category of shops to open shall continue as per the directives notified. Order further cautioned that any person/group acting in violation of the said order shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the IPC.

25th DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BELOVED LT. SUNGJEMMEREN JAMIR (CHUCHUYIMLANG)

14-07-1995 Years have passed by since you left us with a deep void in our hearts. Although our lives' journey have bid us too soon to be apart, your memory and deeds still resonate in our lives.

Deeply missed along life's way.

No longer in our life to share, but forever in our hearts to stay.

K-1207

2

– 2 Timothy 4:7

Loving Wife, Children and Family members.

The family of Late MR. NEIPHRELIE PAUL BELHO (28/6/1990 – 07/07/2020) wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours, relatives and well-wishers emotional and practical support for us at this difficult times. As well as those who made immeasurable charitable donations. We are truly grateful.

Special word of thanks to the hospital, doctors, nurses, blood donors, Christ King Church, Kohima. The district Covid19 management, police administration and family members in Dimapur and Kohima who managed and travelled the mile home coming.

To those who helped us in every way, your contributions made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. we pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Mother, brothers, sisters and family members.

K-1215

DP-3152

AC K N O W L E D G E M E N T

LATE S. THONGKOI

Born on : 20.05.1978 – Died on : 06.07.2020

We, the bereaved family members and relatives acknowledge the sympathy and kind gesture shown to us during the illness and sad demise of our beloved Late S. Thongkoi.

We extend our profound gratitude to all the neighbours, friends, and well wishers who stood by us physically, morally, financially, materially and spiritually.

Our special thanks to: 1. Er. Menanglepden, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Tuensang & Staff of Tsg. Central Division 2. Er. A. Sanglikumba, SDO PWD (R&B) Tuensang & Staff of Tsg. Sub-Division 3. Er. C. Hendo Sumao, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Noklak & Staff of Noklak Division 4. PWD (R&B) Field Staff Association, Noklak 5. Er. C. Laha, SDO Electrical Sub-Division Tuensang 6. Dr. Victor, SMO Noklak 7. Shri Y. Khongkhao, Principal GHSS, Noklak 8. Khiamniungan Baptist Church, Tuensang 9. Baptist Church Thangnokyan 10. Longton Town Baptist Church, Noklak We deeply regret our inability to thank everyone individually. Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. May the Almighty God shower His blessing upon everyone who has shown brethren love.

DP-3149

K Y M C

Lovingly, Brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and sister-in-laws.

We the family members of Late T. Wocknyei Yanlem (T.W Yanlem) wishes to extend our profound gratitude to all our well wishers who stood and supported us through physically, morally , financially, materially and spiritually at the sudden demise of our beloved. We are truly grateful. Your contribution made our loss more bearable, we deeply regret our inability to mention all the names individually but in return may our Almighty God Bless you all abundantly.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister & 30. Konyak Students' Union Dimapur Family 31. Tamlu Union Kohima 2. Shri. B.S Nganlang, Hon’ble M.L.A & Family 32. Konyak Union Chumukedima 3. Shri. S. Pangnyu Phom, Hon’ble Minister 33. KNSK Dimapur H&FW & Family 34. ENPUD 4. Shri. Pangteang, Hon’ble M.L.A & Family 35. Tamlu Buhu Union Dimapur 5. Shri. Y.M Yollow, Hon’ble M.L.A & Family 36. Phom Union Dimapur 6. Shri. Eshak, Hon’ble M.L.A & Family 37. Wakching Union Dimapur 7. Shri. C.L John, Hon’ble M.L.A & Family 38. Wakching Area Union Chumukedima 8. Shri. Chingwang Konyak, President NDPP 39. Kongan Union Dimapur 9. Shri. M.C Konyak, Ex–Minister 40. Yongnyah Village Council 10. Shri. Nyamnyei Konyak, Ex–Minister 41. Yongnyah Chingong Village Council 11. Shri. Nukshimatong, EAC Tamlu 42. Yongnyah Shamshang Village Council 12. Shri. A. Pongshi Phom & Family 43. Dimapur Tangha Union 13. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Dimapur 44. Wanching Chingphoi Udap Dimapur 14. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Shekokhong 45. Namsang Citizen Union Dimapur Dimapur 46. Chen Union Dimapur 15. KBBD, Borlengri Fellowship 47. Phomching Area Union Dimapur 16. KBBD, Diphupar Fellowship 48. Dimapur Moka Union 17. KBB Youth Dimapur 49. Totok Union Dimapur 18. KBBD, Diphupar Fellowship Youth 50. Tangnyu & Yuching Union Dimapur 19. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Chumukedima 51. Yimchunger Union Dimapur 20. Chumukedima Phom Baptist Church 52. Khiamniungan Union Dimapur 21. Tamlu Fellowship Dimapur 53. Eastern Nagaland People Forum 22. Tamlu Town Baptist Church 54. Nagaland Indegeneous People Forum 23. Tamlu Baptist Church 55. Delhi Eastern Nagaland Students' Union 24. Phom Baptist Attoi Diphupar 56. Delhi Eastern Nagaland Students Fellowship 25. Diphupar Prayer Cell Merangkong 57. Eastern Theological College 1993 Classmate 26. Merangkongtsur Teleongjem Dimapur 58. Christian School Tamlu 27. The Light House Church Dimapur 59. KBB Site Committee 28. Tamlu Union Dimapur 60. Doctors & Nurses Eden Hospital Research 29. Konyak Union Dimapur Centre, Dimapur.

DP-3158

From Loving, Wife, Son, Daughter, In-Laws & Family Members

BORN : 07/04/1967 – DIED : 03/07/2020 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Can eviction drives on government forest lands be carried out fearlessly?

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

A B C

Gorkhas celebrate Bhanu Jayanti festival in Nagaland

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

80% 20% 0%

Next poll

Q: I s i t i n f i g h t i n g o r

poaching by BJP that threatens the Congress in several states?  Infighting.  Poaching by BJP.  Can’t Say.

GPPK president Santu Thapa with senior leaders and Gorkha youth during the lighting of the lamp during the GYC Dimapur members lighting the lamp at the programme programme held on July 13. officials of GSKSK at GPPK hall on July 13. held on July 13.

Public Panchayat Kohima (GPPK) celebrated the occasion at GPPK hall, Chandmari Kohima with minimal participation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A press release by Gorkha Youth Association (GYA) president Narayan Bahadur stated that, delivering the speech, GPPK president Santu Thapa said that celebration could not be held in a big manner like the previous years due to the pandemic. However, following the SOP and social distancing protocols the community observed the day through virtual mode with minimal participation at the main venue in

GPPK hall. He conveyed best wishes to fellow members of the community, and also hoped that they would draw inspiration from Bhanubhakta Acharya to work for the community and humanity during this pandemic.

On behalf of the Gorkha community, Thapa extended gratitude to all the frontline workers and also prayed for the speedy recovery of the COVID19 infected and affected persons.

GSKSK vice president Ganga Thapa chaired the programme while welcome address was delivered by assistant general secretary Bikash Lama. Bala

NASU promotes community gardening

MS, IMDH informs

WEATHER FORECAST july 14

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A shower and t-storm around 28 24

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

24 20

Guwahati Cloudy with a thunderstorm

28 25

Aizawl Imphal

Some rain and a thunderstorm 24 21

Itanagar Not as warm with a t-storm

26 23

Shillong

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

22 18

Kohima

T-storms in the afternoon

22 19

Dimapur Not as warm; and a.m. t-storm 27 24 Mkg

Not as warm

23 20

Tuensang A shower and t-storm around Wokha

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

Cooler; a morning t-storm

Zunheboto Cloudy a t-storm in spots

19 16 23 21 21 18

DIMAPUR: The 206 th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, the architect of Nepali language was observed

by Gorkha community in Nagaland on July 13.

Bhanubhakta Acharya was a Nepali poet, translator and was the first writer to translate the great epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali. Despite having other contemporary poets in the country during his time, he is revered and honored with the title of Adikavi (the first poet) of the Nepali language.

G S K S K Ko h i m a : Gorkha Sahitya Kala Sanstha Kohima (GSKSK) under the aegis of Gorkha

DIMAPUR: Medical superintendent (MS) of Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) Mokokchung (IMDH), Dr. Medemmayang, has informed that nonCOVID cases have resumed from July 13 onwards.

The IMDH upon conversion to COVID-19 Hospital since April 6, has been rendering only partial health services without indoor patient department (IPD) till now.

However, considering the present status of COVID19 cases, the COVID-19 Hospital (TB) hospital which has 50 beds will be able to take in cases for a considerable time.

Resumption is on a trial basis NASU officials and church members with the agricultural seedlings for and may close anytime if the community garden. situation demands so.

DIMAPUR: Towards self sustenance and to ensure sustainable food security in the post pandemic period, the Niuland Area Students’ Union (NASU) took the initiative to pro-

WSKH executive council meeting

mote community gardening. A press release from NASU media cell stated that, agricultural seedlings of soyabean, daal, maize, coriander, bitter gourd, bottle gourd were given

to village churches under Niuland area for the community on July 10. The seedlings were provided through ADC Athrila S DIMAPUR: The newly and SDAO (Agri) Kivika elected Wester n Sumi Kükami Hoho (WSKH) Chophy. team will be having an executive council meeting on July 16, at the residence of its new president and police respectively launched an opera- Phushito Aye, Naharbari, tion at Stadium Colony, Jalukie town and East Dimapur.

All executive memapprehended Ngialung, age 45 years, r/o Stadium Colony, Jalukie town, Peren and bers have been informed Aron, age 31 years r/o Samzuiram vil- to attend positively. lage, Peren. Recoveries included 4.25 kg marijuana amounting of Rs 35,000 and Rs 28,240 in cash. The apprehended individual alongwith seized contraband was handed over to Jalukie Police Station.

In yet another operation, troops of Assam Rifles seized IMFL in general area at Koio Road, Wokha on July 12. Based on specific intelligence regarding consignment of contraband, troops of Assam Rifles intercepted two Scorpios carrying 28 cases of assorted illegal liquor amounting to Rs. 4,99,200/. Four individuals, namely, Hekaito, Akash Limbu, Vinoka Achumi and Man Bahadur Pradhan were apprehended and handed over to Wokha Police Station along with seized liquor for further investigation.

AR seize illegal contraband in Dmu, Jalukie, Wka DIMAPUR: As part of the ongoing crackdown by Assam Rifles to prevent illegal activities, troops of Assam Rifles seized areca nut in general area of 5th Mile, Dimapur on July 11.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), based on specific information about consignment of contraband, troops of Assam Rifles and police representative launched an operation at 5th Mile and apprehended Sanwarmal Chaudhary, age 36 years, r/o Bhimsar, Churu Dist, Rajasthan and Om PrakashTholiya, age 38 years, r/o Khardoya, Nagore Dist, Rajasthan. 430 bags of contraband (areca nuts) amounting to approx rupees one crore was seized. The apprehended individuals and seized contraband was handed over to superintendent of anti smuggling customs prevention division, Dimapur. In another operation, troops of Assam Rifles seized Marijuana in general area Stadium Colony, Jalukie town on July 11. Troops of Assam Rifles

Khawas presented the life sketch of Acharya and secretary GSKSK Dilip Biswakarma gave the vote of thanks.

CGY Chümoukedima: Chümoukedima Gorkha Youth (CGY) celebrated Gorkha festival Bhanu Jayanti, the 206th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya at Chümoukedima town on July 13.

A press release from CGY media cell stated that, the Gorkha festival was observed with strict compliance to the safety measures as per government guidelines. Only the CGY leaders along with winners of 6th cultural and

literary online competition were present during the programme, totalling to 25 persons.

The following persons were the winner of 6th cultural and literary online competition 2020. In painting completion, Nidhi Tamang first, Muskan Rai second; In dance competition, Kalpana Shrestha first, Anju Mohote secong; In traditional attire photo contest, Khushi Bhusal first (junior), Isha Adhikari second (junior), Kalpana Shrestha first (senior) and Suman Giri second (senior).

Special prizes were also given to some selected students for their

excellence by president Manoj Shrestha, namely Nuneema Limbu for photography contest, Renu Thapa photography contest and Bandana Ghimire dance competition.

G YC D i m a p u r : Gorkha Youth Club Dimapur (GYCD) celebrated the occasion at Signal Rana Colony with its office bearers by following all the mandator y norms and guidelines of COVID-19 issued by government.

A press release by GYC Dimapur stated that, Shiva Kumar BK in his presidential speech urged all his community members to come together and help each other to fight

the pandemic. He also asked them to follow all the guidelines of COVID19 also make others aware of it, than only we can overcome it. Short note on COVID-19 awareness was presented by disaster management secretary, Kailash Chetri, while Ramayanpath recitation was given by advisor Ganesh Acharya.

Earlier, programme was chaired by GYC cultural secretary Suraj Ghataney and welcome speech was delivered by GYC vice principal Satish Kunwar Chetri (V.P). The GYC Dimapur also thanked GB of Signal Rana Colony Om Bahadur Rana.

SAMETI organises online training programme

Dr. Watimongla Jamir, director SAMETI & principal IETC i/c with SAMETI officials.

DIMAPUR: State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) organised two-day online training programme on “advanced management practices for sericulture: production, post harvest and value addition” for ATMA functionaries at SAMETI, Medziphema on July 7 and 8.

A press release by SAMETI stated that in her inaugural speech, director SAMETI & principal IETC i/c, Dr. Watimongla Jamir remarked that it

was a proud moment for SAMETI Nagaland to conduct its first online training programme since its establishment in 2011. She said that under the current COVID-19 situation, such online trainings would continue to be undertaken and encouraged participants to be techno-savvy and familiarise themselves with ICT tools.

Meanwhile, resource persons for the training were Dr. Pankaj Neog, assistant professor and J. Akato Chishi, senior technical assistant depart-

ment of entomology, NU taking into account its vast SASRD Medziphema. scope in Nagaland.

Topics on production technology & management practices for sericulture, identification of different types of silkworms – cocoons and host plants and post harvest technology were covered.

It may be noted that the training programme was aimed at keeping extension functionaries updated with technical knowledge on sericulture,

DIMAPUR: NSCN (I-M) and Wancho region of NSCN/GPRN have expressed shock at the tragic incident of Nginu in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh (Wancho region under Nagalim) on July 11, where six brave soldiers were brutally gunned down by combined forces of Assam Rifles, Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh state police forces, in contravention of the existing Indo-Naga ceasefire.

A condolence message

by NSCN (I-M) through its MIP and the NSCN/GPRN Wancho region through the K Y M C

CAO Wancho region, Wanham Wangsa stated that, NSCN and Naga Army bow their heads to pay homage to the departed comrades.

It stated that, the vacuum created by their loss will be difficult to fill in, but the legacy of supreme love bequeathed by them will always be remembered.

NSCN (I-M) conveyed heartfelt condolences and share the grief with the bereaved families and pray that the Almighty God give them the strength and solace to overcome the tragedy.

It also stated that for the selfless services rendered

towards the cause of the Naga nation and as a mark of tribute to the departed Naga national workers, the office of the Adjutant General of the Naga Army has posthumously promoted the six Naga Army personnel to their next higher rank, namely ‘Lieutenant’ (posthumous) Somaya Shatsang, ‘2nd Lieutenant’ (posthumous) Ashak Wangsa, ‘Sergeant Major’ (posthumous) Somipam Shaiza. ‘Sergeant major’ (posthumous) Sawang Pansa, ‘Corporal’ (posthumous) Lentsuba Lalii and ‘Corporal’ (posthumous) Paogouhao Lhangum.

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NSCN (I-M) condolence

K Y M C

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northeast

Lockdown in Shillong as 12 test positive for COVID-19 care worker, he added.

“All the cases are asymptomatic except one, and they have been shifted to COVID care centres,” Dr Jampa said.

The seven positive patients of Changlang district are returnees from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh while the person from Namsai had returned from Tamil Nadu, the SSO said.

Correspondent

Shillong, Jul 13: Twelve positive cases, including ten Border Security Force (BSF) troopers and two patients in the North Eastern Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), were reported in Shillong taking the total active COVID-19 count to 271 in the State on Monday.

Health and family welfare minister, Alexander Laloo Hek said that 236 cases includes that of 182 BSF troopers, two 2 from Indian Air Force and 52 others are in East Khasi Hills district, 20 in Ri Bhoi, two in East Jaintia Hills, nine in West Garo Hills, two in South Garo Hills and one each in East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills.

He also informed that one more patient has recovered on Monday taking the recovery tally to 46 in the State. Meghalaya has so far registered 319 COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, a two-day lock-down along with curfew begun on Monday in Shillong which reported 95 per cent of active COVID19 cases. “The situation is grim and the government has taken all precautionary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19,” Hek said, urging the people

People maintaining physical distancing in Tuikhuahtlang, Mizoram. (File) to avoid coming out of the houses unnecessarily.

Earlier, chief minister Conrad Sangma chaired a review meeting via video conferencing with NEIGRIHMS Director Dr. P Bhattacharya on the status of the cases in the hospital and also discussed the situation in East Khasi Hills and other districts. “The State government and NEIGRIHMS authorities have decided to continue with our joint fight against this pandemic,” said Hek. The super specialty NEIGRIHMS hospital is the nodal hospital for testing of swab samples for COVID-19 in Meghalaya.

On the other hand, director of NEIGRIHMS, Dr. P Bhattacharya said there are 13 COVID-19 positive patients in the Institute now.

Emphasising that health workers should not face any stigma, director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War pointed out that employees of the NEIGERIHMS who have been going back to different localities after work are being provided with certificates regarding their health status and therefore, said that they should not be harassed in anyway.

Arunachal’s COVID19 tally rises to 359

Arunachal Pradesh reported 19 new coronavirus infections, taking the state’s COVID-19 tally to 359, a senior Health department official said here on Monday.

Eleven cases were reported from the Capital Complex comprising Itana-

gar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa, seven from Changlang district while one case was detected from Namsai district, he said.

Of the 11 cases in the Capital region, seven were detected from various areas of Naharlagun, while one from an area near Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok in Itanagar, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr L Jampa said.

While three health workers were found infected with the virus in the Capital region, two were found infected at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) here and one from the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Naharlagun, Dr Jampa said. Two of the cases from Naharlagun are primary contacts of a health

Mizoram reports four new cases

Mizoram has reported four new COVID-19 cases, raising the state’s coronavirus tally to 231, a health official said.

The patients are personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) posted at Lungverh, about 15 km from Aizawl, he said.

All of them had recently returned from other states Assam, Manipur, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh - the official said. Mizoram now has 81 active cases, while at least 150 people have been discharged after recovery.

A total of 16,696 samples have been tested till Sunday evening, he added.

Tripura’s tally mounts to 2,068

Tripura’s COVID-19 count has shot up to 2,068 with 105 more people testing positive for the disease, Chief Minister Biplab Ku-

mar Deb said.

Among the fresh cases, 37 were reported in West Tripura, 29 in Gomati district and 18 in Sepahijala district, officials said here.

“Aler t! 105 people found COVID-19 positive today out of 1,854 samples tested. As the numbers are increasing, I urge everyone to stay cautious,” Deb said in a tweet late on Sunday.

Tripura has so far reported two COVID-19 fatalities. A total of 1,421 people have been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the disease, the officials said.

Two more test positive in Sikkim

Two more persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Sikkim, taking the total tally in the state to 153, the health department said on Monday.

Both have been admitted to the isolation wing of STNM hospital here.

One of them is from East Sikkim, and the other from south, the department said in its bulletin. The number of active cases in the state currently stands at 71, while 82 have recovered so far.

East Sikkim has registered the maximum number of COVID-19 cases at 88, followed by South Sikkim at 22, West Sikkim at 22, and one in North Sikkim.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

Mnp secretariat staff joins cease work strike Correspondent IMPHAL, Jul 13: Normal work at the Manipur civil secretariat was severely hit on Monday due to cease work strike by the employees. The employees stayed away from doing their duties and staged a sit-in-protest inside the new secretariat complex.

“Fulfil our demands,”, “Clear/pay the 17% DA immediately as committed”, “Give promotion timely”, etc read some of the slogans displayed at the protest site.

They staged the protest supporting the cease work strike of the employees launched under the aegis of Manipur Government Services’ Federation (MGSF) which commenced on July 6. The MGSF is demanding implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendation which the Manipur government had already agreed.

The striking MGSF alleged that the state government was yet to implement the points of agreement which include enhancement of DA/DR of the employees at par with the central government employees from April 1, 2020.

“We are protesting against the government’s failure to implement the agreed demand and show-

ing solidarity to the cease work strike of the MGSF,” said MSSA general secretary Kurujit Lairikyengbam.

Talking to reporters, he urged the top “executive” of the state government to translate into work the agreed demands.

He alleged that despite repeated reminders, the state government was still remaining silent without implementing any of the points of the agreement till date.

The general secretary said that after the state government failed to give a positive response despite the repeated reminders, employees of the civil secretariat first started launching the strike by observing black days from July 2 to July 4.

After that, the employees under MGSF commenced the indefinite cease work strike, he said.

He claimed that most of the employees working in different sections of the state secretariat offices took part in the protest. The employees will stand united until the government fulfils the demands, he added.

In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline workers including doctors, nurses and other civil services staff were discharging their duties wearing black badges, showing solidarity to the strike.

Tripura Cong protests against police Girls outshine boys in Class 6 dead as Assam flood situation worsens Agartala, Jul 13 (Agencies): Tripura Congress on Monday evening launched a massive protest programme against the police in Agartala.

The Congress supporters and workers gheraoed West Agartala police station.

The congress leaders warned that they will file a criminal case against subdivisional police officer (SDPO) Shashvat Kumar.

It is notable that, on Sunday Tripura observed full lockdown across the

State. On that day SDPO arrested Congress leader Narayan Dutta, husband of AMC Congress councilor Ratna Dutta without any reason.

Congress on Monday launched protest programme against the arrest of Narayan Datta.

The party gheraoed West Agartala police station and shouted slogan against police. Congress President Pijush Kanti Biswas alleged that, Tripura Police is carrying its unlawful activities under BJP flag. He said,

police has no right to abuse people or harass people.

He alleged that, SDPO is creating problem.

Pijush Biswas said, “Yesterday Narayan Dutta, Sadar Jila Congress president was arrested by police when he went out of home.

The SDPO is suffering from intolerance. He is thinking that as he is an IPS Officer, thus he can do anything, but that is not the reality. Many officers were punished for their such attitudes.”

Over 18,000 fined for violating lockdown norms in Mizoram Aizawl, Jul 13 (PTI): The Mizoram Police has fined more than 18,000 people in the state for violating lockdown norms since May 4, according to an official statement.

A total of Rs 36,76 lakh has been collected as fine from 18,247 people for violating the Containment and Prevention of COVID-19 Ordinance, 2020 - since it came into effect from May 4, a police statement said on Sunday.

Of the 18,247 people, 8,749 have been arrested in Aizawl district, 551 in Kolasib, 852 in Mamit, 435 in Saitual, 842 in Champhai, 685 in Khawzawl, 1,495 in Serchhip, 537 in Hnahthial, 1,474 in Lunglei, 1,460 in Lawngtlai and 544 in Siaha district, it said.

Besides, a total of 623 people have been arrested under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of police (SP), Traffic, in Aizawl since May 4, the statement said.

12 Meghalaya board exams

Correspondent Shillong, Jul 13: Girls outshined boys in the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Arts examination which was declared by the Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education (MBOSE) on Monday.

Out of the total 24,627 candidates who appeared for the exams, 18,039 successfully cleared the exams.

St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong bagged the top three positions. The school has four students in the top ten list.

Mahima Sinha, with 428 marks secured the first position, while the second position was bagged by Ritishari Chyne with 427 marks and Chubakatila Jamir claimed the third position with 426 marks.

The fourth position was jointly secured by Gideon Lyngdoh of Ram Krishna Mission Higher Secondary School, Sohra and Paolenlal

Kipgen of Seven Set Annexe Secondary School, Shillong with 424 marks each.

St. Edmund’s School Higher Secondary School, Shillong bagged five positions in the top ten. The school bagged, the sixth, and joint eight, ninth and tenth positions.

Meanwhile, chief minister Conrad Sangma has congratulated the toppers and all meritorious students who passed the HSSLC (Arts) examinations.

“Your future is ahead of you, may you conquer all odds to get closer to your dreams. And to those who did not succeed, do not be disheartened, try harder next year,” Sangma tweeted.

Congratulating toppers and every students who has passed their HSSLC Arts, examination, education minister Lahkmen Rymbui tweeted, “Your hard work has paid off. Please enjoy doing your best. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours.”

Assam oil well fire: Leakage may be checked in 4-5 days

NDRF personnel in Assam’s Tinsukia district. (File) Guwahati, Jul 13 (IANS): The leaking oil & gas well of the state-owned Oil India (OIL) in Assam is expected to be capped and the fire in one of the wells doused in four-five days, according to a top official here on Monday.

“We are in the final phase of capping the well and dousing the fire in the Baghjan well in the

Tinsukia district of eastern Assam. We expect the operation to be over in four-five days,” a senior OIL official told IANS over phone.

Natural gas and oil condensate started leaking from an oil well around 50 days ago. It caught fire a month ago.

“Heavy rain and flood affected the operation and

damaged many machinery and makeshift structures.

Despite that officials, engineers and workers continued to work to control the situation,” the official said.

US and Canadian experts and engineers, who are associated with Singapore-based ALERT, firefighters, NDRF personnel and OIL and ONGC

engineers continued their efforts to check gas leak and douse the well fire at Baghjan, around 550 km east of Guwahati.

Besides the hostile weather conditions, OIL is also facing agitation by locals demanding higher compensation for their losses. While a section of agitators has withdrawn protest, others continue to agitate holding OIL responsible for the mishap.

OIL has provided Rs 30,000 compensation to each of the affected families.

OIL officials said transportation of heavy machineries and equipment from Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh), Vadodara (Gujarat) and other places was also delayed due to Covid-19 protocols and curbs.

On a request from Tinsukia Deputy Commissioner Bhaskar Pegu, the army built a 150-metrelong bridge over a water body to facilitate work to control gas leak and fire.

Around 10,000 people have been evacuated and sheltered in 14 relief camps as the fire damaged houses, other properties as well as

standing crops. Locals said the fire had also affected a famous lake, ponds and wetlands in the area.

Various NGOs and government bodies, including Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), are conducting studies to assess impact of oil and gas leakage and fire on environment.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Personnel rescue people from a flood affected village, in Kamrup district on Monday. (PTI) Guwahati, Jul 13 (PTI): The flood situation in Assam worsened drastically on Monday with six more persons losing their lives in rain-related incidents, even as the deluge affected nearly 22 lakh people across 27 districts, an official bulletin said.

According to the daily flood report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), one person each died at Nowboicha of Lakhimpur, Bajali of Barpeta, Manikpur of Bongaigaon, Rangia of Kamrup, Bokakhat of Go-

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT 12th NAP BN (INDIA RESERVE)

CHINGTOK : LONGLENG NO.12BN(IR)/RO-10/2020-21/ Dt. Chingtok, the th July’ 2020

laghat and Sivasagar town of Sivasagar districts.

With these, the total number of people dead in this year’s flood and landslide has gone up to 76 across the state, of whom, 50 persons were killed by flood and 26 died due to landslides.

The ASDMA said over 12.63 lakh people have been affected by the floods in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Udalguri, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT 12th NAP BN (INDIA RESERVE)

CHINGTOK : LONGLENG NO.12BN(IR)/RO-10/2020-21/ Dt. Chingtok, the th July’ 2020

SHOW CAUSE NOTICE To,

Regt. No 121136.

Rank : Constable.

Name : KHETOSHE SUMI Son of Shri ATOVI SUMI. Village : VIHOKHU. P.O. : NIULAND. P.S. : NIULAND. Dist. : DIMAPUR, NAGALAND. Whereas, you have been found absent from bonafide Govt. duty with effect from 10-06-2020 without any leave or permission from the competent authority till date. And whereas, Calling Notices was issued to you through concern P.S vide order No.12BN(IR)/RO10/2020-21/172 Dt. 04/07/2020.

Regt. No 121136. Rank: Constable. Name KHETOSHE SUMI is hereby directed to report to the undersigned within 7 (seven) days from the date of publication of this notice failing which he will be declared as deserter without further notice.

Commandant, 12th NAP Bn (India Reserve) Chingtok, Longleng.

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Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Nagaon, West Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Karbi Anglong districts.

Barpeta is the worst hit with over 5.44 lakh people suffering, followed

by South Salmara with nearly 1.92 lakh people and Dhemaji with more than 1.30 lakh people.

Till Sunday, more than 12.97 lakh people have been hit by the deluge across 24 districts of the state.

SHOW CAUSE NOTICE To,

Regt. No 121180.

Rank : Constable.

Name : KIVIGHO SUMI Son of Shri VIHETO SUMI. Village : NUNUMI. P.O. : ZUNHEBOTO. P.S. : ZUNHEBOTO. Dist. : ZUNHEBOTO, NAGALAND. Whereas, you have been found absent from bonafide Govt. duty with effect from 28-06-2020 without any leave or permission from the competent authority till date. And whereas, Calling Notices was issued to you through concern P.S vide order No.12BN(IR)/RO10/2020-21/179 Dt. 06/07/2020.

Regt. No 121180. Rank: Constable. Name KIVIGHO SUMI is hereby directed to report to the undersigned within 7 (seven) days from the date of publication of this notice failing which he will be declared as deserter without further notice.

Commandant, 12th NAP Bn (India Reserve) Chingtok, Longleng.

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

PM, Pichai discuss data security, use of AI in agri

NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday held discussions on a wide range of issues such as data security and concerns around privacy, use of technology to transform lives of farmers and ways to expand the scope of online education, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

During the virtual interaction, they also spoke about the new work culture that is emerging in the times of COVID-19.

“We discussed the challenges the global pandemic has brought to areas such as sports. We also talked about the importance of data security and cyber safety,” the prime minister said in a series of tweets.

According to a statement issued by the PMO, Modi also talked about further leveraging technology in providing healthcare services. During the course of interaction, the prime minister discussed the issue of data security and concerns around privacy.

“He (PM) said that tech companies need to put in efforts to bridge the trust deficit. He also talked about cyber crimes and threats in the form of cyber attacks,” the statement said.

The prime minister talked about farmers benefiting from technology and the

Sundar Pichai & Narendra Modi (File)

possible wide-ranging benefits of artificial intelligence in agriculture. The prime minister explored the idea of virtual labs that can be used by students as well as farmers, the statement said.

“This morning, had an extremely fruitful interaction with Sundar Pichai. We spoke on a wide range of subjects, particularly leveraging the power of technology to transform the lives of India’s farmers, youngsters and entrepreneurs,” the prime minister said.

Pichai is the chief executive officer of Alphabet Inc and its subsidiary Google LLC. The prime minister remarked that India is amongst the most open economies in the world. He also spoke about recent steps taken by the government towards reforming agriculture. Modi also spoke about the campaign to create new jobs,

while also highlighting the importance of re-skilling.

Other areas of discussion included technological solutions to expand the scope of online education, access to technology in native language, use of AR/ VR (augmented reality and virtual reality) to give a stadium-like viewing experience in the field of sports, and progress in the area of digital payments, the statement said. Modi appreciated the proactive role played by Google in battling misinformation and conveying information about necessary precautions regarding the coronavirus.

Pichai briefed the prime minister about new products and initiatives by Google in the country. He mentioned about the launch of AI Research Lab in Bengaluru, while also highlighting the benefits of Google’s flood forecasting efforts.

Court cancels bail granted to Bishop Mullakal Kottayam (Ker), Jul 13 (PTI): A local court on Monday cancelled the bail granted to Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused of raping a nun in Kerala, for failing to appear for the trial in the case and issued a Non Bailable Warrant against him.

Bishop was not present in the Addl. Sessions Court during the hearing. Mulakkal’s counsel informed the court that his client could not appear as he had been in self quarantine due to his primary contact with a COVID infected person.

During the previous hearing on July 1 also he had failed to appear before the Court.

His counsel had then submitted that the priest could not appear as he was stuck in a COVID-19 containment zone at Jalandhar in Punjab.

The prosecution on Monday countered the claim by the accused, saying the place where he lived in Jalandhar was not a COVID-19 containment zone on July 1.

The Court cancelled his bail, considering the prosecution argument that the accused was trying to delay the trial, and posted the case to August 13. The Kerala HC on July 7 had dismissed a petition seeking to discharge Mulakkal from the sexual assault case filed against him by the nun. It had directed the deposed Bishop of Jalandhar diocese to stand for trial in the rape case, which was registered on a complaint filed by the nun of same diocese.

SC upholds Travancore family’s rights over temple NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): The Supreme Court Monday upheld the rights of the Travancore royal family in the administration of historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, considered to be one of the richest temples in the country.

It set aside the Kerala High Court’s 2011 verdict which had directed the state government to set up a trust to take control of management and assets of the temple.

A bench headed by Justice U U Lalit said that as an interim measure, the District Judge of Thiruvananthapuram will head an administrative committee to manage the temple’s affairs.

The top court delivered the verdict on a batch of appeals, including the one filed by legal representatives of the Travancore royal family, challenging the January 31, 2011 verdict of the high court.

The sprawling temple, an architectural splendour in granite, was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century by the Travancore Royal House which had ruled southern Kerala and some

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala.

adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu before integration of the princely state with the Indian Union in 1947.

While pronouncing the judgement, the apex court held that the death of earlier ruler of Travancore royal family does not affect the right of ‘Shebaitship’ (the right to manage the deity and the temple as a priest) of Marthanda Varma, the brother of last ruler of the royal family, and his legal heirs.

The top court said that death of the last ruler of royal family does not entitle the state government to take over the management of committee as law of escheat does not apply in this case

and the management of the temple continues to vest in trust of the ruler of Travancore.

While making an interim arrangement to manage the affairs of the temple, the apex court said that it will remain in force till a fresh committee is set up and all the members of the committee must be Hindus.

The controversy over the administration and management of the historic temple was pending in the apex court for last nine years in the wake of charges of alleged financial irregularities.

Even after India’s independence, the temple continued to be governed by a trust

controlled by the erstwhile royal family for whom Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) is their family deity.

The top court had on April 10 last year reserved its judgement on the appeals against the high court’s verdict.

The high court had directed the state government to take steps to set up a body or a trust to take control of the temple, its assets and management and to run the temple in accordance with the traditions.

It had on May 2, 2011 stayed the high court’s direction regarding taking over of the assets and management of the temple.

The top court had also directed that there shall be a detailed inventory of the articles, valuables, ornaments in Kallaras (vaults) On July 8, 2011, the apex court had said that “opening of kallara ‘B’ is to be kept in abeyance till further orders”.

In July 2017, the apex court had said it would examine the claims that one of the vaults the temple contained extraordinary treasure with “mystical” energy.

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Girls outshine boys in CBSE class 12 results NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): Girls outshone boys in the class 12 examination, results of which were announced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday, recording an increase of over 5 per cent in pass percentage against last year.

The board decided against coming up with any merit list amid the exceptional circumstances arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board also decided to replace the term “fail” with “essential repeat”. Accordingly, the term “fail” will not figure in result documents issued to the candidates as well as those hosted on the board website.

Girls outperformed boys by 5.96 per cent. While the pass percentage of girls is 92.15 per cent, that of boys is 86.19 per cent, this year. The transgenders have recorded a pass percentage of 66.67 per cent.

The overall pass percentage increased by 5.38 per cent as against last year.

While 83.40 per cent of students had cleared the exams last year, 88.78 per cent of students have cleared the exam this year.

Over 1.57 lakh students have scored above 90 per cent, while over 38,000 have scored more than 95 per cent marks. A total of 11.92 lakh candidates had appeared for the class 12 examination.

The Trivandrum region recorded the highest pass percentage at 97.67 while the Patna region recorded

Rahul questions govt’s claims on battling COVID NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday questioned the government’s claims on battling COVID-19, asking is India at a “good position” in the battle against the virus.

His remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said India is in a “good position” in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic and the country will fight the disease with determination and enthusiasm.

In a tweet, Gandhi asked, “India at good position in COVID19 battle?”.

He tagged a graph of India’s daily average COVID cases that showed a steady rise, against that of other countries like South Korea and New Zealand which have shown a steady decline in cases.

India saw a daily rise of 28,701 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 8,78,254 as on Monday morning, while the death toll climbed to 23,174 with 500 people succumbing to the infection, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

Students celebrate with sweets after the announcement of CBSE’s class 12th results, in Gurugram, July 13. (PTI)

the lowest at 74.57 per cent.

The board announced the results on the basis of an alternate assessment scheme after the pending exams were cancelled due to the spike in COVID-19 cases. As per the four-pointer scheme, marks have been awarded on basis of marks scored by a student in his or her best performing subjects.

The results of 400 students, however, could not be computed as per the scheme and will be announced later, a senior board official said.

According to the assessment scheme, four categories of students include those who have completed all their exams and whose results have been declared on the basis of their performance in the exams.

The second category of students are the ones who appeared in exams in more than three subjects, and the average of the marks obtained in the best three performing subjects have been awarded in the subjects whose examinations were not conducted.

A third category of students that the board identified are those who appeared in only three subjects. For such students, the average of marks obtained in the two best performing subjects has been awarded in the subjects whose examinations were not conducted.

Finally, there is another category of class 12 students, mainly from the riotaffected Northeast Delhi region where exams had to

be postponed. These students appeared in exams of only one or two subjects.

The results of such students have been declared on the basis of their performance in the subjects in which they appeared, besides their performance in internal or practical project assessment.

The board has also decided to conduct optional examinations for students who are not satisfied with their results and want to improve them.

“The CBSE will conduct an optional examination in the subjects, whose examinations were scheduled to be conducted from July 1 to 15, as soon as conditions are conducive as assessed and decided by the Central Government.

Babri trial: I am innocent, allegations baseless, says Kalyan after hearing

LUCKNOW, JUL 13 (PTI): Senior BJP leader and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh on Monday accused the then Congress government at the Centre of levelling “false and baseless allegations” against him in the Babri mosque demolition case and said he was “innocent”.

“The then Congress government at the Centre levelled false and baseless allegations against me and filed a case out of political animosity,” he told reporters after appearing before a CBI special court here in connection with the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case.

The 88-year-old leader said, “As the UP chief minister, I and my government ensured adequate three-tier security of the disputed structure in Ayodhya.”

Singh, during whose tenure the demolition took place, was assisted by two persons as he walked out of the court after over threehour-long questioning.

“I was falsely implicated, I am innocent,” he asserted as he left the court premises.

Kalyan Singh (File)

The CBI court is currently recording statements of 32 accused under the CrPC Section 313, a stage in the trial that follows the examination of accused.

Other accused, including former deputy prime minister L K Advani and senior BJP leader M M Joshi, are yet to be examined at this stage.

Their lawyers have indicated to the CBI court that they prefer to appear through video conferencing. Another accused, Ram Chandra Khatri, is presently lodged in a Sonipat jail in Haryana in connection with another case.

The special court had last week reiterated that a

reminder should be sent to the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for making arrangements to record his statement through video conferencing.

With regard to another accused, Om Prakash Pandey, the CBI had furnished a report, saying he was untraceable.

Members of the Pandey’s family had claimed that he had become a monk years ago and did not come home. His brother Mahendra Pandey had said he would try to find him and inform the CBI. The court had then directed the agency to remain in contact with Mahendra Pandey and furnish further report. The court has already issued a non-bailable warrant against Om Prakash Pandey.

The mosque in Ayodhya was demolished in December 1992 by ‘kar sevaks’ who claimed that an ancient Ram temple had stood on the same site. The CBI court is conducting day-to-day hearings to complete the trial by August 31, as directed by the Supreme Court.

NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): The Indian and Chinese military are scheduled to hold their fourth round of Lt General-level talks on Tuesday with an aim to finalise modalities for the next phase of de-escalation and disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh, government sources said on Monday.

The meeting is set to be held in Chushul on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, they said.

The two sides are also expected to finalise a roadmap for restoration of peace and tranquility in the highaltitude region that witnessed an eight-week bitter standoff between the troops of the two countries.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has already completed pulling back troops from Gogra, Hot Springs and Galwan Valley and significantly thinned down its presence

Indian and Chinese flags. (File)

in the ridgeline of Finger Four in the Pangong Tso area in the last one week as demanded by India.

India has been insisting that China must withdraw its forces from areas between Finger Four and Eight. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers.

The formal process of disengagement of troops

began last Monday after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi the previous day.

On Friday, India and China held another round of diplomatic talks during which both sides resolved to push ahead with “complete disengagement” of

troops in eastern Ladakh in a timely manner for “full restoration” of peace and tranquility.

At the meeting, it was decided that senior commanders of the two armies will meet “soon” to discuss further steps to “ensure complete disengagement and de-escalation”.

The two countries have already held three rounds of Lt General-level talks and the last one took place on June 30 during which both sides agreed on an “expeditious, phased and step wise” de-escalation as a “priority” to end the standoff.

The first round of the Lt General talks was held on June 6 during which both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley. However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 as the two sides significantly bolstered their

deployments in most areas along the LAC. The second round of talks took place on June 22.

The Indian and Chinese armies were locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for over eight weeks since May 5.

The tension escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.

The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details.

According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.

Tensions had escalated in eastern Ladakh around two months back after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9.

DC-602

Next round of Lt Gen-level talks between India and China today

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 218 Dimapur, TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

N

Ugly truth

agaland Governor R.N.Ravi’s expressions of serious concern in his letter addressed to the chief minister, dated June 16,2020 and which this newspaper coined as ‘Letter-gate’ has certainly ruffled the state government’s feathers. Issues raised in the letter reflect the governor’s concern over the state of affairs in Nagaland. One of the points of concern expressed by the governor was on the rampant and blatant forcible encroachment on government reserved forest lands by “armed miscreants”. The issue of encroachment on government forest lands has destroyed several thousand acres of prime and pristine natural forests and vegetation which would have been the pride of environmentalists anywhere in the world. The governor pointedly referred to the forcible occupation of forest department quarters after forest officials were evicted from their departmental residences at Munglamukh forest colony in Dimapur district. Encroachments have also taken place inside the Intangki National Park including forests under Wokha district. Recently, the forest department had begun eviction drives at Yimparasa, Bhandari and Longayim in Wokha where hundreds of acres of land were encroached. The forest department has much bigger and challenging job in evicting encroachers inside Intangki National Park and nearby forest reserved areas. The rapid and systematic denudation and encroachment on the once famed Rangapahar reserved forest serves as mute testimony. It may be noted that when Nagaland became a state in 1963, it inherited a vast tract of forest in Dimapur area(then under Kohima Forest Division) from the government of Assam, spread over a total area of 8809 Hectares or 21,768 Acres. The pristine forest replete with valuable wood such as teak, hollock, titachap, agar, bonsum etc, to name a few, was also the home to various other rare animals and indigenous botanical species.

The Rangapahar reserved forest was a protected area under the 1925 notification of the Forest department of Assam. The new state of Nagaland inherited a veritable nature’s trove. Unfortunately, the state government exhibited lack of vision, will and purpose towards protecting such a rich inheritance. From the seventies onwards, rampant poaching, illegal felling of trees and systematic encroachment by land grabbers backed by powerful elements resulted in denudation of the forest. Rangapahar forest began shrinking rapidly from 21,768 Acres to half the size by the late seventies. The negative trend continued and by 1986, the forest further shrank to hardly 1161 Acres. It was in 1986, that the government came up with a brilliant idea of establishing the Zoological Park with 1161 Acres. However, the Forest department did precious little to protect the little patch and by the early 90s, the proposed Zoological Park area further shrank to 434 Acres. Today, though the park has been fenced, this has still not deterred encroachers. It is unfortunate the special clause providing protection under 371A with regard to land and its resources has been horribly twisted and misused to legalise such activities. It is too late to lament but at least the present governor has called a spade a spade and for the betterment of the people and not those in power.

DailyDevotion The Price of the Vision In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord… —Isaiah 6:1 Our soul’s personal history with God is often an account of the death of our heroes. Over and over again God has to remove our friends to put Himself in their place, and that is when we falter, fail, and become discouraged. Let me think about this personally— when the person died who represented for me all that God was, did I give up on everything in life? Did I become ill or disheartened? Or did I do as Isaiah did and see the Lord?

My vision of God is dependent upon the condition of my character. My character determines whether or not truth can even be revealed to me.

Before I can say, “I saw the Lord,” there must be something in my character that conforms to the likeness of God. Until I am born again and really begin to see the kingdom of God, I only see from the perspective of my own biases. What I need is God’s surgical procedure— His use of external circumstances to bring about internal purification.

Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God and no one else is taken into account whatsoever. Your prayer will then be, “In all the world there is no one but You, dear God; there is no one but You.” Keep paying the price. Let God see that you are willing to live up to the vision.

Quotes

We first make our habits, and then our habits make us. ~ John Dryden

O

ne of the silliest things on the internet is an international site called change. com.

The owners have offices in a number of countries and the mandate seems to be that anyone who had a grievance, and wants it redressed, can list an issue and get signatures on it. These will be sent to a bureaucrat/politician through email.

When change.com reached its peak some years ago, I received hundreds of emails ranging - “India should not be violent on women” to “sanitary towels should be tax free” and, of course, many animal issues – every three days the issues would change and, very often, they were complaints of a generic nature which no one person or even system can deal with. Very often they were sent to the wrong target. When I was new in office, I responded to one of these campaigns and the end result was that the head of change. com got awards for being one of India’s best change makers – even though she had nothing to do with it at all, except stand with me for photo ops.

No research ever went into any issue. Just one line complaints which died out in a few days and were replaced by another. After a while, I started erasing them as soon as they appeared on my email and now I don’t receive any more.

I was the only minister/bureaucrat who ever read a change.com email.

The site had no impact on policy change or action.

But it did have a really bad impact on the average computer user : everyone who signed these petitions – and it was often the same people signing every petition on the computer – felt they had done their bit

for the world. By merely clicking a link, to send an electronic signature somewhere, tends to give the advocate the feeling of having done something, without actually doing anything at all.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, change.com has become institutionalized in many forms by animal welfare sites. Maneka : sign this to save the dolphins in the Faroe Islands; sign this to save the wild hares in Scotland ; sign this to stop monkey export from Mauritius. I must have signed thousands of these. What happened to the issues and where these signatures went – no one knows. The only difference, between me and perhaps others who signed, is that I do many other things on the ground to save animals, and the only reason I sign is because I feel a deep need to keep up the spirits of animal welfare organisations, by making them believe that someone is looking at their sites !

Kerala is perhaps the worst state when it comes to elephant torture and killing. And the forest department is completely indifferent to any complaint. It is the Kerala elephants that attract the most attention from signers. Every time someone highlights an elephant being tortured, hundreds of emails from desk jockeys pour in to me. They probably go to the officials in Kerala but, I believe, that till today no officials read their mails. And, of course, no politician does.

It is going to take at least another five years for anyone in government to read, and respond, to anything a citizen has emailed about.

There is complete institutional indifference to the general / generic email.

And organisations, that host these petitions on their site, are simply using

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

Vegan movement has suddenly spread this to collect names for fundraising appeals.

So, what can you do to actually save an animal and bring about change ?

How do you become an actual animal advocate and expose cruelty, corruption, and incompetence? How do you save an animal in your area, or change a policy creatively and seriously?

Find out and keep the phone numbers, and personal emails, of all the local administrators : DMs, SDMs, the head of the police, the local thana, the MP, the MLA, the corporator, the zila panchayat member, the local veterinary officer, the forest office, and the three main press reporters, and use these numbers liberally when you need help. You can follow this up with calls and emails directly to the person.

Make a group. This means finding people in your area who want to help animals. Go to schools, colleges, your neighbourhood, the local lawyers and teachers. Put small handmade flyers up, asking people to contact you. Take this group to see the officials, and the press, regularly. You want an SPCA and animal ambulance in your district ?

You need to keep hounding everyone in the local administration till you get it. It may take months, but the results will be permanent. You need a temple to stop using elephants ?

Keep complaining to the temple and the adminis-

tration – and, of course, the press, with photos and writeups. Picket it, stand outside the house of your MP and MLA, and don’t let go till they respond. A small determined group can bring about a change.

The police are the worst. They take crime against animals lightly and most policemen don’t even know the laws. This allows criminals, smugglers, pet shops, breeders, animal beaters, to carry on – especially since the police often use the complaint to extort money from them. If the thana does not listen, go to the SP. If he doesn’t go to the local court, get an order. If this doesn’t work, go back to the court and file for contempt. If you can make a noise in just two cases, no matter how much time it costs you, you will automatically be heard in the third. For instance, khokhas (roadside cages), holding chickens for slaughter, are illegal under the Municipal Act. Get them removed in your area. An SPCA and animal hospital/ambulance is mandatory by law. Get it made. All pet shops are now illegal unless they are licensed by the Animal Welfare Board.

Get them closed. All bird markets are illegal, no matter which birds they sell. Picket them – as I did the local bird market in Nakhas, Lucknow – and get them closed down.

A single girl of ours , Swati Dikshit, has been doing all this in Bhopal

and, within two years, the bird markets have reduced substantially and the police are helping her.

The birds come in illegally from West Bengal – now the railway authorities are stepping in with her to stop this trade.

G o v i r a l l o c a l ly.

Collect emails of local people all the time. This is your wealth. If a local or national company does something that you know is cruel, get on to your net and Facebook and twitter/instagram, and condemn them to the world.

This will get back to them.

Use your twitter/facebook/instagram liberally – but not stupidly – so that when you speak people listen. Attack the poultries and slaughterhouses in your area, the state of the government veterinary hospital. Since the government has destroyed the Veterinary Council of India in the last five years, there is no institution of redressal against vets that don’t know their jobs and cheat on medicines, misdiagnose and often kill the animal. (I know one vet who inserted a steel rod inside a pregnant cow’s uterus to get the baby out. Another who gave a dog 11 injections, for a skin problem, and killed it. Both were sacked).

Start shaming them on your internet and write to everyone you know in your district.

The last thing that companies, institutions, and prominent individuals, who are heavily dependent upon maintaining a positive public image to sell their product, want is bad publicity that often goes viral. Keeping the spotlight on them is an effective approach to reducing animal suffering.

But don’t make up stories just because bringing a VIP down makes you feel important.

Donate, donate and donate all the time. The money you get from the Kabari (the person you sell old newspapers to), the money you save from not going to a movie or not eating a snack, a tenth of your income. Give it first to the local people in your area who feed animals. Or, give them food: grains for the birds and rotis for the dogs and cows. They will feel so much better at being supported that they will get more courage to face the wicked people who abuse them daily. Then donate to people who run shelters. We (including People for Animals) are hand to mouth and we worry about money all the time.

Even though you may feel alone, a student living in PG digs in an alien city, you know at least six people and, if you follow these steps, your words can have a ripple effect that bring about change.

Look at how the vegan movement has suddenly spread. In the words of Animals 24-7 “The word ‘vegan’ went within the space of just one generation from being completely unfamiliar to most consumers to becoming one of the most used product descriptions in supermarkets. It was not multi-million-dollar mass media ad campaigns that made plant-based diets fashionable.

The food industry, fixated on marketing meat, dairy, and egg products, did not jump on the vegan bandwagon until it was already rolling down the aisles, emptying shelves of vegan food items with nothing more than the momentum of word-ofmouth, friend to friend.”

To join the animal welfare movement contact gandhim@nic.in, www.peopleforanimalsindia.org

Post-mortem A Message to Students Cross-cultural perceptions

T

in food choice

he proud tweets of the Nagaland Chief Secretary about the cabinet’s decision on banning the sale of dog meat in Nagaland were well received by the animal activists and individuals from mainland India. However, this decision did not please the many Nagas. I appreciate the government for the concern and steps taken against the cruelty of animals. Yet, the statement, “The State Government has decided to ban… the sale of dog meat, both cooked and uncooked,” is nothing but dictating the food choice of the people.

Isn’t this violating the right to food provisions? Instead of banning commercial import and trading of dogs and dog markets, the law shouldconcern the food safety regulations, including the sale of dog meat. We all agree that wet markets in Nagaland are unhygienic.

It is a pity to see that rather than giving a befitting reply to those NGOs and individuals, who made an exaggerated criticism discriminating the Nagas over eating dog meat, the government timidly submitted to their pressure and emotions, just because others find Nagas culture alien and intolerable. What next? Tell Nagas to eat only gluten-free food because others say so? This is hypocrisy at its finest.

I would not endorse the state that takes its citizens for a ride where the wind blows.

It is imperative to note that dog meat is not popular, nor it is a tradi-

tional food of the Nagas.

The majority of the Naga families prefer dogs as pets and companions, and not as a source of food. It is not as People for Animals in India (who barely know Nagaland) assume.

Few people consume dog meat, and they do itvery seldom. In any case, eating dog meat in no way impair the image of the Nagas, nor make us savages. Whosoever assumes that, apparently has had no exposure beyond their communal confinements, and it only conveys their naive temperament. It is all about the cross-cultural perspectives. Nagas have ethnic practices distinct from other Indian cultures. We cannot afford to compromise this simply to please others.

Many Indians worship cows and consider them as sacred, whereas, for the rest of the world, it appears bizarre and insane.

The bottom line is, what is right to them is wrong to us, and what is right for us is wrong to them.

Nagaland Government does not have to be wrong to the Nagas while trying to be right for others. Who is more valuable for the state government?

Them or us?

The food choice differs from country to country, and province to province. Simply because one section of the community considers a dog as a companion, and find it strange to see others eating dog meat, does not mean the rest have to adhere to their perceptions. It is significant to maintain the

principle of “Give respect and get respect.”

The glaring hypocrisies surrounding the animal activist against eating dog meat in Nagaland somewhat appear to be overreacting without understanding the reality of the society they are discrediting. The socalled animal activists, with full of bigotries in their perceptions often fail to look at the opinions and the context of other communities. It is blatantly exasperating that trying to alter the lifestyle of Nagas and its culture, which they find unfavourable, is nothing but cultural ethnocentrism.

Cruelty against animals and killing and selling animals for consumption are two different things.

The example of the former is the order of shooting dogs issued by some village councils. Such verdict, of course, has to be intervened and condemned.

I am astonished and startled about the fact that the Nagaland Government acted sensitive towards others’ emotions, and overlook the sentiments of the Naga community, whom they represent.

The state cabinets ought to reverse and retract their decisions about banning dog meat in the state.

Adopt proper regulations against animal cruelty, and food safety, but do not dictate the citizens on what to eat, and what not to eat under the pressure of others. Let us be proud of who we are.

Philip Nyam Phom, Geneva

M

y dear students, remember you are precious to God and to the society. We are all concerned about you.

During this difficult time of pandemic you may be passing through a time of anxiety, even depression as the future is uncertain. But if you believe in God and have relation with your Creator you need not be worried or anxious because He holds the future. God says He has good thoughts and plans about you and He wants to give you a hope and a future.

(Jer. 29:11) If you are connected with God, wisdom and understanding will follow and you will know how to live wisely and know priority.

(Prov. 9:10). The greatest problem of young students today is failure to know priority and wasting much time in unprofitable activities and hobbies. Some even spend four to five hours a day in social media, games, etc. which will have much adverse effects on year studies, career and spiritual life. You are young and immature and so you do not fully realize this now.Youmay realize only when it is too late. The

pleasure of the present is so enticing and the world is so loud and glaring which will distract you from focusing on your career.

Remember, the commonest thing to happen is to be talented but not successful. It happens because you do not work hard to develop your full talent. Henry Ford had rightly said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” So you must work hard to become a lucky person.

The world is not a bed of roses. Without pain no good thing will happen.

Either you take the pain of discipline or take the pain of regret. Unless you have self-control to overcome evil habits, laziness, wrong company, etc. and read hard you will surely bear the pain of regret later which cannot be reversed. Rise up students,overcome all your weaknesses and start reading at least five hours or more a day. Many of you read only two or three hours a day. At this rate how will you compete and survive in this highly competitive world? Why not form a habit of becoming a bookworm (positive sense) through this lockdown experience which

will become a blessing in disguise for you? Remember knowledge is power and knowledge is the currency in today’s competitive world.

Finally please read the Bible daily which is the source of wisdom and understanding. Mahatma Gandhi’s life was thoroughly shaped by reading the Bible and the Beatitude of Matthew 5 was his motto in life. He recommended that even people of other faiths should read the Bible to get wisdom. Kushwant Singh a great scholar and writer read the Bible thoroughly and he often quoted the Bible. Reading the Bible will keep you from sinning and you will be walking in the light. (Ps. 119:9-11, 105).

There will be great reward, blessing and prosperity by meditating and obeying God’s word (Ps. 1, Ps. 19).

This tough time will not last long but it should make you a better person if you position yourself in the will of God. God bless you all my dear students. We all love you and expect muchfrom you to lead us.

Dr. A Loso Chalai, Immanuel College, Dimapur, Nagaland

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Be careful what you post

I’ve heard rumblings about a woman who had criticised Nagas on dog meat in a very appalling way, while spewing hate speech.

Her video is a lesson for all of us because social media may be an outlet to express opinion and feelings, but we must be cautious about what we rant because it may encourage trouble as anyone can take a screenshot and download videos even before we know it. The woman was wrong in many ways; however let us not stoop down low. Whatever remarks we innocently make can put us in unnecessary and unwanted situation. Let us be sensible and let the appropriate authority deal with the solution of the incident which has been going viral since two weeks or so.

Ajung Ozukum, 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

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

Bengal MLA Debendra Ray found hanging incident sets off political storm KOLKATA, JUL 13 (PTI): A West Bengal MLA was found dead under mysterious circumstances near his home in North Dinajpur district on Monday, an incident his family and the BJP claimed was a “cold-blooded murder”, and blamed the ruling TMC for it.

The body of Debendra Nath Ray, in his 60s, was found hanging from the ceiling of a verandah outside a shuttered shop near his home in Bindal village in Hemtabad area of the district, police said.

West Bengal police said a suicide note was found from his shirt pocket where he blamed two people for his death. Ray had won the Hemtabad (reserved) seat on a CPI-M ticket in 2016 but later joined the BJP. He had, however, not quit his assembly seat.

Ray was found hang-

ing from a ceiling outside a closed shop in the morning.

Investigation has started. A forensic team has reached the spot and his body sent for postmortem, a senior district police official said.

The BJP leader’s family has demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident, saying they suspected he was murdered.

“We suspect he was murdered. There should be a CBI inquiry into the killing,” a family member demanded. Ray’s death whipped up a political storm, with the BJP branding it a murder by “TMC goons” and calling a 12hour shutdown in North Dinajpur district from 6 am on Tuesday.

BJP national president J P Nadda termed the incident a “suspected heinous killing”, and alleged that it showed the “gunda raj and failure of law and order” machinery under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“The suspected heinous killing of Debendra Nath Ray, BJP MLA from Hemtabad in West Bengal, is

Debendra Nath Ray

extremely shocking and deplorable. This speaks of the Gunda Raj & failure of law and order in the Mamta govt. People will not forgive such a govt in the future.

We strongly condemn this,” he tweeted.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh demanded that Banerjee, who holds the home portfolio, issue a statement on the “coldblooded murder”.

“This is a cold-blooded murder by the goons of the TMC. The TMC was wary of Ray’s popularity in the area. We want an independent inquiry to bring out the truth. You can very well understand the state’s

law and order situation when even an MLA is not safe,” Ghosh said. Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, often accused by the ruling TMC of being an “agent of the BJP in Raj Bhavan”, said political violence and vendetta seem to continue unabated in the state. “Political violence and vendetta @MamataOfficial shows no signs of abating. Death of Debendra Nath Roy, Hemtabad MLA-Uttar Dinajpur District, raises serious issues including allegations of murder. Need for a thorough, impartial probe to unravel the truth and blunt political violence,” Dhankhar said in a tweet.

Police, however, insisted prima facie it was a case of death by suicide.

“Today morning the dead body of MLA Hemtabad Debendra Nath Roy was detected hanging from the verandah ceiling of a mobile shop at Balia, Deben More, Raigunj, Uttar Dinajpur. A suicide note is recovered from the shirt pocket of the deceased.

Two persons have been

named in the note as responsible for his death,” the state police said on its twitter handle.

It said a tracker dog has been pressed into service and forensic experts are on the job. Postmortem is yet to be done. “People are requested not to jump on speculative, biased and judgmental conclusions and to wait for the investigation to complete,” it said in another tweet.

TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim rejected the demand for a CBI inquiry, and said the state police and CID were efficient enough to investigate the case. TMC district unit chief Kanailal Agarwal refused to be drawn into the controversy and said the probe will unravel the truth about whether Ray comitted suicide or there was “something else”.

The statement of state police notwithstanding, BJP national general secretary incharge of West Bengal Kailash Vijayvargiya insisted he was “assassinated”.

7

SC refuses to entertain plea for restrictions on Amarnath Yatra

NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea seeking restrictions on devotees in the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage this year due to COVID-19 pandemic, saying the issue has to be left with the local administration to look into.

“We have to respect principle of separation of powers,” said a bench comprising justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and K M Joseph and declined to enter the arena of the executive which has to deal with it as per statutory norms.

“We are of view that recourse being taken here under Article 32(of the Constitution) is inappropriate.

The issue as to whether Yatra be held should be left with the local administration. Undoubtedly any decision arrived at must be based on law and all relevant statutory provisions”, the bench, which conducted the hearing through video conferencing, noted in the order.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by ‘Shri Amar-

nath Barfani Langars Organisation’ (SABLO) which had sought a direction to the Centre, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to restrict the access of pilgrims in the Yatra this year in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The plea had also sought a direction for ‘live darshan’ of Lord Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine by way of the internet and on television. The bench dealt with the contention of senior advocate Devdutt Kamat, appearing for the organization seeking restrictions, that the top court had earlier put restrictions on the rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath.

The apex court later modified the order to allow Rath Yatra at Puri, the bench said. “We are ill-equipped to determine whether a Yatra should be held in a particular terrain or not,” the bench said, adding that these matters needed to be dealt by the District administration.

The matter whether Amarnath Yatra is to be conducted or not was “better left to the local authorities”, it reiterated.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration, on July 5, had decided to permit the Amarnath Yatra by restricting the number of pilgrims to 500 per day by road from Jammu to the 3,880-metrehigh cave shrine.

Pakistani national among two ILS takes major step in helping drug formulations for COVID Jaish militants killed in Anantnag

SRINAGAR, JUL 13 (PTI): Two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants, including a Pakistani, were killed while a woman was injured during a gun battle between the ultras and security forces in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, police said.

One of the slain militants has been identified as Nasir alias Shahbaz alias Baz Bai, a police spokesman said, adding he is a Pakistan

resident and an ‘A’ category militant.

The identity of the other militant is yet to be ascertained.

Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation early Monday in Srigufwara area of Anantnag district, the spokesman said.

After the presence of militants was ascertained, the militants were given an opportunity to surrender but

cell line (CCL) by regulatory authorities and has been used for over 30 years for the production of polio and rabies viruses.

“It is a significant development as only three other laboratories from India have reported establishing virus cultures till date,” ILS Director Ajay Parida said.

This has potential application in testing and screening for possible drug targets, formulations as well as possible use in vaccine development. Cultured SARSCoV-2 can also be used in developing antibodies or antidotes, testing of antibodies and identification of effective therapeutic agents, he said.

Parida expressed confidence that this will be a useful resource for the country in the fight against COVID19 pandemic as well as for future preparedness.

In the long run, these viral cultures will be useful for academicians as well as industry for testing and validating various antiviral prod-

Representation image

ucts contributing to diagnostic, cure and management of COVID-19 pandemic, he said. These virus cultures have been established by the ILS team led by scientists Soma Chattopadhyay and Gulam H Syed following international protocols and all safety precautions in the Biosafety Level 3 facility, an official said.

Studies using genome sequencing approaches are underway for understanding stability and detecting any mutation in established cultures.

Vitro culture involves

Man stabbed to death Madhya pradesh CM allocates portfolios by 3 juveniles in Delhi Scindia loyalists

NEW DELHI, JUL 13 (PTI): A 25-year-old man was stabbed to death allegedly by a juvenile and his two friends after the victim warned them not to perform bike stunts in west Delhi’s Raghubir Nagar, police said on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Manish, a resident of Raghubir Nagar.

He worked as a private car driver, they said.

All the three persons involved in the killing are juveniles (aged 17 years), police said, adding they have been apprehended in connection with the incident.

The incident took place on July 8, they said.

“The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras. In one of the footages, the main accused along with his friends was seen stabbing the victim multiple times on the busy streets of Raghubir Nagar. Even while one of his friends tried to take him away, he rushed back to stab the man again,” a police official said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Deepak Purohit said a case of murder was registered at the Khyala Police Station.

With the help of the CCTV footage and local intelligence, all the three absconding juveniles were identified and later apprehended. The weapon used in the offence was

also recovered from them, police said.

“On July 8, we received information from DDU hospital regarding admission of an unknown person who was declared brought dead.

Our staff reached the hospital and found that the man suffered from multiple stab wounds. Later on, he was identified as Manish,” the official said.

The victim sustained 28 stab wounds, including severe injuries on his chest, torso and other minor wounds on his arms and legs, he said.

During investigation, it was revealed that the main accused indulged in bike racing and stunts. He rode his bike at high speed and often passed through the streets of Raghubir Nagar, where the victim lived.

The victim objected to the bike stunts and racing.

He also warned the juvenile against riding on the streets of Raghubir Nagar again, the DCP said.

The juvenile, however, rode through the same street again following which the duo got into a fight, he said.

In order to teach the victim a lesson, the juvenile arranged for two knives and on July 8, when he found Manish roaming the streets alone, he along with his two friends assaulted the man, the official added.

get key ministries

BHOPAL, JUL 13 (PTI): Eleven days after expansion of the Madhya Pradesh cabinet, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday allocated portfolios to the new ministers, with BJP MP Jyotiraditya Scindia’s supporters getting some of the key departments.

The 28 new ministers who joined the Chouhan cabinet on July 2 include 20 of cabinet rank and eight ministers of state. The Chouhan ministry strength is now 34, including four women ministers.

Scindia loyalist Tulsi Silawat retained the water resources department and also got charge of the fisheries and fisheries development departments in the allocation on Monday while Govind Singh Rajput retained revenue and transport departments, official sources said.

Silawat and Rajput were inducted into the cabinet in the first ‘mini expansion’ of the Chouhans ministry. Scindia supporters Dr Prabhuram Choudhary got charge of the health and family welfare department, Pradyumna Singh Tomar got energy, Mahendra Singh Sisodia got panchayat and rural development while Imarti Devi got women and child development department. Chouhan has kept the general administration, public relations, Narmada valley development, aviation

studies conducted with microorganisms, cells outside their usual surroundings, while vero cells are host cells for growing virus.

ILS has been support-

ing the Odisha government in augmenting testing for COVID-19 since April this year and has tested around 45,000 samples from as many as 26 districts of the state.

The institute has been selected as one of the 16 in the country for setting up a biorespository of clinical samples for furthering research and development efforts for COVID-19.

Apart from ILS, there other institutes - NIV, Pune, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad and RMRC, Dibrugarh have reported establishing virus cultures.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW CHRISTIAN COLLEGE ADMISSION GOING ON

school education departBA COURSE 2020 ment, Ramkhelavan PatelEstd. 1991 backward class and minori(Affiliated to Nagaland University) ties welfare, Ram Kishore NERHE PHEZHA, KOHIMA: NAGALAND Kanvre- AYUSH and water • Honours Offered: resources and Bharat Singh Kushwaha-food processing – Economic, Education, English, History, Political Science, Sociology. and horticulture. Free Admission In view of the Covid-19.

Chouhan took oath as chief minister for a record Livelihood skill training for self employment. Hostel available. fourth term on March 23, Music Classes for interested candidate. after Kamal Nath resigned College bus available for day scholars. from the post following Facilitation Centre for Admission at Sect. Road Kohima, Next rebellion by 22 MLAs of Jyotiraditya Scindia and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (File) the Congress. Out of the 22 to Hyundai Showroom Time: 9:30 am –1 pm and some other departments public health engineering, MLAs who walked away Contact no. for Admission Related Queries: with himself. Senior BJP Girraj Dandotia-farmers with Scindia, 14 were in- 7005225121/7005806068/9436070607/9862241414/ 9856582872. leader Narottam Mishra welfare and agriculture de- ducted into the cabinet.

K-1220 8256923734 (Whatsapp) retained the Home depart- velopment, Suresh Dhakadment, but had to give up public works department health to Scindia supporter and OPS Bhadoria-urban administration and develPrabhuram Choudhary.

Latika Complex, Nyamo Lotha Road, Dimapur Mishra also got charge opment. Yadav, Dandotia, Website: www.stmarysdimapur.com (2020-21) of the parliamentary affairs Dhakad and Bhadoria have and law departments on been inducted as ministers Monday. Besides, Gopal of state (MoS).

The other BJP minisBhargava got the public works department and rural ters include Dr Mohan Yaindustries, Vijay Shah-forest, dav, who got higher educaJagdish Devda-finance and tion department, Brajendra  LIMITED SEATS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CLASS-11 commercial tax, Bhupendra Pratap Singh- mineral re(Eleven) FOR COMMERCE, SCIENCE CO.ED. (BOYS Singh-urban administra- sources and labour, Vishwas & GIRLS) & ARTS (GIRLS ONLY). tion and development and Sarang-medical education, Yashodhara Raje Scindia- Bhopal gas tragedy and  Interested students can mail their NBSE / CBSE Marksheet relief, Prem Singh Patelsports and youth welfare. of Cl-10 along with their Name, Contact Number & Kamal Patel, who was animal, social justice and diinducted during the first vyang welfare, Om Prakash the Stream they are applying for in the School email idexpansion earlier, retained Saklecha-minor, small and farmers welfare and agricul- medium enterprises and scistmarysdimapur1992@gmail.com or can come to the School ture development depart- ence and technology, Usha office along with these details between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Thakur-tourism, culture ments.

From the Scindia camp, and spiritual departments  For CBSE Students in case if the result is not declared, Bisahulal Singh got food and and Arvind Bhadoria-coopyou can mail your half yearly marksheet for confirmation civil supplies and consumer eratives and public service protection, Aidal Singh management. of Admission.

Meena Singh Mandve, Kansana- public health engineering, Hardeep Singh who was inducted during  Scholarship for Meritorious Students in Science & Dang new and renewable the mini expansion, retained Commerce Stream. energy, Rajwardhan Singh the SC/ST welfare departDattigaon-industrial policy ment. Ministers of State  For more details, Contact School Office No. 03862and investment promotion, with independent charge 227996/+91 7629013850 between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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Army personnel during an encounter with militants, at Gusoo area of Pulwama District, on July 7, 2020. (PTI)

they fired indiscriminately at the joint search party, which retaliated. A woman suffered gunshot injuries in the firing by militants and she was shifted to a hospital for treatment where her condition was stated to be stable, he said. In the ensuing encounter, the two militants affiliated with JeM were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of the encounter, the spokesman said.

Arms and ammunition and other incriminating material were recovered from the site of the encounter.

In view of the COVID19 situation, the bodies of the militants would be sent to Baramulla for the last rites after conducting medicolegal formalities including the collection of their DNA, the spokesman said. Family members of the militants can come forward for their identification and participation in the last rites at Baramulla, the spokesman added.

BHUBANESWAR, JUL 13 (PTI): In a major development capable of helping in drug formulations for COVID-19, the Institute of Life Sciences here has successfully established in vitro cultures of the novel coronavirus from the patient samples using vero cells, a top ILS official said on Monday.

In vitro culture refers to studies of biological properties in test tubes instead of humans or animals. They are often contrasted to in vivo (in life) studies done inside organisms.

Seventeen virus cultures have been established from swab samples originating from different locations of the country with varying virus loads by the ILS, an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology, officials said.

The vero cell culture technology is used worldwide to develop inactivated whole cell-based vaccines.

The vero cell line is the most widely accepted continuous

business

Rupee settles flat at 75.19

Mumbai, Jul 13 (PTI): The rupee settled on a flat note at 75.19 against the US dollar on Monday amid high volatility in the domestic equity market.

The rupee traded in a narrow range as investors awaited retail inflation data for further cues, forex dealers said. During the four-hour trading session, the domestic unit witnessed an intra-day high of 75.08 and a low of 75.21 against the US dollar.

The rupee closed at 75.19 against the US

Crossword

Sudoku

KAKURO

dollar, up by just 1 paisa over its previous close. It had settled at 75.20 against the greenback on Friday.

While weak US currency supported the local unit, foreign fund outflows and concerns over rising COVID-19 cases weighed on investor sentiment, traders said.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.03 per cent to 96.62.

Equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty came off the day’s highs due to losses in financial stocks. The BSE Sensex settled 99.36 points, or 0.27 per cent, higher at 36,693.69 -- giving up about gains of 330 points from its intra-day peak. The NSE Nifty closed 34.65 points, or 1.15 per cent, up at 10,802.70.

Foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the capital market as they sold shares worth Rs 1,031 crore on Friday, according to provisional exchange data. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 1.25 per cent to USD 42.70 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the Financial Benchmark India Private Ltd (FBIL) set the reference rate for the rupee/dollar at 75.2865 and for rupee/euro at 84.7992.

The reference rate for rupee/British pound was fixed at 94.7686 and for rupee/100 Japanese yen at 70.46.

success stories, and noted 26 million SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) are now discoverable on search and maps, driving connections with more than 150 million users every month.

“What’s more, small merchants across the country are now equipped to accept digital payments,” Pichai said.

The global pandemic has “supercharged” the adoption of digital tools.

A case in point, he said, is digital payments, that has enabled families across India to access goods and services during the lockdowns.

“For them, grocery delivery services have been invaluable,” Pichai said, adding on a lighter note that he is sure, though, that his grandmother misses haggling over the price of her vegetables in person.

Slams govt’s COVID handling (From p-1) ruling party considering the “ineptitude” of the PDA government and its agencies in handling the Covid-19 related issues.

NPF said reluctance of the Naga public to be more vocal and forceful in voicing their disapproval towards the government due to the pandemic enforced lockdown should not be misconstrued as public contentment or approval of the of the PDA government.

Fur ther, NPF expressed surprise that whenever it raised concern over issues of public importance, the PDA alliance on numerous occasions issued several press statements “expressing smooth and cordial relationship within the alliance.”

NPF said it was “never interested” in the state of their relationship or the instability of the present gov-

ernment. NPF also said that it was “in no way” trying to create any rift between the PDA alliance partners.

Opposition party has, however, affirmed that it would continue to express genuine concern over the conduct of affairs in the state including prevailing law and order situation, mismanagement of COVID-19 pandemic by PDA government and any other issue related to good governance of the state.

NPF has, therefore, advised the ruling party “not to dredge up unnecessary and unwarranted accusations” on the opposition, but instead focus on their duty of efficiently and competently tackling the pertinent issues at hand and providing good governance to the people of Nagaland, a task which it said the PDA alliance partner has “miserably failed to underscore so far.”

No. 9623 Yesterday’s solution No. 9622

No. 4242 Yesterday’s solution No. 4241

No. 3266 Yesterday’s solution No. 3265

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New Delhi, Jul 13 (IANS): Securitisation volume plunged 85 per cent to Rs 6,200 crore in the first quarter of financial year 2020-2021, because of slow collections following the lockdown and the loan moratorium offered by lenders, a Crisil report said on Monday.

The report said that the decline comes after 15 months of “frenetic” activity that was mainly driven by non-banking finance companies (NBFCs).

“Deferment of transactions is along expected lines.

Limited disbursements in the first quarter reduced the immediate liquidity needs of some larger, well-capitalised NBFCs,” said Krishnan Sitaraman, Senior Director, Crisil Ratings. “On the demand side, a vast majority of investors are waiting for clarity on economic activity

and borrower cash flows and the consequent impact on collections stability,” Sitaraman said. According to the report, asset-backed securities (ABS) remained the dominant segment comprising 74 per cent of the overall securitised volume in the quarter. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) constituted the balance volume.

Direct assignment (DA) route, being the mostpreferred for securitisation of MBS deals, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all deals. However, the partial credit guarantee scheme for direct assignment transactions announced by the government did not draw much traction in the just concluded quarter.

About 34 per cent of the market adopted the passthrough certificate (PTC) route of securitisation.

However, in stark contrast

RIL’s m-cap hits Rs 12 lakh cr

Retail inflation at 6.09% in June

Mumbai, Jul 13 (IANS): Reliance Industries (RIL) on Monday became the first Indian company to reach market capitalisation of Rs 12 lakh crore, with shares reaching a fresh high of Rs 1,938.80.

Around 10 a.m., RIL’s market capitalisation was at over Rs 12.23 lakh crore.

Its shares on the BSE were trading at Rs 1,933, higher

by Rs 54.50 or 2.90 per cent from its previous close.

The bull run in RIL shares continued on Monday after the company announced another investment coming into Jio Platforms.

RIL on Sunday announced that Qualcomm Ventures, the investment arm of Qualcomm Incorporated has committed to invest up to Rs 730 crore in Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. With the investment Qualcomm Ventures will pick up a 0.15 per cent stake in Jio Platforms.

New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI): Retail inflation rose by 6.09 per cent in June, mainly on account of higher prices of food items, the government data showed on Monday.

Food inflation in June increased by 7.87 per cent, according to Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.

The inflation figures are based on data collected from limited markets in view of the restrictions imposed on account of coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of

with the overall market performance, transactions backed by gold-loan receivables bucked the trend. They comprised nearly half of the total securitisation transactions in the first quarter.

That compares with 20 per cent, 7 per cent, and 2 per cent in the comparable periods of fiscals 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The increase in gold loan-backed securitisation is because of the relatively short tenure of the loans, their strong performance over the past few years, and secured nature of the asset class in a rising gold price environment. Barring this asset class, the number of originators was limited in the first quarter. Only marquee players were able to draw some interest, especially from private investors such as insurers and new private banks, the report said.

Statistics & Programme Implementation said in a release. The data collected, however, did not meet the adequacy criteria for generating robust estimates of CPIs at the state-level, it added.

The retail inflation based on Consumer Prince Index was 3.18 per cent in June 2019. The government had released truncated CPI data for April and May in the backdrop of the lockdown to contain COVID-19 pandemic.

CBDT provides utility for TDS rates on cash withdrawals

New Delhi, Jul 13 (IANS): The Income Tax Department has facilitated a new functionality for banks and post offices to ascertain TDS applicability rates on cash withdrawal of above Rs 20 lakh in case of a non-filer of the income-tax return and that of above Rs 1 crore in case of a filer of the incometax return. In a statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said that now banks and post offices have to only enter the PAN of the person who is withdrawing cash for ascertaining the applicable rate of TDS. So far, more than 53,000 verification requests have been executed successfully on this facility, a statement by the CBDT said. “CBDT today said that this functionality available as ‘Verification of applicability u/s 194N’ on www.incometaxindiaefiling.

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per cent if it exceeds Rs 1 crore.” The CBDT said that the data on cash withdrawal indicated that huge amount of cash is withdrawn by the persons who have never filed income-tax returns.

To ensure filing of return by these persons and to keep track on cash withdrawals by the non-filers, and to curb black money, the Finance Act, 2020 with effect from July 1, 2020 further amended IT Act to lower threshold of cash withdrawal to Rs 20 lakh for the applicability of this TDS for the non-filers and also mandated TDS at the higher rate of 5 per cent on cash withdrawal exceeding Rs 1 crore by the non-filers.

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gov.in since 1st July 2020, is also made available to the Banks through web-services so that the entire process can be automated and be linked to the Bank’s internal core banking solution,” it said.

On entering PAN by the bank or the post office, a message will be instantly displayed on the departmental utility: “TDS is deductible at the rate of 2 per cent if cash withdrawal exceeds Rs 1 crore”, in case the person withdrawing cash is a filer of the income-tax return.

In case the person withdrawing cash is a non-filer of income tax return, the message shown would be: “TDS is deductible at the rate of 2 per cent if cash withdrawal exceeds Rs 20 lakh and at the rate of 5

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Sundar Pichai next 5-7 years. We’ll do this through a mix of equity investments, partnerships, and operational, infrastructure and ecosystem investments,” Pichai said.

Investments will focus on four areas key to India’s digitisation, including enabling affordable access and information for every Indian in their own language, be it Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi or any other, he said.

Other focus areas will be building new products and services relevant to India’s unique needs, empowering businesses as they continue or embark on their digital transformation, and leveraging technology and Aritificial Intelligence (AI) for social good, in areas such as health, education, and agriculture.

Addressing ‘Google for India’ event, Pichai said India digital journey is far from complete.

“There’s still more work to do in order to make the internet affordable and useful for a billion Indians...from improving voice input and computing for all of India’s languages, to inspiring and supporting a whole new generation of entrepreneurs,” he said.

Pichai counted digitisation of small businesses as one of the most exciting

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nologies are happening in India first, and that people in the country no longer have to wait for technology to come to them.

“There’s no question we are facing a difficult moment today, in India and around the world.

The dual challenges to our health and to our economies have forced us to rethink how we work and how we live. But times of challenge can lead to incredible moments of innovation,” Pichai said.

The company is committed to ensure that India not only benefits from the next wave of innovation, but in fact leads it, he said.

“Today, I’m excited to announce the Google for India Digitisation Fund.

Through this effort, we will invest Rs 75,000 crore, or approximately USD 10 billion, into India over the

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New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI): Google chief executive Sundar Pichai on Monday announced plans to invest Rs 75,000 crore in India over the next five to seven years to help accelerate the adoption of digital technologies in the country.

India-born Pichai, who held a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning, made the announcement at annual ‘Google for India’ event via video conference.

Announcing the Rs 75,000 crore investment in India over the next 5-7 years through ‘Google for India Digitisation Fund’, Pichai asserted that the move is a reflection of company’s confidence in the future of the country and its digital economy.

Pichai said a whole new generation of tech-

Securitisation volume plunges 85 per cent in Q1 FY21: Crisil

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Google to invest Rs 75,000 cr in India: Pichai

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

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8

BEIJING, JUL 13 (PTI): China on Monday imposed visa restrictions on some top US officials and politicians in the latest tit-for-tat response to America’s move to sanction several Chinese officials for alleged human rights abuses targeting ethnic minority groups in the Muslim-majority Xinjiang province. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media here that the behaviour of the US officials and politicians, and visa ban on some Chinese officials from Uyghur Muslim dominated Xinjiang province “severely damaged China-US relations,” and should be condemned.

Hua made the comments in response to US sanctions and visa restrictions on three senior officials of the ruling Chinese Communist Party from Xinjiang for alleged human rights abuses targeting Muslim Uyghurs.

China has decided to impose sanctions starting from Monday against US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback, Congressman

Hua Chunying (File)

Chris Smit and US Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. The CECC is headed

by Rubio, a vocal critic of China.

Announcing the ban on US officials, Hua reiterated “Xinjiang is entirely the internal affair of China, and the US has no right to interfere. The Chinese government’s determination to protect its sovereignty, and crackdown against terrorism, separatism and extreme religious forces is unshakeable.” Hua said China would take further measures based on the situation.

This is the first-time China has banned top US politicians in its retaliation to US sanctions and visa bans on Chinese officials from Xinjiang, Tibet and over the new national security law in Hong Kong.

Beijing’s move comes days after the US on Thursday slapped sanctions on some Chinese officials incharge of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region who were “believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the unjust detention or abuse of Uygurs, ethnic ­Kazakhs and members of other minority groups in Xinjiang”.

The three officials banned by the US are Chen Quanguo, CCP Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; Zhu Hailun, Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Political and Legal Committee; and Wang Mingshan, the current Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau. China has been saying it would retaliate with similar bans on US officials with “egregious behaviours”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo while announcing sanctions on Chinese officials in Xinjiang on Thursday said “the United States is taking action against the horrific and systematic abuses in Xinjiang and calls on all nations who share our concerns about the CCP’s attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms to join us in condemning this behaviour”.

Poland’s Duda wins presidential election WA R S AW, J U L 1 3 (AGENCIES): Poland’s incumbent Andrzej Duda has won the presidential election, results from over 99% of polling stations show, with remaining uncounted votes unlikely to sway the final outcome, the National Electoral Commission said on Monday. Duda, an ally of Poland’s ruling nationalists, is expected to help the Law and Justice (PiS) party continue its reforms of the judiciary, which have been criticised by the European Union, and generous social spending programmes.

According to the latest results, Duda received 51.21% of the vote, while opposition candidate Rafal Trzaskowski got 48.79% of the vote. The difference in votes between the candidates amounted to around 500,000.

“I don’t want to speak on behalf of the campaign staff, but I think that this difference is large enough that we have to accept the result,” Grzegorz Schetyna, the former head of Poland’s opposition Civic Platform (PO) grouping and member of parliament told private broadcaster TVN24 on Monday. Poles voted with almost record turnout, reported at 68.12% by the commission.

21 injured in US Navy ship fire in San Diego

Smoke rises from the USS Bonhomme Richard at Naval Base San Diego Sunday, July 12, after an explosion and fire Sunday on board the ship at Naval Base San Diego. (AP/PTI)

LOS ANGELES, JUL 13 (IANS): A total of 21 people, including 17 sailors and four civilians, were injured in a fire on a US Navy ship at Naval Base San Diego in California, authorities said.

The injured are being

treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital after the fire on board USS Bonhomme Richard, according to the Naval Surface Forces, US Pacific Fleet, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

“The entire crew is off the ship and all are accounted,” tweeted the Naval Surface Forces, adding that all inport ships have been contacted and directed to provide fire parties to possibly assist with firefighting

efforts.

Around 160 sailors were aboard the ship when the fire was called away at approximately 8.30 a.m. local time, according to the tweets.

Officials said that local, base and shipboard firefighters are responding to the three-alarm fire and two military ships near USS Bonhomme Richard have shifted berths to a pier further away from the fire.

USS Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability and has a crew size of around 1,000, the US Navy said.

The San Diego FireRescue Department said that it is assisting on the fire on board the Navy ship, adding the department is working in unified command with federal firefighters to put out the blaze.

Pictures from the scene showed plumes of smoke rising up over the deck of the ship. The cause of the fire is still unclear. Some people at the scene were quoted as saying by local news outlets that they had heard an explosion.

Pak to restore Afghan exports through Wagah border

ISLAMABAD, JUL 13 (PTI): Pakistan said on Monday that it will restore Afghanistan’s exports through the Wagah border with India from Wednesday at the special request of Kabul and to facilitate Afghan Transit Trade.

Pakistan closed the Wagah border with India in mid-March in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“At the special request of the Government of Afghanistan and with a view to facilitating Afghanistan’s transit trade, Pakistan has decided to resume Afghan exports through Wagah border crossing from 15 July 2020, after implementing COVID-19 related protocols,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The FO stated that with this step, Pakistan has fulfilled its commitments under Pakistan-Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA).

It also said that Pakistan remains “fully committed” to improving bilateral relations with Afghanistan in all areas including trade, and to facilitate Afghanistan’s transit trade under the agreement.

Mohammad Sadiq, the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, said that his country has already restored bilateral trade and

Taliban attacks kill 16 in Afghanistan KABUL, JUL 13 (IANS): Twelve policemen and four civilians were killed during Taliban attacks in Afghanistan’s Kunduz and Badakhshan provinces, authorities said on Monday, adding that 11 insurgents also died.

Five police officers and four civilians were killed, while eight people were injured after Taliban militants stormed into Imam Sahib district in Kunduz on Sunday night, Yousuf Ayoubi, a member of provincial council, told Xinhua news agency.

Several dozens of militants tried to overrun the police station and local government offices, he said. “The clashes continued until early Monday and security forces repelled the attackers and the Taliban insurgents were forced back from the district after at least six militants were killed and several others wounded,” the source added.

Wagah border in Pakistan which was closed in mid-March due to COVID-19.

Afghan transit trade at all border crossings.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share 18 crossing points.

Pakistan closed its border with Iran and Afghanistan after COVID-19 cases increased in the country early this year.

Pakistan last week opened the Angor Adda point in South Waziristan and the Kharlachi crossing in Kurram districts

bordering Afghanistan to boost trade between the two countries after monthslong closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While the Angor Adda was operationalised on Friday, two days ahead of its scheduled opening, the Kharlachi was reopened on Saturday.

Last month, Pakistan reopened Torkham crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Chaman point in

Balochistan and Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan tribal district to promote bilateral business and trade activities.

Pakistan has so far recorded 5,266 coronavirus fatalities and more than 251,000 cases.

According to officials, Pakistan is the largest importer of Afghani products, while Afghanistan is the 4th largest destination for Pakistani exports.

Over 140 dead or missing in floods in China

Russian warplanes target Islamic State positions in Syria

BEIJING, JUL 13 (PTI): Over 140 people have died or are missing in the catastrophic floods that have been wreaking havoc in China since last month, affecting more than 37 million and damaging 28,000 houses, media reports said on Monday. China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters upgraded the emergency response for flood control from level III to level II on Sunday, as incessant downpours continued across vast stretches of the country. Over 2.24 lakh people have been relocated as China faces “flood catastrophe” with 433 rivers in spate, testing the strength of some of the water barrages including the world’s largest Three Gorges Dam. The floods have affected 37.89 million people in 27 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

Since June, 141 people are dead or missing, and 28,000 houses have collapsed, staterun CGTN quoted the Ministry of Water Resources as saying. The water levels

Postal voting for over Nepal’s Culture minister calls for reopening of Pashupatinath Temple 700,00 SL officials begins

Pashupatinath Hindu Temple.

KATHMANDU, JUL 13 (PTI): Nepal’s Culture minister has asked the staff of the trust that operates the Pashupatinath Hindu Temple to start making preparations to reopen the iconic religious and heritage site where special worship was suspended following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Addressing a review meeting of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) on Sunday, Yogesh Bhattarai told the staff of the organisation to launch a development initiative at the UNESCO World Heritage site. “I have received a complaint that the PADT was working in the interest

of middlemen. Whoever is involved in it, it is not good and must be stopped immediately. Consider the interest of the religious site before acting on any plan,” said Bhattarai, who is also Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation.

The minister directed the staff to make preparations for the opening of the Pashupatinath Temple at a certain time during the day by adopting the health and safety measures, The Rising Nepal newspaper reported.

“Various individuals and groups are eying the properties of the PADT, therefore, you must be vigilant to control such activi-

ties,” the minister cautioned the staff of the trust.

He drew the attention of the PADT to the encroachment of the land in Gothatar that belonged to Pashupati.

“Immediately fix the boundary of the land and create a fence. If there are any structures created in the land, remove them,” Bhattarai said.

The minister said that it was important to keep an eye on the private investors who intend to make investments at the heritage site as the “crooked businessmen” could ruin the image of the religious site, the report said.

Founded in 1996, PADT is a trust established to conserve and operate the Pashupatinath Temple and other charitable institutions in the Pashupatinath UNESCO World Heritage Sites area.

Pashupatinath Temple is the largest temple complex in Nepal and stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River and sees thousands of worshippers from Nepal and India every day

C O LO M B O, J U L 1 3 (PTI): The postal voting for over 700,000 Sri Lankan officers, who will be on duty on August 5 for the parliamentary polls, began on Monday amidst special security measures, following a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The voting will go on for 5 days with two days reserved next week for those who fail to cast their vote this week. Over 700,000 officers who will be on election duty on August 5 are eligible to cast their vote.

The election authorities said the voting in the nor th central town of Rajanganaya was indefinitely postponed due to a COVID-19 threat. According to the health officials, a cluster has been forming in the area since last week with the infections from a drug rehabilitation center at Kandakadu in Polonnaruwa district.

Nearly 500 new infection, including 70 students, were detected from Kandakadu cluster. Around 600 close contacts of those who tested positive have been sent for quarantine.

“The cluster can be controlled,” Dr Anil Jasinghe, the director general of health services, said, adding that the public had lowered guard against COVID-19 as the country was being re-opened after the lockdown.

In mid-June, the countrywide curfew was completely lifted and the focus was soon shifted to the August 5 parliamentary election.

With the g rowing threat from the new cluster, the government shut schools this week, the while main election rallies have been cancelled.

DAMASCUS, JUL 13 (IANS): Russian warplanes on Monday struck positions of the Islamic State (IS) militant group in eastern Syria, a war monitor reported.

The attack took place in the desert of Sukhneh area in the remote eastern countryside of Homs Province amid renewed battles between the IS and the Syrian government forces, Xinhua reported citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based watchdog said losses have been reported on both sides.

On July 7, the IS militants launched attacks on the Syrian army positions in a triangle of areas combining countryside areas of Aleppo, Hama, and Raqqa provinces in northern Syria, according to the watchdog.

A total of 601 Syrian and pro-government soldiers have been killed in the battles with IS militants in the desert since March, while 256 IS militants lost their lives, the watchdog said.

OFFICE OF THE

AKUK OFFICERS' FORUM HQ. WOKHA

FELICITATION The Akuk Officers’ Forum extends heartiest congratulations to the following esteemed members for being promoted to a higher position in their respective fields: 1. Y. KHOCHAMO HUMTSOE, Dy. SP/Asst. Commandant 2. N. JERRY PATTON, Jt. Director, Horticulture Department.

3. R. SANTSU KITHAN, Jt. Director, Agriculture Department.

We wish them good health, contentment and blessings for the future too.

DR. CHIBENTHUNG KITHAN PRESIDENT

CONGRATULATORY NOTE The Zutovi Village Students' Union is immensely pleased to congratulate all it's bonafide members who have successfully cleared HSLC and HSSLC Examinations 2020 held under NBSE. The Union further wishes all the best in their future endeavors.

Gen Secy., ZVSU STONE CHISHI.

TUMCHOBENI TSOPOE SECRETARY

GRATITUDE

OFFICE OF THE

ZUTOVI VILLAGE STUDENTS UNION, DIMAPUR

President, ZVSU AKAVI CHISHI

of 433 rivers in China have crossed the danger mark since early June, with 33 of them rising to historical highs.

The water level of Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake, on Sunday hit record-high. The Eastern Zhejiang Province raised its flooding emergency response to the top level along the Qiantang River. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for the greatest efforts to brave challenges and to go to the frontline of flood prevention and rescue and relief work to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property. Noting that the water in the Yangtze River, Huaihe River, as well as in Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake and Taihu Lake has exceeded warning levels, and regions including Chongqing, Jiangxi, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu and Zhejiang have seen severe floods recently, causing casualties and property losses, Xi said the flood prevention situation is grim, state-run China Daily reported.

K-1221

China sanctions top US officials, politicians

9

international

DP-3156

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to NHAK anonymous doctors as they have tremendously helped us by donating from their own pocket at this pandemic to the contract lab technicians under NHAK . May the good Lord bless you all !! We appreciate & value what you did. As nobody recognized the work load of a lab technician and the appeals to authority for high compensation was just in vain.

Regards, Kezhangu & Chentiya K-1217 NHAK Lab Technicians

Infotainment

John Travolta’s wife Kelly Preston dies at 57

Kelly Preston

A

ctor John Travolta’s wife and actress Kelly Preston has died of breast cancer. She was 57. The actor took to Instagram to share the news of her demise with an emotional post, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“It is with a ver y heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer.

She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. My family and I will forever

be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side.

Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,”

Travolta wrote.

Actress and former model Preston and Travolta had been married for 29 years. They have two children, Ella, 20 and Benjamin, nine. A son, Jett, died in 2009 at age of 16.

Travolta shared that he will be taking some time off to be with his kids.

“I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don’t hear from us for a while.

But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal,” he added.

Daughter Ella also paid tribute to her mother in a moving post, writing: “I love you so much mama.”

A spokesman for the family told People: “On the morning of July

12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer. Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends. She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched. Her family asks for your understanding of their need for privacy at this time.”

Preston featured in 1996’s “Jerry Maguire”, 1986’s “SpaceCamp”, 1988’s “Twins”, 1998’s “Jack Frost”, and 1999’s “For Love of the Game”.

She also starred opposite Travolta in several films, including “The Experts”, “Battlefield Earth” and “Old Dogs”. Her recent screen credit was the 2018 film “Gotti”.

NK Naga to release song in memory Jay-Z files lawsuit over prison of Sushant Singh Rajput today conditions at a Mississippi jail

J

NK Naga with Alobo Naga after releasing the song “Jaan Nissar” on Monday. (NP)

N

K Naga, who recently released a Hindi original song under the title “Tum Ho Mera Pyar”, is all set to premier an unplugged cover version of the song, “Jaan Nisaar”, from the movie “Kedarnath”, starred by late Sushant Singh Rajput, on July 14 at 7 p.m. in YouTube.

Ngukavi Zhimo, mostly known by his stage name, NK Naga, in an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post informed that the song was

released by Alobo Naga on Tuesday and will be premiered on July 14, commemorating the first month death anniversary of late Sushant Singh Rajput.

“As whole of India was still mourning the death of SSR, I would like to dedicate the song to all of SSR’s fans throughout India and abroad”, said NK Naga.

Late Sushant Singh Rajput, a Bollywood actor, committed suicide on June 14, in his apartment

in Mumbai. He is mostly known for his roles in the movies, “Kai Po Che”, “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story”, “Chhichhore”, etc.

It may be noted that NK Naga is the first ever Naga Hindi singers, who had won several awards and recognitions in the national level.

One can tune in to listen to his song on his YouTube channel, under the handle name “NK Naga”.

(Staff Reporter)

ay-Z has filed a lawsuit against a Mississippi jail over “dire” living conditions.

The rapper has teamed up with Yo Gotti, and Team ROC on behalf of 227 inmates at Parchman prison.

The lawsuit calls for the Department of Corrections Commissioner Nathan Burl Cain to address allegedly subpar living conditions and a lack of COVID-19 testing protocol including a lack of social distancing and PPE at the penitentiary, reports Pitchfork.

“The situation in Parchman is dire,” Yo Gotti said. He continued: “More and more of the incarcerated population are reaching out for help and pleading for immediate medical attention, especially as the coronavirus threatens their lives.

“Mississippi Governor Reeves, Commissioner Burl Cain and Centene – as the parent company of Parchman’s healthcare provider Centurion – can’t continue to neglect this tragedy and let the death toll rise. We will hold them accountable

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

Spice Girls reunite for country walk

A

ll five Spice Girls reunited last week. The quintet - Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, Mel B, Mel C and Victoria Beckham - pulled on their wellied to enjoy a catch up during a country walk, but ensured they stuck to the social distancing guidelines designed to slow the spread of coronavirus and ensured they kept two metres apart at all times.

Emma revealed on her Heart radio show on Sunday (12.07.20): ‘’Now as things slowly, slowly start to get back to normal and we’ve all started to meet up with friends again haven’t we? Which is strange.....I actually started to think I would never see them again....well unless it was on Zoom calls. ‘’And this week, yes, I finally got to meet up with Geri, Mel B, Mel C and Victoria! ‘’Now you may think we propped

up a bar somewhere or had drinks in the garden but no! We went on a social distancing walk in the woods, yes! ‘’This time last year we were performing at Wembley all glammed up....well this year we was in wellies... walking in the rain... Yes, something you don’t see every day - five Spice Girls in their wellies!’’ While Victoria may have joined her former bandmates for the walk, it was recently claimed the fashion designer has no plans to get back on stage with them for a proposed 25th anniversary tour next year, having previously shunned their reunion concerts in 2019.

A source recently said: ‘’Victoria will always be a Spice Girl and loves the girls very much but due to other commitments would not be able to go on tour with them.’’

(Contactmusic)

‘Indian Idol’ aspirants to audition from home

Jay-Z and fight for the rights of the incarcerated.

The complaint goes on to allege that Parchman Prison has been “understaffed and underfunded for decades,” which has resulted in inadequate healthcare (physical and mental), the overuse of isolation, and “constant violence.”

The lawsuit also cites multiple alleged hygiene issues within Parchman Prison, including a portable water system contaminated with human faeces, the presence of black mold, vermin and inmates’ limited access to showers.

The court order is calling for a plan to address current conditions at the jail within 90 days.

(NME)

“I

ndian Idol” aspirants will audition for the show from their homes this season.

The music reality show will be back with season 12 and digital auditions have become essential owing to Covid restrictions.

Said Aditya Narayan, who returns as host on season 12” “Being associated with ‘Indian idol’ is always very exciting. But this time my excitement was at another level when the team approached me and offered me to sing for the promo.

Recording the promo was really fantastic. I felt so privileged that I would be singing for India’s most reputed singing reality show.”

“I am loving the audience reaction for the promo. I would like to invite all the aspiring singing

talent to participate in ‘Indian Idol’ 12 by recording their videos and uploading the same on SonyLIV July 25 onwards. This time, you can give ‘Indian Idol’ auditions sitting at home, just with a click,” he added.

Aditya mentions in

the promo why participating in “Indian Idol” has become all the more exciting: “Kyuki sapno ka pehla step ho gaya easy, yaar” (because the first step to your dreams has become easy, my friend).

(IANS)

OFFICE OF THE

SUMI COMMUNITY EKRANIPATHAR

FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, we the Sumi Community Ekranipathar, Dimapur convey our heartiest congratulations to Mr JEPIKA H YEPTHO, S/o Er. HOSHITO YEPTHO (SDO) for successfully clearing the recent NPSC Exam securing the post of Extension Officer (E.O) under the Deptt. of Sericulture.

May you continue to be an example of success and hard work and to achieve greater heights and bring honour to our Community.

(Hokugha Zhimo) (Atoshe Chishi) Chairman Secretary

DP-3157

10

Amitabh, Abhishek stable Gaga is the face of Valentino’s new fragrance

26 staff members test Covid negative

M

egastar Amitabh Bachchan and his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, who were admitted to a hospital here after testing positive for coronavirus, are “clinically stable”, hospital sources said on Monday.

Amitabh, 77, and Abhishek, 44, revealed their diagnosis on Twitter on July 11, saying they were in the isolation ward of Nanavati Hospital and all the people who came in their direct contact will undergo test for the virus.

“They both are in the (isolation) ward and are clinically stable. At present, they do not requiring aggressive treatment. They are okay with the first line of medication. They are being given supportive therapy,” a hospital insider told PTI. Assistant municipal commissioner, K West ward, Vishwas Mote confirmed that 26 staff members working at Bachchans’ bungalows have tested negative for Covid-19.

“As per the laboratory report, all the staffers have tested negative for Covid19,” he said.

Another BMC official said that total 30 staffers have been quarantined, but only 26 of them were from K Y M C

high risk contact group, while the remaining were from low risk group.

O n S u n d ay, A m itabh’s daughter-in-law, actor Aishwarya, 46, and her eight-year-old daughter Aaradhya also tested positive for Covid -19.

Abhishek confirmed Aishwarya and Aaradhya’s diagnosis on the microblogging site on Sunday, adding that they will be “self-quarantining at home”.

The actor said he and his father will “remain in hospital till the doctors decide otherwise”.

Taking to his blog o n S u n d ay, A m i t a b h thanked his admirers for their prayers and concern for him and his family members.

“My dearest extended family, your concern, your prayers and your wishes for Abhishek, Aishwarya, Aaradhya and me for a speedy recovery has filled me with unending gratitude. I thank you all,” the screen icon wrote.

With 1,263 new Covid19 cases being recorded on Sunday, Mumbai’s case count has mounted to 92,720, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

(PTI)

Lady GaGa

L

ady GaGa is set to be the face of Valentino’s new Voce Viva fragrance. The ‘Stupid Love’ hitmaker will front the campaign for the latest fragrance from the Italian fashion house, which is due to launch this Autumn.

Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli said in a statement: ‘’Lady Gaga means freedom, selfconsciousness, pure heart.

Her participation in this campaign elevates the symbolic power of the project to the highest level. She is the icon of a generation. Her message of freedom, passion for art, self-consciousness and equality is the same our Valentino community stands for. I am so proud for having her in.’’ The new scent was conceptualised by Piccioli and the Valentino Beauty Team at L’Oréal. Accord-

ing to a press release, the fragrance was ‘’imagined as a voice to spread a message around the world,’’ and ‘’invites everyone to touch hearts, inspire others and live their dreams.’’

The collaboration with Gaga comes after the 34year-old singer insisted she wants to help young people to feel ‘’beautiful’’ without needing to ‘’be perfect in any type of physical way’’.

Gaga is known for her unique fashion sense, and said her ‘’definition of beauty’’ goes ‘’against the grain’’, as she also insisted anyone can be a ‘’beautiful person’’ without conforming to conventional beauty standards.

She said: ‘’Even though I might wear skimpy outfits sometimes and I’m sitting here with no pants on with my big shoes, my definition

of beauty has always been very against the grain. ‘’I just dressed like how I felt like dressing today, how I wanted to do my hair, how I wanted my makeup to look. ‘’But I would never want to send a message to anyone, especially a young person, that you have to be perfect in any type of physical way in order to be a beautiful person.’’

T h e ‘ S o u r C a n dy ’ singer also said she doesn’t believe she found fame because she’s ‘’pretty’’, and encouraged people to let their talents and hard work do the talking rather than their looks.

She added: ‘’I didn’t get here because I’m pretty. I’m not a supermodel. I make music and it’s that and my heart, and my brain that got me here, and a lot of hard work.’’

(Contactmusic)

DC-603

K Y M C

Sevilla beat Real Mallorca 2-0 in La Liga

M A D R I D, J u l 1 3 (Agencies): Sevilla closed in on Champions League qualification by beating struggling Real Mallorca 2-0 at home to open up a nine-point gap in the race for fourth spot in La Liga.

Lucas Ocampos opened the scoring with a first-half penalty while Youssef En Nesyri sealed the victory late on, latching on to a long punt from goalkeeper Bono and barging past a defender to lift the ball over Mallorca keeper Manolo Reina.

Sevilla have 66 points after 36 games and will clinch their return to Europe’s premier competition after a two-year absence if Villarreal, who have 57, fail to beat Real Sociedad on Monday.

Mallorca are 19th on 32 and will need to earn at least four points in their final two games if they are to stand a chance of staying in the top-flight, as they trail 17th-placed Alaves by three points and have an inferior

Players of Sevilla and Real Mallorca vie for the ball during their La Liga match.

head-to-head record.

The result also meant Eibar sealed their topflight status after beating relegated Espanyol 2-0 away from home earlier on, while 14th-placed Real Valladolid are now also safe on 39 points. They were beaten 1-0 by Barcelona on

Saturday.

Edu Exposito scored both goals to earn Eibar their first win in four matches which took them to 15th in the standings on 39 points, seven above the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, Leganes lived to fight another day

Thiem slams US Open restrictions

Dominic Thiem

Vienna, Jul 13 (Agencies): Dominic Thiem has joined World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in voicing dissent against the US Open 2020 and its coronavirus-related safety protocols.

Novak Djokovic had previously stated he was considering skipping the 2020 US Open as he was not on-board with the strict measures being proposed

by USTA. The Serb had pointed out how bringing only one member from his coaching team for the upcoming Grand Slam wouldn’t be “sustainable”.

Just like the the Serb, Dominic Thiem has also ex p r e s s e d h i s d o u b t s about the viability of the US Open if such rules are imposed. Thiem weighed in on the whole situation

while speaking to Austrian tabloid Krone.at.

When Djokovic had voiced opposition to USTA’s rules, he had particularly pointed out the limited access to the courts and the limited team personnel.

Dominic Thiem harped on the latter point too, as he believes it would have a negative impact on the players’ preparations.

“In my opinion, this is a terrible mistake. They should allow us to bring three of four people,” Thiem said.

Although the health crisis continues to plague the entire world, the organizers at Flushing Meadows are optimistic about the event going ahead as scheduled on 31st August - albeit under certain guidelines.

in La Liga, riding their luck in a 1-0 win at home to Valencia after playing most of the second half with 10 men and seeing their opponents squander a penalty.

Midfielder Ruben Perez put the Madrid minnows in front in the 18th minute

Lionel Messi

“His home. All the supporters love him not only in Barcelona but around the world. All enjoy watching him play, so hopefully he can stay many years,” added the 42-year old who has also played for Atletico Madrid and Liverpool among other clubs and is a LaLiga ambassador.

Barcelona are currently

one point adrift of league leaders Real Madrid but the latter have a game in hand and can go four points clear with two games remaining for the competition to end.

Asked if the team is in transition, Garcia said, “When I signed for Barcelona in 2003, they were in transition and they stayed four-five years without a

Broad given no guarantee of a recall for second Test

K Y M C

When asked whether Broad is in line to play, Silverwood said, “Nothing is a given in this team, as we have seen, and people will be playing for their spots.

Everything will be considered.”

England went with Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and James Anderson as its pace bowlers in Southampton.

Wood only picked up two wickets across the two innings, perhaps making him the fall guy if Broad is to return. Alternatively, England may choose to rest Anderson, who was injuryhit last year and might not be risked to play three backto-back Test matches.

The third Test starts July 24.

“We have one or two stiff bodies, as you can imagine,” Silverwood said.

Lo n d o n, J u l 1 3 (Agencies): Mikel Arteta kept his cards close to his chest when asked about Mesut Ozil’s future at Arsenal on Sunday.

The Germany international was once again missing from the Gunners squad as they lost 2-1 away at north London rivals Tottenham to drop down to ninth in the Premier League.

Ozil hasn’t made a single appearance since football resumed in June, making the squad only twice before being left out entirely with a mysterious back problem.

“He is still in the same positions he was last week or two weeks ago and we said we will manage everything internally,” Arteta said when asked about Ozil’s future. “I have nothing to say.”

Arteta has been praised for his no-nonsense attitude with the likes of Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi in recent weeks, insisting that players need to ‘get on the boat’ if they wish to remain at the club.

The Spaniard recently said that there would always

Mikel Arteta and Mesut Ozil

be a place for a player of Ozil’s quality at the Emirates Stadium, suggesting he could yet have a future at the club. Questions remain around the Gunners’ defenders, with another defensive error costing them against Spurs.

Sead Kolasinac’s mistake allowed Heung-min Son to equalise soon after Alexandre Lacazette’s stunning opener.

After the game, Arteta was asked if such inconsistency could allow Rob Holding a chance to return to the side and impress. But,

after a recent unbeaten run, he didn’t seem overly concerned. “Sometimes it’s the position, sometimes it’s the momentum of the players, when we don’t concede in three or four games in a row everything is really positive,” Arteta explained.

“Obviously when you concede two goals like today… [people ask] why are we not playing someone else? Rob has done really well when we’ve demanded him to play and he will be ready to play when we demand him to do so I’m sure.”

Liverpool, Jul 13 (Agencies): Jurgen Klopp has set a date for his departure from Liverpool, with the German planning to head home when his contract at Anfield expires in 2024.

The enigmatic 53year-old committed to fresh terms with the Reds in December 2019 and, since putting pen to paper, a first English top-flight title in 30 years has been delivered on Merseyside.

The Premier League crown has been added to the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup prizes collected over the course of a memorable 13 months.

The challenge facing Klopp is to build on that success and establish another dynasty for Liver-

trophy. Two years later, they won everything. So it could be a moment of transition... if you look at the squad of Barcelona they are looking at a new generation with Riqui Puig, Ansu Fati... players who are adding so much quality.”

“They are bringing youth to the team. So it could be a transition, but in this year if they win LaLiga or Champions League it won’t be a transition. We can talk about that the day they stop winning trophies.”

Meanwhile, Frederic Kanoute, who was also attending the video conference, said Messi has adjusted his game according to his age and thinks one step ahead of everyone, which is why he is one of the best in the business.

pool.

He intends to oversee that project, but is also starting to piece together plans for the next chapter in his career.

“Four years in Liverpool,” Klopp told SWR Sport when asked how long he intends to stick around in England.

Asked if he intends to head back to Germany at that point, the Reds boss said, “Definitely to live, after my career. Most likely even to Mainz.”

Klopp concedes that anything is possible once his association with Liverpool comes to a close, with the opportunity there for him to work in another club role, a national team post or “do nothing for a year”.

A man who has been

Jurgen Klopp

at Anfield since October 2015 is, however, aware that no long-term plans can be set in stone at this stage.

He added, “In five years the world can look very different again.”

2 nd Death Anniversary

Much has changed during his time on Merseyside, with the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 presenting another unexpected challenge.

L ive r p o o l h ave

wrapped up a long-awaited title triumph with no supporters in attendance to acknowledge the achievement, but Klopp maintains that a “crazy” party will be held once public health concerns have been eased.

He said on getting fans back into stadiums, “The moment we can do that again, we want to celebrate the title. Even if that is a little strange, that you celebrate a title several months later.”

“But Liverpool is an exceptional club, we will surely get something done.

We’re going to try to celebrate the title in a crazy way. We want to celebrate life. People can now plan longer so that they can be there. Maybe we can make something out of it that hasn’t been done before.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Of Our Beloved Father

Late OBENTHUNG LOTHA (14-7-2018)

Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Loving Wife, Children and Grand children DP-3146

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Nensile Kath (Mafila)

25-05-1979 TO 01-07-2020 The bereaved family of Late KEWEKO MARHU extends our profound heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us prayerfully, physically, morally and financially throughout his illness till his last breath.

We regret our inability to thank each and every one for your love, kindness and sympathy yet, it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless each of you abundantly.

We convey our special thanks to Lemjen Hospital Mokokchung, Chakhesang Baptist Church Mokokchung, Zion Hospital Dimapur and all blood donors.

Loving Wife, Family Members and Relatives K-1216

Died on 14th July 2019

WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE

One year ago, on this saddest day, you have gone to the place from where no one ever come back. Now we can’t touch you anymore, can’t hear you, can’t see you but we can still feel you all the time because you are alive in our hearts. Our family would have been more wonderful if you were with us today. You are missed daily and every day, you are that special person which meant to us more than anything else in the world.

Love from Our family & Kavito family DP-3153

Through this column, we would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us during the illness and passing away of our dearly beloved Late I. Anungla Jamir on 1st July 2020.

Thank you doctors and nurses at CIHSR hospital Dimapur and the blood donors.

The expression of love in kind and deed from friends and loved ones, relatives, well-wishers, Dhansiripar Ao Baptist Arogo, UBC Dhansiripar, individuals and various organisations and communities. Your prayers and support has been a great source of relief and strength during this moment of grief.

We pray that the good Lord bless you all bountifully.

Loving family members.

DP-3148

In loving memory of Lt. A. Shilu Ozukum

on his 1st Death Anniversary

12.12.1943 – 14.07.2019 A Righteous Man Remembered as a Blessing.

DP-3153

Lo n d o n, J u l 1 3 (Agencies): England cricket coach Chris Silverwood refused to give any guarantees that Stuart Broad will be recalled for the second Test against the West Indies, saying Monday selection was still up for grabs.

Broad was dropped for the first Test of the series, which England lost in Southampton on Sunday, and gave an interview during the match in which he said he was “frustrated, angry and gutted.”

The second Test starts in Manchester on Thursday and England could decide to shake up its pace attack to bring in Broad, who sits second on the country’s all-time wickets list in Tests on 485.

Silverwood was noncommittal, though.

from the penalty spot, scoring his first goal since 2013.

But his side suffered a setback when Jonathan Silva was shown a straight red card in the 54th.

Valencia earned a penalty soon after following a handball by Leganes’ Rodrigo Tarin, but captain Dani Parejo’s spot-kick was beaten away by goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar and Leganes somehow clung on to record a first home victory since February.

Defeat would have condemned Leganes to relegation, while the win saw them instead move up to 18th place in the standings on 32 points with two games remaining, three points behind 17th-placed Alaves who have a game in hand.

Valencia are ninth on 50 points.

Also on Sunday, Athletic Bilbao won 2-1 away to Levante thanks to two goals from Raul Garcia to move into seventh place, the final Europa League berth, on 51 points.

Arteta quiet on Ozil’s Arsenal future

Jurgen Klopp sets Liverpool departure date

Would love to see Messi in La Liga: Garcia Ko l kat a , J u l 1 3 (IANS): Former Barcelona midfielder Luis Garcia is hopeful that Lionel Messi will stay on at the Catalan club for many more years.

The 33-year-old is currently contracted until the end of next season with Barcelona holding talks with the ace Argentina forward about an extension.

There is speculation that record six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is unhappy with the club’s leadership. “I would love to see Messi in LaLiga and Barcelona of course. Even though sometimes people think they struggle, that’s part of the game. I hope he stays,” Garcia, who played for Barcelona in the 20032004 season, said during a video conference.

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

Loving wife, children & relatives

K Y M C

12

sports

Tottenham beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League woodwork on the hour after being played in by Lacazette.

Tottenham were reenergised after the secondhalf drinks break, though, with Harry Kane bursting into the area and setting up Son who delayed his shot too long.

The winner was as simple as it gets - Son swung in a corner and Alderweireld rose highest to glance home.

Kane, who was mainly a subdued figure, then almost extended Tottenham’s lead late on but was denied by Martinez.

Bournemouth boost survival hopes

Premier League match between Tottenham and Arsenal in progress.

L O N D O N, J u l 1 3 ( Ag e n c i e s ) : To b y Alderweireld’s 81st-minute header sealed a 2-1 Premier League victory for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal in the first north London derby in their new stadium on Sunday.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw after Son Heung-min cancelled out Alexandre Lacazette’s opener.

However, Alderweireld’s header claimed all three points for Spurs to move Jose Mourinho’s side above Arsenal into eighth place in the battle

for local bragging rights.

With three games left Tottenham have 52 points to Arsenal’s 50, but are seven points behind fourthplaced Leicester City.

Victory maintained Mourinho’s impressive record in home games against Arsenal — he has now won six and drawn four — and was a rare highlight for Tottenham in a mediocre season.

While both teams occupied similar league positions before kickoff, Mikel Arteta’s have looked the more impressive of the two since the Premier League resumed.

After a cagey opening the derby sparked into life with two goals in quick succession — both from the kind of defensive lapses that have been all too common for Spurs and Arsenal.

Tottenham’s Serge Aurier was guilty of a poor touch and then lost out in a 50-50 tackle with Granit Xhaka with the ball breaking to Lacazette who looked up and smashed a right-foot shot into the top corner.

The Gunners were not able to enjoy their lead though as they gifted Tottenham their equaliser.

Sead Kolasinac’s sloppy pass wrong-footed team mate David Luiz and Son was alive to the chance, going through to dink a cool finish over goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Tottenham leftback Ben Davies almost outdid Lacazette with a thumping drive from 30 metres that struck the bar while at the other end Nicolas Pepe curled wide and PierreEmerick Aubameyang fired a free kick just past the post.

Arsenal were brighter in the early stages of the second half and Aubameyang fired against the

Women’s U-17 WC may be held behind closed doors: AIFF

Liverpool plan to extend Lovren’s contract

that will be a pity (especially after the grand success of the men’s U-17 World Cup in 2017), but human lives are of course most important,” Das said during a webinar organised by Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI).

The pandemic has so far claimed more than 22000 lives in the country with the number of positive cases crossing 8 lakh.

The camp for the tournament is likely to begin in August with Jharkhand emerging as the frontrunner to be the host. The state’s

L ondon , J u l 1 3 (Agencies): Liverpool are planning to activate an extension clause in Dejan Lovren’s contract which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2022.

The defender has just one year remaining on his current deal at Anfield but Liverpool will take up an option to extend his contract for another season, if he remains at the club at the end of the summer transfer window.

Reports claim Zenit St Petersburg are interested in the Croatia international but are yet to contact Liverpool over a possible deal.

Lovren has made 185 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Southampton in 2014 - winning both the Champions League and Premier League under Jurgen Klopp. However, the 31-year-old has found his first-team opportunities limited in recent seasons, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip largely preferred in central defence.

New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI): The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held behind closed doors only in the worst-case scenario, All India Football Federation general secretary Kushal Das said on Monday amid a continued rise in the country’s COVID-19 case count.

Already postponed once, the tournament is to be held from February 17 to March 7 next year as per the revised schedule.

“In the worst case scenario, we will have to do it behind closed doors and

chief minister Hemant Soren has taken it upon himself to play host.

“It’s a very tricky issue.

We discussed with the Goa government in terms of camps but we are also in talks with other governments. For example, Jharkhand, where the CM himself is interested because there are 8-10 girls in the squad from the state,” Das said.

“Different states have different protocols. With the Jhakhand project led by the CM himself, I am sure it would be easier for us that way in terms of protocols.

“It is definitely going to start by first week of August or around August 15,” he added.

Regarding the senior national men’s team, which has two World Cup Qualifiers scheduled against Qatar and Afghanistan in October and November respectively, the top federation official said its camp will be held in Bhubaneswar. “As regards travels, it varies from state to state, place to place, they all have different protocols.”

Bournemouth breathed life into their Premier League survival bid on Sunday, coming from a goal down to beat fourth-placed Leicester City 4-1 for their first win in 10 games.

Leicester were in command after Jamie Vardy’s scrappy first-half goal. But with the relegation trapdoor creaking underneath their feet, Bournemouth turned the match around in stunning fashion with Dominic Solanke scoring twice.

Junior Stanislas equalised from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after a mistake by Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who was at fault again one minute later when he allowed Solanke’s shot to trickle over the line.

To make matters worse for the Foxes, defender Caglar Soyuncu was shown a straight red card after tangling with

WI captain Jason Holder hugs teammate John Campbell after their win on the fifth day of the first cricket Test match against England. (AP/PTI)

“But Roston and Jermaine put on a good partnership and settled the nerves. From there we could build on. I missed the Barmy Army but it was a level playing field without the crowds. It’s been a good start back to international cricket, it sets the series up quite nicely.”

The Barbados-born

Archer, who finished with 3-45, troubled the batsmen throughout with his pace and bounce but England were unable to dismiss the danger man Blackwood.

In the end the 28-yearold Jamaican narrowly missed out on his second test century when he tried to lift a Ben Stokes delivery over the infield, only to gift

James Anderson a catch.

Campbell then returned to the crease with West Indies six wickets down to join Holder, who played a patient knock of 14 off 36 balls, to guide the West Indies home in the final session.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 313 in their second innings after re-

CAS overturns Man City’s Champions League ban

L ondon , J u l 1 3 (IANS): The Court for Arbitration in Sport (CAS) on Monday overturned Manchester City’s Champions League ban that would have seen them miss the next two editions of the top continental tournament.

Europe’s governing body UEFA had banned C i t y i n Fe b r u a r y f o r breaching their Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations between 2012 to 2016 and they couldn’t have taken part in Champions League or the Europa league for two years if CAS hadn’t ruled in their favour.

The English giants were initially directed by UEFA to pay 30 million Euros in fine as well but the CAS ruling also saw it brought down to 10 million euros.

“Manchester City FC did not disguise equity funding as sponsorship contributions but did fail to cooperate with the UEFA authorities,” read the heading to the CAS statement, as per Goal.com

“The CAS award emphasized that most of the alleged breaches reported by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB were either not established or time-barred.

“As the charges with respect to any dishonest concealment of equity funding were clearly more significant violations than obstructing the CFCB’s investigations, it was not appropriate to impose a ban on participating in UEFA’s club competitions for MCFC’s failure to cooperate with the CFCB’s investigations alone.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had earlier expressed confidence that the two-year ban on the club from UEFA competitions would be overturned.

“I have a lot of confidence and trust with the people that we will be allowed to play the Champions League, because we want to be on the field during these years,” Guardiola had said last week.

Serie A: AC Milan hold Napoli 2-2 Rome, Jul 13 (IANS): AC Milan extended their unbeaten run in Serie A to six matches after they played out a 2-2 draw against Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo.

Milan had showcased good form since the resumption of Serie A, managing four wins and one draw before Sunday’s game, including a strong comeback win over Juventus in midweek, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Rossoneri broke the deadlock in the 20th minute as Ante Rebic’s floated cross found Theo Hernandez, who smashed in a left-footed volley from close range.

Napoli got back on level terms in the 34th minute when Gianluigi Donnarumma carried away Lorenzo Insigne’s free kick, but could do nothing to stop Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s follow-up.

The Partenopei took the lead on the hour mark when Jose Callejon pulled back near the by-line for Dries Mertens to find the net with a first-time strike.

Milan then fought back

West Indies beat England by 4 wickets in first test

SOUTHAMPTON, Jul 13 (Agencies): West Indies beat England by four wickets on the final day of the first international test since the coronavirus break on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead at the Ageas Bowl in a three-test series thanks to a 95-run knock by Jermaine Blackwood.

England made early inroads into the West Indies batting lineup on day five as the visitors targeted 200 to win, reducing them to 27-3 before Blackwood began to set the foundations for a big win for the Caribbean side, albeit behind closed doors.

When opener John Campbell retired hurt following a toe-crushing yorker from Jofra Archer, Blackwood came in before lunch and began to anchor the innings, sharing a 73run stand with Roston Chase (37).

“It was a nerve-wracking start after losing quick three wickets and Campbell to injury,” Windies captain Jason Holder told BBC.

Callum Wilson immediately after Bournemouth’s goal.

Leicester then collapsed in alarming fashion.

Stanislas’s shot in the 83rd minute went in off Leicester defender Jonny Evans before Solanke seized on more dreadful defending to add his second.

With Aston Villa winning earlier in the day, Bournemouth began the match second from bottom, six points behind fourth-from-bottom Watford. The victory their first since February 1 - means that with three games remaining they still have hope of securing a sixth successive season of top-flight football.

They moved back above Villa to 18th place on 31 points, three behind both Watford and West Ham United, who face each other in the next round of fixtures.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

suming on 284-8, with the overnight pair of Archer and Mark Wood failing to offer much resistance.

Shannon Gabriel finished with figures of 5-75 - his sixth five-wicket haul in tests - while Chase and Alzarri Joseph picked up two wickets apiece.

“Ideally we would have liked to have got more runs in the first innings,” England captain Stokes said, adding that he stood by his decision to bat first.

“We got ourselves into great positions at times with the bat to kick on and get 350 or 400, and we weren’t ruthless enough.

We didn’t manage to grasp the game as we would have liked.”

The second and third tests will be held in Manchester, also without fans in attendance.

Brief Scores: England 204 & 313 (Z Crawley 76, Dom Sibley 50; Shannon Gabriel 5/75); West Indies 318 & 200/6 (Jermaine Blackwood 95; Jofra Archer 3/45)

Napoli and AC Milan players in action during their Serie A match.

and won a penalty in the 73rd minute when Giacomo Bonaventura was charged down in the box, and Franck Kessie stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

The away side were reduced to ten men in the

86th minute when Alexis Saelemaekers, who had come off the bench in the second half, was sent off for two bookable offences in the space of just two minutes.

With the result, Napoli remain sixth in the table

with 52 points, two ahead of seventh-placed Milan.

Elsewhere, Patrick Cutrone saved Fiorentina from a home defeat as his equalizer in the dying minutes helped the Viola claim a 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona.

Man Utd need to win trophies: Pogba

L ondon , J u l 1 3 ( Ag e n c i e s ) : M a n chester United have made huge improvements this season but need to win trophies to ensure a successful campaign, their France midfielder Paul Pogba said on Monday.

United are fifth in the Premier League standings with 58 points but can leapfrog Leicester City and Chelsea into third spot by beating Southampton at Old Trafford later on Monday, with their focus on qualifying for the Champions League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s in-form side are also in contention to win the FA Cup, where they face Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley, and the Europa League, where they hold a 5-0 lead over LASK heading into the home second leg of their last-16 tie.

“United are about trophies, we know that. There are trophies we know we can get,” Pogba, 27, told the club’s website here “We don’t want to let this opportunity go. We’re going

Paul Pogba

to do our best to go and get those two trophies by giving everything.”

United are on a 17match unbeaten streak in all competitions and Pogba has credited their recent run of form to striking a balance between attack and defence.

“You can call it a proper team. Sometimes before we were maybe too defensive or too offensive and we didn’t have this balance or this control. Now you can see we have that balance and there is more

structure,” he said.

“The improvement is huge but you don’t want to stop it. There is a lot of stuff to do, we are not there yet but we are on the way. If we keep doing what we’re doing, then I think there is nothing that can stop us to get to where we should be.”

Pogba has been impressive since returning from an ankle injury, netting his first league goal since April 2019 in last week’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa.

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