July 20, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 224

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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Delimitation move in NE states illegal, says ex-ECI legal advisor of unrest in the region over CAA. The Law Ministry notified the Delimitation Commission for the four northeast states and Jammu and Kashmir on March 6. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is its chairperson, and Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra is the EC’s representative on the panel.

Desai told The Indian Express she is aware of the letter written by Mendiratta, but did not wish comment.

Mendiratta refused to comment on the matter. Chandra told this newspaper, “Yes, a letter was received, and it is being considered at the appropriate level.”

Mendiratta, who left the EC in 2018, is considered an expert on delimitation and had been an adviser with the 2002 Delimitation Commission, set up under Justice Kuldip Singh. Mendiratta had also assisted the EC in delimiting Uttarakhand into 70 constituencies under the UP Reorganisation Act, 2000.

The last delimitation exercise, that started in 2002 and ended in 2008, had kept out Arunachal, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland as the use of the 2001 Census for it had been challenged by several organisations before the Gauhati High Court, on the ground that it was riddled with defects.

The Delimitation Act of 2002 was amended on January 14, 2008, to empower the President to postpone the exercise in these states.

Subsequently, Parliament had decided that instead of creating another Commission for the limited purpose of redrawing seat boundaries in the four NE states, the exercise there would be carried out by the EC. Section 8A of the RP Act 1950 was introduced for this purpose.

Parliament was guided by the fact that there is precedence of EC being vested with the authority to redraw boundaries of constituencies – including when Delhi was delimited into 70 seats in 1991-92, and Uttarakhand into 70 seats in 2000.

COVID deaths top 6L; HK warns of resurgence

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

ENPO urges govt to impose total lockdown till Jul 31 KOHIMA, JUL 19 (NPN): Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has appealed to the State government to impose total lockdown in Nagaland with immediate effect till July 31, 2020.

In a release, ENPO president Kekongchim Yimchunger pointed out that COVID-19 cases were on the rise and almost touching 1,000 positive cases. He said those infected included frontline workers citizens, besides the returnees at quarantine centres.

Terming the current situation as “very alarming”, ENPO said the only way to contain the spread of the virus was to impose total lockdown in order to prevent rapid transmission within the community. In the light of the above ENPO urged the government to seriously assess the situation and impose total lockdown immediately till July 31.

On July 10, High Powered Committee (HPC) took exception to the rise of COVID-19 positive cases in the State and decided to continue the lockdown till July 31, 2020.

international, Page 9

Nagaland COVID tally nears 1000-mark NAGALAND COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 19, 2020 ACTIVE CASES Asymptomatic Mild 48 1 25# 0 103 0 38 0 8 0 28 0 19 0 54 0 3 0 75 0 59 0 25 1 4 0 19 0 10 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 7 0 8 0

District

Recovered Total Cases Moderate Dimapur DH 2 130 181 Dimapur CCC SIHFW 0 13 37 ARC Hospital Dimapur 0 20 123 ITI CCC Dimapur 0 0 38 ARTC Dimapur 0 0 8 Kohima NHAK 0 54 82 Kohima Chedema 0 17 36 Jakhama Army Hospital 0 18 72 Kohima 24 AR Chieswema 0 0 3 Mon CCC 0 8 83 Peren CCC Jalukie 0 88 147 Peren Covid Hospital 0 10 37 Peren CCC ISBT New Peren 0 24 28 New Peren Rseti CCC (Ladies) 0 17 36 Tuensang DH 0 34 44 Wokha DH 0 0 1 Zunheboto DH 0 3 5 Kiphire DH 0 0 0 Longleng DH 0 0 3 Mokokchung IMDH 0 0 7 Phek DH 0 9 17 State Total 539 2 2 445 988 *Recovery Rate 45% #1 migrated to Dimapur Covid Hospital from Peren, discharged from hospital and now at CCC in Dimapur ~1 case with mild symptoms shifted from Peren CCC Jalukie to Peren Covid Hospital

NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): A former legal advisor to the Election Commission of India (ECI) has red-flagged the Centre’s order setting up a Delimitation Commission for Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland, calling it “unconstitutional” and “illegal”.

S.K. Mendiratta, who served with the EC for over 50 years, wrote a letter to the three election commissioners last month, pointing out that the Law Ministry’s notification of March 6 violates the Representation of the People Act 1950.

Section 8A of the RP Act 1950, introduced by Parliament in 2008, states that delimitation in the four North Eastern states, when held, would fall within the EC’s remit. Hence, any delimitation exercise in Arunachal, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland by the new Delimitation Commission would be “declared void by the courts” and, subsequently, result in “wastage of huge precious public funds”,

Mendiratta wrote in his letter.

The four states had been left out of the last delimitation exercise, completed in 2008.

According to sources, the EC forwarded Mehndiratta’s letter to the Law Ministry about two weeks ago.

Delimitation is the act of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies to represent changes in population and is done on the basis of the preceding Census. In the last delimitation exercise, completed in 2008, Arunachal, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland were kept out due to apprehensions over use of the 2001 Census. The Centre’s move to club the four with J&K comes in the backdrop

NVCO flags terms of recruitment issued

by H&FW deptt

ACAUT calls for stringent law India’s COVID-19 tally climbs to 10,77,781 to curb extortion menace

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has questioned the State government on the recruitment terms and conditions issued by Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) and called for their cancellation.

In a release, organisation’s president Kezhokhoto Savi alleged that there were many loopholes in the terms and conditions, while it was not within the department’s purview to conduct recruitment, especially to the post of Gazetted Class-I officer.

NVCO raised strong objection for not mentioning the criteria meant for “indigenous inhabitants only” within the terms and conditions of recruitment, especially for the posts of technicians and staff nurse (permanent posts), which amounted to inviting outsiders to participate in the recruitment.

Referring to hundreds of Naga indigenous inhabitants were unemployed, it asked why the department was playing with “our” youth and educated unemployed.

Asking the H&FW department to understand that these posts were only meant

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): While extending its solidarity with the striking All Kohima Indane Distributors’ Association (AKIDA), ACAUT Nagaland has once again reiterated its demand for enacting a law in Nagaland similar to that of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA) in order to curb the menace of extortion.

Dealers under AKID are on an indefinite strike since July 13 in protest against physical assaults by unidentified persons on LPG workers while on duty on July 4 and 9.

Terming the assaults on LPG workers as an “assault on frontline workers” who risk their lives to deliver the basic essential to keep the kitchen fires burning, ACAUT observed that the Kohima district administration was caught napping even as supply of essential goods had been disrupted due to unabated multiple taxations.

ACAUT said at a time when the economy was reeling under the negative impact of COVID-19, business people and entrepreneurs were

S.K. Mendiratta (File)

struggling to make their ends meet.

Hence, the anti-taxation group said the protective role of the respective district authorities were needed the most.

As the GST being paid by the business people went to the State exchequer, to be utilised as salaries to guardians and enforcers of law, ACAUT said it was the bounden duty of the law to secure the lives of those who paid taxes and ensure protection of the law abiding citizens.

It added that there was lacuna in the judiciary system whereby arrested accused were released on bail and mild sentences were given to those involved in serious crimes.

Hence, it reasoned that enacting a law similar to MCOCA seemed to be the only panacea.

ACAUT encouraged AKIDA to stand steadfast with its genuine demand for justice and to continue with its democratic means of peaceful indefinite stir till the authorities responsible were compelled to uphold the rule of law in the State.

NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (PTI): India saw a record single- day jump of 38,902 COVID-19 cases pushing its tally to 10,77,781 on Sunday, while the total number of recoveries increased to 6,77,422, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll due to the disease rose to 26,816 with new 543 fatalities even as 23,672 patients have recuperated in the past 24 hours, the highest so far in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The Health ministry said the 11 most COVID-19 affected countries in the world --the US, Brazil, Russia, Peru, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, the UK, Iran, Pakistan, Spain --together reported 8 times more cases and 14 times more deaths than India.

There are 3,73,379 active cases presently in the country.

The total number of confirmed cases includes foreigners.

This is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 30,000. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,37,91,869

Dimapur

Mokokchung

Phek

Zunheboto

Tuensang

Mon

Wokha

Kiphire

Longleng

Peren

Others

Total

121

288

7

18

7

49

108

11

4

5

324

46

988

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): After 10 fresh COVID-19 positive cases were registered on Sunday, Nagaland’s tally inched towards the 1000-mark. The state’s total tally as on July 19 stood at 988-- 543 active and 445 recovered cases.

According to Health minister, S. Pangnyu Phom

samples have been tested up to July 18 with 3,58,127 samples being tested on Saturday.

India’s COVID-19 case fatality rate is “progressively falling” and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday, crediting efficient clinical management

the positive cases were detected from among 79 samples that were tested.

He said that 6 cases were reported from Kohima, 2 from Mokokchung and 1 each from Dimapur and Longleng.

As per the severity of symptoms, 539 active cases were asymptomatic, 2 were

of hospitalised cases for it.

There are 29 states and union territories with a case fatality rate (CFR) lower than India’s average, with five of them having a CFR of zero and 14 having fatality rate of less than 1 per cent. With effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardized clinical management protocols based on holistic standard of care approach, the CFR has significantly dipped, it said.

From 2.82 per cent over a month earlier, India’s COVID19 case fatality rate declined to 2.72 per cent on July 10 and has further reduced to 2.49 per cent presently. Many states have conducted the population surveys to map and identify the vulnerable population like the elderly, pregnant women and those with co-morbidities.

This, with the help of technological solutions like mobile apps, has ensured keeping the high-risk population under continuous observation, thus aiding early identification, timely clinical treatment and reducing fatalities, the ministry said.

Dmu, Kma DCs order sealing of premises, colonies EMC patient test turns positive

Units of pvt hospitals, bank, Wards under 3 colonies in Kohima town sealed buildings sealed in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi Sunday issued orders, directing (Cont’d on p-8) temporary sealing of several health care units, residences and sealing of SBI Bazaar branch in Dimapur with immediate effect till further orders.

The following have been temporarily sealed: Shamrock Hospital, ICU and emergency ward of Nikos Hospital; ICU block, Eden Hospital; House No. 15, Ward-18, Zeliangrong colony (Dhobinalla) and nearby buildings.

Further, DC has ordered immediate sealing of State Bank of India, Bazaar branch (Dhobinalla) and SBI staff quarter Block-C at bank colony.

The orders were issued as precautionary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 following de“Sir, Boss says to call off tection of positive cases.DC warned the raid as the accused that any person/s violating the conhas decided to switch tainment measures would face legal sides.” action.

This is it!

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Distribution of Cases by domicile district Kohima

D Block area being sealed by Kohima district authorities on Sunday. (NP)

KOHIMA, JUL 19 (NPN): Following detection of four fresh COVID-19 positive cases in the state capital Sunday, deputy commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has ordered sealing of wards in three colonies.

In his report to the state government, the DC said that 2 positive cases were reported from Naga Bazaar colony (Ward 4), 1 each from D-Block (Ward 6) and Lower Chandmari (Ward 13). In this regard, DC said

these areas were “demarcated as sealed area” in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 and for necessary contact tracing. Any movement within the sealed areas have been prohibited and under active surveillance with immediate effect.

Further, Health department officials informed that two more cases were reported Sunday-- one each at Jakhama (military) and K. Badze quarantine centres.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): A patient admitted to Eden Medical Centre (EMC) on July 17 who was tested positive for COVID-19 through TrueNat was confirmed positive after the second test done through RT-PCR at BSL-2 Dimapur on Sunday.

Medical sources said after the test result, the District COVID-19 Task Force went to EMC and shifted the patient to the district COVID19 hospital Dimapur.

Earlier, the patient who was to EMC on July 17, showed symptoms of COVID-19. Samples were then taken for testing in the TrueNat machine. After test was positive, EMC authorities immediately informed district authorities after which re-sampling was taken for confirmation through RT-PCR at BSL-2 on July 18. As precautionary

measures, EMC authorities had on July 17, sealed off ICU and OPD. It may be mentioned that TrueNat is a portable machine for testing virus and pathogens and easy to operate. Sources said that the precautionary test done at EMC through TrueNat was a right move for screening patients before admission, keeping in mind the safety of all especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

EMC sources, said that the TrueNat machine in the hospital was meant only for internal screening.

Husband of pharmacist tested positive: Meanwhile, district health officials informed that the husband of the female pharmacist at Chumoukedima (tested positive for COVID on July 15) also confirmed positive for COVID. Officials said the husband has been shifted to COVID Care Centre.

with mild symptoms and 2 with moderate symptoms.

All the positive persons have been shifted to the designated COVID-19 hospitals and COVID-19 Care Centres. Till July 19, a total of 18,465 samples were sent for testing through RTPCR and results of 17,517 samples received.

Heavy rains predicted in NE states: NSDMA DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): Following forecast of heavy rainfall in the North Eastern region, including Nagaland, in the next couple of days, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has asked district disaster management authorities (DDMAs) and other line departments to remain prepared to attend to any emergencies that could occur during this period.

NSDMA said strong monsoon activity causing incessant rains, squally weather and lightning strikes was expected in the coming week, which could get intense between July 20 and 22. Hence, the authority also advised people to exercise caution for avoiding any eventualities during this period.

According to the forecast issued by the meteorology department, the entire stretch of monsoon trough is shifting northward, including Northeast India. Moreover, a cyclonic circulation is heading towards Bangladesh and Meghalaya, for which heavy spells of rainfall is expected over the entire North East, including Nagaland, around July 20. Flood situation could worsen due the rise in the level of the river Brahmaputra, NSDMA secretary Lhouchalie Viya stated in a press release.

KKC clarifies

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): In a rejoinder to the news item “4 charged for pig smuggling”, Kushiabill Kachari Community (KKC) has clarified that the two accused persons, among the four, were not residents of Kushiabill village. In a statement, KKC chairman, Dharma Dhaj Sonowal said the accused-Bipul Mech and Arun Boro, in their statement to the police, gave wrong addresses.

KKC refuted their claims and warned them not to be involved in such activities which defamed the image of the community.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

NVC renovate Liagmen Bridge in Mokokchung

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, JUL 19 (NPN): Village council members of Nokpu/Saring renovated the Liagmen Bridge, the only lifeline that connects the border village of Saring to Longchem under Mokokchung district. The council members undertook the renovation work on Saturday as the bridge was in a dilapidated condition since its renovation in July last year.

Talking to Lanuchujang Walling, the chairman of Nokpu Village Council (NVC) over phone, he said that with lockdown and other restrictions due to COVID-19, the people in this area cannot move freely to Assam even to procure essential commodities and hence this bridge was the only lifeline for them.

He added that the state government or for that matter the concerned

Council members of Nokpu village renovating the Liagmen Bridge connecting border villages of Saring to Longchem. (NVC)

department have not done that the villagers have been Chairman also added anything yet with regard to reminding the department that the renovation was just this bridge and further said for the same since 2018. temporary and that heavy

vehicles will not be able to ply. Expressing concern, the chairman also said that presently at Saring, there was a police outpost and a section of IR Bn stationed, where movements of heavy vehicles were required for the security personnel. However due to the condition of the said bridge, the movements for such heavy vehicles will not be possible, which according to him would be a huge problem. As such, the chairman has informed the concerned administrative officer (Longchem EAC) to issue an advisory banning the movement of heavy vehicles through that bridge.

It is to be noted here that Saring village lies on the fringes on the border with Assam and as such border issues with Assam crops up from time to time. Just last week, a border incident had occurred which fortunately did not flare up into a big issue.

PDDUAKP awarded to a farmer from Wokha DIMAPUR: The 92nd ICAR foundation day and award distribution ceremony was held on July 16, wherein a farmer from Wokha, Atheo Lotha bagged the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Anthyodaya Krishi Puruskar (PDDUAKP), 2019 (Zonal level) award for his contribution towards development of Integrated Farming System (IFS) model for tribal jhumias.

A press release by KVK Wokha senior scientist and head, Dr. Santosh Kr Baishya stated that he was a successful progressive farmer guided and promoted

by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha for integrated farming system during the year 2016-17 and since then, he has been adopting IFS approach for better farm income generation and resource conservation. He has also actively involved in promotion of IFSA to his fellow farmers in the district. He was also awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/- and a certificate by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, GoI, New Delhi.

Assam Rifles conduct civic action programmes in Nagaland

Kiphire Battalion personnel clearing the road blockade caused due to landslide on Pungro to Longmatra road.

Shamator Battalion personnel planting saplings during the plantation drive on July 12.

Security forces seize arms and contrabands

The seized arms and contraband brown sugar.

DIMAPUR: As part of the ongoing crackdown by Assam Rifles to prevent illegal activities, troops of Assam Rifles seized contraband brown sugar and arms in general area Jotsoma, Kohima on July 17.

According to PRO (defence), based on specific intelligence about consignment of contraband, troops of Assam Rifles, along with Police representatives, launched an operation

in general area Jotsoma and apprehended one Kinikili (38), r/o Jotsoma village, Kohima.

The seized items included one .22mm Pistol with mag and 20 live rounds, 35.6 gms brown sugar amounting to approx Rs 3,56,000/-.

The apprehended individual along with recovered items was handed over to Zubza police station, Kohima for further investigation.

PCW Zunheboto appeals for stern action on safety measures DIMAPUR: Raising concern over the casual attitude of many public and commuters about safety measures, the various organisations of Zunheboto town Project Colony West (PCW) have appealed the concerned authority to take up stern actions against this.

In a representation to DC and chairman, District Task Force (DTF) for COVID-19, Zunheboto, the Project West Council & convenor Colony C-19 TF chairman Y. Vihoshe Muru, secretary Kughahoto H. Aye, GB and member C-19 Hewoto Rotokha, GB and member C-19 Ghokhato Kiba, STH Project Colony and member C-19 president Bokali Chishi and secretary Project Youth Forum and member C-19 Vispeen Yepthomi stated that, the authority along with the police and some organizations have been initiating various measures for this purpose yet, no strict adher-

ence was observed. Taking this lackadaisical attitude of the commuters and considering that Project Colony being the hub of town, the Project West Council Covid19 Task Force assisted by various organisations of the colony, carried out a week long mask awareness drive from July 10 till 17.

While pointing out that some noticeable effect was taking place since this campaign, the signatories however stated that, “we cannot go on longer on volunteer basis as each and every person has his/her own livelihood to take care of.”

Claiming that this trend, if continued would be able to educate people to some extent about personal safety, the signatories urged the concerned authority to take up stern actions, “along with sincere and dedicated efforts of various organizations in the town and various colonies should not be an impossible task.”

1 st Death Anniversary of Late Mr. Mughato Assumi

Participants with army personnel at the medical camp held at Shamnyu village on July 11.

DIMAPUR: Various battalions of Assam Rifles conducted civic action programmes across Nagaland for the welfare of the public during the month of July.

Kiphire Battalion: Kiphire Battalion carried out tree plantation drive on July 12, in a bid to promote clean environment for future. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N) the plantation drive was meticulously organised wherein a total of 795 saplings were planted in Kiphire, Pungro, Akhegwo, Longmatre, Mimi and Thongsonyu.

Kiphire Battalion also restored free flow of traffic on Pungro to Longmatre road, which was an important route for residents of nearby villages travelling to and fro. The traffic on the road was disrupted due to landslide which occurred on the night of July 14, due to heavy rainfall.

Phek Battalion: Phek Battalion, conducted tree plantation drive under the theme “Celebrate biodiversity” on July 12, where a total of 880 saplings of various varieties were planted.

All soldiers along with their families participated.

To ensure survivability of the trees, ownership of the plants has being entrusted to the individuals who K Y M C

planted them.

Shamator Battalion: Shamator Battalion conducted a plantation drive at Shamator, Noklak, Dan/ Pangsha, Wensoi, Langnyok and Choklangan and in all its posts on July 12.

Tree saplings, to include fruit bearing trees were planted keeping in view the climate and soil conditions.

A total 1850 trees were planted and a pledge taken to preserve maintain and uphold bio-diversity.

Tuensang Battalion: Tuensang Battalion (North) conducted a medical camp at Shamnyu (Wangshu) village on July 11. Besides, medical consultation and distribution of free medicines, the importance of timely vaccination, personal hygiene and sanitation was also imparted. A total of 75 males, 108 females and 93 children benefitted from the camp.

5 Sector Assam Rifles: In conjunction with the tree plantation campaign, a concerted plantation drive was undertaken by HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles and affiliated units under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) in the districts of Kohima, Chieswema, Phek, Kihpire and Wokha on July 12.

A total of 8050 saplings of various varieties were

planted in these locations in an effort to enhance the green cover of the planet.

Jawans and their families participated whole heartedly and to ensure longevity of these plants, ownership has been entrusted to respective individuals who have planted them.

Zunheboto Battalion: Zunheboto Battalion conducted a two-day free medical camp at Meyiolong and surrounding villages of Mokokchung district. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), a combined medical team of Assam Rifles along with Community Health Centre provided medical consultation to 185 residents and basic treatment to the ailing. Free medicines were also distributed on the occasion. Apart from the camp, interaction on women healthcare and awareness on how to build immunity against COVID19 was also carried out.

Jalukie Battalion: Jalukie Battalion conducted an interactive session with children and staff of Zeme Women Organisation Children’s Home, Peren on July 15. Basic medical consultation and treatment was also carried out where free medicines, face mask and hand sanitiser was provided. A total

Personnel of Mon Battalion providing medical consultation at Shinga Chingnyu village on July 16.

of eight children along with four staff members attended the interactive session. Jalukie Battalion provided medical assistance to a resident of Peren on July 14. A staff from Zeme Women’s Organisation Children Home, Peren approached the Assam Rifles having sustained injury to his leg. Accordingly, medical care was administered and free medicines were given. The individual was also advised for a regular visit to the COB until the wound heals. Also commemorating the birth anniversary of Capt N Kenguruse, MVC (Posthumous), Jalukie Battalion organised medical camp at Punglwa ‘B’ Village on July 15. A combined medical team of PHC Punglwa and Assam Rifles provided medical consultation to 40 males, 25 females and 11 children. Vaccination was also administered to children and aged residents during the camp.

Mon Battalion medical camp: Mon battalion organised medical camp at Shinga Chingnyu village of Mon district on July 16. According to PRO, HQ IGAR (North), Assam Rifles provided medical consultation to 221 residents and basic treatment the ailing. Medi-

cines were also distributed on the occasion. Apart from the camp, interaction on women healthcare and

awareness about how to build immunity against COVID-19 was also carried out.

1 st Death Anniversary

Born on : 09-02-1978 :: Died on : 20-07-2019 Dad, It is one year since God called you to His abode, but your memories still remains in our hearts today and forever. Words cannot express our feeling of losing you. May the Lord bless your soul and keep you by his side always.

From Loving Wife, Children & Relatives.

DP-3246

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

25.01.1941 – 13.07.2020

LT. ZHIEWEKHRO LETRO

05/09/1950 – 20/07/2019 “...the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living who are still alive.”

Eccles 4:2 A year ago, on this sad day, you left for your heavenly home. You gave us sweet memories in life that they remain with us forever. We are keeping you in our prayers and will continue to do so. We miss you a lot.

-Loving wife, children and family members DP-3249

We express our profound gratitude to all Individuals, Families, Friends and Organisations who helped and uplifted us through your prayers, resources and physical presence during the illness and sad demise of our beloved Late.

R. Lanu Ozüküm, (Retd. Teacher) at Yajang ‘C’. Though we are unable to personally thank each and everyone of you, it is our sincere prayer that the Almighty God will abundantly bless you all.

Loving wife, children, grandchildren and all family members DP-3250 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will intensive testing for COVID-19 in Nagaland, surpass 2000-mark by September?

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

A B C

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

Plantation & beautification drive begins at DGC

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

75% 0% 25%

Next poll

Q: Will reopening of dai-

ly markets spike up COVID-19 cases in the state?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST july 20

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy with a thunderstorm

30 25

Aizawl

Couple of thunderstorm

26 21

Guwahati A morning thunderstorm or two 28 25 Imphal

Cloudy, a couple of showers

28 21

Itanagar Heavy rain and a thunderstorm 26 22 Shillong

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

21 18

Kohima

A morning t-storm; cloudy

23 18

Dimapur A morning t-storm in the area Mkg

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

Tuensang Couple of thunderstorm

28 24 26 20 19 16

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

24 20

Zunheboto Cloudy with a thunderstorm

23 18

Wokha

DC Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi planting a sapling during the beautification drive on July 18.

DIMAPUR: Plantation and beautification drive initiated by Eco and Beautification Club and IQAC, Dimapur Gover nment College (DGC) was kick started by deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) administrator, Albert Ezung on July 18 by

3

State/northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

ceremoniously planted a sapling each at the college premises.

A press release by DGC informed that the DC, who is also the chairman of the advisory board of DGC, and DMC administrator planted a pine sapling each at the entrance of the new Science Block to kick start the plantation

and beautification drive.

The college informed that the drive is a part of the green campus project of the college.

It said the green campus project has been adopted as a best practice of DGC, in keeping with the national objectives on increasing green cover in the country.

Webinar on protected cultivation conducted by CIH

COVID-19: ‘Protect Dimapur’

DIMAPUR: Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), DAC & FW, ministry of Agriculture, GOI, Medziphema, conducted a webinar on the topic “Protected cultivation in North East India: Prospects, issues and solutions” through google meet platform on July 11.

A press release by CIH Medziphema stated that, horticulture commissioner, GOI, Dr. B.N.S. Murthy was invited as the chief guest for the webinar and deputy commissioner DAC & FW cum director incharge CIH, Dr. N.K.Patle was the moderator of the programme.

The speaker was executive director, NCPAH, Dr. Anand Zambre and Santosh Ranjane from KF Bioplants Pvt. Ltd invited as an expert to present lecture on horticulture related biotechnologies.

The participants included entrepreneurs, farmers, research scholars, scientists and officers from various institutes and departments from all over India. Altogether 215 participants joined and interacted in the programme.

The objective of the webinar was to develop the overall understanding of protected cultivation structures, climate control systems, planning and maintaining the crops, irrigation and fertigation, soil media, and plant protection.

SOP under Aboi & Longching circle Tetso College online FDB concludes DIMAPUR: As per the SOP issued by DC Mon, EAC Aboi Lithrila Sangtam said that this will be enforced under Aboi subdivision till further orders.

According to DIPR report, all village councils under Aboi and Longching circle shall issue movement tokens (maximum 4 days) for those who will be coming to Aboi town on foot for genuine reasons. All other vehicular movement to Mon town/Aboi town shall be permitted only after obtaining necessary permit from the Aboi COVID-19 control room at 98625526 89/8730939105/8119961 352. Only two vehicles per village duly authorized by village council and after obtaining the required vehicle pass from control room will be permitted entry into Aboi town for procuring of essential commodities only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All villages under Aboi subdivision procuring their essential

commodities from Mon town/from Assam traders are to strictly follow SOP issued by DC Mon. For private individuals and shops desiring to procure essential commodities on their own at Aboi town, prior approval should be obtained from administration Aboi. Wearing of mask is compulsory in public places, in workplace and during transport. A fine of Rs.100 will be imposed for violation. All shops to install hand washing units/ hand sanitizers outside their shops and to enforce strict social distancing outside their own shop. Barricade restricting entry of public inside the shop is to be setup by all shop owners. Violation will lead to closure of that shop for the day. All shop owners will sell goods to customers only upon producing the household movement permit issued by district administration. All shop owners/salesmen are to compulsorily wear mask,

hand gloves and selling of tobacco, gutka and other tobacco products is strictly banned.

Defaulters will be penalised as per relevant section if the law. Hair cutting saloon and beauty parlor, hotel & dine in restaurants will remain closed but home delivery is permitted with only 50% staff permitted to work at any time. All shops in Aboi town will remain open from Monday to Saturday at 9 am to 2 pm. Large gathering for social, religious, cultural and academic purposed will continue to remain prohibit. Not more than 20 people at a time will be permitted incase of funerals.

Any person violating these measures will be liable to be prosecuted as per provisions of the section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other legal provisions as applicable.

DIMAPUR: Five-day online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on rethinking critical theory and praxis in the humanities and social sciences, organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Tetso College, Dimapur, began on July 13, and concluded on July 18.

A press release by Tetseo College senior media executive, Rinsit Benjamin Sareo, stated that the final day witnessed two technical sessions with Dr. Basil Darlong Diengdoh of Dibrugarh University, delivering on the topic “Critical and Literary Perspectives on Post-Humanism” and Dr. Sreesha Udupa of Nagaland University, on “Critical Health Humanities: Illness and Medico-Political Discourses”.

Valedictory session was chaired by HoD, History, Tetso College, Tatongkala Pongen. Assistant professor, St. Joseph’s University, Dimapur, Dr. Alemmenla Walling, stated that on-

line FDP was indicative of how such hybrid subfields, comprising of philosophy, psychology, history, cultural, literary, and linguistics studies and more, have woven into the grain of critical theory and made its way into contemporary bastion, which was striking, thought-provoking, and relevant.

Deputy registrar (Examinations), ICFAI, Meghalaya, Surajit Sen Purkayastha, further appreciated the distinguished array of resource persons.

Coordinator of the FDP and IQAC, Tetso College Dr S Elika Assumi, in conclusion, stated that the present pandemic had forced us into adapting novel learning avenues, but success of the five day FDP was indicative that academics was moving in the right direction. “This is collaboration in the true spirit of knowledge”, she added.

The FDP was attended by 188 participants from different parts of India.

northeast FIR against TU acting V-C

70 COVID-19 cases in Assam Raj Bhavan

Assam Raj Bhavan campus declared containment zone.

Guwahati, Jul 19 (PTI): Seventy COVID-19 cases have been reported from Assam’s Raj Bhavan here, already declared a containment zone, an official said on Sunday.

Of the 70 cases, 27 were detected Saturday night and the rest tested positive since July 1, the Raj Bhavan official said.

The entire Raj Bhavan campus was declared a containment zone on July 4 after two staff members of the governor’s office tested positive.

Gover nor Jagadish K Y M C

Mukhi, his wife Prem Mukhi and 176 employees including security personnel deployed at Raj Bhavan and their family members were tested on July 1 after two Personal Security Officers had earlier tested positive.

Among those tested on July 1, two staff members were found positive while the governor and his wife tested negative.

Later, the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, Meenakshi Sundaram, who lives outside the Raj Bhavan campus,

also tested positive and also his wife and mother.

Kamrup Metropolitan District Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu had declared the entire Raj Bhavan campus and its surrounding areas as containment zone and the area has been sealed since then.

Meanwhile, the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) Superintendent Dr Abhijeet Sharma has tested positive for COVID19. Swab samples of other doctors and nurses who came in contact with him are being tested, a senior

doctor said.

Tinsukia Deputy Commissioner Bhaskar Pegu has also tested positive for COVID-19 and his residence and office have been declared as a containment zone, a senior district administration official said.

Assam’s Minister of State for Labour and Tinsukia MLA Sanjay Kishan, who attended a programme with the deputy commissioner on Saturday, has gone for self quarantine till he receives his test results.

“I have gone for self quarantine with immediate effect after receiving the news about the deputy commissioner, who had accompanied me Saturday in a programme. So I will be unable to be with you till I receive my test results, taking precautions to ensure safety of all”, he tweeted.

Pegu is the second deputy commissioner after Udalguri’s P R Gharphalia to test positive.

Tinsukia’s Joint Director of Health Altaf Ahmed has also tested positive.

Several other senior bureaucrats of the Assam government and their family members have also tested positive.

A g ar t a l a / S h i l lo n g, J u l 1 9 (IANS): The Tripura Police have registered an FIR against M.K. Singh, acting vice-chancellor of the Tripura University (a central varsity), for violating the Covid-19 protocol, according to officials on Sunday.

The FIR was filed by Kashinath Jena, a senior professor of the varsity, at the Amtali police station in western Tripura.

In the complaint, Jena said Singh’s son tested Covid-19 positive last week after his return to Tripura from a south Indian state, but the acting V-C hid the fact and attended the varsity and met many teachers, students, officials and employees.

“Singh didn’t even use face masks,” a police official said.

Meanwhile, Tripura’s Covid-19 death toll increased to five after a 72-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, a cancer patient, died at the government-run Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital on Saturday.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb stated this in a tweet.

COVID-19 awareness campaign is underway in Dimapur (July 1631). The campaign has been initiated by Protect Dimapur where team members have been visiting town areas to create awareness among the public for personal safety and preventive measures. On the second day of the campaign conducted on Saturday, the Protect Dimapur team covered all Dimapur town areas. (Protect Dimapur)

41 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Arunachal

I ta nag ar , J u l 1 9 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday reported 41 new cases of COVID-19, taking the state’s tally to 650, a senior health official said.

Most of the new cases were detected in the Capital Complex with 18 people testing positive, followed by 10 in Lower Siang, six in Papum Pare, three in Lower Dibang Valley and two cases each in West Kameng and Lower Subansiri districts, he said. The cases in Lower Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts were detected at quarantine centres, State Surveillance Officer, L Jampa, said. One case each in West Kameng and Lower Subansiri districts were also detected at quarantine centres, he said.

All the new patients, except one, are asymptomatic and have been admitted to COVID Care Centres, he added. The Capital Complex has recorded most of the cases in the state at 216 cases, followed by Changlang (37), Namsai (27), East Siang (21), Lower Subansiri and Lower Siang with 14 cases each. Ninety-nine patients were discharged from hospitals on Saturday after recovery, Jampa said.

They were advised twoweek strict home quarantine and self-monitoring, he added. The Capital Complex administration and the Papum Pare district authorities have declared several areas and buildings as containment zones in the wake of the sudden surge in cases.

Papum Pare’s Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu declared Chiptua village in Doimukh sub-division as containment zone after six cases were detected there.

Villagers would not be allowed to go out of the area and no unauthorised persons will be allowed to enter without prior approval of authorities, said an order issued on Saturday.

Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner, Komkar Dulom, declared seven buildings in Naharlagun and one in Itanagar as containment zones for a period of 28 days. The buildings shall be barricaded and cordoned off and the movement of people for supply of essential items and other emergency services shall be regulated by the police and security guard to be deployed by the Capital SP, the order said.

M’laya CM accuses Cong of attempting to create ‘instability’ S H I LLONG, J U L 1 9 (AGENCIES): Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma revealed that there was an attempt by the Congress to create political instability within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition, reports The Northeast Today.

“The Congress has made efforts to woe the coalition partners during the recent Rajya Sabha MP elections.

But they were unsuccessful since all the parties in the MDA were committed to remain with the ruling coalition in the State,” Sangma said. The Chief Minister said that he has been receiving information about the Congress MLAs meeting the MDA partners, in an attempt to woo them to their side and topple the government.

“I am not surprised by this move of the Congress. As the opposition, they were doing what was expected from them. This kind of move is common in politics,” CM added. He, however, stated that all the MDA partners are committed to ensuring that the present Government completes its full term.

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Five more dead in Assam floods PM speaks to Assam CM over flood situation, assures support

Flood affected villagers move to a safe place from the flooded locality in Morigaon district of Assam, Sunday. (PTI) Guwahati, Jul 19 (PTI): Five more people died in flood-related incidents in Assam where the deluge has hit over 25 lakh people in 24 of the 33 districts of the state, according to an official bulletin issued on Sunday.

One death each was reported from Baghbar in Barpeta district, Baganpara in Baksa district, Bilasipara in Dhubri district, Mayong in Morigaon district and Kaliabor in Nagaon dis-

trict, according to the daily flood report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), The death toll due to floods and landslides this year has increased to 110, with 84 dying in floodrelated incidents, it said.

The ASDMA said over 25.29 lakh persons are hit due to floods in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri,

South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Cachar districts.

Goalpara is the worst hit with over 4.53 lakh people suffering, followed by Barpeta with around 3.44 lakh persons and Morigaon with more than 3.41 lakh people. Till Saturday, more than 27.63 lakh persons were affected due to the deluge across 26 districts.

Meghalaya registers 32 fresh COVID cases and two deaths Correspondent SHILLONG, JUL 19: Two more patients died and 32 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Sunday in Meghalaya, taking the number of fatalities and the active cases of the viral infection to four and 397 respectively.

Director Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said the two deceased include a geologist of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and a head constable of Border Security Force (BSF) who succumbed to COVID-19 in the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) here in the wee hours of Sunday.

War said that 40-yearold Banteilang R. Syngai, a senior geologist of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) posted in Kolkata, had returned to Meghalaya and was admitted at NEIGRIHMS on July 5 with complaints of pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

Syngai was diagnosed as a case of acute “Calculus Cholecystitis” and also subsequently tested positive for

COVID-19.

“On July 16 and 17, Syngai tested negative for COVID-19, but however developed sudden onset respiratory failure on July 18 and was initially managed on non-invasive ventilation but did not improve and was subsequently incubated,” Dr. War said.

“His respiratory failure worsened and he developed respiratory and cardiac arrest. CPR was given according to ACLS protocol but he could not be revived,” the medical official informed.

47-year-old BSF Head Constable Nandeshwar Deury, who was a known Type II diabetic, had tested positive for COVID-19 on July 4.

“He was in acute respiratory distress syndrome, with severe sepsis and multiorgan failure. He did not improve with treatment. He developed respiratory and cardiac failure which did not improve with resuscitative efforts and expired,” Dr War informed.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Syngai were buried at Nongsder Presbyterian cemetery in Ri-Bhoi district, while the remains

of Head Constable Deury were cremated at the electric crematorium in Upper Mawprem in Shillong.

As on Sunday evening, 32 more fresh cases include 29 BSF troopers from Mawpat and two civilians from East Khasi Hills district and one from Khanapara in RiBhoi district.

East Khasi Hills district has the highest number of active cases at 343 (268 BSF, others 61, armed forces - 14), 36 in Ri Bhoi, 11 in West Garo Hills, two each in in East Jaintia Hills and South Garo Hills and one each in East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills.

The overall COVID19 cases in Meghalaya has climbed up to 450 that include 49 persons have recovered so far from the viral infection.

“We are thinking to declare the BSF Mawpat as a containment zone. However we have to take in consideration of other logistics and difficulties that may arise if we declare the whole area as a containment zone but we will do this in consultation with the BSF and that call will be taken by the State government,” War said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday assured all support to Assam in dealing with the flood havoc, which has claimed 81 lives so far this year.

Discussing the flood situation with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over phone, Modi also enquired about the COVID-19 scenario and the ongoing efforts to douse the raging blaze at the Oil India’s Baghjan gas well.

“Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji took stock of the contemporary situation regarding #AssamFloods2020, #COVID19 and Baghjan Oil Well fire scenario over phone this morning,” Sonowal tweeted.

“Expressing his concern & solidarity with the people, the PM assured all support to the state,” he said.

An official at the Chief Minister’s Office said that Sonowal informed Modi about all the measures the state has taken so far in dealing with the problems faced by the people. The total number of people killed in this year’s flood and landslide has gone up to 107 across the state, of whom 81 were killed in flood-related incidents and 26 died due to landslides, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in its morning bulletin. Floods have hit over 27 lakh people in 26 of the 33 districts of Assam and destroyed houses, crops, roads and bridges at several places On the COVID-19 front, Assam has recorded 22,981 cases, of which 10,503 have been reported from the Guwahati city alone. The total number of persons losing their lives due to COVID-19 in the state has gone up to 53. However, five more COVID-19 patients have died, but the government’s Death Audit Board has not included them in the tally of deaths caused by the COVID-19 virus. They had other ailments. Meanwhile, the damaged Baghjan gas well of the PSU major Oil India Ltd in Assam is spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 54 days since the blowout took place on May 27, followed by the inferno on June 9.

2 fresh COVID-19 cases in Mizoram; count rises to 284 Aizawl, Jul 19 (PTI): Two more persons have tested positive for COVID19 in Mizoram, taking the northeastern state’s caseload to 284 on Sunday, a health official said.

The new patients are from Aizawl and they had recently returned from other states, the health offcial said.

A total of seven people from Siaha and Kolasib districts have recovered from COVID-19 and they were discharged from hospitals on Saturday.

The official added that the coronavirus recovery rate in the state now stands at 58.8 per cent.

Of the 284 cases, 117 are active while 167 people have recovered, he said.

Aizawl district has the highest number of active cases at 77, followed by Lunglei (16), Lawngtlai (13), four in Serchhip, three each in Siaha and Champhai and one in Mamit district, the official said.

Kolasib, Khawzawl, Hnahthial and Saitual districts are presently virusfree, he added.

2 with no travel history test COVID positive in Mnp

Manipur CM Biren Singh chairs a meeting to access COVID situation in the state. (NP) Correspondent pm of July 18 till 6.30 pm strictly monitoring the situof July 19). ation after many with no One of the two hailed recent travel history tested IMPHAL, Jul 19: Amid fear of local transmission from Imphal East district positive for the virus.

Health authorities and of COVID-19, two more tested positive for the virus persons with no recent travel during a test conducted by a state COVID-19 surveillance team have swung into history tested positive for the mobile medical team.

The other from Thou- action in the district where virus in Manipur, officials bal district tested positive locally transmitted cases said on Sunday.

The two were among during rapid antigen test were detected in the district 20 new cases reported in in Thoubal district where after Jiribam district.

Jiribam is the first the last 24 hours (from 6.30 state health authorities were

among other districts of the state where locally transmitted cases were detected after local clustering of the cases reported after mass infection of over 50 personnel of Jiribam police station.

Different areas of Jiribam district have been kept under strict surveillance through door-to-door survey and identification of people with COVID-19 symptoms with the help of Anganwadi and ASHA workers since then.

Including the 20 new cases, the tally of COVID-19 infections in Manipur rose to 1911. Of them, 676 were active cases. The recovered cases rose to 1235 with the discharge of 53 persons today, an official report from the COVID-19 Common Control Room said.

The source said that 14 males and six females were confirmed as new COVID19 positive cases in the last 24 hours. Of them, nine were from Imphal West district, three from Tamenglong, two each from Imphal east, Thoubal and Senapati and one each from Ukhrul, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts, the report said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

English football clubs build support for flood-hit Assam GUWAHATI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): A day after England’s Premier League club Arsenal FC expressed solidarity with the people of flood affected Assam in northeastern India, its London rival Chelsea FC also took to social media to express support, reports The Telegraph.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the floods in Assam,” Chelsea FC, also known as The Blues, posted in Assamese on its Facebook page on Saturday. Within eight hours, the post had garnered 450 comments, over 3,600 likes and over 1,700 shares.

Actor Adil Hussain, who is from lower Assam’s Goalpara district, was the first to tweet about Chelsea’s gesture. “It was @Arsenal now it is @ChelseaFC has expressed their support for the #AssamFloods. My disappointment yesterday with our Actor, Sportsman celebs, I guess, stemmed out of my Helplessness for not being able to do much myself.”

A r s e n a l F C, a l s o known as the Gunners, posted on Instagram on

Friday, “We are with you” followed by its Assamese translation and a comment “Stay strong, Assam”.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also tweeted on Saturday that the nation was standing with Assam and urged party members to extend all possible help to the flood-hit.

On Friday, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay “urgent” attention to flood-hit Assam.

The Dalai Lama has also written to Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressing his sadness over the death and destruction.

Social media has been flooded with photos of destruction and cries of helplessness which could be behind the attention towards the deluge in Assam from within the country and abroad.

It has prompted All Assam Students’ Union adviser Samujjal Bhattacharjya to say it was “disheartening” that the government was still turning a blind eye when the world was standing beside Assam.

Though floodwaters have started receding, the magnitude of the destruction is coming to the fore.

Quite a few affected may have lost their lands and livelihood, Shafiul Hassan, who runs an NGO in Barpeta, one of the worstaffected districts, told The Telegraph.

Since May 22, over 53 lakh people in 30 out of the 33 districts have been affected with 79 deaths and 2.43 lakh hectares of cropland damaged. Over 47,000 people are living in 649 relief camps in 26 districts as on Saturday.

The floods have also hit Kaziranga National Park, submerging over 85 per cent of its area. At least 96 animals, including seven rhinos, have drowned.

The state has been also battling the Covid-19 pandemic, which has so far infected over 21,000 people and claimed 51 lives.

A health ministry forecast says the state could record over 64,000 positive cases by August 15, a senior official said in Guwahati. The Centre has asked Dispur to prepare for the situation.

Manipur ADGP shifted to Delhi by air ambulance Correspondent IMPHAL, JUL 19: Critically injured Manipur’s Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Arvind Kumar has been taken to Delhi where he would be treated at AIIMS hospital.

Kumar was treated at Raj Medicity hospital in Imphal’s North AOC with critical injuries after he allegedly shot himself on his lower chin with a .38 service revolver inside his office located in Imphal’s 1st Manipur Rifles campus on Saturday afternoon.

The bullet passed through his head.

A medical surgery to remove blood clot from his head was successfully conducted yesterday at around 2.30 pm and he was later shifted again to the ICU of the hospital.

Even though the surgery was successfully conducted, doctors attending him observed possible blood clotting in his brain.

Some portions of his skull and brain were damaged due to the bullet injury, according to a hospital source.

He was taken to Delhi by special air ambulance for further treatment around

Manipur CM N Biren Singh paying a visit to critically injured ADGP at Raj Medicity hospital in Imphal on Sunday. (NP) 5.10 pm on Sunday. Kumar was accompanied by his wife and a woman IPS officer of the state police.

Ahead of shifting the injured ADGP, state chief minister N Biren Singh paid a visit to the hospital to assess his condition in the afternoon.

“A team of highly skilled doctors at Raj Medicity briefed me on the condition of Arvind Kumar, IPS, ADGP (L&O), Manipur

Police who was critically injured in an unfortunate incident yesterday,” Singh posted on his facebook account after the visit.

Arvind Kumar is a 1992 batch IPS officer of the Manipur cadre and had served in the Intelligence Bureau as its Joint Director in New Delhi before returning to Manipur police around three months ago.

He was recently posted as ADGP (law and order).

Police are investigating the incident after registering a case to ascertain the cause of the incident. During an inquest in his office chamber where the officer allegedly shot himself, an empty case of a .38 revolver and other items have been recovered, sources said.

Arvind Kumar hails from Bihar and was staying with his wife at 2nd Manipur Rifles guest house in Imphal.

Sushmita Dev tests COVID 3 Bangladeshis lynched for attempt to steal cattle negative; released from hospital

GUWAHATI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): Three Bangladeshi nationals suspected to be cattle lifters were lynched by locals in Assam’s Karimganj district on Saturday midnight. Four others who had come along with the deceased persons managed to escape from the area under the cover of darkness. The incident took place at Bhubrighat Tea Estate under Patharkandi police station near the Indo-Bangladesh border. According to the reports, a group of seven people from Bangladesh had entered the area to steal cows. The villagers caught three among the group when they had made an attempt to steal cows and proceeded to beat them up. All three succumbed to their injuries. Karimganj district Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Prasanta Dutta said that the group entered the area from the Bangladesh side to steal cows. “Local villagers caught hold of three in the group while they were trying to steal cows. All three persons died in the attack by the locals. Our police team found three dead bodies inside Bhubrighat tea estate,” the police officer said. Police also recovered fence-cutters, rope, bag, wires, biscuits and bread manufactured in Bangladesh from the site. The Karimganj district administration has informed higher authorities about the incident and the process is on to hand the bodies over to Bangladeshi authorities through the Border Security Force (BSF).

10 new COVID-19 cases in Sikkim

GANGTOK, JUL 19 (PTI): Ten more persons have tested positive for covid-19 in Sikkim, taking the Himalayan state’s tally to 283, a senior health department official said on Sunday. Of the total 283 COVID-19 cases, 193 are active as 90 patients have recovered from the disease, the official said. Director General (DG)-cum-secretary, health, Dr Pema T Bhutia said all the 10 new COVID19 patients have been admitted to the isolation ward of STNM hospital.

Guwahati, Jul 19 (PTI): All India Mahila Congress President Sushmita Dev was released from Silchar Medical College and Hospital after she tested negative for COVID19.

Dev was admitted to the hospital on July 8 after she tested positive for COVID-19.

“I tested negative for COVID after 12 days.

Thank you everyone for your support”, the former Congress MP from Silchar tweeted.

She also thanked the doctors and nurses for taking good care of her.

“I watched the doctors, nurses, staff and the microbiology team of the Silchar Medical college closely. They are very efficient despite the tough circumstances. I thank them for taking good care of me”, she said in her tweet.

Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma replied to Dev’s tweet by advising her to take rest for another seven days.

“Thank you, @sushmitadevinc. Please take rest

Sushmita Dev for another seven days at least”, Sarma tweeted.

Dev was admitted to the Silchar Medical College Hospital on July 8 and was the second politician in the state to test positive after BJP Patharkandi MLA Krishendu Paul, who has also since recovered and discharged.

Two other BJP MLAs - Bolin Chetia from Sadiya and Narayan Deka from Borkhetry - had also tested COVID-19 positive.

Assam has so far reported 22,981 COVID-19 cases of which 7,760 are active cases, 15,165 patients have recovered, three have migrated out of the state and 53 have died.

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shows houses crumble as drain Sharma slams EAM over foreign policy failures Video in Delhi overflows after heavy rain

NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (PTI): Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma hit out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday, saying he cannot be in denial of the “failures” of foreign policy and should answer them instead.

A day after Jaishankar’s defence of India’s foreign policy, the senior spokesperson of the Congress said engagements with strategic partners demand seriousness and cannot be trivialised and reduced to event management.

He also hit out at the external affairs minister for referring to the Balakote and Uri strikes, saying he should not politicise or monopolise the country’s armed forces.

“Amused by Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s defence of a directionless foreign policy. Rhetoric and tweets do not change ground reality. Neighbourhood first has been a priority of India’s foreign policy but sadly derailed by a cavalier approach,” Sharma said.

Noting that India and Nepal have historically

Anand Sharma (File)

shared a relationship based on trust, friendship and mutual respect, the former Union minister said, “The present drift and tension are a matter of national concern.”

“The Foreign Minister cannot have the luxury of denial but should answer for the failures,” he said in a series of tweets.

“Foreign policy must have gravitas and depth.

Engagements with strategic partners demand seriousness and cannot be trivialised and reduced to event management. You may create illusions by your optics,

but history will judge you by outcomes,” Sharma said.

Jaishankar hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday for his criticism of the government’s foreign policy, saying India’s major partnerships are stronger, international standing is higher and it engages China on more equal terms politically under the Narendra Modi dispensation.

“Pakistan (that you skipped) surely notes the difference between Balakot and Uri on the one hand, and Sharm-el-Sheikh, Havana and 26/11 on the other. Ask yourself,” Jaishankar said, attacking Gandhi over his comments.

The external affairs minister’s no-holds-barred attack on Gandhi came after the former Congress chief, in a video message posted on Twitter, trained his guns on the government, saying over the last six years, India has been “disturbed and disrupted” with regard to its foreign policy and economy.

He shared his thoughts

on why China chose to be aggressive now and alleged that Prime Minister Modi’s “indiscretions” have weakened the country and left it vulnerable.

“Rahul Gandhi has questions on Foreign Policy.

Here are some answers: Our major partnerships are stronger and international standing higher. Witness regular summits and informal meetings with US, Russia, Europe and Japan. India engages China on more equal terms politically. Ask the analysts,” Jaishankar said in a series of tweets, in which he made a point-bypoint rebuttal of the Congress leader’s criticism.

India speaks its mind more openly now on issues such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China’s Belt and Road initiative, South China Sea and UN-sanctioned terrorists, he said, adding, “ask the media”.

Hitting back at the minister, Sharma said Jaishankar’s reference to the Mumbai terror attack was “oddly out of place”.

As a former ambassador and senior diplomat, he had articulated India’s position, which, “for political expediency, he has chosen to criticise and disown”, the Congress leader said.

“India’s response was robust and mobilisation of International support exposed and isolated Pakistan.

Why use Balakote, Uri and every brave action of Indian armed forces for partisan propaganda? Every Indian is proud of them.

“Do I have to remind that Indian Army, Airforce and Navy existed before May 2014 and their heroics and valour respected globally. Army belongs to the nation and fights under the tricolour. Advising in national interest. Do not politicise or monopolise our defence forces,” Sharma said.

The Congress has been criticising the foreign policy of the Modi government, alleging that it has become “individual-centric”, a charge denied by the government, which has said India’s position and voice have strengthened globally.

PM Modi speaks to CMs of seven IAF top brass to discuss Rafale states; discusses Covid situation integration, developments NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to the chief ministers of seven states — Bihar, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand — and discussed the situation of the novel coronavirus infection in the respective states, sources said. He also discussed the flood situation in Bihar and Assam, the sources added.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said that India’s case fatality rate (CFR) is “progressively falling” and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world. “The CFR is progressively falling and currently, it is 2.49 per cent.

India has one of the lowest fatality rates in the world,” the ministry said.

With nearly 39,000 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, the total number of coronavirus infections rose to over 10.7 lakh. At least 543 deaths were reported, taking the casualties to 26,816. While 3,73,379 are active patients, as many as 6.7 lakh patients have already recovered.

Maharashtra, the worstaffected state, crossed the three-lakh mark on Saturday with Mumbai reporting

Narendra Modi (File)

over 1 lakh coronavirus cases so far. The state now has more cases than the United Kingdom, which has till now reported over 2.95 lakh infections. Globally, over 14 million people have been infected with the virus and 602,656 have died. It has taken just four days to climb to 14 million cases from 13 million recorded on July 13.

Among the southern states, while Telangana has shown a slowdown, Andhra Pradesh showed an unusually high rise in its daily cases, reporting close to 4,000 new infections, while Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also recorded their highest single-day numbers. Tamil Nadu has remained the second-largest contributor of Coronavirus cases for a long time, even though its

growth rate has dropped off in the last couple of weeks. But the other states, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana started to grow at a rapid pace only recently, from the start of this month.

The national capital, on the other hand is projecting an uplifting trend.

For 17 of the last 20 days, including 11 in a row now, the number of people recovering from Covid in Delhi has remained higher than newly detected infections -- no other state has come close to such a trend.

The number of cases in Mumbai, the capital state of Maharashtra, crossed 1 lakh on Saturday. Maharashtra’s tally breached 3 lakh-mark and reached 3,00,937 as the state recorded 8,348 fresh cases, the health department said.

Ahead of Bakri Eid and Ganesh festivals, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray reiterated that religious, social and political gatherings will remain prohibited in the state in view of the rising infections. Addressing collectors and municipal commissioners via a virtual meeting, Thackeray called for replication of the Dharavi model at other places in the state to control the coronavirus outbreak.

755 of 945 universities respond to UGC’s final-year exam deadline

New Delhi, Jul 19 (AGENCIES): Majority of Indian universities have chalked out their final-year exam schedules to meet the UGC deadline of September 30, with 755 out of 945 universities responding to the UGC communication in this regard.

The UGC today said out of 945 universities (as per the list maintained by UGC till June 1, 2020), the responses were obtained from 755 Universities (120 Deemed Universities, 274 Private Universities, 40 Central Universities and 321 State Universities) and information from remaining universities is being obtained.

“Out of the 755 universities, 560 have either conducted the examination or are planning to conduct. Among these 560 varsities, 194 have already conducted examination and 366 are planning to conduct examination in online, offline, blended mode in August and September. In addition, 27 Private Universities were established during 2019-20 and their first batch is yet to become eligible for final examination,” Secretary, UGC, said today in a statement.

After the UGC postponed the academic calendar allowing varsities to plan end of semester exams by September 30, 2020, the universities were required to chart out a plan for completion of final year examinations in offline (pen and paper); online or blended (online and offline) mode following the prescribed protocols and guidelines related to COVID19 pandemic.

The UGC guidelines mentioned that in case a student of terminal semester is unable to appear in the examination conducted by

Representational image.

the university, he or she may be given opportunity to appear in special examinations for such courses which may be conducted by the university as and when feasible.

UGC communicated to the universities on July 8 the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Conduct of Examinations as suggested by HRD Ministry.

The varsities have now responded to the UGC sharing their exam schedules.

UGC today reiterated that exams are an integral part of the education system. “The performance in examinations contributes to merit, lifelong credibility, wider global acceptability for admissions, scholarships, awards, placements, and better future prospects. A large number of best universities across the world including US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries, have conducted or are conducting examinations by giving various options,” said the UGC today.

NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): Top Air Force commanders led by Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria are scheduled to meet and discuss the situation developing between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Among key issues up for discussion will be the deployment of twin-engine fighter assets by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Integration of the Rafale fighter jets due to arrive in India

by July-end will also be discussed during the two-

day meet.

The Air Force will focus on the rapid deployment of Rafale fighter jets for operational roles along northern borders in coordination with other assets, including the Su-30MKI and the Mirage-2000.

The Air Force has deployed its assets in an active deployment formation along the LAC, all the way from eastern Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

Senior officials of the IAF will also assess Chinese military build-up along the LAC during the meet.

A DTC bus almost submerged at waterlogged Minto Bridge underpass after rains in New Delhi, Sunday, July 19. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): As heavy rains whipped several parts of Delhi and nearby areas this morning, houses at a slum in Delhi’s upscale ITO area collapsed when a canal running through the slum overflowed.

D r a m a t i c v i s u a l s, shared on social media, show water gushing into the basement of a building under construction from the overflowing sewage drain.

As houses topple over and get washed away by the rushing water, residents can be heard screaming in the background. No one was present in the building at the time of the incident, officials told NDTV. Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) and fire engines are present at the spot.

In another shocking video, a brick-house at the edge of a sewage drain in the same area crumbles into a pile of dust, leaving behind a mound of debris.

Earlier today, a man’s body was found floating in

water near a road under the iconic Minto bridge in the capital that was flooded by the heavy showers.

The body of the pickup truck driver was spotted by a trackman working at New Delhi yard when was working at the tracks.

“I came down, swam and retrieved it. The body was floating in front of a bus,” Ramniwas Meena was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. In another incident, a 55-year-old man was electrocuted to death in Delhi’s

Jahagirpuri area.

Till 5:30 AM, the Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded 4.9 mm rainfall in the national capital. The Palam weather station gauged 3.8 mm precipitation.

The weather office had predicted heavy to very heavy rain over parts of northwest India. “The entire monsoon trough is most likely to shift northwards, closer to the foothills of the Himalayas during July 1920,” it had said.

क��ीय िव�ालय रं गपहाड़ छावनी

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA RANGAPAHAR CANTT. HQ 3 CORPS, 939 FPO, C/O 99 APO Dimapur Nagaland

�वेश सच ू ना: 2020-21

Admission Notice: 2020-21 Online registration for admission to class I in Kendriya Vidyalaya Rangapahar Cantt for the Academic Year 202021 will commence at 10:00 am on 20/07/2020 and will close at 7:00 pm on 07/08/2020. The admission details can be obtained only through website https://kvsonlineadmission.kvs.gov.in and through Android Mobile App available for download at https://kvsonlineadmission.kvs.gov.in/apps/ and Google Play Store. Parents are requested to go through the instructions carefully for using the portal and mobile app before using them.

Registration for class II to VII will be done from 8:00 am of 20/07/2020 up to 4:00 pm of 25/07/2020 as per vacancy available (in off line mode only).

For the admission of KV students in class XI (Sc. & Hum.) will be done from 8:00 am of 20.07.2020 to 4:00 pm of 25.07.2020 by applying optional form available in our website.

Registration for class XI for non K V students will be done from 8:00 am of 27/07/2020 up to 4:00 pm of 10/08/2020 as per vacancy available (in off line mode only).

Reckoning of ages of all classes shall be as on 31/03/2020. Reservation of seats will as per KVS admission guidelines 2020-21. All the forms (Optional and registration) completely filled will be submitted through mail (Mail Id: rangapahar1885@gmail.com) Only.

For further details, Optional form and registration forms, please visit website https://rangapahar.kvs.ac.in or contact to these numbers: 03862-249146(Office, KV Rangapahar) 8529265798 (Mr. Jitendra Kumar Saini, Adm I/C) Under present situation of COVID-19, the direction issued by Competent Authority (Central/ State/Local) are to be followed, and parents are requested not to visit Kendriya Vidyalaya Rangapahar Cantt physically to avoid gathering.

शै��णक वषर् 2020-21 के �लए क�द्र�य �वद्यालय रं गपहाड़ क� ट म� क�ा एक म� प्रवेश के �लए ऑनलाइन पंजीकरण �दनांक 20/07/2020 क�

सब ु ह 10:00 बजे से शुरू होगा और �दनांक 07/08/2020 क� शाम 7:00 बजे बंद होगा। प्रवेश �ववरण केवल वेबसाइट

https://kvsonlineadmission.kvs.gov.in के माध्यम से और एंड्रॉइड मोबाइल ऐप के माध्यम से

https://kvsonlineadmission.kvs.gov.in/apps/ तथा गूगल प्ले

स्टोर से भी डाउनलोड �कया जा सकता है । माता-�पता से अनुरोध है �क वे पोटर् ल और मोबाइल ऐप का उपयोग करने से पहले �नद� श� का सावधानीपूवक र् अध्ययन कर� ।

क�ा दस ू र� से सातवीं तक के �लए पंजीकरण �दनांक 20/07/2020 क� 8:00 बजे पव ू ार्हन से �दनांक 25/07/2020 क� 4:00 बजे अपराह्न तक उपलब्ध �रिक्तय� क� सं�या �कया जाएगा।

(केवल ऑफ लाइन मोड म� ) के अनुसार

क�ा ग्यारहवीं (�व�ान एवं कला संकाय) म� केन्द्र�य �वद्यालय के

�वद्या�थर्य� के प्रवेश के �लए हमार� वेबसाइट पर उपलब्ध वैकिल्पक फॉमर् का उपयोग करके �दनांक 20/07/2020 क� सुबह 8:00 बजे से �दनांक 25/07/2020 के शाम 4:00 बजे तक �कया जाएगा।

गैर क�द्र�य �वद्यालय के �वद्या�थर्य� के �लए क�ा ग्यारहवीं का पंजीकरण �दनांक 27/07/2020 क� सब ु ह 8:00 बजे से �दनांक

10/08/2020 क� 4:00 शाम तक उपलब्ध �रिक्तय� क� सं�या (केवल ऑफ लाइन मोड म� ) के अनुसार �कया जाएगा।

सभी वग� क� आयु क� गणना 31/03/2020 के अनुसार होगी। सीट� का आर�ण के.�व,सं. क� प्रवेश �नद� �शका 2020-21 के अनुसार होगा। पूर�

तरह से भरे गए सभी फॉमर् (वैकिल्पक और पंजीकरण)केवल मेल आईडी:

rangapahar1885@gmail.com के माध्यम से प्रे�षत �कए जाएगे |

अ�धक जानकार� वैकिल्पक फॉमर् और पंजीकरण फॉमर्, के �लए, वेबसाइट

https://rangapahar.kvs.ac.in पर जाएं या इन नंबर� पर संपकर् कर� :

03862-249146 (के.वी. रं गपहाड़ कायार्लय)8529265798 (श्री िजतेन्द्र कुमार सैनी, प्रवेश प्रभार�)

को�वड-19 क� वतर्मान िस्थ�त के तहत, स�म प्रा�धकार� (क�द्र�य / राज्य /

स्थानीय) द्वारा जार� �कए गए �नद� श� का पालन �कया जाना अ�नवायर् ह�|

माता-�पता से अनरु ोध �कया जाता है �क वे एक�त्रत होने से बचने के �लए DC-628

क�द्र�य �वद्यालय रं गपहाड़ क� ट का भौ�तक(शार��रक) रूप से दौरा न कर� ।

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 224 Dimapur, MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

Hiding the unhidden

D

espite COVID-19 cases in India increasing everyday by over 10,000 new infections, with single-day spikes even doubling to over 25,00-plus and despite the more than the three-month lockdown, the government still rants about high recovery and low mortality rates to justify its rejection of calls to acknowledge that community transmission has taken place. So far as on July 19,2020 the total number of COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 10,77,618. India is already the third highest country infected by the virus in the world after the USA(3,836,674) and Brazil(2,075,246).

The increase in number of COVID-19 cases in India since the March 24,2020 national lockdown has risen by geometric proportions. On March 24 India recorded 1024 COVID-19 cases and by March 31,2020 the figure shot up to 1,82,143. The meteoric rise reinforced strong belief that community transmission has taken place since even studies conducted initially by Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) indicated this. However, ICMR, perhaps mindful of the centre's sensitivity on the issue, backed away from calling the meteoric rise of COVID-19 cases as due to community transmission.

By June 30, the number of COVID-19 cases in India continued to soar to 5,66,840 and it continued with the geometric rise with July 16,200 showing the biggest ever single-day spike of over 29,000. By July 19,2020 India finally surpassed the one million figure with 10,77,618 COVID-19 cases. Chairman of IMA Hospital Board of India Dr V K Monga has termed the current COVID-19 scenario of mounting figure as an exponential growth that is bad for the country. Dr.Monga has reiterated that community transmission has already taken place in India and that was why the COVID-19 cases continue to rise alarmingly. Even in April, eminent epidemiologists as well as immunologists both from India and abroad, have said that COVID-19 in India is already into community transmission. A guidance document released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare seems to have given out India's best kept Covid-19 secret - it says that as early as April, community transmission has happened in India. On April 9, the ICMR and Health Ministry researchers - some of them are national task force members for COVID-19 in a journal paper, provided evidence suggesting the prevalence of community transmission in 36 districts across 15 States. However, the union Health Ministry took a U-turn by maintaining that community transmission has not started yet in India. This claim has been strongly challenged by independent health experts.

The country has been under lockdown for more than three months, but clearly, each lockdown has failed in containing the infection. It has been observed that imposing the lockdown is one of the effective measures that can be used by the countries to contain the spread of the pandemic as social distancing activities like lockdown helps to avoid the transmission among people.

The government maintains its claim despite the fact that India now has the third highest number of Covid19 cases in the world after the US and Brazil. Despite mounting evidence of community transmission, why hasn’t the Modi government admitted that community transmission is already taking place? Admission of community transmission is not the end of the world but the beginning of better understanding to re-strategise containment of COVID-19. The virus can be contained only when the government decides to differentiate between the pathological and the political.

DailyDevotion The Submission of the Believer

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. —John 13:13 Our Lord never insists on having authority over us. He never says, “You will submit to me.” No, He leaves us perfectly free to choose— so free, in fact, that we can spit in His face or we can put Him to death, as others have done; and yet He will never say a word.

But once His life has been created in me through His redemption, I instantly recognize His right to absolute authority over me. It is a complete and effective domination, in which I acknowledge that “You are worthy, O Lord…” (Revelation 4:11). It is simply the unworthiness within me that refuses to bow down or to submit to one who is worthy. When I meet someone who is more holy than myself, and I don’t recognize his worthiness, nor obey his instructions for me, it is a sign of my own unworthiness being revealed. God teaches us by using these people who are a little better than we are; not better intellectually, but more holy. And He continues to do so until we willingly submit. Then the whole attitude of our life is one of obedience to Him. If our Lord insisted on our obedience, He would simply become a taskmaster and cease to have any real authority. He never insists on obedience, but when we truly see Him we will instantly obey Him. Then He is easily Lord of our life, and we live in adoration of Him from morning till night. The level of my growth in grace is revealed by the way I look at obedience. We should have a much higher view of the word obedience, rescuing it from the mire of the world. Obedience is only possible between people who are equals in their relationship to each other; like the relationship between father and son, not that between master and servant. Jesus showed this relationship by saying, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30). “…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). The Son was obedient as our Redeemer, because He was the Son, not in order to become God’s Son.

Quotes

Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world. ~ George Bernard Shaw

I

ndia has to end its lockdown completely for fast economic recovery.

The unlock is like a see-saw.

While the Centre is keen on opening up, the states have become erratic all over in imposing closures all over the country either on a daily, weekly or hourly basis hurting the crucial revival after 15 weeks of complete or partial curfew.

With a number of states, including UP, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Rajasthan and Maharashtra re-clamping curfew in parts it has led to closures all over, now in pieces. Very few states are functioning to their capacity.

It is affecting supplies, trade, transport, health of businesses and uncertainties all over the country during the 13 weeks since March 25.

Over 40 crore Indians are estimated to be still under various forms of local lockdowns (LD).

The Narendra Modi government is caring for the health and life of the people.

That is a solace. However, the disease is not lethal says ICMR DG Balram Bhargav in his pre-unlock meet the press. He said overall incidences are low and fatality is less than one percent in

Future belongs to India

smaller cities. He does not consider it to be a fatal disease. A cautious post-unlock approach has caused more piecemeal closures though impact is national. There is little evidence that local LD reduce spread of covid19.

Half of the year, first due to financial crisis since December 2019 and then severe covid19 closures, is witnessing tepid recovery.

Post-unlock some select big industries like the automobiles appear to be doing better but it’s still far away from normal operations.

The flip-flop US policies are hitting the global economy accentuated by poor shipping operations and other blockades. The trade war with China has hit the US hard. Disney and Apple, among major US companies, Bloomberg reports, have become pawns of China enabling Beijing to amass influence and wealth at the expense of the US and western democratic values.

India is no less hit by Chinese border and economic aggression. The country has taken tough steps to ban Chinese goods and 59 apps. It made China react sharply and cajole India in diplomatic language. Indian search for alternative has be-

gun but long dependence on Manmohanomics is delaying it. Complete swadeshi, or atmanirbhar Bharat, dream of Prime Minister Modi or every self-priding person through make in India is time-consuming.

Total unlocking is needed to pace up these efforts.

Key economic indicators like labour participation rates, mobility indices, and electricity consumption are down in July compared to initial activities in June. The weekly Nomura India Business resumption Index (NIBRI) has plateaued causing worries. The index fell to Shivaji 66.8 points till July 12, from 69.3 on July 5 and 70.5 at June end.

June saw a pent up demand due to prolonged LD that gave hope. The e-way bills under GST needed for goods transportation also seeing a slump at 17.2 million in July against 18.7 million till June 15. Similarly labour participation is falling since June 21 and mobility indices fell 30 percent below since mid-June.

The news of Google investment of $ 10 billion and various other companies, including Facebook and Qualcom in the coun-

try are encouraging. These would materialize as the country starts functioning in full scale.

Intermittent closures by city or state administrations are impacting demand generation and production.

Large manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods, smart phones, automobiles have declined reversing the initial unlock gains. It is affecting truck movements, already hit by high diesel prices and no relief postLD in toll rates and GST procedures. Markets closing weekends in UP and cities like BengaluSarkar ru, Guwahati, Kolkata reduce 30 percent sales of companies like German wholesale Metro Cash and Carry.

Policies like imports are not in a stable zone. The nation has to chart out clear road map to swadeshi atmanirbharata. Higher tariff barriers may not be a flat approach in an economy that has become dependent on global producers, including China, for many raw materials and finished goods.

The nation has to come out of the quandary whether to fully produce internally or have a mix. The politi-

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

cal leadership has to clarify whether they want a Gandhian or a modern solution. No party alone can give a solution. A national confabulation to develop policy for the next 30 years is needed to severe itself from the debilitating uncertain Manmohanomics.

The policy to cut on public sector just to boost the private also needs review. The public sector has set a standard not only in production quality but also creating models for labour engagement. This strength of the PSUs is being tried to be eroded through watering down labour laws, wage policies and denying companies like HAL from naval copter production to ‘help’ private sector. To say that PSUs have undue advantage is a move against the spirit of strategic partnership model.

The Modi government has taken many good steps, it should allow PSUs to function freely so that Indian private sector could also achieve an overall quality level – a plank they are trying to compromise for fast growth by demolishing the standard makers. The PSUs are needed to be strengthened for atmanirbharata

or self-dependence of the country. The nation needs to learn from the US, which despite private sector growth has not compromised on public sector. Most western countries too have followed that pattern. The private sector should be advised to come up to the level of PSUs but they also be told that it cannot be at PSUs’ cost.

The PSUs and private sector must compete to make this a strong nation and not annihilate each other. Public money is involved in both.

Growth of one is integral and mutually beneficial for the country.

Similarly for overall growth they need to coexist and not go for handing over select profitable rail routes to private sector. It may emerge as a poor imitation of the Prafulla Patel policy of annihilating Air India.

India has to go on a fast trajectory. It must now open up, end LD irrespective of the disease and start operations of railways normally to avoid an abnormal shrinkage of the economy.

The country has its strength, it has to take a plunge and not cowed down by fear, apprehensions or panic. With a bold and practical step, the future belongs to India.

Post-mortem

“N

o man undertakes a trade he has not lear ned, even the meanest; yet he thinks himself sufficiently qualified for the hardest of all trades, that of government.”----- Socrates Can we simplify politics?

How can we make it easier for ordinary citizens to understand and play politics in Nagaland? Who are creating public nuisance and political turbulence? And, why?

Can we identify them? Can there be any solution? Let’s try.

Today, it appears that the people of Nagaland have not taken any stand on the moral issues or ethical behaviour of their citizens and state politicians. Both the citizens and politicians are either indifferent or ignorant about their moral obligations towards the society and state. They do not show any collective vision, goal or principles. Neither the citizens nor the politicians seem to have any clear thought or vision as to how they should rule the state or play politics with responsibilities. Since apparently, there is no commitment to any moral principles or clarity of thought or convergence of thoughts around those critical issues or to any universal or eternal values like justice, truth etc, to guide their political behaviour, they play the state politics dismissively, disdainfully, casually and haphazardly as they like and the victory is decided by money and muscle power during every election or power struggle without any other necessary qualifications or conscience. There is no rule or moral restraint. The winner is applauded and nobody questions about the means he employs to succeed. ‘The ends justify the means’.

Their methods of acquiring power and position are very crude, repugnant and highly immoral.

It is observed that during every political crisis in our state, the general public behaves and acts amoral, the moralist crusaders remain silent and allow the immoral political activists a free hand to achieve their goals by hook or by crook. The loser doesn’t cause any loss to the society because the election is never fought on any moral or universal or eternal principles so far that concern the welfare of the society.

Nevertheless the society as a whole suffers irreparable moral consequences because of the acquiescence of the public, reticence of the moralist speakers and writers, and, irresponsible activities and blatant immoralities committed by the politicians.

Together, they have destroyed the moral fabric and reputation of our traditional tribal society and brought political corruptions into the state systematically and officially as a way of life. Aren’t they all conspirators in the moral collapse of our society? What we are known to the outside world today, is largely dependant on the

Simple thoughts

activities of these elements.

Any modern vibrant and living liberal democratic society is split by political principles and ideologies in which the people with the best and most relevant ideas win the election and run the government. Where nobody represents any universal or eternal political principles and simply contests for power in the election or in political crisis, as a candidate, neither will the society gain nor lose, except the individual contestant. It will be just a personal victory or loss. The society does not share his fate, good or bad. The reputation of the loser will also not suffer either because he does not have any. Reputation is merely a recognition of merit or demerit accorded to or conferred upon by the society for good works. How can he have any reputation when he doesn’t identify himself with any universal or eternal values of life or political principles?

However, for a people like the Nagas, who love to talk about political independence, unique identity and separatism, and, refuse to identify with the national politics of India, but, at the same time, very badly divided by tribalism and individualism, the only politics that can accommodate all the myriad views and interests of the citizens is, ideally speaking, to have 2(two) political parties in the state, namely, national party and regional party.

The national political party of India is absolutely essential in order to keep the fissiparous tendencies in check and slowly but discreetly develop a national consciousness among the people.

It will also serve as a vital link through which the aspirations and problems of the state can be expressed and addressed more effectively at the national level. If they don’t have that connection, they will feel neglected, ignored and alienated. They will also be able to partake in the policy decision making process at the national level and understand India better and can contribute towards nation building. A small but politically sensitive state like ours, needs special attention from the centre for funding all development activities as we don’t have enough resources of our own.

Our state was created out of political necessity and not on economic viability. We still remain economically poor and backward after so many decades of attaining the statehood. The infrastructure development is hardly visible.

Roads, electricity, education, health services and water supply have not been sufficiently made available to the citizens even in the urban areas not to speak of the rural areas where the sketchy developments and the infrastructures are in shambles or in most deplorable and dilapidated conditions.

Most of them exist on paper only.

Paper developments and cheap publicity have taken the place of real developments on the ground.

Our economy is being wrecked by the political instability, corruptions and extortions coupled with geographical difficulties. The state has to remind the government of India about them again and again lest that original idea is forgotten and we are treated differently at par with the others.

Next, it is also necessary to have a very clearly defined regional political party in Nagaland to represent the peculiarities and special problems of the region in New Delhi whichever political party rules over there. This will even act as a safety valve through which the centrifugal forces can express their frustrations and feelings safely and freely. Collectively, they must send a strong and unambiguous political message to New Delhi regarding the special interests of the people as experienced more than 100 (hundred) years of political struggles and mass uprisings mobilised by some of the most influential and popular Naga leaders of their times. They have passed through many vicissitudes of political fortunes in their long and arduous journey but one thing has been very consistent and amply enunciated clearly by all of them unequivocally that they belong to a separate group of people with a distinct culture of their own and they want to maintain the status quo. Till today, they continue to have a strong feeling of alienation and refuse to naturally integrate politically with the India union. In order to win over these elements, we need a strong local regional political party organised within the constitution of India, which can accommodate their aspirations and allay their fears of being swamped by the overwhelming majority Indians of different race and culture.

It is not an overstatement to say that there is no ‘Naga’ in Nagaland. They are just so many villagers and tribesmen prefixing with the word ‘Naga’ to their names. They are really emotionally not integrated. Their apparent physical unity is so superficial without any emotional bound.

It cannot withstand against any strong storm. This is so remarkably evident when we happen to witness two ordinary Nagas from different villages or tribes fighting over a minor motor vehicle accident on the road or disputing over land boundaries or even arguing over matters of the most trivial nature, they can easily escalate to group fights between the two villages or tribes encouraged and instigated by the bystanders from the fellow villagers or tribesmen, each taking their respective sides blindly without reasoning. That is called ‘Naga unity’.

It is really a unique state in

India which the non-Nagas don’t understand or refuse to appreciate.

People merrily say and write that Nagaland is a ‘Christian State’ without knowing that ‘there is no Naga church in Nagaland’ though there are many magnificent tribal church buildings comparable to some of the finest and best in their architectural designs, both quality and size, in the whole northeast region of India.

Similarly, ‘there is no Naga organisation’ in Nagaland. They are all village or tribal organisations deeply divided and suspicious of one another vying for supremacy.

The umbrella organisations called ‘Naga organisations’ are simply representing those village and tribal interests. Those representatives to various Naga organisations pay allegiance to their respective village and tribe first, and then, to the Nagas second.

Besides that nobody can be directly elected to the highest decision making body of any Naga organisation without first going through his village or tribal organisation. They cannot do anything against the interests of their village or tribe. Accordingly, they have to sacrifice the interests of the Nagas for their respective villages and tribes. Thus, the call for Naga unity is often fallen flat or seen to be so farcical, sham,

very shallow and not effective.

No ordinary Naga can ever dare to call for Naga unity or work for the welfare of all the Nagas against the particular interests of his origin unless he is a man of exceptional charisma and possesses extraordinary leadership quality, blindly and solidly, backed by his villagers and tribesmen.

Since ‘there is no Naga’ in Nagaland, the state is composed of so many independently wellestablished villages on traditional patterns and loosely federated tribes inspired by modern ideas, uniquely and antagonistically, organised for competition and supremacy. This nature is also explicitly reflected in the new settlement areas occupied by Nagas. They prefer to live in separate segments isolated from strangers, with their own villagers or tribesmen only wherever they settle down either in cosmopolitan cities in India or towns in Nagaland. It may be due to both physical and psychological reasons. They don’t like to expose themselves to the risk of being suddenly attacked by their strange neighbours. Perhaps, their old spirit of headhunting traditions and sense of survival is still alive and actively working in their subconscious minds relentlessly.

(To be concluded) Besesayo Kezo, IPS, Retd. DGP

Reader’s Post

Provide good telecom network

Sir,

In view of the pandemic outbreak of deadliest disease Novel Coronavirus (Covid 19) which has affected worldwide and claiming the precious lives each and everyday.

So to contain this deadliest virus our state is also initiating to tackle the preventive measure by exercising lockdown including educational institutions for many months.

Accordingly, to avoid neglecting students career the directorate of School Education (DoSE) Kohima, Nagaland are disseminating the online video class through YouTube and Doordarshan Kohima.

But unfortunately in some apart of Nagaland especially in Eastern area there are no connectivity of Doordorshan and students are only depending on YouTube for online class so it will be good if your telecom company provide a better network to help the student who is learning online at this crucial junction.

Aphen Tangshang, VP ENCSU

COVID-19 stigma is a major roadblock

Sir,

From the early days of the HIV epidemic to the current crisis, a major challenge around infectious diseases has been dealing with the deep-seated stigma.

Stigma and misinformation are key factors that prevent people from seeking testing and care until it’s too late. Covid-19 has sparked unwarranted behaviour towards health workers, infected persons and families, ethnicities, and anyone with even a sliver of connection. A vaccine or cure will take time, but there is no rationale that says we cannot channel our social connectedness, networks, and humanity to generate informed, scientific, empathetic responses in this crisis.

Imsubenla Ao, 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 MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

Cong demands Shekhawat’s resignation

JAIPUR, JUL 19 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday demanded the resignation of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to topple the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan.

Citing the two audio clips, in one of which Shekhawat is allegedly heard during a conversation on a plot to bring down the state government, Congress leader Ajay Maken said the BJP leader should quit on moral grounds.

He said the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the state police has registered a case in connection with the audio tapes against Congress MLA Bhanwarlal Sharma, Shekhawat and one Sanjay Jain.

“If Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is claiming that it is not his voice and the reference in the audio clip is of some other Gajendra Singh, then why is he afraid of giving his voice samples,” Maken asked.

He said Shekhawat has no moral authority to continue as a Union minister and should resign so that the investigation is not influ-

Brief Rajasthan Assembly session may be held this week: Cong sources

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (File)

enced. Maken also alleged that the police in Haryana and Delhi are giving protection to the rebel Congress MLAs from Rajasthan.

He said the Centre is threatening in the name of the CBI because it wants to stop the probe into the conspiracy.

The former Union minister also asked why a team of the Rajasthan Police was “stopped by Haryana Police” to carry out its investigation and take voice samples of MLAs Bhanwarlal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh.

If the BJP has no role in it, then why the MLAs took shelter in the party-

ruled Haryana, he asked in a apparent reference to the 19 Congress MLAs’ stay at a hotel in Gurgaon.

On charges of horsetrading, Maken asked the BJP to “reveal the route of black money” as it is being said that Rs 30-35 crore were offered to each MLA. Maken, who has come to Jaipur as a Congress observer, said it is the betrayal of people’s mandate and the murder of democracy if an elected government is toppled with money power.

If such attempts are not stopped, then people will lose faith over the voting process and democracy, he added.

A day after Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra, Congress sources on Sunday said a brief session of the state assembly may be called this week.

“The government has all options open, including a brief assembly session,” they said amid a political crisis caused by party leader Sachin Pilot’s rebellion against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ajay Maken in a press conference said, “The decision on when and how the floor test will happen, it has to be taken by the chief minister and the government. It is the CM’s discretion to move forward when required and if it is required.”

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had met Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra on Saturday and the meeting lasted for 45 minutes.

However, a Raj Bhawan spokesperson said the CM briefed the governor about the efforts being made to protect the state from the coronavirus pandemic.

On the other hand, party sources said the chances of calling a brief assembly session are there but nothing has been finalised yet.

The party claims the Ashok Gehlot government has the numbers to prove majority in case there is a floor test.

In the 200-member state assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs, including former deputy chief minister Sachin pilots and 18 MLA loyal to him, who have rebelled against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

Rajasthan Speaker C P Joshi had earlier sent disqualification notices to the rebel MLAs after which they moved the state High Court. The next hearing in the matter will be held on Monday.

The RLD, which has one MLA, is a Congress ally while the ruling party has the support of 10 of 13 Independent MLAs.

Six killed in accident on First set of private trains to be introduced Agra-Lucknow Expressway by 2023, all 151 such services by 2027

Rescue works underway at the site of accident after a private bus fell off the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Kannauj district, July 19. (PTI)

KANNAUJ, JUL 19 (PTI): At least six people were killed and 33 injured when a bus rammed into a stationary car on Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Kannauj district Sunday, an official said. The bus was carrying around 45 labourers from Bihar’s Madhubani district to Delhi, Chhibramau SubDivisional Magistrate Gaurav Shukla said.

Both the vehicles overturned and fell off the expressway. The bus driver, Rajendra (40), a resident of Faridabad, is among the six deceased. Locals rushed to the spot and helped police

rescue the trapped passengers. “The others deceased of the bus have been identified as Asharfi Nishad (50), Lalbabu (40), Laxmi Shah (42) Chandrika (55) and an unknown person,” police said in a statement.

Six persons travelling in the car received injuries and have been admitted to PGI in Saifai. Nine injured bus passengers have also been admitted to Saifai PGI, while 18 injured persons were hospitalised in Tirwa (Kannauj). 18 passengers were sent to their respective destinations after administering first-aid.

NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (PTI): The first set of 12 private trains will be introduced in 2023, followed by 45 more in the next fiscal, according to an initial timeline drawn by the railways which plans to roll out all 151 such train services by 2027, officials said.

In a formal kick-start to its plans to allow private entities to operate passenger trains on its network, the railways earlier this month invited proposals from companies to run 151 modern passenger trains on 109 pairs of routes across the country.

The project would entail a private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore.

As part of the plan for private trains, the railways has planned to introduce 12 trains in 2022-23, 45 in 2023-2024, 50 in 2025-26 and 44 more in the next fiscal, taking the total number of trains to 151 by the end of FY 2026-2027.

The request for qualification (RFQ), which was floated on July 8, is likely to be finalised by November, the financial bids will be opened by March, 2021

Representational image

and selection of bidders is planned by April 31, 2021, according to a timeline for introduction of private passenger trains prepared by the railways.

Bidders quoting the highest share in gross revenue shall be awarded the project, officials said.

“We have worked out a plan by which we hope to begin private train operations.

Tenders will be finalised by March 2021 and trains will operate from March, 2023,” a senior official said.

The railways has said that 70 per cent of the private trains will be manufactured in India which will be designed for a maximum speed

of 160 kmph. There would be a reduction in journey time by around 10-15 per cent at 130 kmph and around 30 per cent at 160 kmph. The running time taken by a train shall be comparable to or faster than the fastest train of Indian Railways operating in the respective route. The private player will pay the railways fixed haulage charges, energy charges as per actual consumption and a share in gross revenue determined through a transparent bidding process. The railways is expected to receive total haulage charges of around Rs 3,000 crore per annum from operation of these 151 trains, they said.

Kerala gold smuggling case unravels

need to probe role of CM’s office: Cong

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday demanded that the role of the Office of Chief Minister in the gold sensational smuggling case needs to be probed and Pinarayi Vijayan should be questioned. “Time is ripe for investigating the role of CMO in the smuggling case and even questioning

We’ll be kingmakers, says BTP as Rajasthan crisis unfolds

JAIPUR, JUL 19 (PTI): As the Ashok Gehlot government struggles to retain power in Rajasthan, the Bhartiya Tribal Party says it is now in a position to punch way above its weight despite its minuscule presence in the state assembly.

“We have two MLAs in a House of 200, yet we are in the position of kingmakers,” party president Maheshbhai C Vasava told PTI on Sunday.

At a joint press conference with the Congress on Saturday, BTP legislators Rajkumar Roat and Ramprasad Dindor made it clear that they are with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

This ended days of uncertainty over where the Gujarat-based party’s loyalties lie.

The two MLAs supported the ruling Congress in the state in last month’s Rajya Sabha polls. But when the power tussle between Gehlot and his now sacked deputy Sachin Pilot re-surfaced recently, the BTP said it will remain neutral.

Vasava said the party is now extending support to Gehlot after an assurance that its demands related to the development of tribal

Maheshbhai C Vasava

areas will be met. “ We h av e f o u g h t against the Congress and the BJP on tribal issues but if the government now assures full support on the issues raised by us, why shouldn’t we support it? After all it is fulfilling the agenda of tribal welfare and development,” he said.

When the crisis began last week, Vasava issued a whip directing both Roat and Dindor not to support any leader or party in case there is a floor test in the assembly.

However, Sagwara MLA Ramprasad Dindor expressed defiance of the whip, saying both of them will support the state government. Later, party officebearers and the MLAs held discussions with the chief minister on their demands.

“We had supported the

Congress government in the Rajya Sabha elections last month after an assurance by the chief minister on our demands,” Chorasi MLA Roat said. “But the demands were not fulfilled. Some of them could have been met in just one day,” he complained.

The party then thought of not extending support to him, the MLA said.

Last week, Roat appeared in two video clips, alleging that he was being stopped by Rajasthan police from travelling to his constituency in Dungarpur district. He claimed that police personnel had come in two vans and taken away his car keys. He also alleged that some people were forcing him to come with them.

The videos were circulated by the Sachin Pilot camp and the BJP had questioned the state government over them.

But Raut later dismissed the episode as a “misunderstanding” with police. He said the party’s agenda is development of tribal areas and they have raised 17 demands before the CM. Some of the demands are related to reservation in jobs and the utilisation of funds for tribal areas.

Man who burnt 25 villagers injured after Naxals tyres in front of beat them in Dantewada JUL 19 (PTI): tion for development works temples identified RAIPUR, At least 25 villagers were in the area, around 10-15

COIMBATORE, JUL 19 (PTI): The man, who burnt tyres in front of three temples in the city leading to tension, has been identified and six special teams have been formed to nab him, police said on Sunday.

Based on the CCTV footage, police identified the person as Gajendran of Salem and an inquiry with the family revealed that he had left home on Friday night after an argument with them and did not return.

His photographs have been circulated to police in Erode and Salem and also at toll plazas to nab him, since it will be difficult to trace as he was not using mobile phone, they said.

The tyres and junk were found burnt outside Makaliamman temple, Vinayagar temple, and Selva Vinayagar temple on Saturday, resulting in large scale protests by workers of the BJP, Hindu Munnani, VHP and other pro-Hindu outfits.

The incidents came a day after a statue of social reformer E V Ramasami ‘Periyar’ was found daubed with saffron hued paint here.

injured, eight of them seriously, after being allegedly beaten by Naxals for seeking development in their area in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Friday night in Parcheli village under Katekalyan police station limits.

A police team rushed there on Sunday after being alerted about the incident, Dantewada Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Pallava told PTI. The SP said he and district collector recently visited the area during which some people from Parcheli had demanded construction of roads, setting up of an anganwadi (government-run women and child care centre) and other development works in their village.

The officials had assured the villagers to consider their demands, he said.

When Naxals came to know the villagers sought help from the administra-

armed ultras convened a meeting on Friday night in Parcheli, located around 440 km from Raipur, and brutally hit the villagers, including women and children, with sticks, he said.

A police team along with an ambulance reached there on Sunday morning and shifted 25 injured villagers to a nearby community health centre. Eight of them, including a woman, who received severe injuries were referred to the district hospital for further treatment, Pallava said.

The other 17 injured villagers were discharged after being given primary treatment, he said.

“Such a mass beating of villagers by Naxals has become frequent in the region and it is due to the frustration of Naxals after some of their accomplices surrendered to police while some were arrested,” he said.

A case has been registered and search is underway for Naxals involved in beating the villagers, he added.

ECCLESIA THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE & SEMINARY

sleuths say 230 kg gold landed in 13 consignments in one year

the chief minister himself,” Chennithala said.

Reports about the close involvement of top bureaucrats at CM’s Office with the key accused in gold smuggling “have exposed its inefficiency” and rampant corruption prevalent there, the LOP in the Assembly told reporters here.

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and will be extradited soon.

The NIA ad earlier requested Interpol issue a blue corner notice against him. The NIA has accused him of being a key operative in the smuggling racket. Investigators have also started a massive operation to trace the smuggled gold and seized 10 kg from two jewellers in Kozhikkode on Saturday, the official said.

In the last two days, investigators have raided two flats of Swapna Suresh and the business establishment of the third accused Sandip Nair in Thiruvananthapuram and seized many documents.

DC-615

have cropped up during the questioning of the accused will be summoned.

This includes Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s former secretary M Sivasankar and the government’s former IT Fellow Arun Balachandran. Last week, the Customs department had grilled Sivasankar for nine hours. Investigators are also likely to question a state minister whose number appeared in the call list of second accused Swapna Suresh which was leaked to the media. Meanwhile there are reports from Dubai that the third accused in the case Faisal Fareed was arrested

DC-627

Ramesh Chennithala and Pinarayi Vijayan

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): At least 230 kg of gold was smuggled into the country by using some employees of the United Arab Emirates diplomatic mission since July 2019, said a senior officer familiar with the probe led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the seizure of 30 kg of the yellow metal from the Thiruvananthapuram airport on July 5.

“At least 13 such consignments came to the country in one year and they all passed without any check due to diplomatic immunity.

Some of them were heavier than the latest consignment which weighed 70 kg. We are also probing some events organised by state government departments,” the official said on Sunday.

All these consignments landed in Thir uvananthapuram. The NIA has arrested four persons while the Customs have nabbed 13 people so far in connection with the gold smuggling case. The official also said that people whose names

7

8

business/state

‘Lowering rating limits policy options’

9 per cent on Thursday after the company posted a stronger-than-expected 12.4 per cent rise in the first quarter consolidated net profit.

Hindustan Unilever Limited added Rs.25,751.07 crore in its market valuation which stood at Rs.5,48,232.26 crore at close on Friday.

Reliance Industries’ m-cap jumped Rs.20,824.95 crore to Rs.12,11,682.08 crore.

In contrast, HDFC’s valuation plunged Rs.13,920.21 crore to Rs.3,13,269.70 crore and that of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) declined R s. 7 , 6 1 7 . 3 4 c r o r e t o Rs.8,26,031.21 crore.

Crossword

Sudoku

KAKURO

from the Central or state government is yet another crucial factor which is haunting the traders,” it said.

Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT on Sunday said that the domestic trade in the country is passing through its worst period in the current century which reflects that if immediate steps are not taken, about 20 per cent of the shops in India will have to close down their shutters.

As per inputs available from the traders across the country, CAIT said that there is a footfall of only 10 per cent of the consumers

so far post the unlock period which has affected greatly to the daily turnover of the traders.

As per the traders’ body, at this crucial time, handholding of traders is all the more much required.

A financial mechanism needs to be crafted to award business loans to traders and relaxation in payment of taxes and extension in repayment period of bank loans, EMIs without any further interest or penalty is also required and several other steps need to be taken to provide financial liquidity at the hands of the traders to revive business activities.

Rupee to gain strength via foreign direct investment inflows

Mumbai, Jul 19 (IANS): The Indian rupee is expected to strengthen as healthy FDI inflows along with FII funds pour into the country.

Analysts pointed out a range between 74.50 and 75.50 for the rupee as trade surplus, healthy forex reserves and consistent inflows strengthen it further.

However, the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to shore up forex reserves might hamper this trend.

“Rupee is now moving in a new range of 74.50 and 75.50 to US dollar, and with more inflows lined up from the Jio Platforms deal, especially the $4 billon Google tranche, the rupee looks supported and can appreciate towards 74.50,” Sajal

Gupta, Head, Forex and Rates, Edelweiss Securities, told IANS. “The dollar index is retesting important support level of 95.80 and any breach would bring more strength in rupee, even beyond the 74.50 mark,” Gupta added.

Even the trade surplus status has helped the rupee break free from its earler range.

“Trade data pointed to a comfortable scenario and rising Nifty can bring better days for the rupee, subject to RBI not sucking out dollars from the market which can check rupee’s appreciation... However, rupee still remains laggard in the post Covid timeframe,” Gupta said.

Recently, official data showed that India had emerged as a net exporter in June.

As per the data, the country recorded a trade surplus of $0.79 billion in June as against a deficit of $15.28 billion during the like period of 2019.

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Presently, India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $3.108 billion during the week ended July 10.

The reser ves grew to $516.362 billion from $513.254 billion reported for the week ended July 3.

Last month, official

data showed that India posted a marginal current account surplus in Q4FY20 on the back of lower trade deficit, along with higher remittances and an increase in investment flows.

The current account is the net difference between inflows and outflows of foreign currencies.

According to Anindya Banerjee, DVP, Currency and Rates, Kotak Securities: “Considering that Q2 may see a surplus on current account, rupee can appreciate against US dollar if financial flows via FDI and FPI remain positive , especially at a time when the RBI may taper its purchases on spot and also with US dollar softening in the global markets. A range of 74.50

to 75.40 can be seen over the medium term.”

Last Friday, the rupee appreciated by 16 paise to close at 75.02 against a greenback.

“Traders are keeping a wary eye on China’s trade relations with the US and this caution will limit the fall in USD/INR,” said Rahul Gupta, Head of Research, Currency, Emkay Global Financial Services.

“However, corporate dollar inflows and government’s fiscal stimulus amid the coronavirus outbreak will keep the risk appetite intact. Seventy-five is acting as a crucial support, and if that breaks, we can see a fall towards 74.80 or 74.85 with 75.50 being the resistance,” he added.

Income Tax department disposes 7,116 assessments under faceless scrutiny NEW DELHI, Jul 19 (PTI): The Income Tax department has disposed of 7,116 cases under the first phase of faceless assessment system, people familiar with the matter said.

Since its launch on October 7, 2019 and implementation of first phase, faceless scrutiny assessment scheme has provided for assessment of income tax in electronic mode, where taxpayers need not see faceto-face any tax officer or visit an I-T office and can e-file reply on the income tax portal.

The source said in the first phase of faceless assessment, a total of 58,319 cases were assigned in an automated way randomly and these were kept away from the geographical jurisdiction of the case, based on computer algorithms.

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Out of this, 7,116 cases as on date have been disposed of with assessment orders issued without any additions, and 291 cases, wherein additions are proposed to be made, have been submitted to Risk Management unit, sources said.

He said that in all the cases, the grievances of over-pitched assessment or harassment of taxpayers/ tax professional have been almost eliminated.

The taxpayers have been advised to check their registered e-filing accounts/ email ids for notices or updates.

Now, all the communications with taxpayers is made electronically by a central cell in Delhi and identity of all assessing of-

ficers remains unknown to taxpayers at all times, the source added.

Separately, a Finance Ministry official said that now almost 99 per cent returns are e-filed. Out of more than 6 crore returns filed annually, only about 3 lakh returns come under scrutiny on the basis of select risk parameters.

“Cases are centrally selected for scrutiny using computer aided selection for scrutiny. Some scrutiny cases are also selected manually on the basis of specified criteria. Old assessments can also be reopened if the assessing officer has sufficient reason to believe that some income has escaped assessment,” the official said.

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New Delhi, Jul 19 (Agencies): Three of the 10 most valued companies added a total of Rs.98,622.89 crore to their market valuation last week, led by stellar gains in IT major Infosys. Seven companies from the coveted list witnessed a decline in their market valuation last week, but their cumulative loss of Rs.37,701.1 crore was less than the total gain made by three firms - Reliance Industries Limited, Hindustan Unilever Limited and Infosys.

The market capitalisation of Infosys zoomed Rs.52,046.87 crore to Rs.3,85,027.58 crore. Shares of Infosys had rallied over

New Delhi, Jul 19 (IANS): The ongoing pandemic has hit every sector of the Indian economy hard and the retail trade in the country has lost about Rs 15.5 lakh crore in the past 100 days.

In a statement, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that the traders across the country are highly depressed because of very minimal footfall of the consumers, considerable absence of employees, facing the highest financial crunch and yet have to meet several financial obligations.

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(From p-1) for indigenous Naga inhabitants as they were not Centrally-sponsored or Central department posts, NVCO also raised strong objection to recruitment of Gazetted Class-I officer’s post, which it contended was outside the department’s purview.

If the State government allowed such recruitments, the organisation wondered what use Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) would be. It asked the department not to take advantage of the situation and commit blunder again.

Pointing out the loopholes in the terms and condition, NVCO asked whether it was fair to allow age relaxation up to 45 years of age, consider 2 marks for each year of experience in a fresh open recruitment process and consider maximum marks from university marks.

It asked the department not to play with recruitment in this manner as it would spoil the career of many qualified Naga candidates, especially the junior ones who would have done better in a fair recruitment process.

LAND FOR SALE at Ekranipathar Plots with Approach Road starting from 6(Six) Lacs and above Available at Ekranipathar.

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for the first time in two decades. Fitch Ratings has also revised downward its rating outlook for India from stable to negative, while S&P Global Ratings affirmed ‘BBB-’ credit ratings for India.

A rating downgrade in current times puts extra stress on the governments and the industries to mobilise overseas funding for domestic spending. It also impacts the investment cycle.

Sitharaman said that the G-20 Action Plan in the Covid-19 times would require international coordination in addressing the spill-over effects of exit strategies.

Emphasising that the Action Plan needs to reflect on how the economies are

and International Financial Coordination, aimed at coordinating G20 efforts to fight the pandemic.

In the second session of the meeting, the G20 Finance Ministers and central bank Governors discussed the developments on G20 Finance Track deliverables under the Saudi Arabian Presidency.

During this session, the Finance Minister shared some of the policy measures taken by the Government of India to fight the pandemic, including direct benefit transfers, special support to agriculture and MSME sectors, rural employment guarantee measures etc.

Sitharaman particularly highlighted how India has successfully employed technology-based financial inclusion by harnessing the nationwide digital payment infrastructure that India has built in the last five years, to make contactless cash transfers of over $10 billion into the bank accounts of 420 million people.

She also referred to the swift measures to provide free food grains to over 800 million people for eight months till November 2020.

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Nirmala Sitharaman

balancing their supply side and demand side measures in response to Covid-19, the Finance Minister shared with her counterparts how India is working on ensuring this balance through credit schemes for greater liquidity, direct benefit transfers, and employment guarantee schemes.

In this regard, she specifically referred to India’s comprehensive economic package to address recovery and growth amounting to over $295 billion, about 10 per cent of the country’s GDP. The G-20 meeting was organised to discuss the global economic outlook amid the evolving Covid-19 pandemic crisis along with other G20 Finance Track priorities for the year 2020.

In the first session, Sitharaman talked about the G20 Action Plan in response to Covid-19 which was endorsed by the G20 Finance Ministers and central bank Governors in their previous meeting on April 15.

This G20 Action Plan lays out a list of collective commitments under the pillars of Health Response, Economic Response, Strong and Sustainable Recovery

Retail trade loses Rs 15 lakh cr in 100 days

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New Delhi, Jul 19 (IANS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a strong case for rating agencies to refrain from frequent rating downgrades during the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, which has put economies across the globe under stress and raised the need to increase spending even at the cost of enlarging deficits.

Participating in the 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors ( FMCBG) meeting under the Saudi Arabian Presidency through video conferencing , Sitharaman said that procyclicality of credit rating downgrades by the rating agencies was an issue in current times, especially with regard to its deterrent impact on policy options, particularly for emerging market economies such as India.

The economic stress which the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about has not been seen by the rating agencies differently as they downgraded their ratings for several economies, including India.

In early June, Moody’s downgraded India’s rating by a notch to ‘Baa3’

NVCO flags terms of recruitment issued

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COVID deaths top 6L; HK warns of resurgence China blasts dam to release flood waters

Hong Kong also warned of a resurgence in the virus. (Reuters)

leaders of the 27-nation European Union haggled for a third day in Brussels over a proposed 1.85 trillion-euro EU budget and coronavirus recovery fund.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there is “a lot of good will, but there are also a lot of positions” in the talks, which have have laid bare the fissures in the bloc about how the countries hit hardest by the pandemic, such as Italy and Spain, should be helped and under what conditions. She said the talks, which were initially scheduled to end on Saturday, could still end without a deal.

Confirmed global deaths from or with COVID19 rose to more than 602,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins.

The United States tops the

list with over 140,000, followed by more than 78,000 in Brazil, 45,000 in the United Kingdom and 38,000 in Mexico.

The number of confirmed infections worldwide has passed 14.2 million, with 3.7 million accounted for by the United States alone. Brazil has witnessed more than 2 million while India has recorded over 1 million. Experts believe the true numbers around the world are higher because of testing shortages and data collection issues in some nations.

Infections have been soaring in US states such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, with many blaming a haphazard approach to the lifting of the lockdowns as well as the resistance of some Americans to wearing

Guterres calls for ‘New Social Contract, New Global Deal’ Washington, Jul 19 (IANS): UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres has called for a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal to address inequality across the world.

COVID-19 is a human tragedy, but it has also created a generational opportunity to build back a more equitable and sustainable world, Xinhua news agency quoted Guterres as saying in his Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture address, which was delivered virtually on Saturday. “The response to the pandemic, and to the widespread discontent that preceded it, must be based on a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal that create equal opportunities for all and respect the rights and freedoms of all.”

This is the only way that the world will meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development -- agreements that address precisely the failures that are being exposed and exploited by the pandemic, he said.

A New Social Contract within societies will enable young people to live in dignity, will ensure women have the same prospects and opportunities as men, and will protect the sick, the vulnerable, and minorities of all kinds.

“To close those gaps, and to make the New Social Contract possible, we need a New Global Deal to ensure that power, wealth and op-

portunities are shared more broadly and fairly at the international level.”

A new model for global governance must be based on full, inclusive and equal participation in global institutions, he said.

“Without that, we face even wider inequalities and gaps in solidarity, like those we see today in the fragmented global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In his address, Guterres said COVID-19 has laid bare risks that have been ignored for decades: inadequate health systems, gaps in social protection, structural inequalities, environmental degradation, the climate crisis. The New Social Contract must integrate employment, sustainable development and social protection.

masks.

Even where the situation has been largely brought under control, new outbreaks continue to worry authorities and prompt the return of some restrictions.

Following a recent surge in cases, Hong Kong made the wearing of masks mandatory in all public places and told non-essential civil servants to work from home. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said the situation in the Asian financial hub is “really critical” and that she sees “no sign” that it’s under control.

Police in Barcelona are limiting access to some of the city’s beaches because sunbathers are ignoring regulations amid a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Authorities in Amsterdam are urging people not to visit

the city’s famous red light district and have closed off some of the historic district’s narrow streets because they are too busy.

Slaughterhouses also have featured in several outbreaks. Authorities in northwestern Germany’s Vechta county said Saturday that 66 workers at a chicken slaughterhouse tested positive.

That is much smaller than a recent outbreak in western Germany that prompted local authorities to order a partial lockdown.

Cases in the Australian state of Victoria rose again on Sunday, prompting a move to make masks mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne and the nearby district of Mitchell for people who leave their homes for exercise or to purchase essential goods.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said those who fail to wear a mask will be fined 200 Australian dollars ($140).

“There’s no vaccine to this wildly infectious virus and it’s a simple thing, but it’s about changing habits, it’s about becoming a simple part of your routine,” Andrews said.

Speaking on Sunday from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for an immediate worldwide cease-fire that he said “will permit the peace and security indispensable to supplying the necessary humanitarian assistance.”

US state sues govt over ‘unlawful detentions’ of protesters

Wash i ngton, J ul 19 (IANS): The Attorney General for the US state of Oregon has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, accusing it of “unlawfully detaining” protesters, the media reported on Sunday.

The lawsuit filed by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum on Saturday came after the deployment of federal agents in Portland, which according to the government was in an effort to restore order in the city which have witnessed nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd in police custody on May 25 in Minneapolis, reports the BBC. In the lawsuit, Rosenblum requested a restraining order to stop agents from the Department of Homeland Security, US Marshals

Service, US Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Protection Service from making any more arrests in the city.

“These tactics must stop,” the BBC quoted Rosenblum as saying in a statement.

“They not only make it impossible for people to assert their First Amendment rights to protest peacefully, they also create a more volatile situation on our streets.”

Their methods, she added, are “entirely unnecessary and out of character with the Oregon way”, the Attorney General added.

Besides the arrests, the federal agents, deployed by President Donald Trump, have also fired tear gas and less-lethal munitions into crowds of demonstrators.

A flooded residential area along the Yangtze river in Jiujiang on July 18. PhotographerHector Retamal.

Beijing, Jul 19 (PTI): China blasted a dam over a river in Anhui province on Sunday to discharge the surging flood waters as torrential rains and floods wreaked havoc in the country, killing over 100 people.

The dam on the Chuhe river, a tributary of the mighty Yangtze River, was destroyed with explosives to ease the flood control pressure in the river basin, state-run CCTV reported.

Water levels on many rivers, including the Yangtze, have been unusually high this year because of torrential rains.

The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze last week opened three floodgates as the water level behind the world’s biggest dam rose more than 15 metres above flood level.

Syrian President Bashar Assad and his wife Asma vote at a polling station in the parliamentary elections in Damascus, Syria, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

they cast the ballots they had to leave immediately as no gatherings were allowed inside. People also had to keep a safe distance while waiting for their turn.

In the morning, Assad and his wife, Asma, both wearing masks, voted in Damascus at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

The vote is a message to “emphasizes the cohesion of the Syrian homeland, that after nine years of war, Syria will not kneel,” Information Minister Imad Sarah

told reporters after casting his ballot. Assad has twice postponed the country’s parliamentary elections this year in light of restrictions in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Assad himself is not standing for election.

Syria, that had a prewar population of 22 million, has reported 496 cases of infections and 25 deaths because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

However, the actual numbers are likely far higher and

increases have been reported in recent days.

The head of the Higher Judicial Committee for the Elections, Judge Samer Zumriq, confirmed on Saturday in a statement to state news agency SANA that more than 7,400 polling stations have been set up in 15 voting districts. They include 1,400 stations where troops and members of the country’s security services will vote. No vote was being held in the northwestern province of Idlib, the last

rebel stronghold in Syria or in the country’s northeast, which is controlled by USbacked Kurdish-led fighters.

Polling centres opened at 7 am (0400 GMT) and are scheduled to close 12 hours later. Results are expected to be announced the following day.

Some 167 seats are allocated for Assad’s ruling Arab Socialist Baath Party — guaranteeing it a solid majority — while the rest are allocated for independents, including merchants, businessmen and industrialists. This year’s vote comes as the country is also witnessing harsh economic conditions including a crash in the local currency worsened by US sanctions and an economic crisis in neighbouring Lebanon.

The so-called Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, envisages sanctions on Syrian troops and others responsible for atrocities committed during Syria’s civil war and also provides funding for war crimes investigations and prosecutions.

Syria calls the sanctions acts of “economic terrorism.” Outgoing legislator Mohannad Haj Ali, who is under US and European sanctions, said the country is experiencing a “suffocat-

rainfall.

Some of these regions will see over 70 mm of hourly precipitation, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, the centre said.

The centre advised local authorities to remain alert for possible flooding, landslides and mudslides, and recommended halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas.

Also on Sunday, the centre renewed a yellow alert for high temperatures in the country’s southern areas, as well as in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Sichuan.

Parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Xinjiang will see temperatures range from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius and even exceed 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Giant swarm of flying ants spotted from space over UK

London, Jul 19 (IANS): A 50-mile-wide swarm of flying ants has been making its way over the UK - and it has been spotted from space due to the massive size, it was reported on Sunday.

The enormous cloud of ants was picked up by the Met Office’s weather radar

Syrians vote for new parliament amid measures against virus Damascus, Jul 19 (AP): Syrians headed to polling stations in government-held parts of the wartorn country on Sunday to elect a new parliament amid strict health measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The vote is the third to take place in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011. It has killed more than 400,000, displaced half the country’s population and sent more than five million as refugees mostly into neighbouring countries.

The vote this year follows a new wave of US sanctions that came into effect last month and a campaign to fight corruption that saw a wealthy cousin of President Bashar Assad come under pressure to pay back tens of millions of dollars to the state.

Some 1,656 government-approved candidates are running this year for the 250-seat People’s Assembly. The total number of eligible voters hasn’t been announced. As in previous votes in Syria, the vote will produce a rubber-stamp body loyal to the president.

Inside polling stations, all workers were wearing masks and gloves and voters had to use their own pens in the sanitized booths. Once

Last week, official media reported that over 140 people were killed or missing since June, 37.89 million have been affected and over 2.24 lakh people relocated as China faced “flood catastrophe” with 433 rivers were on spat.

On Sunday, China’s national observatory renewed a yellow alert for rainstorms, as incessant downpours would continue to wreak havoc in vast stretches of the country.

From Sunday morning to Monday morning, heavy rains and rainstorms are expected in parts of Tibet, Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi, among other regions, the National Meteorological Centre said, warning that some areas of Jilin, Liaoning and Anhui will experience downpours with up to 150 mm of daily

ing economic and political siege.”

He also said Syrian citizens are aware of corruption within state institutions adding that Assad has started “dealing with corruption by tracking down on the corrupt.”

over Kent and Sussex on England’s southeast coast, Sky News said in a report.

The weather service said smaller swarms could also be seen over London.

A video was released by the Met Office, alongside a tweet saying: “It’s not raining in London, Kent or

Sussex, but our radar says otherwise. “The radar is actually picking up a swarm of #flyingants across the southeast. “During the summer ants can take to the skies in a mass emergence usually on warm, humid and windless days #flyingantday’.”

A spokesman for the Met Office said there were likely to be “thousands” of ants within the swarm.

“It’s not unusual for larger swarms to be picked up,” Sky News quoted the spokesman as saying. “A similar thing happened almost exactly a year ago on ‘Flying Ant Day’. “On days when it is sunny, the radar detects the swam but we are able to see they are not the same shape as water droplets, and in fact look more insect-like,” he added.

OFFICE OF THE ‘A’ KHEL PUTU MENDEN MANGMETONG MOKOKCHUNG: 798601, NAGALAND

APPRECIATION

Through this post, the farmers of Teyongpayin Project Area would like to express our gratitude to Department of Agriculture and specially to DAO Mokokchung and her team for the privilege to avail the benefits under RAD program 2019-2020.

This positive gesture is an encouragement to the farmers and will work harder to produce better.

Sd/Sungjemmongba Chairman, 'A' Khel Putu Menden MKC-166 Mangmetong

Resolutions Adopted By NH-2 Two Lane Construction Affected Landowners Of Wokha District Landowners from New Wokha Village, Tsungiki Village and Koio Village under Wokha District being affected by the soon-to-start NH-2 Two Lane Construction (Km 83.000 to Km 101.00) held a Coordination Meeting at the New Wokha Village Council Hall on July 18, 2020 along with Chukitong Range Public Organization officials as observers and resolved the following: 1. The Affected Landowners, on behalf of the people of our area, congratulate ANUSHA PROJECTS PVT. LTD. for bagging the contract work for the NH-2 Two Lane Construction in our area. The landowners also hope that the Construction Firm will do justice to the crying need of the populace for a stable and lasting road.

2. The Affected Landowners shall extend all possible support and cooperation to the Construction Firm for construction of the same as per approved specifications.

3. The Affected Landowners shall allow the construction work to begin only after proper compensation for structures, land and plantation have been cleared by the Government to the satisfaction of all concerned and according to approved scheduled rates.

4. The Affected Landowners shall coordinate with the Construction Firm for working out arrangements for sub-letting of small contract works to Affected Landowners.

5. The Coordination Meeting also nominated J. Rensathung Murry, Chairman, Landowners’ Union, New Wokha Village as Coordinator for the Affected Landowners’ Unions of Km 83.000 to Km 101.00 NH-2 Two Lane Construction.

6. The Affected Landowners request all groups/organization not to put up issues of taxations, donations, etc., for the soon-to-start NH-2 Lane Construction in our area or unnecessarily harass the workers so that the road construction is executed according to approved specifications for the benefit of all Nagas.

J. Rensathung Murry Chairman, Landowners’ Union, New Wokha Village

E. Yanpothung Kikon Chairman, Landowners’ Union, Tsungiki Village

Nzio Kikon Chairman, Affected Landowners, Koio Village

Ezanimo Kikon Chairman, Chukitong Range Public Organization

WC-180

JOHANNESBURG, JUL 19 (AP): The number of people around the world who have died as a result of the coronavirus has passed the 600,000 mark as countries from the US to South Africa to India struggle to contain infections.

Hong Kong also warned of a resurgence in the virus as it issued tougher new rules on the wearing of face masks.

Concerns are rising that the pandemic has found fresh legs over the past few weeks, with Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organisation both recording daily highs in newly reported infections.

Pope Francis said that “the pandemic is showing no sign of stopping” and pointed to those whose suffering from the outbreak is worsened by conflicts.

While the US leads global infections, South Africa now ranks as the fifth worst-hit country in the pandemic with more than 350,000 cases, or around half of all those confirmed on the continent. Its struggles are a sign of potential trouble to come for nations with even fewer health care resources.

India, which has now confirmed more than a million infections, on Sunday reported a 24-hour record surge of 38,902 new cases.

In Europe, where infections are far from their peak in the spring but local outbreaks are causing concern,

Infotainment

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

Filmmaker Rajat Linkin Park issue Trump with cease & desist Idris Elba ‘offered Mukherjee passes away order for unauthorised use of ‘In The End’ millions to join Apple TV+’ L

Idris Elba

I

dris Elba has reportedly been offered £5 million to join Apple TV+.

The 47-year-old actor has been offered the eyewatering sum of money to make TV shows and films for Apple, which is desperate to fight off competition from Netflix.

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: ‘’Landing a heavyweight multi-talent like Idris who is not just an actor, but a producer, director and musician is a coup for Apple. ‘’He’s universally

liked, extremely talented, versatile, and will bring in the viewers globally. For both parties it’s a win, win situation.’’

The lucrative offer is being led by Jay Hunt, who commissioned ‘Luther’ while at the BBC and he’s subsequently become Apple’s European content chief.

Meanwhile, Idris recently revealed he doesn’t agree with censoring or deleting old TV shows.

The London-born actor questioned the decision to remove programmes

from streaming platforms and TV channels, because he believes viewers should ‘’should know that people made shows like this’’.

He said: ‘’To mock the truth, you have to know the truth. But to censor racist themes within a show, to pull it ... I think viewers should know that people made shows like this. ‘’Commissioners and archive-holders pulling things they think are exceptionally tone-deaf at this time - fair enough and good for you. ‘’But I think, moving forward, people should know that freedom of speech is accepted, but the audience should know what they’re getting into.’’

As well as suggesting content warnings before offending episodes, Idris - who didn’t refer to a specific show - called for artists to be allowed the freedom to create.

He explained: ‘’I don’t believe in censorship. I believe that we should be allowed to say what we want to say. Because, after all, we’re story-makers.’’

(Contactmusic)

Rajat Mukherjee

F

ilmmaker Rajat Mukherjee, known for directing films like “Pyaar Tune Kya Kiyaa, “Road” and “Love In Nepal” passed away on Sunday. Actor Manoj Bajpayee confirmed the news on social media.

Manoj took to his verified account on Twitter, where he shared that Rajat Mukherjee was in a “long battle with illness”.

“My friend and director of Road, Rajat Mukherjee passed away in the early hours today in Jaipur after a long battle with illness!!!

Rest in peace Rajat! Still can’t believe that we will never meet or discuss our work ever again. Khush reh jaha bhi reh (be happy wherever you are),” wrote the actor.

Manoj said he will always remember the shoot days of “Road”, which released

In 2002, it also stars Vivek Oberoi and Antara Mali.

“I will always remember the shoot days of Road and how we created it while having so much fun all because of you!! Will miss you dearly my friend Rajat! RIP,” he wrote.

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha took to his verified Twitter account to express his condolence.

He also shared that Rajat Mukherjee was “dealing with multiple health situations”.

“Another friend gone too soon. Director Rajat Mukherjee (‘Pyar Tune Kya Kiya’, ‘Road’). He was dealing with multiple health situations past few months in Jaipur. Go well mate,” he wrote.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta wrote on his official Twitter account: “Just got news about the passing away of a dear friend. Rajat Mukherjee director of Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and Road was a friend from our early, early struggles in Bombay.

Many meals, many bottles of Old Monk consumed.

Many more to consume in another world. Will miss you dear friend.”

(IANS)

inkin Park have issued Donald Trump with a cease and desist order over the use of their song ‘In The End’.

On Saturday (July 18), the president shared a campaign-style clip tweeted by White House social media director, Dan Scavino, which featured the 2001 single.

A few hours later, the clip was removed from Twitter with the notification: “This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.”

Twitter removed the video following a copyright complaint made by Machine Shop Entertainment, the management company owned by Linkin Park.

“We respond to valid copyright complaints sent to us by a copyright owner or their authorised representatives,” a Twitter representative told The Guardian.

Soon after, the band shared a statement online, writing: “Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued.”

Chester Bennington

In 2017, the band’s late frontman Chester Bennington voiced his disapproval of Trump, penning a tweet that read: “I repeat…..

Trump is a greater threat to the USA than terrorism!!

We have to take back our voices and stand for what we believe in.”

Linkin Park are not the first to call the president out for the unauthorised use of their music. Neil Young, Dexys Midnight Runners, Panic! At The Disco, the Rolling Stones, and more have told the president to not use their music.

Last month, Linkin Park revealed that they still have unreleased material featuring late frontman Chester Bennington.

Donald Trump

Mike Shinoda shared the news during a Twitch stream, opening up about a song called ‘Friendly Fire’ that was supposed to appear on Linkin Park’s 2017 album ‘One More Light’.

Meanwhile, Linkin Park‘s ‘Leave Out All The Rest’ has been given the mashup treatment by rising UK artist Macca Wiles.

Blending his newly released trap rock single ‘Outlined’ with the Linkin Park classic, Wiles pays homage to the band’s frontman Chester Bennington with a poignant, stripped back mashup that hears his emotions flow through his raw and reflective vocals.

(NME)

Travis Barker announces new Blink-182 song Simi calls Kangana ‘brave’; reveals ‘someone powerful tried to destroy her career’

T

Travis Barker

ravis Barker has shared news of a new Blink-182 song and has updated fans on the status of the band’s forthcoming EP. Speaking in a new interview, Barker revealed that he hopes the band’s long-awaited EP, which Mark Hoppus said last year would feature Lil Uzi Vert and Pharrell Williams, will “be out by the end of summer.”

He also said the band would be releasing a new song called ‘Quarantine’ ahead of the EP’s release. “There’s a song called ‘Quarantine’ that’s gonna come out really, really soon,” he told MTV. “It’ll be a Blink favourite.

It’ll be like all our fan favourites.

It’s incredible.”

The news comes after Goldfinger frontman and producer John Feldmann said earlier this month that Blink-182 are “getting in touch with their roots” during their latest recording sessions.

He told RockSound: “The band has definitely been getting in touch with their roots. The songs we have been working on have been super classic Blink and I can’t be more excited.”

Elsewhere in the interview, which saw Barker and new col-

laborator jxdn come together to talk to MTV, the drummer revealed that he still hates flying following his near death experience in 2008 when the plane he was on crashed in South Carolina.

“I still hate flying,” he explained, before revealing that another fear he has is regret.

“Live to the fullest so you don’t regret anything.

“One thing I heard that’s really strong one day is like: you’re gonna die. It’s just a fact.

Live your life. Make yourself happy. Accomplish your goals.

Have goals. Create goals, and just check them off one at a time. Just go for it. Stay on people’s necks and really just be relentless.”

Meanwhile, Machine Gun Kelly has only just worked out what the title of Blink-182‘s ‘Take Off Your Pants And Jacket’ album means.

The rapper, who is a longtime friend of Barker, had no idea that the title of the 2001 LP, which features the singles ‘The Rock Show’, ‘First Date’, and ‘Stay Together For The Kids’, is a pun on male masturbation (“Take off your pants and jack it”).

(NME)

V

eteran actor Simi Garewal broke her silence over her experience with nepotism. The TV host revealed that “a powerful person viciously tried to destroy her career”.

Garewal also applauded Kangana for her bravery for calling out ‘Bollywood biggies’. The former TV host added that she is feeling ‘depressed’ after hearing Kangana’s comments on Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

Ever since Sushant’s death, Kangana has been speaking about nepotism in Bollywood.

Revealing that she has also faced the cruelties of B-town, Simi tweeted on late Saturday night, “I applaud #KanganaRanaut who is braver & bolder than I am.

Only I know how a ‘powerful’ person has viciously tried to destroy my career. I stayed silent. Because I am not so brave….”

“I don’t know what all of you felt after watching #KanganaSpeaksToArnab ..but it has left me quite depressed.. I’m distraught

Simi Garewal

at what #SushantSingRajput endured .. and also what many ‘outsiders’ go through in Bollywood.. it must change! When George Floyd was killed in America it set forth an awakening.

In the same way #SushantSingRajput’s death may be the harbinger of an awakening in Bollywood..,” she added.

Kangana Ranaut spoke to news channel Republic TV on Saturday evening about the death of Sushant.

The actor also alleged that she was dropped by 18 brands and called the people

Kangana Ranaut

in Bollywood “emotional vultures”.

In her interview with Republic TV, Kangana had said that she would return her Padma Shri if her claims about Sushant’s death were proven wrong.

“They (Mumbai Police) summoned me, and I asked them too, that I’m in Manali, that you can send somebody to take my statement, but I have not received anything after that.

I am telling you, if I have said anything, which I can’t testify, which I can’t prove, and which is not in public domain, I will return

my Padma Shri,” Kangana said.

“I don’t deserve it. I am not that person who will go on record (to make such statements), and everything that I have said is in public domain,” she added.

Sushant died by suicide on June 14 at 34 years old.

He was reportedly suffering from depression. His death has triggered a debate on nepotism and favouritism in Bollywood with many targeting powerful filmmakers and star kids on social media.

(Tribune)

Bipasha misses Harvey was ‘abusive’ to our female directors: The Chicks Tom Holland says Spider- 'exuberance' of a Man 3 will wrap in February live performance

B

Tom Holland

‘S

pider-Man 3’ is should take six weeks worth scheduled to wrap of work.’’ filming in FebruBack in April, Tom ary. confessed he didn’t know Tom Holland, who when he’d be shooting the stars as the iconic super- next ‘Spider-Man’ movie. hero in the ‘Spider-Man’ Speaking amid the franchise, has revealed via coronavirus lockdown, he a video on his dad’s Patreon explained: ‘’I was in Berlin account that he’s already making a film called ‘Unfinished shooting the ‘Un- charted’ and we were all charted’ movie, and plans ready to go, we went to set to complete filming ‘Spider- for day one shooting and Man 3’ in early 2021. then we got shut down and The 24-year-old actor we all got sent home.

- who previously starred ‘’So whether we shoot in ‘Spider-Man: Home- that movie first or ‘Spidercoming’ and ‘Spider-Man: Man’ first I am unclear.

Far From Home’ - shared: But both movies are being ‘’Finish ‘Uncharted’, finish made and they’re both re‘Spider-Man’ in February ally strong and the scripts next year. Two press tours, are fantastic, so whatever maybe together, which happens happens, but I’m K Y M C

ready to play both.’’

Tom also confirmed he’d been working on a film script during the lockdown.

The actor revealed he’d been writing alongside his brother Harry, describing it as the most ‘’nerve-wracking’’ he’d ever done.

He shared: ‘’Harry and I have been working on the script that we’ve been writing together. So we’ve done some really good work on that. ‘’We’ve sent that out yesterday to the first bunch of producers, which is actually more nerve-wracking than anything I’ve done in my career.’’

(Contactmusic)

ollywood actress Bipasha Basu says she is missing the energy and exuberance of performing in front of a live audience.

Bipasha took to her verified Instagram account, where she shared a throwback picture of herself performing on stage. She said she cannot wait for it to happen soon.

"Miss the energy and exuberance of performing in front of a live audience... can't wait for it to happen again soon. This picture is from one of my most memorable performances at #iffaawards . Grooving to #DumMaaroDum #throwback," she wrote alongside the image.

Bipasha's husband and actor Karan Singh Grover took to the comment section from his verified Instagram account and dropped some love emojis.

The actress recently went down memor y lane and recalled shooting for her 2006 release, "Corporate",which turned 14. Bipasha and Karan, who worked together in the film "Alone", tied the knot in April 2015.

(IANS)

The Chicks

T

he Chicks have spoken out about the time Harvey Weinstein was “abusive” to the directors of their documentary Shut Up And Sing.

The 2006 film followed the backlash against the country pop trio – who recently changed their name from Dixie Chicks in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests – after they criticised George W. Bush’s Iraq war in 2003.

Speaking in a new interview, The Chicks allege Weinstein – who produced the documentary – yelled at directors Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck because he wanted the film to have a happy ending, despite it

feeling false.

“He was standing, screaming at them,” Martie Maguire told The Guardian. “We were all dumbfounded.”

Frontwoman Natalie Maines went on to describe the encounter as “one of the scariest meetings we’ve ever had,” and added that it was the source of her one regret in life.

“I really wish I could be back in that room and go: ‘Listen, motherfucker, don’t you talk to our directors like that’,” she explained.

“I know first-hand how scary that man can be.

He was definitely getting off on belittling them, be-

Harvey Weinstein

cause it was completely unnecessary and abusive.”

“Can you imagine if we had known back then that he didn’t have testicles? To have had that information!” she added, referring to a testimony made by of one the accusers in Weinstein’s sexual assault case.

In March, Har vey Weinstein was sentenced to serve 23 years in a New York state prison for sexual assault and third-degree rape.

Elsewhere in the interview, The Chicks claimed that they were “used and abused” by the music industry, stating that even without the Bush backlash

and being banned from radio, they estimate they would still have only had one more album in them after 2003.

“I feel like we were used and abused by everybody who wanted to see us do well, but also make money off us,” Maguire said. “We were really run ragged.”

M e a n w h i l e, n i n e women in the entertainment industry have agreed to an $18.87million settlement over a class action suit against Harvey Weinstein, The Weinstein Company and several officers, directors and employees of the company.

The two law firms leading the civil case announced the settlement in a press release on June 30.

The case, which was filed back in November 2017, alleged that Weinstein was a serial sexual harasser and abuser, and that his affiliated companies failed to prevent his actions.

The settlement was aided by the New York Attorney General, who in 2018 filed a separate lawsuit against The Weinstein Company and its founders over allegations of an unsafe work environment.

(NME) K Y M C

Southampton beat Bournemouth 2-0

Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with his team-mates after he scores his sides second goal during their Premier League match on Sunday.

bottom side are three points from safety with just one game left, while their goal difference is four inferior to fourth-bottom Watford.

Bournemouth’s fiveyear stay in the top-flight will be over if Watford take one point from their last two games against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Watford face City on Tuesday before the final day on July 26 when Bournemouth travel to Everton and the Hornets meet Arsenal. Ings now has 21 league goals this season, leaving him two behind Leicester’s Jamie Vardy in the race for the golden boot.

The Southampton striker would have been even

closer if he hadn’t missed a second-half penalty, but even that reprieve couldn’t save Bournemouth.

Southampton started brightly and Lloyd Kelly fired just wide before the unmarked Callum Wilson headed wastefully over.

Josh King saw a penalty appeal rejected by VAR after he was bundled over by Southampton defender Jack Stephens.

For all Bournemouth’s pressure, James WardProwse should have put Southampton in front when he headed straight at Cherries keeper Aaron Ramsdale from a good position.

No side has kept fewer clean sheets in the Premier

Man City considering legal action against La Liga chief

Bristol’s Diedhiou subjected to racial abuse

Bournemouth, Jul 19 (Agencies): Bournemouth were pushed to the brink of relegation from the Premier League as Danny Ings inspired Southampton’s 2-0 win over their south-coast rivals on Sunday.

Ings struck late in the first half at Dean Court before Bournemouth’s Sam Surridge saw his dramatic stoppage-time equaliser disallowed for offside.

Che Adams added Southampton’s second goal with virtually the last kick to leave Bournemouth with nine defeats and only one win from their last 12 league matches.

Eddie Howe’s second-

Manchester, Jul 19 (IANS): Manchester City are reportedly considering taking legal action against La Liga president Javier Tebas following his comments after Court of Arbitration (CAS) overturned their European ban.

Tebas had launched a scathing attack after City saw their two-year ban, imposed by UEFA in February, overturned and also their fine was brought down to 10 million euros from 30 million euros. “We are aware of what Tebas has been saying in the days since the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced their decision on our appeal,” a City official was quoted as saying by Sunday Mirror Sport as per The Sun. “The matter has now been referred to our legal team to see if there is a course of action we can take to redress the balance.

Tebas’ views on the club are without any foundation. An independent body has ruled that UEFA’s decision to ban us from Europe was wrong,” he added.

Fellow Premier League managers, namely Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham Hotspur’s Jose

Mourinho, had also hit out at the CAS ruling earlier.

While Klopp had called it a bad day for football, Mourinho referred to it as a disgrace. “We all know what City do,” Tebas was quoted as saying by ESPN. “When they were punished (by UEFA originally), there was no surprise among the majority of us involved in European football.”

“I don’t want to say (people were) happy, but at last there was a sense of justice against these big state-owned clubs, the other being Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).”

In contrast, when the CAS reversed the decision, there were protests - from Klopp, Mourinho - because we all know they’re trying to find a way around the FFP rules. As Klopp said, it was a bad day for football. “City will be in the Champions League next season because the CAS did things badly, not because City have done things properly,” he added.

Lo n d o n, J u l 1 9 (Agencies): Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou was subjected to racial abuse online after missing a penalty in his side’s 1-0 defeat by Swansea City on Saturday.

Connor Roberts gave Swansea the lead on the stroke of half time before Diedhiou, 27, failed to level proceedings as his 69th-minute spot kick cannoned off the post.

After the game, the Senegal international posted a screenshot of a message with three banana emojis, which he received from someone on Twitter. Diedhiou commented, “Why??”

“We stand with Famara Diedhiou and anybody who has to suffer racism in any shape or form.

There is no excuse or justification for this disgusting behaviour,” Bristol said in a post on Twitter.

The incident comes shortly after Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick were subjected to similar abuse on social media.

League this season than Bour nemouth and they cracked again four minutes before half-time.

It seemed there was barely a sight of goal for Ings when Nathan Redmond found him on the edge of the area, but the 27-year-old deftly evaded two defenders before drilling a fine finish into the far corner. Ings almost made it two with a curling effort just after half-time.

Southampton were given a penalty by VAR in the 59th minute when Harry Wilson blocked Oriol Romeu’s header with his arm. Ings tried to fool Ramsdale with a stutter-step as he ran up to take the penalty, but his tame shot was too close to the keeper, who saved low to his left.

Chances were at a premium for Bournemouth, but substitute Dominic Solanke had a sight of goal when his shot from an acute angle was well saved by Alex McCarthy. McCarthy made a fingertip save to keep out Wilson’s curler before Surridge saw his equaliser correctly ruled out by VAR. In a cruel finish, Adams’ clinical finish in the 98th minute did more damage to the Cherries’ goal difference.

Novak Djokovic

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Djokovic was one of several tennis players who tested positive for COVID19 during his Adria World Tour. The 17-time Grand Slam winner attracted criticism for the lack of social distancing measures through the course of the tournament, which ended up producing a cluster of cases.

Djokovic apologised for the same while an-

nouncing that he and his girlfriend had tested positive for the disease that has brought almost all professional sport to a standstill in most parts of the world at various points of the year.

He was however subjected to severe criticism from a number of quarters.

A lot of players supported him too, with French veteran Gilles Simon criticis-

Pak batsman Khushdil ruled out for 3 weeks Karachi, Jul 19 (PTI): Pakistan batsman Khushdil Shah has suffered a fracture in his left thumb and will be out of action for up to three weeks, the country’s cricket board said on Sunday.

The left-handed batsman, who has played only one T20I, hurt his thumb during Saturday’s training session here.

“Left-handed batsman Khushdil Shah has been ruled out for up to three weeks after suffering a fracture in his left thumb while batting during Saturday’s training session in Derby,” Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.”

Khushdil is not featuring in the ongoing four-day intra-squad match and will not be available for selection for the second fourdayer, which will be played from 24-27 July in Derby.

However, the 25-year-old cricketer will be able to resume his training from next week.

“As the nail is intact and there is no injury to nail bed, the orthopedic surgeon, team physician and team physiotherapist expect Khushdil to resume physical training by the end of the next week,” PCB said.

No extravagant celebration to mark a year until Tokyo Olympics

A woman pose for photograph next to the Olympic rings near the New National Stadium in Tokyo.

Tokyo, Jul 19 (Agencies): There will be no large-scale celebrator y events next week to mark one year to go until the rearranged Tokyo Olympics, said Yoshiro Mori, president, organising committee.

The Inter national Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japanese government decided in March to postpone the Games until 2021 and organisers have been working to rearrange an event almost a decade in the making.

The Olympics were due to begin with a glam-

orous opening ceremony in the newly-built National Stadium next Friday, but will now not start until July 23, 2021.

Thursday marks one year to go until the new opening date but there will not be a repeat of the events last year involving Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC President Thomas Bach, when the medal designs were unveiled.

“One year to go is coming very close at hand.

However, I do not think that people have the sense of anticipation or in a very

happy way in terms of having a one year to go event,” Mori said after giving a remote presentation to the IOC session in Lausanne.

“We will not have an extravagant celebration. We should refrain from this sort of program.

That was the idea from when we postponed it (the Games).”

There is expected to be a small ceremony to mark the occasion but it will be understandably subdued amid a global pandemic and worries over whether the Games can go ahead next year.

Bumrah hardest to face among Indian bowlers: Labuschagne New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI): He has played just one Test against India but Australian swift-riser Marnus Labuschagne is quite confident of “staying a step ahead” of the world-class attack come December even though Jasprit Bumrah is “hard to get past”.

A rookie Labuschagne had played one Test against India in Sydney during the 2018-19 series and the eagerly-awaited four-match series in December will be an acid test for the fastrising batsman after his stellar initiation to longest format of the game. “They are all good bowlers but it is hard to get past Jasprit Bumrah,” the 26-year-old told PTI in an exclusive interview from Brisbane.

“He has the ability to consistently bowl around 140 kmph and swing the ball when conditions are suitable. He is also able to angle the ball back in at the stumps.

“You always want to test yourself against the best. Jasprit is probably the leader of that attack,” said Labuschagne, who averages over 63 after 14 Tests with four hundreds and

Novak Djokovic returns to training

Belgrade, Jul 19 (IANS): World No 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has returned to training after recovering from coronavirus.

Boris Bosnjakovic, the head coach at the Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade posted pictures on his Instagram handle of the Serbian going through the motions, alongwith compatriot Filip Krajinovic.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020

ing the media for what he saw as unfair treatment meted out to Djokovic when compared with Swiss great Roger Federer.

“I knew Roger would step up to the plate when there were discussions on the prize money of the Grand Slams a while ago,” he told L’Equipe. “But the impression I have is that we lost him on the way, that the representation of the players does not matter to him. If there is a voice that carries, it is his.”

“I see Djokovic like any human being, with his strengths and flaws.

But with Roger Federer, we only talk about his strengths. With Novak ‘a’ only about his flaws. It would annoy everyone if Djokovic breaks Federer’s records. It angers people that he (Djokovic) is so strong.”

“It can also be seen in the crowd, on the court, in the Australian Open final.

The anger against Novak is a huge mistake. Much of the public doesn’t consider him as (important as) Roger or Rafa (Nadal).”

seven half centuries.

Labuschagne also feels that Ishant Sharma, in the past two years, has been phenomenal.

“Ishant has been very good during the last couple of years. Coming over here and angling the ball back into right handers, that would be a good challenge for us also,” said one of the most talked about young players in world cricket right now.

The second season is always tough for any player as the opposition tends to have a better grasp of a player’s game and Labuschagne understands that.

“In terms of a great first year, it was an amazing summer and hopefully, I can better that this time.

Hopefully, against a side like India, testing yourself against one of the best bowling attacks in world cricket at the moment,” he said.

Having played a few ODIs against India and a Test match during the last series, the right-hander feels he won’t be short of confidence during the December-January series.

B’desh cricketers resume individual training

Dhaka, Jul 19 (IANS): Bangladesh cricketers hit the ground running as a number of top-level players resumed individual training in different BCB-run training facilities across the country on Sunday.

As per a report in Daily Star, former captain Mushfiqur Rahim, middle-order batsman Mohammad Mithun and pacer Shafiul Islam had their training sessions at the BCB Academy ground and indoor facilities in Mirpur.

Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan, Nayeem Hasan and Mehedi Hasan are the others who, as the report, had their individual training sessions in other parts of Bangladesh.

“We got this opportunity to train after four long months. Batting, running -- everything felt a little difficult since everything we did in the past four months was indoors. Hopefully things will be less difficult and we will get back our fluency gradually,” Mithun told reporters as quoted by thedailystar.net.

Marnus Labuschagne

“I have played one Test against India in Sydney. I have a bit of experience of facing their attack in that Test and later when I came to India for whiteball series,” he said.

“Naturally, when you do well, then people start picking your game, working on how you play. So, I

have to make sure that I understand my game well, so when Indian bowlers come at me, I have to ensure that I am one step ahead.”

And planning is where Labuschagne is lucky to have someone like Steve Smith in his corner as he goes around picking the former skipper’s brains on

batting in different conditions.

“I have learnt from him and the way he goes about his game and added that to my game which makes me better as a player.

We both love talking about cricket and batting so I am lucky enough to learn from him.”

‘We’ve earned our right to any decision’ Lo n d o n, J u l 1 9 ( I ANS ) : M a n c h e s t e r United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that the players in the squad have earned whatever decisions have gone their way.

United are unbeaten in 19 games in all competitions and some decisions made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in their recent games have drawn attention.

“I’ll defend my players 100%. Some ankles could have been broken this season. I just want them to be protected,” Solskjaer said in an interaction with the media ahead of United’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

“If you’ve got quick feet like Dan James, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood you’ll get tackled outside and inside the box,” said Solskjaer.

“We’ve earned our right to any decision this season. We’ve had decisions overturned from being against us to being for us which means the initial decision was against us.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“It’s up to the referee but there’s too many people talking and trying to influence people, I don’t want to. VAR is there to help get more correct decisions. I’ve always said a factual decision is a fact so 1cm or 1m offside you’re offside that’s just how it is in football now.”

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard had referred to United midfielder Bruno Fernandes provoking a penalty in their match against Aston Villa. The decision was awarded by

VAR and was described as “disgraceful” by Villa boss Dean Smith.

“Fernandes is very clever in his movement.

We saw that at Aston Villa to make something feel like a penalty where maybe it even isn’t,” said Lampard.

“As a player we can talk about VAR decisions and whether they’re right or wrong. But if a player is going to dangle a leg and not move their feet then you obviously do leave yourself open to penalties, VAR or no VAR.” K Y M C

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Hamilton wins Hungarian GP; Arsenal stun Man City; reach FA Cup final equals Schumacher F1 record

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in action during the FA Cup semi-final match against Manchester City.

stopped in their tracks when Aubameyang produced a neat finish in the 19th minute following a flowing end-to-end move.

Pep Guardiola’s City side never fully recovered and, just when they were beginning to exert some real pressure after the break, Aubameyang produced another sublime finish, racing through to fire past goalkeeper Ederson in the 71st minute.

Arsenal comfortably soaked up City’s late pressure as they ended a miser-

able run of seven successive defeats against Guardiola’s City, including a 3-0 away league defeat last month.

“It was a great result against one of the best teams in the world. We were humble, we understood the way we had to play and we took the opportunities to score,” Arsenal defender David Luiz, who has been transformed in recent weeks, said.

When City had 83% of possession in the first 10 minutes it looked like being a long evening for Arsenal

Quartararo wins Spanish MotoGP

Watford sack coach Pearson

LO N D O N, J u l 1 9 (Agencies): Arsenal ambushed FA Cup holders Manchester City as PierreEmerick Aubameyang scored a goal in each half to secure a 2-0 semi-final victory at an empty Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

D ay s a f t e r M i k e l Arteta’s side beat Premier League champions Liverpool, the Spaniard outfoxed his managerial mentor Pep Guardiola as his players executed his plan to perfection.

Predictably, City en-

joyed the majority of possession, but Arsenal were gritty and disciplined as well as being lethal on the counter-attack as they reached their 21st FA Cup final.

Standing in the way of Arsenal’s 14th FA Cup triumph and a trophy for Arteta in his first season as a manager will be either Chelsea or Manchester United who play on Sunday.

City dominated the early exchanges, pinning Arsenal back, but were

Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo celebrates winning the Spanish MotoGP on Sunday.

Madrid, Jul 19 (Agencies): Petronas Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo won his first ever MotoGP race as he took the chequered flag in an incident-packed race at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez on Sunday.

Defending champion Marc Marquez of Honda made two mistakes in the race, with the second leading to a crash at turn four that ended his race with four laps to go.

Frenchman Quartararo’s victory was also the first for Petronas Yamaha

as he finished ahead of Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales in second, while Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso finished third.

From his pole position Quartararo had a poor start and dropped to fourth in the first lap as Vinales took the lead, with Pramac Ducati’s Jack Miller also looking for a podium finish.

There was drama at turn four when Marquez lost control of his front, going off the track and into the gravel, but the defending world champion managed

to regain control of the bike to rejoin the race in 18th place.

Vinales, who had started with a soft front tyre, was struggling with 17 laps to go and went wide, dropping to third, while Quartararo took advantage to move back into the lead with Miller in second. Further back Marquez began to carve his way through the pack and eventually moved up to third with five laps left.

But as Marquez challenged Vinales for second, he was catapulted off his bike at turn four before bouncing off the track and into the gravel.

Marquez walked away from the crash with the help of track marshals but he was visibly in pain after being hit by the bike and was later put in a neck brace before being taken away to a medical centre.

Miller finished fourth while Franco Morbidelli gave Petronas Yamaha another reason to cheer as he came in fifth.

L ondon , J u l 1 9 (Agencies): Nigel Pearson has been sacked as Watford head coach with two games remaining in the season, as the club looks to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The for mer Derby and Leicester boss replaced Quique Sanchez Flores in December with Watford nine points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League.

The 56-year-old immediately oversaw a run of four wins in his first seven matches - including Liverpool’s first defeat of the season.

However, the Hornets have only recorded two wins since the restart with Friday night’s 3-1 defeat to fellow relegation rivals West Ham meaning they sit just one place and three points above the drop zone.

That result leaves Watford now needing a win against either Manchester City or Arsenal to be certain of avoiding relegation.

in the rather surreal surroundings of an empty 90,000-seater stadium.

There was no panic though and their Gabon international Aubameyang had already wasted one chance after being set up by the excellent Luiz when he gave Arsenal the lead.

It was a goal that could have come straight from the Guardiola textbook. An 18-pass move that started in Arsenal’s own area, ended with Aubameyang conjuring a clever finish to guide Nicolas Pepe’s cross in off the post.

City were clearly shaken out of their stride and looked frail at the back as Arseanl threatened on the counter-attack.

Guardiola’s side began the second half with greater purpose and looked to be taking control with Raheem Sterling firing over and Riyad Mahrez denied by a great save from Emiliano Martinez.

Kevin de Bruyne’s dipping free kick went close for City but Arsenal held firm and struck again with 20 minutes left.

Kieran Tierney’s sublime pass from the left played in Aubameyang and the striker outpaced defender Eric Garcia before coolly shooting under Ederson to wrap up the victory.

Players of AC Milan and Bologna fight for the ball during their Serie A match.

the ball into the far corner.

D av i d e C a l a b r i a sealed the match in stoppage time as the right-back finished with a daisy-cutter on Rafael Leao’s assist.

Milan temporarily leaped over Napoli into sixth place with 56 points.

Meanwhile, Atalanta dropped points for only the second time since the sea-

son’s restart after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona on Saturday.

Atalanta, who drew 2-2 with Serie A leaders Juventus last weekend,

BU DA P ES T, J u l 1 9 (Agencies): Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix for the eighth time to equal Michael Schumacher’s single-venue record and take the championship lead on Sunday.

Hamilton’s latest victory from pole position was as comfortable as the nearly 9-second margin over second-place Max Verstappen suggested. The British driver’s 86th GP win moved him just five behind the German great Schumacher’s F1 record of 91.

Schumacher won the French GP eight times when it was held at MagnyCours. Hamilton first won here in 2007 and his first success with Mercedes also came at the Hungaroring track in 2013, the year after replacing Schumacher on the Silver Arrows team.

Verstappen drove superbly to hold off Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished less than one second behind him in third to relinquish the championship lead after three races.

Hamilton took a record-extending 90th career pole on Saturday to match

Schumacher’s record for seven poles on the 4.4kilometer (2.7-mile) track nestled among rolling hills outside of Budapest.

He made a clean start but Bottas made a poor one from second and was overtaken by Lance Stroll starting third; the Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, and Verstappen from seventh.

Red Bull only just managed to get Verstappen’s car on the grid for the start. About 20 minutes earlier, he damaged the front wing when going over a kerb and sliding into the barriers on a warmup lap.

I am not special: Zidane after La Liga glory

Madr i d, J u l 1 9 (IANS): Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane dismissed the ‘special one’ tag after he led the team to LaLiga title this season.

According to the Frenchman, he is more lucky than special to win silverware at the famous club.

He has now won two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, four Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups during his two stints with Los Blancos.

Portuguese trainer Jose Mourinho had famously coined the term after taking over at Chelsea in 2004. Zidane, however, feels he is lucky to be part of the current Real Madrid squad.

“No, no. I don’t feel that. I feel lucky to be here with these players every day,” Zidane told a news conference as per Goal. com “And being in this club, that’s why I feel lucky, and that’s why I enjoy that much

AC Milan thrash Bologna 5-1 in Serie A Rome, Jul 19 (IANS): AC Milan continued their fearsome form as they enjoyed a comfortable 5-1 home victory on Saturday while Atalanta were held

by Hellas Verona to a 1-1 draw.

Milan are on an unbeaten run after the resumption of the Serie A, and fresh from a 3-1 midweek victory over Parma.

The home side went 2-0 up after 24 minutes with Alexis Saelemaekers’ opener and Hakan Calhanoglu’s volley from pointblank range, Xinhua news agency reports.

Bologna pulled one goal back before the break as Takehiro Tomiyasu cut inside from the right and unleashed a curler that flew into the net with both power and precision.

The Rossoneri restored the two-goal margin just four minutes into the second half as Ismael Bennacer burst into the box and placed a low-strike into the corner.

Milan quickly rode the momentum in the 56th minute when Ante Rebic turned in the box, and sent

Lewis Hamilton led from start to finish and picked up the fastest lap to boot.

are tied on 71 points with second-placed Inter Milan, who play away at AS Roma on Sunday, and six points behind Juve who also have a game in hand.

Duvan Zapata gave Atalanta the lead when he forced Koray Guenter into an error five minutes into the second half. Despite the defender’s best efforts to deny Zapata a run on goal, the Colombian striker calmly slotted the ball past Marco Silvestri.

Verona responded nine minutes later when Matteo Pessina, on loan from Atalanta, made a late run into the box to pounce on Pierluigi Gollini’s parry and fire home emphatically his fourth goal since the restart and seventh of the season.

Atalanta, who would have wrapped up Champions League qualification with victory, nearly took all three points in stoppage time when Mario Pasalic’s effort from a cross went inches wide of the post.

In the other match on Saturday, Cagliari shared the spoils with Sassuolo in a 1-1 draw.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane celebrates with players after winning the La Liga title.

every day. Because one day [it] will finish, as it happened already, but this time for real.

That’s why I am enjoying and focused on these kinds of things,” he added.

Zidane also refused to end speculations regarding his future at the club.

Although, he did say he is happy at Real Madrid but also stated that things can change overnight in football.

“Nobody knows what’s going to happen in the future. I never talk about next season or the

following year. I’ve got a contract and I’m happy.

You never know what will happen in the future,” Zidane said.

“Things can change overnight in the world of football and I have no idea what the future holds.”

BCCI hoping for formal postponement of T20 WC Dubai, Jul 19 (PTI): On hold for the past two months, the fate of this year’s T20 World Cup will be up for a decisive round of deliberation when the ICC board meets virtually on Monday with the BCCI hoping for a postponement to ensure that the IPL can go ahead. The global event is supposed to be held from October 18 to November 15 in Australia but the country’s cricket board had, in May itself, expressed its inability to host amid a second surge of COVID-19 cases in the state of Victoria.

With India’s case load also exceeding the 10 lakh mark, including more than 26,000 deaths, the IPL, if it is held, is likely to move to the UAE once the central government gives its go ahead. “The first step was postponement of Asia Cup, which has happened.

We can only start to move ahead with our plans after the ICC announces the postponement. They have been sitting on the decision even after Cricket Australia

said that they are not too keen on hosting the event,” said a BCCI Apex Council member.

This year’s T20 World Cup will likely be held in Australia in 2022 as India doesn’t want to swap its 2021 hosting rights with Cricket Australia as of now.

That Australia won’t be hosting the mega event was clear after the cricket board told its players to prepare for a white-ball series against England scheduled for late September.

C A h a s e ve n a n nounced a 26-strong preliminary squad for that tour.

The ICC, on its part, has maintained that it wants to explore all possible “contingency” options before taking a call of such immense magnitude. And it is not unusual for the govern-

ing body to wait this long.

“Pakistan was supposed to host the Champions Trophy in 2009. After the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus, everyone in their proper senses knew that PCB will never host a big event in distant future,” said a source familiar with the functioning of the ICC. “Yet, ICC deputed its employees in Pakistan for months when South Africa was already preparing to host the event. Everyone knew but a formal announcement of shift took months as threat assessment was part of protocol.

“The ICC couldn’t have just postponed 9the T20 World Cup) immediately as initially, the top ministers of the Australian government expressed keenness to host,” he added.

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