July 26, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 230

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

PSG beat St Etienne to win French Cup

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China’s consulate in Houston officially closed international, Page 9

Nagaland in COVID stage-II outbreak 10 persons with chronic diseases like cancer, TB, diabetes.

7,139 persons traced through contact tracing.

2,212 contacts listed as high risk.

31 contacts outside the quarantine centres tested positive.

29% cases from the armed forces.

PM to hold 1 more die of suspected COVID in Dmu meeting with State COVID-19 tally 1289 CMs on Jul 27 All 5 cases in Dimapur; RT-PCR results of 3 deceased +ve COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 25, 2020 District Dimapur

ACTIVE CASES Recov- Total ICU On AsympMild Moderate Death ered Cases tomatic Ventilator 352 1 1 1 4* 163 522

Kiphire

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Kohima

189

0

0

0

0

117

306

Longleng

3

0

0

0

0

0

3

Mokokchung

9

0

0

0

0

4

13

Mon

111

0

0

0

0

8

119

Peren

56

1

0

0

0

193

250

Phek

4

0

0

0

0

14

18

Tuensang

7

0

0

0

0

38

45

Wokha

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Zunheboto

8

0

0

0

0

4

12

Total

740

2

1

1

4

541

1289

DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department Saturday said that the Nagaland has entered stage 2 of local transmission, while recovery rate was 43% as against India’s 60%.

The department, in its weekly report prepared by Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, explained that by ‘local transmission’, it meant that there were positive cases apart from people who had travelled from outside, but all cases linked epidemiologically/ the source of infection is established.

It went on to state that there are four stages of transmission for COVID19: Stage I-- where all cases are imported or reported in travellers from outside; Stage 2-- local transmission;

Stage 3-- community transmission, where the source of infection is not known and Stage 4-- The disease has become endemic to the region.

H&FW said the state recorded the highest singleday spike of 90 cases on July 23, with maximum cases from employees of a private sector company in quarantine. It took 13 days for the state to reach 100 cases from May 25 to June 6 and the current doubling rate was around 15 days, the department stated.

H&FW further claimed that tests per thousand in the state was 15, higher than the country’s testing rate of 11.77. Further, the department said that the state’s positivity rate was at 3.77 %, which was lower than the country’s rate of 8.43 %.

India’s COVID19 tally soars to 13,36,861

NPF disqualification case, second hearing on August 7

NEW DELHI, JUL 25 (PTI): India’s COVID-19 tally zoomed past 13 lakh on Saturday, just two days after it crossed the 12 lakh mark, while the recoveries mounted to 8,49,431, according to the Union Health Ministry.

With 48,916 fresh cases, the country’s coronavirus infection tally surged to 13,36,861, while the death toll rose to 31,358 with 757 more people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, data updated by the ministry at 8 am showed.

There are currently 4,56,071 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Thus, around 63.54 per cent people have recovered so far. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.35 per cent on Saturday, the ministry said. The total number of confirmed cases includes foreigners.

This is the third consecutive day when COVID19 cases increased by more than 45,000.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 1,58,49,068 samples have been tested up to July 24 with 4,20,898 samples being tested on Friday, the highest conducted in a day so far.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUL 25 (NPN): Following the dismissal of their petition for disqualification of seven suspended rebel MLAs by NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer, NPF has filed an appeal with the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench and second hearing was scheduled on August 7.

NPF MLAs- Chotizuh Sazo and Imkong L Imchen- filed an appeal with the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench, challenging theJuly 14 order of the NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer of dismissing their disqualification petition.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, NPF’s petitioner and MLA, Imkong L Imchen said the GHC Kohima bench has admitted the appeal against the order of the Speaker of the house

*4 deaths from Dimapur is yet to be established as due to COVID-19

DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): Nagaland on Saturday registered 50 fresh COVID positive cases while four deaths were also reported from Dimapur. However, Health department in an note stated that they were yet to establish whether the deaths were related to COVID-19 as investigation was on. With this the state’s total tally rose to 1289-- 744 active, 541 recovered and 4 deaths (under investigation).

Meanwhile, Health

and held the first hearing on July 23 through video conferencing.

It may be mentioned that after more than a year of filing the disqualification petition against the seven suspended NPF MLAs for defying the party decision during the last parliamentary election, the Speaker had dismissed the on July 14 on the ground that the rebel MLAs were not liable to be disqualified under Para 2 (1) (a) of the 10th schedule.

After issuing his order, the NLA speaker said the entire proceeding was held in a fair manner where equal opportunity was given to both the parties.

Leader of the Opposition T.R. Zeliang however described the Speaker’s ruling as arbitrary and that justice was not done to the petitioners. Zeliang had also said the NPF would take up the issue with the court.

minister S. Pangnyu Phom also confirmed about the four deaths. He however, said that investigation was on and subject to further verification to establish the link with COVID-19.

Of the 50 cases, 20 were from Mon, Dimapur-19 , Kohima-7 and Mokokchung-4.

Further, as per severity of symptoms of all positive cases, 740 were asymptomatic, 2 with mild symptoms, 1 moderate and 1 admitted to ICU on ventilator.

Thizama was found dead in a pool of blood around 2:45-3 a.m. Saturday at ISPW complex near secretariat.

Police have identified the deceased as 48-year old constable Aperomong Ao, from Sungratsu Village under Mokokchung district.

The deceased belonged to Charlie company of the 4th NAP. PRO Kohima informed Nagaland Post that a case has been registered at North Police station and investigation was on.

PRO also said after completing the necessary formalities, a funeral was held at the 4 NAP camp and after which the body was handed over to the family members. The deceased is survived by his wife and three children.

test conducted on three deceased- a 72-year old man from Bokajan who died at Nikos Hospital on July 21; a 32-year woman who died at a paid quarantine centre at MP Road, Dimapur on July 22 and a 78- year old man who died at Dimapur district COVID-19 hospital on July 24 were confirmed positive for COVID-19.

All had earlier been tested positive for COVID through TrueNat and had multiple health issues, except the woman.

Another death was reported from CHC Medziphema, where the patient had tested negative on TrueNat but the RT-PCR result had shown positive.

The patient died on July 21 but the RT-PCR result was received on July 24.

According to senior medical officer of the CHC, the deceased was admitted on July 19 after falling sick.

However, when contacted, Health officials said it was yet to be ascertained whether the four who died were related to COVID19.

Meanwhile, the Health department, in its daily

briefing said that the state had so far recorded four deaths and investigation was on to establish links to Covid-19. It said, out of four deaths, three had chronic serious comorbidities and that two were residents of Assam.

Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom tweeted that “as on 25th July, the State have reported 4 deaths.

However, investigation is on and subject to further verification to establish the link with COVID-19 as comorbid conditions were present.”

DC orders more sealing Following the detection of COIVD-19 cases and in to order prevent further spread of the virus, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has ordered sealing of affected areas.

In separate orders issued on July 25, the DC directed sealing of Xray/ Echo room and cabin 203 of Zion Hospital Dimapur; lift of Sukhalu building at Kalibari road and Netaji colony, house number 119 with immediate effect.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): A comprehensive eight-day lockdown of Dimapur will begin starting Sunday (July 26), with the objective to break the chain of spreading coronavirus and carry out effecting contact tracing, detection of suspected cases and implementation of isolation measures.

As Dimapur braced for an eight-day total lockdown, citizens on Saturday thronged the city markets to buy essential items even as police had a hard time in controlling the traffic.

There was a mad rush and panic purchase frenzy observed in many areas of the market. From early morning, people made a bee-

NL road area crowded with vehicles on Saturday. (NP)

line for the markets. Traffic snarls were witnessed as vehicles from every part of the district rushed to the city’s main commercial hub.

Within hours, shops witnessed depleting stocks and by afternoon, most of the shops had shut due top shortage of items. Long queues were also seen outside grocery stores.

As per the lockdown measures-- all categories of

shops are to remain closed except pharmacies. All public movement is prohibited, except medical emergencies.

Further, movements of all types of vehicles are prohibited, except for medical emergencies.

Inter-State & Inter District Movement of all the goods Vehicles will be allowed with proper safety measures in place.

revised pump prices. This rise in price came after the prices were held steady for some time.

While the price of diesel was at Rs 81.79 per litre in the national capital, petrol was steady at Rs 80.43 a litre. Petrol prices have remained unchanged since June 29.

Diesel prices in Dimapur and Kohima were increased to Rs. 79.28 and Rs.79.96 per litre respectively while petrol prices remained at Rs.85.67 and Rs.86.52 per litre respectively.

Oil companies had raised diesel prices marginally by 12 paise on Monday but thereafter the prices of the two petroleum products remained unchanged for next four days till Friday.

Kohima municipal areas go into 7-day lockdown COVID testing for attending NLA session

A deserted look of Kohima main town area near Old MLA hostel junction on Saturday. (NP)

Correspondent

K Y M C

DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): Another person died of suspected COVID19 after being tested positive twice through TrueNat but was yet to be confirmed through RT-PCR under BSL. The latest has taken the death toll due to suspected COVID-19 in Dimapur to five since July 21.

According to information from official sources, the deceased who was around 60 years died on Saturday morning reportedly due to health issues.

It was reported that he was employed with M/s Zinyu Gas Agency in Dimapur.

The deceased was unwell since July 22 and when his condition deteriorated on July 25, he was taken to three hospitals but was not admitted.

The deceased had reportedly tested twice through TrueNat and was positive for COVID-19. Swabs of the deceased were also sent for testing at BSL lab for confirmation, sources added. As precautionary measures, the gas agency was also sealed on Saturday.

Meanwhile, sources informed that the RT-PCR

NAP personnel Total lockdown of Dimapur from today Diesel price hiked, petrol unchanged found dead DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): in Kohima Citizens panic-buy State-owned oil marketing Correspondent supplies ahead of companies (OMCs) Saturday raised diesel prices by KOHIMA, JUL 25 (NPN): total lockdown 15 paisa per litre as OMCs A police personnel at 4 NAP

This is it!

“Trained hard to be part of Special Unit and here we are-fighting a virus.”

NEW DELHI, JUL 25 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely hold a meeting with chief ministers of the states and representatives of the union territories (UTs) on July 27 to discuss the coronavirus crisis and unlock 3.0, said media reports.

According to reports by News18 and Times Now, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will also take a part in the meeting that will be held virtually.

In his meeting, the Prime Minister will likely discuss the COVID-19 pandemic in India and the current situation in the state as the country heads towards the third phase of the phasewise upliftment of the coronavirus-induced lockdown or the “unlock 3.0”.

Prime Minister Modi has held several meetings with the chief ministers and representatives of the states and union territories (UTs) since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in India. He had last met the CMs on June 16 and 17, reviewing the coronavirus pandemic in India.

KOHIMA, JUL 25 (NPN): As 19 wards under Kohima municipal area went into a seven-day total lockdown on Saturday, the state capital wore a deserted look as most of the commercial establishments were closed except some pharmacies.

The district task force (DTF) Kohima on July 23, 2020 decided to impose total lockdown for Kohima municipal area from July 25-31,

2020 to slow down the chain of transmission process and further contain the spread of COVID-19 infection.

With restriction on movement of all commercial/private vehicles, there was barely any traffic except for those on COVID/medical duty, essential services.

Volunteers were also seen monitoring public and vehicular movements in some colonies.

AKMWP inspects wards: On the first day of

the seven-day total lockdown under Kohima municipal areas, the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) undertook ward visits and interacted with ward leaders and volunteers Saturday.

AKMWP officials said the day one of total lockdown passed off peacefully without reports of any untoward incidents.

In this regard, the association has acknowledged ward leaders, volunteers

and district authorities for displaying great discipline in observing the total lockdown uniformly throughout 19 wards. Highlighting the first day of the lockdown in a bulletin, AKMWP president Neibulie Kiewhuo stated that ‘total lockdown’ made possible “only due to oneness of purpose and action of the entire populace.”

More areas sealed

In view of the detection of COVID-19 positive persons, the deputy commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, has ordered the demarcation of various locations in Lower Chandmari (Ward No. 13), Daklane Ward No 7, New Minister’s Hill Ward No. 16 and Mima Village under Jakhama SubDivision as “sealed area” in order to contain the spread of the disease/infection and for necessary contact tracing.

DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): Ahead of the oneday assembly session scheduled to be held on July 30, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingain Longkumer has decided that all those coming to the assembly secretariat premises on July 30, whether to attend the session or as part of the supporting staff, including all the ministers/advisors/ MLAs and the officers and staff of the assembly secretariat, would have to undergo COVID-19 test and carry the test results with them.

In a statement, the assembly secretariat stated that in order to facilitate the process it has in consultation with the civil secretariat made necessary arrangements for the convenient testing of everyone involved.

Accordingly, it said

that sample collections of all the ministers/advisors and the MLAs and their supporting staff, who would be accompanying them for the assembly session, would be done starting from 12 noon on July 26, 2020 at the State Banquet Hall, Old Chief Minister’s Bungalow, Kohima.

They have been requested to avail the facility according to their convenience between 12 noon and 4pm on July 26, 2020.

MLAs and officers & staff of the assembly secretariat residing within the assembly complex, including at the legislators’ home, and coming to the secretariat from different parts of the state, could provide their samples at the special facility arranged for it within the assembly complex.

The facility can be accessed from the Entry Gate

No. II to the Visitors’ Gallery to the Assembly.

All responsible have been requested to avail the facility specially arranged for them from July 26-28, 2020. On July 26, the facility can be availed between 12 noon and 4 p.m.

On July 27 and July 28, the facility would be open from 9am to 2pm only at the assembly secretariat.

MLAs stationed in other parts of the State and their supporting staff accompanying them to the assembly session could get themselves tested at the designated facilities closer to their place of stay and carry the reports with them.

To avoid crowding around the assembly secretariat premises, the speaker has directed that the members could come accompanied by only their drivers (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

state

2

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

NSU &VSU decry incomple GMS buildings

Ngozubo GMS

DIMAPUR: Ngozubomi Students’ Union (NSU) has extended support to the demand of Eastern Sumi Students’ Union (ESSU) to complete the abandoned GMS school building at Ngozubomi village.

A press release by NSU media cell stated that, the school building project was sanctioned between the years 2010-13 and implemented by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), District Mission Authority, Zunheboto. Pointing out

that instead of entrusting the school building construction to School Education Committee (SEC), as per the government’s normal directives, the NSU stated that officials of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), District Mission Authority Zunheboto (DMAZ) took up the construction work which “insult the Education Department, Government of Nagaland and the entire student’s community.”

While waiting for the

Viyilho GMS

concerned authority “to find out the culprits who had been involved in this severe fiasco relating to education of students”, the NSU has urged the concerned authority to take befitting action upon the culprits and to ensure the early completion of the school building as demanded by ESSU. Meanwhile the Viyilho Students’ Union (VSU) in a press release by president Inaholi and general secretary Avibo stated that

it was closely coordinating with the ESSU, School Management Committee (SMC), village council, GBs and elders to find out every information relating to the obstruction of GMS school building construction.

Union has already traced the details of the individuals from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), District Mission Authority, Zunheboto (DMAZ) who undertook the GMS building construction and

left abandoned.

Union would like to urge upon the concerned authorities both in the district and state level to punish the culprits and to complete the construction of the GMS school building of Viyilho at the earliest.

Union further cautioned that if any forces or individuals come to the rescue of the culprits it would not hesitate to submit the indicated names to the ESSU for further course of action.

ARK Foundation webinar on substance abuse awareness

DIMAPUR: Access to Rights and Knowledge (ARK) Foundation conducted a webinar on “substance abuse awareness and prevention” with support from department of Social Welfare for students of Pungro town on July 23.

A press release by ARK Foundation stated that the programme was held in joint collaboration with Private School Teachers Association Pungro (PSTAP).

ARK Foundation president, Ketho Angami moderated the programme, wherein he spoke on the topic and shared that addiction in the state has resulted in loss of lives and created a social menace. He urged the students to be aware of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol use and never to initiate the first use but to rather focus on their educational careers instead of destroying their lives with drugs. On the management and prevention perspective, he mentioned that primary prevention was the “key” and people should be made aware of the harmful effects of drug use and treatment

through rehabilitation for those who are already in the addictive stage.

Renbonthung, member, ARK foundation, shared his struggle with substance abuse and how he was able to recover.

In his sharing, he mentioned that, during his generation, the society and the individual himself was not aware of the harmful cause of addiction. According to him, though, he was lucky enough to have survived many horrifying years of addiction, but thanked God for keeping him healthy and alive. Ever since his drug free life, he has been working in the field of helping other fellow substance users to help them recover.

He advised the students to engage themselves in healthy habits such as music, games and studies and not to resort to initiating the habit of drugs use.

Earlier, welcome address was delivered by PSTAP general secretary, Shokam and vote of thanks by PSTAP women coordinator Kiutanli.

OCUK celebrates golden jubilee in Kohima

Indisen village declared as tobacco free

OCUK office bearers during the golden jubilee celebration held at Kohima on July 24.

NTCP officials and village council members of Indisen village at the brief programme on July 23

DIMAPUR: Joint director and state nodal officer NTCP, Dr. C. Tetseo declared Indisen as a tobacco free village on July 23 at the panchayat hall, Indisen village.

A press release by NTCP stated that, Dr C Tetseo in his short address, congratulated the village on becoming a tobacco free village and that there cannot be a better time than now as every single action of tobacco use can make people vulnerable getting coronavirus or spreading

it. He also stated that every individual and community should do what they can to contain the surging pandemic and a village becoming tobacco free was an important step.

According to him tobacco free village will bring about short term benefits such as protecting the children from addiction, reducing transmission of virus during pandemic, reducing expenditure on tobacco products, and village becoming cleaner. For long term benefits such

as reducing the burden of tobacco related diseases and tobacco related health cost, he made an appeal to other villages also to come forward and make their community safer and healthier.

During the function tobacco free village certificate was handed over to chairman of Village Council Indisen, Tongti Jamir. The tobacco free village campaign was initiated by youth organisation of the village and supported by village council and the church.

Under the initiative of district administration and with contributions from government officers of Longleng district, the repairing work of Changtongya-Longleng road is underway. The incessant rainfall during this monsoon has turned the road condition from bad to worse. (DIPR)

HASPO Dimapur clarifies: Apropos the news item published under the headline, “WSKH pays courtesy call on DC Dimapur” on July 22, 2020, the Highway Area Sumi Public Organisation (HASPO) Dimapur has clarified that, Tokishe Achumi’s designation should be read as president, Chümoukedima Area GB Association and not as rendered.

Legislators & SH condolence Installation ceremony of to Kaito on mother’s death Lions and Leo Club of Dimapur DIMAPUR: Deputy chief minister and BLP leader Y. Patton and minister of Higher & Technical Education,Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along have expressed deep sorrow at the demise of late Ghokhali Aye, mother of minister of Agriculture and Cooperation, Kaito Aye on July 23 at Dimapur.

In a condolence message by Dy. CMO media cell, Patton said that the pain of losing a mother was immeasurable. On behalf of the state BJP legislators, the deputy CM conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.

Temjen Imna Along: In a separate condolence

message, Temjen Imna Along stated that, late Ghokhali was a woman of faith who had brought up her children in the fear of God and has become remarkable leaders in their own right.

Temjen Imna conveyed deepest condolence to the grieving family, and pray for the dearly departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

SH: Sümi Hoho in a condolence by president Hekhushe Shikhu and general secretary Nikheto Jimo conveyed sincere sympathy to the bereaved family. SH also hope and pray that the Lord bring the family the much needed peace and L i o n s a n d L e o C l u b comfort during this sad Dimapur officials during the installation programme. time.

DIMAPUR: The installation ceremony of Lions and Leo Club of Dimapur DIMAPUR: NSCN (I-M) has expressed grief at the was held at Lions Centre untimely demise of late Litani Vadeo, tatar of NSCN/ Dimapur.

A press release by GPRN at his residence in Naga United village, Dimapur on July 23 after a brief illness and late Khu Poumai, LCD stated that, district khapur of NSCN (I-M) from Laii village under Sepou- governor 322D Lalita Khadaria attended the function maramth region on July 24.

In a condolence message, the NSCN (I-M) through as the installation officer. its MIP stated that, late Vadeo had joined national The new team took posiservice in 1999, while late Poumai had joined national tion on July 1. The Lions team for the Lionistic year service on November 15, 2017.

NSCN (I-M) stated that both of them had served 2020-21 is led by Gopal ji the Naga nation with unwavering patriotism and the void sharma as president, Mancreated by their demise would be difficult to fill in. For ish Poddar as secretary, their selfless contribution to the Naga national cause, the and Mahesh Kotecha as MIP stated that their names shall be recorded in the pages treasurer. The Leo team of the Naga history and their sacrifices for the Naga na- is led by Vishal Patni as tion shall be cherished by all. president, Sarthak Kala as GPRN in general and the Chakhesang region and secretary and Nalini Jain as Sepoumaramth region in particular conveyed heartfelt treasurer. After the instalcondolences to their bereaved family members and lation members had a sesfriends and pray the Almighty God grant their souls sion of leadership skill by eternal peace and rest. speaker Ajay Agarwal.

DIMAPUR: Old Changsu Union Kohima (OCUK) celebrated its golden jubilee at Kohima Lotha Hoho Ki on July 24, under the theme, “God has done great things for us” from 2 Samuel 7: 18-19.

In a press release by OCUK chairman L. Thungpen Shitiri and general secretary, N. Renben Yanthan stated that, the programme was blessed by the union executive members on behalf of OCUK members in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

The function was led

by N. Renben Yanthan while the history of OCUK formation was narrated and shared by L. Thungpen Shitiri.

Treasurer Nzanbemo Patton shared the pur-

pose on jubilee meaning and pronounced prayer of blessing for its members.

Union vice chairman K.

7th DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Lt. Mughavito V. Yeptho

26-07-2013

“Man is mortal, however the love for them is immortal.

Dearly missed and remembering you everyday, all these years, in our silent tears".

K-1270

1 ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF OUR BELOVED LT. BENDANGLILA AO

Mhathung Ngullie spoke on the theme and the celebration concluded with a cake cutting.

Loving family members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DIED ON : 26-07-2019

A year has passed since you left us to be with the Lord. The memories we shared will always remain alive in our hearts forever. You always meant so very much and will always do. We miss you everyday.

“I am the resurrection and the life anyone who believes in me will live even after dying”. Jh 11:25 DP-3267

LOVING HUSBAND, DAUGHTERS & RELATIVES

NSCN (I-M) condolence

K Y M C

LATE ALONGTILA LONGCHAR

DP-3322

BORN : 28TH MARCH 1993 DIED : 22ND JULY 2020 Our hearts are filled with grief, pain and sorrow, however, the credence that you are with our gracious God gives us the hope that we shall, one day, surely meet in the heavenly abode.

With utmost happiness and gratefulness, we would like to thank each and every one who have had extended a helping hand during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved daughter/sister Late Alongtila on 22nd July 2020. The disparate gestures of immeasurable love, prayers, monetary, material, kind words and sympathy that we have received from all walks of life will always be remembered and it is our humble prayer that our loving God blesses you abundantly.

Loving, Parents, brothers, sister-in-law, grand parents and relatives.

DP-3316

K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will Lockdown help break the COVID-19 transmission chain?

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

A B C

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

67% 22% 11%

Next poll

Q: Is opening up of cluster

markets advisable w h i l e C OV I D - 1 9 i s spreading?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST July 26

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A t-storm around in the p.m.

34 26

Aizawl

Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

30 22

Guwahati Cloudy with a stray t-storm

35 26

A t-storm around in the a.m.

30 22

Itanagar Cloudy with a thunderstorm

30 24

Shillong

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

26 19

Kohima

A shower and t-storm around 26 20

Imphal

Dimapur Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

33 24

Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

27 20

Mkg

Tuensang A thunderstorm in spots

21 16

Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

27 22

Zunheboto Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

25 18

Wokha

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

undertakes road Y Patton at virtual meeting with J P Nadda WHESYWF repair work along NH-2

DIMAPUR: State deputy chief minister and BJP Nagaland legislature party leader, Yanthungo Patton, Saturday participated in a virtual meeting of BJP Nagaland office bearers with BJP national president JP Nadda national general secretary Ram Madhav and exchanged views on different issues pertaining to the nation, the state, and the party.

A press release by deputy CMO media cell stated that, during the virtual meeting, Patton highlighted some of the important welfare schemes and developmental activities being undertaken by the present PDA government under chief minister, Neiphiu-Rioji with the support of central government under prime minister Narendra Modi.

On the Home department front, Patton spoke about the establishment of Women Police Stations in all the districts in addition to the already existing ones in Kohima, Dimapur and Kiphire have been approved and made functional in investigating all crimes involving women.

He also mentioned that on law and order situation in Nagaland, the chief minister holds state Level Security Coordi-

Y. Patton attending the virtual meeting with national BJP president J.P. Nadda on Saturday.

nation (SLSC) meeting every month to discuss the overall law and order issues in the state. This meeting is attended by the deputy chief minister (Home), chief secretary, DGP, Home department and all the central agencies and Para Military

forces like SIB, IG (AR) and CRPF. As far as Nagaland Police was concerned, Patton informed that AntiExtortion Cells have been set up in all 11 districts to tackle the menace of extortions, while great strides has been made in enhanc-

ing technical capabilities to fight Cyber-Crimes in the state. Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children Lab cum Training Centre has also been made operational, he added.

Patton said that department of Health & Family Welfare was faced with the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic but has been able to manage the situation with the prompt and considerate help and assistance of the central government. He gave the present status of COVID19 in Nagaland which has positive case 1239, active 701, recovered 537 and Dead – 1 till date.

He also informed that state has designated and notified all district hospitals, NHAK, AYUSH hospital Chedema and TB Hospital Mokokchung as COVID Hospitals and has set up ICU in all the district hospitals and 86 ventilators have been distributed to these hospitals.

He gave the statistics of 261 designated quarantine centers with 14,753 beds capacity and 28 quarantine centers for frontline workers on COVID duty with 521 beds capacity.

Covid Care Centers are being set up and more

would be added through conversion of some quarantine centers to keep positive patients who were asymptomatic and isolation wards also to be created in the District Hospitals, he informed. To facilitate secondary and tertiary care including surgical procedures, Patton said that private hospitals have been empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY to provide cashless services to the beneficiaries.

Coming to the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), Patton informed that the state government provides an additional ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakhs to this scheme which provides Rs. 50 lakhs accident insurance scheme cover for loss of life due to COVID-19 and accidental death on account of COVID-19 related duty.

Patton also highlighted that department of Civil Supplies have successfully implemented the two new schemes rolled out by the Ministry (GOI) during COVID-19 pandemic through PMGKY and Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme (ANBS) for distribution of free rice to every household for two months (May and June 2020) exclusively for stranded migrants.

Population stabilization fortnight observed in Dimapur district

Laproscopic tubal ligation sterilization carried out at UPHC Duncan by Dr. Kutshutho.

DIMAPUR: Population stabilization fortnight (PSF) was observed in Dimapur district under the theme “Preparation for family planning even in times of disaster. Full responsibility of competent nation and fam-

ily” from July 11 to 24.

A press release by district programme officer UIP/RCH Dimapur, Dr. Rebecca stated that, laproscopic tubal ligation sterilization, a permanent method of female sterilization pro-

cedure was carried out at CHC Medziphema by Dr. Botoho, surgeon and team and at UPHC Duncan by Dr. Kutshutho, Obs & Gyn District Hospital and team during the fortnight. While intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or commonly known as copper-T insertion, a temporary method of female sterilization, was carried in various CHCs and PHCs in the district.

During the two-week long observation, family planning activities such as permanent female sterilization, temporary sterilization, distribution of condoms and contraceptive pills, interpersonal communications and distribution of IEC materials were carried out throughout the district.

A total of 68 permanent female sterilization and 30 IUCD insertions were carried out in the district, while 163 oral contraceptive pills and 1200 condoms were distributed. ANMs, ASHAs and IEC staff also carried out inter-personal communication in the form of FGD and one-on-one counseling.

Volunteers of WHESYWF filling up potholes with stone chips at the Police Point area in Wokha town.

DIMAPUR: Under the initiative of Wokha Humtso Elumyo Senior Youth Welfare Forum (WHESYWF), villagers of Wokha, Humtso and Elumyo carried out major road repair work along the stretch of NH-2 (erstwhile NH-61) on July 25.

In a press release by WHESYWF media incharge, Yanrenthung J Humtsoe stated that, the work was carried out by the forum of three villages in the presence of DC Wokha Orenthung Lotha, SP Wokha Imtitoshi Meren, chairmen and Gaonburas of the three villages.

DC in a brief address lauded the forum and the volunteers for the good initiative taken and assured all possible help in the days to come. Imtitoshi Meren, lamented on the deteriorating condition of roads at Wokha and appreciated the forum for taking up the challenge

towards better roads.

President of WHESYWF, Renchio Murry thanked the district administration, Police and well wishers for their immense contribution.

He expressed concern on the pathetic condition of roads at Wokha and commented that it was the fundamental right of every citizen to have good roads. He also encouraged the volunteers to be responsible citizens and urged them to contribute for the welfare of the society.

The forum carried out major filling of potholes from NST to Police Point with boulders and chips.

Altogether 97 volunteers’ actively participated and strict COVID-19 norms were followed wherein the forum also provided face mask to all the volunteers.

Earlier, invocation was pronounced by deacon, NST Sector Baptist Church, Wopemo Murry.

A book titled “A Brief Journey of Rengma Hills” with special reference to Naga Hills authored by David Jemu was released on July 23 by Rengma Public Organisation Kohima (RPOK), president, Khinyi Woch.

Volunteers from various Dimapur based NGOs had launched the “Protect Dimapur” campaign for mask awareness in different localities of Dimapur since July16. The volunteers have been visiting shops and interacting with shoppers about the importance of wearing mask for safety. (Protect Dimapur)

NSF & NEISSR students hold discussion on university exams and internet accessibility DIMAPUR: NEISSR Students Council and NSF met to discuss the findings of survey undertaken on internet access in Nagaland on July 24 at NSF office, Kohima.

A press release by NEISSR stated that, the survey was recently conducted by NEISSR Students Council led by Angam Phom.

The NSF vice president Dievi Yano Angami and NEISSR Students Council also shared their concerns about the university exams scheduled for PG final year students considering the risks of exposure to COVID-19 and restricted public transports under the lockdown conditions.

The two students’ bodies agreed to appeal the government and university authority for a review on the decision to hold final year exams and also to ensure improved internet connection throughout the states.

NSF, as a pioneer stuK Y M C

NSF vice president along with NEISSR Students Council during the meeting held on July 24 at Kohima.

dent’s movement in Nagaland, have been demanding the state government to ensure equal and quality internet access throughout the state for the benefits of all students staying home under lockdown conditions since March 17, 2020. Students Council of NEISSR, having been deprived of many e-learning resources provided by MHRD/UGC through the institute also

initiated an online survey on internet access across 11 districts.

The survey reported only 29% of respondents have regular and good quality internet access out of a total of 615 respondents spread all over the 11 districts who were mostly current students in higher education institutions in the state.

The two students’

bodies agreed to further pursue the matters with the government together for the benefit of present and future generation of students in the state.

NSF was represented by the vice president Dievi Yano Angami, and NEISSR Students Council included Angam Phom, president, and council members Manpang Nyiam and Keyiterai.

DC-630

K Y M C

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northeast

123 dead in Assam floods 26.38 lakh affected in 27 districts Guwahati, Jul 25 (PTI): The flood situation in Assam remained grim as one more person died and 26.38 lakh people are affected in 27 of the states 33 districts on Saturday, a government report said.

With the death of one person in Morigaon district, the toll in this year’s flood and landslides has risen to 123.

While 97 people died in flood-related incidents, 26 were killed in landslides, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said.

The ASDMA said the number of people affected by the deluge has been decreased by over 1.6 lakh since Friday, while that of the district increased by one.

Goalpara continued to be the most affected district with 4.7 lakh people hit by the deluge, followed by Barpeta (4.24 lakh) and Morigaon (3.75 lakh), it said. The Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger

Villagers stand next to a school and mosque that collapsed on the bank of Brahmaputra river owing to soil erosion, at Bhurbandha village in Nagaon district, Saturday. (PTI)

mark at Guwahati, Tezpur, Dhubri and Goalpara towns.

Its tributaries such as Dhansiri, Jia Bharali, Kopili, Beki and Sankosh at Golokoganj in Dhubri are also flowing above the danger levels at various places.

Roads, bridges, culverts and many other infrastructure have been damaged at various places in Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Dhubri, Chirang, Nagaon, Jorhat, Barpeta, Majuli districts.

Massive erosions have

been witnessed at different places of Biswanath, South Salmara, Chirang and Majuli districts, the ASDMA said.

The district administrations are operating 564 relief camps and distribution centres across 19 districts, where 47,772 people have taken shelter.

The ASDMA bulletin said the floods have so far claimed the lives of 127 animals of different species, while 157 others were

rescued in Kaziranga National Park.

The flooded districts are Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, West Karbi Anglong and Cachar.

COVID-19: Tripura’s toll rises to 11, tally mounts to 3,778

Manipur political crisis: BJP central observers return to Delhi

Agartala, Jul 25 (PTI): One more person succumbed to COVID-19 in Tripura, taking the northeastern state’s toll to 11, while 106 fresh infections pushed its case count to 3,778, a health official said on Saturday.

The latest fatality was reported from Gomati district.

A 70-year-old man from Gomati’s Udaipur died due to COVID-19 on Friday, the official said.

The man, who was suffering from cardiac ailments and high blood pressure, was admitted to Agartala Government Medical College here on July 20 after he complained of chest pain. He tested positive for coronavirus on the same day, the official said.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb tweeted late on Friday, “106 people found COVID-19 positive out of 4,045 samples tested.” The number of active COVID-19 cases in the state now stands at 1,618. While 2,131 people have recovered, 18 patients have migrated out of the state, he said. Meanwhile, Education Minister and Cabinet spokesperson Ratan Lal Nath said preparations are being made to launch a door-to-door survey across the state from July 27 to check the rapid rise in COVID19 cases.

Correspondent

Withdrawal of Raj Bhawan’s containment Manipur hospital closed after zone status gross violation, says Gogoi doctor tested COVID-19 positive

Tarun Gogoi GUWAHATI, JUL 25 (PTI): Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday alleged that the sudden withdrawal of Raj Bhawan’s containment zone status by the state government tantamounted to gross violation of COVID-19 protocols. Gogoi, in a statement, also claimed that the 77-year- old governor violated the protocols, too, by visiting the floodaffected areas in the state.

“The governor is the constitutional head of the state and instead of setting an example to fellow citizens, he himself visited different floodaffected areas of Assam in violation of protocol, and thereby, doing great disservice to the state,” he said.

The Raj Bhawan was declared a containment zone as 73 people, including officers and staff there tested positive for COVID-19, he said.

“If a responsible person like the governor, the constitutional head, does not follow the rules and regulation, how can we expect a common man to be a law-abiding citizen,” Gogoi said. All protocols like hand washing, wearing masks, social distancing, confinement of people in containment and affected areas must be strictly observed to contain the pandemic, the former CM said. Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi’s presence at the funeral of a religious leader recently at Dhing was criticised by many BJP leaders, but they are now “conspicuously silent about the governors visit, which has broken all norms,” he said. “The state government’s failure in the strict implementation of COVID-19 protocols has led to the alarming rise in positive cases,” Gogoi added. The entire Raj Bhawan campus was declared a containment zone on July 4. Governor Jagadish Mukhi and his wife Prem Mukhi subsequently tested negative.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

3 more locally transmitted cases; tally rises to 2176 Correspondent IMPHAL, Jul 25: District hospital in Manipur’s Senapati district has been declared a containment zone following a doctor testing positive for COVID-19, an official source said on Saturday.

Upon testing COVID 19 positive on Friday, contact tracing for both the primary and secondary contacts of the doctor were initiated by the Rapid Response Team of Senapati as a measure to check spread of the disease.

The doctor has a history of attending OPD and hospital duty on July 20 and July 21. All who attended the doctors in the OPD have been instructed to report to the district surveillance officer for rapid antigen testing. All the secondary contacts have been asked to undergo strict home quarantine, the source added.

Including the latest one, at least four doctors have been tested positive for the new coronavirus in the state so far.

On the other hand, three locally transmitted cases were reported from among 30 new cases of COVID-19 detected in the state in the last 24 hours (from 6.30 pm of July 24 till 6.30 pm of July 25).

Including the 30 new cases, the state COVID-19 infection tally rose to 1176. Of them, 656 were active cases. 29 patients were discharged after recovering from the disease, according to a release of the COVID-19 Common Control Room. Of the 30 new cases, 25 were males and the remaining five females. Except three persons – one each from Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal - all others were returnees from other states and lodged in quarantine centres, it said.

IMPHAL, Jul 25: After taking first hand stock of the internal discord among the ruling BJP legislators, BJP national vice-president Bijaiyant Panda and former Union minister Manoj Sinha left Imphal for New Delhi on Saturday.

The two BJP central leaders came to Imphal on Thursday (July 23) with the primary task of resolving the discord among state BJP legislators after some party legislators demanded replacement of N Biren Singh as chief minister.

From the first day of their arrival in Imphal, BJP national vice-president Bijaiyant Panda and former Union minister Manoj Sinha held a series of meetings with state party leaders and functionaries including ministers and legislators.

The two central leaders met them individually and elicited their opinions and wishes at Hotel Grande, Imphal where they stayed.

The four BJP ministers who were reportedly under home quarantine after they returned from Delhi and skipped a recently convened cabinet meeting also met with them. Of the four, the two central leaders took had the lengthiest discussion with works minister Th Bishwajit whom they met on Friday.

They had also met some ministers of NPP and NFP, the coalition partners of the BJP in the N Biren Singh led coalition government separately.

After completing the series of meetings, the two central leaders also met chief minister N Biren Singh at the

IAF chopper airlifts essential commodities for 2 villages in Sikkim Gangtok, Jul 25 (PTI): An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter on Saturday airlifted essential commodities for the people of two remote villages in North Sikkim, which are cut off from other parts of the state due to landslides, an official release said. The MI-17 helicopter carried out three sorties and dropped essential supplies comprising 100 bags of rice weighing 50 quintals each, 550 litres of cooking oil, 1.5 quintals of salt, 100 packets of candles and matches and medicines among others for the people of Sakyong and Pentong villages of North Sikkim, the release said.

The helicopter had to drop the consignment of ration and essential supplies in the school compound as the Pentong helipad was not conducive for landing, it said. From Sakyong school

Mizoram giving shape to new tourism Plea to probe purchases for policy to boost livelihood of people Covid-19 equipment in Assam Aizawl, Jul 25 (PTI): The Mizoram governnment is working on a new tourism policy, which will aim at enhancing livelihood of people and make way for more funding support from the Centre and other stakeholders, a state minister said.

A draft of the new policy will be circulated among the various government departments for an in-depth study, and it is expected to be laid in the next assembly session after approval from the state cabinet.

“Though the government has an existing tourism policy, we are drafting a new one known as Mizoram Responsible Tourism Policy, 2020 to meet present requirements,” Tourism Minister Robert Romawia Royte told PTI. He said a

restructured tourism policy is crucial to receive funds from the Centre and other funding partners.

The draft has already been shared with tour operators, ticket agents and hotel owners. Royte said the erstwhile Planning Commission and the existing NITI Aayog have stated that the tourism sector could lead to development in a number of fields in Mizoram.

The new policy will strive to tap the high-value niche tourism space, provide incentives and recognition to local businesses and service providers, and urge tourists to respect the local culture and practices, officials said.

It will also ensure that tourism development is undertaken in potential areas only after detailed survey.

Royte, who also is the

sports minister, said the Mizoram government will send interested youths to reputed institutions outside the state to undertake training for tourist guides.

“Many tourists are inconvenienced due to the absence of governmentapproved tour guides. Initially, we will train at least 20 youths in the related field,” he said.

The minister said the state government is planning to construct a 5-star hotel in Aizawl to attract more tourists. Though there are a number of tourist destinations in Mizoram, the number of visitors is scanty because of “poor road connectivity and lack of promotion”, Royte added.

During 2019, a total of 1,61,677 tourists visited Mizoram, officials said.

M’laya reports 59 more COVID cases; total 646

SHILLONG, JUL 25 (PTI): Meghalaya’s COVID-19 tally mounted to 646 on Saturday after 59 more people, including six BSF staffers and four police personnel, tested positive for coronavirus, officials said.

The BSF and police personnel are from East Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts respectively. “With the new cases detected, the number of active cases in the state has increased to 547,” Health Services director Aman War said. While 94 patients have recovered from the disease in the state, five others died. Shillong, the headquarters of East Khasi Hills district as well as the states capital, has the highest number of

active cases at 466. Of these, 286 are BSF troopers, 159 are civilians and 21 are armed forces personnel, War said. There are 41 active cases in Ri Bhoi district, 15 in West Garo Hills, nine in West Jaintia Hills, eight in East Jaintia Hills, four in South West Garo Hills, two in South Garo Hills and one each in East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills. “The surge in the number of cases (in Shillong) is worrying. That is why we have decided to go for a total lockdown in the Shillong agglomeration,” he said. The Meghalaya government on Friday announced a complete lockdown in Shillong agglomeration from July 26 midnight to July 29.

GUWAHATI, JUL 25 (AGENCIES): Leader of the Opposition in Assam, Debabrata Saikia, has moved the Upa Lokayukta seeking a probe into the alleged irregularities and preferential treatment given to certain suppliers by the state health department for the purchase of items like PPE kits to check the spread of Covid-19, reports The Telegraph.

Saikia, who is also the leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the Assembly, on Friday released a letter he wrote to Justice Chittaranjan Sharma, Upa Lokayukta, Assam, on July 21, on the alleged irregularities in the purchase of various items, including personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, by the health and family welfare department.

Saikia moved the Upa Lokayukta on the basis of allegations raised in a recent letter to chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal

by Aabhijeet Sharma and Dhrubajyoti Talukdar, president and general secretary of Assam Public Works (APW), an NGO involved with issues like the update of the National Register of Citizens.

The APW officials have alleged that a group of businessmen were allegedly colluding with senior officials of the health de-

Debabrata Saikia partment to “monopolise” the supply of various items required to check the spread of the virus.

Saikia said the APW has made allegations specific to contracts for supply of PPE kits and triple-layered N95 masks worth around Rs 71 crore, “details of which have not been posted online on the department’s website or the government of Assam’s e-tendering portal in violation of official guidelines”.

The APW has also alleged irregularities in the tender for supply of sodium hypochlorite and malathion “expressing doubt” about the utilisation of Rs 630 crore allotted by the Centre as Covid-related aid to the Assam government.

APW chief Sharma had told mediapersons that Covid-19 pandemic had turned into a festival to earn money for a section of contractors.

Saikia has quoted the allegations raised by RTI activist Adish in a letter to Sonowal on how the health department had procured

latter’s official bungalow.

State party leaderships, ministers and MLAs were tight-lipped about the purpose of the visit of the two central leaders. Highly reliable sources however say that they were in Imphal to take stock of the discord among the legislators.

Many of the party legislators have been demanding replacement of N Biren Singh as chief minister while some others were demanding ministry reshuffle.

The discord among the legislators of the ruling party was not a new one. It first appeared after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The discord reappeared recently after the failed attempt of the opposition Congress to topple the coalition government in the middle of June this year.

While the discord was yet to be resolved, the position of chief minister N Biren Singh is at stake after an MPS officer, in her affidavit submitted to the High Court of Manipur, alleged that the chief minister pressurized her to favour an arrested drug kingpin.

It was during this development that the four ministers of the party in the present coalition government had earlier met central leaders of the party in Delhi and asked them to resolve the matter. In the coalition government, BJP has only five ministers including the chief minister. Even though the four ministers had not divulged the purpose of their visit to the national capital, the visit of the two central leaders of the party has hinted that they had highlighted the matter of internal discord to the party central leadership.

“overpriced” Covid-19 testing kits under the National Health Mission, which paid Rs 1,145 per kit to a supplier.

The activist had alleged that the same supplier had provided PPE kits to the Uttar Pradesh government at Rs 490 per kit. Saikia in his letter said these were serious allegations and deserved to be probed, especially because the issue involves “profiteering at a time of general human misery”.

Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told a TV channel that the Centre had released Rs 155 crore so far, all of which was spent on helping the stranded people.

“I don’t know when those helping the government will get their payment.

They are helping because of our goodwill,” Sarma said.

The minister also said the health department had tried to acquire items from local entrepreneurs but they were not able to meet the demand. “We did not go for tendering because we were trying to save lives. We were faced with an unprecedented situation.

The process of placing tenders would have been time-consuming. Now my focus is on fighting Covid19. Once that is over, I will respond appropriately to all the charges,” Sarma said, taking a dig at the Opposition.

Courtesy- PRO Defence Kolkata

premises, the consignment will be transhipped via a manual rope-way connecting Sakyong and Pentong villages, the release said.

The two villages are cut-off from the nearest town Dzongu since July 10 last as multiple landslides had washed off roads and bridges connecting these villages due to incessant rainfall. Meanwhile, the

PRO Defence, Kolkata said on the request of the Sikkim government the IAF helicopter airlifted the 5.5 tonne of essential commodities from Mangan to Sakyong. “#harkaamdeshkenaam On req of State govt, One Mi-17V5 helicopter of EAC airlifted 5.5 tonnes of essential commodities from Mangan to Sakyong in Sikkim today.

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE KIPHIRE : NAGALAND NO.PD& SI.KPE/OBJECTION NOTICEE-1/2019-20/308.

Dated KPE the 23rd July 2020

OBJECTION NOTICE Whereas Mrs. Tongchola, wife of Late Shihoi Sangtam Rtd. Nagaland Police of Sitimi has applied for issue of Succession Certificate under the Indian Succession Act, 1925 in order to operate draw/receive the payment of movable/immovable properties of her husband Late Shihoi Sangtam, who expired on 02/12/2019.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY 1. Pension Case, 2. Any other dues etc.

From the Treasury Kiphire dist. Nagaland.

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

VICTO SEMA (NJS) Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kiphire: Nagaland DP-3325

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR::NAGALAND

NOTICE

S/C NO. 253/2020

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925 Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late N. Temjen Jamir has been applied by Smti Tialemla, W/o Late N. Temjen Jamir, R/o H.No 444, Lengrijan Vill., Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of : 1. Pension Benefits 2. SBI A/C 3. Gas Card Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 17th Aug, 2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 16th July, 2020.

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR::NAGALAND DP-3317

IN THE COURT OF

DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND

No. JUD/SUCC-34/19-20/38

Dt. Zbto the 21st July 2020

Notice Calling Objection for the issue of Succession Certificate.

Whereas application has received from Smti Mekheli U/S 372 of Indian Succession Act, resident of Lukhuyimi Village, Dist. - Zbto for Succession of service/pension benefits, salary, debts, gratuity, securities and SBI Ac/No. 11730801260 of Late L. Ihoto Awomi.

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

DP-3326

(Mrs. Khesheli Chishi) District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto ; Nagaland

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

We will gherao PM’s house if necessary: Ashok Gehlot

Jaipur, Jul 25 (PTI): A residence,” a party leader day after leading a dharna said. at the Raj Bhawan here, On Friday, Congress Rajasthan Chief Minister MLAs had squatted on the on Saturday said if neceslawns of the Raj Bhawan sary Congress MLAs will for several hours, demandmeet the President and hold ing that Governor Kalraj a sit-in outside the prime Mishra should summon a minister’s home to settle the session of the Vidhan Sabha crisis in the state. so that they can prove their According to party majority. sources, Gehlot said this Gehlot alleged that the while addressing a ConGovernor was under “presgress Legislature Party sure from above” not to meeting held at the hotel summon a session, hinting where MLAs loyal to him that the BJP government at are holed up. the Centre was involved in He also told the MLAs the tussle for power in the that they may have to stay state. The BJP condemned put there longer. the sit-in at Raj Bhawan, “The chief minister and an earlier remark by asked us to remain prepared Gehlot that “we will not be to stay longer at the hotel. If responsible” if the people of required, he said, we would the state gherao. go to meet the President and The dharna at the Raj would also hold a dharna Congress workers take part in a protest over Rajasthan’s political crisis, in Jaipur, Bhawan was called off Frioutside the prime minister’s Saturday. (PTI) day night, according to the

Congress, after Mishra said he will abide by the Constitution but not act under any pressure.

The Governor asked Gehlot to submit again his recommendation for a session, clarifying six points.

These included queries on free movement of MLAs and the reason the session needs to be called urgently.

The CM was on Saturday expected to submit a redrafted recommendation for a session.

Gehlot’s government has been under threat after his now sacked deputy Sachin Pilot rebelled. Eighteen other dissident MLAs have also defied the party whip to attend CLP meetings.

Including the 19 dissidents, the Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member assembly and the BJP 72

Rajasthan govt to send a revised proposal to Governor requesting for Assembly session The Rajasthan Cabinet is likely to meet again on Saturday to revise a proposal to be sent to Governor Kalraj Mishra requesting him to convene a session of the Assembly.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, facing a revolt by some Congress MLAs led by Sachin Pilot, chaired a meeting of the Cabinet on Friday night to discuss the points raised by the governor on its earlier proposal.

“Discussions on the points raised by the governor with regard to calling the Assembly session were held in the meeting last

night,” a source said, adding that the Cabinet is likely to meet again on Saturday. A revised proposal will be forwarded to the governor after approval by the Cabinet.

The Congress government is pushing for a session of the Assembly so that the chief minister can prove his majority on the floor of the House after the Rajasthan High Court on Friday ordered that status quo should be maintained on the disqualification notices sent out by the Speaker to Pilot and 18 other MLAs. The Governor on Friday asked the Ashok Gehlot govern-

ment why it wanted to call an Assembly session to secure a vote of confidence if it already had the majority. The governor posed the query in a six-point questionnaire entailing a note sent by the Raj Bhawan to the state Parliament Affairs Department, the Raj Bhawan said in a statement.

In his note to the state government, Governor Mishra emphasised that “no one is above the Constitutional dignity and no pressure politics should be resorted to.” He also pointed out that neither had any date for convening the session been mentioned in the

Cabinet note, annexed with the government’s request, nor had the Cabinet given its approval to it.

The government has neither given any reason for calling the session on such a short notice nor proposed any agenda for it, said the governor, pointing out that a 21-day notice is mandatory for calling an Assembly session.

In the statement, the Raj Bhawan added that Governor Mishra had also asked the government “to ensure the independence and freedom of movement of all members of the legislative assembly”.

On Friday, the chief minister said that a letter was forwarded to the governor on Thursday night for calling the session, but he had not taken any decision on it.

Congress MLAs loyal to Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an Assembly session. The Congress said it ended the sit-in following an assurance from the Governor that he will abide by Article 174 of the Constitution, after getting some clarifications from the CM. The provision deals with the Governor’s role in summoning a session of the assembly.

5

Rajasthan CM pushing state into anarchy: BJP says in memo to Guv A day after a face-off between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot supported by his MLAs and Governor Kalraj Mishra over the convening of a special Assembly session, a BJP delegation on Saturday submitted a memorandum to Mishra, accusing the CM and his government of pushing the state towards anarchy.

The memorandum also accused the state government of openly flouting COVID-19 norms and Gehlot of giving inciting statements. A 15-member BJP delegation led by party’s state President Satish Poonia visited the Raj Bhavan to demand action in the matter.

The BJP memorandum highlighted Gehlot’s statement on Friday wherein he allegedly threatened to gherao the Raj Bhavan and expressed his inability to control the situation. “It comprises a criminal act under Section 124 of the IPC,” the BJP memorandum claimed.

The submission of the memorandum comes after Gehlot said here on Saturday that he would foil the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party’s plan to topple the Congress govern-

ment in the desert state and “even go to the President, if required”.

The state BJP said that “pressuring” the Governor to get a decision in their favour was also a “derogatory attempt to threaten constitutional institutions”.

Poonia said: “Scenes of anarchy were seen on the streets of Rajasthan on Saturday as the COVID19 norms were flouted openly during the dharna staged by Congress leaders at district headquarters in the state. The CM, being the state Home Minister, is morally responsible for creating this situation,” he added.

“Flouting all set norms of COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrations were held at district headquarters on the call of the ruling party.

Surprisingly, the district administrations remained mute spectators to such violations which shows the state government’s apathy towards the Covid pandemic,” Poonia added.

Gehlot had visited the Raj Bhavan on Friday along with supporting MLAs, who then staged a dharna on the lawn and raised slogans to demand the special Assembly session.

Yogi visits Ayodhya, reviews preparations Shah to attend CRPF’s raising day Cabinet Secy takes stock of 9 event at Delhi hqrs on Monday states with high COVID cases for Ram Temple ‘bhoomi pujan’

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (L) in a meeting with sadhus or holy men at Karsewak Puram, during his visit to Ayodhya, Saturday. (PTI)

L u c k n o w / Ay o d hya, Jul 25 (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday visited Ayodhya and placed the idols of Laxman, Bharat and Shatrughan on the new ‘asans’ at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple site.

The chief minister reached Ayodhya in the afternoon and took part in a ‘puja’. He also offered prayers at the Hanumangarhi Temple and inspected

Centenarian recovers from Covid-19 Bengaluru, Jul 25 (IANS): A centenarian woman patient from Karnataka’s Ballari district survived coronavirus infection, only to dismiss it as common cold, an official said on Saturday.

“Hallamma from Huvina Hadagali town recovered from Covid-19, though she dismissed it as common cold. She contracted the infection from her son,” Ballari District Health Officer (DHO) Janardhan told IANS. Her son working at a bank was found corona positive on July 3. Four more family members were later found infected, including Hallamma who tested positive on July 16.

All infected family members were treated at their home, except for her son who was admitted in a hospital.

“Right now, all infected members in Hallamma’s family have recovered and are doing fine,” the official said.

the stones carved for Ram Temple at Mandir Nirmaan Karyashala.

He then held a meeting with seers and members of the Ram Mandir Trust at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad headquarters at Karsewak Puram. Adityanath is on a short visit to Ayodhya to review the preparations for the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of the Ram Temple.

The visit comes ahead

of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to lay the foundation stone of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on August 5 . The construction of the temple will start with the ceremony to lay the foundation stone.

A trust member had said that in view of the coronavirus pandemic, only 200 people would attend the ceremony and all social distancing norms will be followed at the event.

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters here on its 82nd raising day on Monday and address the personnel of the force posted across the country through a video link, officials said.

He will also pay homage to martyrs as a wreath will be placed on his behalf at Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch town, where the force’s first battalion was raised on July 27, 1939, as the Crown Representative’s Police (CRP) under the British.

Its name was changed to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in 1949 under the Indian Union by the country’s first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

An inspector general of the CRPF’s central training college will lay the wreath at the martyrs memorial in Neemuch on behalf of the home minister, a senior officer said.

The headquarters of the country’s largest para-

PM reviews micro credit scheme for street vendors

NEW DELHI, JUL 25 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the implementation of a special micro-credit facility for street vendors, stressing that it should not be seen from the perspective of extending loans to them but as part of an outreach for their holistic development and economic uplift.

The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) aims at facilitating a collateral free working capital loan of up to Rs 10,000 of one-year tenure, to help street vendors resume their businesses post lockdown.

The review meet was informed that over 2.6 lakh applications have been received, over 64,000 have been sanctioned and over 5,500 have been disbursed.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction on the use of end-to-end IT solution through a web-portal and mobile application for administration of the

Narendra Modi

scheme to ensure transparency, accountability and speed, an official statement said.

While noting that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is working on a complete IT solution, including mobile application, for seamless implementation of the scheme, the prime minister said that its design should incentivise use of end-to-end digital transactions by the street vendors.

This should cover the entire gamut of their busi-

ness - from procurement of raw material to collection of sale proceeds. Appropriate incentives and training should be held for the purpose. Use of digital payments would also help build a credit profile for the street vendor helping them in future financial needs, Modi observed.

He said that the scheme should not be just seen from the perspective of extending loans to street vendors.

It should also be seen as a part of an outreach to the street vendors for their holistic development and economic uplift, the statement quoted Modi as saying.

One step in this direction would be by capturing their entire socio-economic details to facilitate necessary policy interventions.

Such data could also be used by different central ministries to benefit them under various schemes for which they are eligible, on a priority basis.

military force is located at Lodhi Road here.

Mega raising day events are not being held this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing protocols, he said.

An event that involved marching contingents and display of combat skills in an open ground was scheduled on March 19 in Gurgaon but it was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Shah will also unveil three documentaries prepared by the Central Reserve Police Force depicting the role of its ‘corona warriors’, environment protectors and troops involved in internal security.

The 3.25 lakh personnel strong paramilitary is designated as the lead internal security force of the country with its three main combat theatres being counter-terrorist operations in Kashmir Valley, counter-insurgency in north eastern states and anti-Naxal operations in Left Wing Extremism affected states.

New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): The Centre advised Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal & Assam to urgently ramp up testing, strictly implement containment plan and augment health infrastructure, during an interaction with the states that went on till late Friday evening.

A high level virtual review meeting was chaired

by Cabinet Secretary with the Chief Secretaries and Health Secretaries of the nine states that are driving the present spurt of the active caseload in the country.

These nine states have, in the recent past, shown high rise in daily number of active cases and are emerging as concern areas from COVID management point of view, said the government. Areas of concern with respect to low testing in certain states was highlighted in the meeting.

The centre reiterated that sustained and aggressive testing is crucial for early

Rajiv Gauba

identification of cases and to prevent spread of infection.

“Cabinet Secretary had a detailed review on the State specific COVID response strategy with the Health Secretaries and other State officials as well as on the factors that were leading to rising case-load in these States in recent times,” said a government statement.

In keeping with the “Test Track Treat” strategy, the States were advised to ramp up the testing with special focus on containment zones.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed the need for “prompt and proper de-

lineation of containment zones” as per the guidelines of the health Ministry, intensive contact tracing and house-to-house active case search within the Containment Zones so as to effectively break the chain of transmission.

A thrust was made on identifying Buffer zones outside the Containment Zones with continued surveillance.

“States were advised to have a clear focus on health infrastructure availability including requisite number of beds, oxygen and ventilators across the State with implementation of clinical protocols ensuring the prescribed Quality of Care and seamless patient management.”

In a significant assertion, the Government said that effective ambulance management with zero refusal rate is crucial.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed on mapping of high-risk population , particularly the elderly with comorbidities, to keep the mortality rate low.

Madhya Pradesh CM tests positive for COVID-19 Bhopal, Jul 25 (PTI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said that he has tested coronavirus positive.

Chouhan, 61, shared the news on Twitter in the early hours. He was admitted to a COVID-19 designated private hospital in Bhopal, a BJP leader said.

“I had symptoms of COVID-19. In the test report I was found positive. I appeal to all my colleagues that whoever has come in my contact to get tested for coronavirus. My close contacts should move to quarantine,” Chouhan said in a tweet.

In another tweet, the chief minister said that if detected and treated on time, COVID-19 infection can be cured.

“I have been reviewing the status of coronavirus infection in the state every evening since March 25.

Now I will try to review the situation through video conferencing as much as possible,” he said.

Chouhan also said that in his absence, the meeting

An ambulance leaves the residence of Shivraj Singh Chouhan for Chirayu Hospital, in Bhopal, Saturday. (PTI)

to review the coronavirus situation will be held by Home Minister Narottam Mishra, Urban Development and Administration Minister Bhupendra Singh, Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang and Health Minister Prabhuram Choudhary.

Talking to PTI, state BJP’s media in-charge Lokendra Parashar said that Chouhan was shifted to

COVID-19 designated Chirayu Medical College and Hospital in the state capital.

“The CM has said that no special treatment should be given to him. He said that he should be treated like a common man. Therefore, he decided to get admitted to Chirayu Medical College Hospital, where other COVID-19 patients are being treated,” Parashar said.

Meanwhile, state Con-

gress chief Kamal Nath, in a tweet, wished Chouhan a speedy recovery.

Cong ress veteran Digvijaya Singh said, “It is sad that Shivraj ji was found corona positive. May God cure you soon. You should have maintained social distancing, which you did not.

Take care in future,” Singh said.

“Bhopal police had registered an FIR against me, but how would (the police) have done that against you?” Singh said further.

The Congress leader was referring to a case filed against him last month for allegedly flouting social distancing norms during a protest held in Bhopal.

BJP leader and former union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also wished him a speedy recovery.

Chouhan took oath as the state chief minister on March 23 after the Congress government led by Kamal Nath collapsed following resignations of 22 MLAs. Chouhan is back as the state CM for record fourth time.

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 230 Dimapur, SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

Dissent and defection

E

arlier it was Karnataka followed by Madhya Pradesh and now Rajasthan -all of which saw non-NDA governments fall like ninepins not because the Congress legislators were always bickering but that the BJP with all its awesome resources, strategy and power was able to exploit the situations. In all cases, the ruling of speakers of the houses were checkmated by decisions of courts and governors. The prediction that Congress governments (including coalitions) in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh would fall was made as early as in mid-2019 by various political pundits. Today Congress government in Rajasthan is on the chopping block and after that, it will be Chhattisgarh. In one article in 2019, it was predicted that the toppling will follow the same routine - assembly Speaker holding firm, “sticking” to Constitutional values and the Courts nudging the Speakers. In the Rajasthan game, rebel Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot who is seeking the ouster of chief minister Ashok Gehlot has taken the case to the Rajasthan high court. The issue is whether the court should intervene and pre-empt the speaker even before the latter has issued an order. It may be recalled that in the 1992 Kihoto Hollohon Vrs Zachilhu, five judges of the Supreme Court had ruled that courts cannot judicially review disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) of the Constitution, until the Speaker makes a final decision on the merits of the case. However the Pilot camp has argued that mere disagreement with the Gehlot’s working style cannot be construed to be defection. Issuing such a notice by the Speaker is also a violation of their freedom of speech right.

They also said the whip applies when the House is in session and not outside. The comment of the court that the voice of dissent within the party cannot be suppressed, has indeed revealed its mind.

“Voice of dissent cannot be shut. They have all been elected by the people. Can they not express their dissent?’ the court observed. However, it cannot be dissent when rebels ask their own party government to face a floor test and seen openly hobnobbing with the opposition party. Going by the SC verdict in the Ravi Naik case (1994), their conduct would clearly fall under the category of defection. ‘Even in the absence of a formal resignation, an inference can be drawn from the conduct of a member that he has voluntarily given up his membership of the party to which he belongs,’ the court had ruled. The opposition BJP is right that it is a problem within the Congress, yet the party cannot feign innocence in the entire operation. If it were so, then Pilot would not have taken his flocks to BJP-ruled Haryana. A likely scenario if the plot doesn’t work out for the BJP- president’s rule and suspended animation of the house. Politics bereft of ethics is nothing but a vulgar dash for power. Inducing lawmakers to switch sides to cook up a majority for a party voted out by the electorate cannot be approved of. Both parliament as well as the judiciary, in particular, need to address this as defections still remain the bane of democracy.

DailyDevotion Am I Blessed Like This?

Blessed are… —Matthew 5:3-11 When we first read the statements of Jesus, they seem wonderfully simple and unstartling, and they sink unnoticed into our subconscious minds. For instance, the Beatitudes initially seem to be merely soothing and beautiful precepts for overly spiritual and seemingly useless people, but of very little practical use in the rigid, fast-paced workdays of the world in which we live. We soon find, however, that the Beatitudes contain the “dynamite” of the Holy Spirit. And they “explode” when the circumstances of our lives cause them to do so. When the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance one of the Beatitudes, we say, “What a startling statement that is!” Then we must decide whether or not we will accept the tremendous spiritual upheaval that will be produced in our circumstances if we obey His words. That is the way the Spirit of God works. We do not need to be born again to apply the Sermon on the Mount literally. The literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount is as easy as child’s play. But the interpretation by the Spirit of God as He applies our Lord’s statements to our circumstances is the strict and difficult work of a saint.

The teachings of Jesus are all out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things, and they come to us initially with astonishing discomfort. We gradually have to conform our walk and conversation to the precepts of Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit applies them to our circumstances.

The Sermon on the Mount is not a set of rules and regulations— it is a picture of the life we will live when the Holy Spirit is having His unhindered way with us.

Quotes

Laughter is the closest distance between two people. ~ Victor Borge

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

Post-mortem

Modi government surrendered ahead China!!

I t is not necessary that if a country loses in military front, it will only be called surrender.

Today’s world is based on globalization and economy, and to become a superpower of a country means that it can exert pressure on any country in the world with its ability, not only in military matters but also in economic, diplomatic, and strategic matters with space and cyber sector.

Therefore, this title is not important, but important that even after losing 43000 sq km area since 1962, why governments do not learn from such incidents! The progressive and democratic governments of India know that Chinese policy has always been expansionist because this tradition is from their dynasties, so it is not surprising that infiltration into our border. But instead of answering in the same language, why have Indian governments kept China happy and calm?

The beginning of course, begins with the Indo-China war of 1962 because it is directly related to us, but some developments took place even earlier, in which India gave importance to the appeasement policy.

The first incident was in reference to Chinese annexation of Tibet in which India did not respond. The second incident was an offer by US President John F. Kennedy to deliver atomic bomb to India to prevent China from conducting nuclear tests, but the liberal leader Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru turned down the

offer as a threat to world peace. The third mistake was not to use the Indian Air Force in the 1962 war, because India feared that China should not be provoked much, otherwise they would destroy Kolkata Port and other cities with their air force. These mistakes, which developed a policy of India towards China, are being followed by the governments even today.

A major mistake in this sequence was made by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003, when he officially recognized the Chinese occupation of Tibet as a part of China. In fact, the recognition was given by Pt. Nehru on the basis of the Panchsheel Agreement of 1954, but there existed the undivided Tibet. Whereas in later years, China divided Tibet into 5 pieces and merged its four parts i.e. Qinghai, Gansu, Yunnan and Sichuan into their mainland China and converted only one part of it into Tibet Autonomous Region, thus the remaining four areas were forgotten. Nothing has changed in today’s scenario, because Prime Minister Modi has blundered more than many previous gover nments, and capitulated in front of China. Actually, in the case of China, the previous governments had made an appeasement policy; its aim was to develop India by keeping China calm and happy. Those policy makers thought that India’s development is possible in/

with the development of China, but the strengthening of China is not good for India’s security, so the various policies that the previous governments had made to stop China, Prime Minister Modi came to power it reversed and the country began to succumb to Chinese dependence.

As India’s dependence on Chinese goods began to increase from the beginning of the 21st century, our trade deficit was also increasing rapidly. At the same time, some policy makers suggested to the government that the trade deficit could be bridged by allowing Chinese investment into the Indian market, especially in the telecommunications and software industry. But the previous government did not show any seriousness on this suggestion out of fear, so that Chinese investments would not cripple the remaining Indian companies. Now the whole incident changed from here, as soon as Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, he opened the doors of FDI and Chinese investment. Now the whole incident changed from here, as soon as Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, he opened the doors of FDI and Chinese investment. Understand the facts in such a way that at the same time Finnish company Nokia was closing the business and saying goodbye to the Indian market.

Then on the other hand, Chinese companies like

Gionee, Lenovo, Oppo, Vivo were coming to India to fill the space of Nokia without any gap. The result is that India, with just 2 smartphone manufacturer plants in 2014, and now is the second largest smartphone manufacturer in the world today but no Indian companies other than 1-2 is included in the top 100. Second side, our trade deficit with China has increased twice since 2014. If we talk about Chinese investment, then they have penetrated into our companies to such an extent that even managing them. In this way, India surrendered to China on the economic front in the Modi administration.

On the strategic front, the second surrender also did not end with the arrival of the Modi government, In fact, all this happened when the Indian Prime Minister was welcoming the Chinese President in his home state with ride on a swing. Soon after this visit, the Chinese army set up a tent in Chushul sector of Ladakh. This infiltration did not end until India promised to complete abolish the constructions there. China had understood from this incident that the new Modi government would also pursue the appeasement policy. The most prominent example is the 75-day-long Doklam dispute, where India termed Chinese construction in the tri-junction as a diplomatic victory, but as soon as the dispute was over, China finally

completed the construction in the following months, which Information was given by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Lok Sabha. This period of surrender did not end here because the Indian government’s diplomacy in China’s case failed the most, examples of which are full. Whether it is a case of blocking India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group or a technical holds in banning Masood Azhar from the Security Council.

After the removal of article 370, to have an informal discussion on Kashmir in the Security Council or to build a dam, road, railroad in Gilgit-Baltistan by marginalizing India’s sovereignty. China has always rated India as nonequal, and now wants to implicate it in the String of Pearls, yet India always kept it quiet and did not gain any leverage by giving strict responses to such incidents. In this way, Modi government surrendered to China on diplomatic front too.

Before going to the conclusion, talk about the infiltration in Ladakh, India has again lost to China. But this surrender is not from occupying land rather than leaving our own land. That is, important strategic areas like Galvan Valley, Gogra Post and Hot Spring’s Patrolling Point 14, 15 and 17A, which were part of India till April, have now been made a temporary buffer zone of No Man’s Land within an area of 4 km.

All this happened when the Indian Prime Minister has met the Chinese President 18 times in 6 years. Of course China could not capture the Galvan Valley but it has taken away its right from India as well.

In conclusion, the Indian government is suggested to change its defensive policy into an aggressive stance in the context of China.

However, first we have to accept that our policy has failed, which this current government does not want to accept. On the other hand, India should openly stand and express its opinion on the weak pulse of China i.e. South China Sea, Tibet, Taiwan and Hong Kong, so that leverage can be obtained on it. For this, India should increase cooperation with anti-China countries like America, Japan, Britain, Australia, and Canada and join their groups, because it is not only in India’s interest but also the mistakes made in 1962 or 2020, a decisive war against China by the Allies can only get India back to Aksai China, POK and permanent membership in Security Council as well as can also make Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong an independent nations. If we talk about Russia, it will not help to China because Russia will remain the only superpower rival of America and the king of communism due to the defeat of China.

Kumar Ramesh (Criminologist, Foreign Affairs Analyst & World Record holder)

Success- now and later A reflection on Naga society during this pandemic

Y

ou don’t need anybody’s approval to do good to yourself. No-one can stop you from doing what you are good at. Anything good originates from your mind.

Focus and start in what you are good at, to make your life exciting as in ‘Paradise’. You are good at certain thing/s because you are interested in that/those activity/activities.

Your ‘interest’ matters the most for you to progress in life. For sure, you do have interest/s to progress. Search for it and rely on it. Search within, to find ‘yourself ’ as the person who you have been really looking for, and not another person.

You need Yourself and God partnership, in your life’s journey now or later. You have to start to define success in your own terms.

Articulate and organise the inner strength in you. And remember, the interest you have in certain thing is the manifestation of your inherent potentials in store for you. Explore and discover that/those to pursue for your future. ‘You’ are the most suitable person to do this job. Keep searching within you, not outside of you and make sure you find yourself. You are a unique creature designed and created by a wonderful and magnificent God- the Creator.

You did not get a user’s manual when you were born, neither I, nor anyone. You need to ask your Creator. He alone has the user’s manual with Him. If you ask, He will definitely give you. Not only give you but guide, protect, strengthen, prosper, etc, and succeed you in your life, if you wish to. Success leads to further meaningful life. A meaningful life will bring forth your worth more.

Your worth is the outcome of your search within you. Not given by others. In fact, others cannot possibly come inside of your being and be on your behalf. It’s not possible, literally.

If you are not you, others are helpless to you. That’s why, you don’t need other’s permission to begin doing ‘what interests you’ to be successful. In other words, you don’t need others certification to do good to yourself and move forward to

experience your uniqueness gifted by God. Success, of course, is not only about, getting a government job, riches, properties, wealth, position or status, etc conferred by external agencies, in the first place. To some, it may be, so they themselves will know how it feels like to have.

Success in life lies in realisation of self-worth, self-preservation, self-respect, self-affection, selfesteem, self-confidence as you are and not as others think you are supposed to be. Most importantly, be steadfast and start all over again despite of hardships and failures at times.

In this approach, no one can stop you. Your interest will motivate you, and so, you will enjoy even in times of difficulties. Difficulties will merely sharpen you. Experiencing difficulties, you will be better equipped to handle situations that seems impossible. In time of hardships ask for your user’s manual whenever you are confused. Confront seemingly impossible situation which you need to overcome with the help of God. The Creator loves his creatures with an unending love for you to overcome and succeed.

Success means different things to different people. It’s a slippery thing, in the sense, your success is yours, others success is theirs. Let your success be, not what they say, it is.

But explore the amazing youthe wonderfully and fearfully created creature. Discover your worth with the help of your user’s manual.

Life is truly meaningful.

Your success lies within you in the way you are meant to be.

You should be the maker of your own destiny. Conferred success may be encouraging at times. But, you are you, no one else can be. Death is the final success of life on earth.

The transition when you will no longer need user’s manual but in direct access to all fullness of life. The final success which is ‘predestined’, perhaps to next success in all-in life, in death and thereafter. Won’t you consider it!

Lolly Bashu, Principal, CMHSS, Phek

A

ppalling as the pandemic is, at this very outset, we need to realize that one of the most essential requirements for life’s existence is food, and therefore, its production. Nagaland is considered an Agriculturalist State, however, at present juncture, merely a handful of its people – both in urban and rural areas – practices cultivation, and are wholly dependent on imported products. This has become more evident during this pandemic.

As lockdown was imposed in the entire nation due to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, a realization has come upon us that we cannot rely entirely on imported goods alone but need to be self-sufficient or at the least, self-sustained.

Considering how today’s world is more to do with sophisticated technologies and machines; there is a minimal need for ‘hard work’ and more to do with ‘smart-work’.

Besides, even without technologies, our forefathers were self-dependent and would harness basic necessities such as rice, vegetables, cattle, farm animals etc. by means of conventional farming alone. Therefore, it feels like a good time to resurrect ourselves and society as a whole and move towards a self-reliant Nagaland.

Understanding that the future of our students is in plight and

in extreme peril, it has become overtly significant for student’s body to actively play a role in setting up platforms where people from all spheres of life can come together and exchange ideas and knowledge; meanwhile making interactions between the learned and the unlearned easier. Local governments can also establish certain programs and seminars on the idea of ‘self-reliant’ and ‘sustainable development’ thereby educating one another. It is a time that calls for active participation from everyone in the society and share the little knowledge we have with the masses.

It is a time, each and every one of us have to become our own teacher and to one another, and be aware of the duties and responsibilities we ought towards our society. As world-renowned artist Tim Minchin will aptly put “even if you are not a teacher, please be a teacher.” We can contribute to the society by simply adhering to the guidelines given by the government, utilizing public properties as our own and help in educating the uneducated, especially the old and the young, about our moral responsibilities towards this pandemic.

As the entire world struggle, we have observed the incapability of many world leaders towards this virus including some of our own.

We have seen a lot of criticisms being thrown at our leaders in the past few months but at the end of the day, we can only learn. Being a democratic state, electing our representative is a power we hold and it is time for us to deeply value our vote and choose the person that can actually help us in moving forward. It is also a time when we desperately need all civil societies to keep aside their individual biases, prejudices, and differences, and come together and work with the administration as a unit. It is a pandemic that can be tackled only as long as we are united.

Nagas have been struggling for the past 73 years trying to find a political solution with the Government of India, however, till today, it is a sad realization that we are yet to be independent, still impractical and have no spirit towards self-reliance. Therefore, it is an urgent need for the Nagas to start a revolution of change within oneself and contribute in making a prosperous society. Understanding that it is indeed impossible to have a society without loopholes, nonetheless, we can always call for unity and work towards achieving an independent economy.

Kuknalim!

Benison V Shohe, Officer’s Hill Kohima

Reader’s Post Appeal to DC Dimapur

Sir,

With due respect the undersigned would like to request your esteemed office to kindly clarify the confusion created through the official notification for lockdown issued on 24/07/2020 in the print media.

That sir, it is stated in the official notification point no. 6 and 8 that all movement of public is restricted so also within the inter-state, district and villages but point no. 9 states that autos/taxis are allowed to ply with one passenger. For what purpose autos/taxis can ply is not mentioned in the order and whether odd/even is applied for the same. Sir, please clarify our doubts as we are confused about this point no. 9.

Toshi Jamir, Nagarjan

Sir,

Stay home, stay safe

With the community spread causing much alarm to the public, it is heartening that total lockdown has been imposed in Kohima and Dimapur. This pandemic is serious and people need to be very cautious and should responsibly follow the guidelines of safety. Many people are still seen without mask and not keeping social distancing in shops, where closure of shop is indeed a relief although one may go short on ration. We can pray for healing but we need to use the God given wisdom of making the choice, to stay home and be safe for everyone concerned.

Meribeni Yanthan, Oriental Colony, Dimapur 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 SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

Bihar floods: NDRF rescues over 3,500

Patna, Jul 25 (IANS): As many as 21 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed across 12 floodaffected districts in Bihar, rescuing more than 3,500 people. Following the breach in the embankments in east Champaran and Gopalganj districts, NDRF teams reached there to carry out relief and rescue operations.

The river embankment, near Bhawanipur village in east Champaran, was breached on July 2324 night due to the surging flood waters of the Gandak river. As soon as the embankment gave way, Bhawanipur village was inundated, affecting hundreds of people.

The NDRF personnel along with the district administration officials tackled the situation promptly.

According to NDRF commandant Vijay Sinha, two 9th Battalion teams deployed in east Champaran reached the flood-affected areas and carried out rescue operations at night.

During the operation,

Western GOC-in-C reviews security in Jammu division

7

Chirag flags ‘disappearance’ of COVID19 patient in Bihar; writes to Nitish

JAMMU, JUL 25 (IANS): Army’s Western Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Lt General R.P. Singh on Saturday reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness of forces deployed in forward areas in Jammu division. “ T h e A r my C o m mander visited Basoli, Bakloh and Mamun military stations, accompanied by Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, GOC of the Rising Star Corps, and reviewed the operational preparedness in the forward areas and interacted with the field formation commanders,� a defence statement said. “ T h e A r my C o m mander boosted the morale of the troops on the ground and was confident about the preparedness of the Rising Star Corps to thwart any threat posed by our adversaries and anti-national elements.�

Lt Gen Singh also exhorted all ranks to continue working with the same zeal and enthusiasm.

Patna, Jul 25 (PTI): Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan on Saturday flagged the “disappearance� of a resident of his parliamentary constituency who suffered from cancer and allegedly went missing from a Patna hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

Paswan, who represents Jamui in Lok Sabha, shot off letters to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the superintendent of Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) here, both of which were shared by his party on social media.

The LJP chief highlighted the alleged disappearance of Ranjit Kumar, a resident of Sheikhpura district which falls under Jamui parliamentary constituency. Ranjit Kumar was undergoing treatment for cancer in Mumbai for six months and tested positive for COVID-19 on June 25, after his samples were taken on the advice of doctors at the Patna-based Mahavir Cancer Institute, which he

BJP plans big for 1 year anniversary Permission sought for phase 2/3 of axing Article 370, triple talaq trials of Oxford’s COVID ‘vaccine’

COVID: Himachal Gov seeks PGIMER’s help

People wade through the floodwater as they move to a safer place, at Shekhapur Dhab in Muzaffarpur district, Saturday. (PTI)

special care was taken of children, women and senior citizens.

Sinha said that NDRF teams carried out rescue operations on Friday in Sangrampur block of east Champaran district as well as Manjha and Sadar blocks of Gopalganj district and Panapur Diara area of Saran district.

In Gopalganj district,

the deluge followed the breach at the Saran embankment of the Gandak river.

A team of NDRF led by Inspector Suresh Billung carried out rescue operations in the flood-affected villages of Gambharia Diara and Kiratpura in Baikunthpur block of Gopalganj district on Friday night and evacuated 102 stranded people .

An NDRF official said

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI): Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19, has sought permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for conducting phase 2/3 human clinical trials of the potential vaccine, highly-placed sources said on Saturday.

The sources told PTI that the Pune-based drug firm submitted its application to the DCGI on Friday seeking permission for conducting the trials of ‘Covidshield’. “According to the application, it would conduct an observer-blind, randomised controlled study to determine the safety and immunogenicity of ‘Covishield’ (COVID-19) in healthy Indian adults. The firm said that an around 1,600 participants of more than 18 years would be enrolled in the study,� a source said.

Initial results of the first two-phase trials of the vaccine conducted in five trial sites in the UK showed it has an acceptable safety profile and homologous boosting increased antibody responses, the source said.

To introduce the vac-

cine, SII, the world’s largest vaccine maker by number of doses produced and sold, has signed an agreement to manufacture the potential vaccine developed by the Jenner Institute (Oxford University) in collaboration with British-Swedish pharma company AstraZeneca.

On the partnership with AstraZeneca, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla had said, “Serum Institute of India has entered a manufacturing partnership with AstraZeneca to produce and supply 1 billion doses of the COVID19 vaccine being developed

by Oxford University.�

These vaccines will be for India and middle and low income countries across the world (GAVI countries), he had said.

The firm plans to start the phase 2 and 3 human trials in India in August.

Oxford University on Monday announced satisfactory progress with the vaccine, making it one of the leading ones among the dozens of vaccine candidates being developed around the world.

According to a report in the Lancet, the initial trial results showed that the vaccine is safe and prompts protective immune response.

New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): If you thought this August 5 is just the day when the Ram Mandir ‘bhoomi poojan’ will take place, you are wrong. It also happens to be the first anniversary of the BJP government abrogating Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu & Kashmir. The BJP now has decided to kick off nationwide celebrations through virtual rallies, connect with intellectuals, video conferences with media and social media campaigns and national leaders thronging Jammu, Ladakh and Srinagar on August 5.

BJP will project it as “One India� campaign that they will call “Ek Bharat, ekatma Bharat�. BJP President J.P. Nadda himself has asked how to devise the campaign. The BJP will reignite the virtual rallies spree in run up to August 5.

Between July 28 and August 3, all states will hold one virtual rally in their regional languages, which will be addressed by state leaders.

Meanwhile, one national leader each will be present in Jammu, Srinagar and Ladakh on August 5 where they will take part in an event which will be replicated in the two Union territories

down to the mandal level.

In all the bigger states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, there will be 5 video conferences each and in relatively medium to smaller sized states, there will be 2 video conferences each. Through them, efforts will be made to connect with intellectuals, social workers and eminent personalities there.

BJP leadership in the states have been asked to connect with at least 50 social workers in every district of India and articulate the initiatives and government projects sanctioned for the twin UTs -- Ladakh and J&K. Booklets for that purpose are also being published which will be handed over to them. What is a campaign without an aggressive media outreach? So, the BJP has devised a plan through which BJP’s central office will hold a video conference with their state media departments and media panelists where the same pointers of what the Centre has done for the twin UTs in the last 1 year will be highlighted.

In ever y state and Union territory capital, there will be a press conference which the BJP will organise on August 3, said party leader Arun Singh. Leaflets

India’s corona fatality rate down to 2.35%

COVID-19 cannot be fought just by publicity: Priyanka to UP CM

NEW DELHI, JUL 25 (IANS): Even as India’s total novel coronavirus cases has crossed 13 lakh, the fatality rate has registered a sharp decline to 2.35 per cent, one of the lowest in the world, says the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

Sharing the data on Saturday, the Ministry said it could be possible because of “effective and standardised clinical management protocols based on holistic standard of care approach� adopted in the country.

The case fatality rate continues on the downward trend, which means that the collective efforts of the Centre as well as state or Union Territory (UT) authorities have helped keep a check on the mortality due to coronavirus, the Ministry said.

As per the figures, 32,223 COVID-19 patients recovered in the last 24 hours even as 48,916 fresh cases and 787 deaths were reported.

The cumulative tally of cured patients reached 8,49,431 on Saturday, indicating a record recovery rate fo 63.54 per cent.

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday attacked the Yogi Adityanath government over its handling of the COVID-19 crisis, saying that at a time when there is an “explosive� rise in cases, the state dispensation’s “no test is equal to no corona� policy can lead to a “more frightening situation�.

In a letter to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, the Congress general secretary said that the situation is getting serious and the battle against the pandemic cannot be fought just by publicity and managing news.

Priyanka Gandhi said she hopes the chief minister will take “big and effective� steps that will assure people that the government is committed to protect their lives and they will not be left to God for protection. “By showing the fear of coronavirus, corruption is thriving. If this is not reined in, the battle against coronavirus will turn into a disaster,� Priyanka Gandhi said.

Noting that 2,500 cases of coronavirus were reported in UP on Friday, she said almost all the metros were flooded with COVID-19 cases, but now even the vil-

will also be published and articles written to amplify the BJP’s campaign.

At a time of COVID19, the BJP has added special thrust to social media where the saffron party will hold a week-long campaign from July 28 to August 3. A hashtag is also being created named “Ek Bharat, ekatma Bharat�, which will be made to trend on social media during the tenure of the week.

Every BJP state social media cell is asked to shoot small informative videos and crisp interviews of “aam aadmi� on the issue which will then be posted from their official state BJP handles on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and even Instagram. The BJP has also planned to connect it to the Triple Talaq Act, which too was passed in August last year. This August 1, it will also be the one-year anniversary for that Act which criminalises instant triple talaq. The women’s wing of the BJP has been tasked to reach out and connect with “Muslim sisters� through virtual meetings and at least 100 Muslim women intellectuals will be reached out to in every state to articulate the significance of the move, ordered the BJP president.

NDRF teams have rescued more than 3,500 people in Bihar’s flood-affected east Champaran, west Champaran, Gopalganj, Supaul and Saran districts. During the operation, NDRF personnel also helped the civil medical teams to reach the flood-affected areas by boats so that the affected people could be provided medical help.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

lages were not unaffected by its spread. “Quarantine centres in UP are in a pathetic state.

In some places, the situation is so bad, that people are fearing mismanagement more than the coronavirus.

Because of such a scenario, they are not stepping out of their homes for getting tested,� Priyanka Gandhi said. “This is a major failure of the government,� she asserted. The state government by believing in the “no test = no corona� mantra has adopted a low testing policy, she alleged in the letter written in Hindi. “There is an explosive rise in COVID-19 cases. Till testing will not be increased in a transparent manner, the fight against the pandemic

will be incomplete and the situation can become more frightening,� she said. “Your government claimed that there is provision for 1.5 lakh beds, but with only about 20,000 active infected cases, there is a scampering for beds,� she said. If there is a huge crowd in front of the hospitals, then why is the UP government not constructing temporary hospitals on the lines of those set up in Mumbai and Delhi, Priyanka Gandhi asked.

Availing medical facility is the fundamental right of every citizen, she asserted. “The prime minister is a Member of Parliament from Varanasi, the defence minister is from Lucknow,

many other Union ministers are from UP. Why can’t temporary hospitals be opened in Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra etc.� Priyanka Gandhi asked.

She suggested that temporary hospitals can be operated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Army and the paramilitary, or if need be, the DRDO hospital can be brought to Lucknow.

Also, central facilities set up in Delhi can also be used for border districts, Priyanka Gandhi said, adding that their utilisation is not being maximised there.

Noting that home isolation was a good step, she said it should not be implemented in haste.

Informed decisions should be taken on key matters related to home isolation like what will be the arrangement for monitoring patients, who needs to be informed if the patient’s condition worsens and what will the medical facilities cost in home isolation, she said. What will be the arrangement for checking the temperature and oxygen level of the patients in home isolation, she further asked in the letter.

Shimla, Jul 25 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Governor Bandaru Dattatreya on Saturday discussed the Covid-19 situation in the hill state with Dr Jagat Ram, Director of PGIMER in Chandigarh, and sought his advice to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The Governor said that keeping in view the rise in corona cases in Himachal, the PGIMER should send a team of observers to study the functioning of Covid care centres in the hill state.

The Governor said the Covid parameters of his state were still far better than other states. The spread rate is less than five per cent.

He said 127,555 people in Himachal were tested for coronavirus, of which 124,568 tested negative. He said 1,145 corona patients were cured whereas only 11 deaths were reported so far.

The Governor appreciated the efforts and arrangements made by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in fighting the coronavirus. Dattatreya expressed happiness that the institute had conducted over 15,000 corona tests and started plasma therapy has to treat such patients.

T h e g o ve r n m e n t should do a complete mapping of it and give complete information at the local level to the public, Priyanka Gandhi said.

The Congress general secretary said that she realises, that often the state government feels that the Congress’ suggestions are given only from a political point of view. “This was evident from the response of your government while we were trying to get buses for UP workers who were walking home,� she said. “I want to assure you once again that protecting the health and life of the people of Uttar Pradesh is our biggest sentiment at this time. We are continuously striving with constructive support and a spirit of service,� she said in the letter.

At this time when the pandemic is growing rapidly, the Congress stands with the people of UP and is ready to give full support to the state government, she said.

Tightening its grip over Uttar Pradesh, COVID19 claimed a record 50 lives in the state on Friday as the deadly virus infected 2,667 people more in the largest single-day spike till date.

Chirag Paswan

had visited for check-up.

According to Paswan, the patient had returned to his Sheikhpura residence by the time his test reports came and he was admitted to a local COVID isolation ward on June 29, but referred to NMCH on July 3 as his health worsened.

On July 6, when family members visited NMCH to meet him, they were told by hospital authorities that he was never admitted.

Health authorities in Sheikhpura maintained that they had sent Ranjit Kumar to NMCH and no information of his disappearance from the Patna hospital was received by them.

“Ranjit Kumar is a resident of my parliamentary constituency. His family members are in great distress. Please look into the matter and ensure appropriate action against those who are found at fault,� Paswan said in his letters to the chief minister and the NMCH superintendent. “My husband, a 51year-old man, used to work in the fields to eke out a living until he was rendered unfit for any type of labour because of cancer. We have five children, three of whom suffer from speech impairment. I feel so helpless,�

Ranjit Kumar’s wife Anita Devi told PTI over phone.

Anti-CAA riots: Sharjeel Imam charged with sedition

Sharjeel Imam

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI): The Delhi Police on Saturday charged former JNU student Sharjeel Imam with sedition before a court here for allegedly inciting people to indulge in activities detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

The police made the allegations in its charge sheet filed before the court in a case related to antiCAA riots earlier this year.

The agency filed the final report under various sections including 124-A (Sedition), 153(A) (Promoting enmity), 153-A (promoting enmity, Hatred between different communities), 153-B (Assertion prejudicial to national integration) and 505 (spreading rumors) of IPC and under the sections of stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. “He is accused of delivering seditious speeches and inciting a particular section of community to indulge in unlawful activities, detrimental to sovereignty and integrity of the nation,� the charge sheet said. “In the garb

of protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act, he exhorted people of a particular community to block the highways leading to the major cities and resort to ‘Chakka Jam’, thereby disrupting normal life,� it said.

It further alleged that Iman openly defied the Constitution and called it a “fascist� document. “In the name of opposing ‘CAA’ he also openly propagated blocking the ‘chicken neck’ connecting the mainland India with the Northeast. He also showed utter contempt and disregard for the democratic means of protest,� it said. The court is likely to take up the matter for hearing on July 27.

Imam is being probed for his alleged inflammatory speech at Jamia Millia Islamia on December 13 and subsequently on January 16 at Aligarh Muslim University, where he allegedly threatened to “cut off � Assam and the rest of the Northeast from India.

He is currently lodged at Guwahati Central Jail.

The police had earlier submitted before the court that after his speech on December 13, widespread arson and violence took place in various parts of Delhi, and that several protest sites emerged after his January 16 speech.

He is currently lodged in Guwahati Jail and has been found to be coronavirus positive.

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business/state India’s forex reserves rise eroding it as the number of by over $1.2 bn

NPAs may rise to 20-yr high: RBI

I-T dept responsive to the needs of taxpayers, says FM

Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reserved words of praise for the Income Tax department, complementing officers for being responsive to the needs of the taxpayers during the pandemic times by relaxing various compliance requirements and addressing the liquidity concerns of the taxpayers.

In her message at the 160th anniversary of Income Tax Day, Sitharaman

said the efforts of the I-T department towards making the tax administration as taxpayer-friendly and transparent has facilitated voluntary compliance. Therefore, she said, the department will continue to play a critical role in the growth of the nation by keeping to improve and set new standards of professionalism.

She recognised the paradigm shift in its role in recent years, from being just a revenue collecting organization to becoming a more citizen-centric organization.

She cited various reform measures undertaken, including, inter alia, the introduction of a new, simpler tax regime, reduced corporate tax rates as also payment of tax at concessional rates for domestic manufacturing companies.

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banks, the gross bad loan ratio of state-run banks could increase to 15.2% by March under the baseline scenario, the highest among its peer groups. Indian state-owned banks were just coming out of the last bad loan crisis and cleaning up their books when the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Notably, the bad loan ratio of private banks and foreign banks may increase to 7.3% and 3.9%, respectively, over the same period.

The stress will also have an impact on bank capital,

Mumbai, Jul 25 (IANS): India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.275 billion, during the week ended July 17. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s weekly statistical supplement, the reserves grew to $517.637 billion from $516.362 billion reported for the week ended July 10.

India’s forex reserves comprise foreign currency assets (FCAs), gold reserves, special drawing rights (SDRs), and the country’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

On a weekly basis, FCAs, the largest component of the forex reserves, edged higher by $1.245 billion to $476.880 billion.

Similarly, the value of the country’s gold reserves increased, but by just $13 million to $34.743 billion.

The SDR value inched up by $2 million to $1.455 billion.

Additionally, the country’s reserve position with the IMF grew by $15 million to $4.560 billion.

New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): The government said that it is rebooting and revamping the Indian economy to make it the global centre of the supply chain in accordance to the shift in the international geo-politics.

In an interactive session with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary, Economic Relations (ER), Rahul Chhabra, while speaking on the ‘Role of Indian Economic Diplomacy in Making India Self Reliant’, said, “Globally there has been a shift in terms of geo-economics, politics and strategy. The Government of India is looking at these changes in an optimistic way by rebooting and revamping the economy.”

T h e g o ve r n m e n t , Chhabra said, is trying to increase the demand and the income of small farmers. “There is a focus on Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhancing public partner-

ship and being self-reliant.

We are trying to turn inwards but trying to make ourselves the global centre of the supply chain,” he said.

Chhabra said that India’s commercial diplomacy is based on transparency, fairness, equity, dispute and justice. India is trying to develop self-reliance and a strong economy at the same time to regionalise the supply chains and indigenise them in a structured manner.

Textiles, gems, jewelry, chemicals and pharma are some of the sectors where the country can fill in on an immediate basis. India can develop capabilities in electronics, engineering, design, and others.

“We are trying to be the pharmacy of the world by sending medicines and devices to numerous countries around the world. We need to expand ourselves in human capabilities in the long run,” he said.

The secretary said FDI needs to be promoted, adding that India has to be an

ICICI bank June quarter profit rises 36% Irani asks textiles sector to

New Delhi, Jul 25 (Agencies): ICICI Bank on Saturday reported a net profit of Rs 2,599.15 crore for the quarter ended June 30, marking an increase of 36.22 per cent compared to the corresponding period a year ago. In a regulatory filing, the country’s third largest private bank by market capitalisation said its total income from operations came in at Rs 26,066.95 crore. That marked a rise of 21.78 per cent compared to the year-ago period. The bank’s provisions came down as its asset quality improved.

ICICI Bank said its total interest income stood

at Rs 19,924.35 crore in the first quarter of current financial year, up 10.81 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

The lender’s net interest income - or interest earned minus interest expended climbed up 19.93 per cent to Rs 9,279.75 crore.

The bank’s net interest margin (NIM) - a key measure of profitability - was at 3.69 per cent in the quarter ended June 30, 2020, as against 3.87 per cent in the previous quarter, and 3.61 per cent in the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

ICICI Bank said its provisions - excluding those related to COVID-19 - declined 42 per cent compared

to the year-ago period. The lender said it made additional provision to the tune of Rs 5,550 crore related to COVID-19, with the objective of completely cushioning the balance sheet from the impact of the pandemic.

Gross non-performing assets - or bad loans - as a percentage of total loans came in at 5.46 per cent in the first quarter of financial year 2020-21, as against in 5.53 per cent in the previous quarter, and 6.49 per cent in the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

The impact of COVID19 is highly uncertain and will depend on its ongoing spread, the effectiveness of steps taken by governments, central banks and ICICI Bank, and the time it takes for economic activities to return to pre-pandemic levels, it said.

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‘commercialise opportunities’

Kolkata, Jul 25 (PTI): Textiles Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday said that the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up opportunities and the sector should commercialise this scope.

She said that the textiles sector is always looking for subsidy but one should keep in mind that subsidy is taxpayers’ money.

“There is a need to see opportunities and not wait for another crisis,” Irani said at a webinar organised

by ICC. Citing an example, she said that the personal protective equipment (PPE) category is a case in point.

“India has become a new player in the PPE category after the pandemic surfaced,” she added.

Regarding textile parks, the minister said that during the UPA rule, no role was

Diesel gets costlier; petrol remains steady New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): Oil marketing companies on Saturday raised diesel prices by 15 paisa/ litre as OMCs revised pump prices. This rise in price came after the prices were held steady for sometime.

While the price of diesel was at Rs 81.79 per litre in the capital, petrol was steady at Rs 80.43 a litre.

Petrol prices have remain unchanged since June 29.

Oil companies had raised diesel prices marginally by 12 paise on Monday but thereafter the prices of the two petroleum products remained unchanged for next four days till Friday.

Unexpected rise in diesel prices despite slower demand has put the transport sector at a big disadvantage as rising fuel cost has further shrunk its margins. The price of diesel in capital has also put automobile companies concerned about the prospect of the sale of diesel-run cars in the country’s largest car market.

With the hike in diesel prices, the gap between the two auto fuels has further widened in the national capital. Last month, diesel prices overtook that of petrol in Delhi in an unprecedented development.

In Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, petrol was sold at an unchanged price of Rs 87.19, Rs 83.63, Rs 82.10 per litre, respectively, while diesel prices increased marginally. Oil companies began daily revision of the two auto fuels from June 7 after keeping the price unchanged for around 82 days during the lockdown. Since then petrol and diesel prices have increased by Rs 9.5 and Rs 12 per litre, respectively.

Smriti Irani (File)

envisaged for state governments.

“State governments need to oversee the functioning of these parks if employment opportunities are to be raised,” she added.

She rued that many promoters of these parks have run away after availing of the subsidy.

Irani also said that the carpet industry will be aided as India is emerging as a key player in the international market.

alternative and reliable country for low-cost manufacturing.

Talking about energy security, he said that India’s engagement with the International Solar Alliance is currently being restricted to the countries near the tropical. “But we have to universalise it,” he said.

On the International Energy Agency, India, he said, has a current association status which needs to be upgraded through partnerships in the future.

Over the last five years, India has given over 300 Line of Credit projects worth millions of dollars to a lot of countries.

The government, he said, is trying to allow Indian companies to open up in new countries and showcase clear expertise in project planning, design and execution. The regional and cross border connectivity under these projects is a force multiplier, ensuring the seamless flow of goods that are opening upmarket to neighbourhoods, Chhabra said.

TRAI loses over 82 lakh wireless subscribers in April New Delhi, Jul 25 (Agencies): Telecom Regulatory of India (Trai) in its subscription data for the month of April said the telcos have lost more than 82 lakh wireless 2G, 3G, 4G subscribers. In March the total number of wireless users stood at 1,157.75 million but by the end of April, it came down to 1,149.52 million.

While major telcos Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea lost 5.2 million and 4.5 million subscribers respectively, Reliance Jio was the only winner who raised its subscriber base to 389 million.

The wireless customer base of Bharti Airtel reduced to 322.5 million, and that of Vodafone Idea to 314.6 million in April.

Covid-19 pandemic to shrink power sector growth New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): The Covid-19 pandemic will have a wider impact on the country’s power sector in the current financial year with the acute slowdown witnessed in the first quarter period continuing well into the year affecting both demand and supply.

The nationwide lockdown to contain the Covid19 outbreak has already significantly impacted economic activity, leading to a 17% yoy fall in the Q1FY20 power demand. As per analysts, though demand may pick up after some degree of normalcy in economic

activity gets restored, still power demand will decline 8.0% yoy in FY21 on a steep fall in revenue generating commercial and industrial demand.

According to an analysis done by Emkay Global Financial Services, the situation in the power sector demand would further increase the gap between the average cost of supply (ACS) and average revenue realised (ARR) to Rs 0.95/unit in FY21E from Rs0.50/unit in FY20 due to lower offtake from commercial and industrial segments, decline in payment collection and lower cross-subsidisation.

COVID testing for attending NLA session

(From p-1) and one security guard, except in the case of the chief minister, deputy chief minister and the leader of opposition. The civil secretariat would be making its own arrangements for the testing of the AHoDs/HoDs assigned to attend the session, and the persons accompanying them.

The testing of the escorts and others accompanying the chief minister, speaker and the deputy chief minister would also be taken care of by the civil secretariat. However, if any of them want to avail the facility at the assembly secretariat, they could do so.

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further worsening of asset quality by raising funds to bolster their capital buffers.

The rise in bad loans may further reduce the ability of banks, especially the weak ones, to extend credit, and the government may have to infuse more funds into state-run banks to build stronger buffers that can absorb loan losses.

The RBI cautioned that the impact of the loan moratorium is still evolving and the exact extent of its impact on asset quality is difficult to ascertain accurately.

Among commercial

delinquent borrowers rise.

RBI projected on Friday that the system-level capital adequacy ratio will drop from 14.6% in March 2020 to 13.3% in March under the baseline scenario and to 11.8% under the very severe stress scenario.

“Stress test results indicate that five banks may fail to meet the minimum capital level by March 2021 in a very severe stress scenario.

This, however, does not take into account the mergers or any further recapitalization, which will further increase systemic resilience,” said RBI. According to the central bank, the common equity tier-I (CET 1) capital ratio of banks may decline from 11.7% in March 2020 to 10.7% under the baseline scenario and 9.4% under the very severe stress scenario in March 2021. “Furthermore, under these conditions, three banks may fail to meet the minimum regulatory CET 1 capital ratio of 5.5% by March 2021,” said RBI.

Govt says it is rebooting economy

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New Delhi, Jul 25 ( Ag e n c i e s ) : I n d i a n banks’ bad loan ratio is expected to climb to the highest level in more than 20 years as a protracted lockdown has severely disrupted business operations and left millions of people jobless, crimping their ability to repay loans.

Non-performing assets may rise 4 percentage points to 12.5% of total advances

by March 2021, the highest since the year ended 31 March 2000, under the baseline stress scenario, the Reserve Bank of India said in its semi-annual Financial Stability Report.

The central bank warned that if the economic conditions worsen further, the ratio may soar to 14.7% under the very severely stressed scenario.

A deterioration in asset quality will put further pressure on lenders who are struggling with subdued credit demand amid the coronavirus pandemic and a mountain of bad loans.

Banks are preparing for a

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

US court rejects Pak-origin China’s consulate in Houston officially closed 26/11 terror attack plotter’s bail Tight security outside US Chengdu consulate

Officials load bags full of belongings from the China’s Consulate into the back of a moving truck in Houston, Texas, US on July 24.

passed, a man believed to be a State Department official entered the consulate, along with others, after a small back door was pried open.

About an hour later, the fire department crew entered the building.

Trump administration officials provided further details on Friday regarding their decision on the Houston mission, claiming the diplomatic outpost was one of several across the country facilitating influence efforts on behalf of Beijing that the US government said veered into “the coercive or covert”.

“The sum total of the

Houston consulate’s activities went well over the line of what we’re willing to accept, and unless we disrupted it, it threatened to become even more aggressive in Houston and other Chinese consulates nationwide,” a senior Justice Department official told reporters on a briefing call organised by the State Department.

Apart from now closed the Houston consulate, an embassy in Washington and an office at the United Nations, China maintained consulates in four US cities-Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Pakistan to toughen law for FATF goals

4 killed in mortar attacks in Afghanistan

New round of Syrian peace talks on Aug 24 G e n e va , J u l 2 5 (IANS): UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen will convene a new session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee on August 24 in Geneva, an official said.

Addressing reporters, Alessandra Vellucci, head of the information office of UN headquarters at Geneva, said that Pederson has told the UN Security Council that he had confirmed the decision with the co-chairs of the committee.

E a r l i e r, Pe d e r s e n briefed the UN Security Council about the latest development of the Syrian situation, saying that he has encouraged all sides to prepare for a productive peace talks.

“I hope that thereafter we will be able to proceed in subsequent sessions in a regular, business-like and substantive manner,” he said.

The Syrian Constitutional Committee, which comprises representatives of the Syrian government, the opposition, and civil society, was officially launched in Geneva on October 30, 2019.

It held two sessions in November last year, without making any major progress.

to address the legal deficiencies pointed out by the global watchdog.

A controversial change, which the parliament had struck down four months ago, was to declare money laundering a cognisable offence. However, it is again part of the proposed changes endorsed by the cabinet two days ago, the report said.

C u r r e n t ly, m o n e y laundering is a non-cognisable offence but the government has again proposed changes after which

investigation officers would be empowered to arrest people without warrants and start an investigation without court permission.

The joint group is expected to meet in September to review Pakistan’s case before it is placed in front of the FATF plenary, which likely to take place in October.

The FATF had placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018, placing at least 27 conditions for compliance review on September 2019.

Fa rya b, J u l 2 5 (Agencies): At least four people including two children were killed in two mortar attacks by Taliban in Shirin Tagab and Dawlat Abad districts in Afghanistan’s Faryab province on Friday, Tolo News reported citing provincial police.

Taliban is yet to comment on the report.

Meanwhile, one security officer was killed and six others injured in an ambush attack on a checkpoint in northern Afghanistan, a police source told Sputnik on Saturday.

According to police spokesman for the Takhar Province, Abdul Khalil Asir, the Taliban carried out the retaliatory attack after a government airstrike that killed nine Taliban operatives, including a commander.

Tahawwur Rana

States in the conduct of its foreign affairs, straining its relationship with India,” Assistant US Attorney John J Lulejian had told the court.

On the other hand, Rana’s attorney told the court that the 26/11 accused is not a flight risk and has proposed a USD 1.5 million bond for his release.

While Rana “has presented a robust bail package and proffered conditions which significantly mitigate the risk of flight, the court cannot find that he has negated the risk of flight and accordingly grants the Detention Request (of the government) on that basis,” Judge Chooljian said.

For someone facing conspiracy to murder and murder charges in India, the incentive to flee to avoid extradition is strong,

the court said.

Pakistan-born Rana is currently a Canadian citizen, but was a resident of Chicago where he had a business. If he flees to Canada, he could effectively avoid exposure to the death penalty as such country’s extradition treaty with India contains a provision which allows extradition to be refused if the offence for which extradition is requested is punishable by death in India and is not punishable by death in Canada unless India gives assurances that a death penalty would not be executed, federal prosecutors had said.

According to the federal prosecutors, between 2006 and November 2008, Rana conspired with David Headley, also known as “Daood Gilani”, and others in Pakistan to assist Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harakat ul-Jihad-e-Islami, both US-designated terrorist organisations, to plan and carry out the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Pakistani-American LeT terrorist David Headley was involved in plotting the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. He was made an approver in the case, and is currently serving a 35-year prison term in the US for his role in the attack.

Satellite test was not a weapon, says Russia M o s c ow, J u l 2 5 (IANS): Accusations from the US and UK that Russia recently tested anti-satellite weaponry in space are “distorted”, Russia’s defence ministry said.

“Tests carried out [on July 15] did not create a threat for other spacecraft,” the ministry said, adding that it had not violated international law, the BBC reported.

Moscow said earlier that it had been using new technology to perform checks on Russian space equipment.

But the US and UK said they were concerned about the satellite activity.

“We are concerned by the manner in which Russia tested one of its satellites by launching a projectile with the characteristics of a weapon,” the head of the UK’s space directorate, Air Vice Marshal Harvey Smyth, said on Thursday.

The tests did not create any threat to other spacecraft, says Russia. (Representational photo)

It is the first time that the UK has made accusations about Russian test-firing in space, and comes just days after an inquiry said the UK government “badly underestimated” the threat posed by Russia.

The US State Depart-

ment also said it had observed the use by Russia of “what would appear to be actual in-orbit anti-satellite weaponry”.

The US and Russia are to hold bilateral talks on space security in Vienna next week, the first since

2013.

The talks could be an opportunity to emphasise that “outer space is not a lawless and ungoverned territory”, US Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Christopher Ford said.

In a statement on Friday, Russia’s foreign ministry said that one of the country’s “inspector” satellites had “carried out a check of a Russian spacecraft at close range with the use of specialised small spacecraft apparatus”.

It said the operation “did not violate any norms or principles of international law”.

The ministry accused the US and UK of “again attempting to present the situation in a distorted manner in order to... justify their steps to deploy weapons in space and achieve funding to that end”.

Govt could’ve handled pandemic differently: UK PM US eases export restrictions on drones

Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson meeting families at the community centre at RAF Lossiemouth.

London, Jul 25 (IANS): UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted that his government did not understand coronavirus during the “first few weeks and months” of the outbreak in the country, adding that it could have handled the crisis “differently”.

Speaking to the BBC to mark the first anniversary of his entering Downing Street, Johnson said on Friday: “We didn’t understand (the virus) in the way that we would have liked in the first few weeks and months.

“And I think, probably, the single thing that we

didn’t see at the beginning was the extent to which it was being transmitted asymptomatically from person to person.”

“I think it’s fair to say that there are things that we need to learn about how we handled it in the early stages... There will be plenty of opportunities to learn the lessons of what happened.

Maybe there were things we could have done differently, and of course there will be time to understand what exactly we could have done, or done differently.”

The UK went into full lockdown in late March, which critics have said that

was too late and cost lives.

Johnson told the BBC that these were still “very open questions as far as (scientists) are concerned, and there will be a time, obviously, to consider all those issues”.

He said this was in addition to increased testing and tracing and more procurement of personal protective equipment, adding: “What people really want to focus on now is what are we doing to prepare for the next phase.

“We mourn every one of those who lost their lives and our thoughts are very much with their families.

And I take full responsibility for everything that government did.”

The Prime Minister, who was himself placed in intensive care in April after contracting coronavirus, said in the BBC interview that he would “very soon” set out new measures to deal with obesity, seen as an added risk factor for patients.

On Friday, the government announced that 30 million people in England would be offered a flu vaccine this year, to reduce pressure on the NHS in case of a surge in coronavirus infections during the autumn and winter.

Washington, Jul 25 (IANS): The US government has announced updated export restrictions on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), a move long sought by the country’s defence industries.

“The President has decided to invoke our national discretion to treat a carefully selected subset of MTCR Category I UAS, which cannot travel faster than 800 km per hour, as Category II,” Xinhua news agency quoted the White House as saying a statement on Friday.

The standards of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) have been outdated, which not

It is with great regret and shame that the Mongkum Tanubo Semchir Ungma strongly condemned the inhuman act of our fellow member Mr Tiatemsu (S/o Mr Punamayang) for inflicting physical torture on his wife on 16th July 2020 at their residence at Dilong ward, Mokokchung.

The Mongkum Tanubo Semchir Ungma favours that Mr Tiatemsu is given befitting punishment as per the law of the land.

On behalf of The Clan membersMr Imkongtoshi

per hour will no longer be subjected to the “strong presumption of denial” of the MTCR, allowing the US to increase foreign sales of military drones such as MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

OFFICE OF THE

KONYAK NYUPUH SHEKO KHONG MOKOKCHUNG UNIT, NAGALAND

CONDEMNATION We, the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko (Konyak Women Organization) Mokokchung unit are deeply pained at the brutal assault on one of our member (wife of the accused) by one Mr. Tiatemsu of Ungma Village on 17th July 2020. This kind of inhuman act and domestic violence towards women folk should be condemned by one and all.

We strongly urge upon the law enforcing agency to give him befitting punishment according to the law of the land.

Mongyu Neingam President, KNSK Mkg Unit Secretary, KNSK Mkg Unit

OFFICE OF THE

CONDEMNATION

Mr Kikanungba

only hurt the US industry but also undermined the country’s deterrence capability abroad by constraining allies and partners, the statement said. This policy change means that the UAS with speed under 800 km

MKC-171

Islamabad, Jul 25 (IANS): The Pakistan government has decided to grant regulatory powers to a set of public and private bodies to effectively regulate high risks businesses and professions that were prone to money laundering and terror financing, a media report said.

The federal cabinet has recently approved amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 -- for the second time in four months – that would now be placed before Parliament for approval, The Express Tribune report said on Friday.

Parliament had also amended the anti-money laundering law four months ago but it fell short of the Financial Action Task Force’s expectations.

The decision has been taken ahead of a meeting of the FATF’s joint group

US officials took over the building, less than an hour after the deadline set by the Trump administration expired.

Early in the morning, the consulate staff was seen removing their belongings from the building.

Around 30 protesters with banners were seen celebrating outside the consulate.

Moments before the eviction deadline, the Houston police set up barricades, closing off streets near the building the Chinese government has occupied for four decades.

Forty minutes after the 4 pm eviction deadline

Security was tight outside the US consulate in the Chinese city of Chengdu on Saturday as staff inside prepared to leave, a day after China ordered it to close in response to a US order for China to shut its consulate in Houston.

A consulate emblem inside the compound was removed as staff could be seen pushing trolleys and several consulate vehicles came and went.

Police, including many plain clothes officers, gathered outside and closed off the street to traffic.

Neither the consulate in the southwestern Chinese city nor the US embassy in Beijing have responded to requests for comment on the closure. The US consulate in Chengdu was given 72 hours to close.

The consulate opened in 1985 and has almost 200 employees, including about 150 locally hired staff, according to its website. It was not immediately clear how many are there now after US diplomats were evacuated from China because of the pandemic.

A steady stream of people walked along the street opposite the entrance, many stopping to take photos or videos.

Washington, Jul 25 (PTI): A US court has rejected the USD 1.5 million bail application of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, who has been declared a fugitive by India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, describing him a flight risk.

Rana, 59, a childhood friend of David Coleman Headley, was re-arrested on June 10 in Los Angeles on an extradition request by India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

US District Cour t Judge in Los Angeles Jacqueline Chooljian, in her 24-page order dated July 21, denied bail to Rana arguing that he is a flight risk.

Describing Rana as a flight risk, the US government opposed his release on bail, arguing that if he were to flee to Canada, he may escape the possibility of a death sentence in India.

“Given the stakes, an allowance of bail in any amount would not guarantee Rana’s presence in court. Granting bail would invite the possibility of embarrassing the United

MKC-172

Houston, Jul 25 (PTI): The Chinese consulate in the US city of Houston officially closed after over four decades on Friday as the US-China relations hit a new low.

Tensions between both nations have escalated in recent months over the Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, China’s crackdown on its Uygur Muslims in Xinjiang and Beijing imposing a controversial national security law in Hong Kong.

According to media reports, the US had asked China to close down its Consulate General in Houston within 72 hours, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo alleging that it was “a hub of spying and intellectual property theft”.

Top American officials had also accused the consulate in Houston of being part of Beijing’s “espionage operations” in the US. In a tit-for-tat move, China too on Friday ordered the US to close down its consulate in Chengdu.

While ordering the closure, China had accused the US of interfering in its “internal affairs and harming national security interests”.

On Friday, the flag and the seal of the People’s Republic of China was taken down from outside the Houston consulate as

UNGMA SENSO TELONGJEM DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

The Ungma Senso Telongjem Dimapur expresses its heartiest congratulations to Mrs. Moasangla Jamir, D/o Mr. and Mrs. N. Talitemjen Jamir for being promoted to the rank of Asst. Director (Social Welfare).

The Union further wishes the best and success in her future endeavors.

Takanungba Longkumer President, USTD

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Lipokmeren Longkumer Gen. Secretary, USTD

10

Infotainment

Stryper’s Michael Sweet defends Giants pitcher for refusing to kneel

Demi Lovato celebrates AR Rahman on doing less Bollywood Films: her ‘miracle day’ two ‘There is a gang spreading rumours about me’ years after her overdose

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ichael Sweet of openly Christian rockers Stryper has defended San Francisco Giants pitcher Sam Coonrod for citing his religion as a decision not to kneel during a moment honoring the “Black Lives Matter” movement ahead of the season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Coonrod was the only player to stand during a demonstration before last night’s opening slate of games to make a statement about inequality.

After the game, Coonrod was asked by reporters about being the lone player who stood for both the demonstration and the national anthem.

“I don’t think I’m better than anybody. I’m just a Christian,” he told reporters. “I believe I can’t kneel

before anything but God, Jesus Christ. I chose not to kneel. I feel if I did kneel I’d be a hypocrite. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. “I just can’t get on board with a couple things I’ve read about ‘Black Lives Matter’, how they lean towards Marxism,” Coonrod added.

“And … they said some negative things about the nuclear family. I just can’t get on board with that.”

Sweet took to his Twitter to share an article about Coonrod’s decision to stay on his feet while everyone else knelt, and he included the following message: “If you say you’re for equal rights & the rights of everyone then you better respect this guy! He has the right to stand for his faith & his beliefs just as anyone else does. We have to lose the double standard mentality!

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

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he singer who is fondly called the Mozart of Madras reportedly said that he does not say no to good films but he feels that there is a ‘gang of people’ who always misunderstands his interpretations and are spreading false rumors about him. The singer who has composed songs for some of the Bollywood

Do you agree?”

In a 2018 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Michael said that Stryper was never fully embraced by the heavy metal and hard rock communities, largely because of the band’s Christian lyrics. “We’ve never been accepted by either side,” he said. “The secular side, the mainstream, they’ve never accepted us to this day. We’re probably that band that everyone’s going to go to whenever there’s a time to mock.

We’ll be the band used for that in most cases. Now on the Christian side, we’ve never really had the full support of the Christian side because we don’t fit into their little club. We’re not wearing suits and ties and going to every church and preaching.”

(Blabbermouth)

A

fter announcing her engagement to Max Ehrich, the singer celebrated what she called her “miracle day.” “Feeling so grateful so I wrote something,” she captioned a black and white picture of herself in a car on Instagram.

Swiping left revealed a note she’d written on her phone. “Today is my miracle day. I’m so blessed to have one. It represents how the Dr’s at Cedar’s Sinai saved my life,” the note read, referencing the two-year anniversary of a drug overdose that nearly killed her in 2018. The star has since gotten sober and kickstarted her music comeback with a series of critically acclaimed performances. “How my life has become something beyond my wildest dreams,” the note continued. “Only two

years after that day, I’m engaged to the love of my life and can genuinely say I feel free of my demons.

Each and every one. I never thought this feeling was possible.” Looking back on the previous two years, she said the changes came because in that time, she did “more work on myself than I have in my entire life.”

Now, Demi explained, “Things that used to keep me down for weeks or even months, pass like tropical storms...” She went on to point out how important it’s been for her to learn to love herself, writing, “Long before I had an engagement ring on my finger, I had the word ‘me’ to remind myself that no matter what, I vow to love myself.

You can’t fully love another without loving yourself first.” (Wonderwall)

films, like Dil Se, Swades, Guru among other, further recalled a recent incident.

The singer narrated that when filmmaker Mukesh Chhabra approached him, Rahman gave him four songs in two days.

Mukesh then told Rahman about various stories that he heard from the outside world about the singer.

Later, after hearing the stories, Rahman reportedly admitted that he realized the reason why he is not doing more of Bollywood films and why the good movies are not coming to him. Rahman also explained the reason why he is

preferring doing dark films because according to him, there is a whole gang working against him.

The music legend also added that people are expecting him to do good stuff, but there is another gang of people preventing that from happening. The singer added that he is okay with everything as he believes in destiny and thinks that whatever the supreme power will decide he will follow the same path.

Meanwhile, the ace music composer earlier paid a musical tribute to the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The musical tribute was shared by A.R. Rahman on his official Twitter account. The tribute features a montage of Dil Bechara’s songs. In A.R. Rahman’s musical tribute to Sushant Singh Rajput, he says that “The music of Dil Bechara will always remain special to all of us. The nine tracks that are composed of the film have a new meaning today, a whole new life.

I wish Mukesh Chhabra and everyone who is part of this project my best wishes. May God give us the strength to brave these challenging times. These songs are dedicated to the loving memory of Sushant Singh Rajput”.

(Republic World)

Charlize Theron says she had to train six Slipknot’s Corey Taylor to release first weeks longer than Italian Job male co-stars taste of debut solo album next week

T

he Oscar winner starred in the 2003 movie The Italian Job alongside actors Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, Jason Statham, and Donald Sutherland. Like her famous male co-stars in the film, Theron, 44, had to undergo training before cameras rolled — but she says she was forced to train for six weeks longer than the men.

“I realized there was still so much misconception around women and the genre. Even though in that film the action is really based on on cars, we

had to physically do a lot of that stuff,” Theron, 44, said while appearing in a virtual Comic-Con@Home on Friday, via IndieWire.

“There was a real pressure to pull off those stunts with

the actors … there was a very unfair process that went with that. I was the only woman with a bunch of guys and I remember vividly getting the schedule in our pre-production, and they had scheduled me for six weeks more hard training than any of the guys. It was just so insulting.”

“I was like, ‘All right, you guys want to play this game, let’s go,’” she said. “I made it a point to outdrive all of those guys. I vividly remember Mark Wahlberg, halfway through one of our training sessions, pulling over and throwing up because he was so nauseous from doing 360s.”

Theron also discussed wanting to prove herself when taking on action roles early in her career.

“When I started my action career, it was so important to sell the authenticity of, ‘Yes, I can fight and I can take this guy down and I can survive this,’” she said. “There was such a level of wanting to prove that to audiences who for years said ‘No, a woman could never fight a guy that size.’”

The actress most recently starred in Netflix’s The Old Guard, in which she played an immortal mercenary leading a team of fearless warriors like her.

The movie saw 72 million households tune in during its first week of release, according to the company.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond the Lights), the movie has been a huge hit — and Theron can’t quite believe it.

“It’s pretty nutty, right?” Theron recently told Variety, reacting to the number of people who have seen it. “It’s pretty crazy.” (People)

T

he singer, who is also the frontman for Stone Sour, recorded the album with his solo band consisting of Jason Christopher (bass), Dustin Schoenhofer (drums), and Zach Throne and Christian Martucci (guitar).

Speaking to Knotfest. com earlier in the month, Taylor said his debut effort was “probably one of the best things I’ve ever written.”

“It’s ever ything I wanted it to be,” he added.

“There’s some Slade in there, there’s some Johnny Cash, there’s some Alice in Chains”.

“I mean, big choruses, fun rock, just huge solos – huge solos. It’s incredible.

I, actually, two years ago, started teaching myself piano just so I can record this song that I wrote for my wife, and I was able to play it and record it. And it’s really good – it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever written.”

Taking to social media to share news of the first song to be released from the LP, Taylor tweeted: “Are You Ready? New

Music July 29 #CMFT.” Revealing that the album will feature 13 tracks, Taylor told Knotfest.com: “We did 13 originals. We recorded seven covers, and then we did six acoustic versions of the originals that we put together. Or [maybe] it’s five. I can never keep that straight.

Maybe it’s six [covers] and six [acoustic versions] – I

can’t remember.

“All I know is that we did an insane amount of work in two and a half weeks – something that we thought was gonna take two months – and we destroyed it. We were doing a song a day. And we got done, and we were, like, ‘Eh, okay. What are we gonna do now?’ Everything has come together so

quickly that it’s crazy.”

Although the record contains 13 originals, he previously revealed that the album is now “finished” and contains 12 covers.

Meanwhile, Slipknot have rescheduled their European tour, which was set to see them playing Knotfest UK next month.

(NME)

Radio host Charlamagne Grimes begs Elon Musk to turn off his phone as his tweet receives backlash Tha God calls out Joe Biden

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harlamagne Tha God said on the episode of The Breakfast Club that Joe Biden continues to shoot himself in the foot with his regular verbal blunders, thus earning him the show’s “Donkey of the Day” honor.

“I really wish Joe Biden would shut the eff up forever and continue to act like he’s starring in the movie A Quiet Place because as soon as he opens his mouth and makes noise, he gets us all killed.

OK?” the radio host said.

“There’s already so many people who are reluctantly only voting for Joe Biden because he’s the only option and because Donald J. Trump is that trash.”

Biden made his remarks during a virtual SEIU town hall meeting on Wednesday. When asked about President Trump’s use of the term “China K Y M C

virus,” Biden said, “We’ve had racists, and they’ve existed, they’ve tried to get elected president. He’s the first one that has.”

Charlamagne Tha God called that pure “malarkey,” noting that several presidents during the 18th and 19th centuries were slaveowners.

“How are we ever going to atone for America’s original sins if we don’t acknowledge them?” Charlamagne said. “How the hell can Donald J. Trump be the first racist presi-

dent in a country where 12 presidents before him owned slaves?”

He also noted the racist behavior of Woodrow Wilson and Lyndon B. Johnson.

He then urged Biden to announce his vice presidential pick, whom the candidate has stated would be a black woman.

“Joe, you got to hurry up and announce your Black woman VP so I can be enthused about voting for her because I will never be enthused about voting for you.”

Biden infamously disparaged black Americans in a May interview on The Breakfast Club when he said that black people who don’t vote for him aren’t truly black.

“If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black,” Biden said. (Breitbart)

G

rimes called out her boyfriend Elon Musk publicly after the Tesla mogul tweeted that ‘pronouns suck’.

Musk, 49, seemed to be on a mocking spree as he added a red rose emoji to his Twitter name and his tweets – an emoji that is used as a symbol for the Democratic Socialists of America.

On Friday, the multibillionaire tweeted: ‘[rose emoji] Twitter sucks. I bet no one on [rose emoji] Twitter even *has* a guillotine! Poseurs!’ However, he stirred up further controversy later in the evening, when Musk tweeted: ‘Pronouns suck.’

While he received backlash from many famous people, the most pointed reply came from Elon’s girlfriend and mother of his baby son, Grimes.

In a now-deleted tweet, the 32-year-old said she ‘cannot support this hate’.

The Oblivion singer,

real name Claire Boucher, responded: ‘I love you but please turn off ur phone or give me a dall [sic]. ‘I cannot support this hate.

Please stop this. I know

this is not your heart.’

The post was deleted soon afterwards. Grimes and Elon have been dating for over two years, making their surprise debut as a

couple at the 2018 Met Gala.

But with Grimes’ latest tweet, it seems there could be trouble in paradise – especially seeing as

the singer’s family is just as annoyed with Elon’s tweets.

Back in May, Grimes’s mum Sandy Garossino was infuriated after her son-inlaw tweeted: ‘Take the red pill’ – a phrase used to used to signal a right-wing political awakening, as well as being used in forums for ‘men’s rights’.

I n a n ow - d e l e t e d tweet, Sandy wrote: ‘If your partner went through a challenging pregnancy and childbirth in the last two weeks… And you were over 16 years old, would you be blaring MRA bulls*** on Twitter right now?’

As Mama Grimes went on to like a number of tweets mocking Musk.

Musk – worth an estimated £63 billion – has already sparked controversy this week after he suggested that a government stimulus package ‘is not in the best interests of the people imo’ during the pandemic.

(Metro) K Y M C

AC Milan end Atalanta’s title hopes

Players of AC Milan and Atalanta vie for the ball during their 1-1 draw Serie A match.

Milan, Jul 25 (Agencies): Atalanta’s Serie A title chances were dealt a potentially fatal blow as they were held to a 1-1 draw

by Milan at San Siro.

With Juventus having lost 2-1 in dramatic fashion to Udinese on Thursday, Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side would have moved within three points of the league leaders with

a win.

Yet their hopes were virtually extinguished on Friday – Hakan Calhanoglu’s 14th-minute opener proving enough to secure a point for Milan, with Ruslan Malinovskiy seeing a penalty saved for the visitors prior to Duvan Zapata’s equaliser.

The draw leaves Atalanta’s fate out of their hands

Quartararo takes Andalusian GP pole

Fabio Quartararo

Jerez, Jul 25 (Agencies): Fabio Quartararo clinched a second consecutive pole position for Petronas Yamaha at the Andalusian Grand Prix in Jerez on Saturday, while Repsol Honda confirmed defending champion Marc Marquez would not be risked as he recovers from a broken arm.

Frenchman Quartararo finished with a time of one minute 37.007 seconds and will start at the front of the grid. Yamaha’s Spaniard Maverick Vinales set a faster time but saw it

scrapped because he exceeded the track limits by inches at turn seven.

Francesco Bagnaia of the Pramac Ducati team completes the front row, while his Italian compatriot and former champion Valentino Rossi made it a good day for Yamaha by clinching fourth on the grid.

Marc Marquez did not complete his out lap in the first session and returned to the pits before walking into the team’s garage.

Marquez did not return to the qualifying.

ahead of their final two matches and inched Juve closer to a ninth successive Scudetto.

Despite a bright Atalanta start, it was Milan who struck first – Calhanoglu catching Pierluigi Gollini out with a wonderful freekick which curled into the top-right corner.

Atalanta were handed a chance to draw level when

East Bengal set to miss out of ISL 7 Ko l k at a , J u l 2 5 (IANS): City football heavyweights East Bengal are set to miss being a part of the seventh edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The development has now become quite evident after FSDL’s meeting with ISL clubs where the organisers have presented the plan for the season featuring the ten teams.

FSDL’s presentation to the clubs made it quite clear that the upcoming ISL season will be played with the ten teams as last year and there is no scope of an extension of teams as far as 2020-21 season is concerned. FSDL is looking at starting the season from the third week of November.

East Bengal have been making a lot of noise about taking part in the ISL, the country’s top tier league, this season. But according to sources, the club arrived too late to the party and even if they rope in a sponsor in the next one week, it will take them atleast 6-8 months to get the legalities sorted and get the ball rolling.

Lucas Biglia’s stamp on Malinovskiy in the box was spotted by VAR, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to save the resulting spotkick.

But, after Calhanoglu had rattled the crossbar at the other end – albeit from an offside position – Atalanta found their equaliser in the 34th minute, Zapata drilling home after Remo

Freuler’s strike deflected into his path.

Alejandro Gomez went close with a wicked effort prior to the hour, though Atalanta were fortunate not to concede again when Alexis Saelemaekers’ closerange strike was blocked.

Atalanta’s frustration was almost compounded by their former player Giacomo Bonaventura when the Milan substitute hit the post with 17 minutes remaining.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wanted a late penalty, claiming he had been fouled by Berat Djimsiti, but his appeals fell on deaf ears as both sides settled for a point, with a member of Milan’s backroom staff sent to the stands for his remonstrations at the referee’s decision.

It has been a remarkable title race in Serie A this season, but – despite their almighty slip-up on Thursday – Juve have one hand on the trophy. A win against Sampdoria on Sunday will definitely be enough and, depending on how Inter get on against Genoa and Lazio fare at Hellas Verona, a point may suffice.

Milan, meanwhile, sit in sixth, four points above Napoli and one behind Roma, as the Europa League race heads to the wire.

Lo n d o n , J u l 2 5 (Agencies): Mohamed Salah has admitted to being unsure of his Liverpool future after the Reds’ Premier League title triumph.

As the 2019-20 campaign edges towards its conclusion, Liverpool are currently sitting pretty as holders of the Premier L e a g u e, C h a m p i o n s League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup. The Reds conquered Europe for the sixth time in their history last season, and built on that platform to win a first league crown in 30 years this term, wrestling the trophy away from Manchester City with seven games to spare.

Salah has contributed 19 goals to their top-flight cause, taking his overall tally for the club to 94 in 151 appearances since his arrival on Merseyside from Roma in the summer of 2017.

The Egypt international still has three years left to run on his current contract at Anfield, but he has long been linked with

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The NBA match between Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets in progress in Orlando.

31 minutes off the bench.

Both teams will hit the court again on Sunday.

The Raptors will square off against the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Rockets will face the Memphis Grizzlies.

76ers top Grizzlies 90-83: Ben Simmons posted nine points - shooting 4-of-9 from the field - nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals in 22 minutes to lead the Philadelphia 76ers

to a 90-83 scrimmage win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

Tobias Harris had a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) while Joel Embiid scored 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting.

The Sixers took control of the game in opening half, outscoring the Grizzlies by double figures in the first and second quarters to take a 54-28 halftime lead. Memphis battled

Roach becomes 9th Windies bowler to take 200 Test wickets Manchester, Jul 25 (Agencies): West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach on Saturday joined an elite list of cricketers when he picked up his 200th Test wicket in the ongoing match against England in Manchester.

All-rounder Chris Woakes became Roach’s 200th victim in the format as he became the 9th bowler from West Indies to achieve the feat. Roach is also the first bowler after Curtly Ambrose to grab 200 Test wickets in 26 years.

Ambrose, who had got to the landmark in 1994, had a special message for Roach after he joined the 200 club, urging him to aim for 250 and then 300 wickets from here on.

“Want to say congratulations to him for joining the 200 club. From Curtly Ambrose to you Kemar, ‘the next step is 250 and then 300. Remember I tell you that’,” Ambrose said in a video message posted by the International Cricket Council on social media.

Roach got to the landmark in his 59th Test at an average just above 27, which includes 9 five-wicket hauls.

Courtney Walsh leads the pack for the Windies

Kemar Roach

with 519 wickets from 132 Tests followed by Ambrose (405), Malcom Marshall (376), Lance Gibbs (309), Joel Garner (259), Mi-

chael Holding (249), Garry Sobers (235) and Andy Roberts (202), with Roach being the latest to enter the 200 club.

Salah unsure of Liverpool future after Premier League title a big-money move to Real Madrid.

Although the 28-yearold is refusing to give anything away when it comes to his future plans, he has done little to squash ongoing speculation during an interview with LA FM Colombia.

Asked to discuss his ambitions as he enters the next phase of his career, Salah responded, “I just want to enjoy today and enjoy the moment! No-one knows the future and what will happen. Let’s see what will happen.”

“But at the moment we win the Champions League, we win the Premier League, I’m happy.

Let’s see what will happen in the future, but I’m very happy to win and achieve those trophies.”

The former Roma winger went on to credit Jurgen Klopp for transforming Liverpool from also-rans into genuine trophy Mohamed Salah contenders, while insisting it was an easy decision for “There is no secret. I has to change sometimes,” him to get on board with don’t believe in secrets in said Salah. the German’s project at football. I just believe in “Since [Klopp] came Anfield three years ago. hard work, your mentality here, the first thing he tried

Raptors beat Rockets 94-83 in first NBA scrimmage O r l a n d o, J u l 2 5 (Agencies): Serge Ibaka scored 18 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 94-83 victory against the Houston Rockets in a NBA Season Restart Scrimmage in Orlando.

The Rockets led, 7572, with 9:18 to play in the fourth quarter, but the Raptors went on a 22-4 run over the next six and half minutes to take control.

Ibaka took advantage of his extended action with Marc Gasol (rest) not playing. He shot 8-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, and had three rebounds.

I b a k a a n d Pa s c a l Siakam (13 points, five rebounds) controlled the paint against Houston’s small-ball scheme, as Toronto out-rebounded Houston, 43-38. Terence Davis also contributed 15 points off the bench.

James Harden led the Rockets with 24 points and 10 assists while going 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Russell Westbrook played only 18 minutes but finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. Danuel House Jr. also tallied 18 points and six rebounds in

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back in the third quarter, reducing their deficit 10 points at the start of the final period but Philadelphia held on for the win.

Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Kyle Anderson, Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr were double-figure scorers. Rookie of the year favourite Ja Morant supplied seven points and eight assists.

Thunder beat Celtics 94-84: The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Boston Celtics, 98-84.

Oklahoma City won all four individual quarters in this game. The Thunder shot 52% from the field and 33% from 3-point range while holding the Celtics to 44% from the field and 21% from long range.

Oklahoma City also won the defensive rebounding battle, 34-24, while outblocking Boston, 5-1.

The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Steven Adams matched those 17 points, adding seven rebounds to his line on 8-of-11 shooting. Abdel Nader was the only other player in double figures, leading the bench with 11 points. The Celtics had just one player reach double figures in scoring, with Enes Kanter providing 11 points and 10 boards off the bench. Jaylen Brown led the starters with nine points and three rebounds.

Daniel Theis totaled eight points, three rebounds and three assists. No player played more than 18 minutes for Boston.

Arsenal’s Mustafi to miss FA Cup final London, Jul 25 (IANS): Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has been ruled out of the FA Cup final against Chelsea scheduled to be played on August 1 because of a hamstring injury.

Mustafi sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 semi-final win over Manchester City at Wembley last week. Arsenal were strong in their defence against City, with Mustafi and David Luiz proving key performers in that game.

“Will miss remaining matches of this season.

Further details on recovery programme will be confirmed in the coming days,” the Premier League club said in a statement. The 28-year-old, who arrived at the club from Valencia in 2016, has received plenty of criticism for his inconsistent displays. However, under Mikel Arteta, he has started 12 of Arsenal’s last 15 Premier League games. The FA Cup final will be the Gunners’ only chance to secure the ticket to Europa League, as they are confirmed to finish outside the Premier league’s top six after their loss to Aston Villa.

to do is change the mentality of the players to a winning mentality. He did well in that. I came here and he was telling me the plan about everything and I was excited to come. We are doing good.”

Salah added on how he has performed on an individual level this season, “I still play in the same position as a wing. I didn’t play as a striker before. But the number of goals between this season and last season is not that far.”

“Last season in the Premier League I scored 22. This season [so far] I scored 19. One game I could score a hat-trick and it would be 22! I don’t see it as different. Maybe you have a challenge in your head and mind to keep pushing yourself forward because you already won the Premier League.”

“It’s always when the people ask you what trophy would you choose: individual or collective ones?

Everyone would choose the team ones. This season we won the most important one!”

Ganguly tests negative for COVID Ko l k at a , J u l 2 5 (IANS): BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has tested negative for COVID-19, a source close to the former India captain confirmed on Saturday.

Ganguly had been in home quarantine for almost a week after his elder brother Snehasish had tested positive. “He has tested negative.

He took the test as a precaution,” the source said.

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PSG beat St Etienne to win French Cup

Paris St Germain players with the trophy after defeating St Etienne 1-0 in the French Cup final.

Paris, Jul 25 (Agencies): Paris St Germain’s Neymar struck early to secure a 1-0 win over 10-man St Etienne as they claimed a record-extending 13th Coupe de France on Friday in a near empty stadium as French soccer came out of a four-month break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Brazilian scored on the rebound in the 14th minute after PSG fellow forward Kylian Mbappe

sprinted clear and saw his shot blocked by goalkeeper Jessy Moulin, with only 5,000 fans in the 80,000seater Stade de France due to strict health protocols.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron had met the players on the pitch but kept his distance and wore a face mask.

The atmosphere in the run-up to the first professional game in France after the long hiatus was

far from festive with only a handful of people around the stadium before the match.

The contest got off to an eventful start with Yvann Macon felling Neymar in the opening seconds to earn a yellow card and St Etienne’s Denis Bouanga hitting the post in the fifth minute.

But it was the Parisians who scored when Neymar pounced on Moulin’s save

to fire in.

Loic Perrin’s rough tackle in the 26th put Mbappe out of the game.

The St Etienne captain was sent off in his last game and four other players were booked as tempers briefly flared.

With Ligue 1 champions PSG chasing a quadruple of titles this season, the few fans in the stands breathed a sigh of relief when Mbappe returned

Halep’s Palermo appearance in doubt Pa l e r m o, J u l 2 5 (Agencies): The upcoming Palermo Ladies Open could lose its biggest draw in world number two Simona Halep after Italy decided to impose a mandatory quarantine of 14 days for people coming from Romania and Bulgaria amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Friday people who have been in Romania and Bulgaria in the past 14 days will be quarantined upon arrival in Italy, a move aimed at preventing the importation of COVID-19 cases.

Palermo will mark the first professional tennis event across the WTA and men’s ATP Tours since early March with action scheduled to get underway on the clay courts of the Sicilian capital from August 3.

Tournament director Oliviero Palma said organisers have written an

Simona Halep

urgent letter to Speranza, asking for exemption for tennis players taking part in the event. “The provision would penalise a player like (Romanian) Simona

Halep, world’s number two and Wimbledon’s reigning champion, who wouldn’t take part in Palermo’s tournament anymore,” Palma said in a statement.

Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the novel coronavirus but the number of daily new infections being reported is a fraction of those seen in late March.

The country has recorded over 35,000 deaths from the virus.

Palermo will have strict health precautions and all players will undergo COVID-19 tests before they come, on arrival and every four days subsequently.

“We’re convinced that the health protocols adopted by the WTA are so strict to guarantee the safety and health not only of athletes, yet also of all the various workers involved in the event,” said Palma.

“I’m convinced that there are all the necessary conditions and guarantees to give a derogation for all tennis players coming from Romania or Bulgaria, in order to avoid their quarantine and, hence, their retirement from the tournament.”

on crutches to the bench after the interval, joking and laughing with his team mates. “ I t w e n t c r a c k ,” Mbappe was heard telling Macron of his injury during the trophy ceremony.

Macron then asked whether anything was broken and Mbappe said “No, I don’t think so.”

St Etienne kept finding ways into the PSG box even after going a man down but missed out on adding to their six Cup wins.

“We won the final and that is what matter,” PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said.

His team had lost last year’s final to Stade Rennes on penalties.

The German was also angry with the way St Etienne had played from the start.

“It was complicated with all the fouls to Thilo Kehrer, Neymar and Mbappe. In the last three matches against St Etienne they get a red card in the first 30 minutes.”

“I don’t know what is being said in their dressing room. It is horrible I can’t understand it. We won and we have a lot of things to improve, to talk about and analyse,” he added.

Ibrahimovic dismisses retirement talk Milan, Jul 25 (Agencies): Zlatan Ibrahimovic has dismissed any suggestion that he is on the verge of retirement, and says he is “just warming up” despite entering the last month of his Milan contract.

It has been suggested that the former Sweden international will hang up his boots once he leaves Milan, but he has now sent a message to his followers via social media insisting that he plans to continue playing for some time yet.

“So you think I’m done, that my career will end soon. You don’t know me,” wrote Ibrahimovic.

“All my life I had to fight. Nobody believed in me, so I had to believe in myself. Some people wanted to break me, but they only made me stronger...

And now you think that I’m done. To all of you, I only have one thing to say: I’m just warming up.”

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

Xavi tests positive for COVID-19 New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): Former Barcelona star and current Al-Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez has tested positive for coronavirus. Xavi’s club in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), Al-Sadd, confirmed in a tweet on Saturday that their manager had tested positive for COVID-19 and will be absent from the proceedings for the next few days.

Xavi said he will selfisolate as his team prepare for their first match on Saturday against Al-Khor in QSL. “Today I won’t be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition. David Prats will be there on my behalf as head of the technical staff - coach to the AlSadd reserves,” the former Spain mid-fielder said.

“A few days ago, following the Qatar Stars League protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID19 test. Fortunately, I’m feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all clear. When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work,” he added. The QSL, which has been suspended since March due to COVID-19 pandemic, resumed on Friday.

India will be in top-10 in LA Olympics: Rijiju New Delhi, Jul 25 (Agencies): Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said India will be competing for a top-10 finish by the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics comes calling, riding the government’s ambitious ‘Target Olympic Podium Junior Scheme’.

“We will leave no stone unturned,” Rijiju said. He said the ‘Target Olympic Podium Junior Scheme’ is scouting talent as young as 10-year-old and 12-year-old with an aim to prepare them for the Los Angeles Games.

He was speaking about the objectives and goals India wants to achieve in the coming years during the India Today Mindrocks event. “We look forward and realise the dreams of every Indian to make India a great sporting powerhouse,” he said.

Rijiju said the talented youngsters will be guided by a world-class coaching facility during their journey to become world champions.

“Objectives are very clear, we have created the ‘Target Olympic Podium Junior Scheme’ that means those who are 10-13 years of age will be ready to become world champions by 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”

Kiren Rijiju

“By starting the scheme we are identifying the young talents, it’s a process of talent scouting at a young age and taking full responsibility of their training by bringing in world-class coaches.”

Rijiju added that steps like enhancing the skill sets of Indian coaches, removal of Rs 2-lakh salary cap for coaches and extension of coaching tenures will bring positive changes in the system. “I have recently decided to extend the tenure of coaches, Indian coaches are being enhanced and the 2-lakh salary cap of coaches has also been removed. By 2028, the target of getting India in the top-10 of Olympics medal ranking will be realised. I am very clear.

We started planning and executing those plans,” Rijiju said.

Liverpool staff breached touchline code, says Lampard London Jul 25 (IANS): Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has accused Liverpool’s backroom staff of breaching football’s touchline code during their heated clash in the Premier League game where the Reds were crowned champions with the trophy.

L a m p a r d wa s i n volved in a foul-mouthed touchline altercation with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and his deputy Pep Lijnders during Chelsea’s 3-5 defeat at Anfield earlier this week and following the conclusion of the game, the Chelsea manager referred to their behaviour as arrogant.

Klopp hit back at Lampard after the latter branded the recentlycrowned Premier League champions as arrogant.

Asked to detail touchline etiquette, Lampard was quoted as saying

Frank Lampard

by Sky Sports, “What is the code? I think when you speak between managers, and there are lots of decisions that go and you can hear it more clearly now without the crowd. And lots of managers will call for decisions and it may be right or wrong. And then you speak with each other.”

“But when people on the bench jump up and want to speak across to myself and then smirk and smile and then con-

tinue to do so for quite a while; I think that is past the code.”

“We are not arrogant.

Frank was in a competitive mood, I respect that a lot,” Klopp had told reporters as per ESPN. “From my point of view, in this situation (midmatch) you can say pretty much what you want... he came here to win the game, or get a point to help with Champions League qualification and I respect that.”

“What he has to learn is to finish it with the last whistle and he didn’t do that. Speaking afterwards about it, is not okay. Frank has to learn this, he has a lot of time to learn as he’s a young coach, but he has to learn this. We are not arrogant, we are pretty much the opposite. Final whistle, close the book and he didn’t do that and that’s what I don’t like,” he added.

‘Focussed on successful hosting of IPL’ Man United not to extend Sanchez and Smalling loans

New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman British Patel has confirmed that the 13th edition is set to be played in the window from September 19 to November 8. But a topic that now comes to the fore is whether or not the UAE authorities will allow fans to come in. And while the BCCI has left it to the host country, entry of fans also means ticket revenue generation.

While most of the franchises feel that gate money shouldn’t be a concern at this point in time when having an IPL feels like a blessing - considering the coronavirus pandemic - one or two franchises have on and off spoken about ticket revenue generation.

Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said that in a meeting of the franchises with BCCI officials, a young face of a franchise known to

be close to a board official raised the issue of compensation for ticket revenue.

“The issue was raised by a young individual who is known to be close to an official about compensation for ticket revenue. But all the others present stressed that ticket revenue was the least of everyone’s concerns and what was important was that the IPL season actually takes place this year.”

“In this background, it is surprising that some minority shareholders of a franchise are seeking to stir up the issue. People have suggested that it was not entirely unexpected and it is a cry for attention which is consistent with past behaviour which has sometimes been quite the headache for the IPL,” the source pointed.

A BCCI official made it clear that at this point in time, the idea is to come together and ensure that the tournament is successfully

hosted as the world has been engulfed by the pandemic.

“I do not think it makes financial sense for the BCCI to do so (compensate for lack of ticket revenue). The franchises would earn approximately Rs 200 crore each as rights money which otherwise they wouldn’t have. I am sure they would not be happy to forego that in lieu of the ticket revenue.

The IPL is happening this year but it is only with the support of the franchises and the state associations that it seems probable,” the official told IANS. Echoing similar sentiments, a franchise official said that all efforts should be made to ensure that IPL 13 is a huge success because the fate of a lot of domestic cricketers depends on it.

“We are really excited to see the effort that the BCCI has put in to ensure that the 13th edition is not cancelled. We are not just thankful, but also wish to work in tandem. You cannot forget that while the franchises will reap the rewards of the IPL being held, a lot of domestic cricketers will be a part of the league.

They wait through the year for this tournament. Cricketing and financial gain goes hand in hand,” the official told IANS.

Manchester, Jul 25 (Agencies): Manchester United will not be extending Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling’s current loan deals with Inter Milan and Roma.

It is understood United are unwilling to extend both players’ loans into next season or have them stay out on loan any further than the current arrangement, and are looking to reach a deal for a permanent transfer.

Smalling and Sanchez originally signed on one-year loans expiring in June, but had their stints in Italy extended until the first week of August in order to be able to play out the end of the Serie A season following the shutdown.

Under the current agreement the two players will return to Old Trafford after the last Serie A matchday, scheduled for August 2, meaning that neither will be able to play in the final stages of the Europa League.

Roma and Inter are yet to play their round of 16 one-legged ties against Sevilla and Getafe respectively, with the original first-leg ties in March being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic in Italy and Spain.

Alexis Sanchez

Roma are a possible semi-final opponent for United while Inter may meet Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the final should they progress through to the decider in Cologne on August 21.

Smalling has scored two goals in 34 appearanc-

es for Roma this season, and the club are keen on tying the 30-year-old down to a permanent deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Paulo Fonseca’s side have already secured an extension to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s loan spell from Arsenal and will sign Chel-

Chris Smalling

sea winger Pedro on a free when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Sanchez suffered a serious ankle injury while on international duty with Chile in October, but recovered to return to first-team action in January and recorded two goals and seven

assists since the season restarted in June.

Inter sit third in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Juventus who look destined to claim their ninth consecutive Scudetto, while Roma are fifth in the table with three games to go.

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