July 28, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 232

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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‘Self-declaration’ form asked by Gov: CM

Deaths due to JE rise in Assam

KOHIMA, JUL 27 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has gone on record to hold Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi responsible for making the state government to issue the Office Memorandum( OM) on July 7, to all Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) seeking information from employees on whether any one among their family are members of underground outfits.

Speaking to media after a cabinet meeting at the civil secretariat premises here Monday, Rio disclosed that the first directive from Raj Bhavan seeking the relevant information was received on February 14 with deadline set on or before April 12.

Further the chief minister said when the state government did not respond, the Governor’s office again send a reminder on June 24.

Rio said since the state government was left with no option and against the backdrop of the letter from the Governor which stated

NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (AGENCIES): At a time when Assam is witnessing a major COVID-19 spike, a Japanese Encephalitis outbreak has also been reported from different parts of the state raising concerns.

With about 14 per cent mortality rate, about 60 times higher than Assam’s COVID-19 mortality rate, Japanese Encephalitis has claimed 29 lives already this year, reports NDTV. The vector bournedisease spread by Culex mosquitos, this year, has affected at least 199 people in 29 out of 33 districts in the state, a bulletin from National Health Mission (NHM), Assam, said on Sunday.

In Assam now only Dina Hasao, Udalguri and Karbi Anglong districts have not reported a Japanese Encephalitis cases, rest 29 have.

Kamrup (rural) adjoining Guwahati and Jorhat in Upper Assam are the worstaffected districts, the official sources further added.

Japanese Encephalitis has been a perennial problem in the North East that affects the states during annual floods.

Correspondent

JAC on delimitation backs PDA resolution DIMAPUR, JUL 27 (NPN): Joint Action Committee of Tribal Hohos (JACTHs) on delimitation has acknowledged the resolution no. 5 adopted at the chief minister’s residence, Kohima and signed by PDA convener and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak and PDA co-convener and BJP State president Temjen Imna Along.

It stated that the PDA in its resolution observed “that as members of the largest democracy in the world, it is bounden duty of everyone, especially the constitutional institutions, to uphold the spirit of democracy and to strengthen the democratic foundations of this great nation.”

JAC said it expected the legislators from both ruling and opposition parties would follow the democratic values and constitutional obligation as members of a constitutional body sworn in under oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India.

It said the legislators knew well that the delimitation exercise under an Act of Parliament should be carried out, as stated by the Union home minister Amit Shah and reiterated by chief minister Neiphiu Rio at RCEMPA. The State Assembly was duty-bound to abide by the Constitution of India always, it stressed.

This is it!

“Before lockdown I never attended office. Now my conscience is clear. I get salary for no work.”

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Neiphiu Rio (File)

that law and order had collapsed in the state, the state government eventually issued the OM on July 7, 2020.

He also said that the government had also issued a clarification this matter.

The chief minister also clarified that the state government did not want any confrontation with Raj Bhavan on the issue especially as there was need to work together for bringing a permanent settlement to the Naga political issue and which was also a desire of the people.

It may be recalled that the government had on July 7 directed all administrative heads and heads of depart-

ments to obtain information from all employees about their relatives serving in underground groups in a self-declaration form.

On Naga political issue: The chief minister also said both ruling coalition and opposition party had come together under the banner of Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue. He said “we are one and there are no differences between us” over the issue.

On COVID cases: On the spike in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Nagaland, Rio said it was not restricted to Nagaland but occurred in all states including nations across the world.

The chief minister explained that though COVID-19 cases were on the rise, yet most of the patients were asymptomatic and some with mild cases.

However, both were being taken care of.

He also said it was unfortunate that five persons had died, but maintained that some of them were “very old” and some had contracted the virus outside the State.

On some of the mis-

steps while containing spread of COVID-19, Rio claimed the State’s frontline workers were on the job and the few lapses had been corrected.

On Lockdowns: The chief minister said the High Powered Committee (HPC) had empowered the district committees to decide on lockdowns and containment of wards and colonies as the committees were in a position to identify local situations.

Rio said the High Powered Committee (HPC) was formed due to the huge number of returnees and that since overcrowding of returnees had lessened, the government had fully authorised the DTFs to take appropriate steps at the district level. He also said the chief secretary and DG Police have been directed to extend all possible help to the districts.

Lauding the community support due to which many issues could be controlled, Rio said the only way to contain the virus was to follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), maintain social distancing, wear face masks and observe personal hygiene.

JTH urges govt to recall Jul 7 OM DIMAPUR, JUL 27 (NPN): Joint Tribal Hoho (JTH) Nagaland has also joined in the chorus against the home department’s office memorandum issued on July 7, to all Administrative Heads of Department (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) to provide information in a ‘self-declaration’ form, on whether any of the employees have their family members and relatives in the underground organizations.

JTH through its media cell has appealed on the state government to withdraw the OM since it came at a time when the Naga political groups (NPGs) were in talks with the Government of India. It said the OM had “varied in different context and that it was not “viable” at the present period unless settlement was arrived at.

JTH said while people were eagerly awaiting fulfillment of the commitment made by Nagaland Governor and Interlocutor R.N. Ravi, “to expedite and find an acceptable, lasting solution for the people of Nagaland,” he (Ravi) was instead, handling it differently by terming Naga political groups

as “armed gangs”. Further, JTH opined that it may be due to this change that had led the Government of India to accordingly declare the whole state of Nagaland to be a disturbed area for a period of six months under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. JTH reminded the past when under the Act, the armed forces burnt down almost all villages, killed thousands, tortured many and raped women. It said the memory was still “fresh in our mind,” and therefore, demanded revocation of the Disturbed Act at the earliest. JTH also cited a newspaper report of 386 armed personnel in Nagaland tested positive for COVID-19 by making an appeal on the governor to “recall/withdraw armed forces” and to suspend “any sorts of army involvement in public domain until normalcy of COVID19 is declared.”

Meanwhile, JTH also appealed to “all the National workers to restrain from any sorts of reciprocation in order to maintain peace and to protect the welfare of the people.”

First batch of Rafale jets take off to India

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India’s COVID-19 tally crosses 14L NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): With a record single-day jump of 49,931 COVID-19 cases, India’s caseload climbed to 14,35,453 on Monday, while recoveries surged to 9,17,567, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll rose to 32,771 with 708 fatalities being recorded in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed.

There are 4,85,114 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country, while 9,17,567 patients have recovered and one person has migrated. The recovery rate stands at 63.92 per cent, according to the data. The total number of confirmed cases also includes foreigners. This is the fifth consecutive day when COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 45,000.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 1,68,06,803 samples had been tested up to July 26. As many as 5,15,472 samples, the highest in a single day, were tested on Sunday.

national, Page 6

State COVID tally inches towards 1400-mark COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 27, 2020 District

ACTIVE CASES Mild

Moderate

Death

Recovered

Total Cases

Dimapur

Asymptomatic 370

1

1

5*

167

544

Kiphire

0

0

0

0

0

0

Kohima

234

0

0

0

123

357

Longleng

1

0

0

0

2

3

Mokokchung

8

0

0

0

5

13

Mon

132

0

0

0

8

140

Peren

44

1

0

0

207

252

Phek

4

0

0

0

14

18

Tuensang

7

0

0

0

38

45

Wokha

0

0

0

0

1

1

Zunheboto

8

0

0

0

4

12

Total

808

2

1

5

569

1385

*Recovery Rate 41% 5 death reported from Dimapur is yet to be established as due to COVID-19 -> 2 death reported form Dimapur District Hospital -> 1 death reported at Dimapur paid Quarantine center -> 1 death reported at Dimapur Nikos Hospital -> 1 death reported at Medzhiphema CHC

Distribution of Cases by domicile district Kohima

Dimapur

Mokokchung

Phek

Zunheboto

Tuensang

285

442

13

19

14

50

Mon 165

Wokha

Kiphire

Longleng

Peren

Others

Total

11

4

5

331

46

1385

DIMAPUR, JUL 27 ( N P N ) : N a g a l a n d ’s COVID-19 tally inched towards the 1400-mark after 45 fresh cases were reported on Monday from across the state.

As per the Health department bulletin, the state’s

tally as on July 27 stood at 1385 cases-- 811 active, 569 recovered and 5 deaths (5 deaths reported from Dimapur yet to be established as due to COVID-19).

Though the deaths were yet to be ascertained, the Health department said

Police nab 5 for robbery at Kohima courier office KOHIMA, JUL 27 (NPN): Kohima police have arrested five persons in connection with a robbery at Delhivery Pvt. Ltd., an online logistic delivery service, near High School junction here on July 22 evening.

In a press release, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kohima, said that the stolen money amounting to Rs.16, 61,700, four brand new RedMi 8A dual mobile phones, two small arms (pistol), one magazine, four live rounds, six extortion slip/work permit of NSCN(I-M) along with several incriminating items were recovered and seized from their possession.

Further, police also recovered a vehicle (NL-01T/8856) that was used during the commission of the crime. The arrested persons have been identified as Henito Swu (37) Razu Peyu NSCN (I-M); Qhevishe Sheqi (41), Leacy NSCN (I-M); Chekiye Achumi (44) and Daniel Swu (27).

Police said preliminary investigation revealed the involvement of one of the staff of Delhivery Pvt. Ltd. Accordingly,

5 accused in police custody with the seized items. (Pics: Kohima Police)

one person identified as Vishika Swu (30) of Lazaphuyeqa village, Zunheboto and currently residing at Naga Bazar colony, Kohima was also arrested for connivance.

After observing all legal formalities, police said the accused persons have been remanded to police custody for the purpose of further investigation. Efforts are on to recover the remaining amount and the other stolen items, police added.

Meanwhile, Kohima police have warned of strict action against criminals and anti-social

SC issues notice to UGC on final year exams Cyber crime accused granted bail NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): The Supreme Court Monday directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to respond to the petitions which have challenged the July 6 directive to all the universities and colleges to conduct final year examinations by September 30 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several issues have been raised in the petitions, including plight of lakhs of students in places like Bihar and Assam which are reeling under floods and also that many states have already cancelled the final year examinations of state universities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said that replies be filed by UGC and the Centre on the pleas and posted the matter for hearing on July 31.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench, also comprising Justices R S Reddy and M R Shah, that they are only concerned with final year exams and out of over 800 universities in the country, 209 have completed the examinations.

Mehta said that around 390 universities are in the process of conducting the examinations.

Referring to the guidelines issued by the authorities, he said students can appear in the examinations online, offline or mixture of both.

The bench said a consolidated reply be filed on the batch of petitions, including the one filed by Shiv Sena’s youth wing ‘Yuva Sena’, and posted it for hearing on July 31.

The counsel appearing for one of the petitioners told the bench that several

states have raised objections over conducting exams amid the pandemic.

One of the petitions, filed by 31 final year students, has sought quashing of the July 6 directive.

“It is respectfully submitted that the same UGC had earlier postponed the university examinations scheduled in July, 2020, due to COVID-19 outbreak.

However, shockingly, now when the COVID-19 crisis has worsened to a dangerous level, the respondent UGC has decided to conduct all examinations across India, in an utterly arbitrary manner,” said the plea, filed through advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava.

It claimed that earlier mark sheets and degrees were awarded to the students by July 31.

The plea has sought parity while referring that

that 2 deaths were reported from Dimapur District Hospital, 1 death at a paid quarantine center, 1 death at Nikos Hospital and 1 death at Medzhiphema CHC. Meanwhile, Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom said that the fresh cases on Monday were detected from 335 samples. 23 cases were from Kohima, 14 in Dimapur and 8 in Mon, he added.

As per the severity of symptoms, 808 active cases were asymptomatic, 2 with mild symptoms and 1 moderate case.

Till July 27, a total of 21,642 samples were sent for testing through RTPCR and results of 20,307 samples received. Out of the total of 14,489 samples received at BSL-3 lab at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), a total of 13,154 samples were tested and 904 samples tested positive.

In addition, a total of 14,898 samples have been sent for testing on Truenat and 514 samples have tested positive which have been sent for confirmation by RT-PCR. A total of 2,593 persons are presently under Facility Quarantine.”

various other boards, like CBSE and ICSE, have cancelled their remaining board examinations due to COVID-19 pandemic and declared results on the basis of past performance or internal assessment of students.

“On one hand, UGC has exempted the students of intermediate years/semester from appearing in the examinations due to COVID-19 outbreak and has decided to promote them on the basis of their previous academic record,” it claimed. “Whereas, on the other hand, UGC is forcing the final year students to appear in the examinations, which is utterly discriminatory, having no reasonable nexus with the object sought to be achieved i.e. the safety of students and hence patently violative of Article 14,” the plea has alleged.

DIMAPUR, JUL 27 (NPN): Gauhati High Court (GHC) Kohima bench on Monday has granted bail to Pankaj Kumar arrested by a team of Haryana police and Nagaland police personnel on June 9 from Kurukshetra in Haryana, after the a bail petition was moved in the court. Pankaj Gupta was arrested under sections of IPC with after non-bailable warrant of arrest issued by Judicial Magistrate First Class, Kohima (JFMC).

Issuing his order on July 27 after observing arguments by advocates of petitioner and respondent, Justice S. Serto, stated that there was no reason why bail cannot be granted as sought for.

In this regard, the court ordered that the accused be released on furnishing of PR bond of Rs. 1 lakh with two surety bonds of the like amount, which should be furnished by residents of Nagaland and to the satisfaction of the JMFC, Kohima.

The accused was also directed not to leave the State of Nagaland without the permission of the I.O of the case and the Court concerned, the order stated.

Further, the order asked Pankaj not to indulge in any act which would hamper or interfere with the investigation and trial of the case.

Earlier, PRO Nagaland Police said that the cyber crime PS had taken cognizance of various social media trolls uploaded on various platforms by the accused, which were inflammatory, abusive, divisive and prejudicial to the maintenance of social peace and harmony attracting the provisions of IPC, which are cognisable and non-bailable.

elements indulging in criminal activities and endangering public peace and security.

NSCN (I-M) terminates

NSCN (I-M) through a “termination order” stated that service of Henito Swu, Razou Peyu of Sumi Region and Qhevishe Sheqi, Leacy of Sumi Region, stood “terminated for violation of national principle and Ahza” with immediate effect as they were found involved in the robbery case of Delhivery Pvt. Ltd. in Kohima on July 22, 2020.

Eden hospital to resume services

DIMAPUR, JUL 27 (NPN): Eden Medical Centre (EMC) Dimapur, which had suspended routine and emergency services after a COVID-19 positive patient was diagnosed in its ICU on July 18, informed that it would resume services (except ICU) starting July 28, 2020.

In a statement Monday, EMC through its director Dr. Lima Imchen informed the public that the entire hospital and its premises had been disinfected and was “absolutely safe now.” EMC also pointed out that all protocols were followed in tracing the primary contacts and all were immediately isolated and presently kept at a quarantine centre. ICU and the entire hospital have been sanitized by DMC, it added.

Meanwhile, EMC has appealed to the public to allow its staff to move in and out of their residence/colonies, without which the Hospital would not be able to function efficiently.

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state

2

HGs, CD/SDRF working 24X7 behind the scene

DIMAPUR: Behind the scene, and many a times unnoticed, the Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF Dimapur district has been working round the clock for COVID-19 related activities since March 25.

According to DIPR report, presently Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel are deployed in manning 8 posts in the border areas covering Dillai Gate, Borlingiri, Ao Yimsen, New field Gate, Khatkati, LRC Balijan, Notin Basti and Sangtamtila.

The personnel undertake the task of thermal screening the people in the border areas 24x7. This was informed by the district commandant HG and CD, Dimapur, Y. Khenito Chishi, during an interaction with DPRO Dimapur.

Besides, the SDRF team under HG and Civil Defence undertook the task of transporting the body from the hotel to the morgue in COVID hospital Dimapur, of the pregnant lady under quarantine who was found dead in a hotel at Dimapur. The SDRF team also took the entire task of transporting the dead body of the 82 year old man who passed away on Sunday from COVIDnagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should PM Modi take the call to lift the national lockdown or leave it to states?

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

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A

B

should A Modi take the call. it to B Leave states.

C Can’t Say.

C

38% 62% 0%

Next poll

Q: Should court intervene

to pre-empt any decision of Rajasthan Speaker?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST July 28

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

32 26

Aizawl

Cloudy

27 21

Guwahati A strong morning thunderstorm 31 25 Imphal

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

27 22

Itanagar

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

28 23

Shillong

Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

23 19

Kohima

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

24 19

Dimapur

Cloudy with a stray t-storm

30 24

Mkg

A shower and t-storm around

25 19

Tuensang Cloudy with a thunderstorm

20 16

Wokha

Not as warm with a t-storm

Zunheboto Heavy thunderstorms

25 21 22 17

District commandant Dimapur, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Y. Khenito Chishi. (DIPR)

19 hospital Dimapur to the cemetery and burial was also done by the team following all protocols.

Besides their personnel are also deployed for security duty in the QCs, hotels, State Sports Academy and several other points.

Besides COVID duties, the SDRF team also retrieved 2 dead bodies on two occasions, one from Old Dhansiri Bridge on March 30 and recently at Pimla on June 28, Chishi informed.

Asked about any challenges faced, Chishi said that initially they faced PPE shortages but added that with the sufficient supply from the HQ and the district administration and some well wishers the

problem has been solved.

He informed that presently he deploys around 117 personnel out of the working strength of 125 including the officers.

On a lighter note, Chishi expressed that people hardly recognise them as personnel from HG and CD as they also use Khaki uniform. He expressed his appreciation to the district administration, CP Dimapur, SDO (Civil) Sadar, Zuben Ngullie for the support rendered to them while exercising their duties.

He also conveyed his appreciation to Dr. Rolland Lotha for his contribution and the NNF and SWF for acknowledging their services.

Online training and interactive session on floriculture technology DIMAPUR: Online training programme and interactive session was jointly organised by district administration, Dimapur and Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema in association with Dimapur District Floriculture Association of Dimapur (DDFA) on July 25.

A press release by CIH Medziphema stated that, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi, Dr B. N. S. Murthy, horticulture commissioner (GoI) and Dr D. J. Rajkhowa, joint director (ICAR Centre) were present at the online interactive session.

DC Dimapur in his inaugural speech, emphasized on promoting the flower growers in Nagaland with respect to technology and production in protected and open condition with effective market linkages also.

He appreciated the efforts of CIH to promote floriculture in Nagaland and also assured flower growers for possible support.

Dr B.N.S. Mur thy highlighted the problems faced by the flower growers in present condition and emphasized the need for introduction of technology for drying of flowers. He has extended all possible support from his side for technology demonstrations of potential flowers in production and post- harvest management.

NCC conducts webinar on Kargil Vijay Diwas DIMAPUR: In commemoration of the 21st anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Nagaland NCC Cadets under NCC Group HQ Kohima paid homage to brave hearts of the Indian Army on July 26.

According to PRO (defence) Lt Col Sumit K Sharma, online webinar was conducted, where ANOs and cadets from all over Nagaland participated.

The first event during the webinar was a pledge taken by all participating ANOs and cadets to be

worthy of the rich heritage of the nation. They also resolved to devote themselves towards security, sovereignty and prosperity of the nation. Video documentary on Kargil War, national war memorial, PVC awardees and video on Nagaland’s own brave heart Captain Neikezhakuo Kengurüse, MVC and sub Imliakum, MVC were shown.

Online patriotic poetry recitation and quiz were also held during the webinar. For cadets who could not participate in the

webinar, a patriotic poster/ painting competition was organised and their efforts were displayed during the webinar. The programme was organised by ANOs of 1 Nagaland Girls Bn NCC, 24 Nagaland (I) Coy, 25 Nagaland (I) Coy, 1 NL Air Sqn NCC and Sainik School NCC Coy, Punglwa.

By celebrating this day the cadets not only paid their respects to Kargil heroes, but also reaffirmed their spirit of patriotism and national unity to become ambassadors in spreading patriotism.

KBVU, MPK condemn assault on truck drivers DIMAPUR: K. Bawe Village Union (KBVU) and youth body Kohima and Merhulietsa Panchayat Kohima (MPK) have strongly condemned the assault of LPG truck drivers on the night of July 4 and 9 at Kohima town.

KBVU: A condemnation by K. Bawe Village Union chairman Nukhoyi Medeo, secretary Vevohu Kezo and youth president Vevotso Medeo stated that, its bonafide members Medophretuo Medeo son of Vethita Medeo along with two accomplices Pipenthung Humtsoe and Seyievilhou Phesao assaulted LPG truck drivers. In this regard, the K. Bawe Village Union and youth body Kohima has condemned the shameful act which has brought great shame to the union. It

also lauded the effort of the authorities to book the culprits and urged the concerned to give befitting punishment according to the law.

The union also apologised to the victims and All Kohima Indane Distributors Association (AKIDA) and regret the act perpetrated by bonafied members.

MPK: Merhulietsa Panchayat Kohima (MPK) in a condemnation note stated that, the three accused were apprehended by the police with the assistance of the Merhulietsa Youth Organisation.

The arrested accused were identified as Medophretuo Medeo of Khulazu Bawe village, Pipenthong Humtsoe of Pongitong village, Wokha and Seyievilhou Phesao of Chozuba village.

Bharat Bhojane, consultant, Rise & Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Pune, was resource person for imparting training on production technology of orchids and gerbera with special reference to North East condition. He elaborated the problems and solutions for growing the flowers under protected condition and answered the queries of participants. Arvind Singh, technical consultant (CIH) focussed on the potential crops for open condition in Nagaland with reference to sub-tropical and temperate condition. He also shared the experience of growing flowers in CIH with participants in production of flowers.

P r e s i d e n t D D FA , Abeny Ezung appreciated the content of training programme and thanked CIH and district administration for organizing training for their members. Around 60 members and other participants attended the programme and interacted with resource person. Earlier, deputy commissioner (Horticulture, GOI) & Director, CIH Dr Naveen Patle gave welcome address, while Dr. Moasosang Longkumer (assistant horticulture specialist) extended vote of thanks. Watila Longkumer coordinated with participants and CIH for organizing the programme.

CCCRCC condolence

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

Day 3: Kohima total lockdown

KOHIMA: Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) has reiterated the need to observe the SOPs issued by the authority and the list of exemption, especially the staff of Health and Family welfare.

AKMWP president Neibulie Kiewhuo in a press release stated that, multiple reports of COVID-19 detection outside QCs in Kohima was going viral in social media, wherein the AKMWP stated that detection of these cases was primarily due to successful contact tracing.

It also stated that Kohima witnessed continued peaceful and total lockdown, with no untoward incidents being reported from any of the wards on Monday.

AKMWP was assured that contact tracing by concerned authority is greatly aided on account of total lockdown. It also gave credit to the citizens and their ward/colony leaders for creating awareness and securing compliance.

While requesting the authorities to advice the staff carrying out identification of documents to merit

exemption, the association also informed “none should be allowed to point fingers as an excuse” and that the authorities provide the association with details so that it may be redressed and recurrence of any such alleged instances be prevented.

As an emergency measure, AKMWP also provided essential preventive materials for the ward volunteers and further appealed all the citizens of Kohima to remain calm and continue to cooperate by staying at home during the lockdown period.

7-day total lockdown in Mon begins

DIMAPUR: Mon District Task Force (DTF) held an emergency meeting on July 26 at the DC’s conference hall, Mon. Total lockdown has been enforced in Mon town from July 27 to August 2, in the light of certain emerging circumstances and a view to contain the spread of COVID-19.

According to DIPR report, Chumlamo Humtsoe, SDO (Civil) Sadar Mon has therefore notified the following: Movement of public is strictly prohibited except

medical emergencies; All business/commercial establishments and shops shall remain closed. Pharmacies are exempted; Movement of private vehicles except those permitted is banned; Trucks from Assam carrying essential commodities will be permitted only on Monday i.e July 27; Not more than 20 persons will be permitted in case of funerals; No movement will be permitted in or out of Mon town; Office of DC, SP, Banks, Fire & Emergency Services,

Health & Family Welfare, Food & Civil Supplies, Power, PHED, Sanitation workers of MTC, Treasury & Accounts, PWD (R&B), Postal Services, Prisons, District Court, IPR, Home Guards & Civil Defence and Para Military Forces are exempted from the purview of this order.

The public are requested to kindly comply with this order. Any person found violating this order will be penalized under relevant provisions of the law.

ATMA Niuland trg on low cost vermicomposting DIMAPUR: ATMA Dimapur, Niuland block conducted demonstrationcum-training on “low cost vermicomposting methods” to encourage success of vermicomposting and demand for organic manures on July 25 at Nihokhu village.

A press release by ATMA Dimapur stated that, interested women farmers attended the programme with ACTO (agronomy) KVK (ICAR) Jharnapani, Roben Singh as resource person. He said that earthworms being voracious eaters consume the biodegradable matter and give out a part of the matter as excreta or vermi-castings. Fruits, flowers, vegetables and other plant produce grown

DIMAPUR: CCCRCC executive secretary Rev. Dr. Vevozo Khamo and chairman CCCRC Centre Chetheba Vesatso Tetseo have expressed deep sadResource person conducting step by step methods ness at the passing away of of vermicompost to the women farmers.

Theyietalü, mother of Rev. Chekhünü Sakhamo, pastor using vermi-compost were beds. Appropriate physical of Porba CRC who passed reported to have better distancing was maintained away at Porba village Phek keeping quality. and COVID-19 safety kits district on Monday.

The beds are main- and information pamphlets According to a condotained at about 40-50% about precautionary mealence message from Rev. Dr. moisture content and a sures were distributed to Vevozo Khamo executive temperature of 20–30°C the 13 women farmers secretary CCCRCC and by sprinkling water over the present. chairman CCRCC Centre Chetheba Vesatso Tetseo, late Theyietalü was the oldest lady in Porba village.

She lived for 112 years and leaves behind two sons and two daughters and that the youngest son is Rev. Chekhünü Sakhamo serving as the pastor to this day.

The joint condolence described late Theyietalü as the pioneer of Porbami Christian Revival Church since 1979 and that she had stood faithfully for the church along with six of her friends.

CCCRCC stated that she will always be remembered for her exemplary life and that it pray for the departed soul to rest in eter- With schools suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, a young boy from Shena New Village nal peace. babysits his sibling, while their parents attend to the field work. (Toino Awomi)

Peren DTF & JAC on COVID-19 hold meet AVSU appeals for completion of GMS Shevishe building

DC Peren along with DTF and JAC at the meeting held on July 27. (DIPR) DIMAPUR: Joint meeting of the Peren District Task Force (DTF) & JAC on COVID-19 was held on July 27 at conference hall, district headquarter Peren to discuss matters related to COVID-19 in the district, under the chairmanship of DC Peren, Sentiwapang Aier who is also the chairman of Peren DTF. According to DIPR report, DTF & JAC resolved

to issue another stringent order in regard to funeral service/last rite and social related gatherings through village level & town level.

The board also decided to adopt strict directives/advisories for those entering the district from other districts of Nagaland as well as from other states in order to prevent community transmission in the district.

With regard to the entry and exit, the house asked the Medical team & Police personnel manning the check gate of Heningkunglwa & Mhainamtsi to maintain a proper record of the movement of people.

Discussion was also held to re-activate village health care and sanitation committee as well as to disseminate information related to COVID-19.

DIMAPUR: Aghunato Village Students’ Union (AVSU) has appealed the concerned authority to complete the abandoned GMS Shevishe school building, which was sanctioned during 2010-13 and implemented by Sar va Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), District Mission Authority Zunheboto (OMAZ).

AVSU in a press release through its media cell stated that, it had earlier submitted a representation in June on the issue to principal director, DoSE Kohima, but there has been no follow up by the concerned department.

Aghunato Village Students’ Union stated that the issue has surfaced again recently in the news and therefore, “the concerned department should come out clear with its intention, and to make it public as to whether it is in support of the culprits who are agents of corruption and already neck deep in it or whether the department has will to

The abandoned GMS Shevishe school building overgrown with weeds and shrubs. meet the demand of the ESSU and its federating units which is totally in fight against corruption.”

Aghunato Village Stu-

dents’ Union also appealed to the concerned department to take befitting action against the culprits and complete the school

building project at the earliest as demanded by the Eastern Sumi Students’ Union (ESSU). AVSU further stated that it shall not

remain a mute spectator but would take all necessary steps to ensure that ESSU’s demand is fulfilled at the earliest.

COVID-19 cases rise in Meghalaya Shillong goes under three-day total lockdown

Correspondent Shillong, Jul 27: The COVID-19 curve continues to climb up in Meghalaya with 36 fresh COVID-19 positive cases reported on Monday, taking the number of active cases to 547, with majority of the infected being from the “BSF cluster followed by returnees”, a government statement said.

State capital Shillong which alone accounts for 443 active cases is under three-day lockdown.

The three-day lockdown started in Shillong agglomeration on Monday was necessitated in view of the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and to enable the health authorities to carry out contact tracing extensively.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma held a meeting with his cabinet minister, Chief Secretary M.S.Rao and senior officials from the Health and Family Welfare department to take stock of the COVID-19 situation in the State.

As on Monday, fresh positive cases include 32 in East Khasi Hills (12 Border Security Force, one armed force personal and 19 civilians), two in East Jaintia Hills and one each in West Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi dis-

tricts. “As far as community transmission of COVID-19 virus in the State is concerned, as per definition, ‘community transmission’ means that the COVID-19 virus has become so widespread in a community that it gets difficult, if not impossible, to determine who is passing on the infection to whom," an e-mailed statement issued by Meghalaya Information and Public Relations read.

"However, in case of Meghalaya, the clusters of most cases have been identified through extensive contact tracing exercise and the remaining ones will soon be identified as the contact tracing exercise is underway.

As per the assessment of the Health Authorities, there is no Community Transmission suspected,” the statement further specified.

Of the 547 active cases in the State, the BSF and armed forces account for 285 besides 262 civilians.

East Khasi Hills has 443 active cases, including 243 BSF, 174 civilians and 26 armed forces personnel.

West Khasi Hills has 3 cases, Ri Bhoi 52, West Jaintia Hills 10, East Jaintia Hills 15, West Garo Hills 16, South West Garo Hills 4, South Garo Hills 2, East Garo Hills one.

Meghalaya has regis-

3

northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

tered 738 confirmed cases, including five deaths and 186 recoveries so far.

Meanwhile, the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, a banner of traditional heads, has strongly urged the State government to consider a two weeks complete lockdown in the entire state so as to effectively contain, isolate and defeat the speed at which the coronavirus is spreading in the state.

In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya chairman, John Fillmore Kharshiing said that the Federation of Khasi States and a number of traditional chiefs from all over have expressed their serious concern over the alarming situation in the State.

The challenges faced by the State government in ‘enforcing compliance due to the difficult behaviour by the general public provides no other option other than the alternative to strongly urge the State government to consider a two weeks complete lockdown in the entire state,’ Kharshiing asserted.

With no vaccine or medicine to treat or cure people from the virus, ‘we are left with no other option but to adopt aggressive

measures to protect the community at large, and we are sure that people of the state will be willing to endure such interim hardship in the interest of the overall benefit of their own safety,’ he added.

Underscoring the need for a two-week lockdown, Kharshiing added, “A twoweek lockdown may sound harsh, but again not considering aggressive and quick early decisions may lead to loss of more precious lives.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. A two weeks lockdown will help to bring down the graphic curve of positive cases.”

Meanwhile, Meghalaya police has temporarily shut Khliehriat Police Station and Khliehriat Women Police Station in East Jaintia Hills following detection of COVID-19 cases.

M e g h a l aya p o l i c e spokesperson, Gabriel Iangrai said both the police stations have been placed under medical observation and at present all official works of both the police stations have been shifted to Ladrymbai Out-Post.

“The police stations are being disinfected as per protocols and these establishments will only start functioning after being declared fit for re-occupation,” he said.

32 fresh COVID-19 cases in Arunachal Itanagar, Jul 27 (PTI): Thirty-two more people, including six ITBP personnel, have tested positive for COVID- 19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the state’s caseload to 1,158 on Monday, a senior health official said.

Eleven fresh cases were reported in Seppa, the district headquarters of East Kameng, eight in Changlang district, six in Upper Siang, five in the Capital Complex region and one each in East Siang and Lower Subansiri districts, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said.

The new cases in Seppa are contacts of a COVID-19 patient in East Kameng district, while four of the eight new patients in Changlang are returnees from other states and two each are government employees and health workers, he said.

The six fresh cases reported in Upper Siang district are Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel, while both the new patients in East Siang and Lower Subansiri had returned from other states, Jampa said. The five fresh infections in the Capital Complex region were detected during rapid antigen tests, he said. Barring nine, all the new patients are asymptomatic. They were shifted to COVID-19 care centres, Jampa said.

One more dead in Assam floods

Villagers along with their cattle cross a flooded area on a boat in Morigaon district on Monday.

Guwahati, Jul 27 (PTI): The flood situation in Assam has improved slightly though one more person died and 22.34 lakh people in 22 of the state’s 33 districts are affected, an official report said on Monday.

With the death of one person at Bokakhat in Golaghat district, the toll in this year’s flood and landslides has risen to 129.

While 103 people died in flood-related incidents, 26 were killed in landslides, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in its bulletin. The ASDMA said the number of people affected by the deluge has decreased by over 2.42 lakh since Sunday, while that of the districts was down by one.

Goalpara district re-

mains the worst-hit with over 4.62 lakh people affected, while 3.81 lakh and 3 lakh people are hit in Barpeta and Morigaon districts, respectively.

Personnel of the State Disaster Response Force and district administrations besides local people have rescued 97 marooned people during the last 24 hours.

Currently, 2,026 villages are affected and 22.34 lakh hectare of cropland are inundated by floodwaters across Assam, the ASDMA said.

The district administrations are operating 432 relief camps and distribution centres in 15 districts, which currently have sheltered to 45,565 people.

The Brahmaputra river is flowing above the danger

mark at Dhubri, Goalpara, Jorhat and Sonitpur districts, while its tributaries Dhansiri, Jia Bharali, Kopili, Beki and Kushiyara are also flowing above the danger level at various places.

Embankments, roads and many other infrastructure have been damaged at various places in Barpeta, Bongaigaon and Morigaon districts.

Floodwaters ebbed from Charaideo district, but the districts still affected by the deluge are Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar and Dibrugarh.

Surge in cases due to violations of Assam oil well blowout 2 more die of COVID in Tripura lockdown guidelines: Sikkim CM completes two months

Guwahati, Jul 27 huge damage to the environ(Agencies): Baghjan oil ment and the families living well blowout completed two in the vicinity of the oil months on Monday but the well,” the villager added. fire is yet to be doused.

The final preparation The Baghjan oil well for capping operation is still blowout first occurred on going on. Activities at the May 27 while workover was well site commenced since going on at the high pressure early morning on Monday. oil well. The blowout has New studs have been incurred heavy losses to Oil transferred to the site for Prem Singh Tamang India Limited (OIL). replacing the deformed and Due to the blowout, damaged studs of the low88 on June 30 to 545. the entire environment of ermost casing head housing “The lockdown guideMaguri-Motapung beel and flange. lines must be enforced and its surrounding areas have “The first phase of implemented in letter and been badly affected. sample collection prior to spirit,” the chief minister “Today Baghjan blowbio-remediation job is betold officials. out completed two months ing carried out jointly by The people of Sikkim but still flames continue to OIL and TERI team in and must consistently abide by erupt from the oil well. The around Baghjan blowout the basic guidelines laid experts from Singpore-based well site,” said an OIL press down to contain the spread Alert Disaster Control, OIL statement. of the deadly virus, Tamang and ONGC are trying to “Recording of data at said. douse the fire but it is takalready installed analysers is He said the state goving time,” said villager of in progress. Sample collecBaghjan. tion for monitoring of air “It is one of the high quality and noise level for pressure oil wells in upper analysis is also being carried Correspondent He said the two scared elements were Assam. The blowout caused out,” it added. sent to Ayodhya on Monday.

Shillong, Jul 27: Pnar tribals of “We, the Pnar people, want to be part Meghalaya, who adhere to the ancient of the construction of the Ram Mandir ‘Niamtre’ indigenous faith, have collected since we believe in Ram as our household Guwahati, Jul 27 (Agencies): Seven more water and soil for building the grand Ram God,” Kynjing said, adding that the two COVID-19 patients died in Assam on Monday, taking Temple at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, a important elements were taken with due the toll to 86. The latest fatalities include a Divisional Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader permission from the traditional head and Forest Officer, West Division from Karbi Anglong, said on Monday. with prayers according to the traditional Joysing Bey, who succumbed to the disease on Sunday Dolloi (traditional village chief) of religion. night in Guwahati Medical College and Hospital.

Elaka Jowai, Puramon Kynjing and the Echoing Kynjing, the RSS pracharak A 26-year-old woman from Guwahati, a 72-year-old Dolloi of Elaka Nartiang, Hep Dhar col- said that the Pnar people believe in Ram doctor from Dibrugarh and another person from Jorhat lected the water and soil from Myntdu River and accord names to male twins as Ram district also lost their lives due to the infection. in Jowai and Myntang River in Nartiang and Lakhan. He said that water and soil Three people, including a woman, from Tinsukia village respectively with full traditional from all sections of the integrated India, district also died during the day, it was reported. religious rituals for construction of the which include India, Afghanistan, IndoneThe state has so far reported 32,228 cases of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, RSS pracharak sia, Tibet, will be collected for building the COVID-19. There are 8,106 active cases at present, of Jaintia Hills, Gaurov Tiwari said. grand and divine Ram temple. while 24,040 patients have recovered. ernment was considering to allow some relaxations in the lockdown for resuming certain activities and emphasised that the people must abide by all safety norms.

Tamang asked officials to give adequate publicity to the toll-free state helpline number 104 so that a person coming in contact with infected people can seek assistance.

The chief minister also directed for urgent mitigation of shortage of manpower in the health department and hospitals to deal with the pandemic.

The state reported its first fatality due to COVID19 on Sunday with a 74year-old man succumbing to the disease at the STNM Hospital.

Gangtok, Jul 27 (PTI): Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday said the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases was due to gross violations of lockdown guidelines by people and asked the police to take action against the violators.

Presiding over a meeting of the State Task Force to review the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, Tamang said lockdown guidelines must be enforced in letter and spirit to contain the spread of the virus.

The Himalayan state has witnessed a nearly sixfold increase in novel coronavirus infections in the past one month with the number of positive cases rising from

Soil, water from M’laya sent for Ram Temple

7 more die of COVID in Assam

Agartala, Jul 27 (PTI): Two more COVID19 patients died in Tripura, taking the state’s toll to 13, while 37 new cases pushed its tally to 3,920, a health department official said on Monday. A 76-year-old man died due to the disease at a hospital in Gomati district on Sunday. He was also suffering from kidney ailments, according to the official. Another 84-yearold patient, who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital since July 24, died in West Tripura district.

He suffered from cardiac problems, the official said.

“Unfortunately 2 (West 1, Gomati 1) COVID-19 POSITIVE patients died today,” Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb tweeted late on Sunday night.

“Glad to share that 126 COVID-19 patients have been discharged today from various District CCCs (COVID care centres) and DCHs (dedicated COVID-19 hospitals) after their test results came negative. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the COVID-19 patients,” he said in another tweet. Of the 3,920 infected people in the state, 2,362 have recovered so far.

In view of the rising cases in Tripura, a threeday lockdown began in the northeastern state at 5 am on Monday. Health officials said a door-todoor survey is being conducted to track suspected COVID-19 patients. Edu-

cation minister and cabinet spokesperson Ratan Lal Nath had earlier said the week-long survey will help the authorities prepare a map of the regions where there are multiple cases.

CPI (M) blames govt for rise of COVID: Lashing out the Biplab Debled BJP government in Tripura, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) alleged that cases of COVID-19 increased in the state and virus spread uncontrollably solely due to the government’s negligence. Tripura CPI (M) secretary Gautam Das said, “Earlier when people from outside the state en-

tered Tripura the government decided to conduct COVID-19 on only one person test among five.”

“They did it according to their plan and only one person was tested in every five people. Now the number of corona positive cases has alarmingly increased in the state,” Das said.

“At that time CPI (M) repeatedly urged the government to test everyone who came from outside.

But the government ignored our pleas,” he added. “The government is now going to conduct a house-to-house survey, which they could have done earlier as well,” Das further said.

Scribes, CM secretariat staff test negative in Mnp

11 CISF personnel, 24 locally transmitted cases among 51 new cases Correspondent IMPHAL, Jul 27: Journalists and staff of Manipur Chief Minister’s Secretariat including security personnel guarding the complex tested native for COVID-19 on Monday.

A total of 19 reporters and cameramen of print and electronic media who attended a news conference at Chief Minister’s Secretariat on July 22 and 222 staffers and security personnel of the secretariat were subjected to COVID-19 tests. The mass testing was necessitated after a staffer of the National Health Mission K Y M C

(NHM) deputed as data entry operator at the COVID19 Common Control Room was found positive for the virus on Saturday.

The state government has also sealed the chief minister’s secretariat and state police headquarters situated adjacent to the secretariat after declaring the area as COVID-19 containment zone.

On the other hand, three doctors and a staff of the Covid care facility in Thoubal district were among 28 new COVID-19 cases detected in the district, an official source said on Monday.

Three doctors and a grade-IV employee of the Thoubal district hospital were among nine persons from the district whose swab samples were tested at RIMS’s VRDL late Sunday night. The remaining 19 persons were confirmed on Monday during testing using antigen kit at two facilities after local and cluster level transmission of the contagion was reported in the last few days. Including the 28 new cases, the district has a total of 221 persons infected by the virus, out of which only 64 are active.

Meanwhile, the status update on COVID-19 of

the state health department showed detection of 51 new cases in the last 24 hours.

The COVID-19 tally in Manipur rose to 2,286.

Out of them, 690 were active cases and 1,596 have recovered.

The total number of recovered cases included 42 patients who were discharged on Monday after they were found free from the virus during RT PCR testing, the health department said.

It added that a total of 1,687 samples including 78 at a private diagnostic facility were tested during the last 24 hours. With these, the

number of samples tested so far in the state rose to 80,055.

A release of the COVID-19 Common Control Room, said that of the 51 new cases, 24 (18 from Thoubal, four from Imphal East and one each from Imphal West and Churachandpur) were locally transmitted cases. The control room added that 11 personnel of the Central Security Forces (CISF) were also found to have been infected by the disease. They were among the personnel who arrived in the state recently and stayed at the designated quarantine centres.

K Y M C

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 232 Dimapur, tuesDAY, JULY 28, 2020

A

Crisis of trust

t a time when spirit of democracy in India is dramatically evolving with the constitution under tremendous pressure from majoritarian politics and at a time when the third pillar of democracy-judiciary-remains the only hope; it is unfortunate that there has been aspersions cast on it. Noted activist-cum-Supreme Court lawyer Prashan Bhushan had courted controversy when he posted tweets on Twitter on June 27 and 29. In his tweets, Bhushan wrote on the “role of the Supreme Court” in the “destruction” of democracy during the last six in which he also mentioned the “role of the last 4 CJIs” in it.

In response, the Supreme Court on July 22 issued a contempt notice on Bhushan. On Monday, July 27, a group of 131 prominent citizens, including former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur and Swaraj India President Yogendra Yadav, released a statement, expressing solidarity with activist-advocate Prashant Bhushan.

The signatories also raised concerns about the SC’s “reluctance” to carry out its “constitutionally mandated role as a check on governmental excess and violation of fundamental rights of the people by the state”. They also opined that the Supreme Court must be open to public discussion without the fear of retribution. In the solidarity statement, the signatories wrote: “The principle that criticism of the judiciary should not be stifled by indiscriminate use of the power of contempt has been recognised by the Supreme Court as well as by academics and advocates of repute.” The 131 signatories of the statement include historian Ramachandra Guha, former Delhi High Court judge Justice A.P. Shah, author Arundhati Roy, activist Harsh Mander, lawyer Indira Jaising, among several others. It may also be noted, that this is not the first time that Bhushan has fallen foul of the Supreme court. He had been served with contempt of court notices such as -in 2009( for alleging that half of the last 16 Chief Justices were corrupt), 2013 and March 2019.Be that as it may, the insinuations do not augur well for the nation since the law has to be seen to be above board. However, it is also a fact that in present times, India is taking a somewhat turbulent turn, since politics has been given freehand to override and manipulate the structures of every nationbuilding edifice, which mostly has a dangerous influence on the social structure too. Perhaps what some scholars, academicians and politicians termed as the wider ‘Crisis of Trust’ in society is not unfounded. In India, mistrust and suspicion have spread across all areas of life and supposedly with good reason. Progressive citizens in India no longer trust governments, politicians and legal institutions including law and police. This is where the judiciary is expected to assure citizens that it remains committed in upholding the freedom they enjoy under the constitution. Today, political competition has become aggressive and public discourse abusive. Anger towards the government is suppressed due to curtailment of civil liberties and freedom of expression, media being held captive, religious polarisation and violence by vigilante groups.

Independent institutions have started crumbling under relentless government pressure. Prominent opposition figures have been seduced or blackmailed, through the use of official investigative agencies rattling their closets for skeletons. There are many instances that indicate how dog-whistle politics remains unsurpassed in India. The past five years will be known for the most bellicose political manoeuvrings. Amidst all these, the only dim hope is an independent judiciary that can rescue the country from turning into a repressive state.

DailyDevotion The Way to Knowledge

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine… —John 7:17 The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.

No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually. Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).

He is saying, in essence, “Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.” The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second.

He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before.

When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, “First…go….” Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.

Quotes

The unexamined life is not worth living. ~ Socrates

M

any years ago I spoke to the Mercedes people in India and told them to stop using leather for their car seats. They didn’t ban it, but they made it optional. Now, the responsibility is on the buyers.

Unfortunately, very few rich people use their money judiciously. The more they make, the more they want to show other people that they are better than them. And this “better” involves eating strange things: cancerous livers called Pâté, pregnant fish eggs called Caviar, rare poisonous fish like Fugu.

Killing old and blind wild animals while sitting on sofas: it’s called canned hunting in Africa. Wearing crocodile, snake and zebra skins. I could go on forever on how the rich spend their money to cause suffering and destroy the world. One of the most common ways is leather seats in their cars. 75% of luxury cars use leather seats. PETA has calculated that 1.5 million car leather interiors are produced in a year. It takes 8 cow skins to make one car interior. 12 million cows are killed just for luxury cars in the United States alone. Multiply that with the cars of Europe and the millionaires in India who love to show off (until they get raided).

These are the car companies that use leather : Subaru 68% leather. If the model does not have all leather, it uses leather trims on its seats, and so does Jeep 69%. Chevrolet 70%, can use leatherette, but all the premium models use leather.

Ford 71%, uses cloth seats but their customers often insist on “upgrading” to leather. Lexus 78%, has a leatherette option called NuLuxe if you ask for it.

BMW 79%, also has an option called SensaTec. Volvo 98% and Porsche 100% have no options except partial of complete leather. So does Landrover, and Audi is only leather.

Why do rich people aspire to dead animal skin or “leather” ? The reasons given by the manufacturers and buyers are: It gives a luscious feel and look. It is elegant. It is stain resistant and resistant to smells. It is easier to clean. All three reasons are simply not true.

Luscious feels and looks are completely subjective, and nothing could be more inelegant than resting your bottom on dead animals. So we will go on to the facts: Leather costs much more – upto $ 2,000 per seat. Not just the leather itself but, because it heats very fast in summer and retains cold becoming hard and cold in winter, it needs air conditioners, heaters and seat warmers – raising the cost and increasing the unhealthiness of the car interior. Leather has a peculiar smell. In order to turn cow and calf skin into leather, it requires several hundred chemicals, so dangerous that they kill all life in the waters in which the leather factories throw their waste.

These chemicals seep out and pervade the air with their own odour. Get into a leather-using car: the smell is worse than cigarette smoke.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur tuesday, JULY 28, 2020

So you never see it anyway In fact, all leather is soaked in the beginning in perfume (Hundreds of years the “English leather” smell was created for King George III’s gloves). Tanned hides smell awful and once the perfume wears off, the seat goes back to smelling awful.

Leather is extremely high maintenance. Body oil and dirt collect on the surface of leather and act like fine sandpaper, breaking down the protective chemicals on the dead skin so that visible cracks develop on the surface. No moisture is tolerated, so if you get in when it is raining, and you are damp, you can harm the seats and cause an even more putrid smell. Sweat, alcohol can do the same.

Leather absorbs dirt and spills, vomit and chocolate spots, pus and nose goo, which means it can stain and become discoloured more easily. Leather is also easier to scratch, so it’s not a good choice for your vehicle if you have dogs, cats or children, unless you cover the interior to protect it.

Leather needs cleaning and conditioning every two months to keep it looking good. The cleaners cost as much as the seats. Some

seats have to be taken off and given to a dry cleaner.

Leather ages disgracefully.

Nothing looks worse than worn out leather seats. Look at old shoes. That’s what the seats are going to look like in a few years, or even a few months, if you don’t keep conditioning them.

During the summer the seats can get hot enough to hurt you. If you leave the windows up on a sunny day the temperature in the car can exceed 200 degrees.

This is because, unlike cloth, leather absorbs heat. Leather steering wheels can get so hot that they cause burns.

It is impossible to immediately hold on to them, so airconditioners have to run for at least 10 minutes before you can get in. In summer, leather seat owners have to use towels or cloth coverings.

In winter leather gets chilly and cold; so cold, that the car temperature goes down and heating has to be used – before you get in. While the top of the line cars have heated armchairs, the less luxurious models still do not include them. And that means that in winter you will have a “frozen” armchair, and in the summer, one that will practically burn you if

you dare to sit down after leaving it in the sun.

When you first purchase the car, the new leather seats are very stiff. It takes months for the skin to become flexible and comfortable. By then it has absorbed so much oil and sweat that it needs cleaning with chemicals and then goes back to being stiff ! It is certainly not as cushiony as cloth or non leather.

Leather is extremely heavy and adds to the weight of the car. If you want a performance car – and I presume rich people want to travel fast as well - this is not the weight you need. Most leather used for cars is not good. It has very little natural grain. The original hide of the cow was so scarred from the way it was treated that the tanner had to sand the skin down to make it even and scar free. The quality of leather differs depending how it’s sourced by each auto maker, so its durability is questionable.

Leather is very slippery.

Every time you take a turn quickly, or have to stop at a red light, you will slide.

Fabric grips better, so you slide much less.

Leatherette looks like leather (if you are obsessed with dead skin). Since it is made of vinyl, it isn’t porous, and spilled food or liquid can be wiped off easily. This makes it easier to keep clean, and looking new, without using expensive and harmful chemicals. Mercedes Benz and BMW have developed faux leather which is difficult to distinguish from real leather. Alcantara, which is

Post-mortem

Appeal to CM Nagaland on proposal of online edn

Sir,

Owing to the overwhelming presence and amoebic spread of the global pandemic, corona virus or COVID-19, many of the prevailing existing systems on ways of living have been curtailed, stopped, or recast with the hope that it will lead to improvement for a better way of life with hope for a positive future. And this includes education, i.e. the Union Government has announced that it will need to focus on online education. Therefore, this brief note on the merits and/ demerits of online education and are there alternatives to existing of education other than online education.

1. Meaning of Education: “schooling, teaching, instruction, tuition, coaching, training, tutelage, drilling, disciplining, priming, informing, indoctrination, inculcation, enlightenment, edification, cultivation, development, improvement, preparation, rearing, nurturing, fostering.” (The Concise Oxford Thesaurus, 2002, p. 233) “Education means four things as illumination, as an agency of improvement, as physical development and as not merely book learning. … It is physical training, intellectual training, … moral deportment and good manners.”

2. Objective of Education: “According to the school of Indian philosophy, the aim of education is the attainment of liberation… is the development of human personality… It is fulfilling social obligations and then achieves salvation. It also aims at strengthening its society.”

Have we missed the birds for the bees?

• When a child is sent to school, what are the motives for doing so?Is it to be like the Jones’s - learned? Know how to read and write? to be free from child’s haggling for a few hours of the day?

• As they climb the stairs of learning, aren’t we, as parents, proud that our baby/prince charming is better than the others? Aren’t we proud and expand our chests when the teacher praises our idol on how he/she is sociable, attentive, studious, discipline, absorbs the instructions imparted and so on comparing to other pupils/students?

• As the grade of studies goes up and up and become harder or tougher and demanding, what is the child’s attitude? Is he/she responding willingly or grudgingly or reacts negatively by way of attitude towards the family since he/ she cannot yet show his/her dissent or rebellion but there could be grumbling to too much homework/assignment, no time to relax, no time to mix with friends/ peer group off school hours.

• When the 11th hour of schooling arrives, what does he/she wants to do - proceed to higher studies or seek a job career or takes up apprenticeship in family business or exists aimlessly?

• If it’s to be a job, does the schooling with its syllabus/curriculum fits in

with what he/she is about to plunge him/herself in? Will he/she float and swim to the other side or drown instead?

These are just a few questions that keeps coming to mind with regard to existing formal education system and motives.

Nevertheless, there are positives and to mention just a few, they are : • It helps to acquire knowledge beyond the home compound and more as age increases and compartments in the brain cell, retrieve, store and systematically compile them for future use; • Character is molded through mentoring process; • Rights and wrongs are diagnosed for selection and rejection with the help of the mentor; • A methodical and logical mind is developed through years of knowledge acquisition; • An introvert becomes open to social relationships and widens his/ her horizon of understanding and accommodating interdependence while the extrovert comes to accept limitations and spirit of co-operation which extends to the animal world and the forces of nature.

• Fairness, hypocrisy and limitations of his/her mentor is registered and could be exploited if not given proper direction and comprehension of human frailty.

Would online education meet the aforementioned though it has its limitations?

• Would the quality of course content be excellent and of the highest standard?

• There would be technical issues because of lack of high bandwidth, weak internet service and not being able to afford having modern efficient equipment’s and should the student be tech savvy?

• Adaptability struggle of the student from a formal traditional classroom and being directly engaged with educator/ teacher/instructor to a totally different environment of learning will be there initially and can it be overcome?

• Poor communication without having the opportunity for a face-to-face chatting/discussion with the tutor and students can’t ask questions.

• There is the feeling of isolation which include the feelings of inadequacy and insecurity as time progresses resulting in lack of confidence in himself/herself and which could become a psychological issue and result in mental depression. What is the healing remedy?

• Those who have through years experienced online education, have found “online learning requires increased time-management skills and focus” and that people over 50 years of age, appear to have more discipline and motivation to complete course while it could be negative experience for younger students.

• Credibility issue whereby it has

been found that “online instructors don’t take their lesson preparations as seriously as they could, and this lack of commitment… has a profound and negative effect on the quality of online learning.” Will there be a monitoring committee/board?

Effects of radiation: “It is now a well-studied and accepted fact that long term and excessive exposure to radiation will produce negative biological and health effects in humans.” (Christian Thomas, Wi-Fi Radiation --- Everything You Need To Know. This includes interruption of the brain glucose metabolism, increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, interruption of cell metabolism, breaks in DNA chains as also fatigue, trouble sleeping, tinnitus, brain fog, chest pain and heart palpitations, skin reactions and others. Further, it is more acute on those aged 18 and below, i.e. School going age.

One may say that online education is within a given and limited time frame per day but who monitors when there isn’t human or person-to-person contact. It is stretchable and flexible timings unless disciplined and uniformed class timings is imposed and ensured.

However, who will be guarantor of such an undertaking? Parents? But it is impracticable and debatable.

Is it affordable for all?

Supposing that every part of India has reliable internet service connection, but can every family having school going children afford to have desktop or laptop though desktop is much more preferable for keeping distance and mobiles are not advisable for growing children since they become addicted to it and radiation will be much higher due to very close distance. Yet not everyone can afford to purchase mobile phones.

Obviously, it produces inequity.

Therefore, our submission is not to revert to online education.

Instead, may we suggest that the Union Government double if not treble its Budget for Education from 3 % to 6 % or better still to 9 % to • Provide two school buildings instead of one since pupils/students will have to be reduced by half the number so as to adhere to social/physical distancing with many sections/streams for one grade/class; • Reduce the teacher student ratio by 1 : 20; • Recruit double the existing required number of teachers with crash course training on education; • Provide financial assistance to private schools to accordingly enhance appointment of more teachers and construct more school buildings.

This will require a given time frame say, seven months minimum from now for readiness to open schools for formal education.

Dr. P. B. M. Basaiawmoit, Consultant, North East Dialogue Forum, Shillong

becoming popular in luxury vehicles, is a type of ultrasuede made out of polyester.

Nissan‘s luxury range uses a soft material called Sofilez, which is much better than leather.

Look at the suffering leather causes. Cows and calves, that are earmarked for car seats in the ranches, are thrown and held while being branded on the face with burning hot branding irons. Look at the videos of Peta on You Tube on what happens in Brazilian ranches - the main suppliers of car seat leather. The video shows workers branding calves on the face, and electro-shocking and beating gentle cows and bulls.

Their throats are cut while they’re still conscious and able to feel pain, and their skins are pulled off. A new animal entrant for the rich is lambskin. Is this pain worth your bottom-rest in a Jaguar, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo?

If animal suffering and environmental pollution is not enough for you, look at your comfort. Do you want to own your car, or do you want it to own you? The extraordinary thing is that people in India, who have leather seats in their cars, will always put a towel cloth over them so as to preserve the leather and not get it dirty. So you never see it anyway ! Remember that saying “God has no respect for money. Look at the people he gives it to.” To join the animal welfare movement contact gandhim@nic.in, www.peopleforanimalsindia.org.

Classless state: A Utopian Approach?

T

his society has taught us to behave in a way according to the knowledge, Wealth and income we have hoarded. And does this mean we are not capable of certain things?

We are living in a mixed bag society where there are have’s , have -not and some in between the two.

People find it seemingly fine to mock at others who do not have the ability to acquire as much Knowledge and wealth than them. It’s a daily affair. Have you ever been bullied in schools, colleges, universities, workplace etc because you are inferior than your peers?

Society has manifested life in such a way making the poor and less fortunate think that they are not capable of achieving bigger things.

Even in the ancient days, the kings projected themselves saying ‘Myth is right’ and they have captured and exploited the weaker kingdoms. The defeated kings had no right but to surrender themselves to the conqueror. The British portrayed us as inferior people/race who are not capable/worthy of running our own administration. We were doomed by this concept and refrain ourselves from thinking beyond.

Nevertheless, prominent leaders like Gandhiji, Nehru, Tilak, Ambedkar and so on

were unstoppable. They broke this class barrier, fought for us and freed us from the yoke.

They made us aware that Indians are no less.

And so society itself is self contradictory. Class itself is counterintuitive. We organize society into richpoor; then we try to change it. So to say it’s a paradox.

Interestingly, India as a nation has not categorized Indians as rich-poor or strong-weak but Indians had done or do so.

When Article 14 of the Indian constitution states ‘Equality before law’.

Then why can’t we leave behind this ancient and colonial legacy and move towards a classless society? Why do we adopt Western cultures and traditions so quickly but are not able to give up the mindset of labelling others? Why does money and wealth possession talk so loud? Why can’t we try to be neutral?

However, a classless society is an ideal society. There is bound to be discrimination everywhere since every individual is unique in our ways and it’s impossible that every human being has the same thought and similar approach.

Likewise, we have various talents and professions. It will be a waste of time for us to think that we can go back to the ancient primitive regime of hunter-gatherer era.

Imtisenla, Student

Clarification from NCSA: Apropos the article published under the headline, “Statement of NCSA on the post of DC in Nagaland” on July 27, the Nagaland Civil Service Association president has clarified that the 1974 incident referred to in the statement occurred a few kilometres from Shoipu village and not as stated. NCSA regrets the error.

Reader’s Post Sir,

Network instability

Network instability. Should government intervene?

Network instability is one of the most common talks in the state, however, the government of the state has been mute on this scenario. Internet connectivity in the state has been getting from bad to worse, where, the consumers are facing much outcry.

Both the government as well as network providers have become mute on this syllabus. The government of the state should be wise enough to inform or warn network providers to allow consumers for better connectivity and faster access to internet. Since we are all under pandemic and lockdown, it is only through social media platform that we receive first hand information of news from around the world. It is high time state government should intervene on this matter.

Meyisunep Kichu, 4th Mile, 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 TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

5

CM Gehlot speaks to PM on India better placed in COVID-19 fight: PM Modi political situation in Rajasthan Says it was due to ‘right decisions taken at right time’

NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): India is in a much better position than other countries in the fight against COVID-19 as a result of “right decisions taken at the right time”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, asserting that the country has expanded its health infrastructure at a rapid pace to deal with the pandemic.

Speaking after virtually launching COVID-19 testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata, Modi said that in the fight against coronavirus, India has come to a point where it does not lack in awareness, its scientific data is expanding and resources are also increasing.

Due to the “right decisions taken at the right time” in the country, India is in a much better position than other countries in the fight against the pandemic, he said.

The deaths due to the coronavirus in India are much lower than many big countries, the prime minister said.

Noting that India’s recovery rate is also higher than other countries and is improving on a daily basis, Modi said the total number of people who have recovered from the virus is about to reach the 10 lakh mark.

The virtual launch event was attended by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and the chief minis-

Narendra Modi

ters of Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh - Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee and Yogi Adityanath.

Prime Minister Modi said it was imperative for the country to develop coronaspecific health infrastructure at a fast pace and pointed out that this was the reason that the Centre had announced a package of Rs 15,000 crore at the beginning of the COVID-19 battle.

The country now has more than 11,000 COVID facilities and more than 11 lakh isolation beds, Modi said.

“While the country had only one COVID testing centre in January this year, there are almost 1,300 such labs now,” he said.

At present, more than five lakh tests are being conducted in the country daily, and efforts are underway to increase this capacity to 10

lakh in the coming weeks, he said.

Modi also noted that the country has become the second largest PPE kit manufacturer and has progressed from not having even a single PPE kit manufacturer as recently as six months ago, to having more than 1,200 manufacturers now, who are producing more than five lakh such kits daily.

The prime minister also highlighted that from being dependent on imports, now more than three lakh N-95 masks are being produced in the country daily, annual production capacity of ventilators has become three lakh and there has also been a significant increase in the production of medical oxygen cylinders.

This has not only helped save lives but has also converted India from an importer to an exporter, he observed.

Talking about efforts to contain the spread of the virus in rural areas, Prime Minister Modi said there is a need to develop new health infrastructure as well as boost the already existing health infrastructure facilities in the villages.

Apart from developing the physical infrastructure, the country has also managed to swiftly ramp up human resources including paramedics, ASHA workers and Anganwadis, who have played a significant part in controlling the spread of the pandemic, he said.

Modi also emphasised the need to work on continuously attaching new and retired health professionals with the health system in order to prevent fatigue from setting in “our corona warriors”.

In his address, Modi urged the people to be cautious during the celebrations of upcoming festivals in order to check the spread of the virus.

He underlined that the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna should reach the poor timely.

“Our scientists are working fast to develop a vaccine against coronaivrus.

But, till the time an effective medicine or vaccine is not ready, ‘do-gaz doori’ (six feet distance), wearing masks and hand sanitisation are the only alternatives,” the prime minister asserted.

Health Minister Vardhan said that labs to test for COVID are now available all across the country.

Vardhan also spoke about Union Home Minister Amit Shah working along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in order to control the spread of the virus in the national capital, a PMO statement said.

The new testing facilities will give West Bengal, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh more strength to fight COVID-19, Modi said.

The prime minister said these hi-tech state-ofthe-art testing facilities will boost the testing capacity by almost 10,000 daily tests in each of the three cities.

More number of tests will assist early detection and treatment, thereby helping fight the spread of the virus, he said.

These labs will not be limited to testing for COVID, but in future they will also be able to test for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Dengue and several other diseases, Modi noted.

The three high-tech testing facilities have been set up strategically at ICMR institutions -- National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research in Noida, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health in Mumbai and National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata.

CLP submits memorandum to President JAIPUR/NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the current political situation in the state, while the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has submitted a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind.

Gehlot had also written a letter to the prime minister on the matter a few days ago. CLP members in the memorandum claimed that horse-trading of MLAs was taking place in Rajasthan to topple an elected government. Governors of many states are “defying” the Constitution at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre without worrying about the dignity of the post, they alleged. “The chief minister told that he has spoken to the prime minister and apprised him of the current political situation in the state,” a Congress leader said after a meeting at a hotel where MLAs are holed up following rebellion

by Sachin Pilot against the Gehlot government.

Pilot has been stripped of his position as deputy chief minister and Rajast-

Ashok Gehlot

han Congress chief.

The chief minister addressed the MLAs at the meeting after a Prarthna Sabha andit was attended by senior Congress leaders.

In the memorandum to Kovind, the CLP members demanded that the President intervene and give permis-

sion to the state government to call an assembly session.

India is battling the COVID-19 pandemic and the Rajasthan government wants to call the assembly session to discuss with all members the economic problems facing the state along with the coronavirus situation so that people get relief. But the state government is not being allowed to call the session, they said in the memorandum.

Without taking any names, the CLP members said that despite prima facie evidence of horse-trading and corrupt practices by Union ministers, not removing them from the cabinet is a “blot” on democracy.

Assembly session can be called at short notice, if agenda is floor test: Raj Gov Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra indicated Monday that an assembly session can be called at a short notice if the state government says the agenda is to hold a floor test to prove its majority. The suggestion figures in a note sent by Mishra while returning – for a second time -- Ashok Gehlot Cabinet’s recommendation to call a session. The governor asked the state government to draft a fresh proposal, addressing three points.

His note said a session can be called if the government agrees to give a 21-day notice.

But it also made clear that the notice can be shorter if the agenda of the sitting is to hold a floor test, which the Congress has indicated that it wants but has not specified in its proposal. Mishra’s second point is that the state government should undertake to broadcast live the proceedings of a floor test, if it takes place.

It should also ensure precautions during the proposed Vidhan Sabha sitting against the spread of coronavirus, his note said.

India, Indonesia resolve to expand defence ties Centre defends PMCARES in SC, verdict reserved

NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): India and Indonesia on Monday vowed to expand security cooperation in a range of areas including defence industries and technology sharing, as the two maritime neighbours aimed at injecting a new momentum to their strategic partnership.

The possible areas of further expansion of defence and military ties were discussed during talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart General Prabowo Subianto, officials said.

Reflecting the importance Indonesia attaches to its strategic ties with India, Subianto arrived here on Sunday for the talks, notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic. Sources said the issue of possible export of BrahMos cruise missile to Indonesia by India and ways to further deepen maritime security cooperation figured prominently in the talks.

“Both the ministers agreed to further enhance the bilateral defence cooperation in mutually agreed areas. Potential areas of

Lalu tests negative for COVID-19

RANCHI/PATNA, JUL 27 (PTI): Jailed RJD chief Lalu Prasad, currently undergoing treatment at a Ranchi hospital for multiple ailments, has tested negative for COVID-19, a senior doctor at the facility said on Monday. Three of his attendants, however, have been diagnosed with the disease, he said.

The report of his swab sample test that came late on Sunday showed that Prasad did not contract the infection, Dr Umesh Prasad, who is attending to the ailing RJD supremo at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), told PTI. His samples, along with those of his attendants, were sent for examination on Saturday as a precautionary measure. The state-run RIMS is one of the designated COVID-19 hospitals in the Jharkhand capital.

Of the three attendants who tested positive for the viral disease, two have gone for home isolation, and one has been placed under quarantine at the hospital, the doctor said.

Rajnath Singh with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto at a delegation level meeting in New Delhi, July 27. (PTI)

cooperation in the field of defence industries and defence technology were also identified by the two countries,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

It said both Sing and Subianto committed themselves to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in these areas and take the defence ties to the “next level of deliverables.”

“The meeting ended on a positive note with a commitment to further strengthen and widen the scope of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries,” the ministry said, without giving details. India and

Indonesia have robust cooperation in the area of defence and security.

The two countries inked a new defence cooperation agreement in 2018 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia. The pact was aimed at reflecting the elevation of relationship between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

In Monday’s talks, Defence Minister Singh reiterated the long history of mutually beneficial interactions between the two countries with a tradition of close political dialogue, economic and trade linkages as well

as cultural and people-topeople interactions.

Officials said both sides explored a range of areas to further expand the strategic cooperation including in the field of defence industries and technology sharing.

It is understood that China’s aggressive posturing in eastern Ladakh and South China Sea figured in the talks, but there was no official confirmation about it.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar were among the key officials who were part of the Indian delegation.

Earlier, General Subianto was given a ceremonial guard of honour on the lawns of South Block when he arrived for the defence dialogue. The Indonesian defence minister also visited the National War Memorial and laid a wreath as a mark of respect to the fallen soldiers.

NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): The Centre on Monday strongly defended the PM CARES Fund in the Supreme Court saying it’s a public trust meant to receive “voluntary contributions” to fight COVID-19 pandemic and the budgetary allocations for NDRF and SDRF are not “being touched”.

The statement was made by the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, before a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan which reserved its order on one of the prayers of the PIL, filed

by NGO ‘ Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), seeking a direction that all the money collected under the PM CARES Fund for the COVID-19 pandemic should be transferred to National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

The Centre on March 28 had set up the Prime Minister’’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund with the primary objective to deal with any kind of emergency situation

Won’t lie about Chinese transgressions in Ladakh: Rahul NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he is not going to lie about Chinese transgressions in eastern Ladakh even if it costs him politically, asserting he will say the truth as far as Indian territory is concerned.

Gandhi made these remarks in a tweet, along with an over-a-minute-long video, as part of a series launched by him on the India-China face-off along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Asked in the video how he would react to people who say his questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on China weakened India, the former Congress chief said, “If you want me to lie that the Chinese have not entered this country, I am not going to lie. I will simply not do it. I do not care if my whole career goes to hell. I am not going to lie.” “This disturbs me.

Frankly, it makes my blood boil. How can some other nation just come into our territory?” “Hiding the truth is anti-national. Bringing it to people’s attention is patriotic,” Gandhi said.

like the one currently posed by the COVID-19 outbreak and provide relief to those affected.

The prime minister is the ex-officio chairman of the fund and the defence, home and finance ministers are its ex-officio trustees.

During the hearing, the Solicitor General told the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and M R Shah, that the PM CARES Fund is a “voluntary fund” while funds to the NDRF and SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) are made available through budgetary allocations.

“It is a public trust. It is a body where you can make

voluntary contributions and no budgetary allocations to the NDRF or SDRF are being touched. What has to be spent will be spent,” the law officer said, adding that no law has been violated.

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for the petitioner NGO, said they are not doubting the bona fide of anyone but the creation of the PM CARES Fund is allegedly in contravention of provisions of the Disaster Management Act. He claimed that an audit of the NDRF is being conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) but the government has said the audit of the PM

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NO.DTE/ESTT-2/12/2018-19(Pt)/

Dated, Kohima the 27th July, 2020

NOTIFICATION

In continuation of this office even number Dated, 7th July, 2020, it is to inform all the intending candidates who have applied for Agri & Allied/Para-Medical Degree courses during the current academic session 2020–2021, that the last date for submission of Mark sheets has been extended till 31st July 2020, 5:00 PM. The candidates are instructed to submit the same through email address: dtenagaland@gmail.com. No request of any kind shall be entertained hereafter.

BJP hits back at Rahul

Rahul Gandhi

“So frankly, I do not care if it costs me politically.

I do not care if I have no political career at all after that. But I am going to say the truth as far as Indian territory is concerned,” he added. Gandhi has been repeatedly attacking the prime minister and the government over Chinese transgressions on the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

“As an Indian, my number one priority is the nation and its people,” he said on Monday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit back at Gandhi over his attack on the government on the Ladakh face-off, alleging he is seeking to politicise defence and foreign policy matters and “wash their past sins of 1962 and weaken India”.

Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi for his latest remarks on the Ladakh face-off, the BJP Monday said he was again insulting the bravery of 20 soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Galwan Valley, and alleged his family ceded thousands of kilometres of land to China.

With his repeated utterances on the India-China face-off, Rahul Gandhi is trying to present falsehood as truth, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said.

Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he is not going to lie about Chinese transgressions in eastern Ladakh even if it costs him politically. In his response, Rao told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here that Gandhi has again insulted the sacrifices of 20 soldiers in Ladakh with his statements. “Rahul Gandhi has not learnt from his mistakes. He had insulted our soldiers at the time of the surgical strike, the Balakot airstrike and now again he has insulted them,” Rao said. He further said that Rahul Gandhi’s political career ended in 2019 after he insulted the soldiers. Citing a reply given by the Congress-led UPA government in November 2012 in parliament, Rao said during the tenure of various governments led by the Gandhi family, they ceded more than 43,000 sq kms of land to China. Gandhi made his remarks in a tweet, along with an over-a-minute-long video, as part of a series launched by him on the India-China face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

“If you want me to lie that the Chinese have not entered this country, I am not going to lie. I will simply not do it. I do not care if my whole career goes to hell. I am not going to lie.” “This disturbs me. Frankly, it makes my blood boil. How can some other nation just come into our territory?” “Hiding the truth is anti-national. Bringing it to people’s attention is patriotic,” Gandhi said in his video.

CARES Fund will be done by private auditors.

Dave questioned the validity of the PM cares fund and alleged that it was a ‘fraud on the Constitution”.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for another party, said that all CSR contribution benefits are given to the PM Cares Fund and they are denied to the state disaster relief funds and “these are very serious issues which need to be looked into”.

Mehta said that a national plan was prepared in 2019 and that had included the ways to deal with the “biological disaster.”

Sd/(Er. Arjun Singh) Director

DC-463

NAGALAND

UNIVERSITY

KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA Lumami-798627 : Zunheboto Nagaland

No./NU/KVKZ/DAMU/2020-3095

ADVERTISEMENT

Dated: 21/7/2020

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nagaland University invites application for the post of 1 (one) Subject Matter Specialist (Agro meteorology) and 1 (one) Agromet Observer under Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) Scheme/ DAMU purely on contractual basis.

Sl. No.

Name of the Post

No. of Post

Qualification

Pay band

1

SMS (Agro-meteorology)

1

a) Post Graduate in Agro Meteorology/Meteorology/ Agronomy/Agricultural Physics b) Preference will be given to candidates with Agro meteorology

Rs. 15600-39100 (GP- Rs.5400.00) or Level-10

2

Agromet Observer

1

10+2 in Science stream along with basic knowledge of Computer Science

Rs. 5200-2200 (GP- Rs. 2000.00) or Level-3

Application form and other details may be downloaded from the Nagaland University website www.nagalanduniversity.ac.in (Dr. Abemo) Registrar DC-462

6

national

First batch of Rafale jets take off to India

ery of all 36 aircraft will be completed by the end of 2021.

The first Rafale jet was handed over to the IAF in October last year during a visit to France by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“Our air force pilots tell us that these are extremely swift, nimble, versatile and very deadly aircraft. You can call them both beauty and the beast. They are superb flying machines and being flown by best pilots in the world,” Ashraf said in a video message.

The envoy thanked Dassault Aviation, the man-

ufacturer of the aircraft, for delivering the fleet on time.

“This (the fleet) is going to add a great deal of air power to our defence preparedness. This is also a powerful symbol of the strategic partnership between India and France,” he added.

The first squadron of the Rafale jets will be stationed in Ambala air base. The five Rafales are scheduled to be inducted into the IAF on the afternoon of Wednesday. However, an IAF spokesperson said a formal induction

ceremony will be held in mid-August.

In a statement, the Indian embassy said IAF pilots and supporting personnel have been provided full training on the aircraft and weapon systems by Dassault. Further batches of IAF personnel will continue the training over the next nine months.

It said Ashraf congratulated the IAF pilots on becoming the first Indian aviators to fly one of the world’s most advanced and potent fighter aircraft and wished them success in meeting the nation’s

India hands over 10 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh

NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): India on Monday handed over 10 railway locomotives to Bangladesh, reflecting its continued efforts to further boost bilateral economic engagement and expand ties with the neighbouring countries notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.

The broad gauge locomotives were virtually flagged off to Bangladesh

by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

From the Bangladesh side, the online ceremony was attended by Minister

of Railway Md. Nurul Islam Sujan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abul Kalam Abdul Momen.

Speaking on the occasion, Jaishankar highlighted the depth of “time tested” relationship between India and Bangladesh based on mutual trust and respect.

He expressed his happiness that the COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed down the pace of bilateral cooperation and conveyed that he looked forward to more such “milestones” in the current year marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mu-

Crossword

Sudoku

KAKURO

K Y M C

jibur Rahman. In his comments, Goyal underscored the significance of railway cooperation in enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity and in further boosting the economic partnership between the two countries.

“The handing over of these locomotives, under grant assistance from the government of India, fulfils an important commitment made during the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to India in October, 2019,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

“In keeping with the

requirements of Bangladesh Railway, the locomotives have been suitably modified by the Indian side. These locomotives will help handle the increasing volume of passenger and freight train operations in Bangladesh,” it said. Officials said all locos have residual life of 28 years or more and they are designed for speed of up to 120 km per hour.

In the recent times, the MEA said, India and Bangladesh have stepped up cooperation between their railways in mitigating the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic as trade via land

border faced disruptions.

“Rail, as a cost effective and environmental friendly solution, has helped in transporting essential commodities across the border. Both sides saw the highest ever exchange of freight trains in the month of June,” it said, adding a total of 103 freight trains were utilised for carrying essential commodities and raw materials.

“Recently, parcel and container train services have also commenced between India and Bangladesh. This is expected to significantly enhance the scope of bilateral trade,” it said.

No. 9637 Yesterday’s solution No. 9636

No. 4256 Yesterday’s solution No. 4255

No. 3280 Yesterday’s solution No. 3279

Across 1. Skilled trade (5) 6. Rule (5) 9. Wash and iron (7) 10. Male voice (5) 11. Tyrants (5) 12. Magic servant (5) 13. Shrub or small tree (7) 15. Body of water (3) 17. Boy’s name (4) 18. Unit of time (6) 19. Put up (5) 20. Proverbs (6) 22. Young salmon (4) 24. Nothing (3) 25. Highland dress item (7) 26. Military instrument (5) 27. Solid blocks (5) 28. Quickly (5) 29. Readable (7) 30. Defeats (5) 31. Wear away (5) Down 2. Regretful (6) 3. Former coin (6) 4. Pitch (3) 5. Rage (5) 6. No longer working (7) 7. Gaelic (4) 8. Land adjoining a house (6) 12.Group of similar species (5) 13. Country (5) 14. Of birth (5) 15. As yet (2,3) 16. Decorate (5) 18. Slant (5) 19. Confuses (7) 21. Thin down (6) 22. Fitting (6) 23. Rank or sour (6) 25. Killed (5) 26. Zone (4) 28. Alcoholic drink (3)

by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power for much longer than any other missile, said an official.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmetmounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets.

CRPF is synonymous with valour, courage, sacrifice: Amit Shah New Delhi, July 27 (IANS): Describing Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), as synonymous with valour, courage and sacrifice on its 82nd Raising Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday lauded the force for its dedication to serve the society during COVID19 pandemic.

“I join millions of Indians to wish our brave CRPF personnel and their families on 82nd Raising Day. CRPF is synonymous with valour, courage and sacrifice. Time and again, CRPF has made the nation proud,” Shah tweeted.

The Home Minister further said, “CRPF’s dedication to serve the society during COVID-19 is unparalleled”.

The CRPF came into existence as Crown Representative’s Police on July 27, 1939. It became the CRPF on enactment of the CRPF Act on December 28, 1949.

The force is responsible for internal security, specially in terror-hit Jammu and Kashmir and Maoist affected states.

The Force completed 82 years of glorious history on Monday.

LAND FOR SALE

At Burma Camp, UNB-B, Dimapur, Nagaland Area = 5769 sq. ft.

Amount = Rs. 28 Lakhs  No earth filling required  Approach road Attached  Genuine buyers only Contact : 8119988333

DP-3296

The first batch of Rafale aircrafts prepares to take off from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, in France, July 27, 2020. (PTI)

expectation of playing an important role in India’s defence.

“India and France have a long history of cooperation in fighter aircraft, which includes India’s acquisition of French Toofanis in 1953, then Mystere, Jaguars and the Mirages,” it said.

The embassy said France will send an aircraft with medical equipment and experts on July 26 to support India’s efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic, in a gesture of friendship.

Official sources said the Rafale jets are likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector as part of IAF’s efforts to enhance its operational capabilities along Line of Actual Control with China in view of the border row with the country.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-toair missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed

Amid China face-off, SFJ tells Sikh soldiers to desert India NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (IANS): Amid the border tension with China in eastern Ladakh, designated terrorist outfit and proKhalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has started targeting soldiers of the Sikh community in the Indian Army, threatening them to desert the force, intelligence agencies warned on Monday.

The agencies have alerted the armed forces and security establishments about the terrorist outfit’s nefarious activities.

Pakistani ISI has been backing the malicious campaign launched by the SFJ. The US-based proscribed outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is instigating Sikh defence personnel in the backdrop of the recent martyrdom of four Sikh soldiers in Ladakh sector during the recent clashes with Chinese troops at Line of Actual Control.

“Besides exploiting open social media platforms, the outfit is also using the encrypted chat platforms particularly WhatsApp for disseminating these inflammatory messages,” intelligence agencies alerted.

The agency found that propaganda voice calls from an organsiation named Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) campaign are making the rounds on social media. “The call

is a pre recorded one with the fwd number being+1 (617) 390-7018, likely to be belonging to Massachusetts, North America,” the agencies stated.

The outfit members in the call are “motivating Sikh Indian soldiers not to get martyred for India”. They are inciting people by saying that India has a history of “not supporting Sikh people that is why they should leave Indian Army”.

As per the message, Sikh people are being asked to join the ‘Sikhs For Justice’ campaign wherein on joining they will get Rs 5,000 more than their present salary in Indian Army.

It was found that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief protagonist of ‘Sikhs for Justice’, has uploaded a highly provocative video (duration 138 seconds) on June 18 instigating the Sikh soldiers of Indian Army to desert and join his secessionist outfit.

A similar audio message (115 seconds) of Pannun directly instigating the Sikh soldiers, was also sent to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) subscribers, in Punjab and nearby areas through the international telemarketing numbers the same day. The message was later also disseminated through social media.

1 st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF OUR BELOVED FATHER LATE N. SHEIWANG KONYAK 28-07-2019 to 28-07-2020

It has been a year since you left us and gone to be with the Lord.

We know you are now in a better place but you are truly missed beyond measures and you’ll always be alive in our hearts. We deeply treasure your memories and hope that one day we will meet again at our Saviour’s feet.

DP-3319

Loving Wife, Children and Grand Children

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved

Lt. Nenyale Apon

17th August 1972 – 28th July 2019

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone; For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

We think about you always, we talk about you still You have never been forgotten, and you never will We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure Until we meet again DP-3329

Loving Parents, Husband and Children

2nd DEATH ANNIVERSARY Lt. Tia Jamir

Two years have passed since you left us but it feels like yesterday.

Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

You will forever remain alive in our hearts and memories.

DP-3321

NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): The first batch of five Rafale jets on Monday took off from France for India, nearly four years after New Delhi inked an inter-governmental agreement with Paris to procure 36 of the multi-role fighter aircraft under a Rs 59,000crore deal.

“You can call them (Rafale) both beauty and the beast,” said Indian Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf who interacted with the IAF pilots at the Merignac airbase before they set off for India.

The aircraft flew out from the airbase in the French port city of Bordeaux and will cover a distance of nearly 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates before arriving at Ambala airbase on Wednesday, officials said.

The aircraft are expected to significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities at a time India is locked in a tense border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

An official statement said the delivery of 10 aircraft has been completed on schedule and five will stay back in France for training missions. It said the deliv-

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

Loving Wife & Family Members

Died on 28th July 2018 K Y M C

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

China closes US consulate in Chengdu

BEIJING/CHENGDU, JUL 27 (PTI): China on Monday said it took control of the US consulate in Chengdu after it was formally closed as per Beijing’s directive in retaliation to America’s move to shut down the Chinese diplomatic mission in Houston.

“At 10am July 27, as required by the Chinese side, the US Consulate General in Chengdu was closed,” a press release by Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. Chengdu is the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province.

“China’s competent authorities then entered through the front entrance and took over the premises,” it said.

The American flag over the building was lowered at dawn, according to Chinese state-run broadcaster CCTV, and onlookers were moved back as a heavy police presence surrounded the consulate, which Beijing ordered to shut on Friday in a tit-for-tat move.

Last week, the US government ordered the closure of China’s consulate in Houston, Texas, claiming the mission had been involved in a larger Chinese espionage effort using diplomatic facilities around the US. The US State Department in a statement on Monday expressed disappointment over the closure, saying the consulate “has stood at the centre of our

A man holds a banner and shouts ‘Chinese government is great’ in front of the US Consulate in Chengdu, southwestern China’s Sichuan province, on July 27. (AFP)

relations with the people in Western China, including Tibet, for 35 years.”

“We are disappointed by the Chinese Communist Party’s decision and will strive to continue our outreach to the people in this important region through our other posts in China,” the statement said.

Strict traffic controls were put in place around the US consulate premises before the closure.

Shortly before 11 am, several cars, a white ambulance, and dozens of Chinese workers were seen leaving the Chengdu Consulate as dozens of people lingered nearby, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Several side streets, as well as a main road leading to the consulate were blocked, with dozens of policemen guarding the intersections.

Cranes hoisted containers inside the main entrance of the US Consulate, while crowds gathered to witness the “historic” moment, taking photos and recording videos, state-run Global Times reported.

Since Saturday, people and vehicles were frequently seen going in and out of the consulate and locals have quietly gathered behind the police cordon in front of the main gate of the Consulate.

Ellen Hu, a 30-year-old Chengdu resident among

the crowd, said her office opened at 9.30am, but she had decided to wait until 10am to see the closure of the consulate.

“To witness the closure is more important,” she said. “It only happens once in decades,” she told the Post.

Late on Sunday night, three semi-trucks and a crane truck entered the compound, guided by a handful of workers standing near the gate.

The consulate, which opened in 1985, has almost 200 staff, including about 150 locally hired employees.

The two countries closed down their consulates as the ties between the

world’s two largest economies reached an all-time low Tensions have been rising between the US and China for some time. President Donald Trump’s administration has clashed repeatedly with Beijing over trade and the coronavirus pandemic, as well as China’s imposition of a controversial new security law on Hong Kong. Washington has been critical of Beijing’s crackdown on its Uygur Muslims in the restive Xinjiang province.

There was a festive atmosphere outside the consulate building in Chengdu almost as soon as the closure was announced on Friday. People gathered to take selfies, photos and videos, with some travelling from across China to witness the historic event.

Sales doubled at an ice jelly stall opposite the consulate, according to one of its employees, surnamed Tang.

“I can sell about 300 bowls of ice jelly now,” she said.

“People have even flown from Xian (in the northwest) or Hainan (China’s southernmost island) to be part of this event,” Tang said.

Xu Junqing from the northern province of Hebei, said he had been visiting his son in Chengdu last week and had come to the consulate on Saturday and Sunday.

“I think most people are just curious. But I think it will reopen again, because if China and the US stop cooperation, there’s no good to the whole world,” Xu said.

The tit-for-tat consulate closures have led to a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, but experts said their relationship could worsen further.

Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University, told the Post that “the US has made up its mind to deal with China in all aspects. So in the following six months, until the new President moves into the White House (after the US elections), the possibility of further law enforcement against China, including on infiltration and intelligence activities, cannot be underestimated.”

Shen Dingli, a professor at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said China-US ties would keep deteriorating and the US presidential election would accelerate the downward spiral.

“The two countries are having a deep decoupling and it’s even possible for them to break diplomatic relations,” he said.

“It was impossible before because of globalisation but now the two countries are dramatically distancing from each other,” Shen said.

7 Travel bans cannot be indefinite; countries must fight virus: WHO

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

G E N E VA , J U L 2 7 (AGENCVIES): Bans on international travel cannot stay in place indefinitely, and countries are going to have to do more to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus within their borders, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

A surge of infections has prompted countries to reimpose some travel restrictions in recent days, with Britain throwing the reopening of Europe’s tourism industry into disarray by ordering a quarantine on travellers returning from Spain.

Only with strict adherence to health measures, from wearing masks to avoiding crowds, would the world manage to beat the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said at a virtual news briefing in Geneva.

“Where these measures are followed, cases

go down. Where they are not, cases go up,” he said, praising Canada, China, Germany and South Korea for controlling outbreaks.

WHO emergencies programme head Mike Ryan said it was impossible for countries to keep borders shut for the foreseeable future. “...It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future. Economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume,” he said.

“What is clear is pressure on the virus pushes the numbers down. Release that pressure and cases creep back up.”

Ryan said Spain’s current situation was nowhere near as bad as it had been at the pandemic’s peak there, and he expected clusters to be brought under control, though it would take days or weeks to discern the disease’s future pattern.

SL drops plan to conduct advance N Korea’s Kim marks war anniversary amid virus concerns polling for people under quarantine

Mahinda Deshapriya

The arrangement now would be to extend the polling duration to facilitate voting for the persons under quarantine, officials said. Even the voters on home quarantine must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Health to cast their ballots at their respective polling booths, election officials said.

The pandemic which forced the postponement of the polls date twice has also resulted in a change to the votes counting.

The counting would take place only on the following morning – a departure from the practice of

counting them from 8 pm on the election night.

The decision was taken to comply with the health guidelines to maintain social distancing and employ other COVID-19 preventive measures.

The health guidelines had also placed restrictions on campaigning for the election.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25.

However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation. The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the coronavirus pandemic and the new date was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the commission.

In this July 26, Kim Jong Un is surrounded by senior military officials holding‚ ÄúPaektusan‚ Äù commemorative pistols they received from Kim during a ceremony in Pyongyang. (AP/PTI)

Kim laid a single rose and bowed before a big monument at the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery, according to KCNA. It didn’t say exactly when Kim went there.

A 1953 armistice that ended the war has yet to be replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war.

North Korea considers the armistice signing as a victory and often uses the anniversary as a chance to promote nationalism.

KCNA also reported that Kim gave “Paektusan” commemorative pistols, named after the sacred peak on the peninsula, to senior military officials during a ceremony Sunday marking the war anniversary.

State media photos

Second wave of coronavirus in Asia prompts fresh lockdowns S Y D N E Y, J U L 2 7 (Agencies): Countries around Asia are confronting a second wave of coronavirus infections and are clamping down again to try to contain the disease, with Australia recording a record daily rise in cases and Vietnam locking down the city of Danang.

Mainland China is battling the most aggressive return of COVID-19 in months, confirming 57 new locally transmitted cases on Sunday, the highest level since early March, driven by fresh infections in the far western region of Xinjiang.

In the northeast, Liaoning province reported a fifth straight day of new infections and Jilin province reported two new cases, its first since late May. Hong Kong is expected to announce further restrictions on Monday including a ban on restaurant dining and mandated face masks outdoors, local media reported.

The measures, which

are expected to take effect from Wednesday, would be the first time the city has completely banned dining in restaurants.

Australian authorities warned a six-week lockdown in parts of the southeastern Victoria state may last longer after the country registered its highest daily increase in infections.

Most of Australia is effectively virus-free but flare-ups in the two most populous southeaster n states have authorities scrambling to prevent a wider national outbreak.

“The tragedy of COVID-19 is that we know, with the number of new infections that we have seen today, that there will be many further deaths in the days ahead,” Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd told reporters.

In Japan, the government said it would urge business leaders to ramp up anti-virus measures such as staggered shifts, and aimed to see rates of telecommut-

Two people are tested at the windows of a testing vehicle in Beijing, China. (Reuters)

ing achieved during an earlier state of emergency.

“At one point, commuter numbers were down by 70 to 80%, but now it’s only about 30%,” Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said late on Sunday. “We really don’t want to backtrack on this, so we have to explore new ways of working and keep telecommuting high.”

Japan has avoided mass infections but a record surge in cases during the past week in Tokyo and other urban centres has ex-

perts worried the country faces a second wave.

Vietnam is evacuating 80,000 people, mostly local tourists, from the central city of Danang after three residents tested positive for the coronavirus at the weekend, the government said on Monday.

The Southeast Asian country is back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infections since April, and another three cases on Sunday, all in Danang.

In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to focus on COVID-19 and the economy in his annual State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Manila is weighing whether to re-impose stricter lockdown measures after easing them saw a dramatic surge in infections and deaths, with 62,326 cases reported since the first lockdown was relaxed June 1.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is expected to announce new measures to contain the outbreak as authorities struggle to contain more than a dozen new clusters that have appeared since curbs were lifted last month.

Indonesia is expected to report its 100,000th case on Monday, having surpassed China with the highest number of cases and deaths in East Asia.

North Korean state media reported on the weekend that the border town of Kaesong was in

lockdown after a person who defected to South Korea three years ago returned this month with symptoms of COVID-19.

If confirmed, it would be the first case officially acknowledged by North Korean authorities.

South Korea has reported more than 14,000 cases and 298 deaths from the pandemic. Saturday’s 113 infections were the highest on a single day since March 31.

Papua New Guinea halted entry for travellers from Monday, except those arriving by air, as it tightens curbs against infections that have more than doubled over the past week.

Traditional border crossing were suspended from July 23, police chief David Manning said in a statement distributed on Monday. PNG has fluid borders with Indonesia, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Solomon Islands with people regularly crossing on foot or in small boats.

showed a beaming Kim, clad in his trademark dark suit, sitting while surrounded by army officers holding black pistols.

“The participants held high the pistols and made firm pledges to fight for Kim Jong Un at the cost of their lives,” KCNA reported.

Kim is in need of stronger internal unity as he struggles to withstand

crippling U.S.-led sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic, which forced him in January to close the North’s border with China, its biggest trading partner and aid benefactor.

While announcing the Kaesong city lockdown, North Korea’s state media reported that the suspected virus patient was a runway who had fled to South Korea three years ago before illegally slipping back to the North early last week.

Some exper ts say North Korea was aiming to hold South Korea responsible for a virus spread and apply more pressure on its rival. Others say the North may be trying to find an excuse to win anti-virus aid items from South Korea.

South Korean officials said their investigation into who crossed the border into the North has been narrowed to a single person. Without identifying who that person is, military spokesperson Kim Jun-rak told reporters Monday that a bag belonging to the person was found on a South Korean border island.

OFFICE OF THE

FISHERMEN’S UNION DOYANG WOKHA – 797111, NAGALAND

IN GRATITUDE

The Fishermen’s Union Doyang would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Shri.

Kevisa Kense, Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Nagaland for releasing 1.76 lakhs fingerlings at Doyang reservoir on 17th July 2020.

Your great initiatives and continues support towards the union will be remembered and we look forward for your generous support even in the year to come, God bless you Sir. Philip Yanthan Chairman, FUD

Eliyamo Yanthan Secretary, FUD

WC-184

C O LO M B O, J U L 2 7 (PTI): Sri Lanka’s election commission on Monday dropped its plan to hold advance voting for persons under quarantine due to the coronavirus after questions were raised on its decision to operate mobile polling stations.

National Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya on Sunday set July 31 as the date for advance voting for persons under quarantine.

Over 16 million voters are registered to vote on August 5 to elect a 225member parliament for a 5-year term.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Deshapriya said the plan was dropped following complaints made by multiple factions. He said as there is no legislation with respect to advanced voting in Sri Lanka, concerns were raised.

According to the election law, voters must cast their votes at official polling booths.

SEOUL, JUL 27 (AP): North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has visited a national cemetery and handed out commemorative pistols to army officers, state media reported Monday, as he pushes to muster public support for efforts to contain a potential coronavirus outbreak.

On Sunday, North Korea said that Kim had put a city near the border with South Korea under lockdown and declared a state of emergency after a person with suspected COVID-19 symptoms was recently found there.

If the person is diagnosed with the coronavirus, it would be North Korea’s first officially confirmed case, though many outside experts believe the virus has already spread to the country.

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited a cemetery on the outskirts of Pyongyang where Korean War dead are buried to mark the 67th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 war.

SINCERE GRATITUDE Through this press note, I on behalf of my bereaved family members extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to hon'ble CM, Dy.CM, my esteemed colleagues, party rank and file, churches and well wishers for sharing your unreserved love, prayer and support in different ways when we are in grief at the demise of my beloved mother Late Ghokhali Aye. It is my sincere prayer that Almighty bless you all in return for the love and care you have shared with us when we needed most.

DP-3330

Sd/G. KAITO AYE Minister Agri & Coopt.

Nagaland.

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

Juventus clinch 9th consecutive Serie A title Vardy wins PL’s Golden Boot award

Turin, Jul 27 (Agencies): Juventus won Serie A for the ninth season in a row when Cristiano Ronaldo set them on the way to a 2-0 win over Sampdoria on Sunday although the Portuguese veteran missed a late penalty.

The 35-year-old broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time with his 31st league goal of the season and Federico Bernardeschi added the second as Juventus moved seven points clear of Inter Milan.

Juventus, in their first season under coach Maurizio Sarri, clinched the title with two games to spare despite a stuttering run in which they won only one out of five matches before Sunday.

Sarri, who claimed the first major Italian title of his career, blamed their problems on the unique situation caused by the three-month coronavirus stoppage which led to the championship race finishing in a hectic six weeks played at the height of summer. Juventus have 83 points while Inter, whose

Juventus players celebrate after scoring a goal during their Serie A match against Sampdoria at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy.

coach Antonio Conte led the Turin side to the first three titles of their present run, are on 76 and Atalanta and Lazio have 75 each.

Sampdoria, who have climbed away from the relegation zone in the last few rounds and are 15th, had Morten Thorsby sent off for second bookable offence in the 76th minute.

Juventus lost two play-

ers to injury in the first half as defender Danilo had to go of after colliding with Gaston Ramriez and Paulo Dybala suffered a muscular injury to his left leg.

Fabio Quagliarella had Sampdoria’s best first-half chance when the ball was pulled back to him but his left-foot shot was weak and easily stopped by Wojciech Szczesny.

‘Apprehensive’ Andy Murray mentally preparing for US Open

Andy Murray

L o nd o n , J u l 2 7 (IANS): Britains Andy Murray will be apprehensive about travelling to New York for the US Open amid the COVID-19 pandemic but the former world number is mentally prepared for the Grand Slam.

The US Open is due to start on August 31 behind closed doors at the Flushing Meadows.

“Four or five weeks ago, we were pretty sceptical about it,” Murray was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“But mentally at some stage you need to start preparing and planning for that. If it wasn’t happening, my schedule for practising, my rehab, would all be a bit different. Mentally I’m planning for it to go

ahead,” he added.

The United States has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world.

“The issue for us is the travel, so we’ll probably be a bit apprehensive getting over there,” Murray continued.

“Hopefully the US Open can go ahead, and it’s OK. But if not, I’m also OK with that. It’s not like I’m saying it must go ahead. So long as it’s safe for the players then we need to try to get back to competing when it’s safe to do so.”

Meanwhile, Britain’s leading women’s player, Johanna Konta, has said the US Open will take place.

“Everything is pointing in the direction that it is going to go ahead,” the world number 14 said.

They have been quite vocal that they are pushing forwards. Just basing my opinion on all the information that is there, I think it probably will.”

“As far as I understand, as professional athletes I think we can come back without quarantining as of now. But I don’t know if that has changed in the last 12 hours,” she added.

Juventus went ahead from a free kick when Miralem Pjanic rolled the ball to Ronaldo and the Portuguese swept the ball home.

Sampdoria had a flurry of chances early in the second half.

Mehdi Leris sidefooted wide, Szczesny had to turn a looping Ramirez free kick around his post

Qatar submits request to host 2032 Olympics Doha, Jul 27 (IANS): Qatar on Monday announced it has formally submitted to IOC its request to join the non-committal “Continuous Dialogue” to host a future edition of the Olympic Games, as early as 2032. Qatar delivered the request via an official letter to the IOC’s headquarters, said the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Qatar had made an unsuccessful bid to host the 2016 and 2020 games.

QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani said, “Never before has an Olympic Games been held in the Middle East. The Olympic rings are a symbol of peace, unity and hope for people around the world, including the people of our region.”

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a meaningful dialogue with the IOC’s Future Host Commission to explore our interest further and identify how the Olympic Games can support Qatar’s longterm development goals.”

Along with Qatar, India, Queensland state of Australia and Shanghai in China are touted to be potential bidders of the prestigious quadrennial event.

and Lorenzo Tonelli sent a powerful header narrowly wide from the resulting corner.

After those let-offs, Juve doubled their lead in 67th minute. Sampdoria goalkeeper Emil Audero could not hold Ronaldo’s shot and Bernardeschi, who had replaced Danilo, snapped up the rebound.

Ronaldo’s evening ended on a sour note when he smashed a penalty against the crossbar after Alex Sandro was fouled.

E l s ew h e r e, L a z i o claimed their second consecutive win after sweeping aside Hellas Verona 5-1, as Ciro Immobile completed a hat-trick, leading the scoring charts with 34 goals, three ahead of Ronaldo.

Roma extended their unbeaten run as they conquered Fiorentina 2-1, with Jordan Veretout scoring two penalties.

In Sunday’s other Serie A matches, Bologna edged past Lecce 3-2, Cagliari conceded a 1-0 home defeat to Udinese, while SPAL shared the spoils with Torino 1-1.

Lovlina Borgohain

this long duration, something she wasn’t able to do since 2012.

“I faced some problems during the lockdown initially but then I had my equipment at home so I continued with my training,” Lovlina said.

“But the fact that I got to stay at home for such a long time, I am enjoying

every bit of it. Earlier, we used to stay at home only for two-three days at a time because of tournaments and camps.”

“After 2012, this is the first time I have been at home for such a long time.

I also helped my father in the field, got time to cook at home... so it has been a good experience for me.”

As the world is slowly and steadily getting back on its feet, sports around the world is also retuning to stadia. One of the biggest casualties due to the COVID-19 crisis was the Olympics.

The multi-national event was initially set to be hosted in July this year but due to coronavirus pandemic, it will now take place from

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy with the Premier League’s Golden Boot.

it without his team-mates, but he also knows, and the team know, that they couldn’t have done it without him and challenge.”

Manchester City’s Brazilian keeper Ederson won the Golden Glove award after keeping his 16th clean sheet of the season against Norwich City to beat Burnley’s Nick Pope to the award.

The Brazilian claimed

the award after being the runner-up in each of his first two Premier League campaigns, firstly finishing behind David De Gea in 2017/18, then compatriot Alisson last season.

Meanwhile, City’s Kevin De Br uyne won the Playmaker award after equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists in a single Premier League season.

Returning to action top priority: Hima Das New Delhi, Jul 27 (Agencies): In a changed sporting world, where uncertainty is the rule, Hima Das has decided to keep expectations aside and concentrate on just getting back to action.

“I have been running on the track for the last 45 days. I am not sure of the situation outside, but inside the NIS, the Sports Authority of India has made all arrangements,” Hima, who has resumed training at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“They also talk to us regularly to know if there are any issues. In fact, there are no problems here in terms of following rules or training except the heat.

To beat that, we train only in the morning.”

The 400m National record-holder is yet to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and an injury-marred 2019 did not help her chances. Since the back injury that saw her pull up at the Asian Championships in 2019, Hima has struggled to run her favourite distance.

She ran a series of 200m in Europe but could not go under 23s while the qualifying time for Tokyo

Eradicating mistakes and preparing for gold in Olympics: Lovlina New Delhi, Jul 27 (IANS): Despite being just 22, boxer Lovlina Borgohain has been a constant fixture for India at world events for quite sometime now. She won back-to-back bronze medals at World Championships in 2018 and 2019 in welterweight category but according to her own admission, nothing but gold will satisfy her when she takes to the ring at Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

“My aim is to win gold and I have been training accordingly as well. Having said that, it isn’t guaranteed that if you work for gold then you will get gold,” Lovlina told IANS. “My goal is to give my 100 percent...if I am able to give my 100 percent then I know I will win gold for the country,” she added.

Before coronavirus pandemic put a halt on sports worldwide, Lovlina secured an Olympic quota for India in March 2020.

Her progress inside the ring was cut short by the lockdown. But the talented pugilist conceded that she enjoyed being at home for

L o nd o n , J u l 2 7 (IANS): Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy bagged the Premier Leagues Golden Boot award after netting 23 goals across the 2019/20 season. Vardy beat Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (22), Southamptons Danny Ings (22) and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling (20) to scoop the prestigious individual award.

He was, however, unable to score in Leicester’s 0-2 final day loss to Manchester United on Sunday -- a result which meant the Foxes missed out on a Champions League place.

Leicester finished fifth after their defeat and will compete in the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League.

The 33-year-old is the first Leicester City player to claim the award and is only the second Englishman after Harry Kane to take the crown in the last 20 years.

“Jamie’s been outstanding for us - our Player of the Season,” Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers told the club’s official website.

“He knows he can’t do

July 23 till August 8.

“Initially, I felt a bit disappointed that Olympics was postponed. There were few months left for the Games and I felt I was at the peak of my powers,” Lovlina said.

“But now, after giving it a thought, I felt that I have enough time to change my game around. I felt that I was going well at competitive events but gold was missing. So I have time on my side to eradicate those mistakes.”

On the long journey to regain full fitness, Lovlina said, “I can’t put a timeframe on it. It’s not possible to even reach your peak in one or two months. Also, the idea is to keep things slow and peak at the right time,” Lovlina explained.

“If we attain our top form in the next one or two months, there is a chance that our levels will drop.

So, we have to maintain our routine and keep building form slowly. We can’t go ahead with heavy training straightaway. The idea is to peak just one or two months before the Olympics,” she added.

Hima Das

is 22.80. In the 400m, although her personal best of 50.79 seconds in the 400m is better than the qualifying mark of 51.35, she has not been able to go under 52s in 2019.

Hima has left the decision on whar distance to run in future the to the Athletics Federation of India and coach Galina Bukharina, refusing to even comment on whether she feels physically ready.

“I have not run the 400 in a long time, but I am mentally fit. I only want to qualify for the Olympics. Which event, how, when are all questions I have left to the coach and AFI,” she insisted.

The World junior champion is also thankful for the support from her sponsor Adidas during this time.

“They have been a big help in staying mentally fit and focused. The film ‘What’s One More’, part of Adidas’ ‘Ready for Sport’ campaign, is an attempt to keep athletes ready till the Olympics next year. It explores how the cancellations have affected their physical and mental wellness and stresses the importance of being positive and resilient,” she signed off.

ICC discussing fate of World Test Championship with members MUMBAI, Jul 27 (Agencies): The fate of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) will depend on the ability of countries to reschedule the series that have been postponed due to the COVID19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council said on Monday.

With several bilateral series being wiped out, doubts remain over whether the WTC final between the top two sides could be held as scheduled in June next year at Lord’s.

“We are currently in discussion with members in what their plans are around rescheduling their queue,” Geoff Allardice, ICC general manager - cricket operations, said on a video call.

“Obviously there are teams which have rescheduled them as quickly as possible and depending on how many of them could be rescheduled within the available time window, that will give us a better view on the most appropriate timing for the final.”

“But at this stage the final is scheduled for June 2021. But we are working with the members on that, to understand their rescheduling of the series that are postponed already.”

The nine top-ranked sides are scheduled play three series each at home and away to determine the finalists with India leading the table currently, followed

by Australia.

Earlier on Monday, the ICC said the three-match series between England and Ireland beginning on

Thursday will kick off the inaugural Super League, which will determine who qualifies for the 2023 World Cup in India.

England were also the first to host international cricket after a 117-day shutdown when a three-test series against West Indies began in bio-secure conditions in Southampton earlier this month.

Allardice added that the ICC was not currently looking beyond test, 50overs and Twenty20 formats to spread the game.

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