July 29, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 233

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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India in community transmission: Expert Rampant spread of virus indicates that we are gradually moving towards herd immunity - Dr Laxminarayan -

NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (AGENCIES): India is seeing record spike in daily Covid-19 cases and the virus is spreading deep into the hinterland where social distancing is a herculean task.

“It is going to be a tough few months ahead for the country, but things will get better over time,” eminent epidemiologist and the director of US-based Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Dr Ramanan Laxminarayan said.

In an interview with Business Standard, he also said there is clearly community transmission in India and the rampant spread of the virus indicates that we are gradually moving towards herd immunity.

On being asked what would be the peak scenario even as India is seeing over 45,000 daily cases for the past three days. Dr. Laxminarayan said it was difficult

NPSA backs NCSA vis-à-vis central cadre

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Nagaland Police Service Association (NPSA) has agreed and supported the stand of the Nagaland Civil Services Association (NCSA) that state service officials cannot be discriminated in favour of central service cadres such as IAS for posting as DCs. NPSA through its president Vekhosa Chakhesang and general secretary Watichuchang Jamir said that the present law and order situation in Nagaland was largely peaceful despite the protracted and unresolved issues. Further, NPSA asserted that the circumstances under which the government post its officers, who it considered suitable for a particular assignment, was a prerogative that should be left to the wisdom and discretion of state government.

NPSA said the role of the district police in assisting the district administration also required balancing the factors that connect the people, their customs and traditions and the need for an effective administration.

It said the government has been exercising its prerogative of posting suitable officers to districts and the officers have proved to be capable as reposed.

(Full text on p-4)

This is it!

“Since COVID, he’s only at meetings, speaking the same thing day in and day out.”

K Y M C

Dr R. Laxminarayan (File)

to see a correct picture as the government was not sharing data and without raw data on testing and outcomes, one could only guess. However, he said the summary figures only suggest that COVID was a “peaking epidemic” in Delhi, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu while it was a “growing epidemic” in other states where the epidemiclike surge was seen such as in UP, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

States that are testing more are both doing better at containment and are also reporting more cases.

Dr. Laximinarayan said he considered case reporting to be an indicator of the quality of the health system.

And states that are hiding cases and deaths clearly have weak health systems and inadequate testing. When

drawn to the government’s refusal to accept that community transmission (Stage 3) has been reached despite COVID-19 cases having crossed 10 lakhs and Kerala having acknowledged it, Dr. Laxminarayan said the term was not important as it has been defined arbitrarily by some. He however added that community transmission has already taken place as defined by international standard since March 2020.

He said though India’s fatality rate was below 2.5% it needs to test intelligently.

The switch to the rapid antigen test which is far less sensitive has likely resulted in a lower test positivity rate and therefore a less fatality rate, he pointed out.

He said this also gave the impression that things are under control. However, ramping up RT-PCR is not possible beyond a point.

He said a combination of testing for comorbidities, severity markers, antigens, antibodies and RT-PCR in a systematic manner could help. He also however said ICMR’s guidance does not even refer to differential testing for people with higher risk factors. The scientific guidance is lagging behind

the epidemic.

When asked if India was moving towards herd immunity and if so how does it help to break COVID transmission, he said herd immunity is when a certain percentage of the population has been infected and that segment becomes immune and consequently not everyone has to be infected.

He said the rampant spread of the virus certainly indicates that far more people have been infected than RTPCR testing has showed. He said India is certainly moving in the direction of herd immunity, which has been discussed for a while.

Asked about the Oxford vaccine candidate which has show promise in trials, Dr. Laxminarayan said he remained hopeful but there was a long way to go and too early to make conclusions.

Dr. Laxminarayan said the government has done well in many ways in trying to contain COVID-19 such as in providing early leadership, and communicating the importance of a strong response. He however said testing has lagged behind and there has been some confusion around the science.

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

India’s COVID19 tally races past 15L mark NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (PTI): India’s COVID-19 tally raced past the 15 lakh mark on Tuesday, according to the data from the states and union territories.

The Union health ministry figures updated at 8 AM showed a single-day jump of 47,703 pushing the total number of cases to 14,83,156, while the death toll climbed to 33,425 with 654 more people succumbing to the disease.

Recoveries surged to 9,52,743 pushing the recovery rate to 64.24 per cent while the active cases were recorded at 4,96,988.

However, a PTI tally showed India’s COVID19 caseload at 15,28,516; death toll at 34,180; and recoveries at 9,84,516. The tally has been compiled as per information provided by respective states and union territories.

According to the ministry data updated at 8 AM, the recovery rate among COVID-19 patients is 64.24 per cent while the fatalityrate has declined to 2.25 per cent. The total number of confirmed cases also includes foreigners.

US-China spats rattle world, prompting calls for unity international, Page 7

4 out of 5 deaths due to COVID-19: H&FW 878 active 577 recovered 5 deaths

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department on Tuesday disclosed that out of five deaths reported in Dimapur, four had died due to COVID-19.

The department further said that one person who died at a paid quarantine centre in Dimapur had tested positive for COVID-19, but the death was not related to COVID. In its daily bulletin, the department stated that 2 deaths were reported from Dimapur District Hospital, 1 at Nikos Hospital Dimapur, 1 at Medziphema CHC and 1 at a paid quarantine centre.

Meanwhile, Nagaland COVID-19 tally crossed the 1400-mark after 75 fresh COVID cases were detected from across the state on Tuesday.

The tally as on July 28 stood at 1460-- 878 active, 577 recovered and 5 deaths (4 deaths due to COVID and 1 positive, but not due to COVID).

Of the 75 new cases detected from 450 samples, 51 were reported from Kohima, 10 in Phek, 7 in Wokha, 3 each in Mon and Dimapur

Conclude peace talks with whatever COVID-19: 7 frontline workers has been agreed: NGBF to RN Ravi among 10 test +ve in Pfutsero

NGBF delegation with Governor RN Ravi on Tuesday. (Raj Bhavan)

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) on Tuesday called on Nagaland Governor and interlocutor for Naga talks, R.N. Ravi.

The NGBF delegation, while interacting with the Governor “reiterated their position to conclude forthwith the peace negotiation with whatever has been agreed. The remaining issues, if any, to be pursued through peaceful democratic process,” Raj Bhavan stated on its twitter handle.

It may be recalled that the NGBF, in its representa-

tion to the Governor in June last, said that Nagas were eagerly awaiting conclusion of “Indo-Naga” political talks, at the same time asserted that the proposed delimitation exercise would not be a rational step at this juncture.

NGBF also said that the proposed delimitation exercise would pose “a serious question on the sincerity and commitment of the Government of India and your good office in particular.”

Maintaining that delimitation or similar demo-

cratic exercise would take place in Nagaland and other Naga areas without altering the state boundaries postsolution, the federation had, therefore, asserted that delimitation exercise should not be applied to Nagaland.

NGBF added that such move would “eat away at the pillars of trust, understanding and commitment between government of India and Nagas that you worked so hard to restore.”

NGBF also stated that if it was a deliberate policy by government of India, then the federation would exercise its right and explore, reassess its position and convey to Naga negotiators. It reiterated that all issues broadly agreed, in principle, concerning Nagas’ historical, political, social, cultural and economic matters, be finalized in the form of final draft for final Agreement.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUL 28 (NPN): Seven frontline workers and three traced contacts tested positive for COVID-19 under Pfutsero sub-division in Phek district, prompting the local administration to impose a weeklong partial lockdown in the subdivision from Wednesday till August 4.

The seven frontline workers were attached to JNV quarantine centre.

Though ADC Pfutsero Phuleshe K Yepthomi in a letter to Phek deputy commissioner (DC) Sachin Jaiswal stated that 11 cases were detected in the sub-division on Tuesday, H&FW department sources clarified that 10 fresh cases were detected, while a retest was done on a confirmed case, thereby taking the day’s

total cases to 11. Further, three positive cases were detected at Lasumi village.

It may be mentioned that a frontline worker from Pfutsero town tested positive for COVID-19 on July 23.

In this regard, ADC Pfutsero ordered sealing of Lasumi village and few colonies of Pfutsero town, including JNV quarantine centre, Seed Far m Colony, Zhipa Colony and Mission colony with immediate effect till further orders as part of an effective measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The ADC in his letter to the DC had prayed for total lockdown at Pfutsero town in view of the frontline workers testing COVID-19 positive and to contain community spreading.

(Cont’d on p-5)

DC Phek orders partial lockdown

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 28, 2020 District Dimapur

ACTIVE CASES RecovAsympMild Moderate ered tomatic 373 1 1 167

Death

Total Cases

5*

547

Kiphire

0

0

0

0

0

0

Kohima

282

0

0

126

0

408

Longleng

1

0

0

2

0

3

Mokokchung

8

0

0

5

0

13

Mon

135

0

0

8

0

143

Peren

39

1

0

212

0

252

Phek

14

0

0

14

0

28

Tuensang

8

0

0

38

0

46

Wokha

7

0

0

1

0

8

Zunheboto

8

0

0

4

0

12

Total

875

2

1

577

5

1460

*4 deaths reported as due to Covid-19 and 1 Death is Covid-19 positive but not due to Covid-19 (Paid Quarantine center) > 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

and 1 in Tuensang.

As per the severity of symptoms, 875 active cases were asymptomatic, 2 mild and 1 moderate case.

Till July 28, 22,392 samples were sent for testing through RT-PCR and the results of 20,706 samples received. Out of 15,343 samples received at the

BSL-3 (NHAK), 13,603 were samples tested out of which 981 were positive.

In addition, 15,277 samples were sent for testing through TrueNat where 528 tested positive and sent for confirmation by RT-PCR. A total of 2,500 persons are presently under Facility Quarantine.”

ANGCTA to join Dimapur pvt hospitals nationwide stir urged to install TrueNat

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): All Nagaland Government College Teachers Association (ANGCTA) Tuesday announced its decision to join the nationwide protest on July 29, 2020 calling for immediate withdrawal of the July 6, 2020 UGC guidelines and suggest alternative mode of examination.

In a press release, ANGCTA president Lily Angami and general secretary, Dr. Kekhrieseno Christina, stated that the association and its associates would desist from participation in any form in college activities. ANGCTA has also appealed to all the stakeholders of higher education in the state to show support and join the protest regardless of affiliates and status.

Further, the association has appealed to the private colleges, associations and ANCSU to be a part of this protest as it concerned the welfare and the larger interest of the student and teaching community.

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): The deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Khinchi in a letter to the president Nagaland Private Doctors Association, requested all private hospitals under Dimapur district to seek approval from the government for setting up TrueNat testing machines in their respective hospitals.

In order to ensure safety of all and as precautionary measures, patients coming to private hospitals for treatment can be screened, an official said.

Flu clinics: The DC also requested all private hospitals to continue running flu clinic 24x7 to ensure that cases of influenza like symptoms were not left unattended and that flu-corner OPD services remain available to the public.

DC Dmu unseals area

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Khinchi has order unsealing of House No 15, ward No18, Zelinagrong Colony (Dhobinalla) Dimapur and nearby building in view of all the household members of House No 15 being tested According to Pongener, for COVID-19 and result investigation and contact found negative. tracing was going on and Areas sealed in Kma the district CMO team was DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): collecting data on the field, In view of the detection of for which public support and COVID-19 positive cases, cooperation was required. the deputy commissioner He said at this stage the (DC) Kohima, Gregory virus transmission could not Thejawelie, has ordered be stopped completely, but sealing of areas at Officers definitely its spread could be Hill (Ward No. 19), Lower controlled and contained to Lerie (Ward No. 16), Lower a certain extent so as to buy Bayavü (Ward No. 2), Upper some time before a vaccine Midlane (Ward No.9), Lower or a definitive and effective Chandmari (Ward No. 13), drug was developed, which Kohima Village (L. Khel) might come in a few months and Sechü Zubza, in order time. to contain the spread of the Worried that most of disease/infection and for the deaths were linked to necessary contact tracing. In persons involved in busi- a notification, DC Kohima nesses and shops, which notified that all movement indicated that transmission of person/vehicles within had occurred in market the defined sealed area was places and shopping areas, strictly restricted prohibited the CMO explained that and under active surveillance (Cont’d on p-5) with immediate effect.

‘Self declaration’ not an issue, says NPCC CMO Dmu urges citizens DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie said the ‘self-declaration’ issued by home department’s Office Memorandum dated July 7, asking Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) to furnish names of family members of employees who are in various underground groups, was not an issue .

In a statement, Therie stressed that everybody should be honest and faithful as the circumstances and situation could not be ignored while reading such profiles.

Therie said the situation has been compounded with the wrong policy and unemployment making recruitment easy. He said 90 years of political movement and 23 years of negotiations have made Nagaland stagnant as

even children born when the cease fire was signed in 1997 are now post graduates.

Therie identified two factors responsible for the situation. First, he said when the government of India accorded recognition to multifactions with no proper Cease Fire Ground Rules to operate and with no provisions for food and water, it only encouraged extortion, kidnapping, assassinations and a host of anti-social activities plaguing Nagaland.

He maintained that Nagas were not happy but tired of such actions of factions even though the noble cause remained “pure and fresh in the hearts” due to sacrifices made by every family during the six decades.

Therie said the other factor was the state government’s policy to “merely facilitate and support the ongoing peace process” .

He said when the council of ministers dine together with leaders of factions and when faction leaders are escorted by government forces and when cadres of factions are let loose to extort with sophisticated weapons; “ the only way out for peaceful citizens is to join them for protection.”

Therie said to facilitate could be interpreted in many ways such as- many government officials were working undercover to facilitate with information; many government employees, may or may not know, that they have relatives in factions.

He said cadres of many factions are “also employed and many enjoy pensions”.

In such a given situation, Therie said unemployment has reached the danger mark where there are no jobs and doors of banks and financial institutions closed.

Under such a situation, Therie asked what was the option if the state government’s only policy was to facilitate, then what was wrong in facilitating and joining them?

It may be mentioned that the state government on two occasions had clarified that the office memorandum (OM) dated July 7, 2020 was issued on the direction of the governor.

State government on July 24, 2020 reiterated that “the letter of this direction was sent to the Chief Secretary from the Commissioner & Secretary to Governor on 14th February, 2020 asking for the information to be furnished by 2nd April, 2020. A reminder letter was received from the Governor’s office on 24th June, 2020 requesting to furnish the information urgently for the perusal of the Governor.”

to follow precautions

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Dimapur chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Tiasunup Pongener has appealed everyone to observe all guidelines and measures implemented by government agencies, municipal councils, village councils, colony councils, CBOs, FBOs, churches, etc, in order to save Nagaland from any major catastrophe.

Mentioning that the State was entering a crucial stage in its fight against COVID-19, CMO claimed that the government desired to have low morbidity and no mortality. However, he said mortality, especially among the older age group and those with co-morbidity, was increasing and the number of positive cases among the general public too was alarmingly on the rise.

K Y M C

state

2 nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should court intervene to pre-empt any decision of Rajasthan Speaker?

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

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

Citizens participate towards a greener Kohima

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

75% 00% 25%

Next poll

Q: Will induction of Rafale

fighters by India make China less aggressive?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

(Temperature in ºC)

Flower pots lined up outside shops in the state capital Kohima.

Max Min

Agartala Overcast with a stray t-storm 32 26

Overcast with a stray t-storm 29 21

Aizawl

Guwahati Not as warm with a t-storm

28 25

A t-storm around in the p.m.

28 21

Imphal

Itanagar Showers and a heavier t-storm 26 22 Shillong Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

22 18

Cloudy with thunderstorms

23 18

Dimapur Cloudy with a stray t-storm

30 23

Cloudy with a stray t-storm

25 19

Kohima Mkg

Tuensang A shower and t-storm around Wokha

19 16

A morning shower; not as warm 24 21

Zunheboto Cloudy with a thunderstorm

22 18

DIMAPUR: Various individuals and organisations in Kohima city have come out with a charitable and innovative initiative by placing numerous potted plants alongside the streets of Kohima.

In a press release, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) administrator Kovi Meyase stated that, more than 30 odd citizens have so far voluntarily donated more

than 150 plants of their prized possessions adding to the beauty of the city.

Informally tagged as “The green line experiment”, he informed that it was a citizen’s movement of a very noble kind and the endeavour was to line the streets of the city with potted plants for beautification and awareness to conserve the environment.

While appealing to all

the citizens to desist from spoiling, marring, destroying or displacing any of them, the KMC requested all concerned to shoulder responsibility in the upkeep of these plants and to continue to lend a helping hand towards the green line experiment till the objective was achieved. KMC also lauded the citizens for their generous contributions toward a greener Kohima.

ATMA Botsa block within district farmers exposure visit

Farmers with ATMA officials during visit to farm school at Seiyhama village on July 23.

DIMAPUR: ATMA Botsa block, Kohima with farmers from Seiyha (Phesa) village undertook a within district farmers exposure visit to integrated farm school, Seiyhama village on July 23.

A press release by ATMA Botsa block, BTM

Traffic regulations for NLA session in Kohima DIMAPUR: In view of the 6th session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) scheduled for July 30, the SP Kohima has issued traffic regulations to be enforced as part of the security arrangement.

According to PRO/ DEF Kohima, only vehicles with the following car passes will be allowed entry to the Assembly Secretariat: ‘X’ (White letter with Red background) for legislators; ‘Y’ (Green letter with White background) for AHoDs/ HoDs; ‘Assembly Logo’ for assembly staff; ‘LH’ (White letter with Blue background) for Police personnel and

PS/PA; ‘O’ (Black letter with Yellow background) for IPR/media and other department; ‘On Assembly Duty’ (Red letter with Blue blackground) for staff bus/ pool and dak vehicles.

No vehicle will be allowed to be parked by the roadside from 6 a.m onwards during Assembly Sessions at the following routes: From BSNL Telephone Exchange till Classic Island; From Raj Bhavan till MS Classic Island; From Classic Island to Tinpati via Razhü Point. Tinpati to Billy Graham Road via Don Bosco Jn; From Tinpati to High School Junction;

From High School Junction to New Secretariat via Sanourü bridge.

There will be one way traffic via Sanourü bridge for vehicles going down to New Capital Complex. Vehicles going up to Kohima town from New Capital Complex shall take Billy GrahamDon Bosco School-Tinpati route. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to be parked along ‘D’ block road.

While anticipating positive co-operation from the public, the police will tow away the defaulting vehicles and the charges will be borne by the vehicles owners.

Directives issued for Tening sub-division

WEATHER FORECAST july 29

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

Khrievi Tachu stated that, the purpose of the visit was to enable the farmers to gather more field experience and learn better farming system, especially on the advantages and benefits of mixed farming system. Farm school teacher Neizonuo Thevo

KSH condemns robbery incident of July 22

DIMAPUR: While condemning the robbery incident of July 22 night, the Kohima Sumi Hoho (KSH) has warned any member of Sumi community residing in Kohima, indulging in any anti-social activities tarnishing the image of the whole Sumi community will be dealt with stringent action up to the extent of eviction of the family from Kohima city. In a condemnation, KSH president Khevito T Shohe expressed distress and concern over the crime committed by some persons belonging to Sumi tribe in this incident, endangering the peace and security which has added fear and panic among the people particularly during Covid-19 pandemic.

Pointing out that the action committed by such unscrupulous persons in no way reflects Sumi ethos as a community, the KSH hopes that this incident would not undermine Sumi commitment towards building a culture of peace and unity. While appreciating the police team led by SDPO (North) Kohima for their prompt action in apprehending the culprits, the KSH also anticipate speedy delivery of justice so that it acts as a deterrent to future incidents.

news in Brief

DMC informs general public: Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) administrator Albert Ezung has notified general public under its jurisdiction not to throw used mask, gloves or PPE kits in public places or mixed with other waste. The said waste are to be discarded and collected in separate bags and disposed only at the time of door-to door collection of waste by the DMC or incinerate it safely. Traders have also been asked not to throw the same within their business premises but to dispose it off as mentioned.

YAA elects new office bearers: Yimchungrü Akherü Arihako (YAA), in its meeting held on July 17, has elected new office bearers, under the leadership of Achung Jangleh as president and Donan as general secretary, for the tenure 2020-23 with immediate effect.

shared her experiences on the importance of integrated farming and the benefits of the modern cultivation techniques and knowledge she acquired after the ATMA intervention in her farm.

Demonstration on preparation and uses of

Bordeaux mixture was conducted by Neitsizo Zumvu (ATM). Resource person stressed on the uses of Bordeaux mixture for prevention and effective control of fungal and bacterial diseases. Subsequently, method demonstration on preparation of 1% and 10% mixture was made and applied with active participation of the farmers. Awareness on organic management practices of pests and diseases by using locally available remedial measures were given due preference.

Plantation of giloy plant, creating awareness on its benefits and medicinal values was shared by Hainenle Tep (ATM) .

Vote of thanks was proposed by the farm school teacher after a brief interactive session and field visit. All the trainees were given copper sulphate, lime, giloy plant cuttings, cucurbit seeds, roban and neem oil.

YAN appeals govt not to fall prey to vested interests DIMAPUR: Reacting to the ban of dog meat in Nagaland as arbitrary and confusing, the Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) has appealed that “the Nagaland government should not fall prey to vested interests of the mainland, or become puppets to some animal activists.”

A press release by Youth Association of Nagaland media cell stated that it was “amusing to see that the Nagaland government has hastily taken a decision to ban the sale and import of dog meat, both cooked and uncooked” even though not every household consumes dog meat, “nevertheless its consumption has very much been a part of our culture where dogs have been reared for various purposes.”

Stating that the government should have endeavoured to protect this aspect of “our” culture by upholding Article 371 (A), the Youth Association of Nagaland is of the view that “government should study whether this situation/decision to ban dog meat is misleading the people both in Nagaland (Article 29(1) right to conserve our culture) as well as the people in mainland India (that every household in Nagaland consume dog meat).”

Pointing out that it was not against any political parties nor affiliated to any political party, the Association appeals the state government “to consult with the stakeholders before passing any decision that was in direct conflict with our customs and tradition.”

DIMAPUR: Additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Rhosietho Nguori has issued an order that in view of the present situation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the following has been enforced in Tening sub-division. According to DIPR report, wearing of face mask is compulsory in Tening town, Nsong town and in all public places in Tening sub-division; Spitting and use of alcohol and tobacco consumption/use in public places is strictly prohibited; Strict social distancing to be observed in all public places, especially in town areas. No organisation/commercial establishment/shops/ private individual shall allow gathering of five or more persons; Any form gathering such as meeting, marriages, funerals and anniversary shall remain regulated by the district administration. Any person/organisation found in such gathering/meeting involving five or more persons without prior permission from ADC office will be liable to be fined or imprisonment or both; Any form of unauthorized travel inter-district, inter-state will remain banned till further notice.

According to the notification, there will be a penalty of Rs. 100 for first time offender/s, and Rs. 500 repeat offender/s. For wilful violation of any of the above offence, individual/ group/s will be tried. The action committee was constituted for enforcement of the orders with Akeng, head DB, ADC office as convenor and representatives from police, GBs and youth were the members.

BUW and WCSU apprehend one for theft DIMAPUR: Bazaar Union Wokha (BUW) and Wokha Circle Students’ Union (WCSU) apprehended one person in connection to theft at Bazaar area Wokha town near WCSU office building.

A press release by WCSU media cell claimed that the accused Nzanbemo Murry, age 37, from Okotso village had revealed that on July 14, he had lifted one LPG cylinder and on July 26, he broke into one fruit shop at bazaar area to steal. In this regard, the WCSU apprehended the accused and handed him over to Wokha Police Station for further course of action. Meanwhile, the WCSU strongly condemned and warned that anyone found involved in such immoral activities within its jurisdiction will not be tolerated and that strong action would be taken against such offenders. Union also appealed the law enforcing agency to take proper action.

KOHIMA, JUL 28 (NPN): In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day 2020, a virtual press conference on access to treatment for viral Hepatitis C in Nagaland was held on Tuesday, an initiative taken by ARK Foundation in collaboration with NUN and Kripa Foundation, Nagaland supported by ITPC/ DNP+.

Access to Rights and Knowledge (ARK) Foundation president Ketho Angami, speaking on the occasion said viral hepatitis always remained neglected over the past decades without any government initiated programmes. He said that it was only in the year 2018 that the national Viral Hepatitis control programme was launched by the central government, yet it failed to take off in an aggressive manner.

He added that, the situation was further worsened with the COVID-19 crisis that has threatened to derail the programme across the country.

Pointing out that one par ticular health crises should not overshadow another health crises as both pandemic should be addressed with equal priority,

DIMAPUR: Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has expressed shock over the assault of a woman by her husband on June 16 night at Dilong Ward in Mokokchung town.

In a condemnation the MTLT president Imkummeren Jamir and general secretary Lanu Pongen claimed that, the husband had tortured his wife with blunt objects and that “such sadistic acts and sadists do not deserve to roam free in a civilized society.”

MTLT does not condone any act of domestic violence and as such the MTLT strongly condemns the brutal act of the husband in the strongest term.

Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem also lauded the Mokokchung Police for taking prompt action in arresting and booking the culprit under relevant sections of the law.

It stated that the culprit be punished in the sternest manner so that such brutal acts of domestic violence do not recur in the society.

Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem further expressed sympathy with the victim and wished her a speedy recovery.

Meeting held on streamlining sanitation work at Dimapur

DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi addressing the meeting held on July 25. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: A meeting comprising DC Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi, administrator of DMC, Albert Ezung and all the colony chairmen and GBs within Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) was held at Lotha Hoho Ki, Dimapur

on July 25.

According to DIPR report, DC, who chaired the meeting while addressing the gathering stressed on proper disposal of used masks, gloves and PPE kits and importance of proper hygiene, social distancing

World Hepatitis Day 2020 observed in Kohima by ARK Foundation Correspondent

MTLT condemns domestic violence on woman

Ketho said that, the district hospitals which are expected to have a treatment for viral Hepatitis B and C functioning has been converted into a Covid Care Hospital and has been labeled as “sealed area”.

Claiming that such restrictions to the entry of the hospitals have deterred people from availing the services, Ketho also pointed out that this has resulted in total absence of any medical work force in the hospitals to address the needs of people who desire to get tested and treated for Viral Hepatitis B and C. In this regard, Ketho Angami appealed the state government to restore the State Viral Hepatitis Control Program in the state stating that the right to health is as fundamental as civil rights and should not be a privilege.

Ketho also asserted that any loss of precious human lives due to any sort of diseases counts and that “such loss of lives from a curable disease is avoidable and the government should see through, from this lens.”

Meanwhile, director of Kripa Foundation Abou Mere highlighting about World Hepatitis Day said it

was observed annually on July 28 to raise awareness on viral hepatitis disease, to spread the message of different forms of hepatitis, how they are spread/transmitted, diagnosed and can be treated with Direct Acting Antivirus (DAA) medicines.

Abou observed that Nagaland does not have the required sustained commitment and action form all stakeholders, state government, Health department, CSOs, NGOs or even the affected communities and high-risk groups in response to Viral Hepatitis, despite that India was committed to combating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2023 in the line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target.

He pointed out that “with no surveillance system in place or independent studies available in our state, the burden of Hepatitis C (HCV) disease is unknown.”

He informed that many infected with Hepatitis C will be unaware and may go undiagnosed and untreated, posing a risk of farther transmission and he said it posed a major threat to public health, economic and social crises.

and co-operation of all to be able to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

During the meeting, the house decided to form a Colony Sanitation Committee to streamline and assist DMC in sanitation work.

Wozhuro range to restrict public & vehicular movement

DIMAPUR: With the increasing COVID-19 positive cases in the state, the Wozhuro Range Council Union (WRCU) along with various organisations have decided to restrict all public and vehicular movement within Wozhuro range from August 1 to 10 for safety of the public.

A press release by WRCU chairman Yanpemo Tungoe stated that this was decided at the meeting conducted on July 26 by WRCU along with Wozhuro Range Students Union (WRSU) and its federating units, youth organisations, eloe hohos, council chairmen, GBs, churches and senior leaders of all the village under Wozhuro range. The release stated that health emergencies and government officials on duty will be exempted. It also cautioned that anyone going against the resolution will be penalised and held responsible for any untoward incident that may arise due to violation of the resolution.

During the meeting, the WRCU and the various organisation leaders of the Wozhuro range also expressed dismay at the irregularities and non-adherence to an order issued by DC directing all the staff under the establishment of EAC Wozhuro to be stationed in their posting place in view of the situation arising out of the COVID 19. WRCU therefore appealed to all the stakeholders to be stationed immediately and perform their duties for the well being of the people and the range. Union also reminded the PHC Wozhuro staff to be in station and perform their duties.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

Assam floods cause death of humans & animals Agartala tops smart city rankings in NE

Guwahati, Jul 28 (IANS): While the annual monsoon floods in Assam claim hundreds of lives, damage crops, infrastructure and assets, the animals too are not spared. These include the endangered rhinos in the world famous Kaziranga National Park, home to more than 2,200 one-horned Indian rhinos.

Kaziranga National Park Director Karmashree P. Sivakumar said on Tuesday that this year at least 137 wild animals have died so far due to the floods while 163 have been rescued, even as over 95 per cent of the 884 sq km Kaziranga Park was inundated last week. Even with the overall improvement in the flood situation in the state by Tuesday, 75 per cent of the park area remained flooded.

“Last year 263 animals including many endangered rhinos were killed due to the floods while 169 animals were rescued. Currently, we are in the middle of the four month (June to September) long monsoon. I do not know what would be the final situation. However, allout efforts are being made to take care of the animals in the entire Kaziranga National Park,” Sivakumar told IANS over phone.

The animals that have perished in the monsoon floods this year include 14 rhinos, 101 hog deer, ten wild boars, five wild buffaloes, three porcupines and two swamp deer.

National Disaster Respond Force (NDRF) personnel rescue villagers from flood-affected areas, in Dhubri district of Assam. (PTI) Amidst the natural catastrophe, forest officials and conservation activists had some reason for cheer after photos of a tigress and her two cubs were captured recently on a camera trap inside the Laokhowa Burhachapori wildlife sanctuary, a buffer zone of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

“The first ever camera trap evidence of successful breeding of tigers in the Laokhowa Burhachapori wildlife sanctuar y has boosted the confidence of everyone. This is the result of more than 15 years of hard work and efforts,” said Sivakumar who hails from Tamil Nadu.

Located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra river and spread over 114 sq km, Laokhowa

Burhachapori lies within KNPTR and the Orang National Park and is part of the Kaziranga Orang Riverine Landscape (KORL), a major gateway for straying animals within protected areas of central Assam.

The famous tiger reserve is 1055 sq km in area of which the national park area is 884 sq km, which is a significant habitat for the endangered rhinos.

Sivakumar said that to protect the animals from the monsoon floods more than 33 highlands had been developed where the animals took shelter after their habitats were inundated.

“Besides, thousands of trained volunteers were engaged during the monsoon period and a Special Protection Force was created for the protection of

the rhinos.” Over a thousand country boats and speed boats were deployed while additional staff including doctors was mobilised to deal with the floods and safety of the animals, Sivakumar added.

He said that the rising water level in the park had forced three sub-adult tigers to stray into a goatshed in Kandolimari village and nearby areas earlier this month. “Subsequently, the tigers have been driven back into the park area,” Sivakumar said, adding that since the first week of June, there has been no respite from the floods which have wreaked havoc inside the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Forest officials said that not only the Kaziranga National Park, located on the edge of the

eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots of Golaghat and Nagaon districts, but the Manas, R.G. Orang and Tinsukia national parks, and the Pabitora and Tinsukia wildlife sanctuaries were also affected and many wild animals died.

Of the 223 camps of forest personnel guarding the Kaziranga National Park, 43 were still inundated on Tuesday despite the flood waters receding.

Each year, the monsoon floods inundating Kaziranga force a large number of wild animals to leave the park and head towards the nearby hills in Karbi Anglong district by crossing National Highway-37 that passes near the park’s boundary. Formed in 1908, the Kaziranga National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site since 1985, is home to more than 2,200 onehorned Indian rhinoceros, approximately two third of the total world population.

Meanwhile, at least 104 persons have died so far in the floods in 22 districts, while 26 others were killed in landslides since May 22.

While 22.34 lakh people in 2,026 villages across 22 of the state’s 33 districts still remained affected by the floods on Tuesday, the number has come down since Friday when over 28 lakh people in 2,543 villages in 26 districts were hit. Around 14 lakh domesticated animals and over 8 lakh poultry birds were also affected.

AGARTALA, JUL 28 (IANS): The Tripura capital tops in the smart city rankings among ten cities of eight northeastern states, an official release said here on Monday.

According to a state government release, as per the Smart City rankings released earlier this month by the Centre, Agartala was at the 56th place - up from the 74th position - amongst 100 smart cities in India.

The over 185-year-old city is followed by Namchi (Sikkim) at the 59th position, Aizawl at the 75th, Kohima at the 79th, Gangtok at the 80th, Guwahati at the 83rd, Itanagar at the 89th, Shillong at the 92nd, Imphal at the 93rd and Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh) at the 98th position.

The release said that the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry Secretary reviewed the progress of the Smart City projects of the northeastern states on July 24. Agartala Smart City has taken up 80 projects at a cost of Rs 1,479 crore for all round development of the capital which has a population of around five lakh.

It said that 100 per cent projects have been tendered by the Smart City Mission team. The Centre

Aerial view of Agartala city. government has sanctioned Rs 196 crore, while the state government has released Rs 50 crore to the Agartala Smart City Ltd. So far, Rs 72 crore have been spent under the project.

Following instr uctions of Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, one the first projects taken up

by Agartala Smart City Mission was to reduce the water stagnation problem in the capital city during the monsoon. An Integrated Command and Control Centre with a network of many CCTV cameras has been put in place for live monitoring of flood-related measures in Agartala city and its outskirts.

Other projects coming

up under Agartala Smart City are widening of 14 important roads, the fourlaning of the airport road, and the development of Howrah river bank and Ujjayanta Palace avenue.

Then king Krishna Kishore Manikya (r 18301849) shifted the state capital from old Agartala to its present location of Agartala. Considered to be one of the oldest municipal bodies in India, Agartala Municipality was established by the then king Birchandra Manikya in 1871 while the princely ruler in 1936-37 had prepared a “Masterplan” for Agartala which is said to be one of the first modern examples of urban planning.

Assam’s deputy speaker tests COVID +ve G u wa h a t i / S i l char, Jul 28 (PTI): Assam Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Aminul Haque Laskar tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the sixth MLA from the ruling BJP to get infected by the coronavirus in the state.

Laskar’s driver has also tested positive for the infection, officials said.

“With a very sad heart I would like to inform that I have been tested Covid-19 positive (+ve) from the first swab sample test few minutes back. I was not feeling well was since morning (sic),” Laskar said on his Facebook page.

He, however, said that all his family members havebeen found to be negative for COVID-19.

“Those who have came into my contact from the last 1 week, Please isolate yourself and get yourself covid tested (sic),” Laskar posted.

Silchar Lok Sabha MP Rajdeep Roy said that along with Laskar, his driver has also tested positive.

A senior official of the Health Department said that Laskar, who is a BJP MLA from the Sonai constituency, is diabetic and doctors are closely monitoring his condition.

“He has already been admitted to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital. A team of doctors is monitoring his health pa-

Swab sample being collected from Assam Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Aminul Haque Laskar. rameters,” Cachar district Health Department’s Media Expert Suman Choudhury said.

On July 20, BJP MLA Atul Bora from Dispur constituency became the fifth legislator of the ruling party to test positive for COVID-19 in the state.

The first BJP MLA to be infected was Patharkandi’s Krishnendu Paul, followed by Naryan Deka of Barkhetry constituency, both of whom have recovered and discharged from the hospitals.

Later, Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia too tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to the Tinsukia Civil Hospital.

BJP’s Sonari MLA Nabanita Handique became the fourth party

legislator to test COVIDpositive in Assam. Her son, driver and a personal assistant had also tested positive.

Another prominent politician from the state to be diagnosed with COVID19 was All India Mahila Congress president and former Silchar Lok Sabha MP Sushmita Dev. She has recovered and released from the Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

Apart from politicians, more than a dozen senior bureaucrats in the state have tested positive along with over1,200 police personnel.

Assam has recorded a total of 33,576 cases of COVID-19 so far, of which 13,767 have been reported from Guwahati itself.

Don’t politicise COVID-19: M’laya CM

Correspondent

Shillong, Jul 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has urged the opposition Congress not to politicise the management of the COVID-19 situation “We should avoid any kind of politics from this kind of a situation and there need not be any political statements made in this regard,” Sangma said.

“Our government is very transparent and we are always open to suggestions to ensure the overall system is improved,” he said brushing aside allegations from the Congress that the government has failed to handle the COVID-19 situation in the state.

The Chief Minister however urged the opposition Congress to write to him if they have any constructive suggestions so that the government can take it positively.

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“The battle against COVID-19 pandemic is not just the government or the opposition but the society as a whole.

We all have to fight this battle together,” Sangma reiterated.

Voicing surprise at the opposition Congress allegation, the Chief Minister wondered and said, “In all the three meetings chaired by the Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, they (Congress) have appreciated the initiatives taken by the government in handling the pandemic.

I don’t know why the statements have come out at a later stage.”

“There was ample opportunity in the meeting to say it. But in the meeting they said something and said something else outside . I have no comment on what they have to say outside (the meeting) but in the meeting under the chairmanship of the Speaker, the opposition had a positive response and they had also made positive suggestions,” Sangma said.

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 233 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

Educational lockdown

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hose who have passed the HSLC and HSSLC examinations 2020 under the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE) are literally in a limbo due to the unforeseen situation created by the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. The careers of 15,680 students who have sailed through the HSLC and 14,652 students who have also passed the HSSLC examinations are at stake. Successful HSLC and HSSLC candidates are not attending classes since all educational institutions are closed. University classes have also been suspended owing to the lockdown. Today, normal life throughout the world has been brought to standstill due to the pandemic. All examinations across the educational spectrum are suspended including competitive exams. Internationally renowned educational institutes are also closed. Students who are caught in the limbo face an uncertain future. Some of them do not have a result because exams either did not happen or were left in the middle. The dreams and plans have gone adrift and their future has been dimmed because their next steps further education or careers are dependent upon them clearing their school or college leaving exams. And when that will be and how, are questions that remain to be answered. In the absence of hard academic indicators such as grades and marks, many of these students find themselves in a situation where they are unable to differentiate themselves and lack a cohesive framework to get themselves ready for the jobs and education tasks they face next. The dilemma is exemplified by the recent July 6 circular issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) which directed all the universities across the country to conduct the examinations for the final semester students by September 30, 2020, in the online, offline, or in both the modes as per the convenience of the university. Amid rising criticism and concern over health of the students over UGC’s decision to make final year exams compulsory, the commission (under the ministry of HRD) wants to push this idea but it cannot do it on its own.

Many colleges and universities are not in favour of the UGC directive due to practical reasons. This has only left college and university students in a bigger quandary not only because of the Covid-19 pandemic but because they also face a big challenge of proving themselves for their next journey. The Supreme court held a hearing of the pleas filed in challenging the circular released by the UGC. The plea was filed seeking a cancellation of the final examinations of the students due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The hearing has now been scheduled for July 31, 2020. Not only students but everyone has been caught unprepared by the extent and magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, since all educational institutions remain closed, classes are held online with parents compelled to assume the role of teachers and fast becoming savvy with resources created for home-schoolers to cause minimal disruption to their children’s education. No doubt, it is the only option to ensure that learning is not disabled though it comes with extremely limited contact with friends and virtually no physical activity. The issue of whether or not to conduct examinations will depend on the response from the parents and institutes. While acknowledging both views-UGC and others-what is distinct is that COVID19 has opened the door wider for home schooling and emphasis on self-dependency in learning instead of listening to lectures.

DailyDevotion God’s Purpose or Mine?

He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side… —Mark 6:45 We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

What is my vision of God’s purpose for me?

Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself.

What He desires for me is that I see “Him walking on the sea” with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea” (Mark 6:49). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God. God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future.

We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.

God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.

Quotes

Freedom is never given; it is won. ~ A. Philip Randolph

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

Post-mortem

An appeal to the citizens of NPSA on posting of state Dimapur during the lockdown service officers in Nagaland A T he Naga political problem and the resultant insurgency, has been a long protracted issue from the days before India’s Independence without any real lasting solution being achieved till now. However, after the State was inaugurated as the 16th State of the country in 1963, administrative districts were created and along with it Battalions of Police forces were raised for maintaining law and order. The Police administration in the districts and battalions were headed and commanded by officers on deputation from the Army and Para-military during the initial years and later on

by State Police officers. The State was plagued by insurgency for decades till ceasefire was declared and Ground Rules were enforced.

During the period when the State was in the midst of heightened insurgency many inducted SPS officers and NPS officers were at the helms of affairs in the district facing untold pressures in their workplaces as well as threats to personal life.

The Indian Police Service (IPS) cadre was introduced in Nagaland in 1989 after 27 years of attaining Statehood where 22 (twenty two) Nagaland Police Service (NPS) officers were inducted as RR (IC) officers and 14 (fourteen) SPS officers were inducted into the IPS during the first two years and 2 (two) IPS (RR) officers were allotted to Nagaland in 1989. The SPS officers of the initial constitution

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and the inducted State Police Service officers have all served the Department and the State with distinction in all capacities and some have even went on to become decorated Director General of Police. The total strength of IPS cadre in the State presently is 75. Of this, 66.6% is for the IPS Regular Recruits and 33.3% is to be filled up by the State Police Service by induction. At present, about 20 (twenty) IPS (RR) officers are serving in the State in various capacities while many officers are on Central deputation. To add to this shortage, many IPS (RR) officers have resigned from service or changed their cadre which has created a situation where many Senior Duty posts in the Department are lying vacant in the State and are therefore, manned by officers on officiating promotions or by the NPS cadre officers.

The initial constitution officers and the State Police Service officers who have been inducted into the IPS during the initial years have served the State with devotion and honour as sons of the soil. The NPS officers are serving with the same dedication and rise to the rank of Superintendent of Police after almost 20 years of service and are inducted into IPS after 25-28 years of service. NPS officers who have served and are serving as Superintendent of Police in the districts have proven that effective policing is vastly determined by experience and

A message to students

eloved students, by now most of you might have joined online classes. For those of you who are unable to avail the facility for some reason do not get discouraged. This handicap should be a strong challenge for you to overcome it by becoming yourself stronger in some way. You will have opportunity to make up. The excitement of joining the college will be a little dampened as you will be having virtual classes only. Have patience and soon you will have the pleasure of meeting your college mates and teachers. Instead of being discouraged you must be grateful to God because you are alive when many have died due to the pandemic. As you begin your new session in the college, I want to advise you to keep the following points in mind which will benefit you immensely.

Firstly, fear God and have intimate relation with Him, which is the beginning of wisdom and understanding (Prov. 9:10-12). The famous preacher Dr. Paul Dhinakaran once said, “After I have been born again, my mother did not have to wake me up to study.” He developed sense of responsibility as a student because he received wisdom from God. Every one of you should have this experience to succeed in life.

Secondly, you must obey and honour your parents if you want to receive two-fold blessings of prosperity and long life as promised in Eph. 6:1-3. Take it seriously as it is the word of God which has power. Consider how much parents sacrifice for children to give them good education and a good future.

Once a farmer from North Assam was interviewed by a pressman.

The farmer was boastful of the big cows he was rearing. He told that

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wisdom acquired in dealing with law and order issues and handling various forms of conflict situations over the years.

The present law and order situation in Nagaland is largely peaceful in comparison to that in the past and also with that prevailing in many other states in India despite the protracted and unresolved issues. In such a precarious and unpredictable law and order situation, the District Police under the Superintendent of Police have to be proactive.

The role of the District Police in assisting the District Administration also requires balancing the factors that connect the people, their customs and traditions and the need for an effective administration. The State Government has been exercising its prerogative of posting suitable officers to the districts and the officers have proved to be capable as reposed.

To this effect, the DoPT taking exception to the posting of nonIAS officers as Deputy Commissioners in the districts may be true as a violation of the IAS (cadre) Rules, 1954, considering the post being IAS cadre posts. However, the circumstances under which the State Government, for effective governance, post its officers it considers suitable for a particular assignment is a prerogative that should be left to its wisdom and discretion.

NPSA President Vekhosa Ckg (NPS) and General Secretary Watichuchang Jamir (NPS)

two of the biggest cows would go outside- one to Delhi and another to Bengaluru. He would sell them and send the amount to his two sons studying in those cities. Some of your parents might have sold animals, food grains or properties for your studies. Remember your parents are your best friends willing to give the best for you. So when you cooperate with your parents your success is guaranteed. George Washington, the father of American nation became great because he obeyed his parents, who taught him to know God, to walk in truth and to read the Bible daily. He became the first President of America in 1776 and laid a strong God fearing foundation for America and gave the motto: “In God we trust,” which in inscribed on every dollar currency. Even in White House he read the Bible daily.

Thirdly, remember there is no substitute to hard work. So study hard from Day-I. In a recent paper I read that a Mizo girl, daughter of a daily wage earner got 8th rank in the state class 12thBoard Examination. She was awarded by state Governor and when inquired about her secret of success, she said she got up at 3 AM and studied upto 8AM and then studied from 6PM to 8PM, a total of 9 hours. Besides that she helped in the household chores too. What a challenge to all of you. If she was able to get up at 3 AM, you may do so at 5AM and study 7 hours a day. You can always improve. So with that positive will and determination prove to the world, you can do much better and we all want to witness that with great cheers. Wishing you a grand success, all dear students.

Dr. A Loso Chalai, Immanuel College, Dimapur

s we all know that we are entering into a crucial stage in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and it is our desire that there should be low morbidity and no mortality amongst us.

However, it has been observed during the past one week that mortality especially among the older age group and those with co-morbidity is increasing and the number of positive cases among the general public is also alarmingly on the rise. Our investigation and contact tracing is ongoing and our Dimapur district CMO team are collecting data on the field at any time of the day, for which we require your support and cooperation. At this stage we cannot stop the virus transmission completely, but definitely you and I can control and contain the spread to a certain extend so as to buy some time before we get a vaccine or a definitive and effective drug which may come in a few months time. It is worrying to note that most of the deaths were linked to persons involved in businesses and shops, which tell us that transmission must have occurred in the market places and shopping areas. Hence, this lockdown has been imposed at the right time so as to save us all from getting infected during shopping/marketing/ loitering/roaming around etc.

It may be further pointed out that all of us were very seri-

ous about wearing mask and implementing strict dos and don’ts many months before CORONA actually came to us, but after the Virus entered our state everybody seems to be so casual and reckless, which is a major concern for all of us.

If this trend continues, then we are headed to a point of no return with devastating after effects and loss of many lives. Therefore, the Dimapur district CMO team appeal to one and all to be a better and responsible citizen by observing all the guidelines and measures implemented by the government agencies, municipal councils, village councils, colony councils, CBOs, FBOs, churches etc in order to save our state from any major catastrophe.

The dos and don’ts for COVID-19 pandemic is available everywhere, so we are not repeating it again, but with our folded hands we are requesting all our citizens to follow every precautionary measure such as social distancing, wearing of mask, hand hygience, use of sanitisers, not spitting everywhere, not loitering around, no mass gathering etc. If each of us practices these simple fundamentals then it will take a long way in containing the spread and maintain a controllable state of cross-infection and transmission.

Dr. Tiasunep Pongener (MD, AIIMS), CMO, Dimapur

Everything happens for a reason

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ometimes, people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there.

They serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become.

You never know who these people are; your roommate, your neighbor, professor, long lost friend, lover or even a complete stranger who, when you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment, that they will affect your life in some profound way. And sometimes, things happen to you and at that time they seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realized your potential, strength, will power of heart. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck.

Illnesses, injury, love, etc, lost moments or true greatness and sheer stupidities all occur to test the limits of the soul.

I lost my parents when I was a baby (during my infant stage) and there was this belief in me that it had happened for a reason with a purpose.

I always question myself, “Why do I have to lose my parents? What is the reason and purpose behind it? “All unanswerable questions struck my mind, but one thing that calms my unending thoughts is that ‘Everything Happens For A Reason ‘ and I’m yet to know the reason. This belief, that everything happens for a purpose and a reason has made me accept my past and has made me stronger in

Need for SBI branch at Viswema

the present and better in the future.

We as humans are all different but it doesn’tl mean we cannot do what others can. We can all be a hero in real life, for that we have to meet and overcome challenges. Tackle challenges as opportunities to push ourselves beyond what we think we can do.

The strongest are those, who can withstand, transcend and hardship, make way out of no way and have no mood of discouragement and hopelessness, as everything happens for a reason. Just staying calm and relaxed isn’t the solution to know who you are and what you can do. As young people there are many things to do and learn all around, all we need is the current of excitement in us. There are many test and obstacles but, try the best and give the best and always take precautions.

Without these small tests, if there be events, illness or relationships, life would be like a smooth paved, straight, flat road to nowhere, safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, the success and failures you experience, they are the ones who create who you are.

Even the bad experience can teach us, those lessons are the hardest and probably the most important ones.

Many a times we fall but we must keep on rising up (from the fall) and attain the victory at the end. If someone hates you, betrays you, or breaks your heart: forgive

them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they are teaching you to love and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.

Make every day count.

Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Set your sights high so you can make your life into anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it. Never quit, no matter what circumstances comes your way. Let’s stand strong and firm. Let our determination be the shield against any circumstances.

A poem based on the present situation: SOS (The cry of teens) Life of darkness, solitude, and despair, Fear crippling the minds of the people, Remnants of the past still speaks, To wake me from my agonizing sleep.

Mindless game of guns and bullets Deafening sound of the explosions, “Two down”, In desperate tone they yell, Where is the brothers’ love?

Uncensored surreal of vanity, Gives the profile of Adam and Eve, Rocking their lives away in codex code, This is the era of the end, The World is still waiting for a change, The goodness still lingers on, Make a wish but make it wise.

Sashijenla Pongen, Modern College Kohima

Reader’s Post

he Covid-19 pandemic Banking facilities available in Cherry Festival is conducted banking facilities in the area has brought about nu- the area are –One SBI branch at Mao; located at a stone except the one at Jakhama merous changes in our with ATM inside the Army throw away from Khuzama Army Camp and the three day to day life and to keep the Camp and an ATM (South village. The entry points to ATM’s mentioned above. virus Covid-19 from spread- Indian Bank) at St. Joseph Dzukou valley, Kezoltsa, Therefore, I would re- Sir, ing the government had and College, Jakhama and the Tempu mountain and Japfu quest the authorities look My sincere appeal to the telecom operators is doing all it possibly can third ATM (SBI) is inside the mountain; often visited by into the public grievances and and district administration of Wokha district. in our state. Lockdowns, Chakhabama Army Camp. tourists are located in this mitigate the their sufferings Not even a single network is operating well, be containment zones, social One Bank and three ATM’s region. The National highway by setting up an SBI branch it Jio, Idea, Vodafone, BSNL and Airtel. It’s like distancing etc have become for the whole region !!!

29 connecting Dimapur and at Viswema and ATM’s at the people of Wokha are donating free money to the in-thing of the day. To cut The Southern Angami Imphal via Kohima, and the Prayer Park junction Kidima, the telecom companies because there is literally a long story short, the nearest area is well known for its State highways connecting Phesama and Khuzama vilzero service from the telecom companies. When banking facility available for terrace rice, organic pota- Kohima with Phek and Kip- lages to reduce the sufferings the whole world is moving towards a digital platthe people of Viswema and toes, vegetables, fruits, wild hire districts passes through of the public in availing the the surrounding villages is vegetables, honey, stones, this region. Inspite of all benefits of banking such as form we the Wokha people are still in the dark. I at the SBI Jakhama which timber and minor forest pro- these potentiasl and the large day to day transactions, loans, sincerely appeal to the district administration to is inside the Army Camp. duce, brine etc besides being population with educational government programs and restore the faith in public by directing the telecom Now, with this pandemic, a growing tourist destination. institutions and health care fa- PM’s schemes etc. which will companies to deliver proper services to enable both the public and army do The annual Nagaland Horn- cilities plus the Army Camps go a long way in uplifting the the citizens for working from home as well as students to attend proper classes online. not feel safe in visiting the bill Festival is conducted at at Zakhama-Kigwema and Southern Angami people. bank inside the camp. The Kisama while the Manipur Chakhabama, there are no Rusovil John M. Ngullie, Wokha 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.

Zero telecom service in Wokha

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

5

to remove ex-DGP, former Gehlot govt insists on July 31 for session SC refuses judge from Vikas Dubey panel JAIPUR, JUL 28 (PTI): The Rajasthan government on Tuesday sent a revised proposal for an assembly session to Governor Kalraj Mishra, sticking to its demand that the sitting should begin on July 31 and refusing to mention if it would seek a trust vote.

Sources said the Cabinet took the stand after discussing the suggestions made by Mishra when he returned a proposal from the state government to summon a Vidhan Sabha session.

Amid nationwide protests by Congress workers over the Governor’s apparent reluctance to call a session, Mishra had on Monday said he had no such intention.

But he sought a redrafted proposal, the second time in the past few days, including three points – a 21-day notice for calling a session, live broadcast of the proceedings if there is a trust vote, and social distancing.

In addition, the Governor had written that a session can be called at a short notice if the government says in its new proposal that

it planned to seek a vote of confidence.

But sources said the Ashok Gehlot government has not mentioned in its new proposal whether it is seeking a vote of confidence in the assembly session, which it is still insisting should begin on July 31, the date it gave in its last recommendation. Asked about the agenda of the proposed session, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said it was for the Business Advisory Committee of the assembly to decide.

On social distancing in the Vidhan Sabha to fight coronavirus, the minister said it was for the Speaker to make the arrangements.

“The BJP stands exposed. They are changing their statements,” he said, in an apparent reference to the Speaker’s last note. The minister was also dismissive of the 21-day notice requirement. He said “10 days” have already passed since the government proposed a session and asked why the Governor hadn’t given a date himself.

“We want permission to call the assembly session,

Says won’t mention trust vote in agenda

Ashok Gehlot

which is our right. We don’t want any confrontation with the Governor and we hope that he will give his approval this time,” Khachariyawas told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

“He has no right to be raising queries. Yet we are giving a reply,” the minister said.

He said there was no rivalry with the Governor. “He is the head of our family.” In his note, Governor Mishra had said media statements

Mumbai sees lowest single-day Covid-19 cases in 3 months

Health workers arrives to screen people for COVID-19 symptoms at a residential building in Mumbai. (AP)

MUMBAI, JUL 28 (AGENCIES): On a day Mumbai recorded its highest coronavirus testing figures with almost 9,000 tests, only around 700 positive cases were reported from these tests. From the 8,776 tests conducted on Monday, around 700 samples were positive, which is the lowest in the last 100 days.

The country’s financial capital reported 1,033 COVID-19 cases on Monday from tests conducted on Sunday. The doubling rate in the city is 68 days now and Mumbai’s recovery rate is at 73 per cent. The overall growth rate of coronavirus cases in Mumbai from July 20 to July 26 was 1.03 per cent. On Monday, the entire state of Maharashtra recorded 7,924 cases and 227 deaths. Mumbai reported

1,021 cases and 39 deaths.

Mumbai has reported 6,132 deaths so far.

“The good news: Only 700 cases today in Mumbai & that too with highest testing till date in Mumbai in a single day(8776).This is chase the virus in full capacity. A major relief after 3 months.

Caution: don’t let the guard down! Don’t let your mask down! Only get numbers down!” Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray said in a series of tweets today. There are a total of 1,10,182 cases in Mumbai and of these, only 21,812 are active cases. In comparison, neighbouring Thane has 34,471 active cases and Pune has 48,672 active cases.

Mumbai, which was the worst-affected city in the country in the first three

months of the pandemic, has now seen some relief with the number of new cases being reported in the city seemingly plateauing.

Authorities are, however, being very cautious as they say they fear a second wave and there is still some time for a vaccine to arrive. The ongoing monsoon and the fact that the surrounding areas of Mumbai have seen a huge spike in cases also mean that the city will continue to be on alert and remain cautious while granting relaxations.

Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, which was one of the worst hotspots in Mumbai, has also managed to keep the number of positive cases low. The area has 98 active cases now and reported only nine new cases on Monday.

The total number of cases in Dharavi stands at 2,540.

by the state government indicated that it wanted to prove its majority through a vote of confidence, but this has not been mentioned in its proposal.

“If the government wants to win a vote of confidence, then it can become a reasonable ground for calling the assembly session on a short notice,” a press note said Monday, quoting the Governor. This is the third time Ashok Gehlot government has sent a pro-

posal to the Governor for an assembly session, amid the crisis the Congress faces in the state after a rebellion

by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident MLAs. The minister alleged that after Rajasthan, the BJP wants to target West Bengal, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. The Congress has alleged that the Mishra is acting “under pressure” from the BJP government at the Centre.

AICC general secretary Avinash Pande in a series of tweets questioned the Governor for not calling the assembly session.

“Kalraj Mishra is identified as a skilled administrator and a seasoned leader who respects political integrity, and holds a dignified post of the Governor of Rajasthan. His image has always been that of an idealistic leader,” he said.

“But in the context of the crisis in Rajasthan, the Governor of Rajasthan is adopting a biased approach to fulfil the interests of a particular party, which is violation of the rules mentioned in our Constitution,” he added.

NIA arrests DU prof Hany in Bhima Koregaon case New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI): The NIA on Tuesday arrested an associate professor of Delhi University in connection with the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case, an official said.

Hany Babu Musaliyarveettil Tharayil, 54, a resident of Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, is an associate professor in the Department of English, a spokesperson of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The case relates to an Elgar Parishad event of December 31, 2017, organised by the Kabir Kala Manch at Shaniwarwada in Pune, where alleged provocative speeches were made, promoting enmity between various caste groups and leading to violence resulting in loss of life and property and statewide agitation in Maharashtra, the official said.

During investigation, it was revealed that senior leaders of the CPI (Maoist), a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, were in contact with the organisers of Elgar Parishad as well as the accused arrested in the case to spread the ideology of Maoism/Naxalism and encourage unlawful activities, the official of the premier investigation agency said.

The Pune police filed a charge sheet and a supplementary charge sheet in the case on November 15, 2018 and February 21, 2019 respectively.

The NIA took up the investigation of the case on January 24 this year and arrested Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha on April 14, the official said.

During further investigation, it was revealed that Hany Babu was propagating Naxal activities and Maoist ideology and was a “co-conspirator” with the other arrested accused, the NIA official said.

He will be produced before a special NIA court in Mumbai on Wednesday and his police custody will be sought for custodial interrogation, he said, adding that further investigation in the case was underway.

NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (AGENCIES): The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed the pleas seeking removal of former high court judge Justice (retd) Shashi Kant Agarwal and retired Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) K L Gupta from the inquiry panel constituted to probe the killing of gangster Vikas Dubey in an alleged encounter.

The apex court had last week approved a draft notification by the UP government recommending the names of retired Supreme Court judge B S Chauhan and ex-DGP K L Gupta to the panel which would probe the killing of eight policemen and the subsequent encounters of Dubey and five of his alleged associates. The panel already had retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shashi Kant Agarwal.

A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, said it would not allow the petitioners to cast aspersions

on the inquiry commission members. The top court was hearing two petitions filed

by Ghanshyam Upadhyay and Anoop Prakash Awasthi seeking their removal.

After Dubey’s encounter, ex-DGP Gupta had said in a TV debate that it was not right to doubt the police.

Asked about his remarks, ex-DGP Gupta had told The Indian Express, “Once we are made a part of the inquiry, we should not speak much on the process.

Now we have to work more and speak less. We will be objective and fair to the inquiry.”

The Supreme Court bench, after perusing media

COVID-19: 7 frontline workers among 10 test +ve in Pfutsero

(From p-1) Partial lockdown in Pfutsero town: The Phek DC ordered partial lockdown in Pfutsero town from Wednesday till August 4 following an emergency meeting of District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19.

As per the order, pharmacies, shops selling essential commodities and fuel outlets will remain open from 6 am to 12 noon, while all public and vehicular movement will be prohibited from 1 pm, except for medical emergencies, police and administration.

The lockdown measures have been imposed in order to enhance active surveillance and ensure comprehensive contact tracing, detection of suspected cases and implementation of isolation measures so that the chain of transmission could be slowed down and the spread of COVID-19 infection contained.

Meanwhile, after receiving the order, Pfutsero Town Public Core Committee convener Mesulo Khalo told Nagaland Post that the committee would seek total lockdown of Pfutsero town.

He said a meeting would be held on Wednesday to review the situation of the town and seek total lockdown for contact tracing and to contain the spread of the virus.

CMO Dmu urges citizens to follow precautions

(From p-1) the lockdown had been imposed at the right time to save everyone from getting infected.

While everyone was very serious about wearing masks and in observing strict dos and don’ts many months before COVID actually arrived, he observed that after the virus entered the State everybody seems to have become casual and reckless, which is a matter of concern. He warned that if this trend continued, then the State was headed towards a point of no return with devastating after-effects, including loss of many lives.

The CMO requested all citizens to follow all precautionary measures like social distancing, wearing of masks, practising hand hygiene, use sanitizers, not spitting everywhere, not loitering around, no mass gathering, etc.

He said if everyone practised these simple fundamentals, then this would go a long way in containing the spread of the virus.

reports pertaining to interviews given by Gupta, said the inquiry would not be vitiated as there are two judges part of the commission.

Eight policemen, including DSP Devendra Mishra, who were ambushed in Bikru village in Chaubeypur area of Kanpur when they were going to arrest Dubey and fell to bullets fired from rooftops shortly after midnight on July 3.

Dubey was killed in an encounter in the morning of July 10 when a police vehicle carrying him from Ujjain to Kanpur met with an accident and he tried to escape from the spot in Bhauti area, the police had said.

ASTD welcomes clarification on TruNat test DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Welcoming the state government’s clarification that no amount of money would be charged for citizens undergoing swab test for TrueNat COVID-19 test, the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) Tuesday said it was a huge sigh of relief to the citizens of Nagaland.

In a press release, ASTD president L Wati Jamir and general secretary K Mar Lemtur have, however, expressed displeasure over the purported shortage of supply of medical equipment such as facemask, PPE, plastic apron, shoe cover and surgical caps and other safety materials to the frontline workers at COVID-19 Hospital Dimapur.

ASTD said it was the duty of the responsible authority/department to adequately supply all necessary medical kits. The union has, therefore, appealed the authority to immediately take stock of the situation and address the problem faced by the frontline workers at the earliest.

With Dimapur under eight-day total lockdown, the ASTD through its has appealed all citizens of Dimapur town in particular to be aware of the situation and cooperate with the district administration and adhere to all COVID-19 protocols.

Meanwhile, ASTD has appreciated the Kohima police for timely arrest of five accused in connection with a robbery case at private courier service in Kohima. It has appealed to law enforcement agency to award befitting punishment to those responsible as per appropriate section of law.

Corbett has highest number of 231 tigers in country: Report NTUCT appeals CIC to direct Police Says three reserves in Mizoram, WEST Bengal and Jharkhand have none dept to furnish appointment details

NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (PTI): The Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand has the highest number of 231 big cats in the country while three reserves in Mizoram, West Bengal and Jharkhand have none, says a new report released on Tuesday which is based on tiger estimation done last year.

The over 600-page report of the fourth All India Tiger Estimation 2018 was released by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on the eve of Global Tiger Day, celebrated on July 29 every year, shows reserve-wise and state-wise tiger population distribution.

The ‘Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey in India report for 2018’ showed that out of the 50 tiger reserves in the country, three reserves - Mizoram’s Dampa reserve, West Bengal’s Buxa reserve and Jharkhand’s Palamau reserve - have no tigers left.

Currently, the tiger

Representational image

population within the reserves is 1,923 (65 per cent of the total tiger population of India), the report said.

According to the population estimation of tigers in reserves for 2018-19, Corbett has 231 tigers followed by Nagarhole and Bandipore reserves in Karnataka with 127 and 126 tigers respectively.

Assam’s Kaziranga and Madhya Pradesh’s Band-

havgarh recorded 104 tigers each, the report said.

It said some reserves like Similipal (Odisha), Amrabad and Kawal in Telangana, Nagarjunsagar Sri Sailam (Andhra Pradesh), Pa la m a u ( Jha rkha nd) , Sanjay-Dubri (MP), Nameri and Manas in Assam, Buxa (West Bengal), Dampa (Mizoram), Anshi Dandeli (Karnataka) and Pakke (Arunachal Pradesh) are below

their potential and require resources and targeted management.

“In areas where tigers have not been recorded or the population has declined, restoration needs to proceed by improving protection, augmentation of prey, and reintroduction of tigers from an appropriate source.

“For reintroduction of tigers into Palamau, prey augmentation needs to be coupled with restoration of law and order. For tiger reintroduction or supplementation in Palamau and Similipal, tigers need to be sourced from the closest source in the same genetic cluster. Buxa and Dampa can be repopulated through reintroductions from Kaziranga, after prey restoration in Buxa and strengthening protection in Dampa which has a good prey base,” it said.

According to the report, in the state-wise distribution of tigers, Madhya Pradesh was found with maximum tigers at 526 fol-

lowed by Karnataka at 524 and 442 in Uttarakhand.

Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had released the four-yearly tiger census report according to which the tiger population in the country had grown from 1,400 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2019.

Javadekar said India is ready to take a leadership role and work with other tiger range countries for the management of the reserves.

He said all of India’s 50 tiger reserves were not poor quality.

Speaking on the eve of the Global Tiger Day, the environment minister said India is proud of its achievements and despite the scarcity of land and rainfall, it boasts of eight per cent of the world’s biodiversity.

There are currently 13 tiger range countries -- India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.

DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT) has appealed to chief information commissioner (CIC) of the State to direct the police department to furnish appointment orders of 1,140 backdoor appointed constables, appointment orders of 208 candidates recruited through open advertisement and impose penalty on public information officer (PIO) of the department for refusing to share documents despite filing an application in this regard under Right to Information (RTI) Act. In a letter to CIC, NTUCT president Lhousito Khro said the union had filed an application before the public information officer on March 3, 2020 seeking furnishing of appointment orders of 1,140 alleged backdoor appointed constables and detail particulars of 206 or 208 candidates selected

and appointed through open recruitment with their names, chest numbers and district wise.

However, as the public information officer failed to furnish the documents even after expiry of 30day mandatory period, the union stated that it had appealed to the director general of police (DGP), who is the department’s appellate authority. Thereafter, the appellate authority took up hearing on June 17, 2020 and ordered the public information officer to promptly reply to the RTI. The letter stated despite the DGP’s order, the public information officer defiantly refused to share the documents by stating that the information sought did not meet any public interest or activity and quoted Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act. Besides the 208 appointments made through open adver tisement,

NTUCT alleged that the police department also made 1,140 backdoor appointments, adding that these recruits were about to be sent to Nagaland Armed Police Training Centre (NAPTC), Chümoukedima, for undergoing training.

The union said it had opposed the move to train these illegal recruits in the interest of public service and pursuing the RTI tirelessly to stop corruption through such backdoor appointments.

NTUCT contended that any appointment made by the State government were in the interest of public service and in no way attracts Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, which excludes disclosure of personal information or invasion of privacy of a person, and not otherwise, adding the public information officer was apparently mala fide obstructing justice.

6

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

professional colleges shut down France sends ventilators, test kits to India 179this year; highest in last 9 years

The medical equipment was handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society

by French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain at the Palam Air Force Station after the assistance material was flown here on board a

French Air Force aircraft.

“Delighted to hand over COVID-19 medical equipment from France to Shri RK Jain, Secy General @IndianRedCross,” Lenain tweeted along with pictures of the handover.

NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (PTI): Nearly 180 professional colleges, including engineering institutes and business schools, have shut down during the academic year 2020-21, the highest number of closure of technical institutions in the last nine years, according to All India Council of Technical Eduction (AICTE) data.

Besides the closure of 179 institutes, at least 134 institutes did not seek approval this year in view of large number of seats lying vacant over the last 5 years thus making it unviable for continuing the institution.

Also, at least 44 institutes could not get approval or their approvals were withdrawn due to punitive action by the technical education regulator.

25 lakh people displaced by Bihar floods, 8 dead India readies five sites for final phase of Oxford vaccine trials

An aerial view of the flooded Collectorate Ghat at the bank of Ganga River in Patna, July 27. (PTI)

Dua said that in view of the increased water level of various rivers in Bihar, the disaster management department is constantly maintaining a vigil. As many as 765 panchayats in 93 blocks across 11 districts of Bihar have been affected by the surging waters.

As many as 29 relief camps have been set up in the flood-affected areas which house nearly 13,000 people, Ramachandra said.

Crossword

Sudoku

KAKURO

K Y M C

He informed that 703 community kitchens are being run which feed 3,28,357 people every day.

The floods have affected 25 lakh people in the state, he added. The NDRF and SDRF teams are carrying out relief and rescue operations round the clock.

Some 1,67,005 people have been evacuated. However, eight persons have died due to floods, including four each in Darbhanga and West Champaran.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar has instructed engineers to remain stationed for 24 hours at embankments so that emergency repairs can be carried out.

As many as 110 roads have been affected by the floods. Traffic on 28 of these roads has been completely disrupted. Five road bridges, culverts or their contact paths have been damaged. A road construction official said 65 roads have been submerged.

NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (AGENCIES): The government has identified five sites across the country for the third and final phase of the human trials of the OxfordAstraZeneca Covid vaccine, PTI reported on Monday. The Serum Institute of India, which is the world’s largest vaccine maker in terms of the number of doses produced and sold globally, has partnered with biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to mass produce the Oxford vaccine.

“The DBT is now setting up Phase 3 clinical sites,” Secretary of Department of Biotechnology Renu Swarup told PTI over phone. “We have already started working on them and five sites are now ready to be available for Phase 3 trials.”

Swarup added that the sites will be ready within a few weeks for “manufacturers to take them up for clinical trial studies”.

The five sites are at INCLEN Trust International in Palwal, Haryana; KEM in Pune; the Society for Health Allied Research in Hyderabad; the National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai; and Christian Medical College in Vellore, reported The Indian Express.

Swarup said that companies will have a large database of volunteers once the trial sites

No. 9638 Yesterday’s solution No. 9637

No. 4257 Yesterday’s solution No. 4256

No. 3281 Yesterday’s solution No. 3280

Across 3. Wild (5) 8. Vote in (5) 10. Measuring stick (5) 11. Spanish cry (3) 12. Big cat (5) 13. Group of five (7) 15. Asian kingdom (5) 18. Sound of disapproval (3) 19. Croupier works here (6) 21. Mythical winged horse (7) 22. Clasp (4) 23. Corrode (4) 24. Stitches (7) 26. C ounting frame (6) 29. Insulate (3) 31. Build (3,2) 32. Bugbear (7) 34. Pits (5) 35. Tennis shot (3) 36. Enter data (3,2) 37. Accountancy term (5) 38. Recently (5) Down 1. Power, influence (5) 2. Perfumed (7) 4. Discharge (4) 5. Stadia (6) 6. Entices, attracts (5) 7. Chair on poles (5) 9. Boy’s name (3) 12. Lockjaw (7) 14. Towboat (3) 16. Godly (5) 17. Of great height (5) 19. Cloud type (7) 20. Inexpensive (5) 21. Fold in clothing (5) 23. G ives delight to (7) 24. Lying face upwards (6) 25. Torn cloth (3) 27. Purchaser (5) 28. Herb (5) 30. Songbird (5) 32. Chime (4) 33. Hairstyle (3)

are ready. “Having trained and equipped sites for field trials in healthy populations has been a challenge for vaccine manufacturers,” said the DBT secretary.

“These five sites will meet this challenge.”

Swarup added that it was an essential step because it is necessary to have data within the country before the vaccine is administered.

Last week, the Serum Institute of India had said that it will apply for a licence to start clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine developed at Oxford University. “We are confident on going on to the Phase 3 trials in India in August and we forecast that it will take probably two to two-and-half months to complete,” Adar Poonawalla, chief executive officer of Serum Institute of India, had said.

T h e va c c i n e, c a l l e d AZD1222, produced an immune response and was safe in early-stage clinical trials, according to trial results published in The Lancet medical journal.

The Oxford vaccine prompted an antibody response within 28 days and a T-cell response within 14 days. Neutralising antibodies, which can disable the virus, were detected in most participants after one shot, and in all of them after two.

colleges, approval of only ‘Council of Architecture’ and ‘Pharmacy Council of India’ respectively will be mandatory from academic Year 2020-2021,” a senior AICTE official said.

“As a result, the approval of AICTE has been made non-mandatory.Consequently, many of these colleges have withdrawn their affiliation & approval from AICTE resulting in bulk reduction of seats. Effectively, the seats of pharmacy and architecture have now been taken over by their respective regulatory bodies,” he added.

According to official statistics, over 69,000 seats in 762 colleges have been reduced due to reduction in intake or closure of a particular course or division.

OBITUARY

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.

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

Born:29/07/1979 – Died 22/07/2020 Through this column, we the family members would like to thank everyone at the sudden demise of Lt. Tsapise Sangtam on 22/07/2020.

Your kind action and sympathy, financial, material, physical and prayer support has immensely blessed us during this time of pain and sorrow in our family. No language and words are enough to thank everyone of you.

Our hearts are filled with gratitudes and today we share our thankfulness to everyone who stood by us during this time.

Thanks to: 1. Commissioner of Police & all Ranks Dimapur.

2. All Ranks & Files of 3rd NAP Tuensang.

3. 3rd NAP Tuensang Dimapur Zone 1.

4. Dimapur Traffic Police Zone 1.

5. Eastern Nagaland Traffic Police Zone II Chumukedima.

6. P.H.S.N.S. Union Dimapur.

7. Holongba villagers Chumukedima.

8. Sangtam Union Chumukedima.

9. Sangtam Baptist Chumu. Women Dept. & Youth Dept. ELEEO Mission Society.

10. Phom Baptist Church Chumukedima.

11. Shehinah Glory Prayer Centre Chumukedima.

12. N.T.H.S.S. Chumukedima.

Loving wife and children.

DP-3331

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BELOVED LT. LOZANO PATTON

Oldest living IAF pilot turns 100; IAF chief greets

1947 – 29-07-2019

Dalip Singh Majithia NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI): Retired Squadron Leader Dalip Singh Majithia, who holds the distinction of being the oldest living IAF fighter pilot, turned 100 on Monday.

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria extended his greetings to the centenarian who had retired in August 1947 when India achieved Independence.

“IAF extends its best wishes to Sqn Ldr Dalip Singh Majithia (retd) on his 100th birthday today. He retired in Aug 1947 & holds the distinction of being the ‘oldest’ IAF fighter pilot now,” the IAF tweeted.

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria conveyed warm greetings and heartiest congratulations to Majithia on behalf of all air warriors, the IAF said.

It also shared a short video clip on him on Twitter.

LAND FOR SALE At Padumpukhuri, Dimapur

Area : Any size available Price : Rs. 290 per sq. ft.

No Filling Required No Broker Contact Nos : 9862128679 8014690505 DP-3049

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DP-2989(B)

PATNA, JUL 28 (IANS): Torrential rain in the catchment areas of Bihar and Nepal has aggravated the flood situation in the state with almost all major rivers flowing above the danger mark.

Nearly 25 lakh people have been displaced in the state. Despite relief and rescue operations by the Bihar government people are in dire straits. Traffic has been affected in many areas.

According to a report by the water resources department on Tuesday, the water level of the Kosi, near Veerpur barrage, was at a dangerous level at 8 a.m.

Similarly, the water level in the Gandak river has crossed the danger mark near Balmikinagar barrage.

Rivers such as the Bagmati, Budhi Gandak, Kamla Balan and Ganga are flowing above the danger mark in many areas.

People have left their homes and taken refuge in higher areas.

Disaster management secretar y Ramchandra

While 92 technical institutes had to close down in the 2019-20 academic session, the figures were 89 (2018-19), 134 (2017-18), 163 (2016-17), 126 (2015-16) and 77 (2014-15).

Progressive closure means institute cannot admit the students for the first year during the academic year, however, the existing students will continue till completion of their course and their degrees are treated as valid. In the academic year 2020-21, a total of 1.09 lakh seats approved by AICTE have been reduced in pharmacy and architecture institutions.

“As per recent Supreme Court judgement, for functioning of existing and setting up of new Architecture and Pharmacy

Today is the 1st Anniversary of the day, you left us to be with the Lord dearest Ayo. You are where God wanted you to be at this very moment for it was the divine plan of God to keep you with Him ahead of all of us, because you are the best.

Yet, your absence in our midst is always deeply felt and missed beyond words. The uncountable memories we all shared together would be etched in our broken hearts, never to die. The beautiful memories will live on Ayo dear.

God has you in His arms We have you in our hearts REST IN PEACE DEAREST AYO, TILL WE MEET AGAIN. Loving husband, sons, daughters, in-laws, grand-children, great grand-children and loved ones.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We the bereaved family of Late Mrs. ALEMLA YANTHAN, W/o P. D. Yanthan would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual(s), friends and wellwishers who stood by us emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially at the sad demise of our Mother on 21/07/2020.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Mr & Mrs Biren Kikon, Dimapur 2. Wokha Town Baptist Church 14/03/1945 – 21/07/2020 3. Mekokla Ekhung Wokha Town 4. Mekokla Eloe Ekhung Wokha Town 5. Wokha District Football Association 6. Chumukedima Nkonjan Mekokla Ekhung 7. Chanka Village 8. Wokha Town Ao Baptist Church 9. Ao Union Wokha 10. Wokha Town Council Staff 11. Mekokla Yanthan Ekhung Wokha Town 12. ALKAT Telongjem Wokha Town 13. GA/Project Colony Union 14. GA/Project Colony Eloe Ekhung 15. GA/Project Colony Youth 16. Rengma Baptist Church Wokha Town 17. EE PWD (R&B) Wokha Staff 18. Panacea Nursing Home Wokha 19. Doctors, Nurses and Staff of CIHSR (Referral) 4th Mile Dimapur We profoundly regret our inability to thank everyone individually but we pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

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NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (PTI): France on Tuesday h a n d e d ove r t o I n d i a ventilators, test kits and other medical equipment as part of its assistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have different ventilation modes, including noninvasive ventilation, it said.

The Yuwell 830 ventilators have bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) -- a non-invasive technique to supply oxygen to the lungs without intubation.

These high-quality ventilators meet the needs of Indian hospitals, the embassy had said.

The donation by France also includes 50,000 highquality serological IgG/ IgM test kits and 50,000 nose and throat swabs and modes of medical transport, the statement said.

The equipment was transported on a French Air Force A330 MRTT equipped with a Morpheus kit, which enables the transport of critically ill patients.

DC-464

France to India Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain inspects ventilators installed in a plane, transporting test kits and equipments donated by France in New Delhi, July 28. (PTI)

“France earlier granted 200 million euros in financial aid to India through @AFD_en (French development agency). With @ IFCCI1 CSR committee, French companies, too, have contributed to relief efforts in India,” he said.

President Emmanuel Macron had recently announced the donation of medical equipment to India, as well as provision of technical expertise, according to a statement by the French embassy.

As part of this medical assistance package, France is donating to India 50 Osiris-3 ventilators and 70 Yuwell 830 ventilators with BiPAP mode, it had said.

Osiris ventilators are particularly useful for emergency transport, intra-hospital transfer and recovery.

- Loving Husband, Children, Grandchildren, In-Laws and Relatives K Y M C

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

US-China spats rattle world; prompting calls for unity ing of diplomatic norms has alarmed France.

“Sino-American tensions don’t benefit France,” said Valerie Niquet of the Foundation for Strategic Research, a think tank.

“We share the same interests as the United States towards China, we adopt more or less the same positions, so it doesn’t bring us any positive element.”

EUROPE: Europe’s “strategic relations” with China will be an issue for the European Union while Germany holds the rotating presidency of the 27nation bloc, Merkel said this month.

EU foreign ministers have not managed to agree on a common position on China.

Regarding Hong Kong, options include closer scrutiny of exports of sensitive technology to the territory and changing visa policies for its residents. But there is no talk of economic sanctions or targeting Chinese officials with penalties.

“The message is that the recent actions change the rules,” said the top EU foreign policy official, Josep Borrell. “This will require a revision of our approach and will clearly have an impact on our relations.”

SOUTH KOREA: South Korea is squeezed between its main military ally and its biggest trading partner.

In 2016, Beijing destroyed supermarket operator Lotte’s business in China after the conglomerate sold a plot of land in South Korea to the government for an anti-missile system over Chinese objections.

Washington is unhappy with South Korea’s desire to ease sanctions on North Korea to encourage disarmament and uneasy about its use of Huawei technology. Trump complains about the cost of stationing 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea to protect against North Korean threats. A cost-sharing agreement expired in 2019 without a replacement.

The U.S.-Chinese row “has thrown a question to South Korea” about which side to choose, the newspaper Dong-A Ilbo said in an editorial Monday.

“Sooner or later we will be forced to provide an answer, no matter how hard we tried to avoid it,” the newspaper said.

INDIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tried to embrace both Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump, but the pandemic and a

NZ suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong

Biden has 10point lead over Trump: Poll

BEIJING, JUL 28 (AP): Antagonisms between the US and China are rattling governments around the world, prompting a German official to warn of “Cold War 2.0” and Kenya’s president to appeal for unity to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Global trade already was depressed by two years of tariff warring between the world’s two biggest economies. That rancour has spread to include Hong Kong, Chinese Muslims, spying accusations and control of the South China Sea. Caught in the middle, other world governments are trying to defend their own interests.

GERMANY: Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to preserve trade and cooperation on global warming but says security law tightening Beijing’s control over Hong Kong is a “difficult issue.” The potential disruption from the Hong Kong security law of the autonomy Beijing promised to the former British colony is no reason to stop talking but is “a worrying development,” Merkel said Monday.

E u r o p e ’s b i g g e s t economy has yet to take a final position on Chinese tech giant Huawei despite

Wellington, Jul 28 (AP): New Zealand on Tuesday announced that it will follow the lead of its intelligence allies by suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

The move comes in response to China passing a sweeping new security law for the semi-autonomous territory.

New Zealand is the final member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance to take such action after the US, Australia, Canada and the UK previously announced similar measures.

New Zealand relies on China as its largest trading partner and in the past has often tried to avoid direct political confrontation. China each year buys billions of dollars worth of New Zealand’s agricultural goods, including its lucrative milk powder which is used in infant formula.

But Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the new law went against commitments China had made

File photo of Donald Trump and Xi Xingping.

U.S. pressure to exclude its equipment from next-generation telecom networks as a possible security risk.

“China is an important partner for us but also a competitor,” Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a statement after a videoconference Friday with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Peter Beyer, the government’s coordinator for trans-Atlantic cooperation, expressed alarm in an interview with the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland newspaper group.

“We are experiencing the beginning of a Cold War 2.0,” Beyer said. He criticized both sides but said, “the U.S. is our most important partner outside the EU, and that is how it will stay.”

FRANCE: President Emmanuel Macron calls President Donald Trump “my friend” but is trying to avoid riling Beijing.

France has not echoed Trump’s criticism of Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus, but legislators applauded Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian last week when he condemned abuses of minority Uighurs in China’s northwest.

Le Drian mentioned “mass arrests, disappearances, forced labour, forced sterilisations, the destruction of Uighur cultural heritage.” He said France has asked that the camps be closed.

“All these practices are unacceptable,” the minister said. “We condemn them.”

Trump’s ambivalence toward U.S. allies and flout-

Jacinda Ardern

to the international community.

“New Zealand can no longer trust that Hong Kong’s criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China,” Peters said.

He said there would be other changes to the relationship. New Zealand would now treat military and technology exports to Hong Kong in the same way as it treats such exports to China, he said, and had updated its travel advice to warn New Zealanders

about the risks they faced under the new law.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand was following its principles.

“We do have a mature relationship with China,” Ardern said. “There have been occasions where we have taken different positions. This obviously will be one of them.”

China says the new security law is needed to combat terrorism and separatism and prevent Hong Kong from becoming a base

for undermining Chinese state power. In general, cases would be tried in Hong Kong, but the law allows for mainland jurisdiction in some circumstances.

Peters said New Zealand had taken its stance independently of its Five Eyes partners and wasn’t concerned about any impact on exports.

“We are surely entitled as a democracy to make our views known,” he said.

He said New Zealand remains deeply concerned about the legislation and would monitor the situation in Hong Kong as the new law was enforced.

China’s embassy in Wellington, led by ambassador Wu Xi, said on Tuesday it was preparing a response to the announcement.

Earlier this month, as New Zealand considered such a move, the embassy urged New Zealand to “stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, and refrain from going any further down the wrong path”.

Washington, Jul 28 (IANS): Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden was leading US President Donald Trump by 10 points nationally,according to a new poll which showed that a majority of American voters viewed the former Vice President better equipped to lead the country.

The Harvard CAPSHarris Poll released on Monday found Biden at 55 per cent support, against Trump at 45 per cent, reports The Hill news website. Biden has support from 91 per cent of Democrats, compared to 87 pe rcent of Republicans who back the President.

Meanwhile, a poll coconducted by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Chicago revealed that Trump’s approval rating for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic sank to 32 per cent, a record low, Xinhua news agency reported.

border clash that killed at least 20 Indian soldiers have fueled anti-Chinese sentiment.

Protesters have called for boycotts of Chinese goods and burned Chinese flags. They applauded the government’s ban on the popular Chinese videosharing app TikTok and some other Chinese apps.

Washington wants stronger ties with India and supported its controversial move a year ago to split its only Muslim-majority state, restive Jammu and Kashmir, into two federally controlled territories.

This month, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the United States would stand up to China on the Indian border dispute.

“For India it is opportune that the U.S. is applying more pressure on China, and if it can get it to behave, that would be welcomed by the entire neighborhood,” said Jayadev Ranade, president of the Center for China Analysis think tank in New Delhi.

AFRICA: China-U.S. tensions are taking a toll: The African Development Bank said last year trade disruption due to the tariff war could lead to a 2.5 per cent drop in economic output for some African countries.

7

Global COVID-19 cases doubled in last 6 weeks: WHO Geneva, Jul 28 (IANS): World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he will reconvene the Emergency Committee on Thursday to re-evaluate the coronavirus pandemic, as the global COVID-19 cases doubled over the last six weeks.

Thursday will mark six months since January 30 when the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, reports Xinhua news agency.

Addressing a virtual press conference, Tedros said that since then, 16 million cases have now been reported to WHO, with more than 640,000 deaths worldwide. “This is the sixth time a global health emergency has been declared under the International Health Regulations, but it is easily the most severe,” he said, adding that the pandemic continues to accelerate.

In the past six weeks, the global total number of cases has roughly doubled, Tedros said.

He said that although the world has changed, the basic measures needed to suppress transmission and save lives have not -- find, isolate, test and care for

Tedros Adhanom

cases, and trace and quarantine their contacts.

“Countries and communities that have followed this advice carefully and consistently have done well, either in preventing largescale outbreaks -- like Cambodia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, Vietnam, and islands in the Pacific and Caribbean -- or in bringing large outbreaks under control, like Canada, China, Germany and the Republic of Korea,” he said.

According to the Johns Hopkins University, the overall number of global coronavirus cases stood at 16,407,310 as of Tuesday morning, while the deaths have increased to 652,459.

The US accounted for the world’s highest number of infections and fatalities at 4,287,974 and 148,009, respectively. Brazil came in the second place with 2,442,375 infections and 87,618 deaths.

Indonesian Prez warns of possible COVID-19 2nd wave J akarta , J ul 2 8 (IANS): Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Tuesday warned of a possible second wave of the COVID19 transmission.

The war ning came amid the resurgence of the virus in some foreign nations after the relaxation of lockdowns and reopening business activities, reports Xinhua news agency.

He called on the authorities to keep and step up precautionary strides in facing the threat.

“We must keep on alert over the possibility of the second wave and anticipating it,” Jokowi told a limited cabinet meeting.

The warning came after the head of state conveyed the country’s convincing economic growth prospect with an estimate of 5.4 per cent next year as predicted by the International Monetary Fund.

“I think this is a high growth projection, and

Joko Widodo

should this be materialized, it suggests that our economy will accelerate at the fastest pace among the global economic expansion,” he said.

Indonesia has recently eased restrictions applied to curb the virus spread along with the resumption of business activities and the reopening of tourist destinations under tight health protocols.

The spread of the COVID-19 virus in Indonesia has been afloat with

daily cases reaching over 1,500, emboldened by the enlargement of red zones or high-risk areas, still the upbeat over the vaccine availability for usage early next year helped offset the concern, according to the COVID-19 Task Force.

The number of red zones reached to 53 this from 35 and the number of orange zones jumped to 185 from 169 a week earlier, the country’s COVID-19 Task Force said on Monday.

Ex-Malay PM found guilty on all Hunger to kill 128K more children over pandemic’s first year 7 counts in 1st corruption trial

Kuala Lumpur, Jul 28 (IANS): Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Tuesday was found guilty on all seven counts in the first of five trials over his role in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB state investment fund corruption scandal.

Najib was charged with one count of abuse of power, three counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT), and three counts of money laundering, all involving RM42 million misappropriated from SRC International Sdn

Bhd, a 1MDB subsidiary, reports The Star newspaper.

The 66-year-old former leader faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine for the abuse of power charge; up to 20 years’ prison, whipping and a fine for the three CBT charges; and up to 15 years in jail and a fine for the money laundering charges.

While reading out the verdict, Justice Mohamad Nazlan Ghazali said: “I find that the prosecution has successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“I therefore find the accused guilty and convict the accused on all seven charges.” The judge is expected to hand down sentences for each of the convictions later in the day.

The trial has lasted for 94 days.

Najib has been slapped with dozens of charges for corruption, money laundering, power abuse and criminal breach of trust involving billions of ringgit after his ruling coalition lost power during the national polls in May 2018.

that manifests in spindly limbs and distended bellies.

Over a year, that’s up 6.7 million from last year’s total of 47 million. Wasting and stunting can permanently damage children physically and mentally.

“The food security effects of the COVID crisis are going to reflect many years from now,” said Dr. Francesco Branca, the WHO head of nutrition. “There is going to be a societal effect.”

From Latin America to South Asia to sub-Saharan Africa, more poor families than ever are staring down a future without enough food.

In April, World Food Program head David Beasley warned that the coronavirus economy would cause global famines “of biblical proportions” this year. There are different stages of what is known as food insecurity; famine is officially declared when, along with other measures, 30% of the population suffers from wasting.

The World Food Program estimated in February that one Venezuelan in three was already going hungry, as inflation rendered salaries nearly worthless and forced millions to flee abroad. Then the virus arrived.

“Every day we receive a malnourished child,” said Dr. Francisco Nieto, who works in a hospital in the border state of Tachira.

In May, Nieto recalled, after two months of quarantine, 18-month-old twins arrived with bodies bloated from malnutrition. The children’s mother was jobless and living with her own mother. She told the doctor she fed them only a simple drink made with boiled bananas. “Not even a cracker?

Some chicken?” he asked.

“Nothing,” the children’s grandmother responded. By the time the doctor saw them, it was too late: One boy died eight days later.

The leaders of four international agencies —?the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization — have called for at least dollar 2.4 billion immediately to address global hunger.

But even more than lack of money, restrictions on movement have prevented families from seeking treatment, said Victor Aguayo, the head of UNICEF’s nutrition program.

“By having schools closed, by having primary health care services dis-

rupted, by having nutritional programs dysfunctional, we are also creating harm,” Aguayo said. He cited as an example the near-global suspension of Vitamin A supplements, which are a crucial way to bolster developing immune systems.

In Afghanistan, movement restrictions prevent families from bringing their malnourished children to hospitals for food and aid just when they need it most.

The Indira Gandhi hospital in the capital, Kabul, has seen only three or four malnourished children, said specialist Nematullah Amiri.

Last year, there were 10 times as many.

Because the children don’t come in, there’s no way to know for certain the scale of the problem, but a recent study by Johns Hop-

kins University indicated an additional 13,000 Afghans younger than 5 could die.

Afghanistan is now in a red zone of hunger, with severe childhood malnutrition spiking from 690,000 in January to 780,000 — a 13% increase, according to UNICEF. In Yemen, restrictions on movement have blocked aid distribution, along with the stalling of salaries and price hikes.

The Arab world’s poorest country is suffering further from a fall in remittances and a drop in funding from humanitarian agencies.

Yemen is now on the brink of famine, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, which uses surveys, satellite data and weather mapping to pinpoint places most in need.

EASTERN NAGALAND WOMEN ORGANIZATION MOKOKCHUNG UNIT

CONDEMNATION The Eastern Nagaland Women Organization Mokokchung Unit vehemently condemns the insensitive incident where one Konyak woman (wife of the accused) was physically assaulted by Mr. Tiatemsu of Ungma village on 17th July 2020 at their residence at Dilong ward. The ENWO Mokokchung unit calls upon all to condemn such inhuman act by one and all and further appeals the law enforcing agency to award befitting punishment as per the law of the land.

Mrs. Mandeng Phom Mrs. T. Thushila Yimchunger President General Secretary ENWO Mkg Unit ENWO Mkg Unit

MKC-173

Najib has been slapped with dozens of charges for corruption, money laundering, power abuse and criminal breach of trust.

Hounde, Jul 28 (AP): Coronavirus and its restrictions are pushing already hungry communities over the edge, killing an estimated 10,000 more young children a month as meager farms are cut off from markets and villages are isolated from food and medical aid, the United Nations warned Monday.

In the call to action shared with The Associated Press ahead of publication, four UN agencies warned that growing malnutrition would have long-term consequences, transforming individual tragedies into a generational catastrophe.

Hunger is already stalking Haboue Solange Boue, an infant from Burkina Faso who lost half her former body weight of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) in just a month. Coronavirus restrictions closed the markets, and her family sold fewer vegetables. Her mother was too malnourished to nurse.

“My child,” Danssanin Lanizou whispered, choking back tears as she unwrapped a blanket to reveal her baby’s protruding ribs.

More than 550,000 additional children each month are being struck by what is called wasting, according to the UN — malnutrition

8

sports

Eng beat WI in 3rd Test; win series 2-1

Manchester, Jul 28 (IANS): Veteran seamer Stuart Broad was the cynosure of all eyes as he galloped into elite company and helped England thrash West Indies by 269 runs in the rain-affected fifth day of the third Test at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The win saw the hosts come from behind to win the three-match Test series 2-1.

It was poetic justice as Broad, who scored a breezy 67 in the first innings and snared 10 wickets including his 500th, forced Jermaine Blackwood into a flashy pull and edge the ball to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler for a caught behind to bring an end to the game.

It was Broad's first 10wicket match haul since 2013. West Indies had won the first Best but England showed who's the boss on home turf by winning the next two in grand fashion.

The Windies were set a target of 399 and folded for 129 after England made 369 in the first essay riding on fifties from Ollie Pope (91), Buttler (67), Broad and Rory Burns (57). The tourists were shot out for 197 in their first innings with Broad returning with figures of 6/31.

England's Stuart Broad holds the ball to celebrate taking 500 wickets on the fifth day of third Test match against West Indies in Manchester on Tuesday.

Burns then scored a 90 as Dom Sibley (56) and England skipper Joe Root (68 not out) dominated the second innings to declare on 226/2.

Broad finished the visitors' second innings with figures of 4/36 and Chris Woakes grabbed a five-for (5/50).

The man of the moment was Broad on the

fifth day as he added a fresh feather to his illustrious cap by becoming the seventh bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 500 wickets.

The 34-year-old scalped two wickets in the last session of Day 3 to leave West Indies reeling at 10/2.

Broad, who has represented England in 140 Tests, was stuck at 499 at the end of third day and reached the

IPL governing council meeting on Aug 2; schedule set to be finalised

New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI): The Indian Premier League’s Governing Council will meet on August 2 to give a final shape to the schedule and other arrangements for the eagerlyawaited T20 showpiece to be held in the UAE this year.

The tournament will be held from September 19 to November 8 in the UAE. “The IPL governing council will meet on August 2,” IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel told PTI. Another top official of the BCCI said that the eight franchises will get a

clear picture of the tournament’s modalities during the meeting.

“It is expected that franchises will be handed the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) after the meeting,” the senior official said on condition of anonymity.

The meeting, expected to be attended by top BCCI brass, including President Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah, would address concerns of various stakeholders.

Also, most likely, this edition of the IPL would have less number of double-headers which would

be beneficial for broadcasters.

Ways to negate the loss of gate money for the franchises, since the matches will be played before empty stadiums in a bio-secure environment, will also be a major topic of discussion.

While it is expected that most of the franchises will send their recce teams to the UAE to check out the facilities as well as the bio-secure environment that can be created, there are concerns that remain, including accommodation plan and catering services.

Another tricky issue that is likely to come up is whether families of the players would be allowed to accompany them.

A senior franchise official had told PTI said that it will be “criminal” to keep players away from their families for two months and that too in a sanitised environment.

500 mark on the last day of the Test match after taking the wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite for 19.

Broad became the second Englishman to achieve this impressive feat after partner-in-crime James Anderson, who had also achieved the feat against West Indies in 2017 at the Lord's. Interestingly, Brathwaite was Anderson's 500th

WTA premier event in Tokyo cancelled

TOKYO, Jul 28 (Agencies): The Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo has been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, the men’s ATP Tour and the women’s WTA were forced to cancel all of their remaining tournaments in China for this year in the wake of the country’s ban on international sporting events due to the pandemic.

The Pan Pacific Open is part of WTA’s Asian swing and has been held every year since its 1984 start. It was originally scheduled to be held in September but was postponed to November.

Following the cancellation, the Korea Open is the only event left in Asia on WTA’s provisional calendar for 2020. The professional tennis season is scheduled to restart after a five-month hiatus with WTA’s Palermo Ladies Open.

Organisers of the Tokyo event said they were yet to decide on the schedule and venue for the 2021 edition.

scalp as well.

Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan is currently the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket with 800 scalps. He is followed by Shane Warne (708), Anil Kumble (619), James Anderson (589*), Glenn McGrath (563) and Courtney Walsh (519).

Broad has also become only the fourth fast bowler in the history of Test cricket to scalp 500 wickets. The top three spots in this list are held by spinners, followed by pacers.

The Windies, meanwhile, failed to alter the script as they kept losing wickets without much resistance.

Shai Hope (31) holed out to Broad off Chris Woakes while Shamarh Brooks (22) inside edged a Woakes delivery to Buttler for an easy caught behind.

Post Lunch, rain played hide and seek but could not stop England's march as none of the Windies batsmen had an answer to Woakes and Broad's bowling.

Brief Scores: England 369 & 226/2d (Burns 90, Root 68*; Holder 1/24) vs West Indies 197 & 129 (Hope 31, Woakes 5/50, Broad 4/36)

Lo n d o n, J u l 2 8 (Agencies): Johanna Konta lost her first match since March in straight sets to Jodie Burrage at the Battle of the Brits tournament in Roehampton.

British No 1 Konta, 14th in the world rankings, was far from her best against British number seven Burrage, losing 6-4, 6-3.

Konta last played at the Monterrey Open in Mexico before elite tennis was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bur rage, 21, who looked sharper than Konta and served out impressively to seal the match, could not hide her delight after causing an upset.

“It feels amazing to win against such a great player, I feel overwhelmed,” she told the LTA’s official website “I was surprised with how I played. When I found out I was playing her I was nervous and didn’t want to get hit off the court. This morning I was excited to get out there and

Fulham beat Cardiff 2-0; Swansea City win

MANCHESTER, Jul 28 (Agencies): Wonderfully taken goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano gave Fulham a 2-0 win at Cardiff City in the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final on Monday.

The London side, relegated from the Premier League last season, will look to complete the job in the return leg at Craven

Cottage on Thursday to earn a place in the final at Wembley.

Onomah collected the ball on the edge of the box with his back to goal and sharply turned before jinking past two Cardiff defenders and calmly slotting home in the 49th minute.

Fulham grabbed firm control of the tie in stoppage time when Kebano superbly curled a free-kick

from the edge of the box into the top corner.

The Cottagers, who finished four th in the Championship table, were without their Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, the division’s top scorer with 26 goals who was ruled out with injury.

But they are now strong favourites to make it to Wembley on Aug 4 for what is often-called

the most lucrative game in football.

“I’m pleased with the result (but) we need to stay level and there is still a lot of football to be played,” said Fulham manager Scott Parker.

Meanwhile, Andre Ayew scored the only goal of the game as Swansea City secured a 1-0 win over Said Benrahma’s Brentford in the first leg of their

Premier League 2020-21 could see reduced crowds London, Jul 28 (IANS): There is a possibility that the entire 2020-21 English Premier League season could be played in front of reduced crowds, a senior government adviser has said.

“I would be very surprised if we could get full stadia back this year,” James Calder, who was part of the cross-sport working group with government and health officials, told BBC Sport.

“Realistically I think it probably will need a vaccine and also a high take-up rate of that vaccine before we can really see full capacity stadia.”

Asked about whether there was the potential for the entirety of the next football season to be played in front of reduced capacities, Calder said, “I think realistically we will be under scrutiny for the next year ... and probably for the rest of the season,” he added.

“Now if there is no massive droplet spread we can keep within the social distancing that we’ve put down for ... the Crucible and The Oval. But if it’s a problem then we need to rethink the social distancing within the stadia and that becomes very difficult,” he added.

Jurgen Klopp named LMA Manager of the Year

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp was named the League Managers Association’s (LMA) Manager of the Year.

Lo n d o n, J u l 2 8 (IANS): Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has won the League Managers Association’s (LMA) Manager of the Year award.

Klopp, who guided Liverpool to their first topflight title in 30 years, was announced as the 2019-20 recipient of the accolade on Monday. The Merseyside club won the Premier League title with seven games to spare and they finished the season 18 points clear at the top of the table.

Klopp - who was last year inducted into the LMA’s Hall of Fame and is the reigning Best FIFA men’s coach - follows 201819 Manager of the Year

Chris Wilder, with Brendan Rodgers the Reds’ previous winner in 2013-14.

“I am absolutely delighted to get this wonderful trophy. It’s really wonderful and I had already the opportunity to have a look who won it before and there are obviously a lot of big, big Liverpool names involved,” Klopp was quoted as saying by official club website.

The annual Manager of the Year prize, which was inaugurated in its current guise in 1993, is voted for by professional managers and awarded to “the manager who, in their opinion, has made the greatest use of the resources available to them in the current season”.

Burrage stuns Konta at Battle of the Brits

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF SEMI-FINAL

Players of Fulham and Cardiff in action during the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final match.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020

Championship play-off semi-final. The Ghana international who was in action from start to finish, scored the 81st-minute winner after benefitting Jay Fulton’s assist, having earlier missed a penalty. The strike made up for Ayew’s missed spotkick, which had been saved by David Raya in the 64th minute.

The 30-year-old has now scored 16 goals after 45 league appearances this campaign as Steve Cooper’s men aim to secure the final promotion slot to the Premier League.

Algeria star Said Benrahma was also in action for Brentford but his contribution was not enough to help the visitors avoid defeat at the Liberty Stadium.

The 24-year-old, who is reportedly a transfer target for Chelsea, could not add to his tally of 17 goals and eight assists before he was replaced by Joel Valencia in the 85th minute.

Swansea City will now defend the 1-0 lead at Brentford in the second-leg on Wednesday.

The play-offs final will be played at Wembley Stadium on August 4.

Jodie Burrage returns a shot to Johanna Konta during her Battle of the Brits match in Roehampton.

swing. I didn’t have any pressure.”

Also on the opening day at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre, Cameron

Norrie hit back to beat British number one Dan Evans 4-6 6-3 10-7.

British number two Kyle Edmund defeated

teenager Anton Matusevich 7-5 6-3, Aidan McHugh edged out Ryan Peniston 6-4 3-6 10-7 and Heather Watson won 7-5 6-4 against Beth Grey.

In the mixed doubles, Lloyd Glasspool and Naomi Broady defeated Dom Inglot and Eden Silva 6-4 6-2.

The event has been organised by Jamie Murray to help keep Britain’s players active, with the professional tours suspended.

Britain’s top men and women players make up two teams of 13 – the Union Jacks and the British Bulldogs – and will go head-to-head in singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches.

The action will unfold throughout the week, culminating on Sunday, with the first team to reach 60 points crowned Battle of the Brits champions.

Andy Murray, on his way back from pelvis and shin injuries following hip surgery last year, will compete in the doubles matches only as he prepares for the US Open.

Aguero to miss CL clash with Madrid Manchester, Jul 28 (Agencies): Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Sergio Aguero will sit out Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Aguero has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during a Premier League victory over Burnley in June.

The Argentine recently stepped up his recovery in the gym after undergoing surgery on the issue, and Guardiola dropped the biggest hint yet over a possible return date for the striker prior to City’s final day win against Norwich at the weekend. “I think against Madrid everyone will be fit,” the 49-year-old head coach said before watching his side beat the Canaries 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

After the match, however, Guardiola performed a U-turn regarding the status of Aguero, who was left on the bench when City beat Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie at Santiago Bernabeu back in February.

When asked if the 32year-old will be a part of his squad for the second leg on August 7, the City manager told reporters, “No, I think

Sergio Aguero

it will not be possible for the timing.”

Aguero has 23 goals to his name from 32 appearances in all competitions this season, with Raheem Sterling the only man in the City squad currently boasting a higher tally, as he reached the 30-mark for

the first time in his career by scoring against Norwich.

Should City finish off Madrid in Manchester, they will be rewarded with a quarter-final showdown against either Juventus and Lyon, which will be held in Lisbon under the new straight knockout format.

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