July 5, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 209

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Impact of green spaces on mental well-being

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Sunday Post Supplement

nagalandpostofficial

NPF, NPCC slam govt’s reply to Governor Govt has humiliated Governor: NPFLP Govt reply an insult to public: NPCC

DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) hit out at the state government’s reply to the Governor’s letter by terming it as an “unsavoury response” and “nothing but an assorted collection of distorted facts and figures to deceive the Governor and the Nagas at large.”

NPFLP said, after taking charge on August 1, 2019, Governor R.N. Ravi’s observation revealed the precarious law and order situation prevailing in the state, which cannot be merely dubbed as a study that “does not appear to be factual.”

It pointed out that Ravi, a 1976-batch IPS officer and former Deputy National Security Advisor served the nation in various capacities and was not a schoolboy to not understand the basic parameters of identifying law and order situation in the State.

NPF noted with disappointment that the state government had dismissed the findings of “a man of such calibre” merely as one that “does not appear to be factual”.

NPF said the state government had also humiliated Ravi in public domain in the state, regional and national media. “This is display of political shrewdness of the cheapest standard,” it added.

NPFLP demanded to know

No flights to Kolkata from 6 cities till July19

KO L K ATA , J U L 4 (AGENCIES): Flights from six cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad - will not land in Kolkata for two weeks starting Monday, airport authorities said on Saturday as the West Bengal government stepped up measures to contain the coronavirus.

“It is informed that no flights shall operate to Kolkata from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai & Ahmedabad from 6th to 19th July 2020 or till further order whichever is earlier.

Inconvenience caused is regretted,” Kolkata airport authority said in a tweet.

The state also wanted flights from other cities in the country reduced to one flight a week per airline.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has not responded to that request yet.

NSCN (I-M) reduces tax

DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown due to lockdown, NSCN (I-M), through its MIP has informed that “the 5% tax payable to the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) shall henceforth be reduced to 3% with immediate effect.”

This is it!

“I’m over 60 but you’re only 55 so I’ll stay. Less crowd is also better for social distancing.”

K Y M C

as to what had prevented the chief minister and his cabinet, at the June 19 meeting with the Governor, from telling the him that the end result of his observation was not ‘factual’?

It said when the issue could have been clarified officially at the June 19 meeting, was it necessary for the government to “publicly humiliate the Governor” by challenging the factuality of his observation in public domain through I&PR department?

NPFLP said as evident and noted by the Governor, there has been steady down-slide in all parameters of development in Nagaland under the present day government.

It said these were due to alleged siphoning off huge amount of funds meant for road connectivity, healthcare, education infrastructures etc. by diverting them to various nonfunctional projects.

While the economy of the state continued to be in doldrums, NPFLP said the state’s financial position was kept under wraps for reasons best known to those at the helm of power. Taking a jibe at the government’s refusal to disclose the actual financial position of the state, NPFLP said this was probably the much-hyped catchphrase on transparency and account(Cont’d on p-8) ability.

Congress said the state government’s reply to the Governor’s letter (addressed to the chief minister) was “an insult to the public” when it claimed that “law and order is normal”. In a statement, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie reiterated that since the regional party came to power, the writ of the state government has been “surrendered” to parallel self-styled governments .

Claiming that self styled governments are more feared that the state government he said social media reflected this when people were afraid to criticise the self styled governments but not the state government.

He said was no security to life and property where entrepreneurs, contractors and suppliers became prey to well armed predators who got their weapons from state armouries.

Therie cited a response of the chief minister, to a starred question on the floor of the assembly in 2012, that 44,550 rounds of ammunition and 152 arms were lost from police custody. He opined that the figure could be much higher as “uncontrolled factional wars escalated in the following period.”

On the police report, Therie agreed that factional clashes have

come down because of the understanding among all factions but not because of the government’s control over law and order.

Therie also said “illegal collections” have increased many fold as all nine self-styled governments agree to collect money through understanding. He said the self styled governments “sit together in state police check gates and collect their shares” openly. They also collect monthly and annual tax on wholesale to retail sales by going from shop to shop.

On the police report on arrests, Therie said though these figures may be true, yet many of those arrested by Assam Rifles and Police were released even before reaching police stations on orders “ given from political leaders”. He said some cadres detained under NSA for one year, were released with no further case. He said public know how many were killed, murdered, assassinated, kidnapped, ransom paid including killing of some entrepreneurs in broad daylight.

Therie said factions sometimes claim responsibility for crimes but cases are registered “against unknown persons”. He said in Dimapur, killings went on regularly for over ten years but cases registered against unknown persons.

Nagaland COVID-19 tally now 563 NAGALAND COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 4, 2020 District Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang Wokha Zunheboto Total

Asymptomatic cases 29 0 75 0 1 42 157 8 20 0 3 335

DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): Nagaland COVID-19 tally rose to 563 on Sunday after 24 fresh cases were reported from across the state.

In a tweet, state Health & Family Welfare minister, S. Pangnyu Phom Saturday informed that the COVID positive cases were detected from 426 samples that were tested.

Out of the 426, the minister said that 21 positive cases were reported from Peren district, 2 from Kohima district and 1 from

Recovered

Total Cases

157 0 48 0 0 0 17 1 5 0 0 228

186 0 123 0 1 42 174 9 25 0 3 563

Mon district. All the positive persons have been shifted to the designated COVID-19 hospitals for medical treatment.

With this the state’s tally, as on July 4, stood at 563 cases-- 335 active and 228 recovered.

As per the severity of symptoms, all the 335 active cases were asymptomatic.

In his daily briefing, principal secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha informed that a total of 6858 samples were tested by TrueNat, out

of which 166 samples tested positive and sent for confirmation by RT-PCR. He also informed that 6469 samples had tested negative and result of 223 samples were awaited.

Till date, he said a total of 13,014 samples have been sent for testing

by RT-PTR. Results of 12,628 samples have been received. Out of the total of 13,014 samples sent-8344 were tested at BSL-3 lab (NHAK) where 447 samples tested positive and at BSL-2 lab (CIHSR) 511 samples were tested, out of which 2 tested positive.

In addition, a total of 6,858 samples have been tested by TrueNat, out of which 166 samples have been tested positive and sent for confirmation by RTPCR. Further, 6,469 samples have tested negative.

Meanwhile, a total of 4,062 persons are presently under Facility Quarantine.”

Protesters seek to ‘defame’ heroes: Trump

nagalandpostofficial

(Cont’d on p-8)

international, Page 9

All road projects should resume: Rio DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio Saturday directed responsible departments, to ensure that road construction agencies in the state resume all road projects that have been stalled.

He said this while addressing the state officials during the state level meeting on monsoon preparedness at the Secretariat conference hall, Kohima Since most of the migrant labourers engaged in road projects have left the state due to COVID-19 pandemic, Rio asked the responsible construction agencies to bring back the skilled labourers and workers to start work after following all provisions of the state SOP for COVID19. He also emphasized on providing training to local manpower already available here, so that their services could be used for handing various kinds of machineries and equipment.

The objective of the meeting was to take stock of preparedness level in view of the monsoon season and also to take preventive measures in the event of any eventuality thereby averting the loss of lives and properties from the fury of natural calamities. Rio asked the

Neiphiu Rio during the state level meeting on monsoon preparedness.

concerned departments to jointly inspect the roads, to ensure that the drainages were free from being clogged particularly during monsoon and also to take appropriate preventive action wherever necessary.

He also stressed on the need for advance placement of funds to the concerned authority in the district so as to take preventive measures without delay.

At the meeting, OSD Nagaland State Disaster management Authority, Johny Ruangmai gave a briefing on ‘monsoon preparedness’ with reference to previous year’s experiences and how the NSDMA and other line departments had responded to the situations.

NPWD engineer-inchief, Er. Limatongdang Jamir gave a power point presentation the status of all the district roads. He said with the onset of monsoon,

roads connecting inter-districts, towns and villages in all the 24 divisions of the state were being affected by landslides, mudslides, subsidence etc. However, he said with the active participation and concerted efforts of the department, damaged roads have been connected and restored for traffic in all the districts with the help of machineries.

Urban Development and Home Guards & Civil Defence departments also gave power point presentation regarding monsoon preparedness. During the meeting, the preparedness of Agri and Allied departments, and Food & Civil Supplies department, for ensuring availability of essential food items and commodities, were also deliberated. The meeting was also attended by cabinet ministers, advisors, chief secretary and other senior officials.

Total lockdown in Peren India registers highest single-day dist extended till July 11 spike of nearly 23k COVID cases

DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): In view of the ongoing contact tracing exercise, the Peren district administration has further extended total lockdown for a period of six days (July 6-11, 2020) with immediate effect.

In an order, the deputy commissioner (DC) Peren, Sentiwapang Aier, however, stated that, in addition to the permitted activities, veterinary services and fuel outlets would be allowed to operate by strictly adhering to all safety measures while providing services.

Containment zone: In another order, DC Peren has declared Mhaikam village as containment zone with immediate effect following the detection of positive cases of COVID-19 from among those sent for home quarantine.

DC has directed the responsible administrative officer/sub-divisional task force to ensure the containment of affected areas and demarcate by barricading the containment zone in order to prevent community spread of the virus.

Further, DC stated that contact tracing and other medical protocols by the medical department would commence with immediate effect.

On July 2, DC declared Dobashi colony, Jalukie Town and adjoining areas and ward number 5 under Tening Town as “containment zones” as precautionary to prevent community spread of COVID-19.

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): India’s COVID-19 tally neared 6.5 lakh cases on Saturday with a record single-day spike of 22,771 new infections, even as the recovery rate further improved to 60.81 per cent.

The government said several people-centric measures taken as part of the “test, trace, treat” strategy have removed the impediments for COVID-19 testing.

Facilitation of widespread testing by states or Union Territories has spurred the number of samples tested every day, the Union health ministry said.

During the last 24 hours, 2,42,383 samples have been tested, pushing the cumulative number of tests to 95,40,132.

While the COVID-19 tally climbed to 6,48,315, the death toll rose to 18,655 with 442 new fatalities, according to Union Health Ministry data.

With a steady rise, the number of recoveries stands at 3,94,226 and one patient has migrated.

There are 2,35,433 active cases of the novel coronavirus currently in the country, the updated data at 8 am showed. “Thus, around 60.81 per cent of patients have recovered so far,” an official said. The total number of confirmed cases also include foreigners.

DGP inaugurates new police post building at Dillai gate WHO discontinues HCQ, DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): Nagaland DGP, T.J. Longkumer Saturday called upon police personnel, particularly those posted along the border areas, to create a good image of the state police by being smart, efficient and polite, a DIPR report stated.

Speaking at the inaugural of the new police post building at Dillai gate Dimapur, Longkumer went on to state that the first impression of Nagaland police would be created in the border areas.

Citing the example of the 9th IR personnel, Longkumer said they were smart, disciplined and created the whole mood for operation, earning good reputation for Nagaland while on duty in Chhattisgarh.

“You are here to give protection to the citizens and not to harass,” said Longkumer and cautioned

T.J Longkumer with officials after inaugurating the building. (DIPR)

that stern action would be initiated instances of harassment. He appealed that the new building should be made as “a house of respect “and to maintain the sanctity of it.

Longkumer also congratulated the Commissioner Police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo and DCP Zone-2, Aotula Imchen for ensuring early completion of the building within a

short period of time. He also expressed gratitude and appreciation to Team Dimapur including the medical fraternity, churches, civil societies, NGOs and individuals for rendering their selfless sacrifice in the fight against COVID-19.

In his brief speech, state agriculture production commissioner (APC), and incharge of Dimapur district for COVID-19 activities, Y.

Kikheto Sema felt that with the new police post facility, the mindset, attitude and way of living of the people residing in the border areas also ought to change. He called upon the Nagas to have peaceful and cordial relations with the neighbouring state and encouraged them to love one another.

“Let this place be clean and be a place of prayer desisting from drinking and smoking,” he requested the police personnel who would be manning the post.

Kikheto Sema also donated a refrigerator on behalf of his family to be kept in the new police post building for the convenience of the police personnel.

Commissioner Police Rothihu Tetseo, in his welcome address, noted that new Police post building at Dillai gate was important for Nagas and appealed all those living in the border ar-

eas to understand the importance and significance of it and also sought the support and cooperation of all.

He informed that the construction work, which commenced on April 30 this year, was completed within a record time of 2 months with quality workmanship.

Others who spoke on the occasion included EAC (Sardar) Bendang Longkumer, on behalf of the district administration; chairman Rilan village, John Kikon and chairman Aokong village. Hosts of police officials including IGP (Range), Limasunep Jamir; DIG (Trg & Border) Aotemsu and other rank and file of police, villagers from the bordering villages attended the inaugural function.

ADCP (Crime) Relo Aye chaired the program while PBC pastor, Rev. Levi Rakho invoked the dedicatory prayer.

HIV drugs in COVID trials

GENEVA, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday that it was discontinuing its trials of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and combination HIV drug lopinavir/ritonavir in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 after they failed to reduce mortality.

The Solidarity Trial was established by WHO to find an effective COVID-19 treatment for hospitalized patients. The setback came as the WHO also reported more than 200,000 new cases globally of the disease for the first time in a single day. The United States accounted for 53,213 of the total 212,326 new cases recorded on Friday, the WHO said.

“These interim trial results show that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ ritonavir produce little or no

reduction in the mortality of hospitalised COVID-19 patients when compared to standard of care. Solidarity trial investigators will interrupt the trials with immediate effect,” WHO said in a statement, referring to large multicountry trials that the agency is leading.

WHO said the decision, taken on the recommendation of the trial’s international steering committee, does not affect other studies where those drugs are used for non-hospitalised patients or as a prophylaxis.

Another branch of the WHO-led trial is looking at the potential effect of Gilead’s antiviral drug remdesivir on COVID-19.

The European Commission on Friday gave remdesivir conditional approval for use after being shown to shorten hospital recovery times.

K Y M C

state

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

DTCC Mokokchung awareness on tobacco consumption

DIMAPUR: District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Mokokchung under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) conducted awareness programme to prioritise promotion of “Tobacco free village” at Longmisa village on July 4.

A press release from CMO office Mokokchung stated that Longmisa Village Council with the help of Longmisa Baptist Arogo had imposed a strict ban on sale of tobacco products within the village jurisdiction since 2018.

Applauding the wise initiative of the council and the DTCC officials along with village authorities during the awareness programme at church, district consultant Longmisa village on July 4.

Japukong civil societies caution on accusations DIMAPUR: Japukong Senso Senden (JSS), Japukong Youth Organization (JYO) and Japukong Students Conference (JSC) have cautioned that it will not allow any individual or group to either accuse any of its citizens or be dictated in the days to come.

A joint press release by JSS president Meren Nokpu, JYO president Limayanger and JKM president Imnawapang stated that, in the event of delimitation issue, a lot of accusations and clarifications have been seen in the print and social media. The three bodies on behalf of Japukong citizens appealed to one and all that accusations and clarifications will not bail out the Nagas.

It also stated that, minister TemjenImna Along was one of the bonafide citizen of Japukong therefore, the Japukong citizens will neither allow nor compromise “if any sinister plot is being hatched to tarnish his image and falsely accuse him for voicing out his opinion for the masses.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(DTCC) Mokokchung, Nukshiwati Longchar advocated the village council chairman and council members the importance of the ban on sale and consumption of paan, gutka, cigarette and other tobacco products and how spitting in public places increases the threat in spreading COVID-19 infections. He also reminded about the order of deputy commissioner, Mokokchung

regarding the consequences of paying fine if found spitting in public places.

DTCC Mokokchung has also been actively carrying out the awareness programme on ban and consumption of tobacco products and its affects relating to COVID-19 through poster campaign in quarantine centres, District Hospital and market places around the town.

15 th DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BELOVED DAUGHTER LT. ATONO ZAO

Sadly missed a l o n g l i f e ' s w a y, quietly remembered everyday, no longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you're always there to walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.

We miss you deeply.

Family & loved ones

First Death Anniversary of Mrs. Rokoseno Zashümo

A year has silently passed, leaving a deep silent void since you left for your Glorious Heavenly Home on this day 05th July 2019. A year but still feels like our goodbyes were just yesterday. We still remember and cherish your Love and Care everyday which will ever be missed.

Loving Husband, Children and Relatives K-1185

1st Death Anniversary Mrs. Keneinguü Tovili Assumi

DP-3044

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I. PANGERLEMBA LONGCHAR

AONOKPU 24.03.1923 – 22.06.2020 The family of I. Pangerlemba Longchar wishes to thank all who comforted us following our beloved father's demise.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to each and every well-wisher who stood by us physically, morally, spiritually and financially at the bereavement.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. May Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

IN GOD WE SUBMIT Family Members DP-3047

Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, colleagues, friends, churches, organisations and well wishers, who stood by us during illness and sad demise of our beloved Lt. Mr. LOTONG ANAR. We regret our inabality to thank each and everyone for your kindness and sympathy in our moment of despair, but we will always remember your good deeds and prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, daughter and family members.

5th July 2019

Iza, it’s been a year since you have gone, your teachings and your prayers over us have kept us going. God has you in His keeping and we have you in our hearts. We miss you a lot.

– Family

K-1183

Lt. Mr. LOTONG ANAR 05/05/2020

DP-3045

1st Death Anniversary of O. IMDONGLA

(Wife of S. Bendang Imchen)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The bereaved family of the Late Er. Kevinguto Khate, Assistant Prof. NIT Nagaland, sincerely acknowledges all those who upheld us during our saddest moment.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to all the friends, neighbors and well-wishers who provided emotional, moral and practical support. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Administration, Faculty, Staff & Students of National Institute of Technology Nagaland.

2. Kuda Village Baptist Church, Dimapur 3. Kuda Village Council, Dimapur 4. Kuda Youth Club, Dimapur 5. Thenuko Krotho, Kuda Village 6. Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland 7. Khonoma Rüffüno Dimapur 8. Khonoma Rüffüno Kohima 9. Khonoma Youth Organization 10. Khonoma Gazetted Officers Union 11. Khonoma Thevomia Union Nagaland 12. Meyasetsumia Mechu Krotho 13. Lievüsenomia Clan, Nagaland 14. Angamimiapfü Mechü Khrotho 15. Angami Youth Organization 16. Angami Students’ Union 17. Angami Gazetted Officer Krotho 18. Chakhroma Public Organization 19. Chakhroma Youth Organization 20. Chakhroma Angami Kuda Union 21. Chakhro Angami Kuda Youth Organization 22. Chakhromapfü Mechü Khrotho 23. Tenyimi Youth Organization Dimapur 24. Khate Clan, Khonoma Village 25. National Institute of Engineering Mysore Naga Alumni Association 26. Old Boys Association of Sainik School Imphal 27. Dr. L. Chem, DHD Dimapur 28. Officers and Staff, Commissionerate of Police Dimapur To everyone who have helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

DP-3059

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

17th Nov. 1989 – 16th March, 2020

‘TO LOSE SOMEONE SO SPECIAL IS HARD TO BEAR IT IS BEYOND BELIEF THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER HERE HOWEVER HARD IT IS, WE’LL TAKE COMFORT IN THE THOUGHT OF ALL THE MEMORIES WE HAVE AND THE HAPPINESS YOU BROUGHT UNTIL THE DAY WE MEET AGAIN WE LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS WILL’ In Gratitude, Family Members DP-3053 K Y M C

Dearest Ama, This is the day you were forcefully taken away from us. None could fill up the vacuum created by your demise. We miss you constantly longing to hear your voices and prayers. You have always sacrificed for the well being of the family and kept the family woven into the fabric of your life. Your love and memories are deeply sculpted in our hearts as you continue to exist in between our thoughts. Your vigil oracles are still vivid to our ears as a guiding star in the ocean. Cherishing those memories brighten our paths.

Loving Family Members DP-2987

We the bereaved family of Late Mrs. P. Tongcham wish to convey our sincere thanks to each and every one who shared our grief and stood by us physically, morally, spiritually and financially during the sudden demise and painful loss of my beloved wife and our mother on 2nd July 2020.

Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to each and every individual. It is our sincere prayer that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

DP-3061

Loving Husband, Daughter, Sons and Relatives

OBITUARY

05.06.1974 – 22.06.2020 Through this column, we the bereaved family of Late V. Akali Sema would like to express our heartfelt and profound gratitude to all our friends, neighbors, unions, churches and well-wishers who stood by us spiritually, physically, materially and financially during her prolonged illness and sudden demise on 22nd of June 2020.

We pray that our living God bless you all abundantly.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Satakha Town Baptist Church (STBC) 2. STBC Prayer Warriors, Satakha 3. B/Khel Satakha Prayer Warriors 4. Mishikito Baptist Church (MBC) 5. MBC Prayer Warriors 6. Doctors, nurses and staffs of Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur 7. Lizuto Village Union, Dimapur 8. Shri. G. Kaito Aye, Honorable Minister, Agriculture & Cooperation, Govt. of Nagaland 9. Kughaho D. Chophy, Head GB, Mishikito 10. Jimo K. Jimo, BDO Satakha Block 11. Tohuvi Aye, Dimapur 12. Rev. Honito Chophy, UBC Satakha 13. Tohukhe Aye, Satakha 14. B/Khel Satakha Construction Committee 15. UBC, BSF - Satakha - Loving husband, children and relatives DP-3046 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will India be able to come out with effective COVID-19 vaccine?

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

A B C

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

Euclayptus tree uproots; damages transformer

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

75% 0% 25%

Next poll

Q: Is c o ro n a v i r u s n ow

s p re a d i n g t h ro u g h community transmission in Guwahati?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST sunday 5

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy a t-storm in the p.m.

31 26

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

24 21

Guwahati Cloudy with a thunderstorm

31 26

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

27 21

Itanagar Cloudy with a thunderstorm

28 23

Aizawl Imphal Shillong

Cloudy a t-storm in spots

23 19

Kohima

Couple of thunderstorm

24 19

Dimapur Cloudy with a stray t-storm

31 24

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

25 20

Mkg

Tuensang A shower and t-storm around

19 16

Cloudy a t-storm in the p.m.

19 12

Wokha

Zunheboto Couple of thunderstorms

23 18

The uprooted tree which fell and has damaged electrical lines at District Hospital Dimapur on July 4. (NP)

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): External lines and electric post were damaged between MS Dimapur quarter and generator room at District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) converted into COVID-19 hospital on Saturday late afternoon, when a eucalyptus tree uprooted and fell down.

Medical superintendent (MS), DHD, Dr. Kheshito Zhimomi while mentioning about the incident told Nagaland post over the phone that power department & administration were informed

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

immediately for intervention. Personnel from electrical department led by SDO and engineer reached the spot and started working on war footing with more than extra 20 workers.

The uprooted tree damaged two transformers, 250 KV and 500 KV. Power supply has been disrupted in the area following the damage caused to the electric transformer. A total of nine electric poles and security guard room were also damaged in the mishap, he added.

However, no casualties were reported. He also said that

Medical consignments reach Tobu

the Medical department have been appealing the electrical department to clear out the high tension wire within hospital jurisdiction, but it is yet to be addressed.

The workers of the Power department rushed to affected areas for restoration of power supply but could not restore till the filing of the report. According to DPRO, Dimapur electrical department officials assured that the lines would be restored by July 4 night, stating that they were working with emergency extra manpower.

DC Kohima declares Galaxy Hotel as PQC centre DIMAPUR: DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie has notified and declared Galaxy Hotel under Kohima municipal area to be utilized as paid quarantine centre (PQC). The hotel will be utilized by the District Task Force Kohima for accommodation of drivers engaged on COVID-19 duty. the order comes into force with immediate effect.

State report on COVID-19 lock down

DIMAPUR: Joint secretary to the government of Nagaland, Hiazu Meru issued the daily report on law & order and facilitation of essential goods & services in the state for July 3. According to DIPR report, he informed that one violation of the lockdown has been reported and as a remedial step, one person has been bound down. He added that no incident of law and order has been reported in the state. The report informed that all essential commodity shops remain opened in all the districts except Mokokchung. It also stated that no shortage of essential commodities have been reported in any part of the state. It added that no movement restriction was imposed for the distribution of essential commodities and on e-commerce agents.

According to the report, suitable arrangements have been made for providing food and shelter to migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. In this regard, there is 1 (one) active relief camp and 1 (one) food camp where 10 (ten) daily wagers/needy persons were provided food/dry ration.

AKM shuts down offices of Jio and Vodafone in Mokokchung

AKM officials shutting down the offices of Jio and Vodafone in Mokokchung on July 4. (NP)

Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, JUL 4 (NPN): The Ao Students Conference (AKM) shut down the offices of Jio and Vodafone for their pathetic services in Mokokchung on Saturday. The officials of AKM closed the shutters

of these offices and put up notices which read that the AKM carried out this action in the interest of general public, after serving repeated intimations and warning for the improvement of network services. However, it said that since the following companies failed to comply

in restoration/improving the network, the AKM was compelled to shut down the offices of Jio and Vodafone in Mokokchung. The notice further read that the offices will remain shut until a formal letter with the proof of network improvement is submitted to the AKM office.

New team of LCD for 2020-21

DIMAPUR: Leo Club of Dimapur (LCD) new team of office bearers took over office on July 1 and also conducted their first RGM. A press release by PRO LCD Sneha Jain stated that the Leoistic session of 2019-20 led by Vishal Pareek of Leo Club of Dimapur and Rishab Chhabra, district president of Leo District322D

ended successfully on June 30.

The new team of office bearers is led by Vishal Patni as president, Sarthak Kala as secretary along with three others for the tenure 2020-21.

Vishal Patni as president also released his theme for the Leoistic year “Insaniyat (Humanity) Hands to Serve, Hearts to Love.”

Assam Rifles seize illegal contraband in Dimapur DIMAPUR: As part of the ongoing crackdown by Assam Rifles to prevent illegal activities, troops of Assam Rifles seized illegal contraband items in general area Purana Bazar, Dimapur on July 3.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), based on specific intelligence regarding consignment of contraband, troops of Assam Rifles and police launched an operation in Purana Bazar, Dimapur and apprehended

Bablu Kumar, age 25 years, r/o Molapur village, Purbi Champaran (Motihari) Dist, Bihar. Recoveries included 530 bags of areca nuts, 1265 bags of dates, 40 bags of black pepper and 150 bags of badi elaichi amounting Rs 5 Crores. The apprehended individual along with recovered items were handed over to superintendent of Anti Smuggling Customs Prevention Division, Dimapur for The seized contraband and the apprehended person along with police personnel. further investigation.

ARK Foundation conducts virtual seminar

ADC, AMO and other NGOs with the consignments at Tobu town on Saturday.

DIMAPUR: Under the initiative of DUDA advisor, N. Bongkhao Konyak, medical consignment meant for Tobu sub-division and Mopong area reached Tobu

town on Saturday.

The consignments were received by ADC, SMO and NGOs leaders of Tobu sub-division.

Citizens of Tobu area

lauded the minister Health and Family Welfare Pangnyu Phom and joint director DUDA, Dr. Anungla for their concern towards the citizens of Tobu area.

1 arrested for sexual abuse of minors in Mkg

DIMAPUR: Mokokchung Police have arrested one person, aged 65 years on July 1 for alleged sexual harassment/abuse of two minors since last one year.

A press release by superintendent of Police,

Mokokchung stated that, the accused has been forwarded to judicial custody after recording his statement and COVID-19 protocol/test conducted at IMDH Mokokchung.

The victims were also

tested for COVID-19 and after completion of necessary medical examination and observing all juvenile guidelines handed over to their parents. The case is under further investigation.

Phom Shangdü initiates ‘kindness campaign’

Phom Shangdu Whatsaap group members of Longleng handing over face masks at one of the quarantine centre at Longleng on July 3. (NP)

Correspondent LO N G L E N G, J U L 4 (NPN): “Kindness Campaign” initiated by Phom Shangdü WhatsApp Group of Phom intellectual people has extended support to different churches that could not complete constructions on time through contributions among members and well wishers since its inception four years back.

In the same vein, the Phom Shangdü initiated the “Kindness Campaign” during mid April by producing more than 30000 (thirty K Y M C

thousands) face masks by setting Rs. 600000 (six lakh) as target to stitch locally made face masks. These were to be provided to the villagers under Longleng district and frontline workers at different locations and destination. Phom Shangdu entrusted Phom Baptist Christian Association Mission Centre (PBCA) tailoring units to stitch 30000 (thirty thousand) face mask along with the help of local tailors of the district. The hand stitched fabric mask can be reused and washable and is very convenient

for rural populace. “Kindness Campaign” also plans to provide locally stitched mask to every household of Phom villages for protection against Coronavirus and other diseases in the long run.

Phom Shangdu Whatsapp Group is headed by HongkamNgonyen, former Phom Students’ Conference (PSC) as the chief administrator with 244 active members. The group has number of Phom officers, intellectuals and elders from Aoching to Ladigarh villages.

DIMAPUR: ARK Foundation in collaboration with Social Welfare department conducted a webinar on “substance use and addiction counselling” with various authorities and staff of juvenile homes/ observation/special homes comprising of probation officer, district child protection officers, superintendents, and counsellors across the state.

In a press release, ARK president, Ketho Angami stated that a session was addressed by Raitele Zeliang, programme officer, child protection services,

Nagaland who expressed her concern on the need to collectively address the issue of substance use in the state, with a focus on addressing needs of children who were in conflict with the law as a result of drug use.

She shared that the department has come across cases where children were being introduced to drug use and expressed the need of a standardized drug treatment approach to help them get treated.

In the first session, ARK Foundation president gave a general back-

NNC (PB) condemns imposition of AFSPA in Nagaland

Seminar held on festivals of Chakhesang tribe

DIMAPUR: Condemning the imposition and extension of Disturbed Area Act/Armed Forces Special Power Act (DAA/AFSPA) in Nagaland yet again, the Naga National Council (Parent Body) said that “this aggression with brute force” was a complete violation of international human rights performed by the largest democracy India.

A press release by NNC (PB) information and publicity wing claimed that, “there was no conflict or violence occurring in Nagaland”, whereas these black laws are imposed over and over again “to suppress and oppress” the Naga people who are longing for peace in the land.

Pointing out that there was cease fire with different political groups by the government of India and talks (negotiations) were underway to settle the Naga political problem peacefully, the NNC (PB) appeals to the international bodies and institutions to support and speak for the political plight of the Naga people and its land.

DIMAPUR: Koza Boys Club (KBC), Khezhakeno, Phek three-day long cultural seminar on festivals of Chakhesang tribe paradigm “Cultural Functions and Production Grant” (CFPG) appreciating the diverse culture of Chakhesang tribe concluded at Zhipfhemi community hall, Khezhakeno village on July 4.

A press release by KBC Khezhakeno stated that, chairman of KBC Ezekiel Koza while dwelling on the importance of different festivals of Chekhsang people throughout the year lamented as to how forefather’s history and culture have been forgotten so soon.

He therefore emphasized on the need to rethink and rephrase one’s forgotten festivals and walk into the future cherishing new hopes and vision.

Guest speaker Khupo Koza expressed his love for Kozabomi’s culture and the various festivals of Nagas, where he mentioned some important festivals of Kozabomi such as Za-

ground of the history of drug addiction in the state.

In the context of early intervention, he lamented that young adolescents were introduced to drugs at an early stage and that the progression to dependency stage resulted in situations where they come in conflict with the law.

He also shared various harms associated with drug use and that there are various strategies to deal with it. Within this, under the purview of the department, the demand reduction strategy was a crucial role he added.

He further shared various programmes and service centres where OST, detoxification and rehabilitation centres are being provided.

During the session “addiction counselling”, Lozua Kape, Prodigals Home shared that young children were seen coming into maximum use of ganja, alcohol, tobacco and dendrites. On exploring about the root cause, she mentioned that one of the reasons were social factors with family atmosphere playing an important role.

She maintained that counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy played an important role as counselling rebuilds them so as to cope with social aspect of their lives.

Earlier, round of questions and deliberation on action plans was conducted wherein key recommendations on the need to have a specific children rehab centre, to explore on the possibilities with health department to providing a minimal dose of Buprenorphine during their acute withdrawal etc were discussed.

Members of KBC and other participants during the seminar held at Khezhakeno village on July 4.

thokhrü, Kelemvükhrünye, Chüzathokhrü, Baminye, Dzümvüchikhr ü, Mowochikhrü, Karakorominye, Chinyezamvünye, Nezhipu, Kajükichimenye, Barükesümenye, Pophfülupfü, Chirüketshü, Rünyeminye, Kürakuluminye, etc.

These festivals signify according to the paddy field works such as preharvest, post-harvest, cultivation, jhum cultivation, leisure, he said. Highlighting on how men folk during

head hunting days used to cleanse their own self and weapons to declare war on enemies, Khupo stated that they competed against each other according to the heads they hunt and wrestle for pride and ego.

He further elaborated that each khel/colony selected the strongest and fight in bloody sports and winner was declared by the village chief with a word “vieta” meaning “over”.

He also urged for wider exposure to culture

of Chakhesang community and Nagas in general and to co-exist with patriotic trust of brotherhood, unity and respect for each others’ culture.

Importance and significance of the festivals of Chakhesang community, that is, Sükhrünye & Tsukhenyi were also highlighted. Earlier in the programme led by Kovi Ladu, invocation was offered by Michenvoü Pizou and folk song was presented by Kapanyi Ketsu and party.

K Y M C

4

northeast

Assam floods: 10.75 lakh affected

Villagers carry a bike on a banana raft in flood-hit locality of Doboka in Hojai district of Assam. (PTI)

GUWAHATI, JULY 4 (PTI): Two more persons on Saturday lost their lives in the flood which has affected 10.75 lakh people in 18 districts of Assam, a government report said.

One person died in Morigaon and another in Tinsukia district, taking the toll to 61 across the state, of which 37 people were killed in the flood and 24 died due to landslides triggered by incessant rainfall, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority

(ASDMA) said in its daily bulletin.

Flood waters receded from Lakhimpur and Bongaigaon on Saturday even as Dhemaji, Biswanath, Chirang, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts were affected by the deluge.

Barpeta remains the worst-hit district with over

6.33 lakh people affected, followed by South Salmara with almost 1.95 lakh people affected and Goalpara with more than 83,300 persons, the bulletin said, adding the SDRF, district administrations and local people have evacuated 1,046 people in three districts during the last 24 hours.

Altogether 53,348.42 hectares of crop areas are submerged under water, the ASDMA said.

The Brahmaputra river is flowing above the dan-

Women leading fight against COVID-19 in NE: Jitendra Singh

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the women in the northeast are taking the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and helping the region emerge as a model for COVID-19 management.

Interacting with various self-help groups associated with the North Eastern Region Community Resource and Management Programme (NERCORMP) through a webinar, Singh said the women power (“matrashakti”) of the northeastern region is also taking the lead in all spheres of economic activity after a successful management of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Women have excelled

in the fight against the pandemic and helped the northeastern region emerge as a model of coronavirus management with very limited number of cases and just 17 deaths in all the eight states so far,” he said.

Singh, the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), said the region has also emerged as a model of development in the last six years under the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. He said the northeastern region will take the lead for India to emerge as an economic power with the support of its huge natural and human skill resources in the post-COVID-19 era.

Singh said the prime

Assam govt allows certain relaxations in Guwahati

G U WA H AT I , J U L 4 (PTI): The Assam government has allowed certain relaxations during the ongoing lockdown in Kamrup (Metro) district, under which Guwahati city falls, from July five to 12, Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna said on Saturday.

A complete lockdown has been imposed in the district for 14 days since June 28 following a surge in the number of COVID19 cases in Guwahati city.

Guwahati city has reported 2,114 COVID-19 cases.

According to the relaxations, grocery shops are allowed to operate between 11 am and 4 pm on July six and eight with the deputy commissioner issuing requisite directives to ensure only 20 per cent of all shops are allowed to open on any day, he said in an order issued on Saturday.

Shopkeepers and customers shall have to wear masks, hand gloves and maintain social distancing and the responsibility of maintenance of social distancing will be on the shopowners and failure to do so will be viewed very seriously and may entail summary closure of defaulting shops.

The wholesalers of grocery items are allowed to replenish stocks of retailers on July five and seven between 3 pm and 6 pm but no retail sale will be allowed during this period,

he said.

Activities relating to essential items supply from and to Food Corporation of India (FCI) establishments shall be allowed to operate but it will ensure that social distancing is maintained while loading/unloading of goods and that vehicles carrying goods to other districts proceed to destinations without any stoppage inside (Kamrup Metro) district.

House to house sale of fruits and vegetables will be allowed between 8 am and 2 pm on Monday and Wednesday but no roadside vending of fruit, vegetable, fish and other commodities will be allowed.

Activities related to wholesale distribution of medicines and medical equipment shall be allowed between 10 am and 3 pm on Monday and Wednesday.

Veterinary clinics, veterinary medicine shops are allowed to operate on all days between 10 am and 4 pm while feed shops are allowed to operate on Monday and Wednesday.

E-commerce distribution activities are allowed between 11 am and 4 pm on July 10 only.

Only 10 per cent of post offices and Life Insurance Corporation offices are allowed to operate with only 10 per cent staff. All other restrictions imposed by the previous order on June 26 announcing the lockdown shall remain in place, the order stated.

minister has always accorded the highest priority to the northeast and since 2014, he has made every effort to bring the region at par with the more developed regions of the country. He said the northeast accounts for 60 per cent of India’s bamboo reserve and it is a great advantage that under Modi’s leadership, the sector has received the kind of boost that it had never received since Independence. In this regard, he referred to the amendment in the 100-year-old Indian Forest Act brought in by the government in 2017, as a result of which, home-grown bamboo was exempted from the purview of the legislation in order to enhance livelihood opportunities.

ger mark at Neamatighat in Jorhat and Dhubri town in Dhubri districts, while its tributaries Jia Bharali at NT Road Crossing in Sonitpur, Kopili at Dharamtul in Nagaon and Beki at Road Bridge in Barpeta are also in spate.

Thirty-two of 223 camps at Kaziranga National Park and two out of 40 camps at Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park have been affected by the deluge.

The district administration has set up 171 relief camps and distribution centres across eight districts where 6,531 people are taking shelter currently.

Authorities have distributed rice, dal, salt, mustard oil along with other relief materials such as tarpaulin, snacks, candle, match box, drinking water, milk and biscuit.

Embankments, roads, bridges, culverts and many other infrastructures have been damaged at various places in Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon Darrang, Dhubri, Nagaon and Dibrugarh districts.

Massive erosions have been witnessed at different places of Kokrajhar and South Salmara districts, the ASDMA said.

Mizoram postpones opening of schools for 2020-21 session Aizawl, Jul 4 (PTI): The Mizoram government has postponed the opening of schools for the 2020-21 academic session for an indefinite period as a part of the containment measures to curb the coronavirus outbreak, a minister said.

The government had earlier decided to open educational institutions for the current academic session from July 15. "We would not be able to open schools during this month as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed all the states not to open educational and training institutes till July 31 due to the increasing COVID-19 cases in the country," Mizoram education minister Lalchhandama Ralte said on Friday.

2 BSF jawans test COVID-19 positive in Mizoram AIZAWL, JUL 4 (PTI): Two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans posted in Mizoram’s Lunglei district have tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, taking the northeast states tally to 164, an official said.

The two jawans aged 50 and 53 have returned from Kerala recently, the official said.

They were confirmed with COVID-19 at Lunglei hospital with the help of Truenat machine on Saturday, she said.

The two jawans developed symptoms of COVID19 and they have been placed under quarantine at a BSF camp in Vanhne, about 20 km from Lunglei town, since their arrival in the state, the official said.

Meanwhile, Health department sources said that at least three personsall males were discharged from a Dedicated Covid-19 Health Centre (DHCC) in Champhai town in the eastern part of the state bordering Myanmar on Saturday.

With the newly three recovered persons, at least 130 people have so far recovered from the deadly virus, it said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

Assam Raj Bhavan campus declared containment zone after 2 COVID cases

Among those tested on July 1, two staff members were found to be positive while the results of the others, including that of the governor and his wife, are awaited.

GUWAHATI, JUL 4 (PTI): The Raj Bhavan campus and its surrounding areas in Guwahati were sealed and declared a containment zone on Saturday after two persons of the Governor’s Office tested COVID-19 positive, an official said.

To maintain public hygiene and prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading in the area, it has been declared a containment zone and the Guwahati circle officer has been directed to seal the area immediately, Kamrup Metropolitan District Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu said.

Assam Governor Jagadish Mukhi, his wife Prem Mukhi and 176 employees, including security personnel deployed at the Raj Bhavan

IMPHAL, Jul 4: Fear and anxiety gripped citizens of Jiribam town and nearby areas after mass infection of police personnel on COVID19 duties by the COVID-19 virus. As many as 28 police personnel of a police station in Manipur’s Jiribam district, bordering Assam tested positive for the COVID-19 on Friday.

Residents of the border district feared community transmission of the virus in the district even as the state health department clarified it was not a case of community transmission but a local cluster case.

Addressing a press conference in Imphal, officials of the state health department said there was no community transmission of the COVID-19 in the state so far.

The mass infection of 28 police personnel is a local cluster case. There was evidence of cluster cases at the Jiribam police station but no community transmission,” state health director Dr K Rajo said.

There was no need for people of Jiribam to fear and panic as health authorities have swung into action to contain the spread of the disease in the district, he added.

Dr Rajo said investigations have been initiated to find out the origin of the virus. In the process of contact tracing, over 180 persons identified and their swab samples have been collected for COVID-19 test.

So far, except the 28 personnel including VDF (Village Defence Force) personnel, no other positive case was detected, he added. The case of infections at the Jiribam police station was a local cluster and there was no evidence of community transmission, he reiterated.

He said that if spread of the pandemic was reported at a place or some places without knowing the origin of the spread, it is community transmission as per guidelines of the WHO (World Health Organisation).

However, for the Jiribam case, the personnel were infected after one of its personnel contacted the virus, he added.

He said that community transmission of the disease can be checked if people strictly abide by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other guidelines and protocols of COVID19.

He maintained that wearing protective gear like face masks, maintaining physical distance while going out in the public places and washing hands frequently with soap or sanitizer were the best way to protect from contracting the virus.

The streets and market places in the Jiribam town wore a deserted look as residents stayed home fearing contracting the virus even though there was no re-enforcement of stricter lockdown to contain the spread of the virus in the

other directions regarding maintenance of social distancing will be strictly enforced in the sealed area, the order said. Any violation of this order will be dealt with strictly under relevant laws applicable, Pegu said.

The Kamrup Metropolitan district is under complete lockdown for 14 days from June 28 following rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Guwahati city. Guwahati city has reported 2,411 COVID-19 cases since June 24. Assam has so far reported 9,779 positive cases and of these, 3,455 are active cases, 6,327 people have been discharged from various hospitals, 14 have died and three have migrated out of the state.

Conrad assures action over attacks on 6 youths

Correspondent

Shillong, Jul 4: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Saturday assured action against those who attacked six youths at a basketball court with the iron-rods and sticks on Friday afternoon.

The masked goons numbering around 20-25 first locked the caged arena of the basketball court located at Lawsohtun area and then assaulted six nontribal youths with iron-rods and sticks while they were playing basketball The victims --Arindam Deb, Subharshi Das Purkayastha, Saptarshi Das Purkayastha, Binak Deb, Bishal Ghosh, and Prittish Deb -- have been playing basketball in the court during the lockdown

period and had been going to the ground for the last two week.

“I strongly condemn the assault on 5 boys yesterday in Lawsohtun, Shillong.

An assault on any citizen of the State irrespective of background or community will not be tolerated,” Chief Minister tweeted.

“Perpetrators of such heinous crimes will be charged by law. Action will be taken,” Sangma assured.

M e g h a l aya p o l i c e spokesperson, Gabriel Iangrai said three suspects were picked up on Friday and another eight suspects were picked up on Saturday by police for interrogation.

He said a criminal case No. 71(07)20 has been registered at Laban Police Station under sections

COVID-19 cluster in Mnp as 28 policemen test positive

Correspondent

and their family members, were tested on July 1 after two personal security officers had tested COVID-19 positive earlier.

Among those tested on July 1, two staff members were found to be positive while the results of the others, including that of the governor and his wife, are awaited. Any unauthorised entry or exit into or from the notified containment area is barred till the area is declared safe as per guidelines of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the DC said in an order.

It said any movement of unauthorised individual and movement of vehicle within the notified area is prohibited with immediate effect. All statutory and

district.

No fresh restriction of the COVID-19 lockdown was enforced by the district administration. It was a spontaneous response by residents of the town to stay home, a resident said when contacted over the phone.

He said that with the easing of lockdown like in other parts of the state, shops and markets were open as usual till Friday.

People were also seen moving out of their homes as curfew was relaxed during the day time.

However, a totally different scene was witnessed today as almost all shops and markets shuttered down and streets across the border town wore a deserted look.

Residents feared of occurring community transmission in the town, he added.

He alleged that people of the district panicked after

reports of mass infections among the police spread like wildfire in the district and they feared it is a case of community transmission.

It may be mentioned that after an ASI on duty at the Jiribam railway station tested positive for the virus, the district administration declared three locations including the police station as containment zones and tested samples of over 200 police personnel posted at the Jiribam police station.

Later, results of as many as 28 tested positive for the virus on Friday.

The ASI who tested positive for the virus was among the police personnel who discharged duty at the railway station where state people arrived by special trains. He also has a travel history to Silchar town of Assam for his wife’s delivery case a few days ago.

Conrad Sangma (File)

326/307/506/34 IPC. “Statements of the victims as well as the bystanders have been recorded and further investigation of the case is in progress,” Iangrai said, while appealing to all witnesses to come forward in helping the investigation team to ascertain the facts and circumstances of the case and most importantly, to help in identifying the perpetrators of the crime.

“The identity of those who are willing to help the

police team will be kept as confidential and will not be disclosed,” the police official assured.

Condemning the barbaric attack, BJP Meghalaya State president Ernest Mawrie urged upon the State government to take stringent action against those people who take law into their own hands. “ This is the duty bound of the State government to see that no one violates the SOP for COVID-19 instead of individuals or groups taking the law into their own hand,” Mawrie said.

Mawrie further appealed to the citizens of Meghalaya in general and Shillong in particular to strictly follow the health protocol as the cases in the State are increasing.

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR :: NAGALAND

S/C NO. 219/2020 NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 fro grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Ato Koza has been applied by Smti Akolie Koza, W/o Late Ato Koza R/o H. No. 195/2 Ward-4 Walford Area, Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of: 1. Pension Benefits 2. SBI A/C No. 30141453106 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/ he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 3rd Aug' 2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 1st July 2020.

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR::NAGALAND DP-3048

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE WOKHA : NAGALAND NOTICE

S/C No. 50/2020

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefit of Late Nlumo Lotha has been applied

by Smti. Nzebeni, W/o. Lt. Nlumo Lotha, R/o H/No…., Wokha, Nagaland for possession of; 1. SBI A/C No. 11766540444 2. PPO No. NL/19180 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/ he so desire appear in this court on or before 26/07/2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 26/06/2020.

Sd/- District & Sessions Judge Wokha : Nagaland WC-167

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE Babe Benrio.

May the love god follow you in every step you take. Happy birthday.

With love and prayer Mom, Dad, Sensen, Mharon, uncle & Aunties and Grannies & grandpa.

Dear Sis Atuna....

Happy birthday to my beautiful sister. Fly high to the happiness and watch your Dreams come true.

May your Life be always filled with Love, Joy Happiness and Wealth.

“Happy birthday to You” With Lots of Love and care. ..Lovingly Brother Tso..

MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND S/C NO. 94/2020

NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANTS (S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925 Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Chubawati has been applied by Shri/ Smti Imlikumla W/O Late Chubawati R/O H.No 92 Mangkolemba. Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of : Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the Administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may is she/he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 10.08.2020 Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 26.06.2020 Principal District Sessions Judge Mokokchung : Nagaland MKC-155

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

No one is safe in UP’s jungle raj, says Priyanka LUCKNOW, JUL 4 (PTI): There is a “jungle raj” prevailing in Uttar Pradesh where no one, including police, is safe, Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Saturday, a day after eight policemen were killed in an encounter with criminals in Kanpur.

In a video conference with party’s senior leaders in the state, Gandhi also accused the ruling BJP leaders and government officials of having nexus with criminals, as the party decided to launch an ‘e-campaign’ through various social media platforms against the “worsening law and order situation” in the state.

Quoting Gandhi as making the allegations during the conference, party’s state media convener Lallan Kumar said the leaders discussed the prevailing law and order situation in the state in detail.

During the conference, Gandhi said “there is a jungle raj prevailing in UP where even policemen are not safe”, said Kumar.

She said the state’s law and order situation has been demolished due to the nexus of ruling party leaders and

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

government officials with criminals, said Kumar.

“The criminals’ morale has been boosted due to the government’s patronage to them,” Kumar quoted Gandhi as saying.

He said the party decided to launch a campaign against the “bad shape of law and order” and “jungle raj” in the state and expose criminals and the leaders extending patronage to them.

The party will run an online campaign with party leaders and workers going live on Facebook on Sunday afternoon, he said, adding that an appeal will be made to people to post their messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram against the rising crime graph in the state.

The party will also reach out to the people and

ask them to write to party leaders and workers if they had any problem regarding the law and order situation.

The party will send their messages to the state governor and the National Human Rights Commissions, he said.

In the videoconference, the party also discussed its strategy for the coming UP Panchayat elections with leaders, said Kumar.

Those present in the video meet included UPCC president Ajay Kumar Lallu, CLP leader Aradhana Misra, former Union ministers Jitin Prasad and Pradip Jain Aditya and MLC Dipak Singh among others.

After the Friday encounter in Kanpur, Priyanka Gandhi had tweeted, “Eight policemen were martyred while they went to nab criminals. I pay my condolence to the family of the martyrs.

In UP, law and order has become very bad and criminals have no fear. From common man to policemen, no one is safe,” she said.

“The responsibility of law and order is with the chief minister. He should initiate strict action and there should be no laxity in it,” she had added.

Curbs in Chennai to be eased from Jul 6 CHENNAI, JUL 4 (PTI): After 17 days of intense lockdown in the state capital and suburban areas, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Saturday announced relaxations for Chennai while extending curbs for Madurai and nearby regions till July 12.

Chennai, which is under tightened restrictions from June 19 to July 5 to help fight rising COVID-19 cases, would see easing of curbs from Monday.

Effective July 6, vegetable shops and groceries could function from 6 am to 6 pm from the present 6 am to 2 pm in Chennai and suburban areas under the jurisdiction of Greater Chennai Police, Palaniswami said in a statement.

Tea shops could resume functioning and operate from 6 am to 6 pm though only takeaway services would be permitted.

Similarly, restaurants shall continue with takeaway services alone as is the norm now though they could now work till 9 pm from the present 2 pm.

Barring malls, all kinds of showrooms and other businesses including textiles and jewellery can be back in business and work from 10 am to 6 pm, he said.

Rains continue in Mumbai, North Konkan MUMBAI, JUL 4 (PTI): Mumbai’s suburbs and neighbouring Thane received more than 100 mm rainfall since Saturday morning, the IMD said and predicted “very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” at isolated places in the area besides rest of the North Konkan over the next 24 hours.

Interior Maharashtra also received fairly widespread rainfall, it said.

The Colaba weather station in south Mumbai reported 66 mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm while the Santacruz weather station recorded 111.4 mm rainfall, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Thane-Belapur Industry Association area reported 116 mm rain during this period, it added.

“Mumbai suburbs and Thane already received more than 100 mm rains since morning 8.30 am 4 Jul. City side its around 50+ mm.

“Very heavy with isolated extremely heavy rainfall (>200mm) forecasted for N Konkan including Mumbai in 24 hrs. Entire west coast very active monsoon. TC,” Mumbai IMD Deputy Director General K

A vehicle is seen stuck in a water-logged street following heavy rains, in Mumbai, Saturday. (PTI)

S Hosalikar tweeted.

Earlier, in a statement at 3 pm, the IMD said the monsoon remained widespread and active over the entire Konkan belt including Mumbai with heavy to very heavy rainfall in many places. “Interior Maharashtra also received fairly widespread rainfall with mostly moderate to isolated heavy rainfall.

“The intense rainfall activity is very likely along the west coast (including Mumbai) and adjoining ghat areas of interior Maharashtra till 4th July and

gradual reduction thereafter,” it said.

The disaster management cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said waterlogging was reported in low-lying areas of the city such as Sion, Dadar and Milan “But there has been no complaint of major waterlogging so far,” an official said.

There were 19 complaints of tree/branches falling, but nobody was injured in the incidents,” he said.

The Alibaug observa-

tory in neighbouring Raigad district recorded 87.4 mm rainfall from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Saturday.

Harnai in coastal Ratnagiri district, south of Raigad, reported 52.6 mm rainfall during the period, while the Ratnagiri city weather station recorded 54.1 mm rains.

The Colaba weather station in Mumbai recorded 169 mm rainfall during 24 hours from 8.30 am on Friday, while the Santacruz weather station reported 157 mm rainfall in the same period, the IMD said.

Gangster Vikas Dubey’s house razed in UP KANPUR, JUL 4 (PTI): A large police contingent kept a vigil as the house of gangster Vikas Dubey was being demolished on Saturday by the same earth mover which was “used” in the ambush by criminals just metres away to kill eight police personnel who had come to arrest him in Bikru Village.

Most of the houses were locked and only a few anxious people were visible in the village, located almost 45 kilometres from the district headquarters of Kanpur and now scene of the deadly crime on Thursday night that has shaken Uttar Pradesh authorities.

“It was a hub of crime,” Inspector General of Police Kanpur Mohit Agarwal said when asked about the razing of the house.

“Most of the villagers have said that he (Dubey) grabbed people’s land using muscle power, and built his house. He used to extort money from people,” he said. Police officials claimed that a large team had to be deployed as angry villagers could have attacked Dubey’s family.

“But the situation did not go out of control due to the police presence,” the IG said. Soon after Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Prabhu reached the village, police officials hired a driver who was asked to

pandemic potential wherein human and animal trials can continue in parallel.”

The statement further said that in the larger public health interest, it is important for the ICMR to expedite the clinical trials with a promising indigenous vaccine, adding it is committed to treat the safety and interest of people of India as a topmost priority.

“While issues raised in public domain from time-totime by commentators are welcome, as they form an important part of feedback loop, the best of India’s medical professionals and research scientists should not be second guessed for their professionalism or adherence to the highest scientific rigour.”

Bhargava had on July

2 written to principal investigators of select medical institutions and hospitals to fast-track human clinical trial approvals for the vaccine candidate ‘Covaxin’ being developed in collaboration with Bharat Biotech International Limited(BBIL).

Faced with the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the consequent dislocation of the normal life, all other vaccine candidates across the globe have been similarly fast-tracked, the ICMR statement said.

The Drugs Controller General of India has accorded permission to conduct phase 1 and 2 (human) clinical trial of ‘Covaxin’ based on in-depth scrutiny of the available data from preclinical studies, it added.

Just as red tape was not allowed to become a hindrance in the fast track approval of new indigenous testing kits or for introducing in the Indian market potential COVID-19 related drugs, the indigenous vaccine development process has also been sought to be insulated from slow file movement, it said.

“The aim is to complete these phases at the earliest, so that population-based trials for efficacy could be initiated without delay.”

After intense characterization and review of all data from BBIL, ICMR said it is supporting the clinical development as the vaccine candidate appears to be promising.

Se parately, Zydus, which is part of Cadila Healthcare Ltd., has said it has received approval from authorities to start human trials for its COVID-19 vaccine contender.

Underlining that ICMR was among the world’s most reputed organisations in the field of medical research and its track record of fa-

Debris lie on the ground following the demolition of the residence of criminal Vikay Dubey Saturday. (PTI)

demolish Dubey’s mansion by using an earth mover.

It was the same earth mover that the criminals had used to block the road and ambush the police team near the house, police officials said. Before the demolition, Dubey’s father and a domestic help were evicted from the premises.

“I have been ailing, so I don’t know what has happened. I can’t see or hear properly,” he said to queries from reporters.

Hundreds of policemen were present in and around Dubey’s house and in Bikru village as the house spread on two bighas of land was torn down along with

two luxury SUV vehicles and two tractors parked there. A 12-ft high boundary wall with barbed wires was also razed.

According to the villagers, the new house was built about seven year ago and had CCTV cameras at various conspicuous places inside the premises as well as outside the four entry gates and one main gate.

Around 80 metres from the main gate, there was a four-room luxurious accommodation where Vikas Dubey used to live. It too was demolished Local police said that Dubey, who had 60 cases against him, maintained a

Amending RPwD Act will have negative impact on PwDs: Activists

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): Activists have urged the government not to go ahead with the proposed amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 to decriminalise minor offences, saying these will nullify the “little achievements” gained over the years and negatively impact people with disabilities.

The Finance Ministry last month proposed to decriminalise minor offences, including those relating to cheque bounce and repayment of loans, in as many as 19 legislations.

In line with that, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment put out a proposal on its website for the amendments to the RPwD Act and sought feedback by July 10.

In a joint statement, around 125 disability rights organisations, civil society organisations and activists said they unequivocally register their strong protest against the proposal to “dilute and nullify” penal provisions contained in the Rights of Persons with Dis-

ICMR defends move to fast-track COVID-19 vaccine NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): After medical experts cautioned against rushing a COVID-19 vaccine, the ICMR on Saturday defended its move to fast-track clinical trials for a planned launch by August 15, saying the process was exactly in accordance with globally accepted norms.

The premier medical research body said the letter by its Director General Dr Balram Bhargava to principal investigators of the clinical trial sites was meant to cut unnecessary red tape, without bypassing any necessary process, and speed up recruitment of participants.

“Trials will be done following the best practices and rigour,” the Indian Council for Medical Research(ICMR) said in statement, seeking to address concerns voiced by several experts who said the timeline set by the research body may not be realistic.

“ICMR’s process is exactly in accordance with the globally accepted norms to fast-track the vaccine development for diseases of

5

cilitating India’s globally respected and acknowledged vaccine and drug industry speaks for itself, the research body said trials will be reviewed, as required, by a Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).

Anant Bhan, of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, among others had questioned the timeline of the announcement.

“To my knowledge, such an accelerated development pathway has not been done EVER for any kind of vaccine, even for the ones being tried out in other countries. Even with accelerated timelines, this seems really rushed, and hence with potential risks, inadequate attention to process,” Bhan wrote in a series of tweets.

Virologist Upasana Ray noted while an accelerated launch or promise for launch for a vaccine against novel coronavirus deserves applause, we also have to think if we are rushing too much.

abilities Act, 2016.

The statement has been signed by the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled, the Vikalangula Hakkula Jatiya Vedika in Andhra Pradesh, the Delhi Viklang Adhikar Manch, the Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of DifferentlyAbled and Caregivers, and disability rights activists Nipun Malhotra, Syed Hussain and Seema Baquer among others. They said the government was proposing to “drastically alter the very nature of the RPD Act”.

“And the government has unabashedly stated that such provisions ‘act as deterrents and this is perceived as one of the major reasons impacting investments from both domestic and foreign investors’. Every investor, foreign or Indian, has to comply with the law of the land where they are setting up businesses and legislations are not amended to suit their interests,” it said.

They further said ease of doing business or providing an investor-friendly climate cannot come at the cost of the hard-won rights of the marginalised.

“We therefore stoutly oppose these amendments

and urge upon the government not to go ahead with them as they will nullify the little achievements that have been gained in the struggles over the years and will negatively impact the lives of persons with disabilities.

The disabled need protection guaranteed by law and not patronising terms like ‘divyang’,” the statement said. Under the heading of “Decriminalisation of Minor Offences For Improving Business Sentiment And Unclogging Court Processes – Amendment in RPwD Act, 2016”, the proposal lists amendments to RPwD Act under provisions 89, 92(a) and 93.

The government proposes that a new section 95A may be inserted in the Act. The joint statement by the rights organisations and the activists said the amendments proposed to the RPwD Act cannot be seen in isolation.

“This is part and parcel of the larger agenda that the central government is pursuing in its renewed thrust for opening up the economy to unbridled loot by foreign and domestic capital utilising the pandemic situation,” it claimed.

“private militia”’ and recruited mostly local youths.

He also provided them with weapons.

The tension in the air was palpable in the almost deserted village and locked doors stared at visitors.

A few villagers, when approached, were reluctant to speak. A young girl when asked why many houses in the villages were locked said that most of the people living in the vicinity of her house work in Kanpur, and come to the village on Sundays. Chaubeypur’s station officer Vinay Tewari, whose role in the events that night has come under scanner, was suspended.

Pak violates ceasefire along LoC JAMMU, JUL 4 (PTI): Pakistan on Saturday night violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

He said that mortar shelling and small arm firing from across the border started around 7.45 pm in Degwar sector and the Indian Army gave a befitting response.

The cross-border firing was going on when reports were last received, the spokesman said.

There was no report of any casualty on the Indian side.

The ceasefire between India and Pakistan came into force in November 2003, but Pakistan has been frequently violating it. According to security agencies, Pakistan uses the firing to provide cover to terrorists infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, two unidentified militants were killed and an Army man was injured during an encounter between the ultras and security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

SOP for reopening of training institutes across country

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): The Personnel Ministry has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for reopening of central and state training institutes from July 15, outlining necessary steps to be taken by them to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“As far as possible training programmes should be conducted in digital/ online/virtual mode. Where it is necessary to conduct training in physical mode, the duration of the training should be reviewed carefully to make it more compact by separating the training curriculum into digital and physical mode,” it said.

The move came after the Home Ministry issued guidelines for phased reopening or ‘Unlock 2’ on June 29, allowing training institutes of central and state governments to function from July 15. It had also asked the Personnel Ministry to come out with an SOP. In its SOP, the Per-

sonnel Ministry said that observance of social distancing, wearing of masks and other COVID-related protocols, as prescribed by central and state/district health authorities should be ensured by the training institute concerned.

It said pregnant women, lactating mothers, people with asthma or chronic lung disease, high BP, chronic kidney disease and serious heart condition among others are at “high risk” and such trainees should attend courses online from their place of current posting/ administrative training institute.

All classrooms, staffrooms, offices, hostels, corridors, lobbies, common areas and washrooms, etc. should be thoroughly cleaned/sanitised as per procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the SOP said.

“With a view to ensure safety, on best effort basis, the training institutes should

ensure that the Aarogya Setu app is downloaded and installed by all trainees/ other staff and faculty having compatible phones,” it said. The training institutes have also been asked to notify nodal officers for COVID-related administrative responsibilities and also constitute committees with clear demarcation of roles, especially for coronavirusrelated matters.

“All the trainees and personnel of the training institutes should be encouraged to proactively disclose their health status, including fever/cough/sore throat/ influenza like symptoms, to the institute medical authorities,” according to the SOP issued on Friday.

A functional medical clinic/centre with the presence of qualified doctor(s) and nursing staff may be made available in each training institute with a protocol in place for treating of staff/ faculty/trainees with flu-like symptoms, it said.

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 209 Dimapur, SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

Invasion and application

I

nnumerable number of border incidents have taken place during the past year or so along the Indo-China border and the fact that they didn’t make so much news was probably because no shots were fired. Both Indian armed forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers grappled and boxed each other. The Chinese have always been land grabbing, be it over Bhutanese land at Doklam, or Aksai Chin in addition to around 640 square miles encroached at Ladakh and in total, has forcibly occupied around 38,000 square kilometres of Indian territory, especially after 1962. Over five decades have passed and India and China have not fought another war though China still claims areas in Ladakh, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, portions of Sikkim, and large chunk of Arunachal Pradesh.

Today both India and China are nuclear powers and also economic giants. The disinclination of using nuclear bombs is off the table but that has not deterred China from grabbing Indian territories. In the light of the changed situation, India has also decided that the best way to hit the Chinese is with economic bullets. Thus, India has decided to ban Chinese apps as an effective way to impose costs on China for its actions at the border. India has banned 59 apps with Chinese links, including the hugely popular TikTok and UC Browser, for engaging in "activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order". It is not that India suddenly decided to ban Chinese apps because of the aggression of its neighbour. In fact, long before the border incidents, there have been serious concerns globally over use of Chinese apps due to security reasons. China has been accused of using apps to “steal information” from various countries - both economic and military.

A majority of these apps were popular among India’s 500 million internet users. India is China’s biggest external market for apps such as TikTok and UC Browser. While India represents a relatively small source of revenue for Chinese apps, it is still its fastest growing consumer internet market in the world, with 19 billion downloads in 2019. That makes India as the second largest market for app downloads.

The question is whether India has the alternatives to these apps that can quickly fill the space vacated by the Chinese apps? India does have its desi-created apps for video uploads such as: Chingari: a short video app like TikTok, available for Android and iOS in multiple Indian languages; Roposo: a content sharing and video creation app available in more than 10 Indian languages. It offers a TV-like experience for users and was developed by three IIT Delhi Alumni.

Then there is the upcoming Jio Browser:a lightweight browser developed by Reliance Jio; Bharat Browser: created by the Bengaluru-based startup BlueSky Inventions etc. E-commerce applications include –Myntra founded in 2007 as an Indian fashion ecommerce company but was sold to Flipkart in 2015.

Flipkart: founded in 2007 and now acquired by Walmart. Snapdeal: an e-commerce company started as a daily deals platform in 2010 but expanded into an online marketplace in 2011. What this shows is that though India may worry about Chinese invasion, yet it can withstand Chinese applications.

DailyDevotion One of God’s Great “Don’ts”

Do not fret— it only causes harm. —Psalm 37:8 Fretting means getting ourselves “out of joint” mentally or spiritually. It is one thing to say, “Do not fret,” but something very different to have such a nature that you find yourself unable to fret. It’s easy to say, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7) until our own little world is turned upside down and we are forced to live in confusion and agony like so many other people. Is it possible to “rest in the Lord” then? If this “Do not” doesn’t work there, then it will not work anywhere. This “Do not” must work during our days of difficulty and uncertainty, as well as our peaceful days, or it will never work.

And if it will not work in your particular case, it will not work for anyone else. Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God Himself.

Worrying always results in sin. We tend to think that a little anxiety and worry are simply an indication of how wise we really are, yet it is actually a much better indication of just how wicked we are.

Fretting rises from our determination to have our own way. Our Lord never worried and was never anxious, because His purpose was never to accomplish His own plans but to fulfill God’s plans. Fretting is wickedness for a child of God. Have you been propping up that foolish soul of yours with the idea that your circumstances are too much for God to handle? Set all your opinions and speculations aside and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Deliberately tell God that you will not fret about whatever concerns you.

All our fretting and worrying is caused by planning without God.

Quotes

Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude. ~ William James

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

Post-mortem

Online Learning: The New Paradigm in Education T he COVID-19 pandemic has become a catalyst for the education sector to search for innovative solutions in a relatively short period of time. The education sector is generally known for its slow pace of change with centuries-old, lecture-based approaches to teaching, entrenched institutional biases and outmoded classrooms.

But the pandemic has transformed the centuries-old, chalk–talk teaching model to one driven by technology.

With schools closed through the forced lockdown, teachers and students have had to make the quick transition to remote learning. These changes may have caused a certain degree of inconvenience, but they have also prompted new examples of innovation to support the continuity of learning. Schools and teachers have adapted various online platforms to bring learning to children.

It is too early yet to assess whether these developments will have longterm impact on education systems. But there are clear signs that suggest that online platforms could have a lasting impact on the trajectory of learning and digitization. We need to consider these lessons carefully for the future, keeping in mind both the potential and the shortcomings.

Online learning can be conducted in different ways Online education could be conducted in two ways.

One is through the use of reading matter and recorded classes, which does not involve interaction with peers or teachers. The other is via live online classes conducted as webinars or sessions on zoom or other platforms.

While the former is considered as an asynchronous learning tool, the later is considered as synchronous learning.

While using online tools, teachers have to find ways to interact with stu-

dents, similar to the personal one-to-one interactions that take place in conventional classrooms. A typical online class, for example, through the Zoom platform would provide a synchronous experience that ensures any student can speak up at any time, and be seen and heard by the instructor. Here the real-time personalities of students and the instructor can emerge and interact.

The students also have access to virtual hand raises which the teacher can see and immediately respond to.

The teacher can incorporate access to whiteboards, slides and materials that may enrich the classroom transaction. There are also options of breaking into groups for in-class small group discussions that can be observed by the teacher.

Studies have shown that for productive learning to happen in online classrooms, synchronous learning has to be backed and complemented by asynchronous learning such as sharing offline activities in google classroom or whatsapp.

Focus on up skilling teachers for online platforms Innovative developments to keep learning going during the Covid19 pandemic have shown that teachers can be greatly adaptable and creative when situations demand. Many teachers who were comfortable in their traditional classroom settings have now made that big leap into the world of digital classroom within such a short span.

Customizing resources to suit online classes, finding new tools to enhance children’s online experience, constantly attending webinars to enhance their skills - teachers are now exploring and experiencing this new world of technology. Creativity and innovation have no set boundaries. However a change in pedagogy can be brought about only when there is a willingness to embrace it, and invest in it,

D

istribution of Assembly seats has reminded us the grim reality of how for the past 57 years, since Nagaland statehood, the state structure has been exploited by only a few privileged section of the Naga society.

More importantly, this crisis has

both on the part of school leaders and the teachers.

Education institutions that have adapted sooner to this new mode of learning have seen a smoother transition and lesser disruptions in their learning curve.

Online platforms have potential to enhance learning in classrooms.

Online classes provide opportunities for developing innovative ways to enhance learning in classrooms.

From easy access to guest speakers via digital platforms, to successful learning tools of simulation and gamification, all can bring an enriching perspective to the learning and teaching process. This is, in fact, an ideal time to experiment and deploy new technologies to bring about digital transformation in education.

Certain features of online education can enhance the learning experience of students. According to an article ‘Physical Review - Physics Education Research’ published by Greg Kestin and his colleagues at Harvard University, online videos were more effective than live demos in illustrating scientific concepts to students. In a live physical classroom, the learning largely depends on the gap between what the instructor had intended and the observation of the student, where faulty observation may reinforce the students’ misconception. With online videos students have the option to replay and review.

Additionally, in a video, the teacher can channelize students’ attention and promote understanding by using multimedia tools, like pointing with a cursor, providing audio or textual commentary, using animation and slow-motion.

Online learning also provides perfect platform for imaginative education approaches like ‘flipped classrooms’. In flipped classroom, teachers share the work before the class through assignments or

recorded videos and class time is used up for active learning and problem solving activities.

Modern debate over instructional design often pits two prominent pedagogies against each other - Sage on the Stage vs. Guide on the Side. The Sage on the Stage model refers to the traditional lecture-based approach to teaching, while the Guide on the Side model focuses on an instructorguided active learning process. Research shows that students learn more when they are engaged. And classes that utilize active learning methods have proven better at improving student outcomes, particularly when it comes to STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) education.

Lessons learned from The Maple Tree School experience Recently, an internal survey was conducted by The Maple Tree School among its students, parents and teachers to gauge how effective remote learning is being perceived. The survey indicated that most of the parents are satisfied with the steps taken by the school to ensure virtual learning through on line classes.

Many parents indicated that their wards are coping well and have made the transition to online classes satisfactorily and are able to attend the classes quite independently.

It also indicated that online classes have pushed majority of students towards more independent learning and effective time management.

In addition, for most of them, Self Reflection Forms shared through Google forms at the end of each day enabled students to clear their doubts and recap the day’s learning. Many of the Maple Tree School teachers, despite little experience in online teaching, were able to transition to online classes successfully, although this is still a work in progress.

Some of the issues they faced were time manage-

Why delimitaion is the need of the hour also revealed the true colour of how this pampered section still shamelessly advocate for the continuation of this discriminatory state structure. One should be truthful, fair and rational in one’s mindset and approach; otherwise one day justice will turn a blind

eye on your society when you are exploited. Thus far we are forced to accept that given discrimination is normal. However, there will always be people who will continue to fight for a just society.

The table below shows why delimitation is inevitable.

Total Electorate 1974

1971 census Kohima Kohima Dimapur (Total population= Peren 175204) Phek

71748

Distribution Total of Assembly Electorate seat by 1973 1977 delimitation

107611

122157

44594

38570

30683

5

Mokokchung (Total population= Zunheboto 168242) Wokha

82852

73647

48458

10

47093

38655

38570

7

38297

23490

29558

4

Tuensang Tuensang Kiphire (Total population= Longleng 173003) Mon

57021

74338

76491

11

65327

49338

57537

9

516449

402882

403454

60

Source: Census of India 1971, Series 15-Nagaland (Part II-A), Controller of Publications, Delhi, pages 27-29 & Results of the General Elections of Nagaland (Seventh Edition), published by Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Nagaland The 1971 census was taken when Nagaland had only three districts, viz. Kohima, Mokokchung & Tuensang. The number of population during this time shows that the undivided Kohima district had a total population of in 175204, Mokokchung168242, and Tuensang 173003. However if we look at the detail distribution of the census in each district and locate the present standing of the districts, we get the population distribution as given in the above table.

Reader’s note: Articles

14

41488 17374

Mokokchung

Total

ment, gauging student engagement and handling digital tools. However, all could execute their lessons through the online platform quite satisfactorily.

Shortcomings of online learning It has to be said here that online classes are not without its fair share of critics and many of the concerns are valid. Connectivity issues, access to technology, excessive screen time, being technologically challenged, are some of the common concerns. Ashish Rajpal, CEO and Founder of XSEED Curriculum Partners, says while concerns maybe many, there is a need to treat them as regrettable constraints much like the sidelines of a football field; the goal being the success of the child. Good teaching should be the heart of education Further, there is a general consensus that online classes cannot replace traditional classrooms. Many of the traditional classroom practices like face to face interaction, development of interpersonal and social skills, free flow discussions, group learning and most importantly the humane touch – personal mentoring, are essential for the development of a student. This may not be achieved seamlessly in an online platform.

Online learning requires intense self discipline on the part of the students to complete the work and studies on time. There are also concerns that students have increased workload while learning online.

Notwithstanding these challenges, there is a growing realization that technology, if used wisely, can play a powerful role in the teaching learning process.

Technology is a great leveler. Ten years ago internet connectivity was a luxury of the privileged. Today smart phones and tablets allow us to shed the shackles and lay a new world of opportunity literally in

18398 19423

only in 1988 by the Constitution (Sixty-First Amendment) Act, 1988). This defies all population growth theories as population at any given time can never be 11 out 100 people below 21 years.

Another interesting fact revealed by the data also shows that right after the delimitation was implemented in 1974, in 1977 the electorate in some districts drastically reduced. In Mokokchung the total number of electorate was reduced from 73647 (1974) to 48458 in 1977; Zunheboto was reduced from 38655 to 38570; Phek reduced from 38570 to 30683. While other districts increased steadily.

For instance Wokha increased from 23490 (1974) to 29558; Mon from 49338 to 57537 etc..

This inconsistency only suggests one thing, “Electoral rolls were inflated to gain additional seats in the assembly during the time of delimitation, and it was immediately brought back to normal right after reaping the harvest”.

2. Delimitation and Naga political talk are two different things: Practically speaking, delimitation is a micro problem while Naga solution is a macro problem for the Nagas. So if we cannot solve this minor problem, we cannot expect to solve the Naga political issue anytime soon. This point has been argued by many individuals

the palm of our hand. It is only a matter of time lesser bandwidth, connectivity or access to technology will become a thing of the past much like the ‘dial up’ internet connections of the past.

The way forward Technology alone cannot make learning engaging.

In order to leverage online systems, schools need to map their curriculum with an intention to strike a balance between traditional face-to-face teaching and online learning to complement each other. Instead of replacing formal education with online education, they can be merged together to create a more effective, efficient and interactive learning experience. It is here that a new blended model of education will emerge and online education will eventually become an integral component of education. Once this current pandemic shows signs of abating, a blended model of education will probably be the way to go forward till schools open up fully.

We live in an ever changing world ripe with new possibilities. The scope and reach of online education has the potential to reach far greater horizons than ever imagined. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to remind ourselves of the skills we, as educators, and our students need in this unpredictable world - innovation, creativity, informed decision making and above all adaptability. There is a need to blend the lessons of the past with the technology of the future to truly transform education, giving our students the ability to think, learn and evolve, no matter what the challenges of tomorrow bring.

And be able to unleash their potential despite the challenges.

Sanen Imchen (The writer is the Founder and Director of The Maple Tree School, Dimapur)

and groups, therefore no further elaboration is required. It is only reiterated here that if delimitation is deferred on the ground of the Naga political talk, the same election should be deferred till the talk comes to logical conclusion.

As long as elections are conducted under this discriminatory constituency arrangement, there is a strong ground to argue that delimitation and elections are conducted till such time the talk gives a new dispensation.

3. The excuse that 2001 census is rejected cannot be an argument anymore as 2011 census is already accepted by the government of India. Following this, the Jammu & Kashmir delimitation Act based on 2011 census is already approved. Therefore, if 2001 census is problematic, there is no reason why 2011 census cannot be the basis of delimitation. Secondly, to say that it will disturb the tribal equity is to beg for continuation of unfair and discriminatory system.

One should understand that tribal equity will be achieved only when a fair and balanced system is established, which will not only bring social harmony but also ushered in a just society.

Prof. Zarenthung Ezung & Dr. Phyoben Odyuo, Mokokchung, Nagaland

We also find that in the 1971 a. Champang Circle which census the two towns (Kohima is under Wokha district with a and Mokokchung) were catego- total population of 12834 (1971) ries under Urban. These two was deliberately or erroneously urban populations were actually included in the Tuensang district inhabited by people from the sub- (Census of India 1971, p.29). If divisions as well; however these this figure is corrected the total populations were added in the population of Wokha district districts headquarters of Kohima should stand at 51,131 and not and Mokokchung. So in reality only 38297. the two district headquarters will b. Population-electorate ratio have lesser population than as shows inconsistencies. For inindicated. stance, the population–electorate The following are the rea- ration indicates that in Mokokcsons why there is an urgent need hung district 89 out of 100 people of delimitation in Nagaland: 1. were eligible for voting. Likewise Sir, It has become necessary to trim big trees especially in town Clear evidence of manipulation 89 out of 100 people in Zunhein the last delimitation exercise: boto; while Wokha had only 61 areas since the monsoon has already set in. There have been many The above table shows that there out of 100 people eligible for mishaps even in the past due to trees or branches breaking off during was a clear manipulation of 1971 voting. This is despite the fact that storms and as such, the public need to be prepared. Even trees in census, 1974 & 1977 electoral rolls in 1974 the eligibility criterion one’s own personal garden must be checked and precaution taken as is evident from the following was 21 years of age (voting age to avoid any untoward incident. facts: was reduced from 21 to 18 years Gloria Kent, Dimapur or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Reader’s Post

To avoid any mishap

national

PM pitches for Atmanirbhar App day to day lives,” the prime minister pointed out.

Everyone is aware of the huge potential of the market and the scale products can achieve if they can satisfy the demand, he said.

“Nowadays, we are seeing huge interest and enthusiasm among the startup and tech ecosystem to innovate, develop and promote homegrown apps, Modi said. “Today, when the entire nation is working towards creating an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it is a good opportunity to give direction to their efforts, momentum to their hard-work and mentorship to their talent to evolve apps which can satisfy our market as well as compete with the world,” he said in the write-up.

To help the start-up and tech community achieve this objective, the challenge will run in two tracks, which are Promotion of Existing Apps and Development of New Apps, Modi explained.

For promotion of existing apps and platforms across the categories of elearning, work-from-home, gaming, business, entertainment, office utilities and social networking, the government will provide mentoring, hand-holding and support. “Track-01”

will work in mission mode for identifying good quality apps for the leader-board and will be completed in around a month. For incubating new apps and platforms, the “Track-02” initiative will work to help create new champions in India by providing support in ideation, incubation, prototyping and roll out along with market access. The outcome of this challenge will be to give better visibility and clarity to existing apps to achieve their goals, and to create tech products to find solutions to tech conundrums with the help of mentorship, tech support and guidance during the entire life-cycle, the prime minister said.

There is tremendous scope among these sectors for new apps which solve specific issues for India and the world, he said. “Can we think of making traditional Indian games more popular via apps? Can we develop apps with targeted and smart access to the right age group for learning, gaming? Can we develop gaming apps for people in rehabilitation or getting counselling to help them in their journey? There are many such questions and technology alone can give answers in a creative manner,” Modi observed.

Tell people about reality of Chinese incursions: Cong to PM

Odisha govt bans Kanwar yatra due to Covid-19

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Leh and addressed frontline soldiers, the Congress on Saturday said the time has come for him to follow his “raj dharma” and tell the people of the country about the reality of Chinese “incursions”.

Addressing a virtual press meet, Congress leader Kapil Sibal used satellite images of Ladakh’s Pangong Tso from May and June to show Chinese structures in the area and asked the prime minister to at least speak the truth about it.

He also asked Modi to stop doing the politics of “illusion and delusion” and showing “red eyes” to China, and protect Indian territory.

“The times warrant India to look eye-to-eye at China and unequivocally tell them to retreat from their illegal and brazen occupation of Indian territory. Mr Prime Minister, this is the only ‘raj dharma’ that you must follow,” Sibal said.

Posing a set of five

questions to the prime minister, he asked Modi to say whether the actual picture of “Chinese occupation of our territory” up to the “Finger 4 Ridge” in the Pangong Tso area depicts the truth on the ground.

“They say ‘pictures do not lie’. Will the prime minister now tell the nation -- is this Indian territory on which radars, helipad and other structures have been built by the Chinese in a brazen act of transgression?

“Have the Chinese occupied our territory in Galwan Valley, including ‘Patrol Point 14’, where our 20 jawans of the 16 Bihar Regiment made the supreme sacrifice? Has China also occupied Indian territory in Hot Springs?” the Congress leader asked.

“Has China occupied our territory up to ‘Y-Junction’ (18 kms inside the LAC) in the Depsang plains, threatening India’s strategic DBO airstrip, which is the lifeline for our military supplies to the Siachen glacier and Karakoram pass?” he asked.

BHUBANESWAR, JUL 4 (IANS): The Odisha government on Saturday decided not to allow ‘Kanwar Yatra’ or ‘Bol Bom’ devotees to offer prayers at Shiva temples across the state, to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said no ‘Bol Bom’ devotees or Kanwariyas will be allowed to congregate, carry water from water bodies and walk on public roads to pour water on Shiva Lingas.

In the month of Sharavan (July/August), people carry water from a religious place, walk barefoot for several miles and put water in some Shiva temples on each Monday of the month.

The ‘Bol Bom’ devotees usually start their journey on Saturday/Sunday/Monday by collecting water from one religious place and walk till next Monday morning and pour the collected water on a Shiva Linga, said the SRC. Notably, the state government has ordered that all religious places or places of worship will continue to remain closed.

5 Shiv Sena nagar panchayat members join NCP

Tamil Nadu CM lays foundation for one more government medical college

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): Days after the government banned 59 Chinese apps, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday invited the start-up and tech community to participate in the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge”.

The prime minister has launched the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Innovation Challenge” to identify the best Indian apps that are already being used by citizens and have the potential to scale and become world class apps in their respective categories, an official statement said Modi also said that the challenge will help create an “Aatmanirbhar App Ecosystem”. “Who knows, I may also use some of these apps made by you,” he said in a write-up on LinkedIn. Today there is immense enthusiasm among the tech and start-up community to create world class “Made in India Apps”, Modi said.

“To facilitate their ideas and products, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology along with the Atal Innovation Mission are launching the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge’,” the prime minister tweeted sharing the link to the LinkedIn post. Modi had given a call

PUNE, JUL 4 (PTI): Five Shiv Sena members from Parner ‘nagar panchayat’ in Ahmednagar district joined Nationalist Congress Party in the presence of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on Saturday.

NCP MLA from Parner, Nilesh Lanke, who was also present, said Mudassar Sayyad, Nandkumar Deshmukh, Kisan Gandhade, Vaishali Auti and Nanda Deshmane joined as they were not happy with the local leadership of the Sena.

“I had told them since Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress have formed Maha Vikas Aghadi in the state, instead of taking them in the party, we will help them carry out work in their wards,” said Lanke.

After realising they would not be taken into NCP, they got in touch with BJP and their entry into that party was almost certain, he added.

“They told me they were joining BJP but there was still time for NCP to take them in its fold...Hence, it was decided to take them in the party,” claimed Lanke.

Narendra Modi (PTI)

for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat (a self-reliant India) and had urged people to be “vocal for local” products.

He said the app innovation challenge is for those who have such a working product or if they feel they have the vision and expertise to create such products.

“I urge all my friends in the tech community to participate,” he said while sharing the write-up “Let us Code for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. India has a very vibrant tech and start-up ecosystem, which has done India proud nationally as well as globally, Modi said.

The country’s youth have excelled in providing tech solutions across sectors, he said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought about a big disruption, which is being tackled through the use of technology to aid our

CHENNAI, JUL 4 (PTI): The foundation stone for the construction of a government medical college in Kallakurichi district was laid by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami through a virtual link from the Secretariat here on Saturday.

The medical college, to come up at Siruvangur village at an estimated cost of Rs 381.76 crore in the newly carved district, would be set up with 150 MBBS seats, the government said.

The health facility, about 55 km from Villupuram, would be spread across about 8.328 hectares and administrative sanction has been accorded for Rs 381.76 crore towards the initiative, an official release said.

Recently, foundation stone was laid for eight government medical colleges at Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Tirupur, Namakkal, Nagappattinam, Krishnagiri and Tiruvallur districts by the Chief Minister.

Last year, Tamil Nadu government had obtained sanction from the Centre to set up 11 new medical col-

On Modi saying this is not the India of 1962 and the era of expansionism is over, the former Union minister said Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of the country, had told China then that India will never accept the Chinese claim-line.

According to Sibal, Nehru wrote to China, saying India will never submit to the demand for it to accept the Chinese 1959 line, whatever the consequences and however long and hard the struggle may be.

The Congress leader said paradoxically, the Chinese 1959 line clearly depicted the entire Galwan Valley in India and it was only on June 16, 2020, a day after the fatal clashes, that China formally laid claim, for the first time ever, to the entire Galwan Valley.

Sibal said former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri had visited forward locations to boost the morale of Indian soldiers and Nehru had also visited soldiers in the forward locations in NEFA in 1962 to boost their morale.

leges which includes those in the eight districts where foundation stone has been laid and Kallakurichi. The Nilgiris and Ariyalur are the two other districts for which permission was accorded by the Union governemnt.

A senior official told PTI that all the 11 new government medical colleges “will be functional by next (academic) year” and inspection by the Medical Council of India for these amenities was likely to be completed by the year-end.

On reported issues in identifying suitable location for the college in the Nilgiris, he said: “It has been sorted out.”

Asked about the number of MBBS seats they will have, he said the 11 new institutions would bring 1,650 more seats, 150 per college.

Presently, Tamil Nadu has 5,550 MBBS seats, 3,600 in the government and 1,950 in private sector colleges and with the fresh 1,600 plus additions, the total number of seats would go up to 7,200.

Palaniswami, who laid the stone for the medical college in Kallakurichi dis-

trict, also unveiled Primary Health Centre buildings constructed at a cost of Rs 7.72 crore in Tirunelveli, Ariyalur, Dharmapuri, Sivaganga, Thanjavur, Theni, Tirupur, and Perambalur districts.

Of the over Rs 381 crore for the Kallakurichi college, the Central and State governments would provide Rs 195 crore (60 per cent) and Rs 186.76 crore (40 per cent) respectively.

“In the first phase, the Tamil Nadu government has released Rs 110 crore and the Central government Rs 50 crore.”

The buildings for the medical college would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 132.50 crore, hospital Rs 182.79 crore, and those for residential quarters and hostel at Rs 66.47 crore, the government added.

As on date, there are 25 government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu including the Madras Medical College (Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital is attached to it), which is among the oldest and largest institutions imparting medical education in India.

7

Army refute flak over medical facility in Leh

J-K admin plans to undertake ‘restricted’ Amarnath yatra this year

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): The Indian Army on Saturday termed as “malicious and unsubstantiated” criticism in some quarters about a medical facility in a military hospital in Leh where Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the soldiers injured in the Galwan Valley clashes. In a statement, the Army said “it is unfortunate that aspersions are being cast on how our brave Armed Forces are treated. The armed forces give the best possible treatment to their personnel.”

Prime Minister Modi made an unannounced visit to Ladakh on Friday, signalling India’s firmness in dealing with the border row with China in several areas of the region. Modi also interacted with the soldiers who are undergoing treatment at the hospital, and told them that their bravery will be a source of inspiration for times to come.

Following release of photographs of Modi’s interaction with the injured soldiers, there were comments on Twitter that the facility did not look like a hospital as there were no medicine cabinet, I V (intravenous) stand, and other medical equipment.

JAMMU, JUL 4 (PTI): Asserting that the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra would have to be undertaken in a “restricted manner” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday said only 500 pilgrims would be allowed per day by road from Jammu to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine.

It also said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for testing of persons entering the Union Territory would also be applicable to the intending Amarnath pilgrims.

“The yatra this year will have to be undertaken in a restricted manner so that the SoPs for COVID-19 are strictly adhered to during the conduct of the yatra… a maximum of 500 yatris only could be allowed per day by road from Jammu,” Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam said.

He was chairing a meeting of the sub-committee constituted by the Supreme Court for the yatra here.

In the meeting, he reviewed the arrangements, including security for the pilgrimage, an official spokesman said.

The 42-day yatra was

scheduled to commence from the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal on June 23 but was delayed due to the outbreak of the pandemic.

According to sources, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) is planning to undertake the yatra in the last week of July for a short duration of 15 days.

While reviewing the preparations for the Yatra 2020, the chief secretary said in view of the COVID19 pandemic, the State Executive Committee constituted under the Disaster Management Act has issued SoPs which, interalia, prescribe 100 per cent RTPCR test for all persons travelling into J-K. “All entrants into J&K will have to be sampled, tested and quarantined till they are reported to be negative,” he said, adding the camping facilities earlier utilised for yatris, especially at entry points are currently being utilised as quarantine centres.

He emphasised that SoPs for testing of persons entering J-K would apply to yatris as well.

During the meeting, the chief secretary was

briefed by the departments concerned with regard to status of works, including upgradation and improvement along the track from Baltal to the Cave shrine at Kali Mata and emergency exit track from Sangam, installation of railings along critical stretches of the track, construction of additional helipads at Lower Holy Cave and construction of sanitisation tunnels at Neelgrath Helipad, Baltal and Domel.

H e a l s o r e v i e we d strengthening of footbridges and routine works viz installation of bailey bridges, the spokesman said.

Financial Commissioner, Health, Atal Dulloo also gave a brief with regard to healthcare.

He said adequate stock of drugs, consumable items, sleeping bags, besides PPE kits and masks are being made available to the doctors and paramedical staff being deployed for yatra duty.

Dulloo apprised that two base hospitals are also being established along Baltal route.

However, he was concerned about the stress in the medical system because of the yatra.

Buddha’s message serves like beacon: President

President Ram Kovind releases a publication during a virtual event at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Saturday. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): As the coronavirus pandemic ravages human lives and economies across the world, Lord Buddha’s message of shunning vices like hatred and violence to find happiness serves like a beacon, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Saturday. “We all know that the moment the virulence of coronavirus slows down, we have a far more serious challenge of climate change before us,” he said at a virtual event organised by the International Buddhist Confederation at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Kovind said the world seems full of suffering, in short term as well as in long term.

“There are many stories of kings and affluent people suffering from acute depression who took refuge

in Buddha to escape cruelties of life,” the president said.

He said the life of Buddha challenges earlier convictions as he believed in finding deliverance from suffering in the midst of this imperfect world.

“Today, as the pandemic ravages human lives and economies across the globe, Buddha’s message serves like a beacon. He advised people to shun greed, hatred, violence, jealousy and many other vices to find happiness. Contrast this message with the hankering of an unrepentant mankind indulging in the same old violence and degradation of nature,” Kovind said.

The president said that India is proud of being the land of the origin of ‘Dhamma’. “In India, we see Buddhism as a fresh

expression of the sublime truth,” he said at the event organised on the occasion of the Dharma Chakra Diwas.

Kovind said Lord Buddha’s enlightenment and subsequent preaching by him for over four decades were in line with India’s tradition of respect for intellectual liberalism and spiritual diversity.

In modern times, two

exceptionally great Indians, Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar, found inspiration in the words of the Buddha and went on to shape the destiny of the nation, he said.

“Following in their footsteps, we should strive to hear the call of the Buddha, to respond to his invitation to walk the noble path,” the president said.

The International Buddhist Confederation or IBC, with its presence in 36 countries, is holding the celebrations around the world.

“We, however, are in the midst of a virulent pandemic that has overwhelmed the entire humanity. Perhaps no part of the world remains untouched by this calamity that adversely affects every individual. As a precaution, we have to follow certain discipline and maintain physical distance,” he said.

The IBC is, therefore, holding the events virtually, Kovind said, adding that such an effort is praiseworthy, because this makes it possible for a far larger number of people, from all corners of the world, to participate in them.

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primitive tribes like Saharia in Morena, Sheopur and other areas,” Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari said, reviewing the project.

The proposed expressway will prove to be the newest model of infrastructure development jointly between the states and the Centre, he said. The about 404 km-long expressway provides an alternate route from Kanpur to Kota through Madhya Pradesh, and then it joins the Delhi-Mumbai corridor.

Reviewing the project with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj

specific issues which will facilitate faster implementation of the project.

Madhya Pradesh has already exempted royalty on minerals for this project.

Gadkari also said he has directed NHAI Chairman S S Sandhu to prepare the DPR (detailed project report) at the earliest. The project is expected to be completed in about two years after land acquisition.

The states will share the Rs 650 crore land acquisition cost.

He also suggested forming a Chambal Development Authority for better coordination and progress of the region.

The minister said the project can also have logistics parks on the lines of multi-modal logistics parks being constructed in Indore, Jabalpur and Jaipur.

Senior officers of the state governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry and NHAI participated in the online review meeting.

Liquidity to MSME rises as bank Coal India, NLC India JV sanctions cross Rs 1.10 lakh cr to pump in Rs 12,000cr crore. In a tweet, office of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: “As of July 1, the total amount sanctioned under the 100 per cent Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme by #PSBs and private banks stands at Rs 1,10,343.77 crore, of which Rs 52,255.53 crore has already been disbursed.”

The ECLGS scheme is the biggest fiscal component of the Rs 20-lakh crore SelfReliant India Mission package announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in May. To ensure that the scheme achieves its objective of providing adequate liquidity to the MSME segment during the current difficult period, the finance ministry has regularly held

Su doku

KAKURO

KOLKATA, JUL 4 (PTI): Coal India Ltd (CIL) and NLC India will jointly develop solar power assets of 3,000 MW with a likely investment of around Rs 12,000 crore, sources said on Saturday. The two state-run companies had on Friday said they would form a JV to develop 5,000 MW of solar and thermal power assets across the country.

“A solar JV is already in process of formation with an initial capital of Rs 10 lakh. Once the company is formed, the respective company boards will decide the final contours of the project.

At present, solar capex for each MW is around Rs 4 crore,” they said.

The government plans to impose 20 per cent basic customs duty on imported solar panels to boost the do-

Govt reply an insult to public: NPCC

No. 9614 Yesterday’s solution No. 9613

No. 4233 Yesterday’s solution No. 4232

No. 3258 Yesterday’s solution No. 3257

tency and negligence of the government in handling the pandemic and which might lead to risk of possible community transmission .

NPFLP also stated that the genuine demands of the Eastern Naga People Organisation (ENPO) and the Zeliangrong Students Union, Nagaland (ZSUN) have failed to find logical conclusion till date.

F u r t h e r, N P F L P charged the state government of “nepotism”, in the recent state cabinet decision to regularize the post of 27 GDMOs, appointed on contractual basis on May 27, 2020 for a period of 12 months. However, when pressure mounted , NPFLP said the decision on the plea of shortage of manpower to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, had to be revoked.

Adding to the over-all burden of the public, NPFLP said that the COVID cess on fuel has led to sharp rise in prices of various commodities in the state.

Assessing the present state of affairs, NPFLP said that one cannot help but come to the conclusion that the raison d’être of the present day government was not for the welfare of its citizens as it ought to be.

“In any case, the autocratic functioning of the state gover nment since the past more than 2 years speaks for itself,” NPFLP stated.

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tioned collection of 24% annual tax on a month’s salary from government employees . He said reiterated that Nagaland is “fully embroiled under extortion, illegal collection and corruption” and no one is free, either directly or indirectly.

Taking a jibe, Therie said for the state government, “the above situation are normal”. Hitting out at police report again, Therei said it showed no conviction rate while the state government has blamed lack of forensic laboratory.

He said forensic samples are currently sent to Kolkata Forensic Laboratory. He asked what was stopping the state government from having one?.

Therie also said Gauhati High Court had directed CBI to probe cases but so far there has been no outcome. He said even central probe agencies have

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Therie reminded that the Naga plebiscite did not “authorise extortion, illegal collection or corruption” but since it was a human problem talks were initiated without pre-conditions.

Instead of defending itself, Therei said the state government should admit, the existence of parallel governments as a fact to demand early political solution. Therie, cited oft stated offer of the state government, that it would pave way for acceptable solution. He therefore, urged upon the government of India “ to be pleased to comply with their offer and implement the political solution through a neutral government.”

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meetings with the banks.

A finance ministr y statement said that banks from both public and private sector have contributed to the success of the ECLGS. Of the Rs 52,000 crore disbursement, public sector banks have released Rs 33,000 crore to about 12,59,000 MSME accounts while private banks have disbursed Rs 19,000 crore to about 1,45,000 accounts.

The scheme would help more than 30 lakh units of MSMEs and other businesses restart their businesses post the lockdown.

As part of the Aatmanirbhar package, the Central government had announced its plans for Rs three lakh crore as additional credit to MSMEs and small businesses.

DP-3052

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (IANS): The Central government is going all out to ensure that liquidity concerns of the MSME sector are addressed on priority under its Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS).

As of July 1, 2020 public sector and private banks have sanctioned loans worth over Rs 1.10 lakh crore under the 100 per cent Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, of which more than Rs 52,000 crore has already been disbursed.

There has been a big jump in sanctions in the last couple of weeks. And just in the last six days up to July 1 sanctions have increased by a whopping Rs 10,000 crore while disbursement has increased by Rs 7,000

Dimapur.

It pointed out that the PAC had served an ultimatum on the state government (till July 31) to initiate an anti-crime Act similar to the ‘Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA)’ or the ‘Goonda Act’ to control organised crime. NPFLP however said that the government remained in deep hibernation and paid scant regard to PAC and other civil societies who have come out to address grievances of the public.

NPFLP reiterated that the state government will sooner or later, have to come face to face with the harsh reality and cautioned that the rage of the general public was growing every single day and that a final culmination was not very far off.

NPFLP said the Governor had cited several problems in the state that have emerged since the instruments of law and order remained totally unresponsive.

Healthcare and education have hit rock bottom while the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has made the matter worse, it added.

NPFLP also said that the grievances of public and those at various quarantine centres continue to surface every now and then but many went unattended.

It cited the Tuensang and Peren fiascos, which it said, portrayed the incompe-

DP-3057

Nitin Gadkari

Singh Chauhan, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia, Gadkari emphasised on expeditious environment clearances, land acquisition and royalty/local tax exemptions to make the project see the light of the day soon.

He underlined that land acquisition should cater to the development of wayside amenities, besides industrial and commercial clusters with potential for having smart cities, mandis, hunar haats, among others, on both sides.

The expressway will offer huge employment potential in these districts and adjoining areas, he said.

Stressing on the need to bring down the cost, Gadkari said royalty and tax exemptions on the project material will save more than Rs 1,000 crore.

He suggested that chief ministers of the states through which the road will pass should chair State-level High Powered Committee meetings to sort all state-

(From p-1) On the ongoing Dimapur-Kohima 4-lane road construction and various other road projects under MoRTH, NPFLP said sanction was accorded through the initiative of the previous government but the project was incomplete till today.

NPFLP also pointed out that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the direction of the Governor, to prevent unlawful activities and book miscreants obstructing the 4-lane road work, but it was yet to come up with any tangible result till date.

NPFLP said that the stand of the state government to the governor, that the law and order continues to be “normal and peaceful”, held no water.

It pointed out that business establishments were being threatened on a daily basis by anti-social elements, especially in Dimapur. NPFLP said such incidents go unreported due to the lack of trust of public on government machineries.

This situation only allowed such elements to take maximum advantage and at times malign the image of the Naga national movement.

It pointed out that the best example of the “laidback attitude” of the government was the way it dealt mestic industry, the sources with the Public Action Comsaid. Solar developers have mittee (PAC) formed under been largely dependent on the aegis of Naga Council Chinese equipment.

The thermal power project will be taken up by a separate JV after due diligence, they said. CIL has already installed solar projects (From p-1) On tax imposed on of 4.83-MW capacity and carriage transport, he said these plants are generating around 4.6 million units of every vehicle entering Narenewable energy annually, galand had to pay amount depending on the number officials said.

“This JV aims to utilise of tyres or taxed item-wise. the core capabilities and He claimed that extortion infrastructure of CIL and on government funds have NLCIL for the creation of increased since the state govpower assets to harness re- ernment itself “facilitates newable sources of energy. extortion” by informing “The JV company will finance department release ensure sustainable growth orders.

Armed with informaand contribute to achieving the ambitious solar power tion, Therie said DDOs and programme of both compa- contractors are ordered by nies,” Coal India said in a various factions to pay some statement. percentage and that even MLAs and ministers also receive their commissions.

Across He said many DDOs 1. Cuban cigar (6) took advantage of this sit7. Corresponding (8) uation and cited the RD 8. Ticket money (4) department where VDB 10. Counting frame secretaries and VCCs were compelled to sign on blank (6) cheques. Therie also men11. Martial art (6) NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (IANS): The central government has proposed a major push to domestic manufacturing of renewable energy equipment in the country that would completely eliminate the need for imports, particularly from countries such as China.

As part of the plan, an accelerated manufacturing plan is being operationalised that is incentivising setting up of solar cell manufacturing capacity of 4,000 MW that would allow project developers to restrict import of this product completely.

Additionally, 3,000 MW of fresh solar cell capacity is being added under manufacturing linked bids for solar projects. This would incentivise power project developers planning manufacturing in India.

The current capacity of solar cell manufacturing in India is about 2,500 MW. This is proposed to rise over three times in coming years.

In case of solar modules as well, 7,000 MW of capacity is being added in addition to existing capacity.

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NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): Asserting that the proposed Rs 8,250 crore Chambal Expressway could be a game changer for the poor and tribals living in far-flung areas of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday urged these states to expedite land acquisition, environment clearances and tax relief for the project.

The project will also provide cross-connectivity with the Golden Quadrilateral’s Delhi-Kolkata corridor, North-South Corridor, East-West Corridor and Delhi-Mumbai -Expressway.

“The upcoming expressway could be a game changer for tribals and poor living in the far-flung areas, specially Chambal region which is considered as one of the most backward areas in the country.

“While farmers of all three states will be the biggest beneficiaries to send their produce to Delhi Mumbai markets, this expressway will be a boon for

Govt has humiliated Governor: NPFLP

DP-3051(A)

Gadkari reviews highway project

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

DP-2989(B)

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

Protesters seek to ‘defame’ heroes: Trump Pubs, hairdressers reopen in England

of supporters as concern grows inside his campaign that his poll numbers in the battleground states that will decide the 2020 election are slipping.

Trump in recent weeks has increasingly lashed out at “left-wing mobs,” used a racist epithet to refer to the coronavirus and visited the nation’s southern border to spotlight progress on his 2016 campaign promise to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall. The event, while not a campaign rally, had the feel of one as the friendly crowd greeted Trump with chants of “Four more years!” and cheered enthusiastically as he and first lady Melania Trump took the stage.

“Those who seek to erase our heritage want

Americans to forget our pride and our great dignity, so that we can no longer understand ourselves or America’s destiny,” Trump said. The event drew thousands of spectators, most of them without masks, even as coronavirus cases spike across the country. The president was set to speak before a big fireworks show, the first to be held at the site in over a decade.

Hours before Trump arrived, protesters blocked a road leading to the monument. Authorities worked to move the demonstrators, mostly Native Americans protesting that South Dakota’s Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people against treaty agreements.

About 15 protesters were ar-

Israeli cyberattack caused Iran nuclear site fire: Report J e ru s a l e m , J u l 4 (IANS): Israel was responsible for two blasts at Iranian facilities, one related to uranium enrichment and the other for missile production, over the past week, a Kuwaiti newspaper has claimed.

The Al-Jareeda daily cited an unnamed senior source as saying that an Israeli cyberattack caused a fire and explosion at the largely underground Natanz nuclear enrichment facility on Thursday morning, reports The Times of Israel.

According to the source, this was expected to set back Iran’s nuclear enrichment program by approximately two months.

Natanz, located some 250 km south of Tehran, includes underground facilities buried under some 25 feet of concrete, which offers protection from airstrikes. The facility is a Fuel Enrichment Plant covering 100,000 square meters.

Photographs of the site showed significant damage to one above-ground building, which was covered in scorch marks and had its

Natanz, located some 250 km south of Tehran, includes underground facilities buried under some 25 feet of concrete.

roof apparently destroyed.

The Al-Jareeda daily also reported that on June 26, Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jets bombed a site located in the area of Parchin, which is believed to house a missile production complex - an area of particular concern for the Jewish state, in light of the large number and increasing sophistication of missiles and rockets in the arsenals of Iranian proxies, notably Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Neither of these claims have been confirmed by Israeli officials as of now.

The reported Israeli strikes followed an alleged Iranian attempt to hack into Israel’s water infrastructure in April, an effort that was thwarted by Israeli cyber defences.

But if successful, it could have introduced dangerous levels of chlorine into the Israeli water supply and otherwise seriously interrupted the flow of water throughout the country, reports The Times of Israel.

Ultimately, the alleged Iranian cyberattack caused minimal issues, according to Israeli officials.

rested after missing a policeimposed deadline to leave.

Trump was expecting a South Dakota show of support, with the state Republican Party selling T-shirts that feature Trump on the memorial alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

But concern about the coronavirus risk and wildfire danger from the fireworks, along with the Native American groups’ protests were also present.

Republican Governor Kristi Noem, a Trump ally, had said social distancing won’t be required during the event and masks will be optional. Event organizers were to provide masks to anyone who wanted them

Stay out of HK affairs: City warns US Hong Kong, Jul 4 (IANS): The US has no right to intervene in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, the city government said in an online statement, a day after the American Senate unanimously passed a punitive sanctions bill in reaction to the controversial new National Security Law imposed by China.

“Once again, we urge the US Congress to immediately stop interfering in HKSAR’s internal matters,” the South China Morning Post quoted the statement, by an unidentified spokesman, as saying on the Hong Kong government’s website on Friday.

“The act and the socalled sanctions are totally unacceptable. They will not deter us but will only harm the relations and common interests between Hong Kong and the US,” the statement said.

“The implementation of the one country, two systems principle in the HKSAR is entirely the internal affairs of the PRC (People’s Republic of China).”

People queue outside Savaas Barbers as it reopened following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London, Britain July 4 (Photo-Agencies).

LONDON, JUL 4 (IANS): Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas in England on Saturday reopened their doors for the first time in three months after a major relaxation of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas were allowed to reopen just after midnight, with some hair salons welcoming clients in the early hours, but pubs had to wait until 6 a.m., after Downing Street expressed fears of early morning partying, reports the BBC. Other places now allowed to reopen in England include outdoor gyms, children’s playgrounds, libraries, community centres, bingo halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, theme

The current worst-hit states of California, Arizona, Texas and Florida all posted record new cases this week.

Washington, Jul 4 (IANS): The US, which currently accounts for the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, has registered more than 50,000 new infections for the third consecutive day amid a sudden surge in 40 out of the 50 states in the country.

According to the Johns Hopkins University, the US on Friday reported at least 51,842 new cases, taking the overall number

of infections 2,793,425, while the death toll stood at 129,432.

The current worst-hit states of California, Arizona, Texas and Florida all posted record new cases this week.

Florida reported nearly 9,500 additional coronavirus cases on Friday, while Texas registered 7,555 new infections. Florida is averaging more new cases per day -- 7,870 -- than any other state.

Islamabad, Jul 4 (IANS): A 105-year-old man in Pakistan’s Punjab province has been discharged from hospital after successfully defeating COVID-19, the media reported.

Fazal Rauf, who is also a war veteran and has served in the Pakistan Army, was tested positive and had been quarantined in hospital since then, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rauf was tested for the disease again on Thursday and his report came out negative. On Friday, e was shifted back to his home, and his condition remains stable.

According to Pakistan’s health ministr y, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 221,896 with 4,551 deaths and 113,623 recoveries.

reiterated it has no immediate plans to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States unless Washington discards what it describes as “hostile” polices toward Pyongyang.

The statement by North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui came days after President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, told reporters that Trump might seek another summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as an “October surprise” ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

Kim and Trump have met three times since embarking on their high-stakes nuclear diplomacy in 2018, but negotiations have faltered since their second summit in February last year in Vietnam, where the Americans rejected North Korean demands for major

but the new “one metre plus” guidance means they can get closer if they use “mitigation” measures, such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face, reports the BBC. Each UK nation’s lockdown measures differ, including varying rules on the reopening of food and drink outlets.

In Northern Ireland, pubs and restaurants can reopen on July 10.

In Scotland, beer gardens and outdoor restaurants will be allowed to reopen from July 6, and indoor areas can be used from July15.

The Welsh government has promised talks with the hospitality sector about a “potential phased” reopening, but no dates have yet been given.

20 Saudis on trial in absentia over Khashoggi murder case residence a few days later and noticed how the marble around the oven had been bleached.

The next hearing will take place on November 24.

The 59-year-old journalist, who went into selfimposed exile in the US in 2017, was last seen entering the Saudi consulate on Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of Jamal Khashoggi, speaking to the media outside the court in Istanbul.

Ankara, Jul 4 (IANS): Twenty Saudi nationals have gone on trial in absentia in Turkey for the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was a prominent critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Khashoggi’s Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, was one of those who testified at the opening session on Friday, reports the BBC. Cengiz later told journalists gathered outside the courtroom that she found the process spiritually and psychologically debilitating.

She expressed confidence in the Turkish judicial system and declared: “Our search for justice will continue in Turkey as well as in every-

where we can.”

The defendants at Friday’s hearing include two former aides to the prince, who denies involvement.

Another witness who gave evidence was Zeki Demir, a Turkish citizen who worked as a handyman at the Saudi consulate.

Demir told the court that he was called to the consul general’s residence on the day Khashoggi disappeared and asked to light an oven used for barbecues.

“There were five to six people there,” the BBC quoted Demir as saying.

“There was an air of panic... It was as if they wanted me to leave as soon as possible,” he said, adding that he returned to the

US reports over 50,000 COVID- 105-year-old man N. Korea says it has no plans for talks with US Jul 4 (AP): toward the DPRK in dis19 cases for 3rd consecutive day recovers from Seoul, North Korea on Saturday regard of the agreements COVID-19 in Pak

parks, amusement arcades, outdoor skating rinks, social clubs and model villages. Places of worship can open for prayers and services, including weddings with up to 30 guests Two households will also be able to meet indoors or outside, including for overnight stays, although they have to maintain social distancing.

As measures eased, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to act responsibly, while the government’s scientific advisers said the latest step was not “risk-free”.

Johnson said a timetable for reopening other businesses including gyms, nail salons and night clubs would be set out next week.

People in England are still required stay 2-metre apart,

Choe Son Hui (File)

sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capability.

Kim entered 2020 vowing to bolster his nuclear deterrent in face of “gangster-like” U.S. sanctions and pressure.

Choe’s statement followed a series of similar declarations by the North that it would no longer gift Trump with high-profile meetings he could boast of as his foreign policy achievements unless it gets something substantial in return.

“Is it possible to hold dialogue or have any dealings with the US which persists in the hostile policy

already made at the past summit?” Choe said, referring to North Korea by its formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“We do not feel any need to sit face-to-face with the U.S., as it does not consider the DPRK-U.S. dialogue as nothing more than a tool for grappling its political crisis,” she said.

Some analysts believe North Korea would avoid serious negotiations with the United States at least until the November presidential election as there’s a chance U.S. leadership could change.

The North in recent months have also been ramping up pressure against South Korea, blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office in its territory and threatening to abandon a bilateral military agreement aimed at reduce tensions.

October 2, 2018 to obtain papers he needed to marry Cengiz.

The Saudi government said the journalist was killed in a “rogue operation” by a team of agents, the BBC reported. Saudi Arabia, which rejected Turkey’s extradition request, convicted eight people over the murder last year.

WOKHA TOWN MEKOKLA EKHUNG CONGRATULATIONS

With immense joy, the WTME congratulates Er. Yanthanshan Yanthan for being promoted to SDO, NPWD. The Ekhung prays and wishes him good health and wisdom while discharging his duties and responsibilities.

The Ekhung also congratulates all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC 2020 from Mekokla Village and wishes them best in their future endeavour.

Sd/Wokha Town Mekokla Ekhung

WC-168

FELICITATION LUMANI UNION AKULUTO with immense pride and joy, extend its heartiest congratulations to SHRI. ATOVI KINIMI on being promoted to Deputy Director under the Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland.

The Union further wishes him success in his future endeavours.

NIVUXU KINIMI President, L.U.A

VISHETO ZHIMO Secretary, L.U.A

DP-3056

President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, stands during the national anthem at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday. (AP/PTI)

and planned to screen attendees for symptoms of COVID-19.

Noem, in her own remarks, echoed Trump’s attacks against his opponents who “are trying to wipe away the lessons of history” “Make no mistake: This is being done deliberately to discredit America’s founding principles by discrediting the individuals who formed them,” she said.

The small town of Keystone, which lies a couple of miles from the monument, was buzzing with people Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks and the president. Many wore pro-Trump T-shirts and hats. Few wore masks.

“This is going to rank up in the top Fourth of Julys that I talk about,” said Mike Stewhr, who brought his family from Nebraska.

Mike Harris of Rapid City, who said he was a Republican, wore a mask and waved an anti-Trump flag.

He also was sporting a handgun on each hip. He said he was worried the event would spark a COVID-19 outbreak. “I think it’s a bad example being set by our president and our governor,” Harris said. Leaders of several Native American tribes in the region raised concerns that the event could lead to virus outbreaks among their members, who they say are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of an underfunded health care system and chronic health conditions.

OFFICE OF THE

DIMAPUR CHUCHUYIMPANG SENSO TELONGJEM FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, we the Dimapur Chuchuyimpang Senso Telongjem would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to the following persons for bringing laurels to the community and the village in particulars for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

1. Er. N. Temsu Pongen, on being promoted to the post of SDO under Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Nagaland.

2. Er. Aotongdang Pongen, on being promoted to the post of SDO under Nagaland Public Work Department (NPWD), Nagaland.

3. Mr. Imkummeren Imsong, on being promoted to the post of ABIs under Police Department, Govt. of Nagaland.

We would also like to congratulate all the candidates from Chuchuyimpang Community for their success in HSLC & HSSLC examinations.

The DCST wishes them success and greater achievements in all their future endeavours.

Sd/Shri. Jadensang Jamir President, DCST

Sd/Dr. J. Wati Pongen Gen. Secy., DCST

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial (US), Jul 4 (AP): Speaking to a largely maskless crowd at Mount Rushmore, President Donald Trump said Friday that protesters have waged “a merciless campaign to wipe out our history” amid demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality.

The sharp rebuke in a holiday address to mark the nation’s independence follows weeks of protests across the nation, sparked by the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Some demonstrators have also destroyed or damaged Confederate monuments and statues honouring those who have benefited from slavery.

“This movement is openly attacking the legacies of every person on Mount Rushmore,” Trump said, adding that some on the political left hope to “defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children.”

His speech, intended to rev up his conservative base, comes as Trump has seen his standing slump over his handling of the pandemic and response to protests and unrest around the country.

With four months until the election, Trump’s hopes for a second term — once buoyed by low unemployment and a roaring stock market — seem uncertain.

Amid the headwinds, Trump has sharpened his focus on his most ardent base

Infotainment

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

Two new biomarkers can help predict preeclampsia risk R F e s e a r c h e r s h ave found that two newly discovered biomarkers can help assess the risk of preeclampsia, a devastating disorder that occurs very suddenly in the second half of pregnancy and causes severe health problems for both mother and baby, says a study.

Preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure and organ failure in mothers and lead to preterm births and even stillbirth.

It also increases the risk of developing life-long chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The two novel biomarkers, called FKBPL and CD44, have the potential to change the way the condition is managed, according to the study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

The biomarkers can be used to diagnose and assess the risk of getting preeclampsia in both early and late pregnancy, “in women who otherwise appear healthy”, said study senior author Lana McCle-

ments from the University of Technology Sydney in Australia.

“There are two main types of preeclampsia early-onset preeclampsia diagnosed before 34 weeks of a pregnancy and late-onset preeclampsia diagnosed from 34 weeks onwards,”

McClements said.

“The vast majority of the current screening and monitoring strategies are focused on early-onset preeclampsia, which comprises only 10-15 per cent of all preeclampsia cases, whereas late preeclampsia has been largely neglected,”

Khloe Kardashian slams engagement rumours

K

hloe Kardashian is ‘’confused’’ by rumours she is engaged to her ex.

The “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” star has been romantically linked to her former partner, who she has been quarantining with during lockdown so they can both be with their daughter, True. She however insisted they are not engaged once again and dubbed people crazy for thinking so.

Taking to Twitter, she wrote: ‘’Wait ... what? lol.

I just came online and I’m even confused lol. Basically my daily thoughts about 2020. But for real, wt* lol people just be talking.

Quarantine has us all going [crazy].’’

It comes after a source claimed Khloe and Tristan

are said to be ‘’giving their relationship another try’’.

The source at the time stated ‘’Tristan is working hard to prove himself and has been a great dad to True.’’

Khloe celebrated her 36th birthday recently with a party which Tristan attended, and an insider told the publication the pair ‘’acted like [they] were back together’’ at the bash.

What’s more, Tristan publicly thanked Khloe for helping him to ‘’learn and grow’’ as he wished her a happy birthday via Instagram.

He shared a picture of himself, Khloe and True, and he added the caption: ‘’I’m wise enough now to know, you came into my life to show me just what it

means to be an incredible person. I appreciate how I am able to learn from and grow because of you.

I thank God for the beautiful and loving woman you are to everyone, especially our daughter True. You deserve the world Koko!

True and I love you mama.

Happy Birthday @khloekardashian’’ This came after it was claimed that Khloe and Tristan have grown ‘’closer’’ throughout the COVID-19 lockdown after quarantining together, so they can share childcare duties with their little one.

An insider said: ‘’They are clearly enjoying each other’s company. The lockdown made them closer.

They hadn’t spent this much time together since they lived in Cleveland. They have had an amazing spring with True in Los Angeles, Khloe and Tristan are great co-parents and they also really like each other. Tristan has been on his best behaviour. Khloe is definitely charmed by him. If he is able to keep things up, it’s very possible that Khloe would get back with him.’’

(Contactmusic)

she said.

The researchers said the two biomarkers are particularly useful for diagnosing cases of late-onset preeclampsia, between the second and third trimester, a period that currently lacks reliable biomarkers.

“The biomarkers al-

low the prediction of irregular placenta or maternal vascular function, which are key underlying causes of preeclampsia,” McClements said.

“This could lead to the early diagnosis and prevention of severe preeclampsia and associated complications including death, therefore also giving insight into disease mechanisms and possible treatment targets,” she added.

The research also has potential to enhance the development of therapeutics to treat preeclampsia because the increase in one of the biomarkers, FKBPL, can be inhibited by mesenchymal stem cells potentially stopping the development of preeclampsia.

“This is why we are so excited by the discovery. In addition to their use in diagnosis, FKBPL and CD44 also show potential as drug and cell therapy targets of emerging treatments for preeclampsia, which offers hope for a future cure to this terrible disorder,” McClements said.

(IANS)

Neil Young condemns use of his music by Donald Trump

N

eil Young has condemned the use of his music by US President Donald Trump ahead of his Fourth of July speech at Mount Rushmore.

Before Trump’s speech, three of Young’s songs were heard blasting from the speakers – ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’, ‘Like a Hurricane’, and ‘Cowgirl in the Sand’. Young took to Twitter to voice his disapproval.

Young continued with a subsequent tweet, voicing his support with the native Lakota Sioux people. This is not the first time Young has publicly denounced the association of his music with Trump. Five years ago, Trump similarly used ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ to mark the launch of his US Presidential candidacy campaign. Representatives of Young issued a statement soon after damning Trump’s use of the track.

“Donald Trump was not authorized to use ‘Rockin in the Free World’ in his presidential candidacy announcement,” the statement read. “Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders

for President of the United States of America.”

However, Tr ump’s camp later told TMZ that they “paid for and obtained the legal right” to use the song for their campaign launch. Young has been particularly vocal in his distaste for Trump. Most recently, he shared a number of protest songs from across his career as part of the sixth episode for his Fireside Sessions series.

The episode included his own song ‘Lookin’ For A Leader’, which saw Young editing his lyrics to criticise Donald Trump and his reaction to the recent Black Lives Matter protests.

This was preceded by an open letter penned by Young to his fans in early June that voiced his support for the Black Lives Matter movement while describing Trump as a “poor leader who is building walls around our house”.

Young released his 40th studio album ‘Homegrown’ on June 19. NME gave it a five-star rating, describing it as “a shimmering diamond well worth unearthing”.

(NME)

Vivek Oberoi thanks Sanjay Gupta for defending him

ilmmaker Sanjay Gupta gave it back to a netizen who tried trolling Vivek Oberoi by alleging the actor owed his career to nepotism. On Saturday, Vivek took to social media to thank Gupta for his gesture.

“Vivek Oberoi is a nepotism born,” the user wrote.

To this, Gupta wrote: “What absolute nonsense.

Do you have any idea what all he did to bag Ramu’s COMPANY? His Dad had no role to play in it. And his performance... definitely one of the best debuts of all time.”

Gupta was referring to Vivek’s debut act in Ram Gopal Varma’s 2002 gangster drama “Company”. Vivek’s role as the budding gangster Chandrakant Nagre won audience applause as well as critical acclaim.

Vivek Oberoi worked in Sanjay Gupta’s 2007 production, “Shootout At Lokhandwala”.

(IANS)

New music video ‘Hybrid’ released

H

iboka K Chishi, also known by his stage name as “Psycho K4”, released his second new music video “Hybrid”.

The song talks about how an artiste tries to strive for the best but is still criticized.

The song also dwells on his dreams and how instead of showing love and support, artists are faced with

criticisms from people.

The song has been composed in English, Nagamese and Sumi earning the name “Hybrid”. The singer hopes that through this song, he can reach out to people and make them understand what it is like to be part of the music industry. Chishi released his first single music video “Legacy”, winning the “Best Music Video Awards”, Nagaland in the year 2019.

WhatsApp rolls out first-ever global brand campaign in India

W

hatsApp on Saturday launched its first brand campaign in India that narrates real stories about how Indians communicate daily on WhatsApp with their closest relationships.

The campaign called ‘It’s Between You’ gives thrust on WhatsApp’s commitment to privacy, the company said in a statement.

“With WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, we come closest to replicating real-life interactions and that’s when we can truly be ourselves. The conversations you have, the jokes you tell and the memories you relive belong to you and deserve to stay between you,” said Avinash Pant, Director, Marketing at Facebook India.

WhatsApp collaborated with Gauri Shinde, a celebrated Indian Bollywood director along with BBDO India to create two 60-seconds ads, each highlighting how WhatsApp’s features like texts, video calls or even a voice message, help replicate in-person conversations and bring people closer.

One ad is based on a true story about an elderly woman and her caregiver,

who are now separated from each other.

“From how to bring together the cast and crew that were right for the part and happened to be living together, and directing over a WhatsApp video call, to doing all the post production work without being physi-

cally present, it’s been really rewarding,” said Shinde.

The second story is at the other end of the spectrum of emotion, which is a light and fun film about a younger sister giving joyful courage to her elder one through a WhatsApp video call, when the latter feels vulnerable and hesitant to give her a haircut at home.

“WhatsApp is designed to help friends and family communicate as well as help users connect with a business that is important to them,” said the company.

(IANS)

FELICITATION We, the Ngozubomi Students' Union (NSU) with honour and pride, extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Jepika H Yeptho, S/o Er. Hoshito Yeptho and Mrs. Kaholi Yeptho for a great success as Extension Officer under Sericulture department in the recent declaration o f N P S C Te c h n i c a l Examination result.

We the Union wishes you to be guided with God’s wisdom and more success in near future.

KUGHAVI YEPTHO NSU, President

AGHATOLI YEPTHO NSU, G/Secy.

DP-3060

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R

yan Adams has issued an apology following allegations of emotional and sexual abuse which first emerged against him last year.

Back in Febr uar y 2019, the singer-songwriter denied claims from several women, including one who was underage at the time, of emotional and psychological abuse, harassment, inappropriate and manipulative behaviour.

These allegations first appeared in The New York Times, in which Adams ex-wife, Mandy Moore, P h o e b e B r i d ge r s a n d more, offered accounts of their experiences with the artist. Bridgers later issued a statement calling on Adams’ ‘network’ of “friends, bands and people he worked with” to be held to account.

Now, in a letter penned to The Daily Mail, Adams apologised for how he has “mistreated people” and claims he now seeking professional help following the allegations after a period of “isolation”.

“All I can say is that I’m sorry. It’s that simple,” said Adams. “This period of isolation and reflection made me realize that I needed to make significant K Y M C

changes in my life.

“I’ve gotten past the point where I would be apologizing just for the sake of being let off the hook and I know full well that any apology from me probably won’t be accepted by those I’ve hurt. I get that and I also understand that there’s no going back.

“To a lot of people this will just seem like the same empty bull***t apology that I’ve always used when I was called out, and all I can say is, this time it is different.

Having truly realized the harm that I’ve caused, it

wrecked me, and I’m still reeling from the ripples of devastating effects that my actions triggered.”

He continued: “There is no way to convince people that this time is truly different, but this is the albatross that I deserve to carry with me as a result of my actions.”

The letter continued: “Realizing the consequences of my actions, I took a hard look inwards and sought to find the truth behind them. What pain was I carrying myself that was so poorly and wrongly being projected onto oth-

ers?

“I made a promise to myself that no matter what it took, I would get to the root of these issues and finally start to fix myself so I could be a better friend, a better partner, and a better man overall. That being said, no amount of growth will ever take away the suffering I had caused.

I will never be off the hook and I am fully accountable for my harmful behaviour, and will be for my actions moving forward.

“In my effort to be a better man, I have fought to get sober, but this time

I’m doing it with professional help. Sobriety is a priority in my life, and so is my mental health. These, as I’m learning, go hand in hand.

“But I will not bore anyone with stories of my demons or use them to excuse what I’ve done. I hope that the people I’ve hurt will heal. And I hope that they will find a way to forgive me.”

Towards the end of the letter, Adams said he’s used the period of isolation to write enough music to “fill half a dozen albums.”

At the time of his initial rebuttal, the singersongwriter issued a statement via his lawyer which said: “Mr. Adams unequivocally denies that he ever engaged in inappropriate online sexual communications with someone he knew was underage.”

After the NYT report was published, Adams took to Twitter and apologised “deeply and unreservedly” to anyone he had “ever hurt, however unintentionally”, but called the article “upsettingly inaccurate”.

Adams made his first public live appearance since the allegations emerged back in January.

(NME)

DP-3055

Ryan Adams issues apology following abuse allegations

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La Liga: Atletico beat Mallorca 3-0

Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata scores their first goal from the penalty spot, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of COVID-19)

M A D R I D, J U L 4 ( AGENCIES): Atletico Madrid made light work of Real Mallorca on Friday, Alvaro Morata scoring a first-half brace in a 3-0 win, reports The Star..

Alvaro Morata scored twice as Atletico Madrid maintained their unbeaten run since the resumption of LaLiga, easing to a 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca at the Wanda Metropolitano.

D i e g o S i m e o n e ’s in-form side followed up Tuesday’s impressive performance in the 2-2 draw at Barcelona by brushing aside relegation-threatened

opponents, in the process strengthening their position inside the top four.

Morata made the most of Mallorca players encroaching too soon into the penalty area to score his first from the spot, VAR giving him a reprieve after Manolo Reina had saved his initial effort.

Mallorca’s captain guessed correctly with the re-taken spot-kick too, yet Morata had enough height on his strike to beat the goalkeeper and move into double figures for league goals this season. The striker had missed an earlier

opening as Aleti started impressively, while both Yannick Carrasco and Joao Felix failed to hit the target with excellent opportunities before the opener arrived in the 29th minute.

Mallorca had thrashed nearest rivals Celta Vigo 5-1 at home in midweek and had their moments in attack before the break, Takefusa Kubo looking particularly bright.

However, any hope of the visitors claiming a bonus in the capital disappeared when Atleti doubled their advantage in added time at the end of

Barcelona eye move for Brazil U-23 goalkeeper Ivan Quaresma

Ivan Quaresma

Rio de Janeiro, July 4 (IANS): Barcelona could make a bid to sign Brazil Under-23 goalkeeper Ivan Quaresma, according to media reports in the South American country.

The Catalan giants see Ivan as an ideal backup to Marc-Andre ter Stegen

amid speculation that their current No. 2, Neto, could leave in the next transfer window, the Globo Esporte news outlet reported, writes Xinhua news agency.

It said that Barcelona representatives have already made contact with Ivan, who is contracted

Any tips for my forehand?

Tendulkar asks Federer

M um b ai , J uly 4 (IANS): Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who like many have been forced to spend time at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, recently tried his hands at tennis -- a glimpse of which he showcased on social media.

In the video shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Tendulkar can be seen playing an almost perfect-looking forehand, that too in slow motion.

“Hey Roger Federer!

Any tips for my forehand?,” tweeted the 47-year-old legend while tagging the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

The two greats in their respective sports have earlier also engaged in friendly banters on Twitter many a times and share mutual respect for each other.

Federer has already announced that he will be out of action for the rest of the 2020 season after undergoing another arK Y M C

Sachin Tendulkar

throscopic surgery on his right knee. In a tweet on June 10, Federer said that he expects to be back in action at the start of 2021.

The Swiss legend last participated in the Australian Open where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals earlier this year.

No other Grand Slam has taken place this year as all tennis matches and tournaments have been suspended following the outbreak of novel coronavirus.

to Brazilian Serie A club Ponte Preta until 2023.

AC Milan have also made a proposal for the 23year-old, the report added.

Ivan has made 112 first-team appearances for Ponte Preta since being promoted from the club’s youth academy in 2016.

the first half, the excellent Marcos Llorente - lining up on the right wing - crossing low for Morata to tap in at the back post. Scoring just prior to the break allowed Atleti to coast through the second half, though they did add to their tally.

Captain Koke seized on a weak clearing header to get away a strike that took a heavy deflection off Antonio Raillo, wrongfooting the helpless Reina.

It is now five wins and two draws for Simeone’s squad since they returned to action in the middle of June, a run of form that has

eased concerns about finishing outside the Champions League places.

His decision to use Llorente - viewed more as a holding midfielder when he signed from Real Madrid – in an advanced position has been a masterstroke, with the 25-year-old catching the eye again out wide having also played recently as a secondary striker.

While the surge comes too late to mount a title challenge, things are looking up for Atletico. That is not the case for 18th-placed Mallorca, though, as they now have just four games left to try and retain their top-flight status.

Morata will take the headlines with his firsthalf brace, yet Llorente produced the eye-catching performance. He completed over 93 per cent of his attempted passes and created two opportunities.

It has been a testing first season at Atleti for Joao Felix. On the one-year anniversary of his big-money move from Benfica, the Portuguese forward fluffed his lines in front of goal, failing to hit the target with his three attempts before being replaced after just 54 minutes.

Atleti take on another team in relegation trouble on Tuesday, heading on the road to face Celta Vigo.

Mallorca, meanwhile, have extra time to recover before they host Levante on Thursday.

‘Ronaldo & Messi the same club would be massive’ Rio de Janiero, July 4: (IANS): Former Brazil midfielder Rivaldo feels Lionel Messi could join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, also adding that the superstar could join Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus if things fall into place.

Rumours have been rife about Messi not being particularly happy at FC Barcelona. Spanish radio outlet Cadena SER reported on Thursday that Messi will see out his current contract at Barca and leave in 2021.

“With just one more year of his contract left, the rumours of Messi leaving Barcelona could be true.

But as I have always said, I believe he can end his career at Barcelona. If he leaves I can’t imagine him playing at another European club.

“If he is considering leaving, then something must be up in the Barcelona dressing room and perhaps he is tired with all the constant problems that have surrounded the club

in the last few months,” Rivaldo told Betfair.

“When Messi’s contract ends he will be 34, but with his class I think he could still easily play in Premier League,” said Rivaldo.

“It will be sad to see him go once his contract ends. Despite his connection to the club, he has the right to move if he wants and reuniting with Pep Guardiola at City could be tempting, as the two of them formed a great partnership of coach and player at Barca.

“Perhaps Barcelona could also try to convince him to stay by signing a coach he likes to change his mind, there are rumours about Flamengo’s coach Jorge Jesus joining, he has a good approach to football, and who knows, that could be a boost for Messi to stay,” he added.

Rivaldo also spoke about Messi potentially joining Juventus in Italy and playing alongside competitor Cristiano Ronaldo.

FIFA to inspect 2021 U-20 World Cup venues in Indonesia

J a k arta , J uly 4 (IANS): FIFA delegates will visit Indonesia in September to closely look at and assess the condition of venues of the 2021 U-20 World Cup, the Indonesian Football Association said.

Indonesia has officially announced six out of ten potential sports stadiums in the shortlist for the upcoming 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup venues, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Surely, in September FIFA delegates will come to Indonesia,” said Mochamad Iriawan, Head of the Indonesian Football Association.

The government and the association are now focusing on the construction and improvement of supporting sports stadiums which are located around the venues of the 2021 U-20 World Cup, media reported on Saturday.

FIFA has required five supporting sports stadiums whose locations should be adjacent to the venues to facilitate the participants of the world’s tournament to practice, he said on Friday evening.

“Several sports stadiums already have good facilities, especially those in Jakarta, but those located in other places will be immediately prepared,” Iriawan said.

The 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup is scheduled to be staged from May 20 to June 12, 2021.

“recognising the effort”, a statement on the AIFF website said.

“The AFC Elite Youth Scheme has set a benchmark for all Member Associations to evaluate their youth football structure. We are thankful to the AFC for recognising our effort and acknowledge us as a full member of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme. AIFF is working towards fulfilling all the criteria to bolster the youth league structure and further strengthen the quality of footballers in India.”

The AFC Youth Panel evaluates the application of all MAs in twenty areas of core activities which include – leadership, planning, organization, staffing, recruitment, finance, facilities, teams, coaching, playing, player performance, health, fitness, psychology, welfare, education, collaboration, assessment, rules and results.

MAs must fulfil the first eleven criteria to be accepted as a full-member while MAs that meet the first ten criteria will be

Jose Mourinho

London, July 4 (IANS): Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho said that the team’s lack of fight in their 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United was concerning.

Spurs’ hopes of making it to the Champions League was given a significant blow when they were completely outplayed by Sheffield earlier in the week.

“There was a lot in the game, there was a possibility of shortening distances to Champions League positions, there was the possibility of being more stable for the Europa League positions fight,” Mourinho told reporters on Saturday.

“I believed in the evolution of the team and I thought that by a desire point of view, they put more in than us. That’s something that disturbs me. “It’s something that I feel, I don’t know, that’s my way of being -- it’s something that destroys me a little bit on

the inside because I think the last thing in football is when you have the feeling you could, you should do more.” Tottenham were denied a goal a minute after they conceded the first in the first half by VAR. They were then thoroughly outplayed by Sheffield for the rest of the match with goals from Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie in the second half giving them a two-goal advantage. The result leaves them on 45 points in ninth place, nine points adrift of fourth placed Chelsea with five games left to play.

“I always say it’s not a problem for me to lose because my opponent is better,” said Mourinho.

“It’s not a problem for me to lose because my goalkeeper made a big mistake, it’s not a problem for me to lose because my striker missed two chances with an open goal or a guy missed a penalty in the last minute.

Barcelona’s Umtiti, Real Sociedad’s Januzaj ruled out with injury

Adnan Januzaj

M adrid, J uly 4 (IANS): FC Barcelona are likely to be without central defender Samuel Umtiti for the rest of the season after the French international began treatment to try and resolve ongoing problems with his left knee.

The club issued a brief communique explaining that Umtiti had started “a conservative treatment” on his knee, but didn’t indicate how long he will be out, although the Spanish press speculate he could be sidelined for up to six weeks, reports Xinhua news agen-

AFC endorses AIFF with elite youth scheme New Delhi, July 4 (IANS): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has conferred the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with the AFC Elite Youth Scheme full membership status.

In a letter to AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, Dato Windsor John, general secretary, AFC wrote: “We are pleased to inform that your application for full membership of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme has been approved by the AFC Youth Panel.

“In this regard, we are delighted to confer to the All India Football Federation the AFC Elite Youth Scheme full membership status and the Reliance Foundation Young Champs Academy and JSW Bengaluru FC Academy the two-star Academy status, which is subject to re-evaluation after three years as per Article 6 (Renewal) of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme Regulations and Guidelines.”

Das thanked AFC for

11 Mourinho bemoans Spurs’ 3-1 defeat to Sheffield united

granted provisional membership.

Das congratulated RFYC Academy and JSW Bengaluru FC for their respective achievements as well.

“I would also like to congratulate Reliance Foundation Young Champs Academy and JSW Bengaluru FC Academy for receiving a two-star status.

Their academies are truly remarkable and have been promising ones to deliver future stars of the sport,” he commented.

Samuel Umtiti

cy. It is thought that the medical staff at Barcelona would prefer Umtiti to have an operation to try and resolve the problems which have dogged him for the past two seasons, but the 26-year-old has so far refused that option.

Umtiti’s aim is to be available for the return leg of Barca’s Champions League last-16 tie against Napoli at a date that has yet to be established, but until then, under-pressure Barca coach Quique Setien will have to hope that neither veterans Gerard

Pique nor Clement Lenglet get injured, as the only replacement now is 21-yearold B-team player Ronald Araujo.

Elsewhere, Real Sociedad have lost Belgian international Adnan Januzaj for the last five games of the season after the winger was forced out of their 2-1 win at home to Espanyol on Thursday night.

Tests have shown Januzaj has a grade two tear in his right thigh, and with just over two weeks left to play, it looks as if his campaign is now over.

Won’t give Premier League matches to youngsters just for fun: Klopp L o nd o n, J uly 4 (IANS): Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that the club’s youngsters won’t get Premier League games just because they have already won the title and can experiment in the six league games left to be played this season.

Liver pool were thrashed 0-4 by Manchester City on Thursday in their first game since securing their first top-flight title in 30 years.

“The youngsters are really close, but we won’t give them Premier League matches just for fun,” Klopp was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“We want to win football games and to win football games the best players have to be on the pitch,” said Klopp.

“If the young boys are part of these best players then they will be on the pitch.

“They are so close, they are really good and they are our future - but

Jurgen Klopp

they will not play now because I want to see them in a Premier League game.

“We don’t give Premier League games as Christmas presents.”

Liverpool will take on 18th-placed Aston Villa on Sunday.

“We are really in the competition, and it’s not just about the other teams like Aston Villa fighting to stay in the league, Brighton fighting to stay in the league,” said Klopp.

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EPL: Man United beat Bournemouth 5-2

OLD TRAFFORD, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): Manchester United put on an electric showing of attacking flair to beat Bournemouth 5-2 and move into the top four, reports Sky Sports . An early error at his near post by David de Gea helped the Cherries take the lead through Junior Stanislas (16) but going behind sparked United’s breathtaking attack into life.

Mason Greenwood grabbed the first of his two goals with a powerful left-footed strike (29) before Adam Smith handled inside his own sixyard box which allowed Marcus Rashford to net from the spot (35). Anthony Martial scored for the 20th time this season when curling home a stunner (45), but Bournemouth hit back after the break when Josh King (49) fired home a penalty after substitute Eric Bailly had been penalised for a handball of his own.

With the game freeflowing from end-to-end, Greenwood restored United’s two-goal cushion with another fine strike (54), this time with his right foot, and Bruno Fernandes got in on the act, curling home from a free-kick (59). United’s fine recent form has catapulted them firmly into the Champions League qualification picture and they now sit one point above Chelsea, who play Watford at 8pm this

Mason Greenwood of Manchester United celebrates with team-mate Luke Shaw.

evening, live on Sky Sports.

Bournemouth remain firmly in relegation trouble with just five games to save their season. Eddie Howe called for a reaction from his Bournemouth players after a woeful performance in their home defeat to Newcastle in midweek, which he got in the early stages. Brave without the ball, the Cherries weren’t afraid to push men deep into the United half and got their rewards on 15 minutes with De Gea again leaving himself open to criticism.There didn’t look much on for Stanislas on the by-line but a sublime nutmeg on Harry Maguire

opened up possibilities. He had two team-mates waiting for a cut back but he decided to take on the strike and somehow De Gea allowed himself to be beaten at his near post despite the tough angle.

The leveller arrived on 29 minutes as Rashford strode away down the left and found Fernandes on the edge of the box. He quickly moved the ball across to Greenwood, whose leftfooted strike was full of power and flew past the grasp of Aaron Ramsdale.

There was a sense of ruthlessness about United’s attacking play thereafter

Jaipur to get world’s 3rd largest cricket stadium with 75,000 capacity Jaipur, July 4 (IANS): Jaipur shall soon be getting one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity to accommodate around 75,000 spectators.

The world-class green stadium shall have modern grand pavilion stands, corporate boxes, plush sports field, modern club house and many other world class features for indoor games and sports training facilities, said Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) Secretary Mahendra Sharma. He added that the stadium will be spread over 100 acres of land.

“The land has been finalised in Chonp village, 25 km from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi Highway and the construction is expected to begin in the next four months,” he added.

Sharma said that those coming to the stadium, in-

cluding players as well as the audience, would get world-class facilities.

There would be flood lights installed in accordance to the ICC guidelines, with modern pressbox for media and broadcast.

A parking facility to accommodate around 4,000 vehicles would be made in the stadium.

Sharma informed that this will be the third largest stadium after the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.

While Motera has a seating capacity of 1.10 lakh, the MCG can accommodate 1.02 lakh spectators.

The stadium would further accommodate two practice grounds which can be used for Ranji Trophy matches.

Also, there will be two restaurants, 30 practice

nets for players and a press conference room with a seating capacity of 250.

The stadium would be constructed in two phases; first phase to be developed with 45,000 seating capacity while the second would have a seating capacity of 30,000.

Speaking on financial aspects of the project, Sharma said BCCI owes Rs 90 crore to RCA and the association will seek a grant of Rs 100 crore from the board. While Rs 100 crore will be taken as loan, Rs 60 crore will be amassed by selling corporate boxes in the stadium.

Mehta and associates LLP and Delhi based sports design consultancy firm GRAS, who will build the stadium, have given a presentation of the design to RCA chief patron C.P. Joshi and RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot.

and they soon took the lead.

Referee Mike Dean had no hesitation pointing to the spot when Adam Smith handled, with Rashford stepping up to slot home the penalty. Ramsdale was picking the ball out of his net once again just before the break when Martial arched a quite sumptuous effort from 22 yards into the top corner.

Bailly replaced Victor Lindelof at the break and it upset United’s rhythm as Bournemouth put them under severe pressure in the early stages of the second half. De Gea denied Lewis Cook from range before

substitute Arnaut Danjuma hit the near post after Bailly went to sleep. Still seemingly in a daze, Bailly then raised his arm to control a backpass and, following a lengthy delay, VAR decided to award a penalty for handball.

King made no mistake with the penalty.

Bournemouth had their tails up and an equaliser looked very possible until Greenwood got United out of trouble with another emphatic finish on 54 minutes.

United grabbed a fifth minutes later when Fernandes fired home from a 20-yard free-kick to put the result to bed.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020

Sports Ministry to remove salary cap of Rs 2 lakhs for Indian coaches

New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI): The Sports Ministry on Saturday announced the doing away with of the Rs 2 lakh cap on the salary given to Indian coaches training elite athletes in a bid to encourage them to produce better results and attract former players to become high performance trainers.

The announcement came after the ministry’s decision on Thursday to extend the contracts of all foreign coaches till September 30 next year and to make all future hiring -- both Indian and foreign -- for a four-year cycle in sync with the Olympics to ensure continuity.

“Several Indian coaches are showing very good results and need to be rewarded for their hard work.

The gover nment is also keen to attract the best coaching talent from across the country to train elite athletes and we do not want the cap on compensation to be a deterrent for good coaches to join,” Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a release.

“The increased remuneration and longer contract period is also to attract ex-elite athletes into the high performance sporting ecosystem, and to use their experience and skill to train

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju

athletes bound for major international competitions, including the Olympics.”

Eminent coaches already working in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) would also be allowed to join on deputation and be eligible for the 4-year contract as well as the higher salary structure.

The remuneration will be decided on the basis of the ex-elite athlete’s performance as an athlete as well as his or her success as a coach. “All new coaches and existing coaches who are given the new contract will be imparting training at National Camps and SAI’s National Center of Excellence (NCOEs), and will be selected jointly by the Sports Ministry and the National Sports Federations,” a ministry release said. Welcoming the move, chief national

badminton coach Pullela Gopichand said: “This is a long standing request of the sporting fraternity.

I am very happy with the decision because it will give a great boost to the overall sporting ecosystem by attracting many talented coaches and eminent exathletes to join the profession.” The Sports Ministry will also resume grassrootlevel talent scouting with an eye on 2028 Olympics when the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic improves.

The elite Indian coaches/ex athletes, including those from the PSUs and leading sports promotion boards will be part of the Talent Scouting Committee which will be touring various parts of the country to scout raw talent in the age group of 10-15 years.

EPL: Brighton beat Norwich City 1-0

Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, 2nd left, scores his side’s opening goal during the EPL soccer match between Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion at Carrow Road Stadium in Norwich, England, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

NORWICH, JUL 4 ( AGENCIES): Brighton strengthened their Premier League survival hopes while seriously denting Norwich’s as they earned a narrow 1-0 win at Carrow Road, resports Sky Sports .

Brighton scored their

opener on the counter as Norwich got caught high up the pitch, Leandro Trossard deftly sweeping into the bottom-left corner from Aaron Mooy’s rightwing cross (25).

Norwich had plenty of the ball but no bite throughout, and Brighton

nearly grabbed a second as Dan Burn’s touch on a Mooy free kick glanced inches wide, before Norwich sub Adam Idah hit the post with a glancing header in stoppage time.

The result means Norwich are still seven points from safety, but having

played a game more than the majority of their rivals, while Brighton are now nine clear of the drop zone after earning seven points from four games since the restart.

It was a case of now or never for Norwich, who had lost their last five in all competitions, and their overplaying in midfield was pounced on by Brighton several times early on, and the Seagulls took the lead midway through a rather stale first half.

Winning the ball in midfield, Neal Maupay fed Mooy wide right, and his centre was wonderfully swept home by Trossard from eight yards, having gambled at the near post.

Norwich did have first-half opportunities, but two of Onel Hernandez’s efforts were blocked superbly by Lewis Dunk and Tariq Lamptey in the box.

Brighton came within inches of a second just after the break as Mooy’s

dangerous free-kick cross hit Burn on the back, only for the ball to land just wide of the far post.

Norwich looked to force the ascendency with a triple change as Todd Cantwell, Teemu Pukki and Adam Idah were introduced, and Idah came mighty close in stoppage time, as his header from Kenny McLean’s cross hit the post.

Despite being easy on the eye, the Canaries once again struggled in the final third as they face the prospect of a record fifth Premier League relegation, while Brighton’s improved solidity in defence looks to have earned them a fourth straight season in the Premier League.

Norwich now go to Watford in the Premier League on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports. Brighton host Liverpool on Wednesday night in the Premier League, also live on Sky Sports.

Austrian GP: Formula 1 drivers to wear ‘end racism’ T-shirts ‘King’ Dan bids adieu to badminton

SPIELBERG, JUL 4 ( AGENCIES): The Formula 1 drivers are planning to make a collective public stance against racism before Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix. All 20 drivers will wear and display T-shirts saying “End Racism”, reports BBC Sports .

The drivers met on Friday evening in Austria and were unanimous in their support for anti-racism and the need for increased diversity in motorsport.

But there were differing opinions as to whether they should take a knee on the grid before the race. About five drivers are said by insiders to have misgivings about the gesture. It is possible that the drivers unsure about taking a knee will change their minds before the event.

A statement from the GPDA said: “The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has held a number of virtual meetings with all 20 F1 drivers to agree how best to show their collective support for the fight against racism ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix.

“All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and preju-

Mercedes are running a new black livery for the 2020 season.

dice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion and supporting F1’s commitment to these.

“Together the drivers will all show their public support for this cause on Sunday ahead of the race, recognising and respecting that each individual has the freedom to show their support for ending racism in their own way and will be free to choose how to do this ahead of the race start on Sunday.”

GPDA chairman Alexander Wurz said he did not want to comment further because meetings were confidential.

Taking a knee has different associations in some countries, an issue within

a group of drivers from nations with diverse societies and political cultures.

In global sport, it originated in the NFL as players, initially Colin Kaepernick, knelt during the US national anthem to call attention to issues surrounding racial equality and police brutality.

The gesture has become associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, which has led to global protests against racism and police brutality following the death in the United States of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while a police officer knelt on his neck.

Premier League players took the knee before the first round of fixtures after

a 100-day suspension of the season during the coronavirus pandemic.

They also wore “Black Lives Matter” on the back of their shirts and a specially designed logo on their sleeves.

The Premier League has said this was to send a message that it was unacceptable to treat black people differently to anyone else - and not an endorsement of a political movement.

A political group called Black Lives Matter, founded in 2013, has several goals including advocating against white supremacy and police violence towards black people.

The UK Twitter account of the group has caused controversy over the last week with tweets about Palestine and defunding the police.

Meanwhile, some of the drivers have also privately expressed unhappiness with what they saw as the accusatory tone of some of Lewis Hamilton’s comments on the issue of anti-racism.

Last month, Hamilton accused other senior figures

in F1 of not speaking out on racism in the wake of the protests following the death of George Floyd.

Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice.”

After that, a number of leading drivers did speak out to voice their support for anti-racism, particularly Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz and Williams’ George Russell.

Hamilton, F1’s first and only black driver, said this week that his remarks had not been directed at his fellow drivers.

“Ultimately people perceived it as I was targeting drivers,” he said. “I really wasn’t. It was targeted at the whole industry.

“It has been something I have been aware of for a long, long time and not seeing people do anything about it. “If you are not a part of encouraging people to get out and understand why we’re in this situation and what it is and why we’re in it, that is frustrating.

after bossing the game like no other

Ko l kata , J u ly 4 (IANS): ‘A king’ is how Malaysian badminton great Lee Chong Wei chose to describe China’s two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan, arguably the greatest badminton player of the 21st century who called time on his illustrious career on Saturday.

Lee and Lin have had many duels in the past, the supreme shuttlers providing the sport grace unmatched in badminton’s history.

Of their 40 meetings, Lin won 28.

But when the Chinese badminton colossus, Lin, said physical fitness is the reason he no longer can continue bedazzling the world, Lee, who retired in June last year after a battle with cancer, paid an emotional tribute to his ‘arch rival’ on Twitter.

“We knew this day would arrive, Heavy moment of our lives; You pulled down the curtain gracefully, You were king where we fought so proudly; Your final wave all four disappear, Within the hush

Lin Dan

of silent tear.#lindan,” he wrote. “I’ve dedicated everything to the sport I love,” Lin said in a post on China’s Twitter-like Weibo. “My family, coaches, teammates and fans have accompanied me through many happy times and difficult moments.”

“Now I’m 37 years old, and my physical fitness and pain no longer allow me to fight side by side with my teammates,” he said.

Lin was eyeing a third third Olympic gold in Tokyo to add to his collection of golds he won in 2008 and 2012. But for someone who bossed the sport like no other, winning virtu-

ally everything there is to capture, it does not matter at the end of the day.

In an eight year span between 2006 and 2014, Lin waltzed to virtually every major final he took part in, including five Worlds, two Olympics and two Asian Games golds.

Legends of the game Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long struggled to get the better of him more often than not, underlining Lin’s class.

Lin brought out his best in big matches, often displaying his best game in high pressure situations which showed his mental toughness.

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