July 6, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 210

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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NDPP reacts to NPFLP, NPCC DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): Reacting to earlier statements of both the opposition NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) and Congress (NPCC) which attacked the NDPP-led PDA coalition government on its reply to the Governor’s letter, NDPP media & communication committee rejected the accusation of having publicly humiliated governor RN Ravi and termed the attacks as an attempt to mar the cordial relationship between the NDPPled PDA coalition and the Governor.

NDPP reminded NPF how it had organised a “beef party” and requested the then state governor to partake in it. NDPP asserted that the PDA government held the governor and his office in high esteem and respected his suggestions and contributions on several fronts.

NDPP also reminded the NPF to recall the weeks when the entire state rose against the ill-conceived decisions(over elections to ULBs) which resulted in deaths of innocents and razing down of vintage iconic office buildings in Kohima.

On Naga political issue, NDPP said pursuit of permanent peace remained at the core of Naga society for decades and expressed shock to note that “NPFLP’s statement was devoid of any political stand or clarity.”

It said when civil society organisations, massbased organisations, students, NGOs including individuals came out openly for political issue, NPF remained silent adding this spoke volumes about the state of affairs in the NPF and disintegration of claims of being the oldest regional party.

NDPP also clarified that the State government’s reply was not about rhetoric or confrontation as all NDPP party rank and file of NDPP stood by the statement which it said, were based on facts and accurate data unlike the rhetoric of NPF and NPCC. The party further stood by the government’s contention that the present law and order situation was much improved in comparison with the earlier decades, especially the 90s. NDPP said both NPF and NPCC were well aware that earlier,

Cong files FIR for derogatory post

State COVID cases near 600-mark India 3rd worst

DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee minority department has filed an FIR against one Hema Chowdhary for her derogatory remarks against the people of Nagaland in her videos that went viral on social media. In a complaint to the state police cybercrime cell, NPCC minority department president Ajit Gogoi, said that Chowdhary’s post on social media has not only created hatred against the Nagas, but also fear among those Nagas living outside and within the state. As a social activist and animal lover, her derogatory comment has made “people to go against our land and people,” Gogoi stated. Meanwhile, several other social media groups have also lodged police complaints in Nagaland and Delhi against Chowdhary.

NAGALAND COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 5, 2020 District Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang Wokha Zunheboto Total

Asymptomatic cases 41 0 76 0 2 42 167 8 22 0 1 359

DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): With 27 new COVID-19 positive cases reported on Sunday, Nagaland’s tally inched towards the 600 mark.

According to the health department bulletin, 12 positive cases were from Dimapur, Peren-10,Tuensang-2, 1 each from Zunheboto, Mokokchung and Kohima.

There were three recovered cases from Zunheboto. With this the state’s total cases rose to 590 cases- 359 active and 231 recovered.

In his daily briefing, DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): principal secretary, Abhijit In order to stop further spread of COVID-19, Peren district administration has expanded the containment zones in the district. In addi- Staff Reporter tion to the existing containment zones, ADC Peren DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): Moa Sangtam has declared Head of Empowered Group community quarantine cen- (HEG) for COVID-19 in tres at Mpai (New) village Dimapur district and Agand Kezanglwa village as riculture Production Comcontainment zones. missioner, Y Kikheto Sema Sunday informed that till July 5, 2020 a total of 17,157 returnees have returned to Nagaland from different parts the country.

Stating this at a press conference at Saramati hotel, Kikheto said 6,800 had arrived by special trains, 4,312 by normal trains, 2,723 by flights, 2,212 by busses, 612 by other vehicles and 498 from Kohima.

Mentioning that the last special train was expected to reach Dimapur from Bangalore with 500 returnees on July 6, Kikheto “With ban on sale of said 1,202 returnees were dog meat, our union still quarantined in Dimaand we are now out of pur, with 601 each at governbusiness.” ment quarantine centres and

Containment zone expanded in Peren

state chief ministers, VIPs, bureaucrats, civil society leaders and entrepreneurs were “targeted randomly” and faction clashes, fratricidal killings and shootouts were “ almost a daily affair.” However, “today there is relative peace and harmony” said NDPP and credited this to all sections, especially civil societies and tribal hohos including church and NGOs. NDPP asserted that its plank was to instil transparency and meritocracy to combat favouritism and nepotism and towards this, the government has approved institution of Staff Selection Board (SSB). NDPP said this was a milestone decision for Naga society and reaffirmed its commitment towards meritocracy on all governance fronts.

NDPP also said it has the highest respect for the governor’s post and since the current incumbent Ravi as was also interlocutor of the Naga peace talks and hoped he was genuinely committed towards bringing a political solution that was honourable, acceptable and upholds the political rights of the Naga people.

The party also appre-

Recovered

Total Cases

157 0 48 0 0 0 17 1 5 0 3 231

198 0 124 0 2 42 184 9 27 0 4 590

Sinha said that all positive cases have been referred to the respective COVID-19 hospitals. Till July 5, out of 13,805 samples tested, the results of 12,819 samples were received. Sinha said that 8466 samples were tested at the BSL-3 lab (NHAK), out of which 451 samples tested positive. At the BSL-2 lab (CIHSR) out of 550 samples tested, 12 tested positive.

Also 7192 samples were tested by TrueNat, of which 207 tested positive and sent for confirmation by RT-PCR.

ciated the governor’s concerns for the State and people’s welfare and hoped that the political dialogue would not be diluted as the Government of India (GoI) had recognised the Naga movement as a political issue that needed to be resolved with a political approach.

Appreciating the stand of past governments and Prime Ministers, especially Narendra Modi who had taken the negotiations forward with the signing of the Framework Agreement, NDPP said the Naga people still recall with fondness the historic statement of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his three-day visit to Nagaland in 2003 in which he acknowledged the uniqueness of Naga history. It hoped that the current talks were also being held with the same approach so that the final solution was in the greater “national interest”.

Referring to the signing of Framework Agreement and conclusion of political talks reportedly on October 31, 2019, NDPP opined that the matter of sustenance for the political groups should have been re(Cont’d on p-8) solved.

COVID-hit nation

NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (AGENCIES): With over 17,000 cases in the last 24 hours, India overtook Russia to become the third worsthit nation by coronavirus pandemic. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country stood at 6,90,349 while 19,268 people have died and 409,083 people recovered from the virus.

According morning data released by the health ministry, India registered nearly 25,000 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. This was the biggest daily spike since the outbreak started.

India recorded the third highest number of coronavirus cases in the world after the United States and Brazil, according to the data released by John Hopkins University. The United States was the worst-hit by coronavirus pandemic. The deadly novel virus infected 2,852,807 people in the US.

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

3 villages under KAAC declared epicenters of ASF

Trump blames China of ‘cover-up’ of COVID spread international, Page 9

Guwahati has formally entered COVID pandemic phase: Sarma

Correspondent

Spl. Correspondent

DIPHU, JUL 5: Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) administration has declared three villages under Karbi Anglong district as epicenters of the African Swine Fever. (ASF) In this regard, the additional district magistrate of KAAC, Rajeshan Terang imposed restriction on these villages and declared it as infected zones. They include-- Taralangso of Lumbajong Block, Phuloni of Howrahghat Block and Langbungdingpi of Langsomepi Block.

Further, villages under the radius of 1 km of the infected zones and those under the radius of 10 km have been declared as ‘surveillance zones’.

Among other restrictions, the district administration has also imposed total ban on sale of pork, pork meat products, pig feed, pig dead or alive etc. in the surveillance zones.

Further, the district magistrate has warned violators of appropriate legal action under section 188 Indian Penal Code.

G U WA H A T I , J U L 5 (NPN): Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that Guwahati has formally entered the COVID-19 pandemic phase.

Informing this to media persons here Sunday, Sarma said Guwahati city registered the biggest singleday spike on Saturday, when a total of 782 COVID-19 cases were reported. On Sunday, 735 new COVID-19 positive cases were detected, out of which 552 were from Guwahati, Sarma tweeted.

“We have formally entered the pandemic stage in Guwahati with these 2,741 cases. Earlier, most of the patients were people with travel history, so the pandemic was in the states from where the returnees had come but now, it is here,” he said.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Kamrup (Metro) district alone, under which Guwahati falls, had risen to 2,741, with majority being from the community, the minister said while indicating community transmission stage.

Himanta Biswa Sarma (File)

Sarma indicated that the 14-day lockdown in the Kamrup (Metro) district was likely to be extended for one more week and the situation would be reviewed on Wednesday.

Opposing suggestions for home isolation of COVID-19 patients in the city, Sarma explained that this was not feasible as most residents lived in shared spaces like apartments and cluster of homes.

Sarma also refuted allegations that ICUs inside the COVID-19 hospitals were empty without any doctor or other medical staff. To validate his point, Sarma showed a nine-minute video of him and a team of doctors entering the ICU of Gauhati Medical College Hospital

(GMCH) and asked media to check how people were battling for their lives.

He appealed everyone not to demoralise the frontline COVID warriors like doctors, nurses and sanitation staff who were giving their best risking their own safety.

Sarma blamed a section of the media for the “misinformation campaign” against the disease and trivialising it as “something akin to normal cough and fever and this has led to the rapid deterioration of the situation in the city”.

“This created a sense of complacency among the people and they moved around carelessly without taking necessary precautions after Unlock-1 was announced, “ he said.

Sarma also rubbished certain media reports of errors in test reports. Giving a break-up of tests conducted in each of the laboratories across the State, he claimed that the error percentage of misrepresentation of data was 0.0001% out of the thousands of tests conducted by each of the laboratories.

Total lockdown not required at the moment: H&FW H&FW prepares to come out with new SOP for testing Correspondent

KOHIMA, Jul 5 (NPN): Principal Director Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) Dr. Vizolie Z Suokhrie said as there was no community spread of COVID-19 at the moment and so there was no need for total lockdown in the state as of now.

Addressing media here Sunday, Dr. Suokhrie however said a time might come when the situation would demand total lockdown.

However, he said currently, all the COVID-19 cases were from quarantine centres and from the returnees.

As COVID-19 was here to stay, he asked everyone to learn to live with the virus.

He said the highest spike had occurred in Peren

and Mon in the last one week and for which the department was closely monitoring the situation.

He also said the main concern of the department was to ensure discipline at the quarantine centres.

He also warned that infection at the centres would increase, if discipline was not maintained. He said the department was also working closely with the district administrations to implement discipline at the centres.

Dr. Suokhrie said participation of village councils and civil society groups in assisting the district administration would help in containing the virus from among the inmates.

More officials deputed to Peren: Dr. Suokhrie said more health officials have been deputed to Peren since a week back to assist the present team. He also said some lab technicians and data operators were

also deputed to clear the backlog. He appealed to everyone not to be swayed by rumours as facts will be provided by department.

Commenting on indiscipline among returnees at quarantine centres, he said some inmates had even celebrated birthday parties. He therefore said unless proper discipline was maintained more transmission could take place.

He said transmission will happen unless people realise that “Your safety is your responsibility” and followed the basic guidelines by wearing mask in crowded places, maintain personal hygiene and social distance.

He also disclosed that family members of one NHAK employee-- who had tested positive, turned out to be negative. He said it was a huge relief that all the primary contacts tested negative.

Dr. Suokhrie also said

some people tended to panic whenever any COVID-19 positive case was reported.

Towards this he said the department would revise the standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure how best to ease the situation in containment zones.

To a query, Suokhrie claimed that BSL-3 laboratory at NHAK and BSL-2 in Dimapur did not have any backlog, adding that the BSL- 3 laboratory had tested more than 8,400 so far.

New SOP on swab test: The Health department was currently working on a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on swab test, which was likely to be released soon.

It was learnt that the new SOP was being worked out based on the two positive cases detected in Mon district where COVID recovered patients had tested positive again upon re-test on July 3.

Over 17,000 have returned to Nagaland: APC Dr. Shürho backs Governor’s stand

This is it!

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Y Kikheto Sema (NP)

paid quarantine centres. He added that the State’s largest quarantine centre at Ganesh Nagar industrial complex had been shut down.

Sema further mentioned that 195 returnees were at the quarantine centres for more than 14 days, 111 under quarantine for more than 18 days and 74 for 21 days.

He put the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in Dimapur at 84.41%, against the State’s overall recovery

rate of about 40.50%.

Meanwhile, Sema has been relieved of his additional charge as HEG as per a government memo issued by chief secretary Temjen Toy on July 4, which directed him to resume normal duties in Kohima.

Sharing his experience as COVID-19 in-charge, he remarked that it was not an easy task and was very challenging.

He observed that the fight against COVID-19 was yet to be over and emphasised on three golden rules – wearing face mask, regular hand washing and maintaining social distancing. He also encouraged everyone to focus on four “Cs” – Cooperation, Coordination, Confidence and Contribution.

The APC thanked the State government, especially chief minister Neiphiu Rio and the chief secretary, for reposing faith on him and

DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): NPF president and former chief minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu said governor RN Ravi’s letter to chief minister Neiphiu Rio should not come as a surprise to both the people of Nagaland and Rio as he had sought action to contain law and order situation as early as August 23, 2019.

Liezietsu said the governor again reminded the state government on November 14, 2019, but nothing was done. Therefore, said Liezietsu, the governor had regretted to note that his urging and advices had gone unheeded. On the whole, Liezietsu opined that the governor wrote the letter on the suffering of the people and not for his own gain or interest.

He further said Ravi’s letter dwelt on the failures of the present government since (Cont’d on p-8) he had an obligation and

his team. Kikheto claimed that the government was supporting the team with resources, power and responsibilities to fight the pandemic.

He thanked the Almighty God for successful completion of his threemonth duty to serve the people. Commenting on the actions and measures taken by some village and colony councils, Kikheto regretted that they had disowned their own people amidst the pandemic. Some colony councils had reportedly not allowed the returnees to enter their colonies and villages even though they had undergone the required number of quarantine period.

The outgoing HEG also expressed his appreciation to Team Dimapur that comprised officials from district administration, police, medical fraternity, civil

responsibility as a constitutional head of the State. The NPF party president said he fully supported party general secretary Achumbemo Kikon in demanding that the NDPP –led PDA coalition resign on moral ground.

To buttress allegations of failure on all fronts, Liezietsu cited several instances.

He said the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) had on June 23,2020 accused “some Naga Political Group (NPG) and their elements” of forceful imposition and collection of taxe from shops and business establishments. He said DCCI also said the extreme form of taxation would surely sound the death knell of business community.

Liezietsu also cited the condemnation made by Tutomi Gham Kughakulu Dimapur (TGKD) on the threat and intimidation on

one official by UGs. He also quoted statement of Public Action Committee (PAC) on June 24,2020 which said that it (government) was not aware of such activities and concluding that the silence only revealed its (government) incapability, complacency or complicity. Referring to extortion, the former chief minister reminded that this had nothing to do with the Naga political problem.

On some organisations attacking the governor for using the word “armed gang”, Liezietsu asked why were people trying to interpret the phrase to let national workers own it?

He also asked why “some underground groups come out to own that phrase by themselves? “Liezietsu said people should not mix up the Naga political problem with the failures of the present PDA government.

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state

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COVID-19 creativity hub Chizami

Creative items by returnees from the COVID-19 creativity hub Chizami on display. (DIPR) DIMAPUR: COVID-19 Task Force Chizami has named their quarantine centre as “COVID-19 creativity hub Chizami”.

According to DIPR report, the convenor of the COVID-19 Task Force Chizami, Wetshete Thopi stated that during one of their trips to the centre an idea struck seeing the negativity that had engulfed

everyone with the virus including stigmatization, discrimination and the unspoken fear of the returnees by the local folks.

Months of lockdown and further quarantine at various facilities within the state must have taken a huge toll on their mental health and so to create something positive they decided to name the facility

as “COVID-19 creativity hub” instead of “COVID19 quarantine centre”.

As the name suggests, it is a place for creativity, positivity and productivity and not a place to be abhorred and looked upon with disdain. They wanted the returnees to stay positive and make the best use of their stay at the facility, using their creative talents

and abilities to create and make positive stuff so as to spread positivity in the midst of a global gloom.

North East Network (NEN) therefore provided the necessary tools and kits to the returnees like diary/notebook, drawing book, poster, pencil, colors and brush so that they can make use of their time writing stories, poems, do

the drawings and paintings, and crafts as they spent time at the centre. Their works will be collected and will be published by NEN at a later time.

Some of the returnees have successfully completed their stay and has created positive impacts in their own ways during their stay at the facility.

The convenor appealed to all to continue to spread positivity, not negativity and rumours. During setting up the creative hub, Chizami followed the principles of “Care for the people” and “care for the earth”.

Huts were constructed with bamboo, no plastic or little plastic were used for bathroom. Segregation of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste is being done.

Each hut is connected with a rain water harvesting facility. All tiffin packing is non plastic. Packing of food is also done in tekr uyenyi (organic green leaves) which is environmentally sound and healthy.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Paddy transplantation on the banks of Dzü River

Pele Khezhie and others in the paddy field on the banks of Dzü River, Saturday.

DIMAPUR: In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, farming continues on the bank of Dzü River along Ko h i m a - C h a k h a b a m a road on Saturday.

A press release from Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers Union (NCSU) stated that, while undertaking paddy transplantation in his paddy field, NCSU president Pele Khezhie

ESSU appeals DoSE for CII Nagaland state immediate intervention council to organise

Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) have been initiating drainage cleaning task and on Saturday, cleared the clogged drainage outside Hotel Tragopan and Khermahal area, Dimapur. (DMC)

NCD appoints ‘selection commission’ DMAPUR: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president has appointed a five-member ‘search/selection commission’ for appointment of Naga Council office bearers for the tenure 2020-2024.

In a press note, NCD president T. Bangerloba and general secretary Thsapongkyu Sangtam said that the appointment was approved

during the councillor annual general meeting (AGM) held on July 4, as per Article 10 clause 2 & 3 of Council constitution In this regard, the ‘selection commission’ has been authorized to exercise full power as per constitution under Article No. 8 of Naga Council Dimapur, and the decision will considered legally final

and binding, NCD stated.

The team will be headed

by T.L Merry (from CNTC zone) as chairman of the commission, Joyous Shingnaisui (Tenyime zone) as member secretary and members Munthin Newmai (Southern Naga Zone), K.V. John (ENPO zone) and NCD president as ex-officio member.

DIMAPUR: Even after highlighting about the abandoned school buildings construction at GMS Ngozubo, GMS Viyilho, GMS Shevishe and GMS Kelto under SDEO Aghunato in local dailies, the Eastern Sumi Students’ Union (ESSU) said that the concerned department has not taken any action.

A representation to the principal director of School Education by ESSU president Hokato V. Yeptho stated that, ESSU was waiting for some logical response from the concerned department considering the gravity of the issue. ESSU has time and again urged the concerned department to proceed with the incomplete construction even before the news was highlighted and thereafter.

Pointing out that these school building projects were sanctioned, funded and implemented under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) during the years between 2010-2013, the ESSU stated that these sanctioned funds of school buildings have reportedly been withdrawn and utilized but the works were all left incomplete and abandoned.

ESSU expressed dismay with the implementing agency (SSA), the concerned department and the concerned officials/personals “who undertook the projects and hampered the development activities rendering these institutes functionless for nearly a decade” and depriving education to many children belonging to below poverty line families.

In this regard, the ESSU demanded stringent action against those erring officials/personnel of the implementing agency involved in the case and asked the concerned authority for immediate intervention.

Taking a serious stand to pursue the issue as it is directly related to education of future generations, the ESSU stated that it would be compelled to take its own course of action if immediate steps are not taken to resolve the issue.

RCD conduct 49th/46th installation ceremonies

webinar on coffee

DIMAPUR: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the department of Planning & Coordination and Land Resources will be organizing a webinar on “The coffee challenge – opportunities, development and production planning in Nagaland” on July 7, 11 a.m.

A press release from CII Nagaland state council and MD, Fine Windows Company chairperson C. Merenla stated that, the webinar aims to create awareness on the potentiality and basic knowledge on coffee plantation and its market in Nagaland. The conclave is also to initiate creating a forum for coffee farmers where they can update themselves time to time.

Expert panelists from different parts of India and abroad along with representatives from Coffee Board of India are scheduled to take part in the webinar.

Interested government officials, coffee farmers, buyers and entrepreneurs can attend the webinar through CII Virtual Platform. For further details, one may contact chuba.ozukum@cii.in, 9436001046 and rupa.das@ cii.in, 9436129728.

encouraged the people of Nagaland to go ahead with the agricultural activities with seriousness for food security in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Khezhie maintained that the challenges and threat posed by COVID-19 pandemic has channelized many people to get back to the fertile soil to attain self-sufficiency while also

making efforts towards boosting the individual as well as state’s economy.

Keeping in line with the traditional practices of helping one another during paddy transplantation season, the family and well wishers of Dapfhütsumia Khel of Kohima village assisted Pele on Saturday to get the paddy transplantation done.

Kohima Police arrests two on various charges DIMAPUR: Kohima Police based on specific information about an absconding extortionist in connection with Kohima North PS case no. 0018/2020, apprehended the extortionist from Para-Medical area Kohima on July 4.

According to PRO DEF Kohima, the accused has been identified as Khosato Keyho alias Kenny (25 years) S/o Vesato Keyho, V/o Khutsa, PO/ PS Chazouba, Dist Phek, P/add – PWD (Lower) Colony, Kohima.

PRO stated that, the accused is a habitual offender and was earlier arrested in connection with Kohima North PS case No. 0049/2017 and Kohima South PS case No. 0006/2018.

He has been remanded into police custody for further investigation.

Earlier, Kohima Police based on an FIR lodged at North PS Kohima by Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho (CMK) on June 29 against Richard Humtsoe (45 years) s/o late Samuel, V/o Lakhuti, PO/PS Sanis, Dist Wokha, P/add ‘C’ Khel, Toulazouma, Dimapur for his post in social media making serious allegation against the community/village.

The accused has been arrested from Peducha (Lalmati police post) on July 3 and in this connection, a case vide Kohima North PS Case No. 0024/2020 has been registered against him for conducting further investigation.

1st Death Anniversary of LATE VIMETSUL ROBERT KIKHI

NSCN (R) Tuluni greetings DIMAPUR: NSCN/ GPRN (Reformation) has extended greetings to Sumi Nagas on the occasion of Tuluni, celebrated after the sowing is done to invoke God’s blessing for the productive season. NSCN (R) through its MIP expressed optimism that through this festivity, Sumis will continue to shine in every sphere and that it ushers in prosperity and good tidings.

K-1187

06-07-2019 “Your life was a blessing You memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And will be missed beyond measures.”

Loving Wife and Children

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

CL John condoles

(Left) New RCD president Kitoshe Zhimomi and (Right) Rotaract Club Dimapur president Nikhil Jain and secretary Manish Singh secretary Arijit Sharma at the installation ceremony. with others.

DIMAPUR: Rotary Club of Dimapur (RCD) held its 49th installation ceremony at Rotary Centre Dimapur on July 4, wherein handing over of charge for president and secretary was officiated by installation officer PDG Chandu Agarwal.

A press release from RCD stated that, the new charge of president and secretary were handed over to Kitoshi Zhimomi and Arijit Sharma respectively.

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The outgoing presid e n t A s h o k A g a r wa l thanked the members and his team for completion of successful tenure and assured to extend support to the new team.

Asistant gover nor zone 9 of Rotary Vijay Sharma also congratulated the new team, while installation officer PDG Chandu Agarwal congratulated the incoming team and briefed about the responsibilities

one has to endure.

Kitoshi Zhimomi in her acceptance speech thanked the almighty and all the members and briefed on her journey of joining Rotary Club and the support which she has received from the members. She also mentioned that she has learned the aspect of rendering service through guidance, friendship and fellowship from Rotary and that she was

motivated a lot. She promised to carry on the legacy of the good works that Rotary Club of Dimapur has performed till date and to take the club to new level by seeking the blessing of God. Earlier, programme started with invocation prayer by pastor Nila Sing and vote of thanks was delivered by Sumit Patni and the meeting was adjourned by the president. Lucy

Akokla was the MOC. Meanwhile, the Rotaract Club Dimapur (RCD) also completed its 46th installation ceremony on July 5 at Rotary Centre Dimapur, with PDRR AG Vijay Sharma as the installation officer.

A press release from Rotaract Club Dimapur stated that, Nikhil Jain was the president and Manish Singh as secretary for the year 2020-2021.

DIMAPUR: CL John, MLA 45 Tehok A/C, Mon has expressed sorrow at the demise of late Woknyei Yanlem, who passed away on July 3. In a condolence message, John stated that Yanlem served in Church ministry and NGOs such as Konyak Baptist Church and Konyak Union Dimapur, and in various capacities with variety of rank and files.

He stated that Yanlem was a bonafide citizen, as well as a competent upcoming leader of 49 A/C Tamlu, Longleng district and Konyak community in general. He further conveyed condolences for the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant peace and solace to the departed soul.

KETHOSENO (AKONO) KHUVUNG 10/4/1977 - 28/6/2020 The family of Lt. Kethoseno (Akono) Khuvung wishes to acknowledge and offer our profound gratitude to all who showed great kindness and support at her sudden demise on 28th June 2020. We are grateful to all the families, friends, Churches, unions, organizations, neighbors and well-wishers for your consistent prayers. Sincere thanks for the physical and financial support rendered to us at the time of our grief. We pray that our Almighty Father will bless you abundantly. Thank you.

Loving husband, daughters, family and in- laws K-1186 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Is c o ro n a v i r u s n ow spreading through community transmission in Guwahati?

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

A B C

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

A

B

C

80% 0% 20%

Next poll

Q: Have prices of essential

commodities sharply risen due to lockdown?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST july 6

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A thunderstorm in spots

32 26

Aizawl

A shower

Guwahati A morning t-storm; cloudy Imphal

A bit of morning rain

Itanagar Cloudy with a stray t-storm

29 12 33 26 30 22 27 23

Shillong

A p.m. t-storm in spots

26 19

Kohima

Couple of thunderstorms

25 20

Dimapur A thunderstorm in the area Mkg

Rather cloudy with a t-storm

Tuensang Couple of thunderstorms Wokha

Mass awareness on COVID-19

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

A t-storm around in the a.m.

Zunheboto Cloudy with heavy t-storm

31 25 27 21 20 17 26 22 24 19

DC Longleng M. Shayung Phom along with other officials of the DTF during the meeting on July 4. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: District Task Force on COVID-19, Longleng decided to hold joint mass awareness campaign on COVID-19 covering entire villages and wards of the district.

According to DIPR report, the decision was made after it was proposed by the DC and chairman DTF in its meeting held on July 4 at DC’s conference hall (war room). To cover the awareness campaign in a shortest possible period it was decided to constitute five teams comprised of one representative each from Medical department (doctor), administration, Police, Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC), Phomla Hoichem and Phom Students’ Conference (PSC). Each team

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

will be assigned to cover villages/wards and sensitise the public on COVID19 by maintaining strict SOP of the government. To clarify the doubts through feedbacks from the public interaction session will be included in the campaign.

DC Longleng, M. Shayung Phom expressed his gratitude to DTFs Mokokchung and Wokha for extending help to the returnees of Longleng district by providing the returnees with food, accommodation and also arranging transportation to ferry them on June 15 and 18 when unforeseen problems/difficulties came on the way en-route Longleng.

He also acknowledged the positive response of

Y. Kikheto Sema Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) in-charge of COVID-19 for Dimapur district for allowing and keeping Longleng returnees in quarantine centre in Dimapur. On behalf of the officers of Longleng district the DC also extended sympathy and condolence to the near and dear one of late TemsuImsong, SDFO (Fishery), Longleng demise on June 28 in Longleng and pray that Almighty God grant solace to the bereaved family members.

DC further acknowledged all the frontline workers, government officers, PBCA, churches, NGOS, civil societies and individuals for their cooperation and support to contain

and defeat the COVID-19 pandemic in the district.

He asserted that everything could manage well without obstruction and unpleasant incident reported from any quarters because of the good team work of the government officers, NGOS, churches and civil societies with one voice. He appreciated and thanked the female frontline workers of Phom Baptist Christian Association for effective management of the COVID-19 kitchen, Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) and Sakhi One Stop Centre, Longleng for their tireless service.

DTF also reaffirmed to restrict the movement of vehicles bringing essential commodities from Assam till July 6. It discussed on transportation of two Longleng returnees recovered from COVID-19 after availing treatment in Kohima.

The recovered returnees will be kept under institutional quarantine centre isolated from other returnees. They will be tested again after 14 days counting from the last test and will be released if found negative. It further reiterated and deliberated that SOP of the government will be strictly followed and implemented to contain and control the spread of the coronavirus.

H&FW assures help to those coming for voluntary testing Correspondent KOHIMA, JUL 5 (NPN): Amidst fear of two frontline workers testing positive for Coronavirus on June 30 last, the Health and Family Welfare department has assured of help to those voluntarily coming forward for testing.

On the reported free movement of the two frontline workers without being kept in isolation even after their swabs were collected, state nodal officer IDSP, Dr Nyan Kikon justified saying that some of the frontline workers involved in the Bethel Kitchen volunteered themselves for testing so they did not suspect that they would be tested positive. He said their swabs

were collected on June 29 while the result was out on June 30 and they were sent to isolation.

On the issue of contact tracing not done for members of churches engaged in cooking food at Bethel Kitchen for the quarantine centres in Kohima as highlighted by media persons, the principal director of H&FW, Dr Vizolie Z. Suokhrie during a press conference said that contact tracing was expanding. He informed that those working in the kitchen could go for voluntary sample testing can go to the Naga Hospital Authority or coordinate with the chief medical officer of Kohima district for testing facility.

“In case our surveillance team has missed to contact

any such person, we will be very happy if they can voluntarily come forward and we will definitely help them out”, he said. Nonetheless, he added “we should be happy that the tests of primary contacts of the two frontline workers are negative and they are still under isolation but we don’t want to release them till their second test is not done, though it may not be required.”

He also asserted that the directorate of H&FW would officially convey to the CMO Kohima to give priority to any such cases.

Further, Dr Suokhrie said the most important thing was that the primary contacts of the two were negative and was the biggest relief.

NDPP Kohima region, comprising of parent body, youth and women, undertook paddy transplantation in terrace field of NDPP central vice president, Prasielie Pienyü, on July 4 at Kohima to promote “work culture”. (NP).

MTLT condemns sexual abuse on minors

DIMAPUR: Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has condemned the sexual assault/abuse of two juveniles on several occasions by the accused in Mokokchung town.

A condemnation by MTLT president Imkummeren, convenor grievances cell Aolong Imchen and general secretary, Lanu Pongen expressed shock and condemned the heinous act and asserted its stand that such acts of molestation, rape or sodomy cannot and will not Chief medical officer (CMO) Tuensang along with doctors and chaplain from the be tolerated in society.

District Hospital conducting fellowship at COVID-19 Care Center (SCC) Tuensang MTLT also shared sympathy with the victims on Sunday. (COVID-19 CC)

and family at this moment of grief and humiliation and also demanded the district administration and concerned government agencies to properly rehabilitate the victims so that the mental trauma that they have endured would be assuaged.

MTLT lauded the district administration and the police for taking prompt action in arresting the accused and registering the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 and that the offender APC Nagaland also the incharge Dimapur district COVID-19 activities with the be given the sternest of members of Kuki Inpi at Commissioner’s Rest House, where Kuki Inpi had presented punishments. a cash amount of Rs. 1 lakh. (DIPR)

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Women occupy two dozen key posts in Nalbari, Assam Nalbari (Assam), Jul 5 (PTI): Breaking the proverbial glass ceiling has become commonplace in Assam’s Nalbari as women rule the roost in the district by occupying all the key posts including the head of civil administration, police and judiciary.

The already strong numbers of women in authoritative positions will be enhanced with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Purabi Konwar taking charge on Monday.

At least two dozen other key posts including the district’s inspector of schools, food, the social welfare, and information officer too are held by women.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Amanjeet Kaur is already heading the district police for about an year and a half.

Nalbari is located about 60 km west of Guwahati on the northern bank of Brahmaputra. According to 2011 census, Nalbari’s

population was 7,71,639 of which 3,96,006 were male and 375,633 female.

Krishna Baruah is another key officer, who is holding the charge of chief executive officer of the ‘zila parishad’ and district development commissioner.

Nalbari’s five judges are women. They are: district and sessions judge Sharmila Bhuyan, assistant sessions judge Hemakhi Thakuria Buragohain, additional chief judicial magistrate Sarbina Bhattacharya, judicial magistrate (1st class) Smriti Rekha Bhuyan and ‘munsif ’ Rubina Yasmin.

Kaur, a 2009 batch IPS officer, said women occupying key posts in the district is a positive affirmation of action by the government of Assam.

“When a woman is holding an important post, people, specially the women folk get the courage to approach her with their personal problems.

It is always comforting for

everyone. Women officers are always compassionate,” she told PTI over phone.

Kaur, a native of Punjab’s Kapurthala, however, said women can get tough if the need arises.

“I feel women occupying all key posts of a district should not be a news but a norm,” she said.

A Deputy Superintendent of Police under Kaur, Jupi Bordoloi, and in-charge of the Kamarkuchi Police Station, Rajashree Buragohain, too are women.

Reve nu e o f f i c e r s of four out of the seven circles of Nalbari district are women -- Banashree Deka (Nalbari-Sadar), Nandita Hazarika (Ghagrapara), Shilpika Kalita (Banekuchi) and Rituparna Bhadra (Borbhag). The Block Development Officer of Nalbari (West) is Barsha Sarma. All of them are Class 1 officers belonging to the state’s civil service.

Hrishikesh Goswami, Media Advisor to Assam

chief minister, said the Sarbananda Sonowal-led government has always been giving due recognition to women from all walks of life.

“Women holding all important posts in Nalbari district is a positive development and a message to the society that our government cares about the welfare of women and gives them due recognition,” he told PTI. Goswami pointed out that the administration of Assam’s four other districts too are headed by women officers.

They are Var nali Deka (DC, Goalpara), MS Lakshmi Priya (DC, Bongaigaon), Roshni Aparanji Korati (DC, Jorhat) and Keerthi Jalli (DC, Cahar).

All the four officers belong to the IAS. Nalbari’s sub registrar (revenue) is Madhavi Kalita, district school inspector is Jyotshna Rani Barman, district social welfare officer is Padmeshwari Saikia,

district food inspector is Nabanita Haloi, district finance and accounts officer is Daisy Nath, district labour officer is Kavita Barman and district information and public relations officer is Binurani Rajbongshi.

Konwar, on the eve of taking charge as Nalbari’s DC, said it is a welcome situation that women are occupying key posts in the district and hoped that she would get cooperation from all concerned.

“Definitely it is welcome. I am hoping to do better with a good team in Nalbari,” she told PTI. Sub divisional agriculture officer is Lakhi Dutta, soil scientist at the agricultural research centre is Manashi Chakraborty and district child welfare officer is Dipti Phukan.

Among the seven child development project officers (CDPO), four are women -- Bani Saikia Manjuri Deka, Irani Thakuria and Gitanjali Talukder.

Seven more test positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh I tanag ar , J ul 5 (PTI): At least seven more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, raising the total tally in the state to 259, a senior health department official said on Sunday.

Of the seven, four are from Anjaw district, which was coronavirus-free until Friday, two from Tirap, and one from the state capital, the official said.

All fresh cases were reported from isolation centres, where people are being placed under quarantine following their return from other states, Surveillance Officer L Jampa said.

The lone coronavirus patient in Tawang district was discharged from a hospital on Saturday following his recovery, Jampa said, adding that the man had been advised to stay at home and monitor his health over the next 14 days.

Meanwhile, a frontline worker died in a road accident on Saturday while returning to the state from Dibrugarh in Assam, where he had gone to drop samples at an ICMR laboratory.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu conveyed his condolences to his family and friends.

“Saddened to know about loss of life of #CoronaWar rior Shri Sangpula Tayo, driver in Tezu General Hospital in a tragic accident while on #COVID19 duty. My deepest condolences and prayers for the surviving family and friends. May his soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.

Arunachal Pradesh currently has 182 active cases, while 76 people have recovered from the disease so far. One person has succumbed to the infection.

A total of 26,569 swab

samples have been tested for COVID-19 thus far.

The capital complex -- comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa -- has registered the maximum number of coronavirus cases in the state at 82, followed by Changlang district at 52, West Kameng at 21 and Namsai at 10.

The state government had on Saturday said that it would impose a “total lockdown” on the capital complex next week, amid the spurt in cases.

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting convened by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar said.

The shutdown will be in force for seven days from 6pm on Monday, he said, adding that no vehicular or pedestrian movement will be allowed unless absolutely necessary.

NGO members thrashed while trying to ‘stop’ illegal sand mining in Garo Hills TURA, JUL 5 (AGENCIES): Some members of the All Meghalaya Minority Students’ Union (AMMSU) in West Garo Hills (WGH) sustained injuries after being allegedly attacked by people belonging to a group of illegal sand smugglers from Assam, reports The Northeast Today.

It was informed that K Y M C

the incident took place on July 4, when the alleged criminal elements from Assam, beat up the group when they went to stop the illegal extraction of sand from the Jinijram River near the Ginning Mill area, bordering Assam.

“We were tipped off about some criminal elements from Assam forcefully entering Meghalaya

and making away with sand that they mined from the Jinjiram River near the Ginning Mill area near Phulbari. There were about 30 boats that were illegally ferrying sand from the river into Assam,” said Nur Islam Sk, the All Meghalaya Minority Students’ Union president.

The illegal mining was allegedly being done

by some criminal elements with the support from locals of the area.

“Our members opposed the act stating that it was not allowed, especially during the period of lockdown owing to COVID – 19. However, they were attacked by the same group when they went to take photos of the boats carrying sand

illegally from the river banks. They somehow managed to escape from there and informed us,” added Islam.

According to the FIR filed by All Meghalaya Minority Students’ Union, the smugglers led by one Akkabar Ali, tried to kill them by throwing them into the river.

Ali allegedly had more

than 15 people along with him during the attack.

“They somehow saved themselves and informed us. We seek a thorough investigation into the matter by the police, so that criminal elements are taken care of and such illegal acts are prevented, especially at the time of COVID – 19 lock-down,” added Islam.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Assam’s flood situation improves Agartala observes 24-hour lockdown Over 6.8 lakh people across 17 districts still affected

Authorities are running 62 relief camps and distribution centres across five districts.

Guwahati, Jul 5 (PTI): with over 3.98 lakh people killed by the flood and 24 The flood situation in As- affected, followed by South died due to landslides. sam improved on Sunday, Salmara with more than At present, 1,073 vileven though nearly seven 87,000 people and Goalpara lages are under water and lakh people across 17 dis- with over 78,200 people.

45,175.93 hectares of crop tricts continue to suffer from National Disaster Re- areas have been damaged, the deluge, officials said. sponse Force (NDRF), State the ASDMA said.

According to the daily Disaster Response Force It further said authoriflood report of the Assam (SDRF), district administra- ties are running 62 relief State Disaster Management tions and local people have camps and distribution cenAuthority (ASDMA), more rescued 210 people during tres across five districts, than 6.8 lakh people are the last 24 hours in four dis- where 4,852 people are affected due to the floods tricts, the bulletin stated. taking shelter currently. in Dhemaji, Biswanath, Till Saturday, more The authorities Chirang, Darrang, Nalbari, than 10.75 lakh people were have distributed a total of Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, suffering due to the deluge 2,543.64 quintals of rice, South Salmara, Goalpara, across 18 districts. dal and salt, and 203.7 litres Kamrup, Kamrup MetroThe total number of of mustard oil along with politan, Morigaon, Nagaon, people losing their lives so other relief materials such Golaghat, Jorhat and Tin- far in this year’s flood and as tarpaulin, baby food, sukia districts. landslide stands at 61 across wheat bran, face mask, soap Barpeta is the worst-hit the state, of which 37 were and candle. Brahmaputra is

flowing above the danger marks at Nimatighat in Jorhat and Dhubri town in Dhubri districts. Its tributaries Jia Bharali at N T Road Crossing in Sonitpur and Kopili at Dharamtul in Nagaon are flowing above the danger marks. Roads, bridges, culverts and many other infrastructure have been damaged at various places in Lakhimpur, Barpeta, Bongaigaon and Dhubri districts.

Massive erosions have been witnessed at different places of Baksa district, the ASDMA said.

It also said that a total of 26 camps out of 223 at Kaziranga National Park, two out of 40 camps at Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park and 12 out of 25 camps at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary have been affected by the deluge.

The deluge has so far claimed the lives of 44 different animals in Kaziranga National Park, the bulletin said quoting an official of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division. The flood has also affected 13,44,075 domestic animals and poultry across the state during the last 24 hours, it added.

AGARTALA, JUL 5 ( AGENCIES): As Tripura observed a 24-hour complete lockdown Sunday to curb the spread of Covid19, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb put up a video offering ginger-water to his mother, and appealed to others to follow suit with the elderly in their homes.

The ginger water will help boost immunity against diseases like Covid-19, he said.

In the 37-second video uploaded on his official Facebook page, Deb is seen grinding ginger, boiling it in water and offering the concoction to his mother, Mina Deb. He wrote on social media, “I gave ginger-water to my mother this morning in accordance with the appeal I made to everyone earlier. I hope you have taken care of your mother, father and the elderly in your houses like this. If you haven’t, offer this drink to them. It will help in boosting their immunity to prevent diseases and protect themselves from coronavirus. Stay safe and take care of the elderly in your house. And share photos and videos of this great work on social media.”

Biplab’s appeal was

Biplab Kumar Deb met with approval by many.

“Responding to the CM’s appeal, I took a concoction of warm water infused with tulsi, ginger and lemon. We have been using such concoctions for long for common ailments. They also make you feel fresh and energised,” said Sudha Deb Dutta, a septuagenarian resident of Agartala. People were also found praising the initiative online.

Earlier on Saturday, Deb launched a plan to provide lemon and pineapple juice to people across 25 urban local bodies of the state, using Self Help Groups registered with the Deendayal Antodaya Yojana.

The scheme will involve SHGs giving the juices in one ward of every

urban body every Saturday, in an effort to build residents’ immunity.

Meanwhile, the 24hour lockdown being observed to ‘test’ public awareness and cooperation has proceeded smoothly so far. All government offices, installations, marketplaces, shops and trading concerns were shut since the morning; only emergency services such as fire brigade, ambulances, hospitals, milk vans etc. were operational.

Speaking to indianexpress.com, Additional Director General of Tripura Police, Rajiv Singh, said people had cooperated with the lockdown as per latest reports. Early in the morning, around 20 people out for walks had been picked up by police patrolling vans.

“Some of them didn’t have the message clear about morning walks being prohibited. We picked them up and later released them,” the officer said.

According to latest reports, Tripura has 1,559 Covid-19 cases, out of which 1,199 people have recovered, leaving 360 active patients. The state has seen one casualty due to coronavirus so far.

22 fresh COVID-19 cases in Sikkim; count rises to 125 Gangtok, Jul 5 (PTI): Twenty-two fresh COVID19 cases were reported in Sikkim on Sunday, taking the Himalayan state’s tally to 125, a senior health official said.

Director General-cumSecretary, Health, Dr Pemba T Bhutia said 20 of the 22 new patients are primary contacts of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel who had tested positive for COVID-19 a few days back at Rhenock in East Sikkim.

Of the remaining two patients, one had returned from Delhi, while the other was the driver of a vehicle engaged in ferrying people from screening centres to quarantine facilities, he said.

All the new patients have been admitted to a hospital and contact-tracing is almost complete, Bhutia said.

Meanwhile, three more people have been cured of the disease in the state, taking the total number of recoveries to 61, officials said.

Of the 125 cases, 51 are active, while 13 people have migrated out of the state, they added.

COVID-19 cases rise in Meghalaya as Earthquake of 4.6 magnitude Night curfew further extended in M’laya army man, BSF trooper tests positive hits Mizoram; seventh in state Correspondent

S hi l l o n g, J u l 5 : COVID-19 cases have been mounting in Meghalaya over the past few days with more security forces personnel testing positive for the virus, taking the tally to 72 as on Sunday afternoon.

State Director Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said that an army man and a Border Security Force (BSF) trooper who had returned to Meghalaya from Bihar and Punjab respectively tested positive for COVID-19 on their arrival.

The army man is posted at Umroi Cantonment in

Ri Bhoi district while the BSF trooper at Meghalaya Frontier Headquarters in Shillong. While the army man has been lodged in the Military Hospital, the BSF trooper has been admitted in the BSF Composite Hospital here. With these new detections, Meghalaya has registered 72 positive cases, which includes 28 active cases and one death, while 43 have recovered from the viral infection.

The COVID-19 active cases in the State include 11 in East Khasi Hills District (11 males, one female), 11 in Ri Bhoi District (6 males, 4 females), 2 males in South

West Garo Hills District, 2 males in West Garo Hills District and one male in East Jaintia Hills District.

War said 508 random tests for detection of COVID-19 conducted by the State health authorities on persons in Khanapara-B and its adjoining areas, close to the Meghalaya-Assam boundary have so far yielded negative results.

Meanwhile, curfew continued for the second day on Sunday in Khanapara-Byrnihat area in State’s Ri Bhoi district bordering Assam’s Kamrup district to break the transmission chain.

KAAC Executive tests COVID positive Correspondent Diphu Jul 5: Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in charge of Health & Family Welfare Department Khonsing Rongpi tested covid-19 positive on Saturday.

Khonsing Rongpi who represents Howraghat, Member of Autonomous Council constituency was admitted at Di-

phu Medical College and Hospital after a brief period of illness. Rongpi complained of breathing problems and common cough & cold. Upon diagnosis at the COVID specialty hospital he tested positive.

Rongpi is the first high-profile political leader in Karbi Anglong be contract COVID-19. According to an official report, total number of COVID cases is 174 comprising 64 active cases and two deaths.

Aizawl, Jul 5 (PTI): An ear thquake of 4.6 magnitude hit Mizoram’s Champhai district on Sunday afternoon, the seventh one to jolt the northeastern state in less than three weeks, officials said.

The earthquake occurred around 5.26 pm and the epicentre was 25 km south-southwest of Champhai, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The de pth of the earthquake was 77 km, it said.

This was the second earthquake to hit Champhai district, located on the India-Myanmar border, in the last three days and seventh one to rock the state since June 18.

An earthquake of 4.6 magnitude hit the district on Friday afternoon.

Besides Champhai, a series of quakes also hit Saitual and Serchhip between June 18 and June 24.

I n t h e wo r s t - h i t Champhai, a total of 138 buildings, including those

Lockdown declared in Manipur’s Jiribam district

Deserted Jiribam town of Manipur after government declared complete lockdown on Sunday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Jul 5: Manipur’s Jiribam town has been turned into a virtual ghost town after 28 policemen were detected COVID-19 positive in the state sparking fears of community transmission in the district.

Streets, markets and public spaces were deserted as residents chose to stay indoors fearing contacting the deadly disease even as a total public curfew was imposed by the district administration.

Only personnel of the law enforcing agencies and those in essential services were seen on the streets on the first day of complete lockdown declared by the

authority of the state government.

Jiribam district where the first case of local COVID-19 cluster reported was kept under complete lockdown to contain the spread of the disease after a sudden spurt in the number of cases of COVID-19 in the district in 48 hours.

Complete lockdown of the district was declared by an order of state chief secretary L Suresh Babu who is also the chairperson of State Executive Committee of the State Disaster Management Authority, issued late Saturday.

In line with the order, Jiribam district magistrate on Sunday promulgated a total curfew prohibiting people moving out of their

respective homes under section 2 of the CrPC 144, with immediate effect after keeping the entire district under complete lockdown.

The total curfew to enforce the complete lockdown will be effective till July 15 or until further order, the order issued by district magistrate W Malemnganba Chenglei stated.

The order further stated that inter-state goods carrying vehicles will be allowed to pass the Jiribam gate.

However, passengers coming by vehicles at Jiribam gate after midnight of July 5 will not be allowed to pass and will be put in the institutional quarantine centres at Jiribam.

Earlier, the district magistrate further declared

22 locations of the district including the police station at the district headquarters as containment zones.

Mention may be made that as many as 28 personnel of Jiribam district police and VDF have tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday after an ASI involved in screening people who returned by train at Jiribam was tested positive earlier.

The 28 personnel were among 170 samples of suspected police personnel and family members of the ASI tested during the last 48 hours.

The 28 personnel who tested positive for COVID19 include one ASI, four Havildars and a woman police who was assigned duty at the quarantine centre opened at RK Sanatombi Vidyalaya, Jiribam.

Meanwhile, several civil society organisations based in the district blamed the state government for surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

The state government was responsible for the rise in positive cases of COVID19 in Jiribam district, said the All Jiribam United Clubs Association (AJUCA), Jiri Development Organisation (JDO), and IPSA, Jiriribam in a joint statement.

of churches and the government, were affected in the earlier quakes, according to officials.

Of these, 118 houses were in Khawbung rural development block and 20 others in Champhai rural development block.

However, there were no casualties.

Champhai district was the epicentre of the first earthquake of 4.6 magnitude on June 18.

The neighbouring Saitual district was hit by another earthquake of 5.1 magnitude on June 21.

Another earthquake of 5.3 magnitude rocked Champhai on June 22. On June 23, an earthquake of 3.7 magnitude hit the Serchhip district.

Another earthquake of 4.1 magnitude hit the Champhai district again on June 24.

Officials also said at least six aftershocks of light intensity were experienced between June 23 and June 24 in Khawbung and neighbouring villages in Champhai district.

S H I LLO N G, J UL 5 : Night curfew has been further extended in Meghalaya from July 6 to 13 next between 2100 hours to 0500 hours each day in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the state, an official said on Sunday.

Meghalaya has registered 72 positive cases, which includes 28 active cases and one death, while 43 have recovered from the viral infection.

Night curfew has been imposed to put in place preventive and mitigation measures under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020.

However, the order, which was issued on Sunday, will not apply to security forces, police, medical teams on duty, pharmacies, and other essential services.

Moreover, it specified that 50 percent of private and public transport will

Assam Rifles launch bicycle kiosk in Shillong

ted subject to strict compliance of the standard operating procedures being issued by the State government in the Commerce and Industry Department.

However, trade through border haat is not permitted,” the order stated.

Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills District Deputy Commissioner Matsiewdor War Nongbri in her order has allowed 413 shops from fixed stalls in the Iewduh , the main market in Shillong to open from 0800 hours to 1800 hours daily strictly on rotation basis and alphabetical pattern as per notifications issued by the Acting Syiem, Hima Mylliem.

Nongbri said that the Syiem of Hima Mylliem must ensure strict compliance by the shopkeepers to the health protocols for market issued recently by the Health and Family Welfare Department.

“Violation of any or all the norms and protocols will entail legal action and closure of the shops,” the Deputy Commissioner warned.

Dear Nimo “Wishing you a day filled with happiness and a year filled with joy. Sending you smiles for every moment of your special day.......... “Have a wonderful time and a very Happy Birthday” Hope your special day brings you all that you desires!!!

From H.I.K.S OFFICE OF THE

LOGMISA SENSO MUNGDANG B.P.O. Longmisa, P.O Mokokchung, Nagaland

FELICITATION

The Longmisa Senso Mungdang extends their heartiest congratulations to Shri Satemtemsu on his promotion to the post of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) under NPWD, Government of Nagaland.

The Mundang takes immense pride in your achievement and our best wishes in all your future endeavours.

Sd/Sd/(Satemkaba) (Alemchuba) Mendenbuba Tongti Zulur

MKC-156

Correspondent

operate as per orders notified earlier and inter-district movement of persons is permitted.

“However, inter-state movement of persons will continue to be restricted,” the order said.

The order prohibited all forms of large public gathering and congregation including social, political, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious function, moving in public, work places and during transport without a mask, spitting in public places and consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco in public places, operation of cyber cafe, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours, lottery counter.

Further, the order prohibits incoming additional workforce from outside except for skilled, highly skilled, specialized professionals and technicians regulated by standard operating procedures and order of the Labour and Health and Family Welfare Departments, Meghalaya.

“Border trade with Bangladesh through Land Customs Stations is permit-

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE WOKHA : NAGALAND

Bicycle rally inside Laitkor Garrison in Shillong.

KOHIMA, JUL 5: In its effort to contribute to ‘Fit India Movement’ Assam Rifles has set up a Bicycle KIOSK at its Laitkor Garrison(Shillong) which was inaugurated on July 5

by Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan.

A press release by PRO ( Defence) stated that the occasion was marked by a

cycle rally carried out by tofficers of HQ DGAR within the garrison premises.

Addressing the officers, the DG encouraged them to spread the message of positivity and fitness in the environment by indulging in activities like cycling without losing their guard against ongoing pandemic.

S/C NO. 53/20 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 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Khazamo Lotha has been applied by Smti Tsuyani Mozhui, W/o Lt. Khazamo Lotha R/o H.No Wokha, Nagaland for possession of: 1. S.B.I. 11766527592 2. P.P.O. No. NL/V/15270 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 26.07.2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 26.06.2020.

District & Sessions Judge Wokha : Nagaland DP-3063

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Vikas Dubey’s main aide arrested two detained for interrupting power supply during police raid

LUCKNOW/KANPUR, JUL 5 (PTI): The main aide of notorious gangster Vikas Dubey involved in the attack in which eight police personnel were killed was arrested in a pre-dawn encounter in Kanpur, a senior police official said on Sunday.

The aide, Dayashankar Agnihotri, was injured in his leg in retaliatory firing by police after he tried to attack them and flee, the official said, adding that no police personnel was hurt.

Police have also taken into custody the sub-divisional officer (SDO) and another employee of the power sub-station from where electricity supply was interrupted on the intervening night of Thursday-Friday at the time of the police raid at Dubey’s house in Bikru village.

Police also questioned the man responsible for disconnecting the power supply, a senior police official said, adding that the man confessed to having snapped the power lines on instructions of a caller who claimed that he was calling from the nearby Chaubeypur police station in Kanpur district.

According to sources, the phone number from which the line worker was contacted belongs to the Chaubeypur police station.

However, police have not given any information on who ordered the power supply interruption during the raid.

After being taken into custody, Agnihotri told reporters that Dubey had got a call from someone in the

Police outside the house in Bakru village, Kanpur, where the eight personnel were killed.

police department informing him about his imminent arrest, and after that he called his men for a face-toface confrontation with the police.

Allegations had earlier surfaced against Vinay Tiwari, Station Officer of Chaubeypur police station in whose jurisdiction the incident took place, following which he was suspended on Saturday. It was alleged that Tiwari had alerted Dubey that a police team was on the way to his house to arrest him, following which the gangster and his men attacked the police personnel resulting in the slaying of eight of them.

Dubey is absconding over two days after the incident.

Police sources said Dubey had disabled all the cameras before fleeing the crime scene and took the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with him.

More than 25 police teams mostly headed by senior officials have carried out raids at hundreds of locations in various districts, police said, adding that they also carried out searches near the border with Nepal and in other states.

Dubey’s last location was traced to Auraiya in UP and police have suspected that he has fled either to Nepal or Madhya Pradesh, a police official said.

Police also said that on Saturday, it lodged an FIR against 21 people whose identities have been established and they are mostly residents of Bikru village, and 50-60 other unidentified people in connection with the killing of the eight personnel.

“Dayashankar Agnihotri alias Kallu, the main aide of Dubey, has been arrested during an encounter.

Agnihotri always used to accompany Dubey and was

staying at Dubey’s house,” Inspector General, Kanpur Range, Mohit Agarwal told PTI. “Agnihotri was carrying a cash reward of Rs 25,000. He was named accused in the firing incident on the policemen. In the encounter, he got bullet injuries on his leg,” Agarwal said.

Additional Director General of Police, Kanpur, J N Singh told PTI that the encounter took place at around 4.30 am in Kalyanpur area of Kanpur.

Agnihotri was admitted to the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital and police recovered a country-made pistol and two cartridges from his possession, said Superintendent of Police (west) Anil Kumar. In the early hours of Sunday, police got a tip-off and tried to stop Agnihotri on the Kalyanpur-Shivli road when he opened fire at them. While no police per-

sonnel was hurt, Agnihotri got bullet injuries on his leg in retaliatory firing.

IG Agarwal said the cash reward on Dubey’s arrest has been increased to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000.

Agarwal said SO Tiwari has been sent to Police Lines. “He has not been detained. Investigations are going on. If any evidence is found which suggests that Tiwari was part of the conspiracy, then he will be detained,” he said.

On the demolition by police of Dubey’s house on Saturday, the IG said police had information that Dubey had hidden a lot of arms and ammunition in a bunker and in the walls of the house.

Shortly after midnight on Friday, eight policemen had walked into a trap set by Dubey and fell to a hail of bullets fired from rooftops.

They were given a tearful farewell on Saturday as police began demolishing the criminal’s lavish hideout in Bikru village, the scene of the bloody crime.

Seven others, including a civilian, were injured in the attack that took place in the early hours of Friday. Later, police sealed the entire area and began a combing operation, which led to another encounter with Dubey’s men in Nivada village in which two of them were killed.

The eight men killed in the line of duty, mostly in their 20s and 30s, included Deputy Superintendent of Police Devendra Mishra (54).

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India intensifies locust control as FAO says more outbreaks expected NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (AGENCIES): A new dimension added in locust control activities with chemical spraying in targeted areas started on Saturday, with a Bell Helicopter taking its first sortie in the Banda area of Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan As per the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Locust Status Update of July 3, many of the springbred swarms that migrated to Indo-Pak border before the monsoon rains, some continued east to northern states of India and a few groups reached Nepal.

The forecast is that these swarms will return to Rajasthan with the start of the monsoon in the coming days to join other swarms still arriving from Iran and Pakistan, which is expected to be supplemented by swarms from the Horn of Africa in about mid-July.

Early breeding has already occurred along the Indo-Pak border where substantial hatching and band formation will take place in July that will cause the firstgeneration summer swarms to form in mid-August, according to the Agriculture Ministry From April 11, locust control operations have been done in around 2.5 lakh hectares area in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Bihar, according to an official statement.

Battling a devastating locust outbreak, the government is strengthening its

Photo for representation

control capabilities through air power-drones, helicopters and aircraft.

The Indian Air Force has tasked 3 Base Repair Depot located at Chandigarh to undertake the challenging task of indigenously designing and developing an Airborne Locust Control System (ALCS) for Mi-17 helicopters in view of envisaged delay in provisioning of modification kits from the UK due to Covid lockdown.

Using all indigenous components, the atomized airborne spraying of pesticide has been successfully achieved in air through a configuration of nozzles mounted both sides on external trusses of the versatile Mi-17 helicopter The nozzles used for the purpose are a mix of those commercially available nozzles as well as ones developed by CSIO, Chandigarh.

According to officials, in past few days despite the attack no significant crop losses have been reported in the States of Gujarat,

Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, Bihar and Haryana. However, some minor crop losses have been reported in some districts of Rajasthan.

Swarms of immature pink locusts and adult yellow locusts are active in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Dausa, and Bharatpur of Rajasthan State and Jhansi and Mahoba districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Presently 60 control teams with spray vehicles are deputed in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh more than 200 Central Government personnel are engaged in locust control operations, the Agriculture Ministry said.

India is the first Country who is using drones for locust control. On June 27, the , MoCA further relaxed the terms and conditions and permitted the use of engine-powered drone up to 50kg and use of drones during night times also for anti-locust operations.

Convict in 1984 anti-Sikh 4 Maoists killed in encounter SC to pronounce verdict on PIL alleging preferential listing of cases riots case dies of COVID-19 with security forces in Odisha

Supreme court of India

NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (PTI): The Supreme Court would pronounce its verdict on Monday on a plea by a lawyer against the alleged preference given to influential lawyers and petitioners by registry officials in the listing of cases for hearing.

A bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and S A Nazeer, on June 19, had reserved its judgement on the PIL filed by lawyer Reepak Kansal who sought a direction to the apex court registry not to give preference to cases filed

by influential advocates or litigants in the listing process when virtual courts are functioning due to prevailing COVID-19 situation.

During the hearing, the top court had expressed unhappiness over the plea and had said that the apex court’s registry has been working “day-and-night” for the benefit of litigants as well as advocates.

“Why are you making such reckless charges against the registry and its section officers,” the bench had asked the lawyer.

India sounds confident of Covid-19 vaccine

New Delhi, July 5 (IANS): As India races to bring a vaccine for Covid-19 by mid August, the government on Sunday said that it is entering the human trial stage which “marks the beginning of the end”.

COVAXIN by Bharat Biotech and ZyCov-D vaccine by Zydus Cadila are India’s own efforts to bring a vaccine for this pandemic.

Along with the two Indian efforts, the world over, 11 out of 140 vaccine candidates have entered the human trial phase.

It also said that six Indian companies are working on a vaccine for COVID-19.

Allaying speculations about India’s ability, the ministry of Science and technology said, “In the past years, India has emerged as one of the significant vaccine manufacturing hubs. Indian manufacturers account for 60 per cent of vaccine supplies made to UNICEF.” It added that regard-

less of which nation comes up with the Covid vaccine, they will have to depend on India for its ability for mass production.

Stressing the crucial role India plays in the vaccine, the government cited how two key players have inked contract with India.

Both -- AAZD1222 developed by Jenner Institute of University of Oxford and licensed to AstraZeneca; and The MRNA-1273 vaccine developed by Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute “inked an agreement with Indian manufacturers for production of the Covid vaccines”.

Talking about how Covaxin works, the ministry in a press statement explained, “The Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN uses the virus isolated from an Indian patient by the National Institute of Virology to develop the inactivated virus vaccine.”

“The registry is working day-and-night for you people...this has become a trend,” the bench had said.

The lawyer had said that his plea on the issue of “One Nation One Ration Card” has not been listed by the registry for quite sometime.

Earlier, the plea was filed seeking a direction to the apex court’s Secretary General and other officials to stop “discrimination against not-so-influential lawyers” in the listing of cases before benches for hearings.

The plea said that there was no mechanism to address complaints against erring officers of the registry who, it alleged, favour some law firms and advocates for reasons best known to them.

It also sought a direction to the officials concerned not to point out unnecessary defects in cases of ordinary advocates and petitioners and refund the excess court fee and other charges.

NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (PTI): A former MLA serving jail sentence in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case died due to COVID-19 at a hospital here, the second inmate of Mandoli prison to have succumbed to the infection, officials said on Sunday.

Mahender Yadav (70) was a former MLA from Palam constituency. He was lodged in Jail no. 14 of Mandoli prison, where he was undergoing a sentence of 10 years, and had been hospitalised on June 26, they said.

Another convict Kanwar Singh, who died last month and had tested positive for coronavirus, was also lodged in Jail no. 14.

Director General (Prisons) Sandeep Goel said that Yadav complained of uneasiness and some heart related problems on June 26. He was taken to DDU hospital, from where he was referred to LNJP hospital the same day and admitted there.

Mahender Yadav (File)

Later, on his family’s request, he was allowed to be shifted under police guard to a private hospital in Dwarka on June 30.

“We received information that Mahender Yadav expired in Akash hospital on July 4 evening,” he added.

Yadav was lodged in jail since December 2018, according to officials.

Kanwar Singh died on June 15 in his sleep. A COVID-19 test had turned out to be positive, officials said.

Kerala makes safety rules must for 1 yr

Photo for representation

T H I RU VA NA N THAPURAM, JUL 5 (AGENCIES): Safety rules for the coronavirus pandemic will have to be followed for the next one year, the Kerala government said on Sunday.

Wearing masks or face covers in public and social distancing are among the rules

that will be mandatory.

Masks will also have to be worn at workplaces and six feet of social distancing will apply everywhere. An amount of Rs 10,000 will be fined for not wearing masks in public places.

Weddings can only be attended by up to 50 people

and funerals by 20. No manner of social gatherings, gettogethers, processions, dharnas, congregations or demonstration can be conducted without written permission from authorities. Participants in such gatherings will not exceed 10 people, the government said.

In shops and all other commercial establishments, the maximum number of people or customers allowed at a time shall not exceed 20 depending on the size of the room to maintain social distancing of six feet.

Spitting in public places, roads or pavements will be strictly banned.

Passes will not be needed for interstate travel but passengers will need to register at Jagratha e-platform.

Kerala, which had reported India’s first coronavirus case in late January, has logged 5,204 infections to date and has been seen by health experts as one of the most successful states in attempts to contain the coronavirus till now.

BHUBANESWAR, JUL 5 (PTI): At least four Maoists were gunned down during an exchange of fire with security forces in a dense forest in Odisha’s Kandhamal district on Sunday, a top police officer said.

Some rebels have also suffered injuries in the operation, Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay said.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel and District Voluntary Force (DVF) officers had launched a raid in the forest in Tumudibandha area of Kandhamal district early in the day, he said.

As the security personnel approached their hideout, the Maoists opened fire and a gun battle ensued, leading to the death of the four rebels.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition has been seized from the area, the DGP said. All four of them are suspected to be members

Representational image

of the Bansadhara-Nagavali-Ghumusar division of the banned CPI (Maoist), he said, adding that a massive combing operation is underway in the area.

Kandhamal SP Prateek Singh, who rushed to the site along with other senior police officers, said a woman cadre was among the slain Maoists.

Congratulating the security forces, Chief Secretary A K Tripathy said the operation has strengthened Odisha’s resolve to fight

extremism.

“Congrats to Officers & Jawans of Odisha Police on successful ops in Kandhamal. Their brave action is much appreciated. Death of 4 Maoist confirmed. This strengthens our resolve to free our state from extremism and spur all round development in the state,” he tweeted.

Earlier this week, a Maoist camp was busted and explosives seized by security personnel in Phiringia area of Kandhamal.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL, KHELHOSHE POLYTECHNIC, ATOIZU, ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND.

NO. KPA/Exam-2/2012-13/

Dated Atoizu, the 3rd Jul 2020

NOTICE

This is to inform all the students of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) that “Even Semester examination, regular students” and “Odd Semester examination, compartmental students” for Academic Session January – June 2020 will be conducted from 15th and 27th July 2020 respectively.

In view of the current Pandemic, the exams will be conducted through ‘Online’. All the regular students are informed to pay the exam fees Rs 500 each per semester through the Institute website http://www.kpanagaland. org.in under “exam cell” and fill up their form from Google form through the link https://forms.gle/pMHnXdqFabMCsAqx5 which will available after payment in the website by 9th and 10th of July. Students may accordingly calculate their fees if having papers in more than one semester because of RRC and can pay in single form/entry.

The compartmental students are also informed to pay on the same dates mentioned above their examination fees Rs 500 each per semester through the website mentioned above and submit their payment receipt/challan through whatsapp to 8974157860 (for semester 3 and 5) or 8575290728 (for Semester 1). Like regular students, students may accordingly calculate their fees if having papers in more than one semester and can pay in single form/entry.

Details of exam routing will be notified in the Institute website. For any clarification or queries, students can contact 8974157860 or 8731820910.

DC-583

S/d (Er. M. NAKRO) Principal Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 210 Dimapur, MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Dichotomy of democracy

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n July 4, the world’s greatest super power, both in terms of economy and military- the United States of America-celebrated its 244th independence day, commonly known as the Fourth of July. The day is also a holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. However, Independence Day on July 4,2020 was held amidst growing concerns over COVID-19 that has swept across the US. Under the 45th president Donald Trump, America appears to have exposed the fissures within over race and religion. Nevertheless, that does not take away the popular notion, that America is the melting pot of the world comprising of immigrants from almost every corner of the globe and who have absolute freedom to practice their religions. This is clearly amplified by the country’s 44th President Barack Obama, the first African American and son of a Kenyan Muslim and American mother. Americans observe their independence day with public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. The core value of the Declaration f Independence states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” America prides itself as a nation that upholds equality and justice for all humans. The white immigrants who declared independence were not indigenous to the new nation. The indigenous inhabitants were the various tribes who were called as “Red Indians”. The founding fathers who made their Declaration of Independence, looked upon the “red Indians” as merciless savages, who only knew warfare. In their quest to rule over the new nation, the federal government, U.S. Army, and many white settlers forced countless native Americans off their lands, away from ancient hunting grounds, and onto reservations. The most infamous was the removal of native Americans in 1838, when the Cherokee nation was strongly pressured to give up its lands east of the Mississippi River and to migrate to an area in present-day Oklahoma. Another tragic example of U.S. injustices toward Native Americans came on December 29, 1890, when the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry surrounded a Lakota Sioux camp near Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and massacred between 150 to 300 men, women and children. According to a report by the US Civil Rights Commission, native Americans still suffer higher rates of poverty, poor educational achievement, substandard housing, and higher rates of disease and illness. Native Americans living on tribal lands do not have access to the same services and programs available to other Americans, even though the government has a binding trust obligation to provide them. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1980 that the government had illegally seized the Black Hills and ordered tribes be compensated nearly $106 million. The tribes refused the money, wanting the land returned instead. Today, those funds, worth more than $1 billion with interest, sit untouched in Treasury Department coffers. Ironically, the Declaration of Independence as it may, unfortunately does not include the native Americans who have been corralled inside reservations. Thus, the dichotomy of face of democracy in America is telling indeed.

DailyDevotion Don’t Plan Without God

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. —Psalm 37:5

D

on’t plan without God. God seems to have a delightful way of upsetting the plans we have made, when we have not taken Him into account. We get ourselves into circumstances that were not chosen by God, and suddenly we realize that we have been making our plans without Him— that we have not even considered Him to be a vital, living factor in the planning of our lives. And yet the only thing that will keep us from even the possibility of worrying is to bring God in as the greatest factor in all of our planning.

In spiritual issues it is customary for us to put God first, but we tend to think that it is inappropriate and unnecessary to put Him first in the practical, everyday issues of our lives. If we have the idea that we have to put on our “spiritual face” before we can come near to God, then we will never come near to Him. We must come as we are.

Don’t plan with a concern for evil in mind. Does God really mean for us to plan without taking the evil around us into account? “Love…thinks no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Love is not ignorant of the existence of evil, but it does not take it into account as a factor in planning. When we were apart from God, we did take evil into account, doing all of our planning with it in mind, and we tried to reason out all of our work from its standpoint.

Don’t plan with a rainy day in mind.You cannot hoard things for a rainy day if you are truly trusting Christ. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled…”

(John 14:1). God will not keep your heart from being troubled. It is a command— “Let not….” To do it, continually pick yourself up, even if you fall a hundred and one times a day, until you get into the habit of putting God first and planning with Him in mind.

Quotes

Courage is knowing what not to fear. ~ Plato

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Russian biz doubles as Himalayan conflict grows I t is a global world. As one switches off one button another opens up.

As India gets into stand-off with China there are other players who stand to gain.

Russia is emerging as suppliers of critical arms and aircraft to many players, including both India and China, though some Russian weapons are subject to American sanctions.

China is yet not a major loser. Still it has advantage on various goods it exports to India for the quantity, prices and many cases quality. Despite some fall in Chinese FDI in India, India has to work hard to reduce imports from China.

The blocking of 59 apps is symbolic against China’s belligerence on the borders from Arunachal to Ladakh. It hurts China but the crisis has triggered the swadeshi, indigenous production move. Meetings with industry and policy makers have started and that may likely to change the Indian manufacturing as well as rules and taxation system. The Delhi high court direction to ecommerce platforms to display the country of origin of products is also likely to strengthen local manufacturing.

India has made small

strides on defence production. Total indigenous defence manufacturing will not be easy. Even the mighty US is dependent on Europe for many supplies. India has diversified supplies for strategic reason. India has a basket of suppliers along with efforts to further strengthen indigenous production, a process the nation started since independence.

Russia, however, remains a strong supplier not only to India but to China as well. Russian economy needs stability, markets and it would not mind supplying similar wares to both the countries.

Let us first find out what Russia is supplying to China. The list is not exhaustive. Russian Rostec supplies 24 upgraded maneuverable Sukhoi Su-35 since 2015 worth over $ 2 billion. It also supplies ground support equipment and reserve aircraft engines.

China has been on Russia’s most important arms customers, including Su-27.

Foreign sales are important to Russia for maintaining its military production industries. The western countries are not selling its sophisticated arms to China for fear of outwitting

them.

India has been a trusted ally since 1960s and the days of 25-year-friendship treaty with Soviet Union by former prime minister Indira Gandhi in early 1970s. India has been recipient of many technologies, tools, arms and aircraft. MiG 21 and 27 aircraft once were the pride of Indian Air Force.

India also operates three squadrons of agile MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters upgraded with additional fuel stores, new radars, modernized avionics and air-to-ground capabilities.

In a $ 847 million deal, MiG will upgrade jets to the MiG UPG over about Shivaji the next two years. Russian agreement to upgrade 29 MiG airframes is stated to be a good move. A move to sell these to Algeria could not succeed.

Interestingly, Russia has offered similar deals to China also for many weaponries.

All suppliers consider India to be a reliable partner as it does not infringe on copyright or goes into production of clones without a technology transfer deal. Despite some deviation

by India to some western technologies, it revived late

1990s deals with Russia with Sukhois during the United Front regime to be followed up by the Atal Behari Vajpayee government.

Russia in a joint venture is producing Kalshnikov rifles at Amethi, Krivac frigates in Goa, selling Kamov 226T helicopters and is supplying almost 58 percent defence needs. It has signed 15 MoUs in areas such defence, air, and maritime connectivity, open a maritime route from Chennai to Vladivostok, train Indian astronauts for the manned Gaganyaan space project, expand bilateral trade to $ 30 billion by 2025, sell LNG and Sarkar have energy partnership.

In short, Russia contributes to Narendra Modi’s the Make in India effort.

It looks good for India. But Russia considers China natural ally and recently asserted that relations are now at their best. Cornered by the US sanctions, Russia is reaching out to East Asia, which is now divided between the US on one side and China and Russia on the other. Russian deals with China add to the capabilities of Chinese air force in East and South China Seas. In a way, it is

developing into wider repeat of cold war.

It strengthens Russia and may not be bad for India as China, Pakistan and some Al Qaeda type terrorists apparently are working in tandem. The Russian clout can keep China in check though expenses for border management increases.

China is also an energy ally of Russia and is keen on having the deal of $ 400 ‘Power of Siberia’ gas.

The ties, however, are reportedly under some strain as well as Russia supplies more to India. Moscow is stated to be more comfortable working with India for a variety of reasons including intellectual property rights.

Infringements of IPR have reportedly helped China produce similar weaponries on their own. Still the Chinese market account $ 2.4 billion of all Russian sales a year. It is small part of total Chinese procurements worth $ 31 billion. Chinese imports from Russia reduced over the years.

For geo-political interests, in the wake of USNATO-Europe sanctions on Russia following Ukraine crisis, Moscow intensifies its ties with China in all sectors significantly since 2014. Chinese president

Xi Jinping visited Moscow during Russian Victory day parade. Putin paid the visit back in September 2015 to join Chinese celebrations of the 70th anniversary of victory over Japan.

So the boycott of apps apart, India has to hone up its policies to counter Beijing in a number of ways. The wordy duel apart, India has to leverage its Russian relations to contain China, make more diplomatic moves so that its expansionism is kept under check.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi by addressing the jawans at Leh has shown that India has the military capability, courage and diplomatic wherewithal to protect the borders.

Russian gains can be turned into an Indian gain.

The policy path of high prices, irrational restrictions, penalties and considering defaulters as criminals has to change. Modi has taken care of Indians’ belly with Rs 90,000 crore free food grains till November; he has also to step up efforts to hit the Chinese belly without affecting Indian exports.

Transformed rules and astute moves can ease the process of home production, create vibrant India and may hit the Chinese belly.

Post-mortem

Delimitation: The same offence should not be repeated

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n the issue of Delimitation in Nagaland, I fully support and endorse the statement of the Lotha Hoho which was published in the local papers. The Delimitation Act of 2002 which was amended in 2003 should be implemented in Nagaland in letter and spirit for fair and proportionate distribution of Parliamentary and Assembly seats. Delimitation in Nagaland is long overdue since no exercise has been carried out in the state since 1973.

I am also highlighting the role played by our past leaders so that history is not repeated.

In 2002, the Delimitation Act was passed by the Parliament to carry out delimitation on the basis of the 1991 Census and accordingly the Delimitation Commission had circulated their draft working paper, but subsequently the Act was amended and the commission accepted 2001 Census as the base. In pursuance of the Act, the Government of Nagaland nominated the State Election Commissioner and the Commissioner of Nagaland as members of the Delimitation Commission. Besides the Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, five MLAs were also nominated by the Speaker of the NLA as Associate Members of the Commission in 2003. Unfortunately, our esteemed members started working to postpone or defer or to keep Nagaland out of the delimitation purview without any valid reasons or justification.

On 4th Sept 2003, the Associate Members submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister, Law & Justice, praying that “The Delimitation Act of 2002 be suitability amended to exclude Nagaland State from its provision.”

The Associate Members cited numerous fallacious arguments to exclude the state of Nagaland from the purview of the 2002 act.

The Associate Members stated that “The special status of Nagaland was recognized and duly protected by inserting Article 371A in the constitution of India, which gave Nagaland greater degree of autonomy…”

Thus, the learned Associate Members sought to exclude Nagaland knowing fully-well that this ‘autonomy’ does not cover election laws. The learned Associate Members also failed to respect the fact that (whatever the issue may be) the application of this special provision cannot be selective. Article 371 A is an entitlement for all the tribes

and peoples of Nagaland – and not a privilege reserved for only a section of the society, and to misuse this provision to deny or deprive fellow Naga tribes of their entitlements was deceitful and it brought much bad blood in the Naga family.

The 4th Sept 2003 memorandum also stated that “Although equality of constituencies in terms of population is conceptually desirable, yet it has been found to be not feasible in a country like India where regional and linguistic diversity have to be given special consideration and accommodation in the larger interest of national unity and integrity.” This argument also does not hold water because if equality of Assembly Constituencies in terms of population is not feasible, then, why in 1962 were the Assembly seats in the state delimitated on the basis of the 1961 census population?

Later on, in 1973, why did the Delimitation Commission made re-adjustments of Assembly seats on the basis of the 1971 Census population?

The Associate Members also stated that “In view of the delicate law and order situation and the ongoing peace talks, we feel that such sensitive issue as the delimitation of the constituencies may not be undertaken in the present atmosphere.” Even now, 17 years later, the same non-argument is being sounded again in public domain.

T h e G ove r n m e n t o f Nagaland and the Associate Members tried various means to exclude Nagaland from the delimitation process. They used numerous parameters such as cease-fire, peace process, law and order, Article 371(A), population, 2001 census, feared tribal conflagration, regional and linguistic diversity, customary practices and usages of different tribes, J&K, shift of seats to urban areas, etc., and other excuses or delay tactics to scuttle the delimitation process in the state.

One nation one law: There is no separate election law for Nagaland and therefore, whether we like it or not, this time round the central government has determined that delimitation will be implemented in the state – like elsewhere in India. Therefore, it is important that all the tribes and stakeholders keep their differences aside and work together for the sake of unity and harmony.

The Naga tribes have to insist that the Delimitation Commission should workout the seat-distribution based

solely on TRIBAL population, Nagaland being a tribal state formed out of political exigency as per our unique historical circumstance.

In the 2001 census, Nagaland population was 19, 90, 036 out which the ST population was 17, 74, 026, SC nil, and the non-tribal population being 2, 16, 010. The average population per Assembly Constituency based on general census is 33,167. However, based on ST population, the average population per Assembly constituency is 29,567.

The Joint Action Committee of Tribal Hohos on Delimitation in its memorandum addressed to the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission, New Delhi, dated 29th March 2007, stated that since the appeal of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya to implement delimitation in their states based on 2001 tribal population has been accepted by the Delimitation Commission of India, there is no reason why the same should not be implemented in the state of Nagaland.

Therefore, what holds true then holds true even now and we have to insist that the Commission carry out this constitutional process based on tribal population.

Whereas the Government of Nagaland and the Associate Members of the Commission successfully served their own interests during the last delimitation process, this should not be repeated in 2020. In 2003, none of the MLAs from the deserving districts/areas like Wokha, Peren, Tseminyu, etc., were nominated as Associate Members of the Commission.

This was not surprising since the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Hoho on Delimitation was supporting the implementation of delimitation and perhaps given the manner in which the then Associate Members were not true to themselves, MLAs from these areas were conveniently not made Associate Members.

Hopefully, this time there is a/will be fair representation of Associate Members in the Commission.

I, on behalf of the Rengma people, sincerely appeal to all the commission members from the state including the Associate Members to carry out their tasks justly so that the rights of the aggrieved districts/subdivisions are not denied once again. May the Good Lord give wisdom to all the members of the Delimitation Commission.

Nillo Rengma, Former Minister, Nagaland

Nagaland : Indian State or Colony?

T

he June 16 letter of Governor R N Ravi to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has stirred up a lot of dust and controversy in the State at a time when everyone is focusing on fighting the SARS Cov-2 pandemic. The Governor’s letter, among others, expressed his unhappiness over “armed gangs” trampelling upon the authority of State particularly with their extortion activities while the State machinery stood mute spectator. The Governor, therefore, could not stand silently by and threatened to assume the Law and Order powers of the State under Article 371 A (1) (b) of the Constitution, a special provision in the case of Nagaland.

The Governor threatening to replace the elected and representative Government is unusual enough.

But what has concerned most people even more is that it appeared as if the Governor was referring to the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) who were all actively under ceasefire agreements with the Government of India with the Governor himself acting as GoI’s Interlocutor. These agreements were between the GoI and the NNPGs, independent of the Government of Nagaland which was not a party to the talks. Ceasefire Ground Rules regulated the activities of both sides and they were monitored by Ceasefire Supervisory bodies, chaired by GoI representatives, usually by retired Indian Generals.

The process of consultations between the two sides were said to have been completed on all substantive issues and even October 31, 2019, was slated as the last date for signing the Naga settlement at one point.

Besides, the Governor also reached out to the Naga public, particularly the tribe and community bodies as well as village elders etc. which was

much appreciated by the people.

The various Naga bodies have also given their views. And everyone was expecting a settlement to come about at the earliest. Has the Government of India now changed its mind/stand because if the Governor was referring to the NNPGs in his letter, this was clearly not a positive sign, coming as it does from the Interlocutor?

This has been the overall anxiety of the people.

The timing of the Governor’s letter is really what has raised many eyebrows. i) This is a time when everyone’s attention is fixated on fighting the SARS Cov-2 or Covid-19 pandemic. Fear of the pandemic is all-pervasive at the moment. Inexperienced and lacking in so many areas, the State was going through very difficult times. The Governor himself has constructively intervened to help the State and his work has been much appreciated by the people even if not in so many visible ways. ii) India itself is fighting this public health emergency with the Covid-19 positive curve ever rising; there is an on-going humanitarian crisis in the wake of the pandemic while the economy is nose-diving.

To all these has now been added a war-like situation in Ladakh and, to a lesser extent, closer home in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. iii) As mentioned above, the talks to settle the Naga Political Issue may be on-going because a settlement is still to be signed but the consultation process on substantive issues is over and ceasefire agreements regulate behaviour on both sides. The general thinking is that the pandemic may be a reason for delay.

(To be concluded) Charles Chasie

Reader’s Post Prepare in advance

As the world draws to a level of total unprecedented uncertainty due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with the death toll rising in India to seventeen thousand plus. I want to draw the attention of the state government and the state dignitaries, on how prepared is our state to face the challenge of deaths if any case arises? Though the days for people put up at quarantine centres draw near to completion, it does not mean an end to this infection.

The greater threat lies after the post quarantine period. Therefore, the state government should also prepare to take the responsibility of burying the infected deceased body at any given point of time. The state has to be prepared for this part as well even if no deaths are being reported in the state so far. We must adopt certain measures and learn from the footsteps taken by leading countries. For instance, in the US many unclaimed bodies were left at the mercy of the government in burying them. So also in Mumbai, the volunteers of bada qabristan have taken the challenge of burying and cremating those Hindu & Muslim unclaimed bodies of COVID-19 casualties. The state government must also prepare at hand for a proper common crematorium site according to the faith and tradition of those infected casualties in every district so as to contain the spread of the virus and to prevent an atmosphere of fearful minds. A common burial site for COVID19 casualties may ease and prevent unwanted fatalities.

Menguzenuo, Lower Bayavü Hill, Kohima

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

7

Atmanirbhar Bharat call to help country Delhi LG inaugurates world’s ‘largest’ CCC capitalise on its inherent strengths: Naidu Shah, Rajnath, Kejriwal visit newlycreated 1,000-bed COVID-19 hospital

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): As the Indian and Chinese armies prepare for a long deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, calculations are being made at the South Block in New Delhi to cater for logistics — accommodation, provisions and fuel — for additional troops and vehicles in the area.

The window to ferry material by the two road routes — via Manali and Srinagar — will shut due to snow in four months i.e. by October-end.

While Zoji La (11,500 feet) on the Srinagar route may be closed for traffic by October-end or early November, the Rohtang Pass (13,000 feet) on the Manali route may see snow before that, holding back traffic.

Other high passes between Rohtang and Leh may also force an early closure.

Once the passes close, the only option is to fly out supplies from the logistics hub in Chandigarh. But even these flights have time restrictions. Planes have to fly out of Leh before noon as a rise in temperature coupled with rarefied oxygen affect engine performance.

Apar t from a fullfledged Army division (some 16,000 troops) in Ladakh, two additional divisions have been rushed in since May and these now from an

Maxar World View-3 satellite image shows the China’s Peoples Liberation Army Base in Kongka Pass on May 22, 2020.

arc across the 826-km LAC there.

The regiments that have moved up can survive on own stocks of rations, etc. for a few weeks. They have tents besides pre-fabricated structures and other accommodations at several locations.

The winter stocking for Ladakh is already under way, done by hundreds of private trucks carrying supplies from the plains. There is no shortage of food stocks or special high-altitude rations. Even the cold weather clothing can be transported as required. The troops are deployed at altitudes in excess of 14,000 feet where night temperatures can dip

to minus 15°C in Octoberend.

In New Delhi, the calculations will factor in the number of troops and their needs such as food, special clothing, shoes, etc. A decision will have to be taken by the Army within the next few weeks.

The logistics support will involve procuring supplies and getting these to the troops at their place of deployment. The terrain on the Indian side is such that just to cross over from Leh to the areas of Daulat Beg Oldie, Depsang, Galwan, Pangong Tso, Hot Springs and Tangtse, the supplies will have to be carried either across Khardung La (18,300

Heavy rains continue in Mumbai, suburbs; Powai lake overflows MUMBAI, JUL 5 (PTI): Mumbai and its neighbouring districts were hit by heavy rains for the third consecutive day on Sunday, resulting in water-logging in several low-lying areas of the city.

The Powai lake here started overflowing in the morning after the heavy downpour, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

Mumbai Police urged citizens to stay away from the sea shore and waterlogged areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and neighbouring areas in next two days and asked fisherman on the Maharashtra-Goa coast not to venture into the sea.

Water-logging was reported in several Mumbai areas such as Chembur, Wadala, Dharavi, Andheri, Hindmata junction, Khar subway, Milan subway and Dahisar subway.

The Colaba observa-

‘Adulterated’ diesel halts 28 Hry buses midway

tory in South Mumbai recorded 129.6 mm rain in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, while the Santacruz weather station in the western suburbs recorded 200.8 mm downpour in the same period.

“The heavy showers have led to water logging at several places across the city. We request Mum-

baikars to stay updated through official sources and plan moving out likewise,” the Mumbai Police said in a tweet and urged people to stay away from the shore and water logged areas.

The Powai lake in suburban Mumbai started overflowing at 6 am on Sunday, the BMC said.

feet) or Chang La (17,590 feet).

Adequate number of snow or arctic tents can be provided to troops at higher altitudes.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army today termed as “malicious and unsubstantiated” criticism in some quarters about a medical facility in a military hospital in Leh where PM Narendra Modi interacted with soldiers injured in the Galwan valley clashes on Friday. 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”.

FA R I DA BA D, J U L 4 (AGENCIES): The supply of “adulterated” diesel from one of the fuel stations of the Haryana Roadways depot here has led to the breakdown of 28 buses, forcing the authorities to launch an inquiry.

The pump from which the fuel was supplied has been sealed. The issue came to light after several buses got stranded midway over the past 48 hours due to a fuel problem.

The diesel is learnt to have been mixed with water.

Sources in the department said water flowed out of the fuel tank’s drain plug-point during cleaning, establishing that the bus engines malfunctioned due to fuel adulteration. All buses have been stationed for repair, a process likely to take three to four days. Almost half of the depot’s buses now lie grounded. The depot has around 110 buses, but 33 are awaiting renewal of insurance.

Asserting that the buses would be made functional over the next three days, Nagpal ruled out the possibility of the adulteration having being done by the tanker supplier. Diesel was found mixed with water, which was established during cleaning of fuel tanks.

PM meets Prez to discuss various issues NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called on President Ram Nath Kovind and the two leaders discussed issues of national and international importance, Rashtrapati Bhavan officials said.

While it is standard practice for the Prime Minister to meet the President from time-to-time and appraise him of issues, the meeting comes after the Prime Minister had visited Leh earlier this week and addressed soldiers following the June 15 clashes in the higher reaches of that region with Chinese troops in which 20 army personnel sacrificed their lives for the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Ram Nath Kovind during a meeting, at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, Sunday, July 5. (PIB/PTI)

nation.

After the meeting, the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted, “Prime Minister @naren-

dramodi called on President Kovind and briefed him on the issues of national and international importance...”.

DP-2959

Forces stocking up on winter supplies

and creating robust supply chains.

“It is not a call for protectionism or isolationism, but for adopting a pragmatic development strategy that would enable the country to recognise and capitalise on its inherent strengths,” Naidu observed.

India has come to be known as one of the IT superpowers of the world because of its talented scientists and technology experts who are occupying leadership positions across the globe, he said.

Naidu said it was quite appropriate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the ‘Atmanirb-

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the largest of its kind in the world.

While the Delhi government has provided administrative support, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will be the nodal agency operating the centre.

Volunteers from the religious sect of Radha Soami Beas will also help run the centre.

NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (PTI): The call for a selfreliant India is not aimed at encouraging “protectionism or isolationism”, but for adopting a pragmatic development strategy to enable the country recognise and capitalise on its inherent strengths, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Sunday.

Speaking at the virtual launch of ‘Elyments’ mobile app, Naidu said the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign was aimed at giving a new boost to the economic potential of the country by strengthening infrastructure, using modern technologies, enriching human resource,

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coronavirus patients.

It will also serve as a treatment centre for those who are asymptomatic but cannot afford home isolation.

The centre is 1,700 feet long, 700 feet wide -- roughly the size of 20 football fields -- and has 200 enclosures with 50 beds each.

Authorities say it is

M. Venkaiah Naidu virtually releases the indigenous social media super app – ‘Elyments’, in New Delhi, July 5. (PTI)

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NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (PTI): Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal inaugurated the 10,000-bed Sardar Patel COVID care centre (CCC), the “largest” of its kind in the world, at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas here on Sunday.

The centre has been set up in Chhatarpur for treating mild and asymptomatic

and Development Organisation (DRDO) will maintain it.

The home minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully committed to helping the people of Delhi in these challenging times and this COVID hospital, yet again, highlights that resolve.

He thanked the DRDO, Tatas and the armed forces medical personnel “who have risen to the occasion and helped tackle the emergency”.

A press release issued by the Defence Ministry said, “Shri Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction after visiting the hospital. He appreciated the efforts of stakeholders in building this facility in such a short span of time.”

In a tweet in Hindi, Kejriwal said, “DRDO’s 1,000bed coronavirus hospital is ready. I thank the central government on behalf of Delhiities. It (hospital) has 250 ICU beds, which is very much needed in Delhi at the moment.”

DP-3062

Services personnel stand during a briefing on handling of COVID-19 patients after a visit by union ministers and Delhi CM to the COVID-19 care facility in New Delhi, July 5. (PTI)

Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a newly-created temporary hospital with 1,000 beds, including 250 in the ICU, for COVID-19 patients here on Sunday, officials said.

The facility has been constructed in just 12 days near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport on a piece of land belonging to the Ministry of Defence.

“Visited the 1,000 bed Sardar Patel Covid Hospital, which has 250 ICU beds, along with @rajnathsingh ji. DRDO built it in record time of 12 days with assistance from MHA, MOHFW, Armed Forces and Tata Trust,” Shah said in a tweet.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also accompanied Shah and Singh.

Shah said an Armed Forces Medical Services team will run the hospital while the Defence Research

har Bharat App Innovation Challenge’ on Saturday as it would encourage Indian IT specialists to prepare apps for various uses to enhance quality of life.

The vice president noted that more than a thousand IT professionals, who are also volunteers of the Art of Living, have together created the ‘Elyments’ app.

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was also part of the virtual launch.

On the YouTube link of the launch event, the developers said on Elyments, “People will be able to connect globally and shop locally”.

Data of users is stored in India and user’s data will never be shared with a third party without user’s consent, the write up said.

It allows free audiovideo calls and a private chat connection. The vice president said such initiatives by the Indian tech industry and professionals were truly praiseworthy as they not only demonstrated India’s prowess in technology but also were a step towards a self-reliant India.

8

business/state NDPP reacts to NPFLP, NPCC

‘70% startups hit by Covid; 12% shut’

New Delhi, Jul 5 (IANS): The Covid-19 pandemic has made an unprecedented impact on the Indian businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups. According to a joint survey by FICCI and Indian Angel Network (IAN), the pandemic has hit the businesses of around 70 per cent startups.

With uncertainty in the business environment and an unexpected shift in priorities of the government as well as corporates, many startups are struggling to survive, it says.

In a nationwide survey on the ‘Impact of Covid-19 on Indian Startups’ involving 250 startups, 70 per cent participants said their businesses had been impacted by Covid-19 and around 12 per cent had shut operations.

The sur vey shows only 22 per cent startups have cash reserves to meet the fixed cost expenses over the next 3-6 months,

and 68 per cent are reducing operational and administrative expenses.

Around 30 per cent of the companies said they would retrench employees if the lockdown was extended too long. The 43 per cent startups have already started 20-40 per cent salary cuts over April-June.

Over 33 per cent startups said investors had put the investment decision on hold and 10 per cent said the deals had been scrapped. Only 8 per cent startups had received funds as per the deals signed before Covid-19 outbreak, the survey revealed.

The reduced funding

has forced startups to put a hold on business development and manufacturing activities, which has resulted in loss of projected orders.

The survey highlights the need of an urgent relief package for startups, including possible purchase orders from the government, tax relief and swifter tax refunds, and immediate fiscal support measures, including grants, soft loans and payroll grants.

Besides 250 startups, 61 incubators and investors also participated in the survey.

While 96 per cent of investors accepted that

their investments in startups had been impacted

by Covid-19, 92 per cent said their investments in startups would continue to be low over the next six months.

Around 59 per cent investors said they would prefer to work with the existing portfolio firms in the coming months. Only 41 per cent said they would consider new deals.

“A comparison of priority investment sectors before and during Covid19 shows 35 per cent investors are now looking at investments in healthcare startups, followed by EdTech, AI/Deep Tech, FinTech and Agri,” said the survey.

Around 44 per cent incubators surveyed said their day-to-day operations had been considerably hit

by Covid-19. Most incubators are now supporting their portfolio firms by providing them virtual platforms to interact with mentors, investors and industries.

(From p-1) Pointing out that India was the world’s largest democracy, the ruling party stressed that everyone should uphold its democratic spirit and principle at all times. On the Governor disclosing he has decided to oversee law and order under Article 371(A)(1)(b) of the Indian constitution, NDPP said Nagaland could not be taken back to the 1960s and pointed out that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution to this effect.

NDPP also said since both NPF and Congress had fielded a consensus candidate in the last Lok Sabha election, it was not surprising to that the roadmap of the two parties were the same. It said their political stand also appeared to be the same as both opted to remain quiet on Naga political issue.

NDPP also rejected the NPF secretary general’s demand that the PDA government should step down during a discussion on TV.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Over 17,000 have returned to Nagaland: APC (From p-1) society groups, NGOs, various committees for transportation, accommodation, reception, food and sanitation, prayer warriors and individuals who contributed towards fighting the pandemic. He said the team had received the highest respect when its members were termed as “Frontline Warriors” and not as “Frontline Workers”.

C M a c k n ow l e d ge s Team Dimapur: Meanwhile,

in a congratulatory note, Rio said his government had instituted the special committee headed by Kikheto Sema to advise Dimapur district administration and oversee matter pertaining to COVID-19 in the district.

He explained that this was done as Dimapur was the commercial hub of the State and a nerve centre in many aspects.

He said Dimapur being the gateway of the State and neighbouring areas,

majority of the returnees were scheduled to return to Nagaland via Dimapur.

And in the light of this, he said the strategies and approaches were needed to be executed in an effective manner through the constitution of the committee.

The government also placed on record its appreciation to the members of the committee for taking the task with utmost sincerity, commitment and dedication.

Petrol and diesel prices unchanged for 6th straight day

New Delhi, Jul 5 (IANS): Fuel prices remained unchanged for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday across the four metros.

Prices of the transportation fuel have had a pause after rising to record levels in 28 days after the oil marketing companies (OMC) resumed the daily price revision system from June 7 that kept the petrol and diesel prices to rise incessantly till June 29.

In the national capital, petrol price on Sunday stood at Rs 80.43 per litre and

diesel at Rs 80.53 a litre, same levels as the last four days when OMCs went for a pause and kept the prices unchanged.

During the daily hike till June 29, diesel prices in Delhi recorded a new feat by overtaking petrol prices, making the common man feel the heat more.

Sources in public sector oil companies said consumers could get relief from the regular price rise of the two petroleum products in coming days as the pause for four days now could be replicated if global oil prices remained soft.

Centre is pro-industry, pro- Income tax department amends TDS form development: Nitin Gadkari

Crossword

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KAKURO

No. 9615 Yesterday’s solution No. 9614

No. 4234 Yesterday’s solution No. 4233

No. 3258 Yesterday’s solution No. 3257

Across 4. Fondle (6) 7. Novel (8) 8. Musical dramas (6) 10. Court case (5) 13. Quiet spell (4) 14. Pile (4) 15. Assistant (4) 16. Male swan (3) 17. Mail (4) 19. Tie (4) 21. One on a bus (9) 23. Body powder (4) 24. Regrets (4) 26. Sweet roll (3) 27. Boy’s name (4) 29. Therefore (4) 32. Spoken or verbal (4) 33. So far (2,3) 34. Greatest degree (6) 35. Filbert (8) 36. Venerate (6) Down 1. Incisor, say (5) 2. Shinbone (5) 3. Bird’s beak (4) 4. Nimbus, say (5) 5. Spool (4) 6. Trail secretly (6) 9. Promise formally (6) 11. Colour (3) 12. Dismay, terrify (5) 13. Word for word (7) 15. Donkey (3) 16. Vehicle (3) 18. Academy Awards (6) 20. Puts one’s feet up (5) 21. Cooking vessel (3) 22. Religious sister (3) 23. Aquatic reptile (6) 25. Owing (3) 28. Turning tool (5) 30. Wild animal (5) 31. Condition (5) 32. Flow out slowly (4) 33. Prayer ending (4)

for any reason. Separate codes have been provided to cover different situations of deduction of TDS at lower rate/ non-deduction of TDS.” The revised forms and rules also seek to incor-

porate reporting for new sections of TDS inserted in the Income Tax Act, such as Section 194N for cash withdrawals, Section 197A permitting non-deduction of TDS in various situations, among others.

In the 2019-20 budget, the government had introduced a TDS levy of 2 per cent on cash withdrawals of more than Rs 1 crore from a bank account in one financial year to discourage business payments in cash.

GST liable on IT consulting services to firms having foreign client

New Delhi, Jul 5 (IANS): Software consultancy services provided by an IT company under a contract to a company which has foreign clients is liable to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In a recent order, Tamil Nadu Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) for the GST held that ‘software consultancy services’ provided by applicant under a contract to a company who has foreign clients is a supply of service and applicant is liable to pay URGENT FOR SALE

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DP-3051(A)

destination for investment,” he added. The Minister said that foreign direct investments in micro, small and medium enterprises is being encouraged as well.

“We are trying to take in more investment for MSMEs and we are also trying to change the definition of MSMEs as well.

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DP-3051(B)

Nitin Gadkari

they have been merged and we name it ‘Manufacturing and Services’ sector,” he said. For the micro-industry, the limit of investment in plant, machinery, and equipment was of Rs 25 lakh, now has been amped up to Rs 1 crore. “The turnover was previously 10 lakh, now we have taken it to Rs 5 crore,” he said. With regard to small industries, the investment was previously Rs 5 crores now has been increased to Rs 10 crores, informed Gadkari, and added that the turnover has increased from Rs 2 crores to Rs 50 crores.

Speaking about the medium-scale industries, the investment has increased from 10 crores to Rs 50 crores. The turnover increased from Rs 5 crores to Rs 250 crores excluding export turnover.

of TDS amount deducted and deposited on various resident and non-resident payments are required to be filled.

Form 26Q is used for quarterly filing of TDS returns on any payment other than salary to Indian residents by the government or corporates operating in India. Form 27Q is used for quarterly filing of TDS returns electronically on any payment other than salary to non- residents, including NRIs and foreigners. Except for government deductors, it is mandatory for all other deductors to mention their PAN in the form.

Kumar said, “the new forms are more comprehensive and require payers to report not only those cases where TDS is deducted, but also cases where TDS is not deducted

DP-3057

Nagpur, Jul 5 (Agencies): Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at the Atmanirbhar Bharat web dialogue on Saturday said that India’s government is pro-development and pro-industry and wants to create more employment potential and eradicate poverty.

“India has got a huge market, skilled manpower, availability of raw materials and the government too is pro-development and proindustry because we want to create more employment potential and eradicate poverty,” said Gadkari here.

“Four days ago Phillip Capital organised a programme for investors in the United States. About 10,000 investors were with me in that webinar. They want to invest in India as returns are good & it’s now a safe

New Delhi, Jul 5 (PTI): The income tax department has amended the TDS form, making it more comprehensive and mandating deductors to state reasons for nondeduction of tax. As per the amended form, banks will also have to report Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for cash withdrawals above Rs 1 crore.

Through a notification, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has amended Income Tax Rules to include TDS on ecommerce operators, dividend distributed by mutual funds and business trusts, cash withdrawals, professional fees and interest.

Nangia & Co LLP Partner Shailesh Kumar said with this notification, the government has revised the format of forms 26Q and 27Q, where details

K-1170

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Trump blames China of ‘cover-up’ of COVID spread

Donald Trump (File)

Washington, Jul 5 (PTI): China must be held fully accountable for its “secrecy, deception and coverup” that allowed it to spread the coronavirus all over the world, US President Donald Trump has said, upping the ante on Beijing over its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Addressing the nation for a second time in as many days on the occasion of 244th Independence Day on Saturday, President Trump touted the country’s “progress” against the COVID-19 disease despite a nationwide spike in the number of coronavirus cases. “We have the manufacturing record for ventilators. We have the most and the finest testing anywhere in the world. We are producing gowns, masks, and surgical equipment in

our country…It was almost exclusively made in foreign lands, in particular, China, where ironically this virus and others came from,” he said in his address from the lawns of the White House.

“China’s secrecy, deception, and cover-up allowed it to spread all over the world, 189 countries and China must be held fully accountable,” he said, once again accusing Beijing of covering up the outbreak of the pandemic.

In his first address to the nation on Friday from Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Trump made a direct appeal to disaffected white voters four months before Election Day, accusing protesters who have pushed for racial justice of engaging in a “merciless campaign to wipe out our history.”

Praising America’s “scientific brilliance”, Trump said on Saturday that the US will likely have a therapeutic and/or vaccine solution long before the end of the year.

Trump has expressed disappointment over China’s handling of the COVID19 pandemic in the past.

In May, he claimed that it was the “incompetence” of Beijing that led to the mass killing across the globe.

China has denied US’ claim of “covering up” the extent of its coronavirus outbreak and has accused the US of attempting to divert public attention by insinuating that the virus originated from a virology laboratory in Wuhan.

“China was the first country to report the COVID-19 to the World Health Organisation (WHO), (and) that doesn’t mean the virus originated from Wuhan... There has never been any concealment, and we’ll never allow any concealment,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in April. The novel coronavirus which first originated in Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 5 lakh lives and infected more than 11 million people globally.

America loves India, says US Prez Donald Trump Washington, Jul 5 (PTI): US President Donald Trump has said that America loves India as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for greeting him on the occasion of the 244th Independence Day of the United States. The Fourth of July -- also known as Independence Day or July 4th – is a federal holiday in the US commemorating the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday congratulated President Trump and the people of the US on the country’s 244th Independence Day, saying as the world’s largest democracies “we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates”. “I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA,” Modi tweeted. Responding to the greetings from the prime minister on the popular micro-blogging site, Trump said in a tweet: “Thank you my friend.

America loves India!”

The Twitter exchange between the leaders of the world’s oldest and largest democracies were welcomed by people from both the countries and it went viral on the social media.

48 doctors resign over inadequate PPEs in Pak

Lahore, Jul 5 (PTI): Pakistan on Sunday suffered a setback in fight against COVID-19 as 48 doctors working in the teaching hospitals of Punjab province resigned, citing non-provision of safety gear to protect them from the virus that has killed more than 4,700 people in the country.

According to a notification of the Punjab health department issued here on Sunday, 48 doctors, mostly young ones, resigned from the posts at the government teaching hospitals. Their resignations have been accepted, it said. The doctors who resigned were from Lahore’s Mayo, Services, Jinnah, General, Lady Aitcheson, Children and Sheikh Zayed hospitals, Allied and Civil hospitals in Faisalabad, SZH Rahim Yar Khan and Nishter Hospital Multan.

“The doctors in question have resigned after the government’s failure to their repeated requests to provide them protective gear against the deadly coronavirus and other inadequate facilities,” a senior doctor of a public

Following the arrest of 23 young doctors in Muzaffarabad the Young Doctors Association shutdown emergency wards in all hospitals in PoK.

hospital Lahore told PTI. He said the government seems to be least interested about the protection of the medics. “We are frontline soldiers in war against COVID-19 and see what the Imran Khan government is doing with us. A couple of days ago police baton charged doctors in Muzaffarabad (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), whose only sin was that they were protesting for not getting protective

medical kits and salaries,” he lamented. Following the arrest of 23 young doctors in Muzaffarabad the Young Doctors Association shutdown emergency wards in all hospitals in PoK. The senior doctor warned that more doctors will quit their job if the government does not pay attention to this issue. Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, however, claimed that the government was providing required

safety kits to doctors, nurses and para-medical staff.

More than 70 medics, most of them doctors, in Pakistan have lost their lives to COVID-19 and over 5,000 infected so far.

According to a report of the National Institute of Health, more than 70 health professionals including 47 doctors have lost their lives to the coronavirus. Of them, 35 victim doctors belong to Punjab province.

Catalonia locks down area of 210,000 people

WHO reports record hike in COVID-19 cases

A field hospital has been erected in Lleida.

Barcelona, Jul 5 (IANS): The government in Spain’s Catalonia region has re-imposed coronavirus controls on an area of 210,000 people after a sharp rise in infections, the media reported on Sunday.

On Saturday, President Quim Torra said noone would be allowed to enter or leave Segria, an agricultural area west of Barcelona which includes the city of Lleida, reports the BBC. The local lockdown began on Saturday afternoon with provisions made to allow non-residents to leave and residents were ad-

vised not to travel between towns within Segria.

“We are taking a step back to protect ourselves and control the outbreak,” he said. The lockdown will be enforced using police checkpoints Within the area, gatherings will be limited to 10 people, and special measures are being taken to keep people in care homes safe.

A field hospital was set up outside LLeida’s Arnau de Vilanova hospital on Friday with capacity to treat up to 105 patients if required.

The Spanish region

of Aragon, which borders Lleida, also re-imposed restrictions on several areas last month after an outbreak among fruit pickers in its Huesca province.

According to the Spanish Health Ministry on Friday, Catalonia is the second-worst affected region of Spain by the COVID19 pandemic, with 5,673 people losing their lives to COVID-19 out of a total of 62,057 infections, of which 834 were diagnosed in the last seven days.

As of Sunday morning, Spain has registered a total of 250,545 COVID-19 cases, with 28,385 deaths.

9

international

Geneva, Jul 5 (IANS): The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a record hike in the number of global coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 212,326 in 24 hours in the highest single-day increase since COVID-19 broke out.

The biggest increase was reported in the Americas region with 129,772 new cases, Xinhua news agency quoted the WHO as saying on Saturday. It further said that nearly half of the new cases were recorded in the US and Brazil, with 53,213 and 48,105 new infections, respectively.

The Southeast Asia region recorded the second largest surge with 27,947 new cases and 534 deaths over the past 24 hours, the WHO added. According to the Johns Hopkins University, the overall number of global COVID-19 cases stood at 11,199,747 on Sunday, while the deaths have soared to 528,953.

The US accounted for the world’s highest number of infections and fatalities with 2,838,678 and 129,672, respectively.

Japan floods: 34 dead; many at nursing homes Tokyo, Jul 5 (AP): Deep floodwaters and the risk of more mudslides that left at least 34 people confirmed or presumed dead hampered search and rescue operations Sunday in southern Japan, including at elderly home facilities where more than a dozen died and scores were still stranded.

Helicopters and boats rescued more people from their homes in the Kumamoto region. More than 40,000 defense troops, the coast guard and fire brigades were taking part in the operation. Large areas along the Kuma River were swallowed by floodwaters, with many houses, buildings and vehicles submerged almost up to their roofs. Mudslides smashed into houses, sending people atop rooftops waving at rescuers.

At a flooded elderly care home in Kuma Village, where 14 residents were presumed dead after rescuers reached them on Saturday, rescue continued Sunday for the dozens of remaining residents and caregivers.

Sixty-five residents and about 30 caregivers were trapped at the riverside care facility Senjuen when floodwaters and mud gushed in.

All remaining 51 residents, including three who had hypothermia, had been rescued by boats and taken to hospitals for treatment by Sunday afternoon, officials

China says Beijing’s coronavirus outbreak wanes Beijing, Jul 5 (AP): Chinese officials have reported eight new confirmed COVID-19 cases as a recent outbreak in Beijing appears to have largely run its course.

China’s capital had two new cases, the seventh straight day of single-digit increase.

Authorities have confirmed 334 infections during the city’s outbreak, which was detected about three weeks ago and is the largest in the country since March. No deaths have been reporte.

Beijing government spokesperson Xu Hejian said at a news conference Saturday that the situation “keeps improving and is completely controllable.”

The six cases outside Beijing were people arriving from abroad. Three were in Gansu province in the country’s northwest. China has reported 83,553 confirmed cases and 4,634 deaths since the pandemic began. Its case count does not include people who test positive for the coronavirus but show no symptoms.

A couple walks in front of houses damaged by flood in Kuma village, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

said. Overall, 18 people were confirmed dead, while 16 others, including those at the nursing home, were presumed dead. Fourteen others were still missing as of Sunday afternoon. Dozens of others were still trapped in inundated areas waiting to be rescued, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

In Hitoyoshi City, the deluge poured into houses near the main train station.

“The water rose to the second floor so fast and I just couldn’t stop shivering,” a 55-year-old woman who was visiting her relatives told the Asahi newspaper. She and her relatives ran upstairs,

swam out of a window and eventually took refuge on the roof to wait for their rescue. As floods eased in parts of Kumamoto on Sunday, vending machines and cars lay scattered on mud-coated streets. Some people were cleaning their homes, taking out damaged furniture and rinsing off mud. More than 200,000 residents in Kumamoto prefecture were urged to evacuate following pounding rains on Friday evening and into Saturday.

But the evacuation was not mandatory and many people opted to stay home because of concerns over catching the coronavirus, even though officials

Boris to join nationwide clapping for NHS London, Jul 5 (IANS): UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will join a nationwide round of clapping on Sunday to pay tribute to National Health Service (NHS) staff on its 72nd anniversary.

The public are being encouraged to give a round of applause at 5 p.m. for all those who helped save lives during the coronavirus pandemic, the BBC reported.

On Saturday, UK landmarks were lit up blue in celebration and remembrance.

Downing Street, the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch were all illuminated and a minute’s silence was held to remember those who have died during the pandemic.

Pe o p l e we r e a l s o asked to place lights their windows in a show of remembrance on Saturday night, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, lighting a candle in Canterbury Cathedral.

The public are being encouraged to applaud at 5 p.m. for medical workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

L a t e r o n S u n d ay, a World War Two Spitfire plane with the words “Thank U NHS” painted on its underside will tip its wings above hospitals and the homes of fundraisers and volunteers, recognising the way people have supported the NHS and local communities during the pandemic.

The NHS was launched on this day in 1948, with the core principle that it is free at the point of delivery and is based on clinical need.

Chlorine gas leak at plant sickens 70 in southeast Iran

Karun petrochemical centre in the city of Mahshahr.

Tehran, Jul 5 (AP): A chlorine gas leak at a petrochemical centre in southeast Iran sickened 70 workers, state-run IRNA news agency reported on Saturday.

Most of the workers at the Karun petrochemical centre in the city of Mahshahr in southeast Khuzestan province were released after undergoing medical treatment.

Meanwhile, in the city of Ahvaz, also in

say shelters are adequately equipped with partitions and other safety measures.

Flooding also cut off power and communication lines, further delaying the search and rescue. Nearly 6,000 homes in Kumamoto were still without electricity Sunday, according to the Kyushu Electric Power Co. The rainfall that exceeded 100 millimeters (4 inches) per hour has since subsided, but the Japan Meteorological Agency kept mudslide warnings in place across Kumamoto. Prefectural officials said evacuation advisories were still in place due to more rain predicted.

Khuzestan, a fire at the Zergan power plant was ignited when a transformer exploded, IRNA reported Saturday.

The blaze was contained by firefighters after two hours of battling the blaze. Mohammad Hafezi, the power plant’s health and safety manager, told IRNA the cause of the fire was under investigation.

The two incidents in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan

come after a fire and explosion at a centrifuge production plant above Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear enrichment facility early Thursday.

Officials said the cause of the fire at Natanz is known to officials, but won’t be immediately released for “security reasons.”

On Tuesday, an explosion from a gas leak in a medical clinic in northern Tehran killed 19 people.

In a video message to mark the occasion, Prince Charles paid tribute to staff working through “the most testing time in the service’s history”, the BBC reported.

“Despite all that has been endured, there is deep cause for gratitude, and a true reason for pride,” he said. The Prince of Wales also said the pandemic had brought out the best in people, adding: “This renewal of our community spirit has been a silver lining during this dark time.”

Sheriff: 2 dead, 8 hurt in South Carolina shooting Greenville, Jul 5 (AP): A shooting at a South Carolina nightclub left two people dead and eight wounded, a sheriff ’s official said. Two Greenville County sheriff ’s deputies noticed a disturbance at Lavish Lounge just before 2 a.m., and saw a large crowd running out of the building, Sheriff Hobart Lewis said at a press conference. There was “active gunfire from inside the building,” Lt. Jimmy Bolt said in an initial statement, and Lewis said all the shots were fired inside.

Both Lewis and Bolt initially said 12 people had been wounded — with at least four in critical condition, Lewis said — but Bolt later told WYFF-TV that the casualty figure had been revised. A phone call and text message to Lewis and an email to Bolt from The Associated Press seeking clarification weren’t immediately returned. No one was immediately taken into custody. The sheriff ’s office had “some suspect information,” Lewis said at the press conference, but wasn’t sure if there were multiple shooters.

Infotainment

10

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

firstborn being a girl completely Kanye West announces bid for US prez poll My changed me, says Mark Wahlberg

A

merican rapper Kanye West has announced his bid for the US presidential election slated to take place in November and has received backing from Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, West wrote: “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States... #2020VISION.” Replying to the tweet, Musk said: “You have my full support.”

His wife, real-

dates to the yet passed including In OcWest infavealed his Trump Twitter

ballot has not in many states, California. tober 2018, mously resuppor t for following a rant.

ity TV star Kim Kardashian had little to say immediately after the news broke, but showed her support by tweeting an American Flag emoji in response.

It was not immediately clear which party the 21-time Grammy winner would pick in his apparent challenge to President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

The rapper has sparked speculation over the years that he would potentially enter the presidential race one day, most recently in November 2019, when he said he planned to run in 2024, said a Daily Mail report on Sunday.

While there is no official deadline to enter the presidential race, candidates must meet certain filing requirements under Ballot Access Laws that vary by state.

The deadline to add independent candi-

race as of now, opinion polls have shown the former Vice President with an almost double-digit lead over the incumbent President as the November 3 election looms.

A poll published on June 26 indicated that Trump’s approval ratings were at their worst level (40 per cent) following protests against police brutality in the US and amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

A record 58 per cent of voters disapprove of the job Trump’s doing at the White House, according to a new survey conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion together with the National Public Radio and PBS NewsHour.

(IANS)

Bollywood remember their teachers on Guru Purnima

Amitabh Bachchan

O

Shilpa Shetty

n the occasion of Guru Purnima on Sunday, a string of Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, Manoj Bajpayee and Nimrat Kaur among many others expressed their gratitude towards their teachers and “Gurus”.

Guru Purnima festival is being celebrated to express gratitude towards one’s spiritual teacher.

Here’s what the celebrities have written on the social media: Amitabh Bachchan: Greetings on Guru Purnima .. and may the blessings of our elders our teachers, ever remain with us.

The megastar also shared a picture of his fa-

Randeep Hooda

ther, late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan on Instagram.

He wrote: “Poet Kabir says , that individual is blinded if he doth ignore or show no belief in the guru ; for if the Lord be upset, then doth the Guru give solace , but when the Guru be upset then there be no comforting solace, no other path .. without the guru , there be no knowledge ; without knowledge there be no sacrament ; without sacrament there be no culture ; without culture there be no conduct ; without conduct there be no respect ; without respect there be no humanness; greetings on guru purnima .. my deference on the feet of my guru.

Randeep Hooda shared

Soon after, he paid a visit to Trump himself at the White House, wearing the President’s trademark “Make America Great Again” hat and delivered a speech in which he discussed alternate universes and his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which he said was actually sleep deprivation, the Daily Mail added.

Speaking to a crowd of reporters in the Oval Office, he added the hat was like a Superman cape and said that Trump made him a billionaire.

Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian has also met the President on more than one occasion lobbying for criminal justice reform.

With just Trump and Biden in the

a picture with veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and wrote: “Enroute the premier of my 1st movie #MonsoonWedding #Venice then costar #NaseeruddinShah Saab..not knowing then what a profound, lasting impact he was to have on me as an actor..like he has had on countless others over decades..for the love of it #GuruPurnima.”

Shilpa Shetty Kundra: I believe, more than being religious, I’m spiritually inclined. My Guru, My Sai, shows me the way and direction...When you have Faith, or follow a guru, you must do so implicitly and have belief in his vision... whether it’s a living Guru or God/Universe.

Raveena Tandon: #gurupurnima faith love and blessings always . From my #Sai and my Papa, #ravitandon , my creators who taught me all . Honesty, Humility, Humanity. always gave me the strength to pick myself up collect the pieces and walk again. Forever indebted.

(IANS)

Udit Narayan launches YouTube channel to mark 40 yrs in B’wood

V

eteran singer Udit Narayan has completed four decades in the film industry and to mark the milestone, he has launched his own Youtube channel.

Udit Narayan, who started his career with the movie “Unees-Bees” in 1980, said: “This industry has been kind to me. It has given me everything. And with people’s blessings and love, today successfully I am marking 40 years in the industry.”

The singer said his “only aim was to make a place in Indian film and music industry and moreover to be in people’s heart”.

He credits his fans for being feted with several honours.

The veteran singer says his son Aditya Narayan told him that he was “the most viewed male singing artists on YouTube and there he encouraged me to come and embrace it”.

(IANS)

Linkin Park’s ‘In The End’ video reaches 1bn views

L

K Y M C

exclusive club of rock bands with billion-viewed music videos. Twenty One Pilots have had three videos to reach the landmark, with ‘Ride’, ‘Heathens’ and ‘Stressed Out’ all being watched over a billion times.

Guns N’ Roses‘ ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ also reached the landmark next year.

Last month, Linkin Park revealed that they still have unreleased material featuring late singer Chester

Bennington. The band went on a hiatus after Bennington took his own life back in 2017. In the intervening period, co-vocalist Mike Shinoda has released his debut solo album while Bennington’s former group Grey Daze released a debut album in June. on Friday (June 26).

Shinoda revealed in a recent Twitch stream that the band have a song called ‘Friendly Fire’ that was sup-

posed to appear on Linkin Park’s 2017 album ‘One More Light’. “There was a song, a ‘One More Light’ song,” he said. “ We m i x e d m o r e [songs] than [are on] the finished album and we mixed a couple [of] other songs just to see if one of them would make the cut or whatever.

[Or] if we could use it for a B-side and it was ‘Friendly Fire’.”

(NME)

Mark Wahlberg

ethic, if you want to make something happen, the only way to do that is to roll up your sleeves and do the work. What I want to give them is the drive and desire to find out what they’re passionate about and go and be the best version of themselves.”

He added: “Maybe one will want to go into acting, others may want to take over one of these companies we’re building.

And one may say, ‘I want to be a professional skateboarder.’”

The actor says he doesn’t want to force his

children to go to church every Sunday with him but he hopes his faith inspires them.

He added: “My faith and all that ways heavy on me too, in a good way, to inspire them. I don’t force them to go to church with me every Sunday. And this is the first time I haven’t gone since my wife has known me in 19 years.

“They know that’s the most important thing for Dad, that’s how he starts his day, every day. So hopefully those things will rub off them.”

(IANS)

Miley Cyrus criticises July 4 parties in US

M

iley Cyrus has spoken out against celebrations of the US national holiday Independence Day on social media.

“This was in 2017,” the singer wrote on Instagram and Twitter, referring to a video link for a ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ performance on July 4 three years ago.

“Feels EVEN MORE relevant right NOW. It ain’t a Party In The USA until we see #LibertyandJusticeFORALL you heard me, FOR ALL! #f**kthefourt huntilthereisfreedom.”

In the clip, filmed three years ago at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Cyrus said: “It’s not a party in the USA if we don’t have equality, unity, justice, compassion, kindness, opportunity, healthcare, education, non-violence.

“So, f**k yeah, it will be a party in the USA. We’ll see it. If we all f**king come together, we’ll f**king make sure that it is, ’cause I’m not giving up. We can’t stop, all right?”

July 4 is a federal holiday in the United States

commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, signed on that date in 1776. The declaration’s promise of “justice, liberty, prosperity and independence” has been questioned as far back as 1852, however, when abolitionist Frederick Douglass gave a speech now called “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, at a time when slavery was still legal in Southern states.

Indian attires are so classy: Evelyn Sharma

Adele is reportedly working with Raphael Saadiq on her new album

erman-Indian actress Evelyn Sharma loves Indian wear.

She has been painting the social media with various colours, and in one of the throwback photos she is seen sporting a desi look in yellow.

“There isn’t much to do now. I have been trying different looks, and Indian attires are one of my favourites. They are just so classy.

As actors we need to experiment with our looks and it always helps. Also, they provide some good feed for social media and the Instagram family,” she said.

Talking about the desi look, she said: “While I was in Canada, I had tried that look and I think it suits me.” Evelyn made her Bollywood debut in the 2012 film “From Sydney With Love”.

She was then seen in films like “Nautanki Saala”, “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”, “Yaariyan” and “Saaho”.

She has earned the tag of “sexy girl”. “I’m totally flattered to get so many offers to play the sexy girl!” Evelyn had told IANS earlier.

(IANS)

As Adele readies her upcoming new album it’s being reported that she’s working on it with Raphael Saadiq.

The pop star’s last album was 2015’s ’25’, which is the UK’s fastest selling album of all-time, having sold over 800,000 copies in its first week.

Earlier this year, Adele said that its follow-up would arrive in September. Speaking at a wedding party, where she was both performer and officiant for one of her friends, she told everyone present to “expect my album in September.”

However, her manager later confirmed that the album won’t be arriving when the singer suggested. “It isn’t coming in September, it’ll be ready when it’s ready,” Jonathan Dickins said, explaining that the COVID-19 pandemic was to blame.

“We’re all in the same boat, you’re doing stuff and then all of a sudden, the world stops. It’ll come when it’s ready. I can’t put a date on that yet. We have music, but we’re still working.”

Now, it’s being reported that the ‘Hello’ singer

G

i n k i n P a r k h ave gained a billion YouTube views on their second music video – ‘In The End’.

The band previously reached the landmark for their ‘Numb’ video towards the end of 2018.

Despite being released in 2002, the track wasn’t released onto YouTube until seven years later. See the iconic video below.

Linkin Park enter an

K

nown for movies like “The Fighter”, “The Departed” and “Patriots Day”, Mark Wahlberg credits his daughter for changing him and the actor says he’s now more “respectful” towards women.

Wahlberg has children Ella, 16, Michael, 14, Brendan, 11, and Frace, 10, with his wife Rhea Durham.

“My firstborn being a girl completely changed me. I have friends with only boys and they’ll be like, ‘Check that out’ or ‘Look at her’ and I’ll say, ‘Dude, have some respect, that’s somebody’s daughter,” Wahlberg told Men’s Health magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The actor says he wants his children to follow their passions.

He said: “I’m sitting across from my son just yesterday and I’m like, ‘Dude if you don’t work hard in school right now, you will regret it later. You always give it 110 percent then you’ll never have to live with regret.’ I’m speaking from experience.

“I’ve got to instil that

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus’ comments arrive in light of the death of George Floyd while held in police custody on May 25, and subsequent worldwide protests supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

‘Party in the U.S.A.’ has become an Independence Day favourite in recent years. In 2019, the song’s music video saw a 240% rise in streaming figures on YouTube.

Last month (June 24), Cyrus revealed that she has

Adele

is working with producer Raphael Saadiq on the new album.

A source told The Sun that Adele has “been a fan of Raphael since she was a teenager and loves his back ­catalogue,” and that “she wants her next album to be full of soul, with a more eclectic sound.”

Saadiq, formerly of the group Tony! Toni! Toné!, aside from having a successful solo career, is responsible for producing hits for the likes Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and Joss Stone. He also executive produced Solange‘s 2016 album ‘A Seat At The Table’.

Also claiming that Adele is working with John Legend on the new album, the source (via The Mirror)

been sober for six months in a new interview.

The singer-songwriter told Variety on a podcast that her family history, her craft and a surgical procedure on her vocal cords prompted her to give up the drink.

“It’s been really important for me over the last year living a sober lifestyle, because I really wanted to polish up my craft,” Cyrus explained.

(NME)

Raphael Saadiq

added that she “is ­pouring her heart and soul into this record, ­including how she feels post-divorce.” NME has reached out to Raphael Saadiq for comment.

Meanwhile, Adele paid tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in London last month, speaking on the third anniversary of the disaster which killed 72 people. Posting on Instagram, the singer wrote: “Today, Sunday, is three years since #Grenfell. 72 lives will be forever in our hearts.

“Join with me & @ grenfell_united to REMEMBER at 6pm on youtube. com/GrenfellUnited – to show that we’re still united for change & justice. Follow @grenfell_united for more info. #Grenfell #Demandchange.”

(NME) K Y M C

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020

Real Madrid on track for La Liga title Halep hoping to play in Palermo

Real Madrid players celebrate after Sergio Ramos scored a goal during their La Liga match.

Madrid, Jul 5 (Agencies): Sergio Ramos was Real Madrid’s penalty hero for the second time in four days as a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao sent the LaLiga leaders seven points clear.

Zinedine Zidane’s men have been flawless

since the season’s restart to claim control of the title rice, but they were given a stern test by Getafe on Thursday and again had their work cut out for a time on Sunday.

Yet as against Getafe, Ramos stepped up to net

a second-half penalty and secure all three points in Bilbao, with his latest decisive goal coming after Dani Garcia tripped Marcelo in the area to prompt a VAR review.

A seventh straight victory ensured Madrid made

Serie A: AC Milan dent Lazio’s title hopes

AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates with team-mates after scoring a goal during their Serie A match against Lazio.

Rome, Jul 5 (IANS): Veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored from the spot on his first match since the season restart as AC Milan beat Lazio 3-0 to dent the latter’s chances of winning the Serie A title. The defeat puts Lazio seven points behind leaders Juventus with eight games to play.

Milan, who have been unbeaten since the start of the season, climbed to sixth. While Lazio dominated the early proceedings, Milan scored from their real attack in the 23rd

minute with Hakan Calhanoglu’s deflected shot finding the back of the net.

I b r a h i m ov i c t h e n scored, only for the goal to be ruled out due to offside. However, two minutes later, Milan were awarded a penalty due to a handball from Stefan Radu. The 38year-old former Sweden captain stepped up and Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha reached the ball, it ricocheted off his foot and went in. The in-form Ante Rebic then scored the third in the 59th minute while Theo Hernandez

narrowly missed a chance to score a fourth after a solo run from his own area.

Ibrahimovic had been out since the season resumed after the coronavirus-enforced break due to a calf injury.

The club had said earlier in the month that Ibrahimovic had undergone a check-up following the injury to his right soleus muscle. Ibrahimovic joined the club in his second stint in January. The 20-time Serie A champions have since enjoyed a revival in fortunes.

the most of playing before rivals Barcelona, who will kick-off at Villarreal later in the day knowing they have an even more significant gap to make up.

Madrid recalled Marco Asensio for his first start of the season in a move

Tiafoe tests positive for COVID-19

At l a n t a , J u l 5 (Agencies): Frances Tiafoe has tested positive for COVID-19 and been forced to withdraw from the All-American Team Cup exhibition tournament in Atlanta, the American said on Saturday.

Tiafoe played in the first session on Friday and beat Sam Querrey in straight sets at the event in which the top eight American players are participating.

The 22-year-old Tiafoe had said after the match that he struggled to play in the heat and felt dizzy.

“Unfortunately, I tested positive late Friday for Covid-19 and have to withdraw from the All-American Team Cup special event in Atlanta this weekend,” Tiafoe said on Twitter here “Over the past two months, I have been training in Florida and tested negative there as recently as a week ago. I am scheduled to have a second test early next week, but have already begun the quarantine protocol as advised by the medical staff here in Atlanta.”

Event director Eddie Gonzalez said Tiafoe was tested on arrival in Atlanta and that the American had passed daily temperature tests.

which almost brought immediate reward.

The fit-again forward drew a low save from a fourth-minute free-kick, with Karim Benzema then unable to direct his header goalwards when Dani Carvajal squared the rebound.

That was about the extent of Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon’s involvement before half-time, while Thibaut Courtois repelled Raul Garcia’s powerful header at the other end.

Simon might have had a far greater role to play, though, as both Rodrygo and Benzema squandered huge headed opportunities from searching Asensio centres, each missing the target completely.

The second period appeared set to play out in similarly frustrating fashion for Madrid until Marcelo went down in the area and a penalty was eventually awarded, with Ramos coolly tucking his finish inside the left-hand post in the 73rd minute.

Simon saved smartly with his legs from Benzema in the closing stages, but the one Ramos goal proved enough for Madrid again.

Bu c h a r e s t, J u l 5 (Agencies): Romanian women’s world number two Simona Halep hopes to take part in next month’s Palermo Open, the first WTA event to be held after the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, she said on Sunday.

“I have not yet made a clear decision but I hope to start with Palermo,” last year’s Wimbledon champion Halep told reporters in the Romanian city of ClujNapoca before her return to the court after a four-and-ahalf-month absence.

“It’s hard without tournaments, I miss them, I hope we can travel quietly and without fear soon, because it’s a little worrying. My life has changed, everything is different. But the fact that I didn’t travel a lot was also a good thing, because I rested a lot, I wanted this. I hope all the madness is over.”

The 28-year-old Halep has not played since her win over Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Feb. 22.

Halep agreed to participate in an exhibition doubles match in Cluj-Napoca on Sunday, teaming up with her compatriot Horia Tecau.

Simona Halep

“I miss playing and I really enjoy participating in this tournament,” she said.

The WTA season will return on Aug. 3 with the Palermo event with organisers hopeful of inviting some of the world’s best players .

Last month Halep said she does not currently plan to play the U.S. Open.

Halep, however, said she could reconsider if the pandemic situation improved by the entry deadline in mid-July.

Chhetri motivated enough to keep going: Stimac New Delhi, Jul 5 (PTI): Indian football head coach Igor Stimac feels that talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri is motivated enough to keep going and remains “very valuable” for guiding the national team youngsters.

During a recent interview, the 35-year-old Chhetri had said that he is fitter than ever and is not going away anytime soon, putting to rest speculations around his retirement.

Asked if Chhetri can play for another three-four years, Stimac told PTI: “He is motivated enough to keep going and very valuable to our youngsters with his attitude, professionalism and a positive mindset.

“We (coaches) are there to provide best possible service to all our players and do justice at the end by choosing the best 11 or 23 for a game. We are happy to have Sunil with us and we will help him stay focused and motivated on his game as long as possible,” Stimac said from his home in Croatia. He said the recent move of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to reduce the number of foreign players in the Indian Super League and I-League matches to four will benefit Indian football.

Igor Stimac and Sunil Chhetri

Stimac had earlier this year spoken on the need to reduce the number of foreign recruits in ISL and I-League.

“I am happy (with the move). It is going to bring benefits to Indian football very soon,” said the 52-year-old who was a part of the bronze winning Croatian team in the 1998 World Cup.

Asked about the impact of introducing a lot of young players into the national team, he said, “From the very first day we started relying on young talented players believing that our hard work and trust in them will pay us back in the near future.

“I like when I see young players getting chances in Hero ISL and

Hero I-league. That’s our only way of speeding up and competing with other successful Asian football countries.”

He said the Indian Arrows project was a clear example of good vision by the AIFF. “Developing young players is mostly based and dependent on structured and professional work in football academies.”

My life hasn’t changed at all, says Cummins Pep confident CL ban will be overturned New Delhi, Jul 5 (PTI): It’s been six months since he struck IPL gold with a record-breaking bid but Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins says his life hasn’t changed one bit because he has never been the sort to be too affected by either success or failure.

The world No.1 Test bowler was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record Rs 15.5 crore (AUD 3.17 million), making him the highest paid foreign player in the history of the league.

“I would like to think my life doesn’t change much at all,” Cummins told PTI in an exclusive interaction when asked about the impact of the headline-grabbing event last December.

“I try my best in every game I play but I try to not let any successes or setbacks change my life too much,” the 27-year-old added.

Asked whether the high of that day has faded away, he said, “Not really.”

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Pat Cummins

“May be, once I get over there to play,” added the star bowlers.

A lot of cricketers have had changed priorities since the advent of private T20 leagues but Cummins is a chip off the old block who, like India skipper Virat Kohli, values the Test format.

“I grew up watching and loving Test cricket and nothing has changed.

I think it is the most challenging format because it tests your skill, stamina, mental strength,” he explained.

“Each and every Test win is incredibly satisfying,” said Cummins, who

has 143 wickets from 30 Tests at an impressive average of 21.82.

With Cricket Australia allowing its players to start outdoor training, the speedster is back sweating it out in the nets but said that it would take some time to reach peak match condition.

“It takes at least a couple of months to build back up to full pace and fitness but luckily we have some time. We started bowling two weeks ago. So, we will be ready for when we start,” said Cummins.

From Cummins’ point of view, it would be good to start with the T20 format and probably by the time the Test matches (Afghanistan first followed by India) start in December, he would be ready for the rigours of five-day cricket.

“White ball is certainly a bit easier physically to prepare for. It’s good that by the time Tests start in November-December, we would have built up in T20s and ODIs so should be fine,” said the man, who has 284 international wickets.

While he didn’t comment on the much-hyped series against India at the end of the year but the first Day/Night Test between the two teams in Adelaide from December 11-15 is something he is looking forward to.

London, Jul 5 (IANS): Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed confidence that the twoyear ban on the club from UEFA competitions will be overturned. City have appealed to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) against UEFA’s ban for an alleged breach of the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules between 2012 and 2016 and a decision is expected to be announced on July 13.

“We are ready. I have a lot of confidence and trust with the people that we will be allowed to play the Champions League, because we want to be on the field during these years,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of CIty’s Sunday match against Southampton as per Sky Sports.

“On July 13 we will know the resolution, hopefully, for the club - all the workers, players and everyone here, staff - to try to continue growing up as a club in the next years.”

The ban, if upheld, would mean that while

Pep Guardiola

City can go through with their remaining Champions League matches this year, they won’t be able to participate in the lucrative continental tournament in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

City are in good form at the moment with their latest result seeing them thrash champions Liverpool 4-0. Liverpool, who were playing for the first

time after confirming their first top-flight title in 30 years, were given a guard of honour by the City players before the start of Thursday night’s game played at the Etihad Stadium.

City, however, showed no respite in their performance and were absolutely ruthless as they come out on top against the recentlycrowned league champions.

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Bayern Munich win German Cup title AIFF nominates Jeje for Arjuna Award

Bayern Munich players with the trophy after defeating Bayer Leverkusen.

Berlin, Jul 5 (Agencies): Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich kept their hopes of a treble alive after a dominant 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen to lift the German Cup for a record-extending 20th time at the Olympiastadion on Saturday.

Bayern sealed their 13th domestic double as Hansi Flick, who took over as interim boss when

they sacked Niko Kovac in November, repaid the Bavarian club’s faith in him by winning his first final as permanent manager.

Flick also became the first German to win the country’s league and cup double as a player and manager.

David Alaba gave Bayern the lead with a free kick in the 16th minute after Robert Lewandowski

was fouled at the edge of the box, with the defender’s effort sailing over the wall and beating the outstretched arm of Lukas Hradecky in goal.

Bayern doubled the lead when Joshua Kimmich released Serge Gnabry down the right channel and the winger’s uncontested shot nestled into the bottom corner for the 24-year-old’s 20th goal of

the season in all competitions.

Lewandowski then pounced on Manuel Neuer’s long ball and let fly a thunderous strike from range at Hradecky and the Finnish goalkeeper fumbled, allowing the ball to creep over the line to give the Polish striker his 50th goal of the season.

Leverkusen opened their account when Sven

Bender headed home at the far post from a corner kick but it was too little, too late as Lewandowski grabbed a second with a chip over the keeper in the 89th minute from Ivan Perisic’s cutback.

There was late drama when VAR spotted a handball in the box in stoppage time to award Leverkusen a penalty. Kai Havertz’s consolation strike into the top corner proved to be the final kick of the game as Bayern defended their title.

Bayer n have now won 17 games in a row in all competitions and are also unbeaten in their last 26 games stretching back to December. They lead Chelsea 3-0 on aggregate in the Champions League last-16, with the second leg to be played next month.

L eve r k u s e n , w h o missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, can still qualify for Europe’s elite competition if they win the Europa League where they lead Rangers 3-1 on aggregate in the last-16.

New Delhi, Jul 5 (Agencies): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has included Jeje Lalpekhlua in the list of recommendations for the famed Arjuna Award, Goal reported on Sunday.

His name was added later to the initial list which comprised of Sandesh Jhingan and Bala Devi.

The India international has 56 caps for the Blue Tigers and has 23 strikes to his name. Jeje made his debut for the senior India national football team in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification against Chinese Taipei and scored a goal.

H e wo n t h e B e s t Young Player at the Football Players Association of India’s (FPAI) Indian Football Awards in 2011 and in 2016, he was honoured with the Indian Player of the Year title.

In that season, he scored three goals in as many matches and played a crucial role in India clinching the SAFF Championship. He is the secondhighest Indian goalscorer ever in ISL. Jeje has also won the Indian Super League (ISL)

Jeje Lalpekhlua

twice with Chennaiyin FC (in 2015 and 2018). He was the Emerging Player of the Year in ISL in the 2015 season. The Mizo Sniper was named the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2013.

He has also won the I-League title in 2014-15 with Mohun Bagan, with whom he also won the Federation Cup in 201516. In the 2019-20 season, the forward did not make

any appearance as he was nursing an injury. He was undergoing rehabilitation alongside fellow nominee Sandesh Jhingan in Italy last season.

Previously in 2017 and 2019, the Mizo sniper was also nominated but Bem Bem Devi and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu pipped him to the gong on those two occasions. It remains to be seen whether he makes the cut in his third attempt.

named EPL: Chelsea beat Watford 3-0; Liverpool win DeSAKock cricketer of

LONDON, Jul 5 (Agencies): First-half goals from Olivier Giroud and Willian and a late strike from Ross Barkley earned Chelsea a 3-0 Premier League victory over struggling Watford and a boost to their ambitions for Champions League.

France striker Giroud hit the target in the 28th minute, after a brisk move between Barkley and Mason Mount, with a low left foot shot that bounced in off the post.

Brazil’s Willian sent goalkeeper Ben Foster the wrong way from the spot two minutes before halftime, after American winger Christian Pulisic, racing down the left, had drawn a clumsy foul from Etienne Capoue.

Barkley added a third in stoppage time, after being set up by captain Cesar Azpilicueta, following a flowing move between Ruben Loftus-Cheek and the ever-busy Pulisic.

It was a vital win for Chelsea, who lost to lowly West Ham United in midweek, as it returned them to fourth place after Manchester United had stolen the coveted spot for a few hours by beating Bournemouth 5-2.

Meanwhile, Liverpool won their first game at Anfield as Premier League

the year

Players of Chelsea and Watford fight for the ball during their Premier League match.

champions as a 2-0 victory piled the misery on relegation-threatened Aston Villa.

Sadio Mane’s 71stminute goal broke the visitors’ stubborn resolve before Curtis Jones added late gloss as Dean Smith’s men, winless in nine in the league, remained in the bottom three.

For Liverpool, this was not the celebratory homecoming they would have envisaged after a first top-flight title in 30 years but their march towards the 100point barrier continues.

A tepid first half made very clear that Villa’s game plan was to sit deep and

frustrate Liverpool, who simply could not find a way through.

Indeed, when the first shot on target finally arrived in the 33rd minute it was Alisson who was called into action and not former Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

That Douglas Luiz strike, easily dealt with by Alisson, proved to be the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock before the interval.

And finally, the breakthrough came. Mane, who scored a 94th-minute winner in the reverse fixture, stroked home from Naby Keita’s assist via the under-

side of the crossbar to register his 50th Anfield goal for Liverpool.

Jones was introduced in the 85th minute and scored his first Premier League goal four minutes later, steering into the bottomleft corner from Mohamed Salah’s knockdown.

Brighton will be the next team to form a guard of honour for the champions when Liverpool head to the south coast on Wednesday, while Villa must defeat in-form Manchester United on Thursday if they are to avoid having their winless run taken into double figures.

Johannesburg, Jul 5 (IANS): South Africa’s limited-overs captain Quinton de Kock was named the men’s player of the year while 21-year-old Laura Wolvaardt won the women’s player of the year at Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) virtual award ceremony.

De Kock was also named Test Cricket of the Year and was voted by his peers as the SA Men’s Players’ Player of the Year. Wolvaardt on the other hand was named Proteas ODI Cricketer of the Year and voted SA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.

This was the second time that De Kock has won the men’s cricketer of the year. He is only the sixth player to do so after Jacques Kallis (2004 and 2011), Makhaya Ntini (2005 and 2006), Hashim Amla (2010 and 2013), AB de Villiers (2014 and 2015) and Kagiso Rabada (2016 and 2018).

The other winners of the award over the years since it was instituted in 2004 are Shaun Pollock (2007), Dale Steyn (2008), Graeme Smith (2009), Vernon Philander (2012) and Faf du Plessis (2019).

Not going to speculate on Messi's future, says Setien Barcelona, Jul 5 (IANS): Barcelona manager Quique Setien downplayed talisman Lionel Messi's exit rumours and stated he has been training well despite speculations surrounding his future.

According to reports, Messi has stopped contract negotiations with the Catalan giants amid reports of growing tensions within the club. His current deal runs till 2021. "I am not going to speculate on this because I have not heard him say anything about it and it is not my task," Setien told reporters.

"I see him well, Leo. The rest is speculation that I do not even enter into. That's what you, the press, are there for. I see him training well, and (nothing) more."

Earlier, putting his rivalry side, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane had said he would like to see Messi remain at Camp Nou. "I don't know what will happen but we hope not because he is in this league and we want the best in this league," said Zidane.

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