June 17, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 191

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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calls off stir for 15 days after India-China flare up after ‘physical’ clashes NEAN assurances from H&FW minister 20 Indian soldiers including officer killed; Chinese also suffer casualties Indian troops violated agreements: China

(L-R) Col Santosh Babu, Havildar Palani and Sepoy Ojha who were among those killed.

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in a fierce clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.

The Army initially said on Tuesday that an officer and two soldiers were killed.

But in a late evening statement it revised the figure to 20 saying 17 others who “were critically injured in the line of duty and exposed to sub-zero temperatures at the standoff location succumbed to their injuries.”

Government sources said

the Chinese side too suffered “proportionate casualties” but chose not to speculate on the number.

It is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed in the confrontation. The casualties take both sides into uncharted territory at a time when the government’s attention is focused on fighting the COVID-19 crisis that appears to be ballooning by the day.

“Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged at the Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June 2020,” the Army statement said.

It did not say how the ca-

Doctors appt issue

Steroid drug hailed as ‘breakthrough’ in Covid-19 fight as trial shows it saves lives

Keep cab decision in abeyance: NPCC DIMAPUR, JUN 16 (NPN): Making a U-turn from its earlier statement wherein it fully backed the state government in appointment of doctors to supplement shortage, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has now demanded that the cabinet decision to regularise 27 contingency medical officers’ (MO) posts be kept in abeyance and also urged National Health Mission employees to call off their indefinite protest. NPCC president K Therie also urged the government to initiate dialogue with NHM Employees’ Association, Nagaland (Cont’d on p-8)

DDVCCA slams govt

DIMAPUR, JUN 16 (NPN): Dimapur District Village Council Chairman’s Association (DDVCCA) has expressed anguish over the cabinet decision in appointing doctors that has instead crippled the medical department after agitating doctors, nurses and technicians under NHM resorted to cease work. DDVCCA said that the state government should have taken into consideration all accounts to avoid occurrence of such a situation. (Cont’d on p-8)

This is it!

“If alcohol is used for hand sanitisers why not also make it for oral use?

This way we can fight COVID-19 better” K Y M C

LO N D O N, J U N 1 6 (AGENCIES): A cheap and widely-used steroid called dexamethasone has become the first drug shown to be able to save lives among Covid-19 patients in what scientists said is a “major breakthrough” in the coronavirus pandemic.

Trial results announced on Tuesday showed dexamethasone, which is used to reduce inflammation in other diseases such as arthritis, reduced death rates by around a third among the most severely ill of Covid-19

sualties occurred and did not mention any firefight between the two sides. Indian military sources said no firearms were used in the clashes and that most of the injuries were sustained following stone-pelting and use of rods by the Chinese side.

The officer killed in the clash was identified as Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar regiment Santosh Babu, a native of Telangana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah in the evening where he carried out a comprehensive review of the situation in eastern Ladakh where the two armies have been in a standoff for over five weeks.

China’s official media on Tuesday quoted the Chinese military as claiming that it “always” owned sovereignty over the Galwan Valley region and alleged that “provocative attacks’ launched by the Indian troops resulted in “severe clashes and casualties.”

In its first reaction on Monday’s clashes between the two militaries at the Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh, a statement quoting the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theatre Command Spokesperson Colonel Zhang Shuili said, “China always owns sovereignty over the Galwan Valley region.”

The Indian border defence troops are “inconsistent with their words and seriously violated” the agreements both countries have reached, the consensus made during the army commander-level talks and harmed the relations of the two militaries and the feelings of the two countries’ peoples, the Global Times quoted him as saying.

patients admitted to hospital. The preliminary results suggest the drug should immediately become standard care in patients with severe cases of the pandemic disease, said the researchers who led the trials.

The researchers said they would work to publish the full details of the trial as soon as possible, with some scientists saying they wished to review the evidence for themselves. “This is a (trial) result that shows that if patients who have Covid-19 and are on ventilators or are

‘China tried to unilaterally change status quo’ India on Tuesday said the violent face-off between the armies of India and China in eastern Ladakh was the result of an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs said both sides suffered casualties that could have been avoided had the agreement arrived at earlier at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side. MEA said India and China have been discussing through military and diplomatic channels the de-escalation of the situation in the border area in eastern Ladakh, and senior commanders had a productive meeting on June 6.

It said both sides agreed on a process for such deescalation.

on oxygen are given dexamethasone, it will save lives, and it will do so at a remarkably low cost,” said Martin Landray, an Oxford University professor co-leading the trial, known as the RECOVERY trial. His co-lead investigator, Peter Horby, said dexamethasone was “the only drug that’s so far shown to reduce mortality - and it reduces it significantly.”

“It is a major breakthrough,” he said. “Dexamethasone is inexpensive, on the shelf, and can be used immediately to save lives worldwide.” There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for Covid19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. England’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said Tuesday’s announcement was “the most important trial result for Covid-19 so far”, adding: “It will save lives around the world”.

India’s COVID19 death toll crosses 10k

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): India’s COVID-19 death toll crossed 10,000 on Tuesday as the Centre scaled up the daily testing capacity to three lakh samples.

The country registered over 10,000 new COVID-19 cases for the fifth day in a row pushing the number of infections to 3,43,091 while the death toll rose to 9,900 with 380 new fatalities, according to the Union Health ministry data. The country is in the eighth position in the global COVID-19 death tally which totalled 437,283.

According to a PTI tally at 9.30 pm based on reports from states, there were 10,057 deaths with Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi accounting for 70 per cent of the fatalities. The number of active cases stood at 1,53,178 while 1,80,012 patients have recovered, it said in the daily COVID-19 update.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUN 16 (NPN): National Health Mission Employees Association Nagaland (NEAN) which went on a indefinite total cease work from June 14, has decided to temporarily withdraw the agitation for 15 days with effect from June 16.

Disclosing this in a press statement issued

by NEAN president Dr. Shasinlo Magh and general secretary Kewetso Kenye said NEAN executive at a meeting decided to temporarily suspend the cease work following a meeting with minister of health and

family welfare S.Pangnyu Phom on June 16.

NEAN said the minister after giving a patient hearing to the grievances and demands of the employees, assured that he would fulfil their demands. NEAN said the minister appealed to the executive to give time to the government so that the department (DoHFW) could work out the modalities of the demands then come out with written proposal.

In the press statement, NEAN said it had considered the appeal to resolve the issue and also in the interest of public keeping in mind the present unprecedented COVID-19 crisis in

the state.

NEAN also expressed deep regret for the inconveniences caused to public due to the call for cease work but thanked them for their cooperation and support .NEAN also thanked all district units for their support and cooperation during the cease work.

The demands of the association include regularisation of services of the state NHM employees, pay parity (equal pay for equal work) with state health employees of same rank and all basic employees benefit in line with the health and family welfare department employees.

NMSA flays appts, regularisation sans NPSC exam Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA) expressed shock at controversial decision of Health & Family Welfare department in dispensing with rules and procedures in appointment of Medical Officers (MO) without appearing for Nagaland Public Service (NPSC) exam and simultaneously regularising their services. While understanding the need of

special measures in current times, NMSA through its president Kuveluzo Chizo asserted that it stood for fair and unbiased opportunity for every medical graduate.

NMSA also noted that the ongoing pandemic had exposed lapses in state the healthcare system with shortage of health workers resulting in chaos. While NMSA, said there was ur-

gent need for trained healthcare providers yet hasty decisions taken to bridge the gap only shocked many quarters. NMSA said there was shortage of doctors in public sector despite more than 350 non-government MBBS doctors with 250plus MBBS graduates vying for a handful of MO posts through NPSC exams.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Nagaland COVID-19 tally now 179 DIMAPUR, JUN 16 (NPN): Nagaland on Tuesday registered two fresh COVID-19 positive cases while 11 more patients recovered from the deadly virus. The total number of positive cases in the state as on June 16 was 179-79 active and 100 recovered cases.

The two positive cases, from Kohima quarantine centres, were reported out of 316 samples. The positive cases have been shifted to the designated COVID19 hospitals and are being treated by medical teams.

Further, out of the 11 persons who had tested negative of COVID-19, 5 were from Dimapur district hospital, 4 from Assam Rifles Hospital Dimapur and two from Kohima.

All recovered patients have been shifted to the respective COVID-19 care centre for observation.

Results of 1405 awaited: During the daily briefing on Tuesday, principal sec-

Nagaland COVID-19 STATUS as ON June 16, 2020 COVID HOSPITAL

Total Cases

Active Cases Asymptomatic cases

Recovered

Dimapur DH

119

38

81

AR Hospital Dimapur

7

3

4

Kiphire DH

0

0

0

Kohima NHAK

18

16

2

Kohima Chedema

13

5

8

Longleng DH

0

0

0

Mokokchung IMDH

0

0

0

Mon DH

9

9

0

Peren CHC Jalukie

8

8

0

Phek DH

0

0

0

Tuensang DH

5

0

5

Wokha DH

0

0

0

Zunheboto DH

0

0

0

State Total

179

79

100*

retary Home, Abhijit Sinha informed that a total of 6987 COVID-19 suspected samples were tested till June 16. Out 6987, results of 5582 samples were received while the results of 1405 samples were awaited.

As per the distribution

of the 179 cases by age-- 4 cases were between 0-17 years, 169 between 18-44 years, 4 between 45-64 years and 2 cases between 65-74 years.

As per the distribution of gender, there are 111 males and 68 females.

Different views on proposed delimitation exercise 580 arrive from Delhi by spl train

11 tribe bodies urge PM to withhold delimitation Peren CSOs for Delimit Peren into imposed upon the Naga guiding principles for future delimitation 3 A/Cs, says ZPON people at this juncture when course of dialogues and ne-

DIMAPUR, JUN 16 (NPN): Eleven tribe bodies have petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withhold delimitation exercise in Nagaland and expedite Naga political solution instead.

In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, presidents of Sumi Hoho, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Yimchungru Tribal Council, Chang Khulie Setshang, Pochury Hoho, Konyak Union, Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Angami Public Organisation and Zeliang People’s Organisation, Kohima and vice-president of Khiamnuingan Tribal Council called for deferring the delimitation exercise till a final settlement was reached on the Naga political issue.

They demanded that delimitation should not be

they were at the cusp of witnessing the much-awaited solution. The memorandum informed Modi that representatives of 14 tribes of Nagaland held a meeting at APO Hall, Kohima on June 12 and discussed the Naga political issue. Thereafter, the meeting resolved to appeal to the Central government resolve the Indo-Naga imbroglio before implementing the delimitation process in the State.

The memorandum recalled that after several rounds of deliberations between Government of India (GoI) and Naga political groups (NPGs) it was agreed to resolve the Naga political issue through negotiation and understanding of the factual position of the settlement, besides formation of

gotiations. GoI had agreed to constitute an empowered High Powered Committee to demarcate the boundaries of Nagaland.

New Delhi and NPGs had further agreed to have a democratically-elected Nagaland Legislature christened as “Legacy Hoho” and increase the number of constituencies and seats in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the memorandum stated and also reminded Modi how he had on several occasions assured that the settlement would be reached very soon. Mentioning that they were eagerly waiting for an early solution, the tribe bodies expressed dismay at New Delhi’s move to go ahead with the delimitation exercise in Nagaland.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Peren district-based civil society organisations (CSOs) have affirmed that the proposed delimitation exercise 2021 “must take place”, saying people of the district have been long deprived and denied of the basic rights to equal opportunity in matter of equal representation in the state legislative assembly.

In a joint press statement, Zeliangrong Baudi (N), Zeme Council (N), Liangmai Council (N) Rongmei Council Peren, Zeliangrong Mipui Organization (N), Zeliangrong Students Union (N), GB Association Peren, Rongmei Mother Association (N), Kuki Inpi (N), Kuki Students’ Organization, Peren District and Joint Action Committee Covid-19 (Cont’d on p-8)

Zeliang People’s Organisation (ZPO) Nagaland has proposed delimiting Peren district into three Assembly constituencies (A/ Cs)– Jalukie, Tening and Peren.

In a proposal to Delimitation Commission of India chairperson submitted through the State’s chief electoral officer by its president Ramdi Meru and general secretary Kiepeube Zehuny on Monday, the organisation pointed out that Jalukie, the proposed Assembly constituency, was a sub-division administered by an additional deputy commissioner. The proposal stated that in conformity to discernible traditional land ownership system in Nagaland, no parent and

Stranded persons arrive from Delhi on Tuesday.

DIMAPUR, JUN 16 (NPN): A Shramik Special train from Delhi, carrying 580 stranded people of Nagaland, arrived in Dimapur Tuesday afternoon. This was the seventh and the last special train, arranged by the state government to ferry stranded citizens.

According to an official bulletin, out of 580 passengers, 211 were from Dimapur, Mon- 28, Tuensang- 41, Longleng- 5, Kip(Cont’d on p-8) hire- 18, Phek- 53, Zunhe-

boto- 24, Mokokchung- 12, Wokha- 27, Peren- 96 and Kohima- 65.

After medical screening at the railway station, all the returnees were sent to their respective districts while people from Dimapur were taken to Agri expo for undergoing the required protocols. All returnees will be quarantined as per the revised SOP at their respective districts. The returnees were provided food packs upon arrival.

K Y M C

state

2

Protocol operation review at Bhandari

ADC and chairman BTF Bhandari, Tiameren Chang chairing the review meeting on June 15. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: A meeting of the Block Task Force (BTF) Bhandari, on COVID-19 was held at the conference hall of the additional deputy commissioner, Bhandari, on June 15 to review management of the COVID-19 pandemic situation under Bhandari sub-division.

According to DIPR report, assessing both administrative headquarter levels and the village levels

of the sub-division, additional deputy commissioner and chairman, BTF, Tiameren Chang, said that COVID-19 management SOP and protocol were in successful operation.

In the meeting, the BTF also informed that 16 quarantine inmates would be released on June 16 for home quarantine according to existing SOP rules.

Meeting also discussed on shortage of police person-

nel for patrolling duty in strategic areas during the present pandemic period and resolved to take up the matter to the concerned authorities for additional manpower.

A member officer also informed that given the nature of the porous interstate border area without physical boundary, the task of the 12 IRP personnel manning the sealed border round the clock was prov-

Sanitisation drive of Hazi Park market area by HPBWC

ing to be a challenging task and sought for consorted approach in dealing with the matter for effective sealing.

Members also discussed on the wellbeing of the quarantine inmates within the sub-division, and reiterated that logistic support and arrangements would be continuously reviewed and monitored to ensure health safety and comfortable stay of the inmates at the institutional quarantine centres.

Lauding the pro-active role of the civil societies in assisting the district administration, medical and police by being a part of the BTF as frontline workers, ADC and chairman, Tiameren Chang said that sharing responsibilities in such extraordinary times benefits the people.

He also lauded the church leaders and health workers from Community Health Centre (CHC) Bhandari, who were taking up the role of counselling to help the inmates cope with the COVID-19 difficult times, and for creating environment for peaceful and smooth functioning of the quarantine centres within the sub-division.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

Former governor of Nagaland condole late Sushant

Initiative under NFMP undertaken by DMU Mokokchung

10 returnees released to Tening

Forest officials with JFMCs during the programme held at Forest office on June 16.

DIMAPUR: Former governor of Nagaland, P. B. Archarya expressed pain at the demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput and saluted him on behalf of all Nagas.

In a condolence message, Acharya stated that, three years back when there was natural calamity, Sushant had silently reached Dimapur and contributed Rs. One crore as relief. Acharya stated that he was overwhelmed by the spirit of patriotism exhibited

by Sushant as nobody had responded to an appeal like this.

Acharya stated that Nagas salute him and pray Almighty that his soul rest in peace.

DIMAPUR: Additional director of Health and Family Welfare cum i/c of chief medical officer (CMO) Peren, Dr. Denis Hangsing had released 10 returnees to Tening sub-division facility quarantine on June 14. According to DIPR report, ADC Rhosietho Nguori informed that five returnees who were released from Dimapur on June 15 evening was received

by Tening SDTF members on June 16 and sent for home quarantine to New Nzau.

DIMAPUR: DMU Mokokchung, FMU Mokokchung and FMU Changtongya organised a programme on “Distribution of kuroiler chicks to JFMCs under NFMP during COVID-19 pandemic towards economic development” was held at Forest Complex Marepkong on June 16.

A press release by DFO and DMU head Mokokchung division Dr.

DIMAPUR: Hazi Park Business Welfare Committee (HPBWC) took up sanitisation drive of the entire market area, while the shopkeepers cleaned their shops on June 16 in preparation as and when the order to reopen the market comes out.

A press release from

HPBWC president Hukato V Achumi stated that, the HPBWC arranged sodium hypochlorite solutions, spraying machines and engaged two persons with full PPE kits to disinfect the market area on Tuesday.

The entire area comprising of Hazi Park/ Hongkong Market was

disinfected. Members of the Hazi Park Business Welfare Committee were present during the entire exercise of disinfecting the market complex and expressed hope that Hongkong Market will be ready to welcome customers in a sanitised market very soon.

DIMAPUR: Department of Agriculture held its second phase of training and coordination meeting on “Record keeping accounting and matter relating to audit” at the directorate of Agriculture conference hall Kohima on Tuesday.

A press release from the department stated that, director of Agriculture M. Ben Yanthan encouraged agricultural officials to rededicate and work hard for the upliftment of the agriculture sector.

Yanthan said that Nagaland was an agrarian state engaged in agricultural activities, where farmers, in large numbers were either small or marginal farmers practicing subsistence farming which is also known as “household farming”. This type of

farming production was just enough for their household consumption with a little surplus production for trade and marketing, he added.

He therefore said that it was necessary to improve land productivity and sufficient food grain production through sustainable and scientific management practices.

He suggested for planned strategies and to encourage farmers to change mindset by introducing them to right technologies to make farming more remunerative.

Training was followed by technical session chaired by joint director Jacob Yanthan.

Haridasan T K senior AO, A.G Nagaland was the resource person on “Record Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation in collaboration with Naga Mother’s Association keeping, accounting and mat- (NMA) contributed essential commodities for quarantine centres in Peren district on June 16. (DIPR) ter related to audit.”

DIMAPUR: Zeliang People’s Organisation Dimpaur (ZPOD) held its installation programme for the tenure 2020-2025 at Zeliang Welfare building, Eros lane, Dimapur where handing and taking over took place on June 15.

A press release from Zeliang People’s Organisation Dimpaur general secretary, Kedinlung Newmai stated that, installation programme was held in the presence of Ngauloibe,

president Zeme Council Dimapur and Widinbou, president Liangmai Council Dimapur and chaired

by Widinbou (search committee convenor).The programme was attended by the president and general secretary of Zeliang Woman Organisation Dimapur, Zeliang Students Union Dimapur and ex-officio of ZPOD and the newly elected office bearers.

Prayer of blessing was bestowed by the search

committee convenor. The house has also resolved to include the president and general secretary of ZWOD and ZSUD to be the executive members of ZPOD. The new team is led

by Heikim Meru as president, Ngauloibe and Widinbou as vice presidents and Kedinlung Newmai as general secretary along with five others, four executive members and two advisors.

Assam Rifles civic action programmes across Nagaland

Returnees transported to respective villages for home quarantine.

Water tanks provided to quarantine centre by Zunheboto Battalion on June 14.

DIMAPUR: Various battalions of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) provided assistance and conducted distribution drives at different locations.

Kiphire Battalion: Kiphire Battalion provided transport facility to ferry 24 residents from Kiphire to Pungro for home quarantine in their respective

critical shortage of water were provided with water storage tanks, apart from potable water.

Ghaspani Battalion: With the onset of monsoon and extreme weather conditions, Ghaspani Battalion distributed umbrellas to farmers and daily wagers in Piphema town on June 15.

Shamator Battalion:

K Y M C

villages. All 24 were Chennai returnees who had completed institutional quarantine at Kohima and moved to Kiphire on June 12.

Mokokchung Battalion: Mokokchung Battalion assisted district administration Mokokchung on June 15 by handing over 1500 improvised face masks. The masks were given out for frontline

health workers as a gesture to ensure their safety.

Zunheboto Battalion: Zunheboto Battalion assisted district administration in providing four synthetic water tanks for 75 bedded quarantine facility set up at Government College, Zunheboto on June 14. Representatives of the quarantine facility who expressed

Head Changtongya, Moamongba.

Earlier, a talk on “Restoring forest conservation & livelihood and the initiative under NFMP” was delivered by DFO and DMU head Mokokchung, Dr. Sentitula in the programme chaired by Moamongba.

Two weeks old kuroiler chicks along with feeds was distributed to each JFMCs.

Agriculture department training and co-ordination meeting

ZPOD new office bearers installation

Two persons with full PPE kits on Tuesday during sanitisation drive around the entire market area.

Sentitula stated that, briefing on the progress of work under NFMP was delivered by Merentemsu, Mopungchuket JFMC chairperson, Purlemba, Changtongya New JFMC chairperson and Sademmar, Mongsenyimti JFMC chairperson, followed by discussion hour. Review on work was discussed and inputs were given by FMU head Mokokchung I. Sashilemla and FMU

Shamator Battalion provided medical assistance to a resident of Nokyan village, Mon. The patient who sustained injury while carrying out farming activity in the field on June 13 had a severe injury to his perforator vein which led to heavy loss of blood. In an initiative to solve twin problems of frequent power cuts and lack of lighting

in public areas, Shamator Battalion installed six solar street lights in Shamator village.

Tuensang Battalion: Tuensang Battalion provided water supply for a quarantine centre established at Monyakshu border village. The effort was in continuation to the assistance provided to locals of the border villages.

1st Death Anniversary Lt. Longyau Phom

Our Dearest Father, You are always remembered Though gone, we cherish your love forever. Gone one year ago but we always remember you everyday.

With Love, Wife, Children & Grandchildren DP-2777

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We w o u l d l i k e to express profound gratitude to all who stood by us and supported us morally, materially physically, financially as well as through prayers during the prolonged illness till the demise at Army Hospital New Delhi on 13-05-2020 There is nothing we could give you in return except to say “Thank You”. It Lt. IMTOBA is our earnest prayer 1st ASSAM Regt that the Lord Almighty Born: 26-07-1982 pay you back richly and Died: 13-05-2020 abundantly.

We convey out heartfelt gratitude to: 1. Army Hospital R.R. New Delhi.

2. Army Base Hospital New Delhi 3. 11th Air Force Hospital Hindan.

4. 1st Assam Regiment Naga Association 5. 1st Assam Regiment Aor Telongjem 6. Delhi Ao Arogo 7. Delhi Ao Senso Telongjem 8. Yinsem Fellowship DABA 9. Kiyonger (Neighbour) 10. Moayimti, Yimjenkimong Yimnasanger, Dmr 11. Moayimti Village Council 12. Moayimti Baptist Arogo 13. Government of Nagaland 14. Special Thanks to 1st Assam Regt. Col. Ashwani Kumar and his soldiers for their financial support and attendants Though we desire to mention all individuals and families, owing to limited space we are incapacitated to do so, however your names are deeply engraved in our hearts.

DP-2778

Loving Wife, Children, In-laws and Relatives K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Is the cease work

by NHM employees justified at the present situation?

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

A B C

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

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

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

75% 25% 0%

Next poll

Rs.27 cr for COVID too high?  Yes.  No.  Can’t say.

WEATHER FORECAST June 17

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy with a t-storm or two 30 26

Rain and a thunderstorm

Guwahati A thunderstorm or two Imphal

A heavy t-storm in the p.m.

25 21 31 26 28 22

Itanagar Some rain and a thunderstorm 27 23 Shillong Rain and a thunderstorm Kohima

Dimapur Not as warm; a p.m. t-storm

A p.m. t-storm in spots

Mkg

Tuensang Overcast, a strong t-storm Wokha

24 19

Some rain and a thunderstorm 23 19 29 24 25 20 19 16

Some rain and a thunderstorm 25 21

Zunheboto Couple of thunderstorms

23 18

NDWM Nagaland region observes IDWD at Dimapur

DTF Kiphire resolves to maintain status quo

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Q: Is govt expenditure of

Aizawl

Coordination meeting with GBs/ ward chairmen held at Kiphire

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A

3

State/National

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

GBs, chairmen attending the meeting with DTF members on June 16 at Kiphire. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Kiphire DTF members held a coordination meeting with GBs/ ward chairmen at DPDB hall, chaired by deputy commissioner Sarita Yadav on June 16.

According to DIPR report, additional SP Erie Kajire said that positive response and cooperation was being received from Kiphire public on the government initiated precautionary/containment measures, keeping the district free from COVID19 so far.

Deputy CMO Tinurenla informed that the returnees who were quarantined in Kiphire town were tested twice and released with confirmation that the person was tested

negative (-ve). Therefore, she requested the parents to accept those released/to be released without hesitation.

DC Sarita Yadav lauded the GBs, ward elders and civil societies for showing positive gestures during this pandemic. She added that Kiphire people have been accepting returnees of various communities with empathy and love and she encouraged them to keep it up in being a role model.

In regard to persons who were tested negative (-ve) after completing their stay in the institutional quarantine, Kiphire, the meeting decided that GBs and ward chairmen would take responsibility for conveyance of these persons

to their respective home quarantines. Accordingly, Asuthong Tikhir was inducted as nodal officer for GBs/ward chairmen to liaise with DTF for people released from quarantine.

They have further been advised to sensitize the public to refrain from fear and stigmatization. As part of the measures against pandemic/diseases, members decided to have a mass social work in town on June 20, starting from 6 a.m onwards. Ward GBs/chairmen have been directed to oversee that all the public participated in the work, which will include cleaning up of drainages in town/ wards. The meeting also decided to award the best performing ward.

The DTF members Kiphire held meeting on June 13 at District Planning and Development Board hall, chaired by DC Sarita Yadav. Discussing with respect to inter/intra district movement of passengers and conveyance, the members agreed to maintain status quo restricting free movements.

After a person was released from Kiphire institutional quarantines, the DTF members agreed to let the councils take responsibility to receiving their people from respective sub-divisions i.e Pungro and Seyochung.

DC informed that a person is released from quarantine after attestation that he or she was negative (-ve), and completing 14 days or more in the quarantine. She said there should be no hesitation or lapse in receiving those persons released from quarantine. Right now, more than 150 returnees have been kept in Kiphire institution quarantine. To accommodate more people, quarantine centre has been prepared in GHSS with good facility. Kiphire right now anticipates more than 50 more returnees from northern India.

Domestic workers during the programme organised by NDWM Nagaland region at Dimapur on June 16.

DIMAPUR: National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM) Nagaland region in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development commemorated “International Domestic Workers Day” (IDWD) on June 16.

A press release from NDWM Nagaland region coordinator, Sr. Pramila Lobo stated that, programme was held under the theme, “Making decent work a reality beyond COVID-19 pandemic”. Sr.

National

PM Modi asks other states to adopt Punjab’s COVID-combat model CHANDIGARH, JUN 16 (AGENCIES): Appreciating Punjab’s COVID microcontainment and house-tohouse surveillance strategy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, asked all other states to adopt the model, which was helping Punjab successfully in controlling the spread of the pandemic, a press release by the state government read.

The Prime Minister intervened as Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was describing the state’s model to combat COVID-19 and suggested that all states should follow the same strategic approach to effectively counter the pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a video-conference meeting with the Chief Ministers as part of his scheduled twoday interactions to review the COVID-19 situation and management strategies of all states.

During the meeting, Captain Amarinder Singh suggested to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a group which should include a few Chief Ministers to discuss and formulate a coordinated Centre-State response to the devastating

Narendra Modi and Captain Amarinder Singh

impact of the pandemic on the economy and governments across the country.

During the video conference, which was joined by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh requested that the Centre should work closely with the states to ease the distress caused by the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

While living with the pandemic was the new normal since the lockdown could not continue indefinitely as the cycle of the economy, once broken, took a long time to restart, the need of the hour was to take

care of both lives and livelihoods, as the Prime Minister had himself said in his video-conference in April, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh pointed out, the press release by the state government further read.

Calling for urgent steps to mitigate Punjab’s financial stress, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said a detailed memorandum had already been sent to the Government of India, listing out the impact of COVID-19 and also seeking fiscal and non-fiscal assistance.

Even as he thanked the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for the release of GST payment of around Rs 2,800 crore in early June, Captain Amarinder said while he

Evacuation flight lands with returnees from Maldives

BENGALURU, JUN 16 (IANS): An Air India evacuation flight from Maldives has landed in this tech city with a stopover at Thiruvananthapuram, carrying 155 returnees, said an official on Tuesday.

“A s m a n y a s 1 4 4 adults and five infants disembarked at Thir uvananthapuram. Six more returnees proceeded to Bengaluru,” an Air India official told IANS. Running behind schedule, Flight AI 1206 landed at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) at 3:26 p.m.

Six returnees reached the city in the evacuation flight, five in economy class and one in J Class, with no infants among them.

The flight was almost 90 minutes behind the scheduled arrival of 2 p.m.

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Representational image

The returnees were given new masks to wear and sanitisers to disinfect their hands and told to maintain social distancing till they exit the airport.

According to the standard operating procedure and protocols to be observed by all foreign returnees, the passengers were screened and tested to ensure they were asymptomatic and free from Covid-19.

The Male-Bengaluru

evacuation flight was operated in the third phase of central governmentrun evacuation flights, scheduled from June 10 to July 2.

As per the schedule posted on Air India portal, the government is operating more than 400 flights from various international destinations in the third phase to bring back Indians stuck abroad due to the Covid pandemic-induced lockdown.

UP Cong chief gets bail in documents ‘forgery’ case

appreciated that the Government of India was also under financial stress, he had to request for release of the state’s pending share of taxes to tide over the fiscal crisis. The crisis in Punjab was likely to be acute with around Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crore shortfall in revenue collection on various counts, he said.

Even though Punjab’s contribution to the allIndia cases was less than 1 per cent (at 3,140 cases) at present, with a mortality rate of 2.1 per cent and recovery rate of 75 per cent, the curve was rising as a result of the inbound travellers and the easing of restrictions and more mixing of people, the Chief Minister said, giving a status update on the COVID-19 situation prevailing in the state.

On the state’s preparedness to tackle the further spread of the pandemic, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh informed the meeting that 5,000 isolation beds were ready in Government Level 2 and 3 facilities, in addition to 10,000 to 15,000 beds in Level 1 COVID Care Centres for mild patients. These

Level 1 beds could be scaled to 30,000 if the need arose, he said, adding that for tertiary level care, the state government had also secured the participation of private hospitals for tertiary level care.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said the state government was working on a multi-pronged strategy to fight the pandemic. Some restrictions had been imposed over the weekends and holidays, and strict enforcement of all protocols was being ensured through fines. The focus was currently on the micro-containment strategy to isolate small ‘mohallas’ or village wards rather than close down larger areas, he said, adding that a special app had also been launched for house-to-house surveillance to detect any possible cases and persons with comorbidities to catch highrisk patients early.

Captain Amarinder also spoke about the Mission Fateh launched to generate public awareness and the focus on facilitating a behavioural change through celebrity endorsements, videos, on-ground activities and through fines.

CBI traces Rs 37.90 lakh in Odisha PNB scam

SC says COVID-19 situation is getting worse

BHUBANESWAR, JUN 16 (IANS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), here on Tuesday, claimed to have traced Rs 37.90 lakh from the locker of Kaushik Mohanty, a former director of Global Trading Solutions, allegedly involved in a Rs 32 crore bank loan fraud.

A CBI team detected Rs 37.90 lakh cash during the physical verification of Mohanty’s locker at a bank here.

The CBI registered cases against nine people, including four former senior branch employees and the management team of Global Trading Solutions, in the scam committed between 2010 and 2015.

The Station Square branch of Punjab National Bank (PNB) apparently advanced loans to the private firm in gross violation of norms.

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): The COVID-19 situation in the country is worsening each passing day and not improving, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday while extending the parole of a Punjab based businessman accused in a drug racket case.

The top court’s observation came while hearing a criminal case in which the accused Jagjit Singh Chahal has sought extension of his parole ending next month.

A bench of Justices R F Nariman, Navin Sinha and B R Gavai said that in a situation like this there is no point in overcrowding the prisons when some of the accused are either out on bail or are on parole.

“You see...the COVID19 situation is not getting any better with each passing day. It is only getting worse in the country,” the bench told the Punjab gov-

LU CK NOW, J U N 16 (IANS): The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday g ranted bail to Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu.

The Congress leader was arrested from Agra on May 20 on charges of fraud and forgery in the list of 1,000 buses submitted to the Yogi Adityanath government for ferrying migrant labourers.

The state gover nment had claimed that the list of buses submitted by the Congress carried registration numbers of two-wheelers, autos and ambulances.

The Congress leader’s bail plea was earlier rejected by the session’s court.

The Congress had launched a ‘Sewa Satyagrah’ across the state to demand the release of its state president.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s personal secretary Sandeep Singh is a coaccused in the same case and he has applied for anticipatory bail.

Pramila expressed that inspite of COVID-19 pandemic, the NDWM will stand united and fight for the rights, dignity, respect and recognition of the domestic workers. we won’t give up lets stand together.

She appealed the employers to take back employees and direct them properly so they may be able to sustain their life.

Aobendang enlightened the members regarding safety measures of COVID-19 and to follow

all the directions given by the government. Rev. Fr. Paul Inashe Sumi expressed that dignity of labour should be recognised first by oneself, whether the work was small or big as employees contribution added to the economy of the nation.

Programme concluded with distribution of dry ration supported

by NDWM, while light refreshment and safety kits like mask, sanitiser and water were provided to police personnel.

Chief medical office Longleng training with other departments

CMO Longleng Dr. Obangjungla giving awareness during the training programme held on June 16. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Chief medical office (CMO) office Longleng conducted a training on awareness and preventive measures on COVID-19 with other departments (AH&VS and Social Welfare) at CMO conference room on June 16. According to DIPR report, the resource persons

were Dr. S. Meriea Yaden DSO and Dr. Obangjungla CMO Longleng. So far Longleng district quarantine centers have 116 inmates, 49 inmates discharged after completion of 21 days of institutional quarantine and their results were tested negative.

KTDSSU extends solidarity towards fight against COVID-19

DIMAPUR: Kiphire Tuensang District Sumi Students’ Union (KTDSSU) with its federating units extended solidarity in the fight against COVID-19 by donating cash amount of Rs. 50,000/- to district administration in the presence of Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH) vice president, H. Phutoi Sumi. In addition, Rs.10,000/- each to ADC Seyochung town and EAC Sitimi town, Rs. 30,000/- to DC kiphire and Rs 20,000 to medical superintendent District Hospital Kiphire on June 12 and 15 respectively. Eastern Sumi Kukami Hoho (ESKH) also contributed an amount of Rs 5000/- to district administration Kiphire.

A press release from KTDSSU president Anato Sumi and assistant general secretary, Isukha Sumi further appealed to general public of Kiphire district to continue to show support to all the frontline workers and avoid stigmatising the returnees in quarantine centres.

ernment’s counsel who opposed the plea.

The bench perused the affidavit of Punjab government which said that the bail was granted to him in the case on February 19 and his appeal is coming for hearing on July 16.

“The parole is to continue until the appeal is heard and finally decided provided that the petitioner cooperates and does not ask for any adjournment on any ground when the appeal comes up for hearing. The special leave petition is disposed of. Pending applications stand disposed of,” the bench said in its order.

Chahal, a prominent businessman, is also accused in a money laundering case besides being booked for running a drug racket in the state.

The top court had last month issued notice to Punjab government on the plea for its response.

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northeast

Assam oil well fire: locals stage dharna

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

Army apprehends two NSCN (I-M) cadres in Tinsukia

Late sepoy Lungambui Abonmei laid to rest in Mnp

Rs 1 lakh every month for 30 years since the affected people would not be able to grow anything in their fields because of the contamination. It also sought a one-time assistance of Rs 1 crore for each affected family.

That the reach-out by Sonowal in the presence of Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan did not cut much ice with the affected people was reported by this newspaper on Monday.

Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia urged Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami to lead an all-party delegation on a fact-finding tour to areas af-

fected by the Centre’s move to allow fresh mining/ drilling activity in various national parks, biosphere reserves and other ecosensitive zones of Assam, including Baghjan.

In a letter to Goswami, Saikia said the earlier law had mandated public hearings before permitting new mining/drilling activity in eco-sensitive zones. However, the Centre recently amended the law and included extraction of oil, natural gas, coal etc in the “B2” category solely to avoid holding public hearings, he claimed.

Saikia said the immediate intervention of elected Assembly members had become imperative because “this sensitive issue would have considerable impact on the political, economic and social scenario of Assam in the time to come”.

The Tinsukia district administration on Monday sought the help of the army to construct a 150m bridge over a water body adjacent to the gas well, which caught fire on June 9.

“In view of the urgency to cap the well, mobilisation of materials and personnel under the Tezpur-based 3

Corps, required for logistics and construction of a bridge at Baghjan site, is under way from Misamari and Tezu to Baghjan, about 530km east of Guwahati,” an Oil India statement said.

Oil India also said that due to bandhs and blockades by locals and student organisations, there has been a cumulative production loss of 5,386 metric tonnes of crude oil and 7.04 million metric standard cubic metres of natural gas.

“A metric tonne of crude costs on an average Rs 10,000,” an official said.

Oil India also said a team from the CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, will be installing five broadband seismographs for measuring seismic activity because of the May 27 blowout. “It will take seven to 10 days to record the data. Locations have been identified and preliminary civil work for deployment of the instruments is in progress,” the statement said.

L o c a l s h ave c o m plained of experiencing tremors following the fire, which damaged the walls of their dwellings located within a radius of 1.5km from the well.

Meghalaya govt allows wedding ceremonies in religious places

4 more test positive for COVID19 in Arunachal

Mnp political parties unite to oppose delimitation

tian majority state and most of the weddings take place in churches. As churches are closed due the lockdown many weddings in the state were postponed.

Earlier, the health department has issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the conduct of weddings in churches, temples, mosques and other places of worship.

The SOP states that the number of guests at weddings or receptions should not exceed 50, guests should maintain social distancing norms, proper hygiene should be maintained and the place should be sanitised as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Tynsong said the meeting also discussed the reopening of hotels, home stays, restaurants and others. He said the department concerned will hold consultation at the village level at the earliest.

Itanagar, Jun 16 (PTI): Four more people tested positive for COVID19 in Arunachal Pradesh, raising the total number of cases in the state to 95, a senior health department official said on Tuesday.

Of the four new cases, two are from Changlang – the worst-affected district in the state - and one each from Tirap and West Kameng, he said.

All fresh cases were reported from quarantine centres - set up for migrants who have returned from other parts of the country.

One of them, a resident of Tirap, is a Border Roads Task Force personnel who recently returned from Assam, while another one in West Kameng is an army personnel, who have arrived from Bihar.

The two patients in Changlang are Noida returnees.

GUWAHATI, JUN 16: Residents of Baghjan in Tinsukia district of Assam on Monday staged a dharna for six hours demanding immediate compensation to those affected by the blowout and subsequent fire at a Oil India Limited gas well, a day after chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal promised a development package and “maximum compensation” and action against those found guilty of lapses, reports The Telegraph.

Satyajit Moran, president of Baghjan Gaon Milan Jyoti Yuva Sangha, told The Telegraph that they will continue to protest till their demands are met. Monday’s protest was held at a school 1.5km from the gas well.

Around 600, mostly women and children, from one of the relief camps participated in the dharna, Moran said.

“We have not heard anything from the authorities so far and we are not satisfied with the package announced by the chief minister on Sunday. Our survey revealed 635 families from Baghjan and Kaliapani have been worst affected in the blowout and subsequent fire. We want the government and Oil India to hear our pleas,” Moran said.

S hillo ng, J un 1 6 (PTI): The Meghalaya government has decided to allow wedding ceremonies in religious places after a request by leaders of different organisations, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.

All religious places and places of worship in the state are closed due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown and will open only for conducting wedding ceremonies.

After a review meeting held on Monday, Tynsong told the media that the request has been made by leaders of different religious organisations.

“Based on their request, the government has decided to allow religious places to perform rituals as far as weddings are concerned,” Tynsong said. The deputy chief minister, however, maintained that all religious places or places of worship

File photo of sit-in by the locals of Notun Gaon at Kaliapani bridge.

Sonowal’s development package includes a Rs 26-crore outlay to put in place a permanent solution to the problems of floods and erosion in Baghjan, a hospital, a veterinary hospital, a higher secondary school, a skill development centre and a plan to build a 15km Tinsukia-Baghjan road. He also promised maximum compensation to the affected but did not specify any amount. A damage assessment is going on, and Oil India has provided emergency relief of Rs 30,000 to each affected family.

The Sangha, on the other hand, demanded Rs 30,000 every 10 days and

Prestone Tynsong will continue to remain close for public till further orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

He said parties concerned will have to obtain permission from the respective deputy commissioners for holding of wedding ceremonies inside religious places.

“The government has also issued directions to all deputy commissioners for taking necessary action on Monday’s decision,” he said.

Meghalaya is a Chris-

M’laya to partially re-open Ïewduh market from June 22

File photo of Ïewduh market in Shillong.

Correspondent Shillong, Jun 16: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday announced partial re-opening of Ïewduh, the biggest traditional market place in the State and one of the largest of its kind in the Northeast from June 22.

This decision was taken after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma following the joint inspection of Ïewduh by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek and several senior officials in the presence of representatives of the

Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Syiem of Hima Mylliem and Greater Association of Ïewduh Market.

“After inspecting the market area, we discussed and decided that Ïewduh will re-open from June 22.

However, only 30 to 33 per cent would be allowed to re-open on a rotational basis,” Tynsong told reporters.

There are 1,220 shops entitled for re-opening at Ïewduh.

Tynsong said weekly markets throughout the state would also re-open from June 29, and all the Deputy Commissioners would consult with the

stakeholders as far as reopening up of these markets and to work out the required modalities.

“Border haats along the India-Bangladesh border and weekly markets along the Meghalaya-Assam border will remain closed till further order,” the Deputy Chief Minister further informed. Ïewduh was closed following the lockdown on March 22. Although all markets have slowly reopened in a phased manner, Ïewduh was kept shut because the market has a high density of shops and people in a given location and the narrow lanes and alleys within the market.

The market is under the jurisdiction of Hima Mylliem (traditional institution) and there were several petitions from the traders of the market to reopen it over the past few weeks.

The market sells everything from essential commodities, fruits and vegetables, fish-meat, stationery items, hardware, electrical-electronic goods, clothes and various other items.

It is also the major wholesale market in the State and every Saturday villagers throng to it from far away regions of the State to buy and sell goods in this market.

“Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols have to be adhered to in totality while re-opening up of shops at Ïewduh,” Tynsong said.

However, he said fish market, meat market, book stalls, selling betel nut and betel leaf market, vegetable market and hawkers will continue to remain shut in Ïewduh since selling of these products have already taken place in other places.

“We are finding out ways and means for hawkers too, and the Deputy Commissioner has been directed to work out the modalities,” the Deputy Chief Minister informed.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Jun 16: Political parties in Manipur including the ruling parties and the main opposition Congress have joint hands to fight against the proposed delimitation exercise in the state based on 2001 census report A joint meeting of the political parties convened on Monday unanimously resolved to oppose the proposed delimitation exercise based on the 2001 census report “politically and legally.”

As per a release of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) dispatched to the media on Tuesday, the meeting minutely deliberated on the proposed delimitation and readjustment exercise and passed a five-point resolution unanimously.

While resolving to oppose the exercise politically and legally, the joint meeting also resolved to

Kohima, Jun 16: Troops of Indian Army in a joint operation with Assam Police apprehended two cadres of NSCN(I-M) near Ledo in Tinsukia district of Assam on Jun 14.

A press release by PRO ( Defence) stated that, based on a specific input, the joint team launched an operation and apprehended the cadres from the area. The apprehended cadres have been identified as SS Lt Col Rampong Hakhun @ Johny and SS Sgt Kochung Sangkey. It is suspected that the individuals were actively involved in subversive and extortion activities in Upper Assam. The team also recovered one foreign made 9mm Pistol, one Point 22 Pistol, 10 live rounds of ammunition and Rs 10000 from the insurgents.

The release by the PRO (Defence) stated that apprehension of the said insurgents has instilled a sense of confidence in the local population and has dealt a major blow to the proscribed outfit. The apprehended individual has been handed over to Ledo Police Station for further investigations.

submit a memorandum to the government of India and all concerned to appeal for a review and to defer the delimitation notification issued on February 28, 2020.

For drafting of the memorandum, a committee with Dr M Nara Singh of CPI Manipur State Council as chairman was formed in the meeting.

The meeting further resolved to file a writ-PIL before the High Court of Manipur and Supreme Court of India if required by the political parties.

Last but not the least, the joint meeting resolved to attend another round of meeting to be held on June 17. The meeting will be hosted by BJP Manipur Pradesh, the party leading the coalition government in the state.

The meeting hosted by the MPCC at Imphal’s Congress Bhavan was attended by representatives of as many as 14 political

Army personnel carry the mortal remain of Late Sepoy Lungambui Abonmei at Leimakhong, Imphal.

Kohima, Jun 16: Troops of Indian Army, in a solemn ceremony, bid the final farewell to Late Sepoy Lungambui Abonmei as he was laid to rest with full military honours at Leimakhong in Imphal West District of Manipur on June 15. The brave soldier made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty along LOC in Poonch Sector in Jammu and Kashmir on June 13.

A press release by PRO ( Defence) stated that, earlier in the day, the mortal remains of Late Sepoy Lungambui Abonmei were

parties including the ruling BJP. Among others, the meeting jointly presided by former Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president M Okendro was attended by representatives of Congress, BJP, MPP, NPP, NCP, AAP, MNDF, Shiv Sena, CPI, AITC, AIFB, RS, NEIDP and CPI(M).

Even as other partners of the BJP-led coalition government attended the meeting, no representative of NPF was present in the meeting.

As per a notification issued by the Delimitation Commission on February 28, 2020, the delimitation and readjustment exercise is to be taken up based on census 2001 under Delimitation Act, 2002.

The Delimitation Commission constituted for the exercise is led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash

flown in from Delhi to Imphal in an aircraft. Before being taken to Leimakhong, serving troops paid their respects to the martyr in a hallowed wreath laying ceremony at Tulihal Airport.

At 5:40 pm, the cortege of the martyred soldier was paid last respects by the local military commanders from Army as the buglers sounded the Last Post. The Indian Tricolour was handed over to Elizabeth, the wife of late Sepoy Lungambui Abonmei in presence of host of relatives, friends and veterans of Leimakhong.

Desai and will redraw Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies of the Union Ter ritor y Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.

Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and state election commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir and the four states will be the ex-officio members, it said.

The commission will delimit the constituencies of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland in accordance with the provisions of the Delimitation Act, 2002, as per the notification Many civil society organisations based in the state have been opposing the proposed delimitation exercise based on the 2001 census report while pointing out errors in the census report with abnormal growth in some subdivisions of hill districts.

Experts develop tunnel BJP expels 3, showcauses 2 in sanitizer to fight COVID-19 Tripura for anti-party activities Correspondent Shillong, Jun 16: A team of experts from multidisciplinary areas including scientists, doctors and industrialists has developed a tunnel sanitizer based automatic temperature controller device to disinfect people and protect against infection from Novel Coronavirus after more than three months of research, discussions, trials and testing, even as the machine has been made compact and cost effective.

“The tunnel is designed with a view to reduce the time of sanitization in places where there are people entering in large numbers such as religious gatherings, educational institutions, hospitals,” says Prof. Animesh Mishra of North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong.

He says that the sanitization process is effective as the person walks through the tunnel and disinfectants are sprayed all over from different angles so that the whole body can be sanitized, Prof. Mishra said, adding that people passing are sprayed with a disinfectant solution coming out of a high pressure air compressor.

“The disinfectant is an eco-friendly, multi-purpose microbiocide solution which is effective to disinfect different bacterial spores, viruses, protozoa, fungi etc,” he explains, adding that the disinfecting process can be completed in 3-4 seconds.

Stating that the tunnel does not require human control and operates with the help of ultrasonic sensors and microcontrollers, Prof. Mishra said the tunnel has two chambers with three different levels of disinfection.

“In the second chamber, the person entering the tunnel experiences a hot air blast at 50˚ Centigrade. This is to make sure that any bacteria/viruses that could have survived during the disinfectant spray process would be killed through the heat in the second chamber and followed by exposure of far UVC light with a wavelength ranging from 207 to 222 nm that has capability to kill the viruses and is considered to be safe for the human eyes and skin.

“The tunnel will be equipped with a thermal scanner at the entrance.

Any person detected with temperature higher than the normal body temperature will not be allowed to enter the premises and through the tunnel,” he says.

AGARTALA, JUN 16 (PTI): The ruling BJP in Tripura has expelled three of its leaders for six years and showcaused two others for breach of discipline and anti-party activitities, party sources said on Tuesday.

State BJP media-in-charge Victor Shom said the three expelled karykartas are Kajal Dey, the party president of Bamutia mandal, Tapan Guha, the upa pradhan of Bashpodua gaon panchayat in South Tripura district and Rahim Mia, the executive member of the Minority Morcha of South Tripura district.

They were expelled on Sunday.

Shom said the allegations against the three were investigated by the party and were show caused. They were then expelled by Tripura BJP president Manik Saha.

The two who were showcaused were BJP state committee member Nitish Dey and the secretary of Surma Mandal committee in Dhalai district, Nanigopal Kar, he added.

The charge against Nitish Dey and Nanigopal Kar was that they had intentionally blocked some development works for their financial benefits, while that against Kajal Dey was that he helped in bringing a no confidence against a gram panchayat pradhan owing loyalty to BJP in Bamutiya constituency, Shom said.

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE WOKHA : NAGALAND

NOTICE

S/C. No. 40/20

N OT I C E I N V I T I N G C L A I M S / O B J E C T I O N S O F OT H E R 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 Nyanbemo Lotha has been applied by Smt. Damayanti Subba, W/o Nyanbemo Lotha, R/o H.No Thillong Village, Wokha, Nagaland for possession of: • SBI Bank Account Book, bearing Account No. 11546930012, SBI Doyang Branch, Wokha enclosed as Annexure D. • Life Insurance Corporation of India Policy Number 492993691 and 494114550 enclosed as Annexure E & F 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 5/7/2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this day 5/6/2020.

Sd/District & Sessions judge Wokha : Nagaland DP-2783

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

PM holds e-meeting with CMs says economy showing green shoots

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the economy is showing “green shoots” as the country emerges from the coronavirus lockdown and asserted that the fight against the pandemic is a fine example of cooperative federalism where the Centre and the states are working together.

In his opening remarks at a meeting with chief ministers and Lt Governors of 21 states and union territories, he said one laxity can undo what has been achieved in the fight against COVID-19 and urged people not to lower their guard against the killer virus.

He said as “Unlock 1” completes two weeks, it is important to review the experiences.

Modi said “timing” is very important to deal with any crisis and “decisions taken at the right time have helped a lot in controlling the coronavirus infection in the country”.

When coronavirus was not even a topic of discussion in many countries, India started preparations to deal with it and started taking decisions.

“We have worked day and night to save the lives of every Indian,” the prime minister asserted.

Thousands of Indians have returned to the country

Narendra Modi (PTI)

from abroad in the past few weeks. In the past weeks, millions of migrant workers have returned to their villages.

“Rail-road, air-sea, all routes have been opened.

But despite this, despite our country being so populous, coronavirus infection in India has not shown the same devastating effect that it has shown in other countries,” he told the chief ministers.

Experts the world over are discussing the lockdown and discipline shown by the people of India, he said.

“Today, the recovery rate in India is above 50 per cent ... Death of anyone from coronavirus is tragic.

For us, the death of even one Indian is discomforting.

But it is also true that today India is among the countries in the world with the lowest deaths are due to coronavirus,” he said.

The experience of

many states increases the confidence that India can move forward in this crisis of by limiting its losses and can handle its economy faster, he said.

“In the last few weeks, green shoots have started appearing in our economy. The power consumption which was decreasing earlier, has started increasing now. In May, fertiliser sales have doubled compared to May last year,” Modi said.

This time, kharif sowing has been higher by about 12-13 per cent than the previous year.

The demand and production of two-wheelers has reached nearly 70 per cent of the level before lockdown. Digital payment in retail has also reached the position before lockdown, he said.

Referring to the fight against the virus, Modi said, “This period will also be

remembered for how we worked together, presenting the best example of cooperative federalism.”

In a word of caution, he said the slightest carelessness, laxity, lack of discipline will weaken all of the fight against coronavirus.

“We always have to keep in mind that the more we can stop coronavirus, the more it will stop growing, the more our economy will open, our offices will open, markets will open, transport will open, and so will new employment opportunities,” he said.

Modi said it is unimaginable to move out without a mask, and people to follow social distancing norms and wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.

Chief ministers of Punjab (Amarinder Singh), Tripura (Biplab Kumar Deb), Goa (Pramod Sawant) were among those who attended the virtual meet.

Home Minister Amit Shah also participated in the conference.

On Wednesday, the prime minister will interact with chief ministers of 15 states, including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and the LG of Jammu and Kashmir.

These are the states where coronavirus cases are on a much higher side.

Death of Indian army men ‘shocking’: Cong asks government to brief political parties Tell the nation more on India-China stand-off: Antony to PM

Anand Sharma (File)

N E W D E L H I / T H I R U VA N A N THAPURAM/ BENGALURU, JUN 16 (PTI/IANS): The Congress on Tuesday termed as shocking and unacceptable the death of Indian Army in a violent face-off with Chinese troops and said the development is a matter of serious national concern.

While asking Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to confirm the incident, the party also demanded that the government take the nation into confidence and convene a meeting to brief the leadership of political parties about the ground situation. “It is a matter of serious national concern as it has grave implications for national security,” Congress senior spokesperson and party’s deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said.

“As we have been requesting, the government should urgently take the nation into confidence. We demand that the government immediately convene a meeting and brief the leadership of political parties about the ground situation,” he said. “Shocking, Unbelievable and Unacceptable! Will the Raksha Mantri confirm,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

Sharma, a former union minister, alleged that there has been no transparency on the part of the government on the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops. He said the inviolability of the LAC and India’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.

Ram temple SC declines to stay Gujarat HC SC notice to Goa Speaker in Cong MLAs disqualification case trust steps into order disqualifying BJP leader virtual world

PANAJI, JUN 16 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice, returnable in three weeks, to Goa Speaker Rajesh Patnekar in a case linked to disqualification proceedings against 10 Congress legislators.

The apex court action came while hearing a petition by Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar who prayed for direction to the Speaker to expedite disqualification proceedings against Congress MLAs, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) last year.

Chodankar had filed the petition through senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

“We have inter-alia prayed that direction be issued to the Goa Speaker to decide the pending disqualification petitions within one month and till the time it’s decided those 10 MLAs be restrained from functioning as legislators

and Ministers,” Chodankar said.

Chodankar said the Goa Speaker had “violated the deadline of three months set by the Supreme Cour t in the Manipur case.”

“The petition also relies on another order concerning Manipur where due to delay by the Speaker in deciding the disqualification petition, the Supreme Court had declared that the MLA would cease to be a Minister,” Chodankar said referring to the March 18 order.

The Manipur case referred to a disqualification petition filed by the Congress against Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh, who had joined the BJP. Ten Congress MLAs split from the party in July 2019 and merged the breakaway group into the BJP later. In all, 13 Congress MLAs in Goa have quit the party and joined the BJP since 2017.

AYO D H YA , J U N 1 6 (IANS): The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teer tha Kshetra Trust is going to enter the virtual world soon. In addition to Twitter and Facebook, the trust is also preparing to launch its official website.

Trust member Dr Anil Mishra told IANS that the Facebook page has already been launched. A letter has been sent to Twitter to get it’s handle verified.

Now, all updates related to temple construction will be posted here for the information of the people.

He said, “Work is going on for the website. It will be launched the moment it is ready. A date for its launch will also be announced as soon as possible.”

Mishra said the trust will release all the official details about the temple construction through the website only. The office of the trust has just started functioning.

India slams Pakistan for torture of two high commission officials NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (IANS): India on Tuesday slammed Pakistan for abducting and torturing two of its high commission officials in egregious violation of international conventions on diplomatic relations and bilateral treaties signed by the two countries.

Two Indian High Commission staffers in Pakistan were forcibly kidnapped and held captive by Pakistani security agencies and released only after an illegal custody for more than 10 hours on Monday. The officials were released only after strong intervention by the High Commission of India in Islamabad and the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the government said that Pakistani security agencies had interrogated, tortured and physically assaulted the two Indian officials, causing them grievous injuries.

The officials were video-graphed and coerced to accept a litany of fictitious allegations and concocted charges, the government said, adding that the vehicle

of the High Commission, in which they were travelling, was extensively damaged.

“This premeditated, grave and provocative action on the part of the Pakistani authorities, preceded by intensified surveillance, harassment and intimidation of High Commission personnel over the past several days, was designed to obstruct and disrupt the normal functioning of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The attempt

by Pakistani authorities to levy false accusations and concocted charges on the officials of the High Commission is rejected in entirety,” the government said.

These actions by Pakistan, the government said, constitute an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 as also the ‘Code of Conduct for treatment of Diplomatic or Consular personnel in India and Pakistan’ signed in 1992 and reaffirmed by both sides in March 2018. Such actions were also against all established norms and practices of diplomatic conduct, the

statement said.

The government also summoned the Charge d’ Affaires (CDA) of the High Commission of Pakistan, Haider Shah, on Tuesday to lodge a strong protest against the abduction and torture of the two officials in Islamabad by Pakistani security agencies. New Delhi also strongly condemned and deplored the action of the Pakistani authorities.

New Delhi conveyed its grave concerns to the CDA about the fact that the Pakistan agencies threatened to physically harm more officials of the Indian Mission. The government told the CDA that Pakistan is responsible for the safety and security of the Indian High Commission, its officials, staff members, their families and properties.

“Such continued unilateral actions by Pakistan, aimed at escalating tensions, will not succeed in diverting attention from the core issue of Pakistan’s continued hostile activities and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism against India,” the statement said.

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (IANS): The Supreme Cour t on Tuesday declined to grant any relief to Pabubha Manek, a senior Gujarat BJP leader, who was disqualified as MLA from Dwarka constituency by the Gujarat High Court last year.

A bench of Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, M.R. Shah and A.S. Bopanna dismissed the application filed by Manek in his pending petition seeking stay on the High Court order.

Manek moved the apex court challenging the High Court order and sought a stay on it, as he intended to contest the Rajya Sabha polls slated later this month. Manek’s counsel contended before the bench that if the High Court order is not stayed, then he may not be able to contest the Rajya Sabha polls, and insisted on staying the order till the disposal of the pending petition.

In April last year, the apex court had directed that Dwarka Assembly seat should not be declared vacant and admitted Manek’s plea challenging his disqualification.

But, the top court did not stay the April 12 High Court order, which set aside Manek’s election for submitting a defective nomination form and ordered a by-election for the seat.

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Pabubha Manek (File)

Congress candidate Meramanbhai Goria had moved the High Court challenging Manek’s victor y from the Dwarka Assembly constituency in 2017.

Goria argued that Manek had submitted a defective nomination; as a result his election should be set aside. Goria claimed the nomination form did not have any mention about the name and number of the constituency, which was ‘82-Dwarka’.

Manek is a seven-time MLA from the constituency.

“Defect of substantial character as contemplated under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951”, observed the High Court.

However, the High Cour t did not acce pt Goria’s prayer that he should be declared the winner, as he had received the second highest votes in the election.

Former Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Tuesday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to tell the nation on the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh and said “there is more to it than India building a road”.

“The Prime Minister and the Defence Minister should say more on what has happened as there is more to it than India building a road and China has other motives. There are limitations to what I can say more, as I am a former Defence Minister.

Let them say it,” remarked the senior Congress leader, who has been the longest-serving Defence Minister in the country.

A.K. Antony (File)

“I am also eagerly waiting to hear what the Centre has to say. For the past few weeks, in certain sensitive areas in Ladakh, the Chinese forces have advanced and are stationed there now. The two countries should settle this amicably,” Antony added.

PM, Def Minister should present clear picture: Deve Gowda

H D Deve Gowda (File)

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday termed as ‘disturbing’ the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley and said the government

should offer a clearer picture to the nation on the border issue.

He sought to know as to how Indian soldiers lost their lives during a de-escalation process and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh should come out with a clearer picture.

“Reports coming from #GalwanValley are disturbing.

Why did our soldiers lose their lives during a de-escalation process? In national interest, the PM and RM should offer a clearer picture to the nation on the border issue with the Chinese. #LADAKHSTANDOFF,” Gowda tweeted.

CWC to discuss stand-off with China & Nepal on June 23

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (IANS): The Congress Working Committee is scheduled to meet on June 23 and will discuss the issue of stand-offs with China and Nepal. The meeting was decided upon after 3 Indian army personnel were killed by Chinese forces in Galwan Valley and Nepal adopted a resolution to print a new map which has Indian territory.

Sources in the party said that the incident at the LAC is unacceptable to the party and the relationship with Nepal is at an all time low. Congress Chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on the killing of Indian soldiers: “Shocking, Unbelievable & Unacceptable!

Randeep Surjewala (File)

Will the Raksha Mantri confirm?”

Three Indian Army personnel, including an officer, were killed on Monday night during a violent faceoff with Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh region.

India and China are engaged in a diplomatic res-

olution of the stand-off. But on Nepal, Congress leader Karan Singh slammed the government for mishandling India-Nepal ties over a resolution in Nepal’s House of Representatives to adopt a new map claiming Indian territory.

The Nepal House of Representatives on June 13 unanimously adopted the Constitution Amendment Bill, paving the way for accommodating the updated political-administrative map in the national emblem which includes Indian areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.

The CWC will also discuss the Covid pandemic and its handling by the central government.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (TRAINING DIVISION) KRISHI BHAWAN, NEW DELHI - 110001

RECRUITMENT NOTICE

This Ministry had invited applications for filling up the post of Director General in National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad (Rs. 80,000/- fixed as per 6th CPC) on deputation basis, which was advertised in the Employment News dated 11-17th January, 2020. Further, last date of receiving the applications was extended till 20th April, 2020 (5:30 PM) which was advertised in the Employment News dated 21–27th March, 2020.

In view of lack of eligible applications, this Ministry has decided to readvertise the post of Director General, NIRD&PR for inviting applications in prescribed format. The applicants who have already submitted the applications before 20th April, 2020 need not resend their applications again to the Ministry. However, these applicants may send a communication for intimating their continued interest in the post, approval of the cadre or sponsoring authority and send all the relevant documents to this Ministry Pay Band and Grade Pay (6th CPC) Rs. 80,000/- (fixed) Method of Recruitment Direct Recruitment or Deputation Tenure 5 years or until he/she attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier Age limit for Direct Recruits Minimum 50 years and Maximum 53 years (relaxable upto 5 years for Govt. Servants) Age limit for appointment by 58 years on closing date of receipt of Deputation applications Applications in the prescribed format should be sent through the Cadre Controlling Authority/Department to the Under Secretary (Training), Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Rural Development, Room No. 363, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001. Details regarding qualifications and experience along with application form may be downloaded from www.rural. nic.in or www.nird.org.in Last date : 30th June, 2020.

Advt. No. 03/2020 (K-15017/04/2019-Trg) (R.K Singh) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India davp 35101/11/0002/2021

DC-527

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 191 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

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Himalayan freeze

t a time when India is fighting a grim battle against the deadly Coronavirus rampaging across the country since February, it now has to face two major problems at the international borders with China and Nepal. The Indo-China border has remained a matter of concern as incursions by the giant communist neighbour are no longer few and far between. India has disputes with China across the international border at Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the north and Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh in the east.A new element that has attracted concern is the dispute with Nepal over Kalapani in Uttarakhand. The boundary delineation in both maps was similar, except that from the November 8 map, the Kali river’s name was deleted. Beleaguered Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Oli had been under pressure in his domestic constituency to take up the issue with New Delhi since last November, after India released its new political map to reflect the new status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as union territories. The map showed Kalapani as part of India’s map and Nepal took objection. The claims against the Indian maps were that, according to the Sugauli treaty between Nepal and British India in 1815, Mahakali River that runs through the Kalapani area was acknowledged as the boundary between the two countries. The region lies close to a geographically significant trijunction with China (Tibet), and Indo-Tibetan border police has marked its presence in the region. After the publication of the map , Nepal asked for foreign secretary-level talks - sent three notes on November 20 and 22 and December 30 - but, according to Kathmandu, it got no response from India. The other spark was on May 8, 2020 when defence minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the black top road connecting the pilgrimage route to Kailash Mansarovar and the ancient trading point with China with Lipulekh Pass, claimed by Nepal as part of the disputed triangle territory consisting of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani. However, the issue became very serious after the lower house of the Nepalese parliament voted unanimously to amend their constitution and incorporate the country’s disputed new map into its national emblem. The amendment will now proceed to its upper house.The map shows three places that are disputed between New Delhi and Kathmandu as being within the Nepalese borders. They are Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani. With the IndoChina border already heating up, suspicions arise that perhaps the “third party” involved in stoking the embers is the communist giant. However, the border dispute between India and Nepal was brewing for many months and years, so it is somewhat baseless to blame China for creating the crisis, even though Beijing wouldn’t complain about it. Nepal is overwhelming dependent on India for essential items and services but India should not take its Himalayan neighbour for granted. The issue needs to be resolved and quickly before it turns out to be a gross foreign policy miscalculation.

DailyDevotion “Will You Lay Down Your Life?”

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends….I have called you friends… —John 15:13, 15 Jesus does not ask me to die for Him, but to lay down my life for Him. Peter said to the Lord, “I will lay down my life for Your sake,” and he meant it (John 13:37). He had a magnificent sense of the heroic. For us to be incapable of making this same statement Peter made would be a bad thing— our sense of duty is only fully realized through our sense of heroism. Has the Lord ever asked you, “Will you lay down your life for My sake?” (John 13:38). It is much easier to die than to lay down your life day in and day out with the sense of the high calling of God. We are not made for the bright-shining moments of life, but we have to walk in the light of them in our everyday ways. There was only one bright-shining moment in the life of Jesus, and that was on the Mount of Transfiguration. It was there that He emptied Himself of His glory for the second time, and then came down into the demon-possessed valley (seeMark 9:1-29).

For thirty-three years Jesus laid down His life to do the will of His Father. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). Yet it is contrary to our human nature to do so.

If I am a friend of Jesus, I must deliberately and carefully lay down my life for Him. It is a difficult thing to do, and thank God that it is. Salvation is easy for us, because it cost God so much. But the exhibiting of salvation in my life is difficult. God saves a person, fills him with the Holy Spirit, and then says, in effect, “Now you work it out in your life, and be faithful to Me, even though the nature of everything around you is to cause you to be unfaithful.” And Jesus says to us, “…I have called you friends….”

Remain faithful to your Friend, and remember that His honor is at stake in your bodily life.

Quotes

The man who has no imagination has no wings. ~ Muhammad Ali

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

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he world is in a state of flux. If the first decade of the 21st century became synonymous with “Arab Spring” (notwithstanding the fact that it soon descended into chaos), the second decade could well go down in history as a harbinger of a new world order. For, never before has public unrest been seen in the West on a scale witnessed close to two weeks now, which could potentially mark the end of Western powers’ dominance on global stage. What was initially thought by some to be an internal issue of the world’s only surviving superpower quickly escalated and acquired international infamy. It exposed one of the many deep fault lines in human society that somehow remained unaddressed all these years despite all the tall talks.

As if the raging coronavirus aka COVID-19 pandemic that has affected close to seven million people and claimed over four lakh lives across 213 countries and territories worldwide wasn’t enough, the ongoing protest (often violent) over the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer at Minneapolis on

Enter the dragon

May 25 has brought the world dangerously on the brink. But what started as a movement to seek justice for George Floyd quickly descended into chaos and mayhem as hundreds of towns and cities across the US witnessed unprecedented violence as rioters indulged in loot and plunder. Protesters looted shops, put vehicles and buildings on fire and attacked policemen. And with rioters reaching almost the outer precinct of White House, there were reports that President Donald Trump was forced to take shelter at a bunker inside the presidential palace. Trump’s loquacious nature and the fact that US presidential election is scheduled early November this year, which has deeply polarised the entire American society, too haven’t helped matters. Never has the US cut such a sorry figure before rest of the world wherein a police chief openly asks its President to keep his mouth shut or Pentagon openly disagrees with its supreme commander’s threat to use military to dominate the protesters. In fact, the latest conflagration has exposed all that’s evil in the American system and

its vulnerability to contradictions within. But this comes at a time when the country has clocked over 1.12 lakh deaths and is waging a lonely but seemingly losing battle against COVID-19.

On the other hand, the flames of protest only began to sweep across continents – from Australia and New Zealand to Africa to the Middle East to Europe to South America. #BlackLivesMatter became a global movement as celebrities took to the street and social media in a big way to express solidarity with the George Floyd killing and to highlight the layered racism still prevalent in most western countries.

Violent demonstrations and arson were witnessed across towns and cities in France, Germany, Spain, the UK, etc, on a scale never witnessed or even imagined. As protesters performed the traditional Maori war dance Haka in New Zealand’s capital Auckland, their more violent counterparts in Europe ransacked shops, attacked policemen and even targeted unsuspecting white men and women on the streets. Cops were seen retreating after being

unable to maintain public order in many European towns and cities. And as the world comes to terms with the new anti-racist movement, the European powers have been so overwhelmed by its enormity that most governments haven’t been able to come up with an appropriate response. This comes barely weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the continent and from which it is yet to fully recover.

Meanwhile, at the receiving end of growing international criticism over its inept handling of COVID19 pandemic and its violent repression of Hong Kong protesters, China lost no time in using the opportunity to hit out at the West, particular at the US. Beijing was quick to remind Washington on the need to stop racism and violent police repression of demonstrators. It’s a different matter that the dragon too still has a lot of explanations to do regarding its violent repression of Uyghur Muslims, Tibetans and Hong Kong youth, besides mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak. And not wanting to let go off any opportunity from exploiting the vacuum created on global stage

due to Western powers’ preoccupation with dealing their own internal turmoil, a bellicose China asserted its military power across the South China Sea, Pacific Ocean, Taiwan Strait, Sino-India border, etc. It sent out a strong message to the world, particularly the West, loud and clear that it was determined to assert its dominance globally from now on. The recent stand-off in eastern Ladakh between the armies of China and India can be viewed from this perspective. Beijing wants to test New Delhi’s resolve.

However, it’s another matter that emboldened by its own strong posturing during the 72-day Doklam standoff that ultimately forced China to call it truce, India didn’t blink first this time either. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the world will have to contend with an increasingly assertive China.

Actually, the unprecedented civil unrest now being witnessed in the West has the potential to change the existing world order.

Badly battered and bruised by the recent developments – while COVID-19 pandemic left most Western countries economically

devastated, #BlackLivesMatter movement only punched more holes in their socio-political armour – the West is unlikely to pose any serious challenge to China’s ambition. The current US President’s flip-flops and his inability to lead the Western bloc that has seen Uncle Sam’s dominance post World War II haven’t helped matters either. But it’s not that the writings weren’t there on the wall.

Belt and Road Initiative and formations of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, New Development Bank, etc, were clear indications of China’s intentions. And while its companies are now busy buying cash-strapped Western companies, Beijing has effectively neutralised US dominance in existing multilateral forums like World Health Organisation. The balance of power seems to be clearly shifting in favour of Beijing. For good or worse is for the posterity to decide. Now, how emerging powers like India, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, etc, along with their allies like Japan, South Korea, etc, fit into the scheme of things remain to be seen.

Anirban Choudhury

Why delimitation matters for Nagaland? Crisis in the health sector

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he world is presently waging a tire need in sorting out other issue of policy, and we are not seekwar against a Pandemic that is conflicts between the Department and ing for favour and mercy or even ravaging our land today. Side the Medical Fraternity most urgently. commiseration. We are not even seeking for reparations, by side with this war for survival, we A mere issue of notifications or orders even though that might be notice another kind of war being fought from the Department to the agitated justified. What we are ask- between the Medical Department of the Doctors to raise up to the occasion to ing is just an expression of State Government, the legitimate guard- work nor the aggrieved groups submitour democratic and politi- ian for the safety of its citizens against ting Memorandums to the Government cal rights granted upon the this Pandemic visa-vis the Doctors and for suitable response may not settle the citizens by the constitution the Nurses of the Medical Department problems that is presently exposing the very delicate health issues of its citizens of India itself. Therefore, of the State.

Squatting comfortably at home un- to a crisis situation. In such a State of we shall not succumb to any unfair means and pres- der the dictates of lockdown, I will not affairs in the Department, the public and sure engineered to deny us be in an appropriate position to exactly well wishers expects the personal involveof ourfundamental right identify the actual cause that presently ment of all concerned in sorting out the to equality, right to equal has snowballed into a crisis of concern in vexing issues amicably and promptly by opportunity and right to the Medical Department where NEAN joining hands rather than by brandishing comprising of around 150 Doctors and fists or muscles against each other. constitutional remedies.

It may be added here that the Service We are already in the 700 nurses across the State of Nagaland final year of the second de- have resorted into indefinite cease work Rules that are duly framed and legislated cade of the new millennium, alternatively. Inauspiciously, it is taking are meant to protect and promote the and the people of the day place when the services of Doctors and welfare and the future of the service cannot be represented by Nurses are invariably required in fighting personnel’s but not applying the Rules the census of 1971. One is the Pandemic that is ravaging our land against them. Should there be any acts because it is an outdated today. I presume, there must have been of omission by the Department involvcensus and does not reflect some visible cognizable irregularities or ing the flaunting of the existing Service the change in demography overlapping committed by some individu- Rules, the same should be spurned and over the past 50 years or so. als with personal motives at some levels promptly rectified. After all the best Second is because this and along the lines that has ultimately crush protection for the employees are not other past census were taken landed the department in the present necessarily the big bosses on the higher ups nor the ‘Dada Giris’ but the Serduring crucial conflict period imbroglio. between Indian military and The said Department that stands vice Rules that are meant to protect the Naga freedom fighters. There at the forefront combating against the Welfare of its members. The Associawere campaigns initiated Pandemic is expected to mobilize all the tions also owns a responsibility to find by the Naga national work- resources at its command to effectively avenues in streamlining their demands ers to dissuade Nagas from deal with this serious Pandemic that is that deserves proper response from the enrolling themselves in the in the process of devouring many lives. Government.

There is a dire need for leaders, be census or participate in the But we rather have a situation today of electoral process. Hence, different kind to our misfortune, where it at the Political or at the Bureaucratic census undertaken during the rescue team of Doctors and Nurses levels to meet the present challenges with the conflict period could not are made to confront the Government in the clarity of vision, courage and compereflect accurately the actual a battle where it is alleged that the Gov- tences as one’s credibility will be proved population of the time. Two ernment is flaunting all Departmental much more during a crisis situation as census have been taken since service rules in the matter of appointment in the present case but less during peace the signing of the peace pro- or regularizations of service personals to time. Mishandling a situation during a crucial period will only help in deepencess between India and Naga individual whims and fancies. national workers in 1997. We The writer is neither in support ing the crisis to a bigger magnitude that have no problem whichever of the Government nor the agitated will only help in brining undue hardship census year is chosen by the Medical Fraternity in the instant issue. and suffering to the common people to delimitation commission to But acknowledging the need and the whom Government is expected to serve be used as a parameter to urgency of the situation prevalent in the and protect. readjust the assembly seats in Department at present there appears a Tali Longkumer (IAS rtd), Kohima the state. We certainly do not object even if headcount is to be taken today or at any time in the future. But we place our hope and confidence in the commission that it will fulfil its constitutional obligations without yielding to any concocted stories and excuses.

There is no justifiable Sir, In the wake of the present world health crisis, the NSCN/GPRN share argument or empirical evidences to support that fresh our concern and stand in solidarity with all the patients and families of victims delimitation cannot be taken affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We extend our heartfelt appreciapost Naga solution. Rather tion to all Nagas, especially Naga administrative officials, tribal hohos, NGOs, the current delimitation ex- churches, students, village authorities, medical teams and social media for the ercise will only make the incredible strength and continued efforts to combat this pandemic. It is indeed matter easy for any future very stressful and confusing time for everyone especially for the infected persons delimitation process by recti- and families of the victims. In spite of the stress, we must continue working to fying the past and current dis- keep everyone safe, calm and prepared to weather this crisis together. We call crepancies in representation. upon all the frontline workers to be more transparent and more responsive in Therefore, the delimitation protecting those most vulnerable. We also request everyone to cooperate and process should be allowed to follow the advice of the health authorities which is very crucial in minimizing proceed without delay. Only the risk of transmission. Let us not allow intolerance and fear undermine our then true justice shall prevail fight against this deadly virus. The disease do not discriminate hence everyone is vulnerable. So please keep praying, do not panic, stay safe and stay healthy. in Nagaland.

Dr. N. Janbemo Humtsoe, Kuknalim MIP, NSCN/GPRN Wokha Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

he recent poring of opinions, emotions and deliberate schemes to suppress the democratic rights of the less represented people in Nagaland by way of opposing the delimitation exercise on the ground of Naga solution is devoid of reality and without logic. When it comes to Naga struggle for self-determination, Lothas were also one among the Nagas who sacrificed their blood and toils for the sake of the Naga posterity. The very fact that the Naga National Council was established in Wokha in February 1946, speaks volumes about the Lothas contribution towards the Naga cause. However, being naive as contrary to popular opinion, the Lothas remain steadfast towards the Nagas cause. For this very reason, when Nagaland came into being, Wokha district was discriminated and sidelined. To add salt to injury, the number of seats to the NLA from Wokha was reduced from five to four. All these developments happened when Lothas faced the brunt of military oppression for supporting the Naga movement. Now, the very same motive of “Naga solution” is being used to deprive the less represented communities, including the Lothas, of our rights and need to be fairly represented.

By favoring delimitation, Lothas are never against Naga solution. Rather we are one of the proud people who would like to see and reap the benefits of the sacrifices made by our forefathers. And we don’t need any lecture from anyone about Naga nationalism, because we are also one among the people who signed the historic memorandum to the Simon commission in 1929, that gave birth to Naga nationalism. To us, delimitation is an economic and political tool to correct the socioeconomic inequalities perpetuated by the mistakes of the past. To us, delimitation is a democratic means to secure our fundamental rights for equal opportunity and fair representation. To us, delimitation is an opportunity to redress past injustice and discrimination. And to us, delimitation is a political medium that enables the less represented people to be represented fairly in governance, and thus, progress as equal

partnersin the state.

Delimitation is not a matter of simple arithmetic calculations of who wins or who loses. We should be least concerned with that and be more rational to appreciate the merits of delimitation that ensures fair representation in politics and governance. Because democracy without fairness is absurd and incomplete.

So, when people who have been denied of equal and just representation for five decades gets an opportunity to be represented fairly, as equal partners, why should other oppose to that? We have not opposed the system of reservation and quota system that seeks to provide special kind of privileges to certain communities in the state. Because we believe in the spirit of accommodation, empathy and inclusive progress.

When we compare the economic condition of the people in the state, Lothas do deserve some kind of affirmative policies, if not in educational and employment, then cer tainly in economic areas. So many Lotha villages do not have roads connectivity and have to bypass the treacherous Assam border in order to climb to their villages. Our health care facilities and educational systems are in precarious conditions. The recent HSLC pass percentages for government schools in Wokha district is 25 percent against the state average of 47.4 percent. Despite this glaring lack of development and backwardness, we are being artificially considered superior and advanced just so to deny us of our rights and entitlements.

Yet, we are not seeking for special privileges; yet, we do not blame others for our misfortunes. We admit the fact that the we could have managed our educational and health system in a better manner. We admit the fact the money spent for public welfare and economic infrastructures could have been utilized judiciously. We also admit that something is wrong with the quality of workmanship and management when it comes to development. We admit that, we as a society of people have failed collectively, because social progress is a social responsibility. Yet, delimitation is not an affirmative

Reader’s Post

Let us not allow intolerance

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

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Gandhi writes to PM Modi, US hands over 100 ventilators to India Sonia seeks rollback of fuel price hike

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): The US on Tuesday handed over to India 100 ventilators, valued at about USD 1.2 million, as part of President Donald Trump’s offer of assistance to New Delhi in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster handed over the first shipment of 100 ventilators to Indian Red Cross Society Secretary General R K Jain at an event at the IRCS national headquarters here.

The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), donated the first shipment of 100 brand-new, state-of-the-art ventilators to India to assist its fight against COVID-19, the American Embassy said in a statement. The ventilators, produced in the United States by Massachusettsbased Zoll Medical Corporation, reflect leading-edge technology, are compact and deployable, and provide India with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus. USAID is working closely with the Indian government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Indian Red Cross Society, and other relevant stakeholders in India and

US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster handing over ventilators to Indian Red Cross Society officials at the IRCS national headquarters, New Delhi.

the United States to assist in the delivery, transportation, and placement of ventilators in select health care facilities throughout the country.

“The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented global health threat.

It is only through partnership and cooperation that we will be able to ensure a healthy future for people across the world,” Ambassador Juster said at the event.

“In this spirit, the United States is pleased to

provide the people of India with a donation of ventilators, made possible by the generosity of the American people and the innovation of American private industry,” he was quoted as saying in the statement. The 100 ventilator units are valued at almost USD 1.2 million, it said.

USAID is also funding a comprehensive package of support, which includes accompanying equipment and medical supplies, tech-

nical assistance, and service plans.

This donation builds on the USD 9.5 million that USAID and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have committed to India in response to the pandemic, and this is helping to strengthen clinical care, disseminate essential health messages, improve disease surveillance, and more.

For decades, the United States has been the world’s largest provider of bilat-

eral assistance in health, the statement said. Since 2009, American taxpayers have generously funded more than USD 100 billion in health assistance and nearly USD 70 billion in humanitarian assistance worldwide, it said. President Trump had announced in May that the US will donate ventilators to India to treat COVID-19 patients and help it fight the “invisible enemy”.

The Indian Red Cross said it extends its heartfelt thanks to the US government for gifting the ventilators to assist India’s fight against COVID-19.

This life-saving resource will benefit critically ill patients immensely during this pandemic, the IRCS said. The first tranche of ventilators to support India in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the country on Monday, the USAID said.

“Great to see that this 1st shipment of 100 USAID-funded ventilators produced by @MedicalZoll has reached India, another country hit hard by COVID19. @usaid_india is working with the Indian government to see that these ventilators reach those in need,” acting USAID Administrator John Barsa tweeted.

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to roll back the hike in fuel prices, saying the government’s decision to increase them during the coronavirus crisis is “wholly insensitive” and “ill-advised”.

Given that the international price of crude oil has fallen by approximately nine per cent over the last week, the government is doing nothing short of “profiteering off its people” when they are down and out, she said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Petrol and diesel prices were hiked for the 10th day in a row on Tuesday. While the price of petrol has gone up cumulatively by Rs 5.47 per litre, price of diesel has increased by Rs 5.8 per litre.

“I am deeply distressed that in these exceedingly difficult times since the beginning of March, the government has taken the wholly insensitive decision to increase petrol and diesel prices on no less than ten separate occasions,” Gandhi said in her letter.

She accused the government of earning an addi-

Sonia Gandhi (File)

tional revenue of nearly Rs 2.6 lakh crore through these “ill-advised” hikes in excise duty and increase in prices of petrol and diesel.

“I urge you to roll back these increases and pass on the benefit of low oil prices directly to the citizens of this country. “If you wish for them to be ‘self-reliant’ then do not place financial fetters on their ability to move forward,” the Congress president said.

Gandhi also urged the government to use its resources to put money directly into the hands of those in need in these times of severe hardship. She said India is facing unprecedented public health, economic and social challenges during the ongo-

ing battle against COVID-19 and its people are facing unimaginable hardships like widespread fear and insecurity. “These price increases are saddling our people with an additional burden of this enormous magnitude that is neither justified nor appropriate,” she added.

Gandhi said, “It is the duty and responsibility of the government to alleviate suffering, not put the people to still greater hardship.”

“I see no logic in why the gover nment would even consider such a price increase at a time when the economic impact of COVID-19 is depriving millions of jobs and livelihood, devastating business(es) big and small, rapidly eroding the income of the middle class, even as farmers are struggling to sow the crop for the Kharif season,” she said. “If ever there was a time to deploy these resources in the service of the people, it is now,” she said.

The Congress has been demanding that petrol and diesel prices be brought under the ambit of GST. It has also demanded a rollback of excise duty hikes on petrol and diesel to bring down the prices.

Annular solar eclipse to occur on June 21 Why not give insurance cover for mental illness: SC to Centre, IRDA

Image of the last Annular Eclipse, which occurred on December 26, 2019 .

moli, Joshimath, Sirsa, Suratgarh, etc.

In India, the obscuration of the sun by the moon at the time of greatest phase of the annular eclipse will be nearly 98.6 per cent.

Obscuration of the sun by the moon at the time of the greatest phase of partial eclipse will be around 94 per cent in Delhi, 80 per cent in Guwahati, 78 per cent in Patna, 75 per cent in Silchar, 66 per cent in Kolkata, 62 per cent in Mumbai, 37 per cent in Bangalore, 34 per cent in Chennai, 28 per

cent in Port Blair.

Eclipsed Sun should not be viewed with the naked eye, even for a very short time. It will cause permanent damage to the eyes leading to blindness even when the moon covers most portion of the Sun. Safe technique to observe the solar eclipse is either by using a proper filter like aluminized Mylar, black polymer, welding glass of shade number 14 or by making a projection of the sun’s image on a white board by telescope.

NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): The Supreme Court Tuesday sought response from the Centre and the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) on a plea alleging violation of provisions of Mental health law, which deals with right to equality and non-discrimination.

A bench of Justices R F Nariman, Navin Sinha and B R Gavai issued notice on the plea and sought their responses.

During the hearing, advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, appearing as petitioner in-person, said that Section 21 (4) of Mental Health Act 2017 provides for inclusion of mental illness in insurance policies but till date because of the red tape attitude of IRDA, the provision has not been complied with.

He said the failure of IRDA in not regulating insurance companies to implement section 21 (4) of Mental Health Act 2017, is creating lot of hardship to

Shiv Sena likens Cong to ‘old creaking cot’ MUMBAI, JUN 16 (PTI): The Shiv Sena on Tuesday called its ally Congress an “old creaking cot” following the Sonia Gandhi-led party grumbling about not having enough say in the ruling coalition, but also asserted that there was no threat to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra.

State Congresss chief Balasaheb Thorat said the editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana was based on the wrong information.

The editorial in the ‘Saamana’ said that internal resentment was inevitbale in an alliance of parties with different ideologies.

The Congress was an old party with a historical legacy where murmurs of resentment are more, it said.

“The cot is old and creaks often. The cot is very old, but has historical legacy.

There are many (leaders) on the cot who change their sides...whether the Congress or NCP, both parties have seasoned politicians who know when to express resentment and when to change sides,” the Marathi daily said. “There are many in the party (Congress) who can change sides. This is the reason why murmurs are being felt. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray should be prepared to tolerate such murmurs in the alliance,” it added. But no one should

Uddhav Thackeray (File)

harbour the idea that the MVA government will collapse and the “gates of Raj Bhavan will be opened for them early morning once again”, the Sena said.

It was apparently referring to the early morning swearing-in of BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister and NCP’s Ajit Pawar as his deputy during a stand-off between the Sena and its then ally BJP over power-sharing in November.

Of late, the Congresss has been seeking more say in the decision-making process.

Chief minister Thackeray has been holding talks with NCP chief Sharad Pawar on important issues including the coornavirus pandemic and relief for victims of cyclone Nisarga, which has created a feeling among Congress leaders that they are being left out, Cogress sources have said.

The Congress has also requested Thackeray to hold a meeting of the three par-

ties at the earliest to finalise the names of 12 members for appointment to the Legislative Council in the governor’s quota. Calling the Congress the “third pillar” of the alliance government, the ‘Saamana’ claimed that the Shiv Sena had “sacrificed the most” in the tripartite set-up.

“Why are there murmurs? What does their complaint that they should be heard mean? Congress leaders and ministers Balasaheb Thorat and Ashok Chavan both have long experience of governance. They should remember that even (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar has long experience in administration. But there are no complaints from his party,” the Sena said.

There are complaints about the bureaucracy, but however “big” an official may be, he remains a government servant and has to obey the chief minister’s orders, it said.

Noting that there was also a complaint about Chief Secretary Ajoy Mehta getting repeated extensions which is causing resentment in the bureaucracy, the Sena said the issue can be discussed.

“But there is no complaint that any illegal work has been done in the government. The entire bureaucracy and the administration are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but still, Uddhav Thackeray should hear out Chavan and Thorat,” it said.

The 12 Council seats should be shared on the basis of the strength of each coalition partner in the Assembly, the Sena mouthpiece said.

The Sena has 56 MLAs, the NCP 54 and the Congress 44 in the 288-member Assembly.

“In the power-sharing, the Shiv Sena has sacrificed the most. It had to give one ministerial berth to the NCP when Sharad Pawar objected to the Congress getting the post of Assembly Speaker,” the Sena said.

Two additional cabinet berths were given to the Congress instead of the posts of minister of state, it said.

State Congress chief Thorat, who is also revenue minister, said the editorial was based on “incomplete information” and sends out wrong message about his party. “We are with the MVA,” he added.

mentally ill persons.

Bansal said the grievance is that despite having specific provisions under the law, IRDA is reluctant in taking immediate action.

“The bias of IRDA is in itself discrimination against persons with mental illness and as such is causing immense hardship for persons with mental illness. Instead of levying punishment on Insurers for not including the provision of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, IRDA is bypassing its responsibilities,” he said.

Bansal pointed out that IRDA was formed with the prime mission to

protect the interests of the policy- holders but its acts seem to divert from its main motive.

“That one of the Right which Mental Healthcare Act–2017 provides is that insurer is directed to not to discriminate with Person with Mental Illness (PMI) only on the basis of mental illness and as such is further mandated by the Parliament of India to treat Persons with Mental illness alike others as far as medical insurance is concerned,” the plea said.

It said that following the enactment of law, IRDA had on August 16,

2018 issued a circular to all the insurers to comply with the provisions of the Mental Health Act, 2017.

Bansal said that in order to check out the end result of Circular of August 16, 2018 issued by IRDA, he filed an application dated January 10, 2019 under section 6 of the Right to Information Act – 2005.

“It is respectfully submitted that on dated February 6, 2019, Respondent No. 02 (IRDA) replied to the RTI January 10, wherein it was informed that till date none of the Insurers have implemented

the order dated August 16, 2018 issued by IRDA,” the plea said, adding, that the insurance regulator did not taken any action against any of the insurer for non-implementation of its order.

The plea added, “Despite of the fact that one year has passed, situation as far as implementation of Section 21 (4) of MHCA 2017 remains the same and what surprised the petitioner is that instead of regulating insurance companies, Respondent No. 02 is acting more like a facilitator for Insurers”.

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Satyendar admitted to hospital; tests negative for Covid NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (PTI): Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday said he has been hospitalised here after running high-grade fever and suffering a sudden drop in his oxygen level.

The 55-year-old minister was, however, tested negative for COVID-19.

Jain tweeted to inform that he was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH), a dedicated COVID-19 facility under the Delhi government.

“Due to high grade fever and a sudden drop of my oxygen levels last night I have been admitted to RGSSH. Will keep everyone updated,” he tweeted.

He was brought to the hospital late on Monday night. “We have done a COVID test on him and results are awaited by evening,” a source told PTI. Since his oxygen level is low, he is being kept under observation, the source said.

Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hoped that Jain recovers soon.

“Without worrying about your health, you were dedicated in service of people round-the-clock. Please take care and get well soon,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.

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NEW DELHI, JUN 16 (IANS): The Ministry of Earth Sciences on Tuesday said that an annular solar eclipse will occur on June 21 and the celestial event will be visible in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttarakhand.

A solar eclipse occurs on a new moon day when it comes in between the earth and the sun and all the three objects are aligned.

A n a n nu l a r s o l a r eclipse occurs when the angular diameter of the moon falls short of that of the sun and it fails to cover up the latter completely. As a result a ring of the sun’s disk remains visible around the moon.

The sky gazers will get an opportunity to observe the “ring of fire” during the phenomenon.

The eclipse will be seen as a partial solar eclipse from the rest of the country. Few prominent places within this narrow annularity path are Dehradun, Kurukshetra, Cha-

Asian economies, hit by the economic slump brought on by the coronavirus, are projected to decline by up to 45% in 2020.

A g rowing list of agencies have downgraded India’s growth forecasts for the current financial year. On June 8, the World Bank said that the Indian economy will contract by 3.2% in the financial year of 2020-’21 because of the lockdown to control the coronavirus pandemic.

In May, credit rating

(From p-1)

NMSA also said approximately 300 students were undergoing medical courses in various medical colleges across the country and abroad.

Further NMSA clarified that there was no dearth of doctors in the State and, if given an opportunity to serve the public, no doctor would back away from the responsibility expected.

NMSA opined that no new posts were being created and also due to tough competition in securing permanent government jobs, only 104 MOs were appointed through NPSC and contract regularisation since 2011.

N M S A t h e r e f o r e, called for conduct of NPSC exams to provide fair and equal opportunity to every medical graduate with precautionary measures like social distancing while conducting exams to combat the pandemic.

Petrol pump workers wear protective suit on duty during the nationwide Covid19 lockdown in New Delhi.

New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI): India’s fuel demand has reached 80-85 per cent of pre-Covid levels in the first half of June but return to 5 per cent growth trajectory may take up to two years, Oil Minister Dharmendra

Pradhan and industry leaders said on Tuesday.

Fuel sales in the world’s third biggest oil consuming nation had fallen to their lowest since 2007 as the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to prevent

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

the spread of coronavirus.

The demand, which had fallen by as much as 70 per cent, has since recovered after lockdown restrictions were eased beginning early May. “When compared with

a year back. LPG sales were up 7 per cent at 960,000 tonnes.

Speaking at the webinar, Sanjiv Singh, Chairman of Indian Oil Corp (IOC) - the nation’s largest fuel retailer, said the return of growth trajectory in fuel demand will take 2 years.

Prior to fuel sales losing momentum in 2019-20 fiscal (April 2019 to March 2020) due to sluggish economic activity, demand had grown at 4-5 per cent.

Fuel demand in 201920 was almost flat at 213.7 million tonnes. Fuel demand had grown by 3.4 per cent in 2018-19 to 213.2 million tonnes while it had risen by 5.96 per cent in 2017-18 to 206.2 million tonnes.

Singh comment implied that return to the trajectory of 4-5 per cent growth in fuel demand annually will take up to 2 years.

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crimination.”

It said that medical department, which is one important department, should not play foul as it dealt with life and death.

DDVCCA has appealed to the government to dispense equality, transparency and fair employment opportunities. It also appealed to the government to refrain from misusing power and authority whereby public were made to ultimately suffer.

Po i n t i n g o u t t h a t health, safety and treatment of patients and public should not be hampered due to the ongoing imbroglio, the association expressed hope that the impasse was settled at the earliest.

11 tribe bodies urge PM to withhold delimitation

(From p-1) They pointed out that if the delimitation exercise was allowed now, another delimitation exercise would be required after finalisation of the Naga political issue as the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and Assembly constituencies would have to be increased, for which constituencies would have to be redrawn.

cab decision Fuel demand reaches 80-85% of pre-COVID levels inKeep abeyance: NPCC June 2019, petroleum product demand during the first fortnight of June rose to 80-85 per cent of pre-Covid levels,” Dharmendra Pradhan said at a webinar.

Fuel consumption at 14.65 million tonnes in May was 47.4 per cent higher than April but 23.3 per cent lower than a year earlier.

Diesel - the most consumed fuel - was down about 29.4 per cent in May while petrol sales fell 35.3 per cent.

During June 1 to 15, diesel demand has further recovered. At 2.67 million tonnes, it was 15 per cent lower than a year back, industry data showed.

Petrol sales at 930,000 tonnes were 18 per cent lower than last year.

AT F, w h o s e s a l e s slumped to almost nil as airlines suspended operations, was 73 per cent lower in the first half of June than

regularisation and equal pay?

DDVCCA also asked if employees under NHM deserved discrimination since every qualified person deserved his/her share of employment facility of the state irrespective of caste, creed or status. “It is very unfortunate that our own sons and daughters have to undergo step-motherly treatment,” DDVCCA said.

Asserting that there were employees who have rendered more than 10 years of service, DDVCCA stated that to be suddenly left behind and regularising a fresh employee was “nothing short of nepotism, favouritism and blatant dis-

(From p-1) a n d N a g a l a n d Ju nior Doctors’ Association (NJDA) to break the impasse over the cabinet decision.

Therie said the controversy caused by the cabinet decision during the time of pandemic was uncalled for, adding that regularisation was not at all a priority.

He further termed the government’s failure to arrive at an understanding with NEAN and NJDA as disturbing while also emphasising that it was a time when maximum service was required from the medical fraternity to help save people’s lives from COVID-19 “This is the time we must work together with the spirit of sacrifice,” he stated.

He also alleged that NHM employees were not given a fair deal since the beginning with lower salary for the same work or more work, more posting at outposts and salaries not paid on time. Therie said the cabinet decision violated the spirit of fundamental rights of equal opportunity provided in the constitution which would not stand the scrutiny of court.

Therie reminded that the criteria or yardstick for regularisation was generally three years of service with good performance as benchmark. He said everyone with same qualifications should be paid equally and it was the duty of the state government to resolve discrepancies in salaries with Government of India.

He opined that even if ministers did not understand the constitutional provisions, bureaucrats were aware of it and therefore, the government should be guided by constitutional provisions, acts and rules before making any decision. He also reminded that it was also the duty of the secretary to point out the provisions under the law in such matters.

Delimit Peren into 3 A/Cs, says ZPON

(From p-1) offshoot inhabited communities could be geographically delimited into two different Assembly constituencies but reverentially clustered under one. Welcoming the delimitation exercise, which it termed as a long-felt need owing to unequal representation in the Assembly constituencies and as required by the Delimitation Act, 2002, the apex body of Zeliang people of Peren district hoped Delimitation Commission would deliver justice to the people of Nagaland.

The delimitation process would be a futile exercise as the process of resolving the Indo-Naga political problem was still on, they reasoned.

Mentioning how the Naga people were aspiring for a peaceful solution, the memorandum urged Modi to first finalise the peace deal before going ahead with the delimitation exercise.

Peren CSOs for delimitation (From p-1) Peren said they had a meeting at Jalukie on June 14, 2020 and took strong stand in support of delimitation “in the midst of various whimsical statements made by some organisations in order to prolong injustice of unequal representation of districts to seat of power in the State.”

Affirming that their support for delimitation did not mean Peren district was against Naga solution, the signatories asserted that while the “Indo-Naga talk” was continuing, the flow of justice and equal representation of people to the development process during pre-solution be allowed to take place as passed by both the houses of Parliament for delimitation exercise 2021. Further, the Peren CSOs has objected to what they described as “stage managed consultation meeting of 14 Naga tribes” held in Kohima on June 12, 2020 to submit representation to the Governor of Nagaland for ‘solution before delimitation’ wherein Lotha Hoho and Rengma Hoho reportedly opted out from giving their assents. Peren CSOs demanded from the organisers of the meeting that if Zeliang tribe was counted as one against delimitation then reveal the identity/identities of those who put their signatures against the will of the people of the district. Peren CSO also reacted to recent statement made

by Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) against the conduct of delimitation exercise before Naga political solution was concluded. They said that NGBF’s federated unit—Peren District GB Association—was neither consulted nor invited. Therefore, the CSOs said that NGBF statement did not and cannot be considered as approved opinion of GB association Peren district. The signatories included ZB (N) president CR Zeliang, Kuki Inpi Nagaland president LL Kuki, ZC(N) president Dr.Tumda Newme, LC(N) president Khenglubo, RC Peren district (N) Jangdim Gonmei, ZMO Peren district (N) president Apeuna Iheilung, ZSUN president Dithuibo Newmai, KSO Peren district president Thangjmang Misao and GB union Peren district secretary Hingthung Chawang.

Rupee falls to fresh 6-week low of 76.20

Mumbai, Jun 16 (PTI): The rupee dropped by 17 paise to close at a fresh sixweek low of 76.20 against the US dollar on Tuesday amid escalation in border tension with China.

An Indian Army officer and two soldiers were killed during a violent confrontation with Chinese troops in the sensitive Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the Army said.

Forex traders said besides the border tension with China, foreign fund outflows and concerns regarding rising COVID-19 cases also weighed on investor sentiment.

The rupee opened the day on a strong note at

75.89 against the US dollar and touched a high of 75.77 later.

The local unit, however, pared its sharp gains after reports of violent clash with the Chinese Army.

The rupee slid to a low of 76.26 before settling at 76.20 against the US dollar, down 17 paise over its previous close. It had settled at a more than six-week low of 76.03 against the greenback on Monday. Equity benchmark Sensex rose by 376 points, led by gain in index heavyweights HDFC twins, ICICI Bank and Infosys amid strong cues from global equities. The NSE Nifty closed 100.30 points or 1.02 per cent.

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time since 2005,” another report said. “In addition, FDI is projected to decrease by a further 5% to 10% in 2021 and to initiate a recovery in 2022.”

UNCTAD SecretaryGeneral Mukhisa Kituyi described the outlook as uncertain. “Prospects depend on the duration of the health crisis and on the effectiveness of policies mitigating the pandemic’s economic effects,” the he added.

Meanwhile, foreign investments into developing

India’s Gross Domestic Product growth to “hit zero” in the 2020-’21 financial year due to the lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic. In the same month, American credit rating agency Fitch Ratings forecast that the Indian economy will contract by 5% during 2020-’21.

In April, the International Monetary Fund had cut its growth projection for India to 1.9% from the earlier estimated 5.8% for the financial year 2020’21.

I n d i a ’s e c o n o m i c growth rate stood at 3.1% for the fourth quarter of 2019-’20, according to data the government released last month. In the October to December 2019 quarter, the country’s economic growth stood at 4.7% – a seven-year low. However, the final figures released for the third quarter showed that India’s GDP grew at 4.1% during October to December last year.

(From p-1) The association blamed the government for blatantly and intentionally violating appointment rules and regulations and termed it as “very silly”, the government’s plea of “one time relaxation” in making the appointments and not to make it as a precedent.

DDVCCA said instead of lightening its burden with more medical professionals, the government, has increased the shortage “due to its ill intention of discrimination.”

Further, DDVCCA asked whether the serving doctors, nurses and technicians under NHM were less qualified than the others that they did not deserve

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New Delhi, Jun 16 (Agencies): India received $51 billion (approximately Rs 38.79 crore) in overseas investments last year and was the ninth largest recipient of foreign direct investments in 2019, a United Nation’s trade body’s report has said.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said in a report that there would a lower, but positive, economic growth in the country in the postcoronavirus period. It added that the Indian markets will continue to drive in investments.

The report noted that the country earned $42 billion in 2018 and ranked 12th among the top 20 economies in the world. India was among the five top nations for FDI in the Asia region.

The report noted that global foreign investment flows are predicted to plunge by up to 40% in 2020, “from their 2019 value of $1.54 trillion”.

“This would bring FDI below $1 trillion for the first

DDVCCA slams govt

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UK begins human trials for COVID-19 vaccine LONDON, JUN 16 (PTI): Clinical researchers began human trials this week of a new coronavirus vaccine developed by scientists at Imperial College London.

The study, which involves a set of people being immunised with the vaccine, will be the first time it has been trialled in humans and will test whether it is welltolerated and produces an effective immune response against COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed thousands of lives and had a huge impact on daily life. In the long-term, a viable vaccine could be vital for protecting the most vulnerable, enabling restrictions to be eased and helping people to get back to normal life,” said Professor Robin Shattock, from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial who is leading the work.

“From a scientific perspective, new technologies mean we have been able to get moving on a potential vaccine with unprecedented speed. We’ve been able to produce a vaccine from scratch and take it to human trials in just a few months – from code to candidate – which has never been done before with this type of vaccine.

“If our approach works and the vaccine provides ef-

About a dozen vaccine candidates are currently in early stages of testing in thousands of people.

fective protection against disease, it could revolutionise how we respond to disease outbreaks in future,” he said.

The researchers expect to publish findings once the safety data are available and are hopeful a viable vaccine could be available in the first half of 2021. They say the vaccine has undergone rigorous pre-clinical safety tests and in animal studies it has been shown to be safe and produced encouraging signs of an effective immune response.

Imperial College London said its vaccine candidate is being developed and trialled as a result of a 41-million pounds UK government funding and a further 5 million pounds in

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

philanthropic donations.

It will be the first test of a new self-amplifying RNA technology, which has the potential to revolutionise vaccine development and enable scientists to respond more quickly to emerging diseases.

“The fast progress of Imperial’s vaccine is testament to the ingenuity and tenacity of Britain’s researchers. If these trials are successful, a vaccine will not only help us tackle coronavirus but also emerging diseases now and into the future,” said UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma.

Over the coming weeks, 300 healthy participants will receive two doses of the vaccine. If the vaccine is safe and shows a promising im-

mune response in humans, then larger Phase III trials would be planned to begin later in the year with around 6,000 healthy volunteers to test its effectiveness.

Ultimately, the researchers hope that if clinical trials are successful, the vaccine could provide protection against COVID -19 both in the UK and around the world.

Dr Katrina Pollock, from Imperial’s Department of Infectious Disease and Chief Investigator of the study, said: “These clinical studies are crucial in showing the safety of any new vaccine, and demonstrating the immune response it produces.

“We need to assess whether the vaccine can

train the immune system to defend itself against COVID-19. The vaccine can then be rolled out to more people in the UK and beyond in pivotal trials.”

In the initial part of the study, the team will look to assess safety and find the optimal dose of the vaccine in 15 healthy participants aged 18 to 45 at a west London facility. The first participant will receive a very low dose of the vaccine, before the team escalates to increasingly higher doses for subsequent volunteers.

Following this initial small group, the team will then recruit further healthy volunteers (aged 18-75) to trial the optimal dose of vaccine in a larger population.

The combined Phase I/II studies will aim to deliver the vaccine to a total of 300 people at the west London facility and additional sites.

All volunteers will receive two doses of the vaccine over two visits – an initial dose and then a second boosting dose four weeks later.

Many traditional vaccines are based on a weakened or modified form of virus, or parts of it, but the Imperial vaccine is based on a new approach. It uses synthetic strands of genetic code (called RNA), based on the virus’ genetic material.

New Zealand reports 2 new COVID-19 cases after 24 days Wellington, Jun 16 (IANS): The New Zealand Ministry of Health reported two new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday for the first time in 24 days.

The new cases are two women who flew in from the UK and travelled to Wellington to grieve the sudden passing of their parent, the New Zealand Herald quoted Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield as saying.

One of the woman had mild symptoms after arriving in the country, but it was put down to a pre-existing condition so the two were placed in managed isolation rather than quarantine.

Bloomfield said their conditions might have been picked up if the daily health check in managed isolation had been done properly, including asking them about every individual COVID-19

Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

symptom.

The women’s application for leave was expedited because of the sudden death of their parent, Bloomfield said, and they were allowed to leave for Wellington without being tested.

Bloomfield said they had only been in contact with one family member in Wellington, who had also been staying at home.

When asked about the two new cases, Prime Min-

ister Jacinda Ardern told the media on Tuesday that “there are eight million cases worldwide. We still have New Zealanders returning home”. She added that the country was ready for a second surge of cases, but the focus was on preventative measures, reports The New Zealand Herald.

The two new COVID19 cases have taken the total number in New Zealand to 1,156 , while the death toll stood at 22.

On June 9, New Zealand had lifted almost all of its coronavirus restrictions after reporting no active cases in the country.

New Zealand first went into lockdown on March 25, setting up a new four-stage alert system and going in at level four, where most businesses were shut, schools closed and people told to stay at home.

Nepal records 380 new COVID cases

Kathmandu, Jun 16 (PTI): Nepal has recorded 380 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 6,591, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

The deadly virus has spread to 73 of the total 77 districts in the country, officials said. In the last 24 hours, 117 patients, including eight women, have been discharged from different hospitals, taking the total

number of recoveries to 1,158.

As on Tuesday, 5,055 coronavirus patients are undergoing treatment at various health facilities, the ministry said.

With the detection of 380 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the total tally now stands at 6,591, it said. The virus has claimed 19 lives in the Himalayan nation.

Health authorities have so far conducted 1,43,738 test to detect the viral infection.

N Korea blows up inter-Korea office, raising tensions Houthi rebels claim drone attack on Saudi airport

destruction and warned of a stern response if North Korea takes additional steps that aggravate tensions.

The statement, issued following an emergency National Security Council meeting, said the demolition is “an act that betrays hopes for an improvement in South-North Korean relations and the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

South Korea’s Defense Ministry separately said it closely monitors North Korean military activities and was prepared to strongly counter any future provoca-

Beijing outbreak may be more severe than Wuhan: Virologist

Beijing, Jun 16 (IANS): The coronavirus found in Beijing’s Xinfadi wholesale market is probably more infectious than that detected in Wuhan’s Huanan seafood market, where the first wave of epidemic in the country was detected, given a significant number of cases confirmed in only four days in the capital city, a virologist said on Monday.

Yang Zhanqiu, deputy director of the pathogen biology department at Wuhan University, on Monday said that 79 cases were confirmed in four days, showing the coronavirus found in Beijing is extremely contagious, likely more contagious than that found in Wuhan, Global Times reported.

A researcher from the Beijing Center for Diseases Prevention and Control (Beijing CDC) said that the genome sequencing of the strain of the coronavirus which caused the new COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing at the Xinfadi wholesale food market shows it

originated from Europe, local media reports said.

Yang said that if the type of coronavirus spreading in Beijing matches the type of virus sampled in the Xinfadi market and from Europe, then it is safe to say that the virus found in Beijing was “brought into” China by food or people from Europe. He is inclined to define the local outbreak in Beijing Xinfadi market as an imported outbreak.

Yang said the genome sequencing is like testing human DNA. The genotype of the virus does not mutate in the short term. The mutation usually occurs after two or three years, to even 10 or 20 years. And different virus test results show different genotypes, with the detection of the difference easy to tell.

As of Monday, authorities have screened nearly 200,000 people who had been to Xinfadi wholesale market, where the latest cluster occurred.

Yang noted that Wuhan’s Health Commission

began releasing reports at the end of December, adding that the number of reported cases had reached 62 by January 17, which is close to the number of newly confirmed cases in Beijing. Although the test sample was large enough and the technical ability was strong, the fact that 79 patients were diagnosed in four days in Beijing is still exceeding the expectations.

The outbreak in Wuhan was at a low temperature in winter, which was conducive to the spread of the virus. It is summer in Beijing, which is not conducive to the spread of the virus, he added.

What makes people optimistic is that China has accumulated rich experience in epidemic prevention and a strong joint prevention mechanism, and quickly adopted measures to contain the epidemic, Yang said.

Yang believes that different types of viruses bring new challenges to the development of vaccines.

tion. The North said last week that it was cutting off all government and military communication channels with the South while threatening to abandon bilateral peace agreements reached during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s three summits with Moon in 2018.

Some outside analysts believe the North, after failing to get what it wants in nuclear talks, will turn to provocation to win outside concessions because its economy has likely worsened because of persistent U.S.-led sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.

FELICITATION

Chümoukedima Longsa Senso Telongjem (CLST) with immense p r i d e a n d j o y, c o n g r a t u l a t e s Mr. TIYONGMEREN JAMIR, Additional Registrar of Co-operative Societies (ARCB) on being given the current charge as Head of Department.

His achievement is indeed an encouragement to many. The Union extends warm wishes and prayer for his future.

Akangmeren Lkr Likoknungsang Lkr President Secretary

We, the Hebron Hr. Sec. School Sovima, Dimapur convey our heartfelt congratulations to two of our Alumni; Mhaleu Metha son of Vilaheii Metha from Sovima Village Dimapur, and Mr. Kesosielie Kennao son of Mevusato Kennao from Medziphema for inventing an Automatic Door Handle Sanitizer to prevent the spread of Corona Virus. This is not a mean achievement and clearly sending a message across that “Where there is a will, there is a way,” always. We all are immensely delighted indeed seeing two of our brilliant boys coming up with their ingenious discovery which is bound to hugely benefit the present situation not only in our state but even beyond, in the days and years to come. May God continue to bless them and use their gifted talents in the service of the people and help our world even in a small way to be a better and happier place to live in. Our best wishes and prayers are always with you for your future endeavours.

airstrikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa on Tuesday morning. Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels forced the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of Sanaa.

FELICITATION

The School of Nursing, Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung, is delighted to congratulate Ms. Khyobeni Murry, D/o Mr. John Murry & Mrs. Viliebeinuo, for topping the GNM final exam 2020, among the nursing Schools in Nagaland. By virtue of this achievement, she has bagged the 18th Late Mrs. Ketsovole Award which includes an amount of Rs. 15,000/- and a Citation. The School takes the opportunity to extend its gratitude to the family of Late Mrs. Ketsovole Kire for recognizing and honouring meritorious students in the field of Nursing.

Vice-Principal SON, IMDH, MKG

MKC-146

OFFICE OF THE

KHIAMNIUNGAN UNION DIMAPUR DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

The Khiamniungan Union Dimapur with immense joy and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to the following for bringing laurels to the union.

1. Miss Tsuwing M Lam, D/o Lt. Muno of Pangsha Old Village for securing 16th position in HSLC 2020.

2. Miss Mesim S, D/o Mr. T. Shangchiu of Chilliso Village for securing 20th position in HSLC 2020.

3. Mr. Hempao, S/o Muchu of Langnok Village for being the subject topper in Tourism and Hospitality in HSLC 2020.

The union further congratulates all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC 2020 and wishes them more success in their future endeavors.

(K. THENGEM) General Secy. KUD

F E L I C I TAT I O N

Principal, Faculty Members and Students.

Hebron Hr. Sec. School, Sovima, Dimapur.

the Saudi southwestern region of Asir, which borders northern Yemen, reports Xinhua news agency. There was no comment yet from Saudi Arabia or the coalition on the Houthi claim.

The Saudi-led coalition launched a series of

(L. BUTANG) President KUD

DP-2775

defectors living in South Korea who for years have floated anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.

The agency did not detail how the office in the border town of Kaesong was destroyed.

South Korea’s government later released a military surveillance video showing clouds of smoke rising from the ground as a building collapsed at a now-shuttered joint industrial park in Kaesong, which is where the liaison office stood.

South Korea expressed “strong regret” over the

CHÜMOUKEDIMA LONGSA SENSO TELONGJEM (CLST)

DP-2780

South Korean army’s K-55 self-propelled howitzers are seen at the border with North Korea, South Korea, Tuesday. (AP/PTI)

in the Saudi airport,” the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV quoted the group’s military spokesman Yahya Sarea as saying. “The target was accurately bombed,” he said, adding the operation came in retaliation for the coalition’s “military escalation, airstrikes and economic blockade.”

Khamis Mushait is in

OFFICE OF THE

WOKHA TOWN OLD RIPHYIM UNION WOKHA:NAGALAND FELICITATION

The Wokha Town Old Riphyim Union (WTORU) extends our heartiest congratulations to the following members for bringing laurels to the community and the Village in general.

1. Shri. Chonbenthung K Tungoe, JE (Civil Engg.), (Class-11 Gazetted) under PWD through NPSC 2. Shri. Z Nchumbemo Patton, JE (Civil Engg.), (Class-11 Gazetted) under PHE Department through NPSC 3. Shri. Terence E Kithan, Secretariat Assistant (SA) through NPSC 4. Shri. Myanthung Patton, LDA Cum Computer Asst. under Edu. Deptt.

5. Rev. John Patton, Conferred as Ordained Minister and on being inducted to LBCA Staff as Evangelist 6. Shri. Augustine N Odyuo, Best BLO during the year 20182019 7. Shri. Chonbenthung Patton, on promotion to Dy. Kilonser NSCN (IM) 8. Shri. Amos Ngullie, on promotion to Dy. Kilonser NSCN (IM) 9. Shri. Khenchanthung Patton, on promotion to Tatar NSCN (IM) 10. Shri. Zuchanbemo T Patton, S/o. Tumben Patton, for securing Top 4th Position with 98% (Arts Stream) in the recently declared HSSLC Examination 2020.

The Union also conveys heartiest congratulations to all the successful students who have cleared the recently declared HSLC & HSSLC Examination results 2020.

All your Achievements has brought immeasurable laurels to the village and the Union prays and wishes you all with great success and good health in all your future endeavors.

Sd/Sd/(R N Dominic Patton) (M James Tungoe) President Finance cum Treasurer WTOR UNION WTOR UNION

WC-153

Sanaa, Jun 16 (IANS): Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Tuesday claimed responsibility for drone attacks on a military airport in the Saudi Arabian border city of Khamis Mushait.

“The attack was carried out by five bomb-laden drones on Monday night, targeting the hangars of warplanes and arms depots

DP-2779

SEOUL, JUN 16 (AP): North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office building just north of the heavily armed border with South Korea on Tuesday in a carefully choreographed display of anger that sharply raises tensions on the Korean Peninsula and puts pressure on Washington and Seoul amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy.

The demolition of the building, which is located on North Korean territory and had no South Koreans working there, is largely symbolic.

But it’s still the most provocative thing North Korea has done since it entered nuclear diplomacy in 2018 after a US-North Korean standoff had many fearing war.

It will pose a serious setback to the efforts of liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in to restore interKorean engagement.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said the nation destroyed the office in a “terrific explosion” because its “enraged people” were determined to “force (the) human scum and those, who have sheltered the scum, to pay dearly for their crimes,” apparently referring to North Korean

Infotainment

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Oscars delayed to April 25

T

he 2021 Oscars ceremony was moved to April from February on Monday due to the havoc caused in the movie industry by the coronavirus pandemic.

The ceremony for film’s highest honors will take place on April 25, 2021, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement. It had originally been scheduled for Feb. 28.

The coronavirus epidemic shut down movie theaters worldwide in midMarch and brought production of films to a halt.

The Academy also extended the deadline by which movies must be released in order to be eligible for an Oscar nomination to

Feb. 28, 2021, from Dec. 31, 2020.

“Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our Awards date, is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalized for something beyond anyone’s control,” Academy President David Rubin and Academy Chief Executive Dawn Hudson said in a statement.

The production shutdown meant that many filmmakers feared their movies would not be finished by the usual year-end Oscar eligibility deadline.

Dozens of other movie releases have been moved to 2021. It was only the fourth time in the 93-year

history of the Academy Awards that the date has been changed; in 1938, due to floods in Los Angeles, in 1968 because of the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and in 1981 after the attempted assassination of then-President Ronald Reagan.

The new date for the Oscars is expected to prompt the Golden Globes and other award shows to also reschedule their events.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) on Monday said it was shifting its film awards ceremony to April 11 from Feb. 14.

Hollywood movies were last week given the green light to resume production in the Los Angeles area with detailed guidelines on social distancing and frequent testing.

However, most are not expected to resume until September. Hollywood hopes the big movie theater chains will reopen by late July, when thriller “Tenet” and “Mulan” are due to be released.

(Reuters)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

Actor’s suicide sparks debate about insularity in B’wood

I

ndian police will probe whether an up-andcoming Bollywood actor who committed suicide at the weekend was depressed in part due to “professional rivalry,” in a film industry that is dominated by big names and has been accused of being insular.

Sushant Singh Rajput, a 34 year-old actor who won acclaim and fans for his roles in several topdraw films, hailed from a middle-class family with no Bollywood connections - a relative rarity in the industry.

Rajput was found dead at his residence in Mumbai on Sunday.

“There are media reports that he allegedly suffered from clinical depression because of professional rivalry. @MumbaiPolice will probe this angle too,” the home (interior) minister in Maharashtra, which includes the film capital Mumbai, tweeted late on Monday.

Several of Rajput’s friends in the industry have written about his struggles to break through, while social media and some cultural commentators

ing about.

“I knew the pain you were going through. I knew the story of the people who let you down so bad that you used to weep on my shoulder,” Shekhar Kapur, who was supposed to direct Rajput in a film that was eventually shelved, wrote in a tweet on Monday.

Kapur did not immediately respond to a request for further details.

Saddened by Sushant’s death, fan takes his life Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput shocked the entire nation when he committed suicide on June 14 in his Bandra apartment. The talented actor has left the entire film fraternity shaken.

Now according to the latest reports, a boy, who was Sushant’s huge fan, from Bairley, Uttar Pradesh, studying in 10th standard committed suicide after learning about Sushant’s death. Before taking this drastic step, he left a suicide note behind. In his note, he wrote, “If He Can Do It Why Can’t I”. (TOI)

ailing sister-in-law passes away have criticized the allegedly closed culture in Bollywood, where some families have dominated for up to four generations.

Rajput’s family has not commented so far.

At least half a dozen

accounts by Rajput’s industry colleagues suggested Bollywood’s clique-drive culture ostracized him, although none provided concrete details and it was not immediately clear who specifically they were talk-

Salman Khan’s family sabotaged the release of my film: Abhinav Kashyap

Johny Lever recalls working on Television

S

ushant Singh Rajput’s sudden demise has sparked a debate and discussions about mental health and pressure on actors in Bollywood. Many like Kangana Ranaut, Rajat Barmecha and others have even slammed the Bollywood fraternity for their empty condolences.

Now, Anurag Kashyap’s brother and director of ‘Dabangg’ has now called out Salman Khan and his family for sabotaging his career in a hard-hitting post.

An excerpt from his long post read, “My appeal to the Government to launch a detailed investigation. Rest in peace Sushant Singh Rajput…

Om Shanti.. But your fight continues… The suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput brings to the forefront a much bigger problem of what many of us have been dealing with. Exactly what might compel a person to commit suicide?? I fear his death is just the tip of the iceberg just like the #metoo movement was for a much bigger malaise in Bollywood. The death of Sushant Singh Rajput brings under scanner the role YRF talent Management Agency might have played in pushing him

towards his suicide but that is for the authorities to investigate.”

Narrating his personal experiences, Abhinav added, “My experience is no different. I have experienced exploitation and bullying first hand. Arbaaz Khan on Dabangg and ever since. So here is my story 10 years after Dabangg.

The reason I moved out of making Dabangg 2 ten years ago is because Arbaaz Khan in collusion with Sohail Khan and family was trying to take control of my career by bullying me.

Arbaaz Khan sabotaged my second project with Shree Ashtavinayak Films that I was signed up with by personally calling their head Mr. Raj Mehta and threatening him with dire consequences if they made a film with me.”

Elaborating further, he stated, “But lo behold...

Mr. Salman Khan and family sabotaged the release of the film and got their PROs to run a sustained negative smear campaign against me and my film BESHARAM before release. This scared the distributors from buying my film. Reliance Entertainment and I were capable and courageous enough to release the film ourselves but the battle had just begun. My enemies, which there were many ran a sustained negative Trolling and badmouthing campaign against the film till the Box Office of my film collapsed. But to their horror, Besharam had still netted 58 crores before it went out of theaters.”

He added, “Over the next few years, all my projects and creative endeavors

Walt Disney’s ABC News suspends top executive over allegations of racist comments

W

alt Disney Co’s ABC News has placed on leave one of its top executives, Barbara Fedida, while it investigates press reports that she made racist comments, among other inappropriate behavior, according to the network.

On Saturday HuffPost published an article here alleging that Fedida, the network’s senior vice president for talent, editorial strategy and business affairs, has a long history of making insensitive comments and has been the subject of more than a dozen human resources complaints. Fedida denied the allegations, which she K Y M C

described as “incredibly misleading.”

In one incident, the article described a 2018 discussion about news anchor Robin Roberts’ contract negotiations. Fedida allegedly said of Roberts, who is black, that it was not as if the company was asking her to “pick cotton.”

Sources told HuffPost that as a result of Fedida’s alleged misconduct, ABC News has spent millions of dollars in confidential settlements with former talent and staff, including at least one settlement related to allegations of racial discrimination.

“Throughout my career, I have been a cham-

pion for increased diversity in network news,” Fedida said in a statement. “I am proud of my decades of work of hiring, supporting and promoting talented journalists of color. And, unlike these heartbreaking and incredibly misleading claims about me, that track record is well-documented and undeniable.”

In a Monday email to staff, Disney executive Peter Rice, who oversees ABC News, said “You can be assured that once this investigation is concluded, we will take whatever actions are necessary.”

ABC News said in a statement: “There are deeply disturbing allegations in this story that we need to investigate, and we have placed Barbara Fedida on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough and complete investigation. These allegations do not represent the values and culture of ABC News, where we strive to make everyone feel respected in a thriving, diverse and inclusive workplace.”

(Reuters)

have been sabotaged and I have been repeatedly threatened with life and rape threats given to/for the female members of my family. The sustained gaslighting and bullying destroyed my mental health and that of my family and led to my divorce and breaking up of my family in 2017.

They erred and sent some of these threats as texts, sent to me as sms from several numbers. Armed with evidence, I went to the police in 2017 to file an FIR which they refused to register but registered a non-cognizable complaint.

When the threats continued, I forced the police to trace the numbers but they couldn’t be traced back to Sohail Khan (the suspected sender). My complaint remains open to date and I still have all the evidence.”

“My enemies are sharp, cunning and always attack me from the back and stay Hidden. But the best part is after 10 years, I know who my enemies are. Let it be known that they are Salim Khan, Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan. There are many other small fry’s but Salman Khan family is the head of this venomous serpant. They use a clever mix of their ill-gotten money, political clout and connections with the underworld to intimidate anyone and everyone. Unfortunately truth is on my side and I am not going to give up like Sushant Singh Rajput.

I refuse to cow down and will fight on till I see the end of either them or me.

Enough tolerance. It’s time to fight back.”

“So this is not a threat, it’s an open challenge. Sushant Singh Rajput has moved on and I hope he is happier wherever he is but I will make sure that no more innocent will kill himself over lack of work with dignity in Bollywood.

I hope suffering actors and creative artists will share my post on various social media platforms as will the media and people who patronize the entertainment industry.”

(ToI)

George Floyd’s daughter Gianna thanks Kanye West for college fund donation

G

ianna Floyd, the daughter of the late George Floyd, has publicly thanked Kanye West for setting up a tuition fund to pay for her future college education. The rapper arranged the fund for Gianna earlier this month following the death of her father while in police custody on May 25, which has sparked global protests across the globe.

In an Instagram post yesterday (June 15), Gianna wrote: “Thank You Kanye, because of you I will have a college education… Mommy and I are so thankful for you and your family.” As well as setting up the college fund for Gianna, West donated £1.5 million ($2 million) to a number of other charitable causes. The donations helped pay for the legal fees of Ah-

In a separate tweet, actress Swara Bhasker called accusations against Bollywood personalities “the height of idiocy.”

“We don’t know what he (Rajput) went thru. We don’t know the cause. STOP taking out ur frustration using the pain of a troubled person... Let him have his peace & his family privacy,” she tweeted on Tuesday.

(Reuters)

maud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, who have both been killed in the US this year.

The rapper has also donated to several blackowned businesses in the US in the wake of Floyd’s death. Gianna was made a Disney shareholder recently as part of a gift from Barbra Streisand. The shares could serve Gianna well in future, with recent reports suggesting that a $1,000 investment in Disney that was made a decade ago could now be worth more than $4,600 — an approximate total return of 370%. Last month, a cinematographer who is reportedly working on a new music video by West has said the rapper’s next album will be titled ‘God’s Country’.

(NME)

B

ollywoods comic sensation Johny Lever is nostalgic seeing his TV show, “Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double”, have a rerun on the small screen. “It is a great feeling to witness the show running again. I have created several memories during that phase. Most importantly, I learnt how the television industry functions because of this show.” He recalled how he would spend time on the sets for almost 12 to 13 hours a day.

The show features Johnny in a double role as Commissioner Gogol Chatterjee and an informer, who is the top cop’s twin. It also stars Kiku Sharda, Ashwini Kalsekar and Kishwer Merchant.

“Shooting for a television show is a unique experience. You spend almost 12 to13 hours on the set and the entire cast and team becomes a family.

“Before ‘Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double’ I had worked in television for a short span but this show was a full-time experience for me. I soaked in every learning while working for the show.

(IANS)

After suicide by Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, his family has been struck by another blow with his ailing sister-in-law Sudha Devi passing away in Bihar’s Purnia on Monday evening as she could not bear the loss of the actor. She was suffering from liver cancer.

His entire family is in shock after Sushant’s departure.

Sushant’s cousin brother Panna Singh told IANS on Tuesday that Amarendra Singh’s wife Sudha Devi (48) and sister-in-law of Sushant Singh was suffering from liver cancer and died on Monday evening.

(IANS)

BAFTA Film Awards 2021 pushed to April 11

T

he 2021 BAFTA Film Awards have been pushed back by two months to take place next April. Following the Academy’s decision to delay next year’s Oscars by two months, from February 28 to April 25 2021, BAFTA has moved their ceremony from February 14 to April 11, 2021.

BAFTA have rescheduled the ceremony in order to extend their eligibility period in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The crisis has seen cinemas shuttered across the UK for over three months, thus cutting short many planned theatrical releases.

The decision to postpone such ceremonies also follows the cancellation of many global film festivals such as SXSW and Cannes, which would usually premiere the titles that so often go on to dominate awards

seasons. Marc Samuelson, chair of BAFTA’s film committee, told the BBC: “We have pushed back by two months to give all films the best possible chance to be released and considered properly.”

Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson explained the decision to push back the Oscars in a statement: “For over a century, movies have played an important role in comforting, inspiring, and entertaining us during the darkest of times. They certainly have this year.

“Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our Awards date, is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalised for something beyond anyone’s control”.

(NME)

Cineworld confirms cinemas will reopen in the UK in July

C

inema chain Cineworld has confirmed it will be reopening its venues globally between late June and mid July. Operating all Cineworld and Picturehouse branches in the UK as well as Regal in the US, Cinema City in Europe and Yes Planet in Israel, the chain has set dates for doors to reopen.

Cinemas in the Czech Republic and Slovakia will open first on June 26, and the US and UK branches will open on July 10, ensur-

ing governmental restrictions allow. Cineworld has implemented a number of COVID-19 health measures, including a revised screening schedule to avoid excessive queuing, a new booking system, and increased sanitation practices. “We are thrilled to be back and encouraged by recent surveys that show that many people have missed going to the movie theatre,” Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger said, according to Variety.

“With a strong slate

confirmed for the coming weeks, including among others Tenet, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, Wonder Woman 1984 and many more, the entire Cineworld team remains committed to being ‘the best place to watch a movie’”.

Christopher Nolan’s new film Tenet, originally due for release on July 17, was pushed back by two weeks in keeping with Warner Bros’ reordering of the release calendar in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

(NME) K Y M C

La Liga: Sevilla stutter in CL race

M a d r i d, J u n 1 6 (Agencies): Sevilla suffered a setback in their bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League group stage as a late own goal by Diego Carlos allowed visiting Levante to grab a 1-1 draw on Monday.

Julen Lopetegui’s side, who sit third in La Liga, hold a five-point lead over fifth-placed Getafe, although most of their closest rivals still have to play in this round of matches.

The five-time Europa League winners, who last played in the Champions League in 2017-18, are four points clear of fourthplaced Real Sociedad, with Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Granada and Villarreal also in the top-four hunt.

The closest either side came to goal in the first period was when visiting winger Munir El Haddadi’s brilliant free-kick crashed against the crossbar.

Sevilla did take the lead in the first minute of the second half, as former Barcelona player El Haddadi teed up Dutch striker Luuk de Jong to score his sixth league goal of the season.

Levante managed to create some late pressure and centre-back Carlos put through his own net three minutes from time after a

The La Liga match between Levante and Sevilla in progress.

mix-up with goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.

The draw helped 12thplaced Levante move 10 points clear of safety with nine matches to play.

Granada earns late 2-2 draw at Betis

A flurry of late goals saw Real Betis held to a 2-2 home draw by Granada in La Liga after the visitors took a 29th-minute lead through Carlos Fernandez and were then rescued by a stoppage time strike from Roberto Soldado on Monday.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Soldado volleyed home a corner which landed kindly for

him at the far post after an 85th-minute penalty from Sergio Canales and an 88th-minute effort by Cristian Tello had turned the match on its head.

Fernandez fired Granada ahead when he swept the ball home from eight metres to round off a superb fast break, with Ramon Azeez releasing Antonio Puertas who squared the ball to the striker from the left flank.

Betis dominated possession in the opening half and visiting keeper Rui Silva pulled off two good saves to keep out a closerange header by Edgar Gonzales and a Nabil Fekir piledriver from the edge of

Staging T20 WC unrealistic: CA Melbourne, Jun 16 (Agencies): Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on Tuesday conceded that this year’s T20 World Cup amid the COVID-19 pandemic seems “unrealistic” as it will be difficult to fly in 16 teams to the country.

The fate of the event, scheduled to be held in October and November, is shrouded in uncertainty as several countries continue to have in place, strict travel restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected over 8.1 million people across the globe.

“I would say it is unlikely...trying to get (teams from) 16 countries into Australia when most countries are still going through COVID spiking is unrealistic or very, very difficult,” Eddings said during a video conference.

Last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC), after a board meeting, said a decision regarding the tournament will be made next month.

The world body stated that it wants to continue ex-

ploring contingency plans for some more time as a call of this magnitude needs to be taken after every possible deliberation.

There is speculation that the event is headed for a postponement and the window will be utilised by the IPL, which is currently suspended.

This is despite the fact that Australia is among the countries that have managed to flatten the curve.

Just over 7000 cases have been reported here and more than 6000 of them have recovered from the deadly infection.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had last week said that sports stadiums capable of seat-

ing 40,000 people will be allowed to host crowds of up to 10,000 from next month.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doesn’t want to look too far ahead and believes that the directives of the Indian government would dictate if they can participate in the showpiece event.

A BCCI official had earlier said that while the Indian team would be more than willing to be a part of the T20 World Cup, it will all finally come down to the directives issued by the government as well as the health professionals as the safety of the players is priority.

the penalty area.

With the match seemingly heading for a dull climax, Canales converted the spot kick after Antonio Barragan bundled Puertas over before Tello curled the ball into the far corner with a speculative shot from 25 metres.

The home side’s joy was short-lived however, as 35-year old Soldado drove the ball past home keeper Joel Robles from eight metres after an outswinging corner evaded a forest of bodies in the penalty area.

The result left Granada eighth on 42 points from 29 games while Betis stayed 13th on 34 points, nine clear of the relegation zone.

Lisbon to host CL final stages Nyon, Jun 16 (Agencies): Champions League knockout games are set to be played in an 12-day condensed tournament in Lisbon in August.

The Portuguese capital will host the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final between August 12-23.

All ties will be played as single legs across two different stadiums in Lisbon.

UEFA’s Executive Committee are expected to approve the new mini tournament at a meeting on Wednesday. How the four outstanding last-16 matches should be completed has yet to be decided.

Manchester City were due to play a second-leg match against Real Madrid on March 17 at the Etihad Stadium, leading 2-1 from the first leg in Spain. Chelsea are 3-0 down from the home first leg of their tie against Bayern Munich.

Original Champions League final hosts Istanbul are expected to be compensated with the right to stage a future final.

I will play another year, says Juventus skipper

Juventus’ captain Giorgio Chiellini and others during a training session.

Turin, Jun 16 (IANS): Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini has confirmed that he will play for at least one more season. Chiellini also said he’d love to work with current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

“I think that if it had happened 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have had the peace of mind to accept it,” he told Martina Colombari on Instagram as quoted by K Y M C

juvefc.com regarding his ACL injury which forced him to miss much of the current season.

“At 35, with all the experience I’ve had, I can understand it’s a passing phase and you turn that into the energy to recover.

I have improved overall in my mentality, because when I was younger, I’d use up a lot of energy by getting angry. I have a fortunate life, so remembering that

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in bad moments helps you focus that anger.”

“Future plans? I will play another year, then I’ll see how I feel and how my legs hold up. I could retire next summer or have another season after that. I would like to continue in the world of football, probably more a directorial role than management, but you never know in life.”

“I hope to be able to play in the delayed Euro

2020, so I can also act as a nanny to the talented young players in the squad. It’s coming full circle,” he said.

Speaking about Guardiola, he said, “I watched that documentary on Manchester City and you can see the charisma of Guardiola really is special, even with weaknesses. For someone who is passionate about football, you can immediately tell the greatness.

I have not had the good fortune of getting to know Guardiola, I only saw him from a distance.”

“Until Conte arrived, a defender was just a defender. He’d focus on simple things, not creating moves from the back, but he insisted from the start that we could create too.

Antonio asked a lot from me and gave me just as much in return.”

“Allegri and Conte were genuinely special coaches for me and helped me mature tactically. Marcello Lippi was able to read situations more than tactics, he had a clear and honest rapport with everyone. I was a bit too young when I worked with him to really appreciate that,” added Chiellini.

No handshakes, spitting: PL set to resume today Lo n d o n, J u n 1 6 (IANS): As the English Premier League season resumes on Wednesday after being stopped since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, there will be a host of safety protocols that needs to be followed. Among them will be no spitting and no handshakes.

“Maintain distance during goal celebrations.

No handshakes. No spitting or nose-clearing. Use hand-sanitisers before and after every match,” these are among the guidelines for during a game under ‘Player Behaviour’ as directed on the Premier League’s official website.

There will also be bigger technical areas with trainers’ benches being expanded to enable socialdistancing during the match, the statement on premierleague.com, said.

As far as guidelines after the match are concerned, “players should seek to restrict their interaction with opponents.”

The Premier League, which has been suspended since March 13, will resume on Wednesday with the first two fixtures seeing Aston Villa host Sheffield United and Manchester City face Arsenal.

Americans ‘selfish’ to go ahead with US Open: Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios

SYDNEY, J u n 1 6 (Agencies): Australian Nick Kyrgios says the United States Tennis Association is being “selfish” by pressing ahead with the U.S. Open on its original dates from August 31 to September 13.

Multiple media reports on Monday said the USTA would confirm the Grand Slam tournament would go ahead without fans despite New York City still recording hundreds of new COVID-19 cases every day.

Novak Djokovic, Ash Barty and Simona Halep have all indicated they would have concerns about playing the tournament under the health protocols designed to keep them safe.

Kyrgios, who has been in lockdown in Australia

since the pandemic brought a halt to the ATP Tour, appeared more concerned about having to undergo 14 days of self-isolation upon his return home from Flushing Meadows.

“People that live in the U.S. of course are pushing (for) the Open to go ahead ‘Selfish’,” the world number 40 posted on Twitter.

“I’ll get my hazmat suit ready for when I travel from Australia and then have to quarantine for two weeks on my return.”

Kyrgios also slammed the ATP Tour as selfish earlier this month for pressing ahead with plans to play the U.S. Open while the virus had not been contained and with the streets of U.S. cities filled with protests at the death of George Floyd.

The 25-year-old also tweeted Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal last week to ask them if they felt the tournament should go ahead. He received no public replies from any of the multiple Grand Slam winners.

Despite the health concerns, American player Danielle Collins has called on the event to go ahead to give players the chance to earn money again and criticised Djokovic for his opposition to the protocols proposed by organisers.

“It’s easy when someone’s made $150 million throughout their career to try and tell people what to do with their money, and then turn down playing in the U.S. Open,” she posted on social media last week.

Qatar dedicates new stadium to frontline workers Doha, Jun 16 (Agencies): Qatar showed off the latest stadium to be completed for the 2022 soccer World Cup in a virtual presentation on Monday and dedicated it to frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 40,000 capacity Education City stadium, a ‘Diamond in the Desert’, is the third venue to be ready with five more under construction.

The Al Rayyan Stadium, also with a 40,000 capacity, and the 60,000seat Al Bayt Stadium are due to be completed by the end of this year.

Gianni Infantino, president of world soccer body FIFA, looked forward to a time when matches no longer had to be played without spectators due to the crisis.

“We must not forget, health comes first. In some parts of the world, it is already possible to look ahead to better times. In others, we still have to be extremely careful, stay strong and united. In the meantime, the new stadium in Education City reminds

Werner won’t play in CL for RB Leipzig Berlin, Jun 16 (Agencies): Timo Werner will not play in the rescheduled Champions League matches for RB Leipzig this August ahead of his expected move to Chelsea.

Lisbon is set to host the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the Champions League, with the Bundesliga side still involved in the competition following a 4-0 aggregate win over Tottenham before football went into lockdown.

Germany international Werner is set to leave Leipzig and join Chelsea this summer, with a deal in principle already agreed.

It is expected for Werner to officially become a Chelsea player in the middle of July before taking three or four weeks off ahead of the 2020-21 season. Werner had also interested Liverpool and Manchester United.

Chelsea trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich 3-0 from the first leg of their last-16 meeting ahead of the return fixture, with a decision over how the four outstanding matches should be completed yet to be decided.

The 40,000 capacity Education City stadium, a ‘Diamond in the Desert’, is the third venue to be completed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

us that football will return and with more passion than ever,” he said.

“When the time comes, we will be sharing the stands with families and friends. In this beautiful and modern stadium, we will come together to celebrate

the FIFA World Cup in 2022.”

The stadium will drop to a 20,000 capacity after the tournament with the surplus seats going to stadiums in developing countries.

“Three down, five to

go. We’re on track,” said 2022 World Cup chief executive Nasser Al Khater.

“This is a virtual launch, not something that we ever imagined we’d do. But who would have imagined that the world would be where it is right now.”

Venus Williams still eying elusive French and Australian Open titles New York, Jun 16 (IANS): Current World No.67 Venus Williams isn’t looking to walk into the sunset just yet as she eyes that elusive French Open and Australian Open titles.

Williams, 39, has five Wimbledon championships and two US Open trophies apart from 14 doubles Grand Slam trophies in her bulging cabinet. But her quest to end her drought in Paris and Melbourne continues.

“You always have to have dreams, so I keep having them,” Williams told the Tennis Majors website.

“I would like to win Roland Garros. I was not far from it. The same goes for the Australian Open: I was unlucky, I always missed it a little.”

Venus knows the clock is ticking for her to realise her dreams of completing the golden slam in singles.

She won her last single’s slam 12 years ago but stated that she still loves winning and will try to do so in near future as well.

“I probably won’t be playing as long as what

Venus Williams

I have already played,” she said. “We’ll see how I feel. I still love winning as much, but when it’s over, it’s over.”

“I’ve had great mo-

ments, I’ve been on the top, I’ve been on the bottom, I’ve been down and out – I’ve done it all and I’ve been equally as happy during all of it,” she added.

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Sports Ministry to establish KISCE to enhance Olympic performance

New Delhi, Jun 16 (IANS): The Sports Ministry is all set to establish Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) under the Khelo India Scheme. One KISCE will be identified in each state and union terri-

tory, with an effort to create a robust sporting ecosystem in the entire country.

In the first leg, the ministry had identified stateowned sports facilities in eight states, including, Karnataka, Odisha, Kerala,

Telengana and the northeast states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.

The process of selection of these sports facilities started in October 2019. Of the 15 proposals received,

the ministry shortlisted eight based on the training facilities available in priority sports, infrastructure facilities and champion produced by the centre.

In order to upgrade the existing centre to the

KISCE, the government will extend a ‘Viability Gap Funding’ in sports science and technology support for sports disciplines practised at the centre and also bridge the gaps in requirement of sports equipment,

expert coaches and high performance managers. The support extended will be to Olympic sports.

In the first batch, the sporting facilities which will be upgraded to KISCE are Sangey Lhaden Sports Acad-

emy, Itanagar, Arunachal; Jaiprakash Narayan National Youth Center, Bangalore, Karanataka; GV Raja Sr. Secondary Sports School, T h i r u va n a n t h a p u r a m , Kerala; Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal,

Manipur; Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl, Mizoram; State Sports Academy, IG Stadium, Kohima, Nagaland; Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha and Regional Sports School, Hakimpet, Telangana.

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