June 24, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 198

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Ronaldo breaks another record during Bologna win

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SPORTS, PAGE 11

Cab revokes decision on regularization

 27 doctors to continue on ‘contingency basis’

 Cab approves creation of 186 new posts in H&FW Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 23 (NPN): Under fire for its previous decision to regularise 27 posts of doctors recruited recently, the State cabinet has not only revoked that decision but also went a step further in approving creation of 186 new posts under the department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW).

Sources told Nagaland Post that the appointments would be a one-time requisition and people from other States would be included in the interview board, even as preference would be given to in-service doctors (NHM/contractual doctors).

The cabinet also asked the H&FW department to work out modalities of the recruitment within one month.

The decision came during a cabinet meeting held at chief minister’s chamber at civil secretariat here Tuesday.

Interacting with media persons later, H&FW principal director (PD) Dr Vizolie

Govt given 5 days to act on JIC report DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), six tribal bodies and frontal organisations have announced that they would wait for five days for the State government to deliberate and act on the Judicial Inquiry Committee (JIC) report.

This was decided at a joint consultative meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on ENPO’s May 28 representation to the state government seeking disciplinary action against officials involved in deliberate violation of standard operating procedure and sending one COVID positive patient along with 168 returnees to Tuensang from Kohima without awaiting for results of test samples and the subsequent request by the government to forgive and forget.

The decision at the meeting followed a government letter dated June 6, 2020 which stated that on receipt of the findings/ recommendations of JIC, the cabinet would promptly deliberate the matter and initiate action in the shortest possible time.

The meeting was attended by office bearers of the ENPO, CKS, KU, ENSF, KTC, YTC, USLP, ENWO and PPC.

This is it!

“Lockdown or not, our office has always had 50% attendance.”

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Z Suokhrie said the cabinet approved 15 specialists, 44 medical officers, 11 medical officers (Ayush), three dental surgeons, six research scientists, 78 staff nurses, six lab technician, 10 ECG technicians and 13 operation theatre technicians posts.

He said department would fast-track the appointment, adding that the posts would be filled up through open recruitment where all eligible persons would be allowed to appear.

When enquired, the PD said the 27 doctors engaged by the department earlier would continue on “contingency basis” as advertised.

He regretted that Nagaland Public Service Commission could not advertise the requisition made by the department in 2018, 2019 and 2020 because of which there were complaints of shortage of medical officers. “Unless we go for this type of appointment, the crisis will not overcome,” he stressed.

Dismissing allega-

tion of flouting of Medical Council of India (MCI) rules during the appointment by NHM Employees Association, Nagaland (NEAN), PD clarified that IMC or Indian Council of Medical Research did not have any role in the recruitment process.

He pointed out that as health was a State subject, the State government had allowed the department to recruit without waiting for NPSC. He said the regularisation part would be taken up later but rules and procedures for the recruitment would be followed.

On salary parity, he said as NHM was a mission, its staff could not be equated with other state government employees. He said 28 vacant posts were advertised earlier but only 27 could be recruited. He claimed nobody came forward then and even now he said no one should be blamed if they did not apply for the advertised posts.

Asserting that the department was not trying to hide anything, Dr. Suokh-

rie said the posts would be one-year engagement and extended later or regularised, adding these issues would be sorted out later.

Post creation to address NHM/JDA issue: NHM director Dr Kevichusa Medikhrü said creation of posts would address the issue of NHM as many doctors and technical persons serving in the mission did not get the opportunity to enter into regular service.

But with these newly-created posts, he explained they could apply.

He mentioned that weightage would be given to those who have been serving for the past five to ten years or even more.

On parity of salary, he said 60% of NHM funds received went towards salary payment. Therefore, if salary was increased further, he remarked that there would be no fund left to take up other activities.

He said if these doctors and nurses could be recruited into regular services, this would lead to salary saving, even as he clarified that new doctors and nurses would not be appointed but salary of existing staff could be increased with the savings.

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

India’s COVID19 deaths cross 14000 mark NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI): As COVID-19 fatalities in India crossed the 14,000 mark, the Centre on Tuesday said the country has one death from the disease per lakh population and the mortality rate is among the lowest as against the global average of 6.04 while there was no let up in the surge in new cases. The country recorded 14,000 plus coronavirus cases for the fourth straight day.

A total of 2,48,189 patients recovered so far, while there were 1,78,014 active cases, according to the Union Health Ministry data. During the last 24 hours, a total of 10,994 COVID-19 patients have recovered.

Till date, 14,011 people have died in India due to the viral infection with 312 fatalities reported in 24 hours till Tuesday 8 am, while 14,933 new cases took the total case load to 4,40,215.

India is in the eighth position in the global death count of 472,541. The US accounts for the highest number of deaths totalling 120,402.

China, India agree to diffuse tension: Chinese official INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Extortion: Ex-army man shot dead by police; 1 held in Kma Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 23 (NPN): Kohima Police gunned down one ex-army personnel in an extortion case while arresting his accomplice near Old MLA Hostel junction here around 4.30 pm on Tuesday.

Informing this at a press conference here in the evening, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kohima, Kevithutho Sophie said the deceased was identified as one Khehuto I Assumi (35), son of late Izeho Assumi from Lizutomi village.

He was serving as havildar in 164 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) before being discharged on medical grounds in 2019. Aito Awomi (25), son of Netoi Awomi from Lizutomi village and currently residing at New Reserve here, was the deceased’s accomplice.

Narrating the sequence of the event, Sophie said around 3.30 pm the police received information from a trader at Old NST that two local guys with arms were extorting money from the shop in the name of NSCN (K).

Items seized by Kohima police on Tuesday. (NP)

Following this, he said the anti-corruption team swung into action and the two miscreants were spotted near Y junction below Old MLA Hostel.

Considering that the spot was a public place and with shoppers around during the tiem, he said efforts were made to apprehend the two miscreants with the use of minimum force, and accordingly one of the officers approached them from the front and asked them to stop and surrender immediately.

H o w e ve r, i n s t e a d of surrendering, the SSP claimed one of the miscreants tried to pull out his firearm by reaching his hand at the back which led two officers to immediately

overpower him and pinned him to the ground. His pistol was also seized from his possession before he could lay his hands on it.

On seeing that his friend was neutralized, Sophie said the other miscreant became aggressive and confronted one of the police officers and tried to snatch the loaded firearm from the officer.

And in the ensuing scuffle, the gun got fired, hitting the miscreant from the left side of his neck and he fell down on the spot and succumbed to the bullet injury. He said the deceased’s family member had been informed of the incident after observing all the necessary formalities.

Nagaland COVID tally crosses 300 mark Organizations demand action against extortion

BSL-2 lab to be inaugurated on June 29: Pangnyu

NAGALAND COVID-19 STATUS AS ON JUNE 23, 2020 Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang Wokha Zunheboto

Asymptomatic cases 43 0 35 0 0 23 83 1 3 0 1

Total

189

District

50 new COVID cases on June 24; Active: 189 & recovered: 141 DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): Nagaland on Tuesday reported 50 more COVID-19 positive cases, taking the total number of cases in the state to 330 till date.

State Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom informed

Recovered

Total Cases

113 0 21 0 0 0 2 0 5 0 0

156 0 56 0 0 23 85 1 8 0 1

141

330

that the 50 fresh cases were detected from 312 samples that were tested. He said that 24 cases were reported from Dimapur quarantine centre, 14 from Kohima quarantine centre and 12 from Peren quarantine centre.

With this the state now has 189 active cases and 141 recovered, total 330.

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

per the severity of symptoms, all the 189 active cases were asymptomatic, principal secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha said during the daily briefing.

Till date, a total of 9950 samples have been tested out of which results of 8467 samples were received, he added.

Out of the 9950 samples, 7121 samples were received at the BSL-3 lab (Naga Hospital Authority Kohima) till June 23. The BSL-3 lab has so far tested 5926 samples, out of which 271 samples were positive.

In addition, a total of 3026 samples have been tested by TrueNat, out of which 28 samples tested positive and sent for confirmation by RT-PCR. Further, 2,501 samples have tested negative and the results of 497 samples were awaited.

Currently, 6405 persons are lodged at the government facility quarantine.

DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): Coming down hard against the unabated and rampant illegal forcible ‘tax collection’ on the business community in Dimapur which was earlier highlighted by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Public Action Committee (PAC) of the Naga Council Dimapur, ACAUT and other organizations have also demanded immediate action from the state government to curb the menace plaguing society.

PAC through its media cell expressed “utter disgust and pain” and strongly condemned the excessive spree of collection of “illegal multiple taxation on Dimapur traders by Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).”

PAC said while the state police personnel were fully engaged in a 24x7 battle against the pandemic it accused the NNPGs of taking undue advantage

of the current situation by starting rampant collection of money in Dimapur and causing tremendous mental harassment on traders.

PAC wondered as to how long can public continue to succumb to such taxations which affects everyone either directly or indirectly and since traders pass on the ‘taxation’ on the consumers for which the public ends up the loser. It said no mercy has been shown to traders in spite of the lockdown due to the pandemic and described it as “most insensible and beyond comprehension.” PAC said consumers depend on other states for all commodities, be it hardware, essential items .

It said taxation imposed on transportation agencies have already reached the zenith that transporters are on the verge of closing down their activities.

PAC said it viewed such activities seriously as these will affect the entire state and cripple its econ-

omy since every business depended on transporter to deliver goods.

On behalf of the public of Dimapur, PAC made a serious appeal on the state government to “protect is citizens from such illegal rampant collection going on in broad daylight”. It cautioned, that if the cry of the public went unheeded, the consequences could lead to further breakdown of law and order when citizens will be unprotected against such elements loitering in and around Dimapur. Further, PAC said such rampant extortion taking place in the commercial city of Dimapur will onsequently also affect all other districts.

In the light of the above, PAC maintained that the state government was not unaware of such activities. Therefore, it said the state government’s silence only revealed either incapability, complacency or complicity with these ele(Cont’d on p-8) ments.

Rally in Peren reaffirms 4-pt charter of demand Over 15000 return to state

ZSUN and KSO volunteers along with civil society organizations during the rally on Tuesday. (NP)

DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): Expressing dismay over state government’s stand conveyed through the DC Peren in June 18, Zeliangrong Students Union, Nagaland (ZSUN) and Kuki Students Organization (KSO) along with civil society organizations staged a protest rally in Peren town Tuesday reaffirming the four-point charter of demand submitted to the chief minister through DC Peren on June 10.

At least around one hundred protestors, young and old, took to the street to voice out their demand, particularly in connection with the June 3 incident where one female COVID positive was sent along with other returnees to Peren district. Some of them were seen with banners/placards which read: “We demand legitimisation of our right to equality”, “We demand justice” etc.

Earlier, an official ex-

plained that the inadvertent mistake occurred when one female returnee (22 years), whose name was similar to another female returnee (19 years) boarded the bus to Peren. It was learnt that the both the females were lodged at the same quarantine facility In a statement, ZSUN president Dithuibo Newmai and general secretary Adonia Herie said that the state government has forgotten its role and responsibility

and despite the tall claims that it had made initially, the otherwise pathetic reality is out in the open.

With increase in COVID cases in the district and the district COVID 19 hospital gripped with scarce facilities, ZSUN said the indifferent attitude of the state government to the demand of the union was nothing but a step motherly treatment.

ZSUN said it has planned to stage a series of protests in Jalukie town on June 24, Ngwalwa on June 25 and Tening on June 26.

On June 10, ZSUN had also staged a symbolic protest after which a representation was submitted to the chief minister submitted through DC Peren.

ZSUN demanded prompt action against the erring officials responsible for sending a COVID-19

DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): A data released by the high powered committee on COVID-19 revealed that 15,799 citizens have so far returned to Nagaland from other parts of the country.

As per the data, (Cont’d on p-8) 82.44% were employed in

various sectors before the nationwide lockdown was imposed (See table). Interestingly, 2775 (17.56%) out of the total returnees were placed under “no job or blank” category while 6072 (38.43%) were placed under miscellaneous category.

(Cont’d on p-8)

KOHIMA, JUN 23 (NPN): The much awaited BSL-2 laboratory in Dimapur is all set to be inaugurated on June 29.

With the approval of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) having been received, the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department will be inaugurating the BSL-2 lab in Dimapur on June 29, H&FW minister Pangnyu Phom here on Tuesday.

Pangnyu also informed that the cabinet had approved six posts of research scientists and six laboratory technicians to operate the new laboratory. The minister mentioned that he would officially inaugurate the much-awaited second laboratory of the State.

(Correspondent)

4 border entry points opened

DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): Even as the inter-state borders remained sealed in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Dimapur district administration has granted relaxation at four entry points along Nagaland-Assam border with effect from June 24, 2020. The four locations include Bor Lengri Imli Ghas Junction; LRC Bridge connecting Balijan; Notun Basti bridge connecting Tea Garden and Aoyimsen.

In an order, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi stated relaxation has been granted for allowing movement of the people settled in the border areas of Dimapur for essential needs/availing medical facilities and the students to pursue their education. DC stated that a register would be maintained at the gate for registering anyone passing through the interstate boundary. DC also said that thermal screening would be done, adding that use of masks and hand sanitizer were mandatory.

K Y M C

state

2

CIH facilitates production & distribution of planting materials

Planting materials of various horticultural crops in CIH nursery units for distribution and planting.

DIMAPUR: During the national lockdown, the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland has been able to supply more than 30000 planting materials of

various horticultural crops like acid lime, cashewnut, khasi mandarin, mosambi, guava and mango in Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, Mokokchung & Phek dis-

tricts.

A press release from CIH Nagaland stated that, CIH has already established 20 nos. of mother blocks of crops like cashew, citrus,

mango, guava, kinnow mandarin, Assam lemon, Khasi mandarin, pineapple, litchi, aonla, peach, bael, sapota, ber, custard apple and fig in 14 ha land. It is estimated that an area of 70 Ha of area has been established in farmers’ field in various districts of Nagaland through the planting materials supplied

by CIH, Nagaland.

CIH Nagaland was set up in the year 2005-06 with the objective to provide institutional support for development of horticulture in North East region. One of the key objectives of the institute is to facilitate production and distribution of disease free planting material to the farming community and has been working tirelessly towards availability of genuine planting material.

Special POCSO court convicts one of rape

DIMAPUR: Special judge POCSO Act, Kohima, Neichochiyi Suyie, on June 16, 2020 convicted and sentenced accused Robert Debbarma to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and directed to pay fine of Rs. 5,000 for committing rape upon a minor child in July 2018.

A press release from special public prosecutor Kohima, Kathu Rengma stated that, accused person was arrested on January 28, 2019 based on FIR filed by a member of Child Welfare Committee, Kohima and case was investigated by UBSI Levinuo Nguwi who submitted charge sheet against the accused person. During trial, altogether eight prosecution witnesses were examined

to prove the case. After hearing, the special public prosecutor and the defense counsel, the special judge, considering the evidence on record, ruled that accused Robert Debbarma, who was living with the prosecutrix in the same house, had committed rape upon the prosecutrix, who was about 13-year-old at the time of the incident and accordingly convicted the accused person on March 11, 2020 under section 376 (2) (f)(i)(j) of Indian Penal Code and under section 6 of the POCSO Act. Hearing on the quantum of punishment was taken up and accordingly on June 16, the special judge gave the final order and sentenced the accused person. Special judge also awarded a

compensation of Rs. 1, 25, 000 to the prosecutrix under the Nagaland State Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012.

Meanwhile, public prosecutor Zunheboto J Khetoholi Yeputhomi reported that the court of district & sessions judge Zunheboto, Khesheli Chishi convicted accused Puloka Awomi and accused Pikato Shohe to undergo 10 years rigorous imprisonment under section 365/304 part 1 IPC for death of deceased victim Lunkholal Singson. Accordingly an amount of Rs. 2,00,000/- (two lakh ) only was awarded to the wife of victim under the Victim Compensation Scheme U/S 357 A of Cr.P.C. Judgment was pronounced on May 20, 2020.

IN MEMORY OF

DC Wokha notifies

Dimapur: DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha has informed all general public that in pursuance of the office of the chief engineer, PWD (NH) Nagaland that Right of Way (RoW) in build-up area and in open area has been restricted to 8.50 meters and 24.00 meters respectively, and notified that all survey works for assessment of

properties likely to be damaged during the construction would be carried out along the stretch of NH 02 from 72.4 KM to 83.00KM (Niropen gate to hammock resort) and the earlier affidavit signed for the same is declared null and void.

Further, re-assessment of the property damages based on ministry’s approval will be notified.

DAPCU informs

Dimapur: District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) Dimapur has informed that since District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) has been designated as COVID-19 hospital, service of HIV, STI and OSD including testing and treatment have been temporarily shifted to new locations.

DAPCU Dimapur has also informed that ART plus centre has been shifted to VIHAAN office opposite to fire brigade, Police Colony, OST centre for IDUs to Public College of Commerce and HIV testing services at RNTCP (DTC) Super Market and urban PHCs of Burma Camp and Duncan.

5 th Death Anniversary

news in Brief CoGA introductory meet: Chairman of the committee on government assurances (CoGA) 2020-2021 has fixed the committee introductory meeting for the year 2020-21 on July 1, 11 a.m at committee room of the NLA secretariat. All members of the committee on government assurances have been requested to attend the meeting.

NSCN (I-M) has terminates: NSCN (I-M) through its MIP has informed that TC Among Sangtam, under secretary, ministry of war victim welfare, GPRN, and N. Kiviho Kiba, leacy of union territory (UT) have been terminated from active national service for extorting in the name of NSCN-K (Yung Aung) and subsequently arrested by the Nagaland Police in Dimapur. They had deliberately violated the national principle and ahza of the government.

Clarification from DPRO Dimapur: Apropos the news item published under the headline, “More passengers arrive Dimapur by flight from Kolkata” on June 22, the DPRO Dimapur office clarified that the bus carrying Kohima passengers on its way halted at Agri Expo to pick up some Kohima bound passengers.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

of Lt. Imtisashi (Longkhum) Died on : 24th June 2015

"Five years have passed since that sad day, When one we loved was called away.

God took him home. It was His will, But in our hearts he liveth still.

The love and memory of you shall never pass away".

DP-2377

In loving memory of our beloved Late Mrs. Moasenla on her

15/06/1977 – 17/06/2020 We the bereaved family members of Late Imkongsanen Longkumer express our heartfelt and deepest gratitude to all the individuals and well wishers who stood by us in their prayers and also mentally, physically and financially during the sad demise of our beloved.

We regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually but pray that our Almighty God continues to bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children and Relatives DP-2381

24/06/2019

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Loving Wife and family members.

1st Death Anniversary

Your life was a Blessing Your memory a Treasure You're loved beyond Words And missed beyond Measure.

DP-2379

LT. ORENSAO EZUNG

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Loving Husband, Son, Family Members & Relatives

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Late Sashiwati Died on 25.03.2020 We, the bereaved family members, would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude and thank to each and everyone for rendering your service in every possible ways at the demise of our beloveth. It is our humble prayer that the Almighty God bless you abundantly.

From, Family Members.

MKC-148

IQAC, Modern College Kohima (MCK) successfully conducted faculty development programme (FDP) on the effective use of IT in online classes on June 23.

(MCK principal)

Chümoukedima Circle meeting held on COVID-19

DIMAPUR: EAC & convenor, Chümoukedima Circle COVID-19 Task Force, Thejavizo Nakhro in a circular has informed to all the villages/wards under Chümoukedima Circle that, there will be a special meeting-cumtraining programme on June 25, 11 a.m and 2 p.m at Chumukedima Town Council hall (CTC) on tackling COVID-19 pandemic with Christian Institute of Health Science & Research (CIHSR) as the training partner.

According to DIPR report, EAC informed all the village council chairman, head GB, youth president & women chairperson/president of concerned wards/ villages to attend the meeting-cum-training without fail as per schedule given: Group A on June 25, 10:30 a.m to 1 p.m, namely Seitheke Old, Seitheke A, Seitheke New, Seitheki C, Chümoukedima village, Chümoukedima A, Khopanala, Khriesephe, Sovima, Tenyiphe I, Tenyiphe II, Toulazouma, Virazouma, Unity, Urra, Vidima, 5th Mile Model, 7th Mile Model, 7th Mile Model village, Tir, Selouphe, Sodzulhou, Murise, Naga United, Aoyim, Bade, Tsithrongse, Diezephe, Singrijan and Shokhuvi. Group B on June 25, 1:30 p.m to 4 p.m, namely Aoyimti, Bamunpukhuri A, Bamunpukhuri B, Chekiye, Doragajan, Diphupar B, Ekhyo Yan (Domukhia), Doragajan, Doshehe, Dubagaon, Ekranipathar, Eralibill, Kirha, Khushiabill, L. Hotovi, Naharbari (East Dimapur Town Council), Purana Bazar A (East DimaK Y M C

pur Town Council), Purana Bazar B, Padumpukhiri, Samaguri, Shozukhu, Toluvi, Thilixu, Zani, Ikeshe, Chümoukedima Town Council.

He further informed villages/wards to set-up village/ward Task Force on COVID-19 if not yet set up in their respective village/ ward to attend to COVID-19 related issue.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LATE I. LONGKOKTOSHI IMCHEN

Born on - 16.05.1950 – Died on - 24.06.2019

One year since you have gone home to be with the Lord; but you live forever in our hearts and memories.

We love you and miss you forever.

Loving wife, children, grandchildren and all family members DP-2375

DIED ON 24TH JUNE 2019 IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE YOU LEFT US, YOU ARE DEEPLY REMEMBERED EVERY MOMENT IN OUR LIVES. TIME FLIES AWAY SO SOON BUT NOT A SINGLE DAY PASSES WITHOUT YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS. WE PRAY TO ALMIGHTY GOD TO GRANT EVERLASTING PEACE TO YOUR SOUL TO STAY FORTUNATELY IN HIS DIVINE PARADISE. MISS YOU DAD. LOVING WIFE, CHILDREN AND RELATIVES DP-2380

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Words fail to express our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, friends, churches, organisations, and well wishers, who stood by us during the prolonged illness and sad demise of our beloved Late Mr. Chubawati Walling (Mangkolemba) on 08/06/2020.

Your support has been a great source of solace during this moment of grief.

We cannot repay the noble deeds you all have done to us, but we pray that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

From loving wife and children K-1131

Lt. KHALOPOTO LADU

Ecclesiastes 12:7“And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” We, the bereaved family of Lt. Lasievilie Khezhie would like to convey our heartiest gratitude to Khedi Baptist Church Kohima, all individuals, groups (Krotho), Neighbors, Friends and well wishers who stood by us financially, physically, morally and spiritually during his illness till his demise on 24/05/2020.

We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally, but we sincerely pray that may our Almighty God shower His blessings upon you all.

Loving wife, children & all the relatives K-1132

12th Feb. 1922 – 18th June. 2020 We, the bereaved family members would like to convey our heartfelt and profound gratitude to one and all who stood by us spiritually, physically, financially and morally at the sudden demise of our beloved father Lt. Khalopoto Ladu on 18/06/20.

We wish to convey our special thanks to: 1. Neiba Kronu, Minister Planning & Co-ordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs.

2. V.C.C Khezhakeno 3. Khezhakeno Welfare Society, Kohima 4. CCRC, Chetheba Centre.

5. CRC Upper Khezhakeno 6. KCRC Women Deptt. Khezhakeno 7. CRC. AG Road Kohima 8. CRC. AG Road Miapuonuo Krotho.

9. CRC AG Road Miazuonuo Krotho 10. CYE AG Road Kohima 11. Police Baptist Church Pfütsero 12. E.E. PWD (H) Division, Kohima 13. Tshemi Ladumi Welfare Society Khezhakeno 14. Zhipfemi Kalapfümi Kro Khezhakeno 15. Timikha Koza & Family 16. Kevekha Kevin Zehol & Family 17. K. Khape Koza & Family 18. V. Pfükrulhou Koza & Family 19. N. Lakha Koza & Family 20. Isac Kronu & Family 21. N Neilo Koza & Family 22. Vibeilietuo Kets & Family 23. Helie Rüpreo & Family 24. K Puroh & Family 25. Er. Vikosa & Family 26. Vilaho Zehol & Family 27. D. Kemvü Koza & Family 28. Kodolhou Sono & Family 29. Merhaso Pfüno & Family 30. D. Kapanyi Tshemi & Family Members 31. D. Senokha Koza & Family.

We deeply regret and apologize for our inability to thank each and every one individually. Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude, we pray that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren & Family members K-1129 K Y M C

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

COVID-19: Trainings, review meetings, preventive measure continue

DIMAPUR: Various measures, meetings and trainings continue in the state as preparedness to combat spread of COVID-19. Agriculture and Horticulture sectors have been playing their role during this pandemic period by encouraging farmers to take up large scale farming. In order to further prevent possible spread of the virus through saliva, the concerned department for tobacco control has been giving awareness through poster campaigns.

Returnees at quarantine centres are also reminded to maintain discipline while in quarantine for their own and others’ safety. Meanwhile, various church bodies continue to extend voluntary service through cooking meals for quarantine inmates and frontline workers. Periodic review meetings are also conducted by district administrations to assess the activities in their respective districts.

Dimapur district

Wokha district

Longleng district C19K Longleng 35 days of service

DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi addressing the Dimapur District Task Force meeting at Lotha Baptist Church Bhandari reopened on June 21 to celebrate Father’s the conference hall, DC office Dimapur on June 23. (DIPR) Day service and maintained social distancing as per protocol. (DIPR)

Dimapur DTF discusses on COVID related issues DPDB Wokha approves LADP scheme 2020-21

The Dimapur District Task Force (DTF) under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner Dimapur Anoop Khinchi held a meeting on June 23 and decided not to allow footpath vendors to sit below the Flyover Bridge and Nyamo Lotha road.

According to DIPR report, the decision was taken to avoid rush in the footpath and for maintaining social distance in view of the present pandemic.

DC Dimapur expressed concern about the normal OPD patients suffering from varied ailments like cancer, heart, surgical cases and felt the need to draw an action plan for addressing the problem.

Anoop also informed the members that proposal for CT scan machine has been put up under ONGCs CSR initiative.

Echoing on the same line, MS Dimapur Dr. Kheshito Zhimomi while informing that the lone government hospital at

Dimapur has been addressing only COVID-19 cases for the past 3 months, felt an urgent need for addressing the plight of normal patients.

Members decided to bring to the attention of the government to expedite construction of the 100 bedded abandoned hospital at Chümoukedima so that it can be used as Dimapur COVID hospital and later can be used as Infectious Diseases Hospital as was done in other cities.

Director CISHR, Dr. Sedevi emphasised on the need and importance of mass awareness campaign stating that with reliable information people would definitely co-operate with the administration.

He observed that presently, COVID situation was decreasing as all returnees has come back. However, Dr. Sedevi felt that all the tribes, NGOs, churches, the different Samaj and every part of the society has to be involved for cre-

ating mass campaign in educating the people in order to contain community transmission. “This is one area where we really need to step up,” he opined.

Anoop also agreed that information must reach all the households and said that all NGOs would be trained to educate the people on the rules to be followed to keep away from Coronavirus.

It was also decided that border areas would continue to remain sealed, however students, government employees with ID cards and serious medical cases would be placed under the category in Borlengri gate.

Deputy CMO Dimapur Dr. Antoly Suu also advised for strict monitoring of the border areas in order to avoid community transmission. Anoop Kinchi encouraged all to coordinate and to keep going with a delicate balance according to the changing times.

Tuensang district TDTF holds review meeting Tuensang District Task Force (TDTF) for COVID-19 held a meeting at DC conference hall Tuensang on June 23. According to DIPR report, members at the meeting discussed reduction of quarantine centres (QCs) as per intake and numbers of inmates in the facilities by July and August. This was a prospective exercise to vacate the academic infrastructures being used as QCs in the district. Dr. Moa Jamir, CMO Tuensang updated the members on Truenat machine of Tuensang and its functions. As of Monday evening, total number of 579 samples have been tested out of which 433 results are being received and 146 results awaits.

Meanwhile, Dr. John highlighted that total of 385 inmates were at QCs in Tuensang where 60 of them in JNV Chare, 40 in Abigail Hostel Longkhim,108 in Sao Chang College and 113 in ITI QC and the remaining in CBLT office and Sedem polytechnic. Earlier, the meeting was chaired by Kumar Ramnikant, DC and chairman DTF Tuensang.

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Is t h e re n e e d f o r decentralisation of powers in Nagaland to various districts?

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

A B C

Department of Food and Civil Supply distributed food grains under Atma Nirbhar Bharat (ANB) scheme, for the month of May and June to migrants workers at Tseminyu town on June 23. According to DIPR report, inspector (F & CS) Sashila Pongon informed that there were more than two hundred migrant workers found in Tseminyu town, which included migrant workers from both outside the state and also from other districts of home state, Nagaland. Accordingly, food grains were distributed at its godown, Tseminyu to the beneficiaries after having shown their identity cards, such as aadhaar, driving license and other valid cards to concerned department.

Peren district

Mokokchung district

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A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

67% 0% 33%

June 24

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Some sun with a stray t-storm 33 26

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm 28 21

Guwahati A thunderstorm in spots

30 25

A t-storm around in the a.m.

28 22

Itanagar Cloudy with a stray t-storm

28 23

Shillong A thunderstorm in spots

24 19

A shower and t-storm around

24 19

Dimapur Cloudy with a passing shower 31 24

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

Tuensang A shower and t-storm around Wokha

Food grains for migrant workers issued at Tseminyu

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WEATHER FORECAST

Mkg

Beneficiaries of ANB scheme under Food and Civil Supplies department in Tseminyu on June 23. (DIPR)

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indicate a major earthquake in India?  Yes.  No.  Can’t say.

Kohima

Poster campaign on national tobacco control was conducted at Kohima to create awareness to the public not to spit in public places to fight against the spread of COVID-19 on June 23. According to DIPR report, Dr. Arenla Walling, district nodal officer of District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), said spitting release saliva in the air and on the ground that increases the risk of spread of COVID-19, stating that it was the right time to quit chewing tobacco products for a safer and better health. She also stated that chewing of tobacco such as paan and betel nut could become a source of infection if handled by suspected vendors. Sharing tobacco products such as cigarettes and pipes can transmit the virus between people. Dr. Arenla also said that smokers have greater chance of transmission of virus from hand to mouth due to frequent lip touching. Adding that anyone exposed to second-hand smoke may be similarly vulnerable to COVlD-19 as tobacco users.

Dr. Arenla said that District Tobacco Control Cell is also putting up posters in most of the quarantine centres in Kohima and also distributing posters in others villages at Kohima district to create awareness of tobacco control further encouraged to be responsible citizens to fight against COVID-19. The awareness programme was organised by the District Tobacco Control Cell Kohima,under the National Health Mission department of Health and Family Welfare.

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Q: Do frequent tremors

Imphal

Kohima district DTCC conducts poster campaign on tobacco

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Next poll

Aizawl

The monthly district planning and development board (DPDB) meeting was held on June 23 at deputy commissioner conference hall Wokha, attended by chairman DPDB, Wokha and advisor of Horticulture & Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan and Dr. Chumben Murry, MLA. According to DIPR report, vice-chairman & DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha who chaired the meeting welcomed the new board members assistant development commissioner (Planning) Nchubemo Kikon and excise inspector Phira. During the meeting the Board recommended for approval to the state government on LADP schemes and common pool 2020-21 of Wokha district. DC while giving brief report on the COVID-19 related activities in the district said, s the district has received 446 returnees, out of which 226 returnees were released for home quarantine while 179 were under institutional quarantine.

He also informed that so far, the district has tested 188 returnees and all tested negative. MhathungYanthan stated that the government was taking very seriously and hold threadbare discussions to contain the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in the state. He urged the District Task Force to apprise any difficulties faced by them so that the matter could be taken up to the higher authority for necessary action. Dr. Chumben Murry also suggested for conversion of Trauma Care Centre which is attached to Wokha District Hospital into quarantine centre. After thorough discussion the board agreed to convert the centre into quarantine center as most of the schools and institutions used as quarantine centres have to be handed over for the expected resumption of normal classes. The board also discussed dismal performance of government schools in the district of the recently declared HLSC result, however due to absence of concerned department heads, retired recently the matter would be taken up in the next board meeting for thorough introspection.

Women department of Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA), Longleng under the District Task Force Longleng has been managing the COVID-19 community kitchen voluntarily inside the mission compound (Phom Lempong) by converting the PBCA kitchen to official COVID-19 Kitchen (C19K). According to DIPR report, they have been catering to hundreds of people daily including returnees and frontline workers since May 18 and completed 35 days of selfless service to the people. Since day one they have been working tirelessly to provide seamless supply of well-cooked organic food and varieties of other delicacies from time to time. The kitchen management committee comprise of all the lady staff and wives of the PBCA staff headed by P. Angbhen Phom, woman secretary PBCA and Chingong, literature secretary.

Tialemba executive secretary PBCA informed that initially people were scared of COVID-19 and reluctant to cater service to the inmates in the quarantine centre. He said when the deputy commissioner & chairmen District Task Force approached the association to volunteer and manage the COVID-19 Kitchen, the PBCA took the task knowing the risk. He further mentioned that everything in the district was running smoothly because of the consolidated effort of the government officers and frontline workers with NGOs and churches under the district administration. Sharing her experience the kitchen management leader, Angbhen said that the team felt privileged and grateful to volunteer their service to the community during such crisis.

Angbhen asserted that COVID-19 has pulled everyone together with one responsibility to contain and defeat the virus but there was no end to this fight. Giving a strong message to the people she said strength to fight this virus lies in unity, compassion, faith, prayer and discipline of people. Longleng Town Students union (LTSU) under Phom Students conference (PSC) is shouldering the responsibility of delivering food items to the quarantine centres and working hand in hand with the C19K management committee as delivery team from day one.

PBCA team led by the executive secretary has also visited the remote villagers of Assam Nagaland border and organized prayer programmes in the quarantine centres from time to time.

25 20 19 16

A morning t-storm in the area 25 21

Zunheboto A morning t-storm; cloudy

K Y M C

22 18

Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Nungshimeren and others Food prepared by Kejanglwa villagers for the inmates of during a meeting with district officials on June 22. (DIPR) quarantine centres being sanctified on June 22. (DIPR)

Health & Family Welfare officials visit Jalukie Director to Health & Family Welfare department, Dr. Nungshimeren & additional director Dr. Vikato visited Jalukie on June 22 to oversee the preparedness of Peren District COVID-19 Task Force.

According to DIPR report, the visiting team held a meeting at customary court, ADC office Jalukie with various civil organisations, medical fraternity, police personnel and JAC, under the chairmanship of ADC Jalukie, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang.

Addressing the gathering additional director, Dr. Vikato acknowledged the consolidated effort and the tireless service rendered by Peren District Task Force, Medical fraternity and other frontline workers for catering best service to Peren district. He said that if returnees failed to maintain self-discipline in their respective quarantine centres, COVID-19 positive cases would increase. Dr. Vikato also suggested the district authority to inform the returnees to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus in quarantine centres.

Dr. Nungshimeren also said that testing COVID-19 positive was a big challenge for society as whole and every district should be strong enough to tackle such crisis and try to cater best service to contain COVID in quarantine centres. He added that in the time of crisis all the Nagas should come forward and cooperate with the Medical department. He also requested the administration and Police personnel to focus on quarantine centres and monitor strictly the do’s & dont’s of returnees to avoid any unprecedented incidents in the centre. He also spoke on the rational use of PPEs and advised the MS, Dy. CMO and SMO to train the nurses and paramedic to help the technician and doctor in collecting the samples of returnees so as to reduce the workload.

Earlier, Dy. CMO, Dr. Supongmenla also gave a brief report and said that around 380 Chennai returnees were received and out of 200 results 73 were tested positive. She also said that the department has targeted JNV to be COVID Care Centre since CHC Jalukie has a capacity of 20 beds only, out of which 10 beds for males and 10 beds for females.

DC Peren constitutes district legal team

Officials of MTLT, DAYO and Esa Telongjem, Chümoukedima at Longkumer Kilem.

MTLT & DAYO provide life-saving drugs

Understanding the need of the different patients, elderly and the needy, the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) in collaboration with Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) and Esa Telongjem, Chümoukedima has been freely providing courier service of essential life-saving drugs to the patients at Mokokchung town, Tuli and Changtongya towns.

A press release from MTLT media cell stated that, the free courier service was necessitated as patients who were suffering from different illnesses had requested the youths to reach out especially in the present nationwide lockdown. This is the second time that the MTLT, DAYO and Esa Telongjem are reaching out to the patients with the essential medicines, undertaken as a part of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation programme. Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation and Esa Telongjem from Dimpaur were led by DAYO general secretary S. Panger and Esa Telongjem, Chümoukedima representatives Er. Moamanen Imchen and assistant professor Supongtemsu.

In view of the pandemic and taking into account the large number of individuals entering the district from all parts of the country, the district established several quarantine facilities to accommodate returnees as per Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) issued by the government from time to time. According to DIPR report, DC Peren stated that violations of government orders by returnees were reported at some quarantine facilities.

DC Peren, Sentiwapang Aier constituted district legal team (DLT) with members; EAC Ngwalwa, Rumbemo T. Kithan as convener, SDPO Peren Vikato Thonger and APP Peren, Zheviholi Swu. Meanwhile, the members are to identify all legal provisions with regard to violations of government orders by the inmates of quarantine centres, identify all legal provisions with regard to non-compliance of government orders by government employees, establish a standard operating procedure for imposition of specific legal provisions on individuals violating government orders, any legal matters related to COVID-19 matters assigned to the team by the undersigned.

Further, DLT has convened a meeting to SDAO Mangkolemba, A. Temsu Aier along with Mongchen Village discuss on mentioned points on June 26, 1 p.m Council members inaugurated water harvesting structure under at DC office, New Hq. PMKSY (2019-20) on June 23. (SDAO office Mangkolemba) K Y M C

4

northeast

Cong weakening soldiers’ morale: Nadda

GUWAHATI, JUN 23 (PTI): The Congress is behaving “very irresponsibly” and weakening the morale of soldiers by its statements at a time when the country is in the midst of a standoff with China in Ladakh, BJP president J P Nadda said on Tuesday.

Addressing party workers in Assam digitally from Delhi, Nadda claimed that the BJP had always stood with the government on issues of national security when it was in opposition.

“It is sad that the opposition is only indulging in mud-slinging. It is very irresponsible. We were also in opposition for a very long time, but we stood by (Jawaharlal) Nehru in 1962, (Lal Bahadur) Shashtri in 1965 and Indira Gandhi in 1971.

“But now you see.

Kargil or Ladakh -- they are only busy in mud-slinging.

The Congress is weakening the morale of the soldiers by their statements,” he said.

Without naming anyone, Nadda alleged that a Congress leader had secretly met the Chinese Ambassador to India during the Doklam stand-off between

JP Nadda addresses the Assam Jan Samvad virtual rally, at party office in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI) the two neighbours.

In a tweet earlier, Nadda had accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of secretly going to the Chinese embassy during the Doklam stand-off.

“You ask for proof of surgical strikes, air strikes -- what is this? How can a country run like this? We need to give a befitting reply to them (Congress) and our party workers need to expose them in front of the people,” he added.

The BJP chief alleged that India was infamous on the world stage for corruption during the six decades after Independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi “finished the

incomplete works of 60 years in just six years. He has been able to bridge the gap of 60 years in six years”, Nadda said.

“There was policy paralysis. Nobody knew who the PM was -- was he operating from 7 Race Course Road (Prime Minister’s official residence) or from somewhere else,” Nadda said in an apparent reference Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

The BJP leader asserted that Modi has been praised world over for his effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing bold decisions like imposing lockdown in a country of

135 crore people.

“It was a bold and timely decision, which helped India prepare to fight the coronavirus. In March, India was not producing a single personal protective equipment, but today we are making 4.5 lakh kits every day.

“At that time, our doubling rate was three days, but it is 17 days now. We had only 1,500 daily testing capacity, but we now have 1.5 lakh capacity,” Nadda told the party workers.

The senior BJP leader slammed the Congress for allegedly questioning “every decision” of the Centre regarding the lockdown and other COVID-19 related decisions.

“During the lockdown, you asked why it was implemented, why it was extended and then why it was withdrawn. Your own party-ruled states imposed lockdown before (the Centre did it). They even sought to withdraw it later,” he said.

Nadda said the BJPled gover nment at the Centre is fighting a twofront battle under Modi’s leadership -- one against the COVID-19 virus and the other on the economic

front. He also highlighted the features of the Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced by the Centre.

He also emphasised on the advantages of the unique products of Assam like bamboo, tea, petroleum, muga silk and jute, and appealed to the people of the state to leverage these.

Praising Assam on its fight against the coronavirus, Nadda said the BJP-led government in the state managed the situation very well and helped poor people financially.

On the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he said the Centre has exempted its application from states with inner-line permits and for sixth schedule areas.

“It is our duty to bring the religiously persecuted people into the mainstream. (Mahatma) Gandhi, Nehru, Manmohan Singh -- all spoke about it, but they could not do it.

Only Narendra Modi did it,” Nadda stressed.

The BJP president also spoke about solving various problems of the Northeast such as Bodo insurgency and Bru settlement among others.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Tripura schools served notices for hiking fees Agartala, Jun 23 (PTI): The Tripura government has served notices to 11 private and unaided schools for increasing fees during the lockdown period, defying the directives issued by the education department, state minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Tuesday.

Nath, the education minister, said that the department had on May 6 asked all the 343 private and unaided schools not to hike fees during the lockdown period.

“We served notices to 11 such schools after receiving complaints that despite our directives, fees were increased in those schools.

This is not acceptable,” Nath told reporters here.

The state education department also held a meeting with the 343 schools on May 14 in this regard.

“In spite of requests from the department, me and guardians of students, several schools hiked fees.

Action will be taken against those schools who dare to disobey government directives,” the minister said.

Around 1.24 lakh students study in 343 private and unaided schools in eight districts of Tripura.

CBI arrives Imphal to grill former CM O.Ibobi Singh Imphal, Jun 23 (AGENCIES): Not unexpectedly, after the recent jolt to the BJP-led coalition when nine MLAs withdrew support but managed to win the Rajya Sabha election through controversial decisions of the Speaker, the leader of the newly formed Secular Progressive Front(SPF) and former three-time chief minister O. Ibobi Singh is to face questioning from the CBI. According to reports, a team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrived in the state on Tuesday to question former chief minister and Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh in connection with an alleged case of misappropriation of funds.

The CBI, under the union home ministry, will be questioning the former CM and other officials involved in the alleged misappropriation case at the agency office on Wednesday. Last November, on request of the state government, the CBI raided Ibobi’s residence at Thoubal Makha Leikai and his quarters located at Babupara in Imphal in connection with alleged misappropriation of development funds worth Rs 332 crore.

O. Ibobi Singh

The case pertained to the period when Ibobi as then chief minister was the chairman of the Manipur Development Society (MDS), during which he purportedly conspired with others from June 2009 to July 2017 and misappropriated government development funds worth approximately Rs 332 crore out of Rs 518 crore that was entrusted to them for the purpose of executing developmental works.

The CBI also named three former MDS chairman namely, DS Poonia, PC Lawmuknga and O Nabakishore Singh, all retired bureaucrats. According to reports, two other officials named in the FIR lodged by the CBI include- former project director of MDS Y Ningthem Singh and its administrative officer S Ranjit Singh.

COVID cases Mnp pol crisis: NPP adamant; MLAs taken out of state 23 new COVID cases in Manipur 9innew Arunachal; total Correspondent

IMPHAL, JUN 23: With 23 more returnees tested positive in the last 24 hours, the COVID-19 infections tally in Manipur rose to 921 with 663 active cases.

Officials of the state health department said that eight more patients were discharged today after recovery from the pandemic today, taking the total number of persons cured so far in the state to 258.

The recovery rate in the state is 28.01 percent, it

added. In the last 24 hours, 23 persons- five males and 18 females were confirmed as new COVID-19 positive cases from the VRDLS at RIMS (7) and JNIMS (16), said an official source at the COVID-19 Common Control Room of the state health department.

All were returnees from other states staying at different quarantine centres across the districts of the state. Among them two were from Chandel, one from Churachandpur, six from Imphal West, one from Kakching, two from Kangpokpi and 11

from Senapati districts, the source said.

They were being shifted to the Covid care facilities. All necessary medical precautionary measures like containment and contact tracing were in place, the source said.

The fresh cases were detected during 2,543 samples tested at the two VRDLs during the last 24 hours. A total of 1070 samples were tested at RIMS and 1473 at JNIMS. With these samples, the cumulative test results received till today stood at 40,829, the source added.

1 more COVID-19 case in Sikkim, total 79

Gangtok, Jun 23 (PTI): An Army personnel on Tuesday tested positive for COVID-19 in Sikkim, taking the Himalayan state’s tally to 79, a top Health department official said.

Director General (DG)-cum-Secretary, Health, Dr Pema T Bhutia said the 40-year-old Army personnel tested positive at STNM hospital where he was taken to test for coronavirus after

he had returned to Sikkim from Kolkata on June 21.

The Army personnel has been admitted to isolation wing of STNM hospital as a precautionary measure and he will be tested again after a week, Bhutia said.

The total number of active COVID19 cases in Sikkim has gone up to 50, while 29 patients have fully recovered, the health official said.

rises to 148

Itanagar, Jun 23 (PTI): Nine more people tested positive for COVID19 in Arunachal Pradesh, raising the state’s coronavirus count to 148, an official said on Tuesday.

Ar unachal Pradesh now has 126 active cases, while 22 patients have recovered from the disease, State Surveillance Officer L Jampa said. Six fresh cases were reported from worsthit Changlang district, two from Longding and one from Leparada.

All of them had recently returned from other states -- Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and New Delhi, he said, adding they were in quarantine at a state government facility. The patients are asymptomatic, the official said. “Arunachal Pradesh is still in the green zone as all COVID-19 cases have been reported from government quarantine facilities,” Jampa added.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JUN 23: As National People’s Party (NPP) Manipur unit remained steadfast to its stand of not returning to the BJP-led coalition government, the four NPP legislators have left the state on Tuesday along with Assam minister and BJP’s troubleshooter, Himanta Biwas Sarma, who arrived in Imphal along with NPP president and Meghalaya chief minister Cornad Sangma by a special flight Tuesday.

Sarma and Sangma, who arrived Manipur for the second time in less than a week’s time amid the enforcing COVID-19 protocol, met with the NPP state unit leaders including the four MLAs who had resigned from being cabinet ministers in the Biren-led BJP’s coalition government.

The meeting was held at a farm house of NPP MLA L Jayentakumar who recently resigned as state health minister.

Later, Sarma met with some ministers and MLAs of the BJP including works minister Th Bisawjit at Hotel Grande in Imphal.

Talking to reporters after the series of meetings, Sarma expressed hope that the prevailing turmoil arising out of withdrawal of support to the Biren government by some MLAs, particularly by NPP, would be resolved at the earliest.

He added that the differences between BJP and NPP would be sorted out as soon as possible.

Sarma said that he along with Sangma had arrived to discuss and resolve the issues between the two parties. “We are trying to resolve the issues. They (NPP leaders) are very tough.

They are not in a position to readily agreeable.

Sarma, however, did not explain the demand being placed by NPP and its MLAs. There were reports said that NPP was demanding replacement of leadership

Assam floods: Over 35,000 affected, two dead Third earthquake in Mizoram heavy rain expected in next five days

In many areas in Sivasagar, embankments had been damaged, and roads were affected in both Sivasagar and Dhemaji districts.

GUWAHATI, JUN 23 (AGENCIES): Assam has been hit by a fresh wave of floods, with 36,707 people affected in four districts: Dhemaji, Jorhat, Sivasagar and Dibrugarh. Earlier in May, nearly four lakh people were affected by the first floods of the season, followed by heavy rainfall post-Cyclone Amphan. In the last week too, incessant rainfall has led several rivers, including the Brahmaputra in Dhubri and Neematighat in Jorhat, to flow above the danger level.

As per Pankaj Chakrabarty, state proj-

ect coordinator, ASDMA, the situation is “not very bad yet.” “But in the next four-five days, heavy rain is expected and it might take a turn for the worse. For now, it is under control,” he said.

As per a release by the Central Water Commission on Tuesday, “Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely over Assam & Meghalaya during 25th – 27th.”

This may cause severe inundation in the districts of Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara, Chirang, Baksa, Barpeta, Nalbari districts from June 26 onwards.

“The main Brahmaputra is already in flood throughout its reach. With the rainfall continuously for two to three days as forecasted, it may inundate villages along its banks in the districts of Dhubri, Goalpara, Nalbari, Kamrup, Morigaon, Darang, Tezpur, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Dhemaji, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia” the release added.

According to a bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Tuesday evening, 1,071 people were in relief camps

opened in Dhemaji and Sivasagar. Two deaths — one from Nazira and the other from Sivasgar — has been reported in the past two days.

The release said that no urban floods had been reported yet. In many areas in Sivasagar, embankments had been damaged, and roads were affected in both Sivasagar and Dhemaji districts.

The rest of Nor th East-- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura-- will receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall till June 26.

AIZAWL, JUN 23 (PTI): Two earthquakes struck Mizoram on Sunday and Monday, causing damage to houses and cracks on roads at several places A light intensity earthquake of 3.7 magnitude hit Mizoram on Tuesday, the third quake to rock the northeastern state in three consecutive days. No casualties have been reported from anywhere in the state, officials said, adding the tremor was also felt in the state capital.

“Earthquake of magnitude:3.7; Occurred on 23-06-2020, 19:17:37 IST; Lat: 23.22 and Long: 93.24,” the National Centre for Seismology tweeted. The depth of the quake was 25 km and the epicentre 39 km southeast of Thenzawl in Mizorams Serchhip district.

Two earthquakes struck Mizoram on Sunday and Monday, causing damage to houses and cracks on roads at several places and prompting the government to sound a rain and landslide alert.

A 5.1-magnitude tremor rocked Saitaul district at 4:16 pm on Sunday, followed by a 5.3-magnitude quake in Champhai district at 4.10 am on Monday.

No casualties have been reported.

Several houses and buildings in Champhai, including two churches in

Zokhawthar, have been damaged in the quake, an official said, adding the tremors caused cracks on highways and roads at several places.

An official statement said on Monday that Mizoram could witness heavy to very heavy rain in the next five days and there was a possibility of landslides and mudslides.

“People, especially in landslide-prone areas, are asked to be alert and take precaution to avert casualties,” it said.

DC-554

of the coalition government. During recent visit of Sarma along with Sangma, they demanded removal of N Biren Singh as chief minister if they were to return to the coalition government, sources said.

As they left Imphal, BJP trouble shooter and Meghalaya chief minister took four MLAs of NPP along with them.

Sources said that the four MLAs – Y Joykumar, L Jayentakumar, Letpao Haokip and N Kayasii were taken to Guhawati and likely to head to New Delhi to hold a meeting with BJP national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday.

On the other hand, two national Congress leaders, who arrived Imphal to take stock of the political situation, have returned to New Delhi Tuesday.

AICC general secretary Gaurav Gogoi and former Union minister Ajay

Maken, who is also AICC in-charge of Manipur, had arrived Imphal a few days ago.

However, they were put at the quarantine centre after they were picked up by officials of the state health department as per COVID19 pandemic protocol enforced in the state.

Even though BJP national leaders and NPP president Cornad Sangma were allowed free movement when they visited the state for two times in the recent time, the Congress leaders were not allowed to move out of their quarantine centre at Imphal Hotel.

Meanwhile, amid the prevailing political turmoil, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly summoned senior Congress leader and former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh in connection with a case against him regarding alleged misappropriation of government funds to the tune of Rs 332 crore.

IN THE GAUHATI HIGH COURT (THE HIGH COURT OF ASSAM, NAGAL AND, MIZORAM AND ARUNACHAL PRADESH) KOHIMA BENCH Writ Appeal No. 12/2018

The Union of India and 2 Others : Appellant -VersusThe Kitami Village, Zunheboto, : Respondent Represented by Mr. Inaque Swu To, Mr. Inaque Swu, Chairman of Kitami Village NOTICE UNDER ORDER V, RULE 20, CPC. Please, take Notice that the above mentioned Case W. A. NO.12(K)/2018 has been filed in the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, wherein you have been impleaded as respondent.

That the Hon’ble High Court dated 15.06.2020 has directed for Substitute Notice through local dailies and the matter will be listed on 27.07.2020 for entering of appearance. If no appearance is made on your behalf, by yourself, your advocate, or by someone by law authorized to act for you on the date of appearance, the matter shall be taken up in your absence.

Signed and sealed by the order of the Court this day the 23rd June, 2020.

Deputy Registrar (Judl.)

Gauhati High Court ( Kohima Bench) K-1130 Kohima, Nagaland

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Congress ups ante at CWC meet

Sonia says crisis on LAC attributable to Modi govt’s ‘mismanagement’ NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI): Lambasting the Modi government over the border standoff with China, the Congress on Tuesday asked as to what steps it was taking to ensure that the earlier status is restored in eastern Ladakh as party chief Sonia Gandhi blamed the Centre’s “mismanagement” and “wrong policies” for the crisis.

Deliberating on the issue of “brazen transgressions” by China at a fourhour virtual meeting, the Congress Working Committee said the party has consistently raised it but the only replies by the government and its allies were in the form of “denials, disinformation and diversions”.

It urged the prime minister to uphold his promise that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers would not go in vain. At the meeting, Rahul Gandhi, who has been firing salvos daily at the Modi government over the Ladakh situation, said there has been a “complete and total failure” of foreign policy and accused the prime minister of “destroying” India’s position and “betraying our Army” by accepting China’s stand that it did not occupy any Indian land.

Sonia Gandhi addresses during CWC meeting via video conferencing, in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI video grab)

Adopting a resolution that expressed grave concern on the issue and posed several questions to the government, the CWC noted that the PM’s statement denying Chinese intrusion has had far reaching implications.

“The Prime Minister cannot allow his words to be used by the Chinese as a vindication of their position, when it is clear that the brazen transgressions into our territory were committed by them and our armed forces were, and are, steadfastly defending our territorial integrity,” the resolution said echoing former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s remarks made on Monday that the PM should be “mindful of his words”.

The crisis on the bor-

der, if not tackled firmly, can lead to a serious situation, Manmohan Singh said at the meeting of the Congress’ apex body on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) -- the 3,500-km de-facto border with China. The CWC in its resolution observed with grave concern reports of brazen Chinese transgressions into the Galwan Valley, the Pangong Tso Lake Area and the Hot Springs. “Let no one, including the Chinese, be in doubt that these are inalienable and integral parts of India’s sovereign territory,” it said.

The CWC asserted that India’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable and noted that it remains firmly committed for building a

strong national consensus to defend India’s national interest and defeat the nefarious designs and agenda of China.

“What steps will the government take to ensure restoration of status quo ante,” the apex body of the Congress asked in its resolution. “For China to make audacious claims over our territory, including the Galwan Valley, by resorting to unilateral and unprovoked acts of transgression and incursion, simply cannot be tolerated or accepted,” it said.

The central government is duty bound to protect every inch of India’s territory and repulse every intrusion firmly and decisively, it said.

The CWC also passed two other resolutions criticising the government over its handling the COVOD-19 crisis and the raising petrol prices for 17 consecutive days.

Targeting the Modi government, Rahul Gandhi said India’s relations with once friendly neighbours lie in tatters.

The established institutional structure of diplomacy has been demolished by the PM. Our relations with our once friendly neighbours lie in tatters. Our time

tested relationship with our traditional allies has been interrupted,” he said.

“China has brazenly occupied our territory. The PM has destroyed our position and betrayed our army by accepting their position that they occupied no Indian land. “The Chinese can’t be permitted to get away with this unacceptable usurpation of our land,” he said.

Noting the Congress has consistently raised the issue, the CWC said the only replies by the government and its allies were in the form of denials, disinformation and diversions.

“The facts emerging now are in direct contrast to the narrative that the government is seeking to propagate to the people, it said.

Chairing the meeting which also discussed the situation due to coronavirus, Sonia Gandhi said that the “mismanagement” of the COVID-19 pandemic will be recorded as one of “most disastrous failures” of the Narendra Modi government.

She also hit out at the government for “mercilessly” raising petrol and diesel prices for 17 consecutive days, even when global prices of crude oil were falling.

5

Cong drawing sadistic pleasure from crisis facing country: BJP NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI): The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress of deriving “sadistic pleasure” by “showing” that India has lost land to China in the ongoing military standoff in Ladakh and asserted that not an inch of Indian territory has been seized by the neighbouring country during the current crisis.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit out at Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, alleging that they are “conspiring” to lower the Indian Army’s morale, as he took exception to the Congress Working Committee meeting and its criticism of the Modi government on a day the Army chief was visiting Ladakh. Everyday, Congress leaders keep saying that India is not performing well, India is losing, Indian Army has surrendered, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is weak and has surrendered, Patra alleged.

The Congress has surrendered its shame, he added, noting that it has become a policy of the opposition party to speak lies and mislead people over the issue.

“The Congress is deriving sadistic pleasure,” he said, adding that the Congress should not use

Sambit Patra

misfortunes like COVID-19 or the standoff with China, falling on our country as a “launch pad” for the falling career of its “clown prince”, Patra said, in a reference to Rahul.

Rahul has been attacking Modi over the border standoff, alleging that China has captured Indian territory. He recently taunted the prime minister by calling him “Surender Modi”, seen as a play on the word “surrender”.

The prime minister has asserted India has not lost its territory to China during the current standoff.

Patra likened the criticism of the government by Gandhis to “Saas, bahut and saajish”, saying the daily attack on the Centre by these top two Congress leaders was like “Maa, beta and saajish”.

The Congress president

on Tuesday said the current border crisis is attributable to the “mismanagement” of the BJP-led government and the “wrong policies” pursued by it.

“Misfortunes do not come singly. India has been hit by a terrible economic crisis, a pandemic of huge proportions and, now, by a full-blown crisis on the borders with China. Much of each crisis is attributable to the mismanagement of the BJP-led NDA government and the wrong policies pursued by it,” she said.

Hitting back, Patra questioned if Modi was responsible for the coronavirus and claimed that the Congress was lowering the morale of “corona warriors”, a reference to health and emergency workers engaged in dealing with the pandemic, in the same way it was demotivating the Army over the border row.

India will not tolerate politics on the issue of national security, and everyone should stand with the Army, he said.

Patra said India had legacy issues with China like the capture of its 43,000 sq km land (Aksai Chin) by the neighbouring country, but it has not ceded any new territory in the current crisis.

Army Chief visits Ladakh; Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra held in Puri under curfew takes stock of ground situation

Gen MM Naravane

in the region with Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Yogesh Kumar Joshi, commander of the 14 Corps Lt Gen Harinder Singh and other senior Army officials.

The Army Chief is learnt to have directed the commanders to keep a highlevel of alertness to deal with any Chinese misadventure, people familiar with the issue said.

The Leh-based 14 Corps is tasked to take care of security situation along the Line of Actual Control in the Ladakh region. The Chief of the Army Staff is also visiting a number of forward areas during his

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two-day visit to the region.

Gen Naravane interacted with Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, member of parliament from Ladakh.

Last week, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria made a quiet visit to Ladakh and Srinagar air bases to review the Indian Air Force’s preparedness to deal with any eventualities in the region. Before leaving for Leh, Gen Naravane attended the final session of a two-day conference of top Army commanders. The commanders extensively deliberated on the situation in eastern Ladakh.

On Monday, Lt Gen Harinder Singh held a nearly 11-hour meeting with Commander of the Tibet Military District Maj Gen Liu Lin. In the meeting, the two sides arrived at a “mutual consensus” to “disengage” from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh.

The chariots were pulled by the servitors of the Lord Jagannath Temple and police personnel, who had to clear the COVID-19 test before joining in the subdued festivities.

The Grand Road, the usual site for the celebrations, was forlorn in the absence of devotees.

Rituals like ‘Mangla Arati’ and ‘Mailam’ were held before the presiding deities set out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The temple premises and its adjoining areas were sanitised before the festival got under way.

Descending from the ‘Ratna Sinhasana’, the bejewelled throne, the three deities were taken out of the temple down the 22 steps called ‘Baisi Pahacha’ through the Lion’s Gate in an elaborate royal ritual called ‘Pahandi’.

The deities were carried forward step by step amid blowing of conch

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shells, beating of gongs and ringing of bells.

Sudarshana, the celestial wheel of Lord KrishnaVishnu, was taken out first and placed on the chariot of Devi Subhadra. The idols of

Lord Balabhadra, Subhadra and finally that of Lord Jagannath were placed on their respective chariots kept outside the temple draped in resplendent layers of red, black, green and yellow

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Priests and devotees take part in the ‘pahandi’ rituals of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, June 23. (PTI)

fabric.

The tallest of the three chariots was the 45 ft high ‘Nandighosh’ of Lord Jagannath which stood on 16 huge wooden wheels. The chariot of Lord Balabhadra called ‘Taladhawaja’ was 44 ft high and rested on 14 wheels, while Devi Subhadra’s ‘Darpadalan’ was 43 ft high with 12 wheels.

Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri considered the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, performed the special ‘Chhera Panhara’ ritual with a golden broom before the chariots were pulled along the 3 km route, each after an interval of an hour, in accordance with the apex court directive.

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NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI): Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Tuesday carried out a comprehensive review of India’s military preparedness in eastern Ladakh as he began a twoday visit to the region where a border clash last week left 20 Indian soldiers dead triggering further escalation in tension with China.

Soon after arriving in Leh, Gen Naravane visited an Army hospital where 18 soldiers injured in the clash in Galwan Valley on June 15 are undergoing treatment, Army officials said.

The Chief of the Army Staff interacted with almost all the injured soldiers and complimented them for their bravery, they added.

A surveillance post set up by the Chinese Army on a narrow mountain trail in violation of an agreement was the trigger for the clash in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

After visiting the hospital, Gen Naravane reviewed the overall security situation

PURI, JUN 23 (PTI): For the first time in living memory, the gigantic chariots of Lord Jagannath and his celestial siblings rolled on the streets of Puri on Tuesday, a pale shadow of the grand spectacle, with the pilgrim town under curfew and the sea of devotees missing.

The annual chariot festival, which in normal times attracts lakhs of devotees from across the world, was held “smoothly and peacefully”, a day after the Supreme Court modified its earlier order and cleared the decks for the yatra, an emotive issue for Hindus in several parts of the country.

The elaborate rituals, which commenced early in the morning, concluded after the three wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra reached their destination at Gundicha Temple from Sri Mandir well before evening.

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 198 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Impracticable option

A

nti-China sentiments in India was birthed during the 1962 Chinese aggression but subsided over the decades only to resurge after many blamed China for the current coronavirus pandemic. The antiChina sentiment was hyped and went into overdrive especially after the killing of 20 Indian soldiers by the Chinese PLA in the Galwan Valley during June 1516,2020. The national outrage and wrath of Indian citizens took a new shape with Indians across the country coming out on the streets to call for a boycott of Chinese products. The anti-China protests by some citizens of India include incidents where people burnt pictures of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, smashing purchased Chinese goods such as - television sets and fragmenting Chinese products like toys into pieces.

Shops across the country, even including some in Guwahati, have started putting up a notice of boycotting Chinese products. The outrage over the killing of the 20 Indian soldiers is sweeping across India but when it comes to boycott of Chinese goods, much needs to be thought of otherwise, it could be counter-productive.

Be it a war either on the border or in terms of economy; it requires a lot of strategic planning and resources. As per “The New York Times” China has an upper hand both in terms of military forces and economic market over Indian market. This is worsened by the poor economic condition of India at present. For one, China is India’s largest source of imports by some distance.

In 2018-’19, India imported goods worth $88 billion from China (including Hong Kong). This was more than 17% of India’s total imports. This figure is more than double what India imports from the United States, which is at the second place with goods worth US$ 36 billion. India, on the other hand, only exports around $30 billion worth of goods to China (2018-’19). Calling for boycott of Chinese goods and services is easier said than done because the ground reality makes this unrealistic. Chinese goods dominate the entire market spectrum from nail cutter, nail polish, hair brush, calculator, laptop, electronic components , brands from Vivo, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Lenovo, Huawei, Apple’s iPhone and iPad to children’s toys, bedsheets, blankets, curtains in homes across India to online transactions through Paytm to online shopping sites like Shein and to mention that AliBaba has the highest share of investment in the business of Zomato and Snapdeal, both of which are the top sites in India. The Confederation of All India Trades (CAIT) has also joined in the chorus by asking well known Indian celebrities to not endorse Chinese made goods. CAIT listed 3000 products that included small and big commodities in order to challenge the trade of Chinese products in India. The fact is that India has no alternatives of these products nor do does it have the infrastructure in place to switch to mass produce its own products.

The reality is that the average Indian consumer has no alternate option than to buy a Chinese product, even small and basic products like a cheap China-made pen. The cost of production of a pen in India is five times higher than that of an easily available Chinese pen. India cannot afford a boycott, lest it backfires and unless it able to offer alternative to its consumers especially the growing middle class.

DailyDevotion “Acquainted With Grief”

He is…a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. —Isaiah 53:3

We are not “acquainted with grief” in the same way our Lord was acquainted with it. We endure it and live through it, but we do not become intimate with it. At the beginning of our lives we do not bring ourselves to the point of dealing with the reality of sin. We look at life through the eyes of reason and say that if a person will control his instincts, and educate himself, he can produce a life that will slowly evolve into the life of God. But as we continue on through life, we find the presence of something which we have not yet taken into account, namely, sin— and it upsets all of our thinking and our plans. Sin has made the foundation of our thinking unpredictable, uncontrollable, and irrational.

We have to recognize that sin is a fact of life, not just a shortcoming. Sin is blatant mutiny against God, and either sin or God must die in my life. The New Testament brings us right down to this one issue— if sin rules in me, God’s life in me will be killed; if God rules in me, sin in me will be killed. There is nothing more fundamental than that. The culmination of sin was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and what was true in the history of God on earth will also be true in your history and in mine— that is, sin will kill the life of God in us. We must mentally bring ourselves to terms with this fact of sin. It is the only explanation why Jesus Christ came to earth, and it is the explanation of the grief and sorrow of life.

Quotes

That which does not kill us makes us stronger. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Post-mortem

Can e-learning be a substitute for traditional classrooms?

A

mid the unprecedented dreadful pandemic globally, digital dependency has emerged as the only way available for most of us to fulfill most of our requirements. The challenges before all have been to manage the impending threat vis-à-vis to carry out the essential activities during the period of crisis. The education sector is one such area that required attention which has been shut down to minimize and contain the spread of Covid-19.

Closure of all educational institutes throughout the country is a matter of great concern for the students as well as for the parents.

Consequently, the regular classes in all 2509 schools (Govt.– 2017, Private– 438) and 59 colleges (Govt.– 15, Private– 44) in our State have been closed since 17th March 2020. The declaration of HSLC and HSSLC results amidst the pandemic has received mixed response due to the looming uncertainties of the re-opening of schools and colleges during this academic year. To ensure the academic calendar doesn’t suffer much disruption on account of the lockdown, numbers of institutions in Nagaland have also started using online platforms to reach out to the students. Lately, MHRD, Govt. of India has hinted that the reopening of the educational institutes may happen after August 2020.

T

he post-independent Indian history shows that the first priority of any political party forming the government, at the centre, is to cement their grip on power by legislating and undertaking decisions that will promote the parties’ interests and prolonged their rule. In keeping this tradition alive, the BJP govt. had outdone its predecessors by making hurried decisions—on issues that needed proper planning, consultation, and debate—from promoting sectarian identity and Hindu fundamentalism to sudden announcement for demonetization, banning cow slaughter in North and central India, prosecuting leading social activists and citizens who dare to challenge government policies, abrogating Article 370 and 35-A, and imposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The latest, in this long line of implementing policies for party’s interest, is the sudden announcement of delimitation exercise to be carried out in the four Northeastern states and two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. We may never discern the actual intent of the Central Government on the timing of such announcement, as well as the assigned year of census (2001 for NE states and 2011 for Jammu and Kashmir) on which the delimitation must be conducted, gives more room rooms for suspicion.

With regard to delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir, Hemant Singh in his article, What is delimitation and why the Central Government want to implement it in Jammu and Kashmir, states that the Kashmir region with its 46 assembly seats is mainly dominated and won by separatist leaders and their parties such as the National Conference Party or People Democratic Party (PDP).

The larger question now is ‘Can online teaching be a new normal during the lockdown period and beyond?

It is being said that the future lies in digital access to classrooms and the homes of the students and teachers. The advantages of online learning are many, from lower costs to accessibility, increased exposure to flexibility, better digital communications, easy access to experts, etc.

This method is proven to be highly effective in improving the academic knowledge but is less effective in developing the communication skills of the students. Lack of faceto-face communication between peers, students, and teachers in an online environment, the students may often find it difficult to work effectively as a team. Lack of any kind of face-to-face communication with the instructor inhibits student feedback, causes social isolation, and could cause students to feel a lack of pressure. A lack of pressure may have an adverse effect such as less competitiveness and may likely abandon their studies after a while.

In contrast, classroom learning creates a conducive environment for continuous interaction between students and teachers and helps students to share their views and clarify their queries instantly. A fixed schedule and the learning

atmosphere of the traditional classroom helps to stay focused and keep them motivated; unlike virtual classrooms, where procrastination can become a common habit. Constant nudging by teachers can be a part of the traditional method but it’s an effective method for improving student retention. Classroom learning helps students and teachers know each other in a better way; it is of paramount importance to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the students, act as a mentor, and guide them in their career progression. Cocurricular activities are an added advantage that offers an opportunity to foster the development of knowledge and personal development outside of the classroom.

All educational disciplines are not equal, and the traditional method of delivery is considered most suitable in most of the courses. For instance, skill development, science, engineering, medical, and several other streams require a certain degree of hands-on practical experiences, testing, field projects, and working in research labs. No amounts of online lectures can substitute an autopsy for medical students or real-life industrial training for a budding engineer.

The present scenario of Nagaland is no better than other parts of the country in terms of basic infrastructures and

technology support. The introduction of the interactive digital smart board for smart classrooms in all the fifteen Govt. colleges during the early part of this year is a positive step towards the right direction in improving the quality of the education and making learning more joyful, exciting, and interactive through technology-based teaching-learning method.

As a measure to salvage the educational continuity, Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) on 20th March collaborated with Clixa Tech. Pvt. Ltd., a New Delhi-based IT firm to offer science and mathematics tutorial for Class IX and X standards through digital learning app called ‘Bright Tutee’.

Subsequently, the Directorate of School Education (DoSE) on 12th May has launched a tele/online education Tv program via Doordarshan and All India Radio for the students of Class VIII to X and XII. Launching of common online admission process and online students evaluation program by DoSE, Govt. of Nagaland are few such feats. Meanwhile, several schools and colleges started to keep their students updated with the studies through online platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and some institutes have developed their own apps.

As we are aware, the teaching faculties are trained in the traditional ‘Chalk and

Talk’ method of delivery.

It may feel completely at loss for most of the teaching faculties and at the same time challenging.

Similarly, expecting students to immediately adapt to the new normal is an unreasonable ask. Studies have shown a direct positive correlation between parent involvement and student success. Switching over to online classes overnight from traditional classrooms has been a testing time for parents as well.

Online learning serves better when parents take an active role in their child’s learning. But participation is hampered by the digital divide. The digital divide in our State is enormous; internet connectivity is poor in major parts of the rural areas. Even in urban areas with relatively better digital connectivity, students who belonged to the disadvantaged section are deprived of their education due to a lack of access to technology. There are families which share a smartphone or laptop between schoolgoing and college-going children, so someone has to miss the class. Then there are kids whose families do not have a smartphone, let alone laptop or tablet and relying solely on their neighbour’s smartphone.

Meanwhile, fearing for worse, most of the students have returned to their own hometown/village where there is no internet connectivity as yet. Unfortunately,

The unwelcome delimitation

Due to their dominance, these separatist parties (who dislike the Indian leaderships and even the Indian Constitution) generally form the state government. Now the present NDA government wants to change this scenario.

Because the BJP government only has political mileage in Jammu, the central government wants to increase Jammu’s share of seats in the state assembly (which now stands at 37 assembly seats) as well as in the Lok Sabha by subtracting the same from the Kashmir region.

With Jammu’s share of assembly seats increased, New Delhi can without restraints decide the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Carrying out the delimitation in Kashmir will enable the present NDA govt. to form a BJP supported government in the state; thus debilitating the separatists’ grip on Kashmir politics.

The argument made by the author is valid seeing the political turbulence in Jammu and Kashmir.

In Assam, Prabrajan Virodhi Manch (PVM), a forum against the infiltration, questioned the timing of the delimitation exercise. PVM Convenor and the Supreme Court lawyer, Upamanyu Hazarika stated (in Economic Times, 1.3.2020) that the entire exercise prior to 2021 assembly election shows that the BJP-Asom Gana Parishad alliance is not confident of retaining the indigenous votes it secured in 2016 assembly election. Looking into the past record of the present Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the accusation of PVM seem justified given there was similar accusation against the BJP of benefitting the party in Gujarat Delimitation exercise in 2008, before the election.

With respect to Manipur, some state BJP

members and legislators have joined other parties in opposition to the centre’s move for delimitation exercise. As most of us are well-aware, living in a tribal state, ethnic/tribal loyalty will always take preference over party directives.

Even the valley based politicians will not like to lost assembly seats; as such, they now have valid reasons to oppose the delimitation exercise by questioning the reliability and accurateness of 2001 census. Certainly, the resignation of three BJP MLAs as a sign of protest against centre’s decision should not be taken as a done deal because the centre tactics of divert and rule has always been the foundation of BJP strategy.

With respect to Nagaland, both groups supporting and opposing the delimitation agree that the delimitation exercise proposed by the centre is to divert the attention of the people from the real issue of Naga political solution and once again divide the Nagas along the tribal lines.

However, Nagaland’s case is different because those districts which have long felt deprived of deserved seats base on population ratio are determined to see justice done to their districts by this present delimitation exercise. On the other hand, the districts having more seats are equally determined to retain the assembly seats by bringing up the issue of pending Naga political solution and suggested to carry delimitation exercise post-Naga solution (which may or may not happen) hoping for an increase in their share of Nagaland assembly legislative and parliamentary seats after the solution.

It is also strange that most Nagas who care little about negotiation or Naga nationalism are now using the negotiation card to oppose the delimitation.

The debates surrounding delimitation spearheaded by tribal organizations have once again revealed the true colour of some of our leading politicians: that they continue to be merchants of tribalism.

Politicians and their parties have delegated their duties to their respective tribal bodies, which will no doubt have a serious repercussion sooner or later.

Whenever situation rises for politicians to take difficult decisions in the face of tribal oppositions, thereby politically educate the public on issues, they instead chose to play tribal cards and exploit tribal

organizations for political gains. Today, for fear of losing few assembly seats, politicians are laying the foundation for more tribal discords in days to come.

People are bound to disagree on issues but these disagreements should be democratic. To routinely use the excuse of imminent law and order situations only shows we are still very primitive. Take the example of two Assam residents who filed petition in the Supreme Court seeking Court’s directions to the authorities to defer the process of the delimitation till the completion of Census 2021, and I

e-learning seems to be less effective for most working parents, less literate, or less qualified parents and those without any digital access.

Furthermore, e-learning may not be a viable substitute at the elementary level as the basic tenets of primary education have been to ensure the kids to develop their social, cognitive, cultural, emotional, and physical skills to the best of their abilities. During the lockdown, online classes are being conducted mostly through mobile phones and tablets, and its continued use is known to have adverse effects on memory, concentration, and eye strain.

It is evident from the foregoing discussion, that both online and traditional teaching-learning methods are not without flaws, and both can coexist but can’t survive long in isolation.

However, there is a consensus at least for now that online learning tends to be more suitable for higher education especially social sciences and humanities, and traditional methods of learning for primary and secondary education. The other side of the pandemic is that it has opened a new vista for the policymakers and stakeholders to relook into the existing education policy and strengthen the infrastructural facilities.

Dr. Wati Imchen, Geological Survey of India, Dimapur

honestly feel Nagaland need to adopt on this line as absence of accurate census data may fail to deliver justice in the long run. That is a prime illustration of how we should disagree in a democratic society.

Lastly, Nagaland Election Commission need to seriously check and strike out voters registered in electoral roll of more than one constituency (As per Section 17 of The Representation of the People Act, 1950) before delimitation exercise starts this year or in coming years.

Pakinrichapbo, advocate, Samziuram Village, Peren

Reader’s Post

Sir,

An appeal to CM to lift cess on fuel

I submit this open letter to you after considering the plight of the citizens of Nagaland post imposition of cess on Fuel. As cess is a tax upon the normal tax, it has a huge bearing on the economy of the people.

To extreme unfortunate, the entire world is struggling with the pandemic of Coronavirus (Covid-19), which has an adverse impact upon the economy of the nation. To handle this situation, the Govt. of India is allotting appropriate amount of fund to all the states, including the State of Nagaland. Moreover, churches, civil societies, local authorities and individuals are making the best efforts and contributions at this moment. needless to say, churches, civil societies/organization, local authorities are taking care of the fooding and dietary matters in most of the QCs. The arbitrary imposing of cess on fuel at this time of pandemic is amounting to harassment of citizens, more particularly the common people. This has led to abnormal rise in the prices of essential commodities and in the services of public transport and all the entire human activities. It has to presume that the tax can levy by the government but cess is an imposition which is arbitrary hellish and unreasonable during this situation of pandemic.

Therefore, I appeal your kind authority to examine the matter within the ambit of human concern and to lift the cess on fuel in the state of Nagaland for the betterment of the general public. Waiting and in anticipation for your concern positive cooperation.

I Chubatangit Jamir, Social and Political Activist

Appeal to district administration and DMC

Sir,

UT office of GPRN would like to state that despite rate fixed by the DMC, the butchers continues to charge Rs. 300 per kg of beef , pork, chicken and price rise in other essential commodities. Therefore, we appeal to the district administration and DMC to strictly implement the existing rate fixed by the DMC by checking on daily basis as it hampers the economy of the common people in this trying time. We also appeal to the civil societies, GBs, consumers’ rights forum and all concerned in the district for kind co-operation.

UT, GPRN

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.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

US bars AI charter flight w.e.f. July 22

Moves to regulate AI’s chartered flights under Vande Bharat Mission NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI): The US Department of Transportation has barred Air India from operating chartered flights between India and the United States from July 22 without its prior approval, in an apparent retaliation for the Indian government not allowing American carriers to operate between the two countries.

“We are taking this action because the Government of India (GoI) has impaired the operating rights of US carriers and has engaged in discriminatory and restrictive practices with respect to US carrier services to and from India,” stated a US Department of Transportation (DOT) order issued on Monday.

It said the Indian government has imposed restrictions that prevent US air carriers from making full use of charter rights.

“Specifically, the GoI has prevented US carriers from conducting India-US passenger charter operations involving direct sales

Photo for representation.

to individual passengers or through other distribution systems. For its part, the United States has not placed any limitations on US-India charter operations, and Air India has been and remains free to conduct the full complement of passenger charter services provided for in the agreement,” the DOT said.

Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 25 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Air India started international chartered flights

under Vande Bharat Mission from May 6 to help people stranded abroad return home amid the pandemic.

It has been operating chartered flights on Indo-US routes since May 18 where tickets on both the legs are sold.

While tickets on the India-US leg are sold through Air India’s website to the public, the seats on the USIndia leg have to be purchased after contacting the Indian Embassy in the US. The US Department of Transport said it appears that Air India may be using

its passenger repatriation charters as a way of circumventing the Government of India-imposed prohibition of all scheduled international services.

“On May 26, 2020, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”), via letter, requested permission from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to perform repatriation charter services similar to those provided by Air India. To date, Delta has not received approval to perform the requested repatriation charters,” the DOT said.

Explaining further, the DOT said Air India released a schedule for additional flights on June 3 that includes 49 US-India round-trip charter flights that are scheduled to operate between June 10-July 1.

“On June 13, Air India released a schedule for 10 additional repatriation flights between June 20-July 3,” it said.

Prior to the March 25 suspension of scheduled passenger services, Air In-

dia operated 34 round-trip flights per week to the United States.

“With 59 flights advertised for the period from June 10 to July 3, 2020, Air India would be performing charter operation at a rate of 53 per cent of the operations it previously performed as scheduled services,” the DOT stated.

This situation, in which Indian airlines are permitted to perform services pursuant to their rights under the “US India Air Transport Agreement” while US carriers are not, creates a competitive disadvantage for US carriers vis-à-vis Indian carriers, it noted.

While Air India is permitted by the Indian government to sell tickets directly to individual passengers or through other distribution systems, the US-based carriers are not allowed to do so even if they are permitted to operate a chartered flight connecting India, the DOT mentioned in its order date June 22.

Patanjali claims to have COVID tablets, Tea seller’s daughter flies ‘Coronil’; 100% recovery in seven days high, becomes IAF officer in MP HARIDWAR/NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI/AGENCIES): Yoga guru Ramdev’s Patanjali on Tuesday launched what he claimed was the first ayurvedic medicine to cure coronavirus disease even as the scientific community the world over struggles to develop an effective cure for the highly contagious disease.

Pa t a n j a l i c l a i m e d ‘Coronil’ and ‘Swasari’ had shown 100 per cent favourable results during clinical trials on affected patients, at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar. Launching the medicines at a press conference in Haridwar, Ramdev claimed “100 per cent recovery rate in 7 days”.

The Corona kit will be made available at Rs 545, said Acharya Balkrishna, the MD of Patanjali Ayurved.

The corona kit will have medicines for 30 days.

Patanjali claims that its corona medicine kit can also be taken as prevention for coronavirus.

This is not an immunity booster but a coronavirus cure, Ramdev said.

Manufactured by Haridwar-based Divya Phar-

Yoga guru Ramdev. (PTI)

macy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, the medicine is the result of a research partnership between Patanjali Research Institute and the Jaipur based National Institute of Medical Sciences.

The drug was clinically

tried on 280 COVID-19 positive persons out of which 69 per cent were cured within three days, Ramdev said at the launch of the medicine held at Patanjali Yogpeeth in the presence of NIMS Director Dr Balbir Singh Tomar and allopathic and ayurvedic experts involved in the research behind making the drug. “100 per cent recovery from COVID-19 within seven days of consuming the medicine is guaranteed,” Ramdev said.

Coronil is made of the extracts of pure Giloy, Tulsi and Ashwagandha.

A corona kit consisting of the three medicines - Coronil, Shwasari and Anu Tel.

AYUSH Ministry orders Patanjali to stop advertising of COVID-19 drug

AYUSH Ministry ordered Patanjali to stop advertising of its COVID-19 drug until “issue” are examined.

AYUSH said advertisement of Patanjali’s alleged drugs regulated under Drugs regulated under Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

The Patanjali has been asked to provide at the earliest details of name and composition of medicine being claimed for COVID treatment, said the AYUSH AYUSH also asked Patanjali for details of sample size, sites, hospitals where research study was conducted, and ethics panel clearance.

BHOPAL, JUN 23 (PTI): Obstacles cannot stop a person from realising dreams if one has the determination, and this has been proved by 24-year-old Anchal Gangwal, a tea seller’s daughter who recently joined the Indian Air Force as Flying Officer.

She was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) a few days back, but it was not an easy journey for her as sometimes her father did not even have the money to pay for her education fees.

“Her commissioning was a proud moment for our family, but we could not make it (to the Air Force Academy at Dundigal) to see her due to the coronavirus-induced restrictions,” her father Suresh Gangwal, who works as a tea seller at a bus stand in Neemuch district, told PTI. He said his daughter dreamt of joining the IAF after seeing the bravery of its personnel in helping people during the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy.

It was not easy for Anchal and the family to make her realise this dream, but she was determined, he

said.

“She was a bright student and also a basketball player. She first wished to join the Air Force after seeing the IAF personnel helping people during the Kedarnath tragedy. And, now her dream has come true, the proud father said.

He said after getting inspired by the bravery of IAF personnel, his daughter collected information from bookstalls on howshe could get into the defence force and started preparations in that direction.

“She was determined and got success in the sixth attempt, he said.

But, it has not been an easy journey for her and her father, who has been selling tea for the past 25 years in Neemuch, located around 400 km from Bhopal.

“One can understand my financial condition. At times, I faced problems in depositing her school or college fee. I had to borrow money from others on many occasions to deposit the fee.

Sometimes I had to pretend to be out of town to delay fees deposition, said Suresh Gangwal, who has studied till Class 10.

Pregnant Jamia student gets bail in Delhi riots case DP-2858

The student of M.Phil at Jamia university is five months pregnant. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the police, did not oppose her bail on humanitarian grounds. Mr Mehta said she can be released on regular bail on humanitarian grounds but a decision had not been taken on the merits of the case and should not be made a precedent.

On Monday, the Delhi Police had opposed Ms Zargar’s bail plea saying “the severity of her offence is in no manner mitigated by the fact of her pregnancy.”

The Delhi Police, in its status report opposing her bail, said a “clear and cogent case” had been made out against her and she was accused of “grave and serious offences meticulously and surreptitiously planned and executed by her”.

The police also said she had been kept in a separate cell and the chances of her contracting coronavirus from any other person were few. To bolster its argument, the police said 39 deliveries had taken place in Delhi prisons in the last 10 years.

Ms Zargar, a member of the Jamia Coordination Committee, had gone to the High Court after a trial court denied her bail on Thursday.

Jaishankar stresses on need to follow ethos of international relations NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI): In an address at a virtual conference of the Russia-India-China trilateral, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday underlined the need for recognising legitimate interest of partners in a multilateral set-up and following ethos of international relations.

His comments in presence of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi came in the midst of an escalating border row between India and China following killing of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley clash.

Last week, India termed the killing of Indian soldiers a “premeditated and planned action” by the Chinese troops. “This special meeting reiterates our belief in the time-tested principles of international relations.

But the challenge today is not just one of concepts and norms, but equally of their practice,” Jaishankar said.

“The leading voices of the world must be exemplars in every way. Respecting international law, recognising

S Jaishankar and Wang Yi. (File)

the legitimate interests of partners, supporting multilateralism and promoting common good are the only way of building a durable world order,” he added.

The external affairs minister’s comments are seen as an indirect message to China which has been adopting an aggressive posturing along its land boundary with India besides increasing its activities in the Indian Ocean region. In his initial remarks, Jaishankar also said that India did not get its due recognition in the

global order post World War II and that the historical injustice remained “uncorrected” for the last 75 years.

“When the victors met to fashion the ensuing global order, the political circumstances of that era did not give India due recognition.

This historical injustice has stood uncorrected for the last 75 years, even as the world has changed,” he said. Therefore, he said, it was important for the world to realise both the contribution that India made and the need to rectify the past.

ED raids 6 locations of Delhi riots accused Tahir Hussain NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (IANS): Almost 20 days after Delhi Police named suspended AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in the Delhi riots case, the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday carried out searches at six locations in connection with its probe in a money laundering case against him.

An ED source told IANS, “Multiple teams of the agency are carrying out searches at six locations in the National Capital Region (NCR) related to Hussain.”

The source said that the financial probe agency teams are carrying out searches at four locations in north east Delhi and two locations in Noida. The source said that the raids were carried out at Hussain’s Khajuri Khas residence and at companies allegedly controlled by his wife and children.

The source also disclosed that the four-story building in Khajuri Khas is owned by Hussain and houses the office of Show Effect Advertisement Pri-

vate Limited. According to ED, the suspended AAP leader is also the director of two more companies - Show Effect Worldwide Private Limited and Essence Cellcom Private Limited.

The ED action comes almost three weeks after it registered a case of money laundering against Hussain, who is currently in judicial custody. The ED had registered a case against Hussain and the PFI for money laundering and funding of riots in Delhi.

A senior ED official wishing not to be named told IANS, “We have filed a case of money laundering against Hussain and PFI.” The official said that Hussain and PFI have been booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The PFI is already facing a case from the central financial probe agency for their alleged role in the funding of the anti-CAA protests across the country. The ED has taken cognisance of

number of FIRs filed by Delhi Police Crime Branch to probe the alleged money laundering and routing of illegal funds by Hussain, PFI and others to purportedly sponsor the communal riots that killed over 52 people in the last week of February in north east Delhi.

The ED is probing the funding and source of income which Hussain allegedly received for ‘inciting’ violence in Delhi. After Delhi violence, role of Hussain was found dubious as from his house the police recovered several petrol bombs as well as the acid pouches.

His house in Khajuri Khas area of north east Delhi was also used for stone-pelting and hurling petrol bombs during violence. On June 2, the Delhi Police filed two chargesheets in this connection. The chargesheets have been filed in the Karkardooma court by the Crime Branch. Three special investigation teams were constituted to investigate the cases registered during the riots.

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NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (AGENCIES): Safoora Zargar, a pregnant Jamia Millia University student arrested under an anti-terror law in a case related to the Delhi violence, was granted bail today by the High Court after the police did not oppose it on “humanitarian grounds”.

Safoora Zargar, 27, was arrested on April 10 on conspiracy charges over the riots that broke out in February during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. She was granted bail but rearrested on more severe charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Her arrest and incarceration provoked strong condemnation from students and activists and sharply divided social media. The Delhi High Court today directed Safoora Zargar to not get involved in activities that may hamper the investigation.

She also cannot leave Delhi without permission. Ms Zargar has to stay in touch with an Investigating Officer on the phone at least once in 15 days and also furnish a personal bond of Rs 10,000.

“We are thankful to the courts. I also thank our lawyers for their efforts. The family is eagerly looking forward to meet her,” her husband Saboor Sirwal said.

7

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NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (IANS): The government on Tuesday released a report card on schemes launched during the Covid-19 period to revive the economy and economic activities.

Interventions by the government for MSMEs have been gaining traction and it’s evident from the exponential rise in bank loan sanctions under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), according to a statement by the Finance Ministry.

Under the ECLGS, which is backed by a government guarantee, public and private sector banks have sanctioned over Rs 79,000 crore loans as of June 20. Of this, more than Rs 35,000 crore has been disbursed.

The top lenders under the scheme are SBI, HDFC Bank, Bank of Baroda, PNB and Canara Bank. The loans had helped 19 lakh MSMEs and others in restarting their businesses post-lockdown, it said.

As part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ package, the government announced to release Rs 3 lakh crore additional credit to MSMEs and small businesses. They were eligible to receive up to 20 per cent of the existing borrowing as additional loans at interest rates that were capped.

Under RBI’s special liquidity facility, announced in March-April, SIDBI had sanctioned over Rs 10,220 crore to NBFCs, micro finance institutions and banks for lending to MSMEs and small borrowers. The National Housing Bank (NHB)

has sanctioned its entire Rs 10,000 crore facility to housing finance companies, the ministry said. This refinancing by SIDBI and NHB is in addition to ongoing schemes through which more than Rs 30,000 crore has been sanctioned.

NBFCs and MFIs are being further helped under the extended partial guarantee scheme where approvals have crossed Rs 5,500 crore.

Transactions for another Rs 5,000 crore are under process, and certain other deals are currently under negotiation, according to the statement.

Extortion: Ex-army man shot dead by police; 1 held in Kma (From p-1) Thereafter, a police team raided the house of the duo, during which one .32 mm pistol, one magazine, one live round, wallet of the deceased, Rs 1,610 in cash, ID card, ATM card, passport photos, mobile phone, rubber seals of “Zunheboto police station officer in-charge, Lizutomi head GB, Capt./Maj./Lt./Col. MO i/c MI room, 164 Inf. Bn. TA (H&H) Naga; round seal of 164 Inf. Bn. TA (H&H) Naga, MI Room”, two stamp pads and several assorted fired bullet heads/pellets. The police also seized one Nokia phone, Rs 760 cash, voter ID and Adhaar card from Aito Awomi. Based on complaints received on extortion and highway robbery, Sophie claimed that Kohima Police was actively involved in operating and could break through many incidents.

Sellers on GeM mandated to disclose ‘Country of Origin’

NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (IANS): Centre has made it mandatory for sellers to enter the ‘Country of Origin’ while registering all new products on government e-marketplace (GeM).

The e-marketplace is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry which facilitates the entry of small local sellers in public procurement, while implementing ‘Make in India’ and MSE Purchase

Preference Policies of the Centre. Accordingly, the ministry said the move has been made to promote ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

The provision has been enabled via the introduction of new features on GeM. Besides, the registration process, the new feature also reminds sellers, who have already uploaded their products, to disclose their products’ ‘Country of Origin’ details.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur wednesDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Indices rally for 4th straight day amid easing Indo-China border tensions MUMBAI, JUN 23 (PTI): Market gauges Sensex and Nifty on Tuesday surged over 1.5 per cent to post their fourth straight session of gains amid reports that Indian and Chinese armies agreed to de-escalate border tensions.

The BSE Sensex rallied 519.11 points, or 1.49 per cent, to close at 35,430.43; while the NSE Nifty soared 159.80 points, or 1.55 per cent, to end at 10,471.

Aided by positive cues from global markets and sustained foreign fund inflow, investor sentiment remained upbeat.

On the Sensex chart, L&T was the top gainer, soaring around 7 per cent, followed by Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, PowerGrid, M&M and Axis Bank. On the other hand, Reliance Industries Bharti Airtel and Maruti closed with loss.

Sectorally, BSE power, capital goods, utilities, realty, industrials and bankex rallied up to 4.24 per cent.

Broader midcap and smallcap indices rose up to 1.80

Organizations demand action against extortion (From p-1) PAC also condemned the “attitude of the central government and its machineries” for insincerity in implementing the ‘cease fire ground rules’ which has left Naga public to fend for themselves.

PAC also maintained that the cease fire has literally not benefitted Nagas because even if lives are saved, yet the misery of the public has tripled. It said this only showed that the onus has shifted on public.

PAC said government of India should not allow public to suffer by not concluding the talks.

PAC has appealed to both the state and centre to rein in the unabated illegal collection of money in Dimapur that is causing great

hardship on all.

ACAUT: Extending its sympathy and solidarity with the business community who continue to face “unchecked extortion” from some NPG as reported in the media, ACAUT Nagaland said the matter highlighted by the DCCI was a timely notice on public and government. It said while the business community was reeling under severe economic loses due to the global pandemic, the “item-wise” taxation imposed on them was the last straw.

ACAUT reminded that it was fully aware how rampant taxation ruined investment and also indirectly made the public suffer most. It reiterated its principle of “one government, one tax” and so every

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

tax so forcefully imposed was not acceptable.

It noted that while the government of Nagaland was engrossed with issues related with COVID-19 so law and order became the first casualty. ACAUT said rampant extortion and multiple taxation was happening right under the nose of the authority and even at police check gates.

ACAUT implied that since the tempo for political settlement appeared to have lost steam, the pent up frustration and failed aspirations were negative offshoots leading to forcible collection and unabated taxation.

As Nagaland’s economy was ailing and stagnating, ACAUT said this can only breed “more parasites” with thousands of

young returnees and deep financial crisis of the government. ACAUT said if the government of the day failed to take the taxation menace by the horn once and for all, it will lead to new factions popping up and fight over taxation turfs and supremacy and restart the entire vicious cycle of fratricide and push Nagaland back to the dark age once again.

DDCF: Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) has expressed resentment over the “unabated taxation by some Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and other elements” from shops and business establishments in Dimapur.

DDCF through its media cell termed as “most unfortunate” that collection

of various taxes from the already affected shops and business establishments were going on rampantly resulting in price escalations and in turn affecting the public directly or indirectly.

The forum has, therefore, appealed to everyone, irrespective of group affiliation, to understand the present prevailing situation and refrain from such unabated taxation for the welfare of the citizens of Dimapur. It has urged all responsible to rather help the citizens by putting a check on the high rise of the price of commodities.

Acknowledging the District administration for the tireless efforts taken to tackle the pandemic, DDCF has called upon the responsible authorities

No. 9603 Yesterday’s solution No. 9602

No. 4222 Yesterday’s solution No. 4270

No. 3247 Yesterday’s solution No. 3246

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per cent.

“The Indian indices traded positive, in sync with global indices, seemingly on the back of continued liquidity flows into the markets,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, said.

“Markets were also optimistic on the back of news of a de-escalation in border hostilities and the pace of COVID-19 recoveries increasing, in spite of the new virus infections,” he added.

In a positive move, Indian and Chinese armies have arrived at a consensus to “disengage” from all friction points in eastern Ladakh at a marathon meeting of top military commanders of the two sides on Monday, official sources said. The talks were held in a “cordial, positive and constructive atmosphere” and it was decided that modalities for disengagement from all areas in eastern Ladakh will be taken forward by both the sides, they said.

Rally in Peren reaffirms 4-pt...

to address the issue for the wellbeing of all the citizens.

N VCO: Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has strongly condemned the illegal taxations, tax demand and practice of syndicate system in the state especially in Dimapur and Kohima.

NVCO through its media cell appealed to the “Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) not to impose tax” on business community and stop the practice of syndicate system as the consumers ultimately bore the brunt of exorbitant rate in the market.

Further, NVCO urged the all responsible not to charge exorbitant rate for goods and services taking advantage of the situation.

(From p-1) case to Peren by violating standard operating procedure (SOP); set up a 100-bedded COVID Hospital in the district with modern facilities at the earliest; provide adequate tools and machineries to set up makeshift ICU at the district hospital immediately and post adequate staff to man the hospital. Another representation was submitted to the chief minister through DC Peren on June 23, reaffirming the June 10 charter of demand, failing which ZSUN said it will continue to chart its own course of action.

Honda Cars commences 5th gen City’s production in India New Delhi, June23 (IANS): Automobile manufacturer Honda Cars India has commenced the production of its most awaited allnew 5th generation Honda City sedan in India.

According to the company, the new car is being manufactured at its Greater Noida plant in Uttar-Pradesh.

“The company’s plant had resumed manufacturing operations from mid-June following all government regulations and company’s safety protocols for COVID-19 prevention,” the company said in a statement.

“The launch of the 5th Generation City is scheduled in July 2020.”

Case against 4 returnees in Peren

DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): Peren police have registered a case with Jalukie police station against the four detained returnees, who sneaked out of Quarantine centre (JNV) Jalukie B. In a press release, the Superintendent of Police (SP) Peren said the case against the four was registered under Disaster Management act 2005 and relevant section of IPC for negligent act likely to spread infectious disease dangerous to life and for violating quarantine rule.

Jewellers expect dull biz in FY21 amid COVID-19, geopolitical tension KOLKATA, JUN 23 (PTI): The gems and jewellery sector is not hopeful of witnessing a significant rebound in business during the current fiscal amid the COVID-19 outbreak and the geopolitical tension across the world, industry sources said on Tuesday.

The fierce clash between troops of India and China in eastern Ladakh that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead, and the extension of tariff exemption to Bangladeshi products by China may invite fresh troubles for jewellery exporters, they said.

“It would take a year to revive the sector,” Gem and Jewellery Export Pro-

motion Council (GJEPC) chairman Colin Shah said. Jewellers are keeping their finger crossed for the upcoming festive season in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Swarna Shilpa Bachao Committee secretary Bablu Dey said.

“They are not bullish about their businesses this fiscal and do not foresee a spurt in discretionary spending by customers in the current situation. Jewellers are hoping for an uptick in sales during the upcoming festivals,” he said. Dey said the retail sales are down at present, and if it continues for the next few months, many small retailers will have no alternative but to down their shutters.

Gold falls Rs 57, silver prices tumble Rs 477 NEW DELHI, JUN 23 (PTI): Gold prices fell by Rs 57 to Rs 48,931 per 10 gram in the national capital on Tuesday due to weakness in global prices and rupee appreciation, according to HDFC Securities.

In the previous trade, the yellow metal had closed at Rs 48,988 per 10 gram.

Silver also declined by Rs 477 to Rs 49,548 per kg from Rs 50,025 per kg on Monday.

“Spot gold prices for 24 carat in Delhi were trading down by Rs 57 with weak international gold prices and rupee appreciation,” HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said.

The rupee on Tuesday appreciated 37 paise to

provisionally close at 75.66 against the US dollar, following a rally in domestic equity market and persistent foreign fund inflows.

In the international market, gold traded mar-

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

China, India agree to diffuse tension: Chinese official

Beijing, Jun 23 (PTI): Top Chinese and Indian military commanders have arrived at a consensus on the “outstanding issues” and agreed to take necessary measures to “cool down” the situation at their borders, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

On Monday, Lt Gen Harinder Singh, the commander of the 14 Corps, held a nearly 11-hour meeting with Commander of the Tibet Military District Maj Gen Liu Lin in an attempt to lower the temperature between the two sides.

The talks were held in the midst of escalating tension between the two countries following the violent clashes in Galwan Valley last week that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead, significantly escalating the already volatile situation in the region.

Asked for the details at what transpired at the meeting of the top commanders held at the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control, Chinese

Lt Gen Harinder Singh, the commander of the 14 Corps at an earlier meeting with Chinese military officials.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the two sides expressed the wish to control the situation through dialogue and consultation.

“On June 22, the Chinese and Indian border troops held the 2nd commander-level meeting at the border areas This is also the first commander level meeting since the Galwan Valley clash happened on June 15,” he said.

“This meeting showed that the two sides wish to control and alleviate the situation through dialogue and consultation.

“During the meeting and based on the consensus reached at the first commanders level meeting (on June 6), the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the outstanding issues and agreed to take necessary measures to cool down the

situation,” Zhao said.

The two sides agreed to continue with the dialogue and jointly work for the peace and tranquillity of the border areas, he said.

To a question that Indian Army has stated that two sides have agreed to disengage the troops and whether he can confirm it, Zhao said “the specific measures are under discussion by the border troops of the two sides on the ground, I have no further information to release on this”.

When asked about the Chinese casualties, he said “China and India are in dialogue and talks with each other to resolve this issue through diplomatic and military channels”.

“As for what you saw in the media, for example some people alleged that casualties on the Chinese amounted to 40. I can tell you for sure this is fake news”, he said.

This is the first time China has commented on the casualties. The spokesman, however did not elaborate.

China terms reports of 40 PLA troops killed in Galwan clash as ‘fake news’ China on Tuesday broke its silence over its casualties in the June 15 clash between Indian and Chinese troops while terming as sure “fake news” reports that more than 40 Chinese soldiers were killed in the face-off in eastern Ladakh.

C h i n e s e Fo r e i g n Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, who repeatedly parried questions on the casualties suffered by the People’s Liberation Army since the incident occurred, reacted to the remarks of former army chief and Minister for Roads and Transport Gen (retd.) V K Singh who said, “if we lost 20 soldiers, more than double the number were killed on their [Chinese] side”.

Asked for his reaction on Tuesday at the media briefing, Zhao said.

“China and India are in dialogue and talks with each other to resolve this issue through diplomatic

and military channels”.

“As for what you saw in the media, for example some people alleged that casualties on the Chinese amounted to 40. I can tell you for sure this is fake news,” he said, without giving any further details.

This is the first time China has commented on the casualties.

Though China has not revealed its casualty figure, there were reports that a commanding officer of the Chinese army was among those killed in the clashes. There is no official confirmation about it.

Ever since the clash on June 15 at the Galwan Valley between the Indian and Chinese troops, Beijing has consistently declined to reveal the details of the casualties on its side, while the official media editorials have said that China too suffered casualties.

9 Singapore to hold snap general elections amid COVID-19 crisis

Singapore, Jun 23 (PTI): Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday announced snap general elections to allow a fresh five-year mandate to a new government to take important decisions to revive the city-state’s economy battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Lee on Tuesday advised President Halimah Yacob to dissolve Parliament and issue the writ for election, 10-months ahead of the schedule.

In a televised address to the nation, 68-year-old Lee said that holding an election now will clear the decks and give the new government a fresh five-year mandate to focus on the national agenda and the difficult decisions it will have to make.

President Yacob dissolved Parliament on the prime minister’s advice, setting the stage for the General Election in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Prime Minister also advised that Nomination day be on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, and the President has agreed,” a statement is-

sued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“Polling Day will be announced by the Returning Officer,” said the statement.

But it is likely to be July 10, according to media reports.

Elections must be held

by April 2021 at the latest. Lee’s ruling dominant People’s Action Party holds a majority in the current 105-seat Parliament and has been in governance for decades. Prime Minister Lee said the other alternative available to him was to wait for the COVID-9 pandemic to get over, which was not specific when.

“The alternative is to wait out the COVID-19 pandemic. But we have no assurance that the pandemic will be over before this government’s term must end next April,” he said. “We need a capable government, with the strong backing of the people, to do all that needs to be done on your behalf, and see us through the tumultuous times,” said Lee, acknowledging challenges and uncertainties of managing the economy in the coming years.

South Korean activist floats China occupies Nepal village, land; silence from Oli govt leaflets to North amid tensions Seoul, Jun 23 (AP): A South Korean activist on Tuesday said hundreds of thousands of leaflets had been launched by balloon across the border with North Korea overnight, after the North repeatedly warned it would retaliate against such actions.

The move is certain to intensify tensions between the Koreas, after the North abruptly raised its rhetoric against South Korean civilian leafleting and pushed to resume its psychological warfare against the South.

Police in the South Korean border town of Paju said Tuesday they were checking into details about the reported leafleting.

Activist Park Sanghak said his organization flew huge balloons carrying 500,000 leaflets, 2,000 onedollar bills and small books on North Korea from Paju on Monday night.

Park, formerly a North Korean who fled to South Korea, said in a statement his leafleting is “a struggle for justice for the sake of liberation of ” North Ko-

Activist Park Sang-hak said his organization flew huge balloons carrying 500,000 leaflets, 2,000 one-dollar bills and small books.

rean residents.

Calling North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “an evil” and his rule “barbarism,” Park said he’ll keep sending anti-Kim leaflets despite worries about his safety.

“Though North Korean residents have become modern-day slaves with no basic rights, don’t they have the rights to know the truth?” he said.

South Korean officials have vowed to ban leafleting and said they would press charges against Park, who has sent leaflets toward North Korea for years.

Authorities said Park’s activities are unnecessarily raising animosities between the Koreas and potentially endangering residents in border areas. In 2014, North Korean troops opened fire at propaganda balloons flying toward their territory, triggering an exchange of fire that caused no known causalities.

Last week, North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its territory and threatened to take unspecified steps to nullify 2018 agreements aimed at lowering front-line military tensions.

New Delhi, June 23 (IANS): China has occupied a village of Nepal and allegedly removed the boundary pillars to legitimise its annexation, top government sources said on Tuesday. It has also been learnt that China has gradually made inroads into several Nepalese territories with an ulterior aim to seize complete control.

The latest in the line is Rui village in Gorkha district, which is now in total control of China.

“In a massive departure from its diplomatic stand of non-interference, the Chinese have completely occupied Rui Village and the residents comprising around 72 houses are fighting for their original identity. This also shows how Nepal’s current regime has surrendered to China and is now making anti-India statements and resorting to anti-India activities,” top sources told IANS. Apart from Rui village, China has also occupied strategic lands at 11 places across Nepal.

Around 36 hectares of land in four districts of Nepal, which border China, have been illegally occupied by

K P Sharma Oli

China, but so far Nepalese government is tightlipped about it. The occupation of Rui village has been done systematically by China in the last two years.

Since the village figures in the map of Nepal and is part of the Himalayan nation, the residents have always been associated with the country’s identity. But the Nepal government, at the behest of China, is more engaged in creating artificial disputes with India over boundaries and three villages that belong to India.

Nepal has recently come out with a new map that claims parts of Indian territory in Pithoragarh district. India has rejected

this new map of Nepal saying it is not based on historical facts or evidence.

The new political map of the country features parts of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura areas which are in Indian territory.

The new political map was authenticated by Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari last week. IndiaNepal relationship came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal immediately protested, saying the road violated the status quo of the region, which it described as “unresolved”.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava had said the amendment amounts to “artificial enlargement of claims that are not based on historical fact or evidence and is not tenable”. Last year, sources said, Nepal government realised China had been annexing their land however they preferred to remain silent.

“Even after realizing

that China’s aggressive nationalism and military expansionism are a reality, the policies fashioned by hardline Communist Party of China (CPC) leaders, Nepal communist government prefers to remain silent,” said the sources.

Nepal has found that China has already occupied six hectares of land near Bhagdare Khola (River) area and four hectares near Karnali River in Humla district.

They also found that China has illegally occupied two hectares near Sinjen Khola (river) and one hectare of Bhurjuk Khola (River) in Rasuwa district.

It has also captured land adjacent to Lamde Khola and three hectares near Jambu Khola in Rasuwa district. China has also illegally occupied seven hectares of land in Kharane Khola and four hectares near Bhote Koshi of Sandhu Pal Chok district in Nepal, three hectares of Samjung Khola, two hectares near Kam Khola and four hectares of land from Arun river bed in Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal.

The term khola means

river in local Nepali language. But, instead of objecting to Chinese illegal occupation and growing infiltration into the Nepalese boundaries, the KP Sharma Oli government is looking to unnecessarily interfere in India’s sovereignty. Besides the new map, Oli government is obstructing the dam repair work at Gandak Barrage that threatens flooding in Bihar during the monsoon.

This provocative move, sources said, is being done

by Nepal at China’s behest which has crippled the world by spreading contagious coronavirus and is aggressively pursuing its expansionist policy. “Nepal’s domestic policy appears to be ruled by China. The Oli government is escalating the tension between the two countries on issues that have earlier never figured in India-Nepal bilateral relationship. Occupation of its villages by China and now Nepal’s provocative gesture in Bihar that shares 700 km international border with Nepal, makes it evident that Oli government is being ruled by Beijing,” top sources said.

Trump suspends H-1B visa; Indian IT aspirants to be hit No new COVID-19 in Sri Lanka since 3 days spouses, H-2Bs for temporary nonagricultural workers and most J-1 visas for exchange visitors.

The new rules would apply only to those who are outside the US, do not have a valid non-immigrant visa and an official travel document other than a visa to enter the country.

Trump, seeking another term in the White House in the November 3 presidential election, said the step was essential to help millions of Americans who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

While issuing the proclamation, Trump has ignored the mounting opposition to his order by various business organisations, lawmakers and human rights bodies. Google CEO Sunder Pichai expressed disappointment over Trump’s decision.

“Immigration has contributed immensely to America’s economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today,” Indian-American Pichai said in a tweet. “Disappointed by today’s proclamation - we’ll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all,” he said.

Vanita Gupta, president and CEO the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, slammed the move of the Trump administration. “The latest travel ban is a new season of the same racist, xenophobic show put on by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller,” she said.

While defending his move, President Trump said, “We must remain mindful of the impact of foreign workers on the United States labour market, particularly in the current extraordinary environment of high

domestic unemployment and depressed demand for labour.” Trump said that the overall unemployment rate in the country nearly quadrupled between February and May of 2020 -producing some of the most extreme unemployment rates ever recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While the rate of 13.3 per cent unemployment in May reflects a marked decline from April, millions of Americans remain out of work.

The proclamation also extends till the end of the year his previous executive order that had banned issuing of new green cards of lawful permanent residency.

Green Card holders, once admitted pursuant to immigrant visas, are granted “open-market” employment authorisation documents, allowing them immediate eligibility to compete for almost any job, in any sector of the economy, he said.

“American workers compete against foreign nationals for jobs in every sector of our economy, including against millions of aliens who enter the United States to perform temporary work. Temporary workers are often accompanied by their spouses and children, many of whom also compete against American workers,” Trump said.

“Under ordinary circumstances, properly administered temporary worker programmes can provide benefits to the economy. But under the extraordinary circumstances of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, certain non-immigrant visa programmes authorising such employment pose an unusual threat to the employment of American workers,” he said.

Colombo, June 23 (IANS): Sri Lanka has not reported any new COVID19 case in the last three days since June 20, which were all imported, it was reported on Tuesday.

The total count of confirmed COVID-19 cases currently stands at 1,951, with 11 deaths, reports the Daily Financial Times newspaper.

A total of 691 local returnees from abroad have tested positive so far and the

remaining eight imported cases are foreigners.

The Epidemiology Unit said that 938 of the total cases are Navy personnel and their close contacts and 313 are other local cases. In addition to this, 413 patients, including five foreigners, are currently under medical care at various hospitals. The Epidemiology Unit also states that the number of COVID-19 recoveries in the country has risen to 1,526, includ-

WORD OF APPRECIATION As we all know, the circumstances of the global pandemic has heavily impacted everyone and created a financial crisis for many. Through this column, we the tenants would like to express our deepest and sincere gratitude to our landlord Mr. Thepfulhouvi Solo for waiving our house rent for a period of two months during this pandemic. Our words are not enough to express how grateful we are for your kindness and generosity.

May our good Lord bless you and your family abundantly.

From Tenants, Bokas Resturant & Aier Bakery Midland, Dimapur DP-2385

ing 785 Navy personnel. A total of 28 persons recovered on Monday.

The Health Promotion Bureau states that 96, 268 PCR tests have been carried out so far, including 1,181 on Sunday. On Monday, Health Services Director General Anil Jasinghe issued recommendations on

the reopening of cinemas, the Daily Financial Times newspaper reported.

According to the statement by the Department of Government Information, cinemas will be permitted to reopen on June 27 if they adhere to health guidelines issued by the Health Services Director General.

FELICITATION

We, the Ngullie Ekhung Old Aree Village would like to congratulate the following students who have successfully passed HSLC and HSSLC Examination 2020.

1. Mr. Jonjibemo, S/o. Aris Ngullie, HSSLC, 2nd Div. Science Stream 2. Mr. Zuchobemo, S/o. Mhonsao Ngullie, HSSLC, 2nd Div. Arts Stream 3. Mr. Andrew, S/o. Womanthung Ngullie, HSLC, 1st Div. with distinction 4. Mr. Alex, S/o. Yanphamo Ngullie HSLC and 5. Mr. Yentsao, S/o. Thunglamo Ngullie HSLC And also congratulate all the Old Aree students who have successfully passed the said examination. The Ngullie Ekhung Old Aree Village wishes them a bright future. May God bless you all.

Sd/- (Nrikhon Ngullie) Secretary, Ngullie Ekhung Old Aree Village WC-156

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

FELICITATION

We the Yongnyah Hongnyu Union Longleng would like to extend our heartfelt congratulation and blessings to the following officers:1. Shri. Y. Tauhong Phom CDPO on his promotion to DPO (District Programme Officer) under social welfare department, Govt. of Nagaland.

2. Shri. B. Longai Phom PO on his promotion to DPO (District Planning Officer) Longleng under planning & Co-ordination department, Govt. of Nagaland.

We hope and that both as DPO's will be discharging their duties successfully to reach the expectations of the people.

We wish them good health and great success in the days to come.

C. LUNGVAI PHOM C. BANGPAH PHOM President G/Secretary

DP-2389

Washington, Jun 23 (PTI): In a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, the Trump administration has suspended the most sought-after H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year.

Under a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Monday, the new restrictions will take effect on June 24. The decision will impact a large number of Indian IT professionals and several American and Indian companies who were issued H-1B visas by the US government for the fiscal year 2021 beginning October 1.

They would now have to wait at least till the end of the current calendar year before approaching the US diplomatic missions to get stamping.

It would also impact a large number of Indian IT professionals who are seeking renewal of their H-1B visas.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

In April, Trump signed an immigration proclamation targeting people outside of the US seeking to legally migrate to the US, with some exceptions. That order, which was set to lapse, will be extended until the end of 2020 and expanded to include some guest worker visas.

The new visas included are L-1 visas for intracompany transfers, H-1Bs for workers in specialty occupations as well as the H-4 visa for

Through this column, I would like to express my profound gratitude to Road and Bridge (R&B) Chief Engineer and Executive Engineer and SDO, Tuensang for repairing the culvert which was lying unattended for many years. The condition of road further degraded with damaged culvert and it was a grave concern for many people as it is the only road connecting three villages namely Yimrup, Chimonger and Chungtor to the nearest town. Earlier, temporary bridge was made of wood to facilitate Vehicular movement and it was unsafe for public.

But with the recent construction of culvert, plying of both heavy and light vehicle movement becomes safer.

The work of concern department (PWD) is highly appreciated at this juncture.

Selongkyu Sangtam, Concern Citizen, Chimonger Village.

K-1134 Tuensang District : Nagaland

Infotainment

10

Delhi Crime, Mardaani-2 most California rapper Bris shot dead riskiest web searches in India

T

hose who searched for Netflix series “Delhi Crime” or the movie “Mardaani 2” that is available on Amazon Prime Video in an attempt to watch those free online were at the greatest hacking risk, a new report revealed on Tuesday. As subscriptionbased models and content behind paywalls continue to trend, users who do not want to pay for premium content continue to search for free content online, exposing themselves to a host of vulnerabilities.

According to cyber security firm McAfee’s new research on “top 10 web risk list” for both TV series and movies, ‘Delhi Crime’ and ‘Mardaani 2’ took the top place in their respec-

tive categories as identified

by McAfee’s Web Advisor platform.

Among the TV series, apart from Delhi Crime, B r o o k l y n N i n e - N i n e, Panchayat, Akoori, Fauda, Ghoul, Mindhunter, Narcos, Devlok and Lost made the list (highest threat to the lowest) when searched online for free consumption.

“The lockdown induced surge in online entertainment traffic has brewed the perfect storm for cybercriminals. They are following and targeting consumers’ obsession with accessing content - particularly for free,” said Venkat Krishnapur, vice-president of engineering and managing director, McAfee India.

The hackers entice users to

visit potentially malicious websites, designed to install malware or steal passwords and personal information.

Among the top 10 movies who the top 10 web risk list were Mardaani 2, Zootopia, Jawaani Jaaneman, Chapaak, Love Aaj Kal, Inception, Bahubali, Rajnigandha, Gully Boy and Bala.

According to the research, the viewership of regional language content is growing, and the rise in consumption of vernacular TV shows in metros and semi-urban India is an apt reflection of this, putting those who search for such content to watch free online at risk.

“Refrain from using illegal streaming sites. Many illegal streaming sites are riddled with malware disguised as pirated video files.

Do your device a favor and stream the show from a reputable source,” advised the researchers. Krishnapur added: “In these uncertain times, it is crucial that consumers stay vigilant, invest in responsible online behaviour and recognize that if something is too good to be true, it probably isn’t true”.

(IANS)

Netflix sets date for Lucifer 5 premiere

C

T

The news of the premiere date comes almost a month after it was reported that Ellis has closed a deal to return as the title character for a sixth season.

Netflix was previously in talks with series producer Warner Bros TV about another installment of the DC comic book drama ahead of the fifth season, which had been billed as a final installment after the streaming giant rescued the supernatural series from Fox, where it was cancelled after three seasons.

Executive producers Ildy Modrovich and Joe

Henderson also closed new deals for another season.

In the show, Lucifer, the fallen angel who is living it large on earth, decides to help detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German) from the Los Angeles Police Department in catching criminals.

The fourth season of the show ended with Lucifer back on the throne of Hell.

Lucifer also stars Lesley-Ann Brandt, Kevin Alejandro, Scarlett Estevez, DB Woodside, and Rachael Harris.

(PTI)

Golden Globes follow Oscars with covid delays to 2021 award shows

T

he Golden Globes on Monday postponed its 2021 ceremony for film and television, after a two-month delay to the Oscars, in Hollywood’s latest awards calendar shuffle caused by the coronavirus epidemic.

The Golden Globes ceremony, which kicks off Hollywood’s awards season, will take place on Feb. 28 instead of its usual slot on the first Sunday in January, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which hands out the trophies, said in a statement.

Last week the Oscars, the highest honors in the film industry, were postponed to April 25 from Feb 28. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said the delay would allow filmmakers more time to finish their movies after production was shut down worldwide in mid-March and movie theaters were closed. The HFPA said it would give details on a new date for Golden Globe nominations and eligibility criteria in the coming weeks. The Golden Globes, handed out at a boozy dinner in

alifornia rapper Bris has been shot dead at 24 years-old, police have confirmed.

Records from the Sacramento County Coroner state that Bris, real name Christopher Treadwell, sustained a fatal gunshot wound in the city in the early hours of Sunday (June 21).

A report from Sacramento Police says that the shooting occurred after a related “solo vehicle collision”. Treadwell was pronounced dead at the scene.

Last year, Bris released his ’10:42′ mixtape in collaboration with G-Man, which he has since followed up with a series of oneoff singles. Last week, he shared a new video for his recent single ‘Need Ham-

my’. Artists and fans have been mourning the death of Bris on social media.

“RIP Bris,” wrote Sub Pop artist Clipping on Twitter. “Panhandling was one of my favorite songs last year. He could’ve been one of the greats. Still so sick of rappers dying.”

Others are sharing some of their favourite videos and tracks from the rapper, with one writing: “RIP Bris. The Emu. Sactown’s best talent since Mozzy. The potential to be an all-time West Coast great, but cut down way too soon.

“Reminds me of Jimmy Wopo & Pop Smoke — artists about to define an entire region only to be killed before they had the chance. So unbelievably sad.”

(NME)

Charlize Theron denies getting engaged to Sean Penn

Megan Fox slams ‘ruthlessly misogynistic’ Hollywood A

A

he first part of the fifth season of Lucifer, starring Tom Ellis, will debut on August 21, Netflix has announced.

The streamer shared the update on its official NXOnNetflix Twitter page on Monday in a video comprising Ellis’ devilish, sparkling moments as the Lord of Hell from the past chapters.

“We know you can’t wait for Lucifer season five, so here’s a devilish 66.6 second to keep you sinful until Season Five pt.

1 drops on August 21st,” the tweet read.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

ctress Charlize Theron has denied rumours that she is getting engaged to actor Sean Penn, saying she never intended to marry him. Theron set the record straight on her former relationship with Penn when she appeared on “The Howard Stern Show”, reports people.com Asked about the rumours, Theron said: “What? That’s not true. no.

I did not ‘almost get married to Sean’, that’s such bulls**t. No, we dated, that was literally all we did, we dated.”

“It was a relationship, for sure. We were definitely exclusive, but it was for barely a year.

We never moved in. I was never going to marry him.

It was nothing like that,” she continued.

Penn and Theron began dating in 2013. The two split in 2015.

When asked if she ever thought of marriage or felt lonely, Theron said: “I never wanted to get married.

That’s never been something that’s important to me.” (ians)

ctress Megan Fox called out Hollywood for being “ruthlessly misogynistic”, claiming she was mistreated and sexualised initially in her career. Megan took to Instagram to share a note that clarified some of the stories which have been emerging about the initial stage of her career, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“Please hear me when I thank you for your support. But these specific instances were inconsequential in a long and arduous journey along which I have endured some genuinely harrowing experiences in a ruthlessly misogynistic industry,” she wrote.

Fox addressed the rumours of her mistreatment by directors Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg.

Talking about the time when Bay asked her to wear a bikini and dance under a waterfall in “Bad Boys II”, Fox wrote: “I was around 15 or 16 years old when I was an extra in ‘Bad Boys II’. There are multiple interviews where I shared the anecdote of being chosen for the scene and the conversations that took place surrounding it.

It’s important to note however that when I auditioned for ‘Transformers’ I was 19 or 20.”

She went on to describe her experience auditioning for “Transformers” while responding to fans who shared that she was taken advantage of.

“I did ‘work’ (me pretending to know how to hold a wrench) on one of Michael’s Ferrari’s during one of the audition scenes.

It was at the Platinum Dunes studio parking lot,

Beverly Hills, will be hosted by comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Other award shows, including Britain’s BAFTA event, have also shifted their dates for 2021 to fall closer to the Oscars.

Hollywood movies and TV shows were given the green light two weeks ago to resume production

there were several other crew members and employees present and I was at no point undressed or anything similar. So as far as this particular audition story I was not underaged at the time and I was not made to ‘wash’ or work on someone’s cars in a way that was extraneous from the material in the actual script.

“I hope that whatever opinions are formed around these episodes will at least be seeded in the facts of

in the Los Angeles area with detailed guidelines on social distancing and frequent testing.

The three main movie theater chains have said they plan to reopen in the United States from July 10 with strict social distancing rules and with movie-goers required to wear masks.

(Reuters)

the events. When it comes to my direct experiences with Michael, and Steven for that matter, I was never assaulted or preyed upon in what I felt was a sexual manner,” she added.

The actress hinted at more traumatic experiences in the industry as she teased that there are “many names” that “deserve to be going viral in cancel culture”.

“I’m thankful to all of you who are brave enough to speak out and I’m grateful to all of you who are taking it upon yourselves to support, uplift, and bring comfort to those who have been harmed by a violent and toxic societal paradigm,” she said while ending her note.

Her post came after fans came out to support her after a 2009 interview with Jimmy Kimmel resurfaced on Twitter and went viral. In the interview, Fox had shared a disturbing story about being sexualised in a Michael Bay film when she was just 15. Instead of calling out the troubled culture, Kimmel, now 52, cracked a joke about her teenage sexuality.

(IANS)

Global K-pop fans emerge as political force Queen to appear on face of UK postage stamps

S

ome tech-savvy followers of K-pop music have emerged as increasingly active players in American politics, but in the birthplace of the genre, South Korean fans are wary that their favourite artists will be pulled into foreign partisan fights.

Fans of Korean pop artists, including the widely popular BTS, have rallied around major U.S. political movements in recent weeks, using their online communities and mobile apps to encourage participation and donations.

K-pop fans and users of TikTok, a popular video-sharing app, claimed partial credit for inflating attendance expectations at a less-than-full arena at U.S. President Donald Trump’s rally in Oklahoma over the weekend. Earlier this month, they waded into social media protests against racism and police brutality, with BTS fans matching the band’s $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter (BLM). “The mobile-based communication channels favoured by the millennial K Y M C

Supporters of Donald Trump wait for him to appear onstage before the scheduled start of his speech, at his first re-election campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 20. (Reuters)

generation provide an effective means to quickly spread their political voices and mobilise support,” said Jung Duk-hyun, a South Korean culture critic.

The donation to BLM fits with a long history of BTS and other groups donating to social and humanitarian causes, including supporting Syrian refugees and efforts to stop violence against children.But

the incident with Trump’s campaign rally sparked new debates among fans in South Korea, who don’t appear to have been significantly involved in that effort. Young South Korean artists rarely get involved with their country’s politics, and many fan forums ban political discussions.

Chang Ju-yeon, a 22year-old student, said that many Korean fans support

BTS-led human rights campaigns, but that the singers should not be used in U.S. politics. “We’re proud that BTS leads those efforts as global artists, and do want to raise voices together on universal issues that earn everyone’s sympathy,” Chang told Reuters. “But the artists should stay away from domestic politics, as some people could take advantage of their fame

for political purposes and it would eventually come back to hurt them,” Chang added.

A spokeswoman for Big Hit Entertainment, the management label for BTS, declined to comment.

Rosanna Scotto, an anchor for a local FOX affiliate in New York, apologised on Twitter on Monday after some fans criticised her for asking K-pop group TXT about the Trump rally during an interview that day.

Group members looked confused and didn’t answer the question.

“Wow. We didn’t want you to ask them that rude question about the Trump rally, that’s for sure,” one Twitter user who identified as a North Carolina-based K-pop fan told Scotto.

Scotto replied, “Sorry...it was trending on Twitter. I had no idea that would upset you.” A post shared on Sunday on theqoo, a popular fan site, that included U.S. news reports about K-pop fans’ disruptions of Trump’s Oklahoma rally was met with mixed responses.

(Reuters)

Q

ueen will appear on the face of UK postage stamps in July in honour of their 50th anniversary, thanks to the Royal Mail. They will be the third rock band to do so, joining the Beatles in 2007 and Pink Floyd in 2016.

The stamps will be issued as a set of 13, featuring eight album covers, four live group shots and a classic group photo. The entire collection will be available to purchase on July 9.

The album covers include 1974’s ‘Queen II’ and ‘Sheer Heart Attack’, 1975’s ‘A Night at the Opera’, 1977’s ‘News of the World’, 1980’s ‘The Game’, 1981’s ‘Greatest Hits’, 1984’s ‘The Works’ and 1991’s ‘Innuendo’.

“It’s hard to put into words what I feel when looking at these beautiful stamps,” Queen guitarist Brian May said in a press release. “Since we four precocious boys started out on our quest 50 years ago, our lives have been devoted to making our impossible dream come true. Some-

times it’s strange to wake up and realise the position in which we are now held – we have become a national institution!

“Nothing brings this home more than this incredible tribute from Royal Mail. It’s particularly poignant to look at this collection of images now – now that we are all in a world dominated by a coronavirus, in which none of this could have happened.”

The sentiment was echoed by Queen drummer Roger Taylor, who deemed the stamp collection “an honour”. “We must be really part of the furniture now! Thanks Royal Mail

for stamping on us! In gratitude.”

The stamps are available to pre-order now through Royal Mail’s website in a variety of different collections. The Presentation Pack, which includes the entire set of 13, will cost £16.

The news follows Brian May’s heart attack scare last month, where May revealed he had been “very near death”. The guitarist was hospitalised after doctors discovered three arteries in his heart “were congested and in danger of blocking the supply of blood to my heart”.

(NME) K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Ronaldo breaks another ‘White Lives Matter Burnley’ banner flown over Etihad Stadium record during Bologna win

Cristiano Ronaldo jumps for the ball during the Serie A soccer match between Bologna FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Monday. (AP/PTI)

to the Turin-based club in 2018 from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Costa had scored 42 goals in 339 games during his stint with Fiorentina and Milan in Italy’s top-flight between 1996 to 2004.

The record comes at a good time for Ronaldo as he was recently criticised following his indifferent performance in Juventus’ Coppa Italia final defeat at the hands of Napoli.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri, however,

said after Bologna clash that Ronaldo just needs time to get back to his best following the enforced break put forward by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I spoke to Cristiano again yesterday, alone and for a long time. He mustn’t lose his confidence,” Sarri told reporters as per metro. co.uk.

“I hope that from tomorrow the fantastic player of old will come back. It’s just that he’s not physically at his best right now.”

Prannoy apologises to BAI for rant on Twitter post award snub

David De Gea is the best goalkeeper: Solskjaer

Turin, Jun 23 (IANS): Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another feather to his already illustrious cap as he has become the highest-scoring Portuguese player in Serie A history.

Ronaldo went past former Portuguese midfielder Rui Costa in this particular list following his penalty during Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Bologna on Monday.

Ro n a l d o h a s n ow scored 43 goals in 54 Serie A matches since his transfer

H.S. Prannoy

New Delhi, Jun 23 (IANS): H.S. Prannoy has apologised to the Badminton Association of India (BAI) for his remarks earlier in the month. Prannoy had slammed the BAI after it had ignored him for the National Sports Awards.

“It was unfortunate to witness something like this but Prannoy had reached out to us and based on his submission, we hope going forward players will reach out to the federation if they have any concern,” BAI General Secretary Ajay Singhania said in a statement.

The BAI had issued a showcause notice to Prannoy on Friday for his remarks and given him 15 days to respond. Earlier in the month, it had recommended doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and men’s singles player Sameer Verma for the Ar juna Award.

Following this, Prannoy tweeted: “Same old story. Guy who has medals

in CWG and Asian Championships not even recommended by the association. And guy who was not there on any of these major events recommended. #waah #thiscountryisajoke (sic.)” The 27-year-old later deleted the tweet.

Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth had disciplinary charges against them for leaving the Indian squad at Asian Badminton Championship in Manila in February, despite being advised not to leave. The players had gone to play a tournament in Barcelona which could potentially help them earn ranking points that were crucial for them to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

T h e BA I s a i d o n Friday that Srikanth had apologised and had been recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. It also later emerged that national coach Pullela Gopichand had recommended Prannoy’s name for the Arjuna Award in his capacity as a former Khel Ratna Award winner.

Manchester, Jun 23 (IANS): Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Tuesday put his weight firmly behind goalkeeper David De Gea, saying the Spaniard is the best goalkeeper in the world.

De Gea has drawn flak in the wake of the 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur. A powerful drive from Steven Bergwijn gave Spurs the lead and it was the second goal De Gea has conceded in his last seven outings.

“David is the best goalkeeper in the world,” said Solskjaer at his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s visit of Sheffield United as quoted by Manchester United’s official website, manutd.com.

“He’s conceded two goals in the last seven games he’s played for us.

There are a few games against City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton. Two goals in seven games.

“He’s been on a run of not conceding goals.

The two goals? The Everton one is a freak one and this one, maybe he can save it, maybe he can’t save it.

He makes great saves and wins games for us and I still think he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s not making errors that you see time and time again.

B URNLE Y, J UN 2 3 (AGENCIES): Blackpool Airport has suspended banner flights from its base after the message ‘White Lives Matter Burnley’ was towed by an aeroplane over Etihad Stadium, reports BBC Sports.

Lancashire Police is also investigating the banner, which was flown over the stadium during Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Burnley on Monday.

In a statement, manager Stephen Smith said the airport and Blackpool Council are “outraged by this incident”. Burnley say they are “ashamed and embarrassed” by the banner.

Blackpool Airport says the incident was reported to police and the Civil Aviation Authority.

The statement added: “We stand against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity, the message was offensive and the action reprehensible. The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council.

“Due to the nature of the activity, banners are not checked before take-off and the content is at the operator’s discretion.

“Following an emergency review this morning, Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing

The controversial banner over Burnley during a match.

operations at the airport with immediate effect and we would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool.”

Chief superintendent Russ Procter said Lancashire Police are making enquiries “to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident” and will then be in a position to “make an assessment as to whether any criminal offences have taken place”.

He added: “We recognise that this banner will have caused offence to many people in Lancashire and beyond and we continue to liaise closely

Navi Mumbai to host final of Women’s U-17 FIFA WC New Delhi, Jun 23 (IANS): FIFA on Tuesday published the updated match schedule for the FIFA U-17 Womens World Cup India 2021, which is scheduled to take place from 17 February to 7 March next year. The tournament was earlier called the FIFA U-17 Womens World Cup India 2020.

Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai have already been confirmed as the five host cities for the tournament and will host the 32 matches involving sixteen teams.

Following the confirmation by the Bureau of the FIFA Council in May 2020 of the new tournament dates, the opening match will take place in Guwahati on 17 February with the champions set to be crowned at the final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday 7 March.

With the host for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 set to be announced on June 25, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2021 will provide football fans in India with a chance to welcome the future world stars and heroes of the women’s game next year.

With just days to go

until the FIFA Council votes to decide the location of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand have come together to support their nations’ historic joint bid to host the world’s largest women’s sporting event.

In a joint letter to the FIFA Council, they said: “An Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup would embody our passion for women’s football and proud commitment to equality and fairness, creating a profound and enduring legacy for the future of women’s football within the region and beyond.

“We would host a tournament FIFA can be proud of in every way possible: technical excellence, record-breaking crowds, commercial certainty and a warm embrace from our 200 different cultures.

Football is the game that connects us all. We sincerely hope that an Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup will bring us all together again in 2023, when we can all celebrate humanity, community and unity through football.”

with our partners at both the club and in the local authority.”

Burnley and City players and staff had taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement moments before the aircraft circled over the stadium.“Fans like that don’t deserve to be around football,” Clarets skipper Ben Mee told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“We’re ashamed, we’re embarrassed. It’s a minority of our supporters - I know I speak for a massive part of our support who distance ourselves from anything like that.”

In a statement, Burnley said that the banner “in

no way represents” what the club stands for and that they will “work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action”.

Both Burnley and City were wearing shirts with the players’ names replaced with ‘Black Lives Matter’.

It is understood that the stunt was carried out

by Air Ads, which operates out of Blackpool Airport and runs a one-stop shop where they make the banners and fly them. They have flown over football stadiums in the past, including a ‘Moyes Out’ one at Old Trafford.

When BBC Sport contacted the company, a man

who answered refused to give his name but said he was packing away the banner. He said as long as banners were legal and did not use coarse language, the company did not ‘take sides’ and had previously done a Black Lives Matter banner. He claimed police had been informed of the banner in advance.

The Premier League resumed on 17 June after a 100-day hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic; players and officials have been showing their support for the movement for racial equality following the death of George Floyd in the United States last month.

Aus & NZ PMs pledge support for FIFA Women’s WC 2023 bid

Australian PM Scott Morrison with his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern

Sydney, Jun 23 (IANS): With just days to go until the FIFA Council votes to decide the location of the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023, Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand have come together to support their nations historic joint bid to host the worlds largest womens sporting event.

In a joint letter to the FIFA Council, they said: “An Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup would embody our passion for women’s football and proud commitment to equality and fairness, creating a profound and enduring legacy for the future of women’s football within the region and beyond.

“We would host a

tournament FIFA can be proud of in every way possible: technical excellence, record-breaking crowds, commercial certainty and a warm embrace from our 200 different cultures. Football is the game that connects us all. We sincerely hope that an Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup will bring us all together again in 2023, when we can all celebrate humanity, community and unity through football.”

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and New Zealand Football (NZF) are proposing a historic and exciting step forward for world football with a tournament of firsts. The first-ever co-Confederation hosted FIFA World Cup, the first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the Asia-Pacific

region, and the first-ever to be held in the southern hemisphere.

FFA President, Chris Nikou and NZF President, Johanna Wood said: “We thank Prime Ministers Morrison and Ardern for their backing at this crucial stage of the bid process and for the support of their respective governments over many months.

“There is real momentum to our bid with just days to go until the final vote. We are doing everything we can in this crucial last phase to communicate just what a game changer our hosting concept would be for women’s football -- across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”

The FIFA Council will vote to decide the host of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on June 25.

Kohli bats exactly like Richards: Gavaskar F1 to launch #WeRaceAsOne intiative to tackle ‘global inequality’ Mumbai, Jun 23 (IANS): Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar drew similarities between current skipper Virat Kohli and former West Indies batsman Vivian Richards and spoke about their similar batting styles that make them stand above their contemporaries.

‘The Little Master’ recalled what it was like to play against Richards and stated Kohli also bats like the way the former West Indies talisman used to do.

“It was very difficult to keep Viv Richards quiet when he was at the crease,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports’ show ‘Winning the Cup -- 1983’.

“Similarly, if you look at Virat Kohli’s batting today, in the same ball and same line, he will use his top hand and score a boundary K Y M C

Virat Kohli

towards the extra cover region and will use the bottom hand and score a boundary towards the mid-on and mid-wicket region.

“That’s why Virat Kohli is considered as the No. 1 player because he bats exactly like Viv Richards. Earlier, Gundappa Vishwanath, V.V.S. Laxman used to bat

like this,” he added on the show that can be watched on the Star Sports network.

Last year, Kohli got a chance to interview Richards during India’s tour of Caribbean and the latter had said he sees same passion for the game in the Indian skipper that he had during his playing days.

Colorado, June 23 (IANS): Formula One has launched an initiative to tackle the growing concerns related to racism worldwide and also help the racing community in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

The #WeRaceAsOne initiative is also to support the increasing diversity in Formula One and it was also announced that a task force will be set up to tackle racism related issues in the sport.

“During the race weekend in Austria, teams and F1 partners will be saying thank you to key workers and individuals by displaying rainbows on cars and around the circuit,” the statement in formula1. com read.

“There will also be visual displays of support

The #WeRaceAsOne initiative is also to support the increasing diversity in Formula One

in the fight against racism, with F1 set to announce later this week clear pledges to increase diversity and opportunity in the sport, and the setting up of a Formula 1 Task Force.”

Formula 1 had earlier confirmed that the 2020 season will begin in Austria next month and also revealed details on the first eight races of the revamped calendar in the wake of

COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our first race in Austria at the start of July is a big moment for our sport after nearly four months of no racing,” F1 CEO Chase Carey said.

“While it is an important moment for the Formula 1 community it is also a time to recognise the issues that are bigger than any one sport or country.

“The #WeRaceAsOne initiative we have launched today, in support of the #PurposeDriven Movement launched by the FIA last week, is our way of saying thank you to the bravery and unity everyone around the world has shown during this unprecedented time.

“It will also be a platform for Formula 1 to come together and achieve results against the most important issues facing us as a sport and the world. That is why at our first race in Austria Formula 1 will stand united to say loud and clear that racism must end,” he added.

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Sporting events should start by Aug: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi, June 23 (IANS): Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju had a virtual meeting with representatives of the Indian Olympic Association and 15 National Federations to discuss the way forward for the 15 sporting disciplines in terms of training of athletes, participation in national and international competitions and organising sporting events in India.

The meeting was attended by President of the Indian Olympic Association Narinder Dhruv Batra, Sports Secretary Ravi Mital, Director General of SAI Sandip Pradhan, Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association Rajeev Mehta and Presidents and Secretary Generals of Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Fencing, Football, Hockey, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

Speaking about the importance of the meeting, the Sports Minister said: “We are in the first phase of Unlock and as a country we are slowly adapting to the present situation and

Kiren Rijiju

therefore the time is right to slowly open up sports, while following safety protocols.

Since federations are best qualified to decide the way forward for each sport, the ministry would like to get ideas from federations.

“Their ideas will be the key in planning India’s post Covid strategy in sports.

After today’s meeting the Sports Ministry will review all the ideas and work in tandem with federations to open up sports. I feel from August onwards we should be able to start some sporting events as well.”

The Sports Minister has urged all federations to speak to league managers and propose a few events

Test cricket is ultimate, teaches you how to live life: Chris Gayle he said.

“It also teaches you how to rebound from of a tough situation,” he added.

It’s a view similar to India captain and Gayle’s former IPL teammate Virat Kohli, a man who claims to have picked up life lessons from the traditional format.

Often accused of focussing entirely on the shorter formats, the 40-year-old encouraged youngsters to strive to play Tests but not be so driven that they do not have a life beyond cricket.

“Test cricket allows you to test your skills and mental toughness...Just be dedicated, enjoy what you do. Even if it’s not within the sport, there’s always something in open out there for you,” Gayle said.

Brazilian side Santos reports 9 COVID-19 cases Rio de Janeiro, Jun 23 (IANS): One Santos player and eight employees have tested positive for COVID-19, the Brazilian Serie A club has said.

In a statement, Santos said on Monday all of those infected were asymptomatic but had been isolated as a precaution, and their names were not disclosed for privacy reasons, reports Xinhua news agency.

Santos added that antibody tests showed three other players had previously been in contact with the virus without knowing.

The results came after 24 players and 45 staff members were tested at Santos’s training complex on Friday.

Sao Paulo state governor Joao Doria said last week that clubs could begin training on July 1, having been inactive since all sports were suspended in Brazil in mid-March.

Earlier on Monday, Sao Paulo FC said one of their players and an employee had tested positive for the virus.

Brazil has more than 1.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, of which more than 51,000 have been fatal.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

World No.1 Novak Djokovic tests Covid positive L o nd o n / B e l grade, Jun 23 (IANS): World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus after his Adria Tour tennis project held two events while ignoring social distancing, as per a Daily Mail report.

Earlier, Viktor Troicki became the latest player to test positive for coronavirus after playing in Djokovic’s Adria Tour. Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric had also tested positive, raising doubts over tennis governing bodies’ intentions of restarting the tour.

The tournament was to be played across countries that constituted former Yugoslavia. The first day of the tournament saw packed stadiums in Belgrade. The ATP wished players and

Djokovic, front right, hugs Viktor Troicki after their match of the Adria Tour charity tournament in Belgrade, Serbia. (AP/PTI)

staff who tested positive at the event a speedy recovery and urged “strict adherence to responsible social distancing” to limit the spread of the virus.

The governing body added that it will implement a variety of precau-

tions and protocols that would be adjusted as and when dictated by the latest medical information to ensure safety at events when the tour resumes on Aug. 14.

Britain’s Dan Evans lashed out at Djokovic,

saying the Serb should “feel some responsibility” after Dimitrov and Coric tested positive.

“I just think it’s a poor example to set,” Evans was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“Put it this way, I don’t think you should be having a players’ party and then dancing all over each other. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it’s transpired,” he added.

World No.40 Nick Kyrgios had also slammed the decision to go ahead with the tour and tweeted: “Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE.”

COVID-19: Troicki third tennis player to test positive Viktor Troicki has become the latest players to test positive for coronavirus after playing in Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour. Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric had earlier tested positive, raising doubts over tennis governing bodies’ intentions of restarting the tour.

“My wife took the test on Friday and I took it on Sunday after she tested positive,” Troicki told Serbia’s Telegraf website. “Our daughter tested negative.”

Coric had meanwhile spoken about it on social media.

“I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during the last few days gets tested,” Coric, ranked No.33 in the world, said on Twitter. “I am really sorry for any harm I might have caused. I’m feeling well and don’t have any symptoms.”

The tournament was to be played accross countries that constituted former Yugoslavia. The first day of the tournament saw packed stadiums

in Belgrade. The ATP wished players and staff who tested positive at the event a speedy recovery and urged “strict adherence to responsible social distancing” to limit the spread of the virus.

The governing body added that it will implement a variety of precautions and protocols that would be adjusted as and when dictated by the latest medical information to ensure safety at events when the tour resumes on Aug. 14.

7 more Pak players test positive for COVID-19, but England tour ‘on track’ Karachi, Jun 23 (PTI): As many as 10 out of the 29 England-bound Pakistan cricketers have tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus but boards from both the countries insisted on Tuesday that the tour remains “very much on track”.

After the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that three players were found to be COVID-19 positive on Monday night, its update on Tuesday stated that seven more have been infected, including senior players Mohammad Hafeez and Wahab Riaz.

The other five are Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hasnain and Mohammad Rizwan. The squad was to leave for the UK on June 28 for three Tests and as many T20 Internationals starting in August.

Shadab Khan, Haider Ali and Haris Rauf had

returned positive tests on Monday. PCB said all who have tested positive did not report any symptoms prior to testing.

“The PCB medical panel is already in contact with these players and the masseur, who have been instructed to observe strict quarantine at their homes for their and their families’ wellbeing,” the PCB said in a statement.

PCB CEO Wasim Khan said players testing positive for the virus is a warning for the general public. “It is not a great situation to be in and what it shows is these are 10 fit and young athletes...if it can happen to players it can happen to anyone,” PCB CEO Wasim Khan told a media conference.

He said a support staff member, masseur Malang Ali, had also tested positive for COVID-19.

Khan said that the

players and officials would now assemble in Lahore and another round of tests would be carried out on June 25 and a revised squad would be announced the next day.

“It is a matter of concern but we shouldn’t panic at this time as we have time

on our hands,” Khan said.

He said the players and officials would be retested on reaching England.

Despite the developments over two days, Khan said the tour is on track.

“The tour to England is very much on track and the side will depart as per

schedule on 28 June.

“Fortunately, all the first-choice red-ball squad, barring Mohammad Rizwan, are negative, which means they can start training and practising immediately after they have been tested and given the all clear when they arrive in

England.”

Reacting to Monday night’s development of three Pakistan players testing positive, ECB’s director of cricket Ashley Giles had expressed concerns but there was no threat to the tour as it was “far enough away”.

DP-2387

New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI): A limited-overs marauder he might be but West Indies swashbuckler Chris Gayle says there is nothing more challenging than Test cricket, a format which can also help one understand the vagaries of life.

Speaking to Indian cricketer Mayank Agarwal for BCCI’s online show ‘Open Nets, Gayle, who has played 103 five-day games in his roller-coaster career, said nothing beats the Test experience. He hasn’t, however, played a five-day game since 2014.

“Test cricket is the ultimate. Playing Test cricket also gives you a chance, how to live life because playing five days of cricket is very challenging. It tests you so many times, makes sure you are disciplined in everything you did,”

that can be organised in each sport, in the coming months.

“Given the situation, we have to be innovative about events. We may need to hold smaller events in stadias and not have spectators. But we can surely try and beam the sports on television channels and social media platforms.

The resumption of sporting events will boost the confidence of our athletes and also create an atmosphere of normalcy in these trying times. We can plan some events August onwards,” he added.

Among the key points discussed in the meeting, it was suggested by the ministry that federations could submit an interim Annual Competition and Training Calendar (ACTC) to kick start training of Olympic bound athletes in a phased manner. The same could be reviewed later when the international competitions calendar are published by the respective International Federations.“The ACTC has to be kept flexible this year so that decisions can be taken depending on the changing scenario,” said IOA President, Narinder Dhruv Batra.

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