June 8, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 182

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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June 8: 15-hr total restriction in Dmu DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Dimapur district authorities- police and district administration- have ordered a total restriction on vehicular movement besides closure of shops in Dimapur on June 8 from 9 a.m. till midnight, in view of the scheduled arrival of around 1000 stranded citizens by Special Shramik Train from Sabarmati (Gujarat) and Maharashtra.

In an order, deputy commissioner Dimapur Anoop Khinchi stated that the restrictions were being imposed as safety and preventive measure. Further, in its order, Commissioner of police (CP) R. Tetseo informed that the movement of officials, health department personnel, district administration, police and others directly involved in the exercise shall be exempted.

Over 2.5L COVID19 cases in India

NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (AGENCIES): Coronavirus cases in India crossed 2.5 lakh on Sunday, data from state governments showed, as a surge in infections continued amid increasing relaxations allowed by the government following an over two-month nationwide lockdown.

India reported 9,971 new coronavir us cases Sunday in another biggest single-day spike, a day before it prepares to reopen shopping malls, hotels and religious places after a 10week lockdown. India has now surpassed Spain as the fifth hardest-hit by the pandemic with 246,628 confirmed cases and 6,929 fatalities. According to a PTI tally based on reports from states, the daily rise crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time to touch 10,218.

Meanwhile, global death toll exceeded 4 lakhmark on Sunday with 400,013 fatalities as recorded by Johns Hopkins University. Over 6.9 million people have been infected so far, of whom 30 lakh have recovered.

Fuel prices hiked

DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Petrol and diesel price was on Sunday hiked by 60 paisa per litre, as the state-owned oil firms restarted daily price revisions after a 82-day hiatus.

In Dimapur, the price of petrol was hiked to Rs.77.37 a litre from Rs.76.78 per litre till Saturday while in Kohima the price was hiked to around 78.23 a litre, which was Rs.77.64.

After the hike, diesel price in Dimapur cost Rs. 68.74 a litre and in Kohima Rs. 69.27 per litre.

This is it!

“Knock it off Dad. The lockdown has proved it’s best to do nothing but stay home and stay safe.”

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nagalandpostofficial

State’s COVID tally rises to 118

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 7 (NPN): With 11 more COVID-19 positive cases reported on Sunday, the tally in Nagaland rose to 118-- 110 active cases and 8 recovered.

In a tweet, Health & Family Welfare minister S Pangnyu Phom stated that 348 samples (318+30) were collected from various quarantine centres in Dimapur, out of which 11 had tested positive. With this the state tally rose to 118 positive cases.

According to reports, 10 of the patients had recently returned from Chennai and one from Delhi. (See table for details) Meanwhile, addressing media persons at secretariat conference hall here, High Powered Committee (HPC) spokesperson for COVID19 related activities and Planning & Coordination minister Neiba Kronu said that all positive persons were receiving medical care at designated COVID hospitals while active surveillance was on to prevent further spread of the infection.

He appreciated the frontline workers for their tireless efforts in taking care

COVID – 19 POSITIVE STATUS AS OF 3:30 PM, 7TH JUNE 2020

AsympRecovCOVID HOSPITAL tomatic ered cases Dimapur DH Kiphire DH Kohima NHAK Kohima Chedema Longleng DH Mokokchung IMDH Mon DH Peren CHC Jalukie Phek DH Tuensang DH Wokha DH Zunheboto DH State Total

87 0 4 13 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 110

Symptomatic cases Critical TOTAL ICU ICU Moderate Severe (On Ventila- (Non-Venti- CASES tor) lator) 0 0 0 0 95 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 118

Mild

8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B. DISTRIBUTION OF CASES BY DOMICILE DISTRICT District

Kohima

Dimapur

Mokokchung

Phek

Zunheboto

Tuensang

Mon

Number

5

10

0

1

0

7

23

C. DISTRIBUTION OF CASES BY GENDER

Wokha Kiphire 5

Longleng

Peren

Total

0

63

118

4

D. DISTRIBUTION OF CASES BY AGE GROUP

Gender

Male

Female

Total

Age Group

0-17

18-44

45-64

65-74

>75

Total

Number

83

35

118

Number

4

113

1

0

0

118

of the COVID patients, stating they deserved applause.

Kronu informed the media that the State cabinet had deliberated on the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) for the returnees and, considering the need for further streamlining it, decided to allow paid quarantine to those who

wished to avail it.

Training for inmates: The minister said the government had also asked the returnees to provide their full names and addresses and work experience or the trade they were involved to help develop institutional mechanism for skill upgradation and training so

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that people who chose to stay back would be gainfully employed and earn their living.

He said the cabinet also directed director general of police John Longkumer to identify people circulating fake images and videos on social media and punish them as per law.

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

State to recruit more health personnel; ramp up testing Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, JUN 7 (NPN): As more stranded returnees are expected to arrive back, Nagaland braces itself to manage the entire process of screening, quarantining, testing and treating with a health system already almost under immense pressure.

On Monday, around 1000 returnees are expected to arrive Dimapur from Gujarat and Maharashtra.

District Police has already issued total closure of shops and restriction on vehicular movement on Monday from 9 a.m. to 12-midnight as a safety measure.

So far, according to official sources around 8000 returnees have already arrived and a majority or over 2800 are in various quarantine centres across Dimapur district.

In a desperate effort to complement the overstressed health system, the state government has decided to urgently appoint more doctors and nurses. In this regard, the departments of finance and personal and administrative reforms(P&AR) have been

directed to ensure smooth implementation of the decision. This was disclosed by the spokesperson of the High Powered Committee spokesperson for COVID-19 related activities in the state and minister for planning & coordination, Neiba Kronu Sunday. Kronu said this was decided by the cabinet at the June 4 meeting and also directed all district chief medical officers (CMOs) to deliberate on the issue in order to address them at the earliest.

Also speaking to media, adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon, who is also one of the HPC spokesperson, informed that the state government has made an assessment (shortage) of all the districts and accordingly address the issue.

Responding to a query, Health department deputy director Dr. Kikameren Longkumer informed that there were currently 5 22 doctors deputed in various parts of the state.

He went on to state that in the 11 district hospitals, the non-specialist strength was only 63 or 52% of Indian Public Health

Standard- IPHS norms and 51 specialists or only 23% of IPHS norms. He also said presently nursing strength was only 28% of IPHS norms, which would have to be increased to 75% of IPHS norms.

800 samples testing per day soon: The state government has also decided to ramp up testing for COVID-19 by installing TrueNat testing machines in all districts.

Mmhonlumo Kikon Sunday informed that the state has received seven TrueNat machines and 15 more were expected to arrive with few days.

Once all the TrueNat machines were installed in all districts, he said the total testing capacity, including BSL-3 in Kohima, will increase from 171 (current position) to 800 per day. This will greatly ease and speed up the COVID-19 suspected sample testing process.

To queries on whether any action was initiated against erring officials on Peren incident, Kikon said the “government has entrusted the Health department to look into it”.

Places of worship, malls to open from today NE states record 3787 COVID-19 positive cases Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (NPN): With the number of COVID-19 cases in India still rising despite lockdown enforced since March 25, 2020 and with no vaccine in sight while the economy continues to suffer, the government of India has announced gradual relaxations under three phases.

In Phase-I religious places and places of worship for public, hotels, restaurants, hospitality services and shopping malls will be opened from June 8 across most parts of the country.

Some states have however decided not to open these institutions.

In Phase-II, schools, colleges, educational institutions will be opened after consultations with states the decision will be taken in July. In Phase-III, international flights, metro services, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertain-

ment parks will be opened only after assessment of the situation. A visit to the shopping malls, hotels and restaurants and religious places will no longer be the same like before the lockdown imposed on March 25 after the Union Health Ministry issued the SOPs for strict adherence to contain the spread of COVID-19.

All these strategies were adopted in the assumption that if at least 60% of the population developed anti-bodies after infection with COVID-19,it would lead to herd immunity and stop further transmission and ultimately, make the virus disappear within a few months.

While the government has continually emphasised that since coronavirus won’t go and till a vaccine was developed, people have to learn to live with it; or in other words allow herd immunity to take place. However, many health experts

disagree that herd immunity is the only option since it can neither be effective against coronavirus nor a viable option for a country as large as India. They say that despite decades of research to cure HIV, dengue, TB and malaria they are still around but unlike coronavirus known strategies adopted have helped reduce transmissions.

Health expert have said gradual relaxation of lockdown will only add pressure on the already over stressed health care system.

She pointed out that ‘community transmission(stage -3) of coronavirus was already taking place in many cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi etc as proved by rapid increased of COVID19 everyday. They pointed out that the purpose of lockdown was not to prevent spread of COVID-19 completely but only to slow its spread so as to have a steady pace and identify clusters.

Correspondents/PTI

GUWAHATI/IMPHAL/ SHILLONG/TRIPURA/ MIZORAM, JUN 7 (PTI): Assam reported 92 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, taking the total number of infections in the state to 2,566, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Of the fresh cases, 39 are from Hojai, 24 from Dhubri, 10 from Nagaon, seven from Golaghat, six from Majuli, five from Lakhimpur and one case was from Dhemaji district, he said. Altogether, 74 travellers have so far tested COVID-19 positive, including 30 air passengers from Kuwait, since flight operations resumed on May 25.

Of the total 2,566 COVID-19 cases, 1,943 are active, four patients have died and three others have migrated to other states, Sarma said.

Manipur: COVID-19 (Cont’d on p-7) positive cases rose to 172 in

State NPP unit reacts to NDPP’s statement DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Following the ruling party’s counter to its open representation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio over a range of issues, NPP State unit said the NDPP’s rejoinder proved the party’s nature of targeting any party, organization or individual blindly without digging into the truth. While it was natural for a ruling party to defend the government, NPP said it felt NDPP had lost peoplecentric goals and ethics while doing so.

In a statement, NPP said it was amused that a party had used bigoted wisdom and wild rhetoric to make its stand clear when failure of the State government in handling the COVID-19 pandemic was known to majority of the people.

Clarifying that it was not interested in playing

politics nor seeking political mileage out of this pandemic, NPP asserted that being a people-centric party, it was its right and duty to question the government on matters related to welfare of the public, adding for doing that it did not require certificate of any party, including NDPP. Referring to the ruling party’s questioning heads of educational institutions for entering politics, the statement pointed that there was no provision in Indian constitution that barred such persons from entering the political arena. It alleged that some NDPP leaders were not only running educational institutions but also malls, media houses, resorts, etc.

Mentioning how certain leaders had amassed huge wealth and built an empire of properties in Na-

galand, other States and even abroad worth billions of rupees, NPP said this would not have been possible with salary alone.

On the ruling party claiming in its rejoinder that the government was consulting experts on COVID-19 pandemic, NPP wondered how the government could then commit one blunder after another when advised by experts.

“Are we to understand that the experts are giving erroneous advice to the government or the government is not listening and acting on the advice given by these experts? It is for the experts themselves and the government to find out what is the truth,” the statement added.

Reacting to the NDPP’s rejoinder, NPP claimed that its national president and Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma was lead-

ing his State in an incredible manner for which he was the most sought-after leader not only in Meghalaya but across the Northeast. He had built the party’s ethos and image to the stature of a national party, it added.

According to the statement, NDPP was so frustrated and insecure during the Assembly by-election and Lok Sabha election that it had to lure two NPP MLAs to secure win. It advised the ruling party to examine its own actions before pointing fingers at others.

The party further asked NDPP to do a fact check and understand reasons and logic behind the legitimate questions raised in the open representation, which it had labelled as “negative criticism, misinformation and personalized attacks”.

51

01

50

00

2566

616

1943

04

36

13

22

01

172

52

120

00

34

01

33

00

118

08

110

00

803

195

607

1

07

00

07

00

Manipur after 15 fresh cases were reported on Sunday, Health officials said. Out of 172, 120 were active cases while 52 have been discharged after recovery.

The 15 fresh cases were among 1249 samples tested during the last 24 hours (from 6.30 pm, June 6 to 6.30 pm, June 7).

M e g h a l aya : T h r e e more returnees, including one girl tested positive for novel coronavirus in Meghalaya on Sunday night, following which active cases in the State has spiked up to

22. Meghalaya has so far recorded 36 cases, out of which 13 have fully recovered, one died and 23 are active and under treatment.

Mizoram: Ten people, who had recently returned from New Delhi, tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, taking the total number of cases in the state to 34, an official said on Sunday.

Tr i p u r a : Tr i p u r a crossed the 800-mark for coronavirus positive patients, as 55 more people tested positive for the virus

on Sunday. With this, the total number of confirmed cases has gone up to 803 in the state. The total number of active cases now stands at 607, with 192 patients having been discharged after recovery so far, three migrated and one death.

Arunachal Pradesh: On Sunday, Ar unachal Pradesh reported two new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 51, Health department official said. Both the patients were from Changlang district and were in institutional quarantine.

As of now, Arunachal Pradesh has 50 COVID-19 active cases as one patient has been discharged from hospital after being cured.

Sikkim: Sikkim had reported four cases of COVID19 on Saturday, taking the total to seven in the state.

As per reports, two females from South Sikkim aged 29 and 37, and two males aged 22 and 21 were found to be COVID-19 positive.

Over `24 cr disbursed to non-returnees, patients Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 7 (NPN): The state government has so far disbursed Rs. Rs. 24,84,86000 (Rs. 24.84 crore) as special one-time grant to stranded citizens outside the state who have decided to not return including patients, said adviser IT&C, NRE and Science & Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon, who is also one of the spokespersons for the High Powered Committee on COVID-19 related activities Briefing media persons here, Kikon said the government had been paying attention and has been supportive to all the stranded Naga citizens outside the state from the time the lockdown was announced.

He also informed that some applications received through the portal iamstranded. nagaland.gov.in, were rejected due to various reasons. Kikon further said the details of all beneficiaries will be made public soon.

Principal DG PIB test positive for COVID-19

NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (AGENCIES): Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) K S Dhatwalia was Sunday night admitted to AIIMS after testing positive for COVID19.

Dhatwalia, who had been attending regular government briefings including Cabinet briefings, had been at work until yesterday.

Government sources said the National Media Centre, where the briefings have been taking place, would be closed for sanitisation on Monday.

The news of Dhatwalia testing positive comes just two days after three Health Ministry officers tested positive leading to weekend disinfection of Nirman Bhavan, the Ministry office complex.

Top union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday shared the dais with Dhatwalia for a cabinet briefing and would need to self quarantine (Cont’d on p-7) themselves after the Principal DG, Information, tested positive.

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8 recovered patients shifted to CCC, Dimapur Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 7 (NPN): Deputy director H&FW, Dr. Kika Longkumer informed that the eight recovered patients were shifted to COVID Care Centre (CCC) Dimapur since they were asymptomatic and do not require further medical attention.

Informing this to media persons during the daily briefing at the state secretariat conference hall, Dr. Kika said the recovered patients were shifted to reduce congestion in the COVID hospitals which also consumes more resources.

Dr. Longkumer added that they have completed 14 days, yet discharge protocols will be followed before being discharged after which logistic arrangement will be made to send them to their places soon.

Dr. Longkumer shared

that in COVID case, 97% will develop symptoms within 10-11 days but 99% develop symptoms within 14th day because of which it was important to keep the people in QCs for 14 days.

Dr. Longkumer said in the quarantine centres,

the inmates were kept to prevent transmission of the disease by monitoring their health and also report the inmate through the apps.

He also said those in home quarantine were being tracked through geo fencing tag.

238 QCs with 13800 beds currently available: Adviser and spokesperson for the High Powered Committee (HPC) Mmhonlumo Kikon informed that the state as on June 7, 2020 has a total of 283 quarantine centres (QCs) with 13800 beds.

He said that Nagaland was ranked 5th rank in the country, as the strictest state that imposed quarantine protocols on returnees as the state was able to ramp up the facilities and testing during the lockdown period.

Currently, he said Dimapur has 49 QCs with 3147 inmates as on June 6. In Kohima, he said of the four QCs, JNV has 80 occupants out of the 400 intake capacity, IG stadium has nil till date, K. Badze has 800 inmates out of 1300 capacity and Meriema has 400 occupants out of the 500 intake capacity. Kohima has a QC having a capacity of 2750 intake capacity.

State principal secretary home, Abhijit Sinha informed that the District Task force teams have pulled in people from various departments and were managing the QCs with proper coordination.

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

NDPP online meeting with central youth organisation

DIMAPUR: NDPP leadership held a meeting with the central youth organisation through Zoom Cloud Application on June 6, chaired by spokesperson and convenor of the media & communications committee and former minister, Merentoshi.

A press release issued

by NDPP media and communication committee stated that, the meeting was attended by secretary general of the party Abu Metha, president youth organisation Kelhouneizo Yhome, general secretary T. L Merry, other central leaders and many rank and files of the youth organisation.

Merentoshi, advised the house to share views and suggestions and bring it up in the next upcoming meetings to find ways to support and render any help possible together under the banner of the youth organisation. He also urged the youth to make all efforts to help the people during these challenging times and ensure that the programmes

and policies of the government reach the people in the grass roots.

Abu Metha advised the youth organisation to refrain from using profane language in social media or engage in dirty paper wars, and that responsible leaders must make constructive criticism and defend the government with facts and accurate details. He motivated the youth to rise to the occasion and use the tools of modern technology and social media realities to change the narrative to a positive scenario for the overall betterment of society.

President youth organisation K. Yhome, said that despite critics, cheap propagandas and conspiracies going about, the youth organisation have faith that the party in power with its allies would stand steadfast and that eventually truth shall prevail. Youth organisation expressed that it was ready to contribute more materially, physically, or any other means if needed.

NH accuses govt for poor management of COVID Correspondent KOHIMA, JUN 7 (NPN): Accusing the state government for all the lapses that had been happening, the Naga Hoho said that government’s claim to have been prepared was only for publicity on paper and social media, whereas in ground reality, nothing had been properly prepared.

Naga Hoho general secretary Elu Ndang in an interview with Nagaland Post said that, government failed to take into confidence the role of the civil societies, like the tribal hohos, mothers’ organisation, student bodies and youth, stating that involvement of

these groups would have made the management better.

Ndang said before the return of the stranded Nagas, government had ample time to announce through the tribal hohos, student bodies and civil societies as stranded persons could have been better identified but government did not treat the matter with seriousness.

Claiming that government must have thought that COVID-19 pandemic would not infiltrate into the state, Ndang said that now the government seemed to be more panicked than the citizens. He was of the view that the highest office

could not communicate the policies and strategies to the people involved on the ground, resulting in many implementation lapses.

While talking about how the returnees were poorly managed, Ndang said that government failed inspite of many orders and SOPs as the protocol could not be properly implemented in many areas. He said that government had failed even when the frontline workers were battling their best to contain the COVID19 pandemic in the state.

Ndang alleged that Tuensang issue has proved t h a t g ove r n m e n t wa s not prepared to fight the COVID, adding that the

entire “mismanagement” episode has shown how government was “not serious” about the pandemic.

Ndang said that state government transferred out the “officer involved” and also dissolved Empowered Group and constituted High Power Committee (HPC) headed by the chief minister. However when the Peren issue erupted under the chairmanship of the CM, nothing better could be expected to improve as in the previous case.

While expressing that no amount of apologies and justification would stop from revealing the truth about the inability of the state government,

Church leaders undergo IT 4 IT course

DIMAPUR: Valedictory session for second batch of Information Technology for Internal Transformation (IT 4 IT) online course was held over Zoom on May 29, with general secretary, Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC), Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, as chief guest.

A press release from Pinacle Skills, stated that altogether 40 participants from Nagaland, Manipur,

Assam, Tripura, Delhi and Telangana, completed online course, enabling church leaders to learn modern technology and social media tools. While appreciating Pinnacle Skills for organizing the course, Rev. Keyho stressed on need for church ministry to adept themselves with new technology skills to be more effective. Impressed with testimonies of participants, he further nominated 5 executives from NBCC to

join the next course.

Chief executive, Pinnacle Skills, Dr. Yan Murry, chaired the session, while benediction was pronounced by Meyu Changkiri. The resource person for the training was Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), AP business school, Amaravati, A P, Prof. Samuel Johnson Israel, Associate director, Pinnacle Skills, Prem Kumar Kothapalli, coordinated the training programme.

‘World Environment Day’ observed in Nagaland

DUCCF members and forest officials during the WED. DIMAPUR: Various schools world on June 5. and organisations celebrated DUCCF: DUCCF “World Environment Day” observed “World Environunder the theme, “celebrate ment Day” (WED) at Forbiodiversity” across the state est Colony, Dimapur on along with the rest of the June 5. A press release from

planting of a sapling on DUCCF stated that, DFO and staff were present on the occasion. DUCCF led by president Tsenthungo Nyamo, distributed tree saplings to all council chair-

DIMAPUR: Principal secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha informed that no violation of the lockdown was reported in the state as on June 6. According to DIPR report, while issuing the report on law & order and facilitation of essential goods & services, he added that no law & order incident has been reported.

According to the report, essential commodity and medical shops continue to remain open in all the districts.

The report also maintained that no shortage of food grains, medicines and other essentials have been reported in any part of the State. Principal secretary also informed that no restriction was imposed on the movement of commercial vehicles for distribution of essential commodities and service providers. Further, there was no restriction on the movement of commercial vehicles for distribution of essential commodities and e-commerce agents. The report added that suitable arrangements have been made for providing food and shelter to migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. Pertaining to that, there is 1 (one) active relief camp and 2 (two) active food camps where 194 (one hundred and ninety four) daily wagers and needy people were provided food and dry ration.

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Report on COVID-19 lockdown

men of urban colonies of Dimapur.

Government schools in Tuensang: Gover nment schools across five EBRC Hakushang, Noksen, Longkhim, Shamator and Noklak, under District Mission Authority, Samagra Shiksha, observed the day by planting tree saplings in and around school premises. A press release from DMA SS Tuensang project assistant, A. Lakhum Yimchunger stated that, beautification of roads, drawing and painting were also conducted in various schools, where more than 6500 youths and eco club members participated.

Ndang also asserted that government must emphasise on special attention towards overhauling health care system in the state since COVID was here to stay.

Ndang was also concerned over the silence of the state government to intervene and address the issue of half salary to the teachers even if parents paid the school fees in full.

He asserted that government must work on economic reform by inviting experts/scholars, consultants cutting across political affiliation to rebuild the already weakened economic condition in the state.

ARC Ahthibung provides essential preventive materials to returnees

Volunteers with the essential preventive materials for returnees at Songlhuh village.

DIMAPUR: Ahthibung Region Club (ARC) Ahthibung in collaboration with Assam Rifles and youth wing of Songlhuh village provided essential preventive materi-

als and commodities to the home returnees of Songlhuh village on June 7.

A press release from ARC media cell head general secretary, Ziansin stated

news in Brief KSSU informs students: Kohima Sümi Students’ Union (KSSU) has informed students having difficulties in getting admission in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak can contact KSSU officials for necessary assistance. Interested students may contact KSSU president Benison V Shohe at 9862209340 and information & publicity secretary, Jehu Kinimi at 9366780361.

HVC & KVC prohibits fishing and hunting: Hazadisa Village Council (HVC) and Khekiho Village Council (KVC) have informed that any kind of fishing and hunting along Dhansiri River under the jurisdiction of Hazadisa and Khekiho villages is strictly prohibited. Anyone found to be violating the order will be fined and punished as per the resolution adopted by both the said village council.

Corrigendum: Apropos the news item published under the caption “Construction of 4 bedded ICU underway at CHC Jalukie” on June 6, the paragraph should be read as measuring 26x16 and 6x16 respectively and not as published. Inadvertent error is regretted.

Assam Rifles conduct various activities DIMAPUR: Various battalions of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted activities in different districts and locations of Nagaland for the benefit of general public.

Kohima Battalion: Kohima Battalion provided tin sheets for setting up COVID-19 facility at heritage village, Kisama, Kohima. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N) as part of the DTF & COVID control committee, the battalion has been participating in all endeavors of the civil administration in Kohima. Under Swachh Bharat initiative, Kohima Battalion also facilitated two toilet blocks for residents of ‘D’ block, Kohima. The toilet block facilities have been installed adjacent to a main road to facilitate convenience of commuters/residents.

Kohima Battalion also provided tin sheets for setting up of soakage pits at the quarantine facility in

Meriema and Chedema villages, Kohima.

Shamator Battalion: To maintain quarantine facilities set up at Shamator and Noklak, Shamator Battalion has been assisting district administration in supplying potable water.

Kiphire Battalion: Kiphire Battalion felicitated master Sanskar, son of Pradeep Kumar Dubey, of Loyola School, Kiphire for securing first position in the overall merit for Nagaland state and earning an admission into Assam Rifles public school, Laitkor under NEC sponsorship scheme.

Tuensang Battalion: Tuensang Battalion provided medical assistance to critical patients at Ranpha border village in Wangti on May 27, where spot treatment was provided by nursing assistant. Tuensang Battalion also felicitated candidates selected for Sainik School, Punglwa for academic year 2020-21 on

FELICITATION

With immense pride a n d h o n o u r, w e , T h e Molungkimong Village Council, The Molungkimong Senso Mungdang and The Molungkimong Students’ Union convey our warmest congratulations to Miss.

R a c h e l T z ü d i r , D / o M r. and Mrs. Tiayanger Tzüdir of Molungkimong Village for securing the top 7th position (Arts stream) in the recently declared HSSLC examination 2020. We are extremely proud for your exemplary achievement and may you continue to strive and excel in all your future endeavours. We also congratulate all our successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC examination 2020. May this success today be the start of your tomorrow’s achievement.

Sd/Molungkimong Village Council Molungkimong Senso Mungdang Molungkimong Students Union DP-2650

May 29. Meanwhile, the battalion also assisted civil administration in clearing off blockade along Chenmoho-Chenloiso road.

Wokha Battalion: Wokha Battalion assisted district administration in setting up a quarantine facility at GHS Tseminyu, Kohima on May 26. The battalion set up 10 beds, two four men tents and provided the locals with the essential commodities.

Mon Battalion: Mon Battalion conducted an interaction meeting with village functionaries of Lungwa on May 29. Various measures to prevent the spread of virus were highlighted by the commandant.

Ghaspani Battalion: With critical paucity of water in maintaining 80 bedded quarantine facility set up at the Co-operative Training Centre, Medziphema, Ghaspani Battalion assisted the district administration in providing water on 29 May.

that, timely awareness lectures and door to door drives to make people aware about seriousness of the situation are being done by volunteers of ARC.

NVCO observes ‘World Food Safety Day’ DIMAPUR: Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) observed the “World Food Safety Day” in Kohima on June 7, to create awareness upon the citizens following the United Nations direction to promote global food safety awareness.

A press release from NVCO press and media cell stated that, president of Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation advocate Kezhokhoto Savi spoke on the occasion and assured that Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation would continue to conduct awareness campaign on food safety as it had been doing for the last several years.

He added that government of Nagaland had implemented the Food Safety & Standard Act 2006 and as per the Act, food safety refers to the condition and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent contamination of food borne illness.

Savi also added that under Consumer Protection Act 1986, the consumers have the right to safety and are protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life.

Pointing out that Nagaland state has the level-2 laboratory, the first in the entire North East and fully funded by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) at state public health laboratory in Kohima, Savi suggested the food business operators (FBOs) to have their products/food item/sample tested in the laboratory at Para-medical, Kohima, before they sell out to the consumers.

WOKHA TOWN OVUNG EKHÜNG WOKHA : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

MHANKABEMO Z OVUNG Wokha Town Ovung Ekhüng (WTOE) takes pride in congratulating Mr. Mhankabemo Z Ovung, S/o Mrs. & Dr. K.Z. Ovung for bagging the Top 7 Rank securing 100% Marks in 3 Subjects in the HSLC Examination 2020 conducted by NBSE. WTOE Office Bearers and Advisors visited and congratulated him in person at his residence in Wokha Town on June 3, 2020.

WTOE also handed over to him a cash award of Rs.20,000/- for securing the Top 7 Rank.

WTOE further wishes him a bright future.

L. Zachamo Ovung WC-131 Secretary, Information and Publicity, WTOE K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: If lockdown continues, will it positively reduce climate change?

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

A B C

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

A

B

C

Yes. No. Can’t Say

94% 6% 0%

Next poll

Q: Is the state govt doing a

good job bringing back returnees?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say

WEATHER FORECAST June 8

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A stray morning thunderstorm 34 25

A stray afternoon t-storm

Aizawl

Guwahati A t-storm around in the p.m.

A p.m. t-storm in spots

Imphal

29 20 34 24 31 20

Itanagar A thunderstorm in spots

29 22

Shillong A thunderstorm in the area

25 17

A t-storm in the afternoon

26 18

Kohima

Dimapur Heavy sunshine

A thunderstorm in the area

Mkg

32 23 27 19

Tuensang A stray morning thundershower 21 15 Wokha

A stray morning thunderstorm 26 21

Zunheboto A thundershower in spots

25 17

Mumbai residents complain foul odour Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation says no gas leak

MUMBAI, JUN 7 (PTI): People in some areas of Mumbai complained of a foul odour in their localities, prompting the authorities to check the source of the smell, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said on Sunday.

The fire brigade said no gas leakage was found in areas including Chembur, Ghatkopar, Kanjurmarg, Vikhroli, Powai and Andheri from where the calls were received. Frantic callers claiming a gas leak in Chembur, Ghatkopar and adjoining areas in the city kept the civic body’s disaster management cell and fire brigade personnel busy, the official said.

The callers who rang on Saturday night from areas like Chembur, Ghatkopar, Powai and Vikhroli claimed there was a gas leak in their localities, the official said.

After the Disaster M a n a ge m e n t C o n t r o l Room said the likely origin was the US Vitamins company in Govandi, the entire location was searched but no gas leak was found, a fire official said.

The fire brigade has contacted Hindustan Petro-

leum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mahanagar Gas Ltd, and Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers as these firms have a presence in the areas, the official said. “Situation is under control. All necessary resources have been mobilised. Origin of the smell is being investigated.

17 fire appliances are on field equipped with pub-

UP ATS arrests arms supplier to Khalistani terrorists LUCKNOW, JUN 7 (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh AntiTerrorist Squad on Sunday arrested an alleged arms supplier to Khalistani terrorists, a senior officer said.

Additional Director General of the ATS, Dhruva Kant Thakur, said, “The UP ATS has arrested Javed, an arms supplier to Khalistani terrorists, from Hapur. Javed is a resident of the Kithore area of Meerut. His interrogation is on and the Punjab Police has been informed about the arrest.”

Thakur said Javed has also supplied illegal arms to criminals in Amritsar.

He was arrested following an input from the state special cell, Amritsar, the ADG said.

In a statement issued here, the UP ATS said,”Javed had supplied illegal weapon to Dharminder Singh, a resident of Ludhiana, who was involved in the murder of a

Javed senior RSS office-bearer of Punjab, Brig (retd) Jagdish Kumar Gagneja. The NIA is probing the case. Ashish, an accomplice of Javed, was arrested earlier.”

Dharminder Singh is a member of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and currently lodged in the Tihar Jail.

In November 2019, Javed on the instructions of Dharminder Singh, had given three pistols to his aide, the ATS said in the

statement.

ATS officials said a number of pro-Khalistan terrorists have been caught in western UP and the Punjab Police was searching Javed for quite some time.

In May, in a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh ATS and the Special Operation Group of the Punjab Police, Tirath Singh, a suspected terrorist owing allegiance to the Khalistan movement was arrested from Thapar Nagar in Meerut. He was handed over to the Punjab Police after interrogation.

In February 2020, the UP ATS arrested Ashish, a key arms supplier of Khalistan Liberation Force, from Haridwar.

In November 2019, the ATS arrested a man and his accomplice from the state’s Shamli district for their alleged involvement in supplying arms and ammunition to pro-Khalistan terror groups.

Sikkim Chief Secretary convenes meet on Covid-19

Sikkim Chief Secretary S. C. Gupta chairing a meeting.

GANGTOK, JUN 7 (AGENCIES): Sikkim Chief Secretary S. C. Gupta convened a State Task Force Meeting to review and assess the present scenario of COVID-19 and the future course of action at Tashiling Secretariate today, reports The Northeast Today.

The meeting was attended by the District Collectors, Superintendent of Police, Chief Medical Officers of four districts through video conferencing.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion on the status of evacuation of the returnees, compulsory K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

testing of people under quarantine, protocols to be strictly maintained during home quarantine and other areas requiring urgent attention and intervention was discussed.

The meeting also took stock of some insights into the present situation and the strategy for testing of the primary contacts of the positive patients and other returnees.

At the outset, the Chief Secretary gauged on the preparedness with regard to the conduct of Class X and XII board examinations to be held from the 1st of July and online entrance examina-

tion for All India Institute of Medical Science to be held shortly.

In view of the board examination, he also directed the District Administration to hand over the Senior Secondary Schools which have been converted into quarantine centres to the Education Department latest by 25th June.

The Chief Secretary sought feedbacks from the members of State Task Force and District Collectors and added that the road ahead should be focused on reducing the spread of corona virus and ensuring that all adequate safety norms are adhered to.

Photo for representation lic announcement system and ready for response if required,” the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation tweeted earlier on Sunday.

The fire brigade shared a video showing announcements being made and residents being asked to reach out to them in case they face serious problem due to the foul odour.

A fire appliance is a

Delhi BJP chief, others held during protest against AAP NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (PTI): Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta and his party’s MLAs were detained for alleged violation of lockdown norms on Sunday after they gathered at Rajghat to protest against the AAP government over “deteriorating” healthcare services in the city.

Mr. Gupta, along with 14 others, was detained for organising the protest in violation of the lockdown norms, a senior police officer said. The detained BJP leaders were taken to Rajender Nagar police station and released later.

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Bidhuri said the BJP will continue to protest against the AAP government over alleged deteriorating healthcare services in the national capital. Delhi BJP president was detained by the Delhi Police at Rajghat during a protest against AAP government.

vehicle designed to assist in firefighting and other rescue operations. It is normally based on truck chassis and weigh over 12 tonnes. Shiv Sena minister Aaditya Thackeray, whose party controls the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, tweeted, “Situation is under control. I urge all not to panic. All possible and necessary resources are mobilised.

UP teachers recruitment: Priyanka slams govt on mess NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (IANS): Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi has hit out at the Uttar Pradesh Government on the mess and illegality in teachers’ recruitment in the state.

Priyanka Gandhi said, “The future of the youth is tormented, and this has raised the question mark on the whole system.”

“The Gover nment should bring out all the facts related to discrepancies so that efforts of the youth do not go waste, and derive a new recruitment mechanism,” added Priyanka Gandhi.

The statement comes in the wake of many candidates getting into recruitment process through illegal means.

Last week, the Allahabad High Court stayed the recruitment process of 69,000 assistant basic teachers in Uttar Pradesh.

The court fixed July 12 for further hearing in the matter. However, the State government has gone into appeal.

Justice Alok Mathur’s order came on dozens of writ petitions that raised questions on the process.

The court directed the petitioners to submit

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra their objections regardChief Minister Yogi ing answer sheets to the Adityanath, on May 6, had state government within welcomed a High Court ora week. The government der that approved the state will then refer the same government’s decision to to the University Grants keep higher cut-off marks Commission to decide on for recruitment of 69,000 the objections. teachers in primary schools The Primary Educa- of the state. tion Department had deHe had congratulated clared the results for the all successful candidates recruitment of 69,000 as- and asked them to consistant basic teachers and tribute to the state educathe counselling session was tion system in the coming scheduled to begin from years.

June 3.

China runs war propaganda against India over Ladakh NEW DELHI/BEIJING, JUN 7 (IANS): China is running full-blown propaganda on its high altitude war preparations, threatening India as troops of both sides remain locked in a face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times claimed that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) organised “a large-scale maneuver operation featuring thousands of paratroopers and armoured vehicles to the country’s high-altitude northwestern region over a long distance from central China’s Hubei province amid border tensions between China and India.”

The entire process was completed in just a few hours, demonstrating China’s capability of quickly reinforcing border defences when necessary, Global Times reported.

On Saturday, China

Central Television (CCTV) had reported that PLA Air Force airborne brigade recently maneuvered from Hubei to an undisclosed location in the plateaus of northwestern China thousands of kilometers away.

Reacting to the propaganda, defence analyst Nitin Gokhale tweeted, “Since China is bent on trying to create an impression that its terracotta warriors are ready for high altitude battle, perhaps it is time to talk about an imaginary table top exercise some military enthusiasts have authored and played out in their minds.”

India’s China expert

Brahma Chellaney however, warned, “India extended the hand of friendship to China but that country’s communist dictatorship repaid with aggression in Ladakh, resurrecting the ghosts of Mao’s 1962 military invasion of India. The latest aggression is not just a wake-up call for India, it could prove the final straw.”

State-r un media in China has been persistently running war propaganda against India since the Xi Jinping regime ear ned worldwide opprobrium for initially covering up the coronavirus pandemic which originated in Wuhan city of Hubei province.

Hacker threatens to sell ZEE5 users’ data NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (IANS): A hacker identifying himself as John Wick has claimed to have accessed the network of popular streaming service ZEE5, allegedly stealing over 150GB of user data along with the source code of the website.

According to a report in cybersecurity news portal Quickcyber, the hacker who appeared to be from a Korean hacking group is now planning to dump the data in the public domain for open sale.

The hacker told the publication that the stolen database of Zee5.com contains private details of the subscribers including their recent transactions, passwords, emails, mobile numbers, messages, etc.

ZEE5 was yet to comment on the report. The breach may have occurred between February end or March. ZEE5 has over 150 million subscribers worldwide.

northeast

Meghalaya to conduct COVID-19 scare in Jiribam after confirmed pending Class 12 exams cases admitted at district hospital

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JUNE 7: A total of 3,857 students, including some from neighbouring countries studying in Meghalaya are expected to write the Class 12 exams from Monday to Wednesday for the remaining four pending subjects that were postponed due to the nation-wide COVID-19 situation, an education official said on Sunday.

The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE) will conduct the exams for the remaining four subjects including Mathematics, Statistics, Western Music and Physical Education in 62 centres across the State.

Education department officials said that there are 3772 students appearing for Mathematics, 49 for Physical Education, 28 for Western Music and eight for Statistics.

There are also students from foreign countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh who will sit for the remaining examinations.

“We have taken all

heath safety measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations in view of the COVID19 pandemic,” J Marbaniang, an education official said.

He said the teachers and others who will take part in conducting the exams have been trained to follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols issued by the Health and Family Welfare department.

“Students appearing for the exams will be screened before entering the examination halls and those found with temperature will be accommodated in separate rooms to write their exams,” the official said.

State Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui had said that a meeting will be held on June 15 to take a call on reopening educational institutions in the State.

“We are yet to decide on the matter related to reopening educational institutions in urban as well as rural areas of the state,” he said.

Correspondent IMPHAL, JUN 7: Panic and fear gripped Jiribam district headquarters of Manipur after two COVID19 positive patients were kept at the isolation ward of the district hospital allegedly having no facility for treatment of COVID-19.

The positive patients were unable to be evacuated to Covid care facilities in Imphal after the ambulance they were transporting developed some mechanical problems, official source said.

The two positive cases were among inmates of two different community quarantine centres functioning at the district headquarters.

Soon after they tested positive, health authorities of the district took them away in an ambulance for Imphal.

Their samples were c o n f i r m e d a t R I M S ’s ’VRDL late Friday night and arrangement to shift them to a COVID care facility in Imphal was made on Saturday (June 6) morn-

ing.

However, the ambulance developed technical defects and had to halt near a petrol pump located at a populated area along NH37 for hours, the health authority said.

The authority tried their best to repair the ambulance after it was shifted to a lesser populated area. They even contacted authorities of Army and CRPF in the district, through the DC of the district for ambulance available with them.

However, after all the efforts went in vain, helpless officials shifted them to the isolated ward of the district hospital considering the sensitivity of the case.

The news of admission of COVID-19 patients at the district hospital and the series of events created panic among residents of the district bordering Assam.

The residents panic as a large number of people who had returned by train from different places of the country have tested positive for the deadly disease.

Jiribam railway station, the only train station in the state, is being used as the destination point of the special trains ferrying people from the state stranded outside.

The sheltering of COVID-19 patients in a hospital with no adequate facility to has shocked the residents who were already in panic, Atom Rajiv, a resident of Jiribam town who is also president of Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) said.

“We fear transmission of the disease to the health staff as well as to people being treated in the hospital along with those living in the vicinity of the hospital,” he said.

Rajiv expressed strong concern of only one ambulance being deployed in the district and demanded at least two ambulances in such a time of crisis.

The panic-stricken residents want the patients shifted as soon as possible but there are no immediate plans to shift the patients from the health authority in the state, he alleged.

K Y M C

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northeast

Covid-19: Central team in Assam

Workers carry material to build a quarantine center for treating critical COVID19 patients, at a veterinary college in Khanapara area of Guwahati. (PTI) G U WA H AT I , J U N 7 (IANS): A three-member central team, on a week-long visit to Assam, is studying the state’s Covid-19 management and has held a series of discussions with senior state officials, a top official said on Sunday. With 92 fresh cases on Sunday, Assam’s coronavirus tally climbed to 2,565 with 1,943 of them active cases.

Principal Secretary,

Health and Family Welfare, Samir Kumar Sinha said that the three-member team from the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, is now studying disease management in Assam.

“The central team has been in the state since Thursday and held a series of discussions with senior officials including Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna over the Covid-19 situation in

the state. After visiting the state, the central team would submit a report,” Sinha told IANS over phone.

Another senior Health Department official said that the central team, during the past four days, had visited various medical colleges and hospitals, Covid-19 care centres and quarantine facilities in and around Guwahati and various other districts.

The central team comprises Ajay Tiwari, Joint Secretary, Labour and Employment and two senior public health specialists -- N.N. Naskar and Snigdha Basu from All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health.

Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that around 2.50 lakh people returned to Assam so far from 14 states across south and north India, leading to the heavy rise in coronavirus patients in the state According to officials, five of the state’s 33 districts -- Kamrup Metro (413), Dhubri (259), Golaghat (209), Hojai (198) and Kamrup Rural (120) -- account for 1,199 of the total coronavirus patients. While Assam’s main city and commercial hub Guwahati falls in Kamrup Metro, Golaghat is a major tea growing area and a part of the famous Kaziranga National Park falls in the district, Dhubri shares borders with Bangladesh and West Bengal, Hojai district is famous for agarwood processing and agar-product export and the Brahmaputra makes its way through the Kamrup Rural district.

Mizoram RS polls: Lallianchhunga new Cong candidate Aizawl, Jun 7 (PTI): A day after announcing that former minister PC Zoram Sangliana will be its candidate for the lone Rajya Sabha seat in Mizoram, the Congress nominated Dr Lallianchhunga as the party nominee for the elections to the Upper House of Parliament, a party leader said on Sunday.

The party office bearers meeting on Saturday renamed its candidate due to unavoidable circumstances and nominated party spokesperson and media department chairman Dr Lallianchhunga as the party contender for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, he said.

Lallianchhunga is an associate professor at the political science department in Mizoram University (MZU).

Earlier on June 5, the Congress had projected former state art and culture and transport minister PC Zoram Sangliana as party contender for the Rajya Sabha seat.

Election to the lone Rajya Sabha seat in Mizoram will be held on June 19 simultaneously with nine other states.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

60,000 affected by floods in Assam

Villagers in a flood-hit area at Kampur in Nagaon district of Assam. (PTI) GUWAHATI, JUN 7 (PTI): The flood situation in Assam remained serious on Sunday with nearly 60,000 people still affected by the deluge in six districts, officials said.

The flood waters receded from Lakhimpur district but entered two new districts Dhemaji and West Karbi Anglong, they said.

According to the daily flood report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 59,840 people have been affected due to floods in Dhemaji, Goalpara, Nagaon, Hojai, West Karbi

Anglong and Cachar districts.

Goalpara is the worst hit with over 42,000 people affected followed by Hojai with more than 13,000 people and West Karbi Anglong with around 3,000 persons, it said.

Till Saturday, more than 59,000 people were affected in five districts.

So far, the total number of persons losing their lives in the first wave of flood stands at 10 across the state.

The SDRF has rescued five persons in the last 24 hours in Goalpara, ASDMA said.

At present, 103 villages are under water and 6,439 hectares of crop areas have been damaged, it said.

It said authorities are running 11 relief camps and distribution centres in two districts, where 1,727 people are taking shelter currently.

Embankments, roads and many other infrastructures have been damaged at various places in Biswanath and Barpeta districts.

Massive erosions have been witnessed at different places of Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur, ASDMA said.

Over 40,500 families avail state Assam gas well blowout: Consultant to study environmental impact healthcare scheme in Mizoram G U WA H AT I , J U N 7 (PTI): PSU major Oil India Ltd (OIL) on Sunday said it has appointed a consultant to assess the environmental impact of a major blowout in a well, from which gas is flowing uncontrollably for 11 days, on the Dibru- Saikhowa National Park and its nearby areas in Assam.

Due to seepage of crude, condensate and other chemicals from the OIL well in Baghjan of Tinsukia district, there have been reports of damage to the ecology of the area by the locals, environmentalists and various groups. “To safeguard the environment, OIL has engaged a NABET accredited consultant to carry out environment impact assessment study in and around Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Maguri Motapung Beel and the surrounding villages,” the company said in a statement.

The study will be conducted to assess the effects of blowout on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and socio- economic impact assessment in consultation with the stakeholders, it added.

“OIL has engaged TERI for bio-remediation

for impact of blowout on environment and site assessment was carried out jointly by officials from TERI and OIL on June 6, 2020,” the statement said.

Further, the company engaged local fishermen with boats to identify oil spill, if any, in Maguri Motapung Beel wetland so that immediate remedial action may be taken up as required.

Earlier, pictures of carcasses of a river dolphin and some dead fishes in Maguri Motapung Beel, which is adjacent to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and about 1.5 km from the incident site, went viral on social media.

Following this, the Assam Forest Department had issued a notice to OIL on May 29 seeking details of the incident.

On May 27, a major blowout took place at a producing gas well of OIL at Baghjan, next to DibruSaikhowa National Park, forcing the administration to evacuate thousands of people living nearby due to sprouting of natural gas and condensate droplets.

OIL said the “well is flowing gas uncontrollably” even as all attempts to con-

Places of worship in M’laya to reopen from June 14

Tripura to check govt teachers giving private tuitions

Aizawl, Jun 7 (PTI): Over 40,500 families in Mizoram are availing health insurance under a state healthcare scheme, an official said.

The Mizoram State Health Care Scheme (MSHCS) was launched by the Mizo National Front (MNF) government headed by Chief Minister Zoramthanga on October 1, 2019.

Under this scheme, beneficiaries are provided health insurance of up to Rs 2 lakh per year.

Dr Biakthansangi, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Mizoram state health care society, told PTI that till April, a total of 40,561 families, including 6,355 BPL families, had registered themselves to avail health assistance under the MSHCS. The state government had extended the deadline for registration at least nine times and closed the process in May, she said.

The present scheme is valid for one year up to September this year after which it will be renewed.

According to Dr Biakthansangi, more than Rs 18.22 crore has been released to over 6,700 benefi-

Zoramthanga (File)

ciaries as health assistance from October, 2019 to May this year. Over Rs 1 crore is yet to be released to about 392 beneficiaries next week, she said.

The state government has allocated Rs 20 crore each for the fiscal 2019-20 and 2020-21 under the states flagship programme-SocioEconomic Development Policy (SEDP) for the implementation of the healthcare scheme, she said.

Beside assistance under the healthcare scheme, the government also released more than Rs 13.73 crore to 3,459 government employees during the lockdown period from March to May as medical reimbursement against over Rs 11.81 crore for the corresponding period

in 2019. Of the 3,459 beneficiaries, 418 were undergoing treatment outside the state, she said.

Both the state healthcare scheme and medical reimbursement for employees were implemented smoothly despite the austerity measures undertaken by the state government to fight COVID-19 crisis, the official said.

People of this northeastern state can avail of two government healthcare schemes.

One is the Centres Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme, which currently provides a cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation while the state government’s MSHCS is the second one.

Both the schemes came into effect from October 1, 2019.

The MSHCS covers those BPL and APL families not covered under the AB-PMJAY and family members of government servants who are not entitled to medical assistance.

The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Shillong.

S H I LL O N G, J U N 7 (AGENCIES): Places of worship will reopen from June 14 across Meghalaya, following standard operating procedures and protocols, reports The Telegraph.

This was decided at a meeting on Friday attended by chief minister Conrad K. Sangma and representatives from religious groups.

After the meeting, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong said the religious groups would have to go to the grassroots

to explain the standard operating procedures and protocols to be followed.

He said the draft procedures were discussed at the meeting, and that most of the points were agreed upon.

“However, there are a few issues related to some clauses. We will revise the procedures and by Saturday, we will send them to all religious leaders,” he added.

From March onwards, following the imposition of the lockdown in view of the global pandemic,

various churches in the state, which has a large Christian population, had resorted to live streaming of services on Facebook and YouTube.

According to the protocols released by the Union health ministry, all religious places should ensure the availability of hand sanitisers and thermal screening devices at the entrance.

While only asymptomatic persons should be allowed in the premises, entrants should wear face covers/masks.

Footwear should be preferably taken off inside their vehicles, and if needed, should be kept in separate slots for each individual/family by the persons themselves.

Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises should be organised following social distancing norms.

Physical distancing of a minimum of six feet at all times has to be maintained when queuing up for entry.

M o r e ove r, p e o p l e should wash their hands and feet with soap and water before entering the premises.

Seating arrangements should also follow socialdistancing norms.

However, large gatherings/congregations will continue to be prohibited.

In view of the potential threat of spread of infection, as far as feasible, recorded devotional music/ songs may be played and choirs or singing groups should not be allowed.

Effective sanitation within the premises should be maintained with particularfocus on lavatories and hand and foot-washing stations/areas.

Agartala, Jun 7 (PTI): The Tripura administration will start conducting raids from Tuesday onwards to stop government school teachers from giving private tuitions, state Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath said. The minister said teachers of government and aided schools who are giving private tuitions are violating a 2015 Tripura High Court order banning the practice.

“Despite serving several notices to such school teachers, they are continuing with the practice without any hesitation. I am warning them for the last time to choose either government jobs or private tuitions. We will conduct raids from Tuesday onwards and take strict action against them,” he told reporters on Sunday.

The high court had ruled that only private school teachers can give private tuitions to students above 14 years of age and only if they are from other schools, Nath said.

Many teachers of government and aided schools are also not maintaining social distancing while giving private tuitions, which is another violation, he added.

Three experts of Singapore based firm Alert Disaster Control will reach Duliajan late evening on June 7. trol it have been hampered due to bad weather conditions in the area.

“Removal of equipment from the well plinth is in progress. Poor weather condition is hampering the work progress for removal of equipment from well plinth. Continuous rainfall necessitated further development of the approach road for removing equipment from the well site, which is in progress,” it added.

Meanwhile, OIL said the arrival of the three experts from the Singaporebased Alert Disaster Control has been delayed due to formalities related to COVID-19 pandemic.

“Three experts of Singapore based firm Alert

Disaster Control will reach Duliajan late evening on June 7. The delay in their arrival is due to clearances of official formalities at Singapore. The team will supplement the OIL and ONGC team in executing the control of the blowout,” it added.

Informing the status of repair works, OIL said with very limited space and non-availability of open space above the wellhead, placement of Blow Out Preventer (BOP) has become a huge challenge as it entails huge risk.

“It is planned to place the BOP on the wellhead through a hydraulically driven mechanical transporter.

Safety of the people and

the surroundings has been considered utmost priority while controlling the well,” the company said.

In order to subdue or kill the well, drilling mud will have to be pumped immediately after capping the well by the BOP and the preparation of requisite well killing mud is underway.

“Huge quantities of water will be required while executing the actual operation of the well... A water reservoir near the well site plinth has been made and preparation of the area for placement of two 2,500 gallons capacity pumps is in progress.

“But due to wind direction and inclement weather conditions, the level of gas concentration is above the safe limit of operation in that area. The Crisis Management Team decided to shift the water reservoir to an alternate area in the opposite direction of the present reservoir for safety reasons,” OIL said.

Because of this, a new pipeline is now required to be laid to the well plinth, but due to heavy rain for the last couple of days, the area needs a huge amount of civil works to make it ready.

Four cadres of Songbijit-led PDCK arrested in Karbi Anglong

The four PDCK cadres with seized arms and ammunition in police custody.

BOKAJAN, JUN 7: Inflicting a severe blow on terrorism and extortion, the Karbi Anglong police arrested four cadres of Peoples’ Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), a fledgling militant group formed by former NDFB commander IK Songbijit, in East Karbi Anglong on Sunday.

As per reports, the police launched an operation in the Therebasa village under Dokmoka police station and arrested former self-styled army chief and present home secretary of PDCK Francis Terang alias David Mukrang and

self-styled sergent Naman Rishi Rengma alias Akhevi Rengma from a hideout.

Police have also arrested two new recruits of the outfit - Roosevelt Engti (18) and Angtong Rongpi (19) during the operation.

A huge cache of arms and ammunitions including two 7.65 pistol along with two magazine and 10 round of live ammunition, PDCK letter pad and demand pad, four mobile handsets, combat uniforms, one Laptop and various other incriminating documents have been recovered from their possession. Police have also

recovered cash amounting to Rs 3,01,050 from their possession.

It needs to be mentioned here that the arrest of Francis Terang alias David Mukrang comes as a major setback to PDCK. Earlier, Karbi Anglong police had arrested the former army chief of the outfit Welson Terang alias Mongwe Terang back in February, 2019. Both Welson and David were actively engaged in extortion and recruiting new cadres in order to expand the militant outfit formed in an undisclosed location on October 27, 2016.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

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nod to open 820 ASI monuments NDA will get two-thirds majority in Bihar: Shah Centre with places of worship from today

NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (AGENCIES): BJP leader Amit Shah on Sunday said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would get two-thirds majority in the coming Assembly elections in Bihar.

While addressing a virtual rally, ‘Bihar - Jansamvad’, though Mr. Shah claimed that it was not a ‘poll rally’, he concluded his 45-minute speech listing the achievements of both tenures of the Narendra Modi government and its contribution for the development of Bihar. “This virtual rally has nothing to do with upcoming elections in Bihar.

The BJP believed in democracy … this is to encourage everyone and reassure the confidence in corona warriors … here I want to salute those crores of corona warriors battling against the virus by risking their lives ...

I want to acknowledge their contribution,” the Union Home Minister said.

Mr. Shah took jibe at the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal for clanking plates and bowls ahead of his virtual rally. “I am glad that they finally followed Mr. Modi’s appeal to show gratitude to those fighting against coronavirus,” he said. Earlier in the day, RJD leaders observed ‘Garib Adhikar

Amit Shah greets Ravi Shankar Prasad as he arrives to address ‘Bihar Jan Samwad Rally’ via video conferencing. (PTI)

Diwas’ by beating plates and bowls in protest of Mr. Shah’s rally.

Mr. Shah mostly spoke about politics and slammed the opposition parties for doing ‘nothing for the development of Bihar’. “The Modi government has given Rs 20 lakh crore following corona pandemic for the development of the country and Bihar too will be benefited with this,” he said.

“Earlier when the

Modi government had allocated Rs 1.25 lakh crore for Bihar’s development, Opposition party leaders had made mockery of it but here I will cite you the facts where the money was spent,” said Mr. Shah and dwelt upon the details. “Bihar has been the land where first Republic was formed and where great leaders were born … the people of Bihar had also voted Modi ji to power first in 2014 and in second term also … it

is because you voted Modi ji to power not only Bihar but all eastern India now has set off its journey to development,” Mr. Shah said. He also mentioned about the removal of Articles 370 and 35 A, abolition of triple talaq, surgical strike, and process for construction of the Ram temple, Ayushman Bharat, availability of LED bulbs and cylinder gas to crores of households as achievements of the Modi government.

“It is because of Prime Minister Modi, India’s position in world today has been recognised and respected,” he added. He also mentioned about the success of Mr. Modi’s appeal for janata curfew. “Janata curfew will be listed in the country’s golden history for following a leader’s appeal ... after former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri I have not seen a leader other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whose appeal the whole country got united,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Shah thanked Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar and BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi for taking every step to battle the coronavirus. “The Bihar government spent Rs 8,538 crore in fighting against

coronavirus and took every step for taking care of migrants and workers returning to the State,” Mr. Shah said.

He asserted that, “Under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the NDA will come to power with two-thirds majority in the coming elections in Bihar.”

The State BJP had earlier announced that Mr. Shah would be addressing nearly 5 lakh people through his virtual rally from sevenmember booth level committee members at all 72,725 booths, 1,100 mandals, 9,000 shakti kendras and members in all 45 organisational districts of the party.

Earlier, RJD and Youth Congress protested against Mr. Shah’s virtual rally. State Youth Congress leaders released black balloons in protest. “The BJP is the first party in the world which will be celebrating the death of poor people and migrants … they [the BJP] should have to digitally reach out to these poor migrant people, instead of organising digital rally to win elections,” RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav told journalists after clanking plates and bowls for few minutes.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nitish Kumar too set off his “digital” interaction with party leaders and workers of different districts on Sunday.

NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (PTI): The Union Culture Ministry on Sunday approved opening of 820 Archeological Survey of Indiaprotected monuments which have places of worship from June 8, Minister Prahlad Patel said.

However, sources said around 65 such monuments in Maharashtra are unlikely to be opened in view of the large number of coronavirus cases in the state.

The culture ministry has decided to open only those monuments among the over 3,000 ASI-maintained sites where religious events take place, such as Nila Mosque at Hauz Khas enclave, the Qutub archaeological area and Lal Gumbad in Delhi.

As many as 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by the ASI were shut from March 17 in view of the coronavirus crisis.

The minister said all coronavirus-related protocols issued by the Union health ministry would be followed by the monument authorities. According to sources, wearing of masks might be made the norm for visitors at such sites.

In a tweet, Patel said, “Today, the culture ministry

Prahlad Patel

has approved the opening of 820 of its living monuments under the ASI from June 8.

All protocols issued by the MHA and the health ministry will be followed.”

Among the ASI monuments having places of worship which would be opened from Monday include 114 from the northern region, 155 from the central region, 120 from the western region, 279 from the southern region and around 100 from the eastern region, officials said.

The highest number of such monuments are in Vadodara (77), followed by Chennai (75), Dharwad (73) and Bengaluru (69).

S t a t e w i s e, U t t a r Pradesh has 111 such monuments, followed by Maharashtra with 65 and Madhya Pradesh with 60.

The Centre had on

May 30 said that ‘Unlock-1’ would be initiated in the country from June 8 under which the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown effectuated on March 25 would be relaxed to a great extent, including opening of shopping malls, restaurants and religious places, even as strict restrictions would remain in place till June 30 in the country’s worst-hit areas.

The Health Ministry on Thursday released SOPs for reopening offices, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and religious places.

Some of them have already re-opened in parts of the country and a few others are scheduled to re-start in the next phase of unlocking from Monday. The stakeholders will be responsible for following the guidelines.

The guidelines released by the MHA state that hand hygiene (sanitiser dispenser) and thermal screening provisions are to be made compulsory at the entrance.

Only asymptomatic persons shall be permitted entry at premises. All persons will be permitted entry only if they are using masks or face covers. It also stated that footwear or shoes should be preferably taken off.

FIR for lockdown violation against Support for terrorism nearly ‘wiped out’ in JK: Army resort housing Congress MLAs

AHMEDABAD, JUN 7 (PTI): A police complaint was on Sunday filed for alleged violation of lockdown norms against a resort in Gujarat’s Rajkot district where the Congress has lodged some of its MLAs to thwart any ‘poaching’ bid, an official said.

Except for five-six MLAs, most the 65 Congress legislators have reached various resorts in Gujarat after the party summoned them to protect them “from poaching” by the ruling BJP, ahead of the June 19 Rajya Sabha elections for four seats from the state, a Congress leader said.

Police registered an FIR against the owner and manager of Neelcity Resort in Rajkot under Indian Penal Code Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) for opening the resort for Congress MLAs, in alleged violation of lockdown notification which does not allow hotels and restaurants to open till Monday.

“We have lodged the first information report (FIR) against the owner and manager of the Neelcity Resort where Congress MLAs are staying. They have been booked for flouting the lock-

Congress MLAs and leaders attend CLP leader meeting at Congress party headquarter in Ahmedabad. (PTI)

down notification by opening the resort,” University Road police station inspector R S Thakar said.

As per central and state government guidelines, hotels and restaurants can start operations from June 8, while Congess MLAs from Saurashtra region were lodged in the Rajkot resort on Saturday.

After the resignations of three Congress MLAs, the party has shifted most of its legislators to three resorts in Rajkot, Ambaji in Banaskantha district and Anand.

The Congress’ strength in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly has been reduced to 65 MLAs. Most of these MLAs have reached the resorts in

Rajkot, Anand and Ambaji where they will stay until the Rajya Sabha election day, Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said.

“Five to seven MLAs who have not reached will do so by today. They might be held up due to personal reasons,” Doshi said.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Paresh Dhanani and former LoP Arjun Modhwadiya are staying with some other MLAs at the resort in Rajkot.

Besides, senior Congress leaders Jagdish Thakor and Siddharth Patel are with the MLAs at Ambaji, and party’s Rajya Sabha poll candidate Bharatsinh Solanki and state unit president Amit Chavda are at Anand, Doshi said.

Lt Gen B S Raju

ment has helped them build a better future for themselves and support their families and this fact is a testament to the change being ushered in Kashmir,” he said.

Gen Raju said one should not read much into increased number of terror acts in North Kashmir and said the dynamic nature of terrorism and the ability to

change locations or tactics as per the pressure of the security forces is a common characteristic worldwide.

“Our counter infiltration and counter terrorism grids have inherent flexibility to adapt themselves to these dynamic shifts,” he said.

He said the other factor worth taking note of was

that Pakistan always wants to disrupt normalcy in the Kashmir valley through its actions. “Pakistan’s persistence in infiltrating terrorists, proliferating false propaganda is intended to disturb peace and its actions in fomenting trouble was well anticipated,” he said.

The senior army officer said the spurt in militancy is not in North Kashmir but restricted to the border districts and that is primarily due to the large number of infiltration attempts and terrorists wanting to create a base there to receive infiltrators.

“We are prepared for any contingency, in coordination with all stakeholders like the army, JK police, CAPF, intelligence agencies and the civil administration,” Gen Raju said.

5 militants killed in encounter with security forces in J-K

Five militants were killed in an ongoing gunfight at a village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said.

The encounter broke out in Shopian district after security forces launched a joint operation in Rebon area on Sunday morning.

The gunfight started when joint teams of the police, Army and CRPF were carrying out a cordon-and-search operation in the south Kashmir village of Rebon, following an input about the presence of militants in the area.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants is being ascertained.

“However as per credible sources, the killed terrorists belonged to poscribed HM (Hizbul Mujahideen) terrorists outfit and one among the killed terrorists is believed to be a top commander,” a police officer said.

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marriageable ages for men and women in India. While the legal age of marriage for women is 18 years, for men it is 21 years.

The health argument behind raising the age of marriage among women is that child bearing at lower ages leads to complications thereby increasing infant and maternal mortality.

The fertility argument behind the move is—higher age of marriage means lesser number of reproductive years for women.

The taskforce has been asked to also suggest legislative amendments to support its recommendations besides laying down timelines by when the recommendations must be implemented.

The ten-member taskforce will have as members Secretaries Health, Women and Child Development, Law and School Education. Three independent members are Najma Akhtar (New Delhi); Vasudha Kamath (Maharashtra); and Dipti Shah (Gujarat).

and a Major and the CRPF lost its personnel, Gen Raju said these attacks in no way indicate increased presence of terrorists.

“In fact, to the contrary, the recruitment of local youth in the terrorist outfits has also reduced by nearly half from 2018 to 2019 and is even lesser in 2020,” he said, adding that the terrorist cadres “are in a self-preservation mode.”

While the army refused to divulge the number of local youths who joined militancy, Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh had earlier said that 218 local youths had joined militant outfits in 2018 but only 139 joined in 2019.

There is no official figure of the number of local youths having joined terror groups this year but sources in the intelligence agencies have indicated that around 35 local youths have disappeared in 2020 and joined militant groups.

However, Gen Raju says that more and more young men are participating in sports, skill development initiatives, job opportunities and education.

“The online registration for the upcoming recruitment rally has seen close to 10,000 youths registering, which is nearly double the numbers last year. Govern-

Seithekema-A, Dimapur, Nagaland

Govt set to revise women’s legal age for marriage

NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): India is all set to revise the legal age for marriage for women with the government forming a high-level committee on Saturday to go into the matter and submit recommendations by July 31.

The taskforce will be headed by former Samata Party President Jaya Jaitly and will have among members VK Paul, Member, Health, NITI Ayog.

The government has notified the taskforce which will examine the correlation of age of marriage and motherhood with implications on the health of mothers and infants, impact of the age of marriage on infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, total fertility rate, sex ratio at birth and child sex ratio.

The very first term of reference of the taskforce relates to revisiting the legal age of marriage for Indian women, with sources saying a debate is under way for parity between legal

SRINAGAR, JUN 7 (PTI): Recent “uncoordinated” acts of violence in North Kashmir are “signs of desperation” by militants which are not finding resonance among people who want to get out of the cycle of violence, a fact visible in the sharp dip this year in the recruitment of local youths in terror groups, a senior Army officer has said.

Lt Gen B S Raju, heading the Kashmir-based XV corps, feels the basic premise of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is to create sensationalism that is backed by false separatist narratives and propaganda sponsored from Pakistan.

These acts of terrorism are “...not finding much favour amongst the awaam (public), these uncoordinated terrorist acts are a sign of desperation. There is no semblance of any space where terrorists or separatists are in control,” Gen Raju told PTI in an email interview.

“Overall, the people want a solution, they want to get out of this cycle of violence and that is the reason that the support for terrorism has been all but wiped out,” he said.

Asked about the recent spurt of terrorist violence in North Kashmir in which the army lost its Colonel

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3RD - CORRIGENDUM REGARDING EXTENSION OF LAST DATE FOR RECRUITMENT TO THE POST OF REGISTRAR Advt. No. NIT-N/ RECT-NT/2020/07 dated 20-02-2020

Reference to our Advt. No. NIT-N/RECT-NT/2020/07 dated 20-02-2020, inviting applications for the post of REGISTRAR on Deputation basis (including short term contract), it is to be informed that considering the prevailing situation in the country, the last date for the receipt of application for the post of Registrar is further extended upto 16 days from the date of lifting of the Lockdown conditions by the Government of Nagaland, which is subjected to further review, if such exigency arises.

The detailed advertisement is available in the institute website: www.nitnagaland.ac.in Date: 06/06/2020

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6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 182 Dimapur, MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Too few for too many

A

gainst the backdrop of issues being raised about keeping returnees of other districts in a particular district; the consequence of such objections being reflected in Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) is a point for informed discussion.

The review of the SOP may have, perhaps been driven by an administrative perception that it is only right that a person from a district be transferred to the administration of the person’s home district. Over and above the issues of availability space for accommodation at quarantine facilities, required medical team and manpower ; there could be a problem if some of the asymptomatic who have been tested positive for COVID-19 develop serious symptoms. One needs to look at the statistic issued by the government on distribution of cases by domicile district. The table shows that Peren district has the highest number of COVID-19 cases that stood at 53 as on June 6. The next district with the second highest case is Mon which has 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of the total of 107 COVID-19 cases on June 6, 49.5% are from Peren district and 21.49% are from Mon district. The other districts with COVID-19 cases include : Dimapur with nine, Tuensang with seven, Kohima with five, Wokha with five, Kiphire with four and Phek with one.

The health care systems in Peren, Mon, Tuensang, Wokha to name some, are not exactly up to the expected level. Most of the district hospitals are short of doctors and nurses and not to speak of urgently required medicines and ventilators etc in case of any exigency. As per the same data released, 96% of the COVID-19 cases are between 18 to 44 years of age while only 4% fall between 0 to 17 years of age. The number of COVID-19 cases is likely to rise further in the coming days as several hundred stranded returnees arrive and tested for COVID-19. The exact status will be known only after all registered returnees arrive and also after testing concludes. However, even presently, the likely scenario does not appear to be bright as one would like. If COVID-19 patients are to be shifted to their respective districts, then the state government will have to leave no stone unturned to provide necessary facilities. However with regard to doctors and trained nurses, there appears to be very little option. This was highlighted by the Nagaland Inservice Doctors Association(NIDA) recently wherein it pointed out that against requirement of 207 medical specialists there were only 51 serving in all the 11 districts. Also as against requirement of 119 nonspecialists there were only 63 . Also as against the requirement for 645 nursing staff, there were only 200 currently serving at all district hospitals. If there is so much shortage of doctors and nurses even under the normal requirement, then it can only be imagined as to what would be the scenario if COVID-19 patients were to be hospitalised. This scenario may be seen in the light of how Peren district from where 53 COVID-19 cases are placed, has a total of 20 beds in the district COVID-19 hospital with two isolation wards and only one ICU ward with one ventilator. Mon district from where 23 COVID-19 cases are placed, has 32 beds in the district COVID-19 hospital, ten isolation beds, one ICU and one ventilator. These are issues that have to be addressed sooner than later.

I

f wishes were horses “one India one farm market” would have been a reality under prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee 20 years back. The Narendra Modi government’s move is good but not easy.

The changes in Essential Commodities Act (ECA) and attempt to bypass the APMC under state governments through The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (promotion of and facilitation) Ordinance 2020 have pros and cons.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar’s assertion that it will attract investment in the farm sector needs to be watched for who it benefits the farmers or the large corporate and MNCs. The changes may well shackle them more with wholesale or retail chains.

The new ordinance has rightly assumed that there could be predatory takeovers and has banned any kind of sale, mortgage or leasing of land. Any recovery against land is also not possible.

The decriminalization of the ECA is right to the extent that the businesses would now be difficult to harass by the policing and administrative agencies. It would help them stock required food grains or pulses

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

One nation one Farm market

and they cannot be questioned. It is a trust reposed in the business and they would have to come up to it.

The danger is that if they falter, resort to hoarding and manipulate prices, the concession given would have to be withdrawn under public pressure. That is a catch. But foreign chains are exempt from the emergency clauses of calamity-like situation.

The ordinance is explicit. It says that installed capacity of value chain participant and the export demand of an exporter will remain exempted from such stock limit imposition so as to ensure that investments in agriculture are not hampered. The government expects foreign chains would enter the market in a big way and help its dream of inviting FDI into food items.

Various multinationals are there for quite some time. The new law would help them have pan-India unfettered presence. Since they are financially welloff, it is feared that this atmanirbharta may displace traditional Khari Baoli-type markets and may cause disturbances.

The Indian consumers may have to pay high prices during calamitous situations.

The Vajpayee government fully de-licensed dairy production (2002) and sugar industry (1998), made changes to allow BT cotton, introduced kisan credit cards (KCC), an idea espoused by Sompal Shastri and was duly supported by then finance minister Yahswant Sinha despite opposition from sister organisations.

It changed cotton production dynamics. Despite large number of farmer suicides today more than 95 percent cotton cultivation is for Bt. India is estimated to have earned $ 67 billion from 2004 to 2017 from cotton exports, a mere $ 13 billion a year.

Overall it is Shivaji said that cotton farmers are having larger incomes.

The euphoria of farmers did not last long due to crop failures, mounting debt, resistance against chemical and leading to suicides consuming the pesticides that could not kill the worms, in Andhra, Maharashtra and Karnataka, Punjab and Haryana.

The Green to Gene Revolution has not been that success though it has made Monsanto like firms richer.

The ECA amendments

would ensure that cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes will be removed from list of essential commodities. This will remove fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference in their business operations. The government expects that the freedom to produce, hold, move, distribute and supply will lead to harnessing of economies of scale and attract private sector/FDI into agriculture sector. It will help drive up investment in cold storages and modernization of food supply chain.

The expectation that it would help drive up investment in cold Sarkar storages and modernization of food supply chains is a bit too high. It is likely to change the market dynamics and may always not an easy process.

The government hopes it would attract private sector investment and open up global market to the farmer.

It has ignored one aspect that no sooner Indian products in large volume reach global mandis prices crash.

Another, though seemingly good, provision is the promise that the farmers could skirt Agricultural Produce (APMC) mandis

Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do…

—John 14:13 Am I fulfilling this ministry of intercession deep within the hidden recesses of my life? There is no trap nor any danger at all of being deceived or of showing pride in true intercession. It is a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit through which the Father is glorified. Am I allowing my spiritual life to waste away, or am I focused, bringing everything to one central point— the atonement of my Lord? Is Jesus Christ more and more dominating every interest of my life?

If the central point, or the most powerful influence, of my life is the atonement of the Lord, then every aspect of my life will bear fruit for Him. However, I must take the time to realize what this central point of power is. Am I willing to give one minute out of every hour to concentrate on it? “If you abide in Me…”— that is, if you continue to act, and think, and work from that central point— “you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7). Am I abiding? Am I taking the time to abide? What is the greatest source of power in my life? Is it my work, service, and sacrifice for others, or is it my striving to work for God? It should be none of these— what ought to exert the greatest power in my life is the atonement of the Lord. It is not on what we spend the greatest amount of time that molds us the most, but whatever exerts the most power over us. We must make a determination to limit and concentrate our desires and interests on the atonement by the Cross of Christ.

“Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do….” The disciple who abides in Jesus is the will of God, and what appears to be his free choices are actually God’s foreordained decrees. Is this mysterious? Does it appear to contradict sound logic or seem totally absurd? Yes, but what a glorious truth it is to a saint of God.

Quotes

There are no shortcuts in evolution. ~ Louis D. Brandeis

The two law changes also say that now the farmer would not have to bother about the minimum support price (MSP) and he can sell at prices higher than the MSP. It implies a farmer can get more than the price. The reality is during the past few seasons, most farmers have been selling their produce at less than the MSP. Even during this rabi season, getting the MSP for wheat is a dream almost in all states.

In UP mandis, a farmer gets between Rs 1600 to 1750 a quintal against the MSP of Rs 1925. The MSPs of many items have been raised but farmers do not get it.

The government’s intentions may be pious, but its mechanism does not ensure that the farmer would get the promised price. If the market crumbles and the FCI is not there the market could be volatile.

The farmers may be having dreams but default in payments could rise or be delayed as in the case of sugarcane farmers. Uttar Pradesh owes them Rs 14,201 crore and Maharashtra Rs 4866 crore as on April 30.

The changes may be well intended but still it may take time for the nation to have the cherished one farm market.

Post-mortem

A

mid a world of busy circumstances, increasing materialism, humanity has been taking a back seat. Unannounced, uncalled for, yet COVID-19 woken the humanity and has ushered a shift towards the acts of kindness and solidarity in this desperate times. It also puts the spotlight on the need for more aggressive and whole of society efforts to cater one another’s needs and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Together we can fight and contain the virus.

To those in quarantine centres: To those in quarantine centres in Nagaland and elsewhere.

Even as you go through this period of uncertainty and loneliness. We are with you and praying for you all. Your time in the Q-centres is just a check against the community spread of COVID19 in future. Q-Centre is rather a place of learning, to improve your own

We are with you

lives and that of your families.

There are hundreds of volunteers standing behind you to support and serve you in all possible ways.

Praying constantly taking your concern to the Lord. Remember, God of the Bible says “So Do Not Fear, For I Am With You; Do Not Be Dismayed, For I Am Your God. I Will Strengthen You And Help You; I Will Uphold You With My Righteous Right Hand” Isaiah 41: 10. Pray and trust in the Lord for your safe passage to your homes.

To all COVID-19 patients in different hospitals: God did not promise day without pain, laughter without sorrow and sunshine without rain. But He did promised strength for the day and light for the way. I don’t know if you would see this message; you might be feeling lonely and death knocking every now and then.

But you are not alone. “Fear you

not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness” Deuteronomy 31:6. God is with you. If the God of the Bible can bring back death to life and storm listens to Him. Assuring you that COVID19 too will listen to our almighty God. He has the power and right. Repent, it’s the time to seek God’s mercy, He promised that “whoever confesses and forsakes them (the sins) shall have mercy” Proverbs 28:13. I pray that God’s mercy be upon you. Believe that the healing power of God is working in you right now. We love you so much.

You are brave and looking up that you will get through it.

To all the frontline health care workers: With great respect and appreciation for your hard work and perseverance during

these difficult time. Know that your kind efforts towards helping others are not overlooked. You are a hero. Thank you all for the sacrifices you make, every day and especially during this pandemic.

Your dedication, commitment and courage deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration. Your service to patients is saving countless lives and making thousands of differences. Thank you for putting yourself in the way of dangers to save others. You are our Nation’s guiding lights. And “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name” Hebrews 6:10. May God keep all our frontline health workers safe and bless them.

To all the volunteers:“We make a living by what we get.

We make a life by what we give.”

Only a life lived for others is worth living. Hats off to all the volun-

Congratulations to Kohima Village DailyDevotion Council and government of Nagaland The Greatest Source of Power

and get better prices. In the states having APMC, farmers are prohibited from selling their produce anywhere except mandis. This may be a double whammy or simply it would put the new ordinance infructuous.

It needs to be seen how the ordinance, brought during corona lockdown, fares in the ensuing session of Parliament.

It is also difficult to understand how would farmer break the inter-state barriers if the state has APMC and can have the benefit of pan-India market or get better prices. Even now the e-NAM has not given them that freedom.

Another governmentimposed restriction on cash transaction needs to be eased. When a farmer takes his produce to market, he faces problem in getting his payment. The electronic payment gateways do no work everywhere. This delays payment. The government needs to allow farm produce sale through cash without any limit.

If this is allowed selling farm produce would be easier and the Indian market and retailers can thrive. This kind of checks put the farmers in disadvantage even with large chains.

C

ongratulations to Kohima Village Council(KVC) for putting forward a very practicable suggestion to the Government of Nagaland in the best interest of the State and her people to fight COVID-19 and the Government of Nagaland for accepting the suggestion as farsighted and worthy of incorporating in the latest Standard Operation Procedure, operationalizing it effectively from 4th June 2020.Our dear returnee brothers and sisters stranded for days in faraway places can, much to their delight and desire, go to their respective sweet home districts soon after reaching the State, they hold so dear, without being toasted around facing further discomfort, inconveniences and compromising their health safety against COVID19 pandemic. The different Hohos, Civil Societies, Village Councils etc must be, I suppose, eagerly waiting for our dear returnee brothers and sisters to receive them with open arms. Whether they are sick or healthy they are our blood. They are returning and longing to be in their home sweet home at the earliest. Our dear ones are coming home just for safety, taking home as the safest place and not with any other motives which the present day Naga society is prompt to imagine and shot out in social medias.

At this critical juncture, the KVC under the able leadership in the person of Dr Neiphi Kire, having wide experience and upto date knowledge in health care, is doing commendable job in the fight against Corona Virus. The village, being the host of the State capital, is playing the roles of a host very effectively. Her concerns for the Nagas are being expressed to the Govt. of the day without any hesitation or hidden agenda.

What is practicable and what is not, are expressed freely. Without

fear or favour, suggestions for the best interest of the Nagas are being flagged to the Govt. for favourable consideration. One such suggestion was given to the Govt. of Nagaland in connection with the management of the Naga returnees who were being stranded in different parts of India on account of COVID19 pandemic for which the capital host village and her people were condemned and called by different names by wide spectrum of Naga civil societies and individuals with motives best known to them.

To those people I humbly request them to examine their conscience, whether they are speaking for the interest and safety of the Nagas or limited to their own tribes or for themselves only. The magnanimity of the host village which a true Naga need to appreciate is that she does not get disheartened or discouraged by the criticisms but moves ahead, playing the roles of a Capital host, having no time to counter such critics. Congratulations to KVC, the Nagas will come to understand you better, one day or the other.

In the midst of such hue and cry over the management of Naga returnees in particular and the COVID-19 pandemic in general, some individuals and parties came into the scene to exploit the situation out of proportion by taking a tribal lines. The Angamis were painted as tribalistic, selfish and people who wanted to enjoy all the facilities without shouldering any responsibility as if only Angamis are living in Kohima district, specifically Kohima Town, the Capital city of our beloved state and not any person from other tribes. Not deterred by such ugly display of rhetorism and hypocricy, the Govt of the day under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Neiphi-u Rio took a firm decision to combat COVID-19

pandemic on a war-footing in the best interest and safety of not only the Naga returnees but also the Nagas as a whole. This is what the decision says, 1) All the returnees reaching the State at Dimapur either by train/air/road will be segregated district-wise at the entry point/ Agri Expo site, thermally screened and all found asymptomatic will be transferred to Quarantine Centres in respective districts.

2) As regard the persons entering State through Khuzama, the District Task Force Kohima will make similar arrangements as mentioned above.

3) All returnees showing symptoms will be subjected to medical protocol at Dimapur and Kohima; and based on the fitness, will be retained or transported to the respective home districts.

Congratulations to the Govt. of Nagaland and Mr. Neiphiu Rio, a Naga to the core, a Naga Hero whose leadership is built on the foundation of Naga unity and Naga welfare.

Dear Nagas, let us read the decisions of the Govt as a Naga and not with tribal eyes and tribal pre-conceived mentality and accept, support and follow the decision in the best interest and safety of ourselves as individuals and as a Naga.

Nowhere in the decision the name of any tribe is mentioned. Let us not see this decision of the Govt. through the prism of tribalism. Today we need a united Naga to defeat the unseeing enemy, COVID-19 pandemic and not a divided Naga house. Let us co-operate with the Govt. to the extent possible. For how long are the Nagas going to cultivate and nurture tribalism. Is it doing any good to the Nagas?

Dr. Kiyasetuo Vizo, Kohima, Vdr.kiyasetuo@yahoo.com

teers as we know, you don’t have the time; but you just have the heart. And you did discovered that you have God’s gift of two handsone for helping yourself, the other for helping others. A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Seven colours makes a beautiful rainbow so do, the churches, villages and area councils, the panchayats, youth organizations, police force and many more do makes an enchanting team. Bible says: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” Luke 6: 38. May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness for the priceless service you are rendering for the humanity and God’s Glory.

Imna Zulu, Kohima

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Kudos to NST department

Sometimes we tend to see only the bigger pictures and fail to acknowledge the people who work behind the screen. The NST department and its staff are such people who are serving selflessly the state and its citizens whenever need arises.

NST department is not only a revenue generating dept for the state but it is also one of the department that shoulders the entire state during any emergency situation like natural calamities etc. They are always on rescue mission. The remote places of eastern Nagaland could connect with the rest of the Nagas only by NST bus services because private operators hardly ply due to bad road condition. Moreover, it is always safe to travel by NST especially while crossing Assam.

All the staffs of this department works tirelessly from dawn to dusk leading by the HoD to the Drivers. They know no vacation or idleness as the buses has to ply everyday, if not,how will we be able to reach our destinations?

Many trolled the department for poor maintenance, reckless driving etc, but these are not an easy tasks even for private operators.

During this current pandemic of covid 19, Drivers and other staffs of NST are risking their lives and comfort by ferrying the returnees from various state to Nagaland and to various districts of Nagaland.

They are our true warriors like any other Frontline departments in combating Covid 19 and I salute them for their sacrifices and dedication in rendering their services towards it citizens. God bless Nagaland State Transport.

Khamhi Wangsa, Mon

Do not fail us

Dear returnees, At this trying time when all the Individual, Organisation, villager, Civil Bodies and Government working cohesively to contain the Covid-19 in our State yet we see many criticism from public and to add more hardship we see some returnees fetching goods from the roadside shop putting our all effort into jeopardized and violating the Standard Operating Procedure in fighting against the Novel Virus, it has been conspicuous on the road side where they had disposed their foods package in an unhygienic manner littering the surrounding, mayGod forbid but if anyone has the Virus then it can spread through their careless littering of foods package and thereof.

It is to be noted that such negligence on the part of the returnees can attract punitive action Under Section 269, 270 and 271 of IPC therefore, it’s a humble request to the returnees that we are doing all the effort to contain the Virus hence we also expect from your side to corporate with the authority so that I, you and we as one can work cohesively for better tomorrow.

Zelhoulie Angami, Dimapur

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

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Delhi opens borders from today reserves hospitals for City residents; malls, restaurants to be opened

PPE kits scam: Aide of ex-HP BJP chief held

other states are allowed to get treatment, all beds here will be occupied within just three days, Kejriwal said during the online conference.

“Till March, Delhi used to treat all people of the country, but at the time of this crisis, Delhi hospitals need to be reserved for the people of Delhi,” he said.

The panel, headed by Indraprastha University vice-chancellor Dr Mahesh Verma, had on Saturday submitted its report to the government.

The Delhi government had asked the panel to guide it on healthcare infrastructure augmentation and overall preparedness of hospitals to battle COVID-19 in the national capital.

The panel was also asked to guide the government on any other area where strengthening of infrastructure is required to better manage the pandemic in Delhi.

On Saturday, Delhi recorded 1,320 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the COVID-19 tally in the city to over 27,500 while the death toll due to the disease mounted to 761.

The highest single-day spike in fresh cases -- 1,513 -- was recorded on June 3.

SHIMLA, JUN 7 (AGENCIES): The Himachal Pradesh Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau on Saturday arrested Prithvi Singh, who had recorded the former Director of Health Services asking for a bribe to supply PPE kits.

Singh had made a 43second audio clip in which the former Director of Health Services, Dr Ajay Gupta, could be heard asking for a bribe of Rs 5 lakh for suppling 6,500 PPE kits worth over Rs one crore.

Singh is a close associate of former BJP chief Dr Rajiv Bindal and the audio clip has gone viral since its release. According to sources, there were more recordings and Prithvi Singh had deliberately recorded the conversation to pressurise the DHS to give more orders.

He was summoned for interrogation by the Vigilance Bureau and later arrested on Saturday night.

After the release of the audio clip, Additional Chief Secretary R D Dhiman had referred the matter to the Vigilance Bureau and Gupta was called for questioning and arrested on May 20.

The Vigilance Bureau had ceased the mobile phones of Ajay Gupta and Prithvi Singh and voice samples.

NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (PTI): Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that the hospitals run by the Delhi government and private entities will only treat Delhiites during the coronavirus crisis while the city’s borders will be reopened from Monday.

Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said hospitals run by the Centre will have no such restriction, and if people from other states come to the national capital for specific surgeries, they can get medical treatment at private hospitals.

The announcement comes a day after a fivemember panel constituted by the AAP government suggested that the health infrastructure of the city should be used only for treating Delhiites in view of the raging COVID-19 crisis.

“Over 90 per cent people want Delhi hospitals to treat patients from the national capital during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Hence, it has been decided that government and private hospitals in Delhi will only treat patients from the national capital,” Kejriwal said.

The chief minister had

Arvind Kejriwal addresses a digital press conference, in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

last week sought views of the people in Delhi on the issue, while announcing the decision to close the city’s borders.

“Delhi’s health infrastructure is needed to tackle the coronavirus crisis at the moment,” Kejriwal said on Sunday.

There are around 40 Delhi government-run hospitals in the national capital including LNJP Hospital, GTB Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital.

Among the major Centre-run hospitals in the city are RML Hospital, AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital.

Delhi government hospitals have around 10,000 beds while the Centre-run hospitals have almost the

same beds, Kejriwal said, adding that it will strike a balance and protect the interest of those belonging to the national capital and other states as well.

He said that the Centrerun hospitals will continue to treat people belonging to other states and his government has not issued any separate order for the same.

“We are going to reopen Delhi’s borders tomorrow. Malls, restaurants and religious places will open but hotels and banquets will remain closed as we might need to convert them into hospitals in the coming time,” Kejriwal also said.

In its report, the panel had pointed out that Delhi will need 15,000 beds by the end of June and if people of

7

LAC standoff: India stresses on restoring status quo on border NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (AGENCIES): India has firmly conveyed its demand to China for restoring the status quo as existed in April along the border during the senior military commander talks on Saturday, sources said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the talks were held in a “cordial and positive” atmosphere, and both sides will continue the military and diplomatic engagements to “resolve the situation”.

Sources said the talks, which went on for several hours, remained inconclusive, but each side put across their issues, which would be conveyed to the respective governments and taken up in subsequent meetings. While India was firm on restoring the status quo of April and pull back of Chinese troops and equipment from inside India territory and along the LAC, the Chinese side raised objections to India’s infrastructure development.

It was conveyed that infrastructure development will go on in Indian territory and that China has already developed infrastructure on its side, sources said.

Senior defence sources had told The Hindu earlier that infrastructure development

would continue along the LAC despite the ongoing tensions. China’s actions violate the existing boundary agreement meant to preserve peace and tranquillity on the border and this was also communicated, it has been learnt.

“A meeting was held between the Corps Commander based in Leh and the Chinese Commander on June 6, 2020 in the ChushulMoldo region,” the MEA said in a statement. The Indian delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, 14 Corps commander and the Chinese side was led by Maj. Gen. Liu Lin, Commander of South Xinjiang military region.

Both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in the border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements and keeping in view the agreement between the leaders that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border regions is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations, the MEA stated. In a release indicating that the government is still hopeful of a resolution of the standoff that has lasted weeks, the MEA said both sides have “maintained communications” through diplomatic

and military channels in recent weeks, and called for an “early resolution” to the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The senior military commander level talks are at the highest level so far in the series of military and diplomatic communications that the two sides have held to address the standoff.

Tensions between the two sides have continued for more than a month, and serious skirmishes were reported between the Indian Army and PLA soldiers at several points of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and Sikkim since May 5, where China is understood to have made significant incursions, and the Indian Army has also bolstered its positions. In its release, the MEA said the two sides will continue diplomatic and military engagements to resolve the “situation”, without elaborating on developments on the ground.

Communications between senior military commanders will ensure that tensions don’t flare up on the ground as talks continue at the highest levels to find a way to resolve the issue, an officer, who had served in the area in the past, said on condition of anonymity.

State NPP unit reacts to NDPP’s statement Elephant death in Kerala: Plea in SC seeks probe by CBI or SIT deprived of his/her right to express personal opinion intended for common good.

Right to expression is a fundamental right under the Indian constitution, while the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights ensures that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”, the statement added.

Places of worship, malls to open from today robust and neutralising- to be able to act effectively against the virus. She said presently there was no data to show there is a robust and neutralising immune response against the virus. She pointed out that it still remained to be seen if a person can be re-infected and so waiting for herd immunity was “eugenics-based” since lives were to be sacrificed .

Another expert, Dr.T. Sundararaman former dean of School of Health Studies at Tata Institute of Social sciences warned against the strategy of herd immunity as it is “never used in literature of epidemiology as a strategy.

Bihari Kaushik has said that in April this year a similar incident had come to light in which an elephant, which was found with mouth injuries in Pathanapuram forest range in Kerala’s Kollam district, had died.

The plea has also urged the apex court to call for the entire record of these cases along with similar incidents, if any, regarding killing of elephants in Kerala and in other states. It has sought a direction for transferring the case of killing of the pregnant elephant and similar incidents to the CBI “under the constant monitoring” of the top court.

The plea has said that alter natively, the court should direct setting up of an SIT, headed by a former judge of the apex court, to probe into the cases of repeated killings of elephants in various parts of the country. It said the SIT should

examine the issue at a larger scale and also suggest proper mechanism to curb the menace and to nab and punish the culprits to avoid such incidents in future.

“No fair, impartial and uninfluenced investigation and prosecution at the hands of the local state police is possible inasmuch as the matter involves political and money powers and therefore, the investigation is required to be conducted from an impartial, independent central agency in a fair and transparent manner under the monitoring of this court

or by an SIT...,” the plea said. The plea said that the Government of India had launched Project Elephant in 1992 to support the states in protecting the animal, their habitats and migration corridors. “However, all the efforts made by the central and state governments are failing for the simple reason that the poachers and killers are more committed to their job as compared to the agencies appointed to nab them and therefore, the incidents like the present one are repeatedly occurring,” the plea said.

DC-496

S.D. JAIN GIRLS COLLEGE Jain Temple Road, Dimapur, Nagaland

ADMISSION NOTICE

Eligible candidates can also complete the admission process online from the security of their homes by visiting our webpage www. sdjaingirlscollege.com and clicking on the link Online Admission, then New Admission and following instructions provided therein.

DP-2636

Admission Forms for BA & B.Com Sem-1 are being issued to the eligible candidates from the College Office for offline admission while following Covid-19 guidelines issued by the authorities.

DP-2478

(From p-1) Once Lockdown is lifted, they warned that the spread would rise and the chains of transmission would have to be followed to contain it. They also said the government had mis-projected the lockdown and did not explain adequately the flattening of the curve was different from disease elimination. Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan, PhD in microbiology - coronavirus studies and director of Care Health Diagnostic Centre in Chennai,said that to have herd immunity, the anti-body developed by a body after infection, should be

NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (PTI): A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking probe by the CBI or a special investigation team (SIT) into the recent death of a pregnant wild elephant after it ate a fruit containing firecrackers in Kerala’s Silent Valley Forest.

The 15-year-old elephant fell victim to an act of human cruelty after the fruit filled with powerful crackers, offered allegedly by locals, exploded in her mouth when she chomped it. The elephant died in the Velliyar River on May 27.

The plea filed in the apex court has alleged that prima facie it appeared to be a “calculated and organised” racket to kill elephants and that the authorities have failed to prevent such killings of protected animals.

Referring to media reports, the plea filed by Delhi-based advocate Avadh

Seats are limited. So the candidates are advised to complete the admission process as soon as possible.

Call 03862-230230, 9485200990 during office hours for further details.

KOHIMA BIBLE COLLEGE Associate Member of ATA, Affiliated to NATA & Approved by The Govt. of Nagaland P.O. Box – 482 Kohima: Nagaland

DC-472

Born Again, certain of your call to the ministry, and have the commitment to serve the Lord; you are welcome to Kohima Bible College - The first established Bible College in Nagaland and God’s own ordained place in training men and women for Church Ministry and the Global Mission.

The College: - is Bible-centered, Christ-centered and gives special emphasis on walking in the Anointing power of the Holy Spirit and on the Deliverance ministry.

- is committed for Spiritual quality with Academic excellence.

ADMISSION OPEN FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSES: Courses offered Eligibility Duration Master of Divinity (Regular & Extension) B.Th / B.A. / B. Sc 2 years Bachelor of Theology HS (+2) / PUC 3 years HSLC 4 years Pre-Theology Course Under Matriculate 1 year • New Admission for the Autumn Session 2020-2021 for the above Courses is going on.

Admissions will be on First Cum Basis • The New Academic Session will be announced only after the getting further notice from the Union Govt. and Nagaland Govt.

• Application forms can collected from: 1. The College office on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00AM – 1PM 2. WhatsApp No. 8014538979/7005741688 to download application form For further queries contact: Sd/(M)- 9436011961/7005741688 Principal K-1045

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public and did not act for general welfare of people, the party declared that it would continue highlighting the lapses to ensure that general public were not deprived of their rights.

NPP Nagaland unit called upon all right-thinking citizens and general public not to be misled by such emotional rhetoric aimed at individuals for protecting a failed government, whose malicious and corrupt intentions were already out in the public.

Emphasising that every individual’s voice mattered, the party demanded that no person should be

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(From p-1) It also accused the ruling coalition of getting embroiled in scams.

Further clarifying that none of its leaders had any personal enmity with the State government, the party’s Nagaland unit asserted that it was ever ready to support the government, provided the latter was on the right track, adding it was also open to any kind of discussion or consultation with the government on any matter of public importance.

However, till the government was proactive towards the cause of general

8

business Coal import drops by 20% in May

Direct tax mop up dips 4.92% in FY20

New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI): The actual gross direct tax collection during 2019-20 fiscal dipped by 4.92 per cent to Rs 12.33 trillion on account on reduction in corporate tax rate, increased standard deduction and personal I-T exemption limit, the Income Tax Department said on Sunday.

However, the gross collections would have clocked a 8 per cent growth to Rs 14.01 trillion in 201920 if revenue foregone in corporate tax and Personal Income Tax (PIT) is taken into account.

The gross direct tax collection in 2018-19 fiscal stood at Rs 12,97,674 crore.

“It is a fact that the net direct tax collection for the FY 2019-20 was less than the net direct tax collection for the FY 2018-19. But this fall in the collection of direct taxes is on expected lines and is temporary in nature due to the historic tax reforms undertaken and much higher refunds issued during the FY 201920,” the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in a statement.

The actual corporate

tax and PIT revenue mop up stood at Rs 6.78 trillion and Rs 5.55 trillion, respectively, in 2019-20, taking the total actual direct tax collection to Rs 12,33,720.

During the fiscal, the revenue foregone due to reduction in corporate tax rate was Rs 1.45 trillion, while in PIT (due to increased tax rebate limit and standard deduction) it was Rs 23,200 crore.

If this had not happened, then corporate tax and PIT collection in 201920 would have been Rs 8.23 trillion and Rs 5.78 trillion, respectively.

Thus, the gross direct tax mop up would

have been Rs 14.01 trillion, which would have been a 8.03 per cent growth over 2018-19, it said.

In 2019-20 fiscal, the nominal GDP growth rate was 7.20 per cent.

In FY 2019-20, refunds worth Rs 1.84 trillion were given by CBDT, a 14 per cent increase over Rs 1.61 trillion given in FY 2018-19.

The government had in September last year announced a concessional tax regime of 22 per cent for all existing domestic companies if they do not avail any specified exemption or incentive.

Further, such companies have also been ex-

empted from payment of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT).

For new domestic manufacturing companies, the tax rate was lowered to 15 per cent if such companies do not avail any specified exemption or incentive.

These companies have also been exempted from payment of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT).

For companies which continue to avail exemption/deduction and pay tax under MAT, the rate of MAT has also been reduced from 18.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

Further, to provide complete relief from payment of income tax to individuals earning taxable income up to Rs 5 lakh, such taxpayers were exempted by providing 100 per cent tax rebate.

Also, to provide relief to the salaried taxpayers, the standard deduction limit was hiked from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.

“The revenue impact of these reforms have been estimated at Rs. 1.45 trillion for Corporate Tax and at Rs 23,200 crore for the PIT,” the CBDT said.

New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI): The country’s coal import dropped by 20 per cent to 18.93 million tonnes (MT) last month, industry data showed.

The gover nment is planning to bring the country’s ‘avoidable coal imports’ to zero by 2023-24. Demand for coal import is expected to remain subdued in the short-term given the high coal stock levels in pithead and power plants, according to mjunction.

The coal import in May last year stood at 23.57 MT, it said. However, coal import during last month through the major and nonmajor ports is estimated to have increased by 10.76 per cent over April 2020, according to a provisional compilation by mjunction services limited.

Import of coal in May stood at 18.93 MT (provisional) as compared to 17.09 MT (revised) in April 2020, mjunction said. Of the total imports last month, the import of non-coking coal was at 13.22 MT, against 12.28 MT in April.

Coking coal imports were at 3.81 MT in May, up from 3.23 MT imported a month ago.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

FPIs invest Rs 18,589 cr in 1st week of June New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI): Foreign portfolio investors have pumped in a massive Rs 18,589 crore into the Indian markets the first week of June as sentiment improved amid graded lifting of lockdown curbs.

Additionally, Reliance Industries’ mega rights issue, which closed during the week and was oversubscribed, and stake sale of 2.8 percent by Uday Kotak in Kotak Mahindra Bank attracted significant foreign flows, said Himanshu Srivastava, associate director-manager research, Morningstar India.

During the first five trading sessions of June, overseas investors put in a net sum of Rs 20,814 crore in equities but pulled out a net Rs 2,225 crore from the debt segment.

The total net investment between June 1-5 stood at Rs 18,589 crore.

Prior to this, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) were net sellers for three consecutive months. They withdrew Rs 7,366 crore in May, Rs 15,403 crore in April and a record Rs 1.1 lakh crore in March.

Market sentiment has improved as the Indian government announced an

overall Rs 20 lakh crore economic relief package to tide over the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, said Bajaj Capital Research.

“The global cr ude price’s spectacular recovery by surging 40 percent during May and slowdown in global infection growth helped to revive the risk-on sentiments among the investors...,” it added.

However, Srivastava said the investment environment continues to be grim as almost all global economies are staring at a recession.

The simmering tensions between the US and China also do not augur well for emerging markets like India, which are more vulnerable towards geopolitical risks. Though foreign investors have returned to invest

in the Indian equity markets, it needs to sustain to call it a change in trend and not a short-term investment opportunity, he said.

If the situation worsens, foreign investors can again switch back to the riskaverse mode, he added.

According to Harsh Jain, co-founder and COO of Groww, “there is a sense of optimism in the markets and a belief that the worst is behind us in terms of market performance.”

FPIs have been investing in fundamentally strong bluechip companies and this trend is likely to continue in the near future. More money will flow into market leaders. Strong companies are likely to be able to weather and even take advantage of challenging times, Jain added.

Two-wheeler segment may see double digit sales dip in FY21: HMSI PSBs sanction Rs 17,705 cr

According to HMSI official, the sales of two-wheeler will remain in the slow lane this fiscal. months for the entire year.

“To say that this year farm sector but even then the In fact, the industry itself sales are going to be posi- benefits would accrue only was already in slowdown tive, that is not possible... in the next crop cycle. mode and COVID-19 has recovery is not possible this “Agrarian economy only added to the worse situ- year, it will still be a double may come back, we are ation,” HMSI Director Sales digit de-growth in 2020-21,” seeing some traction in and Marketing Yadvinder Guleria noted. tractor sales as well, but Singh Guleria told PTI. He expressed hope that negative (trend) will still He added that although the situation may improve stay in 2020-21 and maybe sales have resumed in May, in the next few months due we can see some growth in it is just the beginning from to normal monsoon and next fiscal because the base zero to some business. structural reforms in the itself will be much lower,”

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

Guleria said.

On insights from sales in May, where HMSI retailed over 1.15 lakh units, he said more than onethird of buyers shifted from public transport in order to follow social distancing norms.

“There is not much change in the buying behaviour. Around 55 per cent preferred cash while 45 per cent financed the twowheeler,” Guleria said.

Also, buyers prefer low down payment kind of schemes as they want to preserve cash, he added.

“Product enquiry is increasing, after sales load is increasing, new customers have started coming into the workshops, in the long term we need to see how it will

No. 9587 Yesterday’s solution No. 9586

No. 4206 Yesterday’s solution No. 4205

No. 3231 Yesterday’s solution No. 3230

Across 3. Perspire (5) 8. Satan (5) 10. Discourage (5) 11. Flying mammal (3) 12. Ancient Italian (5) 13. Captures (7) 15. Of the foot (5) 18. Pelvis (3) 19. Dress (6) 21. Requests forcibly (7) 22. Leg part (4) 23. Require (4) 24. Contusions (7) 26. Subsides (6) 29. Torn cloth (3) 31. Landed estate (5) 32. Bullfighter (7) 34. Umbilicus (5) 35. Plaything (3) 36. Finger or toe (5) 37. To father (5) 38. Musical instrument (5) Down 1. Exclude (5) 2. Chef’s room (7) 4. Courts (4) 5. Adjusts (6) 6. Belief (5) 7. Tree (5) 9. Container for liquid (3) 12. Mends (7) 14. That man (3) 16. Cuts into cubes (5) 17. Guides, directs (5) 19. Naval commander (7) 20. Religion (5) 21. Backless sofa (5) 23. Nullifies (7) 24. Scold harshly (6) 25. Was seated (3) 27. Aromatic herb (5) 28. Pick-me-up (5) 30. Anteroom (5) 32. Repast (4) 33. Alsatian, for example (3)

pan out,” Guleria noted.

He also emphasised that customers will not compromise on safety and hygiene when visiting a sales or service outlet.

Asked if the company would still go ahead with its new launches considering the market situation, Guleria said: “No product launch has been put off the shelf, launches will happen as planned earlier for this financial year.”

He said that 250 supply chain partners of the company, having 308 plants, received green signal in May-end to resume operations.

Production at the company’s plants, however, will be ramped up as per the market demand, he added.

collateral free loans for MSMEs New Delhi, Jun 7 (IANS): Public sector banks (PSB) have so far sanctioned Rs 17,705.64 crore worth of loans under the 100 per cent government guaranteed Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme.

The scheme is part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat economic package. As per the gover nment, banks would provide collateralfreeloans to the eligible MSMEs loans upto Rs 3 lakh crore in total in a bid to overcome the financial crisis caused due to the coronavirus pandemic and the nationwide lockdown.

As of Friday, June 5, out of the sanctioned

amount, Rs 8,320.24 crore has been disbursed, said a tweet by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s office.

“As of 5 June 2020, #PSBs have sanctioned loans worth Rs 17,705.64 crore under the 100% Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, out of which Rs 8320.24 crore have been disbursed,” said the tweet.

Data shared in the tweet showed that the State Bank of India (SBI) contributed a major chunk of the amount sanctioned and disbursed so far. SBI, as of Friday sanctioned a total of Rs 11,701.06 crore and disbursed Rs 6,084.71 crore of loans.

Unlock 1.0 to revive fuel sales soon: IOC New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI): Weeks after the coronavirus lockdown led to fuel sales nose-diving to record lows, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the nation’s largest oil firm, sees demand returning with the resumption of economic activities.

The company said though it is on track to spend the approved capital expenditure for 2020-21, it has “critically examined all capex proposals for rationalisation of cost and time frame.”

“The company is also conscious of the costs and has also undertaken rationalisation measures in this direction,” it said without giving details.

Fuel sales had dropped in April after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19 infections “The demand for the petroleum products dropped by 46 percent in April 2020. The sales of petrol, diesel and jet fuel (ATF) in April 2020 were down by 61 percent, 56.7 percent and 91.5 percent respectively as compared to April 2019,” it said in a regulatory filing on impact of COVID-19.

Due to certain relaxations by the Centre and some state governments starting last month, sales for the products improved in May as compared to April 2020. “However, the sale for these three products was still lower by 38.9 percent as compared to May 2019.”

India will see more opening up from June 8 with malls and markets resuming operations.

“It is expected that with the opening up of

lockdown and revival of the economy on the strength of the economic package, the sales would soon get revived,” it said.

“Further, the recent increase in international prices of crude oil and petroleum products as well as rupee appreciation has to some extent already offset the inventory losses and forex losses.”

IOC said though there was no closure of any of its refineries due to drop in demand of petroleum products, their operations were curtailed to the level of 39 percent in April.

However, the improved demand for petroleum products in May 2020 resulted in higher capacity utilisation of refineries to the extent of 75-80 percent and is further being ramped up.

“The drop in sale of petroleum products resulted in a significant fall in revenue collections for the company. In order to meet its contractual and statutory obligations, the company had to borrow funds which resulted in substantial increase in borrowings.

“However, since then the borrowings have reduced significantly with increase in sales and lower crude oil prices,” it said,

but did not give specific figures.

Stating that COVID19 had severely impacted businesses across the world, IOC said the oil industry in general and the company in particular came under the twin assault of drop in crude oil prices as well as demand destruction.

Petroleum product sales had witnessed a demand growth of 1.9 percent in 2019-20 till February 2020.

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The company, however, remains optimistic on the long-term growth prospects of the domestic two-wheeler industry.

It has gathered from a survey that more people are now wiling to buy a two-wheeler in order to stay safe and maintain social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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China warns India against US

BEIJING, JUN 7 (AGENCIES): A Chinese government mouthpiece has said Beijing will not give up an inch of territory but wants “good-neighbourly relations” with New Delhi even as it warned India must not be “fooled by Washington,” reports Hindustan Times.

The comments were published in an editorial of the Global Times ahead of Saturday’s crucial talks between Indian and Chinese army commanders on the stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

“China does not want to fall foul of India. Goodneighbourly relations have been China’s basic national policy over the past decades, and China firmly adheres to a peaceful resolution of border disputes. We have no reason to make India our enemy,” the editorial said on Friday.

“But China will not give up any inch of territory.

Once India makes a strategic misjudgment and nibbles away at China’s territory, China will never condone it. China is bound to make strong countermeasures.

We believe India knows very well that China will not be at a disadvantage in any

File photo of Narendra Modi and and Xi Jinping.

China-India military operations along the border area,” it said. The daily said India will enjoy a peaceful international environment with China-India cooperation.

“But if the two countries face a showdown on the border issue, the entire Himalayan region and the Indian subcontinent will face instability. No external force can change this.

Maintaining peace along border areas and friendly cooperation is in line with the two countries’ interests,” it added.

India should not be fooled by the US, the editorial also said, as the US is only trying to “serve its own strategic interest”.

“Washington is keen on placing a wedge between countries and drawing countries to its own side. But this

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

serves the US’ strategic pressure on China, instead of other countries’ geopolitical interests,” it said.

“Washington looks forward to the China-India dispute in order to gain from it. The US supports India every time China and India have conflicts to encourage New Delhi’s confrontation against Beijing and to hype new border disputes.”

India, the editorial said, should return the favour “instead of being fooled by Washington”.

“China’s strategic situation is not that terrible.

Since we do not fear US suppression, how can we allow some force to use US support to make trouble for China?” it asked.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a bitter face-off in several

areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following violent clashes between hundreds of Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim and Ladakh sectors last month. Army officers of the two sides have held several meetings along the disputed border but have been unable to break the impasse.

Lieutenant Gen Harinder Singh, 14 Corps Commander, will represent the Indian delegation while Major General Liu Lin, who is the commander of South Xinjiang Military Region, and 10 other officers of the People’s Liberation Army, will represent China.

The two sides on Friday agreed on not allowing their differences to escalate into disputes while respecting each other’s concerns ahead of crucial talks between Indian and Chinese army commanders.

Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary (East Asia) of the external affairs ministry, held talks with Wu Jianghao, director general in China’s foreign ministry, through video conference and reviewed bilateral relations, including “current developments”, according to a readout from the Indian side.

Brazil removes COVID-19 data from govt website B r asilia , J un 7 (IANS): Brazil has removed months of data on the COVID-19 pandemic from a government website amid criticism of President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the outbreak which has so far infected over 645,700, the media reported on Sunday.

O n S a t u r d ay, t h e Health Ministry removed from its official website the COVID-19 data it had been documenting over time and by state and municipality, reports the BBC. Instead, the Ministry only stated that there were 27,075 new cases and 904 deaths in the past 24 hours.

It also said that 10,209 patients had recovered.

On Twitter, Bolsonaro said “the cumulative data... does not reflect the moment the country is in” but did not explain why the information had to be removed or could not be released. He said additional measures were being taken to “improve the reporting of cases”.

The decision has been widely criticised by journalists and members of Congress.

Protests in UK against racism

The protests went ahead despite officials advising against mass gatherings due to coronavirus.

London, Jun 7 (IANS): Thousands of people participated in anti-racism demonstrations, triggered by the May 25 death of the unarmed African-American man George Floyd in police custody, across major cities in the UK, including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Leicester and Sheffield.

In London, the protesters, the majority donning face coverings and many with gloves, on Saturday knelt for a minute’s silence before chanting “no justice, no peace” and “black lives matter”, the BBC reported.

The majority of the day’s protests were peaceful but in the evening there

were disturbances outside Downing Street.

According to the BBC, the protest was largely over when missiles and fireworks were thrown at a police line.

Police horses were used to regain control, but one horse galloped ahead and its rider fell to the ground after hitting her head on a traffic light. Her injuries were not life-threatening, the Metropolitan Police said.

Fourteen people were arrested and 10 officers were injured after a smaller group became “angry and intent on violence”, the force added.

The protests went

ahead despite officials advising against mass gatherings due to coronavirus.

Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, police said they had issued “a significant number” of fines given the dangers of crowds in the pandemic and organisers would now be reported to the Public Prosecution Service with a view to prosecution.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, anti-racism campaigners renamed streets that have links to the slave trade, replacing street signs with the names of enslaved Africans, black activists and victims of police brutality.

Far-right Rome protest turns violent ‘COVID-19 vaccine will take atleast 1 year to be available’

ing lockdown restrictions, allowing domestic travel between regions and opening its international borders.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said the government was working to speed up social payments and pledged “a serious tax reform”.

Shops, cafes and restaurants had already opened their doors again, and tourist sites have begun welcoming tourists in recent days.

Colombo, Jun 7 (PTI): Sri Lanka’s election commission has held a mock poll in the southern Galle district to test the COVID19 health guidelines and its preparedness for the parliamentary polls likely to be held between late July and mid August.

The parliamentary polls were initially to be held on April 25, but had to be postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which prompted the authorities to announce a nationwide lockdown from March 20.

Later, the election commission shifted the date to June 20. It was again deemed not suitable in view of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed 11 lives and infected over 1,900 people in the island nation.

A majority of the patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals.

Some 200 voters from the Ambalangoda polling division in Galle district were chosen to ‘vote’ at the mock poll, according to an official.

“We wanted to learn from the exercise so that the lessons can be applied

RWDA FELICITATES

eration with the health authorities.

Election chief Mahinda Deshapriya said the guidelines were revolving around social distancing, washing hands and wearing face masks.

At the mock poll, attention was given to the time it takes to cast a vote while sticking to the health guidelines.

The poll date to elect a 225-member parliament is yet to be announced.

According to officials, it is likely to be held any-

time between late July and mid August.

The opposition parties and civil society groups have challenged the holding of the election in the midst of health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over 16 million voters are eligible to vote to elect 196 members under proportional representation and a further 29 members on national cumulative votes of each party based on proportional representation.

H.Q., TSUNGIKI VILLAGE, WOKHA: NAGALAND

FELICITATION The Tsungiki Gazetted Officers’ Forum (TGOF) heartily congratulates Shri. S. Mhonchan Lotha on his recent promotion to the post of Joint Director / District Education Officer under the Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland.

TGOF further wishes him an eventful career in the days to come.

Er. Mhonlumo Kikon W. Yibemo Kikon President, TGOF General Secretary, TGOF

FELICITATION

OFFICE OF THE

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR RIPHYIM ELOE EKHUNG(DREE) DIMAPUR-797112

DIMAPUR-797112

at the real election when it happens,” senior election commission official Saman C Ratnayake told reporters at the Buddhist temple hall which was used for the mock poll.

The selected voters were given instructions at their homes on Saturday and were asked to bring along a pen to mark the vote while wearing a face mask.

The election commission said they had formulated guidelines to conduct the polls in close coop-

TSUNGIKI GAZETTED OFFICERS’ FORUM

Glory be to God With immense pride and Joy, we the family members would like to give our heartiest Congratulations to Mr. Zuchanbemo T. Patton S/o Mr. Tumben and Mrs Chanbeni Patton for securing Top 4 (Arts Stream) and Highest State subject topper in Education, HSSLC 2020.

May God continue to add his blessings in your endeavour.

Lt. Rabemo Tsanglao's Sons, in-laws and Grandchildren DP-2653

DIMAPUR RIPHYIM EKHUNG (DRE) Some 200 voters from the Ambalangoda polling division in Galle district were chosen to ‘vote’ at the mock poll.

depend on travel, like aviation, hotels and tourism, will take a long time to get back on their feet, and may never recover fully, Lee said, pointing out that it would no longer be easier to travel easily as has been happening.

Countries will also strive to become less dependent on one another, especially for essential goods and services such as food or critical medical supplies, the prime minister said.

“This will have strategic implications. Countries will have less stake in each other’s wellbeing. They will fight more over how the pie is shared, rather than work together to enlarge the pie for all.

The ROTOMI WELFARE DIMAPUR AREA (RWDA) would like to heartily congratulate Mrs. Apokla Longkumer w/o Khetovi G Yeptho on being promoted to SDEO under School Education Department .

The Welfare extends its best wishes for good health & wisdom in all her new responsibilities.

Meanwhile, RWDA Conveys its Congratulatory note to all the successful students in recently declared HSLC & HSSLC result & also wishing them "Best of Luck" (V. Hoshito Yeptho) (Y. Tokhuvi Shohe) Secretary, RWDA Chairman, RWDA

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Sri Lanka holds mock poll for upcoming election

lars 92.9 billion or nearly 20 per cent of the country’s GDP. These will require a Singapore dollars 52 billion draw from Singapore’s past reserves.

“But even for us, this level of spending is hard to sustain. More importantly, these measures cannot shield us from the tectonic shifts taking place in the global economy,” Lee conceded.

The world will not return to the open and connected global economy of the past anytime soon, he said, adding that the movement of people will be more restricted, and health checks and quarantines will be the norm. Industries that

WC-130

the damage wrought on the economy and jobs, reports the BBC. The protesters gathered in the ancient area around the Circus Maximus.

With more than 33,800 fatalities and 234,000 cases since the coronavirus outbreak began, Italy has been one of the hardest-hit countries in the world.

The country has entered its final phase in eas-

down and the situation in foreign workers living in dormitories has stabilised, Lee said.

This has allowed the country to ease strict circuit breaker measures, he said, adding that the contact tracing and testing will be stepped up to detect the coronavirus cases earlier, isolate their contacts, and prevent clusters from forming. “If all goes well and the outbreak remains firmly under control, we will ease up further (on measures to control the spread of coronavirus), and resume more activities as soon as possible,” he said.

The prime minister said that beyond the public health impact, COVID-19 had become a serious economic, social and political problem. “It is in fact the

FELICITATION

The Office of the DRE with immense pride and honour express our hearthiest congratulations to Mr. Zuchanbemo T. Patton, S/o Mr. K.Tumben Patton for securing 4th Rank (Arts Stream) with 90.60% and also the State highest marks in Education with 98% in the recently declared HSSLC examination 2020 from Don Bosco Hr. Secondary School, Dimapur. The Ekhung wishes him bright future in the years to come.

The DRE further congratulates all the successful candidates who have qualified in the recently declared HSLC and HSSLC examination 2020 and wishes them success in all their future endeavors.

Sd/(Mhonsao Tungoe) Chairman, DRE

Sd/(Dr. Lowrence Kithan) General Secretary, DRE

DP-2654

Rome, Jun 7 (IANS): A rally in Rome staged by Italian far-right extremists and hardcore football fans over the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic had turned briefly violent after a fight between demonstrators, the media reported.

On Saturday, hundreds took the streets of the Italian capital and called on the government to resign over its handling of the crisis and

Lee Hsien Loong (File)

most dangerous crisis humanity has faced in a very long time... We are in a totally unprecedented situation,” he said.

Pointing to the global economy having virtually ground to a halt, Lee said the governments have spent trillions of dollars to support businesses, economies and jobs, but still tens of millions of jobs have been lost.

Singapore’s domestic economy has also taken a severe hit. The country’s gross domestic product is likely to shrink by between 4 and 7 per cent - its worst contraction ever.

Singapore’s economy depends heavily on international trade and investments, which were already slowing down before the pandemic hit. “Now this slowdown will happen faster, and go further,” Lee said.

The government has spent billions of dollars to save jobs and keep businesses afloat, and is doing so without having to borrow.

On Friday, parliament passed a second supplementary supply Bill, bringing government spending on four COVID-19 support packages to Singapore dol-

FELICITATION

The Office of the DREE express our profound happiness and convey our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Zuchanbemo T. Patton, S/o Mr. K.Tumben Patton for securing 4th Rank (Arts Stream) in the recent HSSLC examination with 90.60% and also for the State highest marks in Education with 98% from Don Bosco Hr. Secondary School, Dimapur. The Ekhung wishes him bright future in the years to come.

The DREE would also like to congratulate all the students who have successfully passed their HSLC and HSSLC examination 2020 and wishes them success in all their future endeavors.

Sd/(Chanbeni Patton) Chairman, DREE

Sd/(Meribeni S. Patton) General Secretary, DREE

DP-2655

Right wing soccer supporters clash with police as they protest against the government lockdown and the lack of economic support, in Rome, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

Singapore, Jun 7 (PTI): The much-needed vaccine to combat the coronavirus will take at least one year before it becomes available widely, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday, urging the people to “learn to live” with COVID-19 for a long time.

He asked Singaporeans to play their part in limiting the spread of the virus by maintaining personal hygiene, wearing masks, observing safe distancing rules and avoiding crowded gatherings.

“It will take at least a year, probably longer, before vaccines become widely available,” said Lee in the first of six national broadcasts on Singapore’s future after the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming days.

We will have to learn to live with COVID-19 for the long term, as we have done in the past with other dangerous infectious diseases, like tuberculosis,” Lee said.

The prime minister also highlighted Singapore’s progress in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

New cases in the wider community have come

Infotainment

10

Javed Akhtar becomes first Indian to receive Richard Dawkins Award

V

eteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has won the 2020 Richard Dawkins Award for critical thinking, holding religious dogma up to scrutiny, advancing human progress and humanist values.

Akhtar has become the first Indian to be given the honour, which recognises distinguished individual from the field of science, scholarship, education, or entertainment, who publicly proclaims the values of secularism and rationalism and upholding

scientific truth.

Akhtar’s wife, veteran actor Shabana Azmi said the award’s relevance becomes more prominent especially in the current times when secularism is under attack.

“I am thrilled. I know what a hero Richard Dawkins has been for Javed. The award gains all the more significance because in today’s time when secularism is being attacked by religious fundamentalists of all hues, this award comes as a validation of Javed’s long service to rational think-

‘Evil Dead’ star Danny Hicks diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

ing,” Azmi told PTI. The award is named after world-renowned English evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. Actorcomedian Ricky Gervais received the honour last year.

Bollywood celebrities Anil Kapoor ans Dia Mirza took to Twitter to congratulate the 75-year-old writer for the recognition.

“Knowing that Richard Dawkins has been your hero since you read ‘The Selfish Gene’, the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award must be extra special for you @Javedakhtarjadu Saab! It’s a truly incredible honour! Congratulations!”

Kapoor tweeted.

Dia said Akhtar’s win is a proud moment for rhe country.

“Javed Akhtar Saab has won the the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking, holding religious dogma upto scrutiny, advancing human progress and humanist values. He is the only Indian to have won this award! @Javedakhtarjadu Congratulations! You make us proud,” Dia wrote.

(PTI)

Ekta Kapoor deletes controversial scene from ‘Triple X-2’

E D

anny Hicks, who p l aye d Ja k e i n “Evil Dead 2”, has shared that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has approximately one to three years to live.

Hicks shared the “bad news” on his Facebook page on Friday, reports variety.com.

“To all of the people that I never got to meet, and the 6,018 die hard fans that enjoyed my work. I have some bad news. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I have approximately 1 to 3 years to live.

But I gotta tell ya, I sure as hell packed a whole bunch of living into my 68 years.

I got no change coming back that’s for sure. And not too many regrets. Ok, gotta go. I’m gunna find

out just what in the hell is going on down in that fruit cellar,” he wrote.

The fruit cellar that Hicks mentions is a reference to the gruesome cabin cellar where several bloody scenes take place in Sam Raimia¿s 1987 horror film. Hicks’ character Jake turns on the “Evil Dead” protagonist Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) and meets his demise in the cellar. In an episode of the 2015 Starz series “Ash vs Evil Dead,” Ash finds Jake’s skeleton and has a flashback to his death.

“Evil Dead 2” was Hicks’ first major film role.

He continued collaborating with Raimi and appeared in his films “Darkman,” “Intruder” and “SpiderMan 2”.

(IANS)

kta Kapoor has deleted the controversial scene in her web series “Triple X-2”, which invited much trouble for the producer, including a police complaint in Gurugrams Palam Vihar police station and an FIR in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The scene in question showed an army officer’s wife having an illicit affair. Also in the sequence, an Army uniform is torn -- something that has been considered an insult towards the armed forces and military personnel.

“As an individual and as an organisation we are deeply respectful towards the Indian Army. Their contribution to our wellbeing and security is immense. We have already deleted the scene that is being spoken about, so action has been taken from our side. What we don’t appreciate is the bullying and the rape threats by the trolls,” said Ekta, referring to the massive cyber bullying she has witnessed after the controversy burgeoned over the past few days.

(IANS)

Snoop Dogg to vote for first time ever in 2020

R

apper Snoop Dogg has shared that he will be voting for the first time ever this November.

Snoop Dogg, who is known for numbers like “Young, Wild & Free” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot” among many others, was speaking on Real 92.3 radio show, Big Boy’s Neighborhood, reports people. com.

While speaking on the show, Snoop Dogg shared why he has never voted and why he feels it’s especially important to make his voice heard in the 2020 election.

The rapper thought he wasn’t allowed to vote after being convicted of a felony in 1990 and 2007.

“For many years they

had me brainwashed thinking that you couldn’t vote because you had a criminal record. I didn’t know that.

My record’s been expunged so now I can vote,” he said.

Sharing his thoughts on President Donald Trump, he clearly said that he would not be voting for the Republican in November.

“I ain’t never voted a day in my life, but this year I think I’m going to get out and vote because I can’t stand to see this punk in office one more year,” he said.

Snoop Dogg also said that he would have to go out to vote before he could encourage others to do the same.

(IANS)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

South Korean boyband BTS donates $1 million to Black Lives Matter

P

opular South Korean band BTS donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter (BLM) in support of U.S. protests against police brutality, its music label, Big Hit Entertainment, told Reuters on Sunday.

On Thursday, the seven-member BTS wrote on its Twitter account that they are against racism and violence with the hashtag BlackLivesMatter: “We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I

and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.”

The hashtag went viral among the K-pop group’s fans and started another wave of donations with a new hashtag, MatchAMillion.

The movement encouraged BTS’ fan base, known as ARMY, an acronym for Adorable Representative MC for Youth, to match the $1 million donation the group made.

One Twitter account

said, “ARMYs, let’s #MatchAMillion with BTS’s donation to #BlackLivesMatter!”

The boyband suspended their world tour over coronavirus concerns in April. [nL3N2CG351] The rolling, global protests reflect rising anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white officer detaining him knelt on his neck.

(Reuters)

Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio pledge to fight racism

J

ohnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio have both pledged to fight racism as protests continue around the world.

Protestors began to take to the streets last week after George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police.

The actors have now spoken out separately in the wake of the protests. Depp shared a video of a speech

by Killer Mike on his Instagram page, posting it with a lengthy caption.

“There is no way to make sense of what is senseless,” he wrote. “There is no way to restore a life that has been taken. Just as there is no way to un-break to ourselves that racism ness that it gives birth to, A CHANGE!!! DEMAND a heart that is broken. What and the ignorance inherent is NO LONGER AN OP- IT!!!!” we can do is make a vow in such judgmental ugli- TION!!! THERE MUST BE He went on to praise

the rapper as “a brilliant musician, artist, [and] activist for social justice” and urged his followers to “listen to the remarks of this true statesman”.

DiCaprio, meanwhile, shared a graphic that read: “I commit to listen, learn and take action”. In the caption, he continued: “I am dedicated to end the disenfranchisement of Black America, that has been present for too long. I will support those individuals, organisations and coalitions that are committed to bring about long-term change.”

The actor added that he would be donating to Color Of Change, Fair Fight Action, the NAACP, and the Equal Justice Initiative.

(NME)

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Arsenal thrash Charlton in friendly

Lo n d o n, J u n 7 (Agencies): Arsenal beat Championship strugglers Charlton Athletic 6-0 at the Emirates on Saturday, as a number of clubs stepped up their preparations for a Premier League return.

With the league set to resume on June 17 following the coronavirus lockdown, a number of clubs have been attempting to build up their players’ fitness and get used to the behind-closed doors conditions they can expect for competitive action.

Mikel Arteta’s side eased to victory at home, with Eddie Nketiah netting a hat-trick in a 6-0 win with forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette also on the scoresheet.

Arsenal will be in action on the first night back when they take on Manchester City, while Charlton are set to resume on the weekend of June 20.

Despite the defeat, Charlton boss Lee Bowyer was pleased with what he saw from his side.

“To be playing against those players... some of them have been playing

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action during their friendly football match against Charlton Athletic.

Champions League for years, playing against a proper opposition, every single position they are really strong,” Bowyer told the Charlton website.

“Our players didn’t disgrace themselves, they

worked hard and tried to do the right things, it will be good for them, a good learning curve. It was a good workout. Obviously playing Arsenal, they are a proper side. It was a difficult workout and it was

‘World champ Naser missed 4 tests’

Salwa Eid Naser

was ongoing at the time of the Doha World Championships and she was not provisionally suspended at that time,” the AIU said in a statement here “Following conclusion of the investigation and a fourth whereabouts failure in January 2020, a Notice of Charge was issued and Ms Naser subject to an immediate provisional suspension.”

According to World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, any combination of three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period by an athlete constitutes an anti-doping violation.

Athletes guilty of whereabouts failures could face two-year bans or a minimum of one year depending on the degree of fault.

The AIU added it would not comment any further as the disciplinary process was still ongoing.

good fitness.”

“Of course we were r usty, we were always going to be that, but the lads worked hard and put all their effort in and we looked quite good fitnesswise. It was a good test for us.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United took part in an inter-squad friendly at Old Trafford ahead of their clash with Tottenham on June 19.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have been particularly pleased to see Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba back in action after the pair spent a sustained period out through injury prior to the season being suspended.

Players drove to the stadium in their match kit and the match was refereed by fitness coach Charlie Owen.

Chelsea also hosted a friendly between their squad at Stamford Bridge ahead of resuming their campaign against Aston Villa on June 21.

Manager Frank Lampard and his coaching staff acted as officials for the match, which saw the squad split and wear their home and away kit.

Former AIIF chief faces court over corruption Paris, Jun 7 (IANS): Former president of the International Association of Athletics Federations Lamine Diack who is facing a potential 10-year sentence on charges of accepting millions of dollars to cover up Russian doping tests, will go to court here on Monday.

The 87-year-old Senegalese was charged with ‘giving and receiving bribes’, ‘breach of trust’ and ‘organized money laundering’ for obtaining 1.5 million dollars to cover up doping cases of 23 Russians, so they were allowed to compete at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow.

He has been under investigation since 2016, facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Monaci, Jun 7 (Agencies): World 400 meters champion Salwa Eid Naser was provisionally suspended for registering four “whereabouts failures”, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Sunday.

The Bahrain athlete, who won gold at the World Championships in Doha last year, pleaded her innocence despite being sus-

pended by the AIU on Friday for failing to make herself available for antidoping tests.

In an Instagram video, Naser had said she had “only missed three drug tests” and that the missed tests came before the September event in Doha.

“The investigation into Ms Naser’s three whereabouts failures in 2019

No formal offer yet for Werner, says Leipzig’s MD

‘Man Utd stronger after lockdown’

Leipzig, Jun 7 (IANS): RB Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff revealed no club yet has made a formal offer for star striker Timo Werner after it was earlier reported that Chelsea had agreed a deal to land the 24-year-old. According to Mintzlaff, Werner remains a Leipzig player as no club has triggered his buy-out clause yet. “We haven’t had an exchange yet. Accordingly, we have nothing to report,” Mintzlaff was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“Timo Werner is a player for RB Leipzig. He signalled a few weeks ago that he was busy with a transfer. Until now nothing is done.”

“We are concentrating on the final sprint in the league. We want to qualify for the Champions League.

That is the only thing we are currently discussing with Timo,” he said.

“It was important for us that we extend the contract with him. We did that last summer because of course it is important for our young club that no player moves on a free transfer. Of course, there was this exit clause that we put in the contract to give him the opportunity to take the next step.”

“Now Timo is sitting in the driver’s seat, not us anymore. So far, he has not drawn upon the clause, nor has any club sent us a transfer contract,” Mintzlaff added.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Marcus Rashford

Lo n d o n, J u n 7 (Agencies): Marcus Rashford says Manchester United are in a “much stronger position” ahead of the Premier League’s resumption than they were when the league was suspended in March.

Before the coronavirus outbreak put a halt to proceedings, United were in good form, having gone unbeaten in their previous 11 matches in all competitions.

The break has allowed Rashford to recover from the back injury that kept him out of the majority of those games and he is now ready to help United pick up where they left off in their first match in over three months, away to Tottenham on June 19.

He told United fan site Stretty News, “I think coming out of this lockdown we are in a much stronger position than we were going into it. I think we just

need to take each game as it comes and not get too ahead of ourselves. We are working hard in training, gelling as a team with players coming back from injury, etc.”

“For me personally, I felt I was having my best season to date before the injury hit so now I’m back fully fit I’m determined to push on.”

While football was at a standstill, Rashford put his spare time to good use, teaming up with charity FareShare to donate free meals to children in the community.

His work was given special recognition by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, and the forward said, “I used to ride the bus through the city centre and think to myself that one day I’m going to be in a position to help and I will. That has stuck with me.”

“10 years ago, I would have been one of those kids wondering where my next meal was coming from. I was lucky enough to have an evening meal when I got home, but a lot of kids don’t get that.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been encouraged by Manchester United’s “camaraderie” in training and is confident his squad will have the right mentality when the Premier League season resumes. United are due to face Tottenham away on June 19 in their first match since beating LASK 5-0 in the Europa League on March 12.

Ronaldo, Messi are powers of world football: Cafu

Zurich, Jun 7 (Agencies): Former Brazil captain Cafu believes that modern generation star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are equally good and he called them ‘two powers of world football.’

“We’re talking about the two powers of world football. They’ve been at the top for 15 years. One has won six awards, the other five. It’s so hard to pick between them. They’re both magnificent players,” FIFA. com quoted Cafu as saying.

The veteran defender feels like his countryman Neymar has the skills to become “the best player on the planet.”

Talking about FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Cafu remained optimistic when asked Brazil’s chances of bringing the Trophy home but he assured that the team will have a great World Cup. “I think so. I’m very optimistic when it comes to the Selecao. I’m certain that Brazil will have a great World Cup. We have Neymar, a lot of other good, experienced players and a number of talented youngsters coming through,” added Cafu.

2022 FIFA WC will go ahead: Qatar Doha, Jun 7 (Agencies): The 2022 World Cup will take place on time despite the knock-on from the coronavirus pandemic, the host state Qatar has pledged.

Qatar’s foreign minister says the designs of the stadiums, which are nearly 90% complete, will comply with any changes to health and safety guidance as a result of COVID-19, and that consultations with the organising committee are ongoing.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told Sky News, “We believe that Qatar is working very closely and strongly with different healthcare organisations to make sure to deliver a healthy and safe World Cup and believe that this is part of the cure for the world to be back together in a happy manner.”

“There is an ongoing exercise with the organising committee, with different stakeholders, to make sure that all the health and safety standards are applied in all our stadiums, so it’s still something ongoing. Once it’s clear for all of us, I’m sure that we are going to put it out to the public.”

Qatar has suffered an

unusually high number of coronavirus infections given its small population but has managed to keep the death rate low.

The Gulf nation, with a population of 2.8 million, has recorded 65,000 cases to date but has suffered only 49 deaths.

It has put in place a rigorous test and trace system, criticised by some as being too intrusive.

The Emir of Qatar took part in Thursday’s vaccine conference hosted

by Boris Johnson, where the Gulf nation pledged $20m (£15.5m) to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sheikh Mohammed revealed.

Asked if the absence of a global strategy to counter

the coronavirus represented a global failure, the foreign minister said better collaboration was key.

“Without collaboration and exchange of experience and dialogue, we believe we cannot adopt and learn from each other,” he said.

“So we believe that despite the discussion we are seeing about a nationalist approach, it should represent for us a stimulation to enhance and improve our international cooperation and to work together.”

The United States recently chose to cut funding for the WHO, citing perceived failings by the body to adequately deal with the virus.

Will walk off if racially abused again, vows Ighalo Manchester, Jun 7 (IANS): Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo said that he will walk off the pitch if the referee doesn’t act on racist chants during a match. Ighalo, on loan to the Old Trafford giants from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, said he had been called ‘all sorts of names’ while playing for his parent club.

Ighalo also revealed he took no further action at the time after informing the Chinese Football Association but won’t stand for any more abuse.

“If it happens to me I would report it to the referee and see what they do, but if they don’t take action about it then I’m going to walk off because it should not be done to any player or anyone in the world,” he told Sky Sports News.

“In one game in Chi-

Odion Ighalo

na I got called all sorts of names and after the game, I didn’t shake his hand. I walked straight into the dressing room, I was angry,

Ligue 1 could resume with play-offs before August 2 Paris, Jun 7 (Agencies): Ligue 1 could resume with play-offs before August 2 despite the fact the top-flight season has been voided, UEFA have said.

French prime minister Edouard Philippe announced the cancellation of all sporting events across the country on April 28, amid the ongoing fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Football authorities subsequently voided the 2019-20 campaign, with final positions in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 decided on a points-per-game basis.

PSG were crowned French champions for a third suc-

I reported it to the FA. I didn’t press forward with it, I just let it go because I’m just this kind of guy. I don’t like to drag issues out. But

I don’t think it should be condoned in any country.”

“Nobody should condone racism. We are all human. Despite the colour of our skin, we are all the same, we live in the same world, the same life,” said the Nigerian.

“I don’t condone racism, but at the same time, I don’t condone riots. It didn’t start today, it’s not going to end today. It’s going to take time. We are hoping this situation can change the narrative and make it more limited.

It’s going to reduce it to a minimum.”

“We are fighting now so that for the next generation it will be cut off, finally. We have to start from the younger generation, educate them, let them see that all humans are the same. We should fight for humanity not colours.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example"

cessive year, having already established a 12 point lead at the top of the table when the action was initially stopped in March.

Marseille and Rennes both earned a place in the Champions League after finishing second and third respectively, but seventhplaced Lyon missed out on European football completely for the first time since 1996.

The cancellation of proceedings also saw Amiens and Toulouse relegated, and Lyon have joined the two clubs in vowing to fight the final decision in the courts.

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Through this column we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who upheld us in your prayers and showed great kindness and support during the prolong illness and ultimate demise of our beloved father Late. Z. RABOMO NGULLIE, President District Congress Committee, Wokha, on 02nd of June, 2020 at Eden Medical Centre (EMC), Dimapur, Nagaland.

Loving Wife, Children, Grand children and In-laws.

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Bundesliga: Dortmund tighten grip on 2nd spot I faced racism in IPL: Sammy

Berlin, Jun 7 (Agencies): Emre Can netted the only goal for Borussia Dortmund as they took charge of second place in the Bundesliga with a 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin.

After defeats for both Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach, and RB Leipzig drawing at home with Paderborn, this was a fantastic chance for Dortmund to take charge of the Champions League qualification places - and they took it to move four points clear of third.

For mer Liver pool midfielder Can, who was playing as a centre-back, struck the winner on 57 minutes when controlling a clever finish into the bottom corner after a lovely knockdown by Julian Brandt.

It was a first defeat for Hertha boss Bruno Labbadia, who had overseen an unbeaten four-game run since taking over.

Players of Dortmund and Hertha Berlin went down on one knee ahead of their Bundesliga game in tribute to George Floyd, an unarmed black man whose death in police custody has triggered protests around

Emre Can calebrates with Borussia Dortmund team-mates after scoring a goal during their Bundesliga match against Hertha Berlin.

the world.

Hertha came into the clash under a rich vein of form under Labbadia - as shown by their record of picking up 10 points from a possible 12 since the restart.

They looked a wellorganised outfit early on as despite some fancy footwork by Jadon Sancho,

Dortmund rarely threatened. Brandt skewing an effort from 18 yards wide was the closest they came in a dull opening 45 minutes.

Sancho, who scored a hat-trick in last week’s 6-1 win at Paderborn, endured a frustrating afternoon and was guilty of an uncharacteristic miss from close range on 51 minutes when

Don’t compare me and Murray; he has more success: Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray

Bern, Jun 7 (Agencies): Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka says he doesn’t want to be compared to Andy Murray as he thinks comparing him and Briton just wouldn’t be fair. Wawrinka, who recently turned 35, claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2014 and since then he has won two more Major titles.

The Swiss has won three out of his four Grand Slam finals played as his lone loss in a Major final came in 2017, when he was ousted in straight sets by Rafael Nadal at the French Open. On the other side, former world No.1 Murray is a nine-time Grand Slam finalist but he has won only three Major titles.

The Big Three - consisting of Novak Djokovic, Rafael

Nadal and Roger Federer have been dominant on the Grand Slam level over the last decade and a half.

There hasn’t been a Grand Slam champion outside the group since Wawrinka beat Djokovic in the 2016 US Open final. “To honest I think it’s unfair to include me in all that because they are in a completely different league to me. It’s unfair on Andy.

Those guys have been winning everything for fifteen years – Masters tournaments, year-end finals. Andy’s won more than forty titles (46),” Wawrinka told Sportmail. ‘’I’ve had four or five good years, and it’s been amazing. But I am behind them. Ahead of other players maybe, but behind them.” Murray, 33, underwent a hip resurfacing surgery in January 2019 and made a comeback to tennis six months later at the Queen’s Club.

he managed to place the ball wide from six yards out.

Dor tmund star ted to pin the visitors back and their resistance finally broke on 57 minutes when Can finished off a move whilst being up from the back. Brandt’s cushioned header towards Can set up the chance and he took

1195 PL players and staff tested; none positive Lo n d o n, J u n 7 (IANS): No positive cases of COVID-19 were found in the sixth round of the Premier League’s testing for coronavirus, English football’s top flight confirmed on Saturday.

The Premier League tested 1,195 players and club staff on Thursday and Friday. There had been 13 positive cases out of 5,079 tests across the previous five rounds of testing.

The Premier League, which was suspended in March due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, will resume after a 100-day hiatus on June 17 with Aston Villa taking on Sheffield United, followed by the game between Manchester City and Arsenal on the same evening.

Liverpool, who currently lead the Premier League table, will take on Merseyside derby against Everton on June 21.

full advantage of the opportunity, controlling a cute finish into the bottom corner.

The response from Hertha was limited and Sancho really should have wrapped up the points late on but squandered another gilt-edge chance from close range.

With the result, second-placed Dortmund are close to sealing their UEFA Champions League berth for next season, while Hertha Berlin remain in ninth spot.

Br uno Labbadia’s men tried to respond but Dortmund protected their narrow lead to the end.

“We had a couple more chances, but I am satisfied with the 1-0 win.

It is definitely a deserved win for us,” said Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre.

“My team gave everything but today we lacked in luck. We have to acknowledge that Dortmund were the better team,” said Hertha’s head coach Labbadia.

Dortmund travel to Fortuna Dusseldorf next Saturday, while Hertha Berlin host Frankfurt.

K i n g s to n, J u n 7 (PTI): Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy has alleged that he was subjected to racist comments during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

Sammy’s allegation came after his vociferous support to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign around the world after the killing of African-American George Floyd in the US. “I just learnt what that ‘kalu’ meant when I played for Sunrisers in the IPL. They call me and Perera by that name. I thought it meant strong Stallion.

My previous post tells me something different and I’m angry,” Sammy wrote on his Instagram page on Saturday.

He did not say when exactly he faced these remarks and by whom.

“Oh so that’s what that meant when they called me and @tp_perera kalu in India when we played for Sunrisers. I just thought they were calling me strong black man… I’m more piss (sic) now.”

Sammy has urged the ICC to take serious note of racism which exists in the gentleman’s game.

Darren Sammy

“@ICC and all the other boards are you guys not seeing what’s happening to ppl like me? Are you not gonna speak against the social injustice against my kind. This is not only about America,” he had tweeted earlier.

Sammy, who played 38 Tests, 126 ODIs and 68 T20 Internationals, captained the West Indies to two T20 World Cup titles.

“For too long black people have suffered. I’m all the way in St Lucia and

I’m frustrated If you see me as a teammate then you see #GeorgeFloyd Can you be part of the change by showing your support. #BlackLivesMatter,” read his earlier tweet.

T h e ‘ B l a c k L ive s Matter’ movement gathered steam in the US after Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American, died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

McGregor announces retirement from fighting Dublin, Jun 7 (Agencies): Conor McGregor has announced his retirement for the third time in four years.

McGregor abruptly made his latest dubious declaration Sunday morning on his Twitter account, where the former two-division UFC champion also announced his retirement in 2016 and 2019.

“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting,” McGregor wrote in a caption below a photo of him and his mother. “Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!”

The 31-year-old Irish superstar revitalized his combat sports career in January with an impressive first-round stoppage of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246. McGregor (22-4) hadn’t won a fight in a mixed martial arts cage or a boxing ring since 2016, but he remained the UFC’s brightest star and biggest financial draw.

Conor McGregor

UFC President Dana White has already said McGregor is next in line for a title shot at the winner of lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s bout with Justin Gaethje this summer.

The UFC’s schedule is in upheaval due to the coronavirus pandemic, but McGregor was expected to get his title shot later this year, and he recently had been talking to White about taking another fight even earlier. Earlier this week, McGregor posted

photos and videos of himself training for fights.

White was still willing to take McGregor’s retirement announcement at face value, at least publicly, when he learned about it at his news conference following UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

“If Conor McGregor feels he wants to retire, you know my feelings about retirement,” White said.

“You should absolutely do it. And I love Conor. ...

There’s a handful of people that have made this really

fun for me, and he’s one of them.”

Retirements are a time-honored device for gathering attention and increased bargaining power in combat sports. From Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather to Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, countless champions of boxing and MMA have gone back on their solemn announcements whenever need or ego brought them back to the sport.

McGregor made his first Twitter retirement announcement in April 2016 during a spat with the UFC over promotion of his rematch with Nate Diaz.

Three years later, McGregor retired again in March 2019 in what White believed was a gambit to entice the UFC to offer him an ownership stake in the company.

McGregor began talking about new fights shortly afterward, and he eventually returned to face Cerrone in early 2020.

Olympic-bound boxers’ training delayed

New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI): India’s Olympicbound boxers will have to wait for some more time before resuming training as the national federation’s plan to restart the camp on June 10 in Patiala has been delayed by at least a week because of administrative issues.

The camp is yet to get

the requisite clearances.

“We are awaiting a response from SAI on our proposal and they are awaiting a response from the government. The clearance might come in a day or two but we need at least a week to work out the logistics,” said BFI Executive Director R K Sacheti.

The nine boxers, who have qualified for the Tokyo Games are Amit Panghal, Manish Kaushik, Vikas Krishan, Ashish Kumar, Satish Kumar , Mary Kom, Simranjit Kaur, Lovlina Borgohain, and Pooja Rani.

The men traditionally train in Patiala, while the women’s camp is based

in Delhi. The decision to combine the two in Patiala from June 10 was taken on May 23.

“There are logistics that need to be worked out. The boxers have to be brought to Patiala, they have to be tested as well. All these things will need at least a week,” Sacheti said.

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