March 24, 2020

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 107

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

LS adjourned sine die amid Covid-19 outbreak

Tokyo Olympics to be postponed: Report

COVID-19 global death toll passes 15k

national, Page 5

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

COVID-19: Rio asks people to be on guard but not complacent

Assures citizens enough stock of essentials in state

DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio asserted that Nagaland did not have any confirmed case of novel coronavirus so far but cautioned citizens against becoming complacent or lowering their guard. Addressing people of Nagaland on COVID-19 from chief minister’s secretariat at Kohima on Monday, Rio assured that there was no need to panic but that everyone had to remain alert and cautious to ensure that no one was infected. He mentioned that the next few weeks would be crucial in the fight to defeat COVID-19 but expressed the hope that with the active participation of each and everyone, these difficult times could be overcome together. Rio also appealed to all people, particularly students coming from outside the

Govt bans spitting in public places

Neiphiu Rio (DIPR)

State to first stay in private areas or buildings for quarantine. He said, in order to cater to the incoming travellers, Niathu Resort, Dimapur and Cricket Academy, Sovima have also been kept ready. He stressed that these were extraordinary times and called for unity in order to face the challenge under a spirit of oneness. “Every citizen is a member of team Nagaland and together we will overcome the hurdles that lie ahead,” he added. Rio also assured the citizens that there was no shortage of essential commodities in all the districts and urged the public not to panic. Observing that COVID-19 pandemic was

sweeping the whole world, Rio sought co-operation and support from every citizen in adhering to all steps and preventive measures being taken by the State government to prevent and contain spread of the virus. He claimed that the medical department and all health personnel were working day in and out in taking measures to prevent spread of the virus, adding the department was fully prepared for providing care and requisite medical assistance to anyone in the event of any eventuality. Stating that the State gover nment had issued many instructions and was adopting various steps like restricting public movement, closure of public places and other such containment measures, the chief minister also extended his appreciation to the people for their enthusiasm in cooperating with the government and sought continued cooperation in order to defeat the threat posed by COVID-19. Further, Rio appealed to all sections of people

across India to be sensitive towards all communities and refrain from ostracisation, racial profiling and discrimination at this crucial juncture when novel coronavirus was sweeping the whole world. This assumes significance following reports of some people of the Northeast, including Nagaland, being allegedly subjected to ostracisation, racial profiling and discrimination in some States following outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the people of Nagaland to adopt best practises of personal hygiene and social distancing as recommended by health authorities, besides maintaining vigil and helping authorities in preventing rumours and fake news from being spread. Earlier, addressing the district task forces (DTFs) during the video conference Rio directed the force lead by respective DC’s to play a crucial role in disseminating information and monitoring the situation without any complacency.

NEW DELHI, MAR 23 (PTI): The death toll due to the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to nine on Monday after West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh reported a casualty each, while the number of confirmed cases soared to 468, the Union health ministry said. The number of active COVID-19 cases are 424 now and 35 people have been cured/discharged/ migrated, while nine have died, taking total number of confirmed cases to 468, including 40 foreign nationals, according to the ministry data.

Centre directs states

Meanwhile, Centre has issued directions to all state governments, asking them to take legal action against those who are found violating the lockdown orders. “States have been asked to strictly enforce the lockdown in the areas where it has been announced. Legal action will be taken against violators,” tweeted the Press Information Bureau, government’s communication (Cont’d on p-8) wing. (More on p-7)

First sample from state tests negative

various steps taken in the DIMAPUR, MAR 23 district. The minister also in(NPN): Taking serious note spected railway station here of the habit of public spitwhere health officials had ting, which poses a serious been posted to screen pasthreat to the spread of such sengers and interacted with infections, the state governrailway officials, besides ment, in the interest of the visiting Nagaland Gate and public health and safety, has Dilai Gate. He stressed on banned spitting of paan/ the need for social distancing tamul, sputum etc in public to prevent the outbreak, and places and institutions with appealed the administration immediate effect. and police to strictly follow In a notification, the principal secretary I Himato Pangnyu being briefed by health officials at Railway station. the lockdown orders issued by the government. Zhimomi cautioned that Expressing appreciviolators would be punished Correspondent that the departments conin accordance to relevant cerned would update if any ation to all NGOs who laws. KOHIMA, MAR 23 (NPN): development took place. have come forward to help In what could probably pro- The 84-year-old’s sample through different means, vide a huge relief to people was collected and sent on Pangnyu informed that adD I M A P U R , M A R 2 3 of Nagaland, one person March 21 and, after the test visor for Food & Civil Sup(NPN): Nagaland University whose sample was sent for was done, the report was re- plies, Phukayi, donated 200 (NU) has postponed the un- testing at RMRC & ICMR ceived on Sunday morning. bags of rice and 10 bags of dergraduate semester exams laboratory at Dibrugarh was Meanwhile, Pangnyu dal for medical personnel. scheduled to commence from found negative. Advisor I&PR, Toshi visited COVID-19 control April 2 till further notice. It Confirming this to Na- room at District Hospital Wungtung who was also also informed that all offices galand Post, Health & Family Dimapur to take stock of present said that in order to of NU will remain closed till Welfare minister S. Pang- the preparedness level and curb fake news and rumours March 31, and advised staff nyu Phom also appealed also inspected the isolation on social media, IPR offiand officials to work from to citizens to refrain from ward and ventilation rooms. cials will collect facts from home with immediate effect. circulating news without During the visit, health of- all the necessary points and Meanwhile, All Nagaland proper verification, stating ficials briefed him about the report on a daily basis. College Students’ Union acknowledged the prompt action taken by the vice chancellor following the appeal by the union to postpone the exams. ANCSU presi- Correspondent dent Vimeyiekho Vitso and general secretary Imnameren KOHIMA, MAR 23 (NPN): N Jamir further appealed to P ublic of Kohima have gone the students to make use of into panic-buying mode the postponement as a study following the State governbreak and remain updated on ment’s order on closure of all markets on Monday. Panic further announcement. buying of essential commodities from grocery and vegetable shops started since Monday. By Tuesday noon, there were artificial shortages especially of vegetables. People throng a market place in Kohima on Monday. (NP) With stocks sold out, all the grocery and vegetables shops public to exercise caution of food grains and other esshut down by 12.30 pm while shopping by maintain- sential commodities rather though these were exempted ing “social distancing”. than resorting to bulk purfrom the closure order. KCCI said it had di- chases. It also asked public Meanwhile, Kohima rected workers and vendors not to harass or threaten Chamber of Commerce of all exempted shops and traders in case of non-availand Industry (KCCI) has outlets like gas stations, ability of commodities. This appealed to the public not pharmacies, grocery shops, would only lead to unwarto resort to panic buying due fruits and vegetables , baker- ranted situation. Further it to lockdown announced by ies and confectioneries to asked its members not to the state government. It also use face masks and to keep entertain excess procuredirected the trading com- hand sanitizers, water and ment by buyers. “If I’m not wrong, he’s munity to comply with disoap in their premises. Assuring the public in need of treatment for rectives of the State governIt also requested public that food grains and other lethargy not virology.” ment besides requesting the to purchase normal quantity essential commodities were

NU exams postponed

COVID-19: India reports 9 death; cases rise to 468

All domestic flights suspended till March 31 NEW DELHI, MAR 23 (PTI): No domestic commercial passenger flight will be allowed to operate in the country from Tuesday midnight to March 31 to restrict travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement . I n d i a h a s a l r e a dy banned international flights for a week from Sunday. “The operations of domestic schedule commercial airlines shall cease with effect from the midnight that is 23.59 hours IST (Indian Standard Time) on March 24, 2020,” a ministry spokesperson said. “Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destinations before 23.59 hours on March 24, 2020,” he said. However, the spokesperson clarified, the restrictions will not apply to cargo flights.

Panic buying of essential commodities in Kohima

This is it!

K Y M C

in sufficient stock and to be made available, KCCI asked traders to charge only as per MRP and not to take advantage of the situation. It also informed public to contact-- 9436016529, 9402471997, 9436845163 and 9612886255 for any queries or grievances.

KMC seizes TL of trader

Taking serious note of artificial price hike and hoarding of essential commodities, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) during surprise checking seized the Trade License of one trader in Kohima Monday. According to KMC, the trader was caught selling essential commodities at higher rate. In this regard, KMC has warned all grocery/shops selling essential commodities to desist from hiking prices and also warned of stringent action against defaulters.

Sec. 144 CrPC promulgated in Dimapur Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): In order to enforce social distancing and mitigate the possible serious effects of the spread of COVID-19 for public health, public safety and public order, the district magistrate & commissioner of police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo, has promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC with effect from 6 a.m. of March 24, 2020 till further orders. The promulgation order was seen as a move to prevent spread of coronavirus in Dimapur, the gateway, transit and commercial hub of Nagaland having around one lakh people. In the order, assembly of five or more persons is prohibited but exempts certain pre-arranged gatherings on condition of being subjected to special permission from CP Office. Later, addressing media persons in his office Monday evening, Commissioner Police Dimapur, Tetseo explained that curfew was imposed to contain and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Tetseo underlined the importance of maintaining

Assembly of five or more persons restricted All essential commodity outlets exempted All pre-arranged events exempted, but subjected to approval CP says not law & order issue but ‘health emergency’ social distancing so that police would ensure that unnecessary movement of five persons or more were dispersed immediately. Tetseo also stressed on the importance of public cooperation as it was not a law and order issue but a “health emergency”. He pointed out that police cannot make public practice social distancing voluntarily hence promulgation of Section 144 CrPC. CP informed that vehicular movement of nonessential nature will come under its purview but exempts police/army/paramilitary forces/ magistrate

on duty/doctors and medical staff/media and persons engaged in emergency services. The order also exempts all essential commodity outlets in Dimapur. Those violating the curfew order would liable for punishment under Section 188 of the IPC, it added. Also prefixed weddings (with wedding cards) and unavoidable prefixed meetings like government official meetings which cannot be avoided and deemed necessary, would be exempted. However, movement of all vehicles, except for certain categories restricted, will be stopped and discouraged. He also informed that passenger trains have been temporarily suspended for ten days, except goods trains. He said that only essential services like administration, power department, government duties etc with duty slips signed by the respective heads of the department and hospital visitations would be allowed. The commissioner of police also informed that police have been conducting frisking and checking at check gates along with the medical department for coronavirus. (Cont’d on p-8)

H&FW says strictly following protocol DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department has clarified that it has been strictly following the directions and standard operating protocol of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) vis-à-vis coronavirus (COVID-19). This clarification was issued by principal director H&FW Dr Vizolie Z Suokhrie in response allegations raised by Indian Human Rights Council (IHRC) for Nagaland chairman S Richard Humtsoe. Clarifying to Humtsoe’s allegation regarding preparedness and response of H&FW de par tment to COVID-19 pandemic, H&FW principal director Dr Vizolie Z Suokhrie stated that the department had initiated activities since January 18. And with the evolving situation, measured actions had been taken, he added.

IHRC Nagaland had accused the state government of “total negligence” in combating the Covid-19 pandemic despite and said that till date not even a single test have done. Suokhrie further clarified that samples of individuals that did not fit the laid down criteria of MOHFW would be rejected by the designated testing laboratories, even if such samples were collected and sent for testing. He cited the example of a sample of an individual sent to Regional Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory of Indian Council for Medical Research’s Regional Medical Research Centre at Dibrugarh in Assam that tested negative. The principal director asserted that cases from Eden Hospital and Zion Hospital did not fit the criteria for collection of samples for testing. He said district surveillance unit of Dimapur was in constant touch

WSH urges dist admin, DMC to check price hike

NSF, ANCSU appeal to govt

DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Wester n Sumi Hoho, while acknowledging the state authorities for taking all round initiatives and counter measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic expressed concern on the escalation of prices of essential commodities by unscrupulous traders in Dimapur. Urging the district administration and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) to immediately check such malpractices, if not, WSH warned that the hoho will be forced to take some retaliatory steps that may not be pleasant. During lockdown period, WSH said people resort to stocking up essential commodities and panic buying, where deceitful traders manipulate on a full (Cont’d on p-8)

DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) have appealed to the state government to provide all necessary assistance to Naga students, arriving from other states and those stranded at various places due to the restrictions imposed by state governments. NSF president Ninoto Awomi and general secretary Liremo R Kikon expressed dismay to note that Naga students’ residing outside the state had been facing discriminations and emotional trauma in various forms due to their physical appearances due to coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, NSF appealed to the state government liaise with the Central government and their counterparts in other states to ensure the physical and emotional well being of the Naga students

with patients of both the hospitals and that both the patients were doing fine. Referring to IHRC Nagaland claim that there were only 10 beds isolation ward available in Dimapur Civil Hospital, 10 in referral hospital and 10 in military hospital, the statement said the H&FW department had identified the wards in public healthcare facilities and other centres, which were expandable, should the situation demand. He claimed that quarantine facilities too had been identified and were expandable. He claimed that 12 dedicated ventilators were in place for COVID-19 in addition to the ICU ventilators available across the State. Mentioning that protection gears, including personal protective equipments (PPE) like N95 masks, triple layer masks and gloves had been procured and distributed, Suokhrie said orders (Cont’d on p-8)

living outside the state. Meanwhile, in compliance with the government’s directive and the sincere effort to restrict the spread of Coronavirus, NSF has informed that its office will remain closed for public from march 24 till April 12. However, day-today functioning of the federation shall remain unaffected, it added. In case of any grievances faced by the students’ community and public, NSF can be contacted for any necessary assistance at- Dievi Yano, vice president (convenor, public grievances redressal cell)- 7005191201 and Kegwayhun Tep, secretary education (co-convenor, PGR Cell)- 7005305832. NSF also appealed to all the educational institutions including coaching institutions to strictly comply with the directive issued by the state government. (Cont’d on p-7) K Y M C


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