May 14, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 157

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Unseat Guj min take electoral battle to SC

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national, Page 5

nagalandpostofficial

Govt unveils `6L cr first dose of ‘COVID package’ NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): The government Wednesday unveiled measures amounting to about Rs 6 lakh crore in easy loans, additional liquidity and other incentives to help businesses fight the crisis.

The first instalment of the Rs 20-lakh crore economic package, announced

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, came on the 50th day of the coronavirus lockdown and merely four days before the end of its third phase on May 17.

A decision on the future course of action on the lockdown is expected in the next few days, though Modi has that the ‘fourth’ phase would be different from the third one.

Unveiling the first part of the special package, which Modi has said was would help India become ‘self-reliant’ and promote ‘local’ businesses here, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said no global tenders would be issued for government contracts worth up to Rs 200 crore to promote Indian MSMEs. Taking forward the new ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat

Govt acknowledges State Cong’s offer

Abhiyan’ (Self-Reliant India Mission), Union Home Minister Amit Shah separately announced that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like CRPF and BSF will sell only indigenous products from June 1. These canteens cater

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Apropos “Governor urged to probe purchases for COVID-19 under H&FW deptt” published May 13, Kezekevi Thehou Ba general secretary, Robert N. Solo has issued a correction that the third paragraph of the memorandum submitted to Governor should read as: “Surprisingly, there is no record of file/document for COVIC 19 Pandemic medical purchase prior to 21.3.2020 in the Directorate H&FW” and not as 21.4.2020. And in Para 4, it may be read as Dr John Kemp and not as Dr John Kath.”

that many more steps might be announced soon to promote indigenous products, though Sitharaman said being self-reliant does not mean that India would look only inwards and become an “isolationist” country.

Modi said the measures announced by the fi-

Nationwide COVID-19 tally nears 78,000 77,903

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): State government has acknowledged the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) offer to pay for the cost of rail tickets of stranded citizens. In a letter to NPCC president K Therie, the state chief secretary Temjen Toy expressed gratitude for offer, which he said “reaffirms the singular task that lies ahead of us.”

Informing about the state cabinet’s decision to facilitate the movement of stranded citizens, Toy said that the state government had also taken the decision to bear the railway charges of the journeys from the rest of the country and also within the state.

(Cont’d on p-5)

KTB corrigendum

to nearly 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel.

In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said the decision has been taken after Modi’s appeal for being self-reliant and opting for local products.

There are expectations

25000

2473

In its morning update, the Health Ministry said the death toll due had risen to 2,415 and the number of cases has climbed to 74,281, registering an increase of 122 deaths and 3,525 cases since Tuesday morning.

However, a PTI tally of numbers disclosed by states and UTs, as of 9.25 PM, showed at least 77,903 total cases across the country and the death toll at 2,473.

It also showed more than 25,000 having recovered so far.

Nagaland COVID-19: Results of 17 awaited

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases neared 78,000 on Wednesday with further spread of the deadly virus getting detected across Mumbai,

Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The death toll was seen approaching the 2,500mark, while the number of COVID-19 patients having recovered has crossed 25,000.

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Out of the 889 samples sent for testing from the State till date, results of 872 samples had tested negative, while results of the remaining 17 samples are awaited.

Further, 11 samples were tested by TrueNat and all are negative, principal secretary (home) Abhijit Sinha stated during the briefing.

nance minister will enhance liquidity, empower entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitive spirit, while addressing various issues faced by businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The measures included Rs 3 lakh crore collateralfree automatic loan for businesses including MSMEs, which Sitharaman said would benefit 45 lakh small businesses.

India’s MSME sector employs nearly 11 crore people and accounts for about 45 per cent of the country’s total manufacturing output, 40 per cent of exports and almost 30 per cent of the GDP. However, the sector has been hit hard by the lockdown, with millions of units staring at the prospect of closure and the threat of job losses.

Separately, the gover nment also said that PMCARES Fund Trust has decided to allocate Rs 3,100 crore for the fight against COVID-19, out of which nearly Rs 2000 crore will be earmarked for purchasing ventilators and Rs 1000 crore for migrant labourers.

CNSA urges govt to focus on agri sector D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) has urged the state government to take initiative to give organic certification of the land in Nagaland.

In a representation to state chief minister, CNSA president Himato Yeptho and general secretary Lipemo M Tsope also suggested that soil testing and analysis of soil sample should be done for the entire state to evaluate the potential crop that could have benefit with higher quality and yield of the crop. To ensure quality seeds to be supplied to the farmers, the CNSA urged the state government to start seed testing laboratory at the earliest.

Further, CNSA suggested revamping APMC and marketing strategies besides exploring and encouraging Agro food packaging, storages and preservation tech(Cont’d on p-5) niques.

Cannot stop return of stranded: Rio

Echoes apprehension of public on COVID transmission D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio held an emergency meeting with civil society organisations of Dimapur against the backdrop of scheduled arrival of thousands of stranded people from Nagaland to solicit their views.

According to a delayed report from DIPR, the meeting was held at Rhodendron Hall Chümoukedima Tuesday .

At the meeting, the chief minister echoed similar apprehensions of most people about the arrival of several thousand people of Nagaland from various states of the country,( some of which had prominent ‘Red Zones’ for COVID19.)

The chief minister also informed the meeting that inter-district transportation of stranded persons that began on May 7 was almost complete and that from May 12, people of Nagaland stranded in other states began arriving after the centre opened movement of trains.

Rio said though Nagaland was a ‘Green Zone’

Neiphiu Rio addressing members of the civil society. (DIPR)

(meaning clear from COVID19) “the virus might come” if people from outside come.

However he added “we cannot disown our children/ brothers and sisters”.

He invited suggestions from the civil societies on how to best handle the situation when stranded people in large numbers arrive Nagaland.

Rio also expressed satisfaction with all arrangements at quarantine centres at Dimapur and also advised the civil society groups to visit the centres.

On strong opposition against the COVID-19 cess imposed by his government, Rio said several states have also imposed cess for COVID-19 preparedness and improvement of hospitals. He defended the cess by saying “ You tax the rich to

help and support the poor”.

He said his government’s policy was to impose more tax on luxury items. He however said the cess would be reviewed as and when the situation demanded.

On prime minister Narendra Modi’s address to all state chief ministers via video conferencing on Tuesday, Rio said a balanced strategy to contain the virus as well as continue with economic activities was important.

He added that if economic activities cannot be pursued then development would suffer.

In this regard, he said the prime minister had decided to suspend MP fund for constituency development for two years and a 30% cut on salaries of MPs including the prime minister for one (Cont’d on p-5) year.

Phase-II of inter-dist movement concludes

Stranded citizens, at State Stadium Dimapur, awaiting their turn to board the buses. (NP)

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (NPN): Around 2100 people stranded in Dimapur Wednesday left for their respective home districts in 61 buses on the last day of the phase-II of inter-district movement.

After many people stuck at various places within the state could not

from Jorhat, Mariani and Titabor in four buses around 9:10 p.m. on May 12. After going through the necessary protocols, they were kept in the quarantine centres.

Railways likely to run more trains

(L) Entry to Dimapur Railway station being monitored (R) Information booth setup to collect data of returnees. (NP)

Staff Reporter

K Y M C

international, Page 6

move to their home districts during phase-I (May 7-9, 2020), the state government had decided to extend the date for inter-district movement from May 1113, 2020.

However, even on the last day of phase-II of inter-district movement, many continued to remain stranded.

It was learnt that some

of the stranded people left disappointed as they could not avail the service.

Speaking to this reporter, some of the stranded people said they failed to get a seat on the bus even though they had registered their names. It was also learnt that some had to voluntarily give up their seats as the crowd failed to maintain social distancing.

Dimapur Railway station gears up to receive stranded citizens State govt disburses `8.5

This is it!

“I love this lockdown- no aim, no work, no pollution and no noise.”

Chinese hacking vaccine research: US

nagalandpostofficial

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Following the Centre’s announcement to allow special train services to transport stranded people from across the country to their respective states, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Dimapur station has made preparations to receive passengers. According to official

sources, the first batch of passengers would be arriving Thursday at 1:45am in a special New Delhi-Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Express.

As per the passenger list, 19 persons would arrive at Dimapur railway station out of which seven passengers would be heading to Manipur.

When Nagaland Post visited the railway station,

it was found that provisions have been put in place to maintain social distancing.

Three information collection booths were also set up for passengers of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam outside the station.

It was learnt that the passengers on arrival would be provided transportation and taken to the government quarantine facilities. GRPS

officials informed that the railway station was being disinfected on regular basis.

Meanwhile, according to DIPR, the first group of inter-state returnees from North East region comprising 11 persons from the Jain community reached Dimapur by bus on May 12, at around 6:45 p.m. The second batch of returnees numbering 20 reached Dimapur

In an indication that it might soon start mail/express as well as chair car services, the Railway Board on Wednesday issued an order introducing the provision of waiting list starting May 22 for journeys not only on its presently operational special trains but also on all its forthcoming services.

The railways has, however, capped the waiting list on these trains -- up to 100 for AC 3 tier, 50 for AC 2 tier, 200 for Sleeper Class, 100 for chair cars, and 20 each for First AC and Executive Class -- truncating the queues for confirmed tickets significantly. (PTI)

crore to stranded citizens COVID-19 WAR ROOM NAGALAND

TOTAL AMOUNT DISBURSED

TOTAL NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES PAID

WWW.IAMSTRANDED.NAGALAND.GOV.IN

21,714

` 8.5 CR

BENEFICIARIES PAID

AMOUNT DISBURSED

(as of 12 May 2020)

(as of 12 May 2020)

UPDATE ON

SPECIAL PACKAGE

FOR DISTRESSED/STRANDED CITIZENS OUTSIDE NAGALAND Chief Minister Relief Fund Package announced on 20 April 2020.

New applications temporarily closed.

PATIENTS

Application status available on website.

Beneficiaries list available on website.

201

`40,20,000

Financial assistance extended through NSDMA.

STUDENTS

4,933

`1,47,99,000

Direct bank transfer courtesy of SBI Secretariat Branch & HDFC Bank Ltd. Kohima Secretariat Branch.

WORKING PEOPLE

16,580

`6,63,20,000

WWW.COVID19.NAGALAND.GOV.IN MYGOVNAGALAND

WWW.IAMSTRANDED.NAGALAND.GOV.IN MYGOVNAGALAND

NAGALANDMYGOV

#STAYHOME STAY SAFE

13 MAY 2020

DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (NPN): The state government has disbursed Rs. 8.5 crore to 21714 beneficiaries that include 201 patients, 4933 students and 16580 working people.

Meanwhile, principal secretary home, Abhijit Sinha said that apart from those who had already registered till 12 noon of May 11, 2020, stranded citizens who have voluntarily decided to stay back can avail the one-time assistance of Rs 10,000 by visiting the iamstranded.nagaland. gov.in portal and fill up the “One Time Assistance” form by providing the requisite details.

He also appealed to those returning to the State to register themselves in nCOVID-19 Nagaland-Visitors App available for Android phone users. Apple phone users or anyone having any problem can contact toll-free helpline no. 1800-345-0019 for technical support.

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State nodal ATMA programme launched

Minister of Agriculture, G. Kaito Aye with department officials and others on May 13 at his official residence. (NP)

Correspondent KO H I M A , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Official launching of state nodal ATMA programme on distribution of facemask, hand washing soap and pamphlets for small and marginal farmers was held on May 13 at the official residence of minister of Agriculture, G.Kaito Aye. G. Kaito Aye in his speech mentioned that it was an innovative initiative by the department to help the farmers during such a crisis. Stressing that the government was doing its best to support the needy farmers, Kaito also added that department has its limitations as it held more responsibility since more than 70% of the population depended on agriculture.

In this regard, he appealed the department and related allied sectors to emphasise on what farm-

ers were going through and help them as this problem might go on for a while, whereby everyone should work unitedly and overcome the situation. While expressing that fund was not released by government of India last year, Kaito was optimistic that the same would be released soon for upliftment of farmers.

Director of Agriculture and SNO (ATMA) Nagaland M. Ben Yanthan in his introductory speech thanked God for keeping Nagaland safe even at this point of global COVID-19 pandemic.

He stated that during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Agriculture department had initiated few issue based activities, one of which was the distribution of cotton face mask, soap and pamphlets to small and marginal farmers including farm women from ATMA Nagaland.

news in Brief DC Kohima issue directives: Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie issued the following directives for strict compliance of the general public in Kohima district, wherein sale of gutka and other tobacco products and spitting in all public places is strictly prohibited. Violation of this order is punishable as per section 51 of DM Act and section 188 of IPC and entails payment of huge fines.

DC Mokokchung informs: Deputy commissioner, Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir has informed that any vehicles (both private/govt) will be requisitioned for any emergency situation in the district arising due to the outbreak of COVID19. All the govt officials/ public/firms/establishments have been directed to comply with the order.

Violators shall be deemed to have committed an offence under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

He expressed his humble appreciation to the joint director of ATMA and her team for coming out with such novel idea showing extension activities in various forms during lockdown crises. He added that this will go a long way in bringing the departmental activities for the benefit and relief to the farmers.

He also mentioned that distribution of 40,000 numbers of cotton face mask, soap and pamphlet of agricultural advisories along with know the ATMA functionaries to the poorer section of the farmers all across the 74 blocks would surely encourage social distancing and sanitation during lockdown.

This information intends to give the farmers easy access to connect directly with BTM/ATMs/FFs of their respective blocks for making various queries on Agri & allied activities.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

ZSUN highlight students’ grievances

DIMAPUR: Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) while highlighting the “financial situations” faced by the student community due to COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown has made a three-point appeal to all concerned under Peren district for consideration.

In a press release, ZSUN president, Dithuibo Newmai and general secretary, Adona Herie said the national lockdown has caused major disruption to the society and in particular to the students community.

It stated that many students have been facing difficult financial situations related to the payment of school fees, house rents and online education etc.

In this regard, ZSUN has made the following appeals: House owner (s) to explore the possibility of rent weaver or reduce rent for student tenants; Private educational institutions to consider reduction/deferment of school fees. However, added that the appeal should not be misconstrued as enforcement depends on the person concern; the concern authority to provide regular power supply and also urged the telecom services to provide proper connectivity in the district in order to keep students updated with their studies and lessons through online.

Assistance during lockdown continues DIMAPUR: As the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic lockdown continues, district administrations, various civil society organisations and individuals have come forward and offered relief packages, financial and medical assistance to those in need.

NSSA contributes to CMRF: Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) contributed towards the CMRF for COVID-19 on April 30.

A press release from NSSA assistant general secretary, Zanbeni Odyuo stated that cheque bearing voluntar y donation amounting to Rs. 10, 43, 484/- (Rupees ten lakh forty three thousand four hundred eighty four only) was handed over to the additional chief secretary to chief minister by the president and the general secretary, NSSA. Nutritional supplements for elderly: Health centre management committee of Yachem PHC led by Dr Chai, MO with the support from Na-

galand Health Project (NHP) conducted free distribution of nutritional supplements to the elders of the community.

A press release from DPMU Longleng district facilitator NHP, Richard Thong stated that, the HCMC along with the frontline health workers also distributed soap and hand sanitiser to the community members. Similar activities were carried out by the different village health committees, NHP in collaboration with FLWs at Noksosang, Tamlu village, Ametchong and Kangching.

FLWs also demonstrated proper hand washing method. In Longleng, altogether 25 communitised health committees are supported by NHP. NSDMA Shamator: Deserving BPL daily wage earners and labourers from Shamator received relief package under Home department, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) under Home department provided relief packages to deserving BPL

daily wage earners and labourers at Shamator. According to Shamator DTF for COVID-19 media cell convenor, around 120 family received the relief at ADC office, Shamator.

Kiphire Bn: Kiphire Battalion of Assam Rifles has informed that the battalion is continuing its relentless humanitarian service to local population residing along the remote border areas “devoid of adequate medical and healthcare facilities”.

Zunheboto Bn: Zunheboto Battalion of Assam Rifles distributed essential items on May 11 at Aichasaghami village. The battalion said the “the activity aimed at helping people who are physically handicapped and mentally challenged”.

Mon Bn: Mon Battalion of Assam Rifles distributed food to about 300 migrant workers who were stranded outside due to COVID 19 and transported to Mon by district administration on May 11.

CHC Jalukie celebrates ‘International Nurses Day’ DIMAPUR: International Nurses Day was celebrated at CHC Jalukie on May 12.

According to DIPR report, during the prog ramme CMO Peren, D r. D e n i s H a n g s i n g, SMO CHC Jalukie, Dr. Yetovi Tuccu and DPO (RCH& UIP), Dr. Nukshisangla Jamir encouraged the nurses to continue the spirit of hard work, dedication and compassion especially in times of COVID crisis.

The nurses were also Nurses along with CMO, SMO and other medical officers at the programme. (DIPR) apprised to continue as role model and embrace t h e w o r k va l u e s f o r humanity amidst COVID19 crisis.

Dead body found in Kohima Correspondent KO H I M A , M AY 1 2 (NPN): Body of a male was found from BOC lake Kohima by the passersby around 7.30 - 8 a.m on Tuesday. The deceased around 45 years old from Bihar state was fished out from the lake and later identified and handed over to the family members. Police said the cause of death is yet to be ascertained and is under investigation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DP-2330

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY T. HONE DONGPHOH

Born: 01-01-1942 – Died: 27-04-2020 The family of Late Tekatemsu Longchar of Chungtia village extends our gratefulness to all for the overwhelming love and sympathy shown to us during the brief illness and demise of our beloved father at Diphupar Village, Dimapur.

Kindly accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our profound gratitude. Your prayers and gestures of kindness towards the family will always be cherished.

DP-2331

Words are inadequate to express our gratitude as we reflect on the magnanimous responses our family has received at the home-going of our beloved brother Lt. Kaka D. Iralu on April 9.

We want to say thank you very much to each one for the moving condolence messages and rich tributes that have come in from all over the Naga homeland, India and abroad. The thoughtful words and most generous assessment of our beloved brother’s life and contribution have moved and challenged us.

We are comforted knowing that there are people sharing our grief and loss and praying for us.

At such a difficult lockdown situation, our church, community and elders of Town Baptist Church ‘A, Medziphema under Rev. Zhabu Terhiija came out to support us in every possible way to arrange the funeral rites.

We cannot repay your kind gestures enough. We humbly pray to God that He would bless each one of you in great measures.

Sincerely Lt. Kaka’s family members K-897

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Loving wife, son, daughters, grand-children and relatives.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the family members of Hav. Lt. L. TOKIBA YIMCHUNGER, 1 st NAP, would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation to every individual, c h u r c h e s , o rg a n i s a t i o n s , relatives, friends and wellwishers who stood by us and supported us in the hour of grief and sorrow at the sudden demise of our beloved father.

We would like to convey our special thanks to:BORN ON: 05-02-1965 1. Commandant, 1 st NAP DIED ON: 05-05-2020 Battalion Chumukedima.

2. Asst. Commandant and all the Rank and File of 1st NAP Battalion.

3. Police Baptist Church Chumukedima.

4. Yimchunger Baptist Church, Chumukedima.

5. Yimchunger Union, Chumukedima.

6. 1st NAP Havildar line.

7. Relatives, friends and well wishers.

We regret our inability to express our gratitude to every individual and organisations; it’s our humble and sincere prayer that our Almighty bless you all abundantly.

DP-2332

K Y M C

Loving wife, sons, brother and relatives.

1981 – 2019

'Death leaves a memory no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal' Never a day passed without your presence felt in our thoughts; though unseen, unheard, but always near. As we fondly remember and cherish your sweet and unforgettable memories silently with tears, we take comfort in the belief that you are safe and secure in Heaven.

Always missing you in our hearts forever.

DP-2321

DP-2328

Loving Wife, Children, Parents, Brothers, Sisters and Relatives.

14.09.1940 – 04.05.2020 We, the family of Late Zakünei Zao, would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, kindness and support shown to us during his illness and our hour of bereavement.

We would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to the churches, various organisations, neighbours, relatives and well wishers who stood by us in our hour of need despite this pandemic.

We sincerely thank all those who have provided emotional, spiritual, physical, and material support at this difficult time, your acts of kindness and sympathy continues to comfort us in this time of sorrow.

Though we are unable to thank each one of you individually, we pray that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

- Loving family members K-893 K Y M C

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State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

COVID-19 prevention to continue across the state

DIMAPUR: Nagaland government has identified quarantine centres across the state to receive those returning from various districts within the state and also from outside. Concerned agencies are stepping in to help improve these quarantine centres for comfortable stay of those who will be quarantined as per protocol. Meanwhile, the odd/even movement of vehicles is being regulated smoothly and public are also adhering to the government directive. Preventive measures such as wearing of mask, use of hand sanitiser and maintaining social distancing is being followed to a large extent by the public. Many social organisations have also been contributing towards the fight against COVID-19 by manufacturing face masks and installing indigenous bamboo hand wash stands for public use.

Kohima DISTRICT

Wokha DISTRICT

Village, CSOs issue directives for stranded citizens

Commissioner and secretary, Anenla T. Sato along with other members of the special drive on May 12. (DIPR)

Horticulture special drive on COVID-19 at Tseminyu COVID-19 Horticulture special drive concluded its district tour at Tseminyu on May 12, where the team led by director Dr. Elithung and jt director N.Jerry Patton along with commissioner & secretary for Horticulture and Women Resources, Anenla T. Sato, held an interactive meeting at SDHO office Tseminyu with field officers of Horticulture and Agriculture departments of Tseminyu sub-division.

According to DIPR report, in the meeting chaired by SDHO Tseminyu Dileu Nsarangbe, the commissioner & secretary spoke about the necessity for maintaining social distancing with mask and maintaining proper hygiene by one and all which was the best weapon for protecting oneself from the deadly Coronavirus. She also dwelt on dignity of labour and urged upon the people to take advantage of having sufficient cultivable land which was nearest to the state capital Kohima, where there was no problem for supply and sale of Horti and Agricultural produces.

She therefore called upon the field officers to encourage the farmers to work more, grow more and produce more for self sufficiency and income generating sources.

Director, Dr Elithung Lotha, speaking at the programme mentioned about the efficient management of the state government during COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the purpose of COVID-19 Horticulture special drive programme was to spread the awareness about 135 million people currently facing hunger globally, where COVID-19 is likely to push another 130 million to the brink of starvation by the end of year 2020. He therefore urged upon the field officers of Horti/Agri and Allied departments to give strong inputs to the farmers of various villages and to continue to work hard. N. Jerry Patton summing-up COVID-19 special drive district tour requested the field officers to reach out the purpose/message of COVID-19 Horticulture special drive by distributing the leaflets to the farmers. Others who accompanied the special drive included dy directors Dr. Moa Walling and Mesetuo Pienyu, HEA Thungchanbeni Kikon.

Report on law and order in the state Joint secretary Hiazu Meru issued the daily report on law and order and facilitation of essential goods and services in the state for May 13.

According to DIPR report, Hiazu informed that 7 (seven) violations of the lockdown were reported and 12 (twelve) persons were bound down. A total amount of Rs. 67,400/- was imposed as fine under various sections of the MV Act from 332 vehicles.

No law and order incident has been reported in any part of the state. Hiazu added that all essential commodity and medical shops were opened in all the districts other than Mokokchung, where it was closed to regulate public movement. There has been no report in the shortage of essential commodities. No restriction has been imposed on the movement of commercial vehicles for distribution of essential commodities and service providers.

Suitable arrangements made by the government for providing food and shelter to migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 restrictions continues to function.

Accordingly, 4 (four) relief camps are active where 64 (sixty four) migrant labourers are housed and 4 (four) food camps are active. Also, more than 720 (seven hundred and twenty) daily wagers and needy people were provided food/ dry ration.

H&FW Nagaland helpline Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) has informed that for any COVID-19 related health issues in Nagaland, one may dial at 1800-345-0019. Options are available both in English and Nagamese.

A press release from IEC state bureau H&FW stated that, persons anxious or stressed during the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, can send a whatsapp message to 7005251298 and avail professional counselling or email at ncov2019@gmail.com/ nlssu.idsp@nic.in/ pddhfw@gmail.com

Phek DISTRICT

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is India winning the war against COVID-19?

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

A B C

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

40% 30% 30%

Next poll

Q: Even after lifting of

lockdown, should there be some restrictions?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST May 14

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Very warm with hazy sun

36 24

Aizawl

Hazy sun

31 18

Guwahati A strong morning thunderstorm 33 22 Imphal

Some sun, then turning cloudy 28 16

Itanagar Mostly cloudy

27 18

Shillong Cloudy with a thunderstorm

23 16

Kohima

A p.m. t-storm in spots

23 14

Dimapur Some rain and a thunderstorm 30 19 Mkg

A stray a.m. t-storm, cloudy

Tuensang A morning t-storm in spots

24 15 17 12

A stray a.m. t-storm, cloudy

24 18

Zunheboto A stray a.m. t-storm, cloudy

22 13

Wokha

DIMAPUR: In the event that stranded citizens, currently outside the state, return back to Nagaland, villages and civil society organisations have issued guidelines to be followed by their respective members.

DVC: Darogapathar Village Council (DVC) has requested all stranded citizens of Darogapathar village and the state to consider staying back wherever they are for at least two months and help contribute to the state in maintaining COVID-19 free region.

In an event the citizens have to return due to unavoidable circumstances, DVC has asked its members to report to the council through their family members.

DVC said members have to undergo through the mandatory quarantine period as prescribed by the state government and would be allowed entry into the village only after producing relevant documents from the competent authority.

The council has also asked family members of returnees not to approach the council for any consideration.

DVC has also asked the state government to provide financial assistance to those who have opted to stay back in their present locations.

CHS: Chümoukedima Hindu Society (CHS), Nagaland has asked any person from Hindu community of Chümoukedima jurisdiction intending to return to follow the government guidelines and strict health protocols.

CHS has advised its members to stay back until the lockdown was lifted or situation stabilises.

However, those who have to return due to unavoidable circumstances have been asked to return after proper consultation and approval from the district administration.

CHS has also warned of action against those who enter the jurisdiction illegally.

CHS said it will continue to monitor the movement of community members and sought active support and cooperation of wards, colonies and public leaders.

Members have been asked to contact following for any information 9774683502 (president), 7005460041 (working president) and 9402807834 (general secretary).

Kiphire Battalion of Assam Rifles is continuing its humanitarian service to local population residing along the remote border areas devoid of adequate medical and healthcare facilities.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), Kiphire Battalion attended to a critical emer-

gency and provided timely medical care to one 42 year old resident of Thongsanyu who had sustained severe injury to his toe and to an 8 year old who got a major cut on his right foot.

Both were provided with immediate first aid by the nursing staff of the unit.

Bhandari gears up to receive stranded citizens Block Task Force (BTF) on COVID-19, Bhandari, held a meeting at the conference hall of the additional deputy commissioner, Bhandari on May 13.

According to DIPR report, after discussing on issues relating to the stranded citizens, the BTF decided that all the returnees would be given fourteen days compulsory quarantine time at the quarantine centres which have been arranged with necessary facilities.

The district administration, Bhandari in collaboration with the Lotha Lower Range Public Organization, Students’ Union, Lotha Hoho, Bhandari, Eloe Hoho and other civil societies set up different committees to assist the returnees and to help in functioning of the quarantine centres at Bhandari, in order to ensure health safety and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic within the community.

Additional deputy

c o m m i s s i o n e r, B h a n dari, Tiameren Chang who chaired the meeting called on the members to continue to carry out their respective roles in a continuous fight against COVID-19 pandemic and also told the various committee members comprised of civil society leaders to be ready with all necessary statistical information required to act upon earnestly, to secure maximum capacity building and safety measures for all concerned.

Wokha Battalion provides infrastructure for quarantine centres Wokha Battalion of Assam Rifles provided assistance to district administration, Wokha by providing 200 wooden beds in order to set up the quarantine facility at Mount Tiyi Col-

lege (MTC) and Govt Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Wokha for the stranded workers and students coming to Wokha district from other parts of the country.

169 more stranded passengers enter Wokha from Dimapur The total numbers of incoming passengers to Wokha as on May 9 was 439, and on May 11 and 12, 169 more stranded students and other passengers from Dimapur reached Wokha taking the tally to 608.

According to DIPR report, more stranded passengers from outside the state are expected to ar-

rive Wokha from over 26 states across the country.

District Task Force (DTF) is making all necessary arrangements to either put them up under home quarantine or quarantine facility centres once they enter the district basing on their travel records and category of zones of the returnee.

The DTF in order to ensure smooth functioning of the quarantine centers for the anticipated arrival of stranded persons and students, the following committees were constituted for transportation, mess, electrification, water & sanitization and quarantine center management committee.

Indigenous bamboo hand wash facilities installed

Keeping in mind the importance of hand washing to prevent the contagious COVID-19 disease, Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Ruzazho village installed the locally made indigenous bamboo pole hand washing facilities in various places under Chozuba sub-division, Phek.

A press release by the block informed that the 41 SHGs of Ruzazho village under Sekruzu block of Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) department of Rural Development (RD) installed the hand washing facilities at the administrative office, banks, hospitals, EAC, Chozuba demonstrating proper protocol of washing hands hygienically in the entry point and in public premises of ADC office. places.

Kiphire DISTRICT Kiphire Battalion humanitarian service

Assam Rifles personnel unloading the beds to be used in the quarantine centre at MTC, Wokha.

Agri Expo Site Dimapur which has been selected as one of the quarantine centres in Dimapur was given a thorough disinfection by Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) staff on May 13. This is in preparation for the arrival of the first batch of stranded persons from outside the state. (DIPR)

Peren DISTRICT

SDTF of COVID-19 meeting held in Tening

Additional deputy commissioner, Rhosietho Nguori, convened a meeting with SubDivisional Task Force (SDTF) of COVID-19 at Tening town hall on May 13. According to DIPR report, the meeting reviewed the COVID19 situation in Tening area. SDTF members included the medical team, IPR department, other departments located in Tening division and public leaders.

1st Nagaland Girls’ NCC Battalion, St. Joseph College contributed about a thousand handmade paper bags for the green grocers and vendors. The eco friendly paper bags were handed over to administrator, Kohima Municipal Council, Kovi Meyase at KMC office on Wednesday. (NP)

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 157 Dimapur, THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

Lesser than humans

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n Tuesday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did what comes to him best- make another impressive speech on what he intended to do in response to the pleas of various chief ministers during Monday’s video conferencing on whether or not to extend the lockdown. The speech was lengthy with maximum packaging but minimum meaning. In a twitter, former finance minister P.C.Chidambaram said, “it was a case of classic NAMO. No Action Message Only.” Perhaps the situation did not leave much space for the prime minister to manoeuvre. A worsening economic situation with demand for more funding to fight COVID-19 from all states. The current lockdown has placed India and the world in a very difficult situation - to choose either health and life or economy and wealth. This health versus wealth is not an easy choice and governments seek to strike a balance between the two. However, health and life cannot be ensured only through lockdown or other measures. Humans have to eat to live and that means someone has to work to produce food. Also humans need economy to keep their lives moving since without economy or ability to get what one wants, life would be extremely difficult. Either way, there is need for those who provide means to stay alive and live well. Those who provide the sources of health and wealth are the millions of labourers especially in India. According to estimates, an overwhelming 120 million people or more are estimated to migrate from rural areas to urban labour markets, industries and farms. Migrants form the largest part of India’s vast unorganized work sector. Migrant labour is crucial in agriculture, construction, domestic work, textile, brick kilns, transportation, mining activities etc. Economic growth in India today hinges on mobility of labour. The contribution of migrant workers to national income is enormous but there is little done in return for their security and well-being. One of the most telling human stories to result from the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting nationwide lockdown is that of stranded migrant workers. However, theirs isn’t a new story; it’s taken a pandemic for urban India to take note of an issue that has remained an unseen aspect of the country’s economy for much of its contemporary history. The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has left tens of millions of migrant workers in their host States with little social safety net. The self-sufficiency and economic growth stories is about India’s migrant labour who travel thousands to another state to work and provide all the needs of the nation. Unfortunately, even in the present situation, they are not of concern for the government and the ruling elites. Thousands of extremely desperate labourers have not been paid by their employers due to lockdown and are forced to walk hundreds of kilometres to their home states.

Many have died due to starvation. States such as UP and MP have gone to the extent of suspending Labour Laws during lockdown to favour capitalism over social justice and violate the very fundamentals of equality and justice of the constitution. Even the centre has not done anything noteworthy to alleviate the suffering of the migrant labourers. On the other hand, stranded students, tourists and pilgrims who occupy a higher class than workers, are always afforded a dramatically prompt, efficient and dignified treatment.

DailyDevotion The Habit of Keeping a Clear Conscience

…strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. —Acts 24:16 God’s commands to us are actually given to the life of His Son in us. Consequently, to our human nature in which God’s Son has been formed (see Galatians 4:19), His commands are difficult. But they become divinely easy once we obey. Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 ; also see Ephesians 4:23).

God always instructs us down to the last detail.

Is my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do? “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” (Ephesians 4:30). He does not speak with a voice like thunder— His voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive to Him is the habit of being open to God on the inside. When you begin to debate, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” You are on the wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever it is— drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear.

Quotes

Everything popular is wrong. ~ Oscar Wilde

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

Post-mortem

To cS Nagaland on critical health infrastructure & preparedness A s the lockdown period draws to a close in Nagaland and COVID-19 War Room under your leadership evolves an exit strategy to the ‘new normal’, we would like to bring to your urgent notice certain concerns and queries for necessary action.

Experts suggest that the time to get COVID-19 vaccine approved for mass use is expected not sooner than 12 to 18 months from now. This means, Nagaland, like the rest of the world, will have to navigate through this period of uncertainty with caution, sound judgment and preparedness.

As part of the exit strategy, the Nagaland government plans to bring back Nagas stranded outside the state. The exercise will be a major test of preparedness of the Nagaland government both in terms of putting in place all norms and safety measures in quarantine facilities and availability of critical healthcare infrastructure.

It is true that much work has been done and rightly displayed in the public domain—assistance provided to stranded migrants, help extended to Nagaland citizens outside the State, to students, rural folks, farmers and other relief measures. In the health sector, some progress is seen in the last one month— naming of COVID Hospitals (in the existing ones), adding beds, ICUs, ventilators or arranging other facilities like testing labs, ambulance etc. The colourful

projection from the so called COVID-19 War Room does look to give a lot of confidence. But are we really prepared for the coronavirus itself ?

The concerned authorities may answer/clarify the following issues in open media.

• State of preparedness of critical health care infrastructure, particularly, the availability of ventilators, oxygen (filled cylinders), backup stock, refilling (supply from vendors) and all other component required for safe delivery of oxygen to the patient.

• State of preparedness of manpower in critical healthcare of the designated hospitals may also be made known in public interest.

Specific queries are listed below to help in drawing information: Query no.1: As per government information, Dimapur has a 22 bed ICU set up but with only 13 ventilators. This fact itself is critical and woefully inadequate, while the nature of gas used or oxygen supply capacity is unknown.Given that Dimapur district is most vulnerable; the government may kindly provide a SWOT analysis for Dimapur focusing on critical care and infrastructure.

Query no. 2: The concerned department should provide the public with approximate data on Nagaland’s overall oxygen requirement in a worst-case scenario and mention the present state of preparedness and con-

crete action it will take to address any shortcoming, if any.

It should also provide a roadmap on how the COVID designated hospitals in Nagaland can prepare their oxygen inventory and to ensure that they do not run out of this life saving component.

Please state the oxygen technology used at present in Nagaland and enlighten the public about selection, procurement, supply chain/distribution and safe utilization in providing a reliable oxygen supply, including access to maintenance services and spare parts, etc.

Provide details about the current stock position of oxygen in all districts, including number of cylinders and whether filled or empty.

Provide a status report on district-wise availability of basic equipments needed for oxygen delivery other than cylinders like pressure gauges, regulators, flow meters, nasal cannulae, tubing, oxygen analyser and portable pulse oximeters (to measure blood oxygen levels and guide dosages).

Query no. 3: The data provided with regard to district-wise Oxygen/Nitrogen distribution in Nagaland appears to be inaccurate. The department may prove otherwise.

Across Nagaland (covering 11 districts), the data reveals that nitrogen distribution is more (Nitrous B-Type), which is commonly used for anesthesia.

While the department may prove

otherwise, from information we have, the following is what we have learned: a). Oxygen (black and white color, 2-5 pin index) cylinder and nitrous oxide (blue colour, 3-5 pin index) cylinders have different color coding and different pin index. b). Nitrous oxide is usually used for anesthesia.

If that is the case, why is Nitrous B-Type cylinders distributed more? Is nitrous oxide also used in COVID-19 treatment, or is Nitrous B-Type cylinders filled with oxygen and used? The government may clarify from the supplier whether they are supplying nitrogen/nitrous oxide/ oxygen as the data in the COVID Dashboard mentions about ‘distribution of oxygen/nitrogen’.

What is the role of nitrogen in COVID-19 treatment?

As we understand, oxygen is a very important part of the treatment of critical cases of COVID-19. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that wrong cylinders are not supplied or wrong data is not shown. The department should clarify.

Query no. 4: In order to administer these life-saving equipments, we would also like to know how many ICU doctors and anesthesia specialists are employed and if trained technicians to perform such crucial emergency health task are available or not. Details should be provided on ‘critical care’manpower availability.The details should be given district-wise.

Query no. 5: Is the government working on any plan to fast-track the available Covid-19 funds in installing a more reliable system for safe and continuous supply of oxygen?To begin with, the government may set up Oxygen Concentrators or Plant in Kohima and Dimapur hospitals and that can be followed by the introduction of oxygen concentrators in all district hospitals.

If the data on oxygen supply-distribution and critical care infrastructure cited above is indeed true, it is a cause of grave concern. The Nagaland government should come out with a blueprint on the state of critical health care infrastructure, manpower and its preparedness.

The government is requested to graciously reply to these queries without delay. The public deserves to know the truth.

To publish these concerns in the media is based on our understanding that we need to intervene constructively in the larger interests of the people of Nagaland and not simply point fingers or play blame-game at this critical juncture. Nevertheless, should the government decide not to respond to the issues we have raised it will be a serious affront to the public who are deeply concerned on our rights to be informed and The Naga Rising will be forced to conclude that the government is rather clueless despite its best intentions.

The Naga Rising

Re-thinking higher education post COVID-19 lockdown: some perspectives

(From previous issue) vercrowded classrooms should be avoided. Adequate space for each individual student should be provided in classrooms. Educational institutions will have this opportunity to creatively think of ways in addressing the issue of social/physical distancing. It goes without saying that institutional planning to incorporate all of these changes must be given priority. Enrolment of students for the coming academic year may have to be scaled down, especially those institutions that cannot provide adequate physical infrastructure, so as to mitigate the issue caused by this pandemic.

Educational institutions can help by working towards providing recorded videos and audio lessons in CDs or the internet for use by the students as study material. Besides, special apps can be formulated for students to be able to access at any time. Also, a means to contact students with any information more efficiently at any given time can be formulated.

Healthcare services and provisions must be prioritized in educational institutions. The health care centres should be fully equipped to handle all emergency situations following all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in case of serious cases. Sanitization facilities should be made readily available in abundance. The safety and security of all working officials, administrative staff, faculty, students, and all employees should be taken care of. Free medical check-ups can be conducted via medical camps periodically. Adequate knowledge of diseases coupled with information on medical and healthcare services will definitely enable all people to respond maturely.

Hostel mess/kitchen, canteens, and food courts should maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Canteens should provide fresh and organic healthy food and snacks. Nutritionists can

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be involved in planning and managing food and catering for health and also to build immunity.

The importance of keeping in good health has never been understood better or needed more urgently.

Healthy eating and exercising regimes may also go a long way in combating disease and staying physically strong and mentally fit.

Curricular programs should be reviewed and made suitable to the demands of these complex times with the viral pandemic brining the world to its knees. In the case of developing countries including India and particularly the region of its Northeast, they are going through unprecedented, horrific experiences due to a pre-existing state of unpreparedness. For instance, there is a huge need for knowledge on mental health and hygiene, education and skill in technology, physical & health education, vocational oriented courses, lessons on ethics and human values such as compassion and tolerance, practical projects in helping the poor and the under-privileged in society may be introduced at all levels of education. Such disciplines can be a mandatory component for all fields of study - Science, Arts, Commerce, Management, Agricultural Studies, professional and technical programs.

It will also be constructive to create and integrate a hybrid of conventional and distance-mode systems in future. A radical suggestion of splitting larger classes into two sections to maintain social distancing may also be suggested and students attend alternate days (Monday to Saturday).

On days at home, students can be updated with recorded lessons and/or go online for classes, and prepare assignments accordingly. This is a suggestion that can be taken into consideration by educational institutions and incorporated wherever feasible and whenever approved

by concerned higher authorities.

Some immediate measures that may be implemented in institutions of higher education post COVID-19 lockdown: It may be a kind gesture to waive off certain aspects of education fee for the months that classes could not held in the institution, as a show that institutions feel for the needs of the poor and socially underprivileged students.

However, the salary of the teachers and staff should not suffer as they have families to feed and maintain and since the on-going courses may be covered in some way or form. Similar reasons for employers in other industries are already strongly advised to not cut salaries as a result of the lockdown by the Central Government.

Here are a few suggestions on how teachers can make up for the lost time/non-teaching days in the institution: i) Take extra classes (1 or 2) every day (Mon Friday) ii) Make Saturday a regular working day (with few classes and a co-curricular activity) iii) Take extra care to judiciously utilise time during institutional hours, for instance, by taking less time for taking roll calls, shorter lunch/recreation time, and holding smart classes. By doing so, a few minutes (approx. 30 minutes) may be saved and utilized to organize one or even two additional classes out of the regular routine by extending institution hours, related to point no.

3. 3.i) Suggestions of developing healthy habits: i) Maintaining social distancing in school - classroom, conference hall, library, office, and staff room, etc. Shaking of hands as a gesture of greeting to be avoided. A better option might be to wave/ raise or lift up one’s hands instead. ii) Practise basic hy-

giene such as washing of hands properly with soap. iii) To sneeze and cough into a handkerchief or into elbows and not into bare hands or openly without covering. iii) S a n i t i z i n g o f hands and wearing of face masks (home-made cloth/ scarf) is important even if it may not be so convenient (It will be a good initiative if institution arrange for an ample supply of hand sanitizers). iv) Littering or spitting in the campus must be strictly prohibited both during the time of crisis and after it. v) A committee at the institutional level can be constituted to drafting an actionable guideline in their own institutional context.

Should the need arise, free remedial classes/tuition can be provided to academically weaker students towards the end of the semester /academic session.

From the examination/test angle, teachers can provide more choice of questions in the question paper (this may a temporary measure for internal assessment). This will enable students to have a wider choice of questions to answer and so perhaps have better chances to clear tests and examinations.

The general guidelines provided by the University Grants Commission can be referred to.

Study materials/references may be printed and provided to students or send to them via YouTube/ WhatsApp/ Email or any online channels especially in the higher classes, which will help them in their home study.

Institution heads, officials, and teachers may have to be alert for any symptom of Novel Coronavirus infection in students, teachers, or employees so as to take necessary action at the right time.

The authorities can make it a requirement to gain the assistance of medical personnel in this regard.

On reopening, the faculty

and staff may be briefed adequately on the issue at hand so as to enable them to handle the situation maturely and in a professional manner.

Healthcare centres/ units at institutions must be set up and kept on high alert for any emergency situation. In addition, they must make necessary arrangement for thermal screening as soon as people return to institutions upon reopening and appropriate steps taken.

Concluding note: The threat of COVID-19 pandemic may fade away or the event of ‘herd immunity’ may develop - albeit, one thing certain is that such pandemics like famines and other pestilences, earthquakes, and man-made disasters are bound to happen again in future. Hence, no one should let down their guard or become complacent. Hence, one sector that can play a vital role in preparing the public for such eventualities is education. Thus, a rethinking of education is imperative.

Academic bodies/councils, teachers’ associations, and

administrative forums will do well to dispassionately deliberate on relevant educational reforms that may be required in the context of the people, culture, and society as a whole.

In the coming academic year 2020-2021, and even beyond, more students may decide to seek admissions within their own state, thereby causing institutions to face a big dilemma i.e. the inability to tackle the influx of students not faced before in terms of manpower and infrastructure.

Institutional heads need to consider this situation and prepare on how to act swiftly on this matter. This way, education can go a long way to mitigate as well as cause infrastructural, physical, and psychological relief for students, teachers, other employees, and the society as a whole.

(Note: The views expressed in this write-up is solely that of the writer’s and does not in any way reflect that of the university.)

(Concluded) Prof Buno Liegise Dept. of Education: Nagaland University

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Because of God’s mercy

P.M. Modiji is doing his best to overcome corona epidemic to end so thank you and may God bless him for that. But unfortunately in Nagaland there is still not even good, proper equipments to know about coronavirus infections, but by the grace of God so far, there is not even a single death by coronavirus infections or so far all the tested came out negative. All this is because we fasted and prayed for mercy and forgiveness, that is why our almighty God and our lord and saviour Jesus Christ had mercy upon us and saved us. Jesus saves.

Toshirenla Ao, President Nagaland Unit ABRS (All India and South East Asia Mahatma Gandhian Workers Society)

Sir,

Safety of our families

Many people in Nagaland have been worried as we read about Naga returnees on the paper and learn that thousands of them are returning home. I understand how they have been living in the other states, one running out of resources and struggling financially and the other, wanting to be with their families, yet many people including me are worried about our safety as well as the safety of our elders. The worse possible scenario is what if returnees who are asymptomatic are allowed to go home? We are concerned about the safety of our health as well as others’ and we can only hope and pray no cases emerge in the state.

Elena Angami, Kohima

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

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

5

announces Rs 3 lakh cr collateral Unseat Guj min take electoral battle to SC FM free automatic loan for businesses

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): Gujarat minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s decision nullifying his 2017 election on the ground of malpractice and manipulation.

Chudasama is currently the minister for law and justice, legislative and parliamentary affairs, education and some other departments in the Vijay Rupani government.

As an interim prayer, the minister sought stay of the operation of the Gujarat High Court’s Tuesday order till the disposal of his appeal.

The high court had held that Returning Officer “illegally rejected” 429 postal ballots during the counting of votes, while the victory margin was only 327.

Congress candidate Ashwin Rathod had challenged his BJP rival’s victory from Dholka constituency by a margin of mere 327 votes in the 2017 Gujarat Assembly polls.

Bhupendrasinh Chudasama

Chudasama has sought setting aside of the Tuesday order of the High Court by terming it as erroneous and contended that it has failed to appreciate that his rival Congress candidate has not led positive, reliable and cogent evidence to prove any of the issues.

Therefore, Rathod was not entitled to be declared as duly elected candidate from ‘58- Dholakia Constituency’ for the Gujarat State Assembly Elections on December 14, 2017, the minister submitted.

“That the High Court has failed to appreciate the proper facts of the case and

has reached a completely erroneous conclusion in holding the successful election of the Petitioner as illegal and void,” his plea said.

It said that High Court order was erroneous as it answers in affirmative that Rathod has proven that 429 postal ballot papers were illegally rejected at the time of counting of votes and appellant’s (Chudasama) election from Dholka constituency was materially affected by improper rejection of the votes.

“Because the High Court failed to appreciate that so far as illegal rejection of 429 postal ballots

is concerned, Rule 54-A of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 clearly draws a distinction between postal ballot and vote, i.e. when a postal ballot culminates into a vote,” the plea said.

It added that a ballot only becomes a vote at Rule 54(7) which is when the covers in Form 13-B not already dealt with till Rule 54(6) are opened one after another and therefore, in the present case, what was rejected is only 429 postal ballots, not votes.

“The 429 ballots have not seen the light of day since the second cover has not been opened and one does not know in whose favour the said vote was cast since the said “vote” was not opened at all,” the minister said.

He submitted that the High Court erred in allowing the Election Petition on the ground that since the victory margin was less than the total number of postal ballots rejected, the said postal ballots were wrongly rejected and that procedure

mandated by law was not followed, therefore the election is liable to be set aside.

The High Court had said the procedure adopted for counting of votes was “against the orders of the Election Commission of India (EC)” and illegal.

It said that Chudasama indulged in “corrupt practice” under section 123 (7) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and was “hand-in-gloves with the then returning officer Dhaval Jani”.

All three facts materially affected the outcome of the election, it said, while declaring it as void.

The High Court while rejecting Chudasama’s request for a stay to the order, said an election “cannot be permitted to hold the field any further” where 429 postal ballots were excluded from counting “behind everybody’s back, including the Observer nominated by the Election Commission,” and election record “systematically manipulated” to conceal this fact.

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced Rs 3 lakh crore collateral free automatic loan for businesses, including Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

This will benefit 45 lakh small businesses, she said detailing parts of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package.

The loan will have 4 year tenure and will have 12 month moratorium, she said. Also, Rs 20,000 crore subordinate debt will be provided for stressed MSMEs, she said adding this would benefit 2 lakh such busi-

Nirmala Sitharaman (PTI)

nesses.

The Finance Minister said a fund of funds for MSME is being created, which will infuse Rs 50,000 crore equity in MSMEs with growth potential.

Also, MSME definition has been changed to allow

units with investment up to Rs 1 crore to be called micro units in place of Rs 25 lakh now. Also units with turnover up to Rs 5 crore to be called micro units, she said, adding a turnover based criteria is being introduced to define small businesses.

The investment and turnover limits for small and medium businesses have likewise been raised to allow them to retain fiscal and other benefits, she said.

Global tenders will be banned for government procurement up to Rs 200 crore, she said, adding this would help MSMEs to compete and supply in government tenders.

Economic package will boost MSMEs: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the announcements made by the government on Wednesday to boost the economy will go a long way in addressing issues faced by businesses, especially MSMEs. “The steps announced will boost liquidity, empower the entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitive spirit,” the

prime minister wrote on Twitter.

Seeking to boost the COVID-hit economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced Rs 3-lakh crore collateral-free automatic loan for businesses, including MSMEs. This will benefit 45 lakh small businesses, she said, detailing parts of the Rs 20-lakh crore economic stimulus.

Jacket, gown to be dispensed with NH urges govt to ensure Cannot stop return of stranded: Rio to prevent corona spread, says CJI safe return of Nagas NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): Hours after Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde suggested putting away jackets and long gowns for judges and lawyers during hearings via video conferencing to prevent spread of coronavirus, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a formal notification to put the direction into effect.

“It is notified for the information of all concerned that considering the medical advice, as a precautionary measure to contain spread of Coronavirus (COVID19) infection under the prevailing conditions, the competent authority has been pleased to direct that the advocates may wear plain white-shirt/whitesalwar-kameez/white saree, with a plain-white neck band’ during the hearings before the Supreme Court of India through Virtual Court System till medical exigencies exist or until further orders,” said the notification, issued by apex court Secretary General Sanjeev S. Kalgaonkar.

The Chief Justice ob-

S.A. Bobde (File)

served that instructions may be issued soon for judges and lawyers not to wear gowns and jackets, as “it makes it easier to catch virus”. Justice Bobde told senior advocate Kapil Sibal, while hearing a matter through video conferencing that in his view, judges and lawyers should not wear a jacket and gown for the time being, as it “makes it easier to catch virus”.

The comment came from the bench, which also comprised Justices Indu Malhotra and Hrishikesh Roy, while hearing a fresh petition seeking directions for the government to completely ban WhatsApp’s

payment ser vices. On Wednesday, the judges wore a white shirt and a band for the hearing through the video conference.

Sibal, representing the petitioner, enquired from the bench why judges are not in robes. Justice Bobde informed Sibal that judges have been informed that adding extra layers, gowns and robes, would eventually help in attaching coronavirus. The bench told Sibal that instructions on this matter, to exempt judges and lawyers from donning gowns or robes during hearings, would be issued soon.

After this observation from the Chief Justice, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was seen wearing a white shirt and a band during the hearing on another matter.

This development has come a day after the apex court said that judges would hear matters through video conferencing from the courtrooms in the court complex. Earlier, the judges also took up matters from their residences.

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 2 (NPN): Since the centre has allowed the stranded people to return to their own homes, the Naga Hoho (NH) has said that the state government must provide safety measures and ensure safe return of Naga brothers and sisters.

NH through its communication cell stated the state cannot allow Naga brothers and sisters in different cities to suffer as they have become vulnerable to racial discrimination and degradation in the hands of others.

However, NH said the returnees must ensure that they strictly maintain safety

as per the guidelines and instructions given by experts and the state government.

The hoho said the state government should not shift its focus from bringing home the stranded people for fear of community spread, but be well prepared for any eventuality.

NH also said that demise of Naga youth who were unceremoniously buried in different cities during the lockdown had brought untold miseries and pain to the family and friends.

The hoho has, therefore, underscored that stranded Naga brothers and sisters return home to be with their families.

CNSA urges govt to focus on...

(From p-1) Rio said prime minister Modi’s intention was to make India self-reliant and contemplated to distribute Rs.20 lakh crore for various states for which states were asked to prepare proposals for agriculture and infrastructure. In this regard, Rio said the state is to engage “expert consultants” and to “make Nagaland, a new Nagaland. He encouraged people to take the the COVID-19 crisis as a wakeup call.

State chief secretary Temjen Toy informed that 18,000 stranded Nagas have already registered to return home on the portal iamstranded. Toy also said the state had plans to begin deportation of stranded people within the state phase-wise starting with inter-district and inter-state. He said 70% of the returnees would be quarantined in Dimapur while 30% would be sent to Kohima as per the advice of the medical department.

The chief secretary also informed that the

amount of Rs.10,000 for each stranded person was not to appease them not to return to Nagaland but only as means for financial help to those who have decided not to return home even after their registration.

Toy also lauded the entire team of Dimapur district for their tireless work in working with single minded devotion against the virus.

He advised many whose views could not be heard owing to time constraints, to apprise them with DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi and state APC Kikheto Sema, who is also the overall in-charge Dimapur district for COVID-19.

Among those who spoke, Western Sumi Hoho president Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi said effective precautions have to be taken since people were in panic due to ignorance. Dr Zhimomi also suggested adequate number of buses for deportation be arranged by the state government and if more was needed then there are many Nagas will-

ing to help.

Chakhroma Public Organisation president Vichütuolie Mere also spoke about the 40-odd quarantine centres in Dimapur and required medical staff.

In this, the CPO president appealed to the state government to depute excess medical staff to Dimapur.

Those who also spoke included leaders of Western Chakhesang Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, ENPO, Rengma Hoho Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, DDGBA, DNSU, Dimapur Urban GBs, Dimapur Christian Forum, DDVCA etc. Among those dignitaries included Dy.CM Y. Patton, H&FW minister Pangnyu Phom, PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi, advisors– Zhaleo Rio, Tovihoto, government officials etc.

Later, Rio accompanied by host of ministers and advisors also visited the Reception Center and quarantine centres setup at the Agri Expo site Dimapur.

(From p-1) Among others, CNSA suggested building cold storage chain and cold chain vehicles; provide proper irrigation facilities, green house, agricultural machineries and equipment to genuine farmers and cultivators.

The association stated that basic minimum support price should be given to the farmers for non perishable agro products. It also added that financial assistance in the form of PMRY, PMKY, CMs corpus fund and any subsidies and loans be given to genuine entrepreneurs and not on political considerations. CNSA asserted that the state government must initiate with corporate houses for contract farming. (From p-1) In order to implement this massive exercise in a successful manner, he said that the empowered committed on Covid-19 headed by the additional chief secretary has formulated a detailed action plan. Toy informed that ever since the declaration of the pandemic and the announcement of a national lockdown, the state government had established Officer on Special Duty throat cancer, but he was a central integrated control centre located in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat under the (OSD) for COVID-19 cases shifted to the coronaviurus nomenclature of Covid-19 War Room Nagaland. He informed NPCC president that all at the civil hospital, said the facility for testing,” Prab- details of the initiatives of the state government could be obtained from Covid-19 dashpatient died on May 8. hakar said. He said the board: covidl9.nagaland.gov.in and welcome his suggestions.

He said authorities deceased’s son came to the tried to reach the son of the facility on Wednesday.

STINER-TFC, SASRD: NU, Medziphema deceased, but he could not “Staff searched for the connect with him on his patient after his son visited invites interested Firms/Individuals phone. the facility and found that to participate in the Online Competition on “The deceased had his body was kept in the “Being Creative out of local waste products” approached the cancer hos- morgue after is death on pital for the treatment of May 8,” the OSD said.

Govt acknowledges State Cong’s offer

‘Missing’ from hospital record, cancer patient found in morgue AHMEDABAD, MAY 13 (PTI): Family members of a cancer patient on Wednesday alleged that Ahmedabad civil hospital did not inform them about his post-admission status since May 5 and also about his death, which occurred five days ago.

The kin said they came to know about the patient’s whereabouts when his body was found kept in the morgue of the hospital.

The 54-year-old deceased was a resident of Porbandar, located about 400 kms away from Ahmedabad.

Son of the deceased alleged that authorities asked him to approach the COVID-19 centre attached to the hospital to get his father’s sample tested for coronavirus on May 4.

“My father’s sample was taken for testing at the special 1,200-bed COVID facility of the civil hospital, and he was admitted in the ICU of the hospital on May 4. Authorities told me that they will inform me about the result of my father’s samples on my phone number, but no call came for eight days,” he claimed.

He said he had been visiting the hospital daily and also left his phone number and other details at its help desk, but received no response.

He also alleged that the patients’ register didn’t have any record of his father.

He then approached senior Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia for help since the deceased was a party worker.

“I was told that the cancer patient was admitted in ward no.3 of the facility and not in ICU as per the OPD record. However, the patient was not found in that ward,” Modhwadia

said.

The deceased’s son said authorities finally found him in the morgue of the hospital.

“They told me that my father died May 8. But I was not informed about his death till today and it seems that they have searched him due to pressure,” he said.

MM Prabhakar, the

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF STATE TAXES NO.CT/LEG/GST-CR/13/17/1597

NAGALAND: DIMAPUR CIRCULAR-2/2020

Dated Dimapur, the 12th May, 2020

Sub: Clarification on Issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC): It has been brought to the notice of the department that some taxpayers have expressed reservation as to why GST has to be paid first for issuance of TCC (Tax Clearance Certificate).

This Circular is issued to briefly highlight the relevant provisions under section 12 and 13 of the NGST Act, 2017 and clarify the doubts and reservations as under:1. Section 12 and 13 of the NGST ACT, 2017 provides that the “time of supply” shall be the earlier of the following dates, namely (i) the date of issue of invoice by the supplier or the last date on which he is required to issue the invoice in respect of the supply; or (ii) the date on which the supplier receives the payment with respect to the supply: 2. From the above, it is clear that the time of supply is the date of issue of invoice, or the date of receipt of payment - whichever is earlier.

3. It is also clear from the above that the time of supply is the point of taxation (the point in time when goods or services have been deemed to be supplied or provided). The point of taxation enables us to determine the rate of tax, value, and due dates for payment of taxes.

4. Thus the time of supply provisions follows that if the date of issue of invoice is earlier than the date of receipt of payment, then the taxpayers will have to file the return and pay the taxes accordingly by the due date even if the taxpayers have not received the payment.

5. Accordingly, it is clarified that (a) The due date for payment of tax under GST is determined by the “time of supply” provided in section 12 and 13 of the NGST ACT, 2017; (b) The payment of tax under GST is not payment of tax in advance or otherwise; (c) The filing of GST return and payment of tax by the due date is a statutory requirement; (d) Issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) shall be subject to filing of GST return and payment of tax by the due date; (e) TCC is mandatory ONLY for the purpose of release of payment by the deducting authority.

DC-416

(KESONYU YHOME) IAS Commissioner of State Taxes Nagaland: Dimapur

Who can participate : Grass root levels / School students Preference : Agricultural/ house-hold waste products How to participate : Send your proposals by email with your Full name and contact details to nusasrdstiner@gmail.com along with a copy of 1. Materials used 2. Procedure (video of the entire procedure to be produced at the time of submission) 3. Utility

Selection criteria : Novelty, Creativity & Mass utility Application starts : 15th May – 20th May, 2020 Last date of end product submission: 25th May, 2020 Best of three will be selected with a cash prize of: First : Rs. 5000 Second : Rs. 3000 Third : Rs. 2000 (Note: The best three innovations will be show-cased in STINER-TFC annual report and will also be connected to a recognized Institute, National Innovation Foundation (NIF) Guwahati for further scaling up) STINER-TFC SASRD, NU plans to organize this healthy competition to motivate our local people during this lock down period with a vision “Creativity has NO LOCKDOWN” For more details please contact Mb. No- 7005238788/8660342826/8794567014

DC-417

Prof. Akali Sema Project In-Charge STINER-TFC SASRD: NU

6

international

Chinese hacking vaccine research: US

WASHINGTON, MAY 13 (AP): Organizations conducting research into COVID-19 may be targeted by computer hackers linked to the Chinese government, according to the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Neither agency cited any specific examples Wednesday, but they warned that institutions and companies involved in work on vaccines, treatments and testing for the novel coronavirus should take additional security measures to protect data and be aware of the potential threat.

“China’s efforts to target these sectors pose a significant threat to our nation’s response to COVID-19,” said a statement from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. “This announcement is intended to raise awareness for research institutions and the American public and provide resources and guidance for those who may be targeted.” It comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over the source of the outbreak and Trump administration complaints that China did not adequately alert the world to the danger posed by the new coronavirus.

T h e wa r n i n g a l s o echoes long-standing U.S.

complaints that China has engaged in the wholesale theft of technology and trade secrets to build its economy.

Institutions that have received media attention for their efforts related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, should assume that they would be targeted and should take precautions, the Department of Justice said.

“The potential theft of this information jeopardizes the delivery of secure, effective, and efficient treatment options,” it said.

The FBI and the cybersecurity agency said they were issuing the alert to raise public awareness of the potential threat and said additional technical details would be released in the coming days.

China has defended its response to the virus, and Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian denied the government was involved in any attempt to steal virusrelated data on Monday, after some media reported on the warning in advance.

“We are leading the world in COVID-19 treatment and vaccine research,” Zhao told reporters. “It is immoral to target China with rumors and slanders in the absence of any evidence.”

US mulls sanctions on China

Washington, May 13 (PTI): Nine influential US senators have introduced a legislation in Congress seeking to authorise President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on China if it fails to cooperate in providing a full accounting of the events leading up to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

More than 250,000 people have died and over 4 million have been infected due to the coronavirus pandemic globally. The US is the worst-hit country with more than 80,000 deaths and 1.4 million cases.

The COVID-19 Accountability Act, authored

by Senator Lindsay Graham and co-sponsored by eight others, was introduced in the Senate - the upper chamber of Congress, on Tuesday.

It mandates the President to make a certification to Congress within 60 days that China has provided a full and complete accounting to any COVID-19 probe led by the US, its allies or the UN affiliates such as the World Health Organization and has closed all operating wet markets that have the potential to expose humans to health risks through the introduction of zoonotic

Lindsay Graham disease into the human population.

Without the certification, the President would be authorised to impose a range of sanctions such as asset freezes, travel bans, visa revocations, restricting US financial institutions from making loans or underwriting to Chinese businesses and prohibiting Chinese firms from being listed on American stock exchanges.

“I’m convinced that without the Chinese Communist Party deception, the virus would not be here in the United States,” said Graham.

“China refuses to allow the international community to go into the Wuhan lab to investigate.

They refuse to allow investigators to study how this outbreak started. I’m

convinced China will never cooperate with a serious investigation unless they are made to do so. This hardhitting piece of legislation will sanction China until they cooperate with the investigators,” he said.

The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) must be held accountable for the detrimental role they played in this pandemic.

Their outright deception of the origin and spread of the virus cost the world valuable time and lives as it began to spread, Senator Jim Inhofe said.

“The COVID-19 Accountability Act will force China to provide a full account of the events leading up to this devastating outbreak. America is strong and we will come out of this crisis, but China must be forced to face the facts and take accountability for their actions,” he said.

The CPC’s continued suppression of the truth amidst the coronavirus outbreak cannot go unchecked, said Senator Roger Wicker.

This legislation would authorise the President to take appropriate actions against the Chinese government to ensure similar outbreaks do not happen in the future, he said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur Thursday, MAY 14, 2020

China claims its troops patrolling on Chinese side of Line of Actual Control

Beijing, May 13 (PTI): Amid tensions between the Indian and Chinese soldiers at Pangong Tso lake area, China said on Wednesday that India should refrain from taking any action to “complicate” the issue and claimed that the PLA troops were conducting “normal patrol” on the Chinese side of the border.

Asked about the continued tensions along the border and whether the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops action was anyway related to the disagreements with the Indian government’s plan to lure business out of China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said both the countries were in diplomatic contact over the face-off between their troops. “China’s position on the border issue is consistent and clear. Chinese border troops have been upholding peace and tranquillity along the border areas,” Zhao told a media briefing here.

“China is conducting normal patrol along the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

We urge the Indian side to work with China and refrain from taking any complicating move so as to create enabling conditions for the development of our

Tension was still prevailing in the area, though both sides agreed to disengage during a meeting of local commanders on May 6. bilateral relations and peace in a bid to create more difand stability at the border ferences or confrontation,” areas,” he said. he said. At least a couple of “The two sides stay in Chinese military helicopters diplomatic communication were spotted flying close to on the relevant border is- the un-demarcated Sinosue,” he said.

India border in the area Since the tensions be- after the fierce face-off on gan at the Pangong Tso lake May 5 following which a area in eastern Ladakh on fleet of Sukhoi-30 jets of the May 5-6, China maintained Indian Air Force too carried steady silence over the inci- out sorties there, the sources dent while its official media said in New Delhi. has not reported it so far.

The troops on both When asked about the sides held on to their respecincident on Monday, Zhao tive positions and even reinplayed it down saying Chi- forcements were brought in nese troops there are “com- an apprehension of further mitted to uphold peace and escalation in tension, they stability”. said when asked about the He said the most press- face-off. They said tension ing issue for the world at was still prevailing in the present is the fight against area, though both sides the deadly coronavirus. “We agreed to disengage during a shouldn’t allow any politi- meeting of local commandcisation or stigmatisation ers on May 6.

FB flagged 50 mn misleading COVID-19 posts in April Japan gives nod to rapid antigen kit to detect COVID-19

Su doku

KAKURO

it added.

In its fifth ‘Community Standards Enforcement Report (from October 2019 through March this year), on Tuesday, Facebook revealed in detail how its automated tools and technologies are curbing hate speech, adult nudity and sexual activity, violent and graphic content, and bullying and harassment on its main platform as well as Instagram.

Action taken on content related to adult nudity and sexual activity on Facebook increased from 30.3 million pieces of content in Q3 2019 to 38.9 million in Q4 2019, primarily driven by a few pieces of violating content that were shared widely in October and November.

Tokyo, May 13 (IANS): The Japanese government has given the green light to a rapid antigen test to diagnose COVID-19 that delivers results faster than others, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The test kit, which takes a nasopharyngeal sample, does not need a laboratory to obtain the diagnosis, unlike the most commonly used method, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and the result can be available in less than half an hour, Efe news reported.

Approval of this mass-

No. 9562 Yesterday’s solution No. 9561

No. 4181 Yesterday’s solution No. 4180

No. 3206 Yesterday’s solution No. 3205

Across 3. Opposite of heads (5) 8. Razor sharpener (5) 10. Sea duck (5) 11. Belonging to us (3) 12. Cooks pies (5) 13. Whole number (7) 15. Adam’s ale (5) 18. Racket (3) 19. Salty (6) 21. Truthfulness (7) 22. Wander (4) 23. Boy’s name (4) 24. Ungrudging (7) 26. Shore bird (6) 29. Play on words (3) 31. Cuts into cubes (5) 32. Egg white (7) 34. Strong cotton thread (5) 35. Ventilate (3) 36. Musical instrument (5) 37. Crustaceans (5) 38. Pry (5) Down 1. Unit of weight (5) 2. Tedium (7) 4. Slightly open (4) 5. Room for manoeuvre (6) 6. Rope-making fibre (5) 7. Number (5) 9. Groove (3) 12. Advantage (7) 14. Spirit (3) 16. Of tides (5) 17. Stinks (5) 19. Spire (7) 20. Staff of life (5) 21. Confusion, chaos (5) 23. Month (7) 24. Injury or wound (6) 25. Chafe (3) 27. Female fox (5) 28. Prison rooms (5) 30. Doing words (5) 32. Male voice (4) 33. Girl’s name (3)

use test kit was confirmed

by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday, and the Ministry of Health adopted the relevant guidelines.

Suga said that those who test negative using this new method will again undergo the PCR test for confirmation since it is more accurate, but those testing positive are certain to have been infected.

The rapid antigen test kit can be used in a health centers and also by people in proximity to those who have already been infected

UN chief condemns attack on Afghan hospital United Nations, May 13 (IANS): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attack on a hospital in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, which killed and wounded dozens of people. “He reiterates that attacks against civilians are unacceptable and that hospitals, medical facilities and personnel have special protection under international humanitarian law. Those who carry out such crimes must be held accountable,” according to a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres.

It added that the secretary-general is also following with concern the escalation of violence in the country, including the attacks that have claimed scores of lives in Balkh, Khost, and Nangarhar provinces, Xinhua news agency reported.

LAND FOR SALE AT PADAM PUKHURI

(NEAR GILGAL SCHOOL) AREA : ANY SIZE AVAILABLE PRICE : Rs. 290 PER SQ. FT. NO FILLING REQUIRED CONTACT NO : 9862128679 DP-2257 8014690505

URGENT LAND FOR SALE (1) At Indisen Village, Dimapur Rs. 300 per sq. ft.

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STOLEN Scooty bearing Regd. No. NL07EA 1423, Chassis No. ME4JF49DFJ8003364, Engine No. JF49E84016409 was stolen from Lhomithi colony, Dimapur on 09.5.2020. Finder may please contact : 8787664942.

DP-2327

with SARS-CoV-2. The kit’s manufacturer, Fujirebio, has committed to supplying about 200,000 units per week, and could expand production if necessary.

Japanese authorities have said that this rapid test kit will be covered under the national health insurance.

To k y o G o v e r n o r Yuriko Koike said that as a result of this approval, they will be able to conduct around 3,000 tests a month from June at health centers in the capital.

According to the latest official statistics, 16,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in Japan since the first case, which emerged in mid-January,

and 671 people have died from the disease.

Since April 7, the country has been under a state of health emergency, which is scheduled to continue until May 31.

The state of emergency initially affected the Tokyo metropolitan area and six other prefectures although it was subsequently extended throughout the country, when the number of coronavirus cases surpassed 9,000.

The implementation of the alert in Japan is left to local and regional authorities, who have taken a number of concrete measures according to the level of infection.

FELICITATION

We, the Chemdok Clan of Pongching Village would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Lakshing N. Chemdok, son of Mr. & Mrs. Y. Nyaiba Phom for securing the post of Asst.

Commandant/Medical Officer in B.S.F conducted by CAPF MOSB-2018 examination under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

May our Almighty God continue to lead and bless you abundantly and we wish you success in all your future endeavors.

K-894

OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL UNION UNDER PFUTSERO SUB DIVISION DIST: PHEK, NAGALAND

GRATITUDE

The Village Council Union under Pfutsero Sub-Division expresses our gratitude to all the Administrative Officers and the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Phek for successful implementation of PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJANA (PMGKAY) by issuing 5 Kg of Rice Per Person FREE OF COST to all NFSA Beneficiaries for both AAY/PHH Ration Card Holders which is being issued in phase wise for April, May & June 2020.

The Union also expresses sincere gratitude to Neiba Kronu, Hon'ble Minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt of Nagaland and to all the administrative officers of Phek District for your tireless efforts to fight and contain the COVID-19 in our district.

M. MERO WEZHIEPE SARAH General Secretary Vice President

K-895

Crossword

to prevent the spread of misinformation, because it allows the company to leverage and scale the work of the independent fact-checkers who review content on its services.

Facebook works with over 60 fact-checking organizations around the world that review content in more than 50 languages.

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve used our current AI systems and deployed new ones to take COVID-19related material our fact-checking partners have flagged as misinformation and then detect copies when someone tries to share them,” Facebook said in a blog post.

“But these are difficult challenges, and our tools are far from perfect,”

PHYOCHAK (DECLARATION) A, NRUSALI EZUNG, W/o. Lt. WOCHAMO EZUNG of Longsa Village in the district of Wokha, Nagaland na yilan okupoe erani lio shi Lt. WOCHAMO EZUNG myingo na phyochakala.

1. A NRUSALI EZUNG, W/o Lt. WOCHAMO EZUNG jo Longsa yanchi kyon osi ayio Wokha Town chungi PWD Colony vanala.

2. Lt. WOCHAMO EZUNG tsokhying, 1. Mr. Abemo Ezung, 2. Mr. Benathung Ezung osi 3. Mr. Libemo Ezung mekana wopan thanpoe na tsolia ochona A. NRUSALI EZUNG untsijanthokna/engatheta unkhina Lt. WOCHAMO EZUNG somung kimung/liko ramung yenasana eshipvuo (Purchaser) ji unpiala tolia eyenpvuo (seller) ji khi rulanthokvu/lolanthokvu to phyochakala.

PHYOCHAKPVUI (DECLARANTS) 1. Mrs. Nrusali Ezung, W/o. Lt. Wochamo Ezung 2. Mr. Abemo Ezung, S/o. Lt. Wochamo Ezung 3. Mr. Benathung Ezung, S/o. Lt. Wochamo Ezung 4. Mr. Libemo Ezung, S/o. Lt. Wochamo Ezung Witnesses:- 1. Ajamo Ezung , 2. Lumchamo Ezung

WC-128

San Francisco, May 13 (IANS): Amid mounting pressure to keep a check on fake news related to COVID19, Facebook has said that it put warning labels on about 50 million pieces of content related to the pandemic during the month of April.

The content was flagged based on around 7,500 articles by Facebook’s independent fact-checking partners, the social networking giant said on Tuesday.

Facebook said it also removed more than 2.5 million pieces of content for the sale of masks, hand sanitizers, surface disinfecting wipes and Covid19 test kits since March 1.

The social networking said Artificial intelligence (AI) is a crucial tool

Northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

7

1,140 stranded passengers arrive Mnp

Correspondent

IMPHAL, May 13: No symptomatic case was detected during screening of returnees who arrived in Manipur’s Jiribam by train on Wednesday.

Keeping in mind the paramount importance of prevention of transmission, the returnees have started moving to their respective district by buses arranged by the authorities of Manipur government.

As many as 1,140 people who were stranded at different places in Tamil Nadu, left Chennai by a special train on May 10 evening and reached Jiribam railway station around 12 noon on Wednesday.

This is the first time people of the state stranded outside other than northeast owing to the COVID-19 lockdown reached Jiribam, the only railway station in the state .

Ahead of the arrival of the stranded people, Jiribam district administration enforced stringent public curfew which has been promulgated for effective lockdown in the district, particularly in and around the railway station and the market places in the district headquarters, official reports here said.

People were strictly restricted from moving out

Meghalaya Deputy CM apologises to stranded students Correspondent

Shillong, May 13: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday apologised to students of the State who had arrived from Rajasthan.

“We as a government we apologise and from now on there will be no communication gap,” he told reporters in his daily briefing.

He said that from now on the government will ensure that there will be no such delay.

On Tuesday, 24 students from Rajasthan who reached the capital on Tuesday morning were made to wait inside a bus for more than five hours before they were allowed to go home.

These students and a woman had reached Polo at around 5:30 am waited till 11 am before they were allowed to go home. There were 33 students; all nine were from Garo Hills, while 24 from Shillong.

Altogether, 1,140 passengers arrived from Chennai at Jiribam train station in Manipur on Wednesday. Courtesy-East Mojo.

of their respective residences even as there were no relaxations for any services except the essential services, the report added.

On arrival of the special train which had 24 bogies, all doors and windows were kept close while disallowing any of the passengers to step out of their respective compartments.

After completing screening and arrangement of buses, the retur nees of selected compartment were allowed to step out of the train. The compartment with passengers from Ukhrul districts were allowed to step out of the train and proceeded for screening.

Six buses with 126 returnees, all hailing from Ukhrul district have left Jiribam for

Imphal.

State chief secretary Dr J Suresh Babu who is currently stationed at the district headquarters to supervise arrangement for the onward evacuation of the returnees, flagged off the buses from the railway station.

The chief secretary said that the passengers will be sent to their respective home districts in buses arranged by the state transport department.

“We are happy to bring back our distressed people home. We are sending them upto their respective home districts where they will be put on compulsory quarantine for 14 days,” the chief secretary said.

Once they reach their

Meghalaya farmers seek compensation

Correspondent

Shillong, May 13: The Hill Farmers’ Union (HFU) urged the Meghalaya government to release the arrested farmers from Mawpyrthuh village and compensate them with Rs 10 lakh for the loss of their beehive boxes and livelihood due to attacks from wild animals.

In a letter to the Principal Chief Conservation of Forest (PCCF), Meghalaya on Tuesday, the HFU sought compensation for the damages of beehive boxes and disruption of livelihood of farmers of Mawpyrthuh village due to attack from wild animals. At least 10 villagers from Mawpyrthuh village were arrested recently after a picture of a Himalayan black bear went viral on social media showing it being skinned.

The HFU also asked the Meghalaya government to release the farmers who were arrested recently due to

the death of the bear. “We would like to inform the department that in the last one year, more than 500 beehive boxes and its produces were destroyed by wildlife in Mawpyrthuh area, under Pynursla Sub-Division, East Khasi Hills district leading to the loss of livelihood amounting to Rs 10 lakh to the local agrarian communities,” the HFU stated in the letter. “We therefore take the opportunity to request the state government to pay compensate the farmers,” the union said in the letter.

The HFU also requested the state forest department to conduct awareness programmes on existing Wildlife Protection Act in Mawpyrthuh village and other places across the state.

The union also offered to collaborate and partner with the department to initiate and conduct awareness / training programmes across the state on wildlife conservation on a regular basis so as to avoid any animal-human conflict.

Village in Manipur builds 80 huts for quarantine centres

respective districts, they will be kept at community quarantine centres as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of contagion in the state, he added.

“They will be kept at community quarantine centres of their districts where they will be under the surveillance of health officials,” he said. At the same time, the chief secretary said that government understood the problems faced by the returnees due to non-stop travel for such a long distance.

“However, we are in a very peculiar situation. We are compelled to do so for the safety of them as well as their families and loved ones,” the chief secretary who appealed to returnees

Doctor booked for misconduct with female patient

BOKAJAN, MAY 13: Amid the Coronavirus pandemic and growing crisis of healthcare services, a 50-year-old doctor has been booked by Bokajan Police on charges of alleged physical misconduct with a 19-year-old female patient at Bokajan in East Karbi Anglong on Wednesday.

According to the complaint, the incident happened at the chamber of Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Ali Kadaria, Medical Officer (Homoeopathic) at Bokajan Civil Hospital when the complainant went for a check-up complaining of cough and flu. “The doctor was alone in his chamber and asked the girl to lie flat on the stretcher. He then touched the girl in an inappropriate manner and also made physical advances on her on the pretext of performing medical examination. The girl resisted and alerted other staff of the hospital who informed us about the incident,” A police officer said.

and their families to cooperate with the government.

The chief secretary added that more trains with stranded people of the state would arrive in the coming days. One more train with stranded state people will be leaving Punjab for Manipur.

The train will take two days to reach Jiribam and another train with stranded state people will started from Bengaluru.

“We are trying to work out one more train from Chennai and another from Vadodara,” he added.

The chief secretary lauded volunteers from Indian Red Cross Society and Railway Protection Forces who helped maintain social distancing of passengers on their arrival at the Jiribam railway station.

He further thanked members of All Jiribam United Clubs Association for extending their help in distribution of lunch packets and other items to returnees at the station.

Meanwhile, a government source said that another special train ferrying stranded Manipuris is expected to arrive at the Jiribam railway station by late today evening. The train is transported stranded state people of the state from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

Take all measures to prevent poaching of animals: Sonowal GUWAHATI, MAY 13 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the administration of five districts adjoining the Kaziranga National Park to ensure protection of wildlife from poaching and provide the animals adequate relief during flood.

Considering the setback faced by the tourism sector during the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown, Sonowal also asked the officials to prepare a plan to rejuvenate tourism at the Kaziranga National Park, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The chief minister said this while reviewing preparation of Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Karbi Anglong districts on wildlife protection during the forthcoming monsoon season in a meeting, held at Kaziranga in Golaghat district, on Tuesday.

To strengthen anti poaching drive at the park famed for one-horned rhinoceros, the chief minister asked the district administration and the forest department to engage village headmen, tea garden sardars and people with strong grass root connection living in the adjoining areas in the wildlife protection endeavours.

Mentioning that Kaziranga National Park (KNP) has global importance, Sonowal said that any untoward incident that takes place in the park draws attention of the people worldwide.

Due to united efforts of the administration and forest officials of the five districts adjoining the park, rhino poaching could be considerably reduced in last four years, he said.

He also directed the civil and police administration as well as the forest department to continue their efforts unabated.

Noting that the Assam governments strong measures have led to considerable drop in the number of poaching at the park, Sonowal said, fast track courts set up by Gauhati High Court as per the state governments request have so far convicted several poachers and handed them exemplary punishment.

He observed that steps of this kind have instilled fear in the mind of poachers and left positive impact on wildlife protection.

The chief minister also stressed on the need to make the wildlife protection measures of the forest department more visible and

directed the department to fill up all vacancies.

The forest department was further directed to carry out a survey to assess the impact of the highlands developed inside the park on the wildlife and its use by the animals during flood.

He also asked the park authorities to be prepared with adequate food stock so that it could be provided to the animals during flood.

In view of African swine fever infection reported in different parts of the state, the chief minister urged officials of the five districts to ensure that intermingling of domestic and wild pigs does not take place.

Due to African swine fever, movement of domestic pigs are restricted to stop the infection from spreading. The chief minister distributed financial aid, provided by an NGO, among Kazariranga safari operators hit by the lockdown.

He also gave thermal scanners to the director of the park, P Shivakumar.

The KNP director informed the chief minister that 300 boats, 18 speed boats and floating camps have been kept ready to rescue animals and provide relief during flood.

Hundreds protest against import of coal from Assam

Correspondent

Shillong, May 13: Defying the nation-wide lockdown, hundreds of people on Wednesday took to the streets in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district to protest against the State government’s decision to import coal from Assam to feed the cement plants.

However, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma maintained that the decision of the State government to allow transportation of coal from outside was due to a “matter of legality”.

Over a dozen of pressure groups including coal miners and dealers association and traditional institutions said that they were forced to take to the streets at Lad Jaliyiah area after the government refused to withdraw its order of allowing transportation of coal from Assam. “We were forced to take to the streets to protest against the government’s decision to allow transportation of coal from Assam in view of the COVID-19

pandemic,” Synjuk Waheh Shnong, East Jaintia Hills District, Satly Ryngkhlem said. He said that the traditional institution, pressure groups and coal miners and dealers association in the district has given four days ultimatum to the Meghalaya government to reverse its order while threatening to defy the COVID-19 induced lockdown.

“If the government fails to comply with our demand, we have no other option to cooperate with it to fight against the COVID19 pandemic in the State,” Ryngkhlem said.

Maintaining that the government’s decision to allow transportation of coal from outside was due to a “matter of legality”, Chief Minister Sangma said, that the government is trying to resolve it even as he appealed to the stakeholders in East Jaintia Hills district to understand the current situation. “Their concerns and emotions are there. The fact that the coal is coming from outside, we have our

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

Romans 8: 38-39

limitations because of the legal challenges that we face,” Sangma told reporters.

Sangma informed that at this point, the government is trying to resolve the issue even as he appealed to the stakeholders in East Jaintia Hills to understand the current situation.

On the 2 lakh metric ton identified by the Coal India Limited for auctioning,

the Chief Minister said that he had a discussion with the Coal Minister, Piyush Goyal around 10 days back and also wrote a letter to him.

“After his intervention, the permission was given (for auctioning) and now it is in process and I hope very soon, maybe I should say a week or ten days time, necessary expressions will be floated,” Sangma said.

Understanding the plight of the daily wage earners and downtrodden families during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Skill Development Agency Nagaland distributed free rations to the poor and needy on 7th of May, 2020 in Dimapur district.

DP-2334

IN MEMORIAM

Born 19-05-1948

Died 14-05-2017

Villagers in Manipur’s Tungjoy have set up 80 huts for COVID-19 quarantine. (TwitterDrJitendraSingh)

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salute, Tungjoy Village Authority has set up 80 huts for quarantine of their villagers who are going to come from outside the state.”

Each hut can accommodate one person and is “fitted with a bed, separate toilet, gas table, electricity with charging socket”, he said. Water will also be supplied to those who will be quarantined in these huts, Singh said.

The essential commodities were also stocked in the huts.

Meanwhile, the chief minister said the state government is leaving no stone unturned to bring back people stuck in various parts of the country due to the ongoing lockdown.

The government has made elaborate arrangements to receive at least 1,140 stranded Manipuris, who had left from Chennai on May 11 in a special train, and are expected to arrive at Manipur’s Jiribam railway station on Wednesday, Transport Director Mercina Panmei said.

The returnees will be screened by medical teams and sent to their respective districts in 50 buses, he said.

“All the returnees will be quarantined at various centres across the state,” the official said.

Two other special trains carrying migrants from Punjab are expected to come in the next few days, he said.

Late Pannalal Sethi

Born: 17/07/1992 – Died: 09/05/2020 Through this column we, the bereaved family of LATE PITON AWOMI would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals and various organizations that have extended support to us in every possible way at the sudden demise of our beloved on 9th May 2020.

We express our appreciation to: 9. Usutomi Village Council 1. Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima 10. Uutomi Student Union 2. Pezielietse Youth and Women 11. Zhevishe Village Council Organisation, Kohima 3. Pezielietse Women Prayer Fellowship, 12. Usutomi Union, Zunheboto 13. Saptiqa Town Baptist Church Kohima 4. Usutomi Union and Culture Club, Kohima 14. Zhekiye Baptist Church 5. Kohima Sumi Students’ Union 15. Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto 6. Shri. K.T Sukhalu, Advisor, School 16. Old Town Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto Education 17. Old Town Youth Fellowship, Zunheboto 7. Shri. Pukhayi Assumi, Advisor, LM&CP, 18. Kitokhu Shohe, Kohima F&CS and Taxes 19. Kumty Ao 8. Usutomi Baptist Church 20. Friends and well wishers To all who helped spiritually, physically and materially, your contributions made our loss more bearable. Though we are unable to mention every individual for their deeds of kindness, it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all unconditionally and favors his Grace upon your life and family.

Loving Father, Mother, Sisters, Brother & Relatives K-896

Words are inadequate to express our deepest feelings on this, the 14th day of May, when you left for your heavenly abode 3 years ago. Your ideas give us moral booster whenever we go for doing any charitable and social work. Late Pannalal Sethi, a simple man and always ready for helping needy people, was active throughout his life. He led a simple life.

As we look back over time, We find ourselves wondering …..

Did we remember to thank you enough, For all you have done for us?

For all the times you were by our sides, To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes, To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgment, Courage and integrity?

We wonder if we ever thanked you. For the sacrifices you made.

To let us have the very best?, And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our, Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.

Our father used to say... “ When you die, not even a needle will go with you..

And whatever is in your destiny, no one can snatch it..

Always give service to mankind, never be greedy, and devote to religious field ”

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IMPHAL, MAY 13 (PTI): Residents of a village in Senapati district of Manipur have set up at least 80 huts that will function as quarantine centres to accommodate natives who are slated to come from various parts of the country during the lockdown, an official said on Wednesday.

People of Tungjoy village, about 112-km from here, have built these huts having basic amenities for those coming from outside the state in the next few days.

The initiative taken by the village authority was acclaimed by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, “My

We miss you... you are the Pillar of our Strength, we love you...

SHREEMATI DEVI, RAJU-SWEETY, RAVI-SHWETA BABITA-LALIT JI, Grand sons & daughters- BHAVIKA, RATYUSH, VANSHIKA, CHARITRA, LUVISHKA SETHI and entire K.L.Sethi family.

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8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020

Azhar to lead Pakistan in Tests

Japanese sumo wrestler infected COVID-19 dies Babar named captain for ODIs & T20Is with TOKYO, MAY 13 (IANS):

Azhar Ali

Babar Azam

late Azhar Ali and Babar Azam for getting captaincy extensions. This is absolutely the right decision as they also require certainty and clarity on their future roles,” chief selector and Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said as per a PCB media release.

“I am sure they will now start looking to the future and start planning so that they can build sides that can perform at the expected levels,” he added.

Pakistan are scheduled

to play two T20Is in Ireland in July and after that they are slated to travel to England to play three Tests and as many T20Is. However, a decision on the England tour will be made by mid-June amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, PCB chief executive Wasim Khan has said.

The officials of both the PCB and England and Wales Cricket Board will be having an online meeting on Friday.

Ronaldo is perfect but I pick Messi: Klopp

FA case against FIFA over Chelsea transfer ban in June

L A H O R E , M AY 1 3 (IANS): Azhar Ali has been retained as Pakistan Test skipper while Babar Azam has been appointed to lead the national team in both ODIs and T20 internationals in the 2020-21 season.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the announcement while disclosing the list of centrally contracted players on Wednesday.

Babar replaces wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed at the helm which

was expected after the latter was axed from the team across formats following his poor form with the bat.

Azhar so far has witnessed a mixed bag of results in his short captaincy career, which includes a 0-2 loss in Australia, followed by a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka at home and a comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Rawalpindi before the series was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I want to congratu-

Lionel Messi

Jurgen Klopp

Cristiano Ronaldo

LIVERPOOL, MAY 13 (IANS): Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recently had his say on the age-old debate as to which footballer is better between Argentina maestro Lionel Messi and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Over the years, the two have broken multiple scoring records and set new ones and have set unbelievable standards for others to follow.

Klopp, who has come up against these two manya-times with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, stated he finds Messi a notch higher than Ronaldo.

“For me Messi, but I couldn’t admire Ronaldo more than I do already.

The explanation is the following. We’ve played against both already and both are almost impossible to defend. But Messi has much lower physical requirements from birth on,” Klopp told freekickerz in a video uploaded on their YouTube channel “If you could paint yourself a perfect player, it would have Ronaldo’s height, he could jump and run as high or quick as Ronaldo can do.

“And what is then even added to that is his total attitude, it is absolutely

perfect and professional, it couldn’t be any better,” the 2019-20 Champions League winning coach added.

“And on the other side there is the small Messi who makes everything look so simple. And therefore I like him maybe a little bit more as a player on the pitch,” he added.

Messi currently holds the record for most number of Ballon d’Or titles with six to his name while Ronaldo has won the crown five times. The two engaged on a once-in-a-lifetime rivalry in LaLiga before Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Serie A giants Juventus.

L O N D O N, M AY 1 3 (AGENCIES): The Football Association has taken FIFA to court over Chelsea’s transfer ban and their case will be heard next month.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] will consider the FA’s complaint on June 26 over FIFA’s disciplinary processes.

In February last year, Chelsea and the FA were sanctioned for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

Chelsea’s ban and fine were reduced following an appeal to the highest court in sport.

The FA was found to have breached rules in connection with minors and was fined a fee which was later reduced to 350,000 Swiss francs [£290,000] on appeal.

It was also given six months “to address the situation concerning the international transfer and first registration of minors in football.”

A 28-year-old Japanese sumo wrestler has died of multiple organ failure caused by COVID-19, the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) said on Wednesday.

Shobushi became the first sumo wrestler in Japan to test positive for the virus on April 10, reports Xinhua news agency.

His condition worsened on April 19 and he was treated at a Tokyo hospital, Kyodo news agency said.

He died on Wednesday morning in the hospital.

Shobushi made his professional debut in 2007 and reached the No. 11 rank in the fourth division of JSA. He was from Tokyo’s Takadagawa stable, whose stablemaster Takadagawa also tested positive for the virus on April 25 along with Hakuyozan, a wrestler at the stable who competes in the second-tier juryo division.

Four other wrestlers who belong to the lower divisions have also been confirmed to contract the virus on April 25.

Arkady Dvorkovich

says Dvorkovich.

In early May, six teams including China, the United States, Europe participated in the online Nations Cup, which proved to be a big success.

“We are satisfied with the way the tournament went. There were a lot of

spectators, especially in China. According to our data, the total audience of the tournament exceeded a few million people -- these are big numbers.”

Based on the “extremely positive” reviews from the participants, there is a high possibility that the Nations Cup will be held as a tradition. And there will be more.

“Now everyone is waiting for FIDE individual tournaments. In just a few days, we are starting the blitz -- FIDE Online Steinitz Memorial tournament, in honour of the first Chess World Champion,” says Dvorkovich. “The tournament will be held on Chess24.

com from May 14. The 20 top players will compete in two sections. But the main sensation is the participation of Magnus Carlsen.”

“This year we plan to hold different formats of online tournaments. We will look at the effectiveness, evaluate the audience’s attention, and collect feedback from participants. The combination of these and other factors will determine which tournaments will become regular, which will be fixed in the online format or will eventually be transferred to offline.”

Furthermore, the online stage is not exclusive to elite players. “We will soon announce a series of cross-

BERLIN, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): The eyes of the sports world will be on Germany’s Bundesliga this weekend as it becomes the first “big league” to restart after the COVID-19 shutdown, but little will have changed on the pitch with Bayern Munich hunting an eighth straight crown.

The German Football League decided last week to resume the first and second divisions from May 16 after a two-month suspension, with teams undergoing a seven-day isolation period after testing for the new coronavirus.

Leaders Bayern begin the final nine matchdays with a trip to Union Berlin on Sunday with Borussia Dortmund, four points behind the Bavarians, playing Schalke 04 a day earlier.

“The Bundesliga manages to become the first big league worldwide to restart,” Bayern CEO KarlHeinz Rummenigge said.

“And with the Bundesliga as the only league to be broadcast on TV, I expect we will have an audience of a billion,” he told SportBild magazine on Wednesday.

Strict health regula-

General view as the match kicks off behind closed doors at Borussia-Park, Germany on March 11. (Reuters)

tions mean all games will be played in empty stadiums with only some 300 essential staff and officials in and around the arenas. Players have been told not to spit, celebrate in groups, or touch hands with team mates, while some clubs will use music and cardboard cutouts of fans to enhance the atmosphere at matches.

The league is desperate to complete the season

by June 30 for contractual reasons and is aware of the risk of another suspension if there are many positive virus cases among players.

It has already warned of the “existence-threat-

ening” financial situation of several clubs due to the suspension and has warned another interruption would be disastrous for both league and teams.

The interruption has allowed the league’s top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, to recover from a leg injury that would have ruled the Bayern forward out of several matches had the season not been halted. The Pole has been back fit for weeks and will look to pick up where he left off and add to his 25 league goals as he chases the season record of 40 set by Gerd Mueller in 1972.

Difficult for Real to bring in Mbappe: Cannavaro

Kylian Mbappe

PARIS, MAY 13 (IANS): Former Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro believes Spanish giants Real Madrid are always on the lookout for world superstars like Kylian Mbappe but stated it will be difficult to prize him away from a club like Paris St. Germain.

Mbappe has been linked with a move away from PSG in recent times with Santiago Bernabeu being a possible destination considering his high market value.

Chess world is moving online, says FIDE President

BEIJING, MAY 13 (IANS): After China claimed the title at FIDE Chess.com Online Nations Cup, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has revealed more plans in this unprecedented black swan era. The chess world, including more tournaments and a global database, is moving online.

As the Candidates Tournament in Russia was suspended in late March, FIDE began to consider hosting another global tournament, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Online -- this is the area where chess will be able to reach its full potential and to demonstrate that chess is intellectual and modern,”

Bundesliga restarts amid pandemic

platform tournaments, that will be held on several gaming platforms at once, which will allow the maximum number of non-professional chess players to be involved.

By hosting tournaments for players of all levels, FIDE is introducing the chess world to more people. Fortunately, the internet era does more than just provide a platform for tournaments.

“One of the key projects of the nearest future will be the consolidation of a global database about all chess-related activities including as many users as possible, starting from the current baseline of 1 million FIDE registered users,” Dvorkovich said.

Re a l M a d r i d a r e known to break their bank for top players time and time again but Cannavaro believes the young Frenchman might just be out of their reach.

“Madrid need players like Mbappe, a young star who could follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo,” Cannavaro was quoted as saying by en.as. com.

“It’s normal that Madrid want to sign him but it also has to be taken into account that PSG’s

Fabio Cannavaro

owners don’t need the money. They are ambitious and they want to win the Champions League.

“I think it will be difficult for Madrid to get him.

The president of PSG is a person who wants to win, I know them well and they will fight tooth and nail to keep Mbappe,” he added.

Cannavaro, who was the last defender to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, also lauded former Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta, who recently turned 36.

Iniesta was part of the

Barcelona dream team that won numerous domestic and European titles while he also helped Spain win the World Cup in 2010, sandwiched between two Euro crowns.

“He played with such style, you couldn’t help but love him when you saw him play,” Cannavaro said.

“He was a perfect professional, very humble...I loved him. Ever ybody might have been watching Messi but I was watching Iniesta.”

ODI rules & surfaces both need to be looked into, says Tendulkar NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): Legendary India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has once again said that the current ODI rules need to be looked into as many believe it is more titled towards the batters. In contemporary times, an ODI inning is played with two new whiteballs from each end. When it comes to field restrictions, each inning is divided into three powerplays.

In the first powerplay from overs 1-10, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. In the next 30 overs, i.e. from 11-40, four fielders are allowed and in

Sachin Tendulkar

the last 10 overs, five fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had reminded the fans about the great Indian duo of Tendulkar

and Sourav Ganguly with a fact that they both stitched together 176 ODI partnerships throughout the course of their careers and scored 8227 runs at an average of 47.55. The ‘Master Blaster’ had taken note of the stats and said they would have probably scored more runs had the current rules applied during their playing days.

“This brings back wonderful memories Dadi. How many more do you think we would’ve been able to score with the restriction of four fielders outside the ring and two new balls?” tweeted Tendulkar.

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