2 May 2022

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 145

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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SPORTS, PAGE 12

Will NDPP-BJP review seat sharing formula?

Staff Reporter

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): An unavoidable consequence of the recent “merger/defection” of 21 NPF legislators to NDPP will be over the seat sharing arrangement between NDPP and BJP for the 2023 assembly election.

Political analysts including some ruling party MLAs opined that the surprise development could pose some problems for implementing the seat sharing formula arrived at during the 2018 assembly election in the ratio of 40 (NDPP) and 20 (BJP).

In 2018, the NDPP set up 40 candidates and won 18 seats while the BJP won 12 out of the 20 seats it contested. The NDPP tally increased its tally from 18 to 21 after merger of two NPP legislators and winning a by election.

Even before the dust settled down after the recent merger of 21 NPF legislators with NDPP, the arithmetic does not work out for the NDPP in adhering to the 40:20 seat sharing formula.

In addition to having 42 MLAs, the NDPP also considers two independent MLAs as party members since they had stood firm in backing the People’s Democratic Alliance coalition (now United Democratic Alliance- UDA) in the crucial ministry formation.

This will obviously mean NDPP will have 42+2= 44 ticket aspirants.

NDPP will now have to contend with the claims of all 44 for NDPP tickets.

This would arithmetically

mean that BJP will have only 12+4=16 seats.

In 2018, the newly formed NDPP welcomed a pre-poll alliance with BJP especially as it (NDPP) had just been formed and did not have enough time to build up its grass root organisation.

On the other hand, NPF was the dominant political force in 2018 and has grass root presence across the state.

In the light of the rise in tally of NDPP to 42+2 or 44 legislators and in case BJP is to continue with the pre-poll alliance, will the saffron party accept mild reduction in the seat sharing formula from 20 to 16 seats?

Some NDPP sources told Nagaland Post that the party will continue the alliance with BJP but left the interpretation of the seat sharing formula of 40:20 to the party’s “higher authorities”. Asked if the interpretation by NDPP and BJP could diverge; the NDPP expressed the hope that it would find a convergence.

Interestingly, NPF has announced it would set up candidates in all 60 assembly constituencies against the NDPP-BJP alliance. NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu had also said the party would welcome any alliance with other parties for 2023.

To add to the political confusion, NPF has stated that it will remain as part of UDA even after its 21 MLAs defected/merged with NDPP. The NPF said UDA was formed for Naga political issue and since it (NPF)

is steadfast on the issue, it will remain in UDA. Observers say if NDPP or BJP take any step to oust NPF from UDA then it would amount to being against Naga political solution.

The NPF has also demanded that as part of the arrangement during formation of UDA, the chief minister should induct one NPF member in the cabinet and also allot the post of chairman UDA which the NPF held before its 21 members merged/defected to NDPP. It may be recalled that as part of the arrangement, Yollow Konyak from NPF was inducted in the cabinet and T.R. Zeliang, legislature party leader of NPF was appointed as UDA chairman.

The 21 NPF legislators who had joined hands with the ruling NDPP maintained that they have done so in order to strengthen the hands of the chief minister and alliance for pursuit of Naga political solution.

Meanwhile, recent developments indicate the schism between NDPP and BJP has developed even after BJP legislature party leader and deputy chief minister Y. Patton was divested of the Roads & Bridges department.

Interestingly, the sudden move by 21 NPF legislators who joined NDPP also came just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Dimapur and spent a few minutes with party members and brief photo op with chief minister Neiphiu Rio and other BJP legislators.

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Commercial LPG price hiked by Rs 102.50/cylinder NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): The price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was on Sunday hiked by Rs 102.50, the third straight monthly increase.

With this, the 19-kg commercial cooking gas cylinder will now cost Rs 2,355.50, according to a price notification of stateowned fuel retailers. In addition to this, the cost of a 5-kg LPG cylinder is now Rs. 655.

However, there has been no change in the prices of domestic gas cylinders. In March, the price of domestic cooking gas (LPG) was hiked by Rs 50 per cylinder.

ATF hiked: Price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) was also hiked by 3.22 per cent, which was the ninth straight increase this year - to an all-time high, reflecting a surge in global energy prices. ATF price was hiked

by Rs. 3,649.13 per kilolitre, or 3.22%.

Some evacuated from Mariupol; Pelosi visits Kyiv INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

HEAT WAVE ALERT: Centre issues advisory; asks states to review health facility preparedness NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): Amid rising temperature and heatwave across the country, the Centre has urged states/UTs to review their health facility preparedness for availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines and all necessary equipment while ensuring sufficient drinking water and continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas.

In a letter to the states/ UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan requested them to disseminate the guideline document ‘National Action Plan on Heat Related Illnesses’ to all districts for effective management of cases of heatwave.

“Please ensure that these daily surveillance reports are shared with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),” it said.

“The daily heat alerts shared by the India Meteorological

Department (IMD) as well as NCDC with states indicate forecast of heatwave for next three to four days, and may be disseminated

promptly at district/health facility level,” Bhushan said in the letter.

He said health department of the state must con-

NTTU’s indefinite eco blockade against Peren from today D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) along with all its affiliated units will impose an indefinite economic blockade on two main Dimapur-Peren routes, especially on timber and forest produce emanating from Peren district, from Monday in response to the ban on movement of unprocessed timber from Peren district to other districts imposed by civil society organisations (CSOs) of Peren.

The union in a press release explained that the blockade was to make the Peren CSOs understand the extreme hardships faced by timber traders due to their uncalled-for ban.

Narrating the backdrop, the union recalled that following the sudden announcement by Peren CSOs to impose a ban on movement of unprocessed timber from Peren district to other districts in October 2021, a meeting was held between the timber community led by NTTU and the CSOs at Jalukie.

At the meeting, the union said it had voiced objection to the CSOs’ decision on the ground that the timber traders, as one of the main stakeholders, should have been consulted before the CSOs took the decision.

NTTU president Kevise Sogotsu at the joint meeting had clearly stated that if at all the Peren CSOs

were bent on imposing the ban on movement of timber, then the timber traders who had invested a huge amount of money on labour and machinery should be given two year-time to wind up their logging/ timber operations in the district. Then, he said the union would have no objection. However, the meeting ended inconclusively.

Against this backdrop, another joint meeting of the CSOs, NTTU and Peren deputy commissioner (DC) was held at the DC office where the CSOs had flatly rejected the two-year time sought by the union.

Subsequently, NTTU went to court to seek redressal. Then, while the

court case was on, the union claimed that some organisations and parties had requested NTTU to withdraw the court case assuring an amicable settlement out of court. So, NTTU withdrew the court case in good faith.

But since the issue remained unresolved, NTTU and its affiliated units, including Chümoukedima Timber Traders’ Association (CTTA) and Dimapur District Timber Mill Owners’ Association (DDTMOA) at a general body meeting held on April 26, 2022, resolved to impose economic blockade on Peren with effect from May 2 in retaliation to the ban imposed by Peren CSOs. (Cont’d on p-8)

KU clarifies on withdrawal of non-cooperation with SFs At joint conference, various CMs opposed SAYS WITHDRAWAL DOESN’T MEAN WITHDRAWAL OF DEMAND FOR JUSTICE D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Konyak Union (KU) has clarified that temporary withdrawal of noncooperation against Indian security forces announced

by Eastern Nagaland People’s organisation (ENPO) did not mean withdrawal of its demand for justice.

Mentioning that partial lifting of Armed Forces Special Powers (AFSPA) from Nagaland was not delivering justice as demanded by the Konyak civil society organisations (CSOs), the union in a statement also warned that if there was delay in delivering justice to the victims of December

This is it!

"It's embarrassing when he attacks the previous governments, since I was a senior minister then."

K Y M C

4 and 5, 2021 killings by security forces as demanded, they would resume the noncooperation and the onus would lay with the government, adding that justice delayed was justice denied.

Asserting that that the Konyak CSOs had not compromised their demand for justice as put forth before President Ram Nath Kovind of India, KU reiterated that they would steadfastly adhere to the decision to pursue the case until the justice was met.

It also reiterated the three-point demand – booking all personnel of 21 Indian Para troopers involved

in the killing of 14 innocent civilians and punishing them under civil court, making public the action taken and complete removal of AFSPA from all North Eastern States.

KU explained that the withdrawal of non-cooperation was to restrain any adverse development vis-àvis law and order situation in the region. But while placing trust and confidence upon the people’s authority, it stressed that the people’s demand should not go in vain.

Maintaining that declaring non-cooperation was an expression of peo-

ple’s sentiments, the union cautioned that the temporary withdrawal should not be taken as granted.

The union also questioned the government why action had not been initiated since Special Investigation Team (SIT) report on the incidents had already been submitted.

The union insisted that action should fast-tracked to deliver justice as demanded by the people and as assured

by Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) Maj Gen Vikas Lakhera on February 7 this year at the conference hall of deputy commissioner’s office, Mon.

national body to create judicial infra in states

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): Various chief ministers opposed the idea of the judiciary to have a national body to create court infrastructure in states and wanted such a panel to be set up at the state level with representation of the political executive, sources said on Sunday.

On Friday, the conference of chief justices of high courts had passed a resolution to create a national judicial infrastructure development authority of India.

But on Saturday, at the joint conference of chief ministers and chief justices,

several CMs did not agree with the proposed set up.

They said the panels should be set up at state level and not at the national level since the implementation of the projects would happen in states.

Sources aware of the deliberations at the conference said there was intense discussion on creating the body at the national level.

During the course of discussion there were arguments on the issue between Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and some other chief ministers, sources said.

State Excise department reels under shortage of manpower Staff Reporter

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Manpower shortage has served as a serious handicap to Excise Department in its endeavour to implement The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 in the State properly.

Admitting this while interacting with Nagaland Post, a senior official of the department on condition of anonymity cited the example of Mizoram, which had a population of 12.6

lakh but had a sanctioned strength of 559 personnel as against Nagaland’s 335 for a population of nearly 20 lakh.

The personnel-to-population ratio in Mizoram was thus 1:2254, whereas it was 1:6865 in Nagaland, he pointed out.

And considering the size of population in Nagaland, he said the Excise Department required approximately 1,020 personnel.

However, the official lamented that although

the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act came into being 33 years ago, the State government had not taken any effort to increase the department’s manpower even by 5-10%.

The official also attributed strict implementation of The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 to active involvement of the NGOs there, which he noted was lacking in Nagaland.

He further suggested cooperation and coordination among all State

government departments and stakeholders to ensure proper enforcement of the NLTP Act in Nagaland.

Referring to open sale of liquor, mostly during festive season at carnivals, he mentioned that organisers were approached and cautioned.

The senior excise official however regretted that this fell on deaf years.

On whether the NLTP Act should be partially lifted, the official remarked that it was a dicey situation as morality could not be

enforced by law, but noted that many social evils were eradicated by law.

Giving his personal opinion, the official remarked that he preferred the NLTP Act to stay. He said health of young generation should come first and earning revenue through sale of liquor should be secondary.

The official revealed that the State Excise Department’s estimated revenue generation was approximately Rs 250 crore to Rs 300 crore.

Rijiju and some other CMs later ensured near unanimity to have a body at state level to ensure speedier execution of judicial infrastructure. The proposed body could be in the form of a special purpose vehicle. “...There was a suggestion to include the chief minister or his nominee in the body at the state level.

Most of the states have agreed to adopt this model,” he said at a press conference on Saturday.

Chief Justice of India N V Ramana had mooted judicial infrastructure authorities both at the state and the national levels.

tinue efforts on sensitisation and capacity building of medical officers, health staff and grassroot level workers on heat illness, its early recognition and management.

“Health facility preparedness must be reviewed for availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, IV fluids, ice packs, ORS and all necessar y equipment. Availability of sufficient drinking water at all Health Facilities and continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas must be ensured,” the letter stated.

Health facilities need to increase resilience to extreme heat by arranging uninterrupted electricity for constant functioning of cooling appliances, installation of solar panels, measures to reduce indoor heat through cool/green roof, window shades, shade outside, among others.

No 4th wave in India, says ICMR amid rising Covid cases NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (IANS/AGENCIES): The current spike in the number of daily Covid-19 cases in India cannot be termed as the fourth wave of the pandemic, Samiran Panda, Additional Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told IANS on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Panda said the surge has been observed at district levels, hence it cannot be said that the country is moving towards a fourth wave.

“Some surges have been observed at district levels.

This is a called a blip... Blips are confined to certain geographical regions of the country,” he said. While arguing why this is not the indication of a fourth wave, Panda gave four reasons in favour of the statement. He said that first of all, the surge has been found at some local levels which is due to the testing ratio. “Secondly, what we see is just a blip and we cannot say that entire states are under the grip of Covid.”

Thirdly, there is no increase in the hospital admission across the country, he noted.

And most importantly, according to Panda, no new variant has been found yet which indicates that there is no fourth wave right now.

Some regions of the country have registered spikes in Covid positivity rates.

But, Dr Panda said these increases are mostly due to low testing.

Gov, CM, others greet on Moatsü

DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Nagaland governor Prof.

Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy CM Y. Patton and Western Sumi Hoho have extended Moatsü greetings to the Ao community.

Gov: Extending warm Moatsü greetings to the Ao brothers and sisters and the people of Nagaland, Governor Mukhi said it is a period of recreation after the strenuous activities of clearing fields, burning jungles, sowing seeds, cleaning up the wells and, repair and construction of houses.

This beautiful festival is marked by vigorous songs, dances, feast and merrymaking and also a time to celebrate the strong community bonding and carry on the centuries old traditional legacy, Mukhi said, while wishing all good health, peace and happy celebrations.

CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio also extended Moatsü greetings to the Ao community and prayed that God Almighty's blessings of good health and happiness be upon every household and the festivities strengthen bonds (Cont’d on p-8) of friendship and love.

K Y M C

2

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

KVK, ATMA hold ‘Kisan mela’ under KBPH campaign

DIMAPUR: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) organized “Kisan Mela” under “Kisan Bhagidari, Prathmikta Hamari” campaign across the state.

The campaign was as part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

L o n g l e n g : AT M A Longleng and KVK Longleng organised district level “Kisan Mela” on April 26 with DAO Longleng, Supongmar Longchar as special guest. In his speech, Longchar emphasised on doubling the farmers income through crop rotation and incorporating ITK in day-to-day farming activities. During the mela, officials from agri and allied departments highlighted their ongoing schemes and projects available for the farmers.

Zunheboto: KVK Nagaland University in collaboration with ATMA Zunheboto conducted “Kisan Mela” on April 26 at Multi Cultural Complex, Zunheboto. During the mela, department of agriculture, land resources, animal husbandry and veterinary sci-

ences, soil and water conservation, fisheries and aquatic resources, ATMA, IFAD and KVK highlighted the farmers about the different programmes available in the respective departments. Under the same programme, KVK NU also conducted a campaign on April 28 at Sumi Settsu village.

Dimapur: Kisan Mela was organised on April 26 at ATMA & DAO Office, Dimapur with DC Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan as special guest. According to DIPR, the DC gave a brief glimpse of agriculture status of post-independence era and how India has now caught up with the rest of the world with the scientific ways of farming. In a keynote address, ATMA DPD, Dr Ithika C Swu said the campaign highlights the achievements and activities under various agrarian flagships schemes.

Tuensang: Kisan Mela was celebrated on April 26 at the office complex of KVK, Tuensang and inaugurated by head G.B Chingmelin village Leonba. At the mela, ATMA Tuensang and KVK Tuensang exhibited various technologies and posters on government schemes and programmes while Self

Help Group (SHG) working under the close supervision under of KVK Tuensang displayed their products.

Peren: ICAR-KVK Peren, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jalukie and ATMA, Peren district jointly organised farmers’ fair cum exhibition and Jal Sakti Abhiyan and farmers scientist interaction on April 26 at KVK, Peren Farm.

The campaign was held with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jalukie, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang and dean, CAU, College of Veterinary Jalukie, Sangwan Kumar and NZPO president, Kevipele as special guests. In his speech, Dr. Tinojongshi highlighted the farmers on crop insurance and encouraged them to approach agri. and allied departments for technical assistance.

Phek: ATMA Phek in collaboration with KVK Phek, ICAR-NRCM organised Kisan Mela on April 26 at KVK premises, Porba. At the programme, the farmers were highlighted on various central schemes and were encouraged to avail it. Porba Pfutseri, senior scientist and head in-charge KVK Peren Agriculture officer, Pot-

Officials and others at the ‘Kisan mela’ at Mon.

sulo Theluo, spoke on the various schemes and HEA, Phek Kelvin Khamo delivered a talk on the importance micro-irrigation. AVS Pfutsero, Dr Rosou Pohena, explained about the extension activities undertaken the veterinary department and Besukho Swuro from land resource department Phek gave a detailed package and practices on coffee cultivation relevant to Phek district. Dr T Esther Longkumer from KVK Phek highlighted the activities under taken by the institute while principal scientist Dr Nazrul Haque from ICARNRC on Mithun spoke on the importance of Mithun farming and demonstrated on silage making for cattle feed.

Mon: KVK Mon in collaboration with ATMA Mon organised “Kisan Mela” on April 26 at KVK campus, Aboi with ADC Aboi, Chumlamo Humtsoe as the special guest.

Humtsoe highlighted the role of farmers in bringing about sustainability in food production and urged the participants to work hard for economic upliftment in the district. In a keynote address, senior scientist and head, KVK Mon, Dr. V. Akashe Zhimomi briefed the farmers about the activities like NICRA, NFSM and NMOOP being implemented by the KVK. DAO and project director, ATMA Mon, Renphamo Lotha highlighted various programmes implemented

in the district by the department.

Wo k h a : AT M A Wokha in collaboration with KVK, agriculture and allied department organised a day long, “district kisan mela” on April 26 at KVK Wokha. Special guest of the programme, DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha, who is also the chairman, governing board, ATMA, encouraged the farmers to practice and adopt the technologies developed and imparted

by KVK. Short speeches were also delivered by DAO Wokha, R. Santsu Kithan and Sr. Scientist and head KVK Wokha, Dr. H. Moaakum.

Kohima: ATMA Kohima district in collaboration with KVK, Tesophenyu

1 Death Anniversary

Retired E.E Kariyongdang Japu A year has passed, you are quietly missed and remembered everyday. We carry you in our hearts and cherish the memories which will never be erased from us. dp-1935/22

It has been 365 days that God took you away from us to His safest home. Ever since, you left the journey with us it has had its shares of uncertainties and struggles, yet your love, prayers, faith and guidance have endearingly help us to trust in the unfailing love of God. You are dearly missed and loved with each passing days. We hold you tightly within our hearts and there you will remain. Until the joyous day arrives that we will meet again.

Loving husband, children & relatives k-860/22

on preservation of fodders and Dr. L. Sunitibala Devi on mithun farming.

CIH: Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH) on April 26 organised four awareness and training programmes on various horticultural and marketing aspects at Punglwa B Village, Molvom Village, Chumukedima Village and Medziphema Village. At the programmes, technical team of institute provided awareness and training programme on mushroom cultivation and vegetable cultivation, floriculture and marketing linkage. In a separate event, CIH Nagaland also organised a webinar on “awareness programme on improved production technology of high value and exotic vegetable crops under protected cultivation” on April 28. In an introductory remark, additional commissioner, DA & FW and director in-charge, CIH, Dr. Naveen Patle highlighted on the activities of CIH and stressed on the importance and potential of cultivation of high value crops under protected cultivation in NER.

1st Death anniversary

st

Lt. Neivinuo Zatsu

dp-361/22

organised the mela at High School Junction Kohima with women FIG/CIG/ FSG and progressive farmers from all the seven blocks of Kohima district.

While inaugurating the mela, deputy District Agriculture Officer, Kohima, Kekhrieletuo Yhome encouraged women farmers to come up with more agricultural produce in the field of marketing entrepreneurship.

Farmers Scientist Interaction was also conducted, where Sr. Scientist & Head KVK Tesophenyu Kohima, Ruokuovilie Mezhatsu along with his team interacted with the farmers.

ICAR-NRC on Mithun: Indian Council of A g r i c u l t u r a l Re s e a r c h (ICAR)- National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun, Nagaland organised “Discourse on Agro-Ecological and Livestock Practices” on April 28.

At the programme, director, Dr. Meraj Haider Khan emphasised on how to establish small livestock enterprises and integrate them with agriculture. Principal scientists, Dr. Nazrul Haque gave a presentation

Loving Wife, Sons, Daughters & Loved ones

02/05/2022

02.05.2021

4th Death anniversary

1 Death anniversary

of our beloved

st

Lt. Elisha Kikon

dp-1926/22

In remembrance Lt. L. Yanger Sangtam Died on 2nd May, 1997 Died on 2nd May 2018 In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. Life is not the same to us since you were called away. The hardest part wasn’t losing you; it was learning to live without you. Your beautiful memories, love and words of wisdom are still our guide. You will always stay within our hearts guiding like an angel even though we are parted. For love is everlasting and so our memories. You are deeply missed.

Loving, Wife, Daughters and Sons-in-Law dp-1909/22

acKnOWLeDGemenT

Though your glorious life was abruptly cut short, you continue to be the reason we celebrate life everyday. You continue to inspire and motivate and give our lives a meaning.

Today and always we celebrate you. Remembering you on your 25th Death Anniversary.

Loving wife, children, in-laws, grand children dp-1928/22

acknowledgement

BORN ON: 09 – 05 –1962 DIED ON: 27 – 04 – 2022 “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away”. Job 1: 21

Lt. Z. Khesheli Yepthomi 18.04.1947 – 02.05.2021 In Memory of you dear Mother.......

Yours loving children, in-laws and grand children K Y M C

dp-1929/22

If we could visit Heaven even for a day, maybe for a moment that plan will go away... Living life without you is the hardest thing to do, but the assurance that you are safe in the arms of our Lord eases our pain. We miss you so much mother. You will always remain in our hearts until we meet again.

We, the family of Late Tsanthungo Tsopoe, would like to express our deepest appreciation for everyone’s sympathy as we mourn his loss.

The shared memories from all of you at the visitation and funeral, along with many phone calls, flowers as well as financially, physically and word of condolence meant a great deal to us all.

We would like to convey our special thanks to:1. Bor-Lengri Lotha Baptist Church (BLLBC) 2. BLLBC, Eloe Yangro, Youth and Sunday School Department.

3. Union Baptist Church, Manipuri Bosti.

4. Bor- Lengri Ao Baptist Arogo.

5. Yimkhiung Baptist Church, Bor-Lengri.

6. Bor-Lengri Baptist Pastor Fellowship.

7. Tsopo Yamo Ekhung, Dimapur.

8. Tomphyak Tsuri Ekhung, Dimapur.

9. Lotha Ekhung K/A Assam.

10. Lotha Hoho K/A Assam.

11. Pine Mount School, Principal and Teaching Staff.

12. Dr. W.C Tungoe.

13. Shri. Mhathung Yanthan, (Advisor, GON).

14. Shri. R Chenio Yanthan.

15. Prime Hospital, Doctors and Staff.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every one of you personally, but your considerate act of kindness will always be remembered. May our God in return bless you all immensely.

Loving Wife, Kaka, Ngongo and Relatives. dp-1934/22

With immense gratitude and appreciation, we, the bereaved family of Late Vikho Kapfo, would like to acknowledge and express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, friends, neighbours, churches, unions who stood by us during his prolonged illness and shown us sympathy and kindness with your prayer support, physically and financially during our grief and sorrow at his demise.

To mention few, we extend Born on 21/11/1986 our special thanks to: Died on 25th April, 2022 1. Rev. Dr. Nuvocho 2. Dr. Banuo 3. CBC East Dimapur 4. CBC Women Dept. East Dimapur 5. CBC Youth Dept. East Dimapur 6. CBC Sunday School Dept. East Dimapur 7. NCRC Sumi East Dimapur 8. Losami Welfare Union Dimapur 9. Losami Women Welfare Society Dimapur 10. Axis Bank Staff Purana Bazaar Branch 11. G.B East Dimapur 12. St. Teresa's School Naharbari Dimapur We regret our inability to thank personally, but our humble and sincere prayer to our Almighty God to bless you all abundantly.

With love & prayer Wife, Son, Daughter, Brothers & Family members dp-1932/22 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Are demolition politics in several states a hijack of justice?

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

Tovihoto calls for religious tolerance KBC holds 2nd phase of ‘revival crusade’

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

96% 0% 4%

NEXT POLL

Q: If there is solution after

election should elected member resign?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MAY 2

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Strong t-storms, mainly later

34 23

Sunny intervals

30 18

Aizawl

Guwahati A strong t-storm in spots Imphal

Times of clouds and sun

Itanagar A little afternoon rain

30 22 31 18 29 19

Shillong

A stray afternoon t-storm

24 15

Kohima

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

25 15

Tovihoto Ayemi graces the inaugural function of newly renovated Shree Shree Santoshi Mata Mandir near Dimapur Railway Station on Sunday.

DIMAPUR: Advisor to Power department, H. Tovihoto Ayemi on Sunday called for religious tolerance to ensure peaceful coexistence and prosperity society.

According to media cell of the advisor, Tovihoto said that peaceful co-existence by Christians with different religions in the state

and particularly in Dimapur was a shining example of religious tolerance of the Christians and the people of Nagaland.

The advisor made the call while addressing a gathering of Hindu devotees at the inauguration of newly renovated temple premises of Shree Shree Santoshi

Mata Mandir near Dimapur Railway Station this morning.

He said for years people from other religions have been living together in Dimapur and that there has never been a single recorded report of religion related incident.

He said Shree Shree

Pungro based NGOs repair road

NPF minority wing resolves, support

Dimapur Warmer; a strong p.m. t-storm 33 20

A thunderstorm in spots

27 16

Tuensang A thunderstorm in spots

19 12

Mkg Wokha

Some rain and a thunderstorm 26 17

Zunheboto A stray afternoon t-storm

24 14

CCHE, CICS ink MoU on education DIMAPUR: Capital College of Higher Education (CCHE) Kohima has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Integrated Counselling Services (CICS) on April 29 with an objective to address the “growing need to cater to the emotional, social and behavioural needs of the students”.

A press release by CCHE Kohima stated that the MoU was signed to incorporate holistic approach in education. CCHE principal, Dr. Zokho Venuh thanked CICS for agreeing to become partners in transitioning towards a more holistic approach to education.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

NGOs and administration repair the dilapidated road.

DIMAPUR: After the government failed to repair the road between Cedeyewong village and Vongva village in Pungro sub-division, the Pungro based NGOs in collaboration with the administration repaired the road on their own.

According to Pungro Area College Students’ U n i o n ( PAC S U ) , t h e NGOs and administration

undertook repair work on April 25 with “free will donations”. In a press release, PACSU assembly secretary, K Mukamchem Yimkhiung stated that the road connecting Pungro Sub-Division and Kiphire district has been witnessing sinkage “unseasonably” thereby disturbing normal functioning of transportation.

DIMAPUR: NPF Minority Wing after thorough discussion on the present political development in the state has resolved to stand united and extended support and co-operation to party president, Dr. Shurhozelie and secretary general Achumbemo Kikon following the party principle and constitution.

According to president, NPF Minority Wing, Dimapur division, Shahid Ahmed Barbhuyia the decision was adopted at meeting of the executive held on April 30.

The house has also extended congratulations to Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu, who has been unanimously elected as leader of the NPF Legislature wing/party and Dr Nganshi K Ao as chief whip of NPF Legislature Party.

The Minority Wing appreciated the four MLAs who stood firm, united and strong with NPF party to lead the party worker for the development of Nagaland.

Santoshi Mata Mandir established in 1952 in the heart of Dimapur city, was among many worship places of other religion that bear witness of religious tranquility that prevails in Nagaland.

Stating that every religion teaches about love, peace and harmony and therefore, each religion must have tolerance towards all religion beliefs, Tovihoto called for religious coexistence for peace and harmony.

Dwelling on the significance of ‘Santoshi’, Tovihoto encouraged the devotees of ‘Santoshi Mata’ to be harbingers of religious tolerance and to bear witness of the peaceful co-existence of different faiths in Nagaland.

He also encouraged the people to preach tolerance, mutual love and friendship among diverse sects, which was essential for peaceful co-existence and prosperity society.

Members of Koinonia Baptist Church at the crusade.

DIMAPUR: In commemoration of its 25 years jubilee, Koinonia Baptist Church (KBC) held its second phase of “revival crusade (inter-denominational)” under the theme, “Proclaim the year of the Lord” on April 28 and April 29 at Forest Colony and Chandmari (Taxi Junc-

tion), Kohima respectively.

A press release by KBC stated that the service at Forest colony Community Hall, speaker KBC evangelist, Zashekho Hibo exhorted the congregation with the word of God and said that prayers could “revive the spirit”. Speaker of the service at Chand-

mari Taxi Junction, KBC evangelist, Menuosielie Üsou spoke about the love of God. Meanwhile, KBC has informed that the crusade would continue till July 2022 on Thursdays and Fridays, 5 p.m. onwards.

The church has invited all believers to the crusade.

‘International Labour Day’ celebrated in Nagaland

Organizers and participants at the ‘International Labour Day’ on Sunday.

DIMAPUR: Nagaland joined the rest of the world in celebrating “International Labour Day” also known as “International Workers’ Day” on Sunday. The day is celebrated to raise public awareness about workers’ rights and prevent them from getting exploited.

Assisi: International Labour Day was celebrated at Assisi auditorium wherein deputy labour commissioner, W Tamwang Konyak highlighted the importance of the day and the scheme that were

available for different types of workers.

At the programme, panel lawyer, Dimapur District Legal Services Agency (DDLSA), Yanbemo Ngullie spoke on the dignity of labour and respect keeping in mind the constitutional right under Article 21 Right to Livelihood.

In a welcome note, Sr Pramila spoke on the importance of respecting workers from every field as each work has its own dignity, respect and beauty.

NVCO: Nagaland

Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) celebrated the “International Labour Day” under the theme – “maintaining safety and security at the workplace” at the state capital.

In a press release, NVCO said many workers including workers in Nagaland were not aware of their rights.

It was for their reason the event has been observed to raise public awareness about the workers’ rights and to recognise their accomplishments.

N VC O p r e s i d e n t , Kezhokhoto Savi said that “may day or labour day” was celebrated in order to pay respect to the working class, who were once asked to work for more than eight hours a day and was paid less.

He said under no circumstances, workers should be asked to work for more than 8 hours a day. “Working hours may be extended, but the extra remuneration should be paid in addition to regular wages,” said Savi.

Medical department organises block level health mela across the state NEISSR organises awareness DIMAPUR: Commemorating “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, District Health Society (DHS), Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW), National Health Mission (NHM) supported

by Ministry of H&FW government of India organised block-level health mela across Nagaland.

Kohima: In Kohima, the mela was organised by DHS Kohima on April 30 at Chedema Health and Wellness Centre. According to DIPR report, Khriehu Liezietsu, MLA hoped that through the health mela, the people would be well informed about the health issues and that they would grab the opportunity and avail the health care services. DC Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie called upon the gathering to avail the health services in various fields provided by the medical and line departments at their doorsteps.

CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo said the mela was a platform to offer a bouquet of health services free of cost and to enhance the awareness on different schemes.

Wokha: In Wokha, the mela was organised by department of H&FW Wokha on April 30 at Likya Community Hall.

Deputy CMO Wokha, Dr. Zuben Kikon said the objective of the mela was to generate Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna cards and non-communicable disease health card. He also urged the beneficiaries to avail the free health services.

Tuensang: DHS Tuensang organised a block K Y M C

A patient being examined at the mela at Longleng

Elderly women at the mela at Zunheboto.

level health mela on April 30 in three villages namely at Alisopur (Chare block), Lirise (Longkhim block) and Yangpi (Noksen block).

Peren: DHS Peren organised block health mela on April 30 at Tening Community Health Centre (CHC) and Ahthibung Primary Health Centre (PHC).

At the programme, EAC Nsong, Yimkum I Ozukum encouraged the community to adopt healthy life style stating that the health mela was introduced with the target of improving the health status of the population Earlier, DHS Peren also organised block health mela on April 29 at the District Hospital, Peren, where SDO (Civil), Kemciyile urged the public to avail quality healthcare facilities, create awareness and make use of the health services available. MS, DH, Peren Dr. K. Limatula highlighted about the health mela and its objectives.

Nuiland: Block Health Mela was held on April 29 at Community Health Centre (CHC) Nuiland, where DC Niuland, Ajit

Khing urged the public to take care of their health and to avail free services and medicines. The advisor also appealed the people to extend cooperation in various government activities.

DC Tseminyu, Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi thanked the medical department for supplying medicines to the rural people and the committee members for their cooperation.

Zunheboto: Block health mela organised by department of H&FW Zunheboto which was commenced on April 28 at all six different blocks under the district concluded on April 30.

Mon: DHS Mon held a block health mela under Mon block on April 29 at District Hospital, Mon, where DC Mon, Thavaseelan K said the melas were organised to build awareness about different health programmes and schemes under health department.

Longleng: Health melas was conducted in the three blocks of Longleng between April 18 to April 30 by DHS Longleng.

The melas were held at the Primary Health Centre

Kumar Verma emphasised upon the preventive and curative aspects of health services. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr. I. Moatemjen highlighted the various services provided during the health mela. He urged the public to get their digital health ID generated, COVID vaccination and avail the health services.

Mokokchung: A block level health mela was organised by DHS Mokokchung on April 28 at Community Health Centre, Mangkolemba.At the inaugural programme, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mokokchung, Dr. Chubala highlighted the aims and objectives of conducting the health mela.

Short speeches were also delivered by SDO (C) Mangkolemba, Bodi Kapfo and convenor, All ward Council Association.

Tseminyu: DHS Tseminyu conducted a health mela on April 29 at PHC Tesophenyu, which was graced by advisor Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services & Women Resource Development, R Khing.

In his short speech,

(PHC) Naimching village, PHC Yongnyah block and Community Health Centre (CHC) at Tamlu block.

Mokokchung: Block health mela concluded on April 30 at Tuli CHC, Mokokchung. The health mela was conducted at all the blocks of Mokokchung district namely, Sabangya, Changtongya, Alongkima, Mangkolemba, Tsurangkong and Tuli from April 25-30.

P h e k : B l o c k l eve l health mela launched by De puty Commissioner (DC) Phek, Razouvolie Dozo was conducted across Phek district on April 29-30.

Apart from health services registration of PMJAY, Eshram registration and disability assessment camp were carried out.

Changtongya: A block level health mela was organised by DHS Mokokchung on April 26 at Community Health Centre, Changtongya, where SDO (C) Changtongya, Rorheu Peseyie highlighted the objective of the health mela and urged the public to avail the services provided at the health mela.

CMO Mokokchung, Dr. R. Chubala Aier stated that the health mela was organised to improve the health status of the population, through various schemes and also to create awareness and educate the public about different health programmes.

Bhandari: DHS Wokha conducted a health mela for Bhandari block on April 28 at Town Hall, Bhandari, where DVBO, Wokha, Dr. William Humtsoe said delivering quality health care services and providing essential medicine at free of cost was not only to provide health benefit to the people but also to help them understand the importance of timely investigation, detection, treatment and recovery.

Senior Medical Officer, CHC Bhandari, Dr. Caroline T asked the people to continue to avail the health care facilities which are carefully and systematically provided under various health care programs.

Sechu Zubza: DHS Kohima in collaboration with the Ayush, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj Institution, Directorate of Urban Development organised a block level health mela on April 28 at PHC Sechu Zubza, At the programme, advisor for Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha called upon the public to avail the best opportunity as modern equipment and facilities are at their doorsteps. Keneizhakho Nakhro, MLA, also encouraged the citizens to avail the facilities provided free of cost.

camp on blood donation

DIMAPUR: An awareness programme on blood donation and blood donation camp was organised

by North East Institute of Social Sciences’ & Research (NEISSR) in collaboration with Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) on April 29 at NEISSR Hall, Dimapur.

A press release by NEISSR stated that the resource persons for the programme were social worker/PRO blood centre, Arhomo C Ngullie and technical supervisor, blood centre, Gaikhonlungpou.

During the session, Gaikhonglungpou highlighted the importance of donating blood as it cannot be manufactured but could only come as a “gift from people”.

He stressed on the importance of voluntary blood donation and the potential magnitude of service it renders to the people in need of blood.

Highlighting on the functions of various blood components, the resource person said, a person has 5-6 litres of blood in their body, out of which only 350-450 ml of blood was collected during donation.

He went on to say that a person can donate blood every 90 and that a single blood donation could save up to three lives.

Stressing on the importance of donors undergoing screening test for Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs) before donation, Gaikhonglungpou said infectious diseases could be transmitted to patient through blood from infected donors.

He also stressed on the strict guidelines followed during the medical examination at blood camps; the procedures the donors have to follow during the process blood donation and the amount of aid the donor can do to the beneficiary to save life.

K Y M C

4

NORTHEAST

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Tripura Congress leader’s Kovind to be first President to attend Assam CM wants UCC, says it PSO, driver injured in attack regional language literary meet in NE will honour Muslim women

Himanta Biswa Sarma

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly pitched for implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country, saying no Muslim woman wants her husband to have three wives.

Sarma here on Sunday also met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who recently said his BJP government would prepare the draft of a UCC to be implemented in the northern state.

The Assam chief minister said all Muslims whom he has met wanted the UCC. “No Muslim woman wants her husband to have

three wives. No one wants this. You can ask any Muslim woman. No one would tell you that her husband should marry three women.

Who wants this,” he told reporters here on Saturday.

Sarma said Muslim man marrying more than one woman was not his problem but of the Muslim mothers and sisters.

He said if Muslim women and mothers have to be given honour in the society, after the Triple Talaq (law), the UCC has to be put in place.

“I am a Hindu and I have the UCC. For my sister and daughter, I have the UCC. If I have UCC for

my daughter, then Muslim daughters must have that protection,” he said.

After taking the charge as Uttarakhand chief minister for the second time, Dhami said on March 24 that his government will prepare the draft of a UCC to be implemented in the state.

“The (state) cabinet has unanimously approved the proposal. We also expect other states to follow us,” he had said.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said on April 23 that the state government is thinking seriously in the direction of the implementation of the UCC. “One law for all in one country is the need of the hour. It is required that we should get out of the system of one law for one person and another for others. We are in favour of a common civil code,” Maurya said.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said on April 25 that his government is open to implement the UCC in the state.

AGARTALA, MAY 1 (PTI): The personal security officer (PSO) and driver of senior Tripura Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman were on Sunday injured when they were attacked allegedly by a group of miscreants in Krishnanagar area here, police said.

The incident took place when the former state health minister was having a meeting with advocate Samik Deb. “I went to the advocate’s residence for legal consultation today. Suddenly, I heard a commotion outside the house. When I came out, I saw my driver Abhijit Dutta screaming for help”, Roy Barman told reporters.

“My PSO, Ramesh Bin, who was also injured, escaped from the scene. On being alerted, the police came in, found them, and took them to IGM hospital”, he said.

The driver might have suffered a fracture in his hand, the Congress leader said. Roy Barman, a fiveterm MLA, had left the saffron camp to join the Congress in February this year.

The former Tripura health

minister had joined the Trinamool Congress along with five other MLAs in 2016 and switched over to the BJP a year later.

Acting on a specific complaint by Ramesh Bin, the police have registered a case. “An FIR has been registered following a complaint lodged by the personal security guard of the former minister, and we are investigating the case. No arrest has been made so far”, Officer in Charge (OC), Agartala West police station, Subrata Chakraborty said.

Asish Saha, a member of the Tripura Pradesh Congress core committee alleged that the BJP-backed ‘bike bahini’ (biker gangs) was involved in the attack on the former minister’s personal security officer and driver.

“For the past four years, the BJP-led government has been unleashing terror to throttle the right and liberty of people. We have given 24 hours to the police to book all the accused persons or else the party will stage demonstrations”, Saha said at a press conference.

Makhan Khuman Village rejoinder to April 29 incident DIMAPUR: Makhan Khuman Village (MKV) secretary A. Athili has issued a clarification in connection with the news item and incident on April 29.

In a press note, Athili said that on April 29 night some youths from his village had gone outing to Kashi/Barak river and on their return, they halted at Maram Bazar to wait for some friends who were left behind, inside their vehicles.

During the time, he said some youths from Maram bazar area approached them and started to interrogate the occupants allegedly using abusive words and asked them to get down from their vehicles. Suddenly, he claimed that an intoxicated youth from among the group slapped one K. Hepuni without any provocation and ran away. Another

youth D. Alayee was attacked with a blunt object from behind while he trying to intervene, he said.

On learning about the incident, he said he along with Makhan Khuman village authority, Makhan Khuman Youth and students’ president rushed to the spot to resolve the matter. However, he alleged that a large group of Maram bazar residents had gathered at the site and refused to resolve the matter thereby provoking the incident. The youth and students’ president was brutally thrashed by those gathered there, he alleged.

This unfortunate incident flared up in spite of the presence of Maram leaders Solomon of Maram Bazar, K. Daniel of Maram Bazar, Pungdi Celestine, secretary of Maram Union, Dr. Anthony of Maram Bazar, Kuba Karaiba of Maram

Bazar and others, as they were unable to defuse the incident, Athili said.

In no time, a large group began to destroy houses and other properties which forced the residents to leave their houses for safety with their children.

The Makhan Khuman Village Authority had informed the Mao Police Station as the mob continued to attack the village. As police from different police stations came to take stock of the situation, Athili claimed that the agitated residents began to attack the police during which the vehicles were also damaged.

Athili alleged that the incident was “pre-planned intention” to destabilize the tranquillity of the area and create the situation as it was seen that stones and pebbles were piled up at specific locations from

Assam Rifles Gate No.2 till Maram Bazar Catholic Church, resorting to simultaneous pelting of stones at the houses and people in Makhan Khuman side.

He further alleged that the residents also resorted to gun firing and has wilfully shut all the lights in bazar areas to conceal their identity before taking out the attack.

He also refuted the allegation of the involvement of the security personnel of N. Kayisii, MLA. In this regard, he said the OC of Maram police station investigated and found that neither service weapons were used nor the security personnel were present at the site as alleged, adding that the allegation of possession of arms by K. Hepuni and friends were absolutely fictitious.

He also said that the use of an official gypsy,

with siren, by one Robinson was also false as upon enquiry no gypsy with siren was used by the MLA. Athili alleged that it was bazar residents who created the incident in the first place and escalated the incident.

He said that whatever crime the residents of Maram bazar had committed was blamed on the innocent Makhan Khuman youths.

After committing the heinous crime, he said the culprits in order to cover up the crime began to play the victim card as done in the past. “But we will stand by the truth and justice. I urge the concern authority to immediately booked the culprits and deliver justice as per law of the land,” he said Athili also said that an FIR was lodged against the culprits involved.

Border Bandwidth: Northeast states Assam: 18 killed in e-connect with the world via B’desh storms, lightning in April AG A RTA L A / S H I L LONG, MAY 1 (IANS): After India developed waterways, railway and road connectivity between the northeast region and the rest of the country and the world via Bangladesh, New Delhi recently connected the land-locked region with the remaining parts of the country and the world through telecommunications via the neighbouring country.

For making available high quality and high speed internet access to the northeastern states of India, the state owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has recently commissioned additional international bandwidth for internet connectivity through Cox’s Bazar in southeast Bangladesh. This will also facilitate in reduction of latency and congestion in internet traffic to and from the region.

BSNL officials in Agartala said that the availability of high speed internet access would help in the establishment of software parks and high speed data centres for business purposes in the northeastern states.

“It would benefit the citizens in accessing various e-services including e-governance, e-education, e-health, e-commerce, ebanking and other digital services. Arrangement of additional international bandwidth for internet connectivity would also boost employment and tourism in these states,” the official told

IANS, refusing to be named.

He said that the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunication is providing BSNL with subsidy and financial support of 80 per cent for three years for the two recently commissioned international bandwidth each with 10 gigabyte bandwidth.

The Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited has maintained the Cox’s Bazar’s high capacity International Internet Gateway (IIG). The northeastern states, surrounded by China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal besides Bangladesh, got international internet connectivity through Mumbai and Chennai IIGs, but the long distance created problems like very slow speed and drop of linkages.

The new telecommunication arrangements, according to the experts, would further boost the trade, economy and tourism prospects of the northeast-

ern states. Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industry President M L Debnath said that the newly commissioned additional international bandwidth for internet connectivity through Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh would not only boost the trade and economy of India’s northeastern region but it would also facilitate tourism, education, and people-to-people contact in a greater way.

“As we are now living in the digital world, high speed internet connectivity is the crucial part of the virtual era. The government’s steps would also boost information technology and employment generation,” Debnath told IANS. Before the telecommunication links, India and Bangladesh during the past few years have expanded the waterways between the two neighbours. India’s West Bengal and Assam are now connected with several waterways of Bangladesh.

GUWAHATI, MAY 1 (PTI): At least 18 people died in Assam in the month of April due to lightning and storms that struck different parts of the state, an official said.

Houses and other infrastructure have also been damaged owing to the inclement weather condition, he said. The northeastern state has been receiving heavy rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms since the beginning of April, leaving a trail of destruction, the official said.

An Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) bulletin, updated till late Saturday,

said three persons were killed by lightning on Friday in Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Dhubri districts.

As many as 14 people were killed in lightning and storms within a span of three days since April 15.

Among the deceased were at least two minors, the official said.

A l t o ge t h e r, 4 , 6 3 0 people in 325 villages have been affected by torrential rain and storms over the last three days, the ASDMA bulletin said.

More than 1,000 houses were damaged during the month along with several schools and Anganwadi centres.

Mizoram logs 34 fresh coronavirus cases AIZAWL, MAY 1 (PTI): Mizoram reported 34 fresh COVID-19 cases on Sunday, 49 less than the previous day, pushing the tally to 2,27,453, a health department official said.

The COVID-19 death toll remained at 696 as no new fatality was reported since Thursday, he said.

The single-day positivity rate dipped to 5.58 per cent from 15.46 per cent the previous day, as the fresh cases were detected from 609 samples tested on Saturday, he said.

Mizoram now has 628 active COVID-19 cases, while 2,26,129 people have recovered from the infection so far, including 40 people on Sunday, he said.

The COVID-19 recovery rate now is 99.42 per cent and the death rate is 0.30 per cent.

According to state Immunisation officer Lalmuanawma Jongte over 8.48 lakh people have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccine till Saturday.

GUWAHATI, MAY 1 (IANS): For the first time, the President will attend and address the regional language literary meet in the northeast region, which presents a complex linguistic mosaic and jealously preserved over 200 dialects.

President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to address the valedictory session of the 61st annual conference of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) in western Assam’s Tamulpur on May 4. The three-day conference begins on Monday.

The Assam government has sanctioned special casual leave to the state government employees who would participate in the conference to be held ay Kachubari in Tamulpur under Bodoland Territorial Region.

“This would be a historic occasion as no President of India has ever attended any literary event of any language in the northeast region,” BSS President Toren C. Boro said on Sunday. Over 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the three-day conference from different parts of the world.

10 malarial deaths in Mizoram in 2021: Official AIZAWL, MAY 1 (PTI): Although the rate of malarial deaths has declined in the last few years, 10 people succumbed to the mosquitoborne disease in Mizoram in 2021, a senior health official has said. Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM), Dr Eric Zomawia, at an event in which Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana was the chief guest, on Saturday said that 5,637 people were diagnosed with malaria in the state in 2021 and 10 patients died between June and September last year.

He said that 354 people have been diagnosed with malaria in January and February this year but no fatalities have been recorded so far. Zomawia said that Mamit, Lawngtlai and Lunglei are the most transmission-risk districts.

Ram Nath Kovind

A large number of people speaking Bodo language livein Bangladesh, Nepal, Tripura, Nagaland and West Bengal besides Assam.

The BSS has undertaken a massive campaign and arrangement to make the event successful. It has also released a theme song for the conference.

Inspired by the Assam Sahitya Sabha (ASS), the BSS was formed in 1952 for the development of literature, culture, and language.

It is playing a leading role in maintaining coordination among different ethnic groups. The influential ASS was formed in 1917 primarily to promote Assamese literature.

The Bodos (or Boros), once were a powerful and dominant race in the entire northeastern India but are at present struggling for the bare existence. Racially, the Bodos, the earliest known ethnic group to inhabit Assam with their distinctive culture and linguistic traits belong to the Mongoloid stock of the Indo-Mongoloids or Indo-Tibetans, an official document said.

The Assam government recognised the Bodo language as an associate official language of the state in 2020 after the signing of the Bodo peace accord between the Centre, Assam government and four Bodo militant outfits in January 2020.

NIA conducts searches in Assam in CPI(Maoist) case GUWAHATI, MAY 1 (PTI): The NIA has conducted searches at two locations in Assam’s Kamrup district in connection with a case involving members of the outlawed CPI(Maoist) who allegedly worked to spread their network in the northeast region of the country, the NIA said on Sunday. The case pertains to the arrest of Maoist leader Arun Kumar Bhattacharjee, a member of the CPI (Maoist)’s Central Committee, and Akash Orang, a member of its Assam State Organising Committee, by the Assam Police in Cachar district in March, an official spokesperson of the NIA said. Bhattacharjee, known as ‘Kanchan Da’, was nabbed from a tea garden under Udharbond police station in March.

The 72-year-old leader

was tasked with setting up a state-level committee of the CPI (Maoist) in Assam and create a “red corridor” from a neighbouring country to other Maoist-hit states of India like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

“He is a big catch for Guwahati Police... His job was also to organise state party congress, recruit local cadres and purchase weapons here. We seized one laptop, a mobile phone, a huge amount of incriminating documents and Rs 3.6 lakh cash from his possession,” Guwahati Police Commissioner Harmeet Singh had told a press conference after his arrest in March. The accused, along with their other associates, were involved in spreading the network of CPI (Maoist) in Assam and the northeast region.

Drugs seized in Lahorijan B O K A J A N , M AY 1 (AGENCIES): Acting on a tip-off,the Karbi Anglong police seized a huge quantity of heroin from a truck at Lahorijan over NH 36 along Assam-Nagaland border in East Karbi Anglong on Sunday.Police also arrested the driver of the vehicle in connection to the seizure of heroin.

Based on a specific information, in-charge Lahorijan SI(UB) Deba Protim Konwar and staff intercepted a 1109 truck bearing registration number AS 01JC 2511 and on checking the vehicle, the police team recovered 9 soap boxes containing 109 grams heroin from the tool box of the vehicle.

Consignment of Heroin along with money seized by Bokajan police.

Police arrested the driver identified as 28 year old Thoudam Nongdsmba Meitei, a resident of Thoubal district in Manipur. Cash amounting to Rs 13,500 was also seized from the arrested person. “During preliminary interrogation

it has been learnt that the consignment of drugs was brought from Manipur and was supposed to be delivered at Guwahati in Assam. We are working on the leads and a detailed investigation is on.” APS John Das, SDPO Bokajan said.

‘Illegal coal trader’ killed after escaping from police custody in Assam HAILAKANDI (ASSAM), MAY 1 (PTI): A person allegedly involved in illegal coal trade, who fled from police custody, was killed in police firing in Assam’s Hailakandi district in the early hours on Sunday, a top police officer said.

The accused was arrested in Suterkandi area of Karimganj district on Saturday morning in connection with alleged illegal transportation of coal, Hailakandi superintendent of police Gaurav Upadhyay said.

When he was being taken to a hospital in Lala town for a routine medical check-up, he managed to escape taking advantage of heavy traffic, the

SP said. The accused escaped at around 11.30 am on Saturday and immediately police started a search operation in nearby areas and alerted their counterparts of bordering states, the SP said.

Based on specific information that the accused would try to escape through Lakhinagar area, about 10 km from Lala town, a police check post was set up there. “At around 1.30 am on Sunday, the accused tried to cross the checkpoint with another person on a motorbike.

When police tried to stop them, they opened fire on our team.

“In retaliatory firing, the accused was injured, though the other person managed to

escape,” the senior police officer said.

The accused was rushed to SK Roy Civil Hospital in Hailakandi town, where he was declared brought dead, he added.

A police constable has been suspended in connection with the escape of the accused while being taken to the hospital.

The SP said the accused had more than 50 cases of land scam, illegal trade, fake currency, and forgery pending against him.

He said the deceased was the mastermind of the illegal coal syndicate of Barak Valley and a CBI inquiry is also going on against him.

Europe partners in India’s quest for peace: PM

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): Ahead of his visit to Germany, Denmark and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his trip to Europe comes at a time when the region faces many challenges and choices, and that he intends to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with India’s European partners.

In a statement, Modi said he will be visiting Berlin on May 2 at the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, following which he will travel to Copenhagen on May 3-4 at the invitation of his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen to hold bilateral engagements and also participate in the Second India-Nordic Summit.

On the way back to India, Modi said, he will make a brief stopover in Paris for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“My visit to Europe comes at a time when the region faces many challenges and choices,” Modi said.

“Through my engagements, I intend to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with our European partners, who are important companions in India’s quest for peace and prosperity,” the prime minister said in his departure statement.

The visit comes amid the Ukraine crisis, which

has united much of Europe against Russia.

Detailing his engagements, Modi said his visit to Berlin will be an opportunity to hold detailed bilateral discussions with Chancellor Scholz, whom he met at G20 last year in his previous capacity as Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister.

“We will co-chair the 6th India-Germany InterGovernmental Consultations (IGC), a unique biennial format which India conducts only with Germany.

Several Indian ministers will also travel to Germany and hold consultations with their German counterparts,” Modi said.

The prime minister said he sees this IGC as an early engagement with the new government in Germany, within six months of its formation, which will be helpful to identify priorities for the medium and long term.

In 2021, India and Germany commemorated 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations and have been strategic partners since 2000, he noted.

“I look forward to exchanging views with Chancellor Scholz on strategic, regional and global developments that concern us both,” Modi said.

Noting that the long

5

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Narendra Modi

standing commercial ties between India and Germany form one of the pillars of their strategic partnership, Modi said Chancellor Scholz and he will also jointly address a Business Roundtable with the goal of energising their industry to industry cooperation, which will help strengthen the postCovid economic recovery in both countries.

“Continental Europe is home to over one million persons of Indian origin, and Germany has a significant proportion of this Diaspora. The Indian Diaspora is an important anchor in our relations with Europe and therefore I will take the opportunity of my visit to the continent to meet our brothers and sisters there,” the prime minister said.

From Berlin, Modi said, he will travel to Copenhagen where he will have a

bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen which will provide an opportunity to review the progress in India’s unique ‘Green Strategic Partnership’ with Denmark, as well as other aspects of bilateral relations.

“I will also participate in the India-Denmark Business Roundtable as well as interact with the Indian community in Denmark,” Modi said.

Apart from the bilateral engagements with Denmark, Modi said he will also take part in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway where they will take stock of cooperation since the First IndiaNordic Summit in 2018.

“The Summit will focus on subjects like post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, innovation and technology, renewable energy, the evolving global security scenario and IndiaNordic cooperation in the Arctic region,” Modi said.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the prime minister said he will also meet the leaders of the other four Nordic countries and review the progress in India’s bilateral relations with them.

Noting that Nordic countries are important partners for India in sustain-

ability, renewable energy, digitisation and innovation, he said the visit will help in expanding India’s multifaceted cooperation with the Nordic region.

“During my retur n journey, I will stopover in Paris to meet my friend, President Macron. President Macron has very recently been re-elected, and my visit just 10 days after the result will not only allow me to convey my personal congratulations in-person, but also reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries,” Modi said.

“This will also give us the opportunity to set the tone of the next phase of the India-France Strategic Partnership. President Macron and I will share assessments on various regional and global issues and will take stock of ongoing bilateral cooperation,” he said.

Modi said it is his firm belief that two countries that share such similar vision and values for the global order must work in close cooperation with each other.

Government sources on Saturday had said that in his first visit abroad this year, Prime Minister Modi will have 25 hectic engagements in his three-day trip to as many countries where he will be spending around 65 hours.

You deceived Balasaheb as he was gullible, but I am shrewd: Uddhav to BJP MUMBAI, MAY 1 (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said since he had seen the BJP deceive his “gullible” father and Sena founder Bal Thackeray, he himself was acting shrewdly with that party and cannot ignore the “games” it played in the guise of Hindutva.

In a veiled attack on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, the chief minister said he does not pay attention to “new players” of Hindutva. Without naming the MNS, he also said the party was making experiments to see if any cause was working for it or not.

Speaking during an interaction organised by Marathi daily ‘Loksatta’, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of deceiving Bal Thackeray during the latter’s lifetime when the two parties were still partners.

“It is alleged that the Shiv Sena is not the same which it was during Balasaheb Thackeray’s time. It is right. Balasaheb bhole hote (Balasaheb was gullible),” he said.

“I have myself seen how you deceived Balasaheb from time to time. Hence, I

Uddhav Thackerey

am behaving a bit shrewdly with you. I am not gullible.

He was ignoring the games you played in the guise of Hindutva. But I won’t ignore it,” he added. The chief minister said his father inculcated Hindutva in him.

When asked about Raj Thackeray, he said, “I don’t pay attention to such players. People have experienced exactly what games these players play and on what grounds. Sometimes they play the game of Marathi, sometimes of Hindutva… the people of Maharashtra have seen such games.”

In the past, the MNS had raised the cause of Marathi people, while of late it has taken a pro-Hindutva stand. In his rally held last month, Raj Thackeray had given an ultimatum to the state government to remove loudspeakers from

mosques by May 3, failing which Hanuman Chalisa would be played at a higher volume outside these religious places. “...In the last two years, theatres and cinema halls were shut due to the pandemic. So, if one is getting entertained for free, why shouldn’t he/she enjoy it?”

Uddhav Thackerat quipped, apparently referring to the speeches made by Raj Thackeray, who is scheduled to address a public rally in Aurangabad Sunday evening.

The chief minister further said a consumer returns a product if he/she does not like it in the era of marketing. Similarly, the party is making experiments to see if a cause is working for it or not, he said without naming the MNS. The Shiv Sena is a “Hindutvawadi” party, he added.

He said the Supreme Court’s order on noise pollution is meant for the entire country and the Centre should issue an order to implement the same.

The chief minister said he had not read the apex court’s order, but tried to understand it. He added that from what he understood, the order does not talk about removing only certain loudspeakers.

Focus needed on employment & No 4th Covid wave in India, BJP creating artificial issues like ‘Hindi economy, not on bringing UCC: Owaisi only local spike: ICMR language’ debate, hijab controversy

AURANGABAD, MAY 1 (PTI): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said BJP leaders talk about bringing a Uniform Civil Code, but the country does not require it as of now, and focus should be on the growth of economy and generating employment.

The Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad was talking to reporters here on Saturday after attending an Iftar party organised by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen’s (AIMIM) Aurangabad MP Imtiaz Jaleel.

“Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP leaders are saying that they will bring a Uniform Civil Code, but it is not the country’s need today. The economy has gone down...passenger trains in the country are being cancelled to transport coal (in the wake of electricity crisis). The unemployment is growing which

Asaduddin Owaisi

requires focus,” Owaisi said.

The Law commission has also said that the Uniform Civil Code is not needed, he added.

On MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s rally scheduled in Aurangabad on Sunday evening, Owaisi said as the government has now given permission for it and it is their responsibility to maintain law and order.

“We feel the environment in Maharashtra should be peaceful,” he said.

The state has been witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, and the opposition BJP. Recently, Raj Thackeray sought to corner the Shiv Sena, which swears by ‘Hindutva’, by demanding that loudspeakers on mosques be removed.

The state also witnessed another political row playing out when independent MP Navneet Rana and her husband and MLA Ravi Rana announced that they would recite the Hanuman Chalisa in front of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s private residence `Matoshree’ in Bandra area of Mumbai.

The couple dropped the plan eventually, but were arrested for ‘sedition’ and ‘promoting enmity between different groups’.

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (IANS): The current spike in the number of daily Covid-19 cases in India cannot be termed as the fourth wave of the pandemic, Samiran Panda, Additional Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told IANS on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Panda said the surge has been observed at district levels, hence it cannot be said that the country is moving towards a fourth wave.

“Some surges have been observed at district levels. This is a called a blip...

Blips are confined to certain geographical regions of the country,” he said. While arguing why this is not the indication of a fourth wave, Panda gave four reasons in favour of the statement.

He said that first of all, the surge has been found at some local levels which is due to the testing ratio.

Samiran Panda

“Secondly, what we see is just a blip and we cannot say that entire states are under the grip of Covid.”

Thirdly, there is no increase in the hospital admission across the country, he noted.

And most importantly, according to Panda, no new variant has been found yet which indicates that there is no fourth wave right now.

While talking about the positivity rate, he said that sometimes the rate goes up because of low testing.

KO L K AT A , M AY 1 (PTI): Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has alleged that the BJP was creating “artificial issues” such as the debate over “Hindi as the national language” or hijab controversy to divide Indians and cautioned people against fighting amongst themselves “on the saffron party’s terms”.

Singhvi, in an interview with PTI, called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a “vital and indispensable” part of the anti-BJP space but refused to acknowledge her as the only opposition face.

On Congress-TMC relations, the Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal said that the Trinamool Congress’s attack on the Congress was in the context of assembly elections in Goa and other states, and “we will have to wait for the

Patiala clashes: Key accused among six more arrested PATIALA/ NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI/IANS): The main accused Barjinder Singh Parwana, was among the six more people arrested in connection with the clashes here that had left four people injured, the Punjab Police said on Sunday.

Two groups had clashed on Friday over an anti-Khalistan march, hurling stones at each other and brandishing swords, forcing police to fire in the air to bring the situation under control.

With the arrest of six more people, the number of accused who had been nabbed so far reached nine, said police.

Addressing the media here, Inspector General of Police (Patiala range) Mukhwinder Singh Chhina said, “The main accused Barjinder Singh Parwana has been arrested from Mohali.”

Parwana, 38, was presented before a court here and was sent to 4-day police remand.

A resident of Rajpura in the district, Parwana is one of the masterminds of Friday’s incident, according to the police. He had been accused of provoking the Sikh radicals to move towards the Kali Mata temple on Friday.

Parwana alias Sunny is a man with criminal antecedents with four FIRs

Barjinder Singh Parwana, main accused in the Patiala violence case, being produced before Patiala court. (PTI)

lodged against him in the past. Three of these cases were registered in Patiala and one in Mohali, according to police.

Parwana, a graduate, is known for making provocative speeches on social media. He went to Singapore in 2007-08 and returned after staying there for 18 months. He set up his own Sikh seminary ‘Damdami Taksal’ at Rajpura. He had also participated in the farmers’ protest against the three central farm laws.

IG Chhina said police also arrested Shankar Bhardwaj, an accomplice of Harish Singla, and Ashwani Kumar Gaggi Pandit, who made hate speeches.

Bhardwaj is district president of Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray). Besides, police also arrested Shivdev, a resident of village Bal Sikandar in Fatehgarh Sahib district; Davinder Singh, a resident of Haryana’s Jind; and Rajinder Singh, a resident of Samana in Patiala.

The IG said so far nine people have been arrested in connection with the clashes.

Chhina said police would take stern action if anyone is found trying to disturb peace and communal harmony.

He further said strict action would be taken against those who spread provocative content on social media.

Police had already arrested

Harish Singla, the working president of ‘Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray)’.

Six FIRs have been registered in the matter and a total of 25 people had been named in them.

Meanwhile, De puty Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney appealed to people not to share any objectionable videos or messages on social media which could lead to unrest in society and create conflict between communities.

She said information about such posts should be reported through direct message on the Twitter handle @DCPatialaPb and WhatsApp number for taking suitable legal action in the matter.

Sawhney further said peace committee meetings were being held in all the subdivisions of the district.

The clash had taken place outside the Kali Mata temple when members of the ‘Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray)’ began a ‘Khalistan Murdabad March’. Some Sikh activists, including Nihangs, took out another march against the Sena event. Four people were injured in the incident.

Applauding the Punjab government, AAP leader Malvinder Kang said the state police arrested the mastermind of the incident within 48 hours.

Kejriwal has soft corner for Khalistan supporters: BJP

The BJP on Sunday hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) for supporting Khalistan ideology and claimed that a close aide of AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanded separate nation for Sikhs.

Sharing screenshots of one Harpreet Singh Bedi’s tweets, state president social media of AAP Himachal Pradesh, national Secretary BJP Youth wing BJYM Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga alleged that the AAP leader demanded Khalistan, a separate nation for Sikhs. “@Ar vindKejriwal close aide and Aam Aadmi Party leader demanded Khalistan, separate Nation for Sikhs,” Bagga tweeted.

Bagga told IANS that Kejriwal has a soft corner for the Khalistan supporters and it is evident. “Kejriwal has soft corner for the Khalistan supporters, he spent a night at the residence of terrorist during last Punjab Assembly polls. Kejriwal or Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has not said a single word against Khalistan supporters involved in Patiala violence that strict action will be taken against those involved in the incident. AAP lead-

Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga

ers supporting Khalistan and Kejriwal not taking any action against them show he supports their separatist agenda,” Bagga said.

Himachal Pradesh BJP social media head, Puneet Sharma claimed that the anti-national agenda of AAP has been exposed once again.”The anti national agenda of AAP has been exposed once again. The tweets by social media head of AAP Himachal state have proved that Arvind Kejriwal has links with Khalistanis.

Patriotic citizens of ‘virbhoomi’ of Himachal will give befitting reply to those who talk about breaking the country,” Sharma tweeted.

Himachal Pradesh BJP president Suresh Kashyap has retweeted Sharma’s tweet.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi

whole thing to pan out for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls”.

He said that reforms are needed in the Congress but it doesn’t necessarily have to take place holding the hand of poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who did not join the grand old party after negotiations between the two sides failed.

“BJP is fishing in troubled waters, it is creating Frankenstein monsters... they want to divide, scare, provoke and antagonise

people. Someday they bring up hijab, someday they find language. These are artificially created issues. They draw you into the debate because it suits them...don’t fight on their terms,” he said on the sidelines of the annual awards ceremony of the Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust in Kolkata on Saturday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in April that Hindi should be accepted as an alternative to English and not to local languages evoked a controversy.

Presiding over the 37th Parliamentary Official Language Committee meeting in Delhi, Shah had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that the medium of running the government is in the official language and this would definitely increase the importance of Hindi.

Cong slams govt over hike in price of commercial LPG NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday hit out at the Centre over the reported increase in the price of the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder and demanded a rollback of the hike.

Speaking at the AICC headquarters here, Congress leader Alka Lamba also alleged that the Centre is trying to divert attention from real issues and rising prices by peddling divisive rhetoric.

Attacking the government, Lamba said that on March 1, the price of commercial gas cylinder was hiked by Rs 105, on April 1 it was increased by Rs 250 and on May 1 it has been hiked again by Rs 102.5.

In eight months, the price of commercial LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 618.50, she said. In Delhi, the 19-kg commercial cylinder would now cost Rs 2,355.50 as compared with Rs 2,253 per cylinder, according to media reports.

Lamba said the poor and the working class are being repeatedly attacked with price hikes. “The concern is more as a Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy survey states that nearly 2.1 crore jobs have reduced and 45 crore people have given up on looking for jobs after losing all hope,” she said.

Alka Lamba

The biggest assault is on Indian women with only nearly 9 per cent being employed now, she added.

Lamba said the country is going through a “Modi-made disaster” as it is facing a massive coal shortage and in the sweltering heat, people are suffering power outages. “Petroleum and diesel prices are also not coming down. Instead of attacking inflation, the Modi government prioritizes attacking the Congress and Rahul Gandhi,” she alleged.

With all these problems confronting the country, this “insensitive” government is just standing as a “mute spectator”, she said.

“We will keep raising the issue of rising prices and force the government to rise above the welfare of its crony capitalist friends.

We demand that this hike in price be rolled back,” Lamba said.

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXII NO. 145 DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Here today gone tomorrow

R

ank political opportunism is not an exception in Nagaland but a rule in evolutionary politics that has created new alliances and political permutations. Nagaland politics has shown a high degree of political evolution away from the basic ideal of Naga nationalism,that had got embedded willy nilly into the system. It happened in 2015, when eight Congress opposition members, embraced the ruling DAN-III coalition where BJP was one of the main constituents.

State politics achieved another dubious distinction when Congress became partner in the same coalition with the BJP. The Congress high command recoiled with shock. The conflicting ideology between pluralism and communalism, between Congress and BJP, was discarded for power. Adding another dubiousity and in a blatant act of ignominy, Congress, the mortal enemy of BJP, ‘merged’ with the NPF hardly six months later, to hammer the last nail in the coffin of liberal pluralism.

The Congress in Nagaland thus created a record of sorts when it evolved into NPF and a partner of BJP through the back door. It was a critical period for the NPF at a time when the party was factionalised with T.R. Zeliang and Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu (NPF president and self proclaimed critic of BJP’s communal politics) on one side and on the other side, Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio. Six years later, the same card was played when the opposition NPF in July 2021 joined the ruling Progressive Democratic Alliance(PDA) comprising of NDPP and BJP. After 25 NPF legislators joined PDA, the opposition-less government was renamed as United Democratic Alliance(UDA). Just around eight months into its existence, 21 NPF legislators led by the legislature party leader and UDA chairman T.R. Zeliang defected to NDPP but four NPF legislators chose to remain in the party. This was the second time that the state earned a dubious distinction of the opposition joining the ruling to leave the assembly without a watchdog. The second experiment with untruth, despite all the brouhaha over ‘coming together ‘ or unity for the sake of Naga political issue ; has no bearing on strengthening the hand of the leader to press for early solution. For the second time, Nagaland state politics would contribute to another dubious distinction of being the state without an opposition in the assembly.

The coming together has more to do with power than with politics. It’s a topsy-turvey situation going around in Nagaland -socially, spiritually, politically and economically. The prevailing environment for some years has troubled many thinkers and concerned citizens.

What happens next? is a question that also unearths the answer in the power struggle within the NPF. The NPF always had its share of factionalism among party president Dr. Shürhozelie, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and T.R. Zeliang since 2014. Any shift in the equation between the three has always had its consequence on the party. Of all the three, T.R.Zeliang perhaps is most adept at playing mercurial politics which has enabled him to have more space to manoeuvre. Whether T.R. Zeliang, now in the NDPP will mean an end to rivalry between him and Rio? Also, will the coming together of two former Congress and NPF colleagues will witness a partnership for working in tandem to counter the potential challenge from the BJP in the coming months ahead of the 2023 assembly election?

DailyDevotion Faith— Not Emotion

We walk by faith, not by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7 For a while, we are fully aware of God’s concern for us. But then, when God begins to use us in His work, we begin to take on a pitiful look and talk only of our trials and difficulties. And all the while God is trying to make us do our work as hidden people who are not in the spotlight.

None of us would be hidden spiritually if we could help it.

Can we do our work when it seems that God has sealed up heaven? Some of us always want to be brightly illuminated saints with golden halos and with the continual glow of inspiration, and to have other saints of God dealing with us all the time. A self-assured saint is of no value to God. He is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and completely unlike God. We are here, not as immature angels, but as men and women, to do the work of this world. And we are to do it with an infinitely greater power to withstand the struggle because we have been born from above.

If we continually try to bring back those exceptional moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are becoming obsessed with the moments when God did come and speak with us, and we are insisting that He do it again. But what God wants us to do is to “walk by faith.” How many of us have set ourselves aside as if to say, “I cannot do anything else until God appears to me”? He will never do it. We will have to get up on our own, without any inspiration and without any sudden touch from God. Then comes our surprise and we find ourselves exclaiming, “Why, He was there all the time, and I never knew it!” Never live for those exceptional moments— they are surprises. God will give us His touches of inspiration only when He sees that we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never consider our moments of inspiration as the standard way of life— our work is our standard.

Quotes

“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Profiteering renders growth a mirage

H

igh or as some call it hyper inflation rapid, excessive, and out-of-control general price increases - has become a serious issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi talking to states for bringing down the fuel prices, supposedly a key reason for the economic trouble.

Soaring corporate profiteering is another reason for the rising prices. Top 20 companies continue to have 70 percent profits, as per Mercilius Investment Managers, and higher product prices in a supposedly subdued market. The Unilever, Suzuki Motor and JSW Steel all are in the game of raising prices.

The problem looks graver as earlier the Reserve Bank monetary policy committee noted that inflation has become a larger issue than growth with 6.95 percent retail and 14.5 percent wholesale index spurting. It has raised bills of government transportation, other expenses and finance ministry looking for additional support for the budget. Another intriguing issue is the faster rise of wholesale prices than the retail. A few years back the trend was a low WPI rise followed by

higher CPI surge. The consumer prices in actuality are rising in double digits.

The RBI wonders how it should increase interest rates to match the inflationary trend. If it raises the deposit rates, lending rates too would move upward.

A myth that the country may not find the borrowing costs affordable prevents it.

The corporate are transferring minor additional costs to the consumers to keep their profits high in a distraught market. Most companies are raising prices in response to the global supply squeeze in the wake of Russia-Ukraine war. It needs a probe.

Despite efforts by the government except Gujrarat and Karnataka not many states are known to have given relief in their taxes on petroleum products. Apparently this is becoming a political issue with the opposition joining the spat and the finance ministry announcing that Rs 78,704 crore of the states’ shares of cess are yet to be transferred.

The Central government levies excise/cess on petrol of Rs.32.90/litre which includes basic excise duty of Rs 1.40, road & infrastructure development cess

of Rs18, agriculture and infrastructure development cess of Rs 2.50 and special additional excise duty of Rs11. There are state duties in addition to it. This is despite the Brent crude falling to $ 104 a barrel. For the past about two years, the benefits of unprecedented low crude prices were not passed on to the consumers. Fuel prices have risen by 31 percent in eight years.

Even petrol pumps supposed to be benefitting from higher commissions as fuel prices rise, are paying almost double the cost for tankers.

In addition, the rising toll taxes are making goods even more expensive. Tolls also affect inter-region Shivaji and localized trading. The country sees an opportunity in the Ukraine situation of globally selling food grains at a higher price. While this may ensure higher remuneration to farmers, there is a flip side. It could cause domestic prices to soar.

The prime minister recently said the government was approaching World Trade Organisation for facilitating sales of Indian food grains in the world market. The WTO still has not come out

with its terms. The Ukraine situation has created a void as the largest suppliers are unable to meet the world demand. Ukraine exported about 1.7 million tons grains last month, according to consultant ProZerno. The most-recent volume still is only about half of March 2020. Markets are bracing for more upheavals as deliveries from Ukraine and Russia — which together account for about a quarter of the world’s grains trade — turn increasingly complicated and raise the spectre of food shortages.

A new market may gradually open up for India. Its ramifications are too early to study. India Sarkar domestically has been overflowing with food grain. About 80 crore people are being given free food doles worth over Rs 2 lakh crore a year for past two years. While India is the second-largest wheat producer with a share of around 14.14 percent of the world’s production in 2020, it accounted for less than 1 percent of global wheat exports. The export potential could be large but with corporate domination, dream prices may elude farmers.

The ramifications on the domestic market can cast shadow on the political spectrum. The Black Sea region problems are to keep edible oil prices elevated and feed cost pressures could have a spillover impact on poultry, milk and dairy product prices, according to the RBI governor.

Coal shortage, its higher prices and dependence on thermal power is increasing power cost per unit to Rs 6 to over Rs 10 or more. This would make use of electricity for trains, vehicles, farms and industry an expensive affair. The inflation is eating volumes of large companies like Hindustan Unilever (HUL) claims CEO Sanjiv Mehta but he has no answer for its high 20 percent operating margins, lower than earlier 24 percent. The rising prices are ‘rationalising’ consumer spending. High raw material prices are now being compensated by raising product prices. As the company tries to transfer costs, consumers are being thrifty and settling for lower priced products. Still it is having profits at Rs 2203 crore or 8.5 percent. This testifies that high profiteering is the bane.

The consumer buys

only what he needs of the FMCG. Many companies foresee a decline in high profits. Intelligent consumer spending is hitting large companies in urban and rural areas. Rising prices are hurting household consumption. Overall market trends can improve if profits are rationalized.

UN Conference for Trade and Development finds that still the ecommerce trade is growing. It however does not consider this healthy. Total retail sales during pandemic increased to 19 percent in 2020 up from 16 percent in 2019. It has hurt the least developed countries as wells as small businesses. According to UNCTAD, global prices are creating problems all over. It has also led to over 8.81 lakh Indians leaving for greener pastures in the West.

The NDA II needs to follow NDA I of Atal Behari Vajpayee when low prices baffled observers. Vajpayee’s management skills need to be studied and used for solving a problem that is rocking the country. Modi needs to consult, set up a committee of experts and act tough to ensure country goes back to a magic low inflationary phase for concerted growth.

Post-mortem

E

nd of the Cold War marked the beginning of an era of covert offensives, externally instigated insurgencies and proxy wars. Interestingly, even a military intrusion like the one ordered by President Putin in Ukraine two months ago, was couched in the description of an ‘army operation compelled by Russia’s security concerns’ -- the fact of world opinion going totally against a one sided ‘open war’ was perhaps being acknowledged here.

It is true that the Russia-Ukraine military conflict is now a prolonged ‘war of resistance’ put up by Ukrainians against the Russian army on their soil -- largely with the help of arms and ammunition supplied to them by the US-led West.

This created an uncertainty as to when will the UN and other mediators be able to get Ukraine and Russia to accept terms for a negotiated peace conceding a minimal ‘give and take’. Now in an ongoing conflict that entailed secretive planning, surreptitious moves and behind-the-scene ‘war gaming’, the ‘inside information’ -- called intelligence -- on the adversary’s manoeuvres was needed by both sides.

Intelligence, however, was the basic requirement for a country handling the challenge of countering a covert attack of terrorists, neutralising the forces behind cross-border offensives, unearthing drug trade linked to narco-terror, detecting clandestine use of social media for spreading radicalisation and dealing with enemies planning a combat in the cyber space.

It needs to be re-emphasised that Defence is protection against an ‘open armed attack’ while Security by definition, is the safeguarding of the nation against ‘covert’ attacks of the ‘unseen’ adversary.

Today all countries have realised the importance of strengthening the national security set up for which Intelligence agencies provided the substratum.

For a democratic regime like India’s, it is important that it was able to fully discharge its first duty of safeguarding national security against external and internal threats. For ensuring a timely flow of reliable, untainted and relevant information about the secret plans of the invisible enemy -- which precisely was the definition of intelligence -- it had created special agencies with substantive

Growing importance of intelligence investment, to be managed on professionally sound concepts of deploying the best available manpower, relying on intense specialised training and keeping the national interest above everything else.

The basic three principles on which intelligence agencies have worked and performed with such excellence are their belief that they served the sovereign in the best national interest, their total freedom from bureaucratisation, favouritism and credit-sharing flaws and the willingness of their officers to embrace anonymity by choice.

Significantly, India’s premier intelligence agency, the Intelligence Bureau, traced its existence since 1888, perhaps to prove the point of continuity of Intelligence as a built-in part of the sovereign functioning of the state -- there is little doubt in any case, that in independent India, IB has over the decades established a reputation for providing fail-safe intelligence to the powers that be and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Late B.N. Mallick, the longest serving Director of IB after 1947, started the practice of selecting the IPS officers from amongst those on top in the annual merit list, for induction into IB on ‘permanent’ deputation -- within 4-5 years of service.

It is the collectivity of these officers who were specially trained -- and who later provided the bulk of leadership of the Bureau -- that made IB an apolitical and professionally formidable agency. The officers took pride in directly working for the nation by serving anywhere in the country and felt happy in an organisation that might look opaque from outside but was largely transparent in its internal management.

Also, an intelligence organisation inculcated responsible decision-making down the line as that was necessary for the success of its operations. It blended perfectly the ‘micro’ with the ‘macro’ since there was awareness of how even a small step on the ground had to fit in with the larger mission at hand.

To an extent the government did compensate these young officers through special pay, priority in allotment of gover nment accommodation and help in the acquisition of personal transport. Being in IB always brought to an officer a certain dignity

within the government and an added social recognition.

The structure and leadership of the agency had a functional continuity that enabled the political executive at the top to have at any point of time, unvarnished facts about what were the external threats to security and what was happening on the domestic front that was relevant to internal security- Intelligence agencies precisely furnished these, in confidence.

The Intelligence Bureau employed more IPS officers than perhaps many cadre states did and was logically managed by Ministry of Home Affairs along with other police organisations of the Centre. However, this could sometimes blur the perception of the fundamental distinction that had to exist between an intelligence organisation on one hand and the police and investigation agencies on the other -- in terms of their responsibilities and method of working.

In the Indian context, intelligence agencies provided ‘information’ and kept away from ‘executive action’ --the latter was the response part in which police was often at the front for pursuing a legal follow up. The intelligence agencies did not have any police power and never sought that -- they only used special trade craft techniques like surveillance, interview under ‘cover’ and confidential enquiries to gather information that might be of help for those who would handle investigation.

It may be pointed out here that intelligence was ‘information’ -- not necessarily ‘evidence’ -- and had to be sometimes further developed by the police or investigation agency for utilising it in legal sense.

The security scenario of India has become increasingly difficult placing a heavy burden on our intelligence agencies of performing at their best against all odds. It goes to the credit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government that in his time the professionalism of India’s national security set-up has been fully respected and relied upon.

Intelligence agencies must be helped by the sovereign state in discharging their duty of safeguarding security of the nation. In today’s geopolitical complexity and the worrying new dimensions of threat to internal security, this has become even more important.

India is being served

well in terms of the advice on security strategy provided on the strength of reliable intelligence inputs. Prime Minister Modi has on his part taken keen interest in national security and boosted the morale of our intelligence set-up by personally associating with its deliberations at crucial events like the annual DGPs’ conference.

A task force on intelligence reviewed the functioning of our intelligence agencies some 20 years ago as a follow-up on the report of Kargil Review Committee that was headed by late K. Subrahmanyan. Since then, India’s security environ has changed with a Cold War-like bipolarity developing between the US and its European allies on one hand and the remnant of the old Communist world now led by an ambitious China under Xi Jinping striving to become the second superpower, on the other.

India’s foreign policy in the Modi regime resting on mutually beneficial bilateral relations that were not in conflict with world peace, has served the nation well during the current RussiaUkraine military conflict. It has enhanced the geopolitical importance of India as a major power of the Indian subcontinent with stakes in both Indo-Pacific and the maritime routes to the west of the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, some new dimensions of threat to India’s security have become centre stage in recent months. The communal divide in the country has moved once again towards violent confrontation on

the issue of religious processions.

The unabated ‘minority politics’ practised by the Ulema and the communal elite here, has received a boost from Pakistan’s advocacy of ‘protection of Muslim minority’ as a part of that country’s India policy.

There is a likelihood of Pak ISI stepping up its recruitment of agents to provoke communal violence. The new regime in Pakistan has also lost no time in raising ‘Kashmir dispute’ as the core issue for IndoPak peace.

Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s successor, has talked of ‘valley turning red with Kashmiri’s blood’.

The new Pak regime having tried to come on the US side of the fence in the current geopolitics, will feel emboldened about causing aggravation in Kashmir through ‘lone wolves’ enlisted for terror activity.

Also, Shehbaz Sharif has hailed the economic benefits accruing to Pakistan from Sino-Pak strategic alliance -- it can be presumed that he will turn this axis against India even more.

T h e s e t wo h o s t i l e neighbours may intensify attempts to create destabilisation in India -- in Kashmir, Punjab and Northeast in particular -- in collusion with lobbies on human rights and minority issues.

After the return of the Taliban Emirate in Kabul with the total support of Pakistan, it was apprehended that the threat of narco trade directed from Afghanistan with its direct links to terrorism would get

aggravated. This has been confirmed by the huge recovery of heroine and cash from Shaheen Bagh area of Delhi earlier this week, showing involvement of suspects from Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

This may be the appropriate time for working out ways and means of strengthening the intelligence set-up of the country and helping it with reorientation and resource building including induction of trained man power.

Our Intelligence agencies have done a very good job -- they have to now work for achieving a fuller functional integration with State and District Intelligence units by adopting a system of designated ‘nodal officers’ at these levels who would be responsible for organising an effective response to threats -- that were planned from above but basically executed in lanes and localities. On the other hand, a new level of requirement of inter- agency coordination, technology collaboration, integrated data analytics, scan of social media and communications security, has arisen for the intelligence set up to cope up with.

All of this could be taken care of in a fresh review that would embrace the National Police Mission announced by the Prime Minister recently. ‘Security is not a one-time event’ is a good reminder in the present scenario.

D.C. Pathak (The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. The views expressed are personal)

Reader’s Post Sir,

Dress accordingly

Being fashionable is a trend especially in this modern generation, however especially the young boys and girls, not trying to be sexist, but to more appropriate, ,mostly girls need to dress accordingly to an occasion. The naga society knows ,that especially in church people usually show the best dresses they have particularly among the youths.Especially, In church, dressing should be decent, in a fashionable manner.

However, a trend is coming up where young females have take it into next level, where they behave as if they are walking in red carpet. No, doubt,if the occasion was a fashion show, or beauty contest, or whatever contest or party females want to enjoy, they can wear anything, whether is short skirt nearly exposing, sports bra, showing their cleavage, etc,which ever suItry dress, females want to ware,however keeping mind that dressing in whichever manner is a reflection of your personality. I request the younger females to questioned themselves, do their mothers wore such kind of clothes, and become a responsible mother,attend a church, pray with that kind of dresses, the answer is no. Lastly, please dress accordingly, the young generation should not behave as if like Koreans celebrities,American celebrities , etc. Let us not be a fool, by simply copying of what others are doing.

N. L. Naga, Kohima, Nagaaland

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

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

New Army Chief bats for operational preparedness

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): In the backdrop of India’s lingering standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Sunday said his “utmost and foremost” priority would be to ensure “very high standards” of operational preparedness to face current, contemporary and future security challenges across the entire spectrum of conflict.

A day after taking the reins of the force, Gen Pande said the global geopolitical situation is changing rapidly “as a result of which we have multiple challenges ahead”, asserting that the Army, along with the Navy and the Air Force will deal with any situation jointly.

The Army Chief said he would focus on the ongoing reforms, restructuring and transformation of the Army to enhance its operational and functional efficiency besides giving importance to achieving self-reliance in defence.

The Army Chief was speaking to the media after he was presented a ceremonial guard of honour at the South Block lawns. Air

Chief of the Army Staff Lt. Gen Manoj Pande greets army officers during his visit to the National War Memorial. (PTI)

Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar were also present at the guard of honour ceremony.

“My utmost and foremost priority will be to ensure very high standards of operational preparedness to face the current contemporary and future challenges across the entire spectrum of conflict,” he said.

His comments came in the midst of India’s continuing standoff in several friction points in eastern Ladakh as well as the challenge of cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Army Chief said his force, in coordination and cooperation with the Air Force and the Navy, will effectively deal with all possible security challenges facing the nation.

“In terms of capability development and force modernisation, my effort would be to leverage new technologies through indigenisation and self-reliance,” he said.

“My aim would be to enhance inter-services cooperation and synergy,” he said adding that the Army will actively engage with other services to positively contribute toward nation-

building. The Army Chief said he would take forward the “good works” of his predecessors, and assured the soldiers and officers that ensuring their welfare will be his key priority.

Asked about the presence of Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari and Admiral Kumar, Gen Pande referred to all the three growing up together in their formative years and that they will now work together to ensure triservices synergy as well as to contribute to the cause of national security. The three chiefs are coursemates from the 61st course of the National Defence Academy.

“I have known the other two service chiefs well.

It’s a good beginning of synergy, cooperation and jointmanship among the three services,” he said.

Asked about becoming the first Army Chief from the Corps of Engineers, General Pande said all officers of the Indian Army from its different arms and services get an equal opportunity for career and professional growth. In senior leadership positions, all officers are trained and

oriented on all aspects of war, he said.

“It is a matter of pride for me that I have been asked to lead the Indian Army. The Army has a glorious past of protecting the security and territorial integrity of the nation. In the same way, it also contributed towards nation-building,” he said.

Gen Manoj Pande on Saturday took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff after incumbent Gen MM Naravane retired from service. Gen Pande, who was serving as the Vice Chief, became the first-ever officer from the Corps of Engineers to take the reins of the 1.3 million-strong force.

Before taking charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff on February 1, Gen Pande was heading the Eastern Army Command that takes care of guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors. “I am aware of the big responsibility and I am praying to the God that I am given strength, capability and wisdom so that I can carry on with the responsibility,” Gen Pande said.

7 Vinay Kwatra C’garh CM to embark on assumes charge tour of 90 AC from May 4 as Foreign Secy NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (IANS): Senior diplomat Vinay Kwatra on Sunday took charge as India’s new Foreign Secretary.

A 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, he succeeded Harsh Vardhan Shringla who retired from service on Saturday. Before assuming the office of the Foreign Secretary, Kwatra had served as India’s Ambassador to Nepal.

“Shri Vinay Kwatra assumed charge as Foreign Secretary today morning. #TeamMEA wishes Foreign Secretary Kwatra a productive and successful tenure ahead,” MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted on Sunday. As a seasoned diplomat Kwatra is known to be having extensive expertise in dealing with India’s neighbourhood as well as the US, China and Europe. His stint as Foreign Secretary comes at a time when New Delhi is dealing with various geopolitical developments, including the Ukraine conflict, a severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Bhupesh Baghel

RAIPUR, MAY 1 (PTI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will embark on a marathon tour of all 90 Assembly constituencies of the state from May 4 to seek a direct feedback from people about the implementation of his government’s schemes and functioning of public offices.

The CM’s campaign is crucial for the ruling Congress in the wake of state Assembly polls due next year and it would also be a litmus test for bureaucrats, according to political analysts.

During the tour, Baghel’s first destination will be the tribal-dominated Balrampur district in Surguja division, a government official said.

Preparations are underway in full swing by the authorities and departments

concerned for the CM’s visit, he said.

“During the tour, Baghel will make surprise visits to any three villages in each Assembly constituency and take stock of civic facilities available there. He will also review the status of implementation of government schemes and the ongoing development works,” the official said.

The CM will carry out an inspection of the functioning of tehsil offices, police stations, district offices, schools, anganwadis (state-run women and child care centres) and health care centres and the availability of basic infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity, he said.

Baghel will also directly interact with villagers, eminent people and public representatives to take a direct feedback about the implementation of various schemes and functioning of his government in their respective areas, the official said. As per the proposed schedule, Baghel will visit a constituency and spend the night there.

Raj Thackery gives May 3 deadline to SC seeks report on cases under Heat wave continues to remove loudspeakers from mosques Domestic Violence Act-2005 prevail over large parts of India

P C George arrested for remarks against Muslims, gets bail T H I RU VA N A N T H A PURAM, MAY 1 (PTI): Senior Kerala politician P C George who was arrested by police on Sunday for his alleged controversial remarks against Muslims was granted bail by a Magisterial court here. The senior politician’s arrest was formally recorded after he was brought to Thiruvananthapuram via road from his residence and thereafter, he was produced before a duty magistrate who granted him bail.

After he was granted bail, George told reporters outside the court that he has been asked by the magistrate not to interfere with the investigation, not to influence witnesses or make any hate speeches or get involved in any controversies.

He also said that he had said in his speech that he does not want the support or vote of radical groups, of any religion, who do not love the country. How does that make me someone against any religion, he asked. He also alleged that his arrest was a Ramzan present by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to the radical Muslim groups. He was taken into custody early in the morning from his residence in Erattupetta in Kottayam district and taken by road, in his personal vehicle, to the Thiruvananthapuram

PC George

AR Camp where his arrest was formally recorded for the offence of promoting enmity between different religious groups under section 153A of the IPC. George was taken into custody by officers from the Thiruvananthapuram Fort police station on the directions of the state police chief Anil Kant. The FIR was lodged against him on Saturday.

The entire episode from the time he was taken into custody till his arrest being recorded saw a lot of drama ranging from BJP workers extending him their wishes and support at various places on the road to Thiruvananthapuram, DYFI activists waving black flags at him outside the AR camp and then Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan being denied permission to enter the AR camp.

Not participating in MNS’ ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ event: VHP

Gujarat, Maharashtra celebrate foundation day; Prez, PM greet people

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (IANS): The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday said it is not participating in the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) event to play ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ on loudspeakers outside the mosques in Maharashtra on May 3.

Calling the re por t ‘fake’, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal told IANS that the VHP is ‘apolitical’ organisation and never participated in any event of political parties in its history.

“Reports of VHP joining the MNS event is fake and far from reality. Neither VHP nor Bajrang Dal is participating in any political party’s event. We recite ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ and continue to do so,” Bansal said.

Taking a dig at Maharashtra government for slapping sedition charges against Lok Sabha Member Navneet Rana and her husband, MLA Ravi Rana, Bansal asked: “Is reciting Hanuman Chalisa call for sedition charges in this country against a MP and MLA. Is Hanuman Chalisa banned inside ‘Matoshree’ (private residence of Uddhav Thackeray).

MUMBAI/AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrated their foundation day on Sunday, with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending greetings to people of the two states on the occasion.

On this day in 1960, the former state of Bombay was bifurcated on a linguistic basis and the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra came into being.

Kovind said Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel is among the leading states of the country on the parameters of development.

He also extended his greetings to the people of Maharashtra, saying great personalities like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule and Babasaheb have enriched the state and India with their contributions.

Modi lauded the accomplishments of the two states in diverse fields. “On Gujarat’s Foundation Day, my greetings to the people of Gujarat. Inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and several other greats, the people of

Narendra Modi

Gujarat are widely admired for their diverse accomplishments,” Modi, who hails from Gujarat, said in a tweet.

I n a n o t h e r t we e t , Modi extended wishes to the people of Maharashtra on Maharashtra Day. “This state has made phenomenal contributions to national progress. The people of the state have excelled in diverse fields. I pray for the prosperity of the people of Maharashtra,” he said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Home Minister Amit Shah greeted people on the state’s foundation day.

Patel inaugurated a Regional Science Centre in Patan, some 130 km from Ahmedabad. It is one of the four regional science centres established in Gujarat to promote a scientific

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (IANS): For the second time in the week, Delhi’s Safdarjung Observatory on Saturday recorded the maximum temperature at 43.5 degrees Celsius, just short of the record of 43.7 degrees Celsius in 2010.

At Safdarjung - Delhi’s base station - the maximum temperature of 43.5 degrees Celsius was five notches above normal and barely 0.2 less than the recent times’ 43.7 degrees Celsius on April 18, 2010 while the all-time record for April is of 45.6 degrees Celsius on April 29, 1941.

Maximum temperature of 43.5 degree Celsius was recorded on Thursday too.

Except for Lodhi Road and Mayur Vihar, other stations in Delhi recorded maximum temperatures of more than 44.0 degrees Celsius with Mungeshpur at 46.0 degrees Celsius and Sports Complex near Akshardham recording 47.1 degrees Celsius.

H oweve r, b e c a u s e Safdarjung is Delhi’s base station and has records from 1901, and Sports Complex

temperament among the people, especially children, an official release said.

Shah, who hails from Gujarat, greeted people of the state. “The hardworking people of Gujarat who have imbibed thoughts of Gandhiji and Sardar Patel have given new direction and speed to the development of India. The BJP government under (Prime Minister) Modiji is committed towards the overall development of Gujarat,” he tweeted.

In Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said the state is all set to become a trillion-dollar economy and it will be the first in the country to do so.

Koshyari addressed an event at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area where he unfurled the national flag. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was also present on the occasion and the two, who have in the past criticised each other on various issues, were seen exchanging greetings.

Uddhav Thackeray paid tributes to 105 martyrs of the Samyukta (unified) Maharashtra movement on the occasion of the state’s foundation day.

Children play with water to beat the heat on a hot summer afternoon, in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

observatory is a relatively new station with no previous records to match, its maximum temperature is not considered for ‘highest’ in all India comparisons.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted partly cloudy sky with possibility of thundery developments on Sunday with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 43 and 25 degrees Celsius respectively.

Meanwhile, across India, the highest maximum

temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius was recorded at Chandrapur in Maharashtra as heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed over some parts of Delhi; in isolated pockets over Gurugram, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh; heat wave conditions prevailed in many parts of west Rajasthan, in some parts of Punjab and Vidarbha; in isolated pockets over Haryana, interior Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and north Madhya Pradesh.

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Preeti Sharma Menon said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray should take immediate action against the MNS chief over his “provocative remarks”. “If needed, there should be a pre-emptive arrest,” she added.

Raj Thackeray said, “Loudspeakers is a social issue, but if it is being made a religious one, then we shall give a reply in the same manner. Eid will be celebrated on May 3. We don’t want to vitiate the atmosphere. But from May 4, if loudspeakers are not brought down (from mosques), then all Hindus should play Hanuman Chalisa at double the volume in front of those mosques.”

Loudspeakers have no place in religion and therefore they should be removed, he said, adding that

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): The Supreme Court has directed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to apprise it about the number of cases initiated till date under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

A bench of Justices U U Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat and P S Narasimha said that in order to elicit details on this behalf, NALSA may send an appropriate questionnaire to the State Legal Services Authorities and obtain requisite information. “In order to enable this Court to have complete information, we call upon NALSA to state about the number of cases under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; (initiated till date and pending) and in how many cases the services of Protection Officer/Service Provider or shelter homes were required to be extended,” the bench said. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that “Project Shakti” contemplated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development as well

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Raj Thackeray

as other projects under the auspices of the Ministry of Law and Justice are at the stage of formalisation. Bhati said “Mission Shakti” has already received Cabinet approval. The top court has posted the matter for hearing on July 20. The apex court was hearing a plea seeking adequate infrastructure across the country for providing effective legal aid to women abused in matrimonial homes and creating shelter homes for them.

The apex court had in February asked the Centre to file an affidavit giving details such as the nature of central programmes/plans outlining assistance to support the efforts under the law by various states, including the extent of funding, conditions of governing financial support and the control mechanisms in place. In its February 25 order, the apex court had said the Centre should file an affidavit giving details or particulars, including the collection of state-wise relevant data of litigation under the Act concerning the complaints made, number of courts, and the relative number of protection officers.

the police should look into the matter and see that they are removed.

“If they (Muslims) don’t understand nicely, we will show them the power of Maharashtra,” he said.

“All loudspeakers (atop mosques) are illegal. Is it a concert that so many loudspeakers are being used?” he said.

During his rally held at Thane last month, Raj Thackeray had given an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, saying that if loudspeakers were not removed from mosques

by May 3, then Hanuman Chalisa would be played outside them in a louder way.

“It was not the first time that I spoke on the issue of loudspeakers. The difference is that last time I gave an alternative (of Hanuman Chalisa). We don’t want riots and the Muslim community should also understand that,” he said.

Thackeray said one Muslim reporter had also told him that his family faces problems because of loudspeakers atop mosques.

db-364/22

AURANGABAD, MAY 1 (PTI): MNS president Raj Thackeray on Sunday said he was firm on the May 3 deadline for removal of loudspeakers, which he termed as a nuisance, from mosques, and added that if it was not done, then all Hindus should play Hanuman Chalisa outside these religious places.

Addressing a public rally here late in the evening, in which he was termed as “Hindu Jananayak”, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief said if Uttar Pradesh government could remove the loudspeakers, what was stopping the Maharashtra government, led by his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray, from doing so. “I won’t be responsible for what all happens after the May 3 deadline to remove the loudspeakers from the mosques,” he said.

Continuing to target Sharad Pawar, he once again accused the NCP chief of playing caste politics in Maharashtra, and said he was allergic to the word ‘Hindu’.

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NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (IANS): India’s pharma exports have witnessed a growth of 103% since 2013-14 from Rs 90,415 crore to Rs 1,83,422 crore in 2021-22.

The exports achieved in 2021-22 is the Pharma Sector’s best export performance ever and is a remarkable growth with exports growing by almost USD 10 billion in eight years, said Ministry of Commerce & Industry in a statement on Sunday.

Highlighting the achievement in a tweet, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said: “India’s booming drugs & pharmaceuticals exports more than double in 2021-22 compared to 2013-14. Under the active leadership of PM

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NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Domestic auto giant Tata Motors on Sunday announced that its total sales increased 74 per cent year-on-year to 72,468 units in April 2022. The company registered total sales of 41,729 units in April 2021. “Tata Motors Limited sales in the domestic & international market for April 2022 stood at 72,468 vehicles, compared to 41,729 units during April 2021,” noted Tata Motors in an official statement.

The automaker’s total domestic sales jumped 81 per cent year-on-year to 71,467 units in April. Tata Motors’ domestic sales in the year-ago period were at 39,401.

Commercial vehicle sales in the domestic market increased 109 per cent to 29,894 units from 14,306 units in the year-ago period, noted Tata Motos.

While commercial vehicle exports declined 57 per cent to 958 units in April 2022 compared to 2,209 units in April 2021 “Domestic sale of MH&ICV in April 2022, including trucks and buses, stood at 12,069 units, compared to 6,466 units in April 2021.

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2022,” the statement said.

An experienced policy economist and research administrator, Bery has replaced Rajiv Kumar as the vice chairman of the government think tank. Kumar took over as vice chairman of Niti Aayog in August 2017 after the then VC Arvind Panagariya exited the

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): In the new form for filing updated I-T returns, taxpayers will have to give the exact reason for filing it along with the amount of income to be offered to tax.

The Income-Tax department has notified a new form for filing updated returns in which taxpayers will have to give the exact reason for filing it along with the amount of income to be offered to tax.

The new form (ITR-U) will be available to taxpayers for filing updated income tax returns for 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscals.

Taxpayers filing ITRU, which can be filed within two years of the end of the relevant assessment year, will have to give reasons for updating the income return

India’s Pharma exports grow 103% in 8 years

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Suman Bery

government think-tank to return to academics.

“Rajiv Kumar leaves me a dynamic organisation with lots of fresh, young talent and strong links with stakeholders inside and outside the government,” the statement quoted Bery as saying. “I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with its charge at a time of great global uncertainty,” he said. According to Bery, Niti Aayog’s challenge is to develop a vision of the way ahead based on deep analysis and wide debate and to work with India’s states, which is where economic development ultimately happens. India’s economic and social choices are of significance to the entire world, he noted.

Tata Motors sales jump 74% despite rising input costs

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NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): Eminent economist Suman Bery on Sunday took charge as the Vice Chairman of the government think tank Niti Aayog, according to an official statement.

Bery has previously served as Director General (Chief Executive) of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and the global chief economist of Royal Dutch Shell.

He was also a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, Statistical Commission and the Reserve Bank of India’s Technical Advisory Committee on Monetary Policy. ”NITI Aayog welcomes Suman Bery as NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman with effect from May 1,

Govt notifies form for filing updated ITRs

native but to transport the same to the approved mills outside the district.

Also, in total disregard to accepted norms, the union alleged that Peren CSOs seized and unloaded 24 timber-laden trucks at Jalukie on December 24 last year. NTTU claimed that livelihoods of scores of timber contractors, mill owners and hundreds of families dependent on timber business were at stake due to the inhuman and insensitive decision of some vested interests. Coupled with Covid-19 pandemic, all timber businesses in Dimapur had come to a complete halt for more than two years. Many timbers contractors and traders were in huge debts as they had borrowed money to run their businesses.

Requesting general public to understand the reason behind the indefinite economic blockade, the union cautioned organisations and groups against any undue interference in the indefinite blockade, adding that such organizations would be held liable for paying the money invested in Peren by the timber contractors.

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Suman Bery takes charge as Niti Aayog Vice Chairman

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transactions doubled in a year’s time, indicating the meteoric rise seen in the adoption of digital payments, especially UPI, in the country.

Further, since the pandemic began, UPI’s transaction volume and value has gone up by over 350 per cent.

While initially UPI was considered as a preferred payment mode for peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, it has now emerged as the preferred mode for even peer-to-merchant (P2M) transactions, with over 56 per cent market share in

(From p-1) DyCM: In his greetings, deputy CM, Y. Patton said that the Ao community has always been known for preserving their rich cultural heritage in this fast changing world and the same goes with their festivals. “A couple of years have passed without proper celebrations due to the pandemic.

This year I believe that it will be celebrated with grandeur,” he said and wished all a blessed festival filled with fun and fervor.

WSH: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) said Moatsu festival is significant as it brings people together and encourages bonding.

It is a festival which celebrates the calm, freedom and the deser ved break after having done all the hard work in preparation for the sowing of seeds, WSH stated.

The hoho wished all Ao brothers and sisters, bountiful harvest and much happiness, on the occasion of Moatsu.

in Peren district had already made investments to the tune of Rs 6,67,55,709. The representation had also demanded that in the event of Peren CSOs sticking to the ban, then they should pay back the invested amount of Rs 6,67,55,709 along with interest @ 12% per annum to the timber traders.

NTTU said it was now up to the general public to decide who was at fault, which party had breached and gone back against own its words and commitments, noting that such downright betrayal was also against customary Naga practices.

The union alleged that some leaders of Peren CSOs were hell-bent to keep the ban in force for their own vested interests, adding that their idea was to force the timber contractors to have their round logs sawn and processed in sawmills located at Jalukie itself.

However, the union pointed out that none of the sawmills presently functioning in Peren district had been approved by the authority concerned for processing round logs. And as such, there was no alter-

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the second of the wave of the pandemic. But, since then, UPI transactions have been on an upward trajectory, mirroring the recovery in the broader economy.

Infact, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital payments in the country in the last two years. In FY22, UPI processed more than 46 billion transactions amounting to over Rs 84.17 trillion, thus breaching the $1 trillion mark. And, in FY21, it had processed 22.28 billion transactions, amounting to Rs 41.03 trillion. So, both volume and value of

transactions for the first time in October 2019, almost 3 years after its launch in 2016. But, the next billion came in under a year, as in October 2020, UPI processed more than 2 billion transactions. In the next ten months, UPI processed 3 billion transactions. And, it took only three months for the payment platform to reach 4 billion transactions per month, from 3 billion.

And, the incremental one billion transactions were achieved in just six months’ time.

The next target for UPI is to process a billion transactions a day in the next 3 – 5 years. According to experts, the next boost to the already burgeoning UPI transactions will come the AutoPay feature, which has seen massive adoption since recurring payments through cards saw disruption due to the Reserve Bank of India’s new guidelines on e-mandates. The AutoPay feature of UPI allows recurring payments of upto Rs 5,000.

(From p-1) A day after the general body meeting, NTTU submitted a representation to the State government on April 27 urging the latter to intervene and resolve the issue. Mentioning that timber contractors operating in Peren district had earlier entered into contract and signed legal agreements with 50 land/forest owners from different villages, the union declared that as per the agreements, which could be validated at any legal court, the timber contractors had every right to operate till expiry of the agreement.

In this connection, 27 villages in Peren district had also asserted that “the material forest products sold out to the contractors with an agreement made for the operation of log/timber under certain condition and period cannot be banned by any individual or groups as contractors have every right to operate until validity period is over.” In a representation to Peren DC on December 6, 2021, NTTU had had also stated that in terms of approved working schemes, the timber traders operating

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M U M B A I , M AY 1 (AGENCIES): India’s flagship digital payment platform, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has started the current financial year (FY23) on a positive note, with 5.58 billon transactions amounting to Rs 9.83 trillion processed in April.

This is a record high for the payment platform, both in terms of volume and value of transactions since its inception. Last month (March), UPI breached 5 billion transactions in a month for the first time.

Compared to March, volume of transactions was up 3.33 per cent and value of transactions was up 2.36 per cent. In March, UPI processed 5.4 billion transactions amounting to Rs 9.6 trillion.

However, on a yearon-year (YoY) basis, the volume of transactions jumped 111 per cent and value of transactions increased by almost 100 per cent. In April 2021, UPI had processed 2.64 billion transactions worth Rs 4.93 trillion. Initially in FY22, transactions had dipped slightly due to

NTTU’s indefinite eco blockade against...

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UPI hits record high in April

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

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BUSINESS/STATE Gov, CM, others greet on volume terms in 2021.

Moatsü UPI crossed 1 billion

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INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Some evacuated from Mariupol; Pelosi visits Kyiv Putin set for cancer surgery, will hand

ZAPORIZHZHIA, MAY 1 (AP): The United Nations laboured on Sunday to get civilians out of the bombed-out ruins of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, while US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revealed she visited Ukraine’s president to show unflinching American support for the country’s defense against Russian aggression.

Russia’s high-stakes offensive in coastal southern Ukraine and the country’s eastern industrial heartland has Ukrainian forces fighting village by village and more civilians fleeing airstrikes and artillery shelling as war draws near their doorsteps. As many as 100,000 people are believed to still be in blockaded Mariupol, including up to 1,000 civilians who were hunkered down with an estimated 2,000 Ukrainian fighters beneath a sprawling Sovietera steel plant that is the only part of the city not occupied by the Russians.

Pelosi, a California Democrat who is second in line to succeed the president, is the most senior American lawmaker to travel to Ukraine since Russia invaded Ukraine on Februry 24.

Her Saturday visit

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, awards the Order of Princess Olga, the third grade, to Nancy Pelosi in Kyiv. (AP/PTI)

came just days after Russia launched rockets at the capital during a visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

During a Sunday news conference in the Polish city of Rzeszow, Pelosi said she and other members of a US congressional delegation met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, for three hours and brought him “a message of appreciation from the American people for his leadership.”

Rep. Jason Crow, a US Army veteran and a member of the House intelligence and armed services committees, said he came to Ukraine with three areas of focus: “Weapons, weapons

and weapons.”

“We have to make sure the Ukrainians have what they need to win. What we have seen in the last two months is their ferocity, their intense pride, their ability to fight and their ability to win if they have the support to do so,” the Colorado Democrat said.

Russian forces have embarked on a major military operation to seize significant parts of southern and eastern Ukraine following their failure to capture Kyiv. Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, is a key target because of its strategic location near the Crimea Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014.

“All the leaders of the free world know what Russia has done to Mariupol.

And Russia will not go unpunished for this,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. He warned that Russia was “gathering additional forces for new attacks against our military in the east of the country.”

Details about the scope of Saturday’s evacuations and the possibility of more to come Sunday were unclear given the number of parties involved in the negotiations and the volatile situation on the ground.

The Russian Defense Ministry said a total of 46 people, a group of 25 and another numbering 21, were evacuated from areas near the Azovstal steel plant, the last defense holdout in Mariupol.

A top official with the Azov Regiment, the Ukrainian unit defending the steelworks, said Saturday that 20 women and children were evacuated from the plant. Civilians have sheltered in a maze of underground tunnels while the plant has been under siege.

In a video posted on the regiment’s Telegram channel, regiment Deputy Commander Sviatoslav Pal-

amar called for the evacuation of wounded Ukrainian fighters as well as civilians.

“We don’t know why they are not taken away and their evacuation to the territory controlled by Ukraine is not being discussed,” he said.

An Associated Press journalist saw women and children arriving in Bezimenne, a village which is under the control of Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, accompanied by UN and Red Cross representatives. The UN has not confirmed that people were able to leave Mariupol on Saturday.

The Mariupol City Council said an evacuation might happen Sunday afternoon. It was not clear whether the effort was related to the UN one.

Elsewhere in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, about 20 older adults and children clutching bags along with their dogs and cats boarded a minivan Saturday in the town of Lyman, where at least half the population has fled Russian shelling, The van, marked with a sign reading “evacuation of children” in Ukrainian, sped off toward the city of Dnipro as explosions were heard in the distance.

over temporary power to ex-KGB chief

M O S C O W, M A Y 1 (IANS): Russian President Vladimir Putin may be forced to give up control of the war in Ukraine for days as he is set for cancer surgery, and will reportedly nominate hardline former FSB chief Nikolai Patrushev to take temporary control of the invasion while he is under the knife, a Kremlin insider has claimed.

Patrushev, the 70-yearold incumbent Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, is seen as a key architect of the war strategy so far, and the man who convinced Putin that Kiev is awash with neoNazis, said a Daily Mail report.

The extraordinar y claims appeared on popular Telegram channel General SVR, which says its source is a well-placed figure in the Kremlin, the report added.

“I don’t know for exactly how long (Putin will be incapacitated after the surgery)... I think it’ll be for a short time,” the insider source was quoted as saying.

Putin was “unlikely to agree to transfer power” but was ready to put in place a “charge d’affaires” to control Russia and the

Vladimir Putin

war effort. “So, while Putin has the operation and comes to his senses, likely two or three days, the actual control of the country passes only to Patrushev,” the source added. Such a move would be surprising since under the Russian constitution, power should pass solely to the Prime Minister, the Daily Mail reported.

General SVR reported that Putin has abdominal cancer and Parkinson’s 18 months ago.

He has reportedly delayed surgery, which will now not take place before the Victory Day commemoration of Russia’s World War Two victory in Red Square on May 9, Daily Mail reported.

The news comes amid speculation that Putin will

launch an all-out war across Ukraine and order mass mobilisation of military-age men, a considerable political risk.

The surgery had been scheduled for the second half of April but was delayed, SVR claimed.

“Putin was recommended to undergo surgery, the date of which is being discussed and agreed,” the outlet stated.

“There seems to be no particular urgency, but it cannot be delayed either.”

He also suffers from “Parkinson’s disease and schizoaffective disorder”, which carries symptoms of schizophrenia including hallucinations and mania.

The Kremlin has always strongly denied Putin has medical problems and portrays he is in robust health, even as he has been mysteriously absent in recent years, the Daily Mail reported.

In a video detailing General SVR’s claims, the outlet’s source, supposedly an anonymous former highranking Kremlin military figure, said: “Putin has discussed that he will be undergoing medical procedures.”

Cash-strapped Pak gets USD 8 billion China’s ‘zero-COVID’ restrictions curb May 1 holiday travel in financial support from Saudi Arabia ISLAMABAD, MAY 1 (PTI): Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide Pakistan with a “sizeable package” of around USD 8 billion to help the cash-starved country bolster dwindling forex reserves and revive its ailing economy, a media report said on Sunday.

Pakistan has faced growing economic challenges, with high inflation, sliding forex reserves, a widening current account deficit and a depreciating currency.

Pakistan secured the deal during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia.

The financial package includes doubling of the oil financing facility, additional money either through deposits or Sukuks and rolling over of the existing USD 4.2 billion facilities., The News newspaper reported. “However, technical details are being worked out and it will take a couple of weeks to get all documents ready,” the report said, citing top official sources privy to the development. Prime Minister Sharif and his official entourage have left Saudi Arabia but Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail is still in the Gulf country to finalise the modalities of the financial package.

“Just said goodbye to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other colleagues at Jeddah Airport, who are on their way to Islamabad

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (R) welcoming Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif in Jeddah. (AFP)

after a brief stopover in Abu Dhabi to meet Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Zayed. I remain in SA to meet Saudi officials and start technical-level talks,” Ismail said in a tweet.

Pakistan had proposed doubling the oil facility from USD 1.2 billion to USD 2.4 billion and Saudi Arabia agreed to it.

It was also agreed that the existing deposits of USD 3 billion would be rolled over for an extended period of up to June 2023, according to an official.

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia discussed an additional package of over USD 2 billion either through deposits or Sukuk and it is likely that more money will be provided to Islamabad,” the report said, adding that the size of the total package will be determined when the additional money is finalised.

Saudi Arabia provided USD 3 billion deposits to the State Bank of

Pakistan in December 2021 while the Saudi oil facility was operationalised from March 2022, providing Pakistan with USD 100 million to procure oil.

The oil-rich Gulf nation had provided a USD 7.5 billion package to Pakistan during the last tenure of the PML-N government (2013-18). Under the PTI-led regime headed by ex-prime minister Imran Khan, Saudi Arabia provided a package of USD 4.2 billion, including USD 3 billion deposits and a USD 1.2 billion oil facility for one year and linked it with the IMF programme.

Saudi Arabia has provided an enhanced financial package to Pakistan when its economy is in dire straits and the country is facing a balance of payment crisis. The country’s foreign exchange reserves have depleted by USD 6 billion in the last six to seven weeks and nosedived to USD 10.5 billion.

BEIJING, MAY 1 (AP): Many Chinese are marking a quiet May Day holiday this year as the government’s “zero-COVID” approach restricts travel and enforces lockdowns in multiple cities.

All restaurants in Beijing are closed to dine-in customers from Sunday through the end of the holiday on Wednesday, open only for takeout and delivery. Parks and tourist attractions in the Chinese capital are limited to half capacity. The Universal Studios theme park in Beijing, which opened last year, said it had shut down temporarily.

The pandemic situation varies across the vast nation of 1.4 billion people, but the Transport Ministry said last week that it

A security guard wearing a face mask takes the temperature of visitors as they enter a public park in Beijing, Saturday. (AP)

expected 100 million trips to be taken from Saturday to Wednesday, which would be down 60% from last year. Many of those

who are travelling are staying within their province as local governments discourage or restrict cross-border travel to try to keep out

new infections.

China is sticking to a strict “zero-COVID” policy even as many other countries are easing restric-

tions and seeing if they can live with the virus. Much of Shanghai — China’s largest city and a finance, manufacturing and shipping hub — remains locked down, disrupting people’s lives and dealing a blow to the economy.

The major outbreak in Shanghai, where the death toll has topped 400, appears to be easing. The city recorded about 7,200 new locally transmitted cases on Saturday, down from a peak of 27,605 on April 13.

Outside of Shanghai, only 364 new cases were found in the rest of mainland China. Beijing, which has tallied about 300 cases in the past nine days, is restricting activity to try to prevent a large outbreak and avoid a citywide lockdown similar to Shanghai.

CIA picks Indian-origin IT expert Mulchandani 89 suspects arrested over deadly violence in Ethiopia city as its first Chief Intelligence Officer WASHINGTON, MAY 1 (PTI): Nand Mulchandani, an Indian-American Silicon Valley IT expert who studied at a Delhi school, has been appointed the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) first-ever Chief Technology Officer.

The announcement for the coveted position was made by Director William J Burns on social media.

According to the CIA, Mulchandani has over 25 years of expertise working in Silicon Valley.

“CIA Director William

J. Burns appoints Nand Mulchandani as CIA’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Mulchandani will ensure the Agency is leveraging cutting-edge innovations to further CIA’s mission,” the CIA said in a tweet.

“With more than 25 years experience working in Silicon Valley as well as the Department of Defense (DoD), Mr. Mulchandani brings substantial private sector, startup, and government expertise to CIA,”

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said in a statement on Friday. “Since my confirmation, I have prioritized focusing on technology and the new CTO position is a very important part of that effort. I am delighted Nand has joined our team and will bring his extensive experience to this crucial new role,” said Director Burns.

Prior to joining the CIA, Mulchandani most recently served as the CTO and Acting Director of DoD’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center.

ADDIS ABABA, MAY 1 (IANS): Ethiopian security forces have arrested 89 suspects in connection with deadly violence in an eastern city, local officials said.

In a statement on Saturday, Dire Dawa city administration communication bureau said the suspects are accused of involvement in deadly violence that occurred on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The statement said extremist bodies who wanted to disturb the harmony of the Christian and Muslim communities in the city in-

stigated violence that left a four-year-old child dead and 22 security forces injured.

The statement further said there was extensive property damage in the violence that broke out after Friday prayers. Tension has been rising across Ethiopia after deadly violence between the Christian and Muslim communities in the northern city of Gonder on April 26 left at least 20 dead. The violence in Gonder was triggered by a longstanding competing ownership of land around a cemetery by members of both the communities.

SL prez Rajapaksa urges political parties to set aside differences Sloganeering against Pak PM in Saudi:

C O L O M B O, M AY 1 (PTI): Sri Lanka’s beleaguered President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday urged all political parties to set aside their differences and appealed to the protesting citizens to join hands to steer a “pro-people struggle”, amidst growing demands for his government’s immediate resignation over its failure to tackle the country’s worst economic crisis.

His message to the people on International Workers’ Day came a day after the powerful Buddhist clergy in the island nation warned that people would be influenced to reject all politicians if Prime Minister

Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya’s elder brother, did not resign to make way for an interim government to resolve the political and economic crisis in the country.

“On this #InternationalWorkersDay, I once again invite all political party leaders in #lka to come to a consensus on behalf of the people. It’s my sincere wish to call on the people to join hands to steer a pro-people struggle setting aside political differences,” Gotabaya tweeted.

Sri Lanka is currently in the throes of unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948. The crisis is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency, which has meant that the country cannot afford to pay for imports of staple foods and fuel, leading to acute shortages and very high prices.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

On Thursday, nearly 1,000 trade unions staged a one-day nationwide strike, demanding the immediate resignation of the government, including President Gotabaya and Prime Minister Mahinda.

The unions from a number of sectors, including the state service, health, ports, electricity, education and postal joined the strike under the theme ‘Bow to the people - government go home’, urging the President,

the Prime Minister and the government to ‘go home’.

In his May Day message, Gotabaya said instead of following up on who is responsible for the current problematic situation, what is needed is to focus on what action can be taken to provide immediate relief to the public, online portal newsfirst.lk reported.

Pointing out that in the past three years, the group that faced the most serious challenges in the country are the working class, the president said they are also the ones who were resilient in the face of all these challenges and made great commitments to strengthen the national economy.

“As the day-to-day challenges they face are even more intense today, the government is taking various approaches to liberate the people from this situation

and alleviate the oppressive nature of the situation,” he said. Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply.

Gotabaya emphasised that the loss of foreign exchange has created many issues, and managing all these factors is the way to solve the current problems.

“Bearing the responsibility of creating a better future for the people of this country, as the Head of State and on behalf of the people I invited the leaders of all political parties to work together,” the Daily Mirror online newspaper quoted the president as saying.

Police books Imran Khan, 150 others

LAHORE, MAY 1 (PTI): Pakistan’s Punjab police have booked ousted prime minister Imran Khan and 150 others, including some members of his former cabinet, in connection with the hounding of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation at Masjid-e-Nabwi in Saudi Arabia, officials said.

Video clips circulating on social media showed some pilgrims -- apparently supporters of Khan – shouting ‘chor’ (thief) and ‘gaddar’ (traitor) as soon as Sharif and other members of his delegation arrived at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina last Thursday.

The Pakistani pilgrims also used abusive language against the delegation members. Madina police claim to have arrested five Pakistanis involved in the

sloganeering.

Punjab police on Saturday night registered an FIR against Khan, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and 150 others, including former federal ministers Fawad Chaudhry and

Sheikh Rasheed, former adviser to the prime minister Shahbaz Gul, former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Soori, and Khan’s close aides in London, Anil Musarrat and Sahibzada Jehangir, officials said.

OFFICE OF THE

SUMI OFFICERS’ UNION DIMAPUR ESTD :1991

FELICITATION

The Sumi Officers’ Union Dimapur (SOUD) with immense pleasure extends heartiest congratulations to Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi on being promoted to Principal Director Department of Health and Family Welfare Government of Nagaland. A prestigious achievement particularly for Sumis.

It is the earnest prayer of all members that may Almighty God bless you abundantly with more wisdom in taking Department to greater heights.

SD/ZAKABO ROTOKHA President, SOUD

SD/KUGHALU CHISHI Gen. Secy, SOUD

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Calls for ‘pro-people struggle’ to mitigate worst eco crisis

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10

‘NE Unsung Heroes Social award’ to be held in Mumbai

Staff Reporter

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): The 4th edition of Northeast Unsung Heroes Red Carpet Award 2021 hosted by Find Studioz would be held on May 12 at Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, founder of Northeast Unsung Heroes, Rebecca Changkija Sema informed that five individuals from Nagaland have been nominated in various categories.

She informed that John Khangnyu and NK Kenyin; Lironthung Lotha and NK Naga were nominated for Unsung Heroes award in social, sports and entertainment categories respectively, while Onenienla Imsong, also known as Onen Nenty, has been selected for the “Influencer of the year Award 2021”.

For the 4th edition, Sema said there would 32 unsung heroes award and nine special category awards for nominees from eight states of Northeast.

She said the awardees

would be recognised for their “silent contribution towards society”.

Sema said the primary purpose of the award was to raise awareness, recognise and honour hard work and valuable contributions of individuals towards society.

She said it aimed to recognise those individuals whose contributions were being neglected or

not recognised by their respective governments or organisations.

The award categories include, sports, entertainment, entrepreneur, social, art and culture, education and literature, and frontline heroes, while award for women-empowerment, frontline heroes, friends of northeast India are included in the special award categories.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

ATMA blocks conduct demonstrations and trainings

DIMAPUR: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) blocks have been organising demonstrations, trainings and inaugurating farm schools across the state. Following are the reports from various ATMA blocks.

Tokiye block: Tokiye block Zunheboto conducted demonstration on April 21, April 22 and April 28 at Hoshepu village, Yezashi village and Satami village respectively. BTM Livika K Zhimomi, ATM Moanenla Jamir and ATM Ika Kinnimy conducted demonstration on the topic, “soil health card technology”.

Mangkolemba block: AT M A M o k o k c h u n g , Mangkolemba block inaugurated farm school and conducted training on “good agriculture practices of litchi” on April 26 at Waromung Village. A progressive farmer, Purtola Aier, was selected as farm school teacher. In the technical session, resource person, ATM, Alemnungla Longkumer trained farmers on agriculture practices of litchi plantation.

Jalukie block: ATMA Jalukie block conducted demonstration on the topic, inter cropping of soya bean,

vertical farming of bitter gourd using crop support net and “pheromone insect trap” on April 23-27 at Beisumpuikam, Jalukiekam and Jalukie Jangdi villages.

Peren block: ATMA Peren blocks conducted demonstration on the topic vermi composting, cultivation of yardlong bean and preparation of natural fertilizer on April 27-28 at Gaili Nandi and Ngwalwa village.

Ahthibung block: Ahthibung Block conducted demonstration on nursery bed preparation, jeevamrut and vermi composting on April 27-28 at Old Chalkot and Saijang village.

Tenning block: Tenning block conducted demonstration on preparation of bijamrita, making of yellow sticky traps for management of sucking pest and soil sampling techniques on April 22-28 at Tepun, Old Ngau and other villages.

Dhansiripar block: ATMA Dimapur, Dhansiripar block inaugurated a piggery farm school on April 29 at Kiyeto village and farm school was inaugurated by VAS, District Vet Hospital Dimapur, Dr Qhelitoli Sema where Jeholi Chishi of Kiyeto village was appointed as farm teacher.

Panso block: ATMA Panso block under Tuensang district inaugurated mandarin orange farm school on April 29 at Shaothoimong (Pathso Nokeng) with Tuming as farm school teacher.

Chuchuyimlang block: With an aim to promote farmer-to-farmer extension, ATMA Mokokchung, Chuchuyimlang block inaugurated Mandarin Orange Orchard farm school on April 27 at Salulamang village. The block informed that the farm school was inaugurated by AFA Mejasenzuk and I Maongtoshi was appointed as the farm teacher.

Ongpangkong South block: ATMA Mokokchung, Ongpangkong South Block launched “integrated farming system” on April 30 at Mangmetong Village.

Dimapur block: ATMA Dimapur inaugurated papaya farm school on April 30 at Shiwoto Village, where BTM Aghunaqa block highlighted the roles and functions of Farm school and farm school teacher.

Aboi block: ATMA Aboi block conducted a demonstration on “package of practices of French beans” on April 28 at Lang-

meang village, where resource person ATM Linota Chophy trained farmers on soil preparation, sowing method and disease management.

Chen block: ATMA Chen block conducted demonstration programme on “cultivation practices of bitter gourd” on April 28 at Chenloisho village. Resource persons, ATM Chuba Imsong demonstrated on soil management, sowing techniques and also emphasised on health benefits of bitter gourd and ATM Taiching Yana encouraged farmers to grow crops based on soil type of the area in order to avoid crop failure and economic loss.

Phomching block: ATMA Phomching block conducted a demonstration programme on “use of food preservatives for preservation of value-added products” on April 28 to a group of farmers of a Food Security Group (FSG) at Longwa village with ATM Diezelhouno Chiicha as resource person.

Tizit block: ATMA Tizit block conducted demonstration programme on “preparation of bordeaux mixture and bordeaux paste” on April 27 at

Neitong village with ATM Nchumthung Murry as resource person.

Angjangyang block: ATMA Angjangyang block organised a demonstration programme on “nursery bed preparation of tomato” on April 20 at Yaphang village.

Angjangyang block also conducted ‘Kisan Ghosti’ on April 29 at Yei village.

Wa k c h i n g b l o c k : ATMA Wakching block conducted two demonstration programmes on April 28 at Lower Tiru village.

Demonstrations on “organic waste composting” and “preparation and use of Bordeaux mixture” were carried out by ATM Wanshom Konyak and ATM Weeniyie Yanlen respectively.

Mon block: Mon block conducted demonstration programme on “preparation of microbial fertiliser” on April 28 at Phuktong village, where resource persons, ATM Manlen Longcha conducted a demonstration on production process of microbial fertiliser- both liquid and solid bio-fertiliser and its application and ATM Khriezelhou Seyie conducted a demonstration on ‘vertical stacking in French beans for efficient growth’.

LEH silver jubilee Educational institutions hold convocation celebration culminates lowed to freely practice their profession and trades so as to empower them and for the society to progress simultaneously.

She therefore challenged women to move forward with determination and belief that were equal to their opposite partner.

Later, the new office bearers of LEH led by Thungbeni Ngullie as the president and Achumlo Kikon as the general secretary were installed. A dedication prayer for the new team was said by Wokha Town Church, women leader, Emilo Tungoe.

During the business hour, LEH deliberated on various issues and passed resolutions emphasising on the need of educating the Lotha community inpopularisation and usage of Lotha dialect.

of college annual magazine “Minerva” was also released.

SCC: Sao Chang College (SCC) held its 47th parting social programme for outgoing batch 2019-22 on April 29 with late Sao Chang’s family as special invitees.

FTS: Faith Theological Seminary (FTS) Kohima held its 14th convocation on April 29 with FTS academic dean Asola Jamir as

Happy 75th Birthday to a great Mother Happy Birthday Oja, on your special day, today as you reach 75th milestone, it is our prayer that the good Lord will bless you with good health, happiness and long life. Have the most amazing birthday.

Jalukie Bn organises training

DIMAPUR: Jalukie Battalion of Assam Rifles organised workshop cum skill development training on April 27 at Jalukie Town, Peren district.The workshop cum skill trainMinister of state for DoNER and Cooperation, B.L.Verma witnessing the cultural ing was organised to educate women on use of mobile program held in his honour, along with chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues applications for digital payment, e- governance services, at Nousi auditorium, Niathu Resort, Chumoukedima on May 1. (DPRO Dimapur) IT applications, digital marketing and cyber security.

the convocation speaker. At the event, FTS principal, Rev. Dr. Visielie conferred degrees and awarded certificates to 20 graduates.

MTLT new team: Mokokchung Town LanurTelongjem (MTLT) at its foundation day-cum-general meeting on April 30 has selected new team of office bearers led by ImnaonenPongen as president and Imkongchuba Pongen as general secretary.

Mrs. L. Temsutola Jamir (Chuchuyimlang)

With prayer, Loving Husband, sons, in-laws and grand children.

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DIMAPUR: A two-day silver jubilee celebration of LothaEloeHoho (LEH) culminated on April 29 a t T i y i H a l l , Wo k h a with assistant professor, Dr.Zubeno Kithan from UBS Pune as the theme speaker.

According to DIPR report, Dr. Kithan said the society can achieve more Advisor to Power Department, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, graces Aahobane 1429, a Poila if women were included in Baisakh celebration and musical extravaganza featuring Ananya Chakraborty, TRAP, various decision-making N. K. Naga and others organised by Dimapur Bongs at DDSC Stadium on Sunday. bodies/platforms.

She said works and decision-making abilities should not be classified or categorised through physical appearance rather women should be included and treated equally as men.

Expressing the need for more women in various decision-making bodies, Dr.Kithan said women should be trained and al-

DIMAPUR: Educational institutions organised convocation, social parting for the outgoing/graduating students. Following are the reports from across the state.

KCK: KROS College Kohima held its annual social parting programme on April 30 for the batch of 2019-2022 on the theme “Vintage” with NSF president, KegwayhunTep as guest of honour. At the programme, the 5th edition

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CFD to organise seminar: Christian Forum Dimapur has informed that “Faith and Leadership Revival Seminar” will be held on May 3, 9:30 am- 1 pm at Bethesda Assembly of God church, Central colony, Walford, Dimapur. For further queries, one has been asked to contact Rev. Moses Murry (9436003612), Rev. Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto (9436260435), Rev. Vitoshe Swu (9436003591) or Rev. Vangphong Phom (7085051197).

Plantation drive at KT & Asükiqa block: Green Pughoboto block-wise plantation drive was conducted at KT and Asükiqa area on April 23 and April 25 with Y. Vikheho Swu, MLA, who initiated the ongoing mission. Villages along with forest officers and government officials also took part in the plantation drive.

MITE conducts debate competition: IQAC Cell of the Modern Institute of Teacher Education, Kohima organised an inter club debate competition on April 25 on the topic “Is Reservation against Right to Equality?”.

UCTE observes ‘traditional attire day’: Unity College of Teacher Education (UCTE) Dimapur observed its “traditional attire day” on April 27 at college campus.

UCTE has informed that the college would be observing the day on last Wednesday of every month.

SAT celebrates Sacerdotal 25 yrs: St. Andrew, Thenyizumi celebrated sacerdotal silver jubilee of parish priest and principal of St. Andrew School, Rev. Fr. Sojan Xavier on April 26 at campus chapel.

BJP national GS begins tour: BJP national general secretary, Tarun Chugh kicked off his official tour on April 30 at F&RMCA Hall, Tuli Town. Chugh was accompanied by BJP Nagaland state president, Temjen Imna Along, general secretary (organisation) in charge of Manipur and Nagaland state, Abhay Giriji, and host of other party leaders and officials.

MGM visits orphanage: Department of Economics, MGM College, Midland, Dimapur visited the Neighbourhood Orphanage on April 30 under the guidance of head of department, Dr. Kavika Yepthomi and assistant professor, Tsutsamo. During the visit, the students interacted with the children and the lecturers also shared about educational values.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Richarlison helps Everton beat Chelsea; Son double boosts Spurs’ top-4 hopes Tottenham beat Leicester City 3-1

Everton’s Richarlison in action with Chelsea’s Reece James.

LIVERPOOL, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Striker Richarlison profited from a Chelsea error to secure struggling Everton a 1-0 Premier League win and what could be a precious three points in their bid to avoid relegation at a rocking Goodison Park on Sunday.

The home side grabbed the lead a minute into the second half after Cesar Azpilicueta gave up possession under pressure from the Brazilian forward, who harried the Chelsea captain into a mistake before slotting a low shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Chelsea dominated possession and Everton had

to hold on grimly for the final half-hour. They stay in the relegation zone, but move to within two points of Burnley and Leeds United with a game in hand.

Chelsea remain third with 66 points from 34 games as they bid to qualify for the Champions League.

The Everton team bus was met by hundreds of fans lined along Goodison Road, flares turning the air blue in what was a vocal show of support for Frank Lampard’s side. Fireworks had also been set off outside the Chelsea team hotel during the night.

The moment the home side so desperately craved came just after the restart

as Richarlison, who ran himself into the ground, forced Azpilicueta into the mistake for a goal that was met with an almighty roar.

L e f t b a c k Vi t a l i y Mykolenko should have made it 2-0 shortly afterwards but fired wide, but at the other end Mason Mount struck both posts from a single shot, and Jordan Pickford saved brilliantly twice from Kai Havertz and Antonio Rudiger as Everton clung on.

They had a few chances on the break that came to nothing and at fulltime were able to celebrate, with much relief, a fourth successive home win against their London opponents.

Son Heung-min continued his prolific season, striking twice after Harry Kane had opened the scoring as Tottenham Hotspur beat Leicester City 3-1 at home on Sunday to boost their hopes of Champions League qualification.

The win moved Spurs a point above North London rivals Arsenal into fourth place in the Premier League, at least for a few hours, with the Gunners at West Ham United later on Sunday.

Son has now scored 19 league goal this season, three fewer than top scorer Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, and the South Korean’s second goal was certainly one of his finest.

Patson Daka had given Spurs an early fright when he hit the post in the 14th minute but eight minutes later Kane put the hosts in front, losing his marker to meet a Son corner with a powerful header.

Spurs were comfortably in charge of the game but it was not until the introduction of Dejan Kulusevski from the bench in the 55th minute that they drove home their superiority. After a fine, sliding tackle from Cristian Romero won back the ball for Spurs,

Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min celebrates scoring their third goal with Emerson Royal.

Kulusevski set up Son with a short ball into the box and the South Korean was given enough space to rotate and drill his finish into the bottom corner.

Then Swedish winger Kulusevski was the provider again, cutting in from the right and feeding Son who opened up and beat Kasper Schmeichel with a wonderful curling shot into the far, top corner.

Son received a thunderous standing ovation from the 59,000 crowd when he was substituted, three minutes after his goal.

Leicester received some reward for their efforts when Kelechi Iheanacho scored in stoppage time

with a low drive off the inside of the post.

Son dismissed talk of him winning the Golden Boot but had clearly enjoyed his second goal.

“I was happy to score that really beautiful goal.

When I hit it I could see the way the ball flied and I was happy to score that. But I’m more happy to play well and get the three points,” he said.

“If I get the chances then I will try to score. The Golden Boot is always a dream but the team is most important.” added Son. Spurs are on 61 points from 34 games with Arsenal in fifth on 60 points from 33 matches.

Manchester City beat Leeds 4-0

Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League after thumping Leeds United 4-0 at Elland Road on Saturday to lead the table by one point, although the reigning champions were made to work harder than the scoreline suggested.

Liver pool had regained top spot earlier in the day with a 1-0 win at Newcastle United, putting pressure on City to respond against a Leeds side battling to avoid relegation.

An early goal settled City’s nerves, with Spanish midfielder Rodri glancing a header into the net to give the visitors the lead with 13 minutes on the clock.

Leeds kept the pressure up, with a raucous crowd doing everything in their power to make life difficult for City, but Nathan Ake’s goal in the 54th minute effectively ended any hope the home fans had of getting anything from the match.

Leeds continued to miss chances before City put the game to bed 12 minutes from time as Gabriel Jesus continued his fine form in front of goal with another strike before Fernandinho put the ic-

ing on the cake with a stoppage-time fourth.

City’s fourth win in a row in all competitions put them back at the top on 83 points from 34 games ahead ofsecond-placed Liverpool, while Leeds slipped to 17th, five points above the drop zone but having played two more games than Everton in 18th.

On paper Leeds looked up against it, taking on a City side who travelled to Yorkshire unbeaten away in the league since a 1-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend, having been thrashed 7-0 in the reverse fixture early in the season.

But with City boss Pep Guardiola making five changes to his side with Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, secondleg clash at Real Madrid in mind, which they will start with a 4-3 lead, the visitors looked a little disjointed from the off.

After surviving early pressure from the hosts, Rodri timed his run to perfection to get on the end of Ilkay Gundogan’s free-kick and break the deadlock. It was City’s 17th goal from a set piece this term – more than any other Premier League side.

Taylor retains lightweight world titles Bagnaia dominates Spanish NBA star Chris Paul invest in with split-decision pts win over Serrano GP for first win of the season IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals NEW YORK, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Katie Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight world championship on Saturday, with a split-decision victory over Amanda Serrano on a historic night in Madison Square Garden in front of a raucous sellout crowd.

The Irishwoman, who stretched her unbeaten professional record to 210, and Serrano were the first women to headline a fight at the world’s most famous arena and put on a show-stopping performance equal to the occasion. read more Swinging wildly with everything she had in the final rounds, Taylor was egged on with chants of “Katie, Katie, Katie,” and the packed stands erupted in utter joy as the fight 140 years in the making went to the Irish sporting legend.

“I knew going into it I was going to be in the trenches at some stage,” said Taylor. “She’s a phenomenal fighter, a great, great person, and I had the heart and the skill and I knew I was going to be able

Katie Taylor (R) throws a punch against Katie Taylor.

to come through.”

Taylor kept the fight on the outside to begin with before deciding to stand and trade in the fourth and fifth, and she almost paid dearly for the decision as Serrano connected.

Her legs were still wobbling well into the sixth round, but she managed to dig deep and get back on the outside, picking off the challenger and scoring with simple combinations.

Taylor went all-out for the finish in the final round, punching maniacally as the final bell approached, but by then the work was done and the judges convinced that Taylor’s hand was the one that

deserved to be raised after an epic encounter.

“Katie’s a great champion,” said Serrano. “I’m truly honoured to have shared a ring with you.”

Competing under the watchful eye of pioneering Hall of Famer Christy Martin in the biggest fight in the history of women’s boxing, the meeting between the two best poundfor-pound boxers ushered in a new era for the sport.

The famed boxing venue had played host to luminaries such as Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, but had never seen two women headline before, and the event set the Big Apple buzzing to its core.

JEREZ (SPAIN), MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia won his duel with world champion Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha in commanding fashion as he clinched his first victory of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez on Sunday.

Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro overcame a slow start to secure third while six-times MotoGP world champion and local favourite Marc Marquez held off Bagnaia’s team mate Jack Miller to take fourth.

Pole sitter Bagnaia, who set a new lap record at the Jerez circuit in qualifying on Saturday, flew out of the traps and never relinquished first place despite a late charge from Quartararo, who was chasing his second win in Spain.

Bagnaia, a pre-season favourite, got off to a difficult start this year after crashing out in the opening race in Qatar and injuring his shoulder during qualifying for last week’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

Quartararo added that it was an intense battle and praised Bagnaia for not letting him pass.

Bundesliga newcomers Bochum stun Dortmund BERLIN, MAY 1 (IANS): Although Borussia Dortmund came from two goals down thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace, newcomers Bochum won the thriller 4-3 in Bundesliga with two late goals.

Bochum caught a fairy tale start at Dortmund on Saturday night and needed only three minutes to break the deadlock as Takuma Asano’s pinpoint cross into the box found Sebastian Polter, who nodded home from seven metres.

Dor tmund had to swallow Bochum’s second goal only moments later as Asano set up for Gerrit Holtmann, whose left-footed hammer from the edge of the box beat BVB goalkeeper Marwin Hitz, Xinhua reports. The hosts needed some time to recover but restored parity within the half-hour mark as Haaland converted a handball penalty to halve the deficit before the Norway international tapped home another penalty from the spot.

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VfL Bochum’s Maxim Leitsch in action with Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland during the Bundesliga match. (Reuters)

with the scoring and stunned Bochum with his hat-trick in the 62nd minute when Marco Reus cutback pass allowed Haaland to turn the tides from close range.

Bochum remained unimpressed though and bounced back as well as joker Jurgen Locadia levelled the scores in the 81st minute before Milos Pantovic made it 4-3 af-

ter converting a handball penalty in the 86th minute to secure the first win at Dortmund since 1998.

Elsewhere, relentless Mainz upset Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich 3-1 on home soil.

Stuttgart snatched vital points in the relegation battle after securing a late 1-1 draw with Wolfsburg.

Cologne extended its winning run to four games

and eye for a berth in Europe after seeing off Augsburg 4-1 by courtesy on Anthony Modeste’s brace.

Relegation-threatened Hertha Berlin gave away a narrow win as Joakim Nilsson’s 1-1 injury-time equalizer rescued Arminia Bielefeld a crucial point.

Freiburg edged Hoffenheim 4-3 in a see-saw match to move into the top four.

Francesco Bagnaia

Frenchman Quartararo now leads Espargaro by seven points in the overall standings, with Gresini Racing’s Enea Bastianini, who took eighth, occupying third place.

Suzuki’s Alex Rins, who was joint-leader in the world championship coming into the race, slipped to fourth after he went off the track on turn 12 and finished 19th, while Pramac Ducati also had a forgettable outing, with Johann Zarco crashing out and Jorge Martin finishing 22nd.

Riders will now head to France for the seventh round of racing in two weeks’ time.

Wimbledon ban on Russia, Belarusia ‘very unfair’: Nadal MADRID, MAY 1 (IANS): The 21-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal has termed Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s tournament as ‘very unfair’. Speaking ahead of the Madrid Open, Nadal said he understands the reason for the ban and sympathises with the players.

“It’s very unfair to my colleagues, they aren’t to blame for what is happening with the war. I feel sorry for them and I wish it wasn’t like this. In the end, we know that this is what it is.

When the government puts measures in place, we have to follow them,” he said.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry for them.

I wish it was not this way, but at the end of the day we know that this is what we have,” he added. “From there onwards, we will see what happens. Let’s see what happens in the next weeks, if the players will take some kind of decision in this regard,” Nadal said.

MUMBAI, MAY 1 (PTI): American football legend Larry Fitzgerald, double Olympic gold medallist basketball star Chris Paul are among the new investors in IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.

The duo, along with another NFL star Kelvin Beachum, are now minority investors in the IPL franchise which is owned by Emerging Media Ventures, an entity that is fully controlled by Manoj Badale.

“Rajasthan Royals have attracted investment from US elite athletes Chris Paul, Larry Fitzgerald and Kelvin Beachum.

The trio have come on board as investors in the Rajasthan-based franchise.

Investing through Emerging Media Ventures, the vehicle 100% controlled

by Manoj Badale, Paul, Fitzgerald and Beachum will become minority investors in the franchise,” Royals announced in a press release.

“I love the idea of building a professional franchise with a clear social purpose and look forward to working with this team

Chris Paul

to challenge the realms of possibility by expanding to new horizons as a franchise. India has a passionate sports culture and I’m excited to invest in one of the most sought-after teams in the country,” said Fitzgerald.

Paul, a former president of NBA players association, echoed his sentiment.

“I am excited to have become one of the first US athletes to see the value and scope for growth in the IPL. “With a variety of components, including sta-

dium experience and fan engagement still left to fulfil their course, I see myself contributing world-class experience through this strategic investment,” said Paul, who served as the former president of the National Basketball Players Association.

In addition, as part of the recent transaction for the Royals to acquire the Barbados Tridents, CMG Companies, has joined the Royals ownership group.

The alignment with US athletes promises to be productive.

Lyon knock PSG out to set up Women’s Champions League final against Barca PARIS, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Olympique Lyonnais will be gunning for a record-extending eighth w o m e n’s C h a m p i o n s League title against Barcelona after a 2-1 away win helped them beat Paris St Germain 5-3 on aggregate in their semi-final tie on Saturday.

Ada Hegerberg and Wendie Renard scored either side of Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s equaliser as the seven-time champions capitalised on their opponents’ mistakes in both legs to reach their 10th final in the competition.

They will meet holders Barcelona, who earlier qualified despite losing 2-0 at VfL Wolfsburg, having won the first leg 5-1 last week.

Hegerberg opened the scoring in the 14th minute, heading home from Selma Bacha’s cross.

Lyon thought they had it in the bag in the second half when Hegerberg netted another one, but the

Ada Hegerberg of Olympique Lyonnais celebrates after scoring against Paris St Germain.

goal was disallowed after a VAR review, which ruled that Melvine Malard was offside.

Goalkeeper Barbora Votikova, who had a nightmarish first leg with two blunders, was replaced at halftime by Charlotte Voll after she suffered a knee injury.

Katoto levelled for the hosts in the 62nd minute from close range after

Christiane Endler parried away Sandy Baltimore’s shot into her path.

Ly o n , h o w e v e r, wrapped it up seven minutes from time as Renard headed home to punish PSG for their soft defending on her 101st appearance in the competition.

Lyon won five titles in a row from 2016-20 before losing to PSG in the quarter-finals last year.

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CSK beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13-run in IPL

PUNE, MAY 1 (PTI): Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway’s effortless sixhitting exhibition was well complemented by a fourwicket haul from Mukesh Choudhary as Chennai Super Kings notched up a 13-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match here on Sunday.

Gaikwad (99 off 57 balls) and Conway (85 not out off 55) put SRH’s attack to the sword, notching up a scintillating 182-run partnership, the highest opening stand of the season, as CSK posted an imposing 202 for two after being invited to bat.

In re ply, SRH fell short, reaching 189 for 6 in 20 overs despite late heroics from Nicholas Pooran (64 not out) and a 47-run innings by skipper Kane Williamson at the top.

Choudhary emerged with the best figures for CSK, scalping four for 46, while Mitchell Santner (1/36) and Dwaine Pretorius (1/40) took one wicket each. The win, which coincided with MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy, kept CSK afloat for an improbable play-off berth as they now have six points with five

Mukesh Choudhary of CSK celebrates the wicket of Rahul Tripathi of SRH during the IPL match, Sunday. (PTI)

matches remaining, while SRH remained in the fourth position with 10 points in the overall standing.

Abhishek Sharma (39) and Williamson gave SRH a flying start to their chase

but Choudhary struck twice in two balls to reduce the Hyderabad outfit to 58 for 2 in six overs.

While Sharma was caught by Dwaine Pretorius at long-on, Rahul Tripathi

was out for a duck after giving catching practice at short third man.

Aiden Markram hit two sixes before falling prey to Mitchell Santner.

Pooran hit Ravindra Jadeja for a six before unleashing a monstrous reverse sweep for another maximum, while Williamson too notched up a one-handed six to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The SRH skipper, however, was trapped in front by Pretorius as it became 126 for 4 in 15th over.

Pooran then kept fighting in vain while scoreboard pressure took a toll on the other batters.

Earlier, Gaikwad, who has been blowing hot and cold this season, was at his destructive best as he smashed six sixes and as many fours before tragically falling short of a ton by just one run. The 25-year-old was in his zone as he stood on his backfoot, and played some exceptional shots to dominate the formidable SRH bowling unit.

Anything short was pulled with immaculate ease, while pitched up deliveries were treated with equal disdain as Gaikwad didn’t

miss a trick to send SRH on a leather hunt during his classy innings.

Conway too showed great temperament as he was the perfect foil for Gaikwad. He bide his time initially before going for the big shots in the slog overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0/22) was the best bowler on display for SRH, while pace sensation Umran Malik had a really bad day in office, having conceded 48 in his four overs. T Natarajan (2/42) picked up two wickets but also went for runs. With Washington Sundar suffering an injury while fielding, SRH was forced to use Markram and Shashank Singh as the fifth bowler, who conceded 46 from their combined four overs.

After a watchful start, Gaikwad broke free as he pulled Marco Jansen for two maximums, while Natarajan was sent across the mid-wicket boundary as CSK reached 40 for 0 after the powerplay.

Gaikwad was particular harsh on Malik, smashing him over cover first before lifting him over long-on for another maximum in his first over.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Lucknow Super Giants beat Delhi Capitals by 6 runs

MUMBAI, MAY 1 (IANS): Lucknow Super Giants held their nerves to beat Delhi Capitals by 6 runs in the thrilling 45th match of the IPL 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium, here on Sunday.

Brilliant half-centuries

by K.L Rahul (77 off 51) and Deepak Hooda (52 off 34) powered Lucknow to 195/3 in 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Both Rahul and Hooda stitched a superb partnership of 95 runs for the second wicket in just 61 balls.

Apart from them, Quinton de Kock (23 off 13) also played an aggressive knock at the top for LSG. Shardul Thakur (3/40) was the only wicket-taker for Delhi in this game.

I n r e p l y, s k i p p e r Rishabh Pant (44 off 30), Mitchell Marsh (37 off 20) and Rovman Powell (35 off 21) got starts, and played aggressively but couldn’t finish well.

Lower down the order, Axar Patel (42 not out off 24) and Kuldeep Yadav (16 not out off 8) batted well and kept Delhi in the game till the last over, but

KL Rahul, captain of LSG raises his bat after scoring a half century, during the IPL match against Delhi Capitals. (PTI)

eventually, their team was restricted to 189-7 in 20 overs, losing by 6 runs.

Mohsin Khan (4/16) was the star performer with the ball for Lucknow Super Giants while Ravi Bishnoi (1/28), Krishnappa Gowtham (1/23) and Dushmantha Chameera (1/44)

also picked one wicket each.

Brief scores: Lucknow Super Giants 195/3 in 20 overs (K.L Rahul 77, Deepak Hooda 52; Shardul Thakur 3/40) beat Delhi Capitals 189/7 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 44, Axar Patel 42; Mohsin Khan 4/16) by 6 runs.

It was really unfair, I could’ve played final: Halep beats world No. 2 Badosa; Cristiano Ronaldo could make P V Sindhu on controversial point penalty sets up clash with Coco Gauff shock Real Madrid return: Reports

MANILA (PHILIPPINES), MAY 1 (PTI): Two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu was left in tears after an “unfair” call by the umpires midway through her semifinal match against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi derailed her dream of winning a gold at the Badminton Asia Championships. Leading 14-11 in the second game after having won the first game, Sindhu was handed a point penalty for taking too much time to serve between points.

The 26-year-old from Hyderabad lost her momentum after that incident, losing 21-13, 19-21, 16-21 to eventually sign off with a bronze medal, her second in the continental individual championship.

“The umpire told me you’re taking a lot of time but the opponent wasn’t ready at that point. But the umpire suddenly gave her the point and it was really unfair. I think that was one of the reasons why I lost,” said Sindhu after the match on Saturday.

“I mean that is my feeling because at that moment it was 14-11 and could have become 15-11 but instead, it became 14-12 and she took

P.V. Sindhu

continuous points. And I think it was very unfair.

Maybe I would have won the match and played in the final. “I told the chief referee, he came and said it is already done. As a chief referee, you need to at least make sure what was the mistake. Maybe, he should have seen the replay and should have done something about it.” Sindhu’s father P.V. Ramana said Sindhu was extremely disappointed with the decision.

“She was confident of winning a gold this time and so was very disappointed.

She was crying when she spoke to me but I told her that it is done and dusted and she should forget about it,” Ramanna told PTI. Sindhu was seen hav-

ing an animated discussion with the chief referee after the chair umpire asked her to hand over the shuttle to her opponent but it all fell on deaf ears.

“What umpire did was not correct, If she was delaying, then you could have warned her with a yellow card and if you are penalising her with a point then at least show a red card and give the point but there was nothing of that sort,” Ramana said.

There were also speculations of Sindhu not accepting the bronze after she skipped the medal ceremony but she herself put those to rest with a tweet and a candid picture of her posing with medal. “A medal at the end of an excruciating campaign is always special. This could have gone the distance. Looking forward to the next,” Sindhu tweeted.

However, Ramana on his part clarified that a formal written permission was sought from the authorities regarding the same.

“Nothing like that, she accepted the medal, it is just that she had to rush for a flight back home, so she took permission from the authorities,” he said.

M A D R I D, M A Y 1 (IANS): Two-time champion and former world No. 1, Simona Halep of Romania, notched a match-win at the Madrid Open for the 29th time in her career, defeating world No.2 Paula Badosa of Spain 6-3, 6-1 to set up a Round-of-16 clash against Coco Gauff of the US. The 30-year-old Halep, who won the Madrid title back-to-back in 2016 and 2017 and has reached the final two more times, emerged victorious in her first meeting with the surging Badosa after one hour and 16 minutes of play.

With her latest win in the Spanish capital, Halep moves into the Madrid Open Round of 16 for the seventh time out of her 11 main-draw appearances here. Halep holds a 2-0 win-loss record against Gauff.

World No.14 Gauff outclassed Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in a late Saturday night game 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.

Halep’s 29 main-draw match-wins at the Madrid Open are the most by the Romanian stalwart in her career after the Australian and French Open, where

she has 31 match-wins apiece. Only three-time champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic has won more main-draw matches than Halep in the history of this tournament.

Kvitova has won 32 matches at the Madrid Open.

Halep, who is ranked world No.21 and unseeded in Madrid for the first time since 2013, had 21 winners to 14 unforced errors during the clash against Badosa. A year ago, Badosa had broken through on home soil with a run to the Madrid semifinals as a 62nd-ranked wildcard, and has quickly risen to the top of the game since then, hitting a new career-high ranking of world No.2.

Meanwhile, Gauff staved off a riveting comeback by world No.44 Putintseva before the 18-yearold American triumphed in 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Putintseva, a two-time French Open quarterfinalist, has defeated top20 players on clay courts eight times in her career, according to wtatennis. com. However, Gauff was able to avoid the upset, converting six of her 21 break points to eke out the hard-fought win.

Real Madrid claim 35th La Liga title; Alaves grab lifeline MADRID, MAY 1 (IANS): Real Madrid sealed their 35th La Liga title thanks to a 4-0 win over Espanyol. Two first-half goals from Rodrygo and further strikes from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema saw Carlo Ancelotti’s men to an easy win against a rival that looked like an uninvited guest at the celebrations on Saturday night.

Ancelotti rested nine of the 11 players who faced Manchester City in the Champions League last Tuesday, with only Luka Modric and Thibaut Courtois keeping their places ahead of next week’s European return leg.

Rodr ygo’s opening goal came in the 33rd minute when he received a cross from left back, Marcelo and beat two defenders before scoring with a low shot across Espanyol keeper Diego Lopez, Xinhua reports.

The second goal came after Mariano Diaz pressured the Espanyol defence into an error as they looked to play the ball out from the back.

Rodrygo collected the ball and scored with a shot that was tight against the post.

Real Madrid players pose with La Liga trophy after match against Espanyol. (AP/PTI)

Marco Asensio made it 3-0 in the 55th minute when he slipped through to finish off a counter-attack

by Eduardo Camavinga. Camavinga, Modric and Mariano were replaced by Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Isco on 60 minutes and Isco thought he had added a fourth with 20 minutes left to play, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

However, Benzema did net a fourth with a typical first-time finish following a move between Vinicius Jr and Isco. On a personal lev-

el, the win means that Ancelotti has now led clubs to league titles in Spain (Real Madrid), Italy (AC Milan), England (Chelsea), France (Paris Saint Germain) and Germany (Bayern Munich).

Sevilla’s hopes of finishing second suffered a setback when they were held 1-1 at home to struggling Cadiz. Youssef En-Neysri’s first half header for just his fourth league goal of the season, put Sevilla ahead, but a dogged Cadiz got their reward in the second half thanks to Lucas Perez’s

excellent free kick. Atletico Madrid’s fourth place also looks in doubt as they were beaten 2-0 away to Athletic Club Bilbao, who keep their hopes of playing in Europe next season alive with an impressive win.

Inaki Williams’ eighthminute cross was deflected into his own net by Atletico defender Mario Hermoso as Athletic dominated the first 25 minutes. Atletico began the second half brightly, but after Antoine Griezmann had rattled the crossbar with a free kick, Williams netted

Athletic’s second from the penalty spot after Iker Muniain had been fouled.

Although Angel Correa saw a deflected shot rebound off the post in injury time, Atletico never looked like recovering from the second goal. The result leaves Athletic a point behind seventh place Villarreal, who suffered a hangover from their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool with a 2-1 defeat away to Alaves.

First half goals from Victor Laguardia and Gonzalo Escalante gave Alaves a two-goal cushion and the side from Vitoria held on to climb above Levante after Samuel Chukwueze pulled a goal back for Villarreal two minutes into the second half.

Oscar Duarte scored an 81st minute equaliser for Levante to cancel out Hugo Duro’s first half opening goal for Valencia in the city derby. Levante slipped back to bottom of the table after missing chances to win the game after Valencia defender Jose Luis Gaya was sent off for a direct red card after 31 minutes.

L O N D O N, M AY 1 (IANS): Manchester United’s star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo could make a sensational return to Real Madrid this summer as the Spanish club has shown interest in getting back the Portuguese star.

D e s p i t e U n i t e d ’s shocking form, the 37-yearold forward has delivered another outstanding performance in the season, scoring 23 goals -- 17 in the Premier League. His performances in England have caused a stir at the Bernabeu with higher authorities wanting Ronaldo’s return to the club, a report published in Mirror.co.uk, claimed.

Ronaldo has a twoyear deal at Manchester United, with the option of an extra year when he returned to the club from Juventus. However, the scenario has changed in the United in the last seven months and Ronaldo’s future at the English club is now uncertain.

United are preparing for their third manager in less than a calendar year with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag ready to start a huge rebuild this summer after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in

Cristiano Ronaldo

November and replaced by interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

While Madrid would take him back this summer and give him plenty of playing time next season, it’s unclear whether Ten Hag views the veteran attacker as key to United’s immediate future.

Both Solskjaer and Rangnick hardly ever left Ronaldo out when he was

fit. But Ten Hag is planning a new United future built on high energy and youth -- and Ronaldo will not be guaranteed to play every game.

That won’t sit well with the United icon who can rightly point to his goal record in a dismal United side as evidence he deserves to be the first name on the team sheet.

Marin wins European C’ships after lengthy injury layoff LONDON, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Threetime world champion Carolina Marin clinched the European Championships title for the sixth time on Saturday, making a triumphant return after a knee injury sidelined her for 10 months.

Marin, who injured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee in June last year, was unable to defend her women’s singles crown at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 28-year-old won 21-10 21-12 against Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland in Saturday’s final in front of her home crowd in Madrid.

“I feel extremely happy, but it’s not about winning the gold medal today. Being able to come back and playing my first tournament of the season is bigger,” said former world number one Marin.

“I needed to improve my game and play some matches to gain confidence. I could do that in this tournament. I will enjoy this big story with my team, friends, and family right now. “On Monday, we start again.” Marin, who is now ranked sixth, won the Olympic gold in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Games after beating P.V. Sindhu of India.

Thanksgiving dinner: Nagaland Post fetes Dimapur District Football Association XI, champions of Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Championship Trophy 2022 at Aroma Eatery Sunday.

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