May 20, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 163

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Bundesliga: Leverkusen thump Bremen 4-1 sports, Page 8

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Travel ease amid COVID-19 fear

Stranded Nagas ready to board Shramik Special train at Chennai Central Tuesday night. (Twitter)

Staff Reporter/Correspondents

DIMAPUR/IMPHAL/ DIPHU, MAY 19 (NPN): As several thousand stranded persons began returning to their home states from various parts of the country, the North East has seen a spike in COVID-19 positive with Assam reporting 42 new cases and Manipur reporting two new cases in the past 48-hours.

These indicate that among thousands of stranded persons returning home, some may be COVID-19 positive if they came from Red zones or may have been infected during the course of their journey from whichever sources. These have only heightened fears that

Shops in Dmu to open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DIMAPUR, MAY 19 (NPN): Dimapur district administration has permitted all retail shops in Dimapur district to remain open from 9am to 4pm with effect from May 20, 2020.

In an order, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Khinchi, however, stated that all shops in New Market, Hongkong Market, Hazi Park, Millenium Market, Railway Bazaar and vegetable market in Purana Bazaar and all Weekly Bazaar would remain closed.

Hardware shops: Further, DC notified that all hardware shops in Dimapur district would be permitted to open from 6am to 12 noon with effect from May 20, 2020.

The DC further stated that all the retail and hardware shops must continue to mandatorily take precautionary measures such as keeping hand sanitizer, providing facilities for hand washing, regular cleaning and disinfection of door handles, surfaces and other objects frequently touched by people and wearing of masks by sales person, shopkeepers and other persons in contact with high number of people besides maintaining social distancing.

This is it!

“The cost of tobacco in Dimapur has gone sky high. I’m also thinking of going back home.”

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the number of cases could increase if some returnees with the virus start pouring into the region.

The above was confirmed by the report that 16 stranded persons who returned to Assam were tested COVID-19 positive from quarantine centres. In another shocking revelation, two stranded passengers travelling by bus from Delhi to Imphal via Dimapur and Kohima were tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday. It was reported that a 64-yearold woman and her 23-yearold daughter were tested at VRDL, RIMS and found positive for COVID-19.

The mother-daughter duo along with 20 other passengers had reached Imphal

in a bus from Delhi on May 16. The bus journey started from Safdarjung in New Delhi and crossed several states including Nagaland (via Mao gate) before entering Manipur.

On its way, the bus could have stopped at any stoppage places between Dimapur and Kohima where passenger may have got down for tea etc.

On reaching Imphal, they were lodged at an institutional quarantine centre at IIIT Mantripukhri, Imphal.

However, after their test results with positive for the virus were received, they have been admitted at the COVID care Facility at RIMS. Both were asymptomatic as of now, the source said.

nagalandpostofficial

Manipur state health department has traced out all the 20 co-passengers of the bus and contact tracing has been initiated regarding the driver and assistance of the bus who returned to Delhi after dropping the passengers.

Meanwhile, according to Southern Railways, Shramik Special train departed from Dr. MGR Chennai Central to Dimapur at 11:18 pm on Tuesday carrying 1325 passengers as “registered & nominated” by Tamilnadu government.

Thermal screening of passengers was done and social distancing ensured while boarding, it stated.

The train is expected to reach Dimapur on May 22.

1 tested positive in Diphu: A resident of Dillai locality (Kasmir Tilla village) of Bokajan subdivision, who was under quarantine in a hotel at Diphu town, was tested positive for COVID19 Monday.

The person, who was a migrant worker in Tamil Nadu, had travelled to Guwahati by train on May 16.

He arrived Diphu by bus from Guwahati along with 22 others.

nagalandpostofficial

Trump threatens to pull out of WHO international, Page 6

May 19: 1316 Nationwide tally crosses 1.05 lakh return to state

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 (NPN): As per the consolidated report from the reception Centre at Agri Expo Dimapur quarantine centre, a total of 1316 stranded citizens reached Nagaland on May 19. According to DIPR, 674 were from Dimapur district, Peren-16, Mon-195, Kohima- 159, Mokokchung- 67, Phek- 58, Zunheboto- 13, Tuensang34, Kiphire-12, Longleng13 and Wokha-30.

State principal secretary Abhijit Sinha in his daily briefing on COVID19 situation in the state said Rs 10,000 had been paid as one-time financial assistance to each of the 1,071 persons of Nagaland who have been stranded at different locations of the country and have opted not to return. The payment had cost the State exchequer Rs 1.07 crore, he claimed.

Also, altogether 1,002 persons are currently being monitored through nCOVID-19 Nagaland-Visitors app, he added. Further, he said the State Cabinet held a meeting on Tuesday and received briefings from the home department on the various measures presently in force.

NEW DELHI, MAY 19 (PTI): The nationwide COVID-19 tally crossed 1,05,000 on Tuesday with over 5,000 more people testing positive for the deadly virus infection, including many having returned from other states or from abroad, even as officials said India’s mortality rate has been very low and it has taken much longer here for the count of infected ones to hit the onelakh mark than many other countries.

In its morning 8 AM update, the Health Ministry said the total number of confirmed cases has reached 1,01,139 and the death toll has risen to 3,163. This marked an increase of nearly 5,000 cases and 134 fatalities in a 24-hour period.

However, a PTI tally of figures announced by various states and union territories, as of 9.25 PM, showed a higher number for the confirmed infections at 1,05,498 and the death toll at 3,145. It also showed at least 41,747 patients having recovered so far. This leaves more than 60,600 active cases in the country -- which is the seventh largest globally after the US, Russia, Brazil, France, Italy and Peru.

The Health Ministry,

however, said that for every one lakh population there are only 7.1 coronavirus cases in India so far, as against 60 globally.

Referring to data from the World Health Organisation, the ministry said 45,25,497 COVID-19 cases had been reported worldwide till Monday, which is about 60 cases per lakh population. Among the countries with a very high load of coronavirus cases, the US, with 14,09,452 instances of the infection so far, has around 431 cases per lakh population.

Lockdown, right time to boost Ganeshnagar First Covid-19 vaccine agriculture productivity: Kronu likely to be main tested on people in US farmers to produce more.

He expressed confiKO H I M A , M AY 1 9 dence that with the right (NPN): State gover nincentives and proper inment spokesperson for frastructure, Nagaland’s COVID-19 and planning farmers had the capacity & coordination minister not only to meet the reNeiba Kronu has made a quirements within, but strong pitch for boosting also export their produce. agricultural productivity Kronu observed that We cannot in Nagaland. the COVID-19 pandemic Speaking to Nagaland forever remain and the lockdown had dependent taught people many things Post here on Tuesday, Kronu said the lockdown on Centre to and changed the way they was a perfect opportunity conduct themselves. “It to increase agricultural meet our food has also brought home the produce and make the requirements realisation that we should State self-reliant on food - Neiba Kronu - give more importance to grains. agriculture,” he added.

“We cannot forever remain dePointing out that the State had pendent on Government of India and both abundant rainfall and a fertile mainland to meet our food require- soil, he said the agriculture sector ments,” he emphasised. looked very promising, if the resourcHe said Nagaland had “suf- es were properly harnessed. ficient” produce, but as the supply The minister said Nagaland chain was weak, the produce did not had great potential in coffee and bee often reach the market. The minister farming, adding that the State could stressed on improving the supply become an export hub for coffee chain by setting up more cold stor- as there was a huge demand in the age facilities, which would encourage world.

Correspondent

quarantine centre

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 19 (NPN): With an increasing number of people entering Nagaland every day, the State cabinet proposed converting Ganeshnagar at Dimapur into a quarantine centre as it could accommodate at least 6,000 people. Ganeshnagar is reportedly the first special economic zone (SEZ) in the North East region.

The proposal was made during the cabinet meeting held at the chief minister’s office here on Tuesday.

Sources informed Nagaland Post that Ganeshnagar was one place that could accommodate thousands of people and hold them separately on the basis of zones– red, orange and green– enabling the frontline workers to concentrate on taking care of the people.

It was also felt that too many quarantine centres would only create confusion and lead to unnecessary expenditures, especially when the State and the entire country were going through a huge economic crisis due to COVID-19 (Cont’d on p-5) pandemic.

Nagaland COVID-19: Results of 30 awaited

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 (NPN): Out of the 978 samples sent for testing from the State till 4 pm Tuesday, results of 948 samples had been received and all tested negative, while results 30 samples were awaited, principal secretary Abhijit Sinha informed. Through the Truenat testing machine, 26 samples were tested and all were negative. Currently, 922 persons are under facility quarantine and 744 persons under home quarantine.

Christian evangelist Ravi Zacharias dies D I M A PUR, MAY 19 (NPN): Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias died in h i s h o u s e Lt R. Zacharias in Atlanta, Georgia Tuesday after battling a rare form of bone cancer. He was 74. He leaves his wife Margie and children Sarah, Naomi and Nathan.

Zacharias, founder of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), was born in Chennai and grew up in New Delhi. He was the son of a senior bureaucrat who worked in the Home Ministry, Government of India. Ravi Zacharias spent the past 48 years commending the Christian faith.

NEW YORK, MAY 19 (AGENCIES): First coronavirus vaccine to be tested on people in the US appears to be safe and able to stimulate an immune response against the virus, its manufacturer, Moderna announced on Monday. The findings are based on results from the first eight people who each received two doses of the vaccine, starting in March.

Those people, healthy volunteers, made antibodies that were then tested in human cells in the lab and were able to stop the virus from replicating— the key requirement for an effective vaccine. The levels of those so-called neutralising antibodies matched the levels found in patients who had recovered after contracting the virus. Moderna has said the second phase involving 600 people will begin soon, and a third phase to begin in July involving thousands of healthy people.

The FDA gave Moderna the go-ahead for the phase II earlier this month. If those trials go well, a vaccine could KOHIMA, MAY 19 (NPN): be available for widespread use by the end of this year or Following the expiry of 48early 2021. hour ultimatum served on Manipur government to suspend DC Senapati Somorjit Salam, Senapati civil society organisations have threatened to impose indefinite economic blockade D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 NSDMA, but added that along NH-2 starting May (NPN): Even as Super cy- scattered rain and thunder- 20 form 6pm onwards if the clone ‘Amphan’ weakened showers particularly during state government failed to into an extremely severe evening and night would be meet its demand. On May 17 cyclonic storm over the a common feature for next last, the three organisations-west-central Bay of Ben- few days. Further, NSDMA Naga people’s organisation, gal Tuesday afternoon, the stated that there would be a Senapati district women Nagaland State Disaster spike in the weather activity association and Senapati Management Authority over Nagaland gradually district students’ alleged that (NSDMA) has informed from May 20, 2020 onwards DC violated quarantine prothat Nagaland would not be and last till May 28 or May tocols on May 13 by giving directly impacted.

31, 2020. It stated that thun- safe passage to 36 returnees NSDMA stated that der squalls with severe light- during no entry hour at Mao Cyclone would make land- ening were also expected gate. They alleged that DC hosted the returnees in the fall over coastal West Ben- during this period. gal near Digha on May 20 All the DDMAs and non-designated quarantine between 2-6pm and rapidly other line departments, centre. weaken after crossing the which are responsible to Correction coast. NSDMA also stated attend to any emergencies D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 that Cyclone would weaken caused by natural calami- (NPN): Apropos “Vety to a depression and thereaf- ties, have been requested dept reiterates ban on pig ter to a low pressure while to be on alert. NSDMA import”, published on May moving across Meghalaya, has also urged the public to 19, the first sentence of third lower Assam and western be vigilant from lightning, paragraph should read: “At half of Arunachal Pradesh. gusty winds and thunder- present, the department said “The State of Nagaland storms and not to shelter there was no treatment and will not be directly impact- under large trees and near vaccine available...” and not ed with this storm,” said the river banks. as rendered.

Mnp CSOs threaten NH-2 eco blockade

3 Delhi-based Naga student bodies appeal to CM ‘Amphan’ will not directly D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 (NPN): Three Delhi-based Naga student organisations have appealed to chief minister Neiphiu Rio to relax norms for availing the one-time assistance of Rs 10,000 offered to citizens of Nagaland struck in different parts of the country who chose not to return.

In separate representations to Rio, Delhi Ao Kaketshir Telongjem (DAKT), Lotha Students’ Union Delhi (LSUD) and Delhi Eastern Naga Students’ Union (DENSU) alleged that many who had opted to stay back did not receive the onetime financial assistance and sought his intervention into the matter.

DAKT president Rongsensuwa Jamir, general secretary Repatemsu Jamir and information & publicity secretary Sungjemsola Imti, in their representation said many Nagas had lost their

jobs due to the lockdown and were facing economic hardships, adding that the financial package of Rs 10,000 announced by the State government came as a relief.

However, they claimed of having received reports of many stranded Naga people, both students and youth, complaining of not receiving the amount and urged the chief minister to look into the matter urgently.

Mentioning that the State government’s May 12 notification had stated that the assistance would be provided to citizens who chose not to return, the organisation said it assumed that everyone would be included.

However, later notification and information on the website iamstranded.nagaland. gov.in mentioned that the offer was exclusively meant for those who had filled up the return declaration form

and opted to stay back.

Claiming that this failed to meet the concern of the stranded people, DAKT urged Rio not to exclude anyone voluntarily staying back.

DAKT leaders said they had also received complaints that the State government’s helpline was not always responsive or accessible, and called for ensuring that the helpline was manned 24x7.

Meanwhile, LSUD president Amos Humtsoe and general secretary Corrina Khyojano Humtsoe in their memorandum said though the financial assistance had helped many stranded Nagas, there were also many who did not and called upon the chief minister to investigate the manner.

Claiming discrepancy in the initial notification and the one issued subsequently on the financial assistance, the union urged the State government not to neglect

those who had volunteered not to go back. Mentioning that transporting and burial of dead bodies had also become a huge challenge, LSUD appealed to the government to come up with proper strategies to deal with such cases.

On the other hand, not denying that the financial assistance had helped many individuals, DENSU president Yangtikhum Sangtam and general secretary Metba K Phom, in their representation to the chief minister, said many had also claimed of not having received the amount. Hence, they urged the government to look into the matter.

The union also called for relaxing the existing norms for offering financial assistance to only those who had submitted their declaration form by including everyone who had volunteered not to return to Nagaland.

impact Nagaland: NSDMA

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state

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DNSU destroys IMFL worth Rs. 20 lakh

K.G. Kenye grateful to Chennai police, TN government

DIMAPUR: Lone Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, KG Kenye, on behalf of the North East people, has expressed appreciation to the Chennai police officers and the Government of Tamil Nadu for the cooperation and support extended to the stranded people from North East region in Chennai.

In a press release, Kuvera Nakro, PRO to MP (RS), said that the MP came across a video on social media in which the stranded people from North East were arguing with the Chennai police.

Taking note of the incident, MP intervened and directed his PRO Dr.Naresh Ram, who was

news in Brief DNSU, NWH, DMC, NCD and DUCCF officials destroying the seized IMFL at DMC dumping site on Tuesday. (NP)

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) destroyed 9488 bottles of assorted Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) approximately worth Rs. 20 lakh at DMC dumping site, Sunrise Colony, here Tuesday in the presence of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) administrator, Naga Women Hoho (NWH), Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and Dima-

pur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) officials.

The consignment was intercepted from two pick-up trucks on May 18 midnight from New Field Check Gate.

According to DNSU president Sedevilie Angami, the union on receiving information that some vehicles carrying IMFL was heading towards 3rd Mile, Dimapur from Lahorijan, Assam, swung into action and seized the consign-

ment of illicit IMFL. Expressing concern over the flow of liquor in the state, DNSU officials have questioned the responsible authority and police manning the check gate as to how such inflow has been taking place during the period of lockdown and when liquor has been prohibited in the state.

The union also stated that it would continue to monitor the situation and handle the issue “for the common cause”.

NU to conduct online academic council meeting

dimapur: Vice chancellor, Nagaland University (a central university), Prof.

Pardeshi Lal has directed for conduct of online 29th academic council meeting on May 20, 12 noon. Concerned members have been directed to download the link through: For windows operating system: https://zoom.us/support/download;

For android phones: https://play.google. com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings; For Apple iphones: https:// itunes.apple.com/us/app/id546505307.

Link ID and password shall be provided in due course of time. Link testing shall begin at 11:30 a.m on May 20. Members have been requested to attend the meeting.

PAC meeting: Advisor of School Education and chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC), KT Sukhalu, has convened the first meeting of the newly constituted committee on May 27, 11:30 AM, at the committee room of assembly secretariat. All concerned committee members and departmental representatives have been requested to attend the meeting. Agenda for the meeting will include the evidence meeting of the Planning & Coordination department on the examination of the report of the CRAG of India for the year 2016-17.

DC Khipire informs parents/guardians: Deputy commissioner Kiphire Sarita Yadav has informed all the parents and guardians of the returnees from outside the state coming to Kiphire district to arrange the following items to be used at the quarantine ward by their children/relatives during the quarantine period, such as blankets, pillow, bucket, bed sheet, plate, steel cup and spoon, mosquito net, mug and umbrella. DC also informed that the quarantine centres will be Zisaji Presidency Government College and DUDA Guest House. For any queries parents/ guardians may contact at 7005169225/8787478590.

Anti-terrorism day to be observed: Nagaland along with the rest of the country will be observing “antiterrorism day” in the state on May 21. All the heads of department, deputy commissioners, state government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions have been advised to take anti-terrorism pledge solemnly in their rooms/offices itself in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and submit the signed pledges to DIPR office.

CSC elects new office bearers: Common service centre (CSC) district village level entrepreneur (VLE) elected its new office bearers led by Menkato V Awomi as president and Sosangwati, general secretary along with three others and two advisors.

Financial assistance and relief ration during lockdown

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stationed in Chennai, to look into the issue.

Accordingly, the PRO immediately swung into action and found out the spot where the incident took place. He coordinated with DCP of Chennai police and found out around 64 people from North East were being held up at Pallikaranai, Chennai.

lakh thirty thousand only) from their welfare fund to the Wokha District Task Force (DTF) for COVID19. According to DIPR report, the relief fund was handed over to the deputy commissioner and chairman Wokha DTF at his office chamber on May 19.

Agarwal Samaj contributes: Agarwal Samaj donated 2000 masks and 500 hand gloves towards food committee COVID-19 to be used for volunteers and front line workers on May 19. A press release informed that the essentials were received by pastor Yanbemo Lotha committee member.

BJP Wokha donates: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wokha unit led by president Yanthungo Kikon and Samuel Ezung, COVID-19 BJP unit control room in-charge and BJP members donated hand sanitiser and mask to SBI Wokha branch.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Out of 64 people, 63 were from Assam and one lady was from Peren district Nagaland. PRO interacted with all the 64 people and assured them all necessary assistance.

On informing about the plight of the stranded people, the resident commissioner of Assam took all necessary measures,

PRO said.

Later, when contacted, it was learnt that the Naga lady was safely put in a private accommodation.

Further, for any help and assistance, North East people stationed in Chennai and Bangalore can contact Dr.Naresh Ram PRO to MP (RS) at his mobile 8072486536.

Seed village programme and training held in Peren DIMAPUR: KVK Peren, Jalukie in collaboration with ICAR Res. complex for NER, Nagaland centre, Jharnapani conducted training on seed production technology of lowland rice and seed village programme at Beisumpuikam village on May 18.

A press release from KVK Peren programme coordinator stated that, during the programme, production technology including seed treatment, nursery and field preparation, line sowing, weeding, fertilizer application, etc for lowland paddy seed production was discussed

by Dr. Harendra Verma, scientist plant breeding & genetics, ICAR Jharnapani.

Dr Patu K. Zeliang, ACTO, plant breeding & genetics, KVK Peren delivered a topic on seed village concept wherein she encouraged the farmers to organise seed production in cluster or compact area and to replace existing lo-

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DP-2373

DIMAPUR: Legislators, political parties, banks, business houses and various other civil organisations have been continuously donating towards needy people since the nationwide lockdown in March. With the 4.0 lockdown, the contributions of preventive essentials and relief rations continue in the state.

Y. Patton donates to NHAK: Goodwill gesture was extended to the frontline warriors and patients of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) by deputy CM Nagaland Y. Patton on May 19. A press release from PRO to state president BJP Nagaland, Samuel Sumi stated that, food packs donated by Y. Patton were distributed by chief spokesperson BJP Nagaland, Kuputo Shohe and Seiyekhriele Nagi, president BJP Kohima district to all the patients and medical staff. The food packs were handed over to Dr Visasie-u Kire, MS in presence of Dr Avelie Dental, Dr Angto senior anesthetist, Dr Wathsutho physician and Kevizo medical physicist, which was received by the medical superintendent of NHAK. IRCS Dimapur branch: Hindustan Lever Limited, through their distributor Chandu Agarwal, M/s.

Bansidhar Anandilal, Dimapur donated 5,000 pieces of soaps for free distributions in Dimapur district through Red Cross volunteers. A press release from Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Dimapur branch vice chairman, Ajay Sethi stated that, Dimapur Red Cross chairman Chandu Agarwal, vice-chairman Ajay Sethi, honorary secretary K. K. Paul were present with various volunteers & their team leaders Neizo Khusoh & Apu Roy on the occasion at the distributor's shop near Durga Mandir on May 19.

NEEPCO (DHEP) Doyang donates relief: North East Electrical Power Co-operation (NEEPCO), Doyang hydro electrical staff donated a sum of Rs. 1, 30, 000/- (rupees one

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

We, the family members of Lt. KETSOZEHO KIN would like to appreciate and express our deepest heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, well wishers, relatives, friends and neighbours who stood by us physically, spiritually, materially and financially during his illness till his demise on May 15, 2020. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude but we pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Cross Wonder Church, Kohima.

2. Upper PWD Youth Organisation, Kohima.

3. Middle PWD Youth Organisation, Kohima.

4. Er. Zalie Neikha (Advisor Youth Resources & Sports) 5. Doctor and Nurses of NHAK 6. Blood Donors “We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain” Loving Wife, daughter and family members K-912

Farmers and KVK officials at the training programme held on May 18.

cal varieties with new high yielding varieties to meet local demand for timely supply at reasonable rate.

Earlier, one quintal of rice variety RCM 9, a high yielding variety tolerant to blast with maximum potential yield of 8.2 t/ha developed from ICAR Manipur centre was

distributed to 12 selected farmers including four women farmers for starting seed production.

Meanwhile, a farmerscientist interaction was conducted where queries on cultivation practices of various kharif crops like paddy, sesame, bajra maize etc were discussed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Hongphoi Village Council, Hangphoi Union Kohima, Family members and relatives of Late Omwang Konyak, S/o Pangwang Konyak would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to all those who stood and supported us morally, physically and financially, following the sudden demise of our beloved son on 16-05-2020.

We specially express our thanks to: 1. Konyak Baptist Church Kohima 2. Konyak Union Kohima 3. ABSI Kethozelie Liezietsu DEF Kohima 4. Khikha Rüleizou Colony Members.

5. Manoj Kumar Shiwa of 4th NAP Thizama 6. Doctors and Nurses of KOHIMAS Hospital 7. Mon Circle Union Kohima 8. Konyak Students’ Union Kohima 9. C.L John MLA 10. Shekihu Kiba and Family Members 11. Ighamumi Union Kohima 12. Shri Nehou 13. Dr. Banuo Naga Hospital We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally, but it is our sincere prayer that Almighty God bless each one of you abundantly.

Wife, Family Members, Relatives, Village Council & Hongphoi Union Kohima K-915

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Ecclesiastes 12:7

Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.

So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

The bereaved family of Late Neivo-o Nicholas Sorunuo gratefully acknowledges and deeply appreciates your kind expression of sympathy and tribute to the memory of the departed.

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Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio, MLA Shri R. Khing, DIG (Retired) G. Rengma, Akho Nagi, Catholic Assn. of Nagaland, Nagaland Catholic Women Assn.

Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement, Priests and Nuns of the Kohima Diocese, Priest & Nuns, Cathechist and Parishioners of Holy Cross Parish, Dimapur, Women and Youth Associations of the Holy Cross Parish, Angami Catholic Union, Angami Catholic Women & Youth Associations, Holy Cross (Ao, Zeliang, Bodo Kachari, Garo) Catholic Communities, Chakhoma Angami Catholic Union, Chakhoma Angami Catholic Women & Youth Associations, Chakhoma Angami Kuda Union, Chakhoma Youth Org. (CYO), Chakhoma Angami Kuda Youth Organization and Students' Union, St. Joseph Church Samaguri, St. Leo Church, Phevima Kachari Gaon, Pudam Pukhri Catholic Community, Secret Heart Church, Kukidolong, Medziphema Catholic Union and Youth, St. Joseph Church Tseminyu, Tseminyu Baptist Church, J.F.C Pastor and Members of New Chumoukedima 'B' Khel, DPCHM Prayer Center New Chumoukedima 'B' Khel, New Chumoukedima 'B' Khel Village, Nepali Baptist Church, Dimapur, Zhadima Village HGB and Union, Zhadima Union Dimapur, Zhadima Women Society Dimapur,

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Kimho Khel Zhadima, Dimapur Naga Students Union, Tenyimie SU Dimapur, Chakhesang SU Dimapur, Rongmei SU Dimapur, Zeliang SU Dimapur, Ao SU Dimapur, Dimapur Lotha SU, Pochury SU Dimapur, Rengma SU Dimapur, Mao SU Dimapur, Impui SU Dimapur, Dimapur Sumi SU, Londing SU, Arunachal Pradesh, Y. Zhimo Colony G.B, Kuda Village, Lhomithi Village Dimapur, Signal Rio Colony G.B and Youth, Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Faith Hospital, Dimapur District Civil Hospital, All Blood Donors, All Nagaland Shaolin Kung Fu Assn. (ANSKA), The Sorünuo Clan.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every one individually.

Your comforting expressions of sympathy will always be remembered with deep gratitude. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Wife, daughter and sons of Late Neivo-o Nicholas Sorunuo DP-2374

Born: 15/01/1973 – Died: 11/05/2020 We, the family members of Lt. Y ORENBOMO LOTHA would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation to every Individual, Churches, Organization, Unions, Relatives, Friends and Well Wishers who stood by us at the sudden and sad demise on 11/05/2020.

We would like to convey our special thanks to: • Deputy Commissioner, Peren • OC Peren and Police Dept • DHO and his Staff, Peren • Chief Medical Officer and Staff, Peren • Old and New Peren Council • Jalukie Lotha Hoho • Lotha Baptist Church, Jalukie • Sophamo and Family • Commissioner Secy. Dept. of Horticulture • Director, Deputy Director and Staff, Dept. of Horticulture • Wozhuro Range, Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha • Wokha Town Baptist Church • Forest Colony Council Members and Youths We sincerely apologize for our inability to thank each and every individual who stood by us during our difficult time. It is our humble prayers that may our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, children and relatives K-911

Born: 27/07/1984 – Died: 16-05-2020 We, the bereaved family members of Late Rendijungshi Longkumer would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood by us physically, materially, financially and spiritually during his prolonged illness and sad demise on 16th May 2020.

We convey our special thanks to the: 1. 10th NAP (IR) Bn. Zhadima 2. 10th NAP (IR) Bn. Zhadima, ‘A’ Coy 3. 10th NAP (IR) Bn. Zhadima, ‘A’ Coy Ao Union 4. 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn. Chumukedima, Unit Church 5. 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn. Chumukedima, ‘A’ Coy. Fellowship 6. 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn. Chumukedima, ‘A’ Coy. 7. 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn. Chumukedima, ‘C’ Coy. 8. Doctors, Nurses & Staff of Fellowship Nursing Home, Dimapur 9. Doctors, Nurses & Staff of Faith Hospital, Dimapur 10. Doctors, Nurses & Staff of CIHSR, 4th Mile, Dimapur 11. Dimapur Ao Baptist Church 12. Dimapur Nokpu Senso Telongjem 13. Saringyim Baptist Arogo 14. Saringyim Village Council 15. Zungapur Saringyim 16. Dimapur Nokpu Lanur Telongjem 17. Bendanglen Alir Saringyim Lanur Telongjem 18. Saringyim Students’ Union.

Though we are unable to thank each and every individual, we hope and pray that our Almighty God in Heaven bless each and every one of you abundantly.

DP-2372

Loving Wife, Children and Relatives.

K Y M C

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Lockdown: Stranded returnees quarantined; directives, appeals continue

DIMAPUR: With the arrival of stranded persons from various states into Nagaland, the government has issued new directives to be observed by the returnees in the quarantine centres. Meanwhile, sensitisation programmes for officials of various departments are being conducted for COVID-19. Various civil organisations have also been putting out appeals to government and public for observing all protocols to safeguard the citizens of the state.

District administrations are also requisitioning vehicles for the purpose of COVID-19 duty, while schools and colleges are designated as quarantine centres for the returnees.

Mokokchung DISTRICT

Phek DISTRICT

Longleng DISTRICT

Buses with the returnees to Mokokchung at Alichen Check Post where CMO Phek, Dr. Vibeituonuo Mepfuo briefing at the sensitisation Returnees to Longleng district accorded welcome by DTF and other frontline a brief reception was also held. (NP) programme. departments.

First batch of returnees to Mokokchung

Mokokchung on Monday received the first batch of stranded citizens after spending three days of quarantine at Kohima. A total of 57 returnees were received at the Alichen Check Post, the lone entry point to the district late last night.

A brief reception programme was organized by the District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 that was also attended by the civil societies. At the reception, the authorities urged upon the returnees to be disciplined and follow all the COVID-19 protocols.

The programme ended after a mass prayer. Later the returnees were escorted to the institutional quarantine centre at Fazl Ali College. The research & communica-

tion committee District Task Force COVID-19 Mokokchung handed out a welcome pack to all the returnees that included a warm welcome letter, a Bible gifted by the Gideon International,washable facemask stitched by volunteers from the Mokokchung mask campaign, a face shield gifted through the faceshield project of the District Task Force. Bible verses and posters included in the pack have been made by the CCF Sunday School children, MTBA under the banner “Mokokchung Rainbows”. It was included in the pack with the hope that the Bible verse/poster in the room will bring comfort and encouragement to those in quarantine.

(Correspondent)

Allied departments given sensitisation on COVID-19 protocols

Sensitisation programme on different COVID-19 protocols were conducted for officers and staffs of Veterinary & Animal Husbandary, Social Welfare, DIPR and School Education departments by CMO office at conference hall of District Hospital Phek on May 19.

A press release from NHM Phek district media officer Kutolu Nakro stated that, CMO Phek Dr. Vibeituonuo Mepfuo during the programme briefed the participants on the objectives of the sensitization programme.

She also acknowledged the Education department for allotting the school as quarantine facility. She reiterated that it was the responsibility of all

Mon DISTRICT

World Vision Mon along with DC Mon handing over PPEs to CMO Mon.

PPE and thermal scanners for CMO office Mon

Chief medical officer (CMO), Mon received preventive essentials from district administration and World Vision Mon on May 18.

A press release from CMO office Mon stated that, DC, Mon, Thavaseelan K handed over 75 numbers

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : A re t h e f i n a n c i a l tranches announced going to help the economy?

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

A B C

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

20% 40% 40%

Next poll

of international standard breathable PPEs from China and 40 thermal scanners procured through the public contributions made to the District Task Force (DTF) Nion, to the CMO, Dr. Kechongol Sophie.

World Vision Mon also contributed the first batch of

190 PPE sets to the CMO, Mon for distribution to all the health personnel across the district on the request of the district administration.

Medical department Mon has expressed gratitude to the district administration, the DTF Mon, World Vision, Mon for the contribution.

the departments to combat COVID19 pandemic, wherein the various departments play an important role.

She requested the participants to create awareness and sensitise the co-workers on different issues relating to COVID19. Resource persons Dr. Lanuakum and Dr. K. Kuotsu gave presentation on the different topics on COVID-19, such as personal safety, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, social distancing, rational use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and briefed on who should use it. Besides these the concept of containment plan and contact tracing, should the need arise were also shared. Altogether 28 participants attended the programme.

With the recent inflow of stranded people from other affected parts of the country into the district, the DC Mon Thavaseelan K has issued a prohibition order. According to DIPR report, the prohibition is for the interest of the public health and safety and is as follows: Movement of quarantined individuals beyond the quarantine facility/ centre; Movement of public within 200 m of all quarantine centres within Mon district at all times until further orders.

This order has been passed exparte U/S 144 (2) Cr.PC and will come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force till further orders. Any one violating the aforesaid order will be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

Further in partial modification to office order dated May

patients to be available by now”.

While requesting the people taking care of stranded people in the quarantine centres to be humane and resourceful though the task may seem taxing at times, the LYH also urged public to support the government and to reserve criticisms for another time. LYH further asked parents, guardians and public not to panic and create fear psychosis among people while warning against spreading false information. It appealed registered as well as unregistered stranded people to inform and register themselves to the quarantine centres without any fear of stigma and discrimination.

Zunheboto DISTRICT

Q: Will ease of travel under

relaxed lockdown spike COVID-19?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST May 20

(Temperature in ºC)

Dy.CMO, Dr. Akaho Sema, briefing the participants.

Max Min

Agartala Humid with rain and a t-storm 31 25 Aizawl

A shower and t-storm around 28 20

Guwahati A thick cloud cover and humid 30 25 Imphal

Some rain and a thunderstorm 27 21

Itanagar Cloudy

28 22

Shillong A p.m. t-storm in spots

20 17

An afternoon thunderstorm

23 18

Dimapur A strong afternoon t-storm

29 24

Kohima Mkg

A stray afternoon t-storm

Tuensang Cooler

26 20 18 14

Not as warm

24 20

Zunheboto A stray afternoon t-storm

22 17

Wokha

Sensitisation-cum-awareness on COVID-19

Sensitisation-cum-awareness on COVID-19 reviewed preparedness for stakeholders and vertical departments was held at ADC office, Akuluto on May 19, attended

by ADC, EAC, Medical fraternity, vertical departments, GBs and student leaders.

A press release from CMO office district media officer, Shekho Sophie stated that, Dr. Khrievilhou, MO i/c VK PHC highlighted about the activities and preparedness carried out in the block. Dr. Akaho Sema, deputy CMO, Zunheboto, encouraged and motivated the participants to take special

The first batch of 14 returnees from other states reached Longleng district on May 19 midnight, welcomed by District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19, Medical department, administration, security personnel, NGOs, Phom People’s Council, Phomla Hoichem, Phom Student’s Conference, and Longleng Town Students’ Union.

A press release from CMO office, district media officer Roseline stated that, during a short welcome programme held at traffic point, deputy commissioner and chairman of DTF, M Shayung Phom welcomed them back to their homeland and also requested them to strictly follow the protocol in the quarantine centre. DC also encouraged them to come forward if they have any complaints or grievances as DTF was there to assist and help in any way.

Short speeches were delivered by CMO, Dr Obangjungla and Phom People’s Council vice president Tenchem Phom. Phom Baptist Christian Association executive secretary, Tialemba Phom pronounced a short prayer before sending the returnees to the quarantine centre.

The returnees were asked to stand in a queue while maintaining social distancing and were asked to wash their hands before registering their names and contact details, and later on sent to their own rooms. Returnees are currently quarantined at Phom Lempong School. Counselling will to be provided at the QC and three doctors along with two nurses have been detailed on roster basis. The screening team was led by Dr Lingshau James, Dr Lirenthung Khuvung, Christina Limunya VCCM, Taula Phom co-ordinator RBSK, and Henmei DCM.

DC Mon prohibition order for public safety Requisition of institutions and vehicles in Longleng

wOKHA DISTRICT LYH for mandatory quarantine While expressing gratitude to the state government for bringing back stranded people, Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) requested government to make 14 days of institutionalised quarantine and 14 days of home quarantine as mandatory.

A press release from LYH media cell stated that, more stringent measures should be put up so that social distancing, public gathering and other advisories were followed proactively and that issuing orders alone would not do without follow up actions as was evident from past experiences. LYH also expects that government has the “basic equipments and gadgets for the treatment of

First batch of returnees to Longleng

initiative. He informed the public not to panic but to take precautions seriously and to stay home, stay safe. He also highlighted on contact tracing and sample transportation, risk communication, social stigma, containment zone and dead body management and encouraged for more community participation. Dr. Shikatoli, MO (SHP) shared about preventive measures, Do’s and Don’t in quarantine centre, quarantine and isolation guarding tips and catering services.

Imsenperong Wati, ADC, Akuluto chaired the programme.

4, the DC has issued the following directives: All clothes and shoes shops/stores in Mon town except bazaar area to remain open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m.

Guidelines for clothes and shoes shops/stores located at bazaar area All the clothes and shoes located on the right hand side of the road starting from Supermarket Junction and Power House Junction up to SBI main branch will remain open on Mondays and Wednesdays. All the clothes and shoes shops located on the left hand side of the road starting from Supermarket Junction and Power House Junction up to SBI, Main Branch will remain open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The same series of roster shall continue till further order and comes into effect from May 19.

Deputy commissioner & chairman District Disaster Management Authority, Longleng has issued order for requisition of following vehicles and institutions for use during COVID19 pandemic quarantine duty. According to DIPR report, the following requisitioned vehicles along with the drivers are directed to report to the office of the deputy commissioner/ District Disaster Management Authority Longleng without fail and with immediate effect and therein remain on COVID-19 pandemic quarantine duty till the vehicle is released. The requisitioned vehicles are:

Tata Sumo - AS-10-C-3576 driver Ayutemjen 9612840282; Tata Sumo - AS-11-BC-1228 driver Kisan 7085704968; Pickup - AS-04 BC0878 driver H. Banthai 7085577484; Pickup - NL - 01-AB-9339 driver Sangti 8118916269; Pickup - NL-02K-4718 driver Angphong 9862872377; NL-11- 2776 drivers Noksentoba & Tongpang 9612039305/7085292673; NL-11-2385 drivers Wongveih & Bulom 7629848137/8732008609.

The vehicles so requisitioned should be handed over to the District Disaster Management Authority in good condition.

Requisitioned institutional quarantine centres The following institutions have been requisitioned to establish institutional quarantine centres for the returnees entering the district from different parts of the country: Phom Lempong School, Longleng; Yingli College Campus, auditorium and administrative block along with both boys and girls hostel, Longleng;

Tuensang DISTRICT DC Tuensang issues SOP for returnees

Deputy commissioner Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant has issued the following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for receiving the stranded persons/returnees from outside the state. According to DIPR report, the SOP are: Reception point of incoming buses/vehicles with the stranded persons/ returnees will be at town hall, Chare; After reaching the town hall, all returnees will be deboarded and screened there by medical team in coordination with security team under the overall supervision of Chare reception committee; Screening/registration and other formalities will be completed by medical team stationed at Chare; Self declaration form will be filled up by returnees and drop it in a designated box; After completion of receiving/screening process, the district war room and management committee of concerned quarantine centre will be informed; The returnees belonging to Chare/Longkhim area will be sent to JNV Chare quarantine centre; Remaining returnees will be sent to the Soa Chang College quarantine centre lead by security team, where management committee will receive and accommodate them in the centre and will inform the COVID-19 district war room; The quarantine centre management Committee will coordinate with the parents/guardians for arranging beddings/ toiletries at respective quarantine centre in advance; Police department will make necessary security arrangement during the entire process of receiving the returnees starting from Chare gate, screening at town hall, Chare, escorting them to respective quarantine centers; The medical department will ensure the deployment of sufficient medical personnel for entire process state above; DPRO will ensure proper dissemination of information public announcements to avoid any misinformation/ rumours during the entire process.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Tangha; GHSS, boys hostel, Longleng; Shamakok School, Longleng; Community Health Center, Yachem block; Community Health Center, Tamlu block; Primary Health Center Yongnyah block; Staff quarters, office of the chief judicial magistrate, Longleng.

Kohima DISTRICT Law and order situation report

State emergency operation centre control room COVID-19, Home department has issued the report on law & order across the state as on May 18.

According to DIPR report, joint secretary Hiazu Meru stated that 6 (six) persons violated the lockdown process and 6 (six) persons were bound down and from various sections fine imposed under MV Act of Rs, 34,700. Further the report stated that 172 vehicles were imposed with fine.

The report also said that shops for food grains and groceries, medicine were opened in all districts except Mokokchung.

Shops for milk were also opened in all the districts and there was no report of any shortage of food grains, groceries, milk, medicine

in the state.

Further, the report stated that, there was no restriction on movement of essential service providers like electricity, telecom facilities, medical facilities etc and personnel/workers in manufacturing units and commercial vehicles for distribution of essential commodities and e-commerce.

Suitable arrangements have been made for providing food & shelter to migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 restrictions.

2 (two) active relief camps where 57 (fifty seven) migrant labourers were housed and from 4 (four) active food camps more than 2400 (Two thousand four hundred) daily wagers/needy people were provided with food and dry rations.

NAPO appeals for strict measures in quarantine centres

While appealing the government to implement strict measures and security forces in the quarantine centres, the Northern Angami Public Organization (NAPO) has also asked that government provide best health care facilities, good efficient doctors and nurses, and also to provide sanitisers and masks to the people residing in the surrounding town and village area.

A press release from NAPO president Zeneito Yano and press secretary Lhousakoulie Metha stated that, it was understandable that people living in and around the quarantine centers might feel

a little threatened and must be in a state of panic. However, NAPO appealed to those living around the quarantine centres to follow all the precautionary measures without fail. NAPO further requested those in quarantine centres to take responsibility by abiding with quarantine rules not just for our own safety but for all.

While appealing everyone to be cautious and not to stigmatise the returnees, the NAPO also lauded state government for preparing the quarantine centers at Merema, Keyakie Navodaya, and Chiedema village for the returnees.

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 163 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Package or repackaged

I

t took five tranches in as many announcements from the union finance minister Niramala Sitharaman to unveil its plans to tackle the challenge from two fronts- contain COVID-19 and prevent an economic collapse. Sitharaman announced five consecutive tranches beginning on May 14 and the last being on May 17. The first tranche was an economic relief plan whose primary focus was to alleviate the sweeping distress in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector. The second tranche was an economic stimulus package as part of ‘Self-reliant India Mission’ to cushion the impact of Covid-19. The third tranche included 11 measures for the agriculture sector although most of these measures are either in place already or the government has been discussing these for several years. The fourth tranche included measures that were either a new push to old reforms proposals or an aggregation of earlier decisions. The fifth and last tranche was the announcement of “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India campaign).” These tranches were attempts at giving a big push by the Modi government to revive the ailing economy totalling Rs.20 lakh crore. the prime minister had said it will be around 10 per cent of the GDP. He asserted it will address problems of a wide range of sectors as well as difficulties of migrant workers. The feel good was spoiled by the opposition Congress after its leader and former union minister Anand Sharma accused the government of misleading people with its “trickery, fakery, quackery”. Sharma alleged that the economic measures announced by the Centre amounted to only 1.6 per cent of India’s GDP, i.e. worth Rs 3.22 lakh crore instead of Rs 20 lakh crore as claimed by the prime minister. He also accused the government of being opportunistic by pushing reforms and bypassing stakeholder consultation, legislation and discussion in Parliament on the package. He said the Congress has analysed the contents of the five tranches and in its considered opinion except for Rs.1.86 lakh crore of additional expenditure, the rest of the announcements are included already in budget expenditure, front loading of some budgeted expenditure, regulatory measures, a number of liquidity measures, medium to long term plans or schemes and proposed reforms.

West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra accused the Centre of misleading people regarding the Rs 20 lakh crore special economic package. Mitra said the actual dole is about two per cent or just Rs 4.2 lakh crore of the country’s GDP. Former finance minister P Chidambaram said the stimulus package has left several sections like the poor, migrants, farmers, labourers, workers, small shopkeepers and middle class high and dry. He also said Sitharaman’s announcement of the launch of a National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis’ with a total outlay of Rs 13,343 crore was already in the union budget. So also the announcement for an Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund worth Rs 15,000 crore to encourage the establishment of processing plants for export of niche products . Against the backdrop of stinging opposition charges, the tranches will have to show how much will it help to mitigate the condition of the poor and disadvantaged who have suffered the most under the impact of COVID-19 and how does it stack up in terms of being a booster shot to revive an economy, left in rack and ruin, by the virus?

DailyDevotion Out of the Wreck I Rise

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

—Romans 8:35 God does not keep His child immune from trouble; He promises, “I will be with him in trouble…” (Psalm 91:15). It doesn’t matter how real or intense the adversities may be; nothing can ever separate him from his relationship to God. “In all these things we are more than conquerors…” (Romans 8:37). Paul was not referring here to imaginary things, but to things that are dangerously real. And he said we are “super-victors” in the midst of them, not because of our own ingenuity, nor because of our courage, but because none of them affects our essential relationship with God in Jesus Christ. I feel sorry for the Christian who doesn’t have something in the circumstances of his life that he wishes were not there.

“Shall tribulation…?” Tribulation is never a grand, highly welcomed event; but whatever it may be— whether exhausting, irritating, or simply causing some weakness— it is not able to “separate us from the love of Christ.” Never allow tribulations or the “cares of this world” to separate you from remembering that God loves you (Matthew 13:22).

“Shall…distress…?” Can God’s love continue to hold fast, even when everyone and everything around us seems to be saying that His love is a lie, and that there is no such thing as justice?

“Shall…famine…?” Can we not only believe in the love of God but also be “more than conquerors,” even while we are being starved?

Either Jesus Christ is a deceiver, having deceived even Paul, or else some extraordinary thing happens to someone who holds on to the love of God when the odds are totally against him. Logic is silenced in the face of each of these things which come against him. Only one thing can account for it— the love of God in Christ Jesus.

“Out of the wreck I rise” every time.

Quotes

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. ~ Albert Einstein

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

T

his article is written for the benefit of my fellow Naga followers and well-wishers. Despite sufferings endured by people because of lockdown, till now, the lockdown period has contributed to containing the spread of the pandemic in India. The lockdown 1.0 – 3.0 in effect created an invisible barrier that has shielded people from the virus. Though we continue to see alarming spikes in the rise of Covid-19 cases, it could have been worse without the lockdown. For Nagaland in particular, lockdown period has practically given us time for preparedness. The Government, the Medical Department and the other frontline workers are now better prepared to face the eventuality than they were two months back.

So now the remaining question is, are we as individuals, families, friend circles and community prepared to live with Covid-19? What sort of scenario are we going to face in the days to come?

A Recap On Covid19: C o r o n av i r u s i s a zoonotic virus which by mutation became pathogenic to humans. Coronavirus caused an epidemic of flu-like disease in Wuhan district of China in December 2019 that soon spread to numerous countries. Covid19 is the name given to this highly contagious disease. It is spread through droplets.

Medical science is in the process of learning more details of the disease. A per information available, in the majority of the cases, the infection is characterised by

living with covid-19 infection manifestation with minor symptoms. However, in 2030 % of the case, a moderate to severe kind of immune response called ‘cytokine storm’ is seen where there is an over release of immune cells which instead of protecting the body begins to destroy the organs particularly the lungs. The resultant complication kills anywhere between 3 – 7 % of infected people. People with concomitant illnesses referred to as comorbidities like lung diseases, Diabetes, Heart Diseases, Hypertension etc. are more severely affected. Children below 10 years and the older people above 60 years are more at risk.

Currently 215 out of 251 countries and territories have been affected by corona virus with global cases mounting to 46,79,511 and 3,15,005 people succumbing to the pandemic (as of 18th May 2020). WHO declared Covid-19 as a public health emergency of international concern on 30th January 2020 and belatedly on 11th March; it declared Covid19 as a pandemic of global health concern. India reported its first case in Kerala on 30th January 2020 and within a short span of a little more than 3½ monthsthe figure has crossed 1 lakh landmark. Worldwide, the pandemic has caused an unprecedented dip in the economy. This is the gravity of the situation! All stakeholders must, therefore, share responsibility in rebuilding our economy.

For Nagaland, samples sent so far have returned negative but we have to

be realistic, Covid-19 is here to stay for a long time and unless we are shielded by continued God’s grace, eventually Covid-19 will also come to Nagaland by import. When, even the well-developed countries with state of the art medical facilities can suffer unprecedented toll, what can happen to us with rudimentary healthcare services and high agrarian population? Therefore, all of us must make an effort in protecting ourselves from Covid-19. Let us keep in mind that, till such times a significant community immunity develops or vaccine against Covid-19 comes by, the people at large will still be in danger of acquiring infection. The only weapon we have at hand is to protect ourselves by adopting safe practices.

Thanks to the advances in information technology & communication and also the availability of cheap multimedia mobiles phones, every household must have come to know about preventive aspects of Covid-19 and the various dos and don’ts widely circulated through the numerous Govt. circulars/notices and guidelines.

So, here I will dwell only on how to cope with Covid-19 infection and will mostly use narrative words. Though, I am no longer a clinician, my medical education and research here and there will be my source of information for my readers.

Social Distancing and Use Of Mask: These are the two most important tools for prevention of droplet infections. We now know that,

Celebrating the life of Ravi Zacharias

R

av i Z a c h a r i a s, 74, author-speaker philosopher, founder of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, died in his house in Atlanta, Georgia, after a short battle with cancer.

He passed on a few hours ago today, May 19, 2020.

He leaves his wife Margie and children Sarah, Naomi and Nathan.

Ravi Zacharias, a renowned author-speaker and frontline Christian apologist, was born in Chennai and grew up in New Delhi. He was the son of a senior bureaucrat who worked in the Home Ministry, Government of India. As a young lad, he found himself lost between the demands of his strict father and his own interest in nothing but cricket and friends.

At the age of 17, quite overwhelmed with meaninglessness, he attempted to take his own life but wasn’t successful. He gave his life to Jesus Christ from the hospital bed and later along with a brother, followed by his family, immigrated to Canada.

As a speaker, Ravi Zacharias travelled and spoke all over the world.

He addressed the Annual Prayer Breakfast at the United Nations, New York, four times, spoke at U.S. Military bases and institutions, and held open forums, addressing students on campuses worldwide, including St. Stephen’s College (Delhi, India), Uppsala University (Uppsala, Sweden), Zayed University (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), National Pedagogical Dragomanov University (Kiev, Ukraine), University of Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa), Harvard University (Cambridge, MA), Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) and Yale University (New Haven, CT).

Ravi Zacharias not only had a profound un-

derstanding of the Christian faith, but also had the rare ability to communicate the faith in a language that anyone could understand. Whenever he took the stage, the sheer magnetism of his conviction and communication held the attention of the listener to the message that he believed to be true to the deepest core of his self.

It was not just erudition without feeling, but the content of his message was undergirded by great scholarship, strengthened by personal experience, and laced with a passion for the truth. He believed that truth by definition was indivisible, absolute, and exclusive.

His message was an antidote to the growing anti-intellectualism in the sphere of Christian religious discourse in the country. He encouraged his audience to think for themselves. He never advocated a blind leap of faith. He propagated a faith based on evidence.

His work can be captured in the one tagline, “Helping the thinker believe and the believer think.” Despite his punishing schedule and globe-trotting, he took time to write several bestselling books. He wrote books including The Grand Weaver, Cries of the Heart and Walking from East to West to great acclaim.

He was at ease in a five-star setting addressing scholars and intellectuals from different worldviews, in universities with students, in church pulpits addressing fellow Christians, or in public arenas holding several thousands. He was sought after by national leaders and government officials for counsel and prayer.

Wherever the forum, this thinker-philosopher proudly introduced himself as an Indian, with life in Chennai and Delhi playing a major role in his

Covid-19 is spread through droplets. If you have seen a person speaking during dead winter throwing out fogging air exhaled while speaking, then you will appreciate why social distancing is important. If you can imagine the speed with which droplets can be thrown while coughing or sneezing, you will agree with me that even onemeter social distancing is not enough. Coughing sends out exhaled air at a forced speed of 100 Kmph and sneezing at 150 Kmph. A single cough can generate about 3000 droplets and a sneeze up to 1,00,000 droplets. One may need to increase the social distance from people with flu symptoms and cough. Use of mask though essential, is often a little exaggerated and there seems to be hype for N-95 and surgical masks.

Unless you work in the contaminated zones or caring for Covid-19 patient, I would say that is unnecessary, even a simple home woven mask will do for the situation of social contacts primary aim is to prevent inhalation infected droplets. A three-layer mask may be necessary if you are handling a person with contact or travel history or one that is under quarantine. Beware of wearing masks with valves. They are not advisable since they are designed to allow free flow of air out. You will be putting people at risk if you have Covid-19. Use of masks is not advisable during exercise, as your inhalation of air may not be able to meet your increased oxygen associated with your exercise. Fitness centres should maintain a larger distance between

clients as the air breath out during exercise covers more distance. Social distancing and use of mask will have to continue even after lockdown. Avoid close contact games and sports for the time being. Unfortunately, even during the lockdown period, significant numbers of people did not observe social distancing and wearing of masks. People will have to be habituated in maintaining social distance and wearing of masks till such time experts give a green signal that we can do away with the habits. Unfortunately for a long period of time, we will have to re-define our social habits.

Heathy etiquettes: Proper respirator y and hand hygiene should continue and be followed religiously. Learning proper handwashing technique is important. Remember my mnemonic WASH given below.

• Wash hands with soap and water frequently and properly.

• Avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes.

• Sneeze/cough into a flexed elbow or tissue paper/handkerchief and dispose off properly.

• Habituate not to spit in public areas.

Community or Religious Based Organizations And Mass Gatherings: Mass gatherings/religious gatherings will continue to be a big concern for some time. People will have to will themselves to follow the instruction given by the Government from time to time. Even without one also, mass based community

leaders and religious leaders will have to keep themselves informed of the nature of medical emergency we are dealing with and act accordingly. The congregation, if allowed, should observe social distancing. Perhaps as a start-up, one follower per household gathering may offer a solution who then can share the message with the households. In any place of human gatherings, objects frequently touched by hands e.g. doorknobs and handle, railings and any other handles must be sanitized with alcohol-based sanitizers.

Imagination can be expanded for areas to be covered.

CBOs, RBOs, e.g., Tribal bodies Churches, Unions and Councils will have to continue to be proactive stakeholders forming the essential volunteering and breaching the gap between the authority and the people. A committee on Covid-19 in all such organizations may be called for roping in the advice of medical personnel within their set up if possible.

They must see to it that the right information is reached out to the people and that people do not panic and take ill-informed decisions which was seen in certain areas during the lockdown.

They must also sensitize the people to appreciate the sacrifices the frontline workers make. They must also help protect the children and older people since they are vulnerable.

(To be concluded) Dr. Chumben Murry MLA; 38 Wokha A/C chumbenmurry@rediffmail.com

Speech of Y. Wangtin Naga on 6th foundation day of NSCN (R)

outlook on life. He served as a goodwill ambassador to our country by identifying himself with India.

He was a proud Indian, and apart from cricket, he loved Indian food. He visited his espected Comrades, and my beloved as top priority. country of birth a few Countrymen, on this 6th foundation However, while in attempt to facilitate times each year and had day, I on behalf of the NSCN(R), and to broker peace between Nagas and Indian friends from all comprising of all Ranks and Files extends GoI, the camp was unfortunately divided walks of life – from cor- our ‘Revolutionary Salute’ to each and ev- into pro-Peace and against-Peace. I sinridors of political power eryone of you while, at the same time gives cerely salute all my comrades who with to Bollywood to premier unconditional gratitude to our Almighty their unwavering spirits, stood their grounds educational institutions for bringing us thus far. undeterred and supported me all along this to industrialists. People It was not in our intent to create an- common Journey of ours. who knew him loved other organisation that adds more burden No matter what, I appeal to all my and admired him for his to the people but was constrained by the fellow leaders, comrades and brethrens to humility, his humour, his pleasant disposition, fact that while on my way to a ceasefire let bygone be bygone and let us all work and his great love for his meeting on 27th March 2015, I was ar- together in unison, since we are all aware rested on 26th March and was subjected to that we may perhaps have some differences Maker and Saviour.

Zacharias also began mental torture and physical harassments by in our Approach, yet we also truly know Wellspring International, the Indian Security Agents, on the grounds that our Aims, Objectives and Goals are the humanitarian arm of that Late Mr. Khaplang had abrogated of the Same Target.

We all must understand that ‘Disunity’ his international organi- Ceasefire Agreements and had started to is our biggest enemy and perhaps the sation RZIM. In India it attack the Indian Army.

This was an unprecedented move greatest threat to our Cause, and hence reached out to the most vulnerable sections of which was Arbitrary, Despotic, Dictato- I appeal to my Comrades to maintain society, especially abused rial and a one man show since none was cordial relationships with other NPGs women and underprivi- consulted. Let alone consulting other and to bridge the gap so as to achieve our leged children, by provid- members, even I who was the then Super- common goal as one Nation, one Entity, ing succour, relief and visor/Convenor of CFSB was not made and one People. rescue, and scholarship. known, for the reason best known to the As such, I as a Human Being, surely The words of Jesus Late Leader. have my shortcomings and many ups and Christ that rescued and Nonetheless, it was clear to my con- downs too but for the greater good of the restored him from his bed science that the Naga people wanted Nagas, I am ready to work together as it of suicide were: “Because Ceasefire to continue at all cost, hence had is in my utmost desire that we reach our I live, you also will live” to take into confidence of all likeminded destination and to achieve our common (John 14:19). cadres who wanted to continue with goal as ‘One Strong United Force’.

Ravi Zacharias is Ceasefire, where the majority was with Kuknalim. God bless Nagaland; God today no more with us. the pro-Ceasefire who wanted to work in bless Nagas; God bless my people.

But he is alive, more than MIP, NSCN (R) ever, unto God. India will line for peace with the People’s interests miss this kind and honest man, a great orator who did us proud!

A way with words Zacharias’ grandfather and great grandfather were linguists and they translated the first Malayalam-English dictionary.

This dictionary served as the cornerstone of the Sir, first Malayalam translaStranded people are returning home and are being put in the quarantine centres tion of the Bible. which have been prepared to the best of the state capacity. While many keep on critiTo quote Ravi Zachcising the government and its various agencies for incompetency, let us remember that arias, “When I think of my life as being so in- to man one small office is a difficult task not to speak of an entire state.

The state government may have failed in various ways in the past, however, this volved in words, I think time around the problem is something that is globally threatening. of God putting in that Therefore, in its own small way, the government is doing its best for the returnees DNA right from the beso please let us appreciate for once. ginning.”

Food and lodging may not be a par with own home comfort but at least the reKethoser (Aniu) turnees have a roof over their heads and food to sustain them. Let us pray for the state Kevichusa government and frontline workers who are trying their best to please everyone.

Speaker and Trainer RZIM Renthunglo Yanthanpvui, Wokha town 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.

R

(President NSCN/GPRN (Reformation)

Reader’s Post

Let us appreciate for once

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Medics decry new COVID-19 advisory New Delhi, May 19 (IANS): Many resident doctors associations in the national capital have expressed their dissatisfaction with the latest advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry recently for health care workers (HCW) working in COVID and nonCOVID areas of hospitals.

According to the advisory issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Won May 15, only those HCW who are at high risk of exposure will be quarantined and regular quarantine of healthcare workers after performing duty in COVID-19 areas is not warranted, unless they meet the stipulated criteria.

The advisory said only those HCW who are providing care to a COVID-19 case or lab worker handling respiratory specimens from COVID-19 cases without recommended PPE or with possible breach of PPE or working without mask and goggles or face-shield, are considered as high risk exposure case.

Dr Manish, President of Resident Doctors Asso-

ciation of Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital told IANS that the association has written to Health Secretary Preeti Sudan regarding the advisory and has urged that the resident doctors should be provide at least 7 days’ quarantine so that at least their COVID-19 test report is also procured by then.

“Since many resident doctors have family and relatives susceptible to COVID-19, it creates a fear in them of transmission of disease to their relatives. It is for this reason we want hotel accommodation for quarantine purpose for at least 7 days till the time their report comes,” Dr Manish told IANS.

Similarly, Dr Parv Mittal, President of Resident Doctors Association of LNJP Hospital in Delhi, expressed his disappointment about the advisory.

Speaking to IANS, Dr Mittal said, “The government perceives the 2 week post-duty quarantine as an ‘undue luxury’ and accommodation expense as an ‘unnecessary expenditure’.

But without quarantine there is a high chance of infection spreading to fellow doctors and other health care workers.

“The guideline relies on a rationale that only those HCWs who got exposed to COVID positive patients without proper PPE have a chance of in-

fection. There are multiple faults in this rationale: Firstly, there have been multiple cases of doctors catching infection despite proper usage of PPE. Secondly, working conditions in the hospitals and PPE quality provided, are far from ideal.”

Dr Shivaji Dev Barman, President of Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) also said that the association wrote to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan regarding the concerns of the health care workers, as reported by IANS on Monday.

Barman said, “Risk of exposure among HCWs is high. Since the virus has an incubation period of 14 days and there are many asymptomatic patients who are testing positive, quarantine along with adequate testing is essential for doctors following COVID duty. The virus has high infectivity and an infected doctor might put his or her close contacts like family members and colleagues, at risk.”

SP leader, son shot dead in Sambhal S a mb h a l ( Utt a r Pradesh), May 19 (IANS): Samajwadi leader Chhotelal Diwakar and his son, Sunil Diwakar, were shot dead in broad daylight in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. The murder was apparently a fallout of a dispute over laying of a road under MGNREGA. Chhotelal Diwakar had contested the 2017 assembly elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket. According to his family members, Diwakar and his son had gone for a walk in the fields when the assailants came on a motorbike and after a brief altercation, shot them dead.

They fled on foot, leaving their motorbike behind. A large number of SP workers reached the village soon after the news of the double murder spread. SP Yamuna Prasad who reached the spot that falls under Behjoi police station, soon after the murders, said that a manhunt has been launched for the assailants. He said that further investigations were underway and the bodies have been sent for post mortem.

5

Sonia plans mega opposition video conferencing meet NEW DELHI, MAY 19 (AGENCIES): The Congress has called a video conference of the opposition parties on Friday afternoon to discuss the current situation in the country. The agenda includes the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the migrant issue, the states’ suspension of labour laws, and the freeze on the activities of the various parliamentary committees which function even when the parliament is not in session. The meeting, to be held at 3 pm on Friday, is also expected to discuss the government’s economic package and other steps regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi will chair the meet, for which 18 parties have been invited. MK Stalin’s DMK, the Left parties, and Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress have already accepted. In Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee said, “I will attend. It is a good thing. We will discuss the COVID-19 situation”. Nationalist Congress Party

chief Sharad Pawar is also expected to attend the online session. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “We will follow every possible option to ensure there is a legislative oversight” and work with the opposition parties.

Since Parliament was adjourned in March days ahead of the countrywide lockdown, the government has been conducting video conferences on various levels to discuss governance issues. But no meeting of the standing committees of parliament has been allowed, with the government contending that these are to be held in camera. The Narendra Modi-Amit Shah combine has made the opposition “immobile”, an opposition leader told NDTV on condition of anonymity.

“The government has been resisting this (the meetings),” he added.

Several Congress leaders heading committees including Shashi Tharoor, and Anand Sharma have written to the Presiding officers asking that these meetings

be allowed virtually and be held in camera like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Speaker and President of India Ram Nath Kovind have been doing.

The government has already been criticized for over-centralisation during the pandemic. Pointing out that the country is a democracy, opposition leaders maintain that the normal democratic functions be resumed, especially now that the government’s focus is on slowly easing the lockdown restrictions. As the countrywide lockdown over the virus was declared in March, most opposition parties, led by the Congress, had agreed that the need of the hour was supporting the government in its efforts to control the spread of the virus.

Over the last weeks, however, accusation and counter-accusations have been gathering pace as a number of states suspended labour laws, the government delayed financial assistance to states and the migrant issue generated huge controversy.

India records 0.2 COVID-19 deaths ‘Amphan’ weakens into extremely severe cyclonic storm per lakh population: Health ministry

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI): India has so far a b o u t 0 . 2 C OV I D - 1 9 deaths per lakh population as against the global figure of 4.1, the Union health ministry said as the number of fatalities due to coronavirus infection in the country rose to 3,163 on Tuesday and the total cases reached 1,01,139.

Also, a record number of 1,08,233 samples were tested for COVID-19 on Monday in the country.

So far a total of 24,25,742 samples have been tested, the ministry said.

Referring to data from WHO situation report-119, the ministry said 3,11,847 COVID-19 mortalities have been reported till Tuesday worldwide which is about 4.1 deaths per lakh population.

Among the countries with high COVID-19 casualties, the US with 87,180 fatalities has 26.6 deaths per lakh population. The UK has reported 34,636 deaths and has approximately 52.1 deaths per lakh population, it said.

Italy with 31,908 instances of coronavirus fatalities so far has around 52.8 deaths per lakh population. France has so far reported 28,059 casualties which is about 41.9 deaths per lakh population while Spain with 27, 650 fatalities has about 59.2 deaths per lakh. Germany, Iran, Canada, Netherlands and Mexico with 7,935 deaths, 6,988 deaths, 5,702 deaths, 5,680 deaths and 5,045 fatalities have a mortality of around 9.6, 8.5, 15.4, 33.0 and 4.0 per lakh population

respectively.

China, which so far has recorded 4,645 casualties due to COVID-19 so far has approximately 0.3 deaths per lakh population.

“The relatively low death figures represent timely case identification and clinical management of the cases,” the ministry said. On testing, it said from one laboratory conducting COVID-19 test in January, India has very rapidly increased its capacity by adding over 385 government laboratories and 158 private laboratories.

“Duly forging partnerships with all central government labs, state medical colleges, private medical colleges and private sector, the testing capacity in the country has been expanded,” the ministry said.

Ganeshnagar likely to be main quarantine centre

(From p-1) Therefore it was decided that instead of spending the State’s limited resources on small centres, bigger centres should be identified and concentrated upon.

However, as the proposed Ganeshnagar quarantine centre would require power connection, water supply, toilets and other

basic amenities, the matter was forwarded to COVID war room to study its feasibility, the sources added.

Sources said the cabinet also decided to invest LADP funds for improving infrastructure of primary health centres, community health centres, quarantine centres and in agriculture sector.

Bhubaneswar, May 19 (PTI): Super cyclone ‘Amphan’ weakened into an extremely severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday as it moved closer to the coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, where the state government stepped up efforts to evacuate people in vulnerable areas.

It lay centred over west-central Bay of Bengal, about 420 km south of Paradip (Odisha), 570 km south-southwest of Digha (West Bengal) and 700 km south-southwest of Khepupara in Bangladesh, said H R Biswas, the director of Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.

The system is likely to move north-northeastwards over Bay of Bengal and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha and Hatiya Islands during Wednesday afternoon or evening as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph, he said.

The cyclone is being continuously tracked by the Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Under its impact, light rain was witnessed in several

areas of Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Khurda districts of Odisha, and the intensity of rainfall and wind speed was likely to increase gradually, a Met official said.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said since the super cyclone is gradually weakening, its impact is unlikely to be very severe on Odisha.

However, coastal districts like Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore are likely to be battered by heavy rain coupled with high velocity winds from Tuesday evening, he said. Several parts of Jajpur and Mayurbhanj districts are also expected to be lashed by torrential rain and high speed winds, he said. Wind speeds will be in the range of 110 kmph to 120 kmph and may even go up to 135 kmph in coastal regions of Odisha from Tuesday night till Wednesday.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Jena said evacuation of people living in low-lying areas, thatched and mud structures in the coastal districts is under progress and the process will be completed by evening.

He said the state gov-

Turbulent waves crash into the coast Kasimedu Fishing Harbour, ahead of landfall by Cyclone Amphan, in Chennai, Tuesday. (PTI) ernment has made arrangements for evacuating over 11 lakh people as a precautionary measure.

Evacuation exercise is also being undertaken in some areas of Gajapati district in view of a possible landslide, he said.

As per IMD forecast, no abnormal storm surge is expected to occur due to the cyclone in Odisha, Jena said. Fifteen units of National Disaster Response Force and 15 teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed in the districts likely to be hit.

Separatist’s son among 2 terrorists killed in encounter Maha lockdown: 1.10 lakh

cases filed, 20,900 held so far

were killed.

Junaid was the first such case where a son of a Mumbai, May 19 (PTI): down, and 822 persons have separatist leader of Jammu Over 1.10 lakh offences have been arrested in the connecand Kashmir had joined a been registered and almost tion, he said. terror group. The kins of 21,000 people arrested so On the forefront to enother separatist leaders are far across Maharashtra for sure social distancing and working with government offences connected to the other lockdown norms are departments or are settled lockdown in place for the followed in order to contain abroad. novel coronavirus outbreak, the outbreak, a total of 136 He had three cases reg- police said on Tuesday. officers and 1,192 constables istered against him which A vast majority of them got infected with the virus, included injuring special have been booked under sec- while 12 died, the official police officer Umar Rashid tion 188 of the IPC for dis- informed. in Srinagar city last year. obedience to official orders, “The 12 dead comprise His father Ashraf Seh- police said. eight from Mumbai, one rai, who dislodged pro“We have registered each from Pune, Solapur, Pakistan separatist leader 1,10,920 offences so far and Nashik Rural and the Anti Syed Ali Shah Geelani have arrested 20,906 persons Terrorism Squad,” he infrom the chairmanship of Security forces leave after the end of an encounter with militants at Kanimazar, Tehrek-e-Hurriyat, had across the state during lock- formed. down,” an official said.

Police attended 95,000 in Downtown Srinagar, Tuesday. (PTI) declined from making a There were 243 inci- calls on control room numSrinagar, May 19 in Delhi. in Srinagar district as a pre- public appeal to call his son dents of assaults on police- bers during the lockdown as back from militancy. men enforcing the lock- well, he said.

(PTI): Two terrorists, inJammu and Kashmir cautionary measure. cluding Junaid Ashraf Director General of Police After the encounter, Khan ‘Sehrai’ whose fa- (DGP) Dilbag Singh said which ended this afternoon, ther is chairman of the Junaid was a self-styled angry residents poured out separatist conglomerate divisional commander of on streets as some hous(Affiliated to CBSE) Tehrek-e-Hurriyat, were the banned terror outfit. es caught fire during the Website: www.grioschool.com: E-mail: grioschool@yahoo.in killed on Tuesday after a The second terrorist killed 15-hour long operation 15-hour long gun battle in the encounter, Tariq in the densely populated Cl-11 ADMISSION NOTICE with security forces in a Ahmed Sheikh, was a resi- Nawakadal area.

This is a general information to all who have submitted the New densely populated area in dent of Pulwama and had Two security men also downtown Srinagar, of- joined militant ranks and suffered minor injuries durclass-11 Registration Form for session 2020-21, are required to submit ficials said. files in March, he said. ing the encounter. a photocopy of your HSLC marks sheet as and when the results are Khan, an MBA from They were killed in an Tuesday’s encounout. the Kashmir University, encounter with police and ter was a signal to secuhad joined militancy in para-military forces, the rity forces that militants For those who wish to apply for class-11 (Arts/Science stream) for March 2018. Before return- DGP said. had entered Srinagar city, session 2020-21, forms can be downloaded from the school’s website or ing to the Valley and joinAs the encounter broke which had been cleared can be collected from the school’s office. Filled forms must be submitted ing the Hizbul Mujahideen out slightly after midnight, completely by 2014. The to the school’s office or through email on or before 03/06/20. terror group’s ranks, he authorities snapped all pri- last encounter that took had worked in a couple of vate mobile networks and place within the city was in For more information, you may contact: 7005633048 / 8787477044 multinational companies shut down mobile internet 2018 when three militants K-914

G. RIO SCHOOL, KOHIMA

“We are in constant touch with the collectors of the 12 districts which have been put under alert in view of the cyclone. We are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” Jena said Chief Secretry A K Tripathy said four senior officers with vast experience in handling such calamities have been deputed to different districts on the direction of Chief Minister Navin Patnaik to supervise preparations and guide the local administration.

As high velocity winds may damage power infrastructure and roads, neces-

sary equipment and manpower have been mobilised in order to ensure quick restoration in the affected areas, he said.

All fishermen along with boats and vessels have already returned from the seas and they have been advised not to venture out for fishing activities till May 21, the SRC said.

The cyclone comes a year after ‘Fani’ barrelled through vast areas of Odisha on May 3 last year, claiming at least 64 lives and destroying infrastructure in power, telecom, water supply and other vital sectors.

INFORMATION

THE EKHYO YAN (DOMOKHIA) VILLAGE held a General Meeting on the 14th of March 2020 and resolved to Ban any kind of Hunting within the Village Jurisdiction.

Stringent Action will be taken against any defaulter/s along with a Fine of Rs. 5000.

NRIBEMO LOTHA CHAIRMAN

DP-2367

RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION NEW JALPAIGURI (Electrical Department) 1

e-Tender No.

GDRE-EL-NJP-TENDER-20-07

2

Tender Type

Open

3

Tendering Section

ELECTICAL

4

Bidding System

Single Packet

5

Bidding Style

Single Rate

6

Bidding Unit

Above/Below/Par

7

Advertised Value

8

Tender Doc. Cost (INR)

` 54,20,400/` 5,000.00/-

9

Earnest Money (INR)

` 1,08,408/-

10 Tender Closing Date & Time

30/05/2020 at 12:00 hrs.

11

03 Months (90 Days) from the issue of LOA

Period of Completion

12 Validity Offer

20 (twenty) Days from the date of opening

13 Name of Work

Survey and preparation of OHE pegging plans, sectioning cum wring diagram, loaction plans, general power supply diagrams on different Rly station platform, yard section etc under Gr. 257 RE Project between (i) Lumding (excl) - Farkating (excl) single line section of Lumding division (ii) Farkating (incl) - Simaluguri - New Tinsukia - Dibrugarh Town Dibrugarh (incl) single line section and (iii) simaluguri (excl) - Sibsagar Town Dibrugarh (excl) single line section of Tinsukia Division, N.F. Railway.

14 Eligibility Criteria

Technical and Financial Eligibility Criteria at Page No. 7 along with Special Terms & Condition of Contract at Page - 27 to 28 in Tender Document of E-tender NIT.

Web site particulars & notice 15 where complete details of tender can be seen etc.

www.ireps.gov.in

16 Special Condition

JV firms are not allowed to participate in this case.

No.PR./351/2020 Satya Adv.

Chief Project Director (Elect.)

Railway Electrification/New Jalpaiguri For & On behalf of the President of India

“SERVING CUSTOMERS WITH A SMILE”

6

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Trump threatens to pull out of WHO 4 killed, 24 injured as quake hits China 30 days, he would make the temporary freeze of funding permanent.

Tr u m p ’s f u n d i n g freeze has been criticised

by Democrats as leading to lessening of Washington’s global standing and endan-

gering the campaign against COVID-19.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “dangerous, illegal” and said that it “will be swiftly challenged” because Congress had allocated the money.

EU backs WHO after Trump’s threat

US President Donald Trump speaks during a coronavirus disease pandemic meeting in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington.

Beijing would contribute $2 billion to its campaign against COVID-19.

Last month, Trump had ordered a freeze on US contributions to the WHO saying it had spread misinformation about the pandemic that originated in China.

Trump listed in his letter a chronology of what he said were a series of errors by the organisation’s leadership because of its pliancy to China that have led to the explosion of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He accused Tedros of misleading the world by asserting on February 3 that

the chances of COVID-19 going anywhere outside China were “very low” and that travel restrictions were “causing more harm than good”.

He said that Tedros’ position “bolstered” China’s campaign to end or prevent travel restrictions.

While China was preventing international inquiry into the pandemic’s origins, destroying samples of the virus and refusing to share data, Trump said that Tedros was praising its transparency.

He warned that if there were not “substantive improvements” within the next

The European Union (EU) backed the World Health Organisation and multilateral efforts to fight the coronavirus on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump threatened to quit the global agency.

“This is the time for solidarity, not the time for finger pointing or for undermining multilateral cooperation,” European foreign affairs spokeswoman Virginie Battu-Henriksson told reporters.

The EU has sponsored a motion at Tuesday’s session of the WHO’s annual assembly to urge an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” of the international response to the pandemic.

And the spokeswoman said, “The European Union backs the WHO in its efforts to contain and mitigate the COVID-19

outbreak and has already provided additional funding to support these efforts.”

Not for the first time, this puts Brussels in opposition to Washington, where Trump has accused the UN health agency of being too close to China and of being slow to react to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Beijing has furiously denied the US allegations that it played down the threat and Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated at the World Health Assembly that his nation had been “transparent” throughout the crisis.

Brussels is backing an independent inquiry into how the epidemic erupted and spread, but has tried to lead an international, multilateral response to the crisis and raise funds for vaccine research.

Medical staff transfer an injured person after an earthquake in Qiaojia County of Zhaotong, southwest China’s Yunnan Province on Tuesday.

Beijing, May 19 (PTI): A 5-magnitude earthquake has struck China’s southwestern Yunnan province, killing at least four people and injuring 24 others, according to officials.

One person was trapped in debris, staterun Xinhua news agency reported.

It said that rescue and relief teams, including firefighters and emergency response, have been sent to the quake zone.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the 5-magnitude s h a l l ow q u a k e s t r u c k

Brazil records world’s third highest COVID-19 infection level

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

The grim milestone comes as country’s far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, has dismissed the risks and compared COVID-19 to “a little flu”, the BBC reported.

“With my history as an athlete, if I were infected with the virus I would have no reason to worry. I would feel nothing, or it would be at most just a little flu,” he has said.

Bolsonaro also continues to oppose lockdown measures, arguing that they will wreck the economy.

In March he made a speech calling on mayors and governors to roll back restrictions: “Our lives

No. 9568 Yesterday’s solution No. 9567

No. 4187 Yesterday’s solution No. 4186

No. 3212 Yesterday’s solution No. 3211

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have to go on. Jobs must be kept. We must get back to normal.”

But the health system of Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo, could collapse within two weeks, Mayor Bruno Covas has warned.

The city has a population of about 12 million, and official have said that most residents were ignoring social distancing rules, the BBC reported.

More than 3,000 people have died with the virus in Sao Paulo.

But it is not only urban centres that have been badly hit. Amazonas state had almost 21,000 confirmed cases as of Monday.

assistance.

According to the report, the earthquake has damaged 10 telecom base stations.

The Yunnan provincial disaster reduction committee office and the provincial emergency response department have launched a level-four response for the disaster relief and sent a working group to the disaster area to assist and guide the relief work.

The county meteorological observatory has forecast rain in Xiaohe township area, according to China Daily.

Pak criticises India’s new domicile law for J&K

Islamabad, May 19 (PTI): Pakistan on Tuesday termed as “illegal” India’s new domicile rules in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it was in clear violation of the UN resolutions.

Under the domicile rules, all those persons and their children who have resided for 15 years in Jammu and Kashmir or have studied for

seven years and appeared in class 10 or 12 examination in an educational institution in the Union Territory are eligible for grant of domicile. “The new domicile law is illegal and in clear violation of the relevant UNSC Resolutions and bilateral Agreements between Pakistan and India,” the Foreign Office said.

7 killed in terror attacks in Pak Karachi, May 19 (PTI): Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed in two separate terror attacks in the restive Balochistan province, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Terrorists targeted a vehicle of the Frontier Corps using improvised explosive devices in the Pir Ghaib area on Monday night, killing six Pakistan Army soldiers, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military. In a separate incident in Balochistan’s Kech, another soldier was killed during an exchange of fire with the militants.

The incident took place early in the morning when security personnel were clearing the area for fencing the border.

Resource-rich Balochistan in southwestern Pakistan borders Afghanistan and Iran, But it is also Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies.

LAND FOR SALE At Kukidolong, attached to National Highway.

Area = 31.5 puras Price = Rs. 250.00 per sq. ft.

(Negotiable) Contact # 8787838319

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Brasilia, May 19 (IANS): Brazil has become the country with the third-highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world, after registering a total of more than 255,000 cases.

As of Tuesday, the countr y accounted for 255,368 cases, with 16,853 fatalities, the sixth-highest death toll in the world, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The United States still accounts for the highest number of cases in the world at 1,508,957, followed in the second place

by Russia with 290,678 A patient who suffers from the coronavirus disease is helped by healthcare infections. workers as he arrives from Tabatinga to Manaus, Brazil on May 18.

Qiaojia county at 9.47 PM on Monday.

The tremors were felt in Qujing city’s Huize county as well as in the cities of Zhaotong, Xuanwei and Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

The epicentre, with a depth of eight kilometres, was monitored at 27.18 degrees north latitude and 103.16 degrees east longitude, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre.

The county government of Qiaojia has sent rescuers to 16 townships for rescue and disaster relief

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Saptiqa Area Students' Union would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and unions who have helped our union financially and materially in ferrying our area's stranded students from Dimapur to their respective destination during this pandemic Lock down.

1. Er. Picto Shohe, MLA, Govt. of Nagaland. Rs. 40,000/2. Hovishe Achumi, General Secretary, All Nagaland Private Bus Association 1 Bus 3. Er. Kahuli Sema, Add. Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B) Kohima Rs 5000/4. Hukavi Jimo, Advocate Rs 5000/5. All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) 6. Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) HEKATO ACHUMI ATOPU ACHUMI President Tribunal SASU SASU

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Washington, May 19 (IANS): Accusing the World Health Organization (WHO) of “alarming lack of independence from” China, US President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the agency and end its funding if it did not institute reforms within a month and end its subservience.

In a four-page letter addressed to WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that he posted Monday night on Twitter, Trump said: “The repeated missteps by you and your organisation in responding to the pandemic have been extremely costly to the world. The only way forward for the World Health Organization is only if it can demonstrate its independence from China.”

Trump’s warning came in the middle of the annual meeting of the WHO’s decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, that is being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US paid $553 million of the WHO’s $6 billion budget last year.

China paid only $43 million but its President Xi Jinping has said that

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) and the Chang Apex bodies express our sincere gratitude to different Departments, Organizations, Individuals and all well wishers for your immense support to our Chang people financially, materially, physically and unceasing prayer support during this Pandemic Lockdown, and taking care of huge number of stranded Chang people in Dimapur & Kohima till bringing them back to Tuensang .

Your immense contribution toward our people during such unprecedented situation will never be forgotten. Words aren’t enough but it is our prayer that our Almighty God bless each and every one of you abundantly:1. Govt of Nagaland.

2. Shri. C. M. Chang, Hon’ble Minister, Nagaland.

3. Shri. Kejong Chang, Hon’ble MLA. 4. Shri. Toyang Chang, Hon’ble MLA. 5. Superintendent of Police, Tuensang.

6. Commandant, 3rd NAP, Tuensang.

7. Principal, ITI, Tuensang.

8. Principal, Polytechnic Setem Tuensang.

9. Director, Mt. Sinai Ministry, Dimapur.

10. Zungkum Chang, Ex-Candidate.

11. Chang Union Kohima.

12. Chang Students’s Union Kohima.

13. Chang Union Dimapur.

14. Chang Students’s Union Dimapur.

15. Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT) 16. Tuensang Town Baptist Lashong (TTBL) 17. Tuensang Village Baptist Lashong (TVBL).

18. Yali Baptist Lashong.

19. Yangpi Village Council.

20. Yangpi Baptist Lashong.

21. Tuensang Village, C/ Khel.

22. Yungkük Baptist Lashong (YBL).

23. Chang Baptist Lashong Dimapur (CBC ).

24. P. Beshang Phanglou.

25. S. Beshang, BSF Chingmei.

Thank You All President, CKS K-913

northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

COVID-19: Assam registers 42 cases in 1 day Guwahati, May 19 (PTI): Assam witnessed its highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 42 people, including a twomonth-old baby, testing positive on Tuesday, taking the total number to 157, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Out of these 42 new cases, at least 37 people were lodged in different quarantine centres across the state, he said.

“Alert - Three new #COVID + cases detected from Sarusajai Quarantine Centre. Now the total patient count goes to 157,” Sarma tweeted.

Out of these patients, the youngest is a two-monthold baby from Hojai who had travelled from Mumbai, Sarma said.

The total number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 157 in the state, of

Himanta Biswa Sarma

which 110 are active cases, Sarma said in his tweet through a graphic image.

While four people have died due to the deadly virus, 41 have been cured and discharged from hospitals, he added.

Besides, two COVID19 patients have migrated to other states, the minister informed.

Earlier, Sar ma informed in four separate tweets that a total of 39 people tested positive since Tuesday morning. “Alert - 13 new #COVID + cases detected from Sarusajai Quarantine Centre,” he said in the evening.

Sarma appealed to everyone to remain at home and follow hygiene norms in

view of the rising number of cases in the state.

A 71-year old patient, who was suffering from neck cancer and tested positive last week after returning from Mumbai by bus, died on Monday due to respiratory distress.

“A l e r t - 1 4 n e w #COVID + cases confirmed.

7 are from Kamrup , 2 from Hojai, 2 from Biswanath, 1 from Nagaon,2 from Nalbari. Total cases now touch 135,” Sarma had said in an earlier tweet.

In another tweet, the minister said: “Alert ~ Six new #COVID19 + cases confirmed - 2 each from Jorhat and Golaghat and 1 each from Kokrajhar & Nagaon.”

All these 20 people travelled from outside the state and were lodged in different quarantine centres across districts, he said.

Two Bangladeshis arrested in Sikkim Gangtok, May 19 (PTI): Two Bangladeshis were arrested on charges of illegally staying in Sikkim for months, the Foreigners Registration office said on Tuesday.

Suman Majumdar, 21, has been arrested from a locality in Pakyong police station area, while Md Matiur Rahman (23) was nabbed from Rangpo police station area, it said, adding that the arrests were made in the past two days.

The two was staying in Sikkim without Inner Line Permit, a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals, the Foreigners Registration office said.

The duo was produced in a court which remanded them to judicial custody for 14 days, it said.

The process for the deportation of the two Bangladeshis was underway, they said.

Total curfew in Imphal, district hqs till May 31

Correspondent

IMPHAL, May 19: Police have banned even vegetable vendors from vending their produce at market places in the capital city and towns across Manipur as Manipur government re-imposed some restrictions which were relaxed during the COVID-19 lockdown 3.0.

Total public curfew has been enforced in the entire capital city (areas covered

by Imphal Municipal Corporation) and headquarters of all districts of the state in the new guidelines for the COVID-19 lockdown 4.0 which commenced from Monday.

Even as the Centre

extended the nationwide lockdown till May 31, the state government notified the guidelines late Monday night for reasons known only to them.

In the backdrop of rising cases of COVID19 positive cases among returnees, the state government imposed some restrictions which were relaxed during the lockdown 3.0.

Total curfew in Imphal city and all other district headquarters were imposed by the respective district magistrate on Tuesday with immediate effect till May 31, as per the new guidelines.

However, the same curfew under sub-section 2

Tripura teacher makes robot that can deliver food, medicines

of PPE kits. The frontline health workers such as doctors and nurses are at the risk of getting infected with coronavirus. The robot will help minimise the risk for them,” the IIT-Guwahati pass-out said.

A Kochi-based startup firm, Asimov Robotics, has also made a similar robot to serve patients and minimise risk for healthcare professionals.

“Many more programmes can be added to the robot so that it can perform other jobs such as thermal screening of suspected patients. Many sophisticated gadgets are not available now due to the ongoing lockdown,” he said.

Medical Superintendent of Govind Ballabh Panth (GBP) Hospital, which is the only testing centre for coronavirus in the state, said that robots are being used in hospitals in many states and foreign countries.

“This type of robot can be useful in our hospital. But it should be approved by a technical committee and can be deployed after repeated tests,” he said.

These vehicles should be allowed to work only with 30-40 percent passenger capacity, it said.

All vehicles and machinery entering the premises should be disinfected by spray mandatorily. Mandatory thermal screening of everyone entering and exiting the work place will be done. Medical insurance of workers are to be made mandatory.

Work places shall have a gap of one hour between shifts and will stagger the lunch breaks of staff to ensure social distancing.

Larger gatherings of more than 10 persons are to be discouraged.

Seating of at least 6

feet away from others on job sites and in gatherings, meetings and training sessions are to be arranged.

In line with the new guidelines, state chief secretary today issued an order stating that all domestic and international air travel of passengers will be prohibited except for domestic medical services, domestic air ambulance, and for security purposes or purposes permitted by Union ministry of home affairs.

Schools, colleges, educational, training, coaching institutions etc. will remain closed. Online distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

NFR transports 1.1 lakh migrants home in 110 Shramik Special trains Guwahati, May 19 (PTI): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has transported home around 1.1 lakh stranded migrants, mostly of Bihar, from all corners of the country in 110 Shramik Special trains since May 1, an official said on Tuesday.

Headquartered at Maligaon in Guwahati, the NFR covers parts of Bihar and West Bengal, besides the states of the Northeastern region.

While 93 trains arrived in Katihar, Purnea, Araria and Kishanganj stations of Bihar, three trains reached New Jalpaiguri and one in New Cooch Behar stations in West Bengal till Monday, Chief Public Relations Officer Subhanan Chanda said.

Thirteen other trains arrived in various stations

of NE states like Assam Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

Eleven trains will reach the stations of Bihar and one is scheduled to arrive at New Jalpaiguri within the next two days carrying stranded people, Chanda said.

Six to seven more trains will be reaching the NE states within the next two to three days, he said.

Passengers of the Shramik Special trains are mainly students, patients and migrant labourers with

their family members.

They were provided with free meals, water and necessary medical help by the railways as and when required during the journey, said the NFR CPRO. The passengers were received by respective civil administration of the states at the stations and all COVID19 protocols were followed, he said.

A few Shramik Special trains for transportation of stranded people from the Northeastern region to states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are also being planned, Chanda said.

The Railways has already operated more than 1565 such trains and transported more than 20 lakh passengers across the country.

COVID-19: Meghalaya CM cautions against complacency Correspondent

Shillong, May 19: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday cautioned against complacency saying that the State cannot afford to lower its guard as thousands of stranded residents return from different parts of the country with the easing of lock-down.

Meghalaya had registered 13 positive cases of COVID-19, out of which 12 people have recovered while the state’s first patient died after being infected with the deadly virus.

Stating that Meghalaya is officially a COVID-free state now with the 12th positive patient having recovered on Monday, Sangma said, “It does not mean that the government would sit down assuming that everything is over.”

“The state needs to be mentally prepared for any eventuality,” the Chief Minister told journalists after a review meeting.

Underscoring that testing and proper quarantine is the key to ensure that the situation does not go out of hand, Sangma said the government is monitoring the situation and multiple tests are being done at different levels, even as he reiterated adhering to safety protocols.

Stating that the state was facing a challenging task with a large number of people, mostly from red zones in the country, returning, Sangma said, “Continuous monitoring of the returnees is being done.

It is important to be prepared and to plan well and the involvement of everybody, right from the government to the community and the individual will help.”

Two stranded Tablighi Jamaat members arrive in Meghalaya Correspondnet

Shillong, May 19: Two Tablighi Jamat members have arrived in Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong on Monday evening from New Delhi and have been sent to home quarantine after being screened and tested, the Shillong Markaz informed on Tuesday.

The two Tablighi Jamat members were stranded in New Delhi due to the lock down after they attended the Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi.

Seven persons have attended the Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz from the State and five are still not come.

The Hazrat Nizamud-

din Markaz was held in phases between March 1 and March 15 and was attended by over 2,000 delegates, including Islamic preachers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

“Two of them have arrived in Shillong on Monday after they boarded a bus arranged by the Meghalaya government from Inter-State Bus Terminus in Guwahati,” Shillong Markaz member, Anwar Ali said.

Ali said that the duo travelled from Delhi to Guwahati on a bus and thereafter reached Shillong.

“Both were screened by health officials at the entry point and on arrival they were taken to Shillong

Civil Hospital for further testing,” Ali said, adding that both these members are in home-quarantine.

Moreover, he said that the relatives of the two members have further informed about the arrival of these two persons to the local police station in the State Capital.

On the other five members who are yet to arrive, Ali said three are in their native places in Assam and two others are in Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow.

Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad Kandhalvi is accused of holding the congregation in a mosque in violation of government order.

M’laya police constable commits suicide Correspondnet

Shillong, May 19: A Meghalaya police constable allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself outside the Bhutan embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday, police official said.

Constable Panath D. Sangma of 3rd Meghalaya police battalion, hung himself

inside the tent outside the embassy, the official said, adding that his body was found by his colleagues as he did not turn up for duty.

Though, no suicide note has been recovered from the place, but the police official said that they are investigating into the case to ascertain the exact cause that led him to kill himself.

DC-426

Agartala, May 19 (PTI): In a bid to prevent doctors and other medical staff from getting infected with coronavirus, a teacher of Tripura University has made a robot from scrap materials that can deliver food and medicines to COVID-19 patients, an official said on Tuesday.

T h e ‘ C OV I D - 1 9 Warbot’, developed by Dr Harjit Nath, an assistant professor of the Chemical and Polymer Engineering department of the university, is regulated by a transmitter and a receiver taken out of a toy car and can work for 90 minutes on full charge.

“It is a low-cost robot, which was made from waste materials in laboratory. I also took help from a worker of a local hardware factory, and it was built within a week. I spent only Rs 25,000 to manufacture it,” Nath told reporters.

The robot with three 0.5 HP motors and rechargeable batteries is capable of carrying up to 15 kg of food and medicines on a plastic tray mounted on top of it, he said.

“There is a shortage

of section 144 of CrPC will be relaxed in all other areas during the day time, that is, curfew will be enforced everyday from 6 pm to 6 am.

The state government has also issued a fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for social distancing at offices, workplace, factories and establishments.

As per the SOP, all areas in the premises including specific areas have to be disinfected completely using user friendly disinfected mediums.

For workers coming from outside, special transportation facility will be arranged without any dependency on public transport system.

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sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Bundesliga: Leverkusen thump Bremen 4-1 ‘Finalise Olympic qualifying events dates’

M u n i c h , M ay 1 9 (Agencies): Kai Havertz scored twice as Bayer Leverkusen closed the gap to fourth-placed RB Leipzig to one point after making a winning return to Bundesliga action with a 4-1 victory at Werder Bremen.

Havertz, who is understood to have been monitored by Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham in recent months, picked up where he left off following the coronavirus suspension, scoring two headers in the first half (28, 33) to take his tally to four goals in three games in all competitions.

In between Havertz’s goals, Theodor Gebre Selassie (30) scored for Bremen in what was a frantic five minutes of football, but it only proved to be a consolation as secondhalf strikes from Mitchell Weiser (61) and Kerem Demirbay (78) wrapped up a comprehensive victory for the visitors.

Victory sees Leverkusen, who have now won 13 of their last 15 games in all competitions, close in on the Champions League

Players of Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen fight for the ball during their Bundesliga match.

who had barely been involved in the action, made his mark as the game burst to life in the 28th minute with three goals in five minutes and 37 seconds.

Moussa Diaby surged down the right and sent in an inviting cross which Havertz climbed highest to head home at the far post.

The lead was short-

lived, however, as Selassie bundled the ball home at the near post from a corner to level in the 30th minute.

The socially distanced celebrations from the home players had barely finished by the time Leverkusen had regained their lead. Demirbay floated in an inviting free-kick, with Havertz left unmarked to power home

Rakitic wants talks over Barcelona future

Nagaland online chess tournament

M a d r i d, M ay 1 9 (Agencies): Ivan Rakitic would welcome a conversation with someone in Barcelona’s hierarchy over his future at the club amid continued links with a move away from Camp Nou. The Croatia midfielder is preparing with the rest of the squad for the resumption of the La Liga season in June following a lengthy break in proceedings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Rakitic has been consistently rumoured to be on his way out of the club, most recently as part of a swap deal to secure Miralem Pjanic from Juventus.

In an inter view to COPE, the 32-year-old revealed neither Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu nor sporting director Eric Abidal have spoken to him with regards his situation, though he has become accustomed to being involved in transfer speculation.

places, while Bremen’s plight down at the bottom of the Bundesliga deepens with Florian Kohfeldt’s side, who have just one win in 12 matches, five points adrift of Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are in the relegation play-off place.

After an extremely cagey opening at a near-empty Weserstadion, Havertz,

D i m a p u r , M ay 1 9 (NPN): The 6th Nagaland Online Open Chess Tournament will be held on May 24.

The tournament is being organised to bring chess player together during lockdown and also to give opportunity to upcoming young chess players. Therefore, interested players can contact tournament officials (Mughaho Awomi - 7005580145, S Litingse Sangtam - 9612866445) for participation

Serie A suspended until June 14

Ivan Rakitic

“I have become used to my name coming out, it is not new,” Rakitic said.

“It would be nice to be in touch. I had it with Abidal, but it was more to talk about going back to work. I don’t have any negative thoughts. You

can always talk to me. I am happy to go back to training and to wear the Barca shirt again.”

Despite the talk of a move elsewhere in the next transfer window, Rakitic remains focused on a return to action.

Milan, May 19 (IANS): The Italian Football Federation has confirmed that all its competitions, including Serie A, have been further suspended until June 14. It had been hoped that Serie A would resume on June 13. In its new decree, the Italian government has suspended “sporting events until June 14.

another header for his 12th goal of the season.

Bremen needed another quick response and could not have been presented with a better chance six minutes before the break as Leonardo Bittencourt burst through on goal, but he lacked composure when it mattered most and blazed over.

The game was made safe by the visitors 15 minutes into the second half as the impressive Diaby used his pace and trickery to good effect again, this time on the left, and he centered for Weiser, who was given the freedom of the home box to convert with a header.

It became a rout in the 78th minute when substitute Karim Bellarabi sent through a delightful no-look through-ball to Demirbay, who did not disappoint with a sumptuous chipped finish to round off proceedings.

Bayer Leverkusen are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Borussia Monchengladbach.

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen take on Freiburg at the Schwarzwald-Stadion, also on Saturday.

Roberto Bautista Agut

achieve some day.”

Bautista Agut was ranked 12th when the tennis season was suspended in early March due to the

COVID-19 pandemic.

The tennis shutdown will continue at least until the end of July and the fate of the 50th edition of

the ATP Finals, scheduled for Nov. 15-22 in London, is expected to be decided later.

The Spaniard made a

the nominated Olympic qualification events not be able to take place.”

The IOC is hoping that the plans would be drawn up by July.

“We would like to have these plans ready by July and then depending on the evolution of the global situation we can discuss with you if it is necessary to publish these contingency plans and officially include them in the individual qualification systems at an agreed point,” the communication said.

The IOC Sports Department and the international federations have worked in tandem to finalise the necessary adaptations of the qualification systems, with the main objective to implement a qualification system structure as close as

possible to the qualification systems that were approved by the IOC Executive Board in February 2018.

The IOC also said it is working to make the Tokyo Olympics a cost effective Games.

“The Sports Department is working closely with Tokyo 2020 to identify potential areas for optimisation without impacting the athlete experience or compromising the field of play and conduct of competition.”

“The ASOIF Olympic and Multi-Sports Games Consultative Group (AOMSG) will also be engaged to aid the identification of suitable areas for optimisations and cost savings, which will then be addressed with each IF on a sportspecific basis.”

Individual training very different: Panghal

New Delhi, May 19 (IANS): Boxers will need around two weeks to get back to the level they were at before the COVID-19 pandemic brought sports to a standstill, according to Amit Panghal. The 2019 World Championships silver medallist believes that while stadiums have been opened up, it will take longer for those in contact sports like boxing to get back to full training.

“It will take two weeks at least to sharpen our skills.

Because it’s a contact sport I am sure we will restart training later than many other sports, so we will have to work on our reflexes again,” Paghal told IANS. “We will also have to work on getting our endurance back. Right now only individual training is happening and that is very different from the kind of practice we get inside the ring.”

“But I am confident

Bautista Agut still eyeing elusive ATP Finals spot M U M B AI , M ay 1 9 (Agencies): Qualifying for the season-ending men’s ATP Finals, which features the world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams, is one of the goals for Roberto Bautista Agut before he retires, the Spaniard has said.

The 32-year-old came close to ticking that off his wish list when he rose to a career-high world ranking of ninth last year and served as a reserve player for the 2019 edition of the event in London.

“It is one of the goals I would like to achieve before retiring,” Bautista Agut told ATPTour.com.

“I know how difficult it is, I know that I have been very close some seasons. It’s not something I’m obsessed about, but it remains a goal I’d like to

Lausanne, May 19 (PTI): The International Olympic Committee has asked all international federations to finalise the dates of the Tokyo Games qualifiers and help draft contingency plans in advance for all eventualities, including potential cancellations, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, the IOC set June 29, 2021 as the new deadline for the qualification period of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to next year in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

“As some event dates and locations remain to be determined due to uncertainty over IF (international federations) calendars, we thank you in advance to keep us informed once events, dates and locations start to be confirmed so that these can be included in the qualification systems as soon as possible,” the IOC said in a communication dated May 15.

“With the revised qualification systems in place, the IOC Sport Operations Managers will continue to collaborate closely with you to work on potential contingency plans should

strong start to the season by winning all six of his singles matches for Spain in the ATP Cup before reaching the third round of the Australian Open, where he fell to Croatia’s Marin Cilic after a gruelling five-setter.

In November, Bautista Agut, who has 11 career wins against top 10 opponents, returned to Spain’s Davis Cup squad a day after his father’s funeral and delivered an emotional win over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime to help his country to a sixth title.

“What keeps me motivated is my competitiveness. I’m very competitive both as an athlete and person,” he said. “I’m always trying to improve and win, adding minor details to my game, because it’s a feeling I love.”

Amit Panghal

that whatever plans the Sports Ministry or Sports Authority of India set for us, they will be good enough for preparing for the Olympics. There is more time now for the Olympics so I am confident that Indian can still get a very good haul from there.”

The opening of stadiums and sports complexes for athletes was among the guidelines issued by the

India delay call on Sri Lanka tour NEW DELHI, May 19 (Agencies): India’s cricket board (BCCI) will wait for more clarity on international travel restrictions before making a call on the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in July, a top board official told Reuters.

Virat Kohli’s team are scheduled to play three onedayers and the same number of Twenty20 Internationals in Sri Lanka but the series is under threat due to measures imposed to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nothing has been decided as yet, because we are not sure what would be the travel restrictions then,” BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal told Reuters by telephone. “There is no clarity about it. So we’ll wait for that and accordingly take a call.”

government on Sunday while announcing an extension of the nationwide lockdown that is in place to stem the spread of coronavirus.

While Panghal expected the lockdown to be extended after May 17, the opening up of stadiums was not something he anticipated. “No I didn’t expect that. No one really knows anything at the moment so it’s difficult to

expect or not expect anything. I was sure that the lockdown will be extended considering the number of people falling sick. But I had not expected stadiums to be opened,” he said.

He said that the prolonged period of individual training he has been doing at home is more to keep his fitness up so as to ensure that it is only his skills and endurance he has to worry about once full training resumes.

“Well, I can’t work on my skills at all for now. I work only on my fitness because if that is maintained then we can still work on skills once everything resumes,” he said.

“At the moment nothing is confirmed. The federation said that they will give us instructions once the lockdown opens. But yes, the thought process is to ensure that those in contention for the Olympics will be given priority.”

ICC proposes saliva ban when polishing balls Dubai, May 19 (Agencies): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Committee has recommended prohibiting the use of saliva to polish match balls to protect the safety of players and officials.

The ICC’s influential committee met via conference call and heard a briefing from Dr Peter Harcourt - chair of the governing body’s medical advisory committee - on the issue of how the sport can resume in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was unanimously agreed that the “elevated risk of transmission” caused by polishing the ball using spit meant the traditional method must be shelved for now, though sweat will still be permitted.

Additionally, it was decided to vote for a suspension to the 18-year-old rule guaranteeing on-field officials in Test cricket must be from non-participating countries - minimising travel and quarantine considerations. The committee also suggested one additional DRS review should be awarded to each team per innings.

Former India captain Anil Kumble, who chairs the cricket committee, said: “We are living through extraordinary times and the recommendations the committee have made today are interim measures to enable us to safely resume cricket in a way that preserves the essence of our game whilst protecting everyone involved.”

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