May 23, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 166

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Manipur prepared to tackle COVID-19, says CM Biren northeast, Page 7

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US exits from Open Skies Treaty international, Page 6

dead in Pakistan plane crash 1463 stranded persons arrive from Chennai 66 President of the

Stranded persons arrive from Chennai at Dimapur railway station on Friday evening. (NP)

Staff Reporter D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): A special Shramik train carrying a total of 1463 stranded citizens of Nagaland which left Chennai at 11.30 a.m. on May 19 arrived Dimapur railway station Friday at around 6.25 p.m. after its scheduled arrival at 1 p.m. was delayed due to the cyclone Amphan.

The returnees that included students, employees of various firms and children, were received by Agriculture Production Commissioner and head of the COVID-19 related activities in-charge, Y. Kikheto Sema

Centre allows use of HCQ for all frontline workers

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): Centre has revised the advisory on the use of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as prophylactic for COVID-19 infection, expanding the use of the medicine for asymptomatic healthcare and frontline workers deployed in nonCOVID and COVID areas, ANI report stated.

“All asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in containment and treatment of COVID-19 and asymptomatic healthcare workers working in non-COVID hospitals/ n o n - C OV I D a r e a s o f COVID hospitals/blocks,” the advisory said.

“Asymptomatic frontline workers, such as surveillance workers deployed in containment zones and paramilitary/police personnel involved in COVID-19 related activities. Asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases,” it said.

This is it!

“My son was always disinclined to come home but now COVID-19 has changed his mind.”

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and DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi, Commissioner Police R. Tetso, CMO Dimapur Dr. Tiasunup Pongen including other district and police officials. Teams from the medical, police, administration and NGOs were on hand to assist the passengers and also help them maintain social distancing.

Food packs and water were provided by deputy chief minister Y. Patton including various organisations. Masks were also provided for those not without it. A fleet of more than 60 buses were deployed at railway station to transport the returnees to various quaran-

tine centres in Dimapur and other districts.

As they made their way to the waiting buses, the returnees were subjected to thermal screening and had their luggage pass through disinfectant tunnels installed

by Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The whole process was carried out in a smooth manner.

Meanwhile, returnees of Dimapur, Mon and Peren were to be quarantined at Agri-Expo Dimapur while those from other districts including Kohima were transported by buses to be housed at various quaran-

tine centres in Kohima.

It was also learnt that the returnees were given only one meal since their departure from Chennai on May 19. Taking note of this, Kikheto Sema, expressed unhappiness that the returnees were given only one meal during the two days three nights journey.

Kikheto felt that this matter ought to be taken up by the higher authorities so that it would be a lesson when other stranded Nagas return in the next few days.

It may be mentioned that in view of the arrival of the special train, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi ordered closure of all shops/ markets with effect from 12 noon till midnight of May 22 as a measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Commissioner of Police Dimapur, R Tetseo, also ordered restriction on movement of all vehicles including exempted categories within Dimapur town.

The railway station was also sanitized prior to the arrival of the special train.

1550 to leave for Bihar: The special train that brought the returnees form Chennai is scheduled to depart for Bihar with people

from the state on May 23.

According to principal secretary (Home) Abhijit Sinha, a total of 1,550 migrants from Bihar and stranded in Nagaland will travel by the train to Motihari, Bihar at around 9 pm on May 23.

Sinha also informed that 3,086 stranded citizens of Nagaland, who opted to voluntarily stay back at their places of residence, have been given Rs 10,000 each as one-time financial assistance. He said the assistance cost the State exchequer Rs 3.8 crore.

392 from Gurugram to arrive on May 24: According to officials, another batch of 392 stranded citizens of Nagaland, along with of 953 persons from other North Easter states, left Gurugram, Haryana, by another train for Dimapur at 6 p.m. Friday.The returnees, are expected to arrive Dimapur on May 24 at around 5.40 am.

Returnee dies in train: According to informed sources, one female passenger travelling in the train from Gurugram, died on the way. Sources said the deceased had medical issues and was advised to not travel.

Bank of Punjab among 2 survivors

KARACHI, MAY 22 (PTI): At least 66 people were killed when a Pakistan International Airlines plane with 99 people on board crashed into a densely populated residential area near the Jinnah International Airport here on Friday, officials said. Flight PK-8303 from Lahore was about to land in Karachi when it crashed at the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir, minutes before its landing, they said.

The PIA Airbus A320 carrying 91 passengers and eight crew members has crash-landed into the Jinnah Housing Society located near the airport, a spokesperson of the national carrier said. Thick black smoke rose from the accident scene of devastation in the Model Colony area. Earlier, a PIA spokesperson and many media reports said that there were 107 people on board the aircraft. Sindh health officials said 66 dead bodies have been recovered from the crash site.

Volunteers look for survivors of a plane that crashed in residential area of Karachi, Pakistan on Friday. (AP/PTI)

It is, however, unclear if the deceased were all on board the flight or include residents of the area as well where the crash took place.

Sindh Health Minister Azra Pechuho said there are two survivors including President of the Bank of Punjab Zafar Masood. He called up his mother to inform her of his well-being.

Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Welfare Trust said that around 25 to 30 residents whose houses were damaged by the plane have also been taken to the hospital, mostly with burn wounds.

The aircraft wings during the crash landing hit the houses in the residential colony before crashing down. “At least 25 houses

have been damaged in this incident,” Edhi said. According to a PIA official, the captain informed the air traffic control that he was having problems with the landing gear before the aircraft disappeared from the radar.

Thick black smoke rose from a scene of devastation in the Model Colony area.

Television footage showed rescue crews combing through debris strewn across the streets of the district where a number of houses have been destroyed.

The cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed. PIA chief executive Arshad Malik said the pilot had told traffic control that the plane was experiencing “technical difficulties”.

COVID-19 nationwide tally sees 6,000-plus spike NGBF surprised over delay in NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (PTI): The nationwide tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by a single-day record of over 6,000 on Friday to cross 1.22 lakh, even as the government asserted the count could have been as high as 30 lakh but for the “rich dividends” of the nationwide lockdown.

Globally, nearly 52 lakh people have tested positive for the deadly virus ever since its emergence in China last December, while 3.3 lakh have lost their lives.

Reeling off various studies, government officials also said up to 2.1 lakh more people could have died in India if the lockdown had not been implemented as “a timely, graded, proactive and preemptive public health measure” to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its morning 8 AM update, the Health Ministry put the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at 1,18,447 across India with

an increase of 6,088 in 24 hours since Thursday 8 AM, while the death toll rose by 148 to 3,583.

However, a PTI tally of figures announced by dif-

BSL-3 lab at nhak begins operation

ferent states and union territories, as of 9.20 PM, put the nationwide tally much higher at 1,22,656, the death toll at 3,634 and recoveries DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): A at more than 51,000. day after its inauguration, the newly established BSL-3 lab at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) here after which he was referred commenced operation by testing to Ram Manohar Lohia COVID-19 samples on Friday.

According to reports, three Hospital where his samples samples were tested on Friday at the were taken for testing and newly inaugurated lab. found to be positive.

Following this, contact tracing was done and as 14 On the other hand, of the 1,008 personnel of the NAP company were found to have had samples sent for testing from the State direct contact with the naik, till 4 pm on Friday, results of 985 they were all isolated and samples had been received and all shifted to a quarantine cen- tested negative, while results of the tre in Kashmiri Gate area of remaining 23 samples are awaited, principal secretary Home, Abhijijt the National Capital.

Longkumer claimed Sinha said. that the patient was respondFurther, 11,565 citizens had ing well, adding he was in signed up in nCOVID-19 Nagalandtouch with the cop and his Visitors app since March 23, while colleagues.

1,861 persons submitted their travel It is still not known how details through self-declaration. And the policeman got the virus currently, 1,210 individuals were being as his other colleagues did digitally monitored through nCOVIDnot show any symptom.

19 Nagaland-Visitors app, he added.

Naga cop tests COVID +ve in Delhi Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 22 (NPN): One Nagaland Police personnel, a naik from 7th NAP who was posted in Delhi, has tested COVID-19 positive and is current admitted at Ram Manohar Lohia COVID Hospital there.

Confirming this, director general of police (DGP) TJ Longkumer told Nagaland Post that the naik was part of a Nagaland Police team and doing regular duty of neighbourhood patrolling until a few days back, when he complained of throat irritation and fever.

The DGP said the matter was immediately reported to regimental medical officer,

Results of 23 awaited

installing BSL-2 Lab in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) has expressed surprise over the delay in completing the installation of Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory in Dimapur.

In a press release, NGBF president Shalem Konyak, general secretary Shikuto Zalipu and media secretary Akhu Naga said that since Dimapur was the gateway to the mainland, the state government should have given priority to installation of the laboratory in Dimapur.

The federation reminded that the neighbouring states have started the lab long time back. As a result, they said there were several cases being detected “probably because of people being tested.”

Further, NGBF said the state government responsibilities towards students and others stranded outside state were “far beyond satisfactory”.

GBs said it was “really painful” to see Naga children being harassed and abused outside the state.

Claiming that the website created especially for stranded people was not functioning properly, the NGBF said

that due to malfunctioning many students were unaware of government’s programme and initiatives. It also claimed that some of the students, who opted to stay back and were entitled Rs.10,000, have not received the financial aid.

In this regard, the federation has appealed to the state government to disclose all the list of stranded students with regard to the payment made.

Stating that some sensible children have decided to stay back following reports of virus spreading from those returning home, the NGBF has, therefore, urged the state government to take proper care of those students who stayed.

Pointing out that the Centre has already sanctioned certain amount to the state government to fight COVID19, the federation has appealed to the state government to be transparent concerning transaction and utilization of money.

Meanwhile, NGBF has appealed to the state government to show “complete seriousness” in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police OP at Wozuro, Chukitong ranges soon: Patton Organizations condemn tax demand D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Police out-posts (OP) would be set up at Wozuro and Chukitong ranges in Wokha district. This was stated by deputy chief minister Y Patton during his visit to the two places on Friday.

Accompanied by adviser Mhathung Yanthan, legislator Dr Chumben Murry and DGP T John Longkumer, Patton first visited at Wozhuro primary health centre (PHC) to check its preparedness visà-vis COVID-19 where he acknowledged the efforts of civil society organisations (CSOs) to contain spread of the virus in the district.

After Wozuro Range Public Organisation (WRPO) submitted a representation to him seeking a police outpost and check gate in the area to tackle smuggling of spurious liquor as it was close to Bokajan in Assam’s Karbi Anglong

Patton addressing district officials of Wokha at DC’s conference hall, Friday.

district, the deputy chief minister assured a check post would be set up within the month of May. Longkumer, who became the first DGP to set foot on Wozuro’s soil, hoped the proposed outpost would benefit the people and proposed naming it Wozuro “Chumpo” (mor ung of Lothas) police outpost.

Later, speaking at a meeting held at Government High School with CSOs of Wozhuro range, Patton urged them to continue putting in their best efforts to

contain spread of the virus.

He also encouraged farming by utilising the current crisis to make the State self-reliant.

He said the horticulture department was ready to setup cold storages in all districts of Nagaland to assist the farmers in storing their perishable goods to help them export to various locations.

Paotton also visited Chukitong Range and announced that one outpost would be set up after identifying a strategic site.

After visiting Wozhuro and Chukitong ranges,

a brief meeting was held at conference hall of DC Wokha, which was chaired

by DC and district COVID19 taskforce chair man Orenthung Lotha.

The meeting was also attended by Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) representatives. On the occasion, LSU president Ashanthung Humtsoe submitted a representation to health & family welfare minister S Pangnyu Phom through the DC seeking Truenat screening of COVID-19 samples at the district hospital.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Several organizations such as- Darogapathar Youth Organisation (DYO), Business Association Darogapathar Village (BADV), Darogapathar Village Angami Community (DVAC), Tenyimi Union Dimapur( TUD) and Chakhro Angami Kuda Youth Organization (CAKYO)- have strongly condemned the “tax” served on the proprietor of M/s Progressive Motors Dimapur, allegedly by cadres of a Naga National Political Group (NNPG).

In a joint statement DYO general secretary Otto K. Murumi and BADV general secretary Lima Walling expressed strong condemnation against the “harassment and taxation demands” meted out to the staff and management of M/s T.K. Service at a time when the whole world was reeling under the economic crisis caused by

COVID-19 pandemic. The two organisations reaffirmed the August 16,2016 resolution of the Darogapathar Village Council (DVC) for “one government, one tax” and ban on illegal taxation within Darogapathar village jurisdiction. The two bodies also urged upon the government of India and the “Naga national leaders” to bring an early political solution, which would help mitigate the multiple taxation faced by the Nagas and the business community in particular.

DVAC: Darogapathar Village Angami community (DVAC) asserted that the “act of extortion” was the worst that could take place at a crucial juncture where the economy has come to a standstill and people were all struggling to make ends meet with limited resources at hand. DVAC general secretary Vitsolie Solo said that

the community vehemently condemned the alleged physical and mental torture of a fellow Naga entrepreneur by “a highly respected NNPG group”. Terming the act as “very uncalled for”, DVAC asserted that such act should be condemned to its core by every right thinking citizen.

DVAC has, therefore, urged all the law enforcing government agencies to intervene at the earliest and provide necessary security and allow the proprietor to run his business without any inconveniences.

TUD: Tenyimi Union Dimapur through its media cell said it was “anguished and disturbed by the action of the NSCN (U) demanding tax” from M/s. Progressive Motors Dimapur with a threat to close the show room and also warning the staff that they would be attending work at their own (Cont’d on p-5) risk.

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CM Chang appeals to conserve nature

KO H I M A , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Law & Justice C.M. Chang has appealed to all citizens of the state to conserve nature, forest and wildlife, biodiversity and take significance of biodiversity in planning and implementing development programme.

The minister was speaking at the International Day for Biological Diversity at the conference hall of forest office complex Ministers' Hill Kohima on Friday. The minister said that Nagaland harbours a large number of plants species which are endemic to the state or the North East part of India.

The state have tallest Rhododendron (108 feet), tallest paddy (9.2 feet), and hottest Raja Chilly, a variety of medicinal plants, orchids, bamboos, wild edible fruits, ornamental plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, domesticated cattle, agro and horticultural biodiversity.

Maintaining that biological resources are required to be nurtured for their sustained sup-

GPRN/NSCN condolence message

ply to our future generation, Chang said “There is need of working in mission mode for biodiversity conservation, with an objective of turning the tide of destruction into a new, positive relationship between people and nature”.

Speaking on this year theme “Our solutions are in nature,” the minister said that nature have been abused due to various reasons mainly developmental activities without concerning biodiversity, increasing human population, increasing standard of life which requires more natural resources.

“Despite all our technological advances, we are completely dependent on nature which provide us healthy and vibrant ecosystems for meeting our basic needs namely food, water, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter, energy etc,” the minister said.

The minister asserted that the state government had implemented the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 since December 18, 1981 by taking into account the importance of nature, forest and wildlife, in our life.

With the support of the Ministry of Environ-

ment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi, the Nagaland forest department upgraded three institutions as Nature Learning Centres under the National Mission of Himalayan Studies (NMHS) for imparting training to children, students and communities and others on co-existence of human beings with nature.

It includes conference hall of the Forest offices complex, Dimapur, Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, Dimapur and Botanical Garden, Kohima.

Chang further called upon the people to introspect themselves and coexist with nature.

The minister informed that the state of Nagaland is very rich in biodiversity, having variety of flora and fauna. In spite of being small state with 16, 579 sq. km. geographical area, there are 6 types of forests found in the state. The angiospermic flora is represented by 2431 species belonging to 963 genera and 186 families.

In this, share of dicots is 1688 species, 724 genera and 158 families and monocots by 743 species under 239 genera and 28 families

Gymnosperms also registers their presence with 9 species under 6 genera from 5 families, said the minister.

A short programme was jointly organized by Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB) and Kohima Press Club (KPC) with limited number of participants and maintaining social distancing protocol to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.

At the event, Chang also released a short film and illustrative booklet on "Our solutions are in nature" aimed at spreading awareness about conservation and protection of nature and biodiversity.

NSBB member secretary and CCF Supongnukshi Ao said that Nagaland State Biological Diversity Rules 2012 has been enacted and these rules are being implemented through NSBB. The NSBB have mandated to form Biodiversity Village Management Committee in all the villages and about 90% have been covered so far. Once the Committee is formed, the NSBB are mandated to document the biological resources in that village jurisdiction.

NPGN/NNC revokes appointment: terminates: NPGN/NNC through its MIP has informed that it has revoked the appointment of Kaino Chophi of Hoito village as deputy kilonser of NPGN/NNC and has terminated his induction as the later was found serving in another faction of NNPG. MIP said the termination was initiated to uphold the declaration made by the convenor and co-convenors of the 7 NNPGs. For any information required in this regard one has been asked to contact at 6009600701.

NPCC minority pays homage to late Rajiv Gandhi: Commemorating the 29th death anniversary of late Rajiv Gandhi, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) minority wing provided refreshment to the stranded people in Dimapur.

DC Longleng sale of tobacco & public spitting: The Deputy Commissioner Longleng has strictly prohibited sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco, pan, tamul, etc in the district and spitting in public places with immediate effect. It has warned that necessary action will be initiated against the defaulters as per the relevant provisions of law under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act of 2005.

Litem village under the aegis of Nagaland health project (NHP) distributed face masks and nutritional supplements to senior citizens and those affected by the lockdown on May 20 and May 21.

A press release by Renchumlo Shitiri (FD), DPMU, NHP, Tuensang stated that earlier in the month of May while taking stock of the shortage of face masks in the market, HCMC Chessore town in collaboration with joint students union of Chessore town and Chessore village took the initiative to stitch face masks which were then distributed to the citizens.

Since its inception, NHP has enhanced the capacity of 55 health committees in Tuensang district.

CVS&AH Jalukie officials distributing saplings and tools to villagers.

DIMAPUR: College of Veterinary Sciences & AH (CVS&AH) Jalukie distributed fruit plants, vegetable seeds and small agriculture tools to villagers of Jalukieram, New Chalkot and Deukwaram on May 22. A press release by the college stated that the distribution was carried out under “development

of model vegetables and fruits villages in NEH region”.

The release informed that fruit plants were also distributed at Benreu and Poilwa villages on May 23. Training on “the care and management of fruit and vegetable plants” was conducted by experts from KVK Peren.

Dimapur police recovers one unidentified body DIMAPUR: Police/PRO Dimapur reported one unidentified male dead body (approx 40-45 years) apparently run over by a moving train found lying inside railway track around Rangapahar area on May 18.

According to the press release, the deceased had dark skin, short hair, medium build, height about 5 ft 6-7 inches and wearing a white strip shirt, grey long pant and camouflage colour rubber boot. On completion of all legal formalities the body was shifted to district hospital Dimapur morgue for PM examination/identification.

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner, Mon Thavaseelan K, issued an order to seal all inter-state borders with Assam with immediate effect till further notice.

According to DIPR, it was informed that the order was issued in view of the detection of two COVID19 positive cases in Sonari, Charaideo, Assam.

Inter-state movement of people and vehicles has been strictly prohibited and strict penal action will Residents of New Ministers Hill (NMH) opposing the governments decision to set up be initiated against those hotel millennium as paid quarantine centre on May 22 . It was learned that this decision violators under relevant provisions of the law. was taken on behalf of the concerned citizens of NMH for safety of its residents.

AR conduct civic action programmes As part of event, posters of COVID-19 precautions were given out and pasted in the school premise and essential ration was also provided. The programme was attended by functionaries of Selouphe village.

Assistance in establishment of civil quarantine facility: Zunheboto battalion assisted the district administration in setting up a quarantine facility at JNV School Chare, Tuensang. 30 beds were

catered in order to facilitate stranded residents of the district coming back from the other states. Civil administration and public appreciated the efforts of Assam rifles in providing them with necessary assistance.

Setting up drinking water for quarantine facility at Tening: Jalukie battalion supplied clean drinking water to keep a 10 bedded quarantine facility quarantine centre functional.

Lewoza in Phek district. Meeting the officials, the minister assured to meet the various requirements for this quarantine centre for comfort of the returnees.

Ex-students of JVS Nagaland extend relief

Ex-students of Janjati Vikas Samiti (JVS) Nagaland residing at Tening town and village extended COVID-19 relief and awareness campaign at Tening town and village under Peren district on May 20.

According to a DIPR report, they distributed ration to 52 families of Tening town and Tening village.

The Janjati Vikas Samiti Nagaland distributed 200 each of mask and soap to police personal, elderly people and volunteers of quarantine centres.

Kronu donates hospital They also distributed two each hand wash at Tening town and village for the public use. The students supplies for Pfutsero sub-division also distributed two buckets, mug and two hand wash Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Par- to the Paikis at village and town. Further three layered liamentary Affairs Minister, Neiba Kronu has donated mask made by JVSN workers at Zeliangrong Heraka hospital supplies for Pfutsero sub-division on May 20.

Pailei Baudi Tailoring Centre, Tening town were also Kronu, who represents 16th Pfutsero Assembly donated by ex-students of JVSN. Constituency made contribution on his personal capacFresh vegetables and essential ity. The items donated by him included; 5 mercury BP instrument, 10 oxygen nasal prongs, 200lts sodium hy- commodities donated to Kiphire district drochloride (disinfectant), 5 nebulizer set, 2 disinfectant Nitoi Village Students Union under Sitimi area sprayer (manual), 5 stethoscope, 1 inventor with battery, donated fresh vegetables and essential commodities in 2000 surgical gloves, 150 N95 mask, 1500 three ply surgi- the presence of Deputy Commissioner Kiphire Sarita cal mask, 90 (PPE) (standard) with face shield, 12 PPE Yadav, district administration and Church leaders to the (basic), 50 bottles of hand sanitizer (500 ml), 10 pulse oxy quarantine and needy people within the Kiphire district meter and 3 laser thermal scanner. on May 22 at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall Kiphire.

The minister donated materials during the coAccording to a DIPR report, associate pastor ordination meeting with the village council chairmen, KTBL, Alison Sangtam in his short speech stated that GBs, town colony chairmen, village development board the battle of COVID-19 may end sooner or later but secretaries, church leaders and civil societies at Govern- their generous work rendered to the needy people will ment Higher Secondary School, Pfutsero. be always remembered.

Meanwhile Neiba Kronu on May 20 inspected He also urged them to continue their good works the ongoing preparation of quarantine facility at JNV, even in the days to come.

Mon seals inter-state borders

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Committee on petition convened: MLA and chairman of Committee on Petition, Dr Chumben Murry has convened introductory meeting of the committee on June 2, 11 a.m. at the Committee Room, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat. All members have been asked to attend the meeting.

CVS&AH Jalukie distributes plants & seeds to villagers

Contributions and distributions continue during lockdown

Dimapur: As the nationwide lockdown has entered its fourth phase on May 18, legislator, government agencies, NGOs and others continue to contribute towards D I M A P U R : G P R N / needy people across the state. Donations of hospital NSCN has expressed grief supplies, essential materials and items still continue to over the demise of its ta- combat the deadly virus. tar, Samuel Zhimo son of ATMA, Wokha distributes Nikiye Zhimo of Kuhoxu village who breathed his protective materials to farmers last on May 20.

ATMA, Wokha launched a programme for distribuIn a condolence mes- tion of face masks, hand soaps and pamphlets at the office sage, GPRN/NSCN said of project director, ATMA on May 21. late Samuel served the In a press release, project director, ATMA Wokha nation wholeheartedly stated that the objective of the programme was to ensure with full commitment, that agricultural advisories were maintained by marginal sincerity and dedication farmers for their safety and mobility while performing while rendering his ser- various agricultural operations and to avoid field level vices for the cause of the contagious spread of COVID-19.

Naga national movement Speaking at the programme, project director and till his last.

DHO, Medemshiba highlighted about the current scenario GPRN/NSCN said of agricultural activities in the district and maintained that his demise has created agriculture and allied sector played a vital role vis-à-vis, a huge vacuum in the food security, nutrition, importance of the forest produce society in particular and (NTFP) and market chain linkage during the pandemic. organization in general Earlier, project director handed the materials to block which would be difficult representatives while stressing on the selection criteria to fill the gap. for identification of the needy farmers. The items will be F u r t h e r, G P R N / further distributed in all the seven blocks in the district NSCN has conveyed con- through BTT conveners, BTMs, ATMs and farmers’ dolences to the bereaved friend. It may be noted that under this activity, 500 farmers f a m i ly m e m b e r s a n d will be covered in each block. prayed that the Almighty to grant solace and comHCMC and VHC Tuensang fort to them at this hour of distributes essential items grief and further prayed Health centre management committee (HCMC) for the departed soul to Noksen town and village health committee (VHC) rest in peace.

DIMAPUR: Various battalions of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) have been conducting civic action programmes across the state for the welfare of the general public.

Awa r e n e s s p r o gramme in Dimapur: Dimapur battalion organised COVID-19 awareness programme with faculty members of Little Laurattes montessori school at Selouphe village on May 20.

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Village functionaries appreciated the commitment of Assam Rifles in reaching out to them.

Zunheboto battalion assists in setting up quarantine facility: Zunheboto Battalion assisted district administration in setting up a quarantine facility at town hall, Zunheboto. 30 beds were catered for in order to facilitate stranded residents of the district, coming back from the other states.

SPCA Dimapur resents on order of animals’ cruelty DIMAPUR: Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Dimapur has resented the orders of “shoot at sight for dogs” in different parts of Nagaland and setting up of traps, hunting for animals during the national lockdown.

In a press release, SPCA Dimapur said it was not only human beings but even animals were suffering during the pandemic as both are part of the society.

Pointing out different Sections 11, 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), SPCA reminded people of Nagaland that killing of an animal/pet was illegal and amounts to cruelty to animals and could amount to simple or rigorous imprisonment, with fine or both.

SPCA has appealed to the people to resist from any act that are harmful to animals, but rather be a protector to them. It then claimed that as of now, there was no report of the COVID-19 being transmitted by pets/ animals to human beings.

Blood donation camp held in Mokokchung dent IMDH, Dr. Medem, added that such a gesture will go a long way in helping those who needs urgent blood in emergency cases. DC Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir also expressed his sincere appreciation to the MTLST for coming forward in such noble gestures and added that through such efforts there will be cohesive unity among the citizens of the district.

The MTLST donated a washing machine for use at the IMDH. MTLST also donated a sum of 50000 rupees to be used in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in Mokokchung.

The cash was then handed Blood donors during the blood donation camp at Imkongliba Memorial District over to Deputy Commissioner by the MTLST. Hospital (IMDH) Mokokchung on May 22.

Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, MAY 22 (NPN): The Mokokchung Town Longsa Senso Telongjem (MTLST) in collaboration with the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) Mokokchung conducted a blood donation camp on May 22.

Around 23 donors from the Longsa citizens donated the blood.

While interacting with the media persons, presi-

dent MTLST, Imtituba said that in times of uncertainty, if a COVID-19 positive was detected from Mokokchung, movement of people will be difficult where patients requiring blood for other ailments will be affected. Keeping this in mind, he said that MTLST undertook this initiative. He also said that MTLST is ready to extend further services if more requirements for blood arise.

Medical Superinten-

DP-2394

Correspondent

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

Nagaland steps up preparedness level as returnees arrive

DIMAPUR: Nagaland has been gearing up to contain the spread of novel coronavirus pandemic as the first special train carrying 1477 stranded people from Chennai arrived Dimapur on Friday evening. Meetings, directives and various preventive measures continue across the state as more numbers of stranded people are expected to return home. From legislators to district administrations to the village authorities have been preparing their respective areas and institutional quarantine centres to tackle the pandemic as the nation entered its fourth phase of lockdown.

Dimapur DISTRICT

Y. Kikheto Sema inaugurating the sanitation & disinfectant tunnels at Dimapur Railway Station. (NP)

Sanitation & disinfectant tunnel installed at Rly Station Prior to the arrival of the 1,477 returnees from Chennai, two sanitation & disinfectant tunnels were installed on Friday by Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) at Dimapur Railway Station.

The tunnel was inaugurated by APC and COVID19 in-charge, Y. Kikheto Sema. While lauding the CNCCI for their contribution, he clarified on the installed tunnels that chemicals used for disinfectant were completely safe and other north-eastern states were already using the same composition for disinfecting people.

CNCCI chairman, Dr. Khekugha Muru in his introductory speech said that the procurements of the tunnels have been done after communicating with all the district chambers and taking in their suggestions. The tunnel has been dedicated to the people of the state

on behalf of all the business persons, he added.

Murru also mentioned that chemicals used in the disinfectant tunnel comprises of silver nitrate and hydrogen peroxide and not sodium hypochlorite, which makes the composition safer.

The inaugural programme was also attended by CMO Dimapur, Dr. Tiasunep Pongener.

It may be mentioned that for the trial period, the tunnel will be used to disinfect the luggage that the returnees would be carrying and later upon the certification by ISO and Drug Controller General of India, it will be start using on humans too.

Meanwhile, APC and COVID-19 in-charge, Y. Kikheto Sema also distributed face-shields and hand sanitizers to the media persons and police personnel to facilitate their protection while performing their duties. (Staff Reporter)

SAVC informs stranded returnees

Signal Angami Village Council (SAVC) has informed all stranded returnees within its jurisdiction to produce valid travel documents and standard operating procedures (SOP) report provided by the competent authority before entering the village.

A press release from chairman, SAVC, Keneichosül Sophie and secretary, Melevi Natso informed the public within its jurisdiction that no stranded returnees from outside the state shall be entertained or allowed to enter the village jurisdiction without completion of 14 days institutional quarantine at government designated centres.

Further, it stated that despite completion, returnees are required to inform village council before their entry to village, and on returning, another 14 days home quarantine should be strictly observed. The release informed that the council would take stringent action against violators for failure to comply by the directives.

nagalandpost.com Poll

A B C

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A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

17% 83% 0%

Q: Has the state govt done

good in providing financial help to stranded citizens?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST May 23

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Some sun, a t-storm; humid

34 25

Partly sunny with a t-storm

30 19

Guwahati A shower and t-storm around 27 23 Imphal

Hazy sun with a thunderstorm 29 20

Itanagar A shower and t-storm around 22 21 Shillong A shower and t-storm around 22 17 Kohima

A shower and t-storm around 22 18

Dimapur A shower and t-storm around 28 23 Mkg

A shower and t-storm around 23 18

Tuensang A shower and t-storm around 18 15 Wokha

PHED minister launches Kohima DTF holds meeting on H&FW minister visits CHC Jalukie Minister of Health & rational use of PPEs and masks awareness programme management of quarantine centres Family Welfare, S. Pang- on how to maintain per-

PHED Minister, Jacob Zhimomi on Friday launched a masks awareness programme initiated by Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) in collaboration with team ‘A better Dimapur’ at Supermarket area, Dimapur.

The awareness programme was launched in the presence of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Khinchi, DMC administrator Albert Ezung, Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo and APC and COVID-19, incharge Dimapur ,Y Kikheto Sema.

Addressing the programme, the minister said they were all aware that the whole world was unprepared including India and the state about the pandemic; however, while assuring and encouraging the gathering, he maintained that “the state government has not been sleeping over the pandemic and has left no stone unturned in fighting against the pandemic despite the limited resources”.

The minister said that in a short span of time, the state government along with the rest of the state in the country has tried its best to accumulate all resources available with the government regarding medical facilities and equipments.

Besides, all the criticism on the lack of standard equipments to the COVID hospitals, the minister said that the government has fought with great might to procure all the materials,

ants. A press release from president Mongli and general secretary Dr. Imna requested the house owners to be compassionate towards the hostel tenants (DTHWF members), as the proprietors have been

A shower and t-storm around 21 20

Zunheboto A shower and t-storm around 21 16

Wokha DISTRICT DTF Wokha holds meeting with colonies chairmen & civil societies

To discuss the matter pertaining to sending back the returnees for home quarantine who has entered the district before May 18 as per the SOP and guidelines issued by the government, a meeting was convened by the Deputy Commissioner & District Task Force, Wokha, Orenthung Lotha at the DC conference hall on May 22 attended by Lotha Hoho, Eloe Hoho, LSU and 14 colonies chairmen.

According to a DIPR report, DC apprised the gathering and asserted that since more people will be entering the district from different parts of the country starting from May 22, it is not feasible to accommodate all, as the district is expecting around 600 to 700 hundred returnees. He stated that returnees who have entered the district before May 18 and are undergoing institutional quarantine at the quarantine facility centers are to be placed under home quarantine as per the SOP and guidelines

peren DISTRICT

Tongpang Ozukum, Dr. Nicky Kire and others during the S. Pangnyu Phom, Toshi Wungtung and Namri Nchang Kohima DTF emergency meeting on May 22. (DIPR) interacting with Peren DTF and JAC at CHC Jalukie. (DIPR)

for which he thanked the Government of India.

Pointing out Dimapur district as the mother of all the districts in the state, the economic capital of the state and he stated that they have the enormous responsibility to cater to all other districts.

Calling upon the citizens, Zhimomi asserted that it is not the issue of the government alone but the responsibility of all in abiding the instructions of the state and the central government.

The minister also handed over fogging machine to the team.

Short speeches were also delivered by the DC Dimapur, DMC administrator, Commissioner of Police Dimapur and APC & COVID-19 in-charge Dimapur, Y Kikheto Sema where they spoke on the importance of community participation. They also delved on the three golden rules to fight against the virus which includes wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing.

The programme was chaired by Dimapur Government College (DGC) assistant professor, Moamongla Aier and later prayer was offered by Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) chairman, Reverend Moses Murry.

As its first phase initiative, the team has targeted for five thousands face masks.

The team also distributed one thousand face masks in and around Dimapur.

(Staff Reporter)

keeping empty hostels for the past two months. Further, DTHWF urged landlords not to force them to vacate their premises during the COVID19 lockdown period.

An emergency meeting of the Kohima District Task Force (DTF) led by legislators’ in-charge of Kohima district, Minister Housing and Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum and advisor Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Nicky Kire was held at DC’s office chamber on May 22.

According to a DIPR report, the meeting was convened to discuss issues on the management of quarantine centres of the district by the DTF as directed by the Empowered Group.

The meeting was chaired

by DC Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie.

Noting that the Kohima DTF was given the responsibility to supervise the day to day management of the quarantine centres of the district, the forum discussed the following issues for better coordination and improvement of the system which has been put in place.

The forum decided to deploy more security personnel at the centres for safety of the inmates and also to appoint four officers for the quarantine centres to coordinate with the people at facility centres for smooth function of the management system at the centres.

In regard to hotels to be utilised as paid quarantine centres, the forum decided that medical workers will be made available on calls as and when needed, security personnel will be put in place and other issues will be implemented as per the SOP submitted by the CMO’s office, Kohima. It was also decided to put forward the suggestion to the government for returnees to be put up first in the facility centres and later to the paid hotels as and when the capacity at the centres are fully accommodated for better management

of the system.

Besides the management issues at the centres, unwarranted directive issued by some individuals/organisation obstructing entry of returnees into their colony/ ward even after completion of the quarantine period was also taken up where DC informed that meeting has been convened in this regard and directive will be issued in this matter to the concerned individual/ organisations. He also informed the members that the Western Angami Public Organisation (WAPO) has decided to take care of their own people coming from outside the states at the quarantine centres set up in villages under their jurisdiction.

Highlighting the detailed management activities taking place at the quarantine centres, Chief Medical Officer, Kohima Dr. Vezokholu informed that nine medical teams have been formed for the quarantine centres consisting of eleven (11) medical staff and one doctor in each team who will be stationed at the centres on rotation wise basis. She informed that 1360 beds in K. Badze and 501 beds in Meriema quarantine centres have been put in place while renovation is going on at JNV Navodaya with a target of 200 plus beds in addition.

Two teams were also formed for data entry at the centres from the CMO’s office with seven staff in each team, she added. Besides this, catering the inmates and the working staff and also cleaners and others management were also being taken care at the centres. She also informed that Faith Harvest Church has provided pack lunch to the inmates and working staff at K. Badze centres for four days.

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Next poll

Aizawl

Jacob Zhimomi speaking at the launching programme of masks awareness. (NP)

DTHWF appeal landlords to waive-off rent

Dimapur town hostel Q.: Is the govt monitoring welfare forum (DTHWF), and enforcing prices of has appealed house owners commodities? of its members to adhere to the deputy commission100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– er’s order, to waive off one 90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– month’s rent from the ten80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Kohima DISTRICT

of the government, where he sought the opinion of all the members in regard to this. All the members agreed to abide by the laid down regulations of the government during the meeting.

Deputy CMO Wokha, Dr. Zuben Kikon during the meeting said that returnees undergoing institutional quarantine are well taken care and are under the supervision of the doctors following all procedures.

DC further requested the medical department to constitute a surveillance team to monitor the activities of those persons undergoing home quarantine to ensure that guide line is strictly followed.

The Deputy Commissioner thanked all the public of Wokha and civil societies for extending co-operation during the lockdown period and appealed all to restrain from spreading rumours in social media causing unnecessary panic among the communities.

Mon DISTRICT Mon district to screen all stranded returnees

Deputy Commissioner Mon, Thavaseelan K has notified that in view of the arrival of stranded persons from different parts of the country and with mandatory institutional quarantine arrangements in place, all asymptomatic and symptomatic returnees to Mon district will be tested using the TrueNat machine.

According to a DIPR report, the TrueNat system is now a comprehensive assay for screening and confirmation of COVID-19 cases. Pooled testing will be undertaken to test every single returnee starting from the 5th day of their institutional quarantine period in Mon district. Pooling of samples will be done up to a maximum of five at a time

to increase the screening capacity and to avoid the effect of dilution leading to false negatives. A pooled testing algorithm involves the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) screening of a specimen pool comprising multiple individual specimens. This will be followed by individual testing (pool de-convolution) only if a pool screen tests positive.

It stated that random testing of samples will be used in parallel if there is an urgent need to test some returnees based on certain pre-defined parameters. The cartridges currently available in the District Hospital Mon will be reserved for testing as per the latest Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) protocol.

The COVID-19 District Task Force, Mon and the Empowered Group for COVID-19, Mon are in the process of purchasing a fully automatic real time quantitative micro PCR analyzer (two channelthree wavelength system) in addition to new cartridges to test about 5000 people who are likely to return in multiple batches to the district over the course of the next few months. The cartridges and the quantitative micro PCR analyzer are being sponsored by the Konyak Union (KU). The entire district official machinery extended appreciation and gratitude to the KU, KBBB, KNSK and KSU for their continued support in bolstering the district’s COVID-19 response strategy.

28-day quarantine for all inter-state returnees

All inter-state returnees to Mon district will have to be institutionally quarantined for a period of 28 days as decided by the elected members, KU, KBBB, KNSK and KSU. This is necessitated since effective home quarantine wouldn’t be possible on account of the deeply rooted and communitized social life of the people in Mon district. There have been instances where people have tested positive for COVID-19 after 14

days of quarantine/isolation. A 28-day quarantine period would help address such cases.

The costs for taking care of the returnees for an extra 14 days in addition to the government of Nagaland mandated 14-day institutional quarantine would be borne through funds generated within the district through contributions from the elected members, well wishers and the community at large.

nyu Phom visited designated COVID Hospital, CHC Jalukie on May 22 to oversee the ongoing preparedness of Peren DTF to contain COVID19 crisis in the district. The minister was accompanied by advisor to IPR, SCERT & VG, Toshi Wungtung and advisor to Water Resources, Namri Nchang.

According to a DIPR report, addressing the m e e t i n g, S. Pa n g n y u Phom extended his appreciation towards the district administration, health department, police personnel, JACs and all other frontline workers for rendering their selfless services to contain COVID in the district.

“We are in fight against the invisible enemy, so it is our responsibility to find ways and means to prevent ourselves”, the minister said. Phom expressed satisfaction in regard to preparedness of the district and further hoped all to continue the same in coming days. He also called upon the gathering that irrespective of tribe, race, colour, religion and political parties, they should come forward with collective efforts in the fight against the global pandemic Advisor IPR, SCERT & Village Guard, Toshi Wungtung spoke on the

sonal hygiene and public hygiene. Toshi further urged the members present in the gathering to maintain social distancing and to strictly follow the do’s and dont’s issued by the health department.

Advisor Water Resources, Namri Nchang said the state government is trying it’s best to provide the best infrastructure to all the District Hospitals.

He also congratulated the civil societies, Church organizations for coming forward to assist the district administration and medical department during COVID crisis.

During a short briefing session at CHC Jalukie conference hall, CMO Peren, Dr. Denis Hangsing highlighted the present status of Peren district COVID Hospital as well as preparedness of quarantine centres. He also highlighted on the basic requirements and poor infrastructure of COVID Hospital.

After the briefing session, the visiting team inspected isolation ward and the PPEs supplies and also had a meeting with Peren DTF, medical department and JAC at Customary Court, ADC office Jalukie under the chairmanship of DC Peren-cum-chairman of DTF, Sentiwapang Aier.

TUENSANG DISTRICT Meeting with stakeholders

A meeting to combat COVID-19 pandemic was held under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and chairman, TFC-19 Shamator, Lankonsen Tsanglao.

According to DIPR repor t, the emergency meeting discussed the safety of the citizens of Shamator and to provide best services to returnees at

the quarantines centres.

T h e m e e t i n g wa s attended by representatives from Yimchungrü Tribal Council, Yimchungrü Akherü Arihako, Shamator Public Forum, Yimchungberü Arihako Shamator Area, Yimchungrü Baptist Borü Amukhongto, all ward leaders of Shamator, pastors, DBs and GBs.

N o k l a k S u b - D iv i sional Task Force (SDTF) against COVID-19 held a review meeting on May 19 in the office premises of additional deputy commissioner, chaired by ADC Noklak M. Chaitanya Prasad. According to a DIPR report, during the meeting, the house deliberated and approved to constitute a managing committee for the quarantine centres as the returns of the locals from outside have began.

The SDTF has identified three quarantine centres, namely, Model School Hostel at Danlepdong, KGBV Hostel and IAH Ayush Hospital Noklak with a total capacity of 50 beds.

The house also agreed to appeal to churches and civil societies for assistance for the smooth running of the quarantine centres.

House unanimously agreed to appeal the higher authority to quarantine the returnees at the district hq institution facilities at first and may send them to the sub-division only after

the district hq facility is saturated. This is rationalized on the lack of proper facilities, personal, evacuation means etc in the subdivisional level. The house further agreed to request the higher authority to allot at least 2000 masks and 50 PPEs to the sub-division on urgent basis.

On reviewing the market timing, it was agreed that the category of shops deemed essential may be allowed to open from 7 a.m till 2 p.m. However, all necessary measures such as maintaining of social distance, compulsory wearing of mask shall be strictly adhered. The shopkeeper shall reserve the right to refuse sell/merchandise to customers without mask.

The house also made observation that there has been a spike in movement or public in the town areas and therefore decided to make public announcement encouraging people to stay home and not move around unless absolutely necessary.

Noklak SDTF holds review meeting

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 166 Dimapur, SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

I

Big leap for Nagaland

n a way, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed positively towards the setting up of Nagaland’s first Bio Safety Laboratory -3 which was inaugurated by the chief minister Neiphiu Rio at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima(NHAK) on May 21,2020. Henceforth all tests for COVID-19 will be done in the lab which has a capacity to undertake testing for a total of 70 swap samples by two machines having a capacity of 35 samples each. Another laboratory specified as BSL-2 is to come up at Dimapur soon. According to official sources, the BSL-3 at NHAK was set up at a cost of Rs.6.5 4 crore while the BSL project at Dimapur will cost Rs.2.99 crore. Both have been set up through the state’s own funding. The laboratory in Kohima was set to commence testing from May 22 and it will be a big boost in the fight to contain COVID-19. Till now, samples to test COVID-19 from Nagaland used to be sent either to Assam or Manipur. A sample test will take between 11 to 12 hours to obtain the result. That the state has two laboratories to test viral and bacterial causing contagious diseases is a tribute to the efforts of the state government to pursue the objective. State chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his team including Nagaland Governor R.N.Ravi have immensely contributed towards the setting up of both laboratories.

Various organisations have demanded the setting up of a similar BSL-3 set up in Dimapur. They have based their demands on ground reality that since Dimapur being an endemic zone for various viral and bacterial diseases , there was a need to also have a BSL-3 set up in the district. They concluded that since Dimapur has a much higher incidence of various viral and bacterial diseases , setting up a BSL-3 laboratory would be befitting. There may not be much difference between levels 2 and 3 so if that is so, then it stands to reason that a level 3 laboratory should also be set up in Dimapur. Doing so would provide virologists, microbiologists and laboratory technicians working in the laboratory with ample opportunities to help contain various infectious diseases. Biosafety Level or-BSL- is a set of biocontainment precautions required to isolate hazardous biological agents in an enclosed manufacturing or research laboratory. COVID-19 or coronavirus is a deadly virus that causes serious and often lethal symptoms. It is transmitted from human to human through inhalation of virus-infected atmosphere, objects touched by infected patients etc. Since it’s a new strain, there is no specific vaccine that can treat it and that’s what makes coronavirus highly dangerous. According to official sources, the BSL-3 set up at NHAK is among the best in the country. Manning such a highly sophisticated laboratory in a highly dangerous environment would be a stiff challenge. What is most important is that those laboratory scientists prove their mettle and earn distinction in the region.

Hopefully the reputation that the BSL-3 set up in Kohima being among the best in terms of technology and advancement will also be complemented by the performances of those working in the laboratory. Not only COVID-19 but the fight against other viral and bacterial diseases will receive the biggest boost when both the laboratories commence work.

With COVID-19 pandemic proving to be the biggest threat today, efforts at containment will be given the biggest boost with testing.

DailyDevotion The Explanation For Our Difficulties

…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us… —John 17:21 If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.

God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— “…that they may be one just as We are one…”

(John 17:22). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?

God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, “…that they all may be one….”

Quotes

The years teach much which the days never know. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

Post-mortem

nagas’ socio-politico-economic crisis and the covid-19 pandemic

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hen written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity’ -John F. Kennedy. When we ponder upon the building and development of a nation-state, crisis is an inevitable part of it. Through crisis, both positive as well as negative results are found to be achieved. For instance, fire on one hand has the ability to mould and refine, and, on the other hand melt and destroy. Therefore, as we (Nagas in particular) go through this time of crisis in the form of COVID19 pandemic, we ought to ask whether this pandemic crisis is moulding or melting us away? Not just as individuals but experiences socio-politico-economically as institutions, organizations, churches, bureaucrats, politicians and as leaders? It is perhaps time that we ought to give

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heed and be sensible to the definitive and transformative impacts, this COVID19 is and will cause.

Manna Mentality When we look at the transitional journey of the Israelites, they did venture in the wilderness for 40 years. Israelites were fed and taken care by manna which God provided. After the completion of 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua was given the responsibility to lead. It was almost at the border of entering the Promised Land – land flowing with milk and honey that a crisis is recorded.

Crossing over Jordan river and entering Cannan, the following day, the Israelites went out to collect manna, but it was not to be found!

They murmured; “what should we do! Our manna has stopped!” Our daily food isn’t available. What shall we eat and drink?

The manna on which they depended completely was no more. For the people of

Israel, it seemed like the heaven was locked down.

They were in great stress, anxiety, fear, panic, worry and chaos. However, what appeared to be crisis in the eyes of the Israelites was a beginning of a process of building, nurturing and unfolding of God’s plan for the people of Israel into a nation. If we were to examine Joshua 5:12 with the present scenario, I wonder how would it be, if we rephrase it this way?

“Then the manna ceased on the day after they (Nagas) had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel (Nagaland) on longer had manna, but they (Nagas) ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.” Now that the supposed ‘manna’ we the Nagas has been receiving (both from dependency on government and the plains for all food supplies), can we question ourselves whether we too fall under the ‘manna’ mentality?

State of ingrates

e all know what thieves are, but what is an ingrate? An ingrate is a lowly worm who does not have the common decency to say, “Thank You.” The most famous ingrates are found in The Holy Bible, in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 17, Versus 11 to 19. Ten lepers were healed

by Jesus Christ, but only one returned to thank Him; the other nine being forever remembered for their ingratitude.

So, what is a thieving ingrate? A thieving ingrate is a person who not only does not give thanks for being the recipient of a good deed, but pretends that he is the doer of the good deed. He steals the credit for the good deed, either by spoken or unspoken words.

The Government of Nagaland has once again proven that it leads the field in all things corrupt and indecent by stealing the credit for setting up the Bio-Safety Level 3 Laboratory at Kohima. My thanks goes out to Mr. Robert Solo for bringing out the truth behind the establishment of the laboratory and the gentlemen responsible for bringing this gift to the people of Nagaland.

Our Honourable Governor, Mr. R.N. Ravi, I.P.S. (Rtd.), during the course of his research into establishing a Medical College in Nagaland, came across the fact that the Govern-

ment of Kerala had set up 10 Laboratories within 2 months. Our Governor immediately contacted Mr. Harsh Vardhan, our Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, who agreed to set up two labs in Nagaland with utmost urgency. But transporting the materials for construction of the labs was an insurmountable problem.

But our indomitable Governor, undeterred, made a late night call to Mr. Rajnath Singh, our Minister for Defence. Despite the difficulty of procuring Military Aircraft to ferry civilian supplies, Mr. Rajnath Singh acceded to our Governor’s request and permitted use of military aircraft to bring the lab materials to Dimapur.

Furthermore, another huge hurdle, getting permission for civilian technicians, to assemble the lab, to board the plane carrying the materials was granted.

Mention must also be made of Mr. Vibezo Khamo whose trucks ferried the equipment from Dimapur to Kohima, free of charge, Er. Ruokuo Suohu, who accomplished the Herculean task of setting up the required transformers within a week and Mr. Kesonyii Yhome, I.A.S. who seemed to be there whenever he could spare time.

That our Honourable Governor, Er. Suohu and Mr. Yhome are part of the Government of Nagaland

is true, but not mentioning their names and the names of all the gentlemen who truly achieved the task of setting up the laboratory, resembles the Naga Fable of the Pig and Dog who went to the fields. As we all know, the Pig worked all day while the Dog did nothing, but at the end of the day, the Dog took all the credit for the Pig’s work. By its silence of the contributions of others, the Government of Nagaland has proven its credentials as a thieving ingrate.

I would like to end by extending my sincerest apologies to Mr. Ravi, our Honourable Governor. Not for underestimating his intelligence or wisdom, but for doubting his integrity. For when first he was appointed Interlocutor to the Naga Peace Talks, I thought him to be cast in the same mold as the former Interlocutor, Mr. Padmanabhaiah. I have since come across many of his articles published in mainstream media, which have corrected my mistaken impression. This latest endeavor of his has raised my admiration of him and strengthened my opinion of him as an upright, honest and principled gentleman, who does not need any chair to command respect.

Kahuto Chishi Sumi Akukau, Hevishe Village, Khagahaboto Range, Dimapur Kahuto107@gmail.com

New Crisis, Rare Opportunities The moment manna stopped, crisis began to arise. But when crisis started, a rare opportunity opened for the Israelites.

They began to focus on the land produces. From that year on, they cultivated crops to sustain themselves.

For us, this is indeed a great lesson. A lesson not to be reliant but self-reliant, moving from survival to sustainable mentality. Israelites relied temporarily on manna, but then later, God gave them an opportunity to turn to the land by working on their lands for food.

So then, what is this manna for a Naga? Manna is the plains for us and even government’s salary.

That’s where we majorly rely upon. But then, God has brought us an opportunity through this crisis – COVID-19 pandemic to the people of Nagaland to work with our hands on our

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hat one has done yesterday was done and gone, it can never come back. When one has committed a mistake already, it will continue to remain.

The only consequential boomerang is the regret and one cannot rewind it for correction. The only option for one is to avoid the repetition of the same. Similarly, what one has done well already will remain too.

Thus, history is unlike a garment which when torn can be mended. The natural law does not permit one to rewind any history either for distortion, for deletion or for refurbishment. Yet the mistake so committed is forgivable on the sole condition of repentance of the wrong doer.

The Nagas have our political history, and it began with the formation of the Naga Club in 1918 at Kohima by the first batch of the few enlightened Nagas under the erstwhile British-India who eventually submitted the first political memorandum to the Simon Commission on their visit to Kohima in 1929. Of the 20 signatories of the memorandum, not less than 14 of them were Angamis.

Nevertheless, those 20 people who signed the memorandum and submitted it to the British Commission did it for the Nagas as a whole. Since then 91 years have gone and neither a section of the Nagas nor any descendent of any of the signatories had ever claimed to be the proprietor of the document but remained magnanimous and let it belonged to be the common history of the Nagas. Should anyone tries to claim ownership it will reduce the epitome of its historical importance to a private property or should the history of this very document be distorted by anyone in near future, it will only destroy the capstone of the Naga political history.

An instance of such an attempt to distort the Naga history by one Kharingyo Shimrah whose item was published in Nagaland local papers dated 8.2.2017 in which the writer claimed that R.S. Ruichumhao commanded some 2000 Nagas

rel soup.With the acute lack of healthcare infrastructure in our state any outbreak of infectious disease would be deadly. Time has changed and hunting and consuming wild animals is no longer a necessity but a cruel luxury, a luxury we can afford to do without.

There is a need to re-examine our culinary habit from both conservation and public health stand point. Conservation efforts and bringing hygienic condition to our markets can be effectively realized only when the public become intolerant towards such unhygienic practice.

In a single butcher shop there are probably more flies than the entire human population of Nagaland! How deep should the puddle be and how strong should the stench be until we call it unhygienic?Speaking of bringing change I am reminded of our state government. How long should our government keep its head buried under the sand? Is our government incapable of bringing any proactive change?

(Concluded) Imti Ozukum, New Delhi

but to buy the same vegetables. With a heavy heart I wondered why we do not have anything we have harvested from our land?

It is indeed; sorely needed time to stop depending on the manna but focus on the land likened to the fertile garden of Canaan and the harvest it can produce. So then, what can we produce that can define and identify who we are as Nagas? I urge you to think aloud!

Socio-politico-economic Reality Check In this pandemic crisis, we ought to have been confident that we have food grains produced from our land and livestock available in stock for atleast 6-7 months on the trot!

Alas! in reality, we even fight over stale fish coming from the plains! What are our social and political and economic values that we have neglected to make our land sustainable?

(To be concluded) Yanglo Pongen (MKG)

The rejoinder

Wet market and pandemic: Re-examining our markets

(From previous issue) our love of consuming the meat 3. H1N1 (Swine flu). We of wild animals and the practice are no stranger to swine flu of procuring and handling such which has now become a sea- food item has hardly changed. sonal flu. It was first detected in No meaningful economic conthe United States in 2009. This tribution is made by indulging influenza virus is believed to in such habit but it only fuels have resulted from crossover of the indiscriminate hunting of gene segments between human already disappearing wildlife population out of existence. and avian influenza viruses.

While hunting and sell4. Nipah virus. El Nino ing wild animals may provide related draught and anthropo- a means of seasonal income genic forest fires in Indonesia to some but that is not a jusduring 1997-1998 resulted in tification for such practice to fruiting failure of forest trees continue. forcing forest fruit bats to miIt remains a source of grate towards cultivated farm seasonal income because there and pig farms. is demand for it. Hunting and This has caused contami- consuming wild animals is connation and infection of the farm sidered as a recreational activity animals by the virus which is where people from towns and then transmitted to humans cities go to villages seeking that through contact. Millions of excitement. We need to let go pigs were euthanized following of such behaviour that exist the outbreak of Nipah virus in just for the sake of fun and Malaysia in 1999. excitement. There are ways to The list can go on but the socialize with our peer group in point is made on the danger the village without killing wild of contracting infectious dis- animals and we are certainly ease from animals to humans. not living in an era where we Though food habit and con- have to gift wild animals to sumption pattern has changed show our affection. Similarly, with the change of socio-eco- our babies will grow up just fine nomic condition in our society, without having the flying squirReader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of

lands. Through this pandemic crisis will something get moulded or melted?

Let’s ponder on this question deeply. God implied Israelite to return to the land through a crisis.

Crisis Bigger than COVID-19 Perhaps bigger crisis than corona virus ought to be our socio-politico and economic crisis that is existing and unfolding. Should we be complacent about mending our ways in building a sustainable society, a bigger crisis is impending.

When lockdown started, our crisis emerged as to what to eat? What if supply doesn’t come from the plains? Panic buying was the consequence to stock up for the household.

Two weeks into lockdown, I was compelled to visit a grocery store.

In front of me were few persons who were picking on potatoes and tomatoes which were stale and almost rotten. I too had no choice

from Naga Hills to France during the 1st World War and who, on his return from Europe, formed the Naga Club in 1918.

The distortion was already clarified on time for the sake of the Naga political history through a rejoinder at that time.

That rejoinder was for the sake of such distorter too.

Of late, the three former Presidents of United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur namely Mr. L. Adani, Mr. K.S. Paul Leo and Mr. Gaidon Kamei published their joint statement through Nagaland papers dated 7.4.2020 in their rejoinder to Mr. Thepfulhouvi Solo’s article dated 24.3.2020 in which certain aspects relating to Naga political history are found distorting while implicating some of the pioneers of the State of Nagaland including Mr. Thepfulhouvi Solo. Few of those major claims are hereby corrected.

1. The joint statement claimed that the Nagas of Manipur participated in 1951 Naga Plebiscite. As I learnt it from elders that for obtaining names and signatures/ thump impressions for the Naga Plebiscite on 16.5.1951, the papers were printed at Tapan Printing Press at Imphal, Manipur which was then brought to Kohima by one Sovizo Iralu in his private dodge vehicle.

The papers were thus distributed to all the Nagas in the Naga Hills and the Nagas of the present Nagaland in particular enthusiastically participated. A prominent leader from Manipur by name Mr. Daiho Mao was entrusted to carry out the signature campaign in his area. However, it became a total failure. Nevertheless, the Nagas in the present Nagaland did it very successfully and that remained to be the capstone of Naga political history.

2. The claim of the merger of the Manipur Naga Council into NNC in 1957 is never heard. What I have heard is that there was no such merger at that period of time.

(To be concluded) Z. Lohe

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Concession on school fees

There is lot of debate going on for quite sometime on social media sites regarding the charging of full school fees by schools and payment to be done by parents /guardians during the Lockdown period.

Recently the Naga Students Federation (NSF) and the Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) as concerned and responsible student bodies have raised this issue on requesting a concession for the school fees by respective schools. As responsible parents, we thank these student bodies for it and also grateful to school administrations and teachers for conducting online classes for our children during the lockdown period. But on the other way around, school authorities should also understand the plight of parent/guardians who are daily wage earners and running small businesses (autorickshaw and taxi drivers, vegetable and fruit vendors, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, to name a few) can hardly sustain and make hard ends met. The Lockdown period is now almost two months with all entire businesses closed and everyone is having such a hard time. Even with slight relaxations for business and working hours, we cannot fully cope up. So schools also should consider this fact and understand our plight. We are not saying that fees should be completely exempted but there should be atleast some concession because of countless factors attributed to the Lockdown. For the rich people and government servants who are getting their regular salary, this will never be an issue but parents like us of lower middle class and lower income section who have to earn through their own ways and means is a huge problem to manage the full amounts. Shouldn’t a humanitarian service be done by schools for the lesser privileged in such times? This is not a time for argument but during the lockdown period, the utility cost of schools such as electricity bills, water bills, library, activities like sports ,PT, music ,weekly and monthly test etc. are nil. So charging the full amount should be reassessed and revaluated. Parents of each school should also come together and present some workable plans for the benefit of all.

Tiasenla & Aboli, Dimapur the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

PM announces Rs 1K cr aid for West Bengal

Ko l k ata , M ay 2 2 (IANS/PTI): After conducting an aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas of West Bengal on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 1,000 crore relief package for the state, saying the nation stood with Bengal in this hour of crisis.

“I assure my brothers and sisters of West Bengal that the entire country stands with you in these difficult times,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister also said that Rs 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of the deceased persons while those who suffered serious injuries will get Rs 50,000 each.

Severe cyclone Amphan made its landfall in West Bengal on Wednesday afternoon and caused severe damages in various parts of the state with a wind speed ranging from 155 kmph to 185 kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfall. At least 80 people have lost their lives due to the cyclone, as per sources.

Modi said that a Central team will be sent to the state soon to conduct a detailed survey of the damages caused by Amphan, adding that all aspects related to rehabilitation and reconstruction will be addressed.

“We all want West Bengal to move ahead,” he said.

Earlier, as the Prime Minister landed in Bengal

Narendra Modi during an aerial survey of areas affected by Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal, Friday. (PTI) to take stock of the trail of destruction left behind by the severe cyclonic storm, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar came to receive him along with the senior state BJP leadership.

Modi and Banrejee then together conducted an aerial survey of the areas affected by Amphan, said to be the strongest super cyclone to have made a landfall in the Bay of Bengal area since 1999. They flew over the areas which have been submerged in water due to incessant rainfall.

On Thursday, Banerjee had said, “I would request

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come and visit the affected areas,” adding that she had never witnessed such a severe cyclone in her entire life.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had tweeted: “Have been seeing visuals from West Bengal on the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan. In this challenging hour, the entire nation stands in solidarity with West Bengal. Praying for the well-being of the people of the state. Efforts are on to ensure normalcy.”

Modi will now take off for Odisha, which has also been badly hit by the cyclone.

KVC advisory on adhering to guidelines DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): Endorsing the decision taken by the Kohima village Covid Committee (KVCC), the Kohima village Council (KVC) Friday stated that any individual or institution found disregarding or not strictly adhering to its guidelines would be “penalized with severest action.”

In a notice, KVC secretary Zeneizo Rutsa advised all stranded persons (resident of Kohima village and town) to compulsorily comply with the government directives and submit oneself to fulfil the registration quarantine and surveillance. KVC stated that

complete individual details of all inbound travelers into Kohima (main) should be sent to the colony/village authority.

It stated that all stranded returnees of Kohima village would compulsorily stay for another 14 days at Observation home set up

by Kohima village at Perinuothou. KVC informed all stranded persons of Kohima village to report to KVCC control room on or before arrival at the government quarantine centre.

Further, KVC notified all business set ups to strictly comply with the government guidelines and orders.

It also urged all residents of

Kohima to strictly adhere to government guidelines.

KVC has affirmed that nobody would be allowed to entertain any returnees as guest.

It also underscored that no person under quarantine period should be allowed to move out of homes under any circumstances. In case of any other ailments that needed medical attention, KVC said one should report to the concerned authority for help.

Meanwhile, the KVC has strongly warned against the spread of false news in any form, saying such act would not be tolerated.

NSCN (R) lauds all frontline workers and business community DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): NSCN (R) has lauded the efforts made by various organizations, Dimapur district administration , police including the business community under Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CNCCI).

It also appreciated CNCCI, in collaboration with Dimapur business community, for installing ‘Disinfection Chambers’ at the airport, railway station and the two entry gates.

NSCN (R) reminded that Dimapur, being the gateway and the state’s only commercial hub, was the epicentre and any activity happening here would affect every corner of Nagaland. The assistance by

CNCCI and business communities despite their businesses and economy being affected by the Lockdown, including responsible officers like Dimapur district COVID-19 in-charge and APC, Kikheto Yepthomi, commissioner of police Rothihu Tetseo, deputy commissioner Anoop Khinchi, besides other forums, unions, churches and frontline workers was commendable and cannot go unnoticed. It therefore urged every single citizen to join hands and to work in unison to thwart any potential threat that this pandemic may cause towards “our” very existence. “Let us all keep the faith and wait upon the Lord that all will be well again,” it said.

Bengal suffered losses of over Rs 1 L cr: Mamata

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said West Bengal has suffered losses of more than Rs 1 lakh crore due to super cyclonic storm ‘Amphan’, which has killed 80 people and left thousands homeless in the state.

After conducting an aerial survey of some of the affected areas and attending a review meeting along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district, she said there is a need to work together at this hour of crisis.

“Most of the areas we

COVID-19: Delhi sees highest spike of 660 cases New Delhi, May 22 (PTI): The coronavirus death toll in Delhi has mounted to 208, while 660 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported on Friday, the biggest single-day spike here, authorities said.

The total number of cases in the city now stands at 12,319. The previous highest spike in fresh cases -- 571 -- was recorded on May 21.

This is the first time in Delhi that over 600 COVID19 cases have been reported in a day.

Thursday was the third consecutive day, when 500 or more fresh cases were recorded in a day in the national capital.

In a bulletin issued on Friday, the Delhi health department said, the death toll from coronavirus infection has risen to 208, and the total number of cases mounted to 12,319.

It, however, added the cumulative death figures refers to fatalities where primary cause of death was found to be COVID-19, as per the report of the Death Audit Committee on the basis of case sheets received from various hospitals.

On Thursday, the the total number of cases stood at 11,659, including 194 deaths.

surveyed were totally ravaged. I have briefed the prime minister in detail about the post-cyclone situation in the state,” she told reporters at the airport after seeing off Modi. The prime minister announced an advance interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for the state after the meeting.

“The prime minister has announced Rs 1,000 crore emergency fund...

What’s the package I don’t know. I have told him that we will give him the details.

It will take some time to assess the full overall situation but damage is of more than Rs 1 lakh crore,” she said.

Banerjee said she “reminded the prime minister about Rs 53,000 crore the central government owes to the state for various social security schemes.”

“If they (Centre) give some money to us, we can work,” she said.

The chief minister said she showed Modi some photographs capturing the havoc caused by ‘Amphan’ in Kolkata.

Cyclone Amphan is the strongest to hit the region in nearly two decades. It has battered several parts of the state, washing away bridges and swamping lowlying areas. Seven districts badly hit are South 24 Paraganas, North 24 Paraganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata.

5 Act against encroachments on railway property: RCUN D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Railway Contractors’ Union Nagaland (RCUN) has urged the Dimapur district administration to ensure that there was no encroachment or construction on government land and property, particularly railway land.

Union president Niuto Awomi, secretary Mughaho Zhimo and spokesperson Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema in a letter appealed to deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Khinchi to take cognisance of the illegal encroachment and construction on railway land and issue necessary instruction to the police and village/ colony councils/GBs in this regard so that stringent action could be taken against the encroachers as per Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act 1971.

They also demand immediate arrest and trial of those who had encroached railway property in the last

few months.

The union regretted that though Indian Railways and RCUN were trying their level best to develop Dimapur railway station into a state-of-the-art station, rampant and illegal encroachments and constructions on land belonging to the railway were acting as hurdles.

RCUN alleged that such illegal activities had doubled during the lockdown period due to inability of the railway authorities to remain vigilant to stop such encroachments as there are restrictions imposed under the provisions of National Disaster Management Act. Moreover, under Chapter-VIII A of the Railway Act of 1989, there should be adequate demarcation and distance from all railway property, including railway tracks, and no encroachment or construction should be done anywhere near the railway properties, it pointed out. The union also urged the general public to learn

to respect and take care of public property, including railway property, and not resort to unmindful and shameful acts of encroachments and constructions whereby they were putting everyone’s lives into peril.

It also appealed to civic bodies, village/colony councils, GBs and public leaders to ensure that such illegal practices are checked for the greater benefit of public.

Asserting that Dimapur was one of the rapidly growing commercial cities of the Northeast and a gateway to capital city Kohima and Manipur, the union stressed that railways serve as an integral mode of transportation, for which the infrastructure of the existing railway station at Dimapur as well as its periphery should be developed in line with rest of the country. It said the railway station had already been earmarked as a model railway station for which necessary development activities need to be initiated.

Organizations condemn tax demand (From p-1) TUD extended solidarity with CAKU, BAN, PAC, ACAUT and DVC in condemning the action. Further, it lauded the prompt action of the Dimapur police in apprehending the accused and appealed to the authority to take action as per the law of the land.

CAKYO: Chakhro Angami Kuda Youth Organization (CAKYO) has also vehemently condemned the act adding that “harassment of local businessmen by the so

called Naga political groups” was a mockery to the Naga cause which demoralized the hardworking business community. CAKYO president Lhuzhiecha Kevichusa and general Secretary Kehodi Yoho said it was “high time the public rise up to weed out this parasitic culture of feeding on the sweat and blood of honest and hardworking people striving to earn a living.” Meanwhile, the organisation lauded the police for the swift and timely action and appealed the responsible authorities “not to relent at any cost.”

PM’s economic package ‘cruel joke on country’: Sonia NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (PTI): Launching a no holds barred attack against the Modi government on Friday over its handling of the COVID crisis, 22 opposition parties accused it of “unabashedly usurping” powers of states and abandoning any pretense of being democratic, and Congress president Sonia Gandhi terming the prime minister’s announcement of economic package to deal with the situation as a “cruel joke on the country”.

These par ties also asked the Centre to present a revised comprehensive economic package that will be a “true stimulus” and sought reversal of all unilateral policy decisions, especially pertaining to labour laws, as they put forth a 11-point demand charter before the government during a virtual meeting, called by the Congress to discuss the situation arising out of the pandemic as well as the lockdown.

Addressing the meeting, which was among others attended by West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC head Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and DMK leader M K Stalin, Gandhi said the government is uncertain about the criteria

for enforcing the lockdown with no exit strategy and has “cruelly ignored” scores of migrant workers and the 13 crore families in the bottom half of the population.

“The government has abandoned any pretence of being democratic and all power is now concentrated in only one office -- the PMO,” she said.

“The prime minister’s announcement of a grand Rs 20 lakh crore package on May 12 and the finance minister spelling out its details over the next five days have turned out to be a cruel joke on the country,” she added.

Hitting back, the BJP accused the Congress of playing “cynical” politics over the COVID-19 crisis, saying Gandhi and her “family” have “indulged in drama” at the time of a national catastrophe.

BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said it is the Congress president and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who have “played cruel jokes and cynical politics on migrant workers”.

During the vir tual meeting, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said there would be economic devastation if the poor were not helped urgently with cash and free rations.

A joint statement by these parties said the Centre has failed in discharging its

responsibilities in a timely, effective and sensitive manner during the pandemic, and claimed that the economy has collapsed and all sections of society face acute distress, with livelihoods having been destroyed and many lives lost.

It said grand announcements have been made by the government but they have not done anything meaningful to alleviate the sufferings of people and address the pressing concerns of farmers, migrants and other workers.

“In fact, the Union government has unabashedly usurped powers vested in the States undermining the constitutionally guaranteed federal democracy,” they said, adding this is not the time for the Centre to indulge in “showmanship or one-upmanship”, but this is the time for a gigantic and collective endeavour.

“It is important that the government reaches out and engages in a dialogue with all political parties in a systematic manner, listen seriously to the suggestions that we have to make, activate Parliamentary institutions like Standing Committees and be genuine in helping the states financially and otherwise,” the parties said in the statement.

They also demanded a direct cash transfer of Rs 7,500 per month to fami-

lies outside the Income tax bracket for 6 months apart from an immediate cash assistance of Rs 10,000 along with free ration.

Other demands included free transportation for migrant workers to their native places and immediate and reliable arrangements to rescue all Indian students and other citizens stranded overseas, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said at a press conference. He said the parties have also demanded that the Centre should immediately provide a financial package for states, besides a clear and meaningful economic strategy focused on revival of economy and poverty alleviation instead of “propaganda”.

“These 22 parties represent over 60 to 70 per cent of the country’s population and hoped the prime minister and the government would take a positive view of their demands,” Surjewala said.

Other leaders who attended the meeting included JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda, besides CPI-M’s Sitaram Yechury, CPI’s D Raja, Sharad Yadav (LJD), Omar Abdullah (NC), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM), Upendra Kushwaha (RLSP), Jose K Mani (KC-M), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF), Jayant Chaudhary (RLD).

New Delhi, May 22 (IANS): Doctors deployed in Covid-19 duty in all the Central and state government hospitals on Friday sported black arm bands while at work as a mark of protest. The ‘black ribbon protest’ has been organised by the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) India to express the medical professionals’ disappointment over the revised guidelines for health workers posted in Covid areas, issued by the Union and state health departments.

Deep Chand Bandhu Government Hospital, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital in the national capital are a few hospitals where the doctors are cur-

rently holding the protest by sporting black arm bands.

The organisers said that if the government does not pay attention to their issues, they will intensify the agitation.

Speaking to IANS, FORDA President Shivaji Dev Barman said, “Today’s ‘black ribbon protest’ at work is for the justified demand for adequate quarantine and testing for all doctors and other healthcare workers who are on Covid-19 duty. Since the incubation period of the virus is 2-14 days and many asymptomatic patients are also testing positive, quarantine post duty is a necessity.

“It is necessar y to stop the spread of the virus among the family members, colleagues and in the community. We urge the Union Health Minister to revisit the guidelines and make

necessary amendments. We will have to intensify the agitation if the issues are not adequately addressed.”

The government on May 15 issued revised guidelines for the health workers wherein it removed with the mandatory quarantine clause for the health workers post Covid-19 duty, except for those who fit in the ‘high risk exposure’ criteria, thereby revoking the facility for all other doctors and healthcare workers on Covid-19 duty.

Padmini Singla, Delhi government’s Health Secretary, also issued similar guidelines for the hospitals run by the Delhi government. The doctors claimed that this has put the healthcare workers in a dilemma with remarkable consequences. Parv Mittal, RDA President at Maulana Azad Medical College and As-

sociated Hospitals, told IANS: “The healthcare fraternity is fighting a war on two fronts today. One is the obvious (against Covid19), the other is the fight for quarantine facilities. The new guidelines have augmented the mental stress of the Covid-19 warriors.”

Saksham Mittal, Joint Secretary of FORDA, and Treasurer of the RDA at RML Hospital, told IANS, “The recent guidelines do not consider the possibility of asymptotic carriers and the accidental exposure of a healthcare worker during the stressful conditions of Covid-19 duties. As the incubation period of the virus is 2-14 days, asking the healthcare workers to resume duty or go home the next day just increases the chance of transmitting the disease to our colleagues and family members.”

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Medics hold ‘black ribbon’ protest against new guidelines

international South Korea monitoring Kim’s renewed absence complies with the pact.

US exits from Open Skies Treaty

Pak’s top banker among survivors of PIA plane crash K a r ac h i , M ay 2 2 (Agencies): In the tragic Pakistan International Airlines plane crash, at least two passengers, including a top banker, have survived miraculously, media reports said.

According to a report in Geo News, Bank of Punjab Chief Executive Officer Zafar Masud and another passenger survived with relatively minor injuries after the plane crashed in a residential area near the Karachi Airport on Friday.

Masud was among the

98 passengers travelling in the PIA Airbus A-320.

At least 45 people have been confirmed dead so far in the plane crash.

Officials said it is still too early to say if there are more survivors from the crash. But the survival of Masud and another person have raised the hopes with rescue teams racing to save as many people as possible.

A f t e r M a s u d wa s rescued, he was rushed to Darul Sehat Hospital where the doctors said he was out of danger.

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

The media report said that Masud has sustained fractures to his hip and collar bones and there are no burn marks on his body.

Another sur vivor, Zubair, also sustained minor injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

He said that the plane started jolting before landing. “The next moment there was a hard crash and I lost consciousness,” Zubair was quoted as saying. He added that when he woke upm there was ‘smoke everywhere’.

USD 179 billion) against last year’s 177.61 billion, according to the draft submitted to the NPC. China’s total defence spending in 2019 only amounted to a quarter that of the United States, the world’s largest defence spender, while the per capita expenditure was just about one-seventeenth, the report said.

Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for the NPC in a media briefing played down criticism about lack of transparency in China’s defence expenditure which defence analysts say considering the rapid expansion of Beijing’s military and modern weapons is far higher than what is announced. Zhang said China had no “hidden military spending”.

China has been sub-

mitting reports on its military expenditures to the United Nations every year since 2007, he said. “From where the money comes from to how the money is used, everything is accounted for,” Zhang said.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the military expenditure figures of China’s defence spending in 2019 amounted to USD 232 billion.

While China compares its defence expenditure with the US, whose defence budget according to SIPRI was USD 732 billion, Beijing’s massive defence moder nisation drive is pushing India and a number of other countries to hike their own defence budgets to ensure balance of power.

Locust infestations may reach India, Pak in June: FAO official

U n i t e d Nat i o n s, May 22 (PTI): The desert locust invasion is expected to move from East Africa to India and Pakistan next month and could be accompanied by other swarms, a top official of the UN's food and agricultural agency has warned.

The desert locust is considered the most destructive migratory pest in the world and a single swarm covering one square kilometre can contain up to 80 million locusts.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO's) Senior Locust Forecasting Officer Keith Cressman said, “Everybody knows

we're facing one of the worst desert locust situations that we've probably had in a number of decades”.

“It's obviously being focused at the moment on East Africa, where it's extremely vulnerable in terms of livelihoods and food security but now in the next month or so it will expand to other areas and will move (towards)…West Africa.

“And it will move across the Indian Ocean to India and Pakistan,” Cressman said during a virtual briefing on Thursday on A farmer’s daughter waves her shawl to try to chase away the FAO Desert Locust Ap- swarms of desert locusts from crops in Katitika village in peal amid the new threat Kitui county, Kenya.

No. 9571 Yesterday’s solution No. 9570

No. 4190 Yesterday’s solution No. 4189

No. 3215 Yesterday’s solution No. 3214

Across 9. Canteen (9) 10. Siblings (8) 12. Long journey (4) 13. Box (6) 14. Ridiculous pretence (7) 15. Evidence (9) 17. Relate (9) 18. Live together (7) 20. Spin (6) 21. Fruit (4) 24. Obstinate (8) 26. Impassioned (8) 28. Betting chances (4) 29. Scattered (6) 31. Hearing range (7) 34. Remiss (9) 36. Effusive (9) 38. Cut short (7) 39. Gloomy (6) 40. Excessively sentimental (4) 41. Fastening (4,4) 42. Original model (9) Down 1. Overjoyed (8) 2. Dessert, informally (6) 3. Prison escape (5-3) 4. Larder (6) 5. Ample (8) 6. Jumble (10) 7. Playhouse (7) 8. Fleet (6) 11. N o m d e p l u m e (3,4) 16. Drink (6) 19. Despised (5) 20. Manage (3) 22. Meal (5) 23. Come out (6) 25. Not working properly, informally (2,3,5) 26. Vehicle (3) 27. Link (7) 30. Guess (8) 31. Type of paint (8) 32. Ragged (8) 33. Long-necked animal (7) 35. Attic (6) 36. Continent (6) 37. Forever (6)

to Southwest Asia and Africa's Sahel region.

Currently, the locust invasion is most serious in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, southern Iran and in parts of Pakistan and starting in June, it will move from Kenya to throughout Ethiopia, as well as to Sudan and perhaps West Africa.

“The infestations in southern Iran, and in southwest Pakistan, they will move to India and Pakistan on the border areas. And those infestations in India and Pakistan could be supplemented by other swarms coming from East Africa, Northern Somalia,” he said.

HK to adopt National Security Law: Lam

Beijing, May 22 (Agencies): Hong Kong’s leader vowed on Friday to “fully cooperate” with Beijing over a national security law for the semi-autonomous Chinese territory, after lawmakers introduced a draft proposal to the country’s parliament.

The plan for the law was unveiled during the opening session of China’s annual National People’s Congress on Friday and follows seven months of fierce protests in Hong Kong last year against Beijing’s rule.

The draft said the security law would “guard against, stop and punish any separatism, subversion of the national regime, terrorist group activities and such behaviours that seriously harm national security”.

Hong Kong’s embat-

tled leader Carrie Lam said in a statement that the local government will “complete the legislation as soon as possible to discharge its responsibility”.

Lam said she “firmly” believed the law was aimed at “effectively preventing and curbing actions that seriously endanger national security”.

Her statement added that the legislation would “punish ‘Hong Kong independence’ and violent political elements”.

The leader said the mass pro-democracy protests that rocked the Asian financial hub had “seriously undermined relations between the Chinese central government and the Hong Kong government, harmed national security and sovereignty, and challenged

central authorities”.

The draft proposal will be debated by China’s top leaders, although in practice proposals at the rubberstamp parliament are usually agreed in advance.

Lam said the proposed law would not affect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers or the independence of the judiciary.

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At Padumpukhuri, Dimapur

Area : Any size available Price : Rs. 290 per sq. ft.

No Filling Required No Broker Contact Nos : 9862128679 8014690505 DP-2322

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At Kukidolong, attached to National Highway.

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

(Negotiable) Contact # 8787838319

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were not preparing military attacks.

The official notification of Washington’s withdrawal from the pact will be presented on Friday, which implies that within six months, which is by November 22, the US will no longer be a party to the agreement.

“This is not a story exclusive to just the Treaty on Open Skies, unfortunately, for Russia has been a serial violator of many of its arms control obligations and commitments,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, adding that Washington could reconsider its withdrawal if Russia once again fully

Beijing, May 22 (PTI): China, the second-largest military spender after the US, has hiked its defence budget from last year’s 177.6 billion to USD 179 billion, nearly three times that of India, according to the official media.

China will continue to lower its defence budget growth rate to 6.6 per cent in 2020, according to a draft budget report presented on Friday to National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top legislature.

The 2020 defence budget continues to see single-digit growth for a fifth consecutive year. It is the lowest growth rate in recent years, Xinhua news agency reported.

China’s this year’s defence budget will be around 1.27 trillion yuan (about

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Moscow, reports Efe news.

“Russia didn’t adhere to the treaty. Until they adhere we will pull out,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

He that there was a “very good chance we’ll reach a new agreement” with Russia.

The Treaty on Open Skies, the implementation of which is monitored by the Vienna-based Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, has been in force since 2002 and allows its 34 signatory nations to fly over any part of one another’s territory, photographing from the air, with the aim of ensuring that other countries or rivals

In this file photo, Chinese tank crew members stand at attention during a parade.

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Washington, May 22 (IANS): US President Donald Trump has announced that he was withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty, a multilateral agreement to guarantee transparency regarding weapons control, and accused Russia of breaching the pact but also at the same time offering to negotiate a new accord with Moscow.

Trump’s announcement weakens the infrastructure created at the end of the Cold War to control the weaponry of the world’s two major nuclear powers after Washington also withdrew last year from the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with

Seoul, May 22 (IANS): South Korea on Friday said it was closely monitoring the whereabouts of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has been missing again from the public eye for three weeks.

On May 1, Kim attended a ceremony to mark the inauguration of a fertilizer plant in Sunchon following a three-week absence from the public eye, putting an end to rumours that he was sick or dead.

Since then, photos of Kim have been missing from North Korean media reports and the matter came up at a press conference held on Friday by the spokesperson of South Korea’s Unification Ministry, Yoh Sang-key.

“The relevant authorities are keeping a close watch,” Yoh told reporters.

“There was a time in January when he was also absent from the public view for 21 days. So, we are watching the situation over his absence from media reports,” he added.

The 36-year-old North Korean dictator has been absent from the public more frequently than ever this year.

China hikes defence budget to $179 bn

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Donald Trump announced that US was withdrawing from Open Skies Treaty.

The US has said that Russia has prevented air surveillance of its military exercises and does not allow flights over regions where it is believed that Moscow has nuclear weapons that could reach Europe or near the separatist regions in the country of Georgia, namely South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Trump was particularly incensed that a Russian aircraft flew directly over his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, in 2017, according to The New York Times.

Russia responded to Thursday’s announcement by accusing the US of abandoning an agreement fundamental to ensuring security in Europe. “We reject any attempts to justify a way out of this fundamental agreement,” although “Nothing prevents continuing the discussions over the technical issues, which the US is misrepresenting as violations by Russia,” Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told Russia’s stateowned RIA Novosti news agency.

Grushko noted that the US had already withdrawn from the INF Treaty a year ago on the basis of “invented excuses”.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

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6

I, Mrs. Chubala Sema, W/o Lt. Henito Sema lost my Original Village Land Patta, measuring approximately 8420 sq. ft. on 18.7.19 at Thahekhu Village.

Finder may please contact: 9383207883 DP-2329

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT JUDGE PHEK: NAGALAND NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTS UNDER SECTION 371 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925 Succession Case No. 029/2020 Whereas an application under section 372 of Indian Succession Act 1925 for issue of Succession Certificate in favor of Petitioner Mrs. Lila Devi, wife of Late Ramkelan Das, resident of PWD Colony Pfutsero Town, District Phek, Nagaland in respect of GPF, GIS benefits of her husband is filed.

Notice is hereby given that any person, having interest in the claims and objects of the said deceased, may if he/she so desire appear in the Court of the undersigned within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice.

Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this day the 6th of May, 2020.

Sd/- (Mezivolu T. Therieh), NJS, District Judge, Phek: Nagaland K-922

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

Manipur prepared to tackle COVID-19, says CM Biren

Correspondent

Manipur CM Biren addressing a press conference on preparedness on COVID-19 pandemic in Imphal on Friday. hand sanitizers, avoiding mass gatherings etc. He urged the people to obey the precautionary measures laid

by WHO, health ministry, medical experts etc. for their own safety, adding that the recovery rate from the dreaded disease was above 40% while the mortality rate is 3 % in the country.

On testing facilities in the state, Singh said that the number of tests in the laboratories at RIMS and JNIMS has been increased to above 200-300 per day.

A total of 700-800 samples were collected every day and number of freezers to keep the blood samples has also been increased, he added. He opined that the government cannot install COVID 19 testing centres at Mao or Jiribam by flouting the protocols of the ICMR and Union health ministry.

On natives returning from various parts of the country, the chief minister said that all the returnees will be kept at a particular quarantine centre for further medical examination.

After testing for COVID 19, they will be allowed to

move in quarantine centres located at their respective constituencies.

“If their test results are negative then they will be kept under home quarantine. For those who are facing inconveniences at home quarantine, they will be accommodated at community quarantine centres,” he said.

The chief minister said that the government acknowledged the efforts made by the frontline workers, local volunteers, CSOs in the fight against COVID19 and that the government will provide due compensation to local volunteers, truck drivers, handymen etc in case of any unfortunate incident as per the norms laid by the government of India. He further appealed to his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, DCs and CSOs to spread awareness on preventive measures to fight the virus.

On the occasion, Korean Manipuri Association donated 1000 number of Seegene’s AllplexTM 2019nCoV Assay kits worth about Rs 40 lakhs.

Strengthening health infrastructure is priority: M’laya CM Correspondent Shillong, May 22 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday said strengthening of health infrastructure has been a priority of the State government over the last two months to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A number of investments have been in procuring health equipment, to empower frontline workers and create large number of quarantine and isolation facilities,” he said.

Replying to a call attention notice tabled by opposition Congress legislator Mayralborn Syiem on the state’s preparedness for Amphan cyclone and COVID-19, in the Assembly, Sangma said the government has taken proactive steps to ramp up COVID-19 testing and maintain sufficient stock of PPEs, N95 masks, BIPAP machines, VTMs to deal with any eventuality.

“Around 7000 COVID19 Management Committee have been constituted who are very pro-active and are demonstrating exemplary support in fighting the pandemic,” the Chief Minister informed, adding that heads of traditional institutions have also come together to support the government’s efforts to contain the spread of this disease.

He said many communities are also setting up quarantine centres to effectively isolate and quarantine returning citizens and the government is fully supporting efforts of these communities.

12 new COVID-19 cases in Assam; tally rises to 222

COVID-19: 38 returnees test negative in Bokajan Bokajan, May 22: Of the 88 returnees who arrived at Bokajan from other parts of the country and Corona hotspots, 38 have tested negative for Covid-19 as all returnees continue to undergo strict quarantine in various hotels, an official said on Friday.

“Since lifting of the inter-state travel ban in the state, 88 people have arrived in Bokajan from different parts of the country. 13 more are on their way and are expected to reach tomorrow. 38 of these returnees have tested negative and we are awaiting reports of others,” informed Magistrate Twahir Alam.

“The list of returnees who tested negative has been forwarded to the DC as they are to be released from quarantine gradually after approval from the district committee.” Magistrate Alam added.

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Jorhat quarantine centre were also found positive for the deadly virus, Sarma said.

In another tweet, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Two persons at Zonal Quarantine Centre at Tezpur Univ test #COVID19 +. 1 each from Dhakuakhana & Udalguri.”

With these cases, the total number of COVID19 cases has gone up to 222 in the state, of which 161 are active cases, Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a tweet.

While four patients have died due to the deadly disease, 54 have been cured and were discharged from hospitals, Himanta Biswa Sarma he added.

Besides, three more have migrated to other states, the minister informed.

During the day, Hi-

manta Biswa Sarma inaugurated an intensive care unit (ICU) dedicated for COVID-19 patients at Nagaon Civil Hospital.

To screen all the people coming from outside the state, the government has set up five zonal screening camps, besides those already existing at

KO H I M A , M AY 2 2 : The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has accused the Government of India of waging militarily war on innocent Naga civilians on one pretext or the other.

A press statement issued

by NPMHR alleged that the Indian Army in recent times “has been aggressively intruding into Naga areas under the present Indian state of Manipur to launch operations against their so-called insurgents- with whom they are in ceasefire and political negotiations.”

NPMHR also accused the Indian Army of ruthlessly kidnapping and torturing Naga civilians in Arunachal Pradesh.

In its press statement, NPMHR stated that on May 14 , personnel of the 19th Sikh Regiment under the Command of Col. D. K. Tiwari, arrested Nokchai Wangsu, from Pumao village who was taken to their Army base camp at Longding, where he was tortured and interrogated and released after sternly warning him not to disclose the incident to any person to which effect he was forced to sign on a paper without allowing him to know its contents.

The next day on May 15, the same group of Army personnel of the 19th Sikh Regiment picked up Jimphu Wangnow, also of Pumao Village, who was also beaten and tortured for no reason, NPMHR lamented .

Following the inhuman act on May 16, NPMHR revealed that villagers of Pumao gathered at the house of the village chief to seek

clarification on the atrocious acts and behaviour of the Indian Army personnel of the 19th Sikh Regiment, who also came to the meeting under the Command of Captain Preteek Dabas.

NPMHR revealed that during the meeting, the personnel of the Indian Army started to panic when some of the villagers brought the victims to the meeting hall to have firsthand information, after which they started leaving the meeting hall.

Some of the villagers and specially the women folks tried to bring them back, but instead of returning, they started opening fire, which infuriated some of the young people who also resorted to stone pelting, PMHR stated and accused the Army personnel of training their guns on the civilians and killing Lamdaan Lukham and injuring several others in the process, .

NPMHR asserted that its version was “fully corroborated by the Civil Administration who announced a compensation of 50,000 rupees for the dead and 25,000 Rupees each for all those injured. The District Superintendent of Police also informed that an enquiry has been initiated.

NPMHR accused the Army of telling blatant lie to cover their misdeeds through its Tezpur based Defence PRO Harsh Wardhan Pande, who issued a statement saying; “insurgents had open fire on the security forces using civilians as human shields and that the civilian had died in the crossfire.”

The Naga Peoples

the district headquarters and local levels.

Kokrajhar has a zonal screening camp for lower Assam districts, Tezpur for north Assam districts, Jorhat for Upper Assam districts, Guwahati for Central Assam districts and Silchar for Barak Valley districts.

Lt. Mariam Kinghen 23rd May

Your golden heart stopped beating, Your tired hands put to rest; God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

With tearful eyes we watched you slipped away.

And though we love you dearly we couldn’t make you stay.

We miss you each day with silent tears.

REST IN PEACE TILL WE MEET AGAIN. Your Loving Husband, Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Though this column we the bereaved family would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one who stood with us spiritually, financially and material support during the brief illness and sad demise of our beloved Late THUNGCHIBEMO LOTHA on 20.03.

2020.

We would like to convey our special thanks to :1. Shri Mhathung Yanthan, Hon’ble Advisor, Horticulture & Border Affairs 2. Shri Toshi Wungtung, Hon’ble Advisor, IPR, SCERT & Village Guards 3. Shri Menukhol John, Principal Secretary, School Education 4. Shri C. Shanavas IAS, Principal 20.06.1972 – 20.03.2020 Director, School Education 5. Shri T. Sekhose, Director, SCERT and Staff 6. Shri Nchumbemo Lotha, Addl. Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland 7. Doctors & Staff of NHAK & Bethesda Hospital, Kohima 8. Kohima Lotha Baptist Church 9. Wokha Town Baptist Church 10. Okotso Baptist Church 11. Kohima Lotha Hoho 12. Perizie Colony, Kohima 13. Okotso Union, Kohima, Dimapur & Wokha 14. Okotso Students’Union, Kohima & Wokha 15. Kohima Lotha High School Yankho Ekhung & Fellowship 16. Class of 1988 Batch, DBS, Wokha 17. Mt. Tiyi Colony, Wokha 18. Family Friends and Well Wishers We deeply regret our inability to mention each and every individual name who stood with us during our darkest hours but we pray to our Almighty God to bless you abundantly.

Loving wife, children and family.

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Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) said is fully aware that many civil society organizations at the local levels as well as from the North Eastern region have condemned and sought for justice through various forms, including the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission of India.

It however added that it is “very pessimistic to expect any positive responses from Government agencies and institutions such as the NHRC which continue to function only as an eyewash to the misdeeds of the Indian army operating in North East India, Jammu and Kashmir and other trouble-torn regions in different parts of India and as a window dressing to shield the inhuman and gruesome acts of the Government of India through its military might.” “ Our memories are also still fresh when the National Human Rights Commission of India supported the upholding of the Armed Forces (Special Powers), Act – AFSPA, 1958, in the Supreme Court of India, during a hearing in July 1997, under Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights versus Union

of India under a Petition filed for the Repeal of AFSPA”, the NPMHR statement added.

It called upon the Indian Civil society Organizations, Democratic Rights institutions, People’s Movements as well as the international communities, United Nation’s agencies and others, to take cognisance of these “heinous atrocities of the Government of India, who have denied even the basic “right to life” of the Naga people, leave alone the recognition of our people hood.”

It also called upon the Government of India albeit its inhuman track record to listen to its conscience and refrain from continuing its military bloodbath.

NPMHR also expressed support and solidarity with the people of India, be it the people of Kashmir, the political prisoners, migrant workers, displaced people of developmental aggressions, trade unionists, forest people, farmers, fishermen and women, all those affected by anti-poor and anti-working class approach of the Govt. of India, the abandoned millions of toiling masses all across India, and all struggling peoples of the Indian sub-continent.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1st Death Anniversary of our beloved

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G u wahat i , M ay 22 (PTI): Twelve more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, taking the total number of cases to 222, state Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday.

All the new COVID19 patients were already lodged at three quarantine centres in Tezpur, Jorhat and Silchar, he said in a series of tweets.

“Aler t ~ Six persons from Tezpur quarantine centre are found #COVID19 +. All of them belong to Sonitpur district,” Sarma said.

Himanta Biswa Sarma said two people from Silchar quarantine centre, one each from Cachar and Hailakandi districts, tested positive for COVID-19.

Besides, two more people from Sivasagar districts and staying at

NPMHR alleges atrocities in Arunachal

LT. VOZO NEIKHA

BORN ON: 16/12/1960 DIED ON: 18/05/2020 Through this column, we the bereaved family members of Lt. Vozo Neikha would like to express our sincere and profound gratitude to each individual, well wishers, doctors, nurses and various churches, hospitals, societies and organizations who stood by us physically, financially, morally and spiritually at his sudden demise on 18th May, 2020.

We deeply regret our inability to mention each and every individual, but it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly Loving family members and relatives K-923

Through this column, we the bereaved family of Lt. G. SAMUEL ASSUMI would like to express our sincere "Thank you" to all who stood by us physically, financially and constant prayer support throughout, till his last breath.

OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO :1) Thahekhu Village Baptist Church 2) G.Bs & Council of Thahekhu Village 3) Dimapur Police Commissionerate 4) Sub-Urban Police Station 5) UBSI & ABSI batchmate 2015-2016 6) Philimi Welfare, Dimapur 7) Yelatu Assumi Kughuko Kupushukulu 8) Nikos Hospital, Doctor & Nurses 9) Friends, Relatives, Well-Wishers & Neighbours We deeply regret our inability to mention each & every individual, but it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless each & every one abundantly; thank you all.

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Loving Wife, Daughter, Mother & Family Members.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Words are inadequate to express our profound gratitude for the benevolent responses received by our family at the sudden demise of Lt. Vikani Zhimomi, daughter of Latovi Zhimo on 15th May 2020.

The bereaved family would like to thank all for the gesture of kindness, prayers, love and support rendered by individuals, organisations, friends, neighbours and relatives during our moment of grief, even at this crucial juncture of pandemic and lockdown.

Born on 24th Feb 1991 We wish to convey our sincere Died on 15th May 2020 thanks to:1. Doctors and Nurses of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital Bangalore 2. Sumi Students’ Union Bangalore 3. Sumi Fellowship Bangalore 4. Shri. Zhaleo Rio, Advisor, Dept. of Excise, Sericulture and Minority Affairs GON 5. Shri. Temjen Toy IAS, Chief Secretary, GON 6. Shri. Anoop Khinchi IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur 7. Smt. Lhovitoly Sema NCS, ADC, Dimapur 8. Shri. Thsuvisie Phom, ADC, Medziphema 9. Naga Christain Fellowship/ Students’ Union Bangalore 10. Naga Task Force Bangalore 11. Eastern Naga Students’ Union/ Fellowship Bangalore 12. Lotha Students’ Union Bangalore 13. Ao Students Union/ SENSO Bangalore 14. Dimapur Municipal Council 15. Sumi Totimi Hoho, Sakipheto Area 16. Sakipheto Range Students’ Union 17. Zhuikhu Baptist Church 18. Zhuikhu Village Council/ Students’ Union 19. Proprietor and Staff of Modern Christian School, Medziphema 20. Dimapur Police Force 21. Mr. Ghokivi Zhimomi and Family, Alato Village (Pherima) 22. Mr. Semato Zhimomi and Family, Alato Village (Pherima) 23. Mr. Vihoshe Zhimomi (GB) and Family, Alato Village (Pherima) 24. Mr. Kakiye Zhimomi, Hd. GB, Zhuikhu Village 25. Mr. SG Hollo, Chairman, Zhuikhu Village 26. Mr. Hukato and Aghato (Ambulance Attendant) We sincerely apologise for our inability to thank everyone individually, yet it is our humble prayer that Almighty God shower His countless blessings to you all.

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IMPHAL, May 22: The state was fully prepared to tackle the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh who, on Friday, appealed to the people not to panic in the backdrop of rising number of positive cases among the returnees.

After arrival of people from the state stranded at various parts of the country, Manipur which was once COVID-19 pandemic free state reported 24 fresh cases excluding the first two cases that had already recovered.

Addressing a news conference today, the chief minister said that the state government has taken up all necessary precautionary and preventive measures to combat the deadly disease.

He informed that the primary task ahead was to prevent community spread of the disease in the state and maintained that the government always welcomes all positive and constructive criticisms and suggestions to chalk out plans to combat the disease in the state.

Singh appreciated the people of the state for strictly adhering to the advisories and guidelines issued by the Union health ministry, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and state government.

He said that the key measures to fight the disease were maintaining social distancing, staying at home, wearing face masks, use of

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northeast

Loving Family Members and Relatives

BORN ON : 19/02/1929 – DIED ON : 17/05/2020 We, the family members of Late HENITO ACHUMI would like to appreciate and express our deepest 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 17th May 2020.

We convey our special thanks to:1. Sumi Baptist Church Chumukedima.

2. Sumi Council Chumukedima.

3. Chumukedima Ward-II. 4. Chishilimi Welfare Dimapur.

5. Chishilimi Welfare Kohima.

6. Chishilimi Village Council.

7. Chishilimi Baptist Akukuhou.

8. Ghokimi Kuqhakulu Dimapur.

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.

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Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, In-laws and Relatives K Y M C

8

sports

2020 T20 WC likely to be postponed

M u m b a i , M ay 2 2 (Agencies): The T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia between October 18 and November 15, is likely to be postponed, and an official decision on this matter is expected after the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s board meeting on May 28.

While the Cricket Australia top management maintains that ‘nothing has been agreed yet’, some of the cricket boards admit that chances of Australia hosting the T20 World Cup this year look quite slim.

“Even I have heard that the T20 World Cup won’t happen. The ICC executive board will meet on May 28 and they will take a final decision,” Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told Bengali daily Sangbad Pratidin.

“I don’t know the exact reason. But I think the highest level of the Australian government won’t give permission to so many teams to travel there in October-November,” Ganguly said.

A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Health told Sportstar that the onus will be on Australian states and territories as they “are responsible for implementing arrangements regarding the resumption of sport in their jurisdiction.”

“As the T20 World Cup and the Indian team’s tour matches are scheduled to take place across multiple jurisdictions, each hosting jurisdiction will need to provide approval for these events to be held in their venues,” the spokesperson added.

The Governor-General of Australia has also extended the human biosecurity emergency period from 17 June to 17

September 2020, meaning international cricket in any form is likely to have huge logistical and bio-security challenges to overcome.

“The Australian Border Force Commissioner is authorised to grant approval for non-Australian or Australian Residents to arrive via the border into Australia. Cricket Australia and the ICC T20 World Cup Local Organising Committee are consulting with relevant Australian Government agencies in the development of their biosecurity plan to support the resumption of professional cricket in Australia,” the spokesperson said.

Cricket South Africa’s Cricket Director, Graeme Smith told reporters on

Mata eyes longer Man Utd stay

Juan Mata

Lo n d o n, M ay 2 2 (Agencies): Juan Mata is determined to remain at Manchester United for years to come as he looks towards making a landmark appearance for the club once football returns in England.

The Spanish midfielder joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and his next appearance for the Red Devils will be his 250th for the team.

Mata admitted he was not previously aware of the upcoming landmark but that it fills him with pride and he wants to stay part of the first-team picture at Old Trafford for years to come.

Speaking in a video on United’s Twitter account, Mata said, “It feels like it has gone very quickly, it feels like time flies. I didn’t know it was going to be my 250th game, but I feel proud.”

“When you play your first game you feel like you are in a new beginning, a very exciting moment in your life playing for this club. I don’t want to stop here, I want to keep going and going, and keep adding games in a United shirt.”

Mata recalled many of his Manchester United memories, including arriving at the club via helicopter to complete his £40 million ($49m) signing, and being welcomed by then-United manager David Moyes and his fellow Spain international David de Gea. He made his United debut in the Premier League against Cardiff City, who by coincidence were managed

by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, now his boss at Old Trafford.

Thursday that if the tournament gets postponed, they could look at a window next year. “If it does get postponed, we’re looking at February or March next year,” Smith said.

“We are consistently looking at strategies for tours, what the FTP [Future Tours Programme] looks like, what our focus is going to be over the next period of time,” the former South Africa captain said.

However, there are quite a few factors involved.

It needs to be seen whether the BCCI agrees to allow CA to host the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup and shifts its turn to 2022 as per original calendar, India is to host the T20 World Cup in 2021. If that’s not feasible, then Australia could be offered to host the tournament in 2022, and that could be suitable for many as there are no ICC events scheduled that year.

For now, logistics is also a major concern and one of the top officials indicate that ‘there is practically no other way’ but to reschedule the tournament to next year.

PSG bid £44.7m for Inter striker Mauro Icardi Paris, May 22 (Agencies): Paris Saint-Germain have made an opening offer of £44.7m (€50m) plus a further £8.9m (€10m) in add-ons for Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan.

Icardi has been on loan at PSG since last summer - a deal that included a £62.7m (€70m) option to buy.

The 27-year-old has impressed in France, scoring 20 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions since arriving in early September.

Icardi is contracted at Inter until the summer of 2022, signing a new threeyear deal before moving on loan to PSG.

Men’s tennis depth stronger now, says Cilic M U M BA I , M ay 2 2 (Agencies): With a wave of fast-maturing young players ready to challenge the established greats of the game for Grand Slam honours, Marin Cilic says men’s tennis will be stronger than it has been for a decade when the coronavirus shutdown ends.

While Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal have won the last 13 majors between them Cilic says the likes of Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev are getting closer to breaking the hegemony.

“The health of tennis has grown a lot in the last 12-18 months. This mix of the younger generation, they’re maturing much more,” the former US Open champion told Reuters in an interview from Croatia. “ Yo u n o w h a v e at least 10 guys that are promising and really strong and they’re showing their strength and their potential

Marin Cilic

on the court and the big tournaments. And there’s also this older generation still. I believe health of the tennis tour is extremely strong at the moment. I believe competition has come back to the situation we were in, around 20082010, where we had so many great, great names in our sport.”

As well as his 2014 Flushing Meadows triumph, Cilic made the final at Wimbledon in 2017 and the Australian Open the following year - no mean feat in a period boasting the likes of Federer, Nadal,

Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.

Things were leaner in 2019 when he failed to win a title for the first time since 2007 and the 31-yearold currently languishes at number 37 in the world.

Cilic showed he still has what it takes when, unseeded, he made the Australian Open fourth round this year and says he can climb the ladder again.

“I always believed that there is a place for me at the top of the tennis world and you have to earn it,” added the Croatian, who peaked at number three in

the world in 2018.

“I also believe there is still space for me at the top in these next several years - at top 10, top 15 and I believe I can be there.”

His bid to clamber back up the rankings is on hold until the circuit resumes after the coronavirus shutdown, which has seen lower-level professionals, who depend on tournament winnings for their income, struggling to pay the bills.

Cilic, who has banked almost US$28 million in career winnings, said the situation was unfair.

“Tennis is one of the biggest, best sports globally but ... basically 100-250 players, are making a living and earning something from it,” said Cilic.

“The gover ning bodies, especially Grand Slams, need to allocate enough funds to support lower-ranked players, lowlevel tournaments, futures, challengers and I believe there is enough funds for those too.”

India open badminton to be held in December New Delhi, May 22 (PTI): The Olympic-qualifying India Open badminton tournament will be held here from December 8 to 13 after the BWF unveiled a revised calendar to salvage the disruption-hit season.

The World Tour Super 500 tournament, originally scheduled to be held in New Delhi from March 24-29, will now take place from December 8 to 13, BWF said.

The all-important event will be preceded by the Hyderabad Open (August 11 to 16) and the Syed Modi International (November 17 to 22).

As many as eight tournaments were rescheduled from their original dates, including NZ Open Super, Indonesia Open Super, Malaysia Open Super, Thailand Open Super and World Tour Finals in China.

“It has been a difficult task to plan for badminton’s return. It is a condensed calendar but we are confident this provides the framework to allow us to start again when it is safe and logistically possible,” BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020

Chiellini recalls Suarez biting incident at 2014 FIFA World Cup

Giorgio Chiellini was bitten by Uruguay forward Luis Suarez during their 2014 WC.

Milan, May 22 (Agencies): Giorgio Chiellini has said in his autobiography that he holds no grudge against Luis Suarez for the latter’s bite during the 2014 World Cup. Everyone remembers the image of Uruguay’s Luis Suarez’s bite on the shoulder of Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the two team’s 2014 World Cup match. It inspired memes then and it does the same in 2020 as well.

Chiellini, who was back then seen arguing fiercely with the referee and showing him the mark of the bite, has now come out to say that he doesn’t consider that move of Suarez’s as “il-

legitimate”.

In his autobiography, Chiellini has remarked that he and Suarez are actually quite similar and he likes the fiercess Suarez shows on the field.

“Malice is part of football, I wouldn’t call it illegitimate. To get past a rival you have to be smart,” Chiellini has said in his book ‘Io Giorgio’.

“I admire his cunning.

If he lost it, he’d become an ordinary forward,” Chiellini further said.

Suarez escaped punishment for his act during the match but was later banned for four months plus nine internationals.

Giorgio further opened

up on the turn of events during the game and how it led to the bite.

“I marked (Edinson) Cavani for most of the match, another guy who is difficult to mark and who we didn’t hold back against.”

“Suddenly I noticed that I had been bitten in the shoulder. It just happened, but that’s his strategy in hand-to-hand combat and, if I may say so, it’s mine too. He and I are alike, and I like to take on attackers like him,” he said.

At the time of the incident, the scoreline was goalless but minutes after the incident, Uruguay took a 1-0 lead that took them to the Round of 16.

Tokyo Games face real problems: Coates MELBOURNE, May 22 (Agencies): Tokyo Games organisers face “real problems” staging the Olympics next year as coronavirus infections continue to soar, senior international Olympic official John Coates said.

Coates, Australia’s Olympic chief and head of the International Olympic Committee’s inspectorate for Tokyo, said organisers had to assume there would be no vaccine for COVID19, or none in sufficient quantity, in time for the Games.

“We’ve got real problems because we’ve got athletes having to come from 206 different nations,” Coates told a roundtable held by Australia’s News Corp.

“Yesterday, there was 10,000 new cases in Brazil. Very few countries are as advanced in coping with this as (Australia).

(Japanese) Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe says Games can only happen in 2021.

We can’t postpone it again and we have to assume that there won’t be a vaccine or, if there is a vaccine, it won’t be sufficient to share around the world.”

In March, the IOC and Japanese government took the unprecedented decision to delay the Games, which had been due to start in July, for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

COVID-19 has infected more than five million people and killed about 334,000 people around the world, with countries

Dortmund’s Witsel ruled out of Wolfsburg clash

Man City can’t write Real off in CL: Silva

BERLIN, May 22 (Agencies): Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel will not be fit in time for Saturday’s Bundesliga match at VfL Wolfsburg but Emre Can and teenager Giovanni Reyna have returned to training following injuries and are available, coach Lucien Favre said on Friday.

Witsel has yet to recover from an injury that forced him to miss their 4-0 victory over rivals Schalke 04 last week as the season restarted following a suspension of more than two months due to the COVID19 pandemic.

“Witsel will definitely not be there,” Favre said in a virtual news conference. “Can started yesterday with light training with the team and will train today as well.”

Dortmund are in second place in the standings on 54 points, four behind leaders Bayern Munich, whom they host on Tuesday.

Manchester, May 22 (Agencies): Manchester City star Bernardo Silva warned Real Madrid could not be written off despite his side’s strong position in the Champions League last-16 tie.

The Premier League giants stunned Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their matchup in February.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials are reportedly hoping the Champions League can return in August. Despite City’s good position, Silva is wary of Madrid, who have won three of the past four Champions League titles. “You can’t write any team off, far less Madrid who have won 13 European Cups,” the midfielder told AS. “No one else has the experience Madrid’s players have in this competition, so we can’t think we’ve already beaten them. It’s all very open. When you play a side like Madrid nothing is ever certain. We’ve seen a lot of ties in the last few years

John Coates

like Brazil and the United States struggling with thousands of new cases every day.

Coates said Games organisers would need to start planning in October for what could be a “very different” Olympics if there were no signs COVID-19 was being eradicated.

“By October this year,

Bernardo Silva

get turned around. Look at Barca last year, beating Liverpool 3-0 and then losing 4-0. You never know.”

“It’s a good result and we’re in a great position to go through to the quarterfinals. It’s a tough match and we’ll need to play well and maintain our concentration.”

Having won the past two Premier League titles amid numerous other domestic honours, City are eyeing a first Champions League crown.

Silva said Pep Guardiola’s men were eager to claim the Champions League for the first time. “In the last three years we’ve won ev-

if there are signs that it is being contained but not eradicated, then we are starting to work through — and we’re preparing for it now — the different scenarios by which the sport could take place,” he said.

“Do we quarantine the Olympic Village? Do all athletes when they get there go into quarantine?

Do we restrict having spectators at the venues? Do we separate the athletes from the mixed zone where the media are?”

“We’ll have a whole range of scenarios we’ll start to address this year on the basis that the Games will still take place for the athletes next year. But it could be a very different Games to what we’re used to,” added Coates.

erything in England, last season we won all four English titles, this year we’ve won the Super Cup and the League Cup, we’re still in the FA Cup and we want to win that,” he said.

“But the Champions League is the title the club, the players and Pep in England want to win. We know it’s a tough tournament, but we’ll fight for it.”

Silva recently described Guardiola as one of the best managers ever and credits the Spaniard with transforming Manchester City.

“I know my team-mates, the influence that he has since he arrived at Manchester City is huge,” the Portugal international said.

“You could see it with the results, with the titles in the last three seasons. Since I have arrived, we have won plenty of trophies. It is not just that, it is the way we play. We think that we make our fans enjoy the way we play – offensive football, creating chances, scoring goals, [playing] attractive football.”

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