May 29, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 172

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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State-wide lockdown extended till June 11

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 28 (NPN): Considering the medical advice in the backdrop of high number of Covid-19 positive cases in the State and as per feedbacks received from all district task forces (DTFs), High Powered Committee (HPC) has decided to extend the State-wide total lockdown with existing guidelines till June 11.

Informing this to media at a press conference after an HPC meeting, committee’s spokesperson and planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs minister Neiba Kronu said the decision to extend the lockdown was taken following a presentation given by the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department on the current situation.

As per clinical and epidemiological criteria, the H&FW department pointed out that there should be 28 days of lockdown to help the virus complete two incubation cycles of two weeks each. Hence, considering the advice of the H&FW department and based on the feedbacks from DTFs, the decision to extend the lockdown was taken, he added.

State logs 192 new cases, 5 Covid deaths D I M A P U R , M AY 2 8 (NPN): Nagaland saw a slight decline in new Covid cases and fatalities as the state registered 192 fresh cases and five deaths on Friday. Of the fresh cases, Dimapur recorded 61 cases, Tuensang- 47, Kohima-26, Phek-25, Zunheboto-14, five from Peren, four each in Wokha and Mokokchung, three in Longleng, two in Kiphire and one in Mon, taking the total caseload to 21215.

Further, five more patients succumbed to the infection-- four from Dimapur and one from Mokokchung.

With this, the tally rose to 343 deaths-- 331 Covid related and 12 non-Covid but with Covid positivity.

PTI: The single day rise in Covid cases in India fell below the 2-lakh mark for the second time this month, while the recoveries continue to outnumber daily cases for the 15th consecutive day, according Health Ministry.

A total of 1,86,364 new coronavirus infections were reported in a day, the lowest in around 44 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,75,55,457. The death toll climbed to 3,18,895 with 3,660 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.

This is it!

"They spend all day talking of the virus then expected third wave or fourth wave. They're only expert talkers."

K Y M C

H&FW department highlights

the State and remarked that all village and ward/colony authorities could be mobilised to organise suitable slots for vaccination in order to streamline the ongoing vaccination drive.

It was also decided that over and above the 15% of LADP fund earmarked for Common Pool activities, an additional 10% will be kept aside for COVID-19 related expenditure excluding those earmarked for Iconic Proj-

ects for COVID-19 related expenditure as per the requirement of the respective DTFs, for this, the planning department was asked to issue separate guidelines.

Further, HPC urged ministers, advisors and MLAs who have already been assigned to districts to monitor implementation of effective measures to prevent and control Covid-19, to go their respective districts to take stock of the situation.

The two newly installed Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants in Dimapur and Kohima have been made operational, while installation plants Mokokchung, was completed while more are in the pipeline.

According to officials, oxygen plants for eight more districts will installed-- six from UNICEF and two from UNDP. Further, two 1000 LPM plants from the Defence Research and Development Organisation will be set up at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima and Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research Dimapur .

Oxygen depots: The state government has set up

two oxygen depots and refilling centre to cater to the needs of various districts The state depot has been set up at Police Complex, Chumukidema which covers Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha, Phek, Peren and Kiphire districts. The zonal depot at Mokokchung caters to Mokokchung, Tuensang, Noklak, Longleng and Zunheboto districts while in Mon the oxygen refilling is done directly with Sivasagar/ Dibrugarh plants.

S t a t u s o f ox yg e n stock: Meanwhile, the state currently has 1864 D Type oxygen cylinders, 2544 B Type, 212 A Type cylinders and 847 oxygen concentrators.

Blatant violation of Covid safety norms in Dmu

Nagaland’s lone oxygen plant set to function from today

Lockdown impacts

 Seven-day moving average (average cases of last seven days) of daily new Covid-19 cases decreased from 266 at the start of full lockdown to 249 on May 26, showing a positive impact of the lockdown.  Weekly sample positivity rate decreased from 34% at the start of containment restrictions to 21% on May 26 .  Lockdown has given time to increase beds. As against oxygensupported bed occupancy rate of 89% in Dimapur on May 21, the rate improved to 49% on May 27.  As on May 27, no district has more than 60% oxygen-supported bed occupancy rate.

Areas of concern

 Weekly sample positivity rate continues to increase in districts, barring Dimapur & Kohima.  5 additional districts showed positivity rate of more than 10% last week, may take another 1-2 weeks to come below 10%.  Cases reported from villages in some districts, indicating a danger of spread from urban to rural areas.  SOP in this regard issued to all districts upon directions of HPC.  Covid-19 hospital admissions and deaths still continue to increase as expected after increase in positive cases.

Suggestions

 Lockdown completed one incubation cycle of the virus. But, as per Health ministry (MoHFW) guidelines containment should be for 28 days, which is two incubation cycles.  Increasing Covid-19 vaccination coverage in rural areas as per vaccine availability.  Capacity building for community surveillance and management of Covid-19 in rural areas.  Increase beds and logistics as per need and projections.  Capacity building for Covid-19 management as per MoHFW protocols in Covid-19 hospitals.  Strengthen follow-ups for home care/isolation patients and triaging protocols.  Increase reach of tele-consultations with regard to Covid-19.

In a joint statement, HPC spokespersons Neiba Kronu and Mmhonlumo Kikon said that in order to check spread of the virus in rural areas, a system of community surveillance was put in place. For this, DTFs would take steps to strengthen village task forc-

es/village disaster management authorities, adding they would operate under the supervision of respective DTFs for effective management of Covid-19 in the rural areas. Further, HPC said that the ongoing vaccination would continue to be aggressively implemented across

O2 plants operational, more to be set up

Staff Reporter

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 8 (NPN): While Nagaland has been under total lockdown to fight the rising cases of the deadly second wave of Covid-19, people continue to blatantly flout safety protocols by gathering in large numbers at wholesale and daily markets each day.

It may be noted that Dimapur has been recording highest new cases of Covid-19 including deaths.

The virus appears to be at stage--3 or community transmission and overcrowded places especially closed surroundings giving vent to the uncontrollable spread.

Besides not adhering to the odd-even number as well as not keeping safe distances, people are openly milling around market places like Murgipatti, MP Road etc. in large numbers. Asked for his reaction, Administrator Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Albert Ezung told Nagaland Post explained that the wholesale markets were crowded because veg-

Staff reporter

Crowded Murgipatti wholesale market area on Friday. (NP)

etables vendors, went to buy their stocks of essential commodities.

Ezung also said the lockdown has adversely affected daily wage earners who are facing several financial crisis due to stoppage of various construction or farming works.

He said this has also compelled many to switch to selling vegetables to sustain their families. Due to many now involved in selling vegetables, he said markets are overcrowded.

Ezung claimed that a DMC team had visited the area on Friday morning and

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asked the retailers to procure essential commodities from their respective colonies, and not from the wholesale market. Earlier, deputy commissioner Dimapur Rajesh Soundararajan had directed the public to shop for their essential commodities from within their respective colonies. While the recent state government data indicated a decline in positivity rate across the state particularly the worst Covid-hit district-Dimapur, such violation of safety protocol would be a hindrance to breaking the transmission chain of Covid.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 8 (NPN): State’s lone oxygen plant BMA Liquid Air is all set to function from Saturday.

Confirming this to Nagaland Post, proprietor of BMA Liquid Air’s Imti Aier said after the main motor got damaged, the plant experienced some other technical glitches with the pulleys that are used to pull the main compressor engine.

It was learnt that the new pulleys were brought in on Thursday and repairing of the machine was underway. Unless the pulleys are functional, the entire production will be stalled, he said.

Till the time of filing this report, it was not confirmed as to when the plant would be functional again, though Aier expressed the hope that the plant would be fully operational by Saturday.

international, Page 9

GST: Govt to borrow Rs 1.58L crore in FY22 to compensate states, says FM Amnesty for small taxpayers, exempts IGST on Covidrelated supplies NEW DELHI, MAY 28 (PTI): A slew of coronavirus pandemic-related decisions were taken at the 43rd GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state finance ministers, on Friday.

The GST Council on Friday left taxes on Covid19 vaccines and medical supplies unchanged but exempted duty on import of a medicine used for treatment of black fungus.

A group of ministers will deliberate on tax structure on the vaccine and medical supplies, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after a meeting of the GST Council.

The GST Council exempted levy of IGST on import of Amphotericin-B, which is used for the treatment of black fungus. Currently, vaccines attract 5 per

Nirmala Sitharaman

cent GST. Sitharaman said the Council decided to continue a waiver of IGST on free Covid-19 related supplies imported from abroad. Centre will borrow Rs 1.58 lakh crore in FY22 to compensate states for loss of revenue from GST, added FM. She also announced an amnesty scheme for those who missed out on GST payment. Late fee has been reduced for past period and also rationalised for future for small taxpayers, said FM. “One of the biggest decisions today is reduction of compliance burden of small taxpayers and medium-sized taxpayers. Late fee, amnesty-related matters have also been decided upon. To provide relief to small taxpayers, an amnesty scheme has been recommended for reducing late fee payable

Assam entered over 2km inside state, alleges NSH D I M A P U R , M AY 2 8 (NPN): A day after the border incident, the Northern Sumi Hoho (NSH) has dismissed as “baseless and far from truth” the claims made by Assam that its land had been encroached

by Nagas.

In a press release, NSH president Kughavi Chophy and general secretary Vikai Yeptho alleged that it was Assam that entered more than 2 kms well inside Nagaland.

The hoho strongly condemned what they described as “autocratic actions of illegal settlers from Assam bordering Nagaland led by Assam police personnel and Congress MLA Rupjyoti Kumri on May 27, 2021 at Vikuto village”.

NSH stated that a few huts and hundreds of arecanut plantation were destroyed and fired rounds with assault rifle toward villagers.

NSH has, therefore, urged the government of

in these cases. Taxpayers can now file their pending returns and avail the benefits of this amnesty scheme with reduced late fees. Late fees have also been rationalised.

The rationalised late fee and the decision to reduce the maximum amount of late fee for small taxpayers will come into effect for future tax periods...,” said Sitharaman.

“Annual return filing has also been simplified. The Council has recommended amending the CGST Act to allow for self-certification of reconciliation statements, instead of getting it certified by chartered accountants.

The annual return filing will continue to be optional for FY21 for small taxpayers, having a turnover less than Rs 2 crore while reconciliation statements for 2020-21 will be furnished only by those taxpayers whose turnover is Rs 5 crore or more,” added Sitharaman.

“On GST compensation cess, same formula as last year to be adopted this year too. Rough estimate is that Centre will have to borrow Rs 1.58 trillion (Rs 1.58 lakh crore) and pass it on to states,” said Sitharaman.

NMA files FIR over viral video

Correspondent

Nagaland to take up the matter on priority so no unwanted situation arose in the future.

Border incident handiwork of MLA, says UNTABA: United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA) Friday claimed that the purported incident of skirmishes in the border between Assam and Nagaland was “far from what had actually happened.”

In a press release, UNTABA chairman Hukavi T Yeputhomi and general secretary Imsumongba Pongen claimed that the incident was “actually the handiwork of the big headed MLA of Mariani A/C, Rupjyoti Kurmi”.

UNTABA accused the Mariani MLA of “bashfully” crossing the boundary by more than 3km and entered the vicinity of Vikuto village well inside Nagaland.

KOHIMA, MAY 28 (NPN): Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) on Friday filed an FIR against unknown person(s) for disparaging a woman’s dignity and rights.

According to the FIR, some youth purportedly from Old Minister’s Hill colony, Kohima, had taken video of a couple in a compromising position and made it viral.

Asserting that everyone had the right to privacy, NMA said the youths had, therefore, violated the woman’s rights when they took video of her interrogation and shaming her publicly.

Terming as “criminal and illegal” the act of filming and releasing of the same, NMA urged police to take appropriate action as per the law.

Old Ministers’ Hill colony panchayat chairman, Er. Vineizo Nienu disclosed that they had no knowledge of the incident. He said they had made several enquiries, but could not trace (Cont’d on p-8) any person who matched the identity of the persons in the viral video. He also disclosed that even some police personnel had called up to enquire about the case.

Attempts to contact Kohima police PRO for comments panel was constituted re- were unsuccessful. cently in the light of the second wave of Covid-19 and challenges the State faced from mucormycosis, both of which required experts to advise the government for further course of action.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 8 Accordingly, he said, (NPN): Naga Council Dias per the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State mapur (NCD) has decided government went ahead to waive off the burial regin appointing the experts istration fee of Rs. 1000 for who are specialised in their Covid deaths from weaker own fields. Minister Neibu section of the society.

Informing this to NaKronu, who too was presgaland Post, NCD vice present, claimed that HPC was ident Etsungmomo Kikon assisted by medical experts.

On testing, Kikon said that the fee of Rs. 1,000 pointed out that health de- for record registration for partment was authorised to burial put in place since May take necessary steps to con- 22, 2021 will be waived off tain the spread of virus as for burial of Covid victims per the Epidemic Diseases belonging to the poor secAct, 1897. (Cont’d on p-5) tion of the society.

Imchen raises questions on ‘expert panel’ Panel of experts held D I M A P U R , M AY 2 8 (NPN): NPF Legislator Party (NPFLP) spokesperson Imkong L. Imchen said he was “utterly bemused at the sudden appearance of a half-cropped government notification” dated May 13,2021 on constitution of an advisory panel of experts constituted to provide expert advice to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and State Executive Committee (SEC).

Imchen said the “ cropped notification, concealing the terms of reference was tweeted by the government spokesperson and advisor “ only after a senior NPF legislator had earlier suggested inclusion of medical experts as part of the HPC. Imchen pointed out that the HPC was constituted as per home depart-

ment notification dated June 1,2020 comprising of six members of which five were legislators including the chief minister as chairman; deputy CM as co-chairman and chief secretary who is member-secretary and exofficio CEO of the SDMA and chairperson of SEC under NSDMA. Imchen said the HPC was formed as per cabinet decision to decide on policy matters on Covid-19 related matters including supervision of the State War Room.

He said HPC is also assisted by a number of officials pooled from various government departments.

In view of the above, Imchen wondered as to the reason behind constitution of an advisory panel of three experts. He asked whether any advertisement was in-

vited and if candidates were shortlisted? He also wanted to know what process was followed for selection of the experts and the terms of reference? He demanded to know whether selection was an arbitrary decision of any individual or a selected few or a committee? Imchen demanded to know as to who finally approved the panel- the HPC or the chief minister?

Imchen pointed out that as per Point No.1 on the terms of reference, the May 13,2021 notification mentioned that the services of the advisory panel of experts will be utilized by the SDMA/SEC for a period of one year “through virtual consultation or any other means of communication.” He asked how would this benefit the Health Care

Workers (HCW) and Front Line Workers (FLWs) working at the ground level?

He asked if the panel of experts have any idea about the ground reality in the state and are they well versed in the demographic, socio-economic, patient demographic aspects of Nagaland? He also asked if the state government considered what it would do if there appeared divergent and differing opinions among the panel of experts and which view would the government choose?

Imchen also wanted to know on the remuneration of services to the panel of experts. He said the finance department had already notified pro-rata cut to the tune of 20% on travel, office expenses and motor vehicle maintenance.

one sitting, says HPC

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 28 (NPN): Amidst severe criticisms by opposition parties over formation of a three-member panel of expert, High Powered Committee (HPC) spokesperson and IT&ST and NRE adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon has revealed that the members held one sitting after their appointment.

Responding to a query at a press conference at civil secretariat here on Friday over suggestions and advises given by the panel of experts, he remarked, “They have given advisories which were available in War Room.”

Asked whether the State lacked competent individuals to qualify as experts, Kikon (Cont’d on p-5) explained that the expert

Burial registration fee waived off for poor Covid victims

K Y M C

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state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

Demand for adequate manpower at CHC Shamator grows as deadline expires

LPG pilfering ‘very serious crime’: NVCO

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has termed as “a very serious crime and an insult to the consumers of state capital” the pilfering of LPG cooking gas in Kohima.

In a press release, NVCO media cell questioned the state government as to why many malpractices in trade were happening in Nagaland to the extent where it was “never a practice in other states/ cities in the country”?

It appealed to the state government to intervene and take up the case seriously.

Lauding consumers of officers’ hill colony Kohima for detecting water filled cylinders, NVCO urged the responsible agency to thoroughly investigate the crime.

It maintained that the “even service provider as well as the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) should not remain silent but to be acted upon own responsibilities.”

While appealing to the consumers of other districts

to remain as a “watch dog”, NVCO urged the public to avail the state consumer helpline toll free number 1800 – 345 – 3701.

heeded.

SVSU said the “people of Yimchunger headquarter” was time and again left neglected, deprived and discriminated of their basic medical necessities and requirement.

The union said such deprivation even during pandemic was highly objectionable adding that the

step-motherly treatment must stop immediately.

Taking into account the severity of the situation, SVSU has requested the authority to deploy adequate manpower with necessary infrastructures and amenities at the earliest.

YVSU: Y. Anner Village Students’ Union (YVSU) has extended sup-

port to JCC memorandum which highligted lack of medical facilities at Community Health Centre (CHC) Shamator.

In a press release, YVSU president, N Dohanba and general secretary, S Kiukhum said it was

disheartening to see the stagnation of requirement at CHC Shamator.

Expressing concern over the lackadaisical attitude shown by the concern department, YVSU said the union in frustration was constrained to demand

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

- 2 Timothy 4:7

Late Lanusunep Jamir 31/12/1976 – 24/05/2021

DP-2563

because of non-deployment of manpower and lack of facilities.

In this regard, the union has urged the competent authority to initiate necessary arrangement by deploying the manpower and facilities at the earliest.

Acknowledgement

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all individuals and different organisations who have rendered immeasurable support financially, physically and through devoted prayers and stood by us during the brief illness and sudden demise of Late Lanusunep Jamir.

During these perilous days, the altruistic gesture you have exhibited by being with us with little disregard to your health proves that love and humanity still abounds in this world. We shall forever hold your act of kindness and generosity in our hearts. God bless you all.

immediate redressal of the grievances faced by the public.

YVSU said recent rise of COVID positive cases in Shamator area has indicated that the lives of the people and fate of those tested positive have been put at risk

Lt. Dr. KEREILHOUVI SOLO (31.10.1952 - 05.05.2021)

We, the bereaved family members would like to convey our profound gratitude to all of you who have selflessly stood by us during the illness and untimely demise of my most beloved husband and our father.

We remain forever grateful for all your unceasing prayers and support.

May the Almighty God bestow his abundant blessings to you all.

-Loving Wife, Children and Grandchildren

K-993

of duties by medical fraternity and deplorable state of medical care Centre were rampant and left unchecked by the concerned department.

Stating that inadequacy of doctors, workforce, shortage of medicines and other equipment have been experienced by the people since past many years, LVSU said government intervention has become prominent and a necessity for necessary action.

SVSU: Sangphur Village Students’ Union (SVSU) said it strongly support the demand placed

by JCC of Shamator CSOs and expressed displeasure over the advertent negligence by the concerned department despite several appeals by the various public organisations of Shamator Town.

In a press release, SVSU president, Ts. Wongtong and general secretary, Kerito S pointed out CSOs of Shamator Town appeal to principal director of H&FW on May 12 for deployment of adequate manpower, resources and facilities within 14 days at the lone CHC was not

Wife, daughter and family members

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF PUNI MODOLI

(27th July, 1953 - 29th May, 2020) The only thing certain in this life is death. The only thing that is not certain in life, is life itself. A year has passed on since you left us for your heavenly abode, yet you continue to live with us in our memories, daily.

You will always be in our hearts as we find the strength to carry on till we meet again. ~ Kaikhra and children

DP-2570

DIMAPUR: More organisations have extended support to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) memorandum to the chief minister to deploy adequate manpower and provide necessary infrastructure at Community Health Centre (CHC) Shamator.

It may be mentioned that CSOs of Samator on May 12 served 14-day deadline on Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department to address the issues of CHC Shamator.

LVSU: Leangkonger Village Students Union (LVSU) has affirmed its unflinching support to the demand saying that the union supports and upheld the “legitimacy of memorandum served in the best interest of the people”.

In a press release, LVSU president, Toripkiu B Yimchunger and general secretary, Shumong T Yimchunger said the union stands together in solidarity in the “genuine case of deprivation of our basic rights for decades by the concern department”.

LVSU said the breach

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

John 11: 25-26

K Y M C

-Loving wife, children, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren

Late JONGSHIMEREN AIER

(24.06.1975 – 20.05.2021) “The World and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever”

I John 2:17

DP-2569

14.03.1951 - 23.05.2021

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our friends, relatives and well-wishers for your unceasing love, encouragement and support at the sudden demise of our beloved father, Late Shri. Nyimchamo Ngullie on 23rd May 2021.

Words are insufficient to express our gratitude but please know that we are profoundly thankful for all that you have done and continue to do so. We pray the Lord to bless you in rich measure.

Our Dad loved us. We miss him terribly. He lived well. Dad was not a perfect human. He had his flaws. Yet, his greatest accomplishment is that he trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins and the promise of eternal life. Our grieving hearts are comforted in the truth that we will meet again one day in the glorious presence of our Saviour (1 Thess 4:16). Our hope is in the Lord!

We are deeply indebted to: 1. Brothers, sisters and relatives of 10. Rev. Moses Murry & family Late Nyimchamo Ngullie 11. Dimapur Nrung Longidang Ekhung 2. Lotha AG church, Sewak Road, Dimapur 12. Dimapur Nkonjan Ngullie Ekhung 3. Pastor Moses Basena & family 13. Staff of Oriental Insurance Company Ltd, 4. Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Dimapur 5. Er. Renponthung Ezong and family, 14. Wichit & Miriam Nzano Maneevone, ICF, Er. Zarenthung Kikon & family, Califorina Mrs. & Mr. Mhathung Odyuo 15. Bank Colony Council 6. Dr. Vincent & Dr. Zechano Merry, 16. Mrs. Duvelu (NJS) & Sashi (APP), Advocates Dr. Jacob Phom, Dr. Athiko Senachena of Dimapur and Wokha Bar Association 7. Zabenthung Kikon, Security guard at CIHSR 17. Families of Mukeya Woch, Vilietuo Kera, 8. Rev. T. Nzio Ezung, AG Church, Wokha Town Mene Kera, Zhokuto Tsütso, Akanuo & Alice 9. Pastor Khonbemo Ngullie, AG Lotha Church, Kohima We pray God’s choicest blessing upon you!

We , t h e b e r e a v e d f a m i l y m e m b e r s o f Late Jongshimeren Aier would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to relatives, friends, neighbours and blood donors who stood by us and helped us during his brief illness and untimely demise. Our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of K. P. Bethesda Hospital Kohima, for the special care given to him during his hospitalization.

We deeply regret our inability to thank you all individually but it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Always in our thoughts, Family members & Relatives DP-2568 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Should IMA file criminal defamation against Ramdev?

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

A B C

MIN observes ‘Menstrual Hygiene Day’

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

94% 5% 1%

Next poll

Q: Should the govt decrease

tax on vehicular fuels in view of economic stress due to covid?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST May 29

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Partly sunny and very warm

36 26

A t-storm around in the p.m.

31 20

Aizawl

Guwahati Humid with a shower in spots 34 24

Mostly sunny and very warm

33 20

Itanagar A t-storm around in the p.m.

32 22

Imphal Shillong

A morning shower or two

24 16

Kohima

A stray afternoon t-storm

27 17

Dimapur Partly sunny Mkg

A stray morning thunderstorm 29 18

Tuensang Partly sunny, a stray t-storm Wokha

35 23

Partly sunny and nice

Zunheboto A morning t-storm in spots

23 14 28 21 26 16

MIN reaches out to women frontline workers on ‘Menstrual Hygiene Day’ DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the world, Menstrual Initiative Nagaland (MIN) celebrated “Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD)” Friday under

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State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

2021 theme, “action and investment in menstrual hygiene and health” by organising awareness sessions and distributing free sanitary napkins.

A press release by MIN stated that menstrual hygiene for millions of women and girls has been getting worse since the outbreak of the COVID-

19 pandemic and successive lockdowns in India.

Due to poverty and lack of limited resources, MIN said the poorest sections of the women and girls of the society are unable to manage their menstruation and health, which is a fundamental human right.

MIN said this also increases discrimination, stigmas, and exclusions against women and girls.

To a d d r e s s t h e s e challenges and celebrate MHD 2021, MIN said Loreni Sophia from MIN interacted virtually and through social media to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene management and health among young girls and women across Nagaland.

MIN said it also distributed around 1280 packets of free sanitary pads on this special day celebrating womanhood.

The release informed that this year MIN focused on female frontline health workers, police personals, female vegetable vendors, and others who, despite their long working hours during their periods, dedicated themselves to serve their communities and provide for their families.

Nagaland police carry out state-wide plantation drives

Police personnel plant saplings as part of state-wide plantation drive.

DIMAPUR: Nagaland police in partnership with Nagaland forest department has initiated state-wide plantation drive which is being carried out in various districts. The plantation drives would culminate on June 5, world environment day (WED).

A press release by Nagaland police informed that the plantation drive was carried out in 12 districts DEF, 15 NAP battalions and two training centres.

Meanwhile, the 9th NAP Bn (India reserve)

Saijang has also been extensively carrying out the plantation drive for the past five years.

Till date, 1000 ornamental trees, 700 bamboo trees, 800 Nahor trees, 1200 fruit trees and various varieties of plants had been planted.

The trees planted so far have been reforesting the camp area.

The unit informed that it would continue carrying out this tradition every year on WED and to restore the ecosystem.

It may be mentioned that the unit localised this year’s theme “ecosystem restoration” into “project IRB” (initiating restoration of biosphere).

E ve n t h o u g h t h e COVID-19 pandemic was causing lot of disruption in day-to-day lives, Nagaland police said it was undertaking the plantation drive as a symbol and beacon of hope and rejuvenation for the future. Nagaland police said it also stands for an Eco friendly environment.

COVID-19 pandemic: Meetings, directives & activities DNYO on civil works at Dimapur Airport

Assam Rifles of Shamator carried out sanitisation drive on May 28 by disinfecting public areas at Wapher village.

DIMAPUR: In view of the surge in COVID19 cases in Nagaland, the state government and district administrations have issued advisories and directives to mitigate the virus. Several civil society organisations and agencies have also come forward to help the people.

Mon: District Task Force (DTF) for COVID19 Vaccination Mon has informed that it would be organising a “drivethrough vaccination camp” for beneficiaries who are 45 years and above, Front Line Workers (FLWs) and Health Care Workers (HCWs) on May 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Local Ground, Mon Town.

DTF Mon has informed that the following guidelines are to be strictly adhered to: Beneficiaries are to drive in to the vaccination camp in their own cars; only four-wheelers are allowed; not more than two passengers will be allowed in the car; mask should be worn at all times and social distancing should be followed; online registration will be done; photo ID should be produced if beneficiaries are aged 45 years and above; HCWs and FLWS are to produce employment certificate; after getting vaccinated, beneficiaries are to park car and wait for 30 minutes for monitoring of side effects, if any; in case of uneasiness, beneficiaries are to honk twice to alert medical staff, the team will then approach the beneficiaries; no walk-ins will be allowed.

Dimapur: Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD) and Lotha Youth Organisation Dimapur K Y M C

(LYOD) initiated to bear burial construction expenses of twenty graves at New Naga cemetery located at Zani village area, Dimapur.

While highlighting about the initiative to Nagaland post, Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) vice president Estungmomo said that with regard to the proposal for the burial construction, a detailed meeting was held on May 26 at NCD and the proposal was accepted accordingly.

The burial construction would be carried out for the people who cannot bear the expenses. (Staff reporter) DMC: Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) sanitised the New Naga cemetery graveyard area at Zani village Dimapur on May 26.

In a press release, Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) general secretary Thsapongkyu Sangtam stated that during the sanitisation, the work was also inspected by DMC adminstrator Albert Ezung and Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) members.

NCD while appreciating the initiative was hopeful that such exercise would be continued so that further transmission of COVID- 19 was mitigated.

NCD also suggested DMC to carry out the sanitisation drive once a week.

Meanwhile, in a press release, CMO Dimapur Dr. I Moatemjen informed all government departments that there would be no medical board examination for service confirmation due to COVID19 pandemic till further order.

Mokokchung: A co-

ordination meeting on disposal of COVID-19 dead bodies was held at Dobashi customary court, Changtongya town on May 27.

T h e m e e t i n g wa s chaired by SDO (C) Changtongya, Rorheu Peseyie during which he directed all the villages under the sub-division to reactivate the village disaster management authority, as it was the role and responsibility of VDMA to assist the government in handling and management of COVID-19 dead bodies.

SMO, CHC Changtongya, Dr. Jungshi Aier said that there was minimal risk of spread of COVID19 infection from a dead body if standard precautionary measures were followed as per SOPs, which he had explained.

MO, CHC Changtongya, Dr. Among also spoke on how to handle and manage the coffin of people who had died of COVID-19.

SDO (C) called upon all to be prepared in case of any eventuality and appealed to all to disseminate the information to the public regarding disposal of COVID-19 dead bodies as responsible stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by all village council chairmen under the sub-division, pastors, all ward chairman Changtongya town, Watsu unit president Changtongya t ow n , s t u d e n t u n i o n Changtongya town and O/C Thana.

Phek: In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases in Phek district and to contain the spread of COVID-19, a consultative meeting of the Phek

district legislators, DTF on COVID-19 and NGOs was held at DC office.

The meeting was attended by state planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs minister Neiba Kronu, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and Chotisuh Sazo MLAs, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Pochury Hoho, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council and other CSOs. During the meeting, the legislators shared their concerns and lauded the frontline workers for rendering their selfless services and encouraged them to continue to serve with more dedication.

It also acknowledged DTF and all the civil bodies, churches for their tireless efforts.

Earlier, Neiba Kronu briefed on the latest policy of the state government on COVID-19 and stressed on the need to initiate the translation of SOPs into local dialects to educate the rural areas. The meet-

ing was chaired by DC Phek, Razovolie Dozo.

Kohima: Diocese of Kohima COVID-19 task force was virtually inaugurated on May 27 and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Nagaland.

A press release by the publicity committee desk informed that in his message, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil said the control room at Peace Channel would collect information, disseminate, coordinate and process the information and connect with people who need various services. Bishop said that Catholic Church has been very proactive in addressing various social and health issues of the people.

The release informed that various committees have been set up to address issues faced by the people during the pandemic.

Those seeking assistance have been asked to reach out through the helpline numbers: control room at 6909617895 and toll free at 18001217119.

Tele-counseling: Free tele-counseling organised by center for wellness in collaboration with district administration & Dimapur DTF can be availed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following numbers:

DIMAPUR: With regard to the controversy surrounding annual maintenance contract (AMC) for civil works at Dimapur Airport, the Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO) Friday said it was not against any mainlanders working in Nagaland legally, but maintained that educated unemployed locals must be encouraged and promoted.

In a press release, DNYO president Kikheto Sumi and general secretary Mangpang Phom said that the contract works especially the annual maintenance contract (AMC), which required 24-hour attention, could be well maintained and carried out only by inhabitant and native contractors.

The organisation expressed disappointment and shock that a reputed firm like contractor Nabalok Das could “stoop too low” in accusing his counterpart contractors and the Nagas in general.

Asserting that such allegation was “totally unacceptable and unprofessional”, the DNYO said that his negligence of not carrying out the work order in time was “totally failure and breach of contract on its part.”

Meanwhile, DNYO has urged the responsible authority to review the matter at the earliest so development activities of the only airport in Nagaland was not hindered or delayed.

ATMA Mokokchung conducts programmes for farmers

+919612911764, +919862500230, Adults’ Helpline +916909643337, +916909643338, +918368172585, +916360583926

DIMAPUR: Agricultural Technology management Agency (ATMA) blocks under Mokokchung district conducted demonstration programmes for the welfare of farmers.

Training on “preservation and value addition on ginger” for self help groups (SHGs) was conducted by ATMA Mangkolemba block on May 26.

A press release by the block stated that the training was imparted to members of Kiyonglar and Medemtsurtem SHGs with BTM, ATMA, Limawapangla Lkr as the resource person.

Wokha: DTF Wokha for COVID-19 has activated the following helpline numbers pertaining to COVID-19 in the district to respond to all types of issues/information pertaining to COVID-19:

Security forces nab two at Meluri

Students’ Helpline

War room 24x7

+917005864988, +918837005500, +919862712864, +919089030394

At the training, the resource person stressed on the importance of value addition of ginger as it can add extra income without much expenditure.

She illustrated different procedures on how to prepare value added products of ginger and how to preserve ginger.

Meanwhile, ATMA Kobulong block organised within farmer’s exposure visit to Mopungchuket village under Kobulong Block on May 21.

A press release by ATMA Kubolong block stated that the team visited Shiitake mushroom production unit with an aim

to enable farmers to interact with and learn from each other for successful cultivation on shiitake mushroom production.

Resource person, shiitake progressive farmer Iminungsang shared on how he ventured into new farming technology and also imparted skills on cultivation methods and economic value.

He encouraged the farmers to venture into such type of farming activity which was cost effective and also consumed less time.

The exposure visit was attended by 25 farmers and ATMA staff.

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Dr. Zubonthung Humtsoe 7005505917 & Dr. Pithungo Kikon 7005632851

Three-day complete lockdown at Pughoboto town

In view that the public not following the guidelines, ADC & chairman sub-divisional task force Pughoboto, Thungchanbemo Tungoe has ordered a total/complete lockdown for three days at Pughoboto town from May 29, 6 a.m. till May 31, 6 p.m.

During the lockdown period, movement of public from and to Pughoboto would be restricted and all shops except pharmacies would remain closed.

The ADC informed that district administration, police and medical department would be exempted and that the vaccination drive as fixed by the health department would continue during the lockdown.

Further, Tungoe informed that wearing of face masks was made compulsory in Pughoboto town and defaulters would be penalised at a fine of Rs. 100.

Security forces and police along with the apprehended individuals.

DIMAPUR: In a joint operation, security forces along with police nabbed two suspected cadres of “NSCN (K-N)” on May 26 at Meluri, Phek district.

A press release by PRO (Defence) informed that based on a specific input the joint team nabbed the two while car-

rying out extortion at Meluri, Phek and recovered incriminating documents.

PRO informed that the apprehended individuals along with recovered documents have been handed over to Meluri police station for further investigation.

K Y M C

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northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

Punjab YouTuber gets police custody for racist slur Yaas hits Karimganj, boat capsizes

Itanagar, May 28 (PTI): An Itanagar court on Friday remanded YouTuber Paras Singh, arrested in Punjab for allegedly making a racial slur against an Arunachal Pradesh MLA, to police custody for one day.

Singh, who was also charged with inciting ill will and hatred towards the people of the Northeastern state for his comments made in a video posted on YouTube, was brought here on Thursday night from Ludhiana in Punjab.

The 22-year-old will be again produced before the court virtually on Saturday.

A senior police officer claimed that Singh made the controversial comment to gain publicity and boost income through his channels on the video-sharing website which are monetised.

A Special Investigating Team (SIT) of the state police went to Ludhiana and secured a three-day

transit remand from a court there to bring the accused to Arunachal Pradesh, a senior police official said.

In a video posted on Saturday on his YouTube channel dealing with mobile games, Singh had made certain comments on senior Congress MLA Ninong Ering and Arunachal Pradesh.

His remarks were regarding a letter written by Ering to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to ban the re- launch of PUBG Mobile India’s new avatar Battlegrounds Mobile India.

Singh, however, apologised for the comments in another video posted on Monday.

The state government on Monday filed a case against the YouTuber accusing him of making a racial slur against the MLA and inciting ill will and hatred towards the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

SIT SP Rohit Rajbir

Paras Singh ( third from left) brought to Itanagar.

Singh said that Singh earns money through two YouTube channels and one of them, with 3.94 lakh subscribers, exclusively deals with how to play PUBG.

In his letter to the PM, Ering had claimed that the mobile game was aimed at deceiving the government and citizens and should be banned in the country.

Gauhati HC seeks report of COVID patient denied admission

Gunmen attack Manipur BJP leader’s house

Guwahati, May 28 (PTI): The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam Government to submit a report regarding a PIL alleging that COVID-19 patients are being denied admission to private hospitals in the state despite having medical insurance.

A Division Bench of Gauhati High Court comprising Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak after hearing the PIL on May 24 directed the state authority to submit a report as regard denial of admission of COVID patients to private hospitals despite having medical insurance coverage. The PIL was filed

by Lawyers Association, Guwahati for a direction to the state authorities to combat the COVID-19

Correspondent

Gauhati High Court pandemic. The petitioner stated that nine private alleged that in Assam many hospitals were contacted COVID-19 patients having in Guwahati, Dibrugarh health insurance coverage and Bongaigaon. They are not being admitted to responded that they have private hospitals contrary not denied admission to to directions issued in this COVID patients except regard by the Insurance in some case where the Regulatory and Develop- employees of the hospital ment Authority of India were also suffering from (IRDAI) on March 4, 2020. COVID. The court will Advocate General D Saikia further hear the matter on countering the allegations May 31.

Sikkim reports highest single-day spike of 420 COVID-19 cases

Gangtok, May 28 (PTI): Sikkim reported the highest single-day spike of 420 COVID-19 cases pushing the tally to 14,634, a health department bulletin said on Friday. The coronavirus death toll in the Himalayan state rose to 243, with three fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. East Sikkim reported the maximum number of 235 fresh cases, followed by

South Sikkim at 136, West Sikkim at 47, and North Sikkim at two.

At present, there are 3,794 active cases, while 212 others have migrated to other states and 10,385 patients have recuperated from the infection.

So far 11,15,641 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the state, including 422 in the past 24 hours.

Lockdown extended in seven Arunachal districts till June 7 Itanagar, May 28 (PTI): The Ar unachal Pradesh government on Friday decided to extend the lockdown in seven districts till June 7 following a surge in COVID-19 cases, senior officials said.

The lockdown in the Itanagar capital region, Tawang, Lower Subansiri, Namsai, Upper Subansiri, Lohit, and Anjaw districts was to end on May 31.

The decision was taken at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) meeting, held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, to assess the coronavirus situation and review the preparedness of the state.

Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, “Following deliberations, it was clear that Arunachal Pradesh is yet to come out of the danger zone and we must continue to take strict measures to contain the spread of the disease and save precious lives.

“In greater public interest, we must all continue to take evidence and sciencebased decisions in tailoring our public health response.”

The meeting also decided to identify one health facility in every assembly constituency for upgrading it with

the necessary equipment, officials said.

Steps are being taken to create 1,000 oxygen beds

by July, besides upgrading the six 100 litres per minute (LPM) PSA plants in Ziro, Tawang, Tezu, Yingkiong, Seppa, and Aalo.

The meeting agreed to make the 500 LPM Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant functional at the Dedicated Covid Hospital (DCH) in Chimpu, near here, besides setting up 600 LPM plants in 19 hospitals and approved liquid medical oxygen (LMO) storage units at five strategic locations.

It was also decided to ramp up the number of oxygen beds at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) at Naharlagun near here, and at DCH Chimpu, the officials said.

Over three lakh people have been vaccinated in the northeastern state and there are plans to inoculate more than 1.5 lakh people in the next 30 days.

It was also decided that massive testing, tracking, and treating would be vigorously taken up to curb the spread of the disease.

The state has enough stock of essential medicines, they said.

IMPHAL, May 28: Unidentified gunmen attacked the house of a leader of Manipur unit of BJP in Moreh town of Manipur’s Tengnoupal district on Thursday night and fled.

Official reports said that the gunmen opened fire at the residence of vice president of BJP Manipur State ST Morcha J Khongsai last night around 10 pm.

No casualty was reported in the firing, except causing damages to the main entrance gate and window panes at the second floor of the multi-storey building at Moreh Ward no. 2.

The vice-president was at his house at the time of gun attack, reports said.

A motor-cycle parked near the gate of the house was also damaged after being hit by bullets, reports said.

Soon after the firing incident, a team of Moreh police station along with police commando personnel rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation.

They also launched an operation to nab the attackers. However, there were no reports of arrest or picking up of any suspects of the attack.

The YouTuber was angry with Ering because if the game is banned, his income will go down, the SIT chief said.

He made the controversial video also to gain widespread attention and get more views to increase his income which is around Rs 20,000-Rs 25000 per month, the police officer claimed.

Paras Singh’s other channel, which has 4.67 lakh subscribers, provides viewers information and tips on new dresses, weapons and skins of games like COD mobile and PUBG, he said. A skin is a graphic or audio download that changes the appearance of characters in video games.

The 22-year-old accused studied up to class 10 and lives with his mother.

He earns money through his YouTube channel.

The YouTuber who was on the run since Monday was arrested the next day by Ludhiana Police.

SHILLONG, MAY 28: The Meghalaya government on Friday decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the East Khasi Hills, which includes state capital Shillong, that was to have ended on 5 am on May 31, has been further extended up to 5 am on June 7.

This is for the third consecutive time that the authorities have had to extend the lockdown in East Khasi Hills, which has been the worst hit COVID-19district in the state.

On Friday, Meghalaya recorded 731 new COVID19 cases, pushing the number of active cases up to 8,025, while the death tolls rose to 544 with 20 related deaths.

In the past 24 hours, 17

out of the 20deaths and 346 active cases were reported from East Khasi Hills district alone.

“Although, in the previous days, we were seeing a dip in new cases, we cannot take it lightly to unlock the lockdown. Therefore, we decided to extend the lockdown to further break the transmission chain,” deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong said.

He however said that there will be some relaxations in place to ensure people can avail essential commodities and services.

“The Deputy Commissioner will ensure that essential commodities will be in place for the different localities in the district according to the requirements, ‘’ he said, adding that home delivery is permitted subject

the boat man, his son and three others of families in relation were on the boat.

The Nitish Das and his 17 years son Ajit Das were navigating the boat and dared to be in the waters of Sonbeel to reach a nearby village despite repeated warnings by the administration not to venture out to Sonbeel. The inevitable happened. The boat caught in storm went down the tumultuous waters of the wetland. 3 persons after long struggle with stormy waters could swim across.

On receiving information, NDFR team along with

locals swung into action, launched massive search operation and till mid day, the still bodies of Ujjala Das and her 10 years old granddaughter Hashi Das were recovered. Their bodies were sent to Karimganj Hospital for post mortem.

Superintendent of Police Karimganj Mayank Kumar IPS who was monitoring the rescue operation warned as the weather, as forecast by meteorological department, will turn stormy, no person or boatman should risk their life to sail or go for any misadventure in Sonbeel.

Correspondent IMPHAL, May 28: A dedicated COVID-19 hospital for children will be opened soon, said Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh in a speech after inauguration of a Cryogenic Liquid Medical Oxygen plant in Imphal on Friday.

The Cryogenic Liquid Medical Oxygen plant having a storage capacity of 10 KL was constructed at JNIMS hospital complex in Imphal to meet the ever increasing demand of medical oxygen in the wake of ever surging COVID-19 infections in the state.

Singh said that an 80bedded dedicated COVID hospital for children below 15 years would be opened soon while observing a steady rise in the infection among the children in the state.

“It is a matter of concern that positive cases among children are also on a steady rise,” he said.

N. Biren Singh said, the government was not sure in the beginning that an oxygen plant of such capacity could be installed within such a short period. A week ago, the chief minister had announced the installation of the plant will be completed within a week’s time.

“With joint efforts and collective hard work of all

to permission and regulation to be issued by the Deputy Commissioner.

“No political, public, social and religious activities would be permitted including conferences, meetings and training programmes.

Moreover, entry of tourists from outside the state shall not be permitted and tourist spots remain closed,” he said, adding that sports are not permitted.

“Inter-state movement of persons shall be restricted, but this restriction will not be applicable for transit vehicles of Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur, which pass through Meghalaya,” Tynsong informed.

He also said that international border trade with Bangladesh shall be regulated by the respective deputy commissioners.

Ensure sustainability of water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission: Assam CM

Guwahati, May 28 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday emphasised the need to ensure the sustainability of water supply schemes being implemented under the Central governments flagship ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ programme.

The Jal Jeevan Mission is aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all dwellings in rural areas by 2024. Review-

Two bodies have been recovered after a boat capsized.

Dedicated Covid hospital for children soon: Mnp CM

Meghalaya extends lockdown till June 7 Correspondent

S I L C H AR , M AY 2 8 (AGENCIES): The cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ which ravaged the coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha also had its trail of destruction in parts of Karimganj district in the evening hours of Wednesday, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Trees were uprooted and weak structured houses damaged. But, the most unfortunate incident of a country boat capsizing in the turbulent waters of the second largest wetland of Sonbeel in Asia in south east of the border district has sent shock waves across Barak Valley.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his shock and extended his sympathy to the family members of the bereaved families. He advised Bijoy Malakar, MLA of Ratabari, to visit the sight of the tragedy, stand by the families in distress and oversee the rescue operation for the recovery of the 2 persons still missing on board of the ill fated boat. In all 5 persons,

ing the scheme with officials of the Public Health Engineering Department here, the chief minister said, pipes laid for water supply by the department were crucial for the sustainability of the mission. Directing the officials to draw up a maintenance policy, Sarma said, it should specify the type of items to be used, implementation strategy and operational mechanism for the assets to be created under the Mission.

Cryogenic Liquid Medical Oxygen plant inaugurated on Friday by Manipur CM

concerned, it has become a reality now and it is like a dream come true at this critical juncture, ‘’ Singh said.

The chief minister informed that PSA oxygen plant in Churachandpur was also now operational and a similar plant would also be inaugurated in Thoubal as well within a couple of days.

Singh added that many of the hill districts would also have their own oxygen plants soon besides another Cryogenic LMO plant of 20 KL capacity in Imphal at the earliest.

He afurther informed that the state now has

around 4000 oxygen cylinders and over 1000 oxygen concentrators.

Another ICU block having 70 beds with ventilators was also coming up at JNIMS complex soon, he said.

With all these measures, the chief minister said, patients requiring oxygen would be quite manageable.

Maintaining that the Central government has been providing prompt assistance whenever needed, he observed that the state should be thankful to the Central leaders for it.

Stating that adherence

to SoP is the only means to defeat the pandemic, the chief minister urged the people to pray for the wellbeing of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, police and all other frontline warriors.

Later, the chief minister also inaugurated a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra where people can buy over 600 types of high quality generic medicines and 154 surgical products at affordable rates.

Some ministers and MLAs of the ruling parties and top officials of the state government attended the events.

Manipur reports Gaurav Gogoi demands more 732 fresh COVID security cover for Rupjyoti Kurmi positive cases Guwahati, May 28

Correspondent

IMPHAL, May 28: Manipur on Friday registered 732 new COVID-19 cases, taking the overall infection tally to 47,843 even as 13 fresh fatalities pushed the death tally to 761. This is the first time the state recorded below 800-mark after three days. The state had registered a single-day spike of 824 on May 25, 847 on May 26 (highest ever single day spike) and 813 on May 27.

The state health department, in its latest bulletin, saw detection of 732 new coronavirus cases including one from the Central security force in the last 24 hours. Adding the new infections, the state’s total Covid-19 infection tally rose to 47,843, out of which 39,480, including 579 patients were discharged.

The number of active cases in the state stood at 7,602 with 82.51% recovery rate.

The COVID-19 fatality tally of the state also increased to 761 as 13 more patients succumbed to the health complications due to the viral infection in the past 24 hours.

(agencies): After Mariani MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi was fired upon by alleged land encroachers of Nagaland on Thursday, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi demanded more security cover for Kurmi, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Gogoi has sought additional security from Assam Director General of Police (DGP), Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, saying that it was essential for not only his well-being but also to enable him to carry out his duties as an elected representative more efficiently.

On Thursday, Kurmi had a narrow escape after Naga miscreants opened fire at the Dissoi Valley Reserve Forest in Mariani where he was present to address some issue of land dispute with people from Nagaland.

He was shifted to a safe place by the Assam Police Battalion. He was on his way to Dissoi Valley to take stock of some land eviction by illegal occupants from Nagaland when the firing took place.

Dissoi Valley is along the Assam-Nagaland border.

After the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked

Gaurav Gogoi

Special DGP G P Singh to investigate the unprovoked firing by Naga miscreants on Mariani. Kurmi thanked his PSOs and the Assam Police constables for their prompt response and for saving his and other people’s lives. Kurmi expressed grief that they were fired upon in their own land and requested the Chief Minister to save Assam’s land.

It is to be mentioned that the Assam Police and Kurmi’s PSOs fired several rounds in retaliation to the firing from the Naga miscreants.

They were successful in saving all the lives on the Assam side. Kurmi and his team had to run for their lives and tried to take shelter by kneeling down and trying to hide below the hills in the area.

PM responsible for second Covid wave: Rahul Gandhi Says it’s time for PM to become a ‘leader’ and stop blame game New Delhi, May 28 (IANS): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing a virtual press conference on Friday blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second wave of Covid-19 and said that it is time for the Prime Minister to become a leader and stop the blame game.

He said the buck stops at the Prime Minister’s door as it was he who exported the vaccine and not the states.

Rahul Gandhi said, “It’s time that the Prime Minister should tell the country that I will arrange vaccines and become a leader and should not worry about his image.”

The Prime Minister’s image has been dented and

Rahul Gandhi

he should stop blaming the states as this time the Union and stare governments should be in sync.

It is the duty of the Prime Minister to ensure everybody is on the same page.

He said, “They were warned over a year ago. But they ridiculed the warnings, focused on tokenism, and declared premature victories. Who is responsible for the loss of lakhs of Indian lives?”

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being responsible

Suspension of intl passenger flights extended till June 30 New Delhi, May 28 (AGENCIES): The coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till June 30, aviation regulator DGCA said on Friday. “However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis,” the Directorate General of Civil Aviation added.

Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020, and under bilateral “air bubble” arrangements

with select countries since July 2020. India has formed air bubble pacts with around 27 countries including the US, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.

The DGCA’s Friday circular also said that the suspension does not affect international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it.

The decision to extend the suspension on scheduled international passenger flights comes as India battles a second wave of coronavirus, even though daily cases have seen a steady decline over the past several days.

for the second wave of the Covid pandemic in the country.

Attacking the government over the vaccination shortage he said that India is fighting a war with Covid and vaccination is the only way to stop the pandemic is to vaccinate people. He also accused the government of hiding the real figures of deaths due to Covid.

Addressing a press conference, virtually, Rahul Gandhi said, “I had warned the government on number times non stop over the Covid since February last year. And the government made fun of us. Even the Prime Minister announced victory over Covid.”

He said that problem is that the government and the Prime Minister were unable to understand the Covid.

He said that last year he told the government to not give space to Covid and close the doors.

TMC keen to join farmers’ protest, eyes 2024 polls Lucknow, May 28 (IANS): The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced that it will extend full support to farmers protesting against the farm laws.

However, before joining their protest, the TMC leaders will seek permission from agitating farmers. Uttar Pradesh TMC president Neeraj Rai said: “If farmers allow us to join them, we will sit on dharna with them.

We will not go there just to meet them and return.” He further said that members of the state unit of Trinamool Congress, will meet the farmers soon. The state TMC unit is keen to contest the 2024 general elections in Uttar Pradesh as well.

India will complete Covid vaccination by Dec: Javadekar N EW D ELHI , M AY 28 (AGENCIES): Amid mounting criticism over the crippling shortage of Covid vaccines, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar Friday cited recent remarks of the Health Ministry and stated that India will be fully vaccinated by December this year.

Addressing a press conference, Javadekar said that by December, 216 crore doses of vaccine doses will be ready meaning 108 crore people will be able to get their jabs.

“The health ministry has prepared a blueprint to produce 216 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines within December 2021. With this at least 108 crore people can be vaccinated,” he said.

Javadekar’s response came hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the government for its Covid management and held Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “theatrics” responsible for the second coronavirus wave and warned of more

Prakash Javadekar

waves to come at the current rate of vaccination.

With the current pace of vaccinations, he said, the entire inoculation exercise will be completed by May 2024.

Gandhi called on the government to evolve a vaccine strategy for the entire population and pointed out that only 3 per cent of the people have received their jabs so far.

Coming down heavily on Gandhi, Javadekar said the kind of language the Congress leader used and the way he tried to stoke “fears” has confirmed that the “toolkit” was produced by his party.

state government through OM dated April 6,2020 designated all Nodal Officers from the state to each of the 11 Empowered Groups as constituted by the MHA and that vide corrigendum, the state on March 17,2020 reconstituted the Special Advisory Group comprising of ten members to monitor and ensure preparedness in case of outbreak of coronavirus.

In view of these, Imchen said he demanded to know from the state government and the chief minister as to what was the logic of appointing a new panel of experts despite the fact that several officials have already been appointed/designated to various committees and groups at the state level in line with what was being done at the national level?

He wanted to know if these newly appointed experts were going to formulate any

new strategy and approach other than what the Health ministry and other official authorities such as--ICMR, NEGVAC and Empowered Groups were already formulating?

He said if the answer is in the affirmative then what would be the approaches?

Imchen said if in the negative then the state government had not faith on its own state officials who are already appointed to various committees.

He also asked whether the HPC was unable to take decision on its own despite advisories and guidelines and orders issued from time to time by the government of India?

Imchen said if the formation of the expert panel to advise HPC was done with “good intention to help the state” then why was it kept a secret since public funds would be used to pay

Panel of experts held one sitting, says HPC (From p-1) As methods for random testing would be initiated as per the Act, therefore, he said refusal to undergo test or disclose information for contact tracing would be a violation of the Act as the person concerned would be held liable for spreading the virus. State Nodal officer (ISDP) Dr Nyan Kikon said 28,820 tests were carried out in May 2021 alone, the highest since Covid-19 pandemic started.

He said the positivity rate before the government imposed lockdown was 34%, which came down to 21% after the State-wide total lockdown was imposed, adding that the government was hoping to bring down the rate further to below 10%. On the issue of online registration for vaccination

in 18-44 years category, Dr. Nyan acknowledged technical glitches in Cowin portal, pointing out that this was initiated to avoid overcrowding and rush. He assured that the health department was working on it.

HPC yet to discuss HC order: Despite clear directives issued by Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench to the State government over management of Covid-19, Mmhonlumo Kikon said the government would follow the advisories and directives of Indian Council of Medical Research and Central government, adding that HPC did not discuss the court order yet.

Following reports that even shops dealing with essential commodities were not allowed to open in many colonies in Kohima by col-

ony authorities, Kikon said advisories were in place for colonies to allow opening of shops from 6 am to 12 noon.

He emphasised that essential services would have to function, even if a colony was declared a containment zone. And if shops dealing in essential commodities were not allowed to open, then it was violation of SOP since these were allowed even in containment zone, he added. Mentioning that district task forces (DTF) would have regular coordination meetings with village task forces, colonies, etc, from May 29 onwards, Kikon said DTFs were empowered to decide on opening categories of shops, including hardware shops and wholesale shops, adding that the SOPs remained unchanged.

Delhi govt to lift lockdown week-wise, traders push for reopening markets NEW DELHI, MAY 28 (IANS): Lifting the lockdown restrictions for construction work and also for manufacturing and production units in the national capital, which will come into effect from Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that the administration will take a decision on allowing activities in the city phase-wise.

Delhi’s Covid management body, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which is being chaired by Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, on Friday decided that lifting of the lockdown will proceed like it was imposed -- week-wise.

After DDMA’s meeting was over, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal through a digital press conference said, “The Government has to take care of the lowest strata first, which includes daily wagers, labourers, and migrant workers who come to Delhi from far off areas for livelihood. This category of personnel are usually found in the construction field and in factories.”

He added, “In the

Arvind Kejriwal

meeting, it was decided that to avoid losing the advantage gained in the past month, everyone is of the opinion that we must open phase-wise. There has to be some balance. Every week, based on suggestions from citizens and expert opinion, we will keep opening up progressively. If the rate of infection increases again, we will put the unlocking on hold. So everyone must maintain caution.”

Beginning Monday, production units will be allowed to function in industrial areas within confines or manufacturing premises.

In specified compounds, workers will also be allowed to carry out construction activities. The restrictions

will remain the same and no other activity will be allowed till the DDMA takes a further decision on it.

Meanwhile, the government’s decision to allow only construction and production units did not go down well with the market associations and they have expressed unhappiness.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that curbing the spread of coronavirus is the priority of not only the government but also of the traders and citizens, but when the positivity rate is about 1.5 per cent, the markets in Delhi should also have been allowed to open, may be in a phased manner.

“Construction activities and factories provide livelihood to migrant workers, which is half baked only.

More than 15 lakh small and big traders of Delhi are providing employment to more than 35 lakh employees who are largely migrant people and as such for their livelihood, the shops are also eligible to open,” said Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary of CAIT.

‘Yaas’ impact: One dead, six injured in Bihar Patna, May 28 (IANS): Cyclone Yaas impacted several districts of Bihar on Friday as one person died and six were reportedly injured in Bihar’s Begusarai district after an old house collapsed. The incident occurred at Nonpur village under Teghra police station.

The deceased has been identified as Geeta Paswan.

The house collapsed due to heavy rainfall for the last 36 hours. The injured persons, including two children, were admitted at Begusarai’s Sadar Hospital.

They said that the roof of the house collapsed due to heavy rain and they were trapped under its debris.

The local villagers rescued all of them.

Districts like Patna,

Commuters cross a waterlogged street following heavy rains, in the aftermath of Cyclone ‘Yaas’, in Patna, Friday, May 28, 2021. (PTI)

Vaishali, Saran, Gaya, fall since Thursday mornNawada, Begusarai, Mad- ing. hubani and Sitamarhi have Water-logging has registered continuous rain- been reported at several

Imchen raises questions on ‘expert panel’ (From p-1) He also cited the appeal made by the chief minister on April 28,2021 to the Confederation of Indian Industries for donations on the ground that state finances were over stretched.

Imchen demanded to know as to how much fund was needed by the state and how much it has so far spent and for what purposes? He also demanded to which areas were funds allotted and how much of the 20% pro-rata cut was utilized and what was the “urgent necessity” for the “so-called expert panel” which only added to the financial burden of the state?

Imchen said the ministry of home affairs had on March 29,2020 constituted 11 Empowered Groups under the DM Act 2005 at the national level to plan and implement Covid-19 response activities.He said the

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national/state

for their services with even the chief minister admitting that the state’s financial resources were stretched?

He asked as to why was there only selective, half information being released to the public by the ruling coalition which was always on a politically defensive -mode?

He slammed the tweet of the HPC spokesperson and adviser as “misleading” when the latter claimed that HPC was being advised by the panel. Imchen said on close scrutiny, it was found that the “half cropped available information” instead meant that the panel was constituted to “make expert opinion on various aspects of emergency response to Covid-19 to the SDMA and SEC and nowhere was it mentioned that the panel would advise HPC. Since the chief secretary occupies positions in the HPC,

SDMA and EC, would he (CS) be the one conveying advise of these experts to the HPC? He said creation of more panels would only create more confusion and result in multiplicity of decision making besides adding burden on finance. Imchen suggested that instead, the state government should be taking much needed decisions in declaring field staff of power department at par as front line workers as they are the unsung heroes and also since power is crucial for hospitals, ICUs, oxygen concentrators etc.

In the light of all these, Imchen said it was his considered opinion that constitution of the expert panel was “unnecessary, clandestine and perhaps dubious in procedure”. He demanded that the state government urgently come clean on this matter in the interest of the public.

places in these districts. An approach road connecting Jai Prabha bridge along the Ganga river between Saran

district in Bihar and Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh partially collapsed at the starting point of the bridge.

This led to a traffic cut-off between Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Jai Prabha bridge is part of Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh) to Hajipur (Bihar) road.

It is one of the key routes to connect Bihar’s capital Patna to eastern Uttar Pradesh’s districts such as Ghazipur, Ballia, Varanasi, Mau and Jaunpur.

The Saran district administration has halted traffic on the road. The vehicles are taking longer routes through Arrah and Buxar to move toward Ghazipur.

Several trees also toppled inside the premises of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.

Mehul Choksi to be charged for entering Dominica ‘illegally’ New Delhi, May 28 (IANS): Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who was captured from Dominica on Wednesday, has been charged for entering the island nation “illegally”, the local media reported on Friday.

According to Antigua News Room, Choksi has been charged for his “illegal entry into Dominica”.

The court’s decision came while it was hearing a habeas corpus plea filed by Choksi’s lawyers.

Choksi, who is wanted in India by the CBI and the ED for the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, went missing from Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday, sparking a massive manhunt. He was captured in Dominica on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Choksi’s lawyer in India, Vijay Agarwal, told IANS, “Upon the filing of the habeas corpus petition titled ‘Mehul Choksi vs Attorney general of Commonwealth of Dominica and Chief of Police’, a Dominica court has ordered a restraint on removing Choksi from the land of Dominica until further order.”

On Thursday night, Agarwal had said that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica.

He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi’s body, implying the use of force. There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don’t

know what forces are operating. The time will tell,” he had said.

However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi’s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed.

On Wednesday, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne had said that the fugitive diamantaire “needs to return to India” where he can face the criminal charges levelled against him.

Antigua News Room quoted Browne as telling journalists in Antigua and Barbuda: “We asked them not to repatriate him to Antigua. He needs to return to India where he can face the criminal charges levelled against him.”

SC to hear on May 31 plea seeking cancellation of Class 12 exams

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear on May 31 a plea seeking directions to cancel Class 12 examinations in the wake of the surge in Covid cases across the country.

The matter came up for hearing before a bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar

and Dinesh Maheshwari.

At the outset, the bench asked petitioner Mamta Sharma whether she had served the copy of the plea to the counsel representing the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

When the petitioner said she would serve the

copy of the petition to the parties, the bench observed, “You do it. We will have it on Monday (May 31)”.

“We permit the counsel for the petitioner to serve advance copy of the petition to respondents, namely the central agency, counsel for the CBSE and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination,” the bench said, adding, “List on Monday (May 31)”.

The petition has made the Centre, the CBSE and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination as respondents in the matter.

During the hearing conducted through videoconferencing, Justice Maheshwari observed that the

CBSE is likely to take a call on this issue on June 1.

The counsel representing the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination told the bench that since the apex court is hearing the matter, the high courts should not deal with it.

“Nothing will happen till Monday,” the bench said. When the petitioner told the bench that the top court can take suo motu cognisance on the issue, the bench said, “Be optimistic.

May be by Monday some resolution will be there. Let us have it on Monday.”

davp 17153/11/0005/2122

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO.172 Dimapur, SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

Probe on Covid-19

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OVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives the world over for more than a year. The virus infected 16, 85, 09,636 people across the world while claiming the lives of 35,05,534 as onMay28.2021. Despite the global havoc caused by the Wuhan Virus a.k.a. Covid-19, the origin of pandemic remains uncertain. This is so because various governments and politicians and corporate houses have their own vested interests to hide facts from being exposed.

That is why the pandemic has generated thick clouds of obfuscation, which the mainstream press seems helpless to dispel. As many people know, there are two main theories about its origin. One is that the Wuhan virus jumped naturally from wildlife to people.

The other is that the virus was under study in a lab, from which it escaped. US president Joe Biden, has asked American intelligence agencies to “redouble” their efforts to analyse the origins of COVID-19, to determine whether it emerged from human-animal contact or via a laboratory accident. Biden’s order adds significantly to the growing pressure on China to be more open about the origins of the SARS-COV2 virus, an outbreak of which was officially admitted in early 2020 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which houses the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). The WIV has been researching on coronaviruses in bats for over a decade. Some even suggested it could have been engineered as a possible biological weapon. Fresh impetus and interest was raised after a classified US intelligence report - saying three researchers at the Wuhan laboratory were treated in hospital in November 2019, just before the virus began infecting humans in the city - began circulating in US media this week.It may be recalled that then US president Donald Trump had held China solely responsible for the spread of the virus. China has the WHO under its economic grip as the fifth largest donor to the WHO and UNIDO. WHO has been complicit in cover up since 2019. Earlier this year, a team of WHO-appointed scientists flew to Wuhan earlier to investigate the source of the pandemic.

However, the WHO team got nothing and concluded after spending 12 days there, that it was “extremely unlikely” that the virus escaped from WIV. China has hit back at suggestions the virus may have escaped from a laboratory. It insisted that the coronavirus may have entered the country in food shipments from another country. Chinese say the virus emerged in bats and then jumped to humans, most likely through another animal, or “intermediary host”. A pliant WHO swallowed the theory propounded by the Chinese.

WHO has already lost all credibility as its top executives including the current director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus owe their positions to the Chinese. WHO delayed declaration of pandemic as early as November 2019 when the Wuhan virus spread across China and entered some Asian countries. When it was compelled to declare a pandemic, it was four months too late. Hopefully, the probe ordered

by Biden will end speculations and unearth facts.

Reports that the virus was cultivated and engineered since 2015 by virologists like Dr. Peter Daszak(chief of Eco Health Alliance) and China’s leading bat virus expert Dr. Shi Zheng-Li to enhance deadliness of the virus and pre-empt mutations then creating vaccines is among those that need to be probed. The probe should also include WHO’s role as an accomplice that led to the deaths of millions across the world and devastation of the global economy.

DailyDevotion Unquestioned Revelation

In that day you will ask Me nothing. —John 16:23

When is “that day”? It is when the ascended Lord makes you one with the Father. “In that day” you will be one with the Father just as Jesus is, and He said, “In that day you will ask Me nothing.”

Until the resurrection life of Jesus is fully exhibited in you, you have questions about many things.

Then after a while you find that all your questions are gone— you don’t seem to have any left to ask.

You have come to the point of total reliance on the resurrection life of Jesus, which brings you into complete oneness with the purpose of God. Are you living that life now? If not, why aren’t you?

“In that day” there may be any number of things still hidden to your understanding, but they will not come between your heart and God. “In that day you will ask Me nothing”— you will not need to ask, because you will be certain that God will reveal things in accordance with His will.

The faith and peace of John 14:1 has become the real attitude of your heart, and there are no more questions to be asked. If anything is a mystery to you and is coming between you and God, never look for the explanation in your mind, but look for it in your spirit, your true inner nature— that is where the problem is. Once your inner spiritual nature is willing to submit to the life of Jesus, your understanding will be perfectly clear, and you will come to the place where there is no distance between the Father and you, His child, because the Lord has made you one. “In that day you will ask Me nothing.”

Quotes

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. ~ Nelson Mandela

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

Post-mortem The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging Parents’ guide on Life-skills the power of youth for peace and security for children in covid times

29th May is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

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e are aware of the activities of the United Nations.

The United Nations works with different governments and other agencies around the world. It has special agencies dealing with different issues and challenges. Apart from focusing on the developmental activities it also has peacekeepers deployed in different disturbed zones of the world.

UN Peacekeeping helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace and they come from different walks of life. The first UN peacekeeping mission was established on 29 May 1948, when the Security Council authorized the deployment of a small number of UN military observers to the Middle East to form the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Today, tens of thousands of young peacekeepers (between the ages of 18 and 29 years) are deployed around the world and play a major role in helping the missions implement their mandated activities including the protection of civilians. Since 1948, more than 1 million women and men have served in 72 UN peacekeeping operations, directly impacting the lives of millions of people and saving countless lives.

Today, UN Peacekeeping deploys more than 89,000 military, police and civilian personnel in 12 operations.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers which is observed on 29th May offers a chance to pay tribute to the uniformed and civilian personnel’s invaluable contribution to the work of the Organization and to honour more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948.

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 57/129, designated 29th May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This is the date when in 1948 the first UN peacekeeping mission named the “United Nations Truce Supervision Organization”, or UNTSO, began operations in Palestine. The theme for this year’s Day is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging

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the power of youth for peace and security.”

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations in his message said that “the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers honors the more than one million women and men who have served on the frontlines of conflict and the more than 4,000 who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.” He also said that “one of our greatest strengths is our own young peacekeepers, in particular young women peacekeepers who contribute every day to debunking deeply entrenched gendered stereotypes and inspire young women and girls to seek non-traditional paths and opportunities.” “United Nations peacekeeping helps nurture peace in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Today and every day, we salute the dedication and bravery of our peacekeepers in helping societies turn away from war and towards a safer, more stable future”, he added .

Previous Observances • 2020 : “Women in Peacekeeping – A Key to Peace” • 2019 : “Protecting Civilians, Protecting Peace” • 2018: UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice • 2017: Investing in peace around the world • 2016: Honouring Our Heroes • 2015: UN70 and UN Peacekeeping: Past, Present, and Future • 2014: UN Peacekeeping: A Force for Peace. A Force for Change. A Force for the Future • 2013: UN Peacekeeping: Adapting to New Challenges • 2012: Peacekeeping Is a Global Partnership • 2 0 1 1 : L aw. O r d e r.

Peace • 2010: Responding to Haiti tragedy UN Peacekeeping helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace and there are three basic principles that continue to set UN peacekeeping operations apart as a tool for maintaining international peace and security. These three principles are interrelated and mutually reinforcing: Consent of the parties, Impartiality and Non-use of

force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate India has been contributing towards global peace by differ means. India has been actively associated with UN peacekeepers and its activities. Indian peacekeepers have served in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. More than 200,000 Indians have served in 49 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948. Apart from men India has a long tradition of sending women on UN peacekeeping missions. In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission.

The Formed Police Unit in Liberia provided 24-hour guard duty and conducted night patrols in the capital Monrovia and helped to build the capacity of the Liberian police. Indian doctors provide medical care to the local population in missions around the world, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Indian peacekeepers have served in some of the most physically demanding and harshest environments, including South Sudan.

More than 160 Indian peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price in service to peace, losing their lives serving under the UN flag. Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, Param Vir Chakra was an Indian Army officer and member of a United Nations peacekeeping force and is the only UN Peacekeeper to be awarded a Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime military decoration. Indian peacekeepers have been awarded with Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Yudh Seva Medal and Sena Medal apart from other awards. It is a matter of pride for individuals to get associated with UN peacekeeping activities as one gets many opportunities to make positive changes in some of the disturbed areas. Let us hope that UN peacekeepers will always serve humanity the way they are serving and India would be able to take lead in this matter as many Indians have already contributed in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

Ranjan K Baruah (With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com )

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reschool period is a pivotal time for a child’s physical and mental development.According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),pre-schoolersinclude age group from 3-5 years of age. The first five years of a child’s life is really crucial for the developing brain according to the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) because the experiences during this time is said to provide the base for the organizational development of the brain and a child’s entire life’s function. It has a direct effect on how a child develops learning skills together with social and emotional maturity.

With schools closed down due to covid, children are at risk of not just an inferior academic accomplishment but also at a risk of maladaptive social interaction. Social skills along with peer to peer interaction ishampered and therefore it becomes a parent’s (or a care giver’s) responsibility to impart important life skills at home.

The social interaction and development can be broadly classified in o 4 types1. Independence – preschool and school children learn to be independent and do things independently during this stage. They learn how to put waste in the waste bin, how to arrange their toys properly after play, clean-up after eating, arrange their clothes, how to keep their utensils clean, brush their teeth, potty training, pull up their pants after going to the washroom etc. It may be a messy start, but start nonetheless. Many children usually learn this in school rather than athome. Whenever parents start making their child do these at home, children usually show some resistance, as the responsibility is passed on to them. Initially parents can help and guide them or do things together till the child can do independently on their own. Make sure to appreciateand praise them whenever they achieve or are able to do something on their own, as this helps the child gain confidence.

Make sure you don’t praise them more than is required, as this may make the child expect the same inflatedapplause every time and everywhere. It takes patience and effort from both the parties. It is our aim that they become independent, but without being a ‘helicopter parent”.

2. Resilience – it is basically the ability to bounce back after a disappointment or a failure. It may vary from child to child, while some children may need more guidanceanother may not. A parent or a care giver has to understand that as uncomfortable as it may be, a child needs to realize the importance of getting things right eventually. It is paramount to make them appreciate the importance of getting up each time they fall, rather than making them embarrassed or miserable about it. Once they can do certain chores on their own, it boosts up their confidence and helps them take up more tasks and responsibilities on their own. There is no perfect way to achieve this, but we want both the parent and the child to work it out together. Sometimes some parents can

The Unbridled ‘Chinese’ Virus

YouTuber from PunThe discrimination trial. The accused apologised incidents of crime against jab recently remarked case involving the YouTu- and appeared remorseful and North-Eastern Indians be t h a t , ‘A r u n a c h a l ber from Punjab reveals an seemed to have learned her then allocated to ministers Pradesh ain’t India enough’ uncomfortable trend among lesson. She was later released for timely action? The Govand went on to call a Mem- some miscreants hailing and it is highly doubtful the ernment has taken a comber of Legislative Assembly from mainland India to use person will repeat the same mendable step of forming (MLA) from the state of Ar- discriminatory words to mistake again. But the crux North East helplines to unachal Pradesh,“Chinese”. humiliate and subjugate their of the matter is if the punish- specifically attend to the The story went viral and North Eastern counterparts. ment awarded is exemplary concerns of North Eastern created a social media storm. These discriminatory psyche enough to discourage others people in a few metropolitan There could be many such and misconducts stem from from committing the crime. cities. Considering the rise incidents unreported and si- the comfort in the belief that It is in this aspect the effort in crime against NE people lently withstood. Racial dis- such incidents do not attract of the Arunachal police to in various places, is it time crimination against North- any fearful consequences. It nab the YouTuber despite to ponder the possibility of Eastern people in mainland is thence commendable on his apology, that deserves installing NE helplines in India is nothing new, though the part of the Arunachal adulation. Racial discrimina- all states? new incidents keep occur- police to pursue the case with tion is too serious a matter Being one personally ring. How could one forget utmost seriousness to book to be dismissed with a note affected by the unending Nido Tania, the boy from the culprit and thereby send of apology. More stringent wave of racial discriminaArunachal Pradesh who was a stentorian message to the actions should be awarded to tion based on appearances beaten to death by shopkeep- public. This effort of the AP discourage potential discrim- and the type of food choers in a fight sparked by police in collaboration with inators. At a time when the sen to put on my plate, I taunts on the hair colour the Punjab police should be nation is reeling under severe remember the psychologiof the Arunachalee boy emulated by other states to impact of the second wave cal trauma and anguish so in Munirka Delhi? Memo- give nothing away in cases of the Covid-19 pandemic, much so I had at one point ries of a few North Eastern of discrimination against it is unthinkable as to how a questioned if NE Indian guys being denied entry in the North East people if the feeling of hatred and enmity are considered bonafide a supermarket in Bangalore intent is to sincerely address could be developed against citizens of the country at allegedly for physically re- the issue. Geographical and one’s own countrymen at all. Many victims of racial sembling the Chinese and physical differences should this juncture. We should all discrimination will harbour therefore carrier though they not be allowed to be mis- hang our heads in shame and the same anguish. Also, rawore masks and showed used as an opportunity to introspect. The challenge cial discrimination spawns them their Identity cards divide the people of India; now is to find a solution to regional enmity as is evident are still fresh even after a discrimination has the dan- put an end to these humili- in past incidents. Such epiyear of its occurrence. The gerous potential of sowing ating culture for good. Not sode of racial discrimination obvious question that comes seeds of disunity and could all victims have the blessing against Northeasterners has to mind then is, ‘what initia- knock for six the integrity of like the MLA of Arunachal in the past fuelled regional tive has been taken to curb the country.

Pradesh whose case has the enmity and resulted in the the menace?’ or to put in a It is worth remembering close supervision of Union attack on people belonging different perspective, why is that a year ago, an animal Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju. outside the region and vice no effective step taken by the activist had called Nagas That timely intervention of versa. It is a dangerous trend concerned to eradicate racial ‘Chinki’ and was booked the minister could be the detrimental to the idea of discrimination against the by the Nagaland police and main reason for the swift unity in diversity.

Northeasterners? brought to Kohima to face punitive actions. Should all While the Government Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

have a “helicopter parenting” attitude and may delay a child’s developmental process. Sometimes getting out of the way in certain situation may work out best. Many a times we see that a child is more resilient and responsible at school than at home, which is usually because a child is given more independence at school. It is good to have a structured routine at home, especially with the school being shut due to Covid. Have a fixed time for going to bed and getting up.Care givers need to be a role model and participate in the routine to encourage the child, as children are more of imitators.

3. Peer to peer social and language development - The way children interact with adults is different from how children interact among themselves. Inadequate attention to children during this age group can cause catastrophe in a child’s life. In a study by Edward Mueller et al of Boston University, they found that children utilized more coordinated social behaviours in their interactions; and the origin of peer social relations was seen during object-focused contacts or play. Participation in peer social interaction was itself responsible for the increase in skilled behaviour among peer-experienced toddlers.

Parents can teach them techniques of social interaction by teaching them how to listen to others, how to start or make a conversation with others.

Improving their EQ (emotional quotient) by teaching children how to care for others or their relatives at home helps. Along with this, reading books to them helps them in their intellectual growth. They can be gradually taught to critically analyse stories and moral of a story. Children can be made to understand that it is okay to be wrong at times and to accept failures and to build on it for future success. It is the right time to teach them when to say thank you and sorry.

4. Sharing and taking turnsMake children understand that another person also has emotions like them.

Teach them to wait for their turn at home, it prepares them for a better peer-peer interaction once they come in contact with other children. We can teach them to say‘can I have the toy once you are done playing’ which further improves their communication skill and patience at the same time. In turn a Parent or the elder sibling can show their appreciation for waiting patiently for their turn. This teaches them how to appreciate others. Teach them to share their toys or snacks with their siblings or care givers. Few more things a parent/care-giver should understand is that there should be consistency in the practice of disciple or guidance by each care-given if there are more than one care giver. It is important to practice gratitude and focus on positive aspects of life. It is also the right time to teach them about morality. Finally, there is nothing like a ‘perfect parent’ and it is an evolving skill which is learnt lifelong.

Dr.Akumtoshi MD (Paediatrics) Fellow Neonatal Medicine PGC (Neonatology)

is spending its time and energy to thwart off China’s claim of a part of a state in North East India, calling names like ‘Chinese’ to our North Eastern brethren, in addition to it being a crime, is tantamount to promoting China’s propaganda.

Ironically, there are sizeable Northeasterners among the Indian Army personnels valiantly manning our borders to avert external aggressions including that of China’s. It is a tragedy that Northeasterners, despite rendering their selfless service to the nation, are rebuked and not treated as ‘equals’ by many people.

To rein in the menace of racial discrimination in all sincerity, it is time discussions on the matter is given a centrepiece in our

social sphere to spread the awareness of it being a vicious social evil. Endowing paramount importance to the issue is a pressing necessity that merits the collective endeavour of concerned authorities and the general public. The initiative warrants policies and actions devised by taking into account the grave ramifications racial discrimination has, beyond the concerns of North-Eastern Indians.

In all the cases involving discrimination of NE people, the victims are not just those directly affected; India as a country that celebrates diversity is the main victim.

T S Haokip (The writer is an author and freelance writer based in Mumbai.)

Reader’s Post

Prioritise the well being of labourers

Sir,

We have come across various videos about funeral services being conducted for deceased people who had passed away from COVID. We have also been witnesses of burials taking places first hand and as such being stated, we should also look into the welfare of the labourers responsible for digging and mending of the cemeteries. The authorities should make sure that they provide the labourers with safety gears and prioritise their well beings as well. Afterall, we are all humans and since none of us are exempted from this deadly disease, we should all look out for each other.

Senti Ao, Dimapur newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

India backs probe on origins of coronavirus

sue. “The follow up of the WHO report and further studies deserve the understanding and cooperation of all,” he said.

During the probe by the WHO earlier this year, the US and several other countries expressed concerns over Chinese authorities not providing complete data to the WHO team probing the origin of the virus.

President Biden had on Wednesday ordered the US intelligence agencies to “redouble” their efforts in investigating the emergence of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic and report back to him in 90 days.

“I have now asked the intelligence community to redouble their efforts to collect and analyse information that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion, and to report back to me in 90 days,” Biden had said.

“As part of that report, I have asked for areas of further inquiry that may be required, including specific questions for China. I have also asked that this effort include work by our national labs and other agencies of our government to augment the intelligence community’s efforts,” the US president had said.

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): India on Friday supported renewed global calls for a comprehensive investigation by the WHO into the origins of COVID-19, days after US President Joe Biden asked American intelligence agencies to find out how coronavirus emerged in China.

There were growing demands by a sizeable number of countries including the US and Australia to investigate whether the virus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 from an animal source or from a laboratory accident in December 2019 In March, the World

Health Organisation (WHO) came out with a report on the origins of the virus but it had failed to meet the expectations of the US and several other leading countries.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the follow up of the WHO report and further studies deserve the understanding and cooperation of all. “The WHO convened global study on the origin of COVID-19 is an important first step. It stressed the need for next phase studies as also for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions,” he said.

Bagchi was responding to media queries on the is-

Tightened lockdown in TN extended till Jun 7

11 people dead after consuming spurious liquor in Aligarh

C HE N NAI , M AY 2 8 ( IA N S ) : Ta m i l N a d u Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday announced extension of the tightened Covid-19 lockdown by one more week.

In a statement issued here, Stalin said considering the Covid-19 spread district wise and to safeguard precious lives, the lockdown is extended from May 31 to June 7.

He said neighbourhood grocery and provision stores are allowed to make door deliveries between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

After getting permission from the local authorities, the shops can also carry their products in vans and sell them in their localities.

Stalin also said orders have been issued to supply a package containing 13 grocery items from June onwards at ration shops to those having ration cards eligible to get rice.

All other restrictions announced on May 22 will continue to apply.

Aligarh (UP), May 28 (PTI): Eleven people died on Friday and some more were taken ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor sold by a licensed vendor here, a senior official said.

A time-bound magisterial inquiry has been ordered which will be conducted by an additional district magistrate-rank officer, District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh told media persons.

The administration is likely to invoke the NSA against those found guilty in the inquiry, he said.

Earlier in the day, DIG Dipak Kumar said that the Lodha police station was informed in the morning about the death of two people after consumption of countrymade liquor bought from a vendor in Karsia.

T h e v i c t i m s we r e tr uck drivers who had gathered at a gas depot on the Aligarh-Tapaal highway for work, he said.

However, when police

and senior district officials reached the spot, they were informed that six more people belonging to Karsia and adjoining villages had died, the DIG said, adding that police teams were rushed to the area and the bodies sent for postmortem examination.

The DM said information about other people who had consumed liquor bought from the same vendor is trickling in.

Speaking to PTI, Deputy Commissioner, Excise, D Sharma said some of those taken ill were rushed to the district hospital and from there, shifted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, AMU, later.

He said the liquor vend has been sealed and samples have been collected for testing.

According to locals, people had started falling sick from Thursday.

Many others from neighbouring villages had also consumed the liquor, they added.

Kerala readies delegations, protests as turmoil intensifies in Lakshadweep

T HIR U V A N A N THAPURAM, MAY 28 (AGENCIES): The political upheaval in Kerala over Lakshadweep is intensifying. From preparing to send party-level delegations to the island group to protests, almost all sections of the state’s polity are up in arms against the sweeping administrative changes being brought about in the Union Territory.

Such bipartisan support against the new Lakshadweep administrator PrafulKhoda Patel’s tweaks are important since it is increasingly difficult to hear local voices, given the permit system in place and the stringent lockdown norms imposed since a major breakout of COVID-19 infections. “We have had 36 administrators before and we never had any issues with anyone. Now all democratic principles are being ignored for the liking and wishes of one person. We will not accept this,” said T Abdul Kader, the Panchayat Chairman of Lakshadweep’s capital, Kavaratti.

Some of the changes

introduced -- or in the draft stage -- by Mr Patel include the implementation of the ‘Goonda Act’ in a region almost bereft of crimes, and restrictions on animal slaughter. Then there is the proposed ban on people with more than two children from contesting panchayat elections. Locals are also reportedly upset over layoffs amid the pandemic. A sign of Kerala’s anger against these developments is the universal support for a resolution, likely to be passed in the state Assembly on May 31, against the ‘reforms’. “ Ke r a l a w i l l h ave strong objections to what is happening in Lakshadweep.

They are our brothers. It will be correct to have a resolution in Assembly in this regard,” Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan said, referring to the state’s centuriesold socio-cultural ties to the Union Territory.

Both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) have decided to send their delegations of MPs to Lakshadweep to study the

ground situation. This could also be viewed as a show of support for the locals, a major section of whom have been voicing their opposition to the tweaks over the past many months.

H o w e v e r, n e i t h e r front’s team has got the administrative permit to visit Lakshadweep yet.

“We have asked them to move (an application).

How long can they deny us permission?” asked VD Satheesan, Congress leader and the state’s new Leader of the Opposition.

The CPI(M), which heads the LDF, will hold protests before the Lakshadweep administration’s offices in Kochi and Beypore, Kozhikode on May 31.

Another will be held before the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on June 2.

The next day, the party’s protests will spread to the various central govt offices in the state.

Besides the state’s leaders, opposition has also come from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and NCP chief SharadPawar.

7

national

Take care of children Mamata meets PM for 15 minutes orphaned by Covid: SC over cyclone, then skips larger meet

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): Observing that it cannot even imagine how many children in this large country have got orphaned due to the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the state authorities to immediately identify them and provide relief.

The top court asked the state governments to understand the agony of children starving on streets and directed the district authorities that they be immediately taken care of without waiting for any further orders from the courts. A vacation bench of Justices L N Rao and Aniruddha Bose directed district administrations to identify the orphans in their areas and upload their data on the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) website by Saturday evening.

The top court’s direction came on an application filed by amicus curiae Gaurav Agrawal in the pending suo motu case seeking identification of orphaned children due to Covid-19 or otherwise and providing them immediate relief by the state governments.

The Bench said state governments must inform it of the position of these children and the steps they have taken to provide them

immediate relief.

“We have read somewhere that in Maharashtra over 2,900 children have lost their one or both the parents due to Covid-19. We don’t have an exact number of such children. We cannot even imagine how many such children in this large country have got orphaned due to this devastating pandemic,” the bench said.

It told the state government’s counsel appearing in the matter, “I hope you understand the agony of the children starving on the streets. You please ask the state authorities to immediately take care of their basic needs”. The top court noted that the Centre has already issued advisory to the authorities concerned for the protection of children, who have lost their parents due to Covid-19.

“There is an obligation on the part of the authorities to ensure such children in need are taken care of,” the bench said, while referring to various provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. It said the district administration authorities should upload the latest data of such orphaned children on the website ‘Baal Swaraj’ of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) by Saturday evening.

New Delhi, MAY 28 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a 15-minute meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Kalaikunda Air Base in Bengal’s West Midnapore district Friday. The two were to hold a review meeting to assess damage from Cyclone Yaas - which hit Bengal and Odisha this week - but Ms Banerjee skipped that, leaving after giving PM Modi a damage report.

She later said she told the Prime Minister “you came far to meet me... so I came to meet you”.

“I told him - ‘You came far to meet me. You wanted to meet me, so I came. My Chief Secretary and I, we are submitting this report to you. I now have to go to Digha as per my schedule.

So I am taking your leave’,” Ms Banerjee told reporters at Digha, one of the districts most badly affected

by Yaas.

“Now I am here... where we are holding our administrative review meeting. Tomorrow we will conduct an aerial survey (of affected regions),” she added.

That 15-minute meeting was their first since the April-May Assembly election that Ms Banerjee’s Trinamool won, despite

File Photo of Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee.

the opposition mounting a crass campaign fueled, in part, by the resignation of a large number of MPs, MLAs and ministers from the ruling party. The Prime Minister also took aerial surveys of regions affected by Yaas, which caused havoc across South and North 24 Paraganas, Digha, East Medinipur and Nandigram districts of the state.

He later announced Rs 1,000 crore for relief measures. Rs 500 crore is to be given immediately to Odisha, with equal sums for Bengal and Jharkhand.

These will be released on the basis of damage.

He also announced Rs 2 lakh each for the families of each of those who died in cyclone-related incidents. A sum of Rs 50,000 would be paid to those injured in such

incidents.

L a s t we e k h e a n nounced Rs 1,000 crore for Gujarat, after the state was hit by Cyclone Tauktae.

Baner jee said she would undertake her own surveys on Saturday.

She has pegged the damage to her state at Rs 15,000 crore - including the destruction of three lakh houses and 134 embankments - and has already announced a rescue package of Rs 1,000 crore.

Cyclone Yaas tore through Bengal and Odisha this week, causing damage worth thousands of crores The Prime Minister has already met Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik; the two met in Bhubaneswar this morning, after which he conducted an aerial survey in that state.

Well-planned conspiracy to conquer Red Fort: Delhi Police N EW D ELHI , M AY 28 (AGENCIES): In the chargesheet on the violence during a tractor rally by farmers on Republic Day, the Delhi Police has said “a deep-rooted well-orchestrated conspiracy” was hatched on the “very auspicious occasion” to hoist the Nishan Sahib and Kisan Flag at Red Fort “in order to cause embarrassment and humiliation at the national and international level to the people of this country”.

The tractor rally was part of farmers’ protest against the Centre’s three farm laws.

T h e D e l h i Po l i c e chargesheet mentions that protesters had a “pre-conceived and well-coordinat-

ed” plan to break the agreement between the police and farmer leaders about the three routes for the tractor rally on Republic Day. It said protesters wanted “to conquer/get hold of (Red Fort)” and then “make it a new protest site for farmers”.

The chargesheet has been filed against 16 people, including Punjabi actoractivist Deep Sidhu and Iqbal Singh, who was doing a Facebook Live session in which he allegedly instigated protesters.

The chargesheet states the “present episode is a larger conspiracy hatched in the garb of newly enacted Farmers Act.”

Protesters at Red Fort on Republic Day 2021.

“Present episode of violence is the outcome of a deep rooted well-orchestrated conspiracy as the arrested persons along with other known and unknown persons, leaders & instigators (who have not yet been arrested), had deliberately,

intentionally and knowingly chosen the very auspicious occasion of the country viz Republic Day 2021, to hoist Nishan Sahib & Kisan Flag, in order to cause embarrassment and humiliation at the national & international level to the people of this

country,” the chargesheet reads.

“The ver y pur pose of this conspiracy was hatched/orchestrated in two parts, i.e., firstly visit Red Fort to conquer/get hold of it and secondly to make it a new protest site for farmers protesting against the newly enacted Bill/act,” it added.

According to the police FIR, an estimated 1,000 people, on 30-40 tractors and around 150 motorcycles and cars, had forcibly entered the Red Fort premises, where they chased and assaulted policemen, looted their anti-riot gear, held some hostage inside a public toilet and vandalised the ticket counter.

Two Bengaluru rape suspects Doctor couple shot dead in shot in escape bid: Police broad daylight in Bharatpur

BENGALURU, MAY 28 (AGENCIES): Police took the suspects to the spot at around 5 am on Friday for reconstructing the crime scene when two of them allegedly tried to flee and police opened fire, DCP Shranappa S D told NDTV. The injured accused have been hospitalised. The six accused, including two women, were arrested on Thursday after a video of a woman being brutally assaulted started circulating on social media.

The incident reportedly took place in Bengaluru almost six days ago.

The Bengaluru Police said in a statement that a case has been registered un-

der charges of rape, assault and other provisions.

As per information revealed so far, all of them are part of the same group and believed to be from Bangladesh. Due to financial differences, the culprits brutalised the victim who is also said to be a Bangladeshi, brought to India for human trafficking.

The woman is currently in another state and a team has been sent to trace her.

Once she is back, her statement will be recorded before a magistrate.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister BasavarajBommai said that the accused have told police during questioning that more

people are involved in the human trafficking racket.

“Union Minister KirenRijiju had tweeted that all the states have to be on alert regarding this case.

Bengaluru police traced the gang within a few hours and we arrested six of them, including two women. We are intensifying the investigation,” he said. The video of the brutal assault had generated outrage, especially in the northeast as it was assumed that the woman was from that part of the country. After the video went viral, Assam Police had sought information about the accused and offered a reward.

JAIPUR, MAY 28 (IANS): A day after Bharatpur MP RanjeetaKoli’s car was attacked in Dharsoni village of the district by unidentified miscreants, a doctor couple was shot dead in broad daylight on Friday by unknown bikers in Bharatpur, prompting the opposition to question the law and order situation in Rajasthan.

The victims have been identified as Sudeep Gupta and his wife Seema Gupta, both medical doctors by profession.

The doctor couple was in the car when two bikeborne miscreants started firing on them indiscrimi-

nately, leaving both dead on the spot. The bodies have been kept at the RBM Hospital in Bharatpur.

The police have a launched a probe to identify and nab the assailants.

Attacked the ruling Congress government in the state, Rajsthan BJP chief Satish Poonia said, “Yesterday night there was an attack on an MP and today a doctor couple was shot dead in broad daylight.

The Chief Minister should strengthen law and order in the state or else people will take to the streets to protest against the pathetic law and order situation in Rajasthan.”

NIA arrests terror suspect HC grants interim bail to two Bengal ministers, from Mayiladuthurai in TN TMC MLA, former Kolkata mayor in Narada case C h e nna i , M ay 2 8 (IANS): Sleuths of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have arrested an Islamic State (IS) terror suspect in Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai, officials said on Friday. The suspect, A Mohammed Ashiq, 25, was arrested at Needur near Mayiladuthurai late Thursday night. He was wanted in a criminal conspiracy aimed at attacking a few Hindumunnani leaders in Coimbatore in 2018. He is alleged to have swore allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2018.

According to NIA, a group of seven members swore allegiance to the terror outfit, IS, and were planning to eliminate a few leaders to

disturb the communal harmony in Coimbatore.

The NIA arrested them in 2018, and Mohammed Ashiq was named as the prime suspect in the case.

The group was charged under IPC 143 (Unlawful assembly), IPC 120b (Criminal Conspiracy) and several sections under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Ashiq who was released on bail during the trial failed to reappear before the special court and a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him. NIA tracked him and found that he was working in a chicken shop at Needur. The NIA team along with the TN police officers later took him into custody on Thursday.

Kolkata, May 28 (PTI): The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted interim bail to two West Bengal ministers Subrata Mukherjee and Firhad Hakim, TMC MLA Madan Mitra and former city mayor Sovan Chatterjee, arrested by CBI in the Narada sting tapes case.

Imposing conditions, a five-judge bench of the high court directed the four accused persons, who are under house arrest, to furnish bail bonds of Rs 2 lakh each.

The bench directed them not to make any comment in public or in media with regard to the matter.

They were also directed to meet the investigating officer through virtual mode as and when required.

(L to R) Firhad Hakim, Subrata Mukherjee, Madan Mitra and Sovan Chatterjee.

The four leaders were arrested on the morning of May 17 by the CBI, which is investigating the Narada sting tapes case on a 2017 order of the Calcutta High Court.

A special CBI court had granted interim bail to the four accused on May 17, but a division bench of the high court - comprising

Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Arijit Banerjee - stayed the decision later that day, following which the leaders were sent to judicial custody.

The five-judge bench comprises Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and justices I P Mukerji, Harish Tandon, Soumen Sen and Arijit Banerjee.

business/state

World shares rise due to upbeat US

Ba ng ko k , M ay 2 8 (AP): World shares rose Friday, powered by encouraging signs that the U.S. economic recovery from the pandemic is gaining momentum. U.S. futures also were higher.

President Joe Biden’s proposal for a USD6 trillion budget helped boost buying of shares likely to benefit from heavy government spending. Germany’s DAX added 0.4per cent to 15,472.06 and the CAC 40 in Paris also added 0.4per cent, to 6,462.47.

In London, the FTSE 100 picked up 0.4per cent to 7,045.51. The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.3per cent and the future for the Dow industrials rose 0.5per cent. Shares in Chinese online retail giant JD.com Inc.’s logistics arm rose 3.3per cent on their first trading day in Hong Kong after the company raised 24 billion Hong Kong dollars (USD3.1 billion) by selling a portion of the unit to out-

side investors. JD Logistics Inc. is the latest technology company to list in the semiautonomous Chinese city as Beijing steps up scrutiny of the industry. Its IPO was the second largest for the market this year after short video firm Kuaishou raised USD5.3 billion.

Markets were lifted by mostly positive reports.

The number of Americans who filed for unemployment benefits fell yet again to a pandemic low of 406,000.

Although the Commerce Department reported that sales of durable goods

fell 1.3per cent, it also released updated data showing the U.S. economy grew at a 6.4per cent annual rate in the first quarter as growing numbers of people got vaccinated, allowing the economy to shift back toward normal activity.

The “optimism around U.S. economic data is boosting the recovery theme and may potentially spur some catch-up growth in Asia indexes, considering that they have been lagging,” Jun Rong Yeap of IG said in a commentary.

Tokyo added 2.1per

EU fails to settle $330bn agriculture fight B ru s s e l s, M ay 2 8 (IANS): The 27-member European Union (EU) and the European Parliament have failed to settle their fight over the bloc’s 270billion-euro ($330 billion) agriculture budget in their latest negotiation round this week, postponing talks on a policy that affects millions of farmers to a later day.

“There is no deal,” spokesperson for the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council, Catarina Faria, told dpa news agency on Friday.

The next official round would be scheduled for “probably June,” she said, but this was so far undecided.

Since Tuesday, representatives for the parliament, European Commission and 27 EU countries have negotiated until late into the night to decide on rules for how the Common Agriculture Policy’s funds can be used.

Ultimately, however, “a number of key issues remained outstanding”, according to a Council statement.

The three sides are at loggerheads over a host of issues.

For example, the countries want to maintain flexibility in how spending criteria are applied, while the parliament insists that they should be regulated more strictly.

The next Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) budget, which covers the years 2023 to 2027, is also controversial because it has

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

huge ramifications for the environment.

Por tugal has been pushing for an agreement to come through before its presidency ends at the end of June.

One of the negotiators for the parliament, Norbert Lins, said he was “very disappointed that the Portuguese Council Presidency has broken off negotiations today”.

Faria said her country’s minister for agriculture, Maria do Ceu Antunes, would have to meet her counterparts “so they can find a solution”.

cent to 29,149.41 while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong gained less than 0.1per cent to 29,124.41. In Seoul, the Kospi jumped 0.7per cent to 3,188.73. The Shanghai Composite index shed 0.2per cent to 3,600.78 and Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 added 1.2per cent to 7,179.50.

O n T h u r s d ay, t h e S&P 500 rose 0.1per cent to 4,200.88. Industrial and financial stocks were among the biggest gainers.

The benchmark was on track for a gain this week of about 1per cent. It hit an all-time high on May 7th but then fell for two straight weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4per cent to 34,464.64.

The slide in technology stocks left the Nasdaq essentially flat. It slipped less than 0.1per cent to 13,736.28.

In another signal that investors were confident about the economy going forward, the Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks fared

better than the broader market, picking up 1.1per cent to 2,273.07.

Online medical scrubs seller Figs surged 36.5per cent in its stock market debut, valuing the 8-year old company at USD4.8 billion.

As they keep an eye on inflation, investors are looking ahead to Friday’s release of the Commerce Department’s personal consumption expenditures index, more commonly referred to as PCE. The Federal Reserve, whose job is to monitor and control inflation to the extent it can, relies on PCE data more than the better known consumer price index, or CPI, when making policy decisions.

Analysts have said they believe price increases are mainly due to the rebound from the slump brought on by the pandemic. Should they persist, the worry is that the Fed will tighten policy and raise interest rates to try to cool it.

Delegates approve 16 per cent increase to WHO budget Gevena, May 28 (AP): Member countries of the World Health Organisation have approved an “ambitious increase” in the budget for the UN health agency at a meeting, with some noting that WHO’s chronic underfunding cripples its ability to protect global health.

Delegates at the World Health Assembly on Thursday approved a 16 per cent increase to WHO’s proposed budget for the next two years, setting it at about USD 6.1 billion.

More than 90 per cent of WHO’s funding is tied to specific health issues, and the agency often struggles to respond to urgent crises.

Dr Michael Ryan, WHO’s emergencies chief, said there is currently a 70 per cent funding gap, which has “left the organisation in real and imminent danger of being unable to sustain core functions for urgent priorities.”

A commissioned review of the WHO in the wake of its global handling of the COVID-19 pandemic suggested the agency could have acted faster and more aggressively to stem the spread of the coronavirus, but also said it lacked power and money.

No. 9930 Yesterday’s solution No. 9929

No. 4550 Yesterday’s solution No. 4549

No. 3574 Yesterday’s solution No. 3573

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

Zydus Cadila introduces scratch code in critical drug packs to fight counterfeit

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): Drug firm Zydus Cadila on Friday said it has introduced a new feature in the packaging of its critical drugs to help patients ensure that the product is not fake or counterfeited.

To start with, technology is being implemented in the company’s products Remdac (Remdesivir) and Virafin Inj (Pegylated Interpheron Alpha 2b) and will be seen on the product packs in the third week of June, the drug firm said in a statement.

The feature will also be extended to other products of the company, it added.

The company said it has incorporated a new ITenabled scratch code which shall be printed under a scratchable surface. The patients can check to see if the product purchased by them is genuine or not by scratching the surface and verifying the code through the app or the website, it added.

“The problem of counterfeit drugs undermines the painstaking efforts that are put in to ensure that

the end user or patients receive a product that is safe and manufactured with the highest standards of quality excellence.

“Counterfeit drugs can be harmful as they may not have the desired outcome and could also be life threatening in some cases,” Cadila Healthcare Managing Director Sharvil Patel noted.

To curb this menace, the company has looked at a user-friendly solution which can reassure the patient that the product is genuine and safe, he added.

NGT imposes over Rs 1.17 cr penalty on 21 stone crushers in AP for causing pollution

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): The National Green Tribunal has slapped over Rs 1.17 crore penalty on 21 stone crushing and quarrying units for causing pollution and damage to the environment.

A bench comprising Justice K Ramakrishnan and expert member Saibal Dasgupta directed the violators to pay the compensation of Rs 1,17,40,800 within three months.

It warned that if the amount is not paid, then the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) is directed to take appropriate steps to realise the amount with the aid of concerned District Collector by initiating necessary proceedings in accordance with law.

The bench also asked the APPCB to make periodical inspection of these crusher units and if any violation is found or there is non-compliance of recommendations, “then the Board is directed to take appropriate action against the erring units, apart from issuing

Across 1. Request forcibly (6) 7. Outer (8) 8. Melody (4) 10. Tentacle (6) 11. Bluish-black element (6) 14. Boy’s name (3) 16. Cold dish (5) 17. Condiment (4) 19. Truncheon (5) 21. Faithful (5) 22. Anteroom (5) 23. Snooker rods (4) 26. Severe abdominal pain (5) 28. Unit of weight (3) 29. Planet (6) 30. Severe food shortage (6) 31. Egress (4) 32. S t a t e o f b e i n g alone (8) 33. Cleaning cloth (6) Down 1. Sketches (6) 2. A charm (6) 3. Ruminant mammal (4) 4. Air spray (7) 5. Blacksmith’s block (5) 6. Lose blood (5) 8. Inform (4) 9. Born (3) 12. Karate expert (3) 13. Simplistic (5) 15. Stratum (5) 18. Detest vehemently (5) 19. Young male (3) 20. Pitch (3) 21. Destructive insects (7) 22. Flipper (3) 23. Comedians (6) 24. Single entity (4) 25. Kebab spike (6) 26. Oath (5) 27. Serving spoon (5) 28. Levy (3) 30. Give food to (4)

closure direction, assess environmental compensation and recover the amount from them on the basis of the guidelines provided by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard”.

The APPCB is further directed to submit a status of recovery of compensation directed to be paid by each unit periodically once in four months and if such reports are filed, the office is directed to place them before this Bench, it said.

Gold declines Rs 205 amid muted global trends

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): Gold declined by Rs 205 to Rs 47,910 per 10 gram in the national capital on Friday in line with selling in global precious metals and rupee appreciation, according to HDFC Securities.

The precious metal had closed at Rs 48,115 per 10 gram in the previous trade.

Silver, however, gained marginally from Rs 61 to Rs 70,521 per kilogram from Rs 70,460 per kilogram in the previous trade.

“Spot gold prices for 24 carats in Delhi fell by Rs 205 in-line with selling in COMEX gold and rupee appreciation,” according to HDFC Securities, Senior Analyst (Commodities), Tapan Patel.

The Indian rupee strengthened by 18 paise to 72.42 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday tracking positive domestic equities.

In the international market, gold was trading lower at USD 1,891 per ounce and silver was flat at USD 27.67 per ounce.

Navneet Damani, VP – Commodities Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, “Gold prices edged down, as an uptick in the dollar and US Treasury yields weighed on bullion.”

The tribunal’s judgement came on a plea filed by farmer K Hiroji Rao regarding the operation of the stone crusher units and the pollution caused in adjoining village of Nemakal, Untekal in Bommanahal Mandal, Ananthpur District of Andhra Pradesh.

According to the plea, filed through advocate Sravan Kumar, these units are situated adjacent to each other and nearby villages as well as agricultural lands and old Anjaneya Swami Temple.

Assam entered over 2km inside state, alleges NSH (From p-1) The association also claimed that Kurmi forcefully stopped the villagers from continuing their normal cultivation works and destroyed their arecanut plantation and other crops besides threatening and abusing the villagers.

When the villagers objected to MLA’s “high-handed behaviour,” UNTABA said the armed Assam police personnel started shooting while they were leaving. It said that villagers fired two shots from a muzzle-loading gun well after the entourage left. UNTABA said that Thursday’s incident was not the first time Kurmi “deliberately provoked a situation like this in the border areas.”

Further, UNTABA alleged that the MLA had a habit of stirring-up people’s emotions so as to “create animosity” between the people living peacefully in the border area of the two states.

It pointed out that the boundary issue between the two states was still lying pending in the Supreme Court of India making the issue sub judice. However,

UNTABA said that the likes of Kurmi had “no business to involve themselves in except to further his vested personal interests.”

In order to prevent any untoward incidents in the border areas, UNTABA said there were neutral forces (CRPF) to maintain peace and tranquillity based on the ‘Interim Agreement’ of 1979 between the two states.

It, therefore, stated that nobody had the right or power to dictate and instigate and create skirmishes in the border areas.

Meanwhile, UNTABA has demanded immediate investigation into the “highhanded actions” of Kurmi and fix appropriate responsibility so as to prevent such unwarranted incidents.

The association also urged the Government of Nagaland to immediately initiate appropriate steps to review the ‘Interim Agreement’ of 1979 between the two states on the boundary issue.

ACHIEVERS ACADEMY Registration started for NPSC CSAT-MADE-EASY Series Registration ends : 29th May ONLINE Class Starts : 1st June For DETAILS, Contact 9378129625/9366942624

DP-2466

8

IN THE COURT OF FAMILY JUDGE

WOKHA : NAGALAND G/Petition No. 1/2021

NOTICE

(Section 10 of Guardianship and Ward Act) Whereas an application under the Guardianship and Ward Act has been filed by Shri. Nrio Lotha for appointment of Guardianship in respect of minor(s) Master Chonchithung R Humtsoe before the Court and whereas the day of 30th June 2021 has been fixed for the hearing on the matter.

Notice is hereby given inviting objection if any from the person having interest in the above minor(s) to be furnished on or before the fixed date/or appear in person.

Given under my hand and seal of the court on this 26th day of May 2021.

Family Judge Principal Judge District & Sessions Judge Wokha : Nagaland WC-106

UK’s lockdown lifting plan hangs in balance London, May 28 (PTI): UK’s roadmap to lifting all coronavirus restrictions appeared to be balanced on a knife-edge, with authorities and scientists urging caution amid the rapid spread of the B.1.617 COVID-19 variant first identified in India, which the health secretary says is estimated to be behind up to three-quarters of new infections in the country. Public Health England data shows cases of the variant have risen by 3,535 to 6,959 since last week.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street briefing on Thursday that the government had always expected cases to rise as restrictions were eased.

But he said it was “critical” to monitor the link between cases and hospitalisations. On Thursday, a further 3,542 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported in the UK. It is the second day in a row the number of new COVID-19 cases has topped 3,000 - the first time infections have reached this level since mid-April.

“The latest estimates are that more than half and potentially as many as threequarters of all new cases are

The variant from India accounts for 75 percent of new COVID cases in UK.

now of this variant,’’ Hancock told the briefing. “As we set out our roadmap we always expected cases to rise - we must remain vigilant.” He said the increase in cases was still focused on hotspots.

The PHE data found the worst-affected areas continue to be Bolton, Bedford, and Blackburn with Darwen, which have seen 1,354, 366 and 361 confirmed cases, respectively.

PHE added, however, that there are small num-

9

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

bers of cases of the variant in most parts of the country.

But the health secretary said there were “early signs” rates in Bolton are starting to “cap out”.

Hancock said vaccines were “severing the link between cases and hospitalisations and deaths from coronavirus”. But he urged people to get both doses, saying that of the 49 people in hospital with Covid in Bolton only five had received two vaccinations.

Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, told the briefing that many of the outbreaks were centred on “focal points”, such as community centres, schools or faith buildings.

She said it was “on the cusp at the moment” over whether rising cases reflected the variant taking off or whether there was a rise because more cases were being hunted for and detected by public health experts.

Increasing cases numbers were not “generally translating into increased cases of hospitalisation and definitely not into deaths,” she said. “So the key message there is... if we can hold it while the vaccination programme gets rolled out, we stand a much better chance of getting through this session.”

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said England “may need to wait” for the lifting of all Covid restrictions, which is currently planned for June 21.

Johnson said he saw nothing “currently in the data” to suggest the government would have to delay unlocking.

But he added there were signs of an increase in the number of cases of the B.1.617.2 variant.

Johnson said it was important to understand to what extent the vaccine programme “interrupts the link” between infection, hospitalisation, serious illness and death.

Government scientists had always made clear that infection levels would increase as restrictions eased, particularly the resumption of indoor mixing.

Gaza conflict probe: India abstains from voting on UNHRC resolution New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): India was among 14 countries that abstained from voting on a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council to launch an investigation into alleged violations and crimes during the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The resolution was adopted as 24 countries voted in favour of it while nine opposed it at the end of an all-day special session of the 47-member UN body at its headquarters in Geneva on Thursday. According to official details, India abstained from voting together with 13 other member nations of the grouping. China and Russia were among those voting in favour.

“The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted a resolution on ensuring respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel,” the UN body said in a statement. It said the international commission of inquiry has been established to investigate violations of international humanitarian

law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights during the recent conflict.

The special session of the Council was called to discuss the “grave human rights situation” in the Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem.

India’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva Indra Mani Pandey said at the special session that New Delhi welcomes the diplomatic efforts of the international community and regional countries that have resulted in bringing ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza.

“India calls on all parties to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that aggravate tensions and refrain from any further attempts to unilaterally change the existing status-quo, including in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhoods,” he said. In a statement, Pandey also expressed concern at the continuing violence in Jerusalem, especially at Haram Al Sharif and other Palestinian territories.

“We remain concerned about the continuing violence in Jerusalem, espe-

cially at Haram Al Sharif/ Temple Mount and other Palestinian territories, and about the possible eviction process in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem,” he said.

Pandey said the indiscriminate rocket firings from Gaza targeting the civilian population in Israel, and the retaliatory airstrikes into Gaza have caused immense sufferings.

“We deeply mourn the loss of civilian lives resulting from the violence, and urge the international community’s immediate attention to providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza,” he said.

“India continues to provide developmental and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian Authority, including COVID-19 related assistance, bilaterally, and through our dedicated contribution to the UN,” he added. Both Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire that has come into effect on last Friday after 11 days of intense fighting in which around 230 people were killed in Gaza and 12 in Israel.

Man killed after stabbing, Hong Kong tycoon gets 14-month jail term over 2019 protest shooting 3 French police officers

Members of the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) respond to the attack.

Paris, May 28 (AP): An unidentified assailant stabbed a police officer at her station Friday in western France then shot two other officers before being killed in a shootout with police, authorities said. The motive

for the violence is unclear.

The slain suspect’s identity is being verified, France’s national gendarme service told The Associated Press.

The three officers were wounded but none is in life-

Belarusian leader heads to Russia amid showdown with EU Moscow, May 28 (AP): Belarus’ authoritarian leader heads to Russia Friday to seek assistance amid a bruising showdown with the European Union over the diversion of a flight to arrest a dissident journalist.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is set to meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin at his Black Sea residence in Sochi for talks on closer economic ties, according to the Kremlin.

Belarus provoked the EU’s outrage when Belarusian flight controllers on Sunday told the crew of a Ryanair jet flying from Greece to Lithuania there was a bomb threat and instructed it to land in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, where 26-year-old journalist Raman Pratasevich was arrested along with his Russian girlfriend.

The EU responded by barring Belarusian carriers from its airspace and airports and advising European airlines to skirt Belarus.

The bloc’s foreign ministers agreed Thursday to ramp up sanctions to target the country’s lucrative potash industry and other sectors of the Belarusian economy that are the main cash-earners for Lukashenko’s government.

Lukashenko, who has relentlessly stifled dissent during his rule of more than a quarter-century, defended his actions and lashed out at the West for trying to “strangle” his country with sanctions.

Alexander Lukashenko

He said Friday before departing to Moscow that he hopes to reach an agreement with Putin on restoring the air link between Russia and Belarus that has been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 66-year-old Belarusian ruler has faced months of protests following his reelection to a sixth term in an August 2020 vote that the opposition rejected as rigged. He has responded with a wide-ranging crackdown, with more than 35,000 people arrested since the protests began and thousands beaten.

The West has responded by slapping sanctions on Belarusian officials involved in the vote-rigging and repressions against protesters.

Amid Western pressure, Lukashenko has relied on political and financial support from his main ally, Russia.

The two ex-Soviet nations have a union agreement envisaging close economic, political and military ties, and Moscow has helped buttress Belarus’ Soviet-style economy with cheap energy supplies and loans.

threatening condition, the gendarmes said.

After stabbing the first police officer in her station in the Nantes suburb of La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, the assailant took her gun and fled, according to the gendarme service.

French police deployed helicopters, search dogs and more than 200 officers to find the suspect, and closed nearby schools and stores.

When he was located, he fired on officers trying to arrest him, the gendarme service said.

He was gravely wounded in an ensuing shootout, and died Friday afternoon of his injuries, according to a police official. The official was not authorized to be publicly named.

Hong Kong, May 28 (AP): Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken prodemocracy activist Jimmy Lai was sentenced to more jail time Friday over his role in an anti-government protest in 2019, as authorities step up a crackdown on dissent in the city.

Lai and nine others were charged with incitement to take part in an unauthorised assembly when they walked down a road with thousands of residents on Oct. 1, 2019, to protest against dwindling political freedoms in Hong Kong.

All 10 pleaded guilty to organising an unauthorised assembly.

Lai, 73, was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

He is currently serving a separate 14-month jail term for other convictions

File photo of Jimmy Lai.

earlier this year also related to unauthorised rallies in 2019, when hundreds of thousands repeatedly took to the streets in the biggest challenge to Beijing since the city was handed from British to Chinese control in 1997. Beijing promised that the territory could retain its freedoms not found on the mainland for

50 years.

With the two sentences combined, Lai will serve a total of 20 months behind bars. He is the founder of The Apple Daily, a feisty pro-democracy tabloid.

Lai is also being investigated under the city’s sweeping national security law, imposed last year, on suspicion of colluding with

foreign powers to intervene in the Hong Kong affairs.

Also receiving jail terms of 18 months each were former lawmakers Albert Ho and Leung Kwokhung, as well as Lee Cheuk-yan, a pro-democracy activist and ex-lawmaker who helped organise annual candlelight vigils in Hong Kong to commemorate the bloody crackdown in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989.

Figo Chan, head of a political organisation known for organising protest rallies in the city, also received 18 months behind bars.

Three activists — Yeung Sum, Cyd Ho and Avery Ng — also received 14-month jail terms. Two others, Richard Tsoi and Sin Chung-kai, had their

Pope sends envoys to German diocese in church abuse crisis Berlin, May 28 (AP): Pope Francis is sending envoys to the German archdiocese of Cologne to investigate possible mistakes by senior church officials in handling past sexual abuse cases and the “complex pastoral situation” in the deeply divided church there.

The papal nuncio’s office in Berlin said Friday that Francis ordered an “apostolic visitation” and will send Cardinal Anders Aborelius and Johannes von den Hende, the bishops of Stockholm and Rotterdam respectively, to Cologne in the first half of June.

It said that the two envoys will work to get a “comprehensive picture of the complex pastoral situa-

Pope Francis

tion in the archdiocese” and investigate “possible errors” on the part of Cologne’s archbishop, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, two auxiliary bishops and Hamburg Archbishop Stefan Hesse in dealing with cases of sexual abuse by clergy and others.

A repor t issued in March found 75 cases in

which eight high-ranking officials - including Woelki’s late predecessor - neglected their duties to either follow up on, report or sanction cases of alleged abuse by clergy and lay church employees, and failed to take care of the victims.

Hesse, previously a senior church official in Cologne, was faulted for 11 cases of neglecting his duty.

He offered his resignation to Francis, who granted him a “time out” of unspecified length.

Three Cologne church officials, including the two auxiliary bishops, were suspended.

The report absolved Woelki himself of any neglect of his legal duty with

respect to abuse victims.

He subsequently said he made mistakes in past cases involving sexual abuse allegations, but made clear he has no intention of resigning.

Woelki has infuriated many local Catholics over recent months by citing legal concerns to keep under wraps a first report on how local church officials reacted when priests were accused of sexual abuse.

He commissioned the new report - an 800-page investigation based on church files and put together by a German law firm.

A local court had to raise the number of appointments available to people seeking formally to leave the

church.

Hesse has conceded that he made “mistakes” in the past but insisted that he “never participated in cover-ups.”

He has said he is “prepared to carry my part of the responsibility for the failure of the system.”

Revelations about past sexual abuse have dogged the church in Germany and elsewhere for years.

In 2018, a church-commissioned report concluded that at least 3,677 people were abused by clergy in Germany between 1946 and 2014. More than half of the victims were 13 or younger when the abuse took place, and nearly a third of them were altar boys.

jail terms suspended.

Some of the activists are already serving jail sentences for previous convictions and will serve part of their new sentences consecutive to their current jail terms.

Over the past year, Beijing has clamped down on civil liberties in response to protests. Hong Kong authorities have arrested and charged most of the city’s pro-democracy advocates, including Joshua Wong, a student leader during 2014 protests. Scores of others have fled abroad.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement called on Hong Kong authorities to drop charges filed against people “merely for standing for election or for expressing dissenting views.”

Malaysia hands over 8 alleged militants to Philippines Kuala Lumpur, May 28 (IANS): Malaysian police on Friday handed over eight suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Islmaist terrorist group to the Philippines Army. The deportation took place in international waters between Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo east of the mainland, and the southern Philippine islands where Abu Sayyaf is based, reports dpa news agency. The eight suspects were arrested after Malaysian police killed five suspected members of the terror group earlier this month during an encounter at a hideout in Sabah.

Cop killed, 8 injured in clash with rebels in Philippines German President ready to

The police officers were on their way back from a coordination meeting when they encountered the guerrillas.

M a n il a , M ay 2 8 (IANS): A police officer was killed and eight others injured on Friday in a clash with suspected communist rebels in the Philippines,

authorities said.

Two police officers also went missing after the firefight in the town of Magsaysay in Occidential Mindoro province, accord-

ing to a police report.

The police officers were on their way back from a coordination meeting in the community when they encountered the guerrillas,

triggering the firefight, dpa news agency quoted the report as saying.

Troops have been dispatched to hunt down the rebels and determine what happened to the missing police officers.

Communist rebels have in the past abducted government forces during clashes, using them as human shields from pursuing troops. The hostages are often released unharmed, but there have been instances when the abducted enforcers were killed.

Communist rebels have been fighting the Philippine government since the late 1960s, making the movement one of the longest-running leftist insurgencies in Asia.

stand for 2nd term in office

Berlin, May 28 (IANS): German President FrankWalter Steinmeier said on Friday that he has planned to stand for a second term for the largely ceremonial post.

A former ForeignMinister and senior adviser to former Social Democrat (SPD) Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, the 65-year-old Steinmeier has occupied the President’s office since 2017, reports dpa news agency. A trained lawyer, Steinmeier’s term is due to expire in 2022, which is after the next election in September, when a new national parliament will to be voted in.

Steinmeier also head-

ed up the SPD’s election campaign in 2009 as the party’s chancellor candidate, losing to the conservative Christian Democrats headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Announcing his plans, Steinmeier said he hoped to accompany the country into its post-pandemic future.

He said he wanted to ensure the pandemic does not leave German society divided and to try to build bridges between different groups. “These are turbulent times,” Steinmeier said, adding that Germany is facing important elections and the risk of political upheaval.

10

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

of our beloved LATE AKENGIU ZELIANG

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."

Died on 29th May 2020 It has been one long year for us without you in our midst. We miss you very much and wish you did not have to leave so soon. Your going away has left a deep void in our hearts and things will never be the same without you.

We are filled with sadness because of your absence, but we cherish the special moments, the laughter, the joy and the warmth of your love, which still lives within our hearts. You were the backbone and pillar of strength and have always kept the family bonded together with gentleness, love, care and affection. It provides us strength and comfort to help face each new day with hope, dwelling on those happy and beautiful memories. Your words of wisdom and exemplary life will always be our guide and path.

And though we miss you dearly, we are assured that you are always by our side watching over us.

Loving Husband, Sons, Daughters-in-law and Grandchildren K-989

Born : 13th Sep, 1967 – Died : 12th May, 2021

We, the bereaved family members of Late Mengukhrietuo (Subo) Vitsu, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual for the love and support that you have extended during the brief illness and sudden de m is e o f o ur dear bel oved father on 12 t h Ma y , 2021.

Though we are unable to mention and thank every individual, it is our earnest prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly for being with us during our time of grief and sorrow. Your good deeds and support will always be remembered.

From loving Wife, Children and Family Members DP-2566

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(19.08.1969 – 23.05.2021) We, the bereaved family members of Late I.Toshi Jamir GB would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us during his short illness and sad demise. Our thanks to all doctors and nurses, villagers, relatives, friends and well wishers especially the Changtonya Kosasanger Putu Menden without whose permission, his mortal remains could not be buried in the village during this difficult times. It is our humble prayers that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving you always, Wife, children and relatives DP-2567

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “I have fought the good fight, and I have finish the race” We the bereaved family of Late KEPFUKHA MAGH, would like the express our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported us in different ways during the time of brief illness and sudden demise of our beloved on 15-05-2021.

We convey our sincere thanks to : • Gregory Thejawelie, DC kohima • Akhu Kath, Commanding Officer, Nagaland Home Guards and Civil Defence Kohima.

• Er. Levi Magh, Ex MLA. • Er. Chengato Kath & family.

• H. Amos Magh & family.

• Rev Dr. Kenny Tsela & family • Rengma Baptist Church Kohima.

• RBCK (KNZ Sector Fellowship, KNZ Youth Caring Group) • Hosanna Prayer Group Kohima.

• Tesophenyu Upper Baptist Church.

• Tesophenyu Group Union, Tesophenyu Catholic Community, Aja Kekhizi, Kohima.

• 4th NAP ‘C’ Coy, Kohima (General, Youth Dept., Women Dept., CSS, Prayer Group) • 4th NAP ‘B’ Coy, Baptist Fellowship Tseminyu.

We regret our inability to mention each and everyone individually, however it is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly. Your good deeds and support will always be remembered.

Loving Wife, Children and Family Members K-996

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

K-990

LT. MRS. KIKRUKHRIE-Ü SOTE We, the family of Lt. Mrs. KIKRUKHRIE-Ü SOTE would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us physically, spiritually and materially during her time of illness and demise on 20/05/2021.

We thank all of you for the care and support we received. It is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving, Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, In-laws & Relatives.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

01/01/1945 – 19/05/2021 John 16:22 Therefore you too have grief now, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your Joy away from you.

We, the family members of Late Zanyimo Lotha of Lio-Wokha Old Village, would like to express our sincere gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us physically, financially, materially and spiritually during his brief illness and sad demise on 19/05/2021.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Mrs Thungjanbeni Kikon, Assistant Drugs Controller, Dimapur 2. Doctors, nurses and staff District Hospital Dimapur 3. Diphupar Lotha Baptist Church 4. Diphupar Village Council 5. Diphupar Ao Baptist Church 6. Mr. Zuchumo Mozhui, council member Diphupar village 7. Mr. Tony Venah and Mr. Toshi Aier.

Though we are unable to thank each and everyone individually, we humbly present you this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude and we pray that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, children, daughters and sons in-law and grandchildren DP-2559

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR MOTHER LATE Z. KHESHELI YEPUTHOMI W/o Late K. C Zhenito Yeputhomi 28th April 1946 – 2nd May 2021

22.12.1989 – 22.05.2021 We, the family of Lt. Mhanyivituo (Ato), JE, PHED Kohima, S/o Savilie Kruneilie of Peducha village would like to express our sincere gratitude to each and every individual who stood by our side and supported us through different expression of love and prayers during the illness, hospitalization, and demise of our beloved son and brother on May 22, 2021.

We convey our heartfelt thanks to: 1. Oking Hospital staff 2. PHED colleagues and staff 3. Different NGOs 4. Churches, prayer groups, friends and well-wishers 5. His close friends who helped him during his last journey Words are insufficient to express our gratefulness and how indebted we are to each of you. It is our sincere prayer that the Lord Almighty bless each of you abundantly.

K-991 K Y M C

We, the bereaved family members of Late Neichuzono, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all those who have supported and stood by us physically, spiritually, financially and materially during the time of her illness and till her last breath on the19th of April 2021.

We would3 specially like to acknowledge: 1. Ministers’ Hill Baptist Church, Kohima 2. Doctors, nurses and staff of NEIGRIHMS, Shillong 3. Principal and staff, College of Nursing, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong 4. Christian Prayer Fellowship NEIGRIHMS, Shillong 5. Nagaland House, Shillong 6. Angami Krotho, Shillong 7. Mr. Medo Yhokha, MLA & Advisor-Technical Education and Election 8. SP, Kohima 9. Upper Chandmari Panchayat and Youth Organisation 10. Gorkha Public Panchayat, HQ: Kohima 11. TM Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima 12. Union Christian Fellowship, Kipfuzha, Kigwema 13. Union Christian Revival Church, Kipfuzha, Kigwema 14. All friends, neighbours, well-wishers and relatives And though we cannot thank each and everyone of you individually, we pray that the Lord Almighty bless you abundantly for the kind gestures you have extended towards our family during our sorrow.

Loving children, in-laws, grandchildren and family members K-992

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"

Philippians 1:21

With a tearful eye and a heavy heart, we watched you as you slowly slipped away and though we loved you dearly we couldn't make you stay. You were our Guardian angel, our spiritual mentor, our prayer warrior and losing you have left us an incalculable lasting blow, because no one will ever love us like you did.

And although our hearts are in pain and our soul in distress we know that those we love never go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, and held so near.

Death takes the body, God takes the soul, our minds holds the memories, our hearts keeps the love, our faith let us know that we will meet again.

We the bereaved family through this column, express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported us at the time of our grief and pain through prayers.

DP-2561

Loving Sons, Daughters, In-laws and Grandchildren K Y M C

Liverpool agree to sign Leipzig Konate LONDON, MAY 28 (AGENCIES): Liverpool have agreed to sign centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £35m on a long-term deal.

The French defender, 22, has passed his medical and agreed personal terms, with his move subject to international clearance and a UK work permit. “It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family,” said Konate, whose contract will run from 1 July.

Ko n a t e i s p a r t o f France’s squad for the Uefa

Asian boxing: Panghal enters 52kg final DUBAI, MAY 28 (AGENCIES): Top seed and defending champion Amit Panghal (52kg) defeated Kazakhstan’s Saken Bibossinov 5-0 in the semifinal and secured atleast a silver medal at ASBC Asian Championships in Dubai on Friday.

He had defeated the same opponent in the semifinal of 2019 World Championships.

During an intense battle between World Championships silver medallist Panghal and bronze medallist Bibossinov, the Indian made a cautious start and tried to keep a distance from the opponent. He looked more aggressive later in the second round and hit some clean punches to put pressure on Bibossinov.

Panghal carried on the momentum throughout the match and stamped his authority over Kazakh boxer to secure a commanding 5-0 win. Aiming to win second successive gold, the Indian boxer will take on Rio Olympic champion Zoirov Shakhobidin of Uzbekistan in the gold medal match on Monday.

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

European Under-21 Championship, which starts on Monday.

The defender, who started his career in France with Sochaux, made 21 appearances for RB Leipzig this season as they finished second in the Bundesliga.

“Right now, my focus is on the Under-21 European Championships with France, but after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling,” said Konate.

His arrival would help bolster a backline which suffered

with the long-term injury absences of centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip during the season.

Midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were used as makeshift central defenders, while Liverpool ended the campaign with a centre-back pairing of Nathaniel Phillips, 24, and Rhys Williams, 20. Liverpool secured a Champions League spot with a win over Crystal Palace on the final day of the season as they finished third in the Premier League.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

II Timothy 4:7

Gratitude If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord.

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

K-994

Romans 14:8

Late Achuga Seb Born : 01.03.1946 – Died : 20.05.2021

It broke our hearts to lose you But you did not go alone For part of us went with you The day God called you home.

We, the family of Late Achuga Seb express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to all the families, friends and well wishers who stood by us during our trying times.

Thank you for your unceasing prayer, love, care and support.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Faith Hospital, Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church, Nsunyu Baptist Church and Kithagha Surveillance Team for the noble deeds. It will always be remembered.

May the Almighty God bless you all.

DP-2560

Wife, Children, Grand Children & In-Laws

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LT. EVAN. NEIZELIE TACÜ Born : 01/11/1940 – Died : 21/05/2021 We, the family of Lt. Evan. Neizelie Tacü, wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us during his prolonged sickness, till his last breath. We offer our heartfelt thanks to each and every individuals, friends, neighbours and well-wishers, who visited our home, attended the wake service and provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time.

For those who telephoned, sent floral tribute cards and messages of condolences from far apart. We are truly grateful to you all.

We especially convey our special thanks to : • Pastor, staff & members of Christian Revival Church, Tenyiphe-1 Village.

• NCRC P.R Hill Kohima • NCRC P.R Hill Kohima Uzuonuo Ko Krotho (Women Dept.)

• Nagaland Christian Revival Church Council (NCRCC) • Nagaland Christian Revival Church Outreach Missionary.

• Angami Christian Revival Church Council (ACRCC) • Chakhroma Christian Revival Church Sub-Council.

• N.C.R.C Prayer Centre, 7th Mile Chümoukedima, Dimapur.

• Calvary Independent Church Tenyiphe 1 Village.

• Rev. Kikokul Khazo, Tenyiphe 1 Village.

• Krosal Neikha & family, P.R. Hill Kohima.

• Mrs & Mr. Tapyam Pada, Director of Civil Aviation, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.

• Rev. Beilieü Shüya.

• Rev. Vitsiepielie Nguzhü, CRC Chümoukedima Town.

• Pastor Rüduozhü Yashü & family Tenyiphe 1 Village.

• Thejangulie (Jabu) Sekhose, Chümoukedima Town.

• Phesama Kuda Razha Krotho.

• Phesama Thenupfüko Krotho.

• A Khel Council & B Khel Council, Tenyiphe 1 Village.

• Friends & believers from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

• Relatives from Dimapur, Kohima, Phesama, Meriema & Pfüchama.

To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

Praise the Lord.

From, Loving children, in-laws, grand-children & relatives DP-2562

Late Aghovi V Chophi

29/08/1979 – 19/05/2021 Heavens has called upon you leaving so many words left to say. It’s sad that you left without saying goodbye. It broke our hearts to accept that you are no more with us. But now you have been laid down in the beautiful casket to be with our Lord. You will be immensely missed but with assurance that we will meet happily in the abode of angels.

Words of thanks seem so inadequate for all those who sympathised with us on our very sad loss. We offer our heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who stood by us morally, physically, financially, materially and strengthening us through your prayers.

We deeply regret our inability to mention and thank each and everyone of you individually, the solace we received from you cannot be repaid but it’s our prayer that our Almighty God bless each and everyone of you abundantly.

DP-2564

Loving wife, son, in-laws, parents and siblings

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sports

BCCI may decide on IPL’s fate today

NEW DELHI, MAY 28 (IANS): The Indian cricket board may decide the fate of the remainder of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) along with rest of domestic season when it meets on Saturday through a virtual meeting.

The IPL 2021 was suspended this month due to Covid-19 cases inside the tournament’s bio-secure environment.

Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), this month issued a note to state bodies, calling for a special general meeting for ‘Discussion on the upcoming cricket season in view of the pandemic situation prevailing in India’.

There would be a discussion on T20 World Cup that India is scheduled to host, but may now be held in the UAE. It is understood that the BCCI would look into the period between September 15 -- a day after India’s Test series in England ends -- and mid-October, around the time T20 World Cup is slated to begin, to stage the 31 remaining IPL matches. The tournament

is most likely be completed in the UAE. The remaining IPL games are expected to be played in 20 or 22 days.

There could be a large number of double-headers, so as to finish the tournament quickly. There is a likelihood that many international stars may give the tournament a miss.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already said that its top star players won’t compromise with the national team’s international calendar.

England’s Test players like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and Sam Curran may not be available since they have limited-overs series in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Australia’s limited overs stars too will be busy

with international commitments in July (West Indies) and August (Bangladesh) and they will have a short rest period ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins in mid-October, as well as a busy season Down Under that includes the Ashes.

The rest of Indian domestic season that comprises long-format tournaments, the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy is expected to be chalked out at the meeting.

There could also be a discussion on compensation to first-class players who have lost out on match fees as no long-format tournament was played last season due to Covid-19.

Here is a look at options for hosting IPL: September 15 to mid-

October: The window available is free for Indian players as also for players from Australia and West Indies, from where many superstars come. England players will, however, be busy in limited-overs series in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Australia have a very short period of rest in this period as they would have finished limited-overs series in West Indies in July and in Bangladesh in August, and would be gearing up for T20 World Cup and Ashes.

Mid-October to midNovember: T20 World Cup. All the teams will be busy.

Mid-November to early December: It may not be possible to host IPL since Australia’s summer would have started. The summer includes Ashes series. It means that the English and Australian stars would be busy preparing for that.

Also, India are expected to tour South Africa in December-January. If IPL is hosted in this period, it would be devoid of foreign stars, and could bring in a change in India-South Africa schedule.

Chief Indian football coach’s contract extended NEW DELHI, MAY 28 (IANS): The Indian national team head coach Igor Stimac’s contract has been extended until September, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Friday.

Stimac, 53, who is currently in Doha for India’s FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying matches from June 3, was on contract till May 15.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the AIFF technical committee, held via video conferencing.

“The committee unanimously decided to extend national team head coach Igor Stimac’s contract till September 2021. The committee will meet again in September to discuss the future pathway forward,” said an AIFF statement.

AIFF general secretary [Kushal Das] also intimated the technical committee about the roadmap and the status of the team’s preparation for the FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup, slated to be held in India from October 11-30, 2022.

Mary Kom rues lack of sparring Belgrade Open: Djokovic enters partners, quality competitions final after Martin stretches him NEW DELHI, MAY 28 (IANS): As six-time world champion MC Mary Kom prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, she rues the lack of sparring partners and quality competitions due to the pandemic.

“There are not many international competitions.

Therefore, I decided to attend the Asian Boxing Championships in Dubai.

I competed in the Boxam Tournament in Spain two months ago and since then I have been training at home in India,” the 38 years old Indian boxer told AIBA, the world governing body of the sport.

Mary Kom has qualified in the 51 kg category.

The second wave of coronavirus has upset her preparation for the Olympics, she points out.

“Many of my sparring partners have tested positive. If you win, you don’t have to overestimate the success; just continue your hard work. I am not overconfident, and am looking forward to the final against

the well-known Kazakh boxer [NazymKyzaibay at the Asian Championships],” said Mary Kom. Mary Kom has won five editions of the Asian Boxing Championships and is looking ahead to winning another title.

The veteran boxer had a tough semi-final contest against Mongolia’s LutsaikhanAltantsetseg, but won the tough bout 4-1 split decision.

Last month, the Boxing Federation of India had to close the national w o m e n’s boxing camp in New Delhi following surges in virus cases.

The camp was relocated to the Ar my Sports Institute

Pune, and resumed on May 6. Mary Kom was the first to report, but her personal coach Chhote Lal Yadav, couldn’t join the camp as he tested positive for Covid-19. The boxing coach had to undergo a 15-day quarantine in New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

“The training was disrupted as the boxers had to spend a week in quarantine before stepping out for training as per Covid-19 protocols of the Army. So we just got one good week to train for Asian meet,” said a national coach of the Indian team.

Novak Djokovic

BELGRADE, MAY 28 (IANS): World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was stretched to three sets by Slovakian qualifier Andrej Martin in the semi-finals before the Serbian made it to the Belgrade Open final here on Friday.

The 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 win helped Djokovic secure his maiden entry into the ATP Tour final on home soil since 2011.

Djokovic will face the winner of eighth seed Argentinian Federico Delbonis and qualifier Alex Molcan as he seeks his 83rd Tourlevel title, and his third in Belgrade.

“I’m super excited to play in front of a Serbian

crowd. This is my hometown. I’m always excited, but also nervous, coming out on the court and playing in front of my home crowd,” Djokovic told atptour.com “It’s a very unique feeling. You feel a lot of pressure and expectations. But I’m just happy to fight for a trophy tomorrow.”

Djokovic was in full flight as he breezed through the opening set, but his opponent was by no means rolling over. Martin, who took down third seed Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia and fifth seed Dusan Lajovic of Serbia en route to the semifinals, did well to hang on with the world No. 1 from the first point.

WTA would welcome dialogue with Osaka, Nadal defends media TOKYO, MAY 28 (AGENCIES): The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) said it would welcome dialogue with world number two Naomi Osaka over her decision to boycott press conferences at this year’s French Open.

Japanese player Osaka cited the impact on players’ mental wellbeing for her decision, saying the nature of questions from journalists is like “kicking a person when they are down”.

While the 23-year-old has received some support, 13-times French Open champion Rafael Nadal and women’s world number one Ash Barty believe players have a duty to address the media.

Osaka’s decision has been slammed by the French Tennis Federation (FFT).

After American great Serena Williams, Osaka commands the highest profile of any female tennis player and her decision has left the WTA in an awkward position.

“Mental health is of the utmost importance to the WTA and for that matter, every individual person,” the organisation said in a statement on Friday.

“We have a team of professionals and a support system in place that look after our athletes’ mental and emotional health and well-being”.

“The WTA welcomes a dialogue with Naomi (and all players) to discuss possible approaches that can help support an athlete as they manage any concerns related to mental health.”

Naomi Osaka

However, it stressed that it also had responsibilities to the fans and public.

“Professional athletes have a responsibility to their sport and their fans to speak to the media surrounding their competition, allowing them the opportunity to share their perspective and tell their story,” it said.

Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg, former tennis player Zina Garrison and British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith have voiced their support to world number two Osaka.

But Australian Barty echoed the opinion of men’s world number one Novak Djokovic who says that post-match press conferences, while unpleasant, are part of the job.

“We know what we sign up

for as professional tennis players,” Barty told reporters on Friday.

“I can’t really comment on what Naomi is feeling or her decisions she makes”.

“At times press conference are hard, of course, but it’s also not something that bothers me.

Certainly doesn’t keep me up at night what I say and hear or what you guys ask me.”

Nadal said that without the media, tennis players would not enjoy the same profile.

“I respect her, of course, as an athlete and her personality. I respect her decision,” Nadal told reporters.

“We need to be ready to accept the questions and to try to produce an answer. Without the people writing the news and achievements that we are having

around the world, probably we will not be the athletes that we are today.” “I have my point of view that the media is a very important part of our sport.”

Reigning women’s champion IgaSwiatek added: “I don’t find (press conferences) difficult. It gives us a chance to explain our perspective, so I think it’s good.”

French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Gilles Moretton described Osaka’s action as a “phenomenal mistake”.

“What is happening is, in my opinion, not acceptable. We will stick to the laws and rules for penalties and fines,” he said. According to the Grand Slam rule book, players can be fined up to $20,000 for skipping a media conference but Osaka said she was ready to accept any sanction.

Osaka hoped the “considerable amount” that she expected to forfeit would go towards a mental health charity.

“I’m writing this to say I’m not going to do any press during Roland Garros,” Osaka, who lives in the U.S., wrote on Twitter.

“I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health, and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one,” she added.

Osaka, who according to sports business website Sportico earned $55.2 million over the past 12 months, has in the past used her platform and considerable press attention to highlight issues of police violence and racial inequality.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

Japan extends COVID-19 state of emergency ahead of Games T O K YO, M AY 2 8 (AGENCIES): Japan on Friday extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas by about three weeks to June 20 as the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of easing less than two months before the Summer Olympics open.

The state of emergency in the capital and eight other prefectures had been scheduled to end on May 31, but strains on the medical system remain severe.

Japan has seen a record number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition in recent days, even as the number of new infections has slowed.

“In Osaka and Tokyo, the flow of people is starting to creep up, and there are concerns that infections will rise,” Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who also heads the country’s coronavirus countermeasures, said at the start of a meeting with experts.

The experts later approved the government proposal and Prime Minister YoshihideSuga officially

Srikanth, Saina miss out Tokyo qualification New Delhi, May 28 (PTI): Kidambi Srikanth and Saina Nehwal’s slim hopes of qualifying for Tokyo Games ended after the game’s governing body (BWF) on Friday made it clear there will not be any change in the current ranking list and no further tournament will be held inside the qualification period.

Former world no 1 Srikanth and London Games bronze-medallist Saina’s hopes were all but dashed when the last of the Olympic qualifiers in Singapore was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The duo had hung on a slim hope when the governing body said it “will issue a further statement on Tokyo Olympics qualifying at a later date”.

“The Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm no further tournaments will be played inside the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualifying window,” the apex body said in a statement on Friday.

announced the extensions.

Worries about variants of the novel coronavirus and a slow vaccination drive have prompted urgent calls from doctors, some high-profile business executives, and hundreds of thousands of citizens to cancel the Olympic Games, due to start on July 23.

Japanese officials, Olympics organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have said the Games would go ahead under strict virusprevention measures. IOC’s senior official John Coates, who oversees the preparations, said last week the Games were on whether or not the host city, Tokyo, is

under a state of emergency at the time.

Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Seiko Hashimoto told a news conference she had received pledges from India - now battling a deadly second COVID-19 wave and five other countries to vaccinate all their Olympic delegates as a measure against a new variant that has emerged in India.

IOC President Thomas Bach has said 80% of the 10,500 athletes expected in Japan would be vaccinated and on Thursday urged Olympians to get their shots if they could. Delegates must also be tested before and after arrival.

Nike says it split with Neymar over sexual assault probe

L O N D O N, M AY 2 8 (AGENCIES): US sportswear giant Nike says it stopped working with Brazilian footballer Neymar because he “refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation” into an allegation of sexual assault against an employee.

The alleged incident happened in 2016 and was reported to Nike in 2018.

Nike said its investigation was inconclusive.

A spokeswoman for Neymar said he denied the sexual assault and split with Nike last year for commercial reasons.

“Neymar Jr will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far,” she told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper, which first reported the news.

Nike parted ways with Neymar in August 2020, ending one of its most high-profile sponsorship deals. The company gave no reason for the split at the time.

In its statement on Thursday, it said: “It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts.”

But it added: “Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to co-operate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee.”

Nike said the employee reported the allegations in 2018 but initially wanted to avoid an investigation and keep it confidential.

It said it commissioned an independent investigation into the matter the following year, when she expressed an interest in pursuing it.

The alleged victim has not been named, with Nike saying: “We continue to respect the confidentiality of the employee and also recognise that this has been a long and difficult experience for her.”

Neymar cur rently plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain.

WTC final to have reserve day, joint winners after draw or tie: ICC

Dubai, May 28 (IANS) India and New Zealand will end as joint winners in case of a draw or a tie in World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will also have a reserve day to make up for any lost time during regular days of the final, the International Cricket Council announced on Friday.

“The playing conditions confirm that a draw or a tie will see both teams crowned as joint winners as well as the allocation of a Reserve Day to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the Final -- scheduled to be played from 18 to 22 June, with 23 June set aside as the Reserve Day. Both of these decisions were made in June 2018, prior to the commencement of the ICC World Test Championship,” said a statement from ICC. The ICC added that the reserve day has been kept only in the event of lost time and not to get a result.

“The Reser ve Day has been scheduled to ensure five full days of play, and it will only be used if lost playing time cannot

be recovered through the normal provisions of making up lost time each day.

There will be no additional day’s play if a positive result is not achieved after five full days of play and the match will be declared a draw in such a scenario,” the statement added.

The WTC final will be played between June 18 and 22 in Southampton.

In the event of time being lost during the match, the ICC match referee will regularly update the teams and media about the way in which the reserve day will be used. The final decision on whether the reserve day needs to be used will be announced at the scheduled start of the last hour on the fifth day, the ICC added.

The match will be played using Grade 1

Dukes cricket balls.

The final will also see the implementation of changes to international playing conditions that came into effect with the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka: Short Runs - The third umpire will automatically review any call of a ‘short run’ by the on-field umpire and communicate the decision to the on-field umpire before the next ball is bowled.

Player Reviews - The fielding captain or the dismissed batsman may confirm with the umpire whether a genuine attempt has been made to play the ball prior to deciding whether to initiate a player review for LBW.

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