May 2, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 145

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020 Pages 6 (Online Edition)

Coronavirus originated from Wuhan lab: Trump

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 6

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Lockdown extended till May 17 3FDPWFSFE %FBUI

New guidelines permit relaxations for zones :: ::safer ::

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): The Centre has extended the national lockdown for a further period of two weeks with effect from May 4-17, 2020 and issued new guidelines to regulate different activities based on the risk profiling of the districts into red, green and &CFTC 0CICT *CXGNK orange zones. &COCP &KW The Health Ministry has listed 130 districts in the .CMUJCFYGGR 5KMMKOcountry in red zone, 284 in orange zone and 319 in green zone on the basis of COVID doubling rate, 19 incidences, the extent of testing and surveillance feedback.

The Union Home Ministry also issued detailed guidelines, specifying activities allowed in the three zones apart from what is permitted and not allowed

country-wide.

Prohibited activities throughout

the country, irrespective of the zone: * Travel by air, rail, metro and inter-state movement by road, running of

MoatsĂź greetings D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Nagaland governor RN Ravi has extended MoatsĂź greetings to all the people of Nagaland and to the members of Ao community in particular.

In his message, Ravi said that an important teaching by the older men to the youth during the festival was to be bold and heroic to defend and protect the community from enemies.

However, he said that in these difficult times the most valiant act a person could do was “to simply maintain ‘social distancing’ and adhere to the government guidelines.â€? Ravi wished a very happy, meaningful and blessed MoatsĂź celebration as people celebrate the festival at home with prayers.

CM: Extending MoatsĂź greetings to the Ao community, chief minister Neiphiu Rio wished them happiness and good health to the community members. He prayed that the “Almighty’s protection continue to be upon us so that we will be able to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, as a community, in the near future.â€?

Dy CM: State deputy chief minister, Y Patton, also conveyed Moatsß greetings to the Aos and said that this year the festival would be celebrated under different circumstances due to the ongoing COVID-19 restric(Cont’d on p-3) tions.

This is it!

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Imagine me, the boss of shopkeepers, doing this?.�

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political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings and religious places or places of worship for public. * Movement of individuals, for all non-essential activities shall remain strictly prohibited between 7 pm to 7 am.

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* In all zones, persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years shall stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.

Activities allowed: * Movement of persons by air, rail and road is allowed for select purposes, and for purposes as permitted by Ministry of Home Affairs. * Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and medical clinics shall be permitted to operate in red, orange and green zones, with social distancing norms and other safety precautions.

However, these will not be permitted within the containment zones. * All goods traffic is to be permitted and no state or Union Territory shall stop the movement of cargo for cross land-border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.

Green zone: * All activities are permitted except the limited number of activities which are prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone. * However buses can operate with upto 50 per cent seating capacity and bus depots can operate with upto 50 per cent capacity.

(New guidelines issued

by MHA on Nagaland Post website E-paper in PDF)

India ramps up production of COVID-19 protective gears

Dimapur COVID19 patient, others discharged

2.01 crore PPE, orders have been placed for more than 2.22 crore such equipment. “Earlier, there was no domestic manufacturing of PPE in the country and almost all of them were imported. Now, we have 111 indigenous manufacturers.

PPE production capacity has increased so much that it has become a Rs 7,000crore industry in India, the biggest after China,� said the Empowered Group-3 chairman who is also the secretary in the department of pharmaceuticals.

According to the government, the current domestic production of PPE per day is around 1.87 lakh.

Vaghela said about 19,398 ventilators are available in India and orders have been placed for 60,884 more. Of these, 59,884 will be produced indigenously, he said.

DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Assam Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Friday informed that three more COVID-19 patients, including the one from Nagaland were discharged from hospital, taking the total number of cured persons to 32. “He came to Guwahati after getting treatment at a Dimapur hospital. On April 12, we tested him and found his reports to be positive. His health was deteriorating at that time. Now, with the help of our doctors and medical team, he is completely cured,� Sarma told PTI. Two were released from Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital and one each from GMCH and Golaghat Civil Hospital. “From the beginning, we had not considered the Nagaland case in our tally.

So our total cases remain at 42,� Sarma stated.

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NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): India has ramped up production of COVID-19 protective gears and medical equipment, giving a boost to its fight against novel coronavirus and reducing dependency on foreign countries for these items which are in high demand globally due to the pandemic.

The Centre on Friday said it has ordered for 2.22 crore personal protective equipment (PPE), of which around 1.42 crore will be bought from domestic manufacturers and the rest imported.

Addressing a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country, PD Vaghela, chairman of one of the 11 empowered groups constituted for planning and ensuring implementation of response to the disease outbreak, said against the projected demand of around

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The Health Ministry has indicated a projected demand of 75,000 ventilators till June.

He said of the total 2.49 crore N-95/N-99 masks ordered, 1.49 crore have been ordered from domestic manufacturers and about one crore N-95 masks are being imported.

About production of drugs and other medical equipment, Vaghela said, “Hydroxychloroquine production has increased from 12.23 crore to 30 crore per month�. He also said that over 4 lakh oxygen cylinders are available which is “sufficient for today’s requirements�.

He also informed that against a demand for 35 lakh combined RT-PCR testing kits, the ICMR has ordered more than 21 lakh kits and close to 14 lakh have already been received.

PM discusses post lockdown strategy

nagalandpostofďŹ cial

NATIONAL, PAGE 3

COVID-19 cess to augment State resources: Finance commissioner COVID-19 Cess will be withdrawn once pandemic is over Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 1 (NPN): Under furious attack from various quarters, the State’s finance department has justified the COVID-19 cess imposed on petroleum products with the aim of augmenting the State’s resources in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The cess of Rs 5 on high speed diesel and Rs 6 on petrol and motor spirit became effective post midnight of April 28.

Addressing a press conference at the conference hall of civil secretariat here on Friday evening, additional chief secretary and finance commissioner Sentiyanger explained that the cess had been imposed to generate an additional revenue of Rs 55.58 crore annually, adding that the cess had been specifically christened as “COVID-19 cess� to ensure utilisation of the revenue generated for pandemicrelated activities only.

He assured that cess was auditable, pointing out though Assam and Meghalaya too had levied cess on petroleum products, they did not mention the reason.

But Nagaland was very categorical that this cess was meant for combating COVID -19 pandemic only and would withdraw it once the pandemic was formally declared over, he added.

Imchen clarified that though the price of international crude oil had fallen over the past few weeks, its benefit was not passed on to customers by the Central government. Reacting to social media posts that the Centre had release huge sums of money to Nagaland for combating COVID-19 pandemic, he explained that Rs 346 crore that was being claimed to have been released was actually the amount provided by the Centre as Revenue Deficit Grant, while Rs 20.50 crore was the State Disaster Relief Fund as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.

He called for viewing the pandemic’s impact not only from the health perspective as it would have a devastating impact on the

COVID-19 deaths rise to 1,152 in India NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): The death toll due to the novel coronavirus rose to 1,152 with 77 fatalities reported since Thursday evening, while the number of cases saw a record jump of 1,755 to go up to 35,365 cases on Friday, according to the Union health ministry.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 25,148 while 9,064 people have recovered, and one patient has migrated, the ministry said. “Thus, around 25.63 per cent patients have recovered so far,� a health ministry official said.

The total number of cases include 111 foreign nationals.

A total of 77 deaths were reported since Thursday evening of which 27 fatalities were reported from Maharashtra, 17 from Gujarat, 11 from West Bengal, seven each

from MP and Rajasthan, three from Delhi, two from Andhra Pradesh and UP and one from Karnataka.

Maharashtra on Friday saw a record single-day increase of 1,008 in the number of coronavirus patients, which took the tally of cases in the state to 11,506.

PM2.5), S02, No2, NH3, CO, O3, benzene and weather conditions were monitored and analysed for three consecutive months. NPCB monitored the air quality of Kohima and Dimapur under the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP).

The Government of India had categorised the air quality of Kohima and Dimapur under “non-attainment city�, particularly the particulate matters that were found to be above the permissible limit, which could be attributed due to dusty road conditions, burning of wastes, stone crushers, etc.

In order to assess the air quality during the lockdown period, the board said it had brought out a comprehensive report on particulate matter size less than 10 Âľm (PM10) assessing the pre-lockdown and lockdown periods.

STATUS REPORT AS ON MAY 1, 2020 NORTH EAST Nagaland Assam Manipur Meghalaya Mizoram Arunachal Pradesh Tripura

CONFIRMED RECOVERED Nil 42 2 12 1 1 2

Nil 29 2 Nil Nil 1 2

DEATH Nil 1 Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil

DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): State principal secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha Friday informed that the state was awaiting the result of 14 samples of suspected COVID-19 case. So far, a total of 664 samples were sent for testing from the State and the results of 650 samples received had all tested negative.

As on May 1, 1776 persons have been screened and 29 persons were presently under facility quarantine.

‘abnormal’, demands roll back

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has registered its strong protest against the State government’s decision to impose “abnormal cess� on petroleum products and called for its revocation in the best interest of all concerned.

In a press release, the trade body termed the move to impose “abnormal cess� on diesel and petrol and motor spirit by Rs 5 and 6 respectively as totally “uncalled for, anti-people and devoid of any logic�.

At a time when the common public was hard hit on all fronts due to the lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, DCCI said the order to hike fuel prices was nothing more than utter disregard of the common man’s

Over 2.3 lakhs dead world-wide: Globally, the novel coronavirus cases have surged past 3.3 million with over 234,000 deaths.

Number of infected people due to Covid-19 in the US crossed one million and fatalities rose past 63,000.

Nagaland: Results of 14 awaited

Air quality of Dimapur, Kohima improves DCCI says COVID cess on fuel DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): 1 Pre-Lockdown i.e. February 2020 126 Âľg/m3 The ongoing nationwide 2 Comparison with last year on 23rd April lockdown has improved a. 2019 137 Âľg/m3 the air quality of Dimapur b.

2020 (lockdown) 71 Âľg/m3 and Kohima. According to 3 Prescribed National Standard is 100 Âľg/m (24 hourly) Nagaland Pollution Control The data above is of Dimapur and below is of Kohima Board (NPCB), there is an improvement in air qual- Sl. PARAMETERS Feb Mar Apr ity of Dimapur as it is way No below the permissible limit, Particulate matter (size less than 141.28 116.82 73.09 whereas in the previous year 1 10 Âľm) or PM10Âľg/m3 and in the pre-lockdown month February, it was be- 2 Particulate matter (size less than 70.38 57.9 39.86 2.5 Âľm) or PM2.5Âľg/m3 yond the permissible limit.

5.1 0.54 Air quality monitoring 3 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Âľg/m3 5.5 in Dimapur was carried out 4 Nitrous monoxide (NO) Âľg/m3 3.85 1.79 0.88 with manually-operated 5 Nitrogen oxides (NOx) Âľg/m3 9.7 6.64 1.4 respirable dust samplers on 0.58 0.51 0.39 a 24 hourly basis. And in 6 Carbon monoxide (CO) Âľg/m3 7 Ammonia (NH3) Âľg/m3 7.81 3.24 0.78 order to assess the air quality, reports of particulate 8 Benzene (ppb) 0.34 0.2 Nil matter (PM10) during the 9 Oxylene (ppb) 0.14 0.12 Nil pre-lockdown month of 0.62 0.42 Nil February this year and the 10 Toulene (ppb) data of last year on April 23 11 Ethyl (ppb) 0.22 0.12 Nil were compared.

12 MP-xylene (ppb) 0.4 0.26 Nil In Kohima, monitoring of air quality was carried Ambient Air Quality Moni- where parameters like parout through a Continuous toring Station (CAAQMS) ticulate matter (PM10 &

socio-economic spheres far more than what the world had witnessed so far.

He said the economic challenges were apparent with manufacturing and services sectors having closed down and retrenchment of workers, all of which had a huge impact on tax revenues of governments the world over, adding that India, having gone into lockdown since March 25, was no exception.

This, he pointed out had negatively impacted revenues of the Central government as well as that of the States and Union Territories.

In view of the negative impact that State was already experiencing and the likely negative impact in the coming months, Sentiyanger said chief minister Neiphiu Rio had already written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with projections based on April receipts from the Central government. He informed newsmen that a review of the position towards April-end showed that the level of deterioration in the State’s own revenue receipts was more than what was earlier estimated, and had fallen to Rs 28.47 crore as on (Cont’d on p-3) date.

plight by the government of the day.

Urging the government to take the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (CNCCI) representation calling for rollback with all seriousness as it represented the entire business community, DCCI announced that it was ready to act upon CNCCI directives to go to any length to see that the arbitrary cess on fuel prices was revoked.

The release called upon the State government should take into consideration contribution of civil society organisations and general public during this time of crisis and refrain from harassing the common citizens through unpopular taxation and cess.

(Cont’d on p-3)

Cyber crime: Police register two cases D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): State police have registered two cases in connection with COVID19 related offences under IPC, IT Act and Disaster Management Act. In a statement posted on twitter, the state police said that the first case pertained to an individual who had falsely accused the state government on social media platforms of debiting Rs,4500 from his account.

On enquiry, police said it was found that the individual had tried to withdraw Rs.4500 from an ATM in Mahipalpur Delhi.

However, due to technical issues with the ATM, he could not withdraw, but was shown debited in his account.

(Cont’d on p-3) K Y M C

state

2

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

Visits, directives, appeals continue during COVID-19 lockdown in Nagaland

DIMAPUR: To ensure that COVID-19 pandemic does not spread in Nagaland even after nationwide lockdown is lifted, the government and its agencies along with civil organisations are continuously monitoring and reminding the public to take all preventive measures. Legislators continue to visit various designated COVID Hospitals and health centres to observe the activities being undertaken in the eventuality of a breakout of the pandemic. Many civil organisations continue to remind residents in their respective jurisdictions to continue following the government guidelines. District administrations are also passing new orders for the public to strictly adhere, while interstate and state borders are stringently monitored and sanitisation of vehicles carried out prudently. Frontline workers continue to actively carry out their designated duties for the protection of the public in the state.

mokokchung

peren

Minister of Health & Family Welfare Pangyu Phom speaking at the meeting on Friday. (NP)

Pangnyu inaugurates True Nat Lab: Minister of Health & Family Welfare Pangyu Phom launched the first True Nat Lab at IMDH in the state on May 1. The lab will be a rapid testing/screening for COVID-19 wherein if a patient tested negatives then it was a confirmed negative, but if it was positive then the sample would be sent to any of the RTPCR for confirmation. It was also informed that the 2nd lab in the state (True Nat Lab) will be installed at Mon very soon. Minister further acknowledged the need for a testing lab at Mokokchung but some technicalities should be followed first before establishing a lab. He also launched the ambulance at IMDH, COVID-19 Hospital Mokokchung.

Meanwhile, meeting of Mokokchung District Task Force (DTF) on

COVID-19 was held at the ADC planning hall on the same day. The meeting was chaired by deputy commissioner Mokokchung Limawapang Jamir who is also the chairman of the task force. Members of the task force including superintendent of Mokokchung and chief medical officer Mokokchung briefed the members at the meeting and also highlighted the various steps and initiatives undertaken by the district and also the challenges in tackling the possible outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Besides representatives from the civil societies including Ao Senden and others spoke at the meeting.

Advisor of Industries and Commerce Imnatiba and minister of PWD Tongpang Ozukum were also present in the meeting and gave brief speeches. Pangnyu Phom expressed his satisfaction adding that

Mokokchung district was the best in preparedness for COVID-19. He added that this pandemic was a blessing in disguise as people across different walks of life have come together to fight it, thus bringing about unity.

He further acknowledged the pro-active role played by the different civil society organizations in Mokokchung led by the Ao Senden, Watsu Mungdang, AKM and others. He however expressed concern about the pandemic post the lockdown scenario.

For this, he urged the people to abide by all protocols and guidelines issued by the government. He further urged the people not to be complacent post lockdown and added that focus on border areas of the state should be directed as the spread of COVID-19 if at all would be “imported cases”. (Correspondent)

DC Peren issues directive on permitted activities: Deputy commissioner of Peren has notified that the following activities under Peren sub-division are permitted with immediate effect: Shop for vehicle repair along the highways with stipulated minimum social distancing; All shops (garments store, bakery, hardware store etc) including neighbourhood shops, stand-alone shops, shops in residential complexes and market complexes within the purview of Peren Town Council with 50% strength of workers and wearing of masks and social distancing being mandatory; The shops are to remain open only from 8 a.m to 2 p.m; All weekly bazaars shall remain closed; It is reiterated that salons, dine-in-restaurants, eateries and department stores shall continue to remain closed. However, home deliveries from dine in restaurants, food outlets and delivery of online orders of essential commodities shall be permitted; The proprietors of the shop and establishment which are allowed to open will make arrangement for keeping hand sanitisers or provide facilities for hand washing with shops and water for the public as well as for their own staff/workers. They should also get the door handles, surfaces and other objects frequently touched by people regularly cleaned and disinfected. However, as specified in the lockdown measures, National COVID-19 Directives and standard operating procedure protocol for social distancing must be ensured. Any act of violation shall invite legal proceedings as per provisions of section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and section 188 of the Indian Penal code (IPC).

dimapur

DGU and GSU visit Dimapur COVID-19 Hospital: Dimapur Gorkha Union (DGU) in collaboration with Gorkha Student's Union (GSU) visited Dimapur COVID19 Hospital to meet with the frontline medical staff on April 30. A press release from DGU stated that, in a short speech chairman of DGU Kumar Subba lauded the selfless sacrifices of medical staff. Rev. B Vinod Rai invoked blessing upon the medical staff and all the frontline health workers. CMO and medical staff thanked the union for the encouragement.

DBS requests all Bengalis to maintain social distancing: Dimapur Bengali Samaj (DBS) has requested all the Bengalis living in Dimapur to maintain social distancing post lockdown so that coronavirus cannot enter Dimapur. A press release from DBS president K. K. Paul also thanked all the Bengali youth volunteers for their hard work towards the helpless and homeless.

mon DC Mon issues advisory: Deputy commissioner Mon, Thavaseelan K taking cognizance of the violations of safety and preventive measures notified by the government, has issued the following advisories for strict compliance of the general public in Mon district: Compulsorily wear masks/face covers in public places/work places. Violators will be sent home immediately if they are found violating this advisory. If no masks are available, please use a cloth to partially cover your face; Strictly maintain social distancing in all public places/work places; Gathering of 5 or more persons is strictly prohibited; Spitting in all public places is strictly prohibited and shall be punishable with fine; Sale of gutka and other tobacco

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should Modi extend the lockdown beyond May 3 for another 15 days?

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

products is strictly prohibited; Any movement of people except for emergency medical care is not permitted without movement permit issued by district administration; Shopkeepers to compulsorily wear hand gloves and face masks and enforce social distancing norms in their shops. They must also provide hand sanitisers/soap and water for hand wash; Violators will be penalised under Section 188 of IPC and relevant Sections of Disaster Management Act 2005 and Nagaland Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) Regulations 2020.

Transportation charge for rice distribution: DC, Mon further notified that the transportation charge for rice distributed under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) will be

DNSU destroys seized IMFL

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B

C

40% 60% 0%

Next poll

Q: Is the COVID-19 cess

imposed in Nagaland justified?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST may 1

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A morning t-storm in the area

30 22

An afternoon thunderstorm

27 17

Guwahati A stray a.m. t-storm; cloudy

32 21

Aizawl Imphal

A morning t-storm in the area

28 16

Itanagar

Cloudy with a stray t-storm

31 20

Shillong

A p.m. t-storm in spots

22 14

Kohima

A shower and a t-storm around 22 14

Dimapur

An afternoon t-storm or two

30 20

Mkg

Cloudy with a stray t-storm

26 16

Tuensang A p.m. t-storm in spots

19 11

A stray afternoon t-storm

26 19

Zunheboto Cloudy; a t-storm in spots

22 14

Wokha

K Y M C

DNSU members with officials from NWH, NCD and DMC. (NP)

Staff Reporter D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU), on Friday, destroyed seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), worth one lakh, at DMC dumping zone, Burma Camp.

According to DNSU officials, it was learned that illegal IMFLs worth nearly one lakh were seized in and around Dimapur,

Report on law & order: Principal secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha while issuing the daily report on law & order and facilitation of essential goods & services in the state for May 1 stated that 63 (sixty three) violations of the lockdown were reported. According to DIPR report, 19 (nineteen) persons were bound down and an amount of Rs. 22,000 (twenty two thousand) was imposed as fine under the MV Act. According to the report, groceries and other food shops including milk shops were open in all the districts except in Mokokchung, where it was closed to regulate public movement. Medicinal shops continue to remain open in all the districts of the state. There has been no report of shortage of essential commodities. The report also informed that suitable arrangements have been made for providing food and shelter to migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. In this regard, 4 (four) relief camps are active where 481 (four hundred eighty one) migrant labourers are housed and 5 (five) food camps are active. Also, more than 2,600 (two thousand six hundred) daily wagers and needy people were provided food/dry ration.

NDRF conducts awareness programme: One sub team of 12th BN NDRF Doimukh carried out awareness programme on social distancing and sensitisation drive at Jail Colony near Market Area, Jail Colony Youth Panchayat and Jail Colony Panchayet Bhavan of Kohima. A press release from sub inspector K. P. Singh (team leader) stated that the team along with sub inspec-

borne by the department of Food & Civil Supplies, Nagaland. The transportation charge for relief rice distributed by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) through the district administration will be borne by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) till the sub-division HQs. Thereafter, the cost from the sub-division to the villages will be borne by the respective village councils from the 50% Grant-in-Aid (GIA) received from the department of Rural Development, Nagaland. It is again reiterated that rice under PMGKAY and relief rice from DDMA are absolutely free of cost. Criminal proceedings will be initiated against anyone found selling this rice.

NSRLM staff selling local vegetables at Shift Bazaar Kiphire.

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A

Rescuers of NDRF spraying disinfectants around Jail Colony area in Kohima.

tor W. L. Odyuo, Jail Colony Youth Organization and Jail Colony Youth Panchayat Organization and NDRF briefed about advantages of social distancing to people in market area and labour party working at sites. Rescuers of 12th BN NDRF sprayed disinfectants mixed with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and water by jet spray machine.

Training on end life care for COVID19 held at Tseminyu: All village chairmen of Tseminyu sub-division, ward GBs of Tseminyu town and Rengma NGO leaders from various villages attended the training programme held at town hall Tseminyu, chaired by SDO (C) Tsutsowe Kupa. According to DIPR report, SMO Tseminyu Dr. Avilie Zao as resource person informed all norms/rules already laid down by the government in which disinfectant would be properly applied/ put on the coronavirus infected dead body, and if so, the experts from Medical department would take the job of taking the infected dead body till burial site. He impressed upon the village authorities that COVID-19 dead bodies should be allowed for burial, in case, if such situation comes up due to the pandemic.

ADC Tseminyu, Nokchasashi Kichu, who spoke about COVID-19 preparedness post lockdown at the training programme acknowledged all village authorities and NGOs of Tseminyu sub-division for maintaining strict disciplined rules of lockdown measures against COVID-19 pandemic.

kiphire

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

kohima

within a span of one week, during the lockdown.

It stated that dealers were selling the illegal products, prohibiting necessary rules laid out and also despite repeated war ning issued by the union, as well as by state Excise department to all liquor sellers.

It was fur ther informed that they were caught red handed selling the liquors more than its

actual price.

Officials of DNSU, in a complete transparent message to all liquor traders warned that the union will take its own course of action, if any individual or groups were found dealing in it.

The seized items were destroyed in the presence of officials from Naga Women Hoho (NWH), Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and DMC.

NSRLM Kiphire initiate sale of local vegetables: Shift Bazaar has been temporarily organized by district administration on alternate days to enable SHGs and farmers to sell their locally grown vegetables. A press release from NSRLM BPM Longmatra Atsope Sangtam stated that, to ensure the availability of local produce to general public and to improve the livelihood of farmers, the RD department involving NSRLM through the coordination with district administration has also procured various locally produced vegetables from SHGs under Kiphire and Longmatra blocks. The produces were bought by the department from the spot and sold voluntarily by the NSRLM staff Kiphire in the market. NSRLM staff also shared gratitude to frontline workers, by distributing bundles of green vegetables free of cost to all the frontline workers assigned on duty on May 1.

tuensang Wungtung takes stock of Shamator: Advisor I&PR, VG, SCERT and chairman DPDB Tuensang Toshi Wongtung visited Shamator to take stock of current situation from Task Force for Covid-19 Shamator on May 1. According to DIPR report, chairman of TFC-19 Shamator, ADC Lankonsen Tsanglao highlighted few immediate needs to the advisor. The meeting was also held in presence of selected YTC, Public Forum Shamator, Chambers of Commerce Shamator, Police, VG, 45 AR, NDPP 58 A/C office bearers and COVID-19 team Shamator. Toshi also donated face mask, hand sanitiser, soap, fruits etc.

Toshi along with ADC Shamator and others during his visit to Shamator. (DIPR)

KDCC opposes cess on diesel and petrol DIMAPUR: Raising concern over the imposition of COVID-19 cess on diesel and petrol, the Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) has demanded that government notification be rolled back.

In a memorandum submitted to DC Kohima, the KDCC president Kevi Vizo stated that the state government, “instead of raising cessation to increase prices”, should restructure the state economy to stimu-

late economic growth and bring down in line with center's policies.

It stated that imposition of COVID-19 cess on diesel and petrol at the rate of 5 and 6 respectively was not acceptable as it would result in price rise across commodities. KDCC said that people have lost business, jobs, development activities halted, industries closed and farming activities affected.

Stating that people

were paying petrol and diesel cess to the state government at prices that were already unaffordable, the KDCC said that it was “most unreasonable” for the government to impose cess despite of crude oil prices at their lowest in twenty years.

KDCC also said that petrol pump owners were forced to pay several unofficial taxes because government had “no control rather its policy is to felicitate and

support.”

KDCC stated that state government had passed a Rs.21,049 crore budget and money was available with the government besides receiving State Disaster Response Management Fund and “perhaps” Prime Minister CARES fund also.

“We have also seen NEC has released grants while the Center is supplying PPE materials. In addition, donations have also been received,” KDCC stated.

K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

PM discusses post lockdown strategy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a high-level meeting to discuss reforms in the Mines and Coal sectors, in New Delhi. (PIB/PTI) New Delhi, May 1 Modi had on Thursday people and goods.

(PTI): Ahead of the sched- held a series of meetings to The near-complete uled end of the extended na- discuss strategies to attract halt in economic activity tionwide lockdown, Prime foreign investment, promote may result in the country Minister Narendra Modi local manufacturing, and seeing a contraction in GDP on Friday met key ministers boost the economy that has growth in the April-June including Home Minister been hit hard by the COVID- quarter, some analysts have Amit Shah and Finance 19 pandemic and the nation- predicted.

Minister Nirmala Sithara- wide lockdown imposed to In late March, the man apparently to discuss curb its spread. government had announced an exit strategy.

He had reviewed the a Rs 1.7 lakh crore stimulus While there was no state of investments, the de- package comprising free official word on the meet- fence and aerospace sector, foodgrains and cooking gas ing, sources said the Prime and the mine and minerals to poor and cash doles to Minister has been holding sector. poor women and elderly. discussions during the last The government had A second package, few days on various post- first imposed a 21-day na- aimed at industries parlockdown aspects. tionwide lockdown begin- ticularly small and medium Railway and Com- ning March 25 and later enterprises that have been merce and Industry Minister extended it till May 3. The hit hard by the lockdown, Piyush Goyal was also pres- lockdown shut businesses, is said to be in works and ent at the meeting held on stopped air and rail travel is likely to be announced Friday morning. and restricted movement of shortly.

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national/state 5 ITBP personnel test positive for COVID-19 New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): Five personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and at least 90 have been quarantined over the last few days, officials said on Friday.

These are the first cases of the viral infection in the border-guarding force, which is trained in mountain warfare. Three personnel, involved in essential services at a base of the paramilitary force in the Tigri area of the national capital, have tested positive for coronavirus and have been isolated at a facility in Delhi, the officials said. In another case, an infected sub-inspector and a head constable-rank official of the 50th battalion of the force were sent to the AIIMS in Jhajjar (Haryana) for isolation two days ago.

The 50th battalion was deployed in Delhi for rendering law-and-order duties alongside the Delhi Police, the officials said.

The entire company of at least 90 personnel has been quarantined, they added.

The ITBP is a 90,000personnel-strong force that is primarily tasked with guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, apart from rendering other internal security duties in the country.

Special trains for students, labourers New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): In the wake of demands by different state governments to run special trains to ferry people stuck in various states, Indian Railways said it will run special trains from Friday itself to move labourers, pilgrims, tourists and students stranded across the country.

Railways Executive Director (Media) R.D. Bajpai said in a statement that as per the guidelines issued

by Ministry of Home Affairs, it was decided to run “Shramik Special” trains to return migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students, and others to their native states.

The senior officials of the Railways and Home Ministry had a meeting in Thursday to discuss the issue. The development comes on a day when the Railways ran its first special train in almost 40 days from Telangana to Jharkhand to transport 1,200 migrant labourers.

The railways had suspended passenger, mail and express trains as the nationwide lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from March 24 midnight to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

Bajpai said these special trains will be run from point to point on the request of both state governments

Migrants board a special train for Hatia in Jharkhand, amid the nationwide lockdown, at Lingampally Station in Telangana, early Friday morning. (PTI) concerned as per the standard protocols for sending and receiving such stranded persons.

“The railways and state governments shall appoint senior officials as nodal officers for coordination and smooth operation of these Shramik Special trains,” the official said.

Elaborating, he said the passengers have to be screened by the states in which people were stuck and allow only those found asymptomatic to travel.

“The state gover nments concerned will have to bring these stranded persons in batches that can

be accommodated in trains at designated railway stations by sanitized buses and following social distancing norms and other precautions. “It will be mandatory for every passenger to wear a face mask. Meals and drinking water will be provided to the travellers by states concerned at the train’s originating station,” the official said.

He said that the Railways will endeavour to ensure social distancing norms and hygiene on board with the cooperation of passengers. “On longer routes, the Railways will provide a meal en route,”

he said.

Bajpai said that on arrival at the destination station, passengers will be received by officials of the respective state governments, who would also make all arrangements for their screening, quarantine if necessary and further travel from the railway station.

The national transporter has suspended regular services of passenger and express trains until further notice, running only freight and special parcel trains to ensure supply of essential items across the country.

COVID-19 cess to augment State resources: Finance commissioner Flypast, showering of petals to thank COVID-19 warriors: Bipin Rawat

(From p-1) Based on this actual position, he said it was clear that the shortfall in the coming months might be higher than what was initially anticipated.

He regretted that the pandemic did not give any choice to the government but to allocate more funds for health infrastructure and other related areas that were not budgeted, leading to increase in the levels of deficit.

Keeping these factors in mind and rather than wait for the crisis to deepen, Sentiyanger asserted that the State government had taken preemptive steps in the form of certain austerity measures that included freeze on all fresh appointments, freeze on DA/DR in line with the decision of the Central government and cut on non-development expenditure, including ban on purchase of vehicles, while pro-rata cuts on developmental expenditure were under examination.

He said though Nagaland’s share from Central tax receipts was initially projected at Rs 374.45

crore on the presumption that India’s economy would grow at 10%, recently IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva remarked that India’s economy would grow at 1%.

He said the State’s budget for a month was Rs 374 crore, but in April the government received Rs 263 crore only and there was a shortfall of Rs 111 crore.

Mentioning that though the State’s own revenue was projected at Rs 106 crore and that though in his letter to Modi Rio had projected Rs 98 crore keeping in mind the lockdown because of which the State’s own resource generation would be less, the additional chief secretary said in reality the State’s own revenue was a mere Rs 21 crore when checked on April 30.

He claimed thus there was a shortfall of about Rs 77 crore.

Because of this, he pointed out that the chief minister had mentioned the projected shortfall as Rs 955.44 crore, adding the deficit was likely to be higher because the State’s own generation had fallen drastically.

Sentiyanger said Nagaland had to spend unbudgeted amount for health infrastructure and other healthcare related activities to combat the pandemic that was not included in the 2020-2021 budged, adding that the government had spent Rs 30 crore so far from its own resources.

He said the State has received Rs 3.71 crore twice, while North Eastern Council had sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the health & family welfare department. Further, Rs 20.50 crore had been released as first instalment of SDRF for 2020-21 from where maximum up to 35% could be used for COVIDrelated activities., he said adding Rs 7.42 crore Central grant would be released soon.

Special secretary (finance) V Kezo, who too was present, claimed that the situation was assessed well in advance and as the GSDP was estimated to grow only 1.9%, the government had taken the decision to mitigate the crisis so that Nagaland did not accumulate shortfalls, if there was an outbreak

Migrant labour mercilessly abandoned by Centre, says Cong

New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): The Congress on Friday accused the Centre of “mercilessly” and “cruelly” abandoning the entire category of migrant labour and termed as a cruel joke the order on inter-state movement of workers.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the “mismanagement” of migrant labour shows the approach the central government has adopted towards the poor of country.

“The Centre has mercilessly, cruelly and without second thought abandoned the entire category of migrant labour,” he said addressing a press conference through video conferencing.

He said a ‘fiscal injection’ especially designed for the labour class was the need of the hour to help them tide over the current crisis due to the lockdown over COVID-19.

Singhvi also called for providing more money to the states to provide for the migrant labour as lakhs of them are currently stranded at state borders or are forced to walk several kilometres to reach their homes.

The Congress leader also termed the running of one train for transporting such labour from Telangana K Y M C

Abhishek Singhvi to Jharkhand as a “kneejerk” reaction and said it was “too little, too late”.

He alleged that “clearly there is avoidance technique and shifting of responsibility by the central government in taking steps to ensure the labour force reach their homes”.

“It is complete hypocrisy and contradiction on the part of the Centre,” he charged.

Various state governments are coordinating to bring back migrant labourers after the Centre gave the go-ahead for the inter-state movement of labourers hit by the lockdown imposed to contain spread of coronavirus.

Singhvi also said that the April 29 order of the Home Ministry on inter-

state movement of labourers is a ‘tuglaqi farmaan’ (royal order), which is “very quaint and funny”.

“It is as if it was issued by an ignorant and uncaring person and constituting a cruel joke on the migrant workers,” he said.

Singhvi said “it is on the backs of these migrant labour that we enjoy our infrastructure”.

He said labourers were given only four hours notice before implementing the lockdown and they needed food and water before travelling to their home towns.

The Government has not given the states any money on this front, he said, adding that migrant labour is the most vulnerable and weakest section of the informal sector.

of the pandemic.

OSD finance Talirenba said the government was expecting Rs 30.5 crore from petrol and Rs 35 crore from diesel, totalling Rs 55.58 crore, with the imposition of COVID cess.

The officials said though there was no positive COVID case now, the State could not be complacent and that it was essential to be prepared for worse because of which the decision to levy cess was taken.

DCs to be asked to regulate prices To queries on price hike in essential commodities, Sentiyanger remarked that the price rise was artificial though lockdown had made things abnormal. Yet, he said he would write to deputy commissioners to regulate prices on essential commodities and other items.

Being the convener of Empowered Committee, Sentiyanger said the members were working on felicitating the returnees from outside the State.

COVID-19: Centre orders 2.22 cr PPE New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): In a boost for indigenous production of COVID-19 protective gear, the Centre on Friday said it has ordered 2.22 crore personal protection equipment (PPE) of which 1.43 crore will be made by domestic manufacturers.

Addressing a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country, P D Vaghela, Chairman of the Empowered Group-3, said about 19,398 ventilators are available in India and orders have been placed for 60,884 more, and of these 59,884 will be made by domestic manufacturers.

He said of the total 2.49 crore N-95/N-99 masks ordered, 1.49 crore of these masks have been ordered from domestic manufacturers.

On production of drugs and other medical equipment, he said “HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) production has increased from 12.23 crore to 30 crore per month”.

“Over 4 lakh oxygen cylinders are available; sufficient for today’s requirements. Orders for more than 1 lakh oxygen cylinders have been placed and industrial oxygen is being converted into medical oxygen,” he said.

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Amid the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, and the three service chiefs addressed a press conference to express gratitude to the COVID-19 warriors.

“On behalf of armed forces, we want to thank all COVID-19 warriors. Doctors, nurses, sanitation workers, police, home guards, delivery boys and the media, who have been reaching out with the message of government on how to carry on with lives in difficult times,” General Rawat said.

He said that on Sunday, there will be some special activities that the nation will get to witness.

The Air Force will con-

Bipin Rawat duct a flypast from Srinagar to Thiruvananthapuram and another one starting from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kutch in Gujarat. It’ll include both transport and fighter aircraft.

“The Army, on its part, will conduct mountain band displays along some of the COVID hospitals in almost every district of our country.

Five more arrested in Palghar lynching case, 115 so far

The 5 accused persons were produced before a court on Friday and remanded in the CID’s custody till May 13.

Mumbai, May 1 (PTI): Five more persons were arrested on Friday in the Palghar lynching case by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Maharashtra Police, an official said.

It took the number of

persons arrested in connection with the lynching of three men including two monks in neighbouring Palghar district to 115, including nine minors, he said.

The incident took

place at Gadchinchle village on April 16 when the two monks were heading towards Surat from Mumbai in a car with a driver to attend a funeral.

A mob of villagers stopped them and beat them to death on suspicion that they were thieves, even as a few police personnel had reached the spot.

Some of the accused later fled into the dense forest around the village. The police used drones to hunt them, the official said.

The five accused persons were produced before a court on Friday and remanded in the CID’s custody till May 13, he said, adding that probe was on.

Cyber crime: Police register two cases (From p-1) According to police, the individual had already availed the assistance of Rs.4500 under “Iamstranded”. However, police said he was “dishonestly” trying to induce delivery of money for the second time.

Further, police said that the individual had circulated the fake news on social media “with the intent to cause fear or alarm”. The accused in this case has been summoned to appear before the police, it added.

With regard to the second case, the police said an anonymous person, who had applied for the assistance under the same welfare measure, had used “ob-

scene words and fictitious particulars” to avail the money being given by the government.

Police said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the said person has accessed the portal from Chennai, Tamil Nadu using a Jio allotted IP address.

Meanwhile, Nagaland police have appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified news, which would lead to panic/alarm.

Police warned that stringent action would be taken against any individual under the relevant section of law including Disaster Management Act and Epidemic Action for any violation of law.

The armed forces will also lay wreath at the police memorial on 3 May in support of our police forces,” CDS Rawat, as quoted by ANI “The Navy will have its warships deployed in formations in coastal areas in the evening on 3 May. Navy warships would also be lit up and their choppers would be used for showering petals on hospitals,” he added.

“Our police personnel are doing their job very well and they are deployed in the red zone. They are capable of undertaking actions in red zones also. No need has been felt for military deployment so far,” Rawat said.

This was the first time that CDS Rawat was addressing the media, in the presence of the three service chiefs, according to NDTV.

DCCI says COVID cess...

(From p-1) Pointing out that it was no time to indulge in confrontation and that the whole State should join hands in the fight against COVID-19, DCCI said the government should listen to the voice of stakeholders.

Urging the government to learn from other States in India where hundreds and thousands of crores of rupees were being pumped in as stimulus packages to save and restore economies, the trade body observed that Nagaland government had become too naive.

It also acknowledged and conveyed gratitude to the Central government for providing materials and other logistic support in this hour of need when the State was grappling to wake up to the realities.

Moatsü greetings

(From p-1) He, however, said that it should not dampen the spirit of festivity as it could be celebrated meaningfully at their respective homes.

Patton, on behalf of the state BJP legislators, wished peace, prosperity and goodwill to the people.

K Y M C

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 145 Dimapur, SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

Locked down economy

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ovid-19 pandemic and the consequent nationwide lockdown have alarmingly raised the spectre of hunger and starvation, ironically at a time when India’s granaries are overflowing on the back of a bumper harvest. With regard to food grain stocks, India will have enough food grain stockpiles to feed its poor for at least a year-and-a-half as the reserves are likely to further balloon after record harvests. However, the bad news is that the lockdown has hit agriculture hard as farmers have hardly enough labourers or produce going to waste due to lockdown.

Many of those who have harvested their crop have been unable to transport their produce to wholesale markets, forcing them to sell it at dirt-cheap rates or, worse, just dump their harvest. Nearly 70 per cent of India’s population live in rural areas, where more than half of men and nearly 70% women are engaged in agricultural work, government data shows. Recent videos shared by farmers on social media show fields bursting with crops including cabbages, peppers, tomatoes and grapes waiting to be harvested, or being dumped by farmers unable to sell their produce.

Damage to the wheat lying in the open at various grain markets across Haryana and Punjab due to the untimely rain is a cause for concern. Agricultural activities have already been affected due to the lockdown imposed. This has curtailed farm activities, reflected in the delaying of the procurement. As the states mull ways to exit the lockdown, effective procurement will also mean putting money into the pockets of farmers so that shops in towns and cities can look up on the strength of the rural bounty that has truly helped the country negotiate the rigour. Meanwhile, the fate of millions of daily wage earners and others cannot be ignored. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan had admitted that 39 lakh of the 71 crore people supposed to be covered under the NFSA were not receiving benefits as they did not have ration cards. Now that the lockdown has been extended and with growing demands for food grains, the challenge posed will increase.

With an estimated 50 million individuals losing their jobs in the first two weeks of the lockdown, not only have remittances from family members who worked in cities dried up, but it has also become increasingly difficult for farming activities to continue in India’s villages, including harvesting and selling the standing winter crop. A day after the lockdown came into effect on March 25, the Centre had announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package to help the vulnerable sections tide over the crisis during the ensuing three-month period.

The lockdown has impacted the livelihoods of a large proportion of the country’s nearly 40 million internal migrants. Around 50,000 60,000 moved from urban centers to rural areas of origin in the span of a few days. The other humungous problem that India faces is with regard to the lockdown is with millions of migrant workers. With the One Nation One Ration Card scheme yet to be operational across the country, lakhs of migrant workers had little option but to rush back to their native places to avail themselves of the doles.

The combination of both these would push India into a huge crisis unless preventive steps are taken.

DailyDevotion Faith— Not Emotion

We walk by faith, not by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7 For a while, we are fully aware of God’s concern for us. But then, when God begins to use us in His work, we begin to take on a pitiful look and talk only of our trials and difficulties. And all the while God is trying to make us do our work as hidden people who are not in the spotlight. None of us would be hidden spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our work when it seems that God has sealed up heaven?

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

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

Quotes

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

Post-mortem

The satisfying T psalmist’s shepherd

COVID-19 and Nagas

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salm Twenty-third came out from the shepherdtur ned-king David’s experiences. It immediately reveals a pledged relationship – “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

We often talk about God as belonging to distant realm, but David testifies a highly personal intimate God. For the sheep, the shepherd is everything. They depend on him for provision, guidance and protection. So a sheep, under the care of a good shepherd, can say, “I shall not be in want.”

On the other hand, the shepherd knows the best for his sheep – the green pastures and quiet waters – and takes his sheep there. Thus, Jesus, the good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11), the great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20), and the chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) leads his sheep to the right places and the sheep gets their fill if they follow his leading.

He restores the weary souls, helps them to stay on course in the paths of righteousness. The reason being “for his name’s sake” and we can trust that the good Shepherd will not be untrue to himself. So in actuality, any rebellion against his leading is depriving one’s own benefits.

The “talk about God” of the preceding verses has changed to the “talk to God” in verse 4; from comment to communion.

The pronoun “he” changes to the more intimate personto-person address “you,” and this happens when the going gets tough.

The shepherd is no longer ahead to lead but is alongside as a caring companion now.

A closer examination of this verse tells us that the path through the valley of the shadow of death is also one of the paths of righteousness!

Going down the dark valley

is not a case of astray! The shepherd does not attempt to snatch him back to green pasture either. Rather, it implies that the shepherd approves and leads him there too.

Many people think that every painful experience, every hardship, and every frightening moment is from the devil, but that is not true! Yes, God certainly lavishes us with green pastures and refreshing waters.

We receive them, often quite ungratefully, as if we deserve all such good blessings.

But we need to remember that God does not intend to make another heaven on earth simply because there is already one up there. Here on earth, God in His wisdom allows dark valley intended for our good as Paul puts it, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

However, we find it difficult to remain silent in there, and quick to question why the dark valley?

Philip Keller, an Australian shepherd, in his book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” provides an experiential knowledge about the barren valleys.

He writes, “The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves, or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage point prey on his flock.

He knows these valleys can be subject to sudden storms and flash floods that send walls of water rampaging down the slopes. There could be rockslides, mud, or . . . a dozen other natural disasters that would destroy or injure his sheep. But in spite of such hazards he also knows that this is still the best way to take his flock to the high country.

He spares himself no pains or trouble or time to keep an eye out for any danger that might develop.”

If God requires us to go down the valley then we can trust that His plan is to take us to some better place! Every valley indeed is a pathway to a higher place. The valley per se is not good, but the Shepherd is, and He knows the way.

Also, His presence helps in overcoming our crippling fear!

He will never leave us there in the valley. Rather, He wishes us higher and stronger. So, our humble desire should be, “A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground!”

The companionship in the dark valley now changes to “Guest and welcoming Host” scene in verses 5-6. In the Ancient Near East culture, a covenant was normally sealed with a meal signifying the bond of friendship and mutual loyalty.

It was also customary to anoint the head of an honored guest with oil at the banquet, and his safety from ever-watchful enemies was the host’s foremost concern.

Besides, in the Old Testament, “goodness and lovingkindness” summarizes all that the Lord had covenanted to show to Israel (Deut. 7:9, 12), and these covenant benefits are seen as following the Psalmist.

The Psalmist’s Shepherd “LORD” is the abundant Provider, the ideal Pilot, the able Protector, the comforting Partner, and the gracious Partygiver. He is my Shepherd too.

I have everything that I need; I couldn’t ask for more. Because the Psalmist’s Shepherd is truly satisfying!

V. Atsi Dolie, ABCC Mission Compound Kohima

he global pandemic COVID-19 has spared none and brought much chaos, disruptions, and tragedy across the globe. Powerful nations with the best of health-care infrastructure and with the most elite health/medical research teams on the planet have faced (and counting) inexplicable loss of lives. While the threat of the pandemic COVID-19 is global and it knows no boundaries of class, caste, gender, religions, regions and languages, the poor and migrants are made most vulnerable, facing the threat of the virulent virus as well as the perils of unemployment and consequent hunger, even survival. The grim reality of COVID-19 and its impact on the poor was poignantly captured in the statement, “hunger may kill us before coronavirus” by a migrant in north India.

The surprise nationwide lockdown announced by the government at the end of March, left many migrants stranded in urban areas. Migrants trekking on the highways walking back to their villages are vividly distressing images. Others are taking the solitary route of cycling the distance between their city of work and home. On an emotional level, these stories of migrants setting off towards their homes in villages, knowing that home do not mean economic security, reiterate powerfully the call of home when life is uncertain amidst the raging dangers of a death-dealing virus.

COVID-19 has disrupted life as we know as normal in every aspect: health, social, economic, environment, working culture, religious etc. Responses, reflections, re-orientations are already happening, marked equally by noble spirit of humanity and undeniable selfishness of human beings. Some serve on the frontline risking their lives, some hurry to make a fast profit. The virtues of generosity and compassion will linger on, beyond COVID-19 times.

COVID-19 and its impacts on Nagas are observable at many levels.

These disruptions invite reflections.

Naga migrants apparently bear the most devastating impact of COVID-19 and the measure of lockdown. Particularly, migrants working in the urban areas in the mainland are experiencing grim uncertainties and many are struggling to shelter-in with bare minimum. The announced assistance by the state and the many charitable networks’ distri-

bution of basic food are undoubtedly mighty help.

Yet, reflections we must, for living post COVID-19. Reflections bring up questions. Who are the Naga migrants?

Why do Nagas migrate to the cities?

What sort of employment are Nagas engaged in? In what conditions Naga migrants live in the cities? Is migration the only route to our progress and even survival?

The reasons behind (push factor) young Nagas migrating to the mainland are central questions we as a people, especially as Indigenous people need to address. And address we must together as village, as community, as Indigenous people.

While there are economic diversities among the migrants, often categorized by the levels of education and the nature of employment, most migrants are unskilled or semi-skilled workers with little or no education. In short shrift, workers valued at most till their prime youth and replaced as the market is ever hungry for younger energy. The glittering glamour and convenient comfort of city-life are short-lived, and often come with the perils of insecurity as COVID-19 has revealed. To be sure, migration is not at fault. In fact, migration contributes to civilizations progress and provides opportunity to humanity to toil together towards shared common vision of mutual flourish.

Migrants and their labours will continue to be needed for the economy.

And Nagas must reflect, in relation to migration, and aspire to be better than we are now. If every young Naga can be assured a college education, we are not short of talents and potential, migration from our land will be not be a way out of poverty, and the lands where Naga live might be places where we will receive migrants.

As we reflect towards a life postCOVID-19, a word to the church, since, Christianity and church enjoy a polite respect among the Nagas; moreover, a church that is true to its proclamation of the good news of liberation from the bondage of misery of selfishness and falsehood and hypocrisy – sin – teach the children now, the values that make the good life, as opposed to the glamour of riches of the world.

Dr. Atola Longkumer, Bengaluru

A new hope post the pandemic The independent Nagas

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On economy of Naga so- ture by any alien culture. Naga’s There however have been bad news ciety, one expert (of British Era socio-political system was of pure reports of field actors from Neo in Naga Hills) wrote, “Economy democracy. Our forefathers and Protestants and staunch Presbyteri- begins with agriculture and ends fathers never envied any foreign an backgrounds who claim to have with agriculture”. Our forefathers culture or system. They wanted possession of the antidote against and fathers were hard working, the best for their posterity. They the viral ailment through peculiar honest and courageous. They cherished agriculture based selfmethods of surreal diagnosis, to cultivated everything or anything sufficient life to continue for the extent of bottle-feeding the needed for family’s consumption. their children. Had there been no devouts with hand sanitizer, which They were self-sufficient. Even foreign invasion and colonization, has no scientific base and has ac- the poorest of the poor was self- it was not impossible for our hard claimed satirical criticism. subsistent. Families with surplus working forefathers and fathers Meanwhile on the next slide produce shared with their neigh- to realize that future for today’s of the chronicle tied to the pan- bours. It was shame to sell surplus generation. Had there been no demic turn of events, the world produce when the neighbour was betrayers and a traitor among agencies and individual philan- in need. In fact, there was no Nagas, there was no reason as to thropists have taken a solidarity buyer as everyone cultivated for why they could not scaled their stand to counter attack this slow his family. Nobody begged for ambition.

COVID-19 pandemic has and imminent march of mass death food. There was no starvation. and globe wide stultification. Big They always helped each other. taught us a good lesson that life corporations and independent in- No member of the village was on earth is nothing more than dustrialists alike have contributed left to the mercy of circumstance. food and health. Food is the generously to world bodies and The rich in the village hosted feast lifeline. Real independence lies in food security. People feared food unit government in large sums of of merit for the whole village and scarcity as much as they feared even surrounding villages.

None donations. Many iconic and popuwas too rich or too poor as to beg. the disease. It reminds us of how lar celebrities have salvaged their Such was the perfect equilibrium vulnerable we are without food fan portals and public domains to and harmony of the Naga soci- sufficiency. COVID-19 reminds us raise funds that are directed to- ety. Our forefathers and fathers of our ancestor’s independent life. wards critical areas of development never depended on foreigners to It is an opportunity for Nagas to that are in neglect and have been live. They were self-contented. go back that root. Yes, the root of overshadowed by the COVID-19 Agriculture gave them sustainable work culture. We need to remove pursuit. economy. Every aspect of Naga dependent mentality. Let us begin We are being pushed beyond life revolved around agriculture. with agriculture. Let us begin with our limits like never before. We It gave them great sense of inde- backyard kitchen garden. It is not need goodwill bearers like them to pendence. Our forefathers and enough to lament only. We need initiate such massive hikes for the fathers wanted that age old har- to act and act wisely as our forethreshold of things new and better monious life to continue without fathers and fathers did. God bless to be realized. Amid these dark any foreign interference. They did Nagaland. KUKNALIM. hazy days of unprecedented criti- not want any dilution of our culDr. K. Hoshi, Phek Town cal age, on the very brink of great technological breakthroughs across the scientific strata, hope pervades for those that keep it igniting.

A bitter fact may be that the vaccine could take years if not months to be procured and made publicly available to end the cycle Sir, If Government of Nagaland is planning to bring back stranded of passive carriers, but when the collective gumption is too long people from outside Nagaland, following measures should be initifor a hopeful future undeterred, ated/adopted (especially people coming from hotspot areas): Screening at various stations before they step in soil of Nagaland; Samples the first step of humanity to win- of all should be send (both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal ning over this contaminate spore swabs); Quarantine for 14 days whether symptomatic or asymptomof virus and raise from the ashes atic, another COVID-19 test at Day 13; Quarantine centres must like a clichéd Phoenix has just been be arranged; Health workers should be in full PPE Kit during the succeeded there. Quick recovery process; Symptoms are fever, running nose, weakness, difficulty in to all the COVID-19 patients, and breathing, headache, loose stool (if any report immediately). Lastly God speed to all the paramedics and most important please co-operate with GON. and vaccine researchers.

NB - Not about stigma but for the prevention and safety of our own family and friends.

T Y Tikhir, Chümoukedima, Dimapur Dr C Manpa Phom MD (Medicine) Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

hat the epidemic took for the worst turn in a world indifferent and apathetic to change to all things forward and liberating, the current emergence of the stock-still motion in the permutation of world craft advancement, is a stiff realization to the fact no humans are metaconscious enough to prevent the forever looming entropy from usurping its unnatural gauge on human’s sustainable model of civilization simulations, and poor fallible human choices that are foisted upon the global civilians. No the cause of the outbreak is yet to be ascertained whether it was an accidental laboratory experiment, or that an unsterilized consumption of bush animals was the imminent vector link to invade the human genome defence mainframe, after ages of the virus’s transmutation connatural proclivity — this theory rather appears to be shadowy and spectral by definition, but we cannot eliminate the possibility the virus could have hatched free from its maladaptive setting any time by now. Also considering the dismal orthodoxy in scientific revolution and the paraphrasing of published scripts by NASA, with its notoriety of secrecy and indiscretion to classify overrated material they distinguish humans are yet less evolved to be brought to light widely.

It does not come out as surprising the origination of the COVID-19 pandemic has landed in a vast thread of conspiracy theories. And remarkably so, one cannot deny they implore some convincing and intriguing trail of deeper and cavernous connection relating with coercive government agendas and supra plots to restore their power and control over the economic and political sphere of influence. And by the end of the read, the COVID-19 conspiracies, like any conspiracy, stretch our imagination to more degree of covetous and misanthropic puppet government orchestrated by the elite class of rulers, sworn in secrecy to discourage the common people from emancipation and

gaining progress. There haven’t been major leads in the ongoing investigations that have been conducted in the Wuhan lab to obtain clues both for identifying the source and the cause of the outbreak, and to gather data to help in the fast development of the cure vaccine.

The global civilization hasn’t given up on the fight response against the haywire virus that has put the innate survival of humankind into a demanding testimony of looming poverty, communitarian impairment, widespread famine, disheartening load of despair and reverse negativity, and all the perfect quark formula for a bleak and wasteland post apocalyptic world. Indeed, with everything the pulverization of environment and resource saturation the world has been unconscientiously programmed to gait, or succumbs to waddle and trek by the order decree of the echelons in the higher hierarchy, this could not be the less perfect moment for a virus to erupt and disembowel the shanks of the global system that supports unsplintered structure and progress.

COVID-19 has taught humanity a priceless and invaluable lesson, and has shown the grave dangers afflicting a growing technological race of planet earth sapiens whose forward journey is held ransom by annals of environmental neglect, deficient scientific reformation and revised contingency goals, and the grave lack of social and political will, which in turn provokes countless inhuman atrocities, impoverished and harrowing testaments. Many people on the front lines today on the war against the Corona Virus has dedicated their very question of existence by working relentlessly around the clock, on direct chances of contact with the virus, with uneven numbers of PPE and administrative inhibitors stomped against the staggering rate of infected patients. Many ecumenical protagonists have even taken this time of crisis to endorse their denominational status and put their faith on test on the other hand.

Reader’s Post Prevention and safety

northeast/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

5

4 policemen injured in stone pelting in Assam M’laya to resume mining activities

Lakhimpur (Assam), May 1 (PTI): At least five people, including four security personnel, were injured in stone pelting when they tried to prevent a religious gathering at a village in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred on Thursday night when a police team, led by Naoboicha police outpost incharge Biswajit Nath, went to the Dakkhin Pandhowa village after getting information about people gathering at a mosque to offer namaz.

“The police got the information from the village head about the gathering,” an officer told PTI. The police team reached there and found 12 people, including the imam, inside the mosque. They requested the imam and others not to gather, and asked them to follow the rules on social distancing, the officer said. The team closed a small market that

A police vehicle was also damaged in the attack. (Photo- Hemanta K. Nath. India Today)

was operating next to the mosque before entering the complex, he said.

“When the team was about to leave the mosque complex, heavy stone pelting started. This caught our team completely in an offguard situation,” the officer said. Four personnel and the village head received were

injured. The police vehicle was also damaged, and the windscreen and side windows were broken.

Those injured are Nath, Assam Police constable Karuna Buzarbaruah, CISF personnel Bhumichar Narzary and Saroj Yadav, and village head Abdul Jalil Fareshi.

They were immedi-

ately sent to a hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not serious, the police said.

Senior officials visited the place, which is around 30 km from the district headquarters, late on Thursday night and made announcements in loudspeakers asking people to stay indoors.

Heavy police deployment

has been made in the village.

An FIR has been registered at the Lakhimpur police station against 12 people, including the imam of the mosque, and investigation is underway.

When contacted, Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police Rajveer told PTI: “At a time when the entire state is proactively following lockdown norms, such an incident is unwanted and we strongly condemn it. We will take strict actions against the culprits.”

Police said a few villagers started offering namaz at the mosque since the holy month of Ramzan began.

Village head Abdul Jalil Fareshi and the Village Defence Party told them many times not to visit the mosque and asked them to offer namaz at homes. But nobody listened to him and he was humiliated as well as threatened, another officer said.

Correspondent

Shillong, May 1: The Meghalaya government on Friday decided to resume mining activities, inter-district and inter-state movement of public transportation after May 3.

“The government has decided that from May 4, those mining activities duly licensed by the state government will resume their activities,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told journalists after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

“This includes minor and major minerals. Few mining industries like Lafarge and other small units are also allowed to resume their activities,” he said, adding that mining of major mineral like limestone and minor ones like sand can start.

Informing that the State government has also decided to allow inter-district movement of public

Prestone Tynsong

transportation, Tynsong said, “Inter-state public transportation will be allowed to resume by May 4 in the entire state except in Shillong agglomeration, but only 25 percent will be allowed.”

He said that the respective Deputy Commissioners and Districts Transport Officers will work out the modalities.

Furthermore, he informed that the State government has also allowed reopening of industrial estate EPIP, Byrnihat, Umiam

industrial Estate, industrial units in West Khasi Hills, Jaintia and Garo Hills from May 4.

Tynsong informed that the government had asked the cement companies to submit details of their working plan like bringing of materials and how many trucks they would need in a day or week. “… so that the government can streamline the movement. We are waiting for the details and once we receive them from the cement companies, a decision will be taken accordingly,” he said. Tynsong, however, maintained that all advisories and protocols have to be strictly maintained by all the industrial units as prescribed by the health department from time to time which includes social distancing. “ T h e g ove r n m e n t would close down the units if the safety protocols are not followed,” the Deputy Chief Minister warned.

Include Chakma, Hajong tribals 8 COVID-19 patients cured of East Khasi Hills moves in COVID-19 relief aid: Centre disease in Meghalaya: Sangma from red to orange zone

Aizawl/Itanagar, May 1 (IANS): The Union DoNER Ministry has asked the Ar unachal Pradesh government to include the 65,875 Chakma and Hajong tribals in the COVID-19 and lockdown related relief aid, officials and NGOs said on Friday.

Different organisations have criticised the Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh governments for depriving the Chakma and Hajong tribals in the COVID-19 and lockdown related relief aid in the two northeastern states.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, however, has denied the accusation.

DoNER Ministr y’s Joint Secretary Rambir Singh in a letter to the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar said that Suhas Chakma, Direc-

tor of the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), has sought the intervention of the Prime Minister against massive hunger and starvation during national lockdown among 65,875 Chakma and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh.

“This is due to their exclusion from economic package for vulnerable section in these difficult times of Covid-19 pandemic,” Singh in his letter quoted the letter of RRAG, a New Delhi based rights group.

The DoNER Ministry Joint Secretary in his letter, which is available with IANS, requested the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary to take up the issues on priority.

RRAG Director Suhas Chakma in a statement said: “The food relief has been

provided to about 40 per cent of the extremely poor Chakmas and Hajongs like the daily wage labourers under the Diyun circle (under Changlang District of AP) on April 30. Hundreds of families under Diyun circle are still suffering from starvation.”

He said: “For the last 56 years, Chakmas and Hajongs faced discrimination as a matter of state policy and their exclusion from the COVID-19 economic package, which is the humanity’s largest humanitarian crisis in recorded history, exposes this state policy. It is not only at Diyun circle but in other areas such as Miao, Chowkham, Kharsang, Bordums, the Chakmas and Hajongs are facing massive food shortages because of their exclusion.”

Shillong, May 1 (PTI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said that eight COVID-19 patients, all family members of Dr John L Sailo who died of the disease, have recovered.

“Eight family members of Dr Sailo have tested negative for COVID-19 for the third time. This means that they are now officially cured of the disease as per the

WHO protocol,” Sangma told Doordarshan in an interview on Thursday.

A total of 12 COVID19 cases have been reported in Meghalaya of which one person, Dr Sailo, has died and eight of his family members have recovered, which means there are three active cases in the state, a Health official said.

Sangma had on Thurs-

day said that two of the three remaining COVID-19 patients have tested negative for the disease for the first time. “Two more positive cases who are being treated at Civil Hospital, Shillong, have tested negative today and they are in the process of recovery. They will be tested again after 24 hours as per protocol...,” Sangma tweeted.

Workers will help win against COVID-19: Sonowal

Guwahati, May 1 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that the strength and resilience of the workers will help the society win the fight against novel coronavirus.

“Solidarity & Support. Saluting the fighting spirit of all workers on International #LabourDay. Today, when the world faces an unprecedented crisis, it is your strength and resilience that will take us out of calamity towards a better and brighter tomorrow,”

Sonowal tweeted. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also hailed the strength and resolve of the workers in the fight against COVID-19.

“On #InternationalLabourDay, let’s take a moment to recognise & celebrate the countless efforts of labourers who work tirelessly to make a progressive society. I salute their spirit to serve society selflessly in the wake of #COVID19 & making lives easier amid #lockdown,” he tweeted.

Financial assistance and relief materials to needy people DIMAPUR: Legislators, civil organisations and Assam Rifles have been reaching out to the needy people including stranded students and others during the lockdown period.

K. T. Sukhalu: Advisor of School Education, KT Sukhalu served food packets at Zunheboto town to frontline workers like Police and Medical staff.

Khriehu Liezietsu: Khriehu Liezietsu, MLA distributed 2nd phase of essential relief materials to about 2000 needy people of his constituency. Youth organisations and panchayats of various khels and colonies within the constituency helped in the distribution.

HUCT: Hindu Union C h a n g t o n g y a To w n (HUCT) gave financial assistance to administration of Changtongya on May 1 towards the cause of COVID-19 pandemic.

KSD: Kerala Samajam Dimapur (KSD) distributed essential commodities to needy and stranded people at Dimapur on May 1.

WTYEMO: Wokha Town Yikhum Eloe Myanta Okho (WTYEMO) served refreshment to po-

licemen on duty at Wokha town on May 1.

Seithekema ‘C’ village: Seithekema ‘C’ village distributed rice to the needy villagers on April 30 to mitigate the suffering of the people from the VDB and GIA received against COVID-19.

ART&C provide free meals for labourers: Assam Rifles Training Centre and School (ART&C) conducted special event for workers of Shokhuvi and Dimapur stations on May 1. ART&C also pooled in resources and has been providing supplies and essential rations to 218 workers since the beginning of the lockdown.

ARUD donates to stranded students: Aghunato Area Union Dimapur (ARUD) handed over essential food commodities to Eastern Sumi Students Union (ESSU) for students stranded in Dimapur.

NDPP youth organisations: NDPP youth organisation of Mon district visited Longwa-international boundary and contributed relief materials to 25 students and 5 teaching staff of Shalom School, stranded due to the lockdown, while a missionary

working beyond the border was also assisted.

In Mokokchung district, NDPP youth organisation will be manufacturing and providing face mask, being personally sewed by the youth members.

In Kohima and Dimapur districts led by president Kelhouneizo Yhome, the members of NDPP central youth organisation reached out to various colonies and wards continually assisting and contributing in their individual capacity to the stranded and needy.

Phek Battalion: Phek Battalion provided assistance to labourers in the form of medical kits and rations at Akhen and Ziphu villages. A feast was also organised at all Company Operating Base.

Chieswema Battalion: Chieswema Battalion organised a badakhana for 70 labourers. Locally fabricated face masks were also provided and those observing Ramazan, provided with dry rations.

Kohima Battalion: Kohima Battalion reached out to 15 local labourers and provided them with basic essential food items

and masks.

Kiphire Battalion: Kiphire Battalion organised lunch for 50 labourers and dry rations distributed to those observing Ramazan.

All labourers in attendance were provided with locally fabricated face masks.

Wokha Battalion: Wokha Battalion provided assistance in the form of medical kits and rations to local labourers residing in Wokha, Bhandari and Tseminyu towns.

Zunheboto Battalion: Zunheboto Battalion provided essential rations and medical kits to the needy labourers.

Mon Battalion: Mon Battalion reached out to

K Y M C

Secretary for Health and Family Welfare department, P. Sampath Kumar said over phone. “If there is no fresh case for 28 days, a hotspot district moves from the red zone to the green one,” he added. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the third test of the two positive patients have also come out negative which means that they have recovered and number of recovered patients has gone up to ten.

He said the 12th patient has also yielded negative results and another test would be carried out after 24 hour and if that too comes out negative, the patient would be declared recovered. It may be mentioned that two more tests on the positive patients were conducted after completion of their 14 days quarantine period.

HAPPY 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 02.05.1970 – 02.05.2020

STOLEN Honda Bike bearing Regd. No. : NL-07 R 4631 belonging to Thakur Lal Das. Chassis No : ME4JC735EHT040318 Engine No : JC73ET1096971 Manufacturer : HMS, Model : CB SHINE SP, Colour : Grey Mfg. Date : 06/2017 Was stolen from Church Road, Dimapur on 1st May 2020.

Mr. Imtisangba Walling & Mrs. Imtimenla Jamir “For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life” Proverbs 9 : 11

Dear Mom & Dad, We are truly blessed to be your children and thankful for your unceasing love and support. May God continue to give you both everlasting love, happiness, good health and long life.

DC-396

Loving Children, In-laws & Grandchildren.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DC-397

ADC Pfutsero informs: Additional deputy commissioner Pfutsero, Phuleshe K Yepthomi has informed that, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the preparedness in Pfutsero sub-division, a meeting-cum-training will be held for Rapid Response Team/Block Level Task Force at ADC, Pfutsero office on May 4, 11 a.m.

All concerned have been directed to attend the meeting without fail.

Shillong, May 1: Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, which had reported 12 COVID-19 cases so far and was declared a hotspot, has moved from red zone to orange zone on Friday, a health official said.

Altogether 10 of the total 11 COVID-19 active patients have recovered with one still undergoing treatment and a second retest for 12th patient has been sent on Friday.

Meghalaya had a total of 12 COVID-19 positive cases out of which 11 were active and one dead.

“East Khasi Hills district has moved from red zone to orange zone since there have been no fresh report of active positive COVID-19 in the last 14 days,” Commissioner and

medical kits.

Dimapur Battalion: Dimapur Battalion distributed rations to 15 labourers working on NH-29 project and one-time meal to 25 labourers. 50 face masks were also distributed by the battalion.

Jalukie Battalion: Jalukie Battalion distributed sweets to the labourer at Jalukie.

DC-398

News in brief KMC to resume renewal of trade license: Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) administrator Kovi Meyase has informed all business establishment/institutions within KMC jurisdiction that renewal of trade license will resume from May 4.

local workers at Naginimora and provided them with essential rations and masks made from available resources. Mon Battalion also provided tentage to District Hospital Mon to assist them in screening of suspected cases.

Mokokchung Battalion: Mokokchung Battalion also reached out to daily wagers and provided them with basic essentials and face masks.

Tuensang Battalion: Tuensang Battalion organised a badakhana for labourers at DC ground, Tuensang.

Ghaspani Battalion: Ghaspani Battalion distributed essential rations and

Correspondent

The Medical Superintendent and Staff of District Hospital Mon would like to thank the following individuals/ departments for their noble gesture in supporting our hospital during the preparation for Covid-19: 1. Shri P. Paiwang Konyak, Hon’ble Minister, for donating Rs 2,00,000/2. Shri Eshak Konyak, Hon’ble MLA, for providing financial aid to all inpatients and staff on duty and also providing lunch to all frontline workers.

3. Shri Chingang Konyak, General Manager, Industry Department for lending 18 bundles of CGI sheets 4. PHED Department Mon for providing 38 Nos. pipes 5. 35 AR for providing and setting up two tents for Triage and Flu Clinic K-869 K Y M C

6

international

Coronavirus originated from Wuhan lab: Trump

Washington, May 1 (PTI): The novel coronavirus, which killed over 230,000 people globally so far and has shattered economies, emerged from a virology lab in the Wuhan city of China, US President Donald Trump has claimed.

“Yes, I have. Yes, I have,” Trump told reporters on Thursday at a White House briefing when asked if he has seen anything at this point that gives him a high degree of confidence that the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) is where the virus originated.

The president, however, refused to provide any details, except for saying that investigations are on and it would be out soon.

Asked what gave him a high degree of confidence that the virus originated from WIV, he said, “I can’t tell you that. I’m not allowed to tell you that.”

The president, however, did not hold his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping responsible for this.

“I don’t want to say that, I don’t want to say

Taliban speed up govt prisoner release Kabul, May 1 (IANS): The Taliban has released another 52 government prisoners and announced they had sped up the process as part of efforts to “save their lives” from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“We have been trying to speed up the prisoner release process to free inmates from our jails because of the coronavirus threat to their lives” Suhail Shaheen, Taliban political spokesman in Qatar, told Efe news on thursday.

The Taliban released 112 prisoners in the past month.

Shaheen said the group was trying to release all prisoners from their jails, not only the 1,000 agreed in the US-Taliban agreement signed in Doha on February 29.

Donald Trump

that, but certainly it could have been stopped. It came out of China and it could have been stopped and I wish they had stopped it and so does the whole wo r l d w i s h t h e y h a d stopped it,” he said.

Reiterating that this is something that could have been contained at Wuhan ground zero, Trump said China could have contained it. “They were either

unable to, or they chose not to. And the world has suffered greatly.”

One of two things happened, he reasoned. “They either didn’t do it and you know they couldn’t do it from a competent standpoint or they let it spread and I would say probably it got out of control.”

“But there’s another case that how come they stopped all of the planes

They could have stopped it, but they didn’t. And they stopped the planes from going to China, but they didn’t stop them from going to the rest of the world.

What was that all about?” he asked.

“We should have the answer to that in the nottoo-distant future and that will determine a lot how I feel about China,” Trump said.

When asked if President Xi misled him, Trump said, “Something happened. I don’t say misleading or not. I’ll let you know that. I mean, I’ll be able to give you that answer at some point in the hopefully not-too-distant future.”

The entire world has suffered as a result of this, he said.

“We have had tremendous death and tremendous sorrow, sadness, and nobody’s ever seen anything like it. So, have most of the countries of the world.

They’ve suffered tremendously. It’s something that is going to have to be dealt with. We’ll have to see,” said the president.

SL prez rejects opposition call to reconvene Parliament C o l o m b o, M ay 1 (PTI): Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declined a request from the opposition parties to reconvene the dissolved Parliament, saying they are trying to make a political gain at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the country.

Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called a snap election on April 25 to elect a new 225-member house.

However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the parliamentary elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected 665 people and claimed seven lives in the island nation.

The new date clashed with the constitutional imperative that the new Parliament has to meet within three months since its dissolution.

On April 27, seven opposition parties urged President Rajapaksa to summon

the dissolved Parliament while pledging cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We urge the president to respond positively to this offer of responsible cooperation by us at this critical time and revoke the proclamation dated 2 March 2020 dissolving parliament so that all of us can jointly fight to eradicate this virus,” said a joint statement issued by the opposition parties.

Rajapaksa rejected the opposition call to reconvene the House, according to a press statement released by the President’s office on Thursday.

The president claimed the opposition is trying to make a political gain at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the country, it said.

The opposition parties argued that Rajapaksa has no power to draw public finances after April 30, the date till which the dismissed Parliament had approved expenditure by the president.

“Getting appropriate and new legislation passed in order to meet the public health crisis and obtaining parliamentary sanction to the utilization of monies from the consolidated fund are some such important and urgent functions of parliament,” the opposition had claimed in the joint statement.

In a letter sent to opposition leaders on Thursday night, Rajapaksa maintained that he still has the power to draw money from the consolidated fund.

The joint statement was signed by United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R Sampanthan, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganesan, All Ceylon Makkal Congress leader Rishard Bathuideen, Jathika Hela Urumaya’s (JHU) Patali Champika Ranawaka and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

UK past the peak of coronavirus: Johnson Kim out of public eye for 20th straight day

London, May 1 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will set out a “comprehensive plan” next week on how to restart the economy, reopen schools and help people travel to work following the coronavirus lockdown.

He said the UK was “past the peak” of the virus outbreak, but stressed the country must not “risk a second spike”, the BBC reported on Thursday.

Johnson said face masks will be “useful” as part of the strategy for coming out of lockdown. Some 26,771 people have now died with the virus in the UK, a rise of 674.

The prime minister said that “we can now see the sunlight”, but he insisted that to avoid the “disaster” of a second peak the UK must keep the R rate - the number of people to which one infected person will pass the virus - below one.

More than 81,000

Boris Johnson

coronavirus tests were carried out on Wednesday, still short of the Downing Street’s target of 100,000 by the end of April. Johnson insisted: “We’re massively ramping up testing.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, told BBC One’s Question Time that the government was “quite likely to get very close to or meet” the target when the figures for the final day of April are announced on Friday. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the prime minister’s commit-

India lose top spot in ICC Test rankings

India captain Virat Kohli receiving the prestigious ICC Test Championship Mace. (File)

Dubai, May 1 (PTI): India lost the top spot in the ICC Test rankings to Australia on Friday, dropping to third after their stupendous 2016-17 record was eliminated from the annual update as per rules.

India yielded the top spot in Test rankings for the first time since October 2016 but continue to lead the ICC World Test Championship, a league comprising six series played by each of the top nine sides.

India dropped in the ladder largely because the record of 12 Tests victories and just one Test defeat in 2016-17 was removed in the latest chart, the ICC said in a statement.

Virat Kohli’s men had won all five series during that period including against Australia and England. On the other hand, Australia had lost to South Africa as

and all of the traffic from going into China, but they didn’t stop the planes and the traffic from coming into the United States and from coming into all over Europe,” he said, citing the example of Italy, the hardest-hit European country.

“This country (the US) is very lucky and I’m very lucky that I put the ban on China, as you know, very early on. In January, we put the ban on China and that was a very early day. That wasn’t a late day, that was an early day.

Then, we later put the ban on in Europe,” he said.

Before holding them accountable, Trump said he wants to find out what happened. “I think we’ll be able to get a very good -- a very powerful definition of exactly what happened. We’re working on it strongly now and I think it’s going to be very powerful,” he said.

“But they could have stopped it. They are a very brilliant nation, scientifically and otherwise. It got loose, let’s say, and they could have capped it.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

well as to India in the same period.

The latest update rates all the matches played since May 2019 at 100 per cent and those of the previous two years at 50 per cent.

Australia not only moved to the top of the Test rankings but also grabbed the no.1 spot in the T20I list for the first time while England continued to lead the men’s ODI rankings after the annual update, which eliminates results from 2016-17.

Australia now have 116 points and are followed

by New Zealand (115) and India (114).

With only two points separating them, this is the second closest the top three teams have been since the Test rankings were launched in 2003.

The closest for the top three teams was in January

2016, when India had led Australia and South Africa by a single point.

South Africa have suffered the biggest rating fall of eight points, which sees them drop below Sri Lanka into sixth place.

They had won three series in the period culled, while lost eight of their nine Tests since February 2019, playing against Sri Lanka, India and England.

In the ODI team rankings, reigning world champions England (127) have increased their lead over India from six to eight points.

New Zealand remain in third place, three points behind India. The top ten rankings remain unchanged.

In contrast, the updated T20I team Rankings see plenty of changes. Australia (278) top the list for the first time since the T20I rankings were introduced in 2011.

ment to outline a plan next week as “a step in the right direction”.

On being asked at what level the reproduction rate should be before the government would be “comfortable easing restrictions”, chief medical adviser, Prof Chris Whitty, replied: “We are absolutely confident that the wrong answer is anything over one.”

Johnson said that keeping the reproduction rate down “is going to be absolutely vital to our recovery”.

Seoul, May 1 (IANS): North Korean leader Kim Jong-un remained out of public view for the 20th straight day amid persisting speculation about his health and who will take over the nuclear-armed nation after him, the media reported on Friday.

Kim was last seen in state media on April 11 presiding over a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party. State media have since carried reports about him handling state affairs, such as sending messages to foreign leaders, but no photo or video of him has been released, reports the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.

Sparking speculation about Kim’s health was his absence from a key ceremony commemorating the 108th birth anniversary of his late grandfather and national founder, Kim Ilsung.

Kim Jong-un

He has never skipped a visit to the mausoleum on the April 15 anniversary since taking office in late 2011.

The speculations escalated after a CNN report last week, citing a US official, said that Washington was looking into intelligence that Kim Jong-un was in “grave danger” after a surgery.

But North Korean state media outlets, such as the main Rodong Sinmun newspaper and the official Ko-

rean Central News Agency, have put out routine stories, such as Kim Jong-un sending diplomatic letters and conveying gifts to honored citizens.

On Friday, the Rodong Sinmun urged North Koreans to rally around their leader, said the Yonhap News Agency report.

“We must stay absolutely loyal to our leader and trust him no matter how strong the storm hits us,” the newspaper said.

The Minju Choson, the North’s cabinet newspaper, also carried a similar report.

They have also reported on the public activities and on-site inspection trips of top officials, including the country’s No. 3 leader Pak Pong-ju and Premier Kim Jae-ryong, in an indication that business was going on as usual.

Meanwhile, South Korean officials have rejected the speculations, saying there were no unusual signs that something might be wrong with the North’s leader, and he was believed to be staying in the east coast region of Wonsan.

It is not rare for Kim Jong-un to disappear from the public eye.

His longest absence from public view was in September 2014, when he disappeared for an unprecedented 40 days and returned limping.

sports Majority of PSG declared winners of 2019/20 Ligue 1 players are Paris, May 1 (IANS): St Germain were on scared: Aguero Paris Thursday declared as chamBuenos Aires, May 1 (IANS): Manchester City and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero said that players are scared to get back to playing because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Premier League is hoping to return to action by June 8 in a bid to complete the season.

“The majority of players are scared because they have children and families,” Aguero told Argentine TV station El Chiringuito.

“I’m scared, but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.

“They’re saying that there are people that have it and don’t have any symptoms but still infect you.

That’s why I am here at home. Maybe I have the illness and I don’t even know.”

The Premier League has been suspended since March 13 due to the pandemic, as are most other major sports competitions around the world. Aguero said that the players will be quite nervous if and when the season resumes and that hopefully a vaccine is developed soon. “When one person is ill we will think ‘oh what’s happening here?’ I hope a vaccine will be found soon so that this all ends,” he said.

pions of the French Ligue 1 after the 2019/20 season was frozen.

“Following the cessation of Ligue 1 and the elaboration of the classification by a performance index taking into account the number of points scored on all the games played, Paris Saint-Germain obtained its 9th title in the league,” the league said in its statement.

This is PSG’s seventh title in the last eight years and their ninth title overall, thus making them the joint second most successful club in the French league alongwith Olympique Marseille.

Saint-Etienne are the most successful with 10 titles, the last of which they won in 1981.

Second-placed Marseille and third-place Stade Rennais finish in the Champions League positions while Lille, Stade de Reims and Nice qualify for the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Amiens

Neymar wheels away in celebration after scoring a goal during a Ligue 1 match. (File)

and Toulouse have been relegated to Ligue 2 while Lorien and Lend have been promoted to Ligue 1.

Earlier, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told the country’s national assembly, while addressing plans to ease the lockdown in France that had been put in place to fight the

coronavirus pandemic, that “the 2019-20 season of professional sports, including football, will not be able to resume” before September.

“It will be possible, on sunny days, to practice an individual sporting activity outdoors, obviously respecting the rules of social distancing. It will not be

possible, neither to practice sport in covered places, nor team or contact sports,” he said.

European football governing body UEFA has given a May 25 deadline to national football associations to provide plans of restarting their respective leagues.

LaLiga implies Lionel Messi is GOAT New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): The social media handle of Spanish toptier football league LaLiga has shared a hilarious photo collage of Lionel Messi and a goat, implying that the Argentine is the G.O.A.T (popular acronym for greatest of all-time).

Due to his exploits on the field, Messi is widely regarded as the greatest player ever to grace the game and LaLiga took to Twitter to put for-

ward that message once more.

They combined his body with the head of a goat and their post read: “Did it work?”

Messi has broken numerous goal-scoring records and set new ones since breaking on to the scene with Barcelona. He has so far won 10 LaLiga titles, six Copa Del Rey trophies and four Champions League crowns with the Spanish giants.

He has been named as the best player in the world six times as the Argentine has six Ballon d’Or trophies in his cabinet. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo comes a close second with five.

On the international arena though, Messi hasn’t been able to replicate his club form as a major trophy still evades the South American heavyweights.

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