19 Jan 2023

World in a ‘sorry state’: UN chief

Nagaland Assembly polls on Feb 27

SCHEDULE FOR GE TO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES OF NAGALAND, MEGHALAYA & TRIPURA-2023

Poll Events Tripura Single Phase (All 60ACs)

Meghalaya

NEW DELHI/DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (PTI/NPN):

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya Assembly polls.

Assembly polls will be held in Tripura on February 16, followed by Nagaland and Meghalaya on February 27, with the counting of votes scheduled for March 2, EC said.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar’s announcement at a press conference here marked

Power outage in parts of Dimapur from Jan 20-31

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): In view of dismantling and shifting of old existing HT and LT lines to newly erected Trunk Line in Dimapur town area, the Power department has informed consumers of power shutdown from January 20 to 31 from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., SDO No.1 electrical sub-division Dimapur Er. O. Ovung informed.

As per the schedule of power shutdown, areas under Forest 33 KV feeder including G.S Road, Marawari patti, Hongkong Market, Hazi Park, New Market, DMC, Old BOC, Thakurbari, PWD, Midland, Residency, Supply, Duncan, Landmark, Notun Basti, Naga Cemetery, Island, LRC, City Tower, Tata Parking, Khermahal, SIB Office area and churches colony would be affected on January 20 &21 and Jan 27 & 28.

Banuo sworn in as Lokayukta

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): Banuo Z. Jamir, former Nagaland chief secretary, was sworn in as the new Lokayukta, Nagaland on Wednesday.

State chief secretary J. Alam ad ministered the oath of office of Lokayukta to Banuo. The programme which was held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat conference hall, Kohima, was chaired Home commissioner Abhijit Sinha.

the official start of the first round of Assembly polls in the new year, in which nine states are headed for elections, deemed crucial in the run-up to the all-important Lok Sabha contest in 2024.

The three poll-bound North Eastern states may be small in terms of their electoral size but hold larger political significance. While the BJP is pulling out all the stops to retain power in Tripura and expand its footprints in the two other states, the Congress and the Left are trying to recapture

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): After certain apex tribe hohos questioned Naga Public Action Committee (NPAC) for calling a 6-hour statewide bandh on January 14, it has clarified that it was formed in June 2022 solely for the purpose of putting public pressure on the negotiators– the Centre, NSCN (I-M) and WC, NNPGs– to expeditiously conclude the negotiations into solution.

In a statement, NPAC pointed out that the tribal bodies and civil society had unanimously formed NPAC even as some have now begun to denounce it with prejudice. NPAC said during the last six months of its exis-

their lost influence. The three state assemblies have a strength of 60 members each. While the term of the Nagaland Assembly ends on March 12, the terms of the Meghalaya and Tripura assemblies end on March 15 and March 22 respectively.

Kumar said the EC has decided to wrap up the polls in February, taking into account the examinations scheduled in March.

MCCinforce:CEO

With the Election Commission of India an -

tence, it remained an open book for the public since it started with transparency and that all its activities were without any hidden agenda, but only in the best interest of the people of Nagaland.

NPAC also expressed confidence with the progress of negotiations between the Centre and Naga negotiating parties for the fact that, whatever was negotiable and whatever was not, had been made transparent and there was no more confusion. It also claimed that the Centre had paved the way for solution.

The committee also cited the reaffirmation of NSCN (I-M) and the WC/

nouncing the poll dates for Nagaland and two other States, Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland, V. Shashank Shekhar on Wednesday informed that the Model Code of Conduct have come into force with immediate effect.

All the provision of the Modal Code of Conduct will be applicable to the whole State with regard to all candidates, political parties, the state and Central

To curb election violations, ECI has improved the cVIGIL app to help citizens catch the violators with

evidence. And, also ensure the flying squad reaches the spot on time to comprehend the culprits.

Key features of ECI’s cVIGIL app: With cVIGIL app, people can record or take pictures of a candidate or his followers handing out money or gifts to citizens of the constituency to garner votes

Besides the photo/ video, the app also captures the accurate geo-location with longitudes and latitudes of the spot too

KU warning to members (and their

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 18 (NPN): Making a strong pitch against participation in the state assembly election in Nagaland as announced by Election Commission of India (ECI), Konyak Union said it continues to stand by the August 26, 2022 resolution by Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to not participate in election “until government of India grant the demand ENPO for a separate statehood befittingly.”

The union also warned that anyone of its member(s) filing nomination(s) or disrespecting its decision will be expelled from Konyak soil and that the village of the person/candidate would be held solely responsible. The decision was made at the union’s emergency meeting held at KU conference hall Mon on Wednesday.

When contacted, KU president Tingthok Konyak informed Nagaland Post that the emergency meeting of the KU held on January 18, had resolved and reiterated to stand firm with the August 26, 2022 ENPO resolution.

He said the House had also resolved to permanently expel those individuals filing nominations to participate in the Assembly election from Konyak soil. Further, Tingthok said the village of any person filing the nomination, will also be held solely responsible.

He also claimed that KU fully endorsed and em-

powered Konyak Nyupu Sheko Khong (KNSK), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) and village councils to fully implement and act upon the resolution.

According to KU president, Konyak village representatives, apex civil society organisations (CSOs), KU executive council members, senior leaders, intellectuals and representatives of all political parties from Mon district attended the meeting and signed the resolution.

ENSF directive

Meanwhile, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has directed its seven federating unit officials holding designated posts, to resign or withdraw from any political entity or affiliation. ENSF president Chingmak Chang and general secretary KhomoKhiamniungan stated that the federation resolved

NNPGs to further strengthen their September 14,2022 “Joint Accordant” at their joint meeting on January 14, 2023 : “Since the ‘September Joint Accordant’ of 14th September, 2022, the NNPGs and the NSCN have agreed to form the ‘Council of Naga Relationship and Cooperation’ led by the Convenor of NNPGs and the Chairman of NSCN to explore, at the earliest, realistic ways for Nagas to move forward on the basis of Naga historical and political rights.”

The above resolution was adopted at a joint meeting in Dimapur signed by NSCN (I-M) chairman

Q Tuccuand WC, NNPGs convener N Kitovi Zhimomi.

NPAC therefore wondered what else was required to be done then what had been mutually agreed upon?

NPAC said it found resolution no. 2 (urging both overground and underground Naga political groups to “come together” for an amicable political solution at the earliest) of eight tribal hohos in particular “to be primitive”.

NPAC maintained that if a tribal hoho or any facilitator had a positive attitude, no punctuation was supposed to be interjected

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): Close on the heels of the January 14 joint declaration signed by NSCN (I-M) chairman Q. Tuccu and convenor WC, NNPGs N. Kitovi Zhimomi on “unconditional commitment to collaborate”, MIP of NSCN (I-M) reiterated that the Framework Agreement was the only basis for Naga political solution and that “Nagas do not acknowledge any agreements signed under the Indian constitution” MIP maintained that “An honourable and acceptable political solution between India and the Nagas” has been mutually agreed on the basis of the Framework

Agreement of August 3, 2015, “wherein the sovereignty of the Nagas is acknowledged in conjunction with the Naga National flag and the Constitution”. It said “Nagas do not acknowledge any agreements signed under the Indian constitution.”

NSCN(I-M) also reaffirmed that it will stand by the ‘Naga National Decision’ of May 31, 2022, “to uphold and protect Naga unique history and Naga national principle at any cost”, and “uphold the sanctity of the Framework Agreement that was signed on the foundation of respect for and recognition of the sovereignty of the two entities-- Nagalim and

India.” Further it reaffirmed “The Letter and Spirit of the Framework Agreement” of the collective leadership, dated Dec 16, 2022, that the “sovereignty of the Naga nation is upheld and the Naga national flag and constitution are declared as integral to Naga sovereignty.” It also reaffirmed the resolution of the collective leadership and NSCN members of July 23, 2019 to, “(shall) uphold the 3rd August, 2015 Framework Agreement and strive to conclude the on-going Indo-Naga negotiation honourably. The Nagas shall unwaveringly stand on the declared Naga national decision come what may.”

was no greater betrayal to Christian society than the announcement of election date – February 27. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s declaration made eight years ago that the Naga political issue had been resolved and also the assertion made by BJP leader Ram Madhav in 2018 “Election for Solution”.

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): NPF will not enter into pre-poll alliance, but will work towards building understanding with all political parties for any postpoll alliance.

DIMAPUR, JAN 18

(NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie has termed the announcement of Assembly election date in the State in the midst of high public expec-

tations of implementation of agreed political solution as a painful slap on the face of people of Nagaland and that every single Naga vote has been betrayed.

Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan here on Wednesday, he maintained that there

Referring to Rio’s statement that his government could not allow a constitutional crisis vis-à-vis holding assembly polls, Therie alleged that Rio knew that the political solution would not be implemented and election would be held as per schedule.

This was disclosed to Nagaland Post at an exclusive interview here Wednesday by NPF Legislature Party Leader, Azo Neinu.

According to Azo, in this regard, NPF has also formulated a policy/strategy called “Pre-poll understanding for Post-Poll alliance”. He also dismissed speculations of an alliance between NPF and Congress in the

forthcoming election by reiterating that NPF will pursue “Pre-poll understanding for post-poll alliance”. Azo said this was also shared by party president Shürhozelie Liezietsü when Congress leaders visited him recently.

On the call by Congress to have likeminded and secular parties coming

together to form a secular alliance, Azo said in the context of Nagaland, since Naga political issue was more important, the NPF was ready for alliance with any political party in the interest of Nagas.

He also said NPF, NDPP and BJP had come together under the umbrella of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the larger interest of Naga political issue. He said “the pressing demand for solution to Naga political issue may grow stronger after 2023 and therefore, we cannot rule out another all-party government (after election).” Azo however, pointed out that if

an all-party government did not serve the interest of Nagas, it would not be formed. Asked if NPF will contest all 60 assembly seats, he the party was contemplating to contest not more than 30 seats, but it was up to the party leaders and legislators to decide on seat allocation and ticket distribution.

He also disclosed that NPF was eyeing at new faces and youth leaders and also for eligible and winnable candidates.

On fielding women candidates, Azo lamented that so far, no woman aspirant had approached the party for ticket.

DIMAPUR, JAN 18

(NPN): Taking note of the recent demands by various frontal organisations in the State for imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland, the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) said it was against imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland.

NJCF vice-president Rev Dr N Paphino in a statement said it was difficult to understand why citizens from a Christian State like Nagaland wanted to be controlled directly by the Central government dominated by the RSS.

According to him, imposing President’s Rule simply meant that a State

government could not administer and the Central government would directly administer through governor. In the past too, he alleged the Christian State of Nagaland had suffered heavily under President’s rule, but in those days RSS was not as powerful as it was today.

While the churches had nothing to say and comment on political matters, he said they were more concerned about how the Christians would now suffer under RSS if President’s rule was imposed. He warned that if President’s rule was imposed without constitutional breakdown,

the people would lose faith in the system of parliamentary democracy where secularism was one of its main pillars.

Paphino said Nagaland had a unique system of grassroots democracy at the village level and, in the event of President’s rule being imposed, he warned that the pure democratic system would be cut off and policies of the Central government dominated by RSS would overshadow the policies of the State. In such a situation where the Centre would directly control the State, he cautioned that there would be forceful implementation of Central government poli-

cies that would be politically motivated and be very dangerous for a Christian State like Nagaland.

He pointed out that under President’s rule, there would also be an absence of government of the people, for the people and by the people and the State would be run by bureaucrats who would be just puppets of Central government.

Further, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFPSA), which granted special powers to Indian armed forces to maintain public order in disturbed areas, was also in place in selected areas.

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): Isak Sumi-led NSCN/GPRN (K), while welcoming the concern and appeal by Nagaland Tribes Council and Nagaland GB Federation, assured them and the Nagas at large, its commitment to reconcile without any condition with the “dissident president” (Khango Konyak).

In a statement through its MIP, NSCN/GPRN said: “We are hoping that the esteemed organisations and Nagas at large are following our press communiqués and appeals to our dissident President swallowing our pride

offering olive branch for reconciliation and our ato kilonser as a true patriotic Naga is even ready to forgive and forget an attempt on his life by some rogue army personnel for the sake of the cause and Naga political solution.” MIP reaffirmed that “doors are wide open to reconcile and to stand strong together as before and to forgive and forget everything”. While stating that “to err is human”, MIP said as comrades, they had been through thick and thin and cannot remain stubborn with pride and let our dreams and the sacrifices of generations

go in vain at such a crucial juncture.

Further, urging all Nagas to call “a spade a spade”, NSCN/GPRN said “while we are hell bent and exploring all options to reconcile, we should not give way to the evil designs of the adversaries and third party to hijack our struggle for their personal agenda and spread chaos.” NSCN/GPRN said even as they have been working towards reconciliation, they were closely monitoring the situation, and if need be “we are ready to sacrifice everything and take measures to nip the devil from the bud.”

Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter

State-wide ‘Iconic Events’ week held to honour Netaji

DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the country, the weeklong “Iconic Events” organised across the country began on Tuesday to pay tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose 126th birth anniversary would be celebrated on January 23.

In the state capital, the event was held at Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima with chief secretary, J. Alam as special guest.

To mark the day, 126 National Flags were unfurled at the Civil Secretariat Plaza led by Chief Secretary, J. Alam.

Speaking on the occasion, Alam described NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose as one of the foremost and most loved freedom fighters of the nation whose epochal contributions in the freedom movement remain unparalleled that continues to inspire and live in the hearts of every countrymen. He said Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless sacrifices for the freedom of the nation has made everyone bow in reverence and awe.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Training on election expenditure monitoring cell: Tuensang district Election Expenditure Monitoring cell training was held at DC’s Conference Hall on January 16, 2023 in connection with the forthcoming state assembly election 2023. The members of the cell were briefed by ADC Tuensang Thungchanbemo Tungoe and Sr. T. O Tuensang Imti Chang, nodal officer for Election Expenditure Monitoring conducted the entire training.

Training for election expenditure monitoring cell: Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Wokha Ajit Kumar Ranjan has convened a training for training for Election Expenditure Monitoring Cell for the officials appointed for the Election Expenditure Monitoring Cell on January 19 at 12 am in the DC conference Hall, Wokha. In this regard, all officials have been directed to attend the training without fail.

SVC bans entry of heavy vehicles

DIMAPUR: Sovima Village Council (SVC) has prohibited plying of overloaded commercial vehicles under its jurisdiction.

In a statement, SVC secretary, Ruokuosilie Rupreo said roads in Sovima village were constructed in accordance with specifications provided by authorities concerned and specifically meant for small, medium and normal vehicles.

But due to plying of overloaded commercial vehicles under their jurisdiction, the road has been damaged.

However, the SVC said exceptions shall be made on the following: vehicles possessing legal gross vehicle weight documents from any government recognized weigh bridge adhering to the weight regulation specified by the Ministry and vehicles engaged in developmental activities, private or otherwise, with prior permission from the village council.

Therefore, vehicle owners desiring to undertake such activities have been asked to obtain necessary papers free from the village youth organization prior to plying in the village roads.

The chief secretary said it was an honour to have been associated with this momentous event.

Other highlights of the programme included the culmination of the participants of Walkathon and Brass and Pipe Band display by the Nagaland Police Training School Brass Band, Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band, 15th NAP (Mahila) Battalion Pipe Band and the 1st Assam Rifles Pipe Band.

Chesezu village: To mark the day, a programme was observed in Chesezu village in

Phek district with Deputy Commissioner Phek, Kumar Ramnikant as chief guest.

Kumar Ramnikant said Netaji came to Chesezu fighting for the freedom of the country. In the time of Netaji, the country (India) was living under the tyranny of British rule.

He said Bose was qualified in Civil Service at the age of 21 years but he declined to work under the British and he never compromised with injustice.

Keduosie-u M Rio, Director of Tourism un-

veiled the Watch Tower of NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose (funding agency Ministry of Tourism, Government of India executed by Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland).

VezoSwuro a close associate of NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose surviving was present at the iconic events and was also felicitated by the Deputy Commissioner.

Earlier, a welcome speech was delivered by the chairman of Chesezu Village Council. The unfurling of the national flag by the DC, playing of the

national anthem, cultural performance by Chesezu villagers were followed by the Netaji slogan-a tribute to Netaji by Sunday school children of Chetheba Town Baptist Church were the highlights of the programme.

Ruzazho village: In Ruzazho village in Phek district Maj Gen. VikasLakhera, SM, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) graced the event.

Lakhera in his speech, said Netaji visited Ruzazho in 1944 and marked it as a historic village for Nagaland and

India. He said the Indian Army stood for the achievement of freedom and said Netaji Memorial Development in Nagaland was for the people.

CekrolhuSwuro (living witness of Netaji) released balloons.

Walkathon: More than 500 volunteers from National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Assam Rifles participated in the walkathon held at the “Iconic Events Week” in honour of the 126th Birth Anniversary of NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose as part of AzadiKaAmritMahotsav.

The walkathon was flagged off by Home Commissioner AbhijitSinha from Indra Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Speaking on the occasion Sinha said that the walkathon was organized to give a befitting honour to NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose, whose birthday anniversary would be celebrated on January 23. The walkathon culminated at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza.

DIMAPUR: Hours after the announcement of the conduct of state assembly elections 2023 by the ECI, the DCs of Wokha and Kiphire has enforced model code of conduct (MCC) in their respective districts with immediate effect.

DC Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan stated that in exercise of powers under section 144CrpC has prohibited carrying of any kinds of arms and ammunition by any person within Wokha district.

In this regard, all licensed arms unless exempted under have been directed to deposit at the nearest police station. The DC has also issued directives to be followed by the public, political parties, intending

candidates and others within Wokha district. However, police personnel and security forces and the officials/personnel involved in law and order duty were exempted.

In a separate notification, DC Kiphire, T. Wati Aier informed the political parties and candidates that the model code of conduct have been imposed with immediate effect throughout Kiphire district and will be in enforce till the completion of the election process. Political parties, intending candidates, government departments/ establishments and general public have been informed to take note of the same and strictly adheres to the model code conduct.

Advisor NDPP joins BJP

MOKOKCHUNG, JAN 18 (NPN): In a major political development, advisor NDPP, T. N. Mannen resigned from the party and joined BJP.

In his resignation letter dated January 17, 2023 addressed to the NDPP president Mokokchung region, Mannen claimed that ruling NDPP suffered from lack of transparency and consistency in management of party affairs mainly due to arbitrary handling of the party matters by a few.

The letter further stated that a meeting was conducted on January 17 at the residence of the treasurer at Kubolong that was attended by party office bearers, executive members and all unit representatives and thoroughly discussed the political scenario in the state including party matters.

After his resignation, T.N. Mannen enrolled his membership to the BJP at Mokokchung in the presence of Imolemba Jamir, president BJP Mokokchung district. (Correspondent)

Chief secretary, J. Alam unfurling the national flag in Kohima. (DIPR)

Home commissioner, Abhijit Sinha flags off the walkathon. (DIPR)

villages in Mon get water supply

project, Longkumer said that it consists of transmission of water from source to main reservoir, imparting treatment and thereafter distributing it to the five villages namely Mon, Leangnyu, Lmapong Sheanghah, Phuktong and Tuime through individual sub-mainlines.

Longching headquarters.

DIMAPUR, JAN 18

(NPN): Minister PHE, Jacob Zhimomi virtually inaugurated a water supply project to Mon village and four neighbouring villages at his residence on Wednesday.

The project under Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) to provide water supply by gravity to Mon village and four neighbouring villages in Mon district was funded by Ministry of Development of North East region and will benefit more than 17 thousand population.

It may be mentioned that the first water supply was inaugurated at Aboi under Mon district on December 8, 2022 for Aboi and

Inaugurating the project, Jacob said that the project took time to complete but was executed as per the development proposed. He thanked the public for extending cooperation in carrying out the project successfully.

The minister also claimed that state government has carried out many developmental project and more were in the pipeline under the leadership of chief minister Neiphui Rio.

Jacob also mentioned about the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was to assist, empower and facilitate: States/ UTs in planning of participatory rural water supply strategy for ensuring potable drinking water security on long-term basis

to every rural household and public institutions. The minster therefore advised the people to take care of the facilities provided and become a responsible citizen. He also sought unity amongst the Nagas for progress and development.

Delivering technical report PHE chief engineer and HoD Repangyangba Longkumer said that the project estimated at Rs. 1546.67 lakh, funded by government of India, ministry of DoNER and state government (90:10) was started in 2016 and commissioned in January 18, 2023.

He said the work was delayed due to Covid -19 pandemic, inaccessibility and harsh/ steel terrain in thick jungle.

On the scope of the

The water has been sourced from Talam river and management of water supply will be executed by WATSAN committees and PHED will provide technical support in case of major breakdowns and the committees have been empowered to collect water user charges from the housholds which can be utilized for O&M.

Advisor Social Welfare, Home Guards, Civil Defence SDRF, Noke Wangnao highlighted on the project and lauded the department employees who have worked tirelessly for the completion of the work. He appealed to the villagers to pay the bills on time and encouraged all to make the best use of the source available. Short speech was delivered by Mon village council chairman, Nokpen Wangnao.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by chief engineer, Sanitation & WSSO Er Thsathrichem Sangtam

DIMAPUR: Minister of Housing & Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum graced the inaugural function of the 69th edition of Ao Students’ Conference (Ao Kaketshir Mungdang) at Akhoya village, Mokokchung on January 18.

A press release by convener, AKM Media and Publicity stated that, Tongpang in his speech, mentioned about the first newspaper in Nagaland, the Ao Milen which he claimed started in 1932.

He urged the students community to work towards the enhancement of its subscribers as a vision for the 100 years celebration of AKM. Highlighting on the condition and position of Mokokchung Law College,

Village gates of Tir, Suthozu Nasa; 2 new recognized villages inaugurated

the brainchild of AKM, he encouraged the student community to work towards the revival of the institution. He also emphasized on the promotion of Ao language stating that since the creation of the Ao Literature Board 74 years ago, the Ao language could be introduced as an honours subject only in 2023.

He therefore challenged the AKM to make it an effort to introduce Masters degree and Ph.D degree in Ao and also to introduce Ao subject in at least three colleges in the state.

Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Labour & Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Imnatiba gave a brief exhortation while president

Central Nagaland Students’ Association, R. Sunep Pongen delivered greetings on behalf of CNSA.

Akhoya Putu Menden delivered the welcome address while Onenpong, information and publicity secretary gave a brief introduction where he said that 1357 delegates from six ranges and 18 sub-units and five colleges in Mokokchung district were attending the conference.

Earlier, the opening ceremony of the conference was presented by Akhoya Shisaluyimer Telongjem and Rev. T. Lanu, pastor, Akhoya Baptist Church led the delegates for a devotion and prayer.

The conference will conclude on January 20.

7 projects inaugurated at Nerhema

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 18 (NPN):

A total of seven projects under three schemes including MGNREGA, 15th Finance and grantin-aid were inaugurated at Nerhema village by Block Development Officer, Chiephobozou, Seyiekhrielie Rio, at a programme held on Wednesday.

cilities.

He pointed out that under the new regulations of MGNREGA, 75 days would be focused on natural resources development under agri and allied sector. While under the 15th Finance, sanitation was one of the important area of focus.

Staff Reporter/Correspondents

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA,

JAN 18 (NPN): Along with the inauguration of village gates at Tir village at New Showuba and Suthozu Nasa at Phek district, two newly recognised villages-Nsong Namchi under Tening Sub-division, Peren district and Jakphang Hongha under Mon district were also inaugurated on January 18.

Jacob inaugurates Tir village gate Minister of PHE Jacob Zhimomi inaugurated the Tir village Süngkum (gate) at New Showuba. Delivering his inaugural address, Jacob congratulated the villagers and other communities for their support and cooperation in establishing the village.

He said it was a proud moment for Ugma village as over the years it has produced many leaders

politically, socially and church leaders, and the village expanding their horizon in the state was a big achievement. Earlier, the village gate was dedicated by pastor S Noklen Jamir.

Tir village established in 2001 was recognized in 2018.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Tinutoba Jamir and invocation by Imotiba Lkr while welcome address was delivered by Tir Village chairman Imnukloba.

Short speeches were delivered by Seithiekima village council chairman Kelengulie Khro and Ungma Senso Telongjem Dimapur president Lipokmeren.

Suthozu Nasa village gate inaugurated Suthozu Nasa village gate was inaugurated by retired principal director, department of School Education, Zaveyi Nyekha.

In his address as the

chief guest, Nyekha said the occasion marked the onset of a new era and called upon the citizens to maintain oneness and get rid of evils and clanism that destroy harmony and peace.

He called upon the youth to live a life of principle and live by the sweat and not look for shortcuts to become rich as it would land them in trouble.

Nyekha invoked longevity among the citizens of the village, bountiful harvest and encouraged the community to emphasis on education for all round development and posterity to move forward.

During the occasion, Gate Construction Committee convenor-Thujongoyi Nyekha, presented a report of the gate construction; eldest village citizen, Porayi Nyekha, presented an account of village formation.

Welcome address was delivered by village council chairman, Besulhu Nyekha, while vote of thanks was proposed by construction committee treasurer, Zulhunu Veswuh, treasurer, Construction Committee and the programme was led by Thepuchiyi Nyekha.

Namri inaugurates Nsong Namchi

The newly recognised village, Nsong Namchi, under Tening Sub-division, Peren was inaugurated by advisor for Water Resources, Namri Nchang on January 18.

Namri while speaking as the special guest encouraged the people from the village to promote the spirit of oneness and unity for progressiveness in all spheres. He apprised the gathering that his sole motive was to promote the welfare of the people without any differentiation.

Khehovi inaugurates Amphitheatre at Surumi

develop aesthetic sense by spreading the benefit to surrounding areas and local communities”, he said.

He added that the development work could be seen as a major way of improving the employment opportunity and creating local entrepreneurs for cultural interests.

Since the village shares boundary with another tribal village, he said such an infrastructural set up would further foster inter-tribal dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.

He asked the villagers to be vigilant of the various propaganda that were hovering all around before the state election.

Other who spoke at the program included, president NDPP 6th Tening A/C, AkuNhai; EAC Tening, ImtiwabangAier; EAC Nsong, Yimkum I. Ozukum and ADC Tening.

Chairman Nsong Namchi delivered the welcome address and president, NSU, Rangtalak proposed the vote of thanks. A cultural dance was also performed by Nsong village youth organisation.

Earlier, the advisor also unveiled the monolith which was followed by a dedicatory prayer by pastor NsongNamchi, Saha.

Jakphang Hongha village inauguration E. E. Pangteang inaugurated the newly recognised Jakphang Hongha village under Mon district

as special guest.

In his speech, EE Pangteang highlighted how the newly formed village came into existence and thanked government under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for executing developmental activities across the state.

Earlier, MT Tahkai, pastor Jakphang Baptist Church dedicated the monolith before it was unveiled by the special guest.

Langkhu Konyak, convenor Jakphang Hongha give a brief highlight on the newly recognised village.

ADC, Aboi, D Yongnyak Class-1 Contractor and M Hanlang, Village council chairman Jakphang also spoke at the event.

The programme chaired by Roupfukouto Noudi, SDO (C) Angjangyang began with an invocation by Manpa Hongha fellowship incharge.

KBCA convention concludes

KOHIMA, JAN 18 (NPN):

The 2nd Women Convention of Kuzhami Baptist Churches Association (KBCA) which began on January 13 under the theme, “Kewo Loh Kehi” (Living in the Light), concluded on January 15 following the devotional service.

The convention commenced with unfurling of flag by KBCA president Ngupelhi Lomi.

tion including Solo, Duet, Octet, Handicraft, Bible Quiz and theme song. The session speaker KBCA executive director, Rev Dr Obed Marhu, spoke on the main theme.

Addressing the village members at the panchayat hall, Rio said the village had exhibited unity by completing various developmental works. He urged the village folks to also co-operate with the department so that there would be better coordination and more successful implementation of various developmental works.

He observed that the progress and growth of a village largely depended on a village. In this regard, he urged the leaders to be more diligent towards the welfare of the village.

He pointed out that among the newly launched projects, the village approach road was one of the crucial ones which would greatly benefit the village as the people, especially the students faced tremendous hardships during rainy seasons.

He also strongly suggested that the village should also be kept clean with proper public washrooms and sanitation fa -

The BDO also stressed on the need to focus in the agricultural sectors as most of the village folks depend on it for their livelihood.

The projects included, drainage, approach road improvement of footstep/ footpath, oak tree plantation, retaining wall and improvement of road under MGNREGA.

Incineration of dustbin and improvement of village road under 15th Finance Commission.

Repairing of village panchayat hall under Grantin- Aid.

Earlier the inaugural programme was chaired by Nerhema Village Council chairman-Vingutuo Rutsa, while VDB secretary-Vilhousielie Kengurüse presented the project report.

Dedicatory prayer was offered by Nerhema Baptist Church pastor-Rev Vilanyü Üsou, vote of thanks was proposed by Hd GB-Rüünyü Kengurüse, while St Joseph Church, Nerhema, catechist-Vikhozolie Rülho pronounced the benediction.

Correspondent KOHIMA, JAN 18 (NPN):

A newly constructed amphitheatre for cultural activities at Surumi village under Zunheboto district was virtually inaugurated by advisor, Tourism and Art & Culture, Khehovi H Yeputhomi, at a brief

programme held at directorate of Tourism, here on Wednesday.

In his address, Yeputhomi said the new amphitheatre has a sitting capacity of 1500 people with an inbuilt stage, a rostrum, toilet and change rooms.

He said the objective

of the amphitheatre development at Surumi village was to preserve and enrich the diverse cultural heritage of the Nagas and that the project aimed at achieving social economic benefits for the State of Nagaland and improving the quality of life of the people.

“The project aims to

Giving a brief technical report, executive engineer PWD (H), Art & Culture, Er Talitemsu Jamir lauded the contractors for completing the work in record time of eight months and that too without receiving any payment from the department.

He said such workmanship was commendable.

A total of 320 delegates from Calvary Baptist Church, Pfütseromi Village Baptist Church, Lekromi Baptist Church, Kuzhami Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima, Kuzhami Baptist Church Chümoukedima, Kuzhami Baptist Fellowship Diphupar and Kuzhami Baptist Church Darogapathar took part in the three-dag event. Around 700 people from in and around the district and attended the convention.

The event witnessed different categories of competi-

Other speakers included New Testament BTC Pfursero associate professor, Dr. Khrotsolou Wetsah, MIGSM principal Rev Dr Kenny Kapfo. Chairperson of Women Society Jessami-Eyestilu Mekrisüh and KBCC seniorRev Dr. Kezütshülou Kapfo extended greetings.

KCBCK senior pastor, Rex Neikto Mero, Senior Pastor KCBCK administered the Lord’s Supper.

Meanwhile, KBCA women ministry has extended its appreciation to all the speakers, Bible study mentors, participants, delegates and well-wishers for their services and Kuzhami Baptist Church Chümoukedima for hosting the convention.

(Correspondent)

Staff Reporter

Jacob Zhimomi along with the officials at the virtual inauguration programme. (NP)

E. E Pangteang and others at the inauguration of Jakphang Hongha village. (NP)

Advisor with department and other officials during the inaugural. (NP)

Jacob Zhimomi inaugurating the Tir village gate at New Showuba on Wednesday. (NP)

Namri Nchang with others at the inauguration of Nsong Namchi. (DIPR)

Tongpang Ozukum gracing the AKM conference on Wednesday.

Mamata kicks off campaign in M’laya

Correspondent.

MENDIPATHAR (MEGHALAYA), JAN

18: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Chairperson, Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday kicked-off her party’s campaign for February 27 assembly elections in Meghalaya.

Banerjee was accompanied by Trinamool leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O’Brien, former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma were present.

Addressing the election rally at the Dilma Apal Playground in Mendipathar assembly constituency under North Garo Hills district, the TMC supremo urged people “to empower the people, uphold the culture, celebrate the sacred land of Meghalaya, and dislodge the proxy BJP government, which is corrupt and hasn’t done anything for the people.”

“If you wanted to change the corrupt and discredited government, then there is no alternative to TMC. In Meghalaya, you have a proxy government of the centre and Guwahati. BJP has two faces.

Double engine means they will say something before the election and do something else after polls,” the Bengal Chief Minister said. “Why should a de-facto prime min-

ister from Guwahati run all the North-Eastern regions? People must commit that this time, no matter what proposals come from MDA and BJP; they will not bow their heads to anyone. This time, they will restore the pride and glory for the future of the younger generation of Meghalaya, for women empowerment, for farmers, for media, and for all people irrespective of their caste, community, and creed,” She said

The public excitement was evident when thousands on the Dilma Apal ground started chanting “We Want TMC” in unison during Wednesday’s public meeting. While listing the failures of the NPP-led MDA government, Banerjee said, “What has this government done in the past five years? We challenge them to show their report card on what they did in the past five

years. Why is it that after so many years, electricity hasn’t reached Meghalaya? Why is the younger generation not getting any employment opportunities?” Thanking the people for their faith in Meghalaya TMC’s vision, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee said: “Looking at the love, appreciation, and enthusiasm of the people, I can say that NPP will not be able to win a single assembly seat from Garo.”

Garo Hills in western part of Meghalaya has 24 assembly constituencies in the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

Abhishek Banerjee assured the gathering that if voted to power, the government would be of the people unlike other leaders who run the government the “ivory towers” of Guwahati and Delhi. Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma

highlighted the atrocities of the MDA government and their incessant failures in protecting the people of Meghalaya. “We need to defend our tribe and fight against the BJP, not with mere weapons but with the power of unity. In the border issue between Meghalaya and Assam, we have seen that the lands were given to Assam. This is because of the failure of the remotecontrolled government. Over 13,850 acres of land have been given to Assam and we have to retrieve it,” Sangma claimed.

The former Congress Chief Minister-turned TMC leader also called out BJP’s lies in the public meeting saying, “In 2021, BJP made tall claims that they would form the government in West Bengal decimating the TMC. But under the leadership of our Didi, BJP was decimated.

4 held with drugs in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 18: A man from Assam was arrested along with three women with contraband Heroin drugs in Manipur on Tuesday, police said on Wednesday.

From the alleged four drug peddlers, the police confiscated 473gm Heroin (No.4) powder, the source added.

The alleged drug peddler from Assam was identified as Shamal Das @ Benjamin (49) son of Shoilendro Das. He hails from Garmura village of Hailakandi district of the state.

The three women arrested along with him were VahneikimBaite (40) of Tuibong Zion Veng, Thethem Haokip(32) and Nemneikim Kipgen (47) of New Boljang. All of them hailed from Churachandpur district. A police commando team of Bishnupur district assisted by personnel of Churachandpur police station arrested the four alleged drug peddlers during an operation at New Boljang village in Churachandpur district on Tuesday, around 3.30pm, the police said.

Acting on specific information, the joint team rushed to the village and conducted a frisking and checking to passerby.

The police stopped the four persons upon suspicion and recovered 43 soap cases filled with suspected heroin powder upon checking.

‘Assam CM craves TRP’ Ready for Assembly election: Tripura parties

SHILLONG, JAN 18 (AGENCIES): Taking a dig at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday said that Sarma craves TRP and that if his name does not come in the newspaper regularly, Biswa feels a sense of anxiety, reports the Eastmojo.

Gogoi made the statement during a press conference in Shillong Congress Bhawan after meeting with aspiring candidates for the assembly elections.

The Congress leaders were responding to queries on the Assam-Meghalaya border issue. Gogoi said he feels that the Assam CM sometimes might

arm-twist his neighbouring chief ministers into signing something they don’t want so that he gets his TRP to show that as the NEDA chairman, he managed to achieve something.

Gogoi added that two chief ministers sitting in a private room cannot decide state boundaries because it affects the people living in those areas, and they have to be taken into confidence.

Asked why Congress never touched the issue when they were in the ruling, Gogoi said that they might haven’t resolved the issue but they did not have this level of bad blood and this level of distrust.

AGARTALA, JAN 18 (PTI): Political parties in Tripura which have been gearing for the impending Assembly election for some time have pressed the fast forward mode in their campaign plans after the poll date was formally announced by the Election Commission in Delhi on Wednesday.

The ruling BJP is set to contest the Assembly election with its old ally - the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), a regional political party, a leader of the saffron party said on Wednesday. “The BJP is always election ready and we are ready for the Assembly elec tion. We have already

Ex-CM Chamling tells state to promote organic farming in G20

GANGTOK, JAN 18

(AGENCIES): Former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has urged the State and Central government to showcase the Organic Sikkim brand of the State in the G20 meeting scheduled for later this year. Chamling termed ‘Organic’ to be Sikkim’s identity on a global level on the occasion of the 7th Organic Sikkim Day celebration in ChubaPerbing, Namchi District on Wednesday, reports

Eastmojo. Chamling highlighted how Organic Sikkim was declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2016. He said, “It is a loss for Sikkim if at a global event like G20,

the organic farming culture of the state has not been included in the two events in G20 here in Sikkim.

Our suggestion to the government is an attempt at saving the organic brand of Sikkim, which all the farmers and consumers of Sikkim’s organic produce must ensure.

We will try to save the organic Sikkim brand, through our Sikkim Bachau campaign under the Sikkim Democratic Front party.”

2.36 percent increase of voters in M’laya

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JAN 18:

Chief Electoral Officer, Frederick Roy Kharkongor on Wednesday said there is a 2.36 percent increase of voters in Meghalaya from the previous assembly election of 2018.

Election to the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has been fixed on February 27 in which 21.61 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise.

According to the Election Commission of India, the date of gazette notification would be on January 31, the last date of filing of nominations would be February 7, the date of scrutiny of the nominations on February 8 and the last date of withdrawal of nominations on February 10.

The date of counting has been fixed on March 2 and the date for the election process to be complNeted would be March 4.

The 10th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly expires on March 15, 2023.

Like in previous elections, female voters would outnumber their male counterparts in this matrimonial state.

Kharkongor said there are 10, 68,801 registered male voters whereas there are 10, 92,326 female registered voters.

There are several firsts for this year’s election process with 40 companies of central paramilitary forces already deployed in the state. Earlier such forces were deployed just ahead of the polls. The CEO informed that the state elec-

tion department has sought for 109 companies of Central Armed Police Force, but the Election Commission has provided 120 companies of central paramilitary forces.

Asked if the election commission is anticipating violence due to the entry of new political entities having a history of violence, Kharkongor said the increase of central forces is for all three states (Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya) that go to poll on the same date.

“Meghalaya polls have been by and large “violence free” all these years and it’s expected it would remain the same during this year’s election too,” he said.

“Our biggest challenge is to stop distribution of cash and liquor during the elections.

carried out several outreach programmes, including the Jan Vishwas Yatra,” Tripura BJP general secretary Papia Datta said. “Since election schedules have been declared, the campaign will be intensified for a landslide victory”, she added. Datta said IPFT with which the BJP had an alliance in the 2018 Assembly elections and formed the government will continue. “Our central leaders will be here to take decision on any new part-

ner,” she said.

BJP state election incharge Mahendra Singh, party in-charge of Tripura, Mahesh Sharma and its northeast coordinator Sambit Patra are expected to visit Tripura soon, state BJP media in-charge Sunit Sarkar said. The two major political parties in the state - CPI(M) and Congress have already announced they will contest the Assembly poll jointly to defeat BJP in the coming election.

minister, 4 MLAs resign

SHILLONG, JAN 18 (PTI): Meghalaya PHE Minister Renikton Tongkhar and four other sitting MLAs of the state resigned from the Assembly on Wednesday hours ahead of the Election Commission announcing the poll date, Assembly official said.

Besides Tongkhar, those who resigned are Trinamool Congress MLA Shitlang Pale, suspended Congress MLAs Mayralborn Syiem and PT Sawkmie and Independent MLA Lambor Malngiang, he said.

The five are set to join the United Democratic Party (UDP), sources in the par-

ty claimed. The Assembly currently has 42 members. “We have received the resignation letters of five MLAs. Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh has received them in person,” Assembly commissioner and secretary Andrew Simons told PTI.

Lyngdoh is the president of the UDP, which is a key alliance of the Conrad Sangma government in the state.

Sangma, who is the National People’s Party supremo, leads the ruling six-party Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. The BJP, which has two MLAs, is part of the MDA.

Manipur Congress yet to take decision on ST tag demand for Meitei/Meetei

Correspondent IMPHAL, JAN 18: Manipur Congress has still to make up its decision on the scheduled tribe status demand for Meetei/ Meitei community which Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has been campaigning.

“For the Congress party, no decision has been taken so far. The demand raised by the STDCM is yet to be discussed. We will discuss the matter in a democratic way before taking a final decision,” MPCC president K Meghachandra said on Wednesday. Meghachandra also threw the ball to the court of the government saying that it was upto the government to address the demand.

Leaders and members of the STDCM today

thronged the official quarter of the opposition legislator in Imphal’s Babupara as a part of its ongoing campaign seeking support of the state legislators on its demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list of the Indian Constitution.

The STDCM submitted a memorandum seeking MLA’s support to the demand of the committee after which the leaders presented a brief account on the need for ST tag for the community.

After a patient hearing the MPCC president said that as a legislator, he was always in favour of the demand.

Categorically stating that his support to the demand was at his individual level, the MPCC president said that a political party, the MPCC was yet to take up at the party level for

FELICITATION

deliberation.

The STDCM has been seeking support of the legislators in pressing the state government to furnish the specific recommendations along with required ethnography and latest socioeconomic survey reports of the Meitei/Meetei to the Centre for consideration of the demand for ST status. The former three times chief minister had also told the STDCM that the Congress party was not certain yet on the demand for the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the ST category before knowing the sentiments of other ethnic communities of the state.

He had assured that the party will definitely support the demand if it becomes a larger interest of the state and not going to create a bigger issue in the state.

herewith rectified the same and declare that my official name will be AYIMLIBA IMSONG for all official references.

5. That the above statements made in para 1-3 are true to the best of my knowledge and no material facts has been concealed herein and I signed this affidavit before the competent authority on 2nd Feb. 2021 at Kohima, DEPONENT K-145/22

The NDPP 17-Chizami A/C warmly welcome the following persons who have resigned from both Primary and Active membership and positions of their respective political parties and joined NDPP under the leadership of Mr. K.G.Kenye Former MP & Advisor NDPP to strengthen the NDPP under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Neiphiu Rio Hon’ble Chief Minister and Mr. Chingwang Konyak President NDPP.

Leaders and members of STDCM visit the official residence of MLA K Meghachandra on Meetei’s ST tag demand on Wednesday. (NP)

Calls BJP ‘Twofaced’ party

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in Meghalaya on January 18.

Pawan Kumar Chamling.

M’laya

SNIPPETS

50 aircraft to take part in R-Day

NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): Fifty aircraft will take part in the Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path and will include the Navy’s IL-38 which will be showcased at the event for the first and perhaps the last time, a senior IAF official said.

IL-38 is a maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Indian Navy that has served for nearly 42 years, he said. “It will be showcased during the Republic Day celebrations here for the first time and perhaps the last time. It will be among the 50 aircraft that will take part in the event,” the IAF official said.

Tax fraud: CBI books Navy personnel

NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): The CBI has booked 31 people based in Kerala, including 18 Navy personnel, for allegedly claiming income tax refunds worth over Rs 44 lakh by making false claims of various deductions which were not included in Form-16, officials said on Wednesday. The CBI has booked personnel of Navy and police, and executives of two private companies -- an IT major and a life insurance provider -- for allegedly using services of agents to make the fake claims, they said. The central probe agency has alleged that the agents were charging 10 per cent of the Income Tax refund as fee, they said.

Cycle track around Delhi’s Nehru Park

NEW DELHI, NOV 18 (PTI): Lt Governor V K Saxena on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of a cycle track which will be developed by the New Delhi Municipal Council around the Nehru Park here, an official statement said. Spread over an area of 75 acres, Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri is surrounded by various foreign embassies, high commissions, residents of diplomats and high-profile dignitaries and houses of central government employees. The total Length of the track will be 2.7 km and the average width three metres. The track will be prepared with the latest techniques and materials and would have a 150 mm thick concrete layer, six mm thick microsurfacing, two mm cold plastic paint overlay, 200 lamp posts of four mm height with 60 watt LED fitting, it said.

Leopard that killed 3 persons captured

KORBA, JAN 18 (PTI): A female leopard that is believed to have killed three persons and injured a boy over the past oneand-a-half months has been captured in Chhattisgarh’s ManendragarhChirmiri-Bharatpur district, an official said on Wednesday. The big cat walked into a trap set by the forest department at Naudiya village in the Bharatpur area on Tuesday night, Manendragarh Divisional Forest Officer Loknath Patel said.

Mini gun factory busted in J’khand

MEDININAGAR

NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): The Supreme Court said on Wednesday it will not review its 2018 judgement on passive euthanasia and only make the guidelines on “living will”, an advance medical directive on end of life treatment, more workable.

The apex court’s 2018 order on passive euthanasia wherein it recognised the right to die with dignity as a fundamental right and an aspect of Article 21 (right to life) notwithstanding, people wanting to get a “living will” registered have been facing problems due to cumbersome guidelines.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph said during Wednesday’s hearing a clarification by the court should not lead to more confusion.

“We will simply make it a little bit more workable, we can’t be reviewing it. We kept the matter in open

court. There is nothing to be reserved. We cannot be reopening the whole thing,” the bench, also comprising Justices Ajay Rastogi, Aniruddha Bose, Hrishikesh Roy and Justice C T Ravikumar said.

Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj contended the present proceedings fall within a very narrow compass. “Everything has already been laid down. Whatever are the practical difficulties that vacuum has to be filled in,” he said.

Senior advocate Arvind P Datar, appearing for The Indian Society for Criti-

cal Care, told the court that he has submitted a chart elaborating the areas which are unworkable.

He said suggestions put forth have been discussed with doctors and there is a complete report of the Indian Council of Medical Research.

The hearing remained inconclusive and will resume on Thursday.

More than four years after its landmark order on passive euthanasia, the top court had on Tuesday said it is for the legislature to enact a law for terminally ill patients wanting to stop treatment but agreed to modify its 2018 guidelines on “living will”.

Observing that the legislature is much more endowed with “skills and sources of knowledge” to enact a relevant law, the apex court said it will limit itself to improving the guidelines it had laid down on “living will”.

TN Gov clarifies ‘Thamizhagam’ remark in assembly

CHENNAI, JAN 18 (IANS): Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi on Wednesday said that he had used the word ‘Thamizhagam’ in a historical and cultural context, and an interpretation or inference that it was a suggestion to change the name of the state was “erroneous and far-fetched”.

The Tamil Nadu Governor is in the midst of a controversy after he referred to Tamil Nadu as ‘Tamizhagam’ post which the ruling DMK and its allies burnt his effigy in many areas of the state.

The Governor in a statement said that in an event at Rajbhavan on January 4, to felicitate the volunteers of the Kashi -Tamil sangamam, he had used the word ‘Thamizhagam’. He said that the Kashi- Tamil sangamam was a monthlong programme that celebrated the age-old cultural connect of the Tamil people with Kashi and that there was no ‘Tamil Nadu’ during those times.

Remote voting a work in progress: CEC Kumar

NEW DELHI, JAN 18

(PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday described the Election Commission’s proposal on remote voting as a “work in progress” saying it was not an easy subject and reaching decisions in a democracy takes time.

Responding to questions on the recent all-party consultations on remote voting, he said it was “successful” with representatives of recognised parties sitting through the entire day. The issue of 30 crore “missing voters” came to limelight.

He said urban voters, youth and domestic migrants form part of the 30 crore voters who did not participate in the last Lok Sabha elections.

“It is not an easy subject. Taking decision in a democracy takes time. But

CEC Rajiv Kumar and two ECs interacting with media at the Press Conference New Delhi on January 18, 2023.

everyone agreed that this is an area where we need to work to bring all our voters, to the extent possible, to the booth (to cast vote)... it is a work in progress,” he said.

The CEC noted that on the demand of political parties, the deadline to respond to the EC’s concept note has been extended to February 28 from January

31.

At the meeting held on Monday, opposition parties had stayed away from the demonstration of prototype of remote electronic voting machine (RVM). They had also questioned the need for RVM, saying issues such as definition of migrants

should first be cleared.

Each RVM can handle up to 72 constituencies, allowing migrant voters to cast their votes from a remote polling booth.

The commission has maintained that RVMs, developed by the public sector undertaking Electronics Corporation of India, will be a standalone device not connected to the internet in any way. The initiative, if implemented, can lead to a “social transformation” for migrants, the EC had said last month.

In a letter to political parties last month, EC had said that domestic migrant/ internal migrant does not form a uniquely identifiable and countable class in the existing norms and standard definition.

M.Sc/B.Sc (Preference will be given to B.Ed candidate) 2. English Teacher - M.A B.Ed English 3. Warden cum Teacher (Male) - Born again Christian Graduate/M.Div/B.D with good English Communication Skills and Music Knowledge

Email Resume along with Passport Photo to schooledunl@ gmail.com latest by 23rd Jan. 2023.

Modi using Governors to harass CMs of opposition-ruled states: Kejriwal

KHAMMAM (TELANGANA), JAN 18 (IANS): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using Governors to harass the Chief Ministers of states ruled by non-BJP parties and to create hurdles in the progress of these states.

Addressing the inaugural public meeting of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) here on Wednesday, he said that the Prime Minister is not bothered about the problems faced by people like price rise and unemployment but he only thinks how to create problems for Chief Ministers and topple state governments by buying the MLAs.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said the Governors/Lt Governors of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, and Punjab were harassing the Chief Ministers in their respective states.

“It is not Governors who are doing it. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is creating problems.

K Chandrashekar Rao welcomes Arvind Kejriwal, in Hyderabad. (PTI)

The Governors have nothing to do with this. They get a big bungalow, airconditioned car and all other facilities to live luxurious life for five years,” he said.

The Delhi Chief Minister alleged that the governors get phone calls from Modi to create problems for the Chief Ministers and halt their work. “If the Prime Minister thinks 24 hours which Chief Minister he should target next, how will the country develop,” he

asked.

He also alleged that the PM was using the CBI, the IT, the ED and other agencies to target political opponents.

Stating that the country needs a change, Kejriwal called on people to throw the BJP out of power and elect a new government which thinks of the country’s problems like unemployment, price rise, education of their children and healthcare.

Unnao rape victim opposes parole to ex-BJP MLA Sengar; writes to Prez, PM

UNNAO (UP), JAN 18 (PTI): The victim in the 2017 Unnao rape incident has opposed the 15-day parole granted to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is serving life sentence in the case, to attend his daughter’s marriage. The victim has issued a video statement and written to President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in this regard, claiming a threat to her life and that of her family members.

In the letter which was shared on social media along with the video, she claimed that as long as Sengar, a former MLA, remains outside jail, he will remain a threat to her, her family and witnesses in the case.

The victim also claimed that her uncle could not interim bail for her sister’s marriage under a conspiracy hatched by the family members of Sengar.

The Delhi High Court had on January 16 ordered the release of Sengar on parole from January 27 to February 10 to attend his daughter’s wedding.

A similar plea by Sengar was listed in the High Court in a separate case of the death of the Unnao rape victim’s father in custody in which Sengar has been serving 10 years imprisonment.

As advocate Mehmood Pracha, appearing for the complainant, submitted on Monday that he was not served with the application for interim release, the court asked Sengar’s lawyer to supply the copy and listed it for hearing on January 19.

d P -277/23

Willmakeguidelines on‘livingwill’more workable: Apexcourt

Neglect and apathy

As commented earlier in this column, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has been sleeping over many problems faced by travelling passengers at Dimapur railway station for over six decades by sidestepping its responsibility and blaming inadequate facilities and adequate connectivity to outside factors. There is truth in the NFR’s technical explanation of needed land not being available and without which, it cannot meet demands for seats and more connecting trains. NFR maintained it needed much space for laying of double track and construction of passenger amenities such as expansion of platforms and waiting sheds etc. This newspaper has been highlighting the deficiencies of Northeast Frontier Railway at Dimapur since the late 90s and much of the blame being the apathetic attitude of Northeast Frontier Railway. During the past years many new stations have been opened between Dimapur and Guwahati. While these new stopping points were given the best of what they deserved Dimapur railway station which was started in 1903, has experienced a very slow pace of development. What is most vital for passengers is getting tickets and connecting trains. However, it appears the logic within Northeast Frontier Railway is to do the reverse. Ticket quotas are invariably decreased because the only two passenger express trains emanating/halting from Dimapur- Nagaland Express and BG Expresshave been shifted from Dimapur to Dibrugarh (BG Express) and Mariani (Nagaland Express) since the later part of 2021. There has been no official acknowledgement from NFR even after Nagaland Post reported on the shifting of the two express trains. Out of around 30 long distance trains running from Dibrugarh-via-Dimapur to Guwahati, today not even one is placed at Dimapur. Considering the fact that Dimapur has huge volume of passengers, it is clear that Northeast Frontier Railway is purposely throttling the potential at Dimapur to promote nearby stations. On the issue of land needed for expansion, this newspaper had also reported that a majority of who the Northeast Frontier Railway today dubs as ‘unauthorised occupants’ of its land were initially given permission to occupy the lands under lease agreements. Instead of admitting that it has land problems when Nagaland Post reported on the immense hardships faced by travelling passengers at Dimapur, Northeast Frontier Railway assured that it has plans to develop Dimapur into a world class station. The assurances came even as less and less trains stopped at Dimapur and even the few that stopped such as BG Express and Nagaland Express; the waiting time was cut into half. The most crucial aspect presently is regarding expansion of the railway station by laying of the double track from Dhansiri-Dimapur . If the land problem persists then NFR has decided to bypass Dimapur and lay double track from Dhansiri to Bokajan. On its part and for very mysterious reasons, the state government has been as apathetic as the Northeast Frontier Railway regarding the plight of train travellers from Dimapur. In other states, the governments take very keen interest in the development and expansion of railway net works and even go to extra lengths to ensure there are not hurdles. Tourism and trade go hand in hand and the prime mover in mass transportation system are trains carrying passengers and goods. It is hoped the state government will ensure that it does it part and also makes the Northeast Frontier Railway do its part to develop and improve the mass transportation system for promotion of eco-tourism.

DailyDevotion

“It Is the Lord!”

Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” —John 20:28 “Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink’ ” (John 4:7). How many of us are expecting Jesus Christ to quench our thirst when we should be satisfying Him! We should be pouring out our lives, investing our total beings, not drawing on Him to satisfy us. “You shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8). That means lives of pure, uncompromising, and unrestrained devotion to the Lord Jesus, which will be satisfying to Him wherever He may send us.

Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him. The goal of the call of God is His satisfaction, not simply that we should do something for Him. We are not sent to do battle for God, but to be used by God in His battles. Are we more devoted to service than we are to Jesus Christ Himself?

Quotes

Rejoinder to Mezomia Mechü Kehou (MMK)’s

1. The rejoinder of the Naga Club to Mezoma’s claim of Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty appears necessitated for two crucial reasons. Firstly, there was never such an Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty. Secondly, the people of Mezoma are not known to be a part of the ‘no-more-fight agreement’ holding the head of the cat at that point of time as claimed by Mezoma. What is undisputed is the fact that the event of the agreement was held at Mezoma. As per my understandings and thorough perusal of the Naga Club rejoinder dt 18.12.22, the Naga Club’s objections were only two: viz. (quote) “142 years of Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty” (unquote) as well as (quote) “on 27th March, 1880 two men from Mezoma and Khonoma held the head of the cat while the British the lower end of the cat slicing it into two from the neck” (unquote) as were stated by Mezoma on 07.12.22 in the media.

2. As such, the Naga Club’s rejoinder to Mezoma stated as: (quote) “Mezoma might have been a witness as it was a friendly village to the British Govt and neither a party in the said no-more-fight agreement nor was the agreement an Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty” (unquote).

3. I believe the reason why Naga Club had to respond to Mezoma is not to object the commemoration of a historic event of no-more-fight agreement which took place on 27th Mar. 1880 at Mezoma but that the nomenclature of the event was a distortion of facts of history that must be pointed out in truthfulness for posterity, since our political rights to continue to be free and independent were validated by our unchallengeable history. The documentation of such distortion therefore in public domain in the media will do great harm to the truth. While the stone pulling event was not only ceremonial, but educative as well, however the attempt to distort the facts is a severe injustice to history and the upcoming generations.

4. Historical record testifies the 19 Treaties that had taken place amongst the 16 Indian Kingdoms and 562 Prince-

ly States in the Indian Sub-continents, whereby the British had made Treaties with anyone in the region who either surrendered something to the British or to whomsoever that cooperated with the British or loses its sovereignty without tangible resistance. During the mid-18th to first-half of 20th centuries, the British were at the top of the world power, so the Naga case is an ‘Absolutely Exceptional One’. Therefore, the claim and definition given by MMK that (quote) “Peace Treaties are concluded in recognition of the sovereignty of both parties” (unquote) is highly unwarranted, that is where all the logically and historically unjustified statements have been derived to confuse our Naga society today. Although there are varied types of treaties, we are dealing with the British Treaties in most of the Kingdoms of the Indian Sub-continents whereby many surrendered to the British in the 19 Treaties given below.

5. All those Treaties made by the British ‘are never a recognition of the sovereignty of both the parties’ as erroneously claimed by MMK in its reply, but rather a surrender of their sovereignties, namely the Sangola Agreement 1752, Treaty of Alinagar 1757, Treaty of Allahabad 1765, Treaty of Madras 1769, Treaty of Benaras 1773, Treaty of Oudh 1775, Treaty of Surat 1775, Treaty of Purandar 1776, Treaty of Wadgaon 1779, Treaty of Salbai 1782, Treaty of Mangalore 1784, Treaty of Seringapatam 1792, Treaty of Bassein 1802, Treaty of Deogaon 1805, Treaty of Amritsar 1809, Treaty of Sagauli 1816, Treaty of Lahore 1846, Treaty of Amritsar 1846, Treaty of Bhirowal 1846. The facts and circumstances speaks for themselves.

6. As per MMK’s statement, (quote) “The British deny that any Peace Treaty was concluded with the Nagas because the British did not recognize the Nagas as a nation with the right or power to conclude a peace treaty” (unquote). What then would be the intention of Mezoma to state as: (quote) “142 years of Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty”

in the media? Is it to prove that the Nagas are merely a nation only with their false claims in just entering into an Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty? Or is it to still propagate that the Nagas had surrendered to the British like those Kingdoms in the Indian Sub-continents to support the British Govt? By the same argument of MMK, it would suggest that any weak and suppressed country has ‘No Sovereignty’ suggesting the jungle rule that ‘Might is Right’. The sovereignty of the Nagas or any nation for that matter cannot be decided by the existence of any treaty or the lack of it, but by the inherent legitimate rights that exist irrespective of any treaties. The above statements of MMK are misleading.

7. It is a sad thing for MMK to state as, (quote) “The most commonly held understanding of a “Peace Treaty” is “an agreement for peace and cessation of hostilities between two nations” or in simple words “no-more-fight agreement”” (unquote) in the media to argue the justification that the nomore-fight agreement is the same as Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty which is outright fallacious.

8. The British wanted a signed treaty, but it was declined by the Nagas. But after ritualistic agreement in our Naga customary practice was accepted by the British Govt in our terms and conditions, the British Govt requested two conditions to enter into the said no-more-fight agreement. In the FIRST CONDITION, the British were aware that a huge cannon was possessed by the Nagas and used it against them, which was gifted to the Nagas by the Kuki Chief of Manipur. The British wanted to use the situation as a leverage to persuade the Nagas to surrender the cannon and preconditioned that without producing the said cannon the proposed agreement would not take place.

9. But the Nagas who fled the village replied that the cannon being huge and heavy, they could not carry it up into the caves on the rocky hilltop where they were hiding, and that the cannon must have been taken by the British and unless the British pro -

duce the cannon, there cannot be the proposed agreement. The British, being unable to produce the cannon, were forced to agree to the no-morefight agreement without the cannon.

10. Factually, the Nagas were overwhelmingly excited at the high destructive power inflicted on the enemy by the cannon while fighting with the British, and in their enthusiasm, the Naga warriors then charged the cannon much beyond its maximum capacity which had blasted and damaged the cannon. In order not to show the broken cannon, it was buried at Khonoma which some elders know the site of the burial to this day. This is how our Naga people have abstained from any sort of surrender including capitulating their Weapons, History, the Naga Minds, the Naga National Soul and their Political Rights.

11. In the SECOND CONDITION, the British requested to bring the Chief/Greatest person amongst the Nagas to represent the warring Nagas. Mr Kienitso Seyie who knew Assamese leading the delegation for the peace negotiation had told them that there was no such hierarchical system of great and small, but since they kept insisting, therefore in the later stage a warrior of huge-built and good physique in the person of Mr Pelhu Dolie was made to represent the Nagas in the “no-morefight agreement”.

12. Before the agreement deal was made, it is told that in order to be on the side of victory, the Nagas went down to Assam and took some lives of the British subjects as trophies to signify their victory. The agreement was concluded in the Naga tradition with a Naga from Khonoma holding the head of a living cat, signifying that the Nagas had the upper hand in the deal as per our Naga customary practices, while the British held the body, and the cat was then sliced from the neck into two by a ‘Naga Priest’ to signify that any party treacherous to the other would face the same fate.

13. Such ritualistic customary practices were solemn and it is intelligible that through the said agreement we became

(quote)

“If you do not disturb us we will not disturb you, now you are our friend not our enemy” (unquote) under this the British began to stay in our homeland without any disturbance, but it was not through any conquest, this is what I have learnt from few written records as well as from our Naga elders. If there is any organizations or individuals who have erroneously recorded that the Nagas had an AngloNaga Peace Treaty in their diaries, books or souvenirs, then that would be their private business but when the matter is highlighted in the media it becomes a public document which needs scrupulous correction for posterity.

14. The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines “Peace Treaty” as “a binding formal agreement, contract or other written instrument that establishes obligations between two or more subjects of the International Law”. It is clear that no such treaties took place between the British and the Nagas. In fact, a written treaty was insisted upon by the British with their terms and conditions. But the wisdom and honour of our erudite legendary Naga ancestors prevailed and refusing to sign any treaty whose implications as in other cases they would not understand then was a wisdom from our Almighty God, which should never be taken for Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty at all costs.

15. The question of ‘one Mezoma holding the head of the cat taking part in the agreement’ defies all rationality. To quote Mrs Cawley, the wife of the then SP, Kohima in 1879, while narrating the incident of “The Siege of Kohima, 1879” wrote: (quote) “The utmost the friendly khels could do was to remain neutral and even this was a great gain on our side. Mozema also remained neutral, and these men deserve the greatest consideration for resisting the tempting opportunity of joining in a general rising which promised to be successful.” (unquote).

Refer ‘The Nagas in the

no-more-fight agreement with the British is absolutely absurd.

16. It is absurd because Mezoma was not a part in the huge human casualties that took place at that point of time that resulted on 14th Nov, 1879, to quote from ‘The Nagas in the Nineteenth Century’, page 186 and 188: (quote) “out of the 65 police who accompanied Mr G H Damant 25 were found to be killed or missing, and 14 more were wounded, and of the 20 military, 10 were killed and 5 wounded” (unquote) the death also included the Political Officer Mr G.H. Damant. Again, on 22nd Nov, 1879 while punitive expedition was carried out at Khonoma, (quote) “having lost in the assault two British Officers and the Subedar-Major of the 44th S.L.I killed, two British and two Native Officers wounded, and 44 of the rank and file killed and wounded” (unquote). 17. It is also learnt that more than 70 Khonoma warriors were decimated in the last British Govt punitive expedition. The heavy casualty inflicted upon the British, including the Political Officer Mr Damant while trying to invade Khonoma, perhaps, was the main reason why the British sought for a peace agreement with the Nagas to cease conflicts and wars, as it was not in their interest to continue lengthy hostilities which were in subsistence since 1832. Histor y must be audaciously narrated in its bare and brutal truth in the most accurate manner at all costs, as the truth is the most valuable thing and most powerful weapon in the world, even if to one’s own disadvantage. We must stand by the truth. It is for this reason that rejoinders have come up to the claims of the ‘142 years of AngloNaga Peace Treaty’ by Mezoma but not for WAR of WORDS in the MEDIA.

Robert N Solo, Kohima Village, Kohima

The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ has effectively killed off the ‘Pappu’ image

The Bharat Jodo Yatra is coming to an end – on January 30, it will conclude in Kashmir. By then, Rahul Gandhi would have been walking for nearly five months, starting from Kanyakumari and passing through many states, gathering enthusiastic crowds along the way.

Ignored by the big media, mocked by the BJP, and with several hurdles along the way – warnings of COVID-19 infections because of the crowds – he nonetheless kept on walking, often, it is said, covering over 20 kilometres a day. All the time wearing that white t-shirt, which has now become a sort of trademark. He smiled, hugged, talked to the press, and grew a bushy beard – the optics of the whole exercise are difficult to ignore.

Despite not getting much coverage in the big media, there was no dearth of people who joined in – young, old, well-off, poor, celebrities and others. There was no lack of commentary in the alternative media and online, including by media pundits who opined that this effort was not likely to end the problems of the Congress and nor was it going to win elections.

That is still some time away,

but one thing is certain – the Yatra has once and for all ended the whole ‘Pappu’ narrative. For years, a whole industry had been operating just to portray the Gandhi scion as a clueless ignoramus, especially when it came to politics, who owed his position only because he was a dynast.

Everything he said or did was rubbished, never mind if he often made a lot of sense –a good example being his early warnings in January 2020 about the emergence of COVID-19 and the need for taking steps to stop it spreading. But that was the time when US President Donald Trump was to come and the government seemed relaxed, only to impose a sudden lockdown in March, causing immense hardship to millions of people.

Rahul Gandhi is a favourite target of not just those who are against his party, but also wellmeaning and self-proclaimed ‘neutrals’, mainly urbanites, who insist they didn’t support the BJP but can’t see any alternative. “Rahul is simply not up to it,” they say. Part of it is because the Congress has done poorly in two general elections and many state elections, where,

even after winning, has lost its MLAs to the BJP. So they don’t see it as an alternative to the BJP. This is true enough, because the Congress can’t seem to get its act together and devise a workable strategy to win and then to give to its MLA. But it was the ‘Pappu’ image that became so entrenched that people were convinced that he had nothing to offer.

That image is now gone. It is clear that Rahul Gandhi is not without substance. The Yatra has transformed his image into someone who has something different to offer – a vision centred around harmony, in a country that is being riven by hatred and hostility.

What he has also done is established that concentrating all guns on him is pointless. “I have killed Rahul Gandhi. He exists only in your mind and the BJP’s mind,” he told the press. Get out of your Rahul Gandhi obsession, he told them.

Expecting him to create miracles in elections would therefore be wrong. He had insisted he was not interested in the presidentship of the Congress and stayed out of the race. The responsibility of elections now is not on his shoulders.

The lampooning of Gandhi won’t stop of course. Implicit in it is the suggestion that he doesn’t compare with Narendra Modi, who is a decisive, wise, visionary leader with strong oratorial skills. Plus, he has led his party to two big election victories. Many of the virtues attributed to Modi by his acolytes do not hold up to close scrutiny, but when you have the entire Indian media cheer-leading you, how can anyone else have a chance?

During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi has not so subtly created a persona that counters Modi’s in several ways.

The simple, white, half-sleeved T-shirt, even in severely cold conditions, shows up the prime minister’s sartorial excesses – designer clothes, branded accessories, et al. He walks continuously, hugging one and all, irrespective of their social status, thus establishing an intimate, empathetic connection with citizens – this is something Narendra Modi has never done – his hugs are reserved for world leaders and global businessmen.

He speaks to the press freely, again in contrast with the prime minister who has no t held a single press conference in almost

nine years. Add to that his youth and energy, which connects with a young country.

But the looming question remains – has this rejuvenated the Congress enough to put its best foot forward and come together to fight elections? In Karnataka, rival politicians joined the Yatra – does it mean they will bury their differences at the time of elections this year? Chances are they will not and the Congress is not going to transform suddenly. Its problems are deep-rooted. On the other hand, seeing the enthusiasm of the crowds who walked with Gandhi, may just propel the party into fighting as a cohesive unit, and hold on to its MLAs. We will know soon enough.

What cannot be ignored is that Rahul Gandhi has offered an alternative idea at a time when polarisation is growing – that the country needs to be knit together again. It is “Jodo” as compared to “Todo”, a point he has harped upon repeatedly. This is the overriding and hope-filled theme offered by him and welcomed by the thousands of Indians who instinctively understood his message and his mission.

Sidha rth Bhatia (The Wire)

~ Albert Einstein

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.

It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.

friends with the British and as per the version of A Z Phizo the Nagas had stated that the British could stay in our land as a friendly nation. Mr Pelhu Dolie had stated

Nineteenth Century’ by Verrier Elwin, page 573. Mezoma claiming that “on 27th March, 1880, two men from Mezoma and Khonoma held the head of the cat while the British the lower end of the cat slicing it into two from the neck” to make a

SNIPPETS

Rare bat spotted in Chhattisgarh

JAGDALPUR, JAN 18 (PTI): A rare orange coloured bat, which is a “near threatened” species, has been spotted in Chhattisgarh’s Kanger Valley National Park, officials said on Wednesday. The animal, also known as ‘painted bat’ and characterised by bright orange and black wings, was sighted at a banana farm in Parali Bodal village of the park on Monday, the national park’s director, Dhammshil Ganvir, told PTI. The bright orange-coloured bat was seen for the third time in the last few years in the Kanger Valley National Park located in Bastar district, he said, adding that earlier it was seen in 2020 and 2022.

10 injured in Odisha stampede

MALKANGIRI, JAN18 (PTI): At least 10 people have been injured in a stampede during a cultural function at the ‘Malyabanta Mahostav’ in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, police said Wednesday. The incident took place on Tuesday evening at the DNK Ground here, they said. There was a huge rush of around 40,000 people at the venue, which has a capacity to accommodate close to 20,000 people, police said.

100 tonnes of urea seized in Maha

THANE, JAN 18 (PTI): Police have seized 100 tonnes of urea after raiding a godown in Maharashtra’s Thane district, an official said on Wednesday. Action will be taken if it is found that the urea stock was stored illegally, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-2 Bhiwandi, Navnath Dhavle said. Urea is widely used in the agriculture sector as a fertiliser.

Gadkari calls for reducing road accidents by 50%

reduction in road fatalities and injuries. This year, it observed the Road Safety Week (RSW) from January 11 to 17, under “Swachhata Pakhwada”, to propagate the cause of ‘Safer Roads for All’.

Power outage in parts of Dimapur from Jan 20-31

(From p-1)

Aareas under Landmark & Notun Basti feeder including PWD, Midland, Residency, Supply, Duncan, Landmark, Notun Basti, Naga Cemetery, Island and LRC would be affected on Jan 23.

Amendment to IT Rules: Govt alone can’t determine fake news: Editors Guild

NEW DELHI, JAN 18

(IANS): Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said efforts by all are necessary to reduce road accidents by 50 per cent before the end of 2025.

Participating in a 4-hour telethon and outreach campaign “Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan” during the Road Safety week, he said a law will soon be brought in the country to determine the working hours

of truck drivers.

During the event, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru and many other stakeholders discussed the key issues related to road safety.

Officials said that the Road Transport & Highways Ministry has undertaken multiple initiatives across all 4Es of Road Safety including Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Emergency Care for

Nagaland Assembly polls on Feb 27

(From p-1)

Once the citizen uploads the multimedia content with a complaint on the app, the flying squad is expected to arrive at the exact spot to take MCI violators to the Police custody In most cases, if given the right information, ECI’s flying squad can reach the spot on time and catch the culprits with material evidence (unaccounted gifts/ cash), and convict them successfully With the cVIGIL app, users can even track the status of the MCCviolation case

Users can call the National Contact Centre at 1800111950 or State Contact Centre at 1950 for other complaints. Meanwhile, as per the final electoral roll, the total number of electors in Nagaland stood at 13,17,634-13,09,651 general electors and 7983 service voters.

There has been a marginal increase (5.52%) in the number of polling stations in Nagaland as compared to 2018 which was 2194 and 2315 polling stations in 2023.

During the Week, the Ministry conducted multiple activities at various locations in Delhi including ‘nukkad nataks’ (street shows), sensitisation campaigns, competitions for school & college students, road safety exhibitions in collaboration with corporates, walkathons, talk shows, and panel discussions with senior government officers and industry leaders.

In addition, road owning agencies such as NHAI, NHIDCL etc. conducted special drives related to compliance of traffic rules and regulation, pedestrian safety, eye check-up camps for drivers at Toll Plazas and other road engineering related initiatives.

Areas under RKM & Duncan feeder including Duncan, DC court, Lengrijan and Oriental would be affected on January 24 & 25 while areas under Dobhinalla, Town, Sematilla & Forest 33 KV feeders including Kaboi Bosti, City Tower & New Market, Sematilla, West yard, Chatteshwari, Lhomithi, Army supply Road, Church Road, Murgi Patti, Hazi Park, Hong Kong Market, Old BOC. GS Road, Marawari patti, Hongkong Market, Hazi Park, New Market, DMC, Old BOC, Thakurbari, PWD, Midland, Residency, Supply, Duncan, Landmark, Notun Basti, Naga Cemetery, Island, LRC, City Tower, Tata Parking, Khermahal, SIB Office area and churches colony would be affected on January 30 & 31.

NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday urged the government to “expunge” the draft amendment to the IT Rules asking social media companies to take down news articles that have been deemed “fake” by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

“The Guild urges the Ministry to expunge this new amendment, and to initiate meaningful consultations with press bodies, media organisations and other stakeholders, on the regulatory framework for digital media, so as to not undermine press freedom,” a statement issued by the Editors Guild of India said.

“At the outset, determination of fake news cannot be in the sole hands of the government and will result in the censorship of the press,” the Guild said in a statement here, voicing “deep concern” over the draft amendment to the Information Technology (IT) Rules.

It said that already mul-

tiple laws exist to deal with content that is found to be factually incorrect.

“This new procedure basically serves to make it easier to muzzle the free press, and will give sweeping powers to the PIB, or any ‘other agency authorised by the Central government for fact checking’, to force online intermediaries to take down content that the government may find problematic,” the Guild said.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Tuesday released a modification to the draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 it had previously released for public consultation. The addition, made in the “due diligence section” for social media intermediaries, states that an intermediary shall not be allowed to publish information that “deceives or misleads the addressee about the origin of the message or knowingly and intentionally communi-

cates any misinformation” that has been “identified as fake or false by the fact check unit at the PIB of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or other agency authorised by the Central government for factchecking”.

“Further, the words ‘in respect of any business of the Central government’ seems to give the government a carte blanche to determine what is fake or not with respect to its own work. This will stifle legitimate criticism of the government and will have an adverse impact on the ability of the press to hold governments to account, which is a vital role it plays in a democracy,” the Guild said.

“It must be further noted that the Guild had raised its deep concerns with the IT Rules when they were first introduced in March 2021, claiming that they empower the Union Government to block, delete, or modify published news anywhere in the country without any judicial oversight.

BJP MP Tejasvi opened IndiGo emergency exit last month

Civil Aviation

Minister Scindia says Tejasvi Surya himself reported, apologised for incident

NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said BJP MP Tejasvi Surya himself reported the incident where he accidentally opened the emergency exit of an IndiGo plane last month and apologised for it.

The minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of Surya, the ruling BJP’s Bengaluru South MP, facing flak from Congress over the incident, which happened on December 10 last year at Chennai airport. On Tuesday, IndiGo said a passenger

accidentally opened the emergency exit of the plane after boarding at Chennai airport but did not disclose the identity of the person.

When asked about the incident, Scindia said it had happened on the ground.

“When the incident happened, Tejasvi Surya ji himself reported that inci-

dent, based on which the full protocol was followed as DGCA itself has investigated and enunciated. The full protocol was followed and pressurisation was checked, all the other checks were in place and only then (did) the aircraft take off. I think he himself apologised...

“The person concerned, Tejasvi Surya himself reported to the crew and the pilot following which all the protocols were followed and only then was the aircraft allowed to take off,” the minister told reporters on the sidelines of an event

here. In a statement on Tuesday, IndiGo said a passenger travelling on flight 6E 7339 from Chennai to Tiruchira-

palli on December 10, 2022 accidentally opened the emergency exit during the boarding process.

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari holding review meeting of ongoing NH projects in Gujarat on Wednesday.

Scindia & Surya

Digital India tops wealthgeneration opportunity

BENGALURU, JAN 18 (IANS): The ‘Digital India’ theme has emerged as an incredible wealth-generation opportunity for retail investors, investment technology platform WealthDesk said on Wednesday.

The ‘WealthDesk Year-end Bulletin’ underscored that the country has made significant progress in terms of digital friendliness since 2017.

As per the bulletin, ITC Ltd., ICICI Bank, Coal India, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and State Bank of India were the most popular stocks among the ‘WealthBasket Curators’. ITC Ltd had the highest WealthBasket count with the stock being included in 19 WealthBaskets.

ICICI Bank followed suit with 12 WealthBasket counts. Coal India had a WealthBasket count of 11, while Sun Pharma and SBI were included in

DC Dimapur warns govt servants engaged in poll campaigning

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN):

Taking note of some government servants indulging in politics and freely canvassing for the political party for the ensuing election, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal has warned of strict action against violation of Rule 24 (1)(2) of the Nagaland Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1968

DC emphasized that the government employees should not only maintain absolute political neutrality but should also appear to do so. They should not participate in the activities of or associate themselves with any organizations in respect of which there is the slightest reference or think that the organization has a political aspect.

DC warned of stern action against the delinquent government servants for contravention of the Service Rule.

10 WealthBaskets, respectively. Additionally, Alpha Bluechip emerged as the most trending WealthBasket of 2022 with an absolute return of 13.21 per cent and Gulaq Gear 6 was the best WealthBasket in terms of outperforming the index with 16.4 per cent absolute returns. “Securities Market regulator SEBI has created a great incubation ground to enable innovation in capital markets keeping the investor interest at the epicentre. This builds a lot of confidence and empowers many first-time Investors in Equities to start their investment journey,” said Ujjwal Jain, Founder and CEO, WealthDesk.

“Owing to a strong macroeconomic environment India will continue to grow at a better pace than many emerging markets. There will be opportunities in specific sectors from time to time, however, investors can look to

invest with WealthBasket curators who align their stock bets accordingly,” Jain added.

The government aims to enhance the digital economy’s contribution to 20 per cent of GDP by FY25.

As the country inches closer to the $5 trillion mark for GDP by 2025-26, $1 trillion in GDP from the digital economy is a highly promising projection for the government and businesses to aim towards, said the bulletin. If this is achieved, the country may witness exponential growth opening several wealthgenerating possibilities that an investor should look forward to pursuing.

Going forward, “anything that is a governmentassociated play from a policy perspective will be good investment and it can be infrastructure, PSU banks, cement, or defense,” according to Sagar Lele, WealthBasket Curator and Founder, Rupeeting.

(From p-) to issue the directive at an emergency meeting at Tuensang on Wednesday after sensing potential threat to Frontier Nagaland Statehood demand.

ENSF also stated that the meeting viewed the crucial ongoing pressing demand for Frontier Nagaland and resolved unanimously that any member of the federation’s seven federating units – Chang Wedoshi Setshang, Khiamniungan Students’ Union, Konyak Students’ Union, Phom Students’ Conference, Thikir Students’ Union, United Sangtam Students’ Conference and Yimkhiung Akherü Arihak – and subordinate bodies holding any designated bodies are to resign or withdraw from political entities and affiliation.

It stated that ENSF fully endorsed the seven federating units to strictly implement the same in all its units.

NJCF opposes demand for President’s Rule in Nagaland

(From p-1)

He said this Act had been criticised for human rights violations wherever it was enforced and the recent Oting incident was a glaring example of outright violation of human rights.

He mentioned that under AFSPA, an officer of the armed forces had the power to fire upon or use other kinds of force, even if this caused death, against a person who was acting against law and for the maintenance of public order in an area that was

(From p-1)

proclaimed “disturbed”.

Also the army officers had legal immunity for their actions and there could be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against them for acting under that law.

In such a scenario, the NJCF vice-president feared that the Central government, which supported RSS ideology, could use both the President’s rule and AFSPA to harass Christians and do lot of damage in a very short span of time.

directly or indirectly so as to upset the progress of development. The committee said it expected all right thinking groups and individuals to become transparent and be bold enough to spell out what they stood for without camouflage.

NPAC said if such groups or individuals were for solution, then they should say so and also if they were against solution,

“Today we are all aware that there is a rise in violence against Christian community members in various parts of the country and therefore every sensible Christians should oppose President’s rule in the State and we should condemn any citizen or forum seeking President’s rule in the State,” he stressed.

He announced that NJCF would pray so that the RSS culture of Central government did not prevail over Christians in Nagaland.

they should be open without inhibition.

NPAC clarified that it wanted to keep the records straight to realise at whose behest, solution was being sabotaged, since nothing was more important to Nagas than the political solution.

NPAC further declared that it remained committed to give its unflinching support to any group or organisation working for pragmatic solution.

Poll announcement ‘slap’ on people: Therie

(From p-1)

It was for this reason, Therie said that Rio left for Delhi on Wednesday to please BJP and hold discussions to finalize the 40 (NDPP): 20(BJP) seat sharing, where he (Rio) would first let BJP pick 20 seats of their choice.

Accusing UDA government of being the “United Deceivers Alliance”, Therie said the legislators had been continuously assuring the people of paving the way in the event a final solution is arrived at, but had done nothing. He warned that as long as NDPP and BJP continue to rule, there would be no political solution and that “Hindu nationalists” would capture Nagaland

within two to three decades.

He alleged that the UDA government had deceived the people of Nagaland by speaking in every function and meeting that it was ready to pave the way for solution. He pointed out that none of the 60 legislators had stopped assuring the people that they wanted an early solution.

Therie warned that when the State had such leaders, whom he termed as “traitors”, Nagaland would never get justice. He stressed that it was time Nagas took a firm decision on the ongoing political scenario in their land. He mentioned said Naga people were expecting that Election Commission of India (ECI) would defer

the election to implement the agreed Naga political solution, but lamented that the commission went ahead as usual.

The NPCC chief claimed that people were supporting Congress campaign and its agenda of being morally right and urged the youth and intellectuals in the State to realise their role to educate the villagers and the citizens.

He also warned people that unless they woke up in this election and stood together against giving power for another five years to BJP and NDPP, they would finish the Christianity and Naga values, He further cautioned that if the NDPPBJP government returned

to power again, they could even lose Article 371 (A) and therefore asserted that the party was ready to fight the elections in order to save the future of the State.

Therie therefore appealed to the people of Nagaland to be watchful and come together with God and make a decision in the Assembly polls to determine the future and faith of Nagaland.

When asked about ENPO’s stand to abstain from taking part in the elections, Therie said since elections have been declared, they had no option but to take part. However, he said they would see if there would be any development in the coming days.

NPF not for pre-poll but open to post-poll alliance

(From p-1)

Azo pointed out that holding election was a constitutional obligation and a democratic process and that since election schedule had been announced, the debate over whether there should be Naga political solution first or election should now end.

Asked if the newly-elected leg-

islators of the 14th Assembly would step down in the event solution was achieved, Azo replied that this should be a collective decision taken by the legislators. He remarked that they should come together to discuss the matter and take a unanimous decision.

He also expressed his readiness to step down as a legislator if it was in

the interest of Nagas. Azo also said Naga national workers should demand all political parties to come together to pursue solution. Referring to the recent reconciliation between NSCN (I-M) and WC, NNPGs, he said the reconciliation was a ray of hope for Nagas and proved that solution to the Naga political issue was achievable.

DoP informs on ARR and Tariff Proposal

DIMAPUR, JAN 18

(NPN): Department of Power has notified all consumers and stake holders that the department, a Deemed Licensee, has filed the petition for approval of ARR & Tariff Proposal for the FY 2023-24 before the Nagaland Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on December 19, 2022 under section 61, 62 & 64 of the Electricity Act 2003.

The petition has been admitted by the Commission on December 21, 2022 and numbered as petition No. 06/2022-23.

In this connection, Objections/Comments have been invited from various stakeholders on petition for approval of ARR & Tariff Proposal for the FY 2023-24 by Department of Power, Government of Nagaland.

The department in -

formed that component of ARR& other parameters, may be increased, decreased or amended by NERC, even if not proposed by the licensee, to meet the requirements of Tariff Policy, Electricity Act and any decision by Hon’ble APTEL or Supreme Court on any Electricity related subject. Therefore, the electricity consumers and other

stake holders have been invited to give written suggestions/objections/comments to “Deputy Director, NERC, Nr. E-n-C Office, Department of Power, A.G Colony, Kohima and a copy to the Chief Engineer (D&R), Department of Power, Government of Nagaland, Kohima-797001.

Copies of filings and application referred at above will be available

in the office of the Chief Engineer (D&R), Department of Power, Govt. of Nagaland, Kohima-797001 on payment of Rs.200- per copy of petition in cash or through DD. Suggestions in this regard may also be sent to nerc_kohima@yahoo.com and cepower1@ gmail.com before January 31, 2023

Was formed by all tribal bodies as lobby for solution: NPAC

KU warning to members (and their villages) filing nominations

71 bodies recovered at Nepal’s plane crash site, one still missing

KATHMANDU, JAN 18 (IANS): With the second body recovered at the crash site of a Nepali passenger plane in central Nepal on Tuesday, 71 bodies had been found with the last missing victim remains to be confirmed, an official said.

“We have found one more body in the Seti River,” Guru Datta Dhakal, assistant chief district officer of the Kaski district where the ATR-72 aircraft crashed, told Xinhua. “So the total number of bodies recovered has reached 71.” A Yeti Airlines plane crashed into the Seti river gorge near the city of Pokhara on Sunday when it was flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara with 72 people on board, Xinhua news agency reported.

World’s oldest known person, French nun, dies at 118

PARIS, JAN 18 (AP): A French nun who was believed to be the world’s oldest person has died a few weeks before her 119th birthday, the spokesperson for her nursing home in southern France said Wednesday.

Lucile Randon, known as Sister Andre, was born in the town of Ales, southern France, on February 11, 1904. She was also one of the world’s oldest survivors of COVID-19.

7.3-magnitude earthquake hits Philippines

MANILA, JAN 18 (IANS): An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 jolted the southern Philippines on Wednesday, authorities said, adding there were no reports of damages or casualties yet. The authorities said the quake, which occurred at 2.06 p.m., hit at a depth of 64 km, about 352 km southeast of Sarangani town in Davao Occidental province, reports Xinhua news agency.

Polar bear kills woman, boy in remote US village

ALASKA, JAN 18 (AGENCIES): In a rare attack on humans, a polar bear killed a woman and a boy in a remote area of Alaska, police said. However, the bear was later shot and killed by a resident in the tiny community of Wales, on the far western coast of Alaska, reports World News. “Initial reports indicate that a polar bear had entered the community and had chased multiple residents,” police said in a statement.

Church of England Bishops continue ban on same-sex marriages

LONDON, JAN 18 (AGENCIES): The Church of England will refuse to allow same-sex couples to get married in its churches under proposals set out on Wednesday in which the centuries-old institution said it would stick to its teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, reports Reuters.

The proposals were developed by bishops, who form one of three parts of Church’s governing body known as the General Synod, after the Church of England’s sixyear consultation on sexuality and marriage - among other subjects - and will be put to the General Synod at a meeting next month.

The Church of England, is central to the wider Anglican communion which represents over 85 million people in over 165 countries.

World in a ‘sorry state’: UN chief Kyiv helicopter crash kills 18, top Ukraine officials dead

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND, JAN 18 (AP): The world is in a “sorry state” because of myriad “interlinked” challenges including climate change and Russia’s war in Ukraine that are “piling up like cars in a chain reaction crash,” the U.N. chief said at the World Economic Forum’s meeting Wednesday.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his gloomy message on the second day of the elite gathering of world leaders and corporate executives in the Swiss ski resort of Davos. Sessions took a grim turn when news broke of a helicopter crash in Ukraine that killed 16 people, including Ukraine’s interior minister and other officials.

Forum President Borge Brende requested 15 seconds of silence and Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska dabbed teary eyes, calling it “another very sad day,” then telling attendees that “we can also change this negative situation for the better.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was scheduled to address the conclave by video link as the

Ukrainian delegation that includes his wife pushes for more aid, including weapons, from international allies to fight Russia. Speaking shortly before Zelenskyy is German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is facing pressure to send tanks to help Ukraine and is the only leader to attend Davos from the Group of 7 biggest economies.

Guterres said the “gravest levels of geopolitical division and mistrust in generations” are undermining efforts to tackle global problems, which also include widening inequality, a cost-of-living crisis sparked by soaring inflation and an energy crunch, lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain disruptions and more.

He singled out climate

change as an “existential challenge,” and said a global commitment to limit the Earth’s temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius “is nearly going up in smoke.”

Guterres, who has been one of the most outspoken world figures on climate change, referenced a recent study that found scientists at Exxon Mobil made remarkably accurate predictions about the effects of climate change as far back as the 1970s, even as the company publicly doubted that warming was real. “We learned last week that certain fossil fuel producers were fully aware in the 1970s that their core produ ct was baking our planet,” he said in his speech. “Some in Big Oil peddled the big lie.”

Critics have questioned the impact of the four-day meeting where politicians, CEOs and other leaders discuss the world’s problems — and make deals on the sidelines — but where concrete action is harder to measure. Environmentalists, for example, slam the carbon-spewing private jets that ferry in bigwigs to an event that prioritizes the

battle against climate change.

On the second day, government officials, corporate titans, academics and activists were attending dozens of panel sessions on topics covering the metaverse, environmental greenwashing and artificial intelligence.

Ukraine has taken center stage as the anniversary of the war nears, with Zelenska pressing attendees to do more to help her country at a time when Russia’s invasion is leaving children dying and the world struggling with food insecurity.

The crash added more tragedy after a Russian missile strike hit an apartment building over the weekend in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, killing dozens of people in one of the deadliest single attacks in months.

But Ukraine is gaining additional international support: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Tuesday that the Netherlands plans to “join” the U.S. and Germany’s efforts to train and arm Ukraine with advanced Patriot defense systems.

KYIV, JAN 18 (AP): A helicopter crash in a Kyiv suburb on Wednesday killed 18 people, including Ukraine’s interior minister and three children, Ukrainian authorities said. There was no immediate word on whether the crash was an accident or a result of the war with Russia. No fighting has been reported recently in the Kyiv area. Interior Minister Denys Monastyrskyi, his deputy Yevhen Yenin and State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Yurii Lubkovych were among those killed, according to Ihor

UNGA Prez to visit India, meet leaders, scientists UK nurses stage new walkout as strike wave intensifies

UNITED NATIONS, JAN 18 (IANS): UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi is visiting India later this month to meet officials and scientists, according to his Spokesperson Paulina Kubiak. During his visit starting around January 29, he will also address the Indian Council of World Affairs and visit a water conservation project, Kubiak said on Tuesday.

Korosi has a special interest in development, a key element of his agenda as Head of the General Assembly, and particularly in the water conservation element of it. Before his election as UN General Assembly President, he was the Environmental Sustainability Director in the Hungarian President’s Office and the President’s point person at the High-Level Panel on Water co-convened by the UN Secretary-General and the President of the World Bank Group in 2016.

Among the topics expected to figure in Korosi’s talks in India are the country’s presidency of the G20

group of major industrialised and emerging economies and Security Council reform, a priority for India.

Laying out his priorities for the rest of the Assembly session on Tuesday, he promised to “spare no efforts to facilitate” efforts for reform.

He referred to the failure of the Security Council to act on the Russian invasion of Ukraine to underline the urgency for reform and said, “Let the disappointing lessons we have learned inspire the negotiations on Security Council reform, with the goal of creating a better functioning Council.”

In December 2022, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Korosi in New York and discussed India’s G20 presidency and the reform of multilateral institutions. From India, Korosi will go to China where he is to meet officials and visit the International Research Centre of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals that supports the UN efforts for reaching development targets, Kubiak said.

French expert team begins probe into Yeti Airlines plane crash in Pokhara

KATHMANDU, JAN 18 (PTI): A team of experts from France, which is in Nepal to help the government investigate the crash of Yeti Airlines’ aircraft with 72 people on board, on Wednesday began its probe and visited the accident site in the resort city of Pokhara, officials said.

The nine-member team is enquiring with the airlines’ staff and concerned authorities in Pokhara to understand details of the ATR-72 aircraft crash, which has left 71 people dead, including five Indians, according to the Yeti Airlines official.

OFFICE OF THE KHENSA STUDENTS’ UNION FELICITATION

F ELICITATION

We, the family members would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Lipoktoshi, S/o Late Mr. Angumtemsu & Mrs. Satemzungla (Mongsenyimti) for your hardwork & dedication and express our joy for being conferred Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in commerce on the Topic “Rural Entrepreneurship in Nagaland: Problems and Prospects.” under the supervision of Dr. Amrendra Kumar, Department of Commerce, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus Meriema.

We further wish and pray that our Almighty God continue to guide and lead you to excel in many more such achievements.

Brother, Sisters, In-Laws Nieces & Nephews

LONDON, JAN 18 (AP): Thousands of nurses in Britain walked out Wednesday in a new protest over pay, with no end in sight to a wave of strikes that has piled pressure on the UK’s overburdened public health system. Two 12-hour strikes on Wednesday and Thursday affect about a quarter of hospitals and clinics in England. Emergency care and cancer treatment will continue, but thousands of appointments and procedures are likely to be postponed.

Nurses, ambulance crews, train drivers, airport baggage handlers, border staff, driving instructors, bus drivers and postal workers have all walked off their jobs in recent months to demand higher pay amid a cost-ofliving crisis.

Inflation in the UK hit a 41-year high of 11.1 per cent in October, driven by sharply rising energy and food costs, before easing slightly to 10.5 per cent in December.

The nurses’ union has

been seeking a pay raise of 5 per cent above inflation, though it has said it will accept a lower offer. The Conservative government argues that double-digit public sector pay increases will drive inflation even higher.

“Unaffordable pay hikes will mean cutting patient care and stoking the inflation that would make us all poorer,” Health Secretary Steve Barclay wrote in the Independent newspaper.

The government also has angered unions by introducing a bill that will make it harder for key workers to strike by setting “minimum safety levels” for firefighters, ambulance services and railways that must be maintained during a walkout.

The Royal College of Nurses union has announced two more strike days next month, when disruption across the economy looks set to intensify. February 1 is shaping up to be the most disruptive day yet, with walkouts by teachers, train drivers, civil servants and university staff.

O FFICE OF THE L OTHA Ek HUNG S EITHE k E B ASA

C HUMOU k EDIMA : N AGALAND

E STD : 2011

I NFORMATION

13th Annual General Meeting of Lotha Ekhung Seitheke Basa is being convened on 21st January 2023 time 10:00 AM at Lotha Ekhung Community Site. All bonafide members are therefore informed to attend the AGM positively. Strict action shall be taken against those habitual absentees as per the established Resolutions of the Union. All members are also hereby informed to wear the mandatory traditional dress.

Sd/-

(N. Ekonthung kikon) (N. Benthungo Odyuo) Chairman Joint Secretary LESB LESB dp -263/23

Rainbow Colony CounCil

W ORDS OF G RATITUDE

We, the Rainbow Colony Council would like to express sincere gratitude to Shri. H.Tovihoto Ayemi, MLA & Advisor Department of Power, Government of Nagaland for contributing fund for construction of drainage within the colony. Colony residents are overwhelmed with the concern of our dynamic leader for the public. His selfless commitment to uplift the people is exemplary. His kind gesture has enabled the colony council to construct remaining incomplete drainage in the colony.

The colony council along with the public wholeheartedly thank him and pray that Almighty God bless him and grant him wisdom and success in his leadership.

S. Philip Tungoe Chairman

Klymenko, chief of Ukraine’s National Police.

Monastyrskyi, who was in charge of the Ukrainian police and other emergency services, is the most senior Ukrainian official to have died since the start of the war with Russia almost 11 months ago.

Nine of those killed were aboard the emergency services helicopter that crashed in Brovary, an eastern suburb of the Ukrainian capital, Klymenko said.

Kyiv Regional Governor Oleksii Kuleba said three children were also

killed. Earlier, officials and media reports said the helicopter crashed near a kindergarten. A total of 29 people were injured, including 15 children, the regional governor said. “For now, we are considering all possible versions of the helicopter crash accident,” Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, said on Telegram.

The investigation is being carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine, he said. Ukraine first lady, Olena Zelenska, daubed teary eyes and pinched her nose in emotion minutes before attending a World Economic Forum session in Davos, Switzerland.

“Another very sad day today — new losses,” she said. Forum President Borge Brende requested 15 seconds of silence after opening the session to honour the Ukrainian officials killed in the crash. The crash came just four days after a Russian missile strike on an apartment building in southeastern Ukraine killed 45 civilians, including six children — the deadliest attack on civilians since the spring.

Vladimir Putin says Russian victory in Ukraine is ‘guaranteed’

SAINT PETERSBURG, JAN 18 (AGENCIES):

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday he had “no doubt” Moscow would emerge victorious in Ukraine, despite military setbacks in the nearly yearlong offensive.

President Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February last year, and in September announced a military mobilisation to prop up Moscow’s forces in the pro-Western country, reports AFP.

Despite a number of military defeats, victory was “guaranteed, I have no doubt about it,” Vladimir Putin told workers at a factory in Russia’s second city Saint Petersburg.

“The unity and solidarity of the Russian people, the courage and heroism of our fighters and, of course, the work of the military-industrial sector” will secure victory, he added.

Vladimir Putin also praised the Russian defence industry as he spoke at the plant, which is part

of Russian missile manufacturer Almaz-Antey.

“We have something to rely upon and this cannot but inspire that victory will be ours,” he said.

President Putin was visiting his native Saint Petersburg to mark the 80th anniversary of Soviet forces breaking the siege of Leningrad as the city was known at the time.

His comments came a week after he replaced Russia’s top commander in Ukraine, a move that followed a string of defeats on the battlefield in Ukraine last year.

There is some concern in Russia over how long Moscow’s so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine has gone on for, with the offensive’s anniversary approaching.

Vladimir Putin once again defended his goals in Ukraine, where he initially sent troops to “de-Nazify” the pro-Western country.

“We are absolutely justified in saying that we are fighting neo-Nazism,” he said.

OFFICE OF THE Dapfhütsumia council KOHIMA vIllAgE

The

The

RESIGNATION

NPF 1 DMR-I

We the undersigned would like to inform you that we are resigning from position we hold as party functionaries under NPF I DMR-I Assembly Constituency effective from this day the 16th January 2023.

We would like to put it on records that we served the Naga People's Front with dedication and worked in the best interest of the party. However, we as grass root political workers remain committed to work for welfare of the people and the Bharatiya Janata Party is the only party that has brought good governance, listens to the plight of the people, even to the poorest of poor.

We therefore, as resolute workers would like to join hands with the BJP, strengthening the leadership of Shri. H. Tovihoto Ayemi, MLA and Advisor, Government of Nagaland and contribute towards the BJP's efforts and commitment to uplift the society.

We would like to thank the NPF for all the support and opportunities provided to us during our tenure with the party.

Yours faithfully, 1. YIHAMO HUMTSOE Vice President NPF 1 DMR-I A/C 2. S.M. Lotha Vice President NPF 1 DMR-I A/C 3. S. Philip Tungoe President NPF 1 DMR-I

K -143/22

Antonio Guterres

d apfhütsumia Council expresses hearty congratulations to Smti Azenuo Pienyü, wife of Er. Neiba pienyü on her promotion to the post of director Rural development department. Govt. of Nagaland. May the almighty God grant her good health and wisdom to lead the department.

Council wishes her all success in her future endeavour.

Sd/pele Khezhie Ketounei Kire Chairman General Secretary d. Khel Council d. Khel Council

Rainbow Colony Council

Workers pass the scene where a helicopter crashed on civil infrastructure in Brovary, Ukraine, Wednesday. (AP)

Nurses hold banners and placards as they picket during a strike, outside the UCH, in London, Jan. 18. (AP)

‘The Kashmir Files’ to re-release on Jan 19

‘The Kashmir Files’, the film which emerged a surprise hit, last year is set to be re-released in theatres on January 19 comemorating the occasion of Kashmiri Hindu Exodus Day.

The director of the film, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri took to his Twitter to share the news with his followers. He wrote:

“ANNOUNCEMENT:

#TheKashmirFiles is rereleasing on 19th January - The Kashmiri Hindu Genocide Day. This is the first time ever a film is releasing twice in a year. If you missed watching it on BIG SCREEN, book your tickets NOW.”

The film, produced by Pallavi Joshi and Abhishek Agarwal in association

with Zee studios, collected over Rs 245 crore as per Box office India.

Talking about the rerelease of the film, Vivek and Pallavi said in a joint statement: “’The Kashmir

on big screens after receiving thousands of requests from people who missed it out the first time, specially the young Indians and women.”

The statement further read: “If anyone of you have missed the experience, here is your chance to watch it yet again on a big screen with your family, friends and loved ones. This, indeed, is the beginning of a new chapter of Indian cinema. Jai Hind.”

Taylor Swift is celebrating another victory — and giving a shout-out to SZA at the same time.

The 11-time Grammy winner’s “Anti-Hero” single has officially topped Billboard’s Hot 100 list for eight weeks, making it her longestrunning No. 1 hit to date.

Swift, 33, reacted to the feat via her Instagram Story on Tuesday and reposted a tweet from Billboard that announced the single’s success.

“What on earth,” she wrote, before sending love to her fans. “I love you guys.”

Files’ has done what it was supposed to do. It already has spread the truth about Kashmiri Hindu genocide. Tomorrow is The Kashmiri Hindu Genocide Day, and we are re-releasing the film

Meanwhile, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is gearing up for ‘The Vaccine War’. The shoot of the much-awaited has already begun and the audience is not able to hold the excitement to know more about the project.

(IANS)

She ended with a note that saluted SZA’s latest album SOS, revealing that she’s “been listening to it nonstop.”

“Absolutely adore her music. So much love and respect for her!!” wrote Swift.

SZA, whose single “Kill Bill” is her highest charting single of all time on the Hot 100, replied in her

Significance of seasonal eating and its health benefits

The harvest festivals celebrated throughout India, including Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Bihu, and Lohri, are occasions to express thanks to the farmer, the sun, and the weather. While each state may have a different name for this holiday, the nation as a whole celebrates in the same spirit. The harvest season signals the arrival of fresh, wholesome, and ideal for consumption seasonal food as winter comes to an end and springtime begins.

The bounty of this season, which includes everything from colourful

fruits, grains, and legumes to verdant green vegetables, adds to the harvest festival’s delectable dishes. Take a trip around India with 4 tips from Rujuta Diwekar’s audiobook, “Eating in the Age of Dieting,” which is available on Audible.in. These tips will help you comprehend the significance of seasonal eating, its health benefits, and how to enjoy the harvest season in the right spirit while maintaining traditions. Make “essential fats” a part of your diet “Eat local, seasonal food to equip your bodies and mind to deal with the

hard work that comes with the onset of the harvest season. The main nutrient that these festivals celebrate is what modern nutrition calls ‘essential fat’.”

She further adds that “Coconut, til, groundnuts, milk, ghee-each one of them is loaded with fats that are unique in their molecular structure, lending them an

The real reason you’re not motivated to exercise

the initiation of prolonged physical activity to the nutritional status of the gastrointestinal tract,” Thaiss says. Gut bacteria monitor what’s in your colon and tell your brain whether you have enough food to fuel a workout.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently explored this topic when they wanted to find out why some lab mice seem to love their exercise wheel, while others mostly ignore it.

To start, the researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to look for biological traits that could explain the differences in activity levels among mice. And what they found surprised them: Genetics seemed to have little to do with it, but differences in gut bacteria appeared to matter more. A handful of studies backed that up: Thriving gut microbiomes have been linked with optimal muscle function in mice.

Sure enough, when the researchers dosed mice with broad-spectrum antibiotics, killing off their gut bacteria, the distance the rodents were able to run dropped by half. But off the antibiotics, the mice mostly regained their previous performance levels.

The findings, published in the journal Nature in December, suggest that the gut microbiome may help regulate the desire to exercise.

If confirmed in humans, this hypothesis could help explain why so many Americans (about half) fail to get the recommended amount of physical activity. Some may blame lack of time, energy, or interest. But perhaps the reason could come down to the trillions of microbes living in our gut.

This line of research could also lead to microbiome-based ways to get sedentary people off the couch or optimize athletic performance.

But how could your microbiome impact your motivation to move? To find

the answer, the researchers zeroed in on the brain.

The Gut-Brain Connection

After treating the mice with antibiotics, the researchers sequenced RNA in the rodents’ striatum (the part of the brain responsible for motivation). They found reduced gene expression in the cells’ dopamine receptors — the things that release the neurochemical dopamine, making you feel like you’ve accomplished something good. In other words: Mice treated with antibiotics were getting less of a dopamine hit after their run.

“Only when we started focusing on the brain did we understand that the microbiome’s effect on exercise capacity was mediated by the central and peripheral nervous systems,” says study author Christoph Thaiss, PhD, a microbiologist at the University of Pennsylvania. “This realization completely changed the trajectory of the project.”

To find out how, exactly, bacteria in the colon were signaling the brain, the researchers performed a series of experiments over several years. They identified two types of bacteria, Eubacterium rectale and Coprococcuseutactus. These strains produce compounds called fatty acid amides that interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the gut.

Those endocannabinoid receptors signal the brain to cut back its production of monoamine oxidase, the compound that breaks down dopamine. With less of this dopamine-clearing compound in the brain, more dopamine could build up after a long run, making the mice feel good and eager to hit the exercise wheel again soon.

This gut-brain pathway “may have evolved to couple

Your colon, or gut, hosts trillions of microbes with potentially hundreds of different bacteria strains. These strains are determined by the food you eat and the environment you occupy.

“The genetic impact on the microbiome is rather minor,” Thaiss says, “but lifestyle factors strongly impact the composition of the gut microbiome.”

He hopes to develop nutritional interventions to encourage the growth of the motivating types of bacteria, the kind that make you want to go for a 5-mile run.

What’s Next?

Moving forward, the researchers need to find out whether the gut affects motivation in humans, too. To do that, they’re analyzing the gut microbiomes of people with varying levels of exercise motivation.

“With enough samples, we could potentially correlate species of microbiota that exist in exercise-motivated individuals,” says study co-author Nicholas Betley, PhD, a biologist at the university.

Variations in the gut microbiome could help explain the “runner’s high” that some people have in a long-distance race. The research could also help promote weight training or sports participation.

“Imagine if a sports team could optimally motivate the athletes on the team to exercise,” says Betley. The lab is investigating the microbiome’s impact on high-intensity interval training. Signals from the gut to the brain could be affecting body processes in other ways too, the researchers speculate.

“There are so many possibilities for how these signals may change physiology and impact health,” Betley says. “A new set of studies may well establish a whole new branch of exercise physiology.”

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ability to allow the body to burn fat over other available fuels like carbs or protein.”

Exercise regularly so that you don’t feel guilty while indulging in your favourite delicacies

“Technically, the body is supposed to have unlimited stores of body fat that can be burned, and if we can use what sports nutrition calls an ‘ergogenic aid’, a nutrient which teaches or manipulates the body to burn more fat, we can see an increase in ‘endurance performance’, or stamina.

So if you are one of those who complains about leth-

argy in the winter, who makes plans to work out but doesn’t get out of bed, maybe all that you need is some therapy. And just because this therapy comes along with a celebration, is good to taste, melts in your mouth and doesn’t have the seriousness and sadness of medicine doesn’t make it any less potent. So bring on that chiki, gajak, laddoo, pongal and yes, have it exactly the way it is meant to be had-with joy, family, laughter and generous doses of the other goodies.”

Make family food traditions to share with your

closed ones

“Sankranti Til gul ghya gaud gaud bola, amcha tilgul sandu naka, amchyashi kadhi bhandu naka. (Translation: Here take this sesame-jaggery ball and speak sweetly, don’t drop it and never fight with me.) She shares that “The hidden meaning is-don’t ever drop the food traditions passed over from generations, I welcome you to experience the nutrients in local seeds, natural sugars and relish the sweetness of meaningful traditions.” shares Rujuta in her audiobook on Audible. (IANSlife)

Instagram Story.

Taylor Swift Spends Her Birthday in the Studio with Jack Antonoff: ‘Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way’

“Congratulations to tay tay! And thank you so much your album and writing is phenomenal .. as ALWAYS.”

Swift’s achievement comes just days after she performed “AntiHero” for the first time at The 1975’s London show on Jan. 12.

She made a surprise appearance during the British alt-rock band’s first of two concerts at London’s O2 Arena.

Earlier this month, SZA, 33, squashed rumors that she has anything but love for Swift.

Both artists’ respective latest albums had the potential to nab the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart this week. But it’s not a competition, the “Shirt” singersongwriter ensured fans via Twitter.

Denny Watkins

The outgoing Executive Committee extends profound gratitude to all the speakers: Evangelist Mhabemo Kithan, Lotha Christian Revival Church, Padumpukhuri, dimapur, Rev. Zuchamo Shitiri, Presbyter, Wokha Section, AGEI and Ps. Hanjilo Mesen, Living Word Church, Kohima for their powerful messages.

The Committee also extends our gratitude to the Assembly of God Lotha Church, Kohima for hosting the rally , the local churches, all the delegates for their participation and to all the churches and individuals who have supported the rally through prayers, financially, physically as well in different means.

Assembly of God Lotha Church, Kohima got the Overall Champions in the talent contest and Runners Up by AG Church Wokha Town.

The outgoing committee congratulates the new team of the Office bearers of the Youth Alive Wokha Section, AGEI.

God bless all.

Mrs & Mr Rhanbemo Ngullie 19th Jan 1973 – 19th Jan 2023

Most people find it hard to believe in “forever”, but seeing the never ending love between both of you makes us believe in “forever”. You two are truly a living example of true love. May God bless you both with many happy years of togetherness.

Loving Children, Imn-laws, Grandchildren.

Happy 50tH Wedding anniversary WC-10/23

The 15th Youth Rally cum talent Contest of the Assemblies of God of East India, Wokha Section was held at Assembly of God Lotha Church, Kohima from 13th 15th January, 2023 under the theme “Relentless in the pursuit of God”. (Isaiah 40:31) The rally was successfully completed with the experience of the power of the Holy Spirit moving in the lives of many young people who have come from different churches under AGEI, Wokha Section. A total of 13 Churches with 130 delegates attended the rally.

ISL: Bengaluru FC beat Jamshedpur FC 3-0

Liverpool beats Wolves 1-0, keeps alive FA Cup title defense

LIVERPOOL, JAN 18 (AP): Liverpool kept alive its FA Cup title defense and earned an immediate chance to avenge one of its most humiliating Premier League losses.

A 1-0 win at Wolverhampton in a third-round replay set up a trip in the last 32 to Brighton, which routed Liverpool 3-0 on Saturday in a defeat that Reds manager Jurgen Klopp ranked as the worst in his 22year coaching career.

Harvey Elliott scored the winner in the 13th minute, running from inside his own half and unleashing a shot from 30 meters that sailed over Wolves goalkeeper José Sá and into the middle of the net.

JAMSHEDPUR, JAN 18 (AGENCIES): Bengaluru FC picked up an important 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

With another three points, they now leapfrog Chennaiyin FC in the standings and are only one point behind sixth-placed FC Goa.

The Blues secured an early lead through Rohit Kumar. Prabir Das’

whipped cross found the midfielder, who was unmarked when he tapped the ball into the net. Despite going a goal down, the Red Miners exerted pressure on the Bengaluru FC backline, but the away side’s defense led by Sandesh Jhingan kept their opponents at bay.

Roy Krishna soon doubled the Blues’ lead courtesy of a stunning strike from outside the box. The half ended with Bengaluru FC leading by two

goals to nil, although Jamshedpur FC had few decent opportunities to score.

The Men of Steel upped the ante in the second half, but it was the Blues who scored yet again.

Sivashakthi Narayanan’s left-footed shot found the goal, giving his team a three-goal advantage. The game ended with Bengaluru FC taking all the honors in what was another clinical display by Simon Grayson’s men.

Atoizu Area Kukami Hoho football trophy

DIMAPUR, JAN 18

(NPN): Fifth Atoizu Area Kukami Hoho Trophy kicked off on January 16, 2023 with Er. Picto Shohe, MLA as special guest.

XI Brothers, Tsumang FC, Titan FC win at LFC

DIMAPUR, JAN 18

(NPN): On the second day of the ongoing 12th edition of Lotha Football Championship (LFC) being held at local ground Wokha, Stallion FC Koio and Ordovician played out a goalless draw in the first match, XI Brothers secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Friends Club in the second match while in the third match Tsumang FC crushed Tempo FC by 5-1. In the last match, Titan FC thrashed Young Generation by a margin of 6-1.

Inter-Ward tourney held at Tening town

DIMAPUR, JAN 18

(NPN): Second inter-ward tournament 2023 of Tening Town under Peren district, which was organised by Tening Town Youth Organisation (TTYO), was held from January 9-13, 2023.

Advisor water resources Namri Nchang graced the opening ceremony as special guest and the closing ceremony was graced by PS to advisor water resources, Ramlungbo. In a press release, TTYO president Kaibakam informed that various events including football, volley ball, penalty shoot-out, badminton and marathon were held during the five-day tournament.

Ward 5 emerged as winner in football (men) and volley ball (men), Ward 7 won the penalty shoot-out (women), Ward 9 lifted the volley ball (women) title, Kaithin of Ward 9 was declared champion in badminton (men’s singles), Poudunchap of Ward 3 in badminton (women’s singles), Manlung & Kungdiang of Ward 3 won badminton (men’s doubles), Poudunchap & Withoilu of Ward 3 won badminton (women’s doubles) while Wiphiulung of Ward 9 and Wiwangkam of Ward 1 won Marathon men and women respectively. Individual prizes included men’s football best player (Irampheu, Ward 5), men’s football highest scorer (Wiridin, Ward 5) and men’s football best goalkeeper (Paudikhun, Ward 9).

Speaking at the inaugural function, Er. Picto Shohe said that every team was participating with the determination to win the trophy and therefore encouraged the participants to maintain discipline and gain regard and respect from coparticipants. He said that the objective of the tournament should not be only to win but be the source of peace and unity. He also urged the participants to be physically fit and not to indulge in substance abuse.

MLA said that today sportspersons can take the advantage of different social media available in every corner and learn the tech-

niques and use their talents so they could become professional and earn fame and living. He also encouraged the talented and potential sportspersons to focus on maintaining their stamina and tactics through regular practices and food habits. The tournament was declared opened by the special guest.

The programme was chaired by Vitokali Assumi. Rev. Ahoto Awomi invoked God’s blessings, Hotop Aye gave presidential speech and Kiyeghu Shohe delivered greeting message. Kunili Aye presented special number while Shikato Assumi administered oath taking.

Acknowledgement

Words are inadequate to express our sincere gratitude to all those who stood by us spiritually, physically, financially and materially at the sad demise of our beloved mother Late SUBONGMONGLA LONGCHAR (Sungratsu) who left for her heavenly abode on 12.01.2023 at Aoyimti Village Dimapur.

We deeply regret our inability to mention and thank each and everyone of you individually, but pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

With grateful appreciation Children, Grandchildren, In-laws and Relatives

dp-260/23

"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.”

Psalms147:3

Through this column, we the family members would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, various organizations, churches and groups for your persistent support through prayers, financial help and physical presence throughout the prolonged illness and sad demise of our loving mother Late Mrs. Bendangmenla

We immensely regret our inability to thank everyone individually but it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God Bless you all abundantly. Loving Husband, Children and Family Members.

Klopp wanted his team to get “back to basics” after the humbling loss at Brighton three days earlier and fielded a weakened lineup, leaving out stars like Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker and Andrew Robertson.

8th Unity Cup: Gorkha XI, Hurricane CC in SFs

DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): Bokajan warriors, Titans CC, Gorkha XI Chümou and Hurricane CC have stormed into the semifinals of 8th Unity Cup T20 cricket tournament being organized by Nepali Baptist Church Chümoukedima Youth Sports Ministry.

In the first quarterfinal match, Bokajan warriors won the match by 5 Wicket against Prodigies CC. in the second match, Titans CC won the match by 91 runs against LMCC.

In the third quarterfinal match, Gorkha XI Chümou won the match by 35 runs against Ghorapatti warriors and in the fourth quarterfinal match Hurricane CC won the match by 141 runs against Ghorapatti warriors.

The semi-final will be played between Gorkha XI Chümou Vs Bokajan Warriors and Hurricane CC Vs Titans CC on January 19, 2023.

Liverpool was largely untroubled at Molineux as Wolves became the ninth Premier League team to get eliminated. Everton, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa were

knocked out in their first match in the famous old competition this season.

The FA Cup likely represents Liverpool’s only chance of a domestic trophy this season, with Klopp’s team having exited the League Cup and plunged to

ninth place in the league — 19 points off leader Arsenal.

It was a first clean sheet in an away match in a domestic competition since September and came against the lowest-scoring team in the Premier League, with Wolves having only netted

12 goals in 19 league games this season. “It feels like ages ago we had a feeling of winning and playing well,” Klopp said. “We had to fight hard at the end which we controlled for long periods. It is great and the reaction we wanted to see.” Brighton will host Liverpool in the fourth round on Jan. 29.

NO SHOCK

Fifth-tier Chesterfield was looking to become the second non-league team, after Wrexham and its Hollywood owners, to reach the fourth round.

However, there was no shock at The Hawthorns as second-tier West Bromwich Albion easily won 4-0. Fellow Championship teams Luton and Birmingham also advanced Tuesday. Another non-league team, Boreham Wood, was scheduled to play but its replay against third-tier Accrington Stanley was postponed because of a frozen pitch. It has been rearranged for Jan. 24.

India Open: Srikanth bows out after losing to Axelsen

NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): Top Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth’s poor run continued as he went down in straight games to Olympic and world champion Viktor Axelsen in his opening men’s singles match at the Yonex-Sunrise India Open Super 750 tournament here on Wednesday.

Srikanth squandered a 14-5 lead in the second game after losing the opening to go down 14-21 19-21 to the world number 1, leaving the cheering fans at the IG stadium disappointed. With the crowd rooting for him, Srikanth, a former world no.1, started dominating the rallies, extracting mistakes from Axelsen. The Indian tried

to lunge his opponent forward, using his strokes to move the tall Dane. However, Axelsen was caught up at 8-8 and then with a round head smash took a three-point lead at the break. At 13-9, Axelsen committed a rare service error before another shot

Late Limasangla (1949 – 28/12/2022)

We, the bereaved family members of Late Limasangla would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with us through physical presence, constant prayers and financial support during the prolonged illness and sad demise of our beloved mother. We convey our special thanks to :

Temjen Imna Along, Minister Higher Education and Tribal Affairs.

Lower Forest Colony Neighbours Kohima

Lakhuni Baptist Church, Lakhuni

Lakhuni Baptist Church Women Deptt.

Changdang Fellowship, Kohima

Changdang Baptist Church, Changdang

Changdang Baptist Church, Women Department We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally but we sincerely pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Family & Relatives

went to the net.

Srikanth tried to set up

the rallies but often erred in his finishing.

The Dane eventually sealed the opening game after the Indian smashed out twice.

Srikanth made an attacking start after the change of ends, using his smashes to good use, to lead 5-1. Two tight smashes on either side helped the Indian to maintain his lead to 8-3 before he entered the break with a healthy seven-point advantage when Axelsen went to the net.

Bengaluru FC teammates celebrate victory over Jamshedpur FC during ISL match on Wednesday.

Viktor Axelsen shakes hand with Kidambi Srikanth after defeating him on Wednesday. (PTI)

Stefan Bajcetic of Liverpool at Molineux on January 17, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England.

1st ODI: Gill’s double ton helps India beat NZ

On his way to becoming the youngest player to score a double century in the ODI format and fifth to do so from India, Gill had to overcome early jitters to be a dominating force in the innings. Be it in the first power-play or in the death overs, Gill was smashing boundaries against pacers and spinners.

Gill reached his first fifty in 52 balls, before reaching his century off 87 balls. He then went from 100 to 150 in 35 balls, and the jump from 150 to 200 happened in just 23 balls, with his overall strike-rate at 139.6, taking India to nearly reaching 350.

Injured champion Nadal crashes out of Australian Open

MELBOURNE, JAN 18 (AGENCIES): Defending champion Rafael Nadal crashed out of the Australian Open second round on Wednesday after aggravating a hip problem during his 6-4 6-4 7-5 defeat to Mackenzie McDonald, the Spaniard’s latest entry in an injury-blighted history at Melbourne Park.

Nadal’s elimination shakes up the men’s draw and puts a twist in the Grand Slam titles race, with ninetimes champion Novak Djokovic able to draw level with the Spaniard’s 22 major championships should he take a 10th crown at Melbourne Park.

HYDERABAD,

JAN 18

(IANS): Shubman Gill produced a magnificent display of batsmanship to score a double century and propel India to a massive 349/8 against New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, here

on Wednesday.

On a two-paced pitch, where no other Indian batter crossed 35, Gill dished out an opening masterclass against a quality New Zealand bowling line-up to score 208 off 149 balls, laced with 19 fours and nine sixes.

Gill reached his double century by smacking a hattrick of sixes over fine leg, long-off and straight down the ground in the 49th over. He would hit another six over long-on in the final over, before falling for 208 as deep mid-wicket fielder took a screamer of a catch.

Brief Scores: India 349/8 in 50 overs (Shubman Gill 208, Rohit Sharma 34; Daryl Mitchell 2/30, Henry Shipley 2/74) against New Zealand.

Nadal tweaked his left hip while running for a backhand in the second set at Rod Laver Arena, and after inspection from a trainer when trailing 6-4 5-3, he went off-court for a medical time-out.

He returned grim-faced to play out the match but his movement was clearly affected, particularly on his backhand side, paving the way for McDonald to end the Spaniard’s bid for a third title at Melbourne Park.

Nadal said the hip had bothered him for a couple of days but nowhere near to the extent of Wednesday’s

match. “I don’t know what’s going on, if it’s muscle, if it’s (the) joint,” he told reporters.

“I have a history (of) hip issues. I had to do treatments in the past, address it a little. (It) was not this amount of problem. Now I feel I cannot move.”

Iga,Tsitsipas,Collins, Sakkariallthrough

No. 1-seed Iga Swiatek eased into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday as she beat Camila Osorio of Colombia

6-2, 6-3. In a match played with the roof closed because of rain, the Polish player was broken when serving for the match at 5-1 but sealed victory two games later.

A dominant Stefanos Tsitsipas proved a step too far for home hope Rinky Hijikata as the Greek third seed eased into the Australian Open third round with a 6-3 6-0 6-2 win on Wednesday.

Polish 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz prevailed in a marathon contest, beating Lorenzo Sonego 3-6 7-6(3)

2-6 6-3 6-3 in about four hours.

Last year’s finalist and American 13th seed Danielle Collins overcame a shaky start to win 6-7(1) 6-2 7-6(10-6) against Karolina Muchova, while Britain’s 11th seed Cameron Norrie won 6-3 3-6 7-6(2) 6-3 against Frenchman Constant Lestienne.

Maria Sakkari took umbrage with opponent Diana Shnaider’s vocal celebrations after winning points at the Australian Open on Wednesday but si-

lenced the teenage qualifier with a finger-wagging rant on the way to a comeback 3-6 7-5 6-3 win.

Coco Gauff battled past Emma Raducanu 6-3 7-6(4) on Wednesday to reach the third round of the Australian Open.

Felix Auger-Aliassime avoided a humbling exit from the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, cutting out the mistakes to secure a thrilling 3-6 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2 comeback win over Slovakian Alex Molcan.

WFI president sexually exploited women wrestlers: Vinesh Phogat

NEW DELHI, JAN 18

(PTI): In a startling revelation, a crying Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday alleged that Wresting Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been sexually exploiting women wrestlers for many years, a charge vehemently rejected by the sports administrator and BJP MP.

Vinesh, who has been at loggerheads with WFI since the Tokyo Olympic Games, also claimed that several coaches at the national camp in Lucknow have also exploited women wrestlers, adding there are a few women at the camp who approached the wrestlers at the behest of the WFI President.

Phogat though clarified that she herself never faced such exploitation but claimed that “one victim” was present at the ‘dharna’ they began at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.

So disturbed was

Vinesh that she along with Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia had even met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to flag their issues about three months back.

“We had met the Home Minister and he had assured us that, ‘you will get justice’,” star wrestler Punia told PTI, adding that the ‘sitin’ was their another attempt to highlight the prevailing issues in Indian wrestling.

Vinesh also claimed that she had received death threats at the behest of WFI President from officials close to him because she dared to draw PM Modi’s attention to several issues plaguing Indian wrestling when she met him after the Tokyo Games.

“I know at least 10-20 women wrestlers who have told me about the sexual exploitation they faced at the hands of (the) WFI President. They told me their stories. I can’t take their names

no w but I can definitely reveal the names if we get to meet the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country,” Vinesh said addressing the media after staging a four-hour ‘dharna’ at Jantar Mantar.

“I have received death threats from people who are close to the WFI President.

If anything happens to any of us sitting here, only the WFI President will be responsible.”

Rio Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Sarita

Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Anshu Malik, Sonam Malik, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, Amit Dhankar and CWG medallist Sumit Malik were among 30 wrestlers who assembled at the famous protest site.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 66, was elected unopposed President of WFI for a third consecutive term in February 2019.

Sports ministry seeks explanation: Taking note of the allegations, the sports ministry has sought an ex-

planation from WFI and directed it to “furnish a reply within the next 72 hours on the allegations made”.

The ministry said, “if WFI fails to furnish the reply within the next 72 hours, the Ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation in terms of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011.”

In view of the developments, the ministry has also cancelled the National camp, which was due to

start SAI centre in in Lucknow from Wednesday.

BJP MP rejects charges: The sitting BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh rejected all the charges against him and refused to quit his post.

“There is no truth in any of the allegations. Why should I quit? Even if one woman wrestler comes and proves the sexual harassment charge, I am ready to be hanged. There is an industrialist behind it (conspiracy),” said the 66-yearold WFI President.

“There can be an investigation by th e CBI or police. There is no dictatorship. These same wrestlers had met me a week back and did not say anything,” he added.

Responding to the allegation of death threats given to Vinesh on his behalf, Brij Bhushan said, “Why Vinesh did not talk to me or approached the police at that time? Why did she not

meet the PM or the Sports Minister? Why is she saying this now.”

WFI boss indicated that the new policy and the rules they have introduced are perhaps causing a bit of discomfort to the wrestlers and that’s why the protest.

He said the wrestlers are being asked to compete in the National Championships and appear in trials for fair selection, and there is nothing wrong in it.

Explaining his position, the WFI President said that they were facing action from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for flouting the rules and he had to take action against Vinesh out of compulsion because he did not want a ban on India.

DCW issues notice to sports ministry, Delhi Police: Delhi Commission for Women has issued notices to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the city police after wrestler Vinesh

DCW chief Swati Maliwal also met the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar.

DCW said it has taken suo moto cognisance of media reports about allegations of sexual harassment made against the president of Wrestling Federation of India and some wrestling coaches, the panel said. The panel has also asked police to register an FIR in the matter.

It has sought a copy of complaints made by women wrestlers against coaches and WFI president alongwith details of action taken thereon by January 21.

It has also sought details of Internal Complaints Committee formed by the Wrestling Federation of India.

Shubman Gill reacts as he celebrates his doublecentury on Wednesday. (PTI)

Vinesh Phogat with Sakshi Malik during a press conference on Wednesday. (PTI)

Rafael Nadal

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Iga Swiatek

Maria Sakkari

Phogat accused BJP MP and Wresting Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually exploiting women wrestlers.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh