11 March 2023

Nagaland Post

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India reports first H3N2 deaths

NEW DELHI, MAR 10 (PTI): India

has recorded its first two deaths due to seasonal influenza subtype H3N2, one each from Karnataka and Haryana, with the Union health ministry on Friday saying it is keeping a close watch on the situation and cases are expected to decline from month end.

From January 2 to March 5, 451 cases of H3N2 have been reported in the country, according to data shared by the ministry.

“It can be seen that Influenza H3N2 is the predominant subtype among the samples testing positive for influenza, since the beginning of this year,” it said. The ministry is also tracking and keeping a close watch on morbidity and mortality due to H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza, according to a statement.

“Young children and old age persons with comorbidities are the most vulnerable groups in context of seasonal influenza. So far, Karnataka and Haryana have confirmed one death each from H3N2 influenza,” the ministry said.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses which circulate in all parts of the world.

State gets Rs. 802 cr in tax devolution

Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAR

10 (NPN): The Central government on Thursday released 14th instalment of tax devolution to State Governments amounting to Rs.1,40,318 crore as against normal monthly devolution of Rs.70,159 crore.

As per the state-wise breakup of amounts released, Nagaland received Rs. 802 crore.

According to the Ministry of Finance, this was in line with the commitment of Government of India to strengthen the hands of States to accelerate their capital and developmental expenditure.

Mao Market, MM Market declared unsafe

DIMAPUR, MAR 10 (NPN): Following the fire incident that broke out at Mao Market and MM Market Kohima on February 27, 2023, the Deputy Commissioner & District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima chairman has notified that the Mao Market and MM Market/building was unstable and unsafe for human occupation with immediate effect.

In an order, DC & District Disaster Management Authority Kohima chairman Shanavas C cautioned that anybody found violating the office order would be convicted as per Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 51, Clause (b).

“India every year witnesses two peaks of seasonal influenza: one from Jan to March and other in post monsoon season. The cases arising from seasonal influenza are expected to decline from March end,” the ministry said.

It said the ministry is monitoring and tracking cases across states through IDSP network on real-time basis. In Karnataka, 82-year-old Hire

Gowda died due to H3N2 virus on March 1, a state health department official said. “It is confirmed that Hire Gowda, son of Halage Gowda, 82 years, died of H3N2 virus on March 1,” Hassan DHO told PTI.

In Haryana, a health department official said a 56-year-old man from the state, a lung cancer patient who died recently, had tested positive for the H3N2 virus in January.

According to the latest data available on IDSP-IHIP, 3,038 laboratory confirmed cases of various subtypes of influenza, including H3N2, have been reported till March 9 by states.

Union health minister asks states to be on alert: As India recorded its first two deaths due to seasonal influenza subtype H3N2, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Friday asked states to be on alert and closely monitor the situation in view of “rising” cases. In a tweet, Mandaviya said, “Held a meeting to review rising cases of #H3N2 Influenza virus in the country. Advisory issued to states to be on the alert and closely monitor the situation.” He said government was working with states and extending support for public health measures to address the situation.

Super market in dire need of make over

Assam reinforces night curfew along border

DIMAPUR, MAR 10 (NPN): The additional district magistrate (ADM) Sivasagar, Assam has reinforced night curfew from 6pm to 6am in the 5km belt in Assam side of Sivasagar district bordering Nagaland state with effect from January 25, 2022 for a period of 60 days.

In an order, ADM Sivasagar stated that night curfew had been imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent occurrence of antisocial elements and unlawful activities coming across the Assam/Nagaland border in the belt of Sivasagar district.

It also informed that movement of any person/ group of persons/any vehicular traffics was prohibited during the period of night curfew. However, Magistrate, Security personnel of army, CRPF, Police and civil officials deployed on duty were exempted from the purview of the prohibitory order.

Nullify appointment of advisors, protem speaker: NPCC to Nagaland Gov

DIMAPUR, MAR 10 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC)

has sought the immediate intervention of Nagaland governor La Ganesan for nullifying the appointment of advisers and pro-tem speaker in contravention of laid down rules and procedures so as to uphold the rule of law.

NPCC working president Khriedi Theunuo , while pointing out these issues, expressed astonishment at the manner in which the NDPP-BJP alliance rushed ahead with the appointment of advisers to different government departments soon after the pre-poll partners won the mandate of the people at the recently-concluded Assembly election.

Theunuo further said he was dumbfounded at the ignorance of the newlyformed NDPP-BJP govern-

ment on established rules. For instance, he pointed out that as per norms, the 37 legislators (NDPP-BJP)were only MLAs-elect and not yet full-fledged members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) since they have not taken the oath of office or affirmation as MLAs inside the Assembly and in front of the speaker or pro-tem speaker. Despite this, he said

the coalition government went ahead in giving executive powers to the 24 newly elected alliance members as advisors, in clear violation of the constitutional principles of separation of powers between the legislature, judiciary and executive. He said such separation of powers was the basic structure of the Constitution of India.

Post-poll violence reported at Longkhum village

Correspondent MOKOKHUNG, MAR 10 (NPN):

Post-poll related violence continued to rock Nagaland as 16 houses were reportedly vandalized in Longkhum

village under Mokokchung district. According to reports, the incident took place on March 9 evening when supporters of a candidate vandalized 16 houses belonging to supporters of a rival candidate,

during which one person was also reportedly injured. Sources said that soon after the incident, IRB personnel were rushed to the area and the situation was under control.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 10 (NPN): After around a hundred trees between the old Dimapur-Kohima Road and Naga Shopping Arcade were cut down following the incident on October 12,2022 when a falling tree killed a

shopper and a vendor ; all vendors were asked to vacate the roadside and carry their business as the designated place behind the Naga Arcade. It may be recalled that huge number of vehicles used to park by the roadside as shoppers purchase various items from stalls on sidewall

of Naga Shopping Arcade. The vehicles caused huge traffic jams and were a constant nuisance due to the roadside business by vendors. After the place was totally cleansed of trees and vendors relocated to stalls behind Naga Arcade the road was

ANCSU plea to exempt Nagaland from CUET

DIMAPUR, MAR 10 (NPN): All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has appealed to state government to request the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education to exempt Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for affiliated and autonomous colleges in Nagaland for academic year 2023-2024.

In a representation addressed to the state chief secretary, ANCSU president Toito D Chishi and general secretary Tenyesinlo Bukh acknowledged that CUET would not only remove the disparity between students from different boards, re -

duce the hassle of multiple examinations and bias in evaluations, but also enable the students to pursue their field of interest.

ANCSU, however, there were still operational difficulties in Nagaland to implement CUET through online mode CBT.

The union stated there was no proper digital connectivity in many parts of Nagaland due to geographical condition.

It stated that even in those areas where access to internet was available, there was no consistency and stability of network because of poor electricity.

Further, ANCSU point-

ed out that though National Testing Agency (NTA) had identified 523 common service centres from 10 districts in Nagaland for conducting CUET exam, many CSC/ facilitation centres were not operating for genuine reasons mentioned. It also said that there was no csc/ facilitation centre in some districts.

ANCSU has, therefore, appealed to the government to request UGC and MoE to consider the case of colleges in Nagaland (affiliated to NU & autonomous) and allow the students to take admission in their affiliated colleges for the academic year 2023-2024.

3 urban bodies remind CM to review/amend Municipal Act

DIMAPUR, MAR 10 (NPN): A day after the State government had notified elections to the Municipal/Town councils, three organisations– Association of Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat (AKMWP), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF)– have once again reminded chief minister Neiphiu Rio to issue appropriate direction to review/amend the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 in order to fulfil the demand and aspirations of Naga people. The presidents of AK -

MWP Thejao Sekhose, DUCCF Zasivikho Zakiesato and AWUMT Limanungsang, in a representation conveyed to the chief minister that till the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 was reviewed/amended, they would not compromise on their stand of not allowing or participate in the election to the urban local bodies (ULBs). They also sought specific directive for amendment/ review of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 by deleting Section 120 (1) (a) of the said Act referring to “A tax on land and building” and those provisions relating to owner-

ship of land and building.

While considering certain provisions/sections provided under the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, they pointed out that Naga people, who were absolute owners of the land, would become landless, which would be an infringement on the protection guaranteed to them under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India. They said that the absolute right/ protection given under Article 371(A) covered the entire State of Nagaland without any classification of rural and urban areas. (Full text on p-6)

Governor administering the oath to Mhathung Yanthan, Friday. (PRO)

Some of the street vendors (L) along the road side and (R) outside hotel Saramati. (NP)

Mid-term review of National Health Mission Nagaland

DIMAPUR, MAR

10

(NPN): The mid-term review of National Health Mission (NHM) for Nagaland was held at Nirman Bhavan, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Delhi on Friday under the chairmanship of MoHFW additional secretary and NHM mission director Roli Singh and State team led by Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) commissioner and secretary Y Kikheto Sema.

During the meeting, Kikheto said that, with the implementation of NHM, there was an overall improvement in healthcare delivery service in the State, with lowest infant mortality (IMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) in the country, while improvement in children immunisation coverage, elimina -

‘Agniveer’ online registration extended

DIMAPUR: Online registration for joining Indian Army as “Agniveer” has been extended to March 20, 2023, and interested candidates can register by using their Aadhar card or class 10th certificates.

In a press release, PRO Defence informed that registration charges for the recruitment has been fixed Rs 500, however, during the registration a candidate will be required to pay only Rs 250 using UPI, credit card, debit card or internet banking. Indian Army will pay balance Rs 250 on behalf of each candidate. Candidates must have an activated debit card, for online transactions.

During the first stage of recruitment, PRO said all registered candidates will need to undergo an online Common Entrance Examination (CEE) at chosen examination centre. There will be two examination centres in Nagaland and three examination centres in Manipur.

PRO informed that Indian Army has granted substantial bonus marks for sportsmen, NCC certificate holders and ITI qualified candidates in the selection.

PRO further informed that two important videos on “How to Apply” and “How to Appear in Online CEE” will be available on Join Indian Army website, https:// www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, for guidance.

For any queries or guidance, candidates have been asked to contact the Army Recruiting Office, Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur, Nagaland on 03862249012 and 8974958673.

tion phase of TB cases and malaria and leprosy cases eradication being some of the achievements.

However, he pointed out that only 50% of the approved budget by the Central government could be availed over the years due to delay in contributing the State’s share. He also

stated that short receipt of grants had not only affected implementation of the programme, but also timely disbursement of staff salary.

Kikheto mentioned that there were more than 2,000 employees under NHM with a requirement of about Rs 70 crore an-

beloved Father Lt. Yimomo Kithan

6 years have passed since you left us, but You walk beside us Everyday, Unseen, Unheard but always near us. Your Love Care and Guidance will always be Cherished.

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Loving Wife and Family

Acknowledgement

We, the bereaved family members of Late Visukha Philip Chophy would like to convey our heartfelt and sincere appreciation to all who stood and supported us physically, financially, spiritually and morally during his illness and on the day of his demise.

We convey our sincere gratitude to :

1. Rev. Fr. Johnson Parish Priest, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

2. Christ King Church Naga United Village, 4th Mile,

Late Visukha Philip Chophy

Born on 05th April, 1957

Died on 2nd March, 2023

3. Mother’s Association & Youths of Christ the King Church (Naga United, 4th Mile)

4. Medziphema Sumi Council

5. Medziphema Catholic Church

6. Friends & Neighbours

7. Different Organisations and Groups.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual but we pray that your kindness and generosity will be richly rewarded by our Almighty God.

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Loving Wife, Children, Grand Children & In-laws.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

nually, and that the fund received over the years was just sufficient for salary and resulted in huge committed liability created over the years. He admitted that due to resource constraints, the State failed to provide its share in time, resulting in delay in releasing subsequent Central grants by the Centre. He appealed to MoHFW to consider releasing subsequent instalment even with the pending State share. He also requested for release of approved budget in two instalments instead of the present practice of four instalments for small and hilly States, particularly Nagaland, for effectively implementation of the programme.

On non-utilisation of 15th Finance Commission grants for urban and rural health components for the financial year 202122, he clarified that since Nagaland was exempted from the purview of 73rd Amendment of Panchayati Raj Institution, the overall health sector was looked after by H&FW Department. However, since fund was released to Urban and Rural Department, the same could not be utilised till date. He disclosed that the matter had been discussed at the State level Committee, which was also of the view that the grant be implemented by H&FW Department, which was the nodal department.

Singh was also of the view that 15th Finance

Commission grants should be implemented by the H&FW Department of the State since it pertained to the health sector. She also agreed that for smaller States like Nagaland, they would try to release the approved budget in two instalments instead of four. She stated that MoHFW had by and large approved the proposal placed by the State government and advised the State to release its share in time to enable the ministry to release the entire approved budget.

Kikheto was accompanied by NHM State mission director Dr Ritu Thurr and other officials. This was stated in a press release by Kuolie Mere, deputy director and PRO of Nagaland House, New Delhi.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.” Job 1:21

The bereaved family members would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who stood by us spiritually, physically, materially and financially at the sudden demise of our beloved Lt. Vidarhiilu Movi

We convey our special thanks to:

1. All Ranks and Files of 5th NAP Bn Phek

2. Zhavame Union Phek

3. RPO Phek

4. Zhavame Baptist Church

5. Zhavame Youth Society

6. Kondhwa Fellowship Pune and Dimapur

7. BSF Camp Chedema Family and Friends

We deeply regret our inability to mention each and every individual who comforted us in different ways but it is our earnest prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Parents, Brothers, Sisters and Relatives Lt.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“Long life is the reward of righteous; gray hair is a glorious crown.”

Proverbs 16:31

In memory of Late JOHN W. MURRY who left for heavenly abode on 11th March 2022. You are forever in our hearts.

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& In-laws

1951 – 17-02-2023

We, the family members of Late Zhadiu Keditsu, would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude towards loved and dear one’s, friends, families, neighbours, fellow citizens of Chiechama, Nachama and neighbouring villagers and all well wishers who stood by us physically, financially, materially, spiritually and morally, since Dad hospitalized till his last breath. Indeed we are blessed and grateful beyond words to express towards your good deeds. Forever we are indebted and will continue to cherish your good gestures towards us for the rest of our life.

Our sincere thanks to:

1. Dr. Kezevituo Keditsu & Putounuo Nursing Home, Kohima.

2. Chiechama Basa Baptist Church, Chiechama

3. Koinonia Baptist Church, Kohima

4. Koinonia Prayer Centre, Tsiesema

5. Kohima Harvest Church, Kohima

6. Jail Colony NPP Unit, Kohima

7. Khrieselie Tsupfüko

8. Zumvü Thinuo, Chiechama

9. Nachamiapfü Miaramia Kinyiketuo Krotho

10. DBS Chiephobozou 2012 Batch

Born in 1925 (98 Years) | Died on 05/03/2023

Through this column, we the bereaved family would like to extend our heartfelt and sincere gratitude to each and every individual who stood by our side and profusely extended your physical, financial and prayer support during the prolonged illness and at the ultimate demise of our beloved father Lt. Gholuvi Chophy, who left for his heavenly abode on 05/03/2023.

We convey our special thanks and gratitude to:

1. Shri. G. Kaito Aye, Hon’ble Minister Govt. of Nagaland

2. Shri. Kitovi Zhimo, Ato Kilonser GPRN /NSCN

3. Shri. Samson Aye, C-in-C GPRN/ NSCN

4. Shri. Victo T Zhimo, Rtd. MD. (Marcofed)

5. Er. Atoho Achumi, Rtd. Executive Engineer

6. Dr. Yetovi Muru, Jt. Director H&FW

7. Shri. Kavito Awomi, Asst. Director Supply

8. Shri. Edward Muru, Former PS to Hon’ble Minister

9. Shri. Vitoho Zhimo, Former PS to Ho’nble Minister

10. Dr. Inato Zhimo, Principal VSATI, (Veterinary) Medziphema

11. Smt. Zhekheli Zhimo, Sr. Advocate

12. Shri. Zakabo Rotokha, Jt. Secy (Govt. of Nagaland)

13. Er. Dr. Khuito Muru, Executive Engineer 14. Shri. Hokiye Zhimo, LJP President 36 AC, Satakha

Nitovi Aye

Shri. Toikhu Zhimo

Shri. Akato Zhimo

Shri. Avikhu Zhimo, Contractor (Class I)

Phushika Aomi, Former Candidate Ghaspani I 20. Shri. Sukhai S Zhimo, Dy. General Manager BSNL

4th July 1947 – 3rd March 2023

Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the love and support shown to us during our time of grief and sorrow. We are unable to thank each and every individual who stood by us during his brief illness and demise. But it is our firm belief that the good Lord has noted your good deeds. May God bless you all abundantly.

First Anniversary in Heaven

We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally. However we wish, hope and pray that your deeds will never go in vain. God bless all.

K-495-23

Loving wife, Children, In-laws, Grand Children & Relatives

Kivikhu Students’ Union

Dr. Akumnaro Jamir, MBBS (MD Faith Hospital)

Doctors & Nurses, Faith Hospital, Dimapur

Doctors and Nurses, Hayat Hospital, Guwahati

We regret our inability for not being able to mention all the names individually, but it is our fervent prayer and supplications, that the Almighty God will reward you all, in return for the good deeds you have rendered during our bereavement. Loving Wife, Children and Grandchildren.

19 April 1985 – 11 March 2022

(A poem dedicated to our most beloved and precious soul Athungo Ovung) IN HEAVEN’S GARDEN, A FLOWER

Because you were plucked to adorn Spring’s little garden forever, we walked the circle of your life in the morning and found ourselves looking into the blazing fire of every hearth your hands shaped. To every world your footprint took us, your love enveloped our grief like the soft warmth of December creeping into the blue of lips. Too short this life of which mortals have no say. Take the wisdom of God; what he loves he picks it to be his companion. But what is death when you live as heaven’s most precious flower? soon, this meeting, of which parting promises, By and by, bloom in joy to a sun that never sets, Sweet precious.

Always loved forever missed.

Yours lovingly, Wife and Family Members.

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11. Kekhrie Krotho, Chiechama

12. Serve The Needy

13. Khoya Lozi

14. Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, Ex MLA

15. Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA

16. Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Ex MLA

K-498/23

Khekato Aye, 2nd in-command CRPF

Village Council

Family Members of Late Moa S. Longkumer

6th Death anniversary of our

Loving Mom, Dad, Brothers, Sisters

JOHN W. MURRY

Kikheto with Roli Singh during the meeting. (PRO)

Promote & preserve NE diverse culture: Governor

Handloom expo in Kohima

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 10

(NPN): A 14-day state handloom expo organized by Nagaland Apex weavers and Artisans co-operative Federation Ltd. and sponsored by the office of the development commissioner (handloom) Ministry of Textiles is underway at Gorkha Public Panchayat Hall, Kohima.

At the inaugural function on Friday, managing director, Gwaruno Khing highlighted on the main objective of the expo- to serve and provide a platform for the rural women’s weavers and artisans to sell their products and to bring linkage to develop and promote marketing channels with the buyers and sellers.

Commissioner and secretary department of

DIMAPUR: Governor of Nagaland, La. Ganesan stressed the need to promote and preserve the diverse culture of the North East region during this maiden visit to North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Dimapur on March 9.

According to a DIPR report, the Governor, who is also the chairman of NEZCC, said the centre was

committed to preserve the rich culture and heritage of the region.

He also lauded centre for encouraging documentation of various forms of arts, music and dance which are disappearing.

Ganesha also congratulated all the officers and staff of NEZCC led by its director, Dr Prashana Gogoi for their tireless efforts in promoting and

preserving the rich cultural heritage of the North East region.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by NEZCC director while Yotsu Cultural Club (Lotha), Chakhesang Zuve Cultural Club and Tsunso Cultural Club (Yimkhiung) performed the cultural dances joint director NEZCC, D. Vashum delivered the vote of thanks.

Cooperation, Sehjang Doungel said that the expo was to promote a vibrant platform to the weavers and cooperatives sector to exhibit and sell their products.

He said under the sponsorship of development commissioner for handlooms ministry of Textiles Government of India, the state handloom expo has been making great efforts for the welfare of artisans, and wavers community.

It not only provide skill training to unemployed youth of the region in various crafts through its training center but provide handholding of those trained weavers and artisians by registering them with the department for availing various benefit provided by the government through different schemes, he said.

Workshop-cum-technology innovator meet on Mar 14

DIMAPUR: A state level workshop-cum-technology innovator meet organised by SDGCC, department of planning & coordination, in collaboration with Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) SELCO Foundation would be held on March 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hotel Vivor, Kohima. For more details, one has been asked to contact 9508315306, or write at info@aicselco.org

tEA provides assistance to women vendors & traders

State CIC, SICs call on Ganesan; discuss misuse of RTI Act

DIMAPUR: In an effort to reach out to the communities affected by the February 27 fire outbreak at the Mao Market, Kohima, The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) provided financial assistance to affected women vendors and traders.

A press release by tEA informed that the associa-

Q.: Is the newly installed NDPP-BJP government going to be different from the previous one?

tion in partnership with the Caring Friends, Mumbai provided financial assistance to 23 women, varying amounts dependent on their needs.

The assistance was handed over in a solemn programme at tEA head office, Kohima which began with a prayer by City Church Pastor, Rev. Kedo

Power deptt. Wokha to initiate disconnection drive

DIMAPUR: In continuation to the disconnection notice served to the defaulting consumers under Wokha Electrical Sub-Division, office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Electrical Sub-Division (ESD) Wokha has informed that it would be initiating disconnection drive from March 13. In a press release, SDO, ESD Wokha, Er. V Hukato Jimo informed that the disconnection drive would be initiated for non payment of bill, illegal hooking and unauthorised use of heater coils.

DC Kma informs license holders

Peseyie.

Meanwhile, the association said many of the women beneficiaries were widows, single mothers and sole breadwinners of their families, who are facing difficult times with their livelihoods completely crushed by the fire accident.

tEA said the accident,

Shah to inaugurate new AR complex in Mizoram on Mar 31

after the paramilitary force killed seven civilians in a clash. The relocation of the camp was among the top promises of the MNF in the last assembly polls held in November 2018.

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Q: Are Russia and China teamed up to wage war for world dominance?

Amit Shah

AIZAWL, MAR 10 (PTI):

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Assam Rifles complex at a new place near here on March 31, a senior state government official said on Friday.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga had told reporters last month that Shah will visit the state for the programme on March 17.

“The Union home minister’s visit has been rescheduled to March 31. However, the itinerary is yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” the official told PTI. Shah will inaugurate the Assam Rifles complex at Zokhawsang, about 15 km on the eastern outskirts of Aizawl.

The Mizo National Front (MNF) has been demanding the shifting of Assam Rifles headquarters from the heart of Aizawl to Zokhawsang since 1988

In February 2019, the Union Home Ministry directed the Assam Rifles to shift its battalion headquarters to Zokhawsang by May 31 of that year. However, it was delayed.

The country’s oldest paramilitary force has two bases in Zodin and Khatla in the heart of the city since 1917. The one at Zodin is being shifted to Zokhawsang.

During a meeting with Amit Shah in November last year, Zoramthanga had informed the Union home minister that the delay in the relocation of the Assam Rifles camp was delaying infrastructural projects in the state capital.

An Assam Rifles official, however, said that the force is yet to receive any intimation regarding inauguration of the new complex at Zokhawsang from the Union Home Ministry.

During his visit to the state on March 31, Shah will also lay the foundation stone for the ‘Laldenga Centre’ in Aizawl, the official of the state home department said.

which could have been avoided had the fire department been more prepared, has drawn the attention of people from all walks of life from within and outside the state.

It said the accident has also thrown light on the unpreparedness of the concerned departments to face calamities and disasters.

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima, Shanavas C has informed all arms licensed holders under Kohima district, who have deposited their licensed arms to their concerned Police Station, to collect their licensed firearms from their concerned police station with effect from March 10.

DIMAPUR: Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Nagaland, I. Meyionen Jamir along with the two State Information Commissioners (SICs), Nosazol Charles, and T. Kekongchim Yimkhiung made a courtesy call on Governor, La. Ganesan Friday at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.

According to a DIPR

report, during the meeting, the commissioners congratulated the Governor on his recent appointment and shared the working system and functioning of the commission and the effective implementation of the Right To Information (RTI) Act in the state.

During the meeting, the Governor assured to

extend his help both in the state and even at the Centre to strengthen the Act. The meeting also discussed the issue of misuse of the RTI Act both by the information seekers, as well as public authorities. Grievances faced by the commission were also highlighted to the Governor in the meeting.

SH, EDGBA, WAAU condemn firing incident at MP Tokheho’s residence

DIMAPUR, MAR 10 (NPN): Sumi Hoho (SH), East Dimapur GB’s Association (EDGBA) and Western Aghunato Areami Union (WAAU) have separately condemned the firing incident involving some unidentified miscreants at the residence of Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Tokheho Yepthomi at Naharbari, Dimapur on March 6 at around 11pm.

In a joint press statement, Sumi Hoho president I Nikheto Jimomi, vice president Hokishe Kiba, general secretary Dr. Vihuto Asümi and Sumi Kukami Hoho president Kashito Yeptho stated that miscreants attempted to barge into MP’s residence and opened fire. The Sumi hoho stated that “such instances of life attempts and gun culture” in the society were “unwelcomed and condemned”. The Sumi Hoho further stated that such acts should be completely eradicated

from the society. The Sumi Hoho also urged upon the law enforcing agencies to leave no stone unturned to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Sumi Hoho has cautioned individual or group not to use the name of the tribe on social media that tarnished the image of the tribe unless the tribal apex bodies decide so in the larger interest of the tribe.

EDGGA: East Dimapur GB’s Association (EDGBA) has expressed shock over the firing incident at the residence of Lok Sabha MP Tokheho Yepthomi.

In a press release, East Dimapur GB’s Association president Niuto Awomi and general secretary Joseph Mero strongly condemned the incident and urged the law enforcing agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to

Arunachal assembly passes budget by voice votes

ITANAGAR, MAR 10 (PTI): The Arunachal Pradesh assembly on Friday passed the Budget for the 2023-24 fiscal by voice votes. The estimated receipts and expenditures for FY’24 were presented in the House by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on March 7.

Responding to the observations made by members of the House during the budget discussions, Mein said the annual financial statement for 2023-24 was prepared after in-depth studies and due consultation with the people and community-based organisations in a transparent manner encompassing all strata of the society.

“This is an inclusive budget. It is based on the philosophy of trust with the motto of ‘atma nirvarta’ by fulfilling the dreams of the youth,” Mein said.

Emphasis has been laid to make the youth self-reliant so that they would be job providers instead of job seekers, the deputy CM said.

The state government is preparing a roadmap to make Arunachal Pradesh a developed state by 2047 in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

“With double-engine government both at the Centre and the state, significant

development is heralding in Arunachal. We should celebrate the process of development,” he said.

The share of central tax to Arunachal Pradesh for 2023-24 has been expected at Rs 17,947 crore, said Mein, who holds the portfolios of Finance, Planning and Investment, The revenue collection through VAT and GST in the state has “improved significantly”, he claimed.

Participating in the discussion, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the budget was designed, keeping the seven priorities of the Union Budget 2023-24 in view. The vastness of the state with its scattered population is a major challenge for the government, he said adding that efforts are on to improve connectivity in road, railway and air and digital intervention.

“Education and health are priority sectors of the government. The state has witnessed a revolution in the road sector with the addition of 10,000 kilometres of road in the last seven years,” he said.

Several road projects have been approved by the Centre, which would be completed in the next five years, he said.

Stating that the government attached a priority to

resource generation, Khandu said that the state-own resources crossed the Rs 3,000-crore mark this year, and the target is to go for Rs 3,500 crore in the next fiscal.

The chief minister also called for prioritising the development of villages, saying that the state cannot make progress without the development of rural areas.

Leader of Opposition Lombo Tayeng, while taking part in the discussion, termed the budget as “propeople” and “pro-poor”.

“The budget is prepared in such a way that there is no scope to criticise or oppose,” Tayeng, the Congress MLA from the Mebo constituency, said.

He, however, suggested that the government should allocate funds to projects of common interest, instead of individualistic schemes.

Tayeng also requested the government for equitable distribution of funds to all districts for equal development.

During the discussion, former chief minister and senior Congress member Nabam Tuki suggested identifying vital roads, which are in bad shape, for maintenance.

He also urged the state government to look into the critical gaps in various sectors and to enhance the

MLA local area development fund from the existing Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore.

Another Congress member Ninong Ering said the unemployment problem was not taken care of in the budget.

BJP member Phurpa Tsering called for more budgetary allocation in ‘Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Yojana’ to help the unemployed educated youth of the state.

book as per the law.

WAAU: Western Aghunato Areami Union (Dimapur, Niuland and Chumukedima) has also strongly condemned the firing incident Lok Sabha MP Tokheho Yepthomi’s residence on March 6 and said that “such dastardly act” was not acceptable in the present society.

WAAU said that such acts needed condemnation from all sections of the society.

In a press release, Western Aghunato Areami Union president Akashe Zhimomi and secretary Otoka H Yeptho appealed to the law enforcing agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book as per the law at the earliest. It may be mentioned that a FIR had been registered in connection with the incident and the police have already initiated investigation into the incident.

Governor La Ganesan with the cultural troupe at NEZCC Dimapur.

Governor La Ganesan with CIC I. Meyionen Jamir and others.

Members of tEA and women vendors and traders in Kohima.

Peace rally in Mnp’s hill district turns violent

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAR 10: Su -

perintendent of Police (SP) of Kangpokpi district was among several people including police who sustained minor injuries as one of the peace rallies carried out in Manipur’s Kuki dominated hill districts turned violent on Friday.

Kuki Students Organisation (KSO)-GHQ on Friday with the support of several civil organizations carried out peace rallies at various places in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts today.

Thousands of people participated in the rallies carried despite the promulgation of restrictions including assembly of five or people that likely turn violent under sections of 144 CrPC.

Defying the restrictions, a large number of people from across the district converged at Brig Thomas Ground at Kangpokpi district headquarters to take part in the rally.

The rally kicked off around 11.20 am and when they reached the DC office to submit a memorandum, a strong police force stopped

them from further proceeding while informing about the restriction under section 144CrPC promulgated by the DC.

When the participants tried to forcibly march forward, a commotion broke out between the police and rallyists.

To quell the rallyists, the police resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs. Some personnel also fire real bullets in the air in their bid to disperse the participants. The rallyists also pelted stones towards the police.

In the melee, minor injuries were inflicted on both sides. Kangpokpi SP Th Bikramjit was among the police officers on duty injured in

the clash. The situation calmed down only when the police allowed some leaders of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Kangpokpi district and KSO GHQ to proceed and submit a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Manipur to the additional DC.

Talking to reporters after submitting the memorandum, vice president of KIM Kangpokpi Thangminlien Kipgen alleged that the district administration tried to foil the peaceful rally of the tribal people by imposing restrictions under 144 CrPC.

He alleged that the restriction given to the peaceful rally was against the right to assemble enshrined in the constitution of India.

Fact finding team of CPI-M, CPI, Cong in Tripura to look into post-poll violence

AGARTALA, MAR 10

(PTI): An eight-member delegation comprising leaders of the CPI(M), the CPI and the Congress arrived here on Friday on a fact-finding mission to take stock of the post-poll violence in Tripura.

The team is expected to stay in the state till March 12 after which it will submit a report and the issue will be raised in Parliament which convenes from March 13, CPI MP Binoy Viswam had tweeted on Thursday.

Senior CPI(M) leader of the state, Pabitra Kar, said the delegation will be split into three teams for visiting the affected districts of West Tripura, Sepahijala and Khowai.

As many as 1,200 incidents of post violence were reported in the state ever since the announcement of Assembly election results on March 2, Kar claimed.

“The exact number of injured as well as the extent of damage could not be ascertained because countless incidents took place since the announcement of election results. A process has already been initiated to compile an authentic

report on the post-poll violence”, Kar said.

Most of the post-poll violence cases were reported from Sepahijala and Khowai districts where a few persons were injured and shifted to nearby health facility , Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Law and Order, Jyotishman Das Chowdhury

said on Saturday.

Chief Minister Manik Saha who visited the injured persons at GBP hospital on Friday asked the police to take stern action against the miscreants in order to maintain peace and tranquility.

The Tripura Assembly election results were announced on March 2.

“We are here only to air our grievances in the form of a memorandum to the Governor through the deputy commissioner of the district,” he said.

He urged the concerned authorities of the state government to listen to the grievances of the innocent people instead of using force. Similar rallies were also carried out in Kuki dominated areas in Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts too, defying the restrictions imposed by the respective district administrations.

However, there were no reports of any untoward incidents even as the rallies were stopped midway by the police and security forces and submitting of memorandums to the respective DCs were allowed by leaders of the rallies. The rallies carried out under the banner “Justice toward tribal land rights” were carried out to register a strong protest against the state government’s eviction drives in the claimed reserved forest hill areas.

Recently, the authorities of the Manipur government evicted a newly estab-

lished village at Kangchup Chiru in Kangchup Geljang sub-division and K Songjang village in Henglep subdivision of Churachandpur districts.

Various Kuki based tribal bodies and students’ body KSO-GHQ have been strongly protesting against the eviction drive alleging that tribal inhabited villages or land under private ownership and land under traditional chiefship have been wrongly declared as reserved forest areas.

In the memorandums submitted to the Governor through the DCs, the rally organizing bodies sought the Governor’s intervention to stop the state government’s ongoing survey in the hill areas. They alleged that the government move was to extend reserved forests, protected forests, protected sites, wildlife sanctuaries and extension of land revenue in the scheduled hill areas. They further demanded the state government to stop serving show-cause notices issued to the scheduled hill areas and tribal villages by the state forest department for eviction.

Centre giving more thrust to infra push along border: CM

ITANAGAR, MAR 10

(PTI): Arunachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Pema

Khandu Friday said the Central government is capable enough to tackle the border issue between India and China, and accordingly giving more thrust to infrastructure development.

The process of building adequate infrastructure, particularly border connectivity, is being speeded up in the northeastern state. Work on the 2000-kmlong Arunachal Frontier Highway has already started in certain sections and work is going on in full swing for construction of the Sela tunnel, located at a height of 13,700 feet.

Responding to a question of Congress

MLA Ninong Ering, the chief minister said that the Centre has increased the presence of army and para-military personnel on the border with China after the recent standoff between both neighbours.

Referring to the recent

face-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers at Yangtse in Tawang district of the state, Khandu said, “India is not as before and the situation has changed after the BJP-led NDA came to power at the Centre”. Yangtse is located within Mukto constituency, represented by Khandu in the assembly.

“Earlier there was no infrastructure in the border areas. Now the scenario has changed with more impetus on strengthening border infrastructure in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is capable

enough to tackle such a situation,” Khandu asserted.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector of the state on December 9 last year, and the face-off resulted in “minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides”, the Indian Army had said. The clash near Yangtse took place amid the over 30-month border standoff between the two sides in eastern Ladakh. The chief minister said that because of PM Modi, the voice of the people on the border issue can now be heard, which was not the case earlier.

“Previously after a minister visited the northeastern state, the next day China used to protest. Now such protests are not seen even after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to the state in recent times,” the chief minister added.

Uproar in Assam Assembly over Maha MLA’s ‘dog meat’ remark

GUWAHATI, MAR 10

(PTI): A Maharashtra MLA’s remarks about purported dog meat eating habits of people of Assam led to noisy scenes in its assembly on Friday, with opposition legislators disrupting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s speech and later staging a walk out.

As the opposition MLAs stood up and shouted slogans, seeking to know what action has been taken against the legislator, Kataria had to cut short his speech

to 15 minutes. MLA Bachchu Kadu had reportedly proposed in the Maharashtra Assembly that stray dogs be sent to Assam to control their rising population, as they are consumed by locals in the northeastern state. The issue was first raised by Congress legislator Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, who questioned the Assam government’s “inaction” against Kadu, pointing out that a police team

OFFICE OF THE KHUKIYE LUKHAI GHAMI KUPOSHUKULU Dimapur (KLGKD) Dimapur – 797112: Nagaland. feLicitatiOn

from the state had recently reached New Delhi to arrest party leader Pawan Khera over alleged remarks against the prime minister.

The matter was again brought to the fore in the House by the opposition when it reassembled after a brief break. AIUDF MLA

Rafikul Islam urged Speaker Biswajit Daimary to take suo motu cognisance for breach of privilege against Kadu’s remarks and “make

him come to the Assam Assembly and apologise”. Islam’s colleague Aminul Islam claimed that Kadu was among the MLAs, who had camped in Guwahati last year during the change of government in the western state. Independent legislator Akhil Gogoi and CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar also joined the opposition legislators in demanding action against their Maharashtra counterpart.

With profound happiness and utmost sincerity, we the members of a ll d imasa Women Welfare Organization, nagaland congratulates Mrs. Hekani Jakhalu on her historic victory in the recently concluded Assembly Election and becoming the first woman MLA in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. We also congratulate her being appointed as the Advisor to the Industry & Commerce Department.

OFFICE OF THE KRUSENUOMIA MECHÜ KROTHO HQ

Office Of tHe KacHaRi tRibaL cOunciL – nagaLand

H.Q. Purana bazar, dimapur – 797112 : nagaland cOngRatuLatORy nOte

With immense pride and honour, the Khukiye Lukhai Ghami Kuposhukulu Dimapur (KLGKD) would like to Congratulate Rev. Dr. KAVITO ZHIMO, who has been appointed as General Secretary Bible Society of India (BSI) Bangalore Headquarter.

The KLGKD further wish and pray that Almighty God continue to bless and guide him in his future endeavours.

GHUSHETO ZHIMOMI KATOVI JIMO President KLGKD Gen. Secretary KLGKD

FELICITATION

Smt. Salhoutuonuo Kruse

With immense pride and honour, we the Krusenuomia Mechü Krotho would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Smt. Salhoutuonuo Kruse (Wife of Late Er. Kevisekho Kruse) for the historic achievement in being elected to the 14th House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the recently held General Election, and also for becoming the first Naga woman to be placed in the Rank of Cabinet Minister. We further wish her the very best and assure her of our sincere prayers for all her future endeavours.

We also express our profound gratitude to all the rank and file of the 8th Western Angami Constituency NDPP Party and all Electorates who have worked relentlessly for months to deliver success and victory for the Candidateship of Smt. Salhoutuonuo Kruse. May the Lord bless you all.

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-

The Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN) on behalf of all the Kacharis of Dimapur expresses it’s heartfelt congratulations to Madam Hekani Jakhalu on creating history by becoming the first ever woman MLA to the 14th NLA from 3-Dimapur-III A/C in the recently concluded Assembly Election 2023.

May our Almighty Father protect and guide you, bless upon you with good health, with more wisdom and knowledge to fulfil all your dreams into reality.

Sd/- Sd/-

Rameh Hasnu Lakhi Mech President General Secretary

Herein, we the Mbaupunggwa Lui Council takes great pride to congratulate Shri Taditui Rangkau Zeliang, 7 Peren A/C being sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland on 7th March 2023. Invariably, the MLC also expresses our sincere gratitude to the NDPP - BJP led govt. under the dynamic leadership of Shri Neiphiu Rio, CM of Nagaland for reposing faith and confidence in Shri T.R. Zeliang's leadership.

The MLC wishes him good health and wisdom to take the state to greater heights with his vibrant vision in all sphere of development activities in the state of Nagaland.

Ichileu Siarau Akwet Samding Gen. Secretary Chairman Mbaupunggwa Lui Council Mbaupunggwa Lui Council Peren Dist, Nagaland Peren Dist, Nagaland

With her strong determination to serve the people especially the Youths, Women and Minority Communities, we are confident that she will deliver what is being expected of her by the people of 3 Dimapur –III A/C. We sincerely wish her all success in her endeavours to serve the people for peace and development.

(MOROMi HOJaiSa) President All Dimasa Women Welfare Organization Nagaland : Dimapur

DP-983/23

KIKON SHENTSÜTA EKHÜNG

H.Q. WOKHA, NAGALAND KSE Felicitates Achumbemo Kikon WC-41/23

Kikon Shentsüta Ekhüng (KSE) , the apex body of Lotha Naga Kikon Clan, heartily congratulates Shri. Achumbemo Kikon on his successful election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency under Wokha district during the recently concluded Nagaland State General Election 2023.

KSE also takes this opportunity to warmly congratulate Shri. Yanthungo Patton (37 Tyui A/C), Shri. Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe (38 Wokha A/C), and Shri. Mhathung Yanthan (39 Sanis A/C) on their successful election to the 14 th Nagaland Legislative Assembly from their respective Constituencies.

KSE wishes them all a bright and successful tenure. Yanrenthung Kikon Rhanthungo Kikon Chairman, KSE General Secretary, KSE

Shri Helie Kruse Shri Rüüngutuo Kruse Shri Silhoulie Kruse Chairman, KMK Treasurer, KMK Secretary, KMK

KOHIMA: NAGALAND CONGRATULATORY NOTE

Pema Khandu

MLA Bachchu Kadu

Clash between rallyists and police.

Regaining lost ground

Living up to its reputation as a highly politicised state since several decades past where two different ideological oars row the political boat, Nagaland which will attain 60 years of statehood, has had a mixed record regarding socio-economic progress. These two oars row the state along two different directions. From the 60s when Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian union in 1963, it has been experienced meaningful development till the 70s despite the unresolved issue. In the light of events that have taken place during the past decade, it may not be out of context to state that the cacophony of political hype and hyperbole in Nagaland have hardly helped to mitigate people’s undercurrent of despair. The list of concerns are many- loss of authority in the government, family and society and resultant rise of blatant corruption, anti-social acts, pervasive immorality all of which clearly indicate that things have gone wrong. The outward signs cannot hide the inward problems. These signs do not augur well for society in the long run. These expose the greatest tragedy confronting Naga society today- a perplexing veneration of profane politics. This also creates a need for the rudder of rationality and without which, society is only sinking into an abyss. The prevailing environment for some years has troubled many thinkers and concerned citizens who feel that the state has taken a wrong turn in its quest to attain fast and easy development. In fact the ‘easy road’ has proved to be the syndrome which has placed society in Nagaland under a near-anarchic environment. This is so because the prevailing situation indicates there is inhibition from authorities to enforce law and individual freedom against those lawless elements who dictate how ordinary citizens should live. The combination of such elements with politics has also led to evolution of politicians who seem disinclined about adherence to rule of law for self benefit. The gradual erosion of rule of law and adherence to the constitution (of India) is not something that should be ignored. Many learned or educated and self political proclaimed leaders have followed their instincts and inoculated their vision with cultural identity and spawned ideals of self-righteous pseudo- nationalism. The core of modern society is enriching traditional culture with intrinsic values that can help effect good governance to offer wider and brighter vistas for socio-cultural and economic development. As politics in Nagaland is increasingly pushing socio-economic into bedlam; real issues so often get drowned out by the din of distraction and deprecation. This has thrown a challenge on the institution of the church, to meet this situation head-on. Though much has been expected of the church and though it has more often, disappointed; yet there is no denying that it can still play the role of mediator, provider of safe space for open dialogue, identifier of common ground, and promoter of truth-speaking. Discerning the time and season comes from understanding man’s natural desire based on earthly knowledge and God’s ultimate desire and purpose. As the leading, dominant and most highly regarded institution-the church- should be the moral rudder of people who seemed to have lost focus amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

DailyDevotion Being an Example of His Message

Preach the word! —2 Timothy 4:2

We are not saved only to be instruments for God, but to be His sons and daughters. He does not turn us into spiritual agents but into spiritual messengers, and the message must be a part of us. The Son of God was His own message— “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). As His disciples, our lives must be a holy example of the reality of our message. Even the natural heart of the unsaved will serve if called upon to do so, but it takes a heart broken by conviction of sin, baptized by the Holy Spirit, and crushed into submission to God’s purpose to make a person’s life a holy example of God’s message.

There is a difference between giving a testimony and preaching. A preacher is someone who has received the call of God and is determined to use all his energy to proclaim God’s truth. God takes us beyond our own aspirations and ideas for our lives, and molds and shapes us for His purpose, just as He worked in the disciples’ lives after Pentecost. The purpose of Pentecost was not to teach the disciples something, but to make them the incarnation of what they preached so that they would literally become God’s message in the flesh. “…you shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8).

Allow God to have complete liberty in your life when you speak. Before God’s message can liberate other people, His liberation must first be real in you. Gather your material carefully, and then allow God to “set your words on fire” for His glory.

Quotes

Reminder to CM on review of Municipal Act

To, The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland, Nagaland: Kohima.

Ref No. Representations/ memorandums vide dated 22nd July, 2022 and dated 19th September, 2022

Subject: A reminder for amendment/review of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001.

Respected Sir,

In continuation of the earlier representations/memorandums vide dated 22” July, 2022 and dated 19” September, 2022 submitted to the Govt. of Nagaland seeking amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 the 3 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), once again reiterate the memorandums and urged upon the Govt. of Nagaland to amend/review the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 with specific references to certain provisions/sections that infringes upon Article 371-A of the Constitution of India.

That the 3 (three) Urban Local Bodies comprising of Association of Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat (AKMWP), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF) acknowledge the reply of the Govt. of Nagaland vide latter dated 28th July, 2022 seeking clarification for amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 relating to “Which are the particular Sections, Clause(s) that infringes Article 371-A of the Constitution of India”.

Consequent upon the receive of the letter dated 28th July, 2022 the 3 (three) ULBs had convened series of consultative meetings with various Organisations, Stakeholders and Tribal Bodies for opinions and suggestions. While considering the Principal Act (Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001) which has infringes Social, Customary and Traditional practices of the Nagas, the three Bodies urged the government of Nagaland for amendment/review those Sections, Clause(s) of the said Act before ULB election is conducted.

Whereas, in pursuance of the aforementioned subject, the 3 (three) ULBs take this privilege to beseech the intervention of your Excellency for specific directive for amendment/review of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 by deleting Section 120 (1) (a) of the said Act referring to “A tax on land and building”

and those provisions relating to Ownership of Land and Building.

While considering the certain provisions/Sections provided under the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 the Naga people who are the absolute owners of their land shall become landless which is an infringement to the protection guaranteed to the Naga people under Article 371-A of the Constitution of India. Be it also mention that, the absolute right/protection given under Article 371 -A of the Constitution of India covers the entire State of Nagaland without any classification on Rural & Urban areas. Apparently, the 3rTi Amendment of Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 in 2016 with regard to “Tax on land and building” as mentioned in Section 120 (4) & (5), Section 121 (1) (a), Section 143, 144, 145 & 182 (d) appears to have been quoted the word as “Omission” or “Omitted” are ambiguity and cryptic proposition and therefore, it has to be replace/rectified by a word “Deleted”.

On the dispensation of delivering justice to Naga people, the fundamental principal of social justice as protected under Article 371-A of the Constitution of. India should be maintain:

1. Customs and usages have been the sole means by which any kind of disputes were adjudicated in the Naga society and this system of settlement of disputes has been continued by enacting legislations exempting the application of technical and procedural laws enforced in other parts of the country. And post Indian independence, the Constitution of India provided special provisions recognizing the whole realm of Naga customary law. Nevertheless, with the growth of society the requirements of the people change. Similarly, some customs and practices of the Nagas may conflict with the formal law and other provisions of the Constitution. Thus, in such transitional period, the Government organs of the State have been casted with special responsibility to endeavour and understand Naga customary laws, usages and practices since time immemorial.

2. That the method of adjudication of disputes and delivery of social justice plays a significant role in management of social harmony and resolution of conflicts. Since time

immemorial, the Nagas have been following customs and usages which are simple and just based on good conscience. The laws and procedures for adjudication of disputes and social justice were based on customary practices handed down orally from generations. Post Indian independence, the legacy of colonial legal and administrative system was continued and by the insertion of Article 371A to the Constitution of India by the Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Act, 1962, the whole realm and the status of the Naga customary laws was constitutionally recognized and authority of the State has been strengthen.

3. Article 371-A of the Constitution of India provides that no Act of Parliament would apply unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution decides in respect of Naga customary law and procedures, administration of Civil and Criminal justice, ownership and transfer of land, social and religious practices. While considering the gender equality vis-a-vis Customary laws, the Naga customary law does not allow Women to equally participate in the political and socio-economic decision making. That by amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 and inserted Rule 23A for reservation of one-third seats for women in the Municipal elections as mandated by Article 243T of the Constitution of India. This was vigorously protested by various Tribal Bodies and Organizations spearheaded by Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) leading to burning of government buildings and properties and consequently, dead of 2 (two) persons and many injured, forcing the State to withhold the Municipal election by a cabinet notification. That regarding reservation of seats for women in the Municipality, the State government may formulate a policy for women nominee(s) with voting right in as much as deletion of the provisions provided in the said Act on the Tax on land & buildings and nomination of women in the Municipality is the aspiration and demands of the Nagas.

4. The proposition set-out in Article 371-A (1) (a) of the Constitution of India that an Act of Parliament would apply to the State of Nagaland only if the Legislative Assembly of the

State by a resolution so decide. A question has been raised as to whether it is for the Legislature to decide what constitute Social Reform. In a democracy governed by rule of law, gradual progressive change should be brought about. Making law or amendment to a law is a slow process and the Legislature attempts to remedy where the need is felt most acute. It would, therefore be inexpedient and incorrect to think that all laws have to be made uniformly applicable to all people at a same time.

5. The Constitution of India has enshrined the Naga people with special status giving customary freedom in the administration of justice and whereas, such Constitutional status is not available to everyone in the country. It is an additional privilege conferred by the Indian Constitution to the Naga people. The word “unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by resolution so decides” in Article 371-A of the Constitution of India, therefore has cast a special responsibility upon the legislators of the State in making policy and decisions that would not offend the customary rights of the people nor infringe other fundamental provisions of the Constitution. The policy makers and administrators should be vigilant in understanding the social fabric of the society in implementation of any law or policy.

6. In view of the above, the 3 (three) Associations suggest that the Government should activate the constituted Committee in 2017 to amend/review the 20 years old Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 with specific reference to the “Tax on land & building” including the proposed 33% Women Reservation. The Association reiterate the memorandum submitted to the State government on 22nd July, 2022 & 19th September, 2022 and demanded amendment of the said Act which infringes Article 371A of the Constitution of India which gives special rights to the people of Nagaland. However, if the Act is not rectified/amended it will set a precedent which will be detrimental to the rights of the Naga people as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Although not directly, but one can safely say that the objectional points raised in the protest against the ULB election were linked to one another since

all of them viz. Land, taxation and Women reservation are related to Article 371-A. This provision and rights given to the Nagas in The Constitution of India are too powerful which others do not have. Nevertheless, the Municipal is not above the Constitution and any law passed should be in consonance with the Constitution.

The above referred points shall go against the Naga customs and traditions at many levels. By introducing Women’s political culture which was never there in traditional Naga society widens collective concerns over Article 371-A culminated in unrestrained violence during the protest. For the Nagas, Article 371-A is related to both territory and the people, for Nagas the land and all resources belong to the people. All resources include people and Women and accordingly, a law deciding on the political rights of the Naga women rest with the people. Article 371-A is a right granted to the Naga people that protects Naga Tribes from colonial as well as the Indian system of taxation. In other words, if the Naga people pay tax to the government then it implies, that the land belongs to the government whereas, for the Nagas the land belongs to the people. If 15% tax is levied on the demarcated municipal area, there will be many people who will be deprived and lose their land & building they will not be able to pay taxes. In Nagaland, municipal area may not necessarily be urban area since some of the municipal area are under- developed and rural and therefore, cannot tax the people.

Considering the facts and circumstances stated, your esteem authority may graciously be please to issue appropriate direction to review/amend the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 in order to fulfil the demand and aspiration of the Naga people. The 3 (three) Associations further apprise the government that, till the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 is reviewed/amended, the Association shall not compromised and will not allow or participate in the election process of the municipality in the State.

Thejao Sekhose, President, AKMWP Zasivikho Zakiesato, President, DUCCF Limanungsang, President, AWUMT

Supreme Court junks plea to rename places

In recent times we have increasingly been witnessing wherever BJP is in control of the governments, both in the states and at the Centre, renaming of places i.e., roads and streets is taking place from Muslim and Christian to Hindu. On the one hand, the Hindutva, Sanadana, and Manuvadi forces along with RSS and BJP are bent on rewriting Indian history to suit their point of view, ideology and politics, while on the other, keep changing the names of the roads and streets that have Christian and Muslim names.

It is indeed glaring on the part of Hindutva outfits to get rid of the baggage of rulers belonging to Islamic and Christian histories by going all out renaming. Changing the names of places thereby christening them with Hindu names have become the regular pattern nowadays. The reason is these names have lost its relevance and significance and by all means be made redundant in an increasingly saffronising India. Renaming spree continues as RSS-BJP finds its solace and propaganda by doing as its part of Hindu Rashtra. The fringe went ahead in taking up ‘re-naming’ project into their hands. For instance, das after Aurangabad and Osmanabad were renamed Chhatrapati

Sambhaji Nagar and Dharashive respectively, the Supreme Court on the 27th of January, 2023 said attempts to erase the imprints of Muslim invaders on cities and towns b rechristening them with their ancient identities was fraught with danger. In its verdict the apex court said to the petitioner Ashwin Upadhyay who wanted the ministry of home affairs to set up a committee to restore the names of such cities that “Do you want to go back to the past, keep the issue alive and keep the country on the boil? Your fingers are pointed at one community. You must remember India is a secular country.”

Asking him not to dig up history in a bid to keep the present and future generations “prisoners of past”, Justice K.M. Joseph and B.V. Nagarathna said, “you want to bring a certain point of view on history … and create more disharmony.” Dismissing his PIL, the judges told Upadhyay that “We cannot wish away the invasions. But can’t we move forward and deal with the problems at hand.” The Supreme Court categorically said that “Historical aberrations can’t haunt present and future generations of the nation to a point that succeeding generations become prisoners of the past. What is of the

greatest important for the country is the preamble of the Constitution, which professes secularism and maintenance of harmony and fraternity between different sections.”

The apex court has added that “Look at the problem you will be creating by going back to the past selectively. Do you want to keep the country on the boil by pointing at a particular community?

What is the point in digging into the past? Can’t we move forward and deal with the problem at hand?”

Justice Nagarathna said: “Hinduism is a way of life, and it is free from bigotry. Do not belittle it.” Upadhyay, the petitioner submitted long list of cities named after Muslim invaders who are known in history to have indulged in mass killings and conversions of Hindus and demanded that the dignity of the ancient country of India, the right to freedom of religion, right to know of citizens and right to culture be restored by renaming them as per the references of the puranic texts and history.”

Justice Joseph conceded that the petitioners has given certain facts which were not known to him, but dismissed it as a certain point view on history. However, he clarified that “What we have learnt from history is that

Akbar was trying to bring cohesion between different religious groups through Din-E-Elahi.” He added that “Hinduism is the greatest religion in terms of metaphysics. The height it reached through Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita is unequalled. No one could come anywhere near it. Do not belittle. We must understand our greatness and be magnanimous. The world looked at India in the past and still looks up to it.

I am a Christian, but I am equally fond of Hinduism and try to understand its greatness.”

The petitioner Upadhyay argued how Shaktipeeths have been desecrated and renamed after barbaric Muslim invaders, the Supreme Court said:

“That is a fact in India’s history. It is no secret that India remained under foreign rule. We cannot wish away the invasions. But what is the point in digging into the past? Do we not have other problems in hand? Can’t we move forward and deal with the problems at hand?” The bench categorically said that “India is embedded in the rule of law, secularism, and constitutionalism. Article 14 stands on a grand guarantee of the founding fathers to make the country a democracy, a Republic and involve all communities against

discrimination by the state. It is important that the country moves forward. The directive principles and fundamental rights are two wheels of the governance chariot for progress of the government must encompass all sections of the society.”

Nevertheless, Upadhyay continued his firm position arguing that Hindus have been reduced to minority in 200 of the 700-odd districts. “Hindus too have a right to practice and profess their religions. Why should they be forced to remember Mohammed Ghori, Chami and not remember their ancient history and culture through the names of cities by which they were known prior to invasion.” Though the Supreme Court junked the plea of Upadhyay, those with mind-sets will continue to re-naming the roads and streets thereby replacing with Hindu names who they want to eulogize and venerate. Their fingers do not point to one community, but have gradually moved to Christian names as well. For instance, CM of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde passed a resolution rename the iconic Churchgate station to Chintamanrao Deshmukh station. Churchgate station is an integral part of the city’s history and culture for over 150 years. Mumbaikars have fond memories

of Churchgate. Changing the name of the railway station without any public consultation is a disregard to Mumbai’s heritage and history.

History teaches many lessons. The present and future generations need to know what happened in the past, so that they would learn from the errors enables them not to repeat. The names and statues symbolize stories of the past. By removing them one hardly knows and learns from the past. Over and above, history is also written from the perspective of the dominant and the victor, but by and large, failed to interpret from the perspective of vanquished.

However, in order to be objective, history will have to be written taking both the sides into consideration. The stance taken by the RSS-BJP and its outfits, to renaming the roads and streets and history would lead to one-side which is narrow, fanatical, and partial. BJP-RSS wants to paint one-sided history, which eventually be under scrutiny in future. Those involved in such activities need to go beyond pettiness and be objective. As Mason Cooley points out: “Our society civilization is shifting from science and technology to rhetoric and litigation.”

Dr. John Mohan Razu

““If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

~ Milton Berle

NEW DELHI, MAR 10

(PTI): The government

on Friday launched the revamped MSME Competitive (LEAN) scheme to make it more beneficial for enterprises and stakeholders. Under the revamped scheme, the Centre’s contribution will be 90 per cent of the implementation cost for handholding and consultancy fees as against 80 per cent previously.

The government has also done away with the requirement of setting up a special purpose vehicle in every cluster.

Earlier, the implementation period for the scheme was set at 18 months.

However, under the revamped scheme it has been divided into phases - Basic (2 months), Intermediate (6 months) and Advanced (12 months).

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Secre -

tary B B Swain said the revamped scheme is being introduced in two phases.

The first phase will cover the manufacturing sector while the services sector will be covered in the second phase.

“Today the ministry is launching MSME Competitive (Lean) scheme with several improvements to make it simple and beneficial for MSMEs and other stakeholders. The government’s contribution to trained and qualified new consultants has been enhanced to 90 per cent apart from other benefits,” he said.

Super market in dire need of make over

(From p-1) finally freed of the chaotic traffic jams.

However, of late a few sellers were being allowed to restart their business at the same spot by the Development Authority of Nagaland(DAN)authorities which has raised some concern among public.

When asked why some were allowed to do business in the prohibited area, Executive Officer (EO) DAN told this Reporter that several attempts were made to evict the vendors from the site but they continued.

He assured that necessary action would be taken to ensure that there will be no roadside vendors in the area.

When it was also pointed out that even the sidewalk within Naga Shopping Arcade was practically

occupied by vendors, the EO said some were allowed but only on Wednesday provided they do not block the road linking the entire Arcade complex.

He said some of the vendors who were relocated used to complain they were few customers visiting their market and most being sellers of local produce.

The EO also admitted that there was need for proper inspection to ensure that the vendors sold their items only within designated areas.

When asked about the unhygienic condition in the market due to absence of proper drain and collection and disposal of garbage, the EO said DAN staff collect garbage and place them at certain spots from where the DMC collected twice in a week.

In his virtual address, Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane said LEAN has the potential to become a national movement and that it aims to provide a roadmap for global competitiveness for the MSMEs in India.

According to him, LEAN will not only attempt to improve quality, productivity and performance but also the capability to change the mindsets of manufacturers and transform them into world class manufacturers.

“To support MSMEs, the government will contribute 90 per cent of implementation cost for handholding and consultancy fees. There will be an additional contribution of 5 per cent for the MSMEs which are part of SFURTI clusters, owned by Women/SC/ST and located in North East Region,” the MSME ministry stated.

NEW DELHI, MAR 10

(IANS): Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday said that his country and India have agreed on an early conclusion of the ambitious comprehensive economic cooperation agreement, expecting it to be finalised by this year itself.

“I am hopeful that we will be able to finalise it this year,” Albanese said

during a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after bilateral talks between the two leaders.

“Our teams are working on a comprehensive economic agreement between our two countries,”

PM Modi said during the joint briefing. Meanwhile, he added that security cooperation is an important pillar in the comprehensive

strategic partnership between India and Australia. “We discussed maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region today,” Prime Minister Modi said. Modi also thanked his Australian counterpart for inviting him for the Quad leaders’ summit in May.

“India and Australia are both members of the Quad. I thank PM Albanese for inviting me

Nullify appointment of advisors, protem speaker: NPCC to Nagaland Gov

(From p-1)

Theunuo also expressed surprise to note that the ruling coalition had appointed Mhathung Yanthan as the pro-tem speaker to administer oath of office and affirmation to the newly-elected members of the 14th NLA. He pointed out that this was also in contravention to the laid down norms since Yanthan took oath as the

pro-tem speaker on March 10 after he had already been given the executive powers as an adviser along with 23 other MLAs elect of NDPP-BJP government on March 9.

Theunuo also claimed that the clause cited by the government for appointment of the pro-tem speaker as “under Clause 9(1) of Article 180 of the Constitution of India” does not exist

Industrial production rises 5.2 pc in Jan

NEW DELHI, MAR 10

(PTI): India’s industrial production rose 5.2 per cent in January this fiscal, according to official data released on Friday. Factory output mea -

Gold jumps Rs 395; silver declines

NEW DELHI, MAR 10

(PTI): Gold price jumped Rs 395 to Rs 55,540 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid strong global trends, according to HDFC Securities.

In the previous trade, the precious metal had ended at Rs 55,145 per 10 grams. Silver, however, declined Rs 115 to Rs 62,095 per kilogramme. “Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 55,540 per 10 grams, up Rs 395 per 10 grams,” said Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities.

sured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 2 per cent in January 2022. The data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) showed that the manufacturing sector’s

output increased 3.7 per cent in January 2023. Mining output rose 8.8 per cent and power generation surged 12.7 per cent during the month under review.

Land

and that such oversight of law by the ruling coalition was “very disgraceful and unacceptable”.

It may be mentioned that Nagaland governor administered the oath to Mhathung Yanthan as Protem Speaker of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 10 at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. The programme was attended by host of senor government officials.

For Sale

to Australia for the Quad Leaders’ summit in May.

I have invited him to India for the G20 summit in September,” Modi said. Both the leaders also witnessed exchange of several MoUs between the two countries.

The MoUs were signed in sports and for audio-visual co-production, while terms of reference for solar taskforce were also exchanged between India and Austra-

lia. Modi also raised the issue of incidents of attacks on temples in Australia with Albanese.

Government launches revamped MSME scheme India-Aus to finalise economic cooperation agreement by this year

“I have seen reports of attacks on temples in Australia. I have conveyed this to PM Albanese and he has assured me that the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Australia is a priority for them,” the prime minister said.

JoB Vacancy Meshok Memorial St. Thomas School, Bogdo, a alo, West Siang, a runachal Pradesh Principal : P.G with B. e d Salary : 30 k

appointment and regularization orders my name has been inadvertently recorded as Toili Sumi and DOB as 12-08-1988.

I, hereby declare that my correct name shall be used as H. Toili Sema and DOB as 18/12/1973 for all official reference through affidavit Regd. No. 5961/2013 dated 30/09/2013. Deponent dP-1000/23

Xi Jinping elected Chinese President for 3rd term

BEIJING, MAR 10

(ANI): Xi Jinping was on Friday unanimously appointed as Chinese President for the third time, making him the country’s longest-serving leader since founding father Mao Zedong, Nikkei Asia reported. According to Nikkei Asia, thousands of delegates at the National People’s Congress (NPC)in Beijing voted on Xi’s appointment as president and head of the military for another five years. However, the process was a formality in China’s rubberstamp parliament after Xi, 69, was confirmed as chief of the ruling Communist Party at a twice-a-decade congress in October. All 2,952 NPC delegates cast a ballot approving a new mandate for Xi. Previously, the NPC had ditched term limits, clearing the way for Xi to potentially rule for life.

Delegates also voted to install Vice Premier Han

Biden unveils USD 6.9 trillion budget; raises taxes on rich

WASHINGTON, MAR 10 (PTI): US President Joe Biden on Thursday unveiled a USD 6.9 trillion annual budget for the year 2024, which proposes a hefty tax on the rich, massive spending on social measures and investment on building key infrastructure.

The budget was termed a “non-starter” by the Republicans who have a majority in the House of Representatives.

8 dead in Jehovah’s Witnesses hall shooting: German police

home care and restores the child tax credit.

Biden said the budget will deliver funding to help the US lead the world again. “My budget also invests in critical issues that matter to families, increasing the supply of affordable housing, lower rental costs, and make it easier to buy a home, all of which will generate economic growth and prosperity,” he said.

Xi Jinping

Zheng as China’s vice president, a largely ceremonial position. A sweeping set of reforms, including setting up a new financial sector watchdog and national data agency, was approved in a move that may herald tighter restrictions on key sectors of the world’s Number 2 economy, according to Nikkei Asia.

Mary Gallagher, a political science professor at the University of Michigan, as quoted by Nikkei Asia, said: “Xi Jinping is doing two things at the same time. He is centraliz-

ing power to the centre while also strengthening the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] at the expense of the state. Doing these two things at once is unprecedented in the reform era.”

The moves could make it more difficult for local municipalities to govern themselves, Gallagher added, as they grapple with shouldering huge virus curb costs incurred under Xi’s signature zero-COVID policy and slumping revenue from a slowing property market.

Congratulatory note

Biden at a rally in Philadelphia asserted that his budget reflects what “we can do to” lift the burden on hard working Americans and it would reduce the deficit this year by USD 160 billion.

“To support working parents, my budget expands access to affordable childcare for millions of families. And it’s going to invest in paid family medical leave,” Biden said, adding that his budget also invests in elder care and

Asserting that he brought down the deficit of USD 1.7 trillion more than any president in American history, Biden said his latest budget is going to reduce the deficit by nearly USD 3 trillion over 10 years.

The budgetary proposals call for imposing a 25 per cent minimum tax on the wealthiest 0.01 per cent of households, quadrupling a one per cent surcharge on corporate stock buybacks, restoring the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6 per cent.

HAMBURG (GERMANY), MAR 10 (AP): A former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses shot dead seven people, including an unborn child, at a hall belonging to the congregation in the German city of Hamburg before killing himself after police arrived, authorities said Friday.

Eight people were wounded, four of them seriously. There was no immediate indication of a possible motive for Thursday night’s attack, which stunned Ger-

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN CHIZAMI UNION NAGALAND FELICITATION

many’s second-biggest city, but prosecutors said there was no evidence for a terrorist link. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a former Hamburg mayor, described it as “a brutal act of violence.”

Hamburg’s top security official said officers who arrived just minutes after receiving the first emergency call at 9.04 pm. A special operations unit that was nearby reached the site at

9.09 pm and was able to separate the gunman from the congregation, Hamburg’s state Interior Minister Andy Grote said. “We can assume that they saved many people’s lives this way,” he told reporters during a news conference. Grote called the shooting “the worst crime that our city has experience recently.” Officials said the gunman was a 35-year-old German national identified only as Philipp F., in line with German privacy rules. He fired more than 100 rounds during the attack. Hamburg police chief Ralf Martin Meyer said the man had a weapons license and legally owned a semiautomatic pistol. He said the suspected shooter was previously investigated after authorities received a tip that he might not be suitable to bear firearms, but was found not to have broken rules.

FELICITATION

Dimapur Nkonjan Nyiro Range 37 A/C BJP Supporters with immense honour and joy congratulates our dynamic and undisputed leader Hon'ble Shri. Yanthungo Patton, Deputy Chief Minister, Home and Border Affairs for achieving another milestone by winning the 14 th NLA 2023 with thumping majority from 37 Tiyi A/C.

The BJp 52 A/C Longkhim-Chare wishes heartfelt congratulations to Shri H. Sethrongkyu Sangtam for emerging victorious in the concluded 14th NLA Election 2023.

Moreover, we express our sincere gratitude to the Central and the State BJp leaders for posing their faith in Shri H. Sethrongkyu Sangtam for the candidature.

The BJp 52 A/C also extends its humble gratitude to all the BJp rank and files and the electorates for all the hard work and efforts put in, without which this victory would not have been possible.

This day marks the stepping stone towards achieving what was once a dream for us which transcends to a better future to all.

Likhumdi T. Sangtam

d

God bless

A. Shyamba president General Secretary BJp 52 A/C BJp 52 A/C

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR NKONJAN LAKHUTI EKHÜNG (DNLE)

DIMAPUR : NAGALAND - 797112 CONGRATULATIONS

The Dimapur Nkonjan Lakhuti Ekhüng (DNLE) with immense pride and honour congratulates Shri. Mhathung Yanthan, a bonafide DNLE member, on being elected as an MLA consecutively (First time after 1989) with thumping majority from 39th Sanis A/C.

Shri. Mhathung Yanthan, a peoples' choice at all levels has set a benchmark with his imprimatur of class as a result oriented leader.

DNLE also takes this opportunity to thank Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland for reposing his faith on Shri. Mhathung Yanthan by alloting him the portfolio of Agriculture in the current ministry. DNLE is confident, based on the Hon'ble Advisor's track record that he will prove himself worthy yet again to bring about sustainable development and growth in the entire state of Nagaland through his given responsibility.

May God Almighty grant Shri. Mhathung Yanthan good health and wisdom as he continues with his journey as an admirable public leader and a gentleman of deed.

(D. STEPHEN K. YANTHAN) (MHOMBEMO HUMTSOE) President General Secretary

Western Chizami Union is delighted to Congratulate Shri. K.G Kenye on his well deserved success during the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election and to all the electorates of 17-Chizami A/C who participated in the democratic process & exercised their right to vote. The victory is a beautiful testimony of untiring effort and dedication. May you shine brightly in all your future endeavors. With respect and good wishes.

Sd/- Sd/(WEPFUTE CHIRHAH) (DANIEL WETSAH) Chairman, WCU Gen. Secretary, WCU

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN SUMI SPORTS ASSOCIATION

ZMT Gold Cup

H.Q. Niuland : Nagaland Regd. No. Home/SRC-7496

Motto : “To communicate the universe through sports ” Akimiji : “Tupalishi Vechewo Lhokejeli Sasu Kulashini”

Congratulatory note

Hekani

We, the Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Shri. Jacob Zhimomi, Shri. H. Tovihoto Ayemi & Smti. Hekani Jakhalu for being elected as MLA on the recently concluded Nagaland Legislative Assembly election.

We further extend our prayers and wishes that our Almighty God continue to guide and lead you all in days to come.

We are confident that you will soar higher to lead us in particular and Nagas in general with utmost wisdom and sincerity.

We further extend our prayer and support and may Almighty God fulfill all your spoken and unspoken dreams.

We would like to thank our Hon'ble Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland for his unconditional love and support for our Hon'ble Dy. C.M. Y. Patton.

We also thank all BJP party workers ranking from high to low for your unflinching support for electing him as BJP Legislature Party Leader.

General Secretary President Dr. Chanbemo Kikon Yanpenthung Mozhüi

MEKOKLA VILLAGE COUNCIL

DISTRICT WOKHA : NAGALAND

Ref. No. : Nil Date : 09/03/2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Mekokla Village Council express our warm and heartiest congratulations to Shri. Achumbemo Kikon, NPF Candidate, 40 Bhandari A/C for his grand success in the recently concluded General Elections to the 14th NLA.

The village council expresses heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all the electorates, NPF party workers of all rank and file of 40 Bhandari A/C, NPF party leaders of both the state and Wokha district, all well-wishers for realizing the true worth and leadership qualities of Shri. Achumbemo Kikon, thereby rendering their unflinching support and sacrifices in ensuring the victory of Shri. Achumbemo Kikon.

The Village Council while thanking the Almighty God for blessing the village with a son of high repute, prays that God bestow upon Shri. Achumbemo Kikon good health and wisdom, and guide him to lead the constituency to a brighter future.

The village council has this strong conviction that, having Shri. Achumbemo Kikon at the helm of 40 Bhandari A/C, the constituency will witness more development and the state will also progress.

Wishing Shri. Achumbemo Kikon all the best.

dp-979/23

J. Abenthung Kikon Chairman Mekokla Village Council

Jacob Zhimomi Minister, Public Health Engeneering, Corporation Govt. of Nagaland

H. Tovihoto Ayemi Advisor, Tribal Affairs Govt. of Nagaland

Jakhalu Advisor, Industries & Commerce Govt. of Nagaland

Khetovi Aye General Secretary Aghato Awomi Secretary, Media Cell Vikuto Zhimo President

Corpses carried out of a Jehovah’s Witness building and loaded into hearses in Hamburg, Germany, Friday. (AP)

IIFA Technical Awards: ‘Gangubai

Kathiawadi’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ top winners

The International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA) has announced its technical winners from 2022. There are total nine categories of technical awards which include cinematography, screenplay, dialogue, choreography, sound design, editing, special effects (visuals), background score and sound design.

Of these, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ leads the pack as it bagged 3 awards - Best Cinematography was won by DOP Sudeep Chatterjee, Best Screenplay went to Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha, and Best Dialogues was conferred upon Utkarshini Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia.

The Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani-starrer horror comedy, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ won Best Choreography for title track by choreographer duo, BoscoCaesar, and Best Sound Design by Mandar Kulkarni.

Bollywood superstar

Ajay Devgn’s crime thriller ‘Drishyam 2’ won the award for Best Editing by Sandeep Francis. Similarly, the Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-starrer action adventure, ‘Brahmastra: Part One-Shiva’ took home the trophy for another postproduction work - Best Special Effects (Visual) by DNEG, Redefine.

While Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan’s ‘Vikram Vedha’ was awarded the Best Background Score designed by Sam CS, the

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all my supporters and well wishers who supported me during the recently concluded 14 th Nagaland Legislative Assembly General Election 2023.

I extend my heartiest congratulations to Shri Mhathung Yanthan who has been elected as the new MLA to represent the people of 39 Sanis Constituency and I wish him all success for the tenure.

I give all glory and honor to our Almighty God for his constant help and guidance.

May God bless you all.

MHONBEMO NGULLIE

Independent Candidate 39 Sanis A/C k-496/23

WOKHA TOWN MEKOKLA EKHUNG FELICITATION

With all praises and thankfulness to Almighty God, the WTME joyfully felicitates Shri. Achumbemo Kikon the newly elected MLA from 40 A/C. Inspite of losing three consecutive times his victory in 2023 has proven that God has a purpose for him to lead his people and therefore urges upon him to fear God while exercising his responsibilities. The Ekhung prays for his good health and heavenly guide and wisdom.

The Ekhung is also delighted to congratulate Shri. Temjenmenba , newly elected MLA from its closest and immediate neighbour Changki Village, Further the Ekhung congratulates Shri. Y Patton, Mhathung Yanthan and Shri. Mhonbemo Humtsoe all newly elected MLAs from Wokha district, the Ekhung wishes all of them good health.

Sd/- Sd/Rhonathung Kikon T Mhonbemo Ezung Chairman Secretary WC-42/23

FELICITATION

Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi and Radhika Apte-starrer streaming film ‘Monica O My Darling’ bagged the Best Sound Mixing (Gunjan A. Sah,

WhatsApp rolling out 21 new emojis to some beta testers

Boloy Kumar Doloi and Rahul Karpe).

The 23rd edition of IIFA is set to be held at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi from May 26 through May 27.

IIFA Rocks will be hosted by Karan Johar and Farah Khan with live performances by Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya, Mika Singh, and Sukhbir.

The global IIFA Awards will be hosted by Vicky Kaushal, and Abhishek Bachchan. The IIFA magic will escalate with live performances by Bollywood A-listers like Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Rakul Preet Singh and Nora Fatehi.

US town Glendale, Arizona, to be renamed after Taylor Swift

Meta-owned WhatsApp is rolling out 21 new emojis to some beta testers for Android. According to WABetaInfo, it is no longer necessary to download and use a different keyboard to send these 21 emojis from the latest Unicode 15.0, as they can now be sent directly from the official WhatsApp keyboard. Earlier, the new 21 emojis were not visible within the official WhatsApp keyboard as they were under development, but it was possible to send them by using an alternate keyboard. Moreover, the report said that the introduction of new emojis finally eliminates the problem that confused users, as they could receive these emojis but were unable to send them without workarounds (IANS)

Officials in Glendale, Arizona have confirmed that they will rename the city in singer Taylor Swift’s honour to celebrate the singer kicking off her US tour there later this month.

The city of Glendale, Arizona will be renamed in Taylor Swift’s honour to celebrate the launch of her US tour, reports femalefirst. co.uk. The singer is kicking off ‘The Eras’ tour at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium with a pair of shows on March 17 and March 18 before heading to Las Vegas on March 24 and officials have decided to celebrate Taylor by temporarily changing the city’s name.

A statement from city officials namechecked a number of the pop star’s

songs in a statement which read: “There is no need to calm down, we’re fearless and doing something highly unusual to celebrate the fact that Taylor’s concerts start right here!

“We know all too well that she’s one of the most influential artists of her generation and we are writing our own love story for her and greeting every Swiftie in style!” Glendale Mayor

Jerry Weiers is expected to announce the city’s new name on March 13 and it will remain in effect across March 17 and 18 - the days Taylor is performing in Glendale. Reports suggest the city’s Westgate Entertainment District shopping centre will also display welcome messages to the singer and restaurants around town will change their menus to offer meals inspired by Taylor. (IANS)

The Kohima Riphyim Ekhung (KRE) extends our heartiest congratulations to Shri Y Patton from 37 Tyui A/C who has been elected to the 14th NLA for the fourth consecutive term with a thumping victory and having being elected as the BJP Legislature Party Leader.

The Union expresses our heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland for reposing his trust on our leader yet again by appointing him as the Deputy Chief Minister with portfolio for Home and Border Affairs.

The Kohima Riphyim Ekhung takes great pleasure in wishing our Hon’ble Dy. Chief Minister Shri. Y. Patton another successful innings and prays for good health, wisdom and understanding as you lead your people. May you shine above the others as you discharge your God-Given responsibilities.

(M RENTHUNGO TUNGOE) (CHUMBEN ODYUO)

Chairman General Secretary

I, Shri. K. Konngam Konyak would like to thank the people of 44 A/C Phomching in general and the electorates in particular for having me elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. I also thank the 44 A/C Mandal BJP, Mahila-Morcha, Yuva Morcha and all the cells for the success is the genuine fruit of your hard-work. My special gratitude goes to Churches, Civil Societies and all my well-wishers who stood by me and supported me materially and most of all, your humble prayers.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Amit Shah Ji, Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri. J P Nadda Ji, National President BJP, Shri. Kiren Rijiju Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister Law & Justice, Smti. S. Phangnon Konyak Ji, Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha, Shri. Rituraj Sinha Ji, National Secretary, Shri. Nalin Kohli Ji, National Spokesperson & Nagaland In-charge and Shri. Abhay Giri Ji, General Secretary (ORG) In-charge of Nagaland, all ranks and files of BJP Nagaland State and all ranks and files of BJP Mon District, for their outstanding support throughout the journey. Through this column, I would call upon each and everyone of you to co-operate in the days ahead and walk the miles together.

God bless you all.

Office of the ALTRURA SOCIETY Chümoukedima, Nagaland Regd No. HOME/SRC/2015//DMP/1005

CONGRATULATORY NOTE

The Altrura Society (AuS) with immense pride and joy express our heartiest congratulations to Mrs Salhoutuonuo Kruse on being elected to the house of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the recently concluded General Election 2023 and also scripted history by being inducted as the State’s first woman Minister.

We are optimistic that with your capabilities and experiences will no doubt lead our state to greater heights under your able leadership.

We wish you all the best and success for your future.

Sd/- Sd/President Gen-Secretary Altrura Society Altrura Society

OFFICE OF THE PFUTSEROMI VILLAGE GAZZETE OFFICERS’ FORUM PFUTSERO - 797 107; NAGALAND

FELICITATION

The Pfutseromi Village Gazzete Officers’ Forum (PVGOF) is elated to congratulate Dr. Neisatuo Mero Independent Candidate from 16th Pfutsero A/C on his success in the Nagaland General Elections 2023 to be elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and to represent the electors of the Pfutsero Constituency as its representative in the Assembly.

The PVGOF wishes Dr. Neisatuo Mero, the very best as he prepare for his tenure in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and pray that he will usher a new era of progress and continue to be a voice of the people of 16th Pfutsero A/C in particular and the Nagas in general.

The PVGOF once again give our heartiest congratulations to you Sir.

Neiwe Mero Dr. Kewelelo Mero Vice President, PVGOF President, PVGOF

NBA: Understaffed Bucks take down Nets

MILWAUKEE, MAR 10

(AGENCIES): Bobby Portis led all players with 28 points and 13 rebounds, and Brook Lopez added 24 and 10 as the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks took down the visiting -- and likewise short-handed -- Brooklyn Nets 118-113 on Thursday.

Lopez also finished with a career-high nine blocks, the most by a player in an NBA game this season. Grayson Allen finished with 19 points while Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton each had 11. The balanced contributions were particularly key with Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lineup with right hand soreness.

Brooklyn was led by Patty Mills (23 points) and Cam Thomas (21) -- both coming off the bench. Mikal Bridges, who had averaged more than 26 points per game since being acquired from Phoenix, was limited to just 10 points on 4-for-13 shooting.

The Bucks won their third straight and have won 19 of their last 20 games. Brooklyn saw its three-game winning streak snapped while playing

Brazilian club Fluminense revel in ex-Real star Marcelo’s homecoming

aggravated his left foot injury and missed the second half. He scored 19 points in 19 first-half minutes in his return from a two-game absence.

Grizzlies 131, Warriors 110

Tyus Jones scored 22 points in Ja Morant’s starting spot, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane chipped in 21 apiece the Memphis overcame the absence of their star to overpower visiting Golden State.

Facing the Warriors at home after the first two meetings had been in San Francisco, the Grizzlies exploded for a 48-point first quarter en route to a 20-point lead. Memphis buried eight 3-pointers in the 12 minutes, with Jackson, Jones and Luke Kennard hitting two apiece.

Kings 122, Knicks

117 Domantas Sabonis recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his ninth triple-double of the

season to lead Sacramento over visiting New York. De’Aaron Fox scored 15 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter to help the Kings win for the seventh time in eight games. Malik Monk added 19 points, Trent Lyles had 16 and Kevin Huerter chipped in

Furious Ronaldo storms off pitch after Al-Nassr defeat

RIYADH, MAR 10 (AGENCIES): A furious

Cristiano Ronaldo stormed off down the tunnel kicking water bottles out of his way after his Al-Nassr team lost 1-0 at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro league on Thursday.

The defeat marked the second match in row in which the 38-year-old Ronaldo failed to find the net, with Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe parrying away a fierce shot from the Portugal superstar in injury time.

Brazilian Romarinho scored 10 minutes from time to seal victory for AlIttihad, who leapfrogged Al-Nassr to take top spot in the league table.

Al-Ittihad’s fans taunted Ronaldo throughout the match, repeatedly chanting the name of his rival, Lionel Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo, who has scored eight goals in seven league games this season, took off his captain’s armband before leaving the pitch and looked set to throw it, before regaining his composure.

He applauded the AlNassr supporters before

leaving the field of play.

“Disappointed with the result, but we stay focused on our season and the games ahead. Thank you Al-Nassr fans for your support, we know we can count on you!” the Portuguese said on Twitter after the game.

FELICITATION

14 for Sacramento. RJ Barrett had 25 points, Julius Randle amassed 23 points and 10 rebounds and Quentin Grimes scored 19 points as New York lost its second straight game following a season-best nine consecutive victories. Jalen Brunson

Making four of his eight 3-point attempts, Stephen Curry led all scorers with 29 points for Golden State, which completed a winless three-game trip. The Warriors have lost eight straight on the road dating back to Jan. 30 and fell to 7-26 away from home.

3.25 mn tickets sold in first sales phase for Paris 2024

PARIS, MAR 10 (IANS):

A total of 3.25 million tickets have been sold for next year’s Paris Olympic Games in the first sales phase, the organisers have informed.

For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, tickets were made available worldwide from a single platform with tickets sold in packs over three weeks in the first phase, which saw fans from 158 countries and regions register for the sale.

“The public response to the first phase of Games ticket sales was truly phenomenal. With over 3.2 million tickets sold in less than three weeks, take-up exceeded all expectations, for which we are very grateful,” Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet said on Thursday. The French public made up two-thirds of ticket pur-

“NO PERSON, CIRCUMSTANCES, OR DIFFICULTY CAN STOP THE PLANS OF THE ALMIGHTY”.

The office bearers, youth, women organizations and all the ranks and files of the 43 A/C Tapi of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) congratulate Shri. Noke Wangnao for being elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023. It is his 9th term as member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly in his long illustrious political career.

Shri. Noke Wangnao, a staunch regionalist first contested to the 3rd NLA in 1974 and thereby held many important portfolios under various ministries including the ministries headed by Lt. Vizol and Lt. Vamuzo in the state of Nagaland.

The Tapi constituency is humbled and privileged to have and to be led by a veteran politician of the state. We are indeed proud of him for his long and selfless services rendered to the people of the state and Tapi in particular.

The party extends deep gratitude to all his supporters, well wishers and sympathizers who worked so hard to see him elected despite many unfavorable circumstances. Election in democracy should be fought democratically without resorting to undemocratic means. However, the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.

The 43 A/C Tapi NDPP thanks Almighty God for His abundant blessings upon us and also not forgetting the leadership of the NDPP party led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Neiphiu Rio and the President Shri. Chingwang Konyak for their constant support.

We heartily wish our beloved leader Shri. Noke Wangnao a good health and best endeavor as he soon attains 50 years in Nagaland politics.

(WANGLAM)

President

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL), MAR 10 (IANS): Fluminense manager Fernando Diniz says he expects new signing Marcelo to enjoy himself in his second spell with the Rio de Janeiro club.

Former Brazil national team star Marcelo received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival at Rio’s international airport on Thursday, with hundreds of fans waiting at the arrivals gate to greet the 34-yearold. Diniz said fans and Fluminense’s players were equally excited about the prospect of seeing the leftback in a Fluminense shirt, reports news agency Xinhua. “The fans have been very enthusiastic about the fact he is coming,” Diniz told Sportv. “I told him that Fluminense isn’t Real Madrid. We don’t have Cristiano Ronaldo or Benzema, but he is going

to have teammates that are very supportive so that he can enjoy his football.”

Marcelo agreed to a contract that runs until December with the option of a 12-month extension after parting ways with Olympiacos in February.

The defender played just 332 minutes in 10 games across all competitions for the Greek club following his September move from Real Madrid.

Capped 58 times for

Brazil, Marcelo began his professional career at Fluminense in 2005 and made 30 first-team appearances for the club before joining Real Madrid in 2007. He played 546 games for the Spanish giants, winning five UEFA Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles, among a host of other accolades.

“Marcelo is one of the players that I’ve most enjoyed watching over the last 15 years,” Diniz said.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

chasers, with 45 per cent of all buyers being women, a relatively high proportion in Olympic history -- with Paris 2024 set to be the first ever Olympic Games with equal participation by male and female athletes, reports news agency Xinhua. Tickets for climbing and BMX freestyle sold out on the first day, while those for fencing, judo, breaking and track cycling were all snapped up in just a few days.

To all my supporters and well-wishers, BJP party workers (Office Bearers, Mahila, Youth and other Wings) of 33 Suruhuto Assembly Constituency, friends, family members and all those who stood beside me during the challenging past few weeks and months. I owe you all, my sincere and deepest gratitude for your overwhelming support, love and sacrifice. I am personally indebted to all of you. I equally share the pain over the loss that we have faced but it is all in God’s hands but let us believe that God has better plans for all of us. Let us remain resolute and strong, stay positive and together, let us face the challenges that lie ahead of us.

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU ALL

H. KHEHOVI YEPUTHOMI

without Ben Simons, Nic Claxton, Spencer Dinwiddie, Cameron Johnson and Royce O’Neale.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) and Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (12) battle for the ball at Fiserv Forum.

Marcelo arrives in Rio de Janeiro

4th Test, Day 2: India trail Aus by 444 runs

AHMEDABAD, MAR

10 (IANS): India openers

Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma saw off the tricky 10 overs with relative ease to be unbeaten on 18 and 17 respectively as the hosts were 36/0, trailing Australia by 444 runs at stumps on second day of the fourth Test, here on Friday.

With the pitch still in favour of stroke play at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rohit was pristine in his timing, flicking and cutting off Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon with relative ease. On the other hand, Gill sweetly played a shortarm jab on a short ball from Cameron Green, before dancing down the pitch to smash a six off Lyon at the stroke of stumps.

Earlier, ace India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked a six-wicket haul in a magical display of skill and control to bowl out Australia for 480. With pitch not showing much signs of sharp turn, Ashwin single-handedly got India back in the match, especially after having a wicketless morning session, ending with 6/91 in a relentless spell of 47.2 overs.

After picking three wickets in the second session, Ashwin took three

more to get his six-fer and wrap Australia’s innings at 167.2 overs. For the visitors, posting a big total on a nice batting pitch was possible thanks to left-handed opener Usman Khawaja’s marathon 180, and Cameron Green smashing his first Test century through an entertaining 114, apart from Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy sharing a 70-run stand for the ninth wicket.

In the morning, Green reached his half-century off just 67 balls with a single through long-off against Ravindra Jadeja. There was some uneven bounce when

Mohammed Shami was introduced in the attack from the third over of the day, but that wasn’t enough to separate a zen-like Khawaja and an enterprising Green.

Umesh continued to leak runs, as Khawaja slashed him through slip, before Green brought out a drive on the up through the gap at extra cover for another boundary. After being patient against spinners, Green feasted more on Umesh’s wayward bowling, driving thrice in the arc between straight down the ground and extra cover.

Post lunch, Green reached his first Test cen-

FIH Pro League: India stun world champions Germany 3-2 in first match

tury in 144 balls with a square-cut off Jadeja through point. He got runs in quick succession - a drive on an overpitched ball from Shami was followed by drilling one through extra cover off Jadeja.

India finally had a breakthrough in the 131st over when Green went for a sweep on an off break going down leg from Ravichandran Ashwin. But Green could only glove it behind to KS Bharat, departing for 114 off 170 balls and hitting 18 boundaries, as India broke the 208-run stand for the fifth-wicket.

Ashwin’s persistence

Europa League: Difficult night for Spanish sides as Betis, Sociedad lose

was rewarded when Mitchell Starc came out to defend, but the ball took an inside edge to short leg for a sharp catch. Khawaja and Lyon took a boundary each by the fag end of the session to take Australia past 400. The final session began with instant success for India as Khawaja missed a straighter ball from Axar Patel and was struck plumb in front of stumps, ending his ten-hour stay at the crease of 422 balls. With the pitch still being good to bat, Lyon and Murphy were able to get ten boundaries collectively off Axar, Ashwin and Shami.

Ashwin finally gave India success when he beat Murphy on the inside edge with an arm ball to trap him lbw and in his next over, the ace off-spinner drew an outside edge off Lyon, which was caught by slip after ricocheting off the wicketkeeper’s pad, ending Australia’s innings at 167.2 overs.

Brief Scores: Australia 480 in 167.2 overs (Usman Khawaja 180, Cameron Green 114; Ravichandran Ashwin 6/91, Mohammed Shami 2/134) lead India 36/0 in 10 overs (Shubman Gill 18 not out, Rohit Sharma 17 not out) by 444 runs

MADRID (SPAIN), MAR 10 (IANS): Sevilla look as if they could be the only Spanish side in the quarterfinals of the Europa League after the first leg of the round of 16 on Thursday night. The La Liga strugglers gave a boost to under-pressure coach Jorge Sampaoli with a 2-0 home win over Turkey’s Fenerbahce.

An even game tilted Sevilla’s way in the 56th minute thanks to an excellent shot from Joan Jordan, who had come into the game as a second-half substitute, according to news agency Xinhua.

Erik Lamela doubled Sevilla’s lead five minutes from time with a wellplaced left-foot shot. Things were not positive for Spain’s other two sides in the tournament as Real Betis and Real Sociedad both slipped to defeat. Betis lost 4-1 at a snowy Old Trafford where they matched Manchester United for the first half but were totally outplayed after the break.

Rashford stars for United Marcus Rashford put United ahead with a powerful finish in the sixth

minute, but Ayoze Perez levelled with an angled drive in the 32nd minute.

Antony’s shot into the corner put United back in front in the 52nd minute and Bruno Fernandes’ powerful header from a corner made it 3-1 seven minutes later before Wout Weghorst’s 82nd closerange finish sealed the win.

Real Sociedad’s dreadful record of going out of the tournament in the first knockout round is in danger of continuing for another year after they lost

Indian Wells: Raducanu eases to first-round win

INDIAN WELLS (USA), MAR 10 (IANS): Emma Raducanu, who hasnt had much luck this season as far as results are concerned, got off to a flying start at this years Indian Wells Masters with a straightforward 6-2, 6-3 win over Danka Kovinic of Montenegro.

ROURKELA, MAR 10

(PTI): Striker Sukhjeet Singh struck a second half brace as India stunned world champions Germany 3-2 in the FIH Pro League hockey, which is their first outing after the World Cup debacle here, on Friday.

The 26-year-old Sukhjeet, one of the players who survived the axe after India’s shock pre-quarterfinal exit in the World Cup in January, scored in the

31st and 42nd minutes, both goals coming from field efforts.

His captain Harmanpreet Singh, joint top-scorer in the tournament so far, had given the home side the lead in the 30th minute through a penalty corner conversion.

Harmanpreet had also flopped big time during the World Cup held here and in Bhubaneswar as he had struggled to find the target

ITF Women’s Open: India’s Ankita, Rutuja into singles SFs

from his drag flick in the big matches in the showpiece. India were 3-0 up in the 42nd minute before PaulPhilipp Kaufmann and Michel Struthoff struck for Germany in the 44th and 57th minutes respectively.

The Germans, who came with several players of their World Cup-winning team, struggled to score from the penalty corners. They got six PCs as against four of India.

Despite media reports circulating ahead of the match that the wrist issue that ended Raducanu’s 2022 season early recurred ahead of Indian Wells, the brit seemed to have recovered well enough to post a 1-hour, 21-minute victory in the opener on Thursday. She had strapped on both of her wrists during a practice session on Wednesday. Raducanu trailed 2-0 in both sets, but ultimately exacted comprehensive revenge on Kovinic, having lost to her in their last meeting in the second round of the 2022 Australian Open. The 20-year-old Brit won six straight games to take the first set and won six of the last seven in set two -- including four in a row

from 2-0. Serving in the sixth game, Raducanu saved three break points that would’a ve seen Kovinic draw level at 3-3 and later won the last eight points of the match. After suffering a left ankle injury at the ASB Classic that hampered her preparations for the Australian Open, where she lost in the second round to

Coco Gauff, Raducanu’s planned return was even further pushed back after a bout of tonsillitis. She was forced to withdraw from last week’s inaugural ATX Open in Austin due to illness and also pulled out of the Tie Break Tens charity exhibition event held Tuesday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Raducanu reached the

third round of Indian Wells a year ago. To match that feat in 2023, she’ll need to beat Australian Open semifinalist and No.20 seed Magda Linette of Poland.

Murray pulls off another ‘marathon win’ of the season

Former World no. 1 Andy Murray has pulled off another marathon win, coming through a three hour and 12-minute battle with Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4 in the Indian Wells opener.

The three-hour and 12-minute triumph on Thursday was one of many marathon matches for the three-time Grand Slam winner, who has earned a bit of a reputation for these kinds of wins in 2023. Murray has competed in 10 matches this season, with a whopping 70 per cent of them going to a deciding set.

With this win, he improves to 7-0 in deciding sets in 2023, and 7-3 overall. He will next take on 15th-seed Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

2-0 away to Roma. The side from San Sebastian controlled much of the ball but fell behind to a 13th-minute goal from Stephen El Shaarawy following good work from Tammy Abraham. Three minutes from time, Marash Kumbulla headed in the second following a corner. In the Conference League, Villarreal tied 1-1 with Belgian side Anderlecht. Manu Trigueros’ first-half goal put Villarreal ahead, but Anders Dreyer levelled in the 57th minute.

Lithuanian Parl calls for Olympic ban on Russia, Belarus

VILNIUS, MAR 10 (AGENCIES): Lithuania’s parliament on Friday called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other sports bodies to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competition until war in Ukraine has ended, war criminals are prosecuted and reparations paid. Parliament in its motion said it was certain any victories by Russian or Belarusian athletes at the Olympics and elsewhere would be exploited for propaganda purposes by the governments in Moscow and Minsk.

Ukraine has spearheaded a call to ban athletes from Russia and its close ally Belarus from the Paris 2024 Games after the IOC in January said it was open to including Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals. In February, more than 30 countries including the US, Britain and France pledged their support for a ban, which the Russia in turn called “unacceptable”.

BENGALURU, MAR 10

(IANS): India’s Ankita

Raina and Rutuja Bhosale displayed immense tenacity while etching three-set wins to reach the singles semi-finals of the KPB Trust

ITF Women’s Open at the KSLTA Stadium, here on Friday.

Raina, fourth seed in the tournament, fought past Dea Herdzelas of Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-1, 6-7 (7), 7-5 while Bhosale overcame eighth seeded Briton Eden Silva 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.

On Saturday, Raina will face Bhosale in an allIndian semi-final of the 40k dollar tournament -- a part of the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour, being hosted by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) and sponsored by KPB Family Trust.

Earlier, top seeded Brenda Fruhvirtova of Czech Republic also entered the semi-finals with a 6-0, 7-5 victory over Indonesia’s sixth seeded Madelyne Nugroho. The No. 5 seed Dalila Jakupovic also registered an easy 6-2, 6-0 win against Ikumi Yamazaki in the other quarter-final.

Later in the day, Bhosale and her Swedish partner Jacqueline Awad went down to No. 1 seeded Portuguese pair of Jorge Fransica and Jorge Matilde 6-2, 3-6, 8-10 in the doubles semi-final.

Fransica-Matilde will face Greco-British pair of Valentini Grammatikopoulou and Eden Silva in the final on Saturday. Grammatikopoulou and Silva defeated Dalila Jakupovic of Slovakia and Amandine Hesse of France 6-1, 6-3.

Emma Raducanu

Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates with Rohit Sharma after a wicket during the 2nd day of the fourth test match between India and Australia in Ahmedabad. (PTI)

Manchester United’s Antony, celebrates with Marcus Rashford after scoring his side’s second goal. (AP/PTI)

India hockey players celebrate after scoring against Germany.

Ankita Raina Rutuja Bhosale