20 Jan 2023

Nagaland

NBSE declares HSLC, HSSLC exam dates

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) has notified the schedule for High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) exam 2023. According to DIPR, HSLC exam will be held from March 10-22 and HSSLC from March 9 to 31.

The Class XI promotion examination 2023 will be conducted simultaneously with HSSLC exam in the afternoon from March 9 to 31.

Altogether 24,360 students have enrolled for the HSLC exam and 16,083 enrolled to appear for the HSSLC exam. A total of 22,005 students will be appearing for the Class XI promotion exam, it said.

The timing for both HSLC and HSSLC exams would be from 9 a.m. and Class XI will be from 1 pm.

Routine for HSLC, HSSLC and Class XI promotion exams have been made available at www. nbsenl.edu.in while the list of exam centres and schoolwise allocation of roll numbers would be uploaded in the Board’s website soon.

CEO calls all-party meeting on Jan 21

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland V. Shashank Shekhar has convened a meeting with representative of all political parties in the State at the CEO’s office, Kohima on January 21, at 2.30 p.m. with regard to expenditure monitoring measures in view of the ensuing Assembly elections.

Tech scholarship scheme extended

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Directorate of Technical Education has informed all students belonging to the Indigenous and Schedule Tribes of Nagaland that invitation to the online application for State Technical Scholarship Scheme has been extended till February 15, 2023. Students who have not registered/applied for the scholarship scheme can apply online www.scholarship.nagaland.gov.in

Half-day closure of shops on Jan 26

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): In view of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Sachin Jaiswal has directed all shops/markets in Dimapur to remain closed till 12 noon.

This is it!

Nagaland fully prepared to conduct polls: CEO

stations and that volunteers would also be available to assist the voters.

KOHIMA, JAN 19 (NPN): Chief Electoral officer (CEO) Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar said Nagaland was fully prepared and confident to conduct the upcoming Assembly election scheduled on February 27.

Addressing media persons at Hotel Japfü here on Thursday, he was hopeful that the election would be held in a free and fair manner in the true spirit of democracy.

He disclosed that following the announcement of the election date on Wednesday, all state machineries, including administration, police and departments concerned, had geared into action.

“The Election Commission is sensitive to the needs of voters, who should feel comfortable when they come for casting their ballots. Therefore, necessary arrangements are being made by the administration and the departments concerned,” he claimed.

Shekhar mentioned that the voters would have access to basic facilities, including rams for persons with disabilities (PwDs), drinking water, etc, would be available at all polling

He said there were altogether 13,17,632 voters in the State, out of which 7,982 were service voters, and 2,315 polling stations would be set up of which 196 would be completely managed by women, including polling party and security personnel, while seven would be managed by PwDs.

He assured that special attention would be given to PwDs and senior citizens to cast their ballots.

Further, the CEO disclosed that senior citizens, including those who were 80 years and above, would be able to avail postal ballot option and they would be able to vote from the comforts of their home. He mentioned that their votes would be collected by teams from the Election Commission. Similarly, PwDs within a certain benchmark would also be given the option of postal ballot facility.

He remarked that all these facilities were reflections of the society’s concern for those with special needs.

As per the data shared by the CEO, the small -

est polling station is 40 Bhandari under 71 Merapani with a total of 37 voters, while polling station 12 under 32 Atoizu with 1,348 voters is the biggest. Among the Assembly constituencies, 27 Mokokchung town is the smallest with 8,302 voters, while 4 Ghaspani is the biggest with 74,391 voters.

Meanwhile, Shekhar said, apart from Electors’ Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), other documents for identification of voters approved by the commission included Aadhaar card, MGNREGA job card, passbooks with photographs issued by banks/ post offices, health insurance sma rt cards issued under various schemes of the Ministry of Labour, driving licence, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, passport, pension documents with photographs, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by Central/State government, PSUs/public limited companies, official identity cards issued by MPs/ MLAs/MLCs and Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards issued by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

NDPP-BJP seat sharing sealed at 40:20

GUWAHATI/DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (AGENCIES/NPN): After two days of closed-door meetings between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio in Delhi, the seat-sharing deal between the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was finalised on Thursday, a News18 report stated.

In the series of meetings, where North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was the main coordinator, the final deal was sealed at a 40:20 ratio.

After finalising the deal, Sarma said, “today we are finalising the seat sharing with NDPP for the Nagaland Legislative Assembly polls. BJP will contest 20 and NDPP will contest 40 seats in Nagaland. We finalised the seats where BJP will contest.”

A senior BJP functionary, while confirming about the finalisation of the 40 (NDPP):20(BJP) seat sharing in Delhi, disclosed to Nagaland Post that the tickets would be issued based on winnability and not as per 2018 seat arrangements.

“There will be re-adjustment of seats, which will be done based on winnability and not district-wise or tribe-wise. It is also very clear that the party will not go as per the 2018 assembly constituency allotment of tickets,” the BJP leader said.

A day after the Election Commission declared election dates for Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland,

Sarma revealed the party’s strategy for the three states. Sarma has been camping in Delhi and strategizing for the party with other regional parties, NDTV reports stated.

Of the three states, the BJP has been able to form an alliance only in Nagaland. In Meghalaya, the BJP will go solo and in Tripura it is in informal talks with royal scion Debbarma’s Tipra Motha. Debbarma on Thursday held a closed-door ‘informal’ meeting with Sarma in Delhi and was said to have discussed the issue of Greater Tipraland.

“Pradyot Debbarma met me informally but for

LMLF reiterates demand for PR in Nagaland

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Leaders and former legislators under the banner of the newly-formed ‘Like Minded Leaders’ Forum’ (LMLF) have once again reiterated their demand to impose President’s rule in Nagaland to accord priority towards resolving the Naga political issue.

In continuation with their firm stand that solution to the Naga political issue should come in the lives of Nagas at the earliest, the forum held an emergency consultative meeting here on Thursday.

In a statement, the forum’s convenor, S Hukavi Zhimomi said that the mem-

Police initiates measures for free and fair polls

DIMAPUR, JAN 19

(NPN): With the announcement of the State assembly elections to be held from February 27 and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force, the State police, as directed by the Election Commission would initiating all confidence building measures to ensure inducement free, threat free open atmosphere for conduct of free and fair elections.

In a statement, DGP Nagaland Rupin Sharma said the police along with central paramilitary forces have already started taking various measures to prevent transportation and distribution of illegal liquor, unau-

contraband substances.

These measures include motor vehicle checkings, area domination in the form of route marches, patrolling, hotel checking etc.

DGP said that these Actions would be conducted in the whole of Nagaland till the election process was over.

DGP appealed to the public for coordination and cooperation with the security forces and election machinery in the State for ensuring smooth conduct of elections.

carried out a flag march in Chümoukedima town area under the supervision of ACP, Ninoto I Zhimomi.

The objective of the flag march conducted by police and central forces was to ensure peace and harmony in view of the forthcoming assembly polls and aimed at reinforcing public confidence in law and order machinery and also in building friendly relations between the police and the public, a DIPR report stated.

bers deliberated over the decision of the Central government and Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold Assembly elections on February 27. They alleged that the State government headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio was also an active party to this decision.

The leaders felt that through its decision to impose the election, the Centre had undermined and ignored the cry of Nagaland and its people for an early solution to the Naga issue. They said it was the most unfortunate thing to have happened again with the Nagas. The forum stated that it understood the grav-

ity of the situation and also appreciated the fact that ECI was only following a democratic and constitutional process. But in order to ensure that the polls were conducted in a free and fair manner as promised by ECI and chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar, LMLF said it would be desirable that an impartial administration was at the helm.

Therefore, the forum urged President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately intervene and impose President’s Rule in Nagaland for smooth conduct of the polls.

Tripura there is a different set of leaders who are looking at alliances. In Meghalaya, we have decided to fight solo, so we are not forming any alliance. In Tripura, the Tipra Motha is actually not part of the BJP-led NEDA,” Sarma said.

“We have held a meeting with NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma in Delhi and I have clearly said that we would not compromise with Greater Tipraland demand. In the past we have said we will form an alliance with any national party if they give written assurance of a constitutional solution to the greater Tipraland demand,” Debbarma told NDTV.

“We will be contesting in 40-45 seats. We cannot negotiate on the Greater Tipraland issue for any post or alliance until our people are given assurance in writing for a constitutional solution under Article 2 and 3 for Greater Tipraland,” he said.

Gov greets on Khaozaosie-

Hok-Ah fest

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has extended greetings to the Khiamniungan community and the people of Nagaland on the occasion of KhaozaosieHok-Ah festival.

Mukhi said the festival advocates peaceful coexistence, friendship and reconciliation and was a time of thanksgiving for the year’s harvest.

“This vibrant festival also provides a platform for the youngsters to learn the rich and unique cultural values of the Khiamniungans,” Mukhi stated.

Govt can’t repeatedly send back proposals, says SC Collegium

NEW DELHI, JAN 19 (PTI): Supreme Court collegium has for the second time reiterated the names of two advocates -- Amitesh Banerjee and Sakya Sen -for appointment as judges of the Calcutta High Court “expeditiously”, saying it was not open for the government to repeatedly send back the same proposal.

killed 58 ‘kar sevaks’, which triggered widespread communal riots in Gujarat.

he’s speechless.”

thorised cash, drugs, arms & ammunition and other

Meanwhile, security personnel including police, CRPF, IRB and Special Task Force on Thursday

The flag march was carried out from Agri Expo gate and culminated at Chümoukedima Town CT Square.

Advocate Banerjee is the son of former SC judge Justice U C Banerjee, who headed a commission which in 2006 ruled out conspiracy angle in the 2002 Sabaramati Express fire tragedy at Godhra that

Enrolment rate in Nagaland higher than national average: ASER

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): At 99.3%, the overall enrolment rate of children in the age group 6-14 in Nagaland was higher in than the national average of 98.4% in 2022. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), 2022 released by Ajay Piramal, chairman of Piramal Group and chairman of Pratham Education Foundation, in New Delhi on Wednesday, government school enrolment in Nagaland (614 years) had also increased from 49.3% in 2018 to 50.8% in 2022.

But the State’s figure (8.75%) for the proportion of 15-16-yearold girls not enrolled in schools was higher than the national average of 7.9% and was slightly lesser than boys of the same age group with 10.3% who are currently not

enrolled in schools. Only three States had more than 10% of girls in this age group out of school – Madhya Pradesh (17%), Uttar Pradesh (15%) and Chhattisgarh (11.2%).

In 2008, nationally, more than 20% of girls in the 15-16 age group were not enrolled in school, which dropped to 13.5% in 2018, before falling to 7.9% in 2022.

Further, according to the 17th ASER, 22.7% of 3-year-olds were enrolled in Anganwadi centres in Nagaland in 2018, which had increased slightly in 2022 to 23.1%. But, the figure for 4-yearolds enrolled in Anganwadi centres decreased from 8.8% in 2018 to 3.9% in 2022. However, the most significant decrease can be noticed among the 6-year-olds

with 11.7% in 2018 to 0.5% in 2022. In Nagaland, the proportion of children in Std I-VIII taking paid private tuition classes increased from 25.4% in 2018 to 34.9% in 2022. The proportion is more among private school students with 48.4% as compared to government school students with 22.2%.

Nationally too, the proportion of children in Std I-VIII taking paid private tuition classes increased from 26.4% in 2018 to 30.5% in 2022. In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, the proportion of children taking paid private tuition increased by 8 percentage points or more over 2018 levels.

Nagaland, like many other States, also witnessed a decline

in the percentage of children in Std III in government and private schools who could read Std II level from 22.6% in 2018 to 21.2% in 2022. The proportion of children in Std V who could at least read a Std II level text had been more or less constant in the State from 48.1% in 2018 to 48.2 % in 2022.

The State also saw a slight growth in the basic reading ability of Std VIII students from 83.8% in 2018 to 86.4% in 2022. The figure of children in Std III who were able to least do subtraction dropped from 37.0% in 2018 to 33.8 % in 2022 in the State.

Nagaland’s proportion of children in Std V who can do division has seen a large drop from 25.8% in 2018 to 15.3% in 2022.

Advocate Sen is the son of Justice Shyamal Sen, who was elevated as a permanent judge of Calcutta High Court in February 1986 and later became the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court. Justice (retd) Sen had headed an inquiry commission which probed the multi-crore Saradha Group ponzi scam.

The three-member Collegium of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph, which held

its meeting on January 18, said, “In view of the above, the Collegium resolves to return the file for processing the recommendations for appointment of Amitesh Banerjee and Sakya Sen as Judges of the Calcutta High Court expeditiously.”

The resolution of the meeting noted that the department of Justice referred back their names on July 23, 2021 and the Supreme Court Collegium reiterated its earlier recommendation in respect of Amitesh Banerjee on September 1, 2021.

ZB (AMN) condemns TPO verdict

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam Manipur Nagaland) has rejected the December 19, 2022 verdict of the Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation.

ZB (AMN) president K. Akhang said the Baudi, as an apex organization of the Zeliangrong community across the three states, had time and again reiterated its position as stake holder and land owner traditionally in the run up of Meiko Rezai (Dzukou Valley) land dispute.

ZB termed it as a “compromise verdict completely lacking traditional values and customary practices in regard to land boundary handed down and honoured by the ancestor for ages. The Baudi said it had written twice, on March 22, 2021 and March 28, 2022, that if the traditional

land owner Yangkhullen, a Zeliangrong village is excluded as a stake holder in the settlement, ZB (AMN) would not be a party in the settlement of the case.

ZB said it was firm on its stand that it “cannot and would not part an inch of our God given land as a result of this compromise verdict.” The Baudi, further, reiterated that “the verdict holds no wisdom for excluding the original land owner in the settlement on a flimsy ground saying late submission of position paper by Yangkhullen village.” It reminded that ownership of land can never be discarded or disowned on the question of late or early claim. Therefore, ZB said it considered the verdict as “a dark page and ill-gotten spot in the history of Tenymi Organization.”

NZ’s PM Jacinda Arden to step down

Adamant wrestlers meet Sports Minister; demand WFI be disbanded

Correspondent

(4th from R) Shashank Shekhar along with officials addressing the media, Thursday. (NP)

Police and CAPF conduct flag march in Chümoukedima.

AIDA holds ‘capacity building’ training

DIMAPUR: ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), the development wing of Salesians of Don Bosco Dimapur province conducted a seven-day capacity building training for 42 programme managers, project coordinators, project managers and project officers from January 13 to 19.

The training was held at the AIDA Head Of -

fice, Don Bosco campus, Dimapur. AIDA through a press release informed that the Resource Persons of the training programme were Rev Fr Roy George, Rev Fr N. Angel Kuldeep, Dr Anna Lungbila, Joseph Mathew, Lanthou Mark Gonmei and Garrol Lotha.

The training programme touched various aspects of project and management, such as, per-

sonality development and an effective leader, steps, methods and techniques of project reporting, project planning and organising methods, etc.

AIDA executive director, Rev Fr Roy George, briefed on the purpose of the training. He exhorted the participants to take advantage of the training by equipping oneself with the skills and aptitudes

required to effectively implement the various programmes under their care.

The sessions also included various exercises, group dynamics, sharing of experiences and presentations to enable the participants to have deeper clarity on the ongoing programmes for better implementation. An evaluation was done at the end of the training.

Excise deptt seize

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Barely a day after Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the Assembly election schedule, Excise Department seized 4,560 bottles of assorted IMFL from in and around Dimapur town on Thursday.

According to a press release issued by commissioner of excise H Atokhe Aye, three units of Mobile Squad, Narcotic Cell and Dimapur District Excise conducted a lightning raid in and around Dimapur town and seized the liquor bottles.

Twenty four persons were also arrested in this connection and penalised under relevant section of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.

Further, with the announcement of Assembly election schedule by ECI and the coming into force of the Model Code Of Conduct (MCC), the Excise Department has also announced precautionary measures to check illegal

flow of liquor and drugs during the election process and to prevent their use as inducements for votes.

The general public and local residential authorities have been requested to report any use of alcohol during the election campaign to the enforcement authority, besides sharing information about any suspected activities like stockpiling, location of illicit liquor godowns, etc.

The commissioner said any such information might be conveyed to assistant commissioner, enforcement (Mobile no.

Social audit public hearing under MGNREGA in Mokokchung

DIMAPUR: A District level public hearing on Social Audit under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA) for projects implemented during the financial year 2020-2021 for six villages namely Chakpa, Chuchuyimlang (Chuchuyimlang Block); Khensa, Longkhum (Ongpangkong (S) Block); Lakhuni, New Vizo Model Village & (Longchem Block), under Mokokchung district was held at DRDA Conference Hall, Mokokchung on January 16.

According to a DIPR report, Project Officer, DRDA Imyapangla who chaired the social audit addressed and welcomed the

dignitaries and participants.

Assistant Director from Social Audit Unit, Nagaland, Imlirenla Sanglir representatives of Social Audit Unit, DRDA Officials and BDOs along with staff of respective Blocks, Village functionaries, NGOs and MGNREGA workers at -

tended the social audit.

Assistant Director, from social audit unit Nagaland, Imlirenla Sanglir, in her introductory speech reiterated the implementing agency on taking all the community of the villages on board during planning, implementation, monitor -

ing and evaluation of the scheme. She further stated that work demand should be made on priority with due consultation and in accordance with the requirement of the community. Sanglir also informed that apart from MGNREGA, the NSSAA, Social Audit Unit, Nagaland has taken up social audit for the Schemes- PM

Poshan, erstwhile MDM programme under Department of School Education, National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) under Social Welfare Department, Prime Minister Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) under Rural Development Department. Social Audit for Fifteenth Finance Commission under RD Depart-

ment and Social Audit on Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) were on the pipeline. EAC, Mokokchung, Zerutso Kesiezie who represented district administration as an observer, acknowledged the Social Audit Team for meticulously carrying out the social audit process.

89743 18888).

He disclosed that check gate vigilance and surveillance had also been intensified and tightened, stating that regular frisking operations of suspected vehicles would be the order of the day.

He cautioned that general public as well as commercial and private vehicles carrying any kind of contraband would be penalised as per the law.

All shops, restaurants, hotels, lodges, etc, would be subjected to frequent checking and surprise inspections.

Defaulters would invite punitive measures and process would be initiated for cancellation of their licences by the competent authority.

There would also be regular round-the-clock MVCP and STF patrols in all districts.

Aye clarified that the regulations and measures had been put in place to ensure an alcohol and drug-free electioneering in the State. He requested the citizens to extend their cooperation to the Excise Department towards the objective.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LATE MARNINGSANG (KHENSA) Born 17.10.1922 Died – 13.01.2023 We the family members of Late Marningsang (Khensa) would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all our friends, relatives, villagers, unions, churches and well-wishers, who stood and comforted us physically, morally, spiritually and financially at the sad demise on 13.01.2023. We deeply regret our inability to thank every individual, but your expressions of sympathy will never be forgotten. It is our earnest prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

mKc-20/23

Loving children, grandchildren and in-laws

THANK YOU everyone for your prompt and kind expression of sympathy, tribute and prayers at the sudden demise of our beloved Late IMOWATI LONGKUMER. We are unable to find words to say how grateful and thankful we felt, but it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless each and everyone of you abundantly.

We specially thank: 1. DABA Lungmen Fellowship.

2. Unger Senso Telongjem, Dimapur.

3. Dimapur District Badminton Association.

Progressive Shuttlers, Dimapur. 5. Neighbours, Friends, Well-Wishers and Relatives.

K-155/23

AIDA members with other participants during training programme.

Officials and others at the public hearing on social audit on MGNREGA in Mokokchung.

Excise department personnel with seized IMFL items on Thursday.

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, JAN 19 (NPN): Minister of Agriculture and Cooperation, G. Kaito Aye graced the occasion of the day 2 of 69th Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), at Akhoya village, as the special guest, Thursday.

While delivering his speech, G Kaito stated that AKM, along with elders, communities, NGOs, and legislators, can make a significant impact in society as today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow.

He stated that Naga society today is shattered and asked the Naga student community to join together and cultivate togetherness, noting that unity is the Nagas’ only strength.

Aye emphasised that the Ao community has been in the forefront of several sectors such as education and religion, and asked the audience to continue the growth and embrace a Christian way of life.

Earlier, short speeches were delivered by NSF President, Kegwayhun Tep, ENSF President, Chingmak Chang and Ao Senden President, Chubawati Longchar.

AKM Educational Promotional Trust Award’, was awarded to three graduate and post gradu -

ate students of 2020-22.

Samemba Longsa (Commerce), Tetseo College 2020, Imkongkumla Ozukum, Mongsenyimti (Arts) Unity College2021and Imkongwapang Lakhuni, (Science) Immanuel College 2022.

During the workshop session, Sharingain Longkumer, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker during his exhortation stated that, “AKM as an organization has achieved many successes and accolades since the inception of the organization.”

He went on to say that through the labour of the founding members and successive offices that have taken has resulted in many of our young succeeding in diverse professions.

AKM remains as a beacon of hope for preservation of our cultural

identity among the young and for preserving in the welfare of the students and nurturing the young talents into future leaders in diverse professions, he said.

Also, speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, Nokchasashi asked the general Ao community to be receptive and accommodative with humility, for the betterment of the Nagas.

The key speakers, under the conference theme, ‘Education in Praxis’, were Department of Power, Engineer-in-Chief, Er. Moa Aier, engineer and technology entrepreneur founder, Tabernacle – the Go-toSoftware for Churches, Er. Atoba, which was moderated by Limasenla Jamir. The workshop session was hosted by former President of AKM, Imkongwati.

Seminar on Astronomy conducted in Kohima

DIMAPU R: Innovation

Hub and Space Education Centre, Nagaland Science Centre, Dept. of Science and Technology, Nagaland conducted a Seminar on Astronomy at Azedon High School, Kohima on January 19.

In a press release, Science and technology department, junior mentor, Er. V. Zhale stated that the seminar themed as “Back to the Moon” was primarily focused on the Moon while a general insight was also given on the Universe.

A Science communicator and enthusiast, Asecho Cosmos Phinyo who is also the author

LJP (Ram Vilas)greets

DI MAPUR: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Nagaland Unit has extended warms greeting of Khaozaosie-Hok-Ah to the Khiamniungan community of Nagaland.

In another news, LJP (Ram Vilas) has informed through its media cell that it has set up new Head Office Building at Thilixu village, opposite to Hornbill school.

The party also stated that it has elevated Viloto Pukhato as state working president from vicepresident.

of the book “Sunlight and its effect on the Environment”, delivered the keynote address and interacted with the participants as the Resource Person of

terrestrial objects through three different telescopes viz a Schmidt -Cassegrain telescope, a Newtonia telescope and a terrestrial telescope.

The event was followed by a rapid - fire quiz based on the theme where Vane Tsuziih, class-10 of Azedon School emerged as the winner.

The program was chaired by Azedon High School, headmistress, Sentinaro.

DEOs, police issue orders related to ensuing polls

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA:

In connection with the announcement of General Election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023 by the Election Commission of India dated January 18, Deputy Commissioners and Districts Election Officers of various districts have issued a range of orders related to the upcoming state assembly polls.

Kohima: The DC & DEO Kohima has notified that the constitution of District Level Standing Committee (DLSC) for Model Code of Conduct (MCC) would be as such; Convener; DC & DEO Kohima, Superintendent of Police, SDO (C) Hq. & Nodal Officer (MCC), all ROs/AROs Kohima district, administrator KMC, EEM Nodal Officer, president and general secretary of recognized political parties, Kohima, president & two representatives Angami Public Organization, president & two representatives, Angami Miapfu Mechu Krotho (AMK), president & two representatives, An-

gami Youth Organization Assistant Election Officer as the members of the committee.

According to a DIPR report, the notification also stated that the Committee shall meet from time to time, as and when required to discuss issues relating to free, fair and peaceful conduct of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election, 2023.

The first meeting of the Committee will be held on January 20 at 3:30 PM in the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima.

All concerned have been requested to make it convenient to attend the meeting positively.

Tseminyu: Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Tseminyu, Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi (IAS) has notified that in compliance to directives of Election Commission of India, there will be a one day training cum orientation program on Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) and Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for all the officials, team members of

the Election Expenditure Monitoring Committee (EEMC) and political parties/ intending candidates for 12th Tseminyu Assembly on January 20 in the office chamber of Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Tseminyu from 11 am onwards

In this connection, all the officials and teams of EEMC have been directed to attend the training without fail and no leave of absence will be entertained.

All political party/candidates intending to contest the upcoming elections are required to nominate their expenditure agents to attend the said training cum orientation program positively.

Mokokchung: The Deputy Commissioner and DEO Mokokchung in a notification constituted the following members in order to ensure observation the model code of conduct (MCC) and smooth conduct of the general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023.

The District Level Standing Committee con-

stitutes the following members; Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Superintendent of Police Mokokchung, Kelengunuo Solo, EAC Ongpangkong, DPRO Mokokchung, president / secretary /representatives of all political parties, Assistant Election Officer.

It has also been informed that the first meeting of the committee has been convened on January 20 at DC’s conference hall at 1pm. All the members have been requested to attend the meeting without fail.

DC & DEO Mokokchung has also implemented the Model Code of Conduct within the districtand will be in force till the completion of the General Election.

Longleng: Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Longleng, Dharam Raj has informed to all concerned that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force with immediate effect throughout Longleng district till culmination of the election process.

All the political parties, intending candidates, government departments/ establishment and general public of Longleng district are informed to take note of the same and adhere strictly to the Model Code of Conduct and extend cooperation to the election machinery to ensure peaceful conduct of the said election.

Dimapur: Deputy Commissioner & DEO Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal IAS has cautioned that very strict action would be initiated with show cause notice, in case of any election duty lapses by any government employees serving under Dimapur district.

According to a DIPR report, the Deputy Commissioner said this while briefing the Flying Squad team today, January 19, in the conference hall of DC Dimapur. With the announcement of poll dates, the Model Code of Conduct has been enforced and the flying squad under Dimapur district has been activated.

Sachin directed the

Inauguration programme of jewellery and basket making held

difference between the MEDP & LEDP Training programmes. Lead District Manager Naveen Basumatary in his speech said that it was wise to use one’s free time by learning something new.

flying squad team to be in their respective areas of operation/ assignment and to be vigilant at all times by working out a rotation basis chart.

In the meeting, ADC & RO for Dimapur 1 and II, MhaloHumtsoe advised the officials to go through the MCC guidelines and be thorough on how to go about in their assigned election duties for successful conduct of the State Assembly elections.

Dimapur Police: Commissioner of Police and District Magistrate Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, in a press release has prohibited any person from carrying arms (firearms, machete/daos, clubs, Spears, explosives, catapults or any other articles designed or adopted as weapon for offence or defense) in their possession within the District of Dimapur/ Chumoukedima/Niuland with immediate effect.

It was also informed that the order has been passed ex-parte due to emergent exigencies and shall remain in force till further notice.

NSCN Khango cautions

the Seminar.

The participants numbering about 60, including teachers and students were also made to

She thanked the Department of Science & Technology for conducting such programs for the students and also invited the department for more events in the future.

DIMAPUR: Inauguration of the skill training programme on basket making under Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) and jewellery making under Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP), organised by a NGO Assisi Centre for Integrated Development and inaugurated on January 19 by NABARD.

A press release by Assisi Centre for Integrated Development, director, Sr.Pramila Lobo stated

that the programme was attended by LDM Navin Basumatary, DDM Karbi Anglong, Bendang Aier, Adv. Priya Shyam, and ACID team with master trainer along with 130 participants from 12 different SHG at Dilowjan in Bokajan Block.

The MEDP and LEDP training programs are supported by NABARD under grant assistance for Micro Enterprise Development Programme and Livelihood &Enterprise Development Programme and

it will be conducted for 13 and 15 days each.

In the Inaugural session NABARD DDM Bendang Aier informed that in order to bridge the skill deficits and to facilitate optimization of the production activities being undertaken by matured SHG members.

He also expressed that quality products, demand and the market was also important. As he officially launched the i naugural programme he made it very clear the

Now many programmes which are directed by the central and state government are mainly for the rural women and for their development. He encouraged them to make use of the opportunity availed by the NGO through the support of the NABARD, other than these skill trainings if they need for any other programmes like animal husbandry they can approach the banks for the loan facility.

Director of the NGO, Sr.Pramila spoke on the importance of enhancing the skills she said that skill development is a tool for women empowerment.

As Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, said “when women move forward the family moves, the village moves and the nation moves”.

Therefore, it is very important that women come out from their four walls and upgrade themselves through different skills.

She also encouraged the trainees to make use of the opportunity to the fullest which would also help them enhance and expand their skills.

Adv. Priya shyam stressed more upon the skill up gradation for economic empowerment where women have the capacity and creativity to bring best out of it when opportunities are provided make use of it.

NABARD DDM, Bendang Aier spoke in brief about the importance of equipping these skill trainings, and credit linkage and subsidy and requested the NGO along SHGs to work on Banking Plan for the trained participants to ensure that the training programme is well implemented post training of SHG. SHGs were given a time for introduction and sharing of opinions. ACID Tara Sabira expressed her gratitude to the NGO for the different trainings availed. The programme was compeered by Vanbeni Yanthan, while Asela delivered God’s blessings and the vote of thanks by Nidhi.

DIMAPUR : NSCN/GPRN (Khango) has cautioned “imposters” exploiting the taxation transaction in and around Dimapur, Niuland and Chumoukedima claiming to be representing NSCN/GPRNK, under the leadership of “impeached general secretary Isak Sumi”.

In a press note through its MIP, NSCN (Khango) has warned of stern and befitting action against such impostors.

The group also sought to clarify the “illusion of the rampant conjuncture” that NSCN/GPRN-K has split into two splinter groups or that the impeached general secretary still represent the group.

MIP said that the NSCN/ GPRN-K was intact under the leadership of ‘lieut. gen’ (Retd) Khango Konyak and the impeached general secretary does not represent the NSCN/ GPRN-K anymore.

Therefore, MIP said that any individual/business associations and unions entertaining the “imposters” will be doing so at their own risk.

It further said that the group can be contacted at 8798204427 in case of any queries or information of “imposter” trying to extort in the name of NSCN/GPRN-K.

ADC Tsg constitutes medical board: In view of the conduct of the upcoming assembly election, ADC Tuensang, ThungchanbemoTungoe has constituted a medical board in respect of Tuensang district with the following mentioned officers to examine and issue medical certificates to the government servants who may apply for exemption from election duty on the medical ground. The medical board consisted of ADC Tuensang as chairman, CMO Tuensang, Dr.KeveduyiTheyo and MO PHC Srinagesh, Dr.WeallenChilaLoyem as members.

ADC Pfutsero informs arms license holders: ADC Pfutsero, JophethWoch has ordered all the arms license holders under the Pfutsero subdivision to report to the concerned Police station between 9 am-3 pm latest by January 31 with arms/ammunition and license booklet for physical verification. The order has been issued following rules 30 and 112 of the Arms Rules 2016, in view of the upcoming assembly election and to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the district.

DWO informs: Dimapur District Welfare Officer, Keneikesangulie Zumu has informed all the beneficiaries of old age(IGNOAPS), widow (IGNWPS)and Disabled pension (IGNDPS) who have not availed the benefits during the disbursement of pension from January 9 to 19 2023, that payment will be made from January 20 to 31, at District Welfare Office, Diphupar.

ORVC conveys meeting: Old Riphyim Village Council convened its annual general meeting on January 24 at the tourist compound, 9:00 am. Therefore, ORVC has requested all citizens to attend the said meeting positively.

JDU Nagaland: JDU Nagaland suspends Youth president state JDU Nagaland, Akashe Yeptho, w.e.f January 19 till further notice due to his anti-party activities.

KYC informs: Kuda Youth Club (KYC) has informed to all the internet service providers and cable operators to immediately remove their fiber cable from the entrance of the Kuda youth hall, Kuda village within five days from the issue of the notice, further informing, the trees near the wall will be cut down after the end of given days and added that, damaged cause to the cables would neither be reimbursed nor the youth body would entertain any complaints.

DDTDWTU informs: Dimapur district truck driver’s welfare trade union has informed all the members of DDTDWTU that the general meeting cum annual picnic and draw of lottery result for the welfare of DDTDWTU, which was supposed to be held on January 21, has been extended to March 4, due to requisition of some of the members in the election duty.

G Kaito Aye

Assisi centre members with other participants at the event.

observe heavenly bodies as well as

ADC Mokokchung, Chumlamo Humtsoe speaking at meeting in connection with the preparation for the upcoming 74th Republic Day celebration at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung on January 16. (DPRO Mokokchung)

Azedon High School students attending the seminar.

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JAN 19: The poll bound state on Thursday saw a war of words between the various contesting parties in Meghalaya.

With TMC being in the line of fire, both BJP and NPP took their jibes at Mamta led party.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday termed West Bengal under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government as a failed state with lawlessness, corruption and lack of development.

“There is no development in West Bengal and the law and order too is deteriorating under the TMC while corruption is rampant,” Meghalaya BJP president, Ernest Mawrie said

He exuded confidence that in the ensuing panchayat election in West Bengal, scheduled this year, the “BJP will win all the seats.”

Hitting out at the TMC further, Mawrie said the TMC’s poll promise to provide Rs. 1000 monthly to

each woman of a household as a “lip service.”

As part of its poll promise, the TMC has assured Rs. 1000 to one woman of a household under its We card. This scheme was launched by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in the state capital last year.

“We have collected information and the report suggests that WB is a total failure. There is no development,” Mawrie said.

He also appealed to the people of the state to give BJP a chance if they want development, peace and jobs for the youth.

On allegations of the Congress that the BJP is protecting the corrupts in the

MDA government and are hand in glove in depriving people their rights, Mawrie said, the BJP has zero tolerance against corruption.

NPP describes Mamata’spoll promises‘hollow’

Describing Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee’s poll promises for the people of Meghalaya as “mere election promises”, the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Thursday urged citizens in this poll-bound state not to fall victim to such hollow promises.

The Mamata Banerjee party which is aiming to gain a foothold in Meghalaya after a poll debacle in Goa had launched a couple of flagship programmes — ‘WE Card’, or the Meghalaya Financial Inclusion for Women Empowerment Scheme (MFI WE) and Meghalaya Youth Empowerment (MYE) - - to empower the women and youth of the State.

Both the schemes as-

Manipur CM assures super specialty health-care facilities in hill districts

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 19: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday assured super specialty health-care facilities in hill districts of the hilly state.

The state government has taken a decision to construct super specialty healthcare facilities/infrastructure in the four hill districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel at the earliest so that patients from far-flung villages do not have to travel to Imphal or other cities for treatment, Singh said. The chief minister was addressing at the inaugural function of the Tekru-Nge celebration at Jessami village in Ukhrul bordering Nagaland today.

The festival celebrated under the theme “Walking through the diversity and richness of Jessami” will continue till January 21.

He said that at the moment, despite the lack of specialist doctors in the hill districts, treatments for diseases requiring specialist doctors were being provided through Tele-ICU.

Reiterating the developmental changes witnessed in the state since the BJP-led government was installed in the state, the chief minister said that revisit of the peace in the state has brought

about the development.

Biren Singh also spoke on the need of maintaining the brotherly relations among the communities and said that only the sense of oneness among the people will bring prosperity in the state. On the other hand, the chief minister asked the deputy commissioner of the district to judiciously utilize the infrastructures being developed in the district, so that the public may reap the benefits of the infrastructures.

In response to a memorandum submitted by the residents of Jessami village, the chief minister assured of making the SBI branch in the area operational to ease monetary transaction problems facing them.

He also asked the vil-

lagers to submit a report with proper geo-tagging and mapping through the DC for the development of a wildlife sanctuary at a nearby forest area which houses different faunas including state bird “Nongyin”.

The inaugural function was also attended by transport minister KhashimVashum, social welfare minister H Dingo, MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar among others. As part of the celebration, the chief minister also dedicated the Model Residential School, LM Block, Ukhrul and Cave Tourism Project at Khangkhui Cave to the public and inaugurated display of cultural and WW-II related items. Cultural items highlighted the inaugural function.

sure a guaranteed financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per month each to one woman and per household and unemployed youth of the state.

The NPP reiterated that the promises made by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee during her election meeting in North Garo Hills on Wednesday were mere poll gimmicks, which sound good only on paper and in publicity materials.

“They (TMC) have termed their baaki (credit) cards – ‘We Card’ and ‘MYE’ – as revolutionary without realising that such intervention, if could be done, will take any State on a debt trap, which has happened in the case of West Bengal,” the NPP said.

Stating that ‘WE Card’ Scheme is actually the rebranded name of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme of the West Bengal government, the NPP said, “the TMC government of West Bengal has a per capita debt of around Rs 59,000 crore in 2022-23, and this scheme is one of the reasons increas-

ing this debt.”

“West Bengal’s accumulated debt for 2022-23 is expected to rise to 5.86 lakh crore, up from Rs 5.28 lakh crore as on March 31, 2022. The West Bengal government is already struggling with severe financial crunch and finding it hard to keep afloat its social schemes, and this scheme has also affected other schemes,” the NPP said

With such steep mountain of debts to clear, it is clear that the All India Trinamool Congress will also make Meghalaya fall into a debt trap, and leave its people to face the brunt of it.”

The TMC did not contest the 2018 meghalaya assembly elections became the main opposition party in November 2021 after 12 Congress defected to the Bengal-based political party. Election to the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will be held on February 25 and counting of votes will be held on March 2.

Landslide hazards mitigation study center opens in Manipur University

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 19: Center of Excellence Landslide Hazards Mitigation was on Thursday opened at Manipur University under the funding of the North East Frontier Railway (NEFR).

The centre was opened after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Manipur University and North East Frontier Railway (NEFR) to set up the Center.

The Center will study and suggest suitable technical precautions to mitigate landslide hazards to NEFR while constructing railway lines in the areas under the jurisdiction of the frontier including in the ongoing Jiribam-Imphal railway line construction.

The Center will also study and suggest the remedial measures for stability of the slopes along the railway line from Jiribam to Imphal and adjacent hill slopes in the state, officials said.

With the signing of the MoU, vice chancellor of MU Prof N Lokendra Singh inaugurated the Center at MU campus in the presence of officials of the university and NEFR.

The university provided the space and building for the Center as per the MoU to be functional with the funding of the NERF.

The Centre will also attempt to develop an early warning system for landslide hazards as per the requirement of railway traffic on the Jiribam-Imphal align -

ment.

General manager Anshul Gupta of the NEFR said that NEFR would like to adopt suitable technical precautions in the expansion of the railway network in the northeast region.

MU vice chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh hoped that the Center will help the NEFR to find out ways and means of mitigating the natural disasters. The university is willing to provide all necessary assistants to the railway authorities, he added.

251 Myanmar citizens taking shelter in Mizoram after bombings

AIZAWL, JAN 19

(AGENCIES): More than 200 citizens of Myanmar have sought safe shelter in the Champhai district of Mizoram after the recent airstrikes by the armed forces of the country in its border region. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Champhai district, 251 citizens of Myanmar have taken shelter in three villages under his district after the recent bombing aimed at destroying the insurgent camps in the region, reports the Sentinel.

Myanmar had carried out the aerial bombing operation in order to root out the headquarters of the Chin National Army. The armed forces had carried

BJP’s poll independent agency predicts win in 10

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JAN 19: A survey conducted by an independent agency for the BJP predicted that the saffron party will be winning 10 to 25 seats in the Meghalaya Assembly elections, State BJP president, Ernest Mawrie revealed on Thursday.

Mawrie said the party expects to win seats from Shillong urban assembly constituencies, Jaintia hills and Garo Hills. He said the party would put up candidates in all the 60 assembly constituencies.

Assam CM, ministers pay homage to Nilmani Phookan

GUWAHATI, JAN 19

(AGENCIES): Eminent poet and Jnanpith Award winner

Padma Shri Nilmani Phookan passed away today morning after a cardiac arrest in GMCH.

Following the directions that he gave before passing, the family carried out the last rights with proper honour from the state, reports the Sentnel.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was unable to attend the funeral as he was in New Delhi. Mentioning his grief at the loss of the poet he mentioned, “I am saddened to hear of the passing away of one of the brightest stars that blessed the society of Assam with their literary creations.

MIZORAM, JAN 19: Serchipp Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), recovered Heroin No-4 (580.4 grams) worth Rs. 2,90,20,000/Crore in general area Rountlang village, Champhai and apprehended two (One Myanmar National) on January 19.

In a press release, Assam rifles informed that the operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles and Excise & Narcotics Department, Champhai based on specific information.

Approximate cost of the recovered Heroin - No 4 was Rs 2,90,20,000. The seized consignment and apprehended individuals were handed over to Excise & Narcotics Department, Champhai on the same day for further legal proceedings.

Ongoing smuggling of illegal drugs is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram. Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the ‘Sentinels of Northeast’ have been successful in launching such operations against the smuggling activities in Mizoram.

His death is an irreparable loss to Assam and the Assamese national identity. I wish him eternal peace and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The funeral will be held with full state dignity.”

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also gave his condolences on the loss of the educationalist and poet Nilamani Phookan. He mentioned, “I am deeply saddened by the physical passing away of a sage whose unique touch fertilized the field of Assamese poetry and literature, whose sincere presence cheered our

ing to the numbers provided by the DC office, 3 people have taken shelter in Thekte, 17 in Samthang and 231 in the Farkawn village since the aerial attacks.

He prayed for the poet’s soul and extended his deepest condolences to the family for their great loss. In a condolence message, the minister said his death marks the end of a bright chapter in the Assamese literary world as well as the language itself. He added that the death of this ever-revered poet left an irreplaceable void in the intellectual field of the state He said the immortal works and evergreen personality of the poet would remain in the hearts of the Assamese forever. Minister Ajanta Neog also offered her condolences on the loss telling that it has affected her very deeply.

He added that the illustrious journey of worlds and poems that started in Dergaon of Goalaghat has come to an end in Guwahati today. Speaking about his immortal creations, the minister said that it will affect not only Assamese literature, but the entire Assamese way of life.

the

the

This landmark is the one marking the IndiaMyanmar border. Accord-

According to the state, more than 30400 nationals from the neighbouring country are taking shelter in different parts of the state. Out of them 1453 are in Farkawn, 220 in Thekte and 24 in Samthang villages of the Champai district. These people are staying in 160 relief camps that have been set up across eight of the 11 districts of the state.

The majority of these people belong to the Chin region and share the same ethnicity as the Mizo people.

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE WOKHA : NAGALAND S/C No. 2/2023 NOTICE

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under succession act 1925 for grant of succession certificate for the estate/pension benefit of Late. Mhonchumi R Lotha been applied by Smti. Senchumbeni, D/o, Lt. Mhonchumi R Lotha, R/o. Midland Colony, Wokha, Nagaland for possession of; 1. Nagaland Rural Bank, A/c No. 27008016377.

NOTICE

This is for general information that the recruitment tests for the posts of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) & Drivers under the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change which was scheduled to be conducted on 20/01/23 and 21/01/23 is hereby postponed till further notice.

Chief Conservator of Forests (HQ) Kohima : Nagaland Dp-305/23

Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before 17-02-2023. Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 17-01-2023. Sd/- District & Sessions Judge Wokha : Nagaland wc-11/23 OFFICE OF THE NEW JALUKIE VILLAGE

Motto ‘’ Together in unity’’

The Village Council strongly prohibits hunting and fishing in and within the village jurisdiction, without the concern or permission of the village council carrying of sand gravel is prohibited.

The village council urged all the concerns to comply and abide by the resolution of the village council. Whosoever infringe shall be levied a stern action.

Date :18/01/2023

New Jalukie Village Council New Jalukie Village

Chairman Head GB LIANGKEBO WILUNGTAN NCHANG

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FOREST & HEAD OF FOREST FORCE

“So far there are 123 aspirants for the party ticket in Meghalaya and for seats such as Dalu (Garo hills) there are four aspirants while in Mahendraganj (Garo Hills) there are six contenders for the party ticket, Mawrie said.

In the 2018 assembly elections, the BJP had candidates in 42 assembly constituencies and won the Pynthorumkhrah and South Shillong assembly constituency respectively. The BJP is supporting the National People’s Party-led Megjalaya Democratic Alliance government.

out two series of attacks targeting Camp Victoria, the military head office of the Chin National Army on January 10 and 11. The first round of attacks reportedly killed five of the members of the outfit including two

women but the second one did not have any casualties. Although some local people and organisations claimed that some of the explosives landed on the Indian side of the border as well, the report of the DC office to

home department of

state last week mentioned that “one of the bombs or its shrapnel hit the Tiau River”.

Conrad Sangma

Manipur University on Thursday inked MoU with NEFR to set up Center of Excellence Landslide Hazards Mitigation.

CM N Biren Singh at the inaugural function of Tekru-Nge celebration at Jessami village in Ukhrul district on Thursday.

Myanmar refugees. (Sentinel)

to 25 seats in Meghalaya

hearts and souls The death of the Jnanpith Award winner is an irreparable loss to the Assamese and Indian literary world.” He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Minister Ashok Singhal visited Gauhati Medical College and Hospital to pay his tributes to the poet on Thursday.

The family carried out the last rights with proper honour from the state.

The apprehends with the seized drugs.

Student attempts self-immolation

KOTA (RAJASTHAN)

JAN 19 (PTI): A 20-yearold NEET aspirant from Bihar attempted self-immolation here over pressure for studies, police said on Thursday. Mayank Kumar set himself ablaze in his paying guest (PG) room in Talwandi area under Jawahar Nagar police station on Wednesday afternoon, they said. The youth, a resident of Bihar’s west Champaran, had been pursuing self-studies for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for the last two months in Kota, they said. The NEET aspirant allegedly took the step after his father repeatedly asked him to focus on his studies, they said.

Earthquake of 3.2 magnitude hits J-K

JAMMU, JAN 19 (PTI): An earthquake of 3.2 magnitude hit Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday but there was no loss of life or damage to property, officials said. The epicentre of the earthquake, which occurred at 12.4 pm, was the Doda area in the Jammu region, they said. The quake hit at a latitude of 33.21 degrees north and a longitude of 75.72 degrees east at a depth of 10 kilometres, the officials said.

SFs, Naxals exchange fire in Jharkhand

MEDININAGAR

(JHARKHAND), JAN 19 (PTI): A gunfight broke out between security forces and Naxals in Jharkhand’s Palamu district on Thursday, police said. Acting on a tip-off that some members of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) had assembled at a forest in the Manatu police station area, an operation was started by CRPF and the district police. Bisrao forest is about 200 km from the state capital Ranchi.

“The firing from both sides continued for about 20 minutes this morning,” Superintendent of Police, Palamu, Chandan Kumar Sinha, said. However, the extremists escaped taking advantage of the deep forest, he said. An air gun and mobile phones were seized from the area.

JAMMU, JAN 19 (PTI): Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district on Thursday directed petrol pumps not to provide fuel to motorists who do not wear helmets, officials said. They have also been asked to install CCTVs at their premises and provide the footage to police, the officials said. “An order has been issued under section 144 CrPc that motorists who don’t wear helmets, will not be given fuel.

New India has big dreams: PM Modi

MUMBAI, JAN 19 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that for the first time since Independence, “New India” has big dreams and the courage to realise them.

Speaking at a public meeting in Mumbai after launching Rs 38,000 crore infrastructure projects, Modi said there was a “long period” of the last century that was lost discussing poverty and seeking help from foreigners.

Many cities across India are going to power the growth story of the country, he said. “Therefore, making Mumbai futureready is one of the commitments of the double-engine government,” he added.

Mumbai will be transformed in the next few years, he said.

While the world’s biggest economies are in turmoil, India continues to provide free rations to 80 crore people, Modi said.

Amid the global slowdown, India continues to invest in infrastructure which shows its commit-

ment towards being a developed nation, the PM said.

Earlier, the money meant for the welfare of the poor used to be embezzled by middlemen, he said.

“In the last eight years, we have removed this approach, and are moving with futuristic thinking by increasing spending on modern infrastructure,” he said.

Maharashtra’s infrastructure development acquired speed after CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy

CM Devendra Fadnavis assumed office, he said.

Modi inaugurated Mumbai Metro lines 2A and 7, comprising a 35km long elevated corridor stretching from Andheri to Dahisar.

He also inaugurated 20 Aapla Davakhana health clinics named after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of development projects worth more than Rs 38,000

DU students demand rollback of FYUP

crore in different sectors in Mumbai, giving a big push to infrastructure, urban travel and healthcare ahead of civic polls.

This was Modi’s first visit to Mumbai after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took office in June-end last year after dislodging the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

Civic elections in Mumbai and some other important cities, including Pune, Thane and Nagpur, are likely to be held later this year. BJP and Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena are looking to wrest control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from the Thackeray-headed camp.

At a function held at the MMRDA ground in BKC, Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones of a string of projects worth more than Rs 38,000 crore aimed at developing infrastructure, easing urban travel, and strengthening healthcare in the financial capital.

Centre respects judiciary, its independence: Kiren Rijiju

PUDUCHERRY, JAN 19 (PTI): Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said “the Central government respects Judiciary as independence of the Judiciary is absolutely necessary.”

Laying foundation for a building to come up at a cost of Rs 13 crore to house chambers for lawyers of Puducherry on the precincts of the integrated court complex here, he said, “Right from day one of my assumption of office of Minister of Law and Justice, I am clear in my concept, vision and intention about the independence of Judiciary.”

“Our government respects the Judiciary and independence of Judiciary is also absolutely necessary for a thriving democracy,” he added.

“Judiciary works for the country and the Legislature and Executive also work for the nation. Without cooperation and coordination among them we cannot make the country a great nation,” he said.

He asserted that the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive are not working in different ways. “We work in separate zones but with same purpose and have very clear-cut tasks in our hand determined by the Constitution of India.”

The separation of powers, respect for each other and Lakshman Rekhas have been clearly demarcated and therefore there need be no room for any controversy, he said.

The Union Law Minister said his message to the Judiciary “is that we will always honour dignity and independence of Judiciary.”

Rijiju voiced concern

that “some are however, making comments or statements and also adverse remarks in this regard which are only damaging the institution.”

He said during last few days he had seen “some remarks made by eminent persons, eminent lawyers and some retired Supreme Court judges whom we expect would make positive contributions for the nation’s growth”.

“I have written to Chief Justice of India to have a very structured collegium system to appoint judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts in the country and this is very well guided by the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court,” Rijiju said.

He said that the Bench had given very “clear observations and directions to the Collegium and the government in 2016 to restructure the memorandum of process to appoint judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. This, however, got delayed.

BJY ‘thaw’ ends, Gehlot-Pilot power tussle resumes

JAIPUR, JAN 19 (PTI):

The power tussle between Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his bete noire Sachin Pilot that seemed to have thawed briefly during the Bharat Jodo Yatra has resumed within days of the march crossing the state with the two leaders sparring again.

NEW DELHI, JAN 19

(PTI): Hundreds of Delhi University students held a march on Thursday, demanding a rollback of the four-year undergraduate programme on Thursday, a statement by the All India Student Association claimed.

During the march, called by the AISA, students demanded rollback of the FYUP, addition of English to AEC options, non-dilution of courses and putting a stop to fee hike, it said.

“Hundreds of first-year

DU students gathered in the North Campus in response to AISA’s call for a march against FYUP,” the statement said.

The FYUP has been implemented under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the Delhi University.

In the new course structure, credit scores have been introduced for every course, and students will have the option to pursue either a three-year honours course or four years honours course with or without research.

Urination incident: AI imposes four-month ban on accused

NEW DELHI, JAN 19

(PTI): Air India has imposed a four-month flying ban on Shankar Mishra, who is accused of urinating on a woman co-passenger onboard a flight in November last year, a source said on Thursday.

The incident happened on an Air India flight from New York to Delhi on November 26, 2022. Currently, Mishra is in jail and the case is before a Delhi court. He was allegedly in an inebriated state at the time of the

incident. The source said the airline has imposed a flying ban on Mishra for four months.

The flying ban was recommended by a threemember internal committee set up under DGCA norms.

Specific details could not be immediately ascertained.

On January 4, Air India said it had imposed a 30day travel ban on Mishra but did not disclose the specific date from which the ban came into force.

“This failure of FYUP is not just on the level of implementation, but corruption on the level of principle. The government is telling us that education is no more for the people, but for profits,” said Abhigyan, Delhi AISA president.

“This fight against FYUP is a decisive fight for the nature and spirit of education in the country,” claimed N Sachin, a DU professor, who also spoke on the status of public education under the Modi government during the march.

One of the stated aims of the Kanyakumari-toKashmir yatra was to unify party cadres and while it may have done so in some states, Rajasthan’s factional feud continues unabated with the Gehlot and Pilot camps picking up the cudgels from where they left them just ahead of the yatra.

As the Bharat Jodo Yatra’s Rajasthan leg ended on December 21, the Congress had heaved a sigh of relief as it passed the state without any face-off between the supporters of Gehlot and Pilot despite sloganeering on the roads.

But it proved to be just a brief thaw with Pilot an-

nouncing a series of public outreach events in the state which many see as a show of strength and a reminder to the high command that his grievances remain unaddressed.

In his remarks at the rallies, Pilot has cornered the Gehlot government over issues such as the repeated paper leaks and political appointments of retired bureaucrats while sidelining party workers.

At the same time, the demand from the Pilot

camp to make him chief minister has also started again with leaders loyal to him openly calling for him being given the top job in the state ahead of the elections later this year.

With nearly 10 months left for assembly elections, Pilot is addressing ‘Kisan Sammelans’ in different districts, in which he is talking about how the party was able to form the government in 2018 after a five-year struggle on road when he was the party’s state unit chief.

The former deputy chief minister is also highlighting that the number of Congress MLAs was reduced to 21 in 2013 elections that the party lost after Gehlot’s second stint as CM.

A party worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The issues are still unresolved between the two senior Congress leaders which will certainly have an adverse impact on the prospects of the party winning the next elections.”

Another party worker said it is necessary for all party leaders to be united and the Gehlot-Pilot fight is bound to weaken the party.

The Congress leadership has been tight-lipped about the power tussle and only said that party president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders are working to find a solution to the issues there that will strengthen the organisation.

dc-72/23

Code.

Vendors desirous of participating will have to apply to the Commanding Officer, 3 Corps Dental Unit, Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur, PIN - 797112, Nagaland, within 30 days of publication of this advertisement on their company / firm letter pad.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) invites proposals from reputed and registered Non - Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to facilitate project implementation at district & grassroot level for Tuensang divisional Management Unit (dMU). detail and guidelines for the engagement, including prescribed format, is available in the Request For Proposal (RFP) which can be downloaded from www.nfmpjica.org.

The last date for submission of proposal is 07/02/2023, proposals may be submitted to the O/O the Project Management Unit, NFMP, Ground Floor, Forest Office complex, Agri Farm colony, Ngaland Kohima.

Sd/-

Project Director (Admin, Finance & Procurement) Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) Nagaland : Kohima

‘No helmet, no fuel’ rule in Samba

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during a rally, in Mumbai, Thursday. (PTI)

DU students taking out rally demanding rollback of the four-year undergraduate programme.

Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot (File)

Kiren Rijiju

Uncertainties ahead

Itis now official, that voters in Nagaland will go to the polls on February 27,2023 to elect 60 members representing the assembly constituencies to constitute the next 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly(NLA). Now that election will be held on February 27,2023 there will be a little over 45 days before polling and during which last date for withdrawal will be February 10,2023. According to the chief minister, all political parties had decided to not undertake any election campaign throughout December 2022 due to expectation for solution. As Nagaland enters the crucial electioneering period, the will of the people will be reflected in whether it is a free will or choice or a will enforced by some village authorities or organisations. It is a matter of serious concern that in some constituencies, village authorities have taken it upon themselves the right to select and decide on a “consensus” candidate and which invariably means issuing diktat to vote on the selected/chosen candidate. Months ahead of the expected announcement for poll schedule by the Election Commission of India(ECI), the environment in Nagaland was in a state of uncertainty since every organisation including a majority of elected members had demanded and expected that solution to the Naga political issue would be announced thereby necessitating deferment of polls. Though the desire for solution was strongest this time than any other period, mainly because of the announcement by R.N.Ravi then government of India’s Interlocutor to the Naga political talks, had said that whatever was to have been negotiated has been covered and so, there was nothing more to negotiate and so, officially all talks were to end by October 31,2019. Despite everything said and done, the much expected solution still elude the people. Perhaps there never was any solid ground for expectations since the government of India was on two minds about going ahead or because there are two schools of thought over flag and constitution. The uncertainty was compounded by the announcement by Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation(ENPO) to abstain from participation in the forthcoming polls. There are 20 assembly seats in Eastern Nagaland and if no election is possible there then it could create an abnormal situation where no election is held in 1/3rd of the total number of assembly seats. The uncertainty has also caused a lull on election campaigns where almost all political parties had not loaded their election weapons. It is ironic that the solution expected to have been agreed upon especially after more than 25 years of negotiation, arises whenever the state is about to go for election. The state government has had enough time to talk about solution at any period of time, but not only when election is near. That the issue of solution has been used too often for political mileage since 2003 and yet till today, there being no concrete hint from the Centre- is sufficient indication that the Centre feels the time is not quite right. The point is, whether in delaying solution, the Centre has something up its sleeves or is simply unwilling to walk the talk? Or whether the difficulty is on tying up solution with far reaching changes in the make up and composition of present Nagaland state and gradual downgrading the status under 371A ; are issues that are being speculated.

Pakistan celebrates securing foreign loans but it’s hardly a national achievement

In a book I put together two decades ago, the late Meekal Ahmed, one of Pakistan’s most distinguished economists, contributed a chapter titled ‘An economic crisis state’. He had this to say then: “Economic management in Pakistan has steadily deteriorated to the point where the economy has lurched from one financial crisis to the next. At the heart of the problem has been poor management of public finances and deep-seated unresolved structural issues in the economy that bad management and poor governance has exacerbated. The consequences are plain to see: macroeconomic instability, high inflation, poor public services, criminal neglect of the social sectors, widespread corruption, crippling power outages, growing unemployment, deepening poverty and a deteriorating debt profile.”

Meekal also wrote, “An IMF programme gets some reforms implemented as part of its conditionality but as soon as the programme is over or ended by the authorities’ themselves mid-way, all the reforms are rolled back.”

Twenty-three years later nothing has changed. This paragraph could well have been written today. Its

summary of the outcome of poor economic governance is an apt description of the present economic disarray. For many decades successive governments, civilian and military, with few exceptions, pursued similar policies that contributed to or reinforced Pakistan’s structural economic problems. In fact, their foreign policy and economic management intersected to produce an outcome in which the country became increasingly dependent on external financial assistance, aid and borrowing rather than finding a viable development path by relying on itself and safeguarding its economic sovereignty.

The pattern of external overreach and internal underreach persists. This has got to a point where securing funds/loans from friendly countries and international financial institutions is now celebrated by government officials and even deemed by sections of the media as major policy successes. Such claims are blind to the ineluctable reality that living off other people’s money is hardly a national achievement. They provide false comfort to the ruling elite but do nothing to resolve the country’s economic problems.

The source of the country’s recurring economic crises is of course its fiscal deficit — a measure of governments constantly living beyond their means, unwilling to raise domestic resources and engaging in unrestrained spending. The fiscal deficit has been the source of persistent macroeconomic instability, high inflation and balance-ofpayments crises. Over the decades, the twin deficits of the budget and balanceof-payments were managed by dysfunctional economic policies. Significantly the country’s external alignments fed into and facilitated this.

In earlier decades Pakistan’s Cold War alliance with the West offered policymakers the means to finance deficits with soft loans. Successive governments — dominated by rural and urban elites — therefore found the way to avoid reforms, raise sufficient revenue or tax themselves or their support base. Dependence on external resources to finance both development and consumption was thus both encouraged and enabled by the availability of concessional assistance as a consequence of the country’s foreign alignments. Cold War assistance accompanied Pakistan’s close

alliance with the US, then cemented by military pacts. Then in the 1980s, Western aid flowed as a strategic payback for Pakistan’s pivotal role in resisting and rolling back the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. 9/11 again turned Pakistan into a front-line state and increased its strategic importance for Washington, which mobilised international efforts to provide financial resources and IMF financing for budgetary support as well as debt restructuring to ease Islamabad’s economic problems. The result was aidfuelled economic growth during much of the period of Gen Ziaul Haq’s and president Pervez Musharraf’s governments, which created an illusion of economic progress. ‘Borrowed growth’ may not have had such deleterious consequences if the fiscal space it provided was used to launch reforms to address Pakistan’s underlying structural problems: widen the tax base, document the economy, diversify exports, and boost savings to finance an investment level to sustain an economic growth rate higher than the rise in population. But this did not happen. The availability of external financial resources along with high remittance inflows from overseas Paki-

stanis simply enabled the country’s economic managers to postpone reforms, ignore the structural problems of the economy and pursue dysfunctional policies. Moreover, once concessional financing began to taper off, it was replaced by expensive foreign and domestic borrowing. This ‘borrowed growth’ was not only unsustainable but came at the enormous price of debt accumulation.

The mid-1980s marked a sharp break in Pakistan’s budgetary history, with revenue no longer matching even the government’s current expenditure. For the next decade and beyond successive governments borrowed heavily to finance not only development but also consumption. In the process, the country accumulated unsustainable debt both by borrowing abroad and at home. This burden continues to cripple the economy today.

In recent years, reliance on the West has been replaced by dependence on close strategic ally China, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, who have provided financial help to bail out the country from economic and liquidity crises. Rollover of debt and deposits in the central bank to shore up reserves have been among the ways this has been

The battle that sealed the fate of the Nagas

The early Naga relationship with India is a sad story of immense pain and sufferings, the effect of which is felt to this day. The Indian leaders, nor the people of India, during the post independence period, had any real knowledge of the Nagas or the Naga society.

DailyDevotion Vision and Darkness

When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. —Genesis 15:12

Whenever God gives a vision to a Christian, it is as if He puts him in “the shadow of His hand” (Isaiah 49:2). The saint’s duty is to be still and listen. There is a “darkness” that comes from too much light— that is the time to listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure. There is never any need to pretend that your life is filled with joy and confidence; just wait upon God and be grounded in Him (see Isaiah 50:10-11).

Do I trust at all in the flesh? Or have I learned to go beyond all confidence in myself and other people of God? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? “I am Almighty God…”— El-Shaddai, the All-Powerful God (Genesis 17:1). The reason we are all being disciplined is that we will know God is real. As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God.

Naga leaders did not take a hostile view of the opinion of the Indian leaders and perused them patiently in the strong belief that all matters can be solved through talks. And for this purpose, the Nagas formed a full-fledged political organ - the NNC in early 1946.

The belief of the Nagas, however, was belied when the constituent assembly of India bypassed the provisions which the NNC had reached through talks with the Governor of Assam. The NNC therefore declared independence of the Naga people to which

India responded by claiming that their decision to make the Nagas part of India was more representative of the Naga public opinion than what Nagas themselves were expressing through the NNC. In response to this claim, the NNC held a plebiscite resulting in absolute support of the independence of the Naga people. This was followed by the total boycott of the first general election and launching of the nonviolent civil disobedience movement.

The government of India, without exercising any will to understand the ardent Naga desire for talks, hardened it’s stand by allowing the Assam government to introduce the Assam Disturbed Areas Act which enabled the Assam police and the Assam Rifles to blatantly operate without legal constraints against the Nagas. This response of the Indian gov-

ernment only strengthened the Naga people’s resolve to have nothing to do with India, and thus began another chapter in the Naga story with the formation of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) on 22 March, 1956. The tragedy of the Naga story unfolded one day after the formation of the FGN when the Naga Safeguards (NSG) attacked an outpost of the Assam Police at Satakha on the 24th. of March, 1956. To go offensive against an entrenched post of the AP was an escalation and a complete reversal from the earlier policy of noncooperation and civil disobedience movement of the NNC.

What followed thereafter, however, was a prescription of what not to do to surrendered enemy soldiers in any textbook of warfare. The 78 Assam Police personnels who raised their hands and

surrendered to the Naga Safeguards were stripped of all their clothes and forced to march back to the plains in the nude. It is one thing to illtreat a stubborn enemy captured from the thick of battle, but quite another subjecting a surrendered enemy in the most humiliating manner as was done to the 78 Assam Police personnels. Having taking away the arms and ammunition of the police post was punishment enough for the 78 police personnels. The SFG would have, by default, earned the unspoken goodwill and respect of not just the 78 Assam Police personnels but the whole of the Indian security establishment and the people of India had the surrendered 78 been treated with due decorum in accordance with human dignity. Innocent Naga people and captured Naga underground personnels would have

been spared from the indignity of becoming cannon fodder. Instead, this one thoughtless self-defeating act of the NSG sealed the fate of countless innocent Nagas everywhere in the Naga hills and NEFA. Immediately after the battle of Satakha, the army took over the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the Naga Hills and with the infusion of two divisions of the army and 35 battalions of the Assam Rifles and armed police, the Naga hills became a forest of army boots.

In the retrospecting of the many battles fought between the Naga army and the Indian security forces, we get to understand that ultimately it was not the Naga leaders and fighters themselves, but the innocent Naga villagers who bore the brunt of the fighting which they actually knew nothing about.

Benito Z Swu

done. Announcements last week from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the latest illustration of this. It again underlines the intersection of foreign alignments and financial help to overcome economic crisis. It also demonstrates how governments continue to look outside to rescue the country’s economy when it teeters on the brink of insolvency. That Pakistan is now in its 23rd IMF programme is another testimony of this.

The habit of depending on others has become so deeply entrenched in the country’s political culture that there is little if any questioning of this among those in power or for that matter in the establishment whose leaders join in and often spearhead the effort to seek ‘lifeline’ funds from friendly countries. This reflects the failure of economic governance as it involves lurching from one crisis to another with no ability to avert the next one with outsiders seen as stopgap answers to the cash-strapped country’s perennial economic problems. Above all this approach reduces the country to the unfortunate status of a supplicant whose economic survival depends not on itself but on others.

Maleeha Lodhi (The Print)

Rejoinder to ‘What unite the Naga?’

Apropos to Shri Thepfulhouvi Solo write up on ‘what unite the Naga?’ in Nagaland post dated January 14, 2023 wherein the writer claiming the WWII memorial cemetery at Kohima belongs to Tsütuonuomia Khel which was seized by the colonial power is misleading as some portion of the WWII cemetery belongs to the Lhisemia Khel of Kohima Village.

Kohima town has a long history of non acquired land issues and all these areas fall under the 1934 map of J.H. Hutton the then D.C. of Kohima who demarcated it for administrative purposes. Therefore, we considered it as uncompensated land and not as seized or conquered.

Jasahie Yaotsu Ex GB, L.Khel Kohima Village.

The Right to Education Act Setting up of a National Level MSCOS under MSCS

RTE 2009 stands for the Right to Education Act, which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2009. The act makes education a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and 14, and imposes an obligation on the state to provide free and compulsory education to all such children. The act includes several provisions to ensure that the right to education is protected and promoted for all children, including provisions for reservation of seats for disadvantaged and marginalized groups, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and children with disabilities. The act also includes provisions for the appointment of teachers, the establishment of schools, and the maintenance of standards of education. The act has been widely hailed as a major step forward for children’s rights in India, and has been credited with increasing enrolment in schools and improving the quality of education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, there have also been criticisms of the act, particularly with regard to the lack of resources and infrastructure to support its implementation in many parts of the country. Overall, RTE 2009 has been a major milestone in the Indian education system and has provided a legal framework for the right to education in India. It has been instrumental in increasing the enrolment of children in schools and improving the quality of education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, there are still challenges that needs to be addressed in terms of resources and infrastructure to support its implementation in many parts of the country.

I truly hope the concerned management will adhere to the stated guidelines and regulations published by the concerned authority in the daily paper, thus making RTE successful in the state.

Swuto Swu

There are around 34 lakh organic producers in 190 countries with land coverage of 749 lakh hectares (1.6% of total agricultural land of the world) of which Australia has largest land coverage of 357 lakh hectares. India ranks 4th with 27 lakh hectares of organic land of which, 7.6 lakh hectares is in Madhya Pradesh, 3.5 lakh hectares is in Rajasthan and 2.8 lakh hectares is in Maharashtra. Out of total 34 lakh organic producers in the world, 16 lakh are from India.

India has lot of potential to produce all varieties of organic products due to its diverse agro climatic conditions. In several parts of the country, the inherited tradition of organic farming is an added advantage especially in North Eastern Region (NER), where Sikkim was declared as fully organic state in 2016. Organic farming is one such alternative where the produce is grown under a system of agriculture, with-

out the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with an environment friendly and socially responsible approach. there is a need to strengthen our organic producers by providing them institutional support from production till consumption.

The growing trend of organic market in India as well as abroad provides immense opportunity to organic producers especially the rural population of the country which are directly or indirectly linked with cooperative sector. There are 8.54 lakh registered cooperatives in the country having more than 29 crore members especially from the rural areas engaged in activities related to agriculture and allied sector which is the strength of the cooperative sector that can be utilised for development of organic clusters and its entire supply chain. It is, therefore, the Union Cabinet, has approved a historic decision to set up and promote a National Level Multi-state Coopera-

tive Organic Society under Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 to act as an umbrella organization for organic products in coordination with Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.

The main objectives are to provide institutional support for aggregation, certification, testing, procurement, storage, processing, branding, labelling, packaging, logistic facilities, marketing of organic products and arranging financial assistance to the organic farmers through its member cooperatives including Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) / Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and will take up all promotion and development related activities of organic products with the help of various schemes and agencies of the

Government and to empanel accredited organic testing labs and certification bodies who meet the criteria specified by the society to bring down the cost of testing and certification. Three leading cooperatives viz., Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF) and other two national level organizations viz., National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) have resolved to contribute Rs 20 crore each and become promoter members for establishing a national level multistate cooperative society for organic products. It will have area of operation all over the country.

Kh Rangamlian Aimol, Director (i/c) Institute of Cooperative Management, Imphal

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

killed in Maha highway mishap

MUMBAI, JAN 19 (PTI): Ten people were killed after a speeding truck collided with their van on Mumbai-Goa highway in Maharashtra’s Raigad district on Thursday morning, police said. The accident took place at 4.45 am near Repoli village in Raigad, located more than 130 km from Mumbai.

The victims, all relatives, were going in the van to Guhagar town in Ratnagiri district, Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge said. The truck was going towards Mumbai, he said. The victims were residents of Hedvi village in Guhagar, he said. After being alerted, police rushed to the spot and started the rescue operation.

2 leopard skins seized in Odisha

MALKANGIRI/BARIPADA, JAN 19 (PTI): Forest Department officials have seized two leopard skins in separate incidents in Odisha’s two tribal dominated districts of Malkangiri and Mayurbhanj and arrested six persons on the charge of smuggling of wildlife body parts, police said on Thursday. The market value of two leopard skin could be above Rs 2.5 lakh in international market, forest officials said.

Brown sugar worth Rs 2 cr seized in UP

LUCKNOW, JAN 19 (PTI): Two members of an international gang involved in narcotics smuggling were arrested and 2.5 kilogram of brown sugar worth about Rs 2.5 crore were seized from their possession in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, police said on Thursday.

Minor girl mauled by wild wolf in UP

SULTANPUR (UP), JAN 19 (PTI): An 18-monthold girl was mauled by a wild wolf in a village here, police said on Thursday. The incident happened in a Chakmusi village under Baldirai police station area on Wednesday night, they said. The minor, Preeti, was sleeping with her family in a tent on the ground of a primary school when the wild wolf took her away, sub-inspector (Baldirai) Chandrashekhar said.

When the girl’s father Sandeep woke up sometime in the night, he found that his daughter was missing, he said. Following this, the family searched for the minor and some villagers found a wolf feeding on the girl’s body, police said. The wolf ran away after seeing the villagers, they said.

BBC documentary on PM a propaganda piece: India

NEW DELHI, JAN 19 (PTI): Amid controversy over a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India on Thursday dismissed it as a “propaganda piece”, saying it is designed to push a particular “discredited narrative” and that the continuing colonial mindset is “blatantly visible” in the series. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also wondered about the purpose of the documentary and the “agenda” behind it and said “frankly we do not wish to dignify such efforts”.

The two-part BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question” claims it investigated certain aspects relating to the 2002 Gujarat

riots when Modi was the chief minister of the state.

“Let me just make it very clear that we think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, the lack of objectivity, and frankly a continuing colonial mindset, are blatantly visible,” he said. Bagchi was replying to questions on the documentary.

“If anything, this film or documentary is a reflection on the agency and indi-

108 women army officers to be promoted to Colonel rank

NEW DELHI, JAN 19

(AGENCIES): The Indian Army is conducting women officers Special Selection Board for promotion from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel, to bring them at par with their male counterparts, informed Indian Army officials, reports ANI news agency.

It is being conducted from January 9- 22, 2023.

According to Army officials, a total of 244 women officers are being considered for promotion against 108 vacancies, from the 1992 batch to the 2006 batch in various Arms and Services (Engineers, Signals, Army Air Defence, Intelligence Corps, Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps & Electrical & Mechanical Engineers).

The vacancies for this Special No 3 Selection Board have been released by the government to promote the affected women officers, to ensure gender parity in Indian Army.

A total of 60 affected women officers have been called as observers for the

Selection Board, to ensure fair conduct and clarify their apprehensions, if any.

On the culmination of the selection board, the 108 women officers who are declared FIT, are under consideration to be posted on various command assignments. The first set of such postings will be issued by the end of January 2023, stated Indian Army officials.

Women Officers are serving in various operational theatres of the Indian Army.

With an aim to provide equal opportunities to women, the Indian Army has granted Permanent Commission (PC) to women officers at par with their male counterparts. With the grant of PC, women officers can aspire to achieve greater glory and shoulder higher ranks and responsibility.

All women officers granted PC is undergoing special training courses and challenging military assignments to empower them for higher leadership roles in the Indian Army.

viduals that are peddling this narrative again. It makes us wonder about the purpose of this exercise and the agenda behind it and frankly we do not wish to dignify such efforts,” he said.

Asked about comments made by former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on the riots, Bagchi said he seemed to be referring to some internal report of the UK government.

“How do I have access to that?. It is a 20-year-old report. Why would I just jump on it now? Just because Jack Straw says it, how do they lend it that much legitimacy,” he asked.

He also noted that the documentary has not been screened in India. “So I am only going to comment in the context of what I have heard about it and what my colleagues have seen,” he said in his initial remarks.

Cong opposes new IT rules draft

NEW DELHI, JAN 19 (IANS): Congress Thursday opposed the new IT rules draft and accused the Centre of muzzling the Internet and Censoring Online Content through PIB calling it the Modi government’s definition of “Fact Checking”.

Addressing a press conference here, the party’s Media department Chairman Pawan Khera said, “Bulldozing the Press is not new for the Modi government. The popular term “Godi Media’ is now ingrained in the psyche of most Indians, and now this Government wants to make it ‘Godi Social Media’!” Congress alleged that the Fact Checking Unit of PIB has remained a habitual offender in converting “Truth” to “Fakery”, to save government’s image.

This, the Congress leader said, “essentially means that P IB’s Fact Checking Unit has become a judge in taking down content which might not suit Modi government’s image.

Judgeship can’t be denied for sharing article critical of PM: SC

NEW DELHI, JAN 19 (IANS): The Supreme Court has reiterated its recommendation for elevation of advocate R. John Sathyan as a judge of Madras High Court, after the Central government returned his file citing that he had shared an article critical of the Prime Minister.

The collegium, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph, in a statement, said that all the consultee-judges at the relevant time, viz. Justice Kaul, Justice Indira Banerjee, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, and Justice M.M. Sundresh had found him suitable for elevation.

The statement cited an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report, which said: “As per open sources, two posts made by him, i.e. sharing of an article published in ‘The Quint’, which was

critical of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi; and another post regarding committing of suicide by medical aspirant Anitha, who ended her life in 2017 since she was unable to clear NEET, portraying it as a killing by ‘political betrayal’ and a tag stating ‘shame of you India’ came to notice.”

The collegium said all the consultee-judges had a favourable opinion about suitability of Sathyan. “The Intelligence Bureau has reported that he enjoys a good personal and professional image and that nothing adverse has come to notice against his integrity. Sathyan belongs

to the Christian community. The IB report notes that he does not have any overt political leanings,” said the statement.

It further added that against this backdrop, the adverse comments of the IB in respect of posts made by Sathyan i.e. sharing an article published in ‘The Quint’ and another post regarding committing of suicide by a medical aspirant candidate in 2017 will not impinge on the suitability, character, or integrity of Sathyan.

“In this view, the collegium is of the considered opinion that R. John Sathyan is fit and suitable for being appointed as a Judge of the Madras High Court. The Collegium, therefore, resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated February 16, 2022 for appointment of R. John Sathyan, advocate, as a Judge of the Madras High Court.

Central funds for PM Awas Yojana siphoned off in WB: Nadda

BETHUADAHARI (WB), JAN 19 (PTI): BJP national president J P Nadda on Thursday accused the ruling TMC in West Bengal of siphoning off funds meant for MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojna, while terming allegations of the Centre stopping grants to the state as baseless.

Nadda, who is on his first visit to the state after getting another term as party president, also advised West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee to work as per constitutional norms or face public wrath, and vowed that the saffron camp would end “jungle raj” in the state.

“Around 3.7 crore pucca houses have been built across the country under

the PM Awas Yojna. But in Mamata didi’s Bengal, the TMC has siphoned off all the funds. Funds meant for MNREGA are being siphoned off by the ruling party. It is now blaming the Centre for stopping funds to the state as a probe has been launched,” the senior BJP leader said.

Nadda also claimed that TMC leaders are “siphoning off” the money sent by the Centre for social welfare.

“Modi ji sends money, and as soon as it reaches here, it is siphoned off and it turns into a scam…The TMC leaders steal money and thump their chest against the Centre,” he said.

Claiming that West Bengal has been brought

to a “standstill” under the Trinamool Congress rule, Nadda said the BJP would end the “jungle raj of TMC” in the state.

“Modi ji has said that he will not leave the corrupt and will put them in jail, and it has already started in West Bengal. The BJP will end the jungle raj in the state, we

Referring to the agitation by lawyers at the Calcutta High Court against certain judgments, Nadda said, “It is shameful that the TMC is protesting against the judiciary as some of the verdicts have not gone in their favour.”

Nadda was referring to the demonstration in front of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha’s courtroom in the Calcutta High Court and said that the judiciary in the country is “independent”. have to stop this gundaraj,” he said.

Narendra Modi

JP Nadda with Suvendu Adhikari and others during a public meeting at Bethuadahari, in Nadia district, Thursday. (PTI)

Domestic air traffic continues to rise

NEW DELHI, JAN 19

(IANS): Domestic air traffic continued to register growth as passengers carried by domestic airlines during January-December 2022 were 12.32 crore as against 8.38 crore during the corresponding period of previous year thereby registering annual growth of 47.05 per cent and monthly growth of 13.69 per cent.

As per the data released by the aviation regulator DGCA on Thursday, nearly 1.27 crore passengers were carried by the domestic airlines during December in the country as against 1.12 crore during the same period last year.

The passenger load factor or occupancy of the airlines remained on the higher side in the range of 80 to 90 per cent.

Newly launched Akasa Air marked the occupancy

of 83.8 per cent during December.

Spicejet recorded the highest occupancy of 92.7 per cent while Indigo witnessed 87.5 per cent of passenger load factor during the December month. Air India had 89.3 per cent and GoFirst had 92.6 per cent occupancy during the month.

Industry sources said that the data has reflected restoration of normalcy in the aviation traffic. The government has gradually done

away with various restrictions in the last few months.

Country’s major airports have witnessed a higher number of passengers in the last couple of weeks. Domestic air traffic in the country has already crossed the mark of four lakh passengers per day and during weekends it generally reaches more than 4 lakh.

Many airports during the last month had witnessed massive rush due to increased passenger traffic.

Smart Bazaar ‘full paisa vasool sale’ gets bigger

Wide range of Men’s Women’s and Kids’ Apparel at minimum 50% off, double bedsheets at Rs 699, 3 burner gas stove at just Rs. 1999, and much more.

(From-p1)

Responding to a query on the number of security forces to be deployed in the State during the Assembly election, the CEO said so far 75 companies of CRPF had arrived in the State and another 230 would arriving when the polling date drew closer.

He also stated that there would be a ban on use of loudspeakers from 10 pm till 6 am. And as directed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all Covid-19 guidelines would be put into place.

On the number of critical polling stations, Shekhar said altogether 680 polling stations had been identified as vulnerable and 983 were

critical.

On the issue of Ladigarh polling station under Longleng district where voters were denied entry during the last election, he mentioned said the commission was aware of the matter and had directed the Assam government to provide all necessary cooperation and accordingly DCs and SPs of both the States would be coordinating in order to avoid similar situations from taking place.

On vehicle requisition, he mentioned that the district administrations had worked out the figures and that arrangements had also been made with the Assam government to provide additional vehicles.

Enrolment rate in Nagaland higher than...

(From-p1)

The performance of Std VIII in division slightly decreased from 51.5 % in 2018 to 50.3% in 2022.

English reading and comprehension for children of standard V was 65.0% in 2016, which dropped to 57.9% in 2022. There has also been a drop in the reading and comprehension level of Std VIII students from 92.4% in 2016 to 90.3% in 2022.

Also, 55.6% of children in Std III could read words but not sentences and of the 55.6% children in grade III who could read words, 60.6% could tell the meaning of the words.

Nagaland saw an increase in number of primary

schools with total enrolment of 60 or less. The figure was 50.3% in 2010, 45.6% in 2014, 81.8% in 2018 and in 2022 the figure is 91.4%

The average teacher attendance in primary schools in 2018 was 82.9% and 89.8% in 2022. In upper primary schools, average teachers’ attendance was 74.9% in 2018 and 87.1% in 2022. Student attendance showed an increase in both primary and upper primary schools. In 2018, student attendance in primary schools was 77.2% and 85.2% in 2022. In upper primary, it was 74.9% in 2018 and 87.1% in 2022.

Further, 48.6% of schools visited had usable toilets for girls; drinking wa-

Elon Musk to lay off more Twitter employees

SAN FRANCISCO, JAN 19 (IANS): Twitter Boss Elon Musk is reportedly planning to lay off more employees from the microblogging platform again after six weeks. About 50 employees in the company’s product organisation are set to be let go in the coming weeks, reports Business Insider, citing sources.

Hundreds of workers in Twitter’s advertising, trust and safety, and

monetisation departments were laid off two weeks ago, and layoffs in Singapore and Australia occurred just last week. Employees believe that plans to close many international offices as well as several smaller offices in the US will result in even more layoffs, which could lead Twitter’s headcount soon to be under 2,000 people, said the report.

Moreover, if Twitter’s headcount

LMLF reiterates demand for PR...

(From-p1)

The forum was hopeful that if such a decision was taken by Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, every Naga would appreciate their concern for the people of Nagaland. The forum said they would also urge ECI to assess the ground situation and submit a report to the President so that the UDA government in Kohima was dismissed.

By this decision, LMLF pointed out that Election Commission would avoid the risk of holding election in Nagaland where arms and ammunition of underground elements would be used to influence the voters and ultimately the mandate of people.

The forum leaders thus urged the stakeholders of the Naga peace talks and also the Central government not to show disrespect to two initial agreements– the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017. They also appealed to all three parties

to come together to sign a final agreement at the earliest.

The forum recalled that the Centre had earlier stated that the talks were over in October 2019, but demands for separate Naga flag and constitution as demanded by NSCN (I-M) had delayed things.

Therefore, the forum said the onus was on all three-- the Centre, NSCN (I-M) and NNPGs – to take an early decision to ensure signing of the final agreement. It was better that they do it before things go out of anyone’s control, the forum stressed.

While analysing the sequence of political development, LMLF noted that the Naga political issue and ENPO demand were yet to be resolved before election, but nothing is on the card at the moment. Therefore, the forum opined that President’s Rule had become eminent and the Naga solution and ENPO demand could be achieved under the President’s Rule.

falls below 2,000, Musk will have reduced it by more than 75 per cent, which was much more than expected when he took over the company at the end of October, the report mentioned.

His first round of layoffs eliminated roughly half of Twitter’s workforce, and hundreds more effectively resigned after Musk instructed them in an email to either agree to his “hardcore” vision of work or leave.

ter was available in 25.7% of the schools; 25% had books other than textbooks being used by students.

Nagaland schools had also seen a decrease in the availability of drinking water from 63.8% in 2018 to 61.4% in 2022.

Also, 52.0% primary schools had a playground in 2022, while 55.5% upper primary schools in 2022 had a playground. This is less than in 2018, where 64.6% of the upper primary schools had a playground.

Finally, 80.0% primary schools in Nagaland had at least one teacher who had received FLN training. In upper primary schools, 94.6% primary schools had at least one teacher with an FLN training.

SNIPPETS

Nawaz Sharif to return to Pak

LAHORE, JAN 19 (PTI): Pakistan’s deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to return to the country next month to end his over three-year self-exile in the United Kingdom, some senior leaders of Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) said on Thursday. Punjab province Governor Baligur Rehman of PML-N said Nawaz’s daughter and PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz will also return from London this month to look after the party affairs. “Nawaz Sharif is returning to Pakistan within a month and I will go to the airport to receive him,” he said.

Fire in Armenian military barracks

YEREVAN, JAN 19 (IANS): At least 15 servicemen were killed in a fire that broke out in the barracks that belong to a unit of the Armenian Armed Forces, the country’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Three other servicemen were seriously injured and have been hospitalised, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying in a statement.

The fire broke out at 12.30 a.m. on Thursda in the barracks of the engineering and sniper company of a military unit. The Ministry said that the fire, which completely burned down a building with an area of 104 square metres, had been extinguished by early Thursday morning. It did not however, mention the cause of the blaze.

Philippines to update 8 airports

MANILA, JAN 19 (IANS): The Philippines will update at least eight airports across the country this year to boost mobility and connectivity, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Thursday. The Department of Budget and Management has already set aside the funding for the eight airport projects in the 2023 budget approved by President Ferdinand Marcos, Xinhua news agency quoted the Secretary as saying. The airports with budget allocations for repairs are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, two each in the northern and central regions, and three in the southern region.

NZ’s PM Jacinda Arden to step down Germany pressed on tanks for Ukraine; Kyiv airs frustration

WELLINGTON, JAN 19 (AP): New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, who was one of the first members of her generation elected as a national leader and became a global icon of the left, said on Thursday she was leaving office after five and a half years.

Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. But she was facing mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that hadn’t been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders. Still, her announcement came as a shock throughout the nation of 5 million people.

Fighting back tears, Ardern told reporters in Napier that February 7 would be her last day as prime minister. “I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It is that

simple,” she said. Ardern became an inspiration to women around the world after first winning the top job in 2017 at the relatively young age of 37. She seemed to herald a new generation of leadership — she was on the verge of being a millennial, had spun some records as a part-time DJ, and wasn’t married like most politicians.

She notched up centreleft victories while rightwing populism was on the rise globally: she pushed through a bill targeting netzero carbon emissions by 2050, oversaw a ban on assault weapons, and largely kept the coronavirus out of

New Zealand for 18 months, while right-wing populism was on the rise globally. Her approach to the pandemic earned the ire of US President Donald Trump, and she ended up refuting wildly exaggerated claims from Trump about the spread of COVID-19 after he said there was a massive outbreak and “It’s over for New Zealand. Everything’s gone”. “Was angry the word?” Ardern said about Trump’s comments in an interview with The Associated Press at the time.

In 2018, Ardern became just the second world leader to give birth while holding office. Later that year, she brought her infant daughter to the floor of the UN General Assembly in New York.

In March 2019, Ardern faced one of the darkest days in New Zealand’s history when a white supremacist gunman stormed two mosques in Christchurch and slaughtered 51 worship-

Top Israeli official tells PM to fire key ally

TEL AVIV, JAN 19 (AP):

Israel’s attorney general has told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he must fire a key Cabinet ally, in a letter made public Thursday, following a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified him from serving as a government minister. The letter, sent shortly after Wednesday’s court decision, compounds the pressure on Netanyahu to remove Aryeh Deri from the Cabinet and potentially destabilize his coalition government.

The letter by Attorney General Gali BaharavMiara is also likely to exacerbate a dispute over the power of the judicial system and the government’s bid to overhaul it. Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that Deri, a longtime Netanyahu ally who leads the government’s third-largest party, cannot

serve as a Cabinet minister because of a tax fraud conviction. The court said Netanyahu must fire him. Deri currently serves as Interior and Health Minister.

“You must act according to the ruling and remove him from his position in the government,” BaharavMiara told Netanyahu in her letter. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Netanyahu would abide by the court ruling. But as the dust settled a bit Thursday, commentators said they expected Netan-

yahu to fire Deri and for the new government to somehow survive his absence.

But the court’s ruling only deepened the rift over Israel’s justice system.

Netanyahu’s ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox government — the most right-wing in Israeli history -- has made overhauling the country’s judiciary a centrepiece of its agenda.

It says a power imbalance has given judges and government legal advisers too much sway over lawmaking and governance.

The government wants to weaken the Supreme Court, making it difficult for it to overturn laws it deems unconstitutional. If it somehow does manage to overturn laws, parliament could overrule the court’s decision with 61 votes of the country’s 120-seat parliament.

pers during Friday prayers.

Ardern was widely praised for her empathy with survivors and New Zealand’s wider Muslim community in the aftermath.

After the mosque shootings, Ardern moved within weeks to pass new laws banning the deadliest types of semi-automatic weapons. A subsequent buyback scheme run by police saw more than 50,000 guns, including many AR-15-style rifles, destroyed.

Less than nine months after the shooting, she faced another tragedy when 22 tourists and guides were killed when the White Island volcano erupted. Ardern was lauded globally for her country’s initial handling of the coronavirus pandemic after New Zealand managed to stop the virus at its borders for months. But she was forced to abandon that zero-tolerance strategy as more contagious variants spread and vaccines became widely available.

BERLIN, JAN 19 (AP): Germany faced mounting pressure to supply battle tanks to Kyiv and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aired frustration about not obtaining enough weaponry as Western allies conferred on Thursday on how best to support Ukraine nearly 11 months into Russia’s invasion.

Just hours into his tenure, Germany’s new defence minister Boris Pistorius welcomed US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Berlin. He declared that German weapons systems delivered so far have proven their worth and that “we will continue in the future, together with our partners, to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, territorial independence and sovereignty”.

He didn’t, however, immediately mention the Leopard 2 tanks that Ukraine has long sought. Since the United Kingdom announced

last week that it will send Challenger 2 tanks, Berlin has faced increasing pressure to supply battle tanks or at least clear the way for others — such as Poland — to deliver German-made Leopards from their own stock.

Austin is to host a regular coordination meeting of top defense officials from Ukraine’s Western allies at the United States’ Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Friday. He said that “we’ll renew our united commitment to support Ukraine’s self-defence for the long haul”, but didn’t mention any specific new equipment.

Speaking by video link

to a breakfast meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Zelenskyy offered a veiled critique of major supporters such as Germany and the United States that have nonetheless hesitated about sending tanks.

He bemoaned a “lack of specific weaponry” and said that to win the war, “we cannot just do it with motivation and morale.”

Speaking at the Victor Pinchuk Foundation breakfast through an interpreter, he said: “There are times where we shouldn’t hesitate or we shouldn’t compare when someone says, I will give tanks if someone else will also share his tanks.’”

For months, Ukraine has sought to be supplied with heavier vehicles such as the German-made Leopard 2 and US Abrams tanks, but Western leaders have been treading carefully.

2 more people killed in southern Peru amid unrest

LIMA, JAN 19 (AP): Protesters set fire to the police station and judicial office in the Peruvian town of Macusani Wednesday after two people were killed and another seriously injured by gunfire amid anti-government protests.

The deaths were confirmed by Macusani health official Dr. Iván Fernández and brought to 53 the number of people killed during more than a month of unrest following the ouster of President Pedro Castillo.

The officers had to escape the police station that the crowd burned in a helicopter, police said. Macusani, about 160 kilometers from the city of Juliaca near Lake Titicaca, is the capital of the province of Carabaya,

The deaths come as protesters converge on

Lima for an antigovernment protest Thursday that activists hope will open a new chapter in the weeksold movement demanding President Dina Boluarte’s resignation by bringing the protests to Peru’s capital. Besides Boluarte’s resignation, protesters are demanding the closure of

Marcos says sea feud involving China keeps him up at night

MANILA, JAN 19 (AP): Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the long-raging disputes in the South China Sea that involve China, the Philippines and other coastal states have kept him “up at night” and warned that any major confrontation in Asia, similar to the war in Ukraine, would be disastrous to the world.

Marcos spoke Wednesday at a World Economic Forum dialogue in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos, where he was asked about his seven-month-old presidency, his economic strategy and key security worries, including the increasingly

tense South China Sea territorial conflicts. The dispute “keeps you up at night, keeps you up in the day, keeps you up most of the time … It’s very dynamic, it’s constantly in flux so you have to pay attention to it,” Marcos said in response to a question from forum President Borge Brende. Marcos said there have been calls for the Philippine government to do more to defend its territorial waters but added that a military solution to the conflicts was not an option. “We have no conflicting claims with China. What we have is China making claims on our

territory,” he said. “Nobody wants to go to war. We don’t. China doesn’t. The United States doesn’t,” Marcos said, adding that “just having the tensions increase in the region already has an effect on trade, on all of the exchanges that we have.”

Asked if he raised the territorial conflicts with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in a visit to Beijing earlier this month, Marcos said discussions on the touchy issue were inevitable but acknowledged he did not expect any major resolution.

“When I spoke to President Xi, I prefaced our discussion by saying we are not going to decide here today the issues that are between the Philippines and China in terms of territoriality,” Marcos said. The Philippine leader added without elaborating that he discussed recent incidents between coast guard and fishing vessels of

China and the Philippines in the contested waterway. The Philippines has filed hundreds of diplomatic protests over China’s increasingly assertive actions in the disputed waters, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. Last year alone, Manila sent nearly 200 protest notes to Beijing, including 65 since Marcos Jr. took office in June, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Congress and immediate elections.

Some are calling for the release of Castillo, who remains in prison. The governors of Puno, Cusco and Apurímac regions in southern Peru have called for Boluarte’s resignation.

The unrest began in early December following

the destitution and arrest of Castillo, Peru’s first president of rural, Andean roots, following his attempt to dissolve Congress and head off his own impeachment.

Boluarte was Castillo’s former running mate before taking over the presidency. She has said she supports a plan to push up to 2024 elections for president and congress originally scheduled for 2026.

Castillo, a political novice who lived in a twostory adobe home in the Andean highlands before moving to the presidential palace, eked out a narrow victory in elections in 2021 that rocked Peru’s political establishment and laid bare the deep divisions between residents of the capital, Lima, and the longneglected countryside.

NOTICE

This is to notify that the undersigned has purchased the land measuring an area of 100 / 100 along with standing building bearing H/No. 262 situated at Toulazouma Village 'E' Khel Chumoukedima Nagaland from Neitsolo Venuh, son of Zulhouru Venuh by Executing Sale Deed Registration No. 520/22 dated 22nd 06 2022. The purchaser has also submitted the sale deed notice to D.C Chumoukedima, EAC Seithekiema and GB Toulazouma on 14.01.2023 for information. Therefore, any person purchase, mortgage or deals with the above aforementioned property without the consent of the undersigned shall do so at their own risk. Shri. Aghavi Yepthomi Thilixu Village Chumukedima Mobile No. 7005390424 dp-292/23

BRUSSELS, JAN 19

(AP): The European Parliament on Thursday called for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to be put on the European Union’s terrorist list and insisted that sanctions targeting Tehran had to be expanded after the violent suppression of protests.

In a nonbinding resolution, the legislature mustered a large majority to call on the EU’s 27 member states for such punitive action to counter what it sees as a swift backsliding of human rights in Iran.

Beyond the call to put the organisation on its terrorist blacklist, the European Parliament also wants the EU to ban any economic or financial activity that can linked to the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The United States has already designated the corps as a “foreign terrorist organisation”, and subjected it to unprecedented sanctions.

The European Parliament action came before

Monday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers where more sanctions against Tehran are expected to be approved.

Thursday’s resolution came after four months of anti-government protests in Iran sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-yearold woman who was being held by the morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict Islamic dress code.

The protests quickly escalated into calls for the overthrow of the theocracy and mark one of the biggest challenges it has faced in more than four decades.

Iran has blamed the unrest on the US and other foreign powers, without providing evidence. The protesters say they are fed up with social and political repression, corruption and an economy weighed down by Western sanctions and mismanagement.

The EU steadfastly condemned the violence used during the demonstrations.

Nagaland Adventure Club (NAC) gives thanks to the many organisations, institutions and individuals for their role towards the successful culmination of the final round of the INRC 2022 season, the grand finale titled Rally of Nagaland conducted under the generous aegis of FMSCI and promoter Blue Band Sports which was hosted by NAC in partnership with the state government.

Jacinda Ardern

Police officers pick up a tear gas canister thrown back at them by protesters in Lima, Peru on Wednesday.

Benjamin Netanyahu (R) speaks with Aryeh Deri.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Meteorites found in Antarctica, could hold answers to earth’s formation Alia’s

In a rare discovery that could hold answers to the earth’s formation, scientists have found meteorites from the depths of Antarctica Blue Ice, an area with strong winds where the glaciers get ablated, with one of them weighing 7.6 kg.

An international team of scientists went on a reconnaissance mission to Antarctica with the objective of finding new areas of meteorite accumulation around the Belgian Princess Elisabeth Antarctica (PEA) Station, according to a statement.

The exploration was from December 11, 2022 to January 11.

“Meteorites are rocks fallen from space as a shooting star. Previously, three successful BelgianJapanese missions to the Nansen Blue Ice Field near the Belgian station in Antartica collected

more than 600 meteorites. Using satellite images and GPS coordinates, the team set out to discover the potential of several areas of interest by searching them for meteorites,” said professor Maria Schoenbaechler, department of earth sciences at ETH-Zurich in Switzerland, told PTI.

The blue ice zone of Nils

Larsen, about 60 km from the station, has been recognized as an accumulation zone worthy of revisiting, the statement said.

“But above all, the team returns with a very nice surprise in its luggage: a 7.6 kg meteorite! Such big meteorites are very rare in Antarctica,” it said.

“At the moment it looks like an ordinary chondrites. This type of meteorite comes from the asteroid belt and ended its travel in the Antarctic blue ice, waiting several tens of thousands of years in the ice before discovery.

“It belongs to the oldest material that can be found on Earth and is similar to the building block of the Earth,” said Schoenbaechler.

So, what does this mean for the Earth science research? “This means we can study planet

Earth’s formation with this type of meteorite,” said Schoenbaechler. The meteorite were found on the blue ice or in the moraines. The scientists documented them without touching them and packed them directly into plastic bags or aluminium foil to avoid contamination, she said in an email.

Differentiating between meteors and meteorites, Schoenbaechler said, “The rocks, which we found, are called meteorites. The shooting star is the trail which it generates while falling onto the Earth and is called a meteor.”

When asked how the meteorites were identified as such, she said, “The meteorites were first identified by looking at them - our big meteorite has a very typical dark fusion crust, which is formed during the fall of the

rock onto earth. “This generates a shooting star (meteor), in which the upmost surface of the rock is heated by aerodynamical friction and melted. We also used a handheld tool to test the magnetic properties of the rock.”

So, what will the meteorites be analysed for?

“We will take a small sample and analyse the minerals that it contains to determine which type of meteorites it is,” explained Schoenbaechler.

When asked if there was something else that they would like to share, she said, “We also took some sediments samples and in there, we will search for micrometeorites. These are very small meteorites and their size is the same as that of a dust particle. They too are scientifically very valuable.” (PTI)

Bollywood actress Alia B hatt’s Hollywood debut film ‘Heart of Stone’ starring Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan is set to release on August 11. The film will be clashing with her husband Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’.

Streaming giant Netflix shared the release date of the movie along with a slew of other titles through a teaser video on its social media platforms on Wednesday.

Helmed by Tom Harper, Heart of Stone is intended to be the first instalment in a series akin to Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible. The movie also stars Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighofer, Jing Lusi and Paul Ready in addition to

Gal, Jamie, and Alia. The clip also showed a teaser footage of ‘Extraction 2’, ‘Murder Mystery 2’, ‘Rebel Moon’ and ‘The Killer’. Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler’s ‘Murder Mystery 2’ will release on March 13. ‘Extraction 2’ is the second instalment of Chris Hemsworth’s ‘Extraction which will drop on June 16. (IANS)

We’re spending on sickness, not heart wellness

disease is preventable, if we could teach you to care for your own hearts through prevention, just as my young son once suggested.

When my son Spencer was five years old I tried to explain to him what I did when I went to work. I explained I took care of people’s hearts.

“Why can’t the people take care of their own hearts?” he asked. Of course, I laughed but it remains relevant a decade later.

Why can’t people take care of their own hearts?

I think the answer is complicated, but rooted in one simple problem: They don’t really know how to prevent heart disease.

But here’s the secret: the medical system is geared toward treating people who are sick. They are only now starting to figure out how much better it is to prevent people from getting sick.

People have become much more proactive about prevention in the world of cancer, diligently planning their mammograms, colonoscopies and skin screenings. Yet people are far less proactive about heart health.

But we have a ways to go: Heart disease is the #1 killer of all women, more than all cancers combined, according to the American Heart Association. So perhaps our prevention efforts need to be spread around a bit more.

Consider this: According to the Gates Foundation we now spend more than $194 billion a year just to treat women’s heart disease. This money is spent on doctors to treat patients when you’re at great risk. But we know 80 percent of heart

Imagine what we could do with a fraction of that invested in preventing disease in the first place?

Education and Empowerment for Heart Health

In the simplest terms, you can’t change what you don’t know.

The AHA calls the biggest risks, “Life’s Simple 7,” which are seven factors that, when optimized, are generally considered to prevent 80% of heart disease cases.

These seven factors to prevent heart disease are:

• Cholesterol level

• Blood pressure

• Blood sugar level

• Body mass index (your weight)

• Whether you exercise

• What you eat

• Whether you smoke

Now these seem pretty simple, but I want to set you up for success, so I’m going

to make it even easier. I’m going to focus on the BIG THREE:

• Sugars • Blood Pressure, aka the silent killer

• Cholesterol levels

Get these three in line and you are so ahead of the curve to health and wellness!

Go get a physical. Your doctor is probably going to talk to you about these major risk factors of heart disease.

Why? Because the biggest risk factors for heart disease are all bundled in these 3 risks, but here is the amazing thing…these are mostly due to our lifestyle choices. I am not saying that if you have a strong family history, these might not be elevated due to that, but I am saying 80% of the time, it is in our control, so let’s start with that totally empowering fact. It is up to US!

When you are carrying around too much weight, or you are not eating right, or not moving enough, the

blood pressure goes up, the cholesterol goes up and the sugars become elevated.

The most amazing thing is when you figure out how to live from the heart—meaning you live in a way that makes you feel as good as you can—you can live with vitality and total health and well-being.

If you actually live from the heart, by eating right and exercising, sleeping well and paying attention to how you feel, you can

figure out how to decrease these numbers and get them to the levels that are the best for you.

Even decreasing by 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugars. It’s such a direct and easy fix. Lose some weight and remove the three biggest threats! Cutting out that bagel in the morning might make the difference between diabetes. Cutting back on the amount of meat you eat

may be just what you need to lower your cholesterol.

I promise you, this is do-able, but you have to be ready to do it. I promise you, cutting out the cookies after dinner, or that midnight bowl of

ice cream is not going to kill you. It might make you feel sad for a while, but compared to how good you are going to feel, it is going to be worth it.

(BySuzanneSteinbaum,DO)

X. Lukiye Swu and Shri. Toshiho Achumi as the G.B's of Niu Colony, Burma Camp, Dimapur. The Council wishes them the best in all their future endeavours.

(Vikiye Swu) (N. Inato Swu) Chairman, NCC General Secretary, NCC

ROTARY CLUB OF DIMAPUR WISHES 100th BIRTHDAY TO Rtn. BINODE BIHARI CHANDA

Hollywood debut ‘Heart of Stone’ to release in Aug on Netflix

MUMBAI, JAN 19 (PTI):

Mumbai City FC defeated NorthEast United FC 4-0 to enjoy a seven-point lead at the top of the table of the Indian Super league here on Thursday.

Ahmed Jahouh, Jorge Diaz, and Vinit Rai were on target for Mumbai. The third goal of the match was classified as Alex Saji’s own goal. The result was another example of Mumbai’s dominance this season.

In all, Mumbai City have now scored 45 goals in 15 games, putting them just a goal behind FC Goa’s league stage record of 46 goals in 2019-20, with five games to go.

NorthEast United coach Vicenzo Annese tweaked his tactics specifically for Mumbai City, but the gamble did not pay off as the visitors found themselves three goals down inside the opening 15 minutes of the game. A deflected Ahmed Jahouh free-kick handed the hosts an early

lead five minutes into the game. Immediately after the goal, the Highlanders hovered near the Mumbai City box but failed to penetrate the staunch defence.

Six minutes after the opener, Mumbai doubled their lead after Lallianzuala Chhangte’s tricky run was thwarted by the defence,

only to put the loose ball into the path of Diaz, who scored his ninth goal of the season.

After scoring the second, Diaz was involved in a smooth one-touch-pass move that ended with Greg Stewart’s shot deflecting into the goal by Saji.

At half-time, Rai was

allowed too much space by the NorthEast United defence about 25 yards away from goal. The full-back tried his luck from range and his scorching effort flew into the top left corner of the goal. The Highlanders were reduced to 10 men after Wilmar Gil’s swinging arm impeded Diaz near the halfway line straight after kick-off.

Three minutes from time, Diaz had the opportunity to add another goal to his tally from the penalty spot. However, the Argentine’s effort was saved by Mirshad Michu. Mumbai City are now seven points clear at the top of the table now. Hyderabad FC can reduce the deficit to four if they win against East Bengal FC on Friday.

Mumbai City will next face Jamshedpur FC on January 27, while NorthEast United, who were handed their 13th defeat of the season, will play Kerala Blasters FC on January 29.

Inter thrash Milan to win Italian Supercup

RIYADH, JAN 19 (AGENCIES): Inter Milan hammered rivals AC Milan 3-0 to win the Italian Supercup on Wednesday, with first-half goals from Federico Dimarco and Edin Dzeko and a late third from Lautaro Martinez securing the trophy. The annual meeting between the Coppa Italia winners and Serie A champions was played at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“The lads had the perfect approach, we were always sharp and solid. Our first target of the season was to get through to the Champions League knockouts, and the second was this trophy, so it is so pleasing for a coach to see this,” Inter manager Simone Inzaghi told Sport Mediaset. “We remained concentrated, aggressive, determined, all ingredients you need in a final.” Dimarco scored the first goal after 10 minutes when he ran into the box unmarked and tapped in Nicolo Barella’s cross.

Milan’s Rafael Leao could have equalised after 16 minutes, but Inter keeper Andre Onana tipped his shot from an acute angle over for a corner.

Inter doubled their ad-

vantage after 21 minutes when Dzeko got the ball on the left, wrongfooted Sandro Tonali and fired into the bottom right corner from inside the box.

Milan woke up after the second goal and started to gain possession, forcing Inter onto the defensive but they couldn’t find a breakthrough. Leao managed to get into the box four minutes into the second half, but the Milan striker fired

just over the bar. Martinez wrapped up the win in the 77th minute when he scored with an elegant curled shot with the outside of his left foot.

Milan’s best chance of the match came one minute into stoppage time when Ante Rebic’s intended cross hit the top of the crossbar.

“I did not expect this, as I know the quality of my players, so I expected a more positive performance,” Mi-

lan coach Stefano Pioli said after the match. “At this moment, we are struggling to react to an error, to remain united as a team... the lack of results is starting to weigh on us.” The result marks the first time Inter have won against Milan in an Italian cup final, having lost the Coppa Italia in 1977 and the Italian Super Cup in 2011.

8th Unity Cup: Bokajan warriors, Titans CC in final

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): Bokajan warriors and Titans CC have stormed into final of 8th Unity Cup T20 cricket tournament organized by Nepali Baptist Church Chümoukedima, Youth Sports Ministry.

In the first match, Bokajan warriors won the match by 2 Wickets against Gorkha XI. Lakhinder Mahanta of Bokajan warriors, who scored 56 runs, was adjudged man of the match.

In the second match, Titans CC won the match by 7 Wicket against Hurricane CC. John of Titans CC, who took three wickets, was Adjudged man of the match.

Final match would be played on January 21, 2023 at 9am with NPCC secretary Akavi N Zhimomi as special guest and M.B.Aley, retd. assistant director department of school education, as guest of honour.

NAYSA Group-C wrestling meet held at Zhadima village

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 19 (NPN): Visoneilie Khoubve from Zhadima village emerged as the champion of the 32nd Northern Angami Youth & Sports Association (NAYSA) Group-C held at Zhadima village on Thursday, defeating Thejavizo Merhieso from Nerhema village.

Khoubve walked away with a cash prize of Rs 30,000 while Merhieso received Rs 20,000.

Medophretuo Khoubve from Zhadima

Copa del Rey: Athletic, Atletico, Valencia advance

BILBAO (SPAIN), JAN 19 (IANS): Athletic Club

Bilbao continued their good form in the Copa del Rey knockout competition by qualifying for the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win at home to Espanyol.

The win on Wednesday night means the team from the Basque Region have now reached the last eight of the tournament for four consecutive seasons.

Oscar de Marcos scored the only goal of the game in the 26th minute after the full-back ran onto a smart backheel from midfielder Oihan Sancet, who had been fed by an intelligent pass from the impressive Oier Zarraga.

Athletic completely dominated the first half, which was played almost entirely in the Espanyol half, with the visitors sitting deep with a five-man defense.

The second half saw visiting coach Diego Martinez make an attacking change, bringing on winger Aleix Vidal, but although Espanyol looked to push forward more, Athletic continued to control the major-

ity of the ball. The home side’s problem this season has been turning possession into clear chances, and that happened again after the break. The home side had 16 corners in the game but failed to trouble young Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia from any of them.

However, with central defenders Yeray Alvarez and Dani Vivian in excellent form, Espanyol never got a look in and ended the game without managing a single shot on target.

Cup holders Betis were knocked out of the competition following a nerve-wracking penalty shootout at home to Osasuna after SeXin, reports Xinhua.

Betis looked to be on their way to the last eight after William Carvalho put them ahead in the 61st minute, but defender David Garcia kept Osasuna’s hopes alive with a lastminute equalizer.

Salaby put Betis back in front in the 12th minute of extra time, but Ruben Garcia’s strike at the start of the second period took the game to penalties.

and Videlhou Kiewhuo from Nerhema secured the third and fourth positions respectively, receiving cash rewards of Rs 10,000 and Rs 7,000 respectively.

Earlier, the inaugural ceremony of the wrestling meet was graced by NDPP 11 Northern Angami-II Assembly Constituency president Vibeilietuo Kets as chief guest.

NAYSA-C, president, Vizosielie delivered the presidential address, while Zhadima Village Council (ZVC) chairman Neilalhoulie Soliezuo conveyed

greetings.

Vilavor Loucü, Mengubeiü Khro and Keduolhoulie Khro presented the theme song while Youth Alive Zhadi Bawe AG church presented a special number.

DUDA director, Lithrongla T Rutsa, who graced the closing ceremony as special guest, presented cash prizes to the winners of the wrestling meet. Thousands of spectators from 12 villages witnessed the wrestling meet where 38 wrestlers competed for the title.

LFC tourney: A1 Tsungiki, Avengers, ERSA, Titans win

DIMAPUR, JAN 19 (NPN): In the ongoing 12th edition of Lotha Football Championship (LFC), which is underway here at local ground Wokha, A1 Tsungiki beat Tempo 3 nil in the third match of the day. Lirhonthung Jami scored all three goals for A1 Tsungiki.

Three more matches were played on Thursday wherein Avengers beat Phiro FC by 4-1 in the first match. ERSA also secured a 1-0 victory over Hayi Yankho. A tightly fought match ended 1-0 in favour of Titans FC against Pioneers FC in the last match of the day.

Chekiye Village Council Members.

Chekiye Village Students Union.

Chekiye Village Youth Front.

Chekiye Village Block IV Co-ordination Committee.

Satoi Range Public Union, Dimapur.

Satakhami Welfare, Dimapur.

Pukhato Village Council.

Kiyeshe Baptist Church.

Sukhai Baptist Church.

Sukhai Students Union.

Kiyeshe Sukhai Union, Dimapur.

Kiyeshe Sukhai Union, Kohima.

Hokiye Ghami.

Kiyeshe Sukhai Ghami.

Teachers & Staff, GMS Pukhato. 18. All Nagaland Primary Teachers Association. (ANGPTA). 19. Doctors and Staff, Apollo Hospital Guwahati. 20. Doctors and Staff, CHISR Referral Hospital Dimapur. Loving Wife, Children, In-laws & Relatives.

Mumbai City FC teammates celebrate after defeating NorthEast United FC during ISL match on Thursday.

Special guest Lithrongla with winners and NAYSA-C officials. (NP)

Match in progress between A1 Tsungiki and Tempo FC at Wokha local ground on Thursday.

Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez holds the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after winning the Italian Super Cup final match in Riyadh Wednesday. (AP/PTI)

Adamant wrestlers meet Sports Minister; demand WFI be disbanded

NEW DELHI, JAN 19

(PTI): Top Indian wrestlers refused to climb down from their stand that the government initiate immediate steps to disband the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as quickly as possible, even as Sports Minister Anurag Thakur continued to find a solution to break the deadlock on Thursday night.

Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and others have been staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh,

accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.

On Thursday night, the protesting wrestlers led by Vinesh and Bajrang besides Sakshi, Anshu Malik, Ravi Dahiya, Sarita Mor, among others met Thakur at his residence and demanded speedy action.

The two sides were involved in a marathon meeting which continued late into the night, with the parties failing to find a tangible solution thus far.

According to sources, the government wants the wrestlers to end their protest but the athletes are adamant that the WFI should first be disbanded.

“The government can

resolve other issues later... we are fine with that, but it must disband WFI first,” a source close to the wrestlers told PTI.

A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan had earlier in the day met government officials and discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.

During the one-hour meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed.

Meanwhile, the WFI is yet to respond to the min-

istry’s demand for an explanation within 72 hours, adding to the suspense. The ministry, however,

Hockey WC: India beat Wales 4-2 but fail to top pool

BHUBANESWAR, JAN 19 (PTI): India defeated Wales 4-2 to finish second in Pool D and qualify for the crossover match, where they will take on New Zealand, for a place in the quarter-final of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup here on Thursday.

India took a 2-0 lead through goals from Shamsher Singh (21st) and Akashdeep Singh (32nd) before Wales stunned the home team with twin strikes in a span of two minutes.

Both the Wales goals came from penalty corners through Gareth Furlong (42nd) and Jacob Draper (44th) as they drew level.

Akashdeep came to India’s rescue, scoring a fine field goal in the 45th minute before skipper Har-

manpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 59th minute. Both India and England finished with seven points each from three games but the latter

I-League: Mohammedan SC beat Mumbai Kenkre 3-0

MUMBAI, JAN 19 (PTI):

Mohammedan Sporting Club picked up their first win on the road, registering a 3-0 win over Mumbai Kenkre FC in the Hero I-League 2022-23 at the Cooperage Stadium here on Thursday. On an evening when they went in as favourites, Mohammedan head coach Kibu Vicuna picked a starting XI devoid of a specialist striker as Abiola Dauda was unavailable. This meant captain Marcus Joseph started the game higher up the pitch alongside Mirlan Murzaev.

Kenkre started brightly, drawing the first save of the game from Sankar Roy in as early as the eighth minute. Soon after though the game settled into a pattern with Mohammedan controlling the midfield

and patiently building play.

In the 10th minute, Joseph drew the first of many saves from Padam Chettri in Kenkre’s goal.

In the 34th minute, finally, the tide turned for Mohammedan with Mirlan Murzaev scoring with a first-time shot into the top left corner.

Vicuna’s men took a stranglehold on the game within five minutes of the second half, with Christy Davis’ brilliant long-range effort putting them 2-0 up.

Marcus Joseph scored another at the hour mark, handing Mohammedan a healthy 3-0 lead. Joseph had the chance to double his tally in the 73rd, after Mohammedan had won a penalty, but his effort was saved by Kenkre goalkeeper Chettri.

topped the pool on account of batter goal difference.

In an earlier Pool D match, England beat Spain 4-0.

While England direct-

cannot force Brij Bhushan to resign unless it receives a written reply since the government itself had asked

Hashim Amla quits all forms of cricket

LONDON, JAN 19 (IANS): South Africa opener

Hashim Amla, who has joined MI Cape Town as a batting coach for SA20, has announced his retirement as player from all forms of cricket.

the WFI for an explanation. Former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat is also part of the meeting

to break the deadlock.

WFI emergency general council: It has been learnt that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has called for an Emergency General Council in Ayodhya on Sunday to discuss the issue.

“Yes, a meeting has been called and future course of action will be discussed. I can’t say if WFI President will resign or not. It needs to be discussed,” said a WFI official.

IOA chief Usha deeply concerned: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Thursday said she is “deeply concerned and disturbed” by the sexual harassment allegations by renowned wrestlers

against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying the national Olympic body will do everything possible to safeguard the interest of the country’s women athletes.

“As a woman and former athlete and presently a sports administrator, I am deeply concerned and disturbed by the latest developments in Indian wrestling, where a section of the athletes has brought serious allegations against a senior official of the sport,” Usha said in a statement issued by the Indian Olympic Association. Usha said she has full faith in the government and has urged all the National Sports Federations (NSFs) to cooperate in this matter.

Bayern signs Yann Sommer from Gladbach as Neuer replacement

MUNICH, JAN 19 (AP): Bayern Munich has signed Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer from Bundesliga rival Borussia Mönchengladbach to make up for the injured Manuel Neuer’s absence.

ly qualified for the quarterfinals by topping the pool, India and Spain will play in the cross-over matches for the other four quarterfinal spots.

The 39-year-old South African batting legend has informed Surrey Country Club that he will not play for them in the County Championship 2023. Amla had played a key role in helping Surrey win the Championship in 2022, the last season of his contract with the county club.

The 34-year-old Sommer signed a deal through June 2025, Bayern said on Thursday. Sommer arrived in Munich on Wednesday for a medical examination and trained with his new teammates on Thursday before Bayern announced the transfer.

Bayern was left scrambling for cover after Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident last month. The 36-year-old Germany goalkeeper is out for the rest of

the season and there were reports his career could be threatened depending on the severity of the injury. Neuer said it was a lower leg fracture.

“We had to react after losing Manuel. We have

big goals this season that we want to achieve, and that’s why we’ve recruited Yann Sommer, who we regard as one of the best European goalkeepers,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić said.

India Open: Sen, Saina lose; Satwik-Chirag pull out as home challenge ends

NEW DELHI, JAN 19

(PTI): Defending champion Lakshya Sen suffered a heartbreak, going down narrowly to world number 20 Rasmus Gemke of Denmark in the second round as the Indian ended at the Yonex-Sunrise India Open here on Thursday.

World no. 12 Sen reduced an 8-14 deficit in the decider to 13-14 after losing the second game but couldn’t go the distance, losing 21-16 15-21 18-21 to Gemke in a match that lasted an hour and 21 minutes at the IG stadium.

Reigning champions in men’s doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who had come into the tournament after a semifinal finish at Malaysia Super 1000 last week, withdrew from the tournament after the former suffered a

hip injury ahead of their second-round clash.

London Games bronze medallist Saina Nehwal also found the going tough against Olympic champion Chen Yufei, surrendering meekly 9-21 12-21 in just 32 minutes to draw curtains on India’s campaign at the Super 750 tournament.

Earlier, Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly lost 9-21 16-21 to sixth-seeded Chinese Zhang Shu Xian and Zheng Yu in women’s doubles pre-quarterfinals.

The rising men’s doubles pair of Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala also was no match for China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, going down 14-21 10-21 in 33 minutes.

Sen was favourite to win the match, having won the last two encounters against Gemke but the Indian couldn’t find his ‘A’ game when it mattered as the Dane showed better alertness and control to come up trumps.

The match started on

an even knell with the two engaging in long rallies. Both played high tosses and clears, and waited to put away weak returns.

“It is a disappointing start in the decider, going 1-8 down is not acceptable. I played well to cover up the game but it was

not enough in the end. I think few decisions here and there and I could have played more bravely in the end but a silly error in the end,” a disappointed Sen said. “It is hard to take, I was this close. I am feeling really bad about the last point. I was trying

something new because my strategy was not working but I should have played with more patience.

“I wasn’t not getting the rhythm in the third game. He was playing better length in the second and third games, so I was not able to finish the shuttle faster. The lead helped him to play flashy in a few points. As I was under pressure, my rally game was not patient enough.”

Gemke will now take on top seed and compatriot Viktor Axelsen, who outwitted China’s Shi Yu Qi 21-16 16-21 21-9.

Also advancing to the next round were fourth seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, third seed Loh Kean Yew of Singapore and fifth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in men’s singles.

‘Worried’ Djokovic through as second seeds Ruud, Jabeur bow out

MELBOURNE, JAN 19

(AGENCIES): Injuryhampered Novak Djokovic moved into the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday as the path to a 22nd Grand Slam title opened up for him with the premature exit of second seed Casper Ruud.

Ruud’s second-round exit came a day after Djokovic’s great rival Rafa Nadal, the top seed, had been evicted after suffering a hip flexor injury that will sideline him for up to two months.

Nine-times Melbourne Park champion Djokovic was delayed only slightly by an inspired second set from French qualifier Enzo Couacaud in his 6-1 6-7(5) 6-2 6-0 victory but was troubled by his heavily-strapped left thigh.

With world number one Carlos Alcaraz absent injured, Djokovic will fear few opponents on the blue courts where he is unbeaten since 2018 but only if his hamstring holds out.

“I have to take it dayby-day. I am worried. I cannot say that I’m not. I have reason to be worried,” said the Serbian.

“My physio and medical team have been doing everything possible so that I can be able to play every match. There’s not much more to talk about. There’s two choices: leave it or keep going. So I’m going to keep going.”

Women’s second seed Ons Jabeur also departed

after an error-strewn performance against former French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova, but there were wins for title contenders Aryna Sabalenka, Caroline Garcia and Belinda Bencic.

Ruud was simply outplayed for all but a few games of his 6-3 7-5 6-7(4) 6-2 loss to 22-year-old Brooksby over nearly four hours on Rod Laver Arena.

“I didn’t feel like I played particularly bad,”

said Ruud. “He just ended up winning many of the longer rallies and had sort of an answer to all the questions that I asked him.”

Brooksby’s win was followed by lucky loser Michael Mmoh stunning German former world number two Alexander Zverev 6-7(1) 6-4 6-3 6-2 to make it eight American men in the third round.

“I think we all push each other to really get bet-

ter, regardless of each guy’s situation,” said Brooksby.

“I think that’s shown in a lot of the guys having strong results lately.”

Eighth seed Taylor Fritz was unable to join the American charge as he was upset 6-7(4) 7-6(2) 6-4 6-7(6) 6-2 by Australian Alexei Popyrin, while Danish ninth seed Holger Rune despatched Californian Maxime Cressy 7-5 6-4 6-4.

There was also early American success in the

women’s draw when Katie Volynets stunned ninth seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4 2-6 6-2 to become the first U.S. qualifier to reach the third round since Lindsay Davenport in 1993.

Shelby Rogers, however, was no match for Belarusian Sabalenka, who recovered from a slow start to power past the American 6-3 6-1.

French fourth seed Garcia likewise came through a potentially

tricky tie against former U.S Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 7-6(5) 7-5, while Bencic continued her fine form with a 7-6(3) 6-3 win over American Claire Liu.

Magda Linette joined fellow Pole and top seed Iga Swiatek in the third round with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 upset of 16th seed Anett

Kontaveit, while Croatian Donna Vekic downed 18th seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-3 6-0.

Jabeur, though, was

a shadow of the player who reached the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year, making 50 unforced errors in her 6-1 5-7 6-1 loss to Vondrousova.

Andrey Rublev continued to carve his way through the men’s draw with a 6-2 6-4 6-7(2) 6-3 win over Emil Ruusuvuori, the third-set setback coming after a row with the umpire over whether the fifth seed was swearing in Russian.

He will next face Briton Dan Evans, who beat Jeremy Chardy 6-4 6-4 6-1 after the Frenchman also fell out with the chair official when a ball dropped from his pocket during a rally.

After two days of severe weather disruptions, Melbourne Park escaped extreme heat or rain on Thursday with play continuing well into the early hours of the morning to get the second round completed on schedule.

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Novak Djokovic

Casper Ruud Jenson Brooksby

Ons Jabeur

Aryna Sabalenka Caroline Garcia

A thrilling goal-fest in Bhubaneswar between India and Wales resulted in India winning the game 4-2.

Yann Sommer

Hashim Amla

Lakshya Sen

Jolly-Gayatri play against Chinese pair Saina Nehwal

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia address a press conference in New Delhi Thursday. (PTI)