31 Jan 2023

Lt. Imnatemjen Longkumer

11th August 1997 – 26th January 2023

We, the bereaved family members of Imnatemjen Longkumer S/o Lt. Lanuwati Longkumer (Aonokpu) Express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone for your sympathy in our time of grief. We are grateful to all who have rendered their kindness, time, resources, prayers, love and concerns at the sudden demise of our beloved son. Although we are unable to acknowledge each and everyone, individually, your thoughts and prayers were felt by us all. Thank you for your sympathy during such a difficult time. You all will be always remembered by us in our prayers.

Loving Family Members dB-124/23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Late Arennungsang Jamir (Mopungchuket)

08.10.1946 – 21.01.2023

We the bereaved family of Late Arennungsang Jamir (Mopungchuket), would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual, friends, neighbours, groups and well-wishers who stood by us physically, morally and financially at his brief illness and demise.

It is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Family Members.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Acknowledgement

15th May 1938 to 27th Jan 2023

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

II Tim 4-7

We, the bereft family members of Lt. Tinula Jami, would like to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone, individual, friends, elders & well wishers who stood with us physically, emotionally, financially and in prayers during the sudden demise of our beloved mother on 27th January 2023. We also express our special appreciation to everyone who accompanied the mortal remains on her last journey & attended the funeral.

We convey our special thanks to :-

1. Wokha Town Baptist Church.

2. Wokha Town Ao Baptist Church.

3. Doctors & Nurses of Christian Institute of Health Science & Research Center, Dimapur.

4. Near & Dear Ones from Dimapur & Changtongya.

5. PWD Colony, Wokha Town.

LATE KHRIESAZOTUO (ASOU) JOHN SEKHOSE

December 19, 1972 – January 20, 2023

We the family of Late Khriesazotuo Angami are overwhelmed with all the support rendered to us at our saddest moment. We are filled with gratitude towards groups and individuals who have showered spiritual, physical and financial support. We hope and pray that the Almighty God bless you all for your great kindness. We want to acknowledge:

1. Rev. Fr. George Parrackel

2. St. Anthony Church, Tenyiphe -1

3. Tenyiphe -1 Village Council

4. The Superintendent of Police, Officers and all ranks of DEF Kohima

5. Tenyiphe -1 Village GBs’ Ko

6. Sovima Village Council

7. Northern Angami Krotho

8. Kewhimia Union Kuda

9. Chumou. Area Kewhimia Krotho

10. ‘C’ Khel Tenyiphe -1 Village

11. ‘C’ Khel Thenupfüko Krotho, Tenyiphe -1

12. ‘C’ Khel Youth, Tenyiphe -1

13. St. Anthony School Staff and Students

14. Kohima ‘T’ Khel Union Dimapur

15. Sekhose Miapfü Kohima Village

16. Kewhimiapfü Krotho Tenyiphe -1

17. SHG Ignite Group Tenyiphe -1

18. Faith Group (Bandhan), Tenyiphe -1

19. Vikehie Society Tenyiphe -1

20. St. Anthony Covent, Tenyiphe -1

21. Mother’s Association St. Anthony Church

22. CYA St. Anthony Church, Tenyiphe-1

23. Tenyiphe -1 Women Organization

We deeply regret our inability to mention each and every individual by name, yet it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife Neithonuo Sekhose, Children and Relatives dB-123/23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain,

To walk with us throughout our lives

Until we meet again.

So, rest in peace, our beloved MUM, And thank you for all you’ve done.

We pray that God has given you

The crown you’ve truly won.

6. Likya Colony, Wokha Town.

7. Pangti Union, Wokha Town.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone in Person/Individual but we pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly. Loving Daughters, In-laws, Grand Children and Great Grand Children.

dc-126/23

NOCHETLA CHANGKIJA

September 9, 1959 – January 19, 2023

We the family of Late NOCHETLA CHANGKIJA extend our deepest gratitude for the many expressions of love, concern and compassion from friends, relatives, well-wishers during our greatest sadness. We appreciate it more than words can express and it will always be remembered.

God bless you all abundantly. Loving

Nagaland Post

India set tri-series final with 8-wkt win over WI

FOLLOW US ON @Nagaland_Post

‘No nomination for solution’ plea by WC

DIMAPUR,

JAN 30

(NPN): Adding to the environment of despondent uncertainty highlighted by the demand for Frontier Nagaland state, the confusion over ticket distribution within the NDPP and BJP besides no takers for an all party opposition prepoll alliance, the Working Committee (WC) of NNPGs has made an appeal to all “conscience-driven candidates to refrain from filing nomination” in the ensuing Assembly election in Nagaland and respect the Naga people’s demand for political solution and not election.

WC through a communiqué committee called upon all aspiring candidates to respect Naga people’s demand for ‘Solution and not Election’. WC also said it was time to reinforce Naga political and historical truth to both the government of India and

Enforcement Directorate opens camp office

DIMAPUR, JAN 30

(NPN): The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which opened its camp office in the State capital-- Kohima, would keep a close watch on money laundering activities for holding a free and fair State assembly election.

Following the announcement of the schedule for the general election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023, several enforcement agencies both at the central and state have been vested with the mandate for curbing use of money-power and various forms of inducements in elections.

In a press release, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office Nagaland media cell informed that activities would be closely monitored from Enforcement Directorate sub-zonal office in Guwahati.

CEO’s office said that if any instance of money laundering related to politically exposed persons, connected with political activities directly or indirectly, comes to light, coordinated action would be taken so that money/ proceeds of crime connected with a scheduled offence did not get in political financing.

Further, public could register complaint on the electoral malpractices to the control room at Camp Office, Kohima (8837470460).

Respect

Naga people and a time to shout for Naga legitimate right and “not be a slave to any Indian political party”.

The communiqué reiterated that NNPGs and Naga history would acknowledge and accord highest respect to those intending candidates and leaders who exhibit such spirit to awaken the Nagas. WC said both these leaders and their off-springs would harvest visible and invisible blessings and goodwill and would also be deemed pathfinders and true patriots of Nagaland for rekindling the Naga vision.

WC expressed the

hope that intending candidates, in the midst of the poll bugle noise, would still hear the voices of sanity and take correct decisions for future Naga generations.

WC maintained that election has once more been forced upon the electorate of Nagaland despite the conclusion of political dialogue between the Central government and Naga negotiating groups. It lamented that the unrestrained voice and demand of Naga tribes and civil society groups for “Solution and not Election” had been set aside to allow the socalled democratic exercise, which it termed “a tool to weaken the legitimate historical and political rights of Nagas”.

WC thus appealed to all the intending candidates to pause and reflect on the history of political conflict between India and Nagas and also reminding the

Budget session 2023 from today

NEW DELHI, JAN 30

61 killed in Pakistan suicide attack

INTERNATIONAL,

Bharat Jodo Yatra ends on white Monday in Kashmir; Rahul unfurls tricolour

Centre that the appeal by Nagas in 1929 to be left alone to determine their own future if the Britishers left India was, instead responded with military operations of unimaginable savagery.

WC said the murderous vengeance against innocent Naga men women and children haunted the Naga psyche till today as the wounds and scars remained. The WC communiqué declared that the destruction of Naga wealth, systematic procrastination, dismantling of Naga culture and civilisation could not be compensated by money or electoral politics, but only by honourable and acceptable political solution.

“This is where GoI political leadership and Nagaland State politicians are failing the Naga people,” it pointed out.

(PTI): The Budget session of Parliament begins on Tuesday with the maiden address of President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses.

While the government’s priority will be to seek approval on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address and the Finance Bill, the Opposition is raring to corner it on a range of issues, including the AdaniHindenburg row, a nationwide caste-based economic census and the women’s reservation bill.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the last full-fledged Union Budget of the Modi government before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on February 1. The Economic Survey will be tabled on Tuesday after the President’s address. The government plans to bring around 36 bills - including four related to the budgetary exercise - during the session.

Covid still an emergency but nearing ‘inflection’ point

GENEVA, JAN 30 (AP):

The coronavirus remains a global health emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Monday, after a key advisory panel found the pandemic may be nearing an “inflexion point” where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths.

Speaking at the opening of WHO’s annual executive board meeting, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “there is no doubt that we’re in a far better situation now” than a year ago — when the highly transmissible Omicron variant was at its peak.

But Tedros warned that

in the last eight weeks, at least 1,70,000 people have died around the world in connection with the coronavirus.

He called for at-risk groups to be fully vaccinated, an increase in testing and early use of antivirals, an expansion of lab networks, and a fight against “misinformation” about the pandemic. “We remain hopeful that in the coming year, the world will transition to a new phase in which we reduce hospitalizations and deaths to the lowest possible level,” he said.

Tedros’ comments came moments after WHO released findings of its emer-

Naga issue will be resolved: Manipur CM

AGARTALA, JAN 30

(IANS): Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Monday said that talks on Naga political issues are going on with the Central government and the issue would definitely be resolved.

Singh, along with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied Tripura chief minister and BJP candidate Manik Saha as the latter submitted his nomination papers seeking re-election from the Bordowali Assembly constituency in Agartala on Monday, the last day of filling candidature.

Singh said that due to

the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insurgency problems have been resolved in the northeast to a great extent.

“As the peace was restored, the development and the welfare activities speeded up in the entire northeast making a sea change of the region. Modi ji always has been trying to integrate the region with the rest of the country. Already he is successful in his mission,” he told the media.

“If BJP and Modi ji are in power, peace and development would continue in the North East region.”

gency committee on the pandemic which reported that some 13.1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered — with nearly 90 per cent of health workers and more than four in five people over 60 years of age having completed the first series of jabs.

“The committee acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic may be approaching an inflexion point,” WHO said in a statement. Higher levels of immunity worldwide through vaccination or infection “may limit the impact” of the virus that causes COVID-19 on “morbidity and mortality,” the committee said.

2 MLAs resign; seats declared vacant

DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): Two sitting legislators—T Yangseo Sangtam, Independent MLA from 60 Pungro-Kiphire assembly constituency and Thongwang Konyak, NDPP MLA from 46 Mon town assembly constituency—have tendered their resignations on Monday.

In a notification, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) secretariat informed that the speaker has accepted their resignations from the membership of the 13th NLA with effect from the forenoon of January 30, 2023 and declared their seats as vacant.

“(B)ut there is little doubt that this virus will remain a permanently established pathogen in humans and animals for the foreseeable future,” it said. While Omicron versions are easily spread, “there has been a decoupling between infection and severe disease” compared to that of earlier variants.

Committee members cited “pandemic fatigue” and the increasing public perception that COVID-19 isn’t as much of a risk as it once was, leading to people to increasingly ignore or disregard health measures like mask-wearing and social distancing.

SRIN AGAR, JAN 30

(PTI): The Bharat Jodo Yatra ended on Monday in an opposition show of strength with leaders of several parties joining Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he capped his ambitious 145-day journey that covered some 4,000 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

The former Congress president unfurled the tricolour at the yatra campsite and then went to the Pradesh Congress Committee office where party chief Mallikarjun Kharge hoisted the national flag. From there they went to the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium at the foothills of the Shankaracharya Hills for a rally marking the grand finale of the crosscountry yatra. “I have not done this (yatra) for myself or for the Congress but for the people of the country. Our aim is to stand against the ideology that wants to destroy the foundation of this country,” Gandhi said.

Those on stage in a show of solidarity included leaders from the DMK, National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, CPI, BSP, IUML, JMM, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and Revolutionary Socialist Party.

Among the notable absentees of the 22 parties invited were the Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and JD(U). Sources said some opposition party leaders could not make it on account of the weather. However, some leaders had also expressed their inability to be part of the rally on account of previous commitments.

In a speech that was in turn political and personal, Gandhi challenged the BJP

top brass to undertake a yatra such as his in Jammu and Kashmir and said they would never do it as they were scared.

Rahul, who started walking on September 7 last year and crossed a dozen states and two Union Territories, said he was advised against walking the Jammu and Kashmir lap on the grounds that he might be attacked. “I thought over it and then decided that I will walk in my home and with my people (in J&K)....The people of Kashmir did not give me hand grenades, only their hearts full of love,” he said.

He also recalled the moments when he was informed about the assassination of his grandmother and father, former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

“Those who incite violence – like Modiji, Amit Shahji, the BJP and the RSS - will never understand this pain. The family of an Army man will understand, the family of the CRPF personnel who were killed in Pulwama will understand, Kashmiris will understand that pain when one gets that call.”

Congress president

Kharge and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also spoke.

BJYbroughtallanti-social elementstogether:BJP

IANS: BJP national spokesperson and MP, Sudhanshu Trivedi slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday for the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in Kashmir. Trivedi said that “Rahul Gandhi brought all the anti-social elements together through the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’”. He added that “Rahul Gandhi was able to unfurl the national flag because of the sacrifices BJP leaders did”.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, Trivedi mentioned several participants of the yatra and questioned their credentials. Most of them had walked with Gandhi during different parts of the foot march.

“It was a politically motivated Yatra. During the Yatra, Congress leaders organised a beef party on roads of Kerala, Pastor George Ponniah termed land of India as ‘impure’,” the BJP national spokesperson said.

Adani Group losses mount to over Rs. 5 lakh crore

NEW DELHI, JAN 30 (AGENCIES): Shares of Adani Group continued to bleed on Monday for the third straight trading session after a report by US-based firm Hindenburg Research accused the conglomerate of stock manipulation and improper use of offshore tax havens. The losses in investor wealth in Adani stocks rose to nearly Rs 5.4 lakh crore in afternoon trading on Monday, according to Reuters. In a report published last week, Hindenburg had claimed that key listed companies of the Adani Group are on a “precarious financial footing”. It had also al-

Western Sumi frontals reiterate December 12 resolution

DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN):

Western Sumi frontal organisations have reiterated the December 12, 2022 Kuhuboto resolution urging the state government to disband the SIT and take immediate measures to stop the ongoing “wanton destruction and stealing of private property/plantations in Kiyevi village land.”

In a statement through WSH media call, they also demanded that the biased order of the government declaring Kiyevi village land as “disputed area” be revoked immediately in the interest of justice. They insisted that the eviction order of the government must be honoured by “stopping all developmen -

tal activities in the so-called Lamhainamdi village and the encroachers evicted.”

But in the event of the government failing to enforce its own order of eviction and instead retained the SIT to arbitrarily harass the landowners through summons or arrests, they declared that they would resort their own course of action. The frontals bodies said it was very unfortunate that the Kiyevi village land encroachment issue had become a bone of contention, not between the landowners and encroachers, but between the landowners and the State government.

According to them, the unbiased opinion of the gov-

ernment, free from prejudice and favouritism, had become suspect when the encroachers were made to look legitimate and landowners. In such a scenario, they declared that it would be against their conscience to be a mute spectator.

In view of the deliberate attempt to establish Lamhainamdi village within Kiyevi village land, they recalled that the State government had issued status quo and eviction orders on June 25, 2019 and on July 8, 2019. They however lamented that the government did nothing to enforce its own eviction order or implement the status-quo. They pointed out that inaction of the government thus compelled the

leged that the conglomerate headed by India’s richest person, Gautam Adani, has amassed substantial debt by pledging overvalued shares.

Shares of the Adani Group started dwindling soon after the report came out last Wednesday, and the rout continued on Friday.

landowners of Kiyevi village to evict the encroachers on November 7, 2022.

Instead of understanding the compelling circumstances of the landowners, WSH alleged that the government set up an SIT in a high-handed manner and without ascertaining reasons thereof. They said the SIT immediately set out to harass the landowners through summons and threat of arrests. As such, the Western Sumis held a general meeting at Kuhuboto town in Niuland district on December 12, 2022 and after threadbare deliberation resolved not to cooperate with any government agencies as long as the SIT remained in place.

The markets were closed on Thursday on account of Republic Day. Investor sentiments did not improve over the weekend as most of the group’s stocks kept losing as markets opened on Monday.

At 2.20 pm, the flagship stock Adani Enterprises was gaining more than 2%. But all the other stocks of the group were facing losses – Adani Ports (1.77%), Adani Transmission (20%), Adani Green Energy (20%), Adani Total Gas (20%), Adani Power (5%), Adani Wilmar (5%).

On Sunday, the Adani Group issued a 413-page response, in which it de -

scribed the Hindenburg Research report as a “calculated attack” on India and its institutions. It alleged that the mala fide intention of Hindenburg was apparent as the report was released ahead of a $2.5 billion share sale by its flagship firm Adani Enterprises.

On Monday morning, Hindenburg retorted saying Adani Group cannot obfuscate its fraud by nationalism. “We also believe India’s future is being held back by the Adani Group, which has draped itself in the Indian flag while systematically looting the nation,” Hindenburg Research said in a statement.

NSCN cadres barred from carrying weapons during election period

DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): In view of the ensuing state assembly election, the office of the chairman ceasefire monitoring group/ceasefire monitoring board (CFMG/CFSB) has informed all Naga political groups that carrying of weapons (fire arms) of every kind is banned with effect from February 1, 2023 and till the lifting of the ban, which would be intimated after March 2.

According to the letter by the CFMG/CFSB office, it said that there was a need for all factions of the NSCN to conform to

the essential objective of ensuring a peaceful process and election in the State. It further said the induction of huge numbers of central armed police forces (CAPFs), who are not familiar with the CFGRs, for conduct of free and fair election have begun throughout the state. Though CAPFs are being sensitized on the ongoing CFGRs with NSCN at all levels, it said that likely confrontation and incidents because of misunderstanding due to carriage of weapons by NSCN cadres could take place.

It also said that concerns of Government of India with regard to the possible involvement of NSCN cadres in the election process have also been raised. Therefore, CFMG/ CFSB office said that carrying weapons (fire arms) of every kind is banned during the mentioned period, and the ban will be lifted based on security situation. While urging all to ensure strict compliance of the instructions, it said that the same would apply to all cadres including special ceasefire ID card holders, it stated.

the Naga people’s demand for political solution and not election

Rahul Gandhi with Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and others. (PTI)

Gautam Adani

Nagaland gears up for assembly election 2023

DIMAPUR: As the state gear up for the general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), district and sub-division administrations have been organising trainings and various programmes to conduct fair and smooth election.

CEO holds meeting with service providers

CEO at the meeting with representatives from various departments.

CEO Nagaland V. Shashank Shekhar at the meeting with the representatives of departments of Power, IT &C, NIC, telecom service providers discussed on the power supply and internet/ telecommunication network on January 30.

At the meeting, CEO highlighted on the importance of various election related IT applications along with time line for implementation of the applications such as management of permissions, nominations, poll data and counting data

through ENCORE. He also briefed on the management of electoral roll through ERONet, regular conduct of video conference meetings/trainings during election period and webcasting at polling stations.

Trainings on EEM held at Longleng

Training for various teams / cells under Election Expenditure Monitoring Team in Longleng district began on January 30 at DC conference hall with Dr. Mahabir Jha, DLMT and G.S. Rao, DLMT as the resource persons. The training was attended by various team/cells under EEM team.

In the second session, EVM handson for administrative officers and nodal officers was imparted by Dr. Mahabir Jha and Pongtei, DLMT. The tentative sched-

Training for polling

Voter awareness video reel launched

Three-day training programme for the Presiding Officers, 1st Polling Officers and 2nd Polling Officers, 3rd Polling Officers and Grade IV started on January 30 from Government Higher Secondary

School, Wokha. Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Wokha Ajit Kumar Ranjan briefed the polling personnel reminded them of their roles and responsibilities while performing

ules for training of other teams other than polling personnel will be held as follow: for general instructions & EVM Hands-on for Sector Magistrate and Nodal Officers at DC conference hall on February 1 at 12 noon; for Webcasting Operators & Offline Videographers on February 2 from 10:30 am at DPDB hall and for counting the training will be held on March 2 at the office chamber of SDO civil, Longleng. The team leaders and all concerned have been directed to attained the training without fail.

Deputy commissioner and District Election Officer Tseminyu, Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi has appointed the following officials(male/female)as presiding officers (Annexure -1) First polling Officers(Annexure-2) 2nd Polling Officers (Annexure-3) 3rd Polling Officers (Annexure-4) Grade 4 staff (Annexure-5). In this connection, all officials/staff appointed as polling personnel/Grade four staff deemed to be on deputation to the election commission of India shall be subject

MoS Barla to grace seminar on WP&PP

Church leaders, political leaders, tribal leaders and all citizens to attend the programme.

Dr. Thungdemo further informed that those interested to attend the programme will have to register before February 12 through the QR Code that would distributed in social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook.

He maintained that the Union Minister was coming not for political agenda but as a Christian brother to attend the said programme.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): Union Minister of state for Minority Affairs, John Barla will grace the inaugural programme of the Wholistic Peace & Progress Programme (WP&PP) as chief guest on February 12 at Niathu Resort. This was informed by president, Nagaland NCC, Rev Dr. Thungdemo at a press conference held at Eastern Bible College (EBC) Dimapur, on Monday.

The seminar will be organised by National Christian Council (NCC) from February 12 to 14 at Niathu Resort and Oasis, Dimapur.

Addressing the media fraternity, Dr. Thungdemo informed that the programme would be wholistic in nature and expressed the hope to bring peace, progress and development in whole India, with primary focus in North East through the programme.

He said the programme would have courses on com-

munity health, development, business startups, etc, where successful businessmen from all over the world would be attending to provide insights and understandings in the business sector.

He also added that a “significant” programme in farming would be held in order to bring healing for ground which would produce healing to the land and better and natural vegetation production.

He therefore invited

Meanwhile, general secretary, NCC, Rev Dr Vangpong Phom, in his address, spoke on the activities and missions of NCC. He said NCC comprised of 17 wings, which were well established all over India and in other countries.

Meanwhile, NCC informed Church leaders of all denomination to note their grievances to be submitted to the union minister, whereby the minister would act as a spokesperson for all Christians in the parliament.

their assigned task. He also urged them to attend the training session attentively so that they can execute their assignment effectively and for the smooth conduct of the election.

to control superintendence and discipline of the election commission. In this regard, the first round of training will be held as per the schedule indicated below.

Presiding officer, 1st, 2nd and 3rd polling officers on February 3 and 4 at 9 am onwards at Baptist Higher School Tseminy. Grade 4th staff on February 6 at 11 am onwards at DC office Tseminyu. DC informed all officials/staff appointed as polling personnel/Grade 4th staff to attend the training without fail.

ATMA Longmatra conducts demon on jaggery making

DIMAPUR: ATMA Longmatra block conducted demonstration on the topic ‘’Value addition of sugarcane (Jaggery making)’’ and ‘’Oyster mushroom cultivation’’ on January 28 at Sangtsoze village, Kiphire.

Resource person Chothrongli, a progressive sugarcane farmer demonstrated the tools and machineries for extracting sugarcane juice, boiling of juice for concentration and cooling, etc.

He urged the farmers to venture into this type of farming as it was cost effective and economically beneficial.

Later, resource person

ATM Tsungrozen demonstrated step by step procedures on cultivation of oyster mushroom.

He explained about selection of substrate, different methods of sterilisation, substrates preparation, inoculation of spawn and maintenance of cropping room.

As part of DEO Dimapur SVEEP campaign, DC and DEO Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal officially launched the voters awareness video reel on January 30 from his official chamber. The one minute video

reel featured reigning Mr. Dimapur Aosunep Tzudir educating young and old on clean election and value of one’s vote. Besides others, ADC and DPRO was also present at the launching programme.

Training for BLOs of 59 and 60 A/Cs

In connection with the forthcoming general election to the 14 Nagaland Legislative Assembly, BLOs training for 59 and 60 Assembly Constituency was organized in Kiphire on January 28 at the DC’S conference hall Kiphire.

EAC Hq Kiphire, Ane

Khieya imparted training on Postal Ballot voting by Absentees Voters, under the Category of senior citizens of 80+, persons with disabilities, and Covid-19 suspects or affected persons and Form 12 D relevant to the above category was distributed to the BLOs.

H&FW initiates road repairing work

DIMAPUR: Directorate of Health and Family Welfare

(H&FW) repaired the road leading from Civil Secretariat to their office and Home Guard department on January 28.

A press release from H&FW informed that the repairing of road was initiated by principal director of H&FW, Dr. Temjentsungla.

Temjentsungla said that the much awaited road restoration was a great hurdle for

some years and especially during monsoon seasons as the employees and commuters for all the adjacent offices faced problems due to poor road condition.

In this connection, the principal director said, she had prioritized and took the initiative to repair the road and expressed the hope that the newly repaired road will aid better functioning of office work for the employees, visitors and all commuters

in all the offices. She extended gratitude to all the departments who rendered their support. She further expressed gratitude to the departments of Home Guard, DIPR, Horticulture, Statistics & Economics, Transport, Land Resources, Science & Technology, Water Resources and Officers & Staffs of Directorate of Health & Family Welfare for all the help rendered.

PBCC

Youth Convention cum music fest culminates

5 cadets from Nagaland attend NCC R-Day camp

DIMAPUR: Five cadets of NCC Group HQ, Kohima participated in the All India Republic Day Camp organized by Directorate General of National Cadets Corps (DG NCC) at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi from January 1 to 29.

In a press statement, PRO (defense) informed that during the month long camp, the cadets represented the North Eastern Region (NER) directorate and participated in a large number of activities, including cultural competitions, national

integration awareness programmes and institutional

training. The contingent from Nagaland comprised of four girls’ cadets from 01 Nagaland NCC Girls Battalion and one boy cadet from 24 (I) Nagaland NCC Boys Company.

The cadets were Senior Under Officer (SUO) Kenlumle of St Joseph’s College (A), Jakhama, who was part of the NCC marching contingent on the Kartavya Path, to mark celebrations of the 74th Republic Day on January 26.

Corporal Rekuyiheule

of St. Joseph’s College (A), Jakhama, Junior Under Officer Mhasireinuo Phewhuo and Sergeant Bokai H Zhimo of Tetso College, Dimapur participated in cultural events and the Prime Minister’s Rally held at the Cariappa Parade Ground on January 28. Cadet Teisozhanuo Gabriella Richa of Little Flower School, Kohima, the only Junior Wing cadet to be selected from NCC Group HQ, Kohima for the camp, participated in various cultural events.

Circular road inaugurated at Dapfütsumia khel

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 30 (NPN):

The Youth 44th convention-cum-music fest of the Pesocha Baptist Church Council (PBCC) held under the theme “You are my witness” (Isaiah 43:10) hosted by Nerhema Baptist Church under Kohima culminated on Sunday.

In the morning session, pastor, Khedi Baptist Church, Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü was the speaker and stated that God’s purpose for the Christians was not to be ambassadors or have mo-

nopoly over others culturally, socially, politically but to be the light of the world for the good news of Christ.

Greetings was delivered by Hetuo Khrodi, travelling pastor PBCC, choral pieces were presented by Nerhema Baptist Church and Chiechama Baptist Church, special song was presented by Chüziema Baptist Church, while Tuophema Baptist Church staged a drama. The programme was led by Khrieneituo Kense and a new team of PBCC youth was

elected to be led by Neikielie Rupreo from Chiechama as the president alongwith others.

The new team was announced by search committee convenor, Seyiekhrietuo Sekhose and dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev Dr Gelhou Seyie, pastor Touphema Baptist Church.

A total of 1140 delegates registered for the programme from 24 churches. The next convention will be hosted by Botsa Baptist Church in 2025.

KOHIMA JAN 30(NPN): Director of Rural Development, Azenuo Pienyü on Monday inaugurated the Dapfütsumia Khel circular road at Kohima village on Monday.

The fresh road cutting of 2-km within D Khel funded by Rural Development under MGNREGA as priority scheme of Kohima village for Rs 9.57 lakh connects MechobokouSeithokha-Kharükou-Kenuokou-Dzülou at D. Khel.

Addressing the inaugural program, Pienyü called for transparency and

accountability in all development activities and reminded the gathering to judiciously utilize the funds so that they can share their success stories to others. She also highlighted on

the move of the government of India to make Aadhaar seeding with bank accounts mandatory to ensure direct payment to the beneficiaries of MGNREGA job card holders. In this regard,

Pienyü encouraged the Kohima village leaders to compulsorily link their aadhaar card with bank accounts to receive direct benefit transfer into their account.

She also informed the

gathering that RD department had recently opened the Farmers Markets at Mariema and Keyakie in Kohima, and therefore encouraged the local farmers to utilize the market for their economic uplift.

The inaugural programme was chaired by D Khel council vice chairman Khriesatuo Keretsü while D Khel council chairman Pelesielie Khezhie extended greetings and Kohima Village VDB secretary Noumvüzolie Sachü delivered the project report. Vote of thanks was tendered by D Khel Council secretary Ketounei Kire.

Polling personnel appointed in Tseminyu

(R-L) Rev D James Ngullie, Dr B P Philip, Rev Dr Thungdemo Lotha, Rev Dr Vangpong Phom, and Rev Dr L Hevuto Awomi at the press conference.

Rev Dr Gelhou Seyie offering dedicatory prayer for the new team of PBCC Youth on January 29.

Azenuo Pienyü along with other leaders at the inauguration. (NP)

NCC cadets at New Delhi.

The newly repaired road.

DC Wokha Ajit Kumar Ranjan briefing the pollings officers.

DC Dimapur Sachin Jaiswal launching the voters awareness video reel. (DPRO Dimapur)

Governor launches ‘IYoM-2023 Calendar’

ACWA convention concludes; new team elected

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 30 (NPN): The three-day 23rd convention of Angami Catholic Women Association (ACWA) culminated with the holy mass on Sunday at Zhadima village ground, hosted by Sts Peter and Paul Church Zhadima.

The fifth session of the convention began at 7 in the morning with Rev Sr Tekuoneino Rita Miasalhou as the speaker.

NEXT POLL

DIMAPUR: Nagaland governor, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi launched a year-long activities of “International Year of Millets (IYoM- 2023)

Calendar 2023” in Kohima in the presence of Chief minister Neiphiu Rio and some officials during the Stalls Exhibition on January 26. The IYoM- 2023 Calendar was launched with an aim to create awareness and increase production and consumption in millets

in the state as millets were among the first cereals to be cultivated and considered “nutri-cereals” due to high nutritional content.

At the launching of IYoM- 2023 Calendar, millet seeds were also distributed to three millet growers beneficiaries, and complimentary millets process food was distributed. As part of the yearlong activities, the department will also be distributing free millet seeds to the

Awareness on career prospects in RBI

millet grower. Various training/workshops on millet at districts and sub-divisions, formation of millet farmers, FPOs and training on millet crops, organising millet festival at districts and subdivisions will be carried out during the year long activities. The activities will be concluded with exhibition-cum-showcasing millets for market outlets at the Hornbill Festival at Kisama from December 1 -10, 2023.

Sharing from the passage Ruth 1:16, Sr Rita said although Ruth was originally from a non-believing community, her devotion to the God of Israel after coming to Naomi’s family was exemplary which should be emulated by all.

She urged the mothers at the service to teach their children to have a resounding faith which would not be shaken in the face of adversity.

The session was chaired by Thinuoheü Teresa (NACWA) while Lono Teresa (CACWA) offered the opening prayer.

Scripture was read by Khuvohole Violet (KTACWA) and Vilvinu Therese (SACWA) pronounced the closing prayer.

During the Sunday holy mass, main celebrant of the convention, vicar

NZP to remain close on Jan 31

DIMAPUR: Director of Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP), Dr. C. Zupeni Tsanglai has informed that the NZP will remain closed on January 31 in view of the two-day workshop on “safe handling, care and rehabilitation of commonly seized wildlife” from January 30 to 31.

NSCN/GPRN- YA appoints

DIMAPUR: NSCN/GPRN- YA has informed that in the recent portfolio reshuffle, Imti Imchen, kilonser has been allocated the portfolio of public relation and NGOs with immediate effect. Therefore, all Naga tribal councils, civil societies, apex organizations and student bodies have been informed to deal with the concerned kilonser.

general, Kohima Diocese, Very Rev Fr Neisalhou

Carolus Kuotsu shared on how believers were blessed for doing good and helping others in need. He shared on how the father of Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi was greatly impressed by teachings of Jesus in The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12.

Fr Carolus said even though Gandhi was a nonChristian, he believed that if a person could diligently follow all 8 Beatitudes to the letter they could lead an

SBAK holds annual revival hour

Officials and students at the awareness campaign.

DIMAPUR: Pranabananda Women’s College (PWC), Dimapur conducted an awareness campaign on career prospects in collaboration with Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

RBI assistant manager, Guwahati office Gautam Dawo highlighted the procedure to apply for various posts in RBI.

He also updated the students with necessary

information about the existence and functions of RBI breaking the common belief that, RBI only prints currency notes.

Resource person Rakteem Chatterjee also spoke and interacted with the students related to crypto currency, languages on currency note and demonetization.

The programme followed by open quiz and Q

& A session.

Earlier, Asst. Prof, Dept. of English chaired the programme, convenor of career, guidance and placement cell, Sanjukta Bhattacharjee welcomed the gatherings, vote of thanks by Seiboy Khongsai, Asst. Prof, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dept. of Sociology and principal Dr.Santosh Kumar felicitated the speakers.

DIMAPUR: Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SBAK) Nito Mount held its annual revival hour at Sheyipu Village Zunheboto under the theme “Xukipiye Kuxu” Titus 2:7 from January 27 to 30 with Rev. Hukugha Zhimo executive secretary SBAK NM, Rev Shekiye Achumi director URF and Rev. Ahoto Awomi Rtd. Evangelist SBAK Nito Mount as revival speakers. According to Media Cell of SBAK Nito Mount, Rev. Hukugha Zhimomi spoke on “Ni sachile saighi tsulo” Luke 15: 11-22; Rev. Shekiye Achumi spoke on “ishino xathalulo” Luke 15: 11-32 and “Xukipiye Kuxu” Titus 2:7 and Rev. Ahoto Awomi spoke on “Alhou

paghi phululo” Mathew 6: 33 and “Ado ye hike: shikipivi” 2 Kings 20:1-11. Pivito Hesso Evengelist SBAK was the counsellor director and Rev. Toshika Chophi was the camp director. Special songs were presented by Niza Lejo (SBCK), Kivikhu BC, Lotisa BC and others. More

Leprosy awareness campaign in Tsg, Phek

than 5000 delegates from all SBAK affiliated churches attended the revival hour.

Dr. Kheshito Zhimomi Rtd. Addl. Director Health and Family welfare also delivered his life testimony during the revival hour. Earlier welcome address was said by Hetovi Zhimo HD GB. Sheyipu Village.

unblemished life.

The mass was chaired by president, ACWA, Kikrusonuo Clara while opening prayer was scripture was read by Megosieü Josephine (NACWA) and Neiseü Nirmala (NACWA).

Believers prayer was initiated by general secretary, ACWA, Asatuoü Christina. Vote of thanks were proposed by president, Catholic union Zhadima, Neipu-o Thomas and treasurer, ACWA, Rokosüno Regina. Handing over

of ACWA constitution to the new team was done during the service.

Choirs for the two services were Phesama CWA and KTACWA respectively.

Sunday service saw the largest congregation during the convention with over 1800 people in attendance. The new ACWA team will be headed by Visazhünuo Carmila as the president and Nokhule Josephine as the general secretary.

1. 8453966882 (WhatsApp) 2 9395352042

CMO Tuensang and others at the awarness campaign.

DIMAPUR: Chief Medical Officers of Tuensang and Phek observed leprosy awareness campaign on January 30. In Tuensang, ‘Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign’ was observed at CMO conference hall.

Delivering keynote address, CMO Dr.Keveduyi

Theyo informed that leprosy was treatable, curable and that stigma and discrimi -

nation should be avoided. On the occasion, the participants also took pledge on SPARSH Leprosy awareness campaign.

The programme was chaired by Tsupai Health Assistant and commenced with an invocation by Thsuyanchu LDA.

Welcome address was delivered by Hanah LDA and concluded with mass prayer.

CMO Phek along with NLEP employees and others.

Phek: Anti-Leprosy Day was observed at CMO office, Phek under the theme “Let us Fight Leprosy & Make a Leprosy a history”. A press release informed that, the main objective of the observation was to raise awareness about leprosy disease and teach people about the disease which was now easily curable.

CMO Phek, Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino on his keynote ad-

dress, encouraged the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) staff to continue their awareness activities to eliminate leprosy.

Resource person Dr.Shevo Hiese DVBO Phek in his speech highlighted the significance of the programme. He also presented the causes, signs and symptoms of Leprosy and the importance of awareness to do away the social stigma.

Hiese, also informed the participants that Leprosy treatment was free of cost, curable and not hereditary. At the programme, Anti-Leprosy Pledge were also read out by NLEP staff and displayed IEC materials.

NLEP staff will be carrying out Sparsh Leprosy awareness campaign till February 14, by conducting various IEC activities across the district.

New ACWA team at the ordination with the priests on January 29. (NP)

Speakers at the SBAK revival hour.

Governor Prof.Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio along with beneficiaries of millets growers at the launching of IYoM- 2023 Calendar.

A meeting on Measles Rubella (MR) elimination was held at Deputy Commissioner‘s Office Chamber Mokokchung with the members of the Mokokchung District Task Force Immunization on January 30. (DPRO Mokokchung)

Terror paradise

Pakistan’s

days of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds is over as its closest military ally, the USA has distanced itself from its once trusted ally and also issued a strong warning after Pakistan literally veered nearer to the Sino-Russian military club. Pakistan has become an international pariah because of the terror organisations operation from within the country. Recently the UN had declared Pakistani terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar Alvi, a radical Islamist and terrorist, being the founder and leader of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed, as an international terrorist. Recently, the UN had declared another infamous Pakistani Hafiz Saeed, as an international terrorist, a move Pakistan stoutly rejected with support from China. India has been insisting, along with pieces of evidence, that the key conspirator of the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks is Lashkar Chief who continues to remain “protected and unpunished” by Pakistan. Hafeez was involved with deadly terror attacks on India over the decades. Pakistan has been rejecting the allegations saying Islamabad would require “irrefutable and legally tenable evidence” for the “efficient disposal” of the case. Hafiz remains the most wanted terrorist. Another Pakistani terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki, the mastermind of the LeT terror attack on Mumbai was also declared as international terrorist by the United Nations. A Pakistani newspaper The Friday Times reported that Pakistan’s use of religion-inspired terrorists as a tool of foreign policy dates back to the very first skirmish with India, the Kashmir conflict in 1948. In fact, terrorism was part of Pakistan’s global business in league with ISI. As one traces some important timelines of Pakistan`s terror funding against India and the attendant deniability of its activities, it is important to mention the emergence of institutions like the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), floated by another Pakistani and used for several years by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to funnel money to the Mujahideen. Pakistan continues to host main Mumbai blast accused Dawood Ibrahim. Since Dawood moved to Karachi, the D Company’syndicate has expanded incredulously. He is said to have invested over USD $28 billion in assets in Karachi alone and has diversified his businesses in several countries such as India, Morocco, the UK, UAE, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Italy and France. Much of his assets operate legitimately and serve as a cover for his illicit trade. For years, ISI denied Dawood`s presence in Pakistan. However, Dawood`s presence in Karachi was confirmed through an official Pakistani government document (SRO), declaring the order of asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo on Dawood`s ventures. Pakistan is a rouge state where the ISI, terror outfits and radical Muslim countries go hand-in-hand to promote and protect Islam. In this regard, Pakistan has successfully played a double game by running with the hares and hunting with the hounds vis-à-vis terrorism. After the US forces left Afghanistan, Pakistan has not been able to improve its relations with the Taliban. The Taliban have been more assertive than ever, and refuse to be remote controlled. They haven’t cooperated with Islamabad’s demand of reining in the TTP (TehreekeTaliban Pakistan)- a group that Pakistan considers its biggest threat to internal security. The Talibans have started terror attacks on Pakistan and its military and it won’t belong before a war could erupt between Afghans and Pakistanis.

DailyDevotion

The Dilemma of Obedience

Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision. —1 Samuel 3:15 God never speaks to us in dramatic ways, but in ways that are easy to misunderstand. Then we say, “I wonder if that is God’s voice?” Isaiah said that the Lord spoke to him “with a strong hand,” that is, by the pressure of his circumstances (Isaiah 8:11). Without the sovereign hand of God Himself, nothing touches our lives. Do we discern His hand at work, or do we see things as mere occurrences?

Get into the habit of saying, “Speak, Lord,” and life will become a romance (1 Samuel 3:9). Every time circumstances press in on you, say, “Speak, Lord,” and make time to listen. Chastening is more than a means of discipline— it is meant to bring me to the point of saying, “Speak, Lord.” Think back to a time when God spoke to you. Do you remember what He said? Was it Luke 11:13, or was it 1 Thessalonians 5:23? As we listen, our ears become more sensitive, and like Jesus, we will hear God all the time.

Should I tell my “Eli” what God has shown to me?

This is where the dilemma of obedience hits us. We disobey God by becoming amateur providences and thinking, “I must shield ‘Eli,’ ” who represents the best people we know. God did not tell Samuel to tell Eli— he had to decide that for himself. God’s message to you may hurt your “Eli,” but trying to prevent suffering in another’s life will prove to be an obstruction between your soul and God. It is at your own risk that you prevent someone’s right hand being cut off or right eye being plucked out (see Matthew 5:29-30).

Never ask another person’s advice about anything God makes you decide before Him. If you ask advice, you will almost always side with Satan. “…I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood…” (Galatians 1:16).

Quotes

Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.

Albert Schweitzer

Naga Christians - beware of Freedom of Religion Acts or anti- conversion laws in India

The Constitution of India contains in its chapter on Fundamental Rights provides several provisions that emphasize complete legal equality of its citizens irrespective of their religion and creed and prohibit any kind of religionbased discrimination between them. The State shall not deny any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India as provided in Article 14. The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them, either in general or in matter of access to or use of general and public places and conveniences as provided in Article 15. The Constitution of India safeguards the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate the religion of one’s choice under article 25. Every religious denomination or any section thereof has the right to manage its religious affairs; establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes; and own, acquire and administer properties of all kinds as provided in Article 26. Article 30 provides that Religious and Linguistic minorities are free to establish and administer educational and institutions of their choice, which shall not be discriminated against by the State in the matter of giving aid or compensation in the event of acquisition. One of the fundamental duties is to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities as provided in Article 51A (e). All citizens shall have the right to the freedom of speech and expression and also to assemble peaceably and without arms as provided in article 19. Article 21 provides the right to life and personal liberty. India is also a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights where the freedom of religion or belief is recognised as a basic inalienable human right. Freedom of Religion Acts or anti-conversion laws - Persecution of Christians in India.

Yet, despite of the above mentioned constitutional guarantees and international commitments, there are several incidences it violates the fundamental

(From previous issue)

A respected leader has a mind for the wellbeing of the community and also has a heart for the weaker section of the people among the peoples. Thus, it is a great challenge for the Christian to see a person who is intended to be a leader in a political world is possess the quality of Known, yeduim, respected . Christian in general has a huge part to play in order to select the right candidate and have a good politician in our, village, state, country and nation today.

Suggestions and Implications for the Selection of Politician

People having authority in the field of politics should know that it is a noble profession and they must have a godly quality or character in them to drive the people into the right destination. Based on the given topic, I would like to suggest four points. They are:

1. Back to Biblical Principles in Selection of the Political Candidate

I found Bible is the foundation for every government to run smoothly in its functioning with a good administration. The role of the leaders is always mentioned in the bible which initiated any political action that affected the socio-religious aspect in time when those leaders were alive. “The role of those who were given the responsibility to be an example and to lead the people indicates an interesting thing and also noble action.” Politics is one of the

rights of the citizens on the ground of religion including the Christianity. Para 3 of the 1950 Presidential Order is violative of fundamental rights safeguard in the Constitution of India. Several states of India have enacted laws titled “Freedom of Religious Acts” or anti-conversion laws.

After Indian Independence, as the Indian Constitution was prepared, the Constitutional Assembly Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights proposed a clause against conversion by “coercion or undue influence” but was ultimately rejected. In 2015, the Ministry of Law & Justice announced that the federal government could not establish anti-conversion laws and was a purview of individual states.

In 2002, the Tami Nadu state assembly ruled by a regional party passed the Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion Bill to please the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP), its ally. But after the defeat of the BJP-led coalition in the 2004 general elections, the state government repealed the law. As of 2022, more than nine states have authorised their own states and these states follows the similar principles of anti-religious commonly described as conversion due to force or inducement or fundamental means.

Anti-conversion laws are seen as violation of secularism and religious freedom under the Fundamental Rights. Most of the anti-conversion laws in India were implemented after the Narendra Modi-led the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) took up the Indian government since 2014, except in Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha. Although prior the BJP government, Gujarat enacted its laws in 2003 when BJP ruled the state legislature under Narendra Modi. The BJP has been accused by other parties and non-Hindu religion as reviving the prohibitionary laws, as one of the propagandas under the right-wing activism, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS), regulation on religious conversion became a major objectives of BJP. Such movement are viewed as contravention not only of religious freedom, but also of other constitutional rights and claim as unjustified and unconstitutional. Even in the absence of anticonversion laws there are several criminal cases, for example in Maharashtra there is no such law yet Christians are been arrested for allegedly converting Hindus. When the Karnataka bill for anti-

visible instruments of God

to maintain law and order in the society to secure justice.

The Bible is clear; in both Old and New Testaments politics occupy a significant place in society and is a central area of Christian concern. Because the government and its laws are an inextricable part of our lives, there is no way to avoid some level of involvement.

This is true for Christians, who although “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11).

To ensure justice into injustice society and bring into broken society we need a politician who has the quality of respect and love for each individual person in human society. At the same time who have a heart of building the broken people and create unity among the divided society. The mind of the Christian should not be carried away with the force of worldly power, but analyses the qualities of each individual person who wish to become a politician. This article is also based in the Book of Deuteronomy 1:9-18, where it mentions the appointment of the tribal leaders we can also see the cross reference in Exodus 18:13-27. God has given different capacities to human being to exercise on behalf of God here on earth and exalt his supreme authority. Hence, in order to see a change and refined government in our political scenario we should go back to biblical principles.

2. Re-visiting the System and Process in Selection of the Political Candidate I would suggest that it is

conversion law was prepared, the BJP did not have majority initially in 2021 but in early 2022, the BJP gained support and was able to pass the bill in September. The opposition party, the Indian National Congress, the Janata Dal(Secular) and Christian community opposed to and protested against the bill arguing it as unconstitutional and “completely illegal”. As of 2021, in U.P, 108 police reports involving 350 people with 189 arrests and 72 convictions were recorded for violation of anti-conversion law. A day after Karnataka laws was enacted on 17 May, 2022, Pastor Kuryichan and his wife Salenamma were arrested by the police following a complaint from the Hindu activists for performing mass conversion of tribal workers in Kadagu. In Madhya Pradesh, three Christian missionaries were arrested in December 2021 at Bicholi village. They were accused of attempting conversion of Hindu tribal by offering free education and medical services. In Gujarat, the Missionaries of Charity, established by Mother Teresa, had received accusations of converting Hindus. Several police cases have been closed as no evidence could be brought to the court. The worker nuns have been arrested in December 2021, there was a police case of allegedly inducing Christianity to Hindu children and child trafficking in the organisation. The Central government stopped all the international funding system of the organisation. Today, India’s Christians are praying not to introduce a national anti-conversion law in India as it would lead to more attacks against Christian and other minorities. Increasing numbers of states in India especially the BJP ruled have passed anti-conversion laws and now, these laws states that nobody can be forced or coerced into conversion to another faith. That sounds good in theory but in reality, it is often abused to target Christians and other religious minorities, and stop believers worshipping, gathering together or telling others about Jesus. Notably, anti-conversion laws are not used to stop forced conversion(or ‘reconversion’) to Hinduism. In these states, Hindutva is often prevalent –the ideology that all Indians should be Hindu. Christian in these states lives under greater levels of persecution than their brothers and sisters elsewhere in India. But now there is a risk of

high time for us to revisit and rethink about the old type or system of election process in our state. Our old practice is that if a candidate is from our family, tribe, whether he or she possesses the require qualities or not, all the villages are asked to support a candidate from there it lays the problem. We should get rid of all these kinds of practices, but try to explore out good and capable person to be on the power of politics. For Fatmah M. Ngabitoa and other mention, Three main principles that underlie the implementation of good governance are: a) Transparency, the indicators are: open provision of information, guarantee of information convenience, using a queuing system for services and assigning employees based on expertise. b) Accountability whose indicators are: The existence of the right policies, improving the quality of work, being responsible, and responding to public complaints. c) Efficiency and effectiveness, the indicators are: ensuring the delivery of services, utilization of time and appropriate services. These three basic principles are principles that apply universally. I suppose there is something to be learnt from these three principles to see a change in our election process and it is possible to work in a better way if we take these principles seriously. Thus, it is a great challenge for all the Christians in general to revisit the system and the process of selection and chosen of the political candidate.

anti-conversion laws being passed at national-level, which would make life harder for believers in the country.

Anti-conversion laws are known to intentionally attacks on Christians, “Freedom of Religion Acts are instrumental in brutally suppressing and exploiting Christian minorities and punishing pastors and church workers. Anti-conversion laws also embolden Hindu are nationalist groups to harass and attack Christian”. In India where anti-conversion laws have been passed recently, those has been a rapid increase of incidents of persecution against Christians, such as churches being destroyed, Bibles and other literature being confiscated and Christian gathering being banned. Mobs have verbally and physically attacked Christians. Believers face public humiliation, beating, and head shaving, often these incidents are recorded and shared on social media – the attackers proud of the persecution.

(the writer Shri. Kezhokhoto Savi popularly known as Consumer Activist was born and brought up in a Christian family and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal saviour and took water baptism at his teen age. He did his early education till graduation from Christian school and college. As a law practitioner he has serious concern for defending freedom and also associated to ADF(Alliance Defending Freedom) International and his role as a social activist to create awareness amongst the Christian community about their rights guaranteed to each citizen by the Constitution of India and the risk of Freedom of Religion Acts or anti-conversion laws to be introduce in Nagaland which would violates the fundamental rights of the citizens on the ground of religion including the Christianity. He has an experienced of 26 years teaching law as Asst. Professor and a guest faculty(law) to several training centre including Administrative Training Institute(ATI), Govt. of Nagaland, Kohima. He was a youth leader in churches and actively involves in Evangelical Union(EU) throughout his college days. Till date he is a Member of Justice & Peace Committee, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India(CBCNEI), Guwahati, Assam and legal advisor NBCC).

Kezhokhoto Savi, Advocate & Social Activist

3. The Church needs to Re-emphasize godly Quality in the Life of a Candidate

It is important that the church preaches on the importance of involving in politics from time to time that should be the new approach to government by the church. It is also must encourage the people to go for the right leader having the quality of honesty, sincerity and faithfulness towards God and humanity. Many politicians are good in giving huge promises yet fail to fulfil it as they are weak, morally at the same time in exercising of the power and authority. Possibly today, many politicians failed to ensure justice and security. In the bible the government is given responsibility to ensure justice and basic right of living in the community. As seen in the Bible governing authorities have been instituted by God (Rom 13:1-7). I suppose talking clean election will not be enough, but we also need to see the inner life of the candidate, particularly on godly quality which is the demands of God.

God has granted a specific power to the politicians to exercise their power for the benefits of the people. Certainly politicians have to be as barriers against tyranny, chaos, violence and disorder in the society. The power giving to the government is to be used in protecting the society and also for the wellbeing of every individual person and family. If a person may be active or powerful but without having the deserving qualities

No chief minister from ENPO area till date

It is a well-known fact that there has been no Chief Minister of Nagaland from the ENPO areas till date since the creation of the Statehood 60 years ago. In 2014, the State Govt ruled by Naga People’s Front (NPF) had proposed the then senior most Cabinet Minister Mr Noke Konyak to be the Chief Minister of Nagaland. However it was learnt that Mr Noke Konyak flatly refused on health ground that he was a heart ‘(cardiac) patient’. Subsequent to that, some Angami elders had an emergency meeting to persuade Mr Noke Konyak to accept the offer since he would be the most capable person fit to take the responsibility of the Chief Minister at that point in time. Over and above that, the Angami elders believed that in order to have equitable development, our honorable legislative members from the ENPO areas also should take the responsibilities of the Chief Minister at least for sometime, therefore the Angami elders’ meeting had nominated a 3-member delegation, namely Mr Krurovi Peseyie, Mr Niketu Iralu and Mr Kuolachalie Seyie to approach Mr Noke Konyak requesting him not to reject such an opportunity being offered to him as well as to the ENPO.

We the 3-member delegates were given prompt appointment on the very next morning of our Angami elders’ meeting by our then Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Mr Noke Konyak at his residence at Kohima. Mr Noke Konyak was a close associate of many of our Angami leaders and was a renowned elder statesman, and we had so much confidence that he would positively respond to our earnest and fervent request. However, despite narrating all the reasons in detail of how it is earnestly desired of him to not turn down the offer of request to be the Chief Minister, he did not accept the request citing personal handicap in the command of the official English language amongst other reasons.

As entrusted, we did our very best to convince him that his legendary wisdom and erudition that he had acquired being an elderly renowned statesman of our community is more than enough, and also the Naga leaders including the top leaders in the Govt were unanimously supportive of his candidature to become the Chief Minister of Nagaland. The poor English that he had cited as a reason was not something that one ought to be worried because the Chief Minister’s Office is adequately capable to take care of the English language which is not our indigenous language and nobody would blame him for the weakness in the language. What was more needed was his integrity, wisdom and statesmanship which he already had. However, it was an unfortunate matter that we did not get a positive response. This incident is narrated here today not as a complaint against anyone but to state that our hearts were and are unwaveringly committed to the welfare of the ENPO people and we are not against our eastern brethren in any way.

Kuolachalie Seyie, Kohima

to

like honesty, integrity, sincerity the powerful voice alone will not be able to give any impact neither would not be able to contribute anything for the well-being of the people. Hence, the Church needs to seriously re-emphasize the godly qualities for the upcoming leaders.

4. New Approach for Raising God Fearing Politician

Though the common people tend to have a negative notion about Christians involving in polities, we need to encourage God fearing Christians to involve in politics. To raise God fearing leadership is one of the greatest challenges facing in our generation today. As seen in the Book of Deuteronomy when God fearing Christians are encouraged to be involved in politics a good government is visible. Christian should not ignore politics rather approach politics with divine mind from above in order to rule the created world and its inhabitants. God has established the government for their good and for the good of their community. The church should set a motto to raise “God fearing politicians.” We need God fearing in political power and governance. The church needs to produce God fearing voters and God fearing candidates. This will be the key to open a new chapter for the people to enter into a new atmosphere in this generation.

In conclusion, I would like to state that there cannot be good governance without

good followers and respectable person who is richly experienced to do things for the wellbeing of the people in our state Nagaland and nation at large. The book of Deuteronomy has presented huge implications for the ancient Israelites in the context of selecting their tribal leaders and it has rich implications for us today when it comes to the selection of the politicians. The Nagas are once known for their honesty, hospitality and sincerity, but these beautiful qualities are diminishing. Today we considered ourselves as a Christian dominated state, but we have to re-visit our practices, especially in our system of election and the function of our governance. The greatest challenge for us today is we need God fearing politician in our society to create a better world in the midst of the socio-political chaos we are living today. The politicians need to exercise their role as a godly and helpful leader for the people. We should not overlook the biblical principles. I would suggest our attention should be given back to Bible and particularly Deuteronomy 1:13 that we have discussed in this paper. Hence, Christian should understand on their part and contribute and support to select the capable people who deserve to become a good politician and transform our society today particularly in Nagaland.

(Concluded)

Husazulu Chuzho Khamo, DBC, Dimapur

~

3 major qualities in the chosen of politicians and its implications

Nagaland

Rahul’s Yatra brings India together successfully; MPCC

stretched for over 150 days.

Talking to reporters after hoisting the national flag, Vaiphei added that the yatra was successful as it received overwhelming support from various political parties and the general public.

Top BJP, Cong, CPI-M leaders file papers for Feb 16 assembly

Manik Saha with Himanta Biswa Sarma and N. Biren Singh flashes the victory sign. (PTI)

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 30: Congress in Manipur on Monday joined the celebration of successful completion of AICC leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, culminating on January 30 at Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. Hoisting of the national flag by MPCC working president, T Manga Vaiphei at Congress Bhavan in Imphal marked the celebration of the successful completion of the yatra.

Women activists of the party presented the national

anthem while hoisting the national flag. The national flag was hoisted at all district and block level offices of the MPCC at 10 am.

MPCC president K Meghachandra, CLP leader and former chief minister O Ibobi Singh and former deputy chief minister Gaikhangam were among others who attended the culmination rally at Srinagar. Rahul Gandhi successfully completed his yatra starting from Kanyakumari on September 7, 2022. The foot march coveredthe length of 3,970 km that

Manipur observes Martyrs’ Day

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 30: Martyrs’ Day, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was observed in Manipur along with the rest of the nation on Monday.

State Governor led people in offering floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Imphal’s Gandhi Memorial Hall on his 75th death anniversary.

The observance began with singing of the national anthem followed by a wreath laying ceremony at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue by the Governor.

A two minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

“We must know Mahatma Gandhi and follow him. What we can learn from Mahatma Gandhi’s history is simplicity,” the Governor said.

M’laya polls: Former Speaker and NPP nominee set to join BJP

the BJP following a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday in Guwahati in presence of veteran Meghalaya BJP legislator, Alexander Laloo Hek. BJP sources said Danggo would be formally inducted in the party on February 4.

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JAN 30: Former Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, and National People’s Party (NPP) candidate for the upcoming State Assembly polls, Martin M. Danggo is all set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after his supporters claimed he was “financially neglected” by the ruling NPP.

“I don’t have money now. What you all leaders decided I will respect that decision,” Danggo told his supporters who assembled at Shillong Club before they marched to the BJP’s office this afternoon seeking their leader’s admission.

“I have spoken with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and explained to him why my leaders (supporters) are not happy with the party. My leaders were unhappy after they learnt that I was financially neglected by the party,” the five-time legislator said.

Reportedly, Danggo decided to switch over to

The yatra was launched with a mission. During the yatra Rahul Gandhi and the Congress protested against the “politics of hatred, intimidation, prejudice and failures of the BJP government”, he said.

“This historic yatra brings India together successfully,” Vaiphei stated.

MPCC leaders including sitting MLAs attended the occasion that also coincided with the observation of the 75th death anniversary of Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi. The MPCC working president led party leaders, members and workers in paying floral tribute to the statue of the Mahatma Gandhi inside the Imphal Congress Bhavan to observe the day.

AGARTALA, JAN 30

(IANS): Top BJP, Congress, CPI-M leaders including Tripura Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, state Congress President submitted their nomination papers on Monday, the last day of filling candidatures.

CM Saha, who was elected to the state assembly in the June 2022 by-elections after former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb was removed from the top post in May last year, submitted his nomination paper in the Bordowali constituency here.

Manik Saha would take on Congress candidate Ashish Kumar Saha, who was elected to the assembly as BJP nominee in 2018 assembly elections. Ashish Kumar Saha quit BJP in January last

year and joined Congress next month. In the June 2022 by-elections, Saha for the first time was elected to the assembly defeating Congress candidate Ashish Kumar Saha. Union Minister Pratima Bhowmik, who in 2018 assembly polls unsuccessfully contested against former Chief Minister and CPI-M leader Manik Sarkar, submitted her nomination paper in the same Dhanpur constituency.

Tripura state BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, who is contesting election for the first time, submitted his candidatures for the Banamalipur seat, from where former CM and incumbent RS member Biplab Kumar Deb was elected in 2018 assembly polls.

Conrad launches campaign for home constituency

Correspondent

TURA (MEGHALA -

YA), JAN 30: Meghalaya

Chief Minister and NPP

Chief, Conrad K. Sangma launched his poll campaign for his home constituency of 51-South Tura in a mega show of strength at New Tura Law College field on Monday. Seeking support for the NPP party in the ensuing February 27 elections, Sangma highlighted the various development works under-

taken by his government in the last five years, which he said was ‘phenomenal’ given that it had overcome over 45 years of underdevelopment in the state, especially Garo Hills, and particularly Tura constituency.

“You as the voters of Tura endorsed my candidature in the by-election and voted me into victory with a record margin of over 8500 victory margin. With your support we were able to do a lot of work in five years for

PRESS Not E

the entire state and Tura as well,” the NPP Chief said. Sangma also informed that Meghalaya is now a model for other states in implementation of the JJM for water supply to homes. In fact, even the Jal Shakti Minister from the Government of India, Rajendra Shekhawat, during his visit to Shillong told the media that other states ought to follow the successful model of the Meghalaya government, Sangma mentioned.

We the undersigned representatives of Semy clan from different range previously supporters of Shri. R.Khing and Shri. Thapimo Semy; from Kithagha Group, Kasha daho, Tsogin Range and Phenshünyu Lowjvü have withdrawn our support to Shri. R. Khing and have joined to extend our unflinching support to Ar. Jwenga Seb, candidate of the 12 Tseminyu A/c for the ensuing General Election 2023. Shri R. Khing had given us a step-motherly treatment and miserably failed his election promises & commitments to bring developmental programmes in our respective Villages during the last five years period.

Over 600 NPP supporters-led by NPP women’s wing leader, PelcySnaitang joined the saffron party as they felt that the BJP was the only party that they knew that had actually delivered on all of their promises made from time to time across the country.

BJP leader Dipayan Chakraborty said Danggo’s sudden exit from the NPP was mainly due to several reasons.

Martin M. Danggo

MPCC celebrates successful culmination of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Imphal on Monday.

Parliament’s Budget session from today

GOVT SAYS WILLING TO DISCUSS EVERY MATTER UNDER RULES; OPPN RAISES ADANI-HINDENBURG ROW

NEW DELHI, JAN 30

(PTI): The Budget session of Parliament kicks off on Tuesday with opposition parties geared up to target the government on a range of issues including the Adani-Hindenburg row while the Centre asserted it was willing to discuss every matter allowed by rules.

The session will commence with the maiden address of President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. The address essentially highlights the government’s achievements and policy priorities.

The Economic Survey will be also tabled on Tuesday after the President’s address. On the eve of the Budget session, opposition parties on Monday raised the Adani issue and the conduct of governors in some states ruled by them at an all-party meeting.

With several regional parties signalling their intention to also raise issues relating to unemployment, price rise and the Centre’s alleged bias in sharing revenue with states, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government has always been positive to discussing

Rajnath Singh with Piyush Goyal, Pralhad Joshi and other leaders during an all-party meeting in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI)

every topic but maintained that it should be held under the rules and with the Chair’s permission.

“We seek the opposition’s cooperation in running Parliament smoothly,” Joshi told reporters after the meeting which was attended by 37 leaders, representing 27 parties. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal were among others who attended the meeting.

The Budget session will have 27 sittings.

The first part of the session will conclude on February 14. Parliament will reconvene on March 12 for the second part of the session and continue till

April 6. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will on Wednesday present the last full-fledged Union Budget of the Modi government before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections

When away from work, Members of Parliament will now also get a chance to savour new menus.

From jowar vegetable upma to ragi dosa, bajre ki tikki to bajra khichdi -- these food items made of millets will now be part of the menu of Parliament House canteens. With the government promoting the use of millets, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has made arrangements for serving the dishes made primarily with ragi, jowar,

bajra, rajgira and kangni to MPs, staff and visitors. The government plans to bring around 36 bills - including four related to the budgetary exercise - during the session.

As most Congress leaders were busy with the Bharat Jodo Yatra’s conclusion, the main opposition party was not represented at the all-party meeting. A Congress leader who had to be present could not reach.

Minister Joshi said its floor leaders are likely to meet him on Tuesday to convey their views.

The meeting saw Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Manoj Jha of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and leaders representing other opposition parties like the Shiv Sena faction headed by Uddhav Thackeray, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK) and the Left raising the Adani issue and seeking discussion on it during the session.

The BRS and the DMK which govern Telangana and Tamil Nadu respectively raised the issue of conduct of governors in their respective states. Sources said the BRS is also reaching out to

Slain Odisha minister cremated with full state honours

JHARSUGUDA (ODI -

SHA), JAN 30 (PTI): The mortal remains of Odisha minister Naba Kishore Das were on Monday consigned to flames with full state honours here in the presence of thousands of people, who bade a tearful adieu to the departed leader.

Amid chants of ‘slokas’, his son Bishal Das lit the funeral pyre, as a large gathering of MPs, MLAs and industrialists paid tributes to the popular BJD minister.

The last rites were held at the Kherual Crematorium.

The Odisha government has also announced a three-day state mourning

Govt allows private TV channels to share public service content

NEW DELHI, JAN 30

some opposition parties for boycotting the President’s address to lodge its protest against the government over various issues.

The US-based short seller Hindenburg Research has accused the Adani Group of several wrongdoings like stock manipulation and fraud. The company has dismissed the allegations as “nothing but a lie”.

Jha and Singh told reporters that public sector insurance firm LIC has invested huge sums of money in the Adani group of companies.

“There is no statement from the government. It must discuss the issue,” Jha said.

The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) said it has an exposure of Rs 36,474.78 crore to Adani group’s debt and equity, and the amount is less than one per cent of the national insurer’s total investments.

The Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray demanded an SEBI investigation into alleged stock manipulation by the Adani group and “overexposure” of LIC and SBI funds in shares of the group companies.

Minister Niranjan Pujari, Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra, Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari and industrialsts from Jharsuguda.

Earlier in the day, thousands paid homage to Das, as his mortal remains reached here from Bhubaneswar.

(PTI): Granting relaxations, the government on Monday said the 30-minute daily obligatory public service broadcast by private broadcasters could be embedded in programmes telecast by other television channels. In an advisory, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also said the public service broadcast content need not be of 30 minutes at a stretch and could be spread over smaller time slots.“The time for which the public service broadcasting content is telecast in between commercial breaks shall not be accounted for the 12-minute limit for commercial breaks,” the advisory said. The private broadcasters have to submit a monthly report on the Broadcast Seva Portal. In November last year, the ministry had asked the private television channels to air public service

broadcast content for 30 minutes every day under eight themes of national importance and social relevance as part of the new service obligations. The guidelines were stipulated in the new uplinking-downlinking rules prescribed by the ministry on November 9 last year. The fresh advisory was issued on Monday after holding extensive consultations with private satellite television channels and their

associations.

The government has also allowed sharing of content between the broadcasters and repeat telecasts on one or several television channels. It has also allowed the creation of a common e-platform as a repository of relevant videos or textual content from various sources for the purpose of public service broadcasting, which may be accessed and used by the television channels.

‘No nomination for solution’ plea by WC

(From p-1)

When juxtaposed with the Indo-Naga political talks, WC said elections in Nagaland were a nuisance, an extravagant indulgence and a conference of wanton

thieves and braggards to loot the beleaguered Naga populace for another five years.

“Eligible men and women have the liberty to vote or abstain. Many will naturally exercise their vote

‘Resignations of 81 MLAs stand withdrawn’

JAIPUR, JAN 30 (PTI):

The 81 MLAs who had submitted resignation letters to Rajasthan assembly speaker CP Joshi during the last September crisis have withdrawn them, the assembly secretary told the high court on Monday.

minister as Gehlot was the frontrunner for the post of Congress president then. “The MLAs have voluntarily withdrawn their resignations as per Rule 173 (4) of the procedure

and conduct of business of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, in such a situation the resignations of the MLAs have become non est in the eye of law,” the reply stated.

believing in the tall poll promises or trusting the calibre of candidates. They are compelled to vote not because they are Indians but the societal structure deems it,” the statement noted.

Mortal remains of Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das being taken for last rites during his funeral, in Jharsuguda district. (PTI) as a mark of respect to Das.

Das breathed his last on Sunday evening, hours after he was shot by an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) at Brajarajnagar, where he

had gone to attend an event.

The ASI is believed to be suffering from a mental disorder.

Among those present at the funeral were Finance

Many shops, business establishments and educational institutions in the district remained closed on Monday, with locals pouring out on the streets to shower flowers on the hearse carrying the departed leader’s remains, which drove through the streets of Jharsuguda town on its way to his home.

The Rajasthan high court was informed in a reply to a writ petition that the resignations given to the assembly speaker on September 25 were not voluntary and have been withdrawn.

On September 25 last year, 81 MLAs had submitted their resignations to the assembly speaker to scuttle a Congress Legislature Party meeting called to determine Gehlot’s successor as chief

Shreya

Pvt Ltd is now hiring 4 males and 6 females for various posts i.e field executive, training manager and branch manager. Company offer attractive remuneration, free food & lodging for selected candidates.

SNIPPETS

PM to inaugurate India Energy Week on Feb 6

BENGALURU, JAN 30

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Karnataka on February 6 to participate in programmes organised in Bengaluru and Tumakuru including the India Energy Week, a G20 event. According to a statement issued by the Karnataka Information Department, the Prime Minister will inaugurate India Energy Week at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre, near Madavara on February 6 morning.

Earthquake jolts Kutch in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD, JAN 30 (PTI): An earthquake of 4.2 magnitude hit Gujarat’s Kutch district on Monday morning, the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) said.

There was no report of any loss of life or damage to property, district authorities said.

The earthquake was recorded at 6.38 am with its epicentre 11 km northnorth east of Dudhai village in the district, the Gandhinagar-based ISR said in an update on its website.

It was preceded by a tremor of 3.2 magnitude reported at 5.18 am with its epicentre 23 km eastsoutheast of Khavda village in the district, the ISR said.

Food poisoning in Kerela school

WAYANAD (KERALA), JAN 30 (PTI): Several students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Lakkidi area of Wayanad district in Kerala are undergoing treatment at a local hospital for suspected food poisoning, an official said on Monday.

More than 60 students are presently admitted in the hospital following vomiting and diarrhoea, an officer of Vythiri police station said, adding that the health condition of all of them was stable.

The officer said students have been admitted to the hospital since Thursday.

NIA nab woman Maoist in Chhattisgarh

NEW DELHI, JAN 30 (PTI): A woman member of the CPI (Maoist), wanted in a case related to an attack on a police party in 2021 that left 22 personnel dead and 30 others injured, was arrested in Chhattisgarh, an NIA spokesperson said on Monday.

Madkam Ungi alias “Kamla”, a resident of Muthamadgu in Bijapur district, was arrested during a raid on Sunday and subsequently, produced before the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur, the spokesperson said.

4 killed after car collides with truck

JAIPUR, JAN 30 (PTI): Four people were killed in a collision between a car and a truck in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, police said. The accident occurred near Raisar falling on Bikaner-Jaipur national highway on late Sunday night. Four passengers travelling in a car were killed after it collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction, Napasar SHO Mahesh Kumar said.

He said the accident occurred in an attempt to save a cow that had come on the highway.

I will rather die than join hands with BJP again: Nitish

PATNA, JAN 30 (PTI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday asserted that he will “rather die” than realign with the BJP, stung by the saffron party’s decision that there will be no alliance with the “unpopular” JD(U) leader. Kumar made the remark while replying to questions here, from journalists, about the BJP’s decision taken at its two-day state executive meeting that concluded in Darbhanga on the previous day. “Mar jaana qabool hai lekin unke saath jaana humko kabhi qabool nahin hai, yah yaad rakhiye) (I will rather die than join hands with them, do remember this),” the septuagenarian said on the sidelines of a function organised on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary. Kumar, the state’s longest-serving CM, reminded the BJP of the stupendous

success it shared under his leadership at the hustings, including the 2010 assembly polls when the saffron party had won 91 seats, its bestever performance.

The JD(U) supremo, who pulled the plug on alliance with the BJP in August last year, claimed that the saffron party used to get

SC agrees to examine plea against ban on BBC docu

NEW DELHI, JAN 30

(IANS): The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine, on February 6, a plea challenging the Centre’s ban on the BBC documentary in connection with the 2002 Gujarat Riots. Advocate M.L. Sharma mentioned the plea for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, and the top court agreed to hear it on February 6.

The series, titled “India: The Modi Question”, has been dismissed as a biased “propaganda piece” by the government. The plea, filed by Sharma, contended that the BBC documentary was released for public view, however due to fear of truth, the documentary has been banned from viewership in India by any means under Rule 16 of IT Act 2021.

Sharma’s plea sought a direction for quashing of the January 21 order under the IT Act being illegal, malafide and arbitrary, unconstitutional and void ab-initio and ultra vires to the Constitution. The documentary titled ‘India: The Modi Question’ has been banned on social media and online

Nation remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary

hatma Gandhi’s interventions during the riots that broke out around Partition and his insistence that Pakistan be paid a sum of Rs 55 crore. Kumar also said that after having snapped ties with the BJP in 2013, when Narendra Modi took centre stage, he committed a “mistake” by realigning with the saffron party again in 2017.

even the votes of Muslims who felt secure enough under his leadership to temporarily shun their wariness of Hindutva. “On this day, Bapu was assassinated. And he was assassinated by those who had a problem with his commitment to protecting the Muslims,” the socialist leader said, referring to Ma-

channels, but some students have screened it on campuses of various universities across the country.

Sharma’s plea contended that the BBC documentary has reflected true facts with original recording of the victims of 2002 riots as well as others concerned involved in the scenario of riots, and it can be used for judicial justice. The top court will also hear next week, a separate petition filed by journalist N. Ram, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, and advocate Prashant Bhushan on taking down their tweets with links of the documentary.

Turning towards his deputy Tejashwi Yadav, the CM said, “So many cases have been lodged against his father (RJD supremo Lalu Prasad). Nothing came of it. They (BJP) put pressure on me to join hands again. Now they are trying to frame these people again in other cases”. “I was reluctant to become the CM in 2020 when our party won fewer seats than them, thanks to their inability to transfer their votes to us.

NEW DELHI, JAN 30 (AGENCIES): The nation on Monday remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying floral tributes at Raj Ghat in the national capital here.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The Prime Minister said that the sacrifices of the martyrs will keep strengthening the country’s resolve to strive for a developed India.

“I bow to Bapu on his Punya Tithi and recall his profound thoughts. I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred in the service of our nation. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and will keep strengthening our resolve to work for a developed India,” PM Modi tweeted. Union Home Minister

Amit Shah also paid tributes to Gandhi and said that he inspired the country to make it Atmanirbhar.

“Millions of salutes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, who inspired us to make the country Atmanirbhar by following the path of indigenous and self-reliance. It would be a true tribute to Gandhiji to adopt his ideas of cleanliness, Swadeshi and

mother tongue in the Amrit Kaal,” Shah tweeted in Hindi.

Others who paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena. The leaders also attended Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha at Raj Ghat.

BA courses see highest enrolment in India: AISHE report

NEW DELHI, JAN 30

(PTI): Bachelor of Arts (BA) courses had the highest enrolment in the country at 1.04 crore students, followed by Bachelor of Science (BSc) courses at 49.12 lakh students, according to the government’s All India Survey for Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21.

The survey report released by the Ministry of Education showed that of the 1.04 crore students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts (BA), 52.7 per cent are girls and 47.3 per cent are boys.

“Bachelor of Science (BSc) has 49.12 lakh students enrolled (of them 52.2 per cent are girls). There are 43.22 lakh stu -

POST VACANCY IN KOHIMA

Name of the post for Secondary level Required Educational qualification

English BA/MA with English

Maths BSc/MSc

Preference will be given to those who have teaching experience.

Interested candidates can contact the under mentioned numbers: 9402836563/8119962973

dents enrolled in BCom (of them 48.5 per cent are girls). BTech has 23.20 lakh enrolled students, of which 28.7 per cent are females.

Bachelor of Engineering (BE) has 13.42 lakh students enrolled, out of which 28.5 per cent are females,” the report said.

At the postgraduate level, the maximum number of students are enrolled in Social Science stream (9.41 lakh students, of whom 56.5 per cent were girls), followed by Science.

“The total number of PG students in Social Science courses is 9,41,648, out of which 56.5 per cent are female students. Total enrolment in Science stream

has 6,79,178, out of which 61.3 per cent are females. Management stream has 6,86,001 students enrolled for PG with 43.1 per cent being girls.

“Commerce stream has 5.36 lakh students enrolled for PG with 66.5 pc female students. There are 3.20 lakh students enrolled in PG in Indian languages which is divided into 12 sub-streams. The number of students enrolled in Education stream is 2.06 lakh, in which major contribution is female with 64.4 pc,” it said.

At PhD level, the maximum number of students are enrolled in Engineering and Technology stream, closely followed by Science.

st. Mary’s hr. sec. school, Dimapur

WANteD teAcheR

1) french teacher – Graduate / Diploma in french (candidate as Part time can also apply)

2) Office Assistant – PGD c A, D t P (Desk-top Publishing, Designing) & experienced in Office work with good typing speed

Walk-In-Interview on 06/02/2023 (Monday) along with relevant documents (11:00 am to 1:00 p.m)

Salary Negotiable.

contact No - 03862-227996

FELICITATION

St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School

Latika Complex, Nyamo Lotha Road, Dimapur

CBSE Affiliated School

ADMISSION NOTICE FOR 2023-24

Limited seats available for Pre-Nursery to Cl- 5. Form & Prospectus available at the School office. (9:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m) for Academic Session April 2023 - March 2024

For more details, Contact No. : 03862-227996 / 9862491011 dp-468/23(A)

dp-468/23(b)

We the Kulolau Murumi Kuposhukulu with immense pride and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to our esteemed member Dr. T. Yetovi Tuccu (muru), on his promotion to Joint director, Health and Family Welfare department.

We sincerely pray that Almighty God bless him with good health, wisdom and longevity and wish him the best in all his future endeavours.

Media Cell KMK dp-467/23

o ffi C e of the ChoKri AreA WreStLing ASSoCiAtion

dist : Phek

Dated: Jan 30, 2023

Ref No. 1/2023

notice for postponement of raffle draw

The office of the Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA) regret to inform all the ticket holders and our well wishers that the Raffle Draw scheduled to be held on February 11, 2023 is being rescheduled due to unavoidable circumstances and will be held on March 25, 2023 at Chetheba Town. CAWA solicit your unflinching support in our endeavours. (veZhodUYi thiSA) President, CAWA K-213/23

The Yanthamo Village Council held a meeting on 29th Jan 2023, regarding smooth conduct of the ensuing NLA Election and adopted a resolution that, except the intending candidates from the constituency, no union and organization shall be allowed to conduct any general meeting within the Village till electioneering process is over.

Sd/-

(Yitsabemo Odyuo) (Nchumbemo M Ngullie) Chairman, YVC Council Secy., YVC sd/- Phyoso Ngullie Head GB, Yanthamo Village WC-21/23

Engineering and Technology stream is divided into 21 sub-streams with a total of 56,625 students enrolled for PhD, out of which 33.3 per cent are women.

Science stream has 48,600 students enrolled for PhD with 48.8 per cent

women. It is divided into 17 sub-streams such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Zoology. STEM includes Science stream (including Mathematics) and Engineering & Technology stream.

Affid Avit Ch A nge of dAte of Birth

I, R. S. Shimreichon is natural mother of No. 14706636A Rank Sep, Name : R.S. Thuingathing resident of Ngainga, P.O. Ngainga, Teh: Lungchong Meiphai, Dist. Ukhrul, State-Manipur PIN: 795142 have changed my mother’s date of birth from 15.09.1963 to 18.08.1963 vide Affidavit No. 03AA 148425 dated 14.12.2022 before the office of the Oath Commissioner, Ukhrul. dp-464/23

Declaration

Regd. No. 250 Date 25/01/2023 Army No. 15628318x, Rank- L/NK, I, Shri. Teisovise Rhutsu, resident of Mima Village, Kohima District, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm on oath and declare as follows:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That my mother correct and official name is Thazenuo Rhutsu.

3. That however in my Service Records my mother name has been inadvertently entered and recorded as Thazenlio Rhutsu.

4. That the names Thazenuo Rhutsu and Thazenlio Rhutsu refers to one and the same person ie., my mother.

5. That this affidavit is made to declare that my mother's correct and official name is Thazenuo Rhutsu and the same shall be used for all official purpose, future references and correspondences.

6. That this affidavit shall also be used as a piece of evidence of the fact and proof as mentioned above and also to be used for any rectification if arises in future. That the statements from Para 1-6, are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing false has been stated. And I sign this afidavit before the competent authority at Kohima, Nagaland, on this the 25th day of January, 2023. Deponent NOtARY PUbLic/ MAGistRAte

Office Of the YANthAMO ViLLAGe cOUNciL Dist. WOkhA – 797111: NAGALAND iNfORMAtiON

Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan and CM Nitish Kumar pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day. (PTI)

President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh during ‘Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha’ at Rajghat. (PTI)

‘Avatar 2’ tops box office for seventh weekend, crosses $2.11 bn globally

Arecently discovered inflammatory disease known as VEXAS syndrome is more widespread and dangerous than previously understood, a new genetic analysis suggests. While it’s rare, researchers believe the disease may affect tens of thousands of men in the U.S. and may frequently go undiagnosed.

James Cameron’s film blockbuster sequel ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ added $15.7 million from 3,600 North American theatres between Friday and Sunday, enough to claim the No. 1 spot for the seventh consecutive weekend. So far, ‘Avatar 2’ has generated $620 million at the domestic box office and $2.117 billion globally.

On Friday, it passed ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ ($2.071 billion) to become the fourth-highest grossing movie in history. Now, ‘The Way of Water’ ranks behind only ‘Avatar’ ($2.92 billion), ‘Avengers: Endgame’ ($2.7 billion) and ‘Titanic’ ($2.19 billion) in terms of worldwide ticket sales. Cameron has directed three of those four releases, putting the filmmaker in unmatched company, reports Variety.

Elsewhere at the box office, only one new movie - Neon’s disturbing sci-fi thriller ‘Infinity Pool’ opened in theatres nationwide.

The R-rated film, from director Brandon Cronenberg (son of genre legend David Cronenberg), debuted to muted results, generating $2.7 million from 1,835 cinemas. Alexander Skarsgard and Cleopatra Coleman star in ‘Infinity Pool’ as vacationers at a wealthy t ropical island. But

when a mysterious woman (played by Mia Goth) convinces the couple to venture away from the resort, they suffer a tragic accident that pushes them into a world of consequence-free violence. What unfolds next is the kind of stomach-squelching horror that makes the film’s mediocre “C-” CinemaScore unsurprising, even though critics dug ‘Infinity Pool’.

“This is a weak opening for an original horror movie from an indie distributor,” said David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertain -

ment Research. “Reviews are excellent, but audience scores are poor.”

‘Infinity Pool’ landed in eighth place behind holdovers like ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’, the Tom Hanks-led drama ‘A Man Called Otto’ and the thriller ‘M3GAN’. Universal’s animated adventure ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ remained in the No. 2 spot, bringing in $10.5 million from 3,452 theatres. To date, the family film has amassed $140 million in North America and a notable $334 million globally. (IANS)

FELICITATION

We the family members of L. Ghokuto Zhimo would like to congratulate MR. KABO G. ZHIMOMI for being elected as the President of Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) for the tenure of 2023-2024.

We pray that through your leadership WSSU will prosper and work for the upliftment of the students.

God Bless You

FELICITATION

The office of the TUOPHEMA Village Students’ Union with profound delight and pride extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Vihuzo Kense, s/o Mr.Thepfuvilie Kense for winning the title Mr. Mega Northeast 2023, & subtitles (Mr.Hospitality & Mega Mister Nagaland)

The union further wishes him success in all his future endeavours.

Seyiekuolie Sanchu Medongunuo Seyie president, TVSU Gen. Secy., TVSU

Loving Parents, Brothers, Sisters, In-Laws, Nephew and Nieces

“Is VEXAS really more common than we think with patients hiding in plain sight? The answer is yes,” says Mayo Clinic rheumatologist Matthew J. Koster, MD, who’s studied the disease but didn’t take part in the new research project. His institution, he says, sees a patient with the disease every week or two.

Researchers first described VEXAS syndrome in 2020 and gave it its name, which stands for several of its traits – vacuoles, E1-ubiquitin-activating enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic. The disease is linked to a gene mutation that seems

to disrupt how the body identifies dysfunctional proteins so they can be eliminated. “The disease is quite severe,” says study lead author David Beck, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health.

Patients with the condition “have a variety of clinical symptoms affecting different parts of the body and are being managed by different medical specialties.”

Symptoms can include anemia – a low level of red blood cells in the body – and inflammation that affects the skin, lungs, bone, cartilage, and joints. “These symptoms are frequently mistaken for other rheumatic or hematologic [blood] diseases,” Beck says. “However, this syndrome has a different cause, is treated differently, requires additional monitoring, and can be far more severe.”

According to Beck, who helped discover the disease, hundreds of peo-

ple have been diagnosed with VEXAS syndrome in the short time since it was defined. The disease is believed to be fatal in some cases.

For the new study, researchers looked for relevant variants in genetic data from 163,096 people (average age 52.8 years; 94% white; 61% women) who were patients at 10 Pennsylvania hospitals from 1996 to 2022.

Eleven people (nine male, two female) had the

likely variants, and all had anemia. Just over half of the patients – 55% – had a clinical diagnosis that was previously linked to VEXAS syndrome.

“This means that slightly less than half of the patients had no clear associated clinical diagnosis,” Beck says. “VEXAS syndrome represents an example of a multi-system disease where patients and their symptoms may get lost in the shuffle.”

Moving forward, he

says, doctors should be on the lookout for patients with unexplained inflammation and various symptoms who can’t be diagnosed or don’t respond to their first treatments.

“These patients will also frequently be anemic, have low platelet counts and elevated markers of inflammation in the blood, and be dependent on corticosteroids,” which dampen the immune system, he says.

Koster says the disease i s so common that “clinicians should consider that some of the patients with diseases that are not responding to treatment may in fact have VEXAS.”

Diagnosis of VEXAS can be made via genetic testing. As for treatment, Beck says the disease can be partly controlled by medications that aim to tame the immune system. Also, he says, bone marrow transplants have shown signs of being effective.

Written by Randy Dotinga

Newly discovered genetic disease is more common than expected

SNIPPETS

8 people shot dead in S. Africa

JOHANNESBURG, JAN 30 (IANS): South African police on Monday said that at least eight people were shot dead and three others injured by two unknown gunmen in the Eastern Cape province. Preliminary investigation has revealed that between 5.15 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. on Sunday, the owner of a house in Kwazakele was hosting his birthday party with several guests, and the two gunmen entered the yard and started shooting randomly, reports Xinhua news agency.

Pak currency plummets to record low

NEW DELHI, JAN 30 (AGENCIES): Pakistan’s currency continued its dramatic downward spiral for the third straight day, plummeting to a record low of 270 against the US dollar, as the government surrendered its control over the exchange rate to meet demands of the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, for a bailout. The cash-strapped nation is in desperate need of monetary aide to tide over the economic crisis. The currency was devalued by 7.50 PKR (or 2.77%) to a new all-time low at 270.10 PKR against the US dollar on the third consecutive day of freefall, The Express Tribune reported.

61 killed in Pakistan suicide attack

PESHAWAR, JAN 30 (PTI): A Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque packed with worshippers during afternoon prayers on Monday in the high-security zone in Pakistan’s restive northwestern Peshawar city, killing at least 61 people and wounding more than 150 others, mostly policemen, officials said.

The powerful blast occurred inside the mosque in the Police Lines area around 1.40 pm when worshippers, which included personnel of the police, army and bomb disposal squad - were offering the Zuhr (afternoon) prayers.

The bomber who was present in the front row blew himself up, causing the roof to collapse on the worshippers, officials said.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar Muhammad Ijaz Khan said 61 people have been killed in the blast.

He said that 300 to 400 police officials were present in the area at the time of the blast. “It is apparent that a security lapse occurred,” he told the media.

At least five sub-inspectors and the mosque’s prayer leader Maulana Sahibzada Noorul Amin were among the dead.

Lady Reading Hospital officials said more than 150 people were injured.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, saying it was part of a revenge attack

Tropical storm leaves 30 dead, 20 missing in Madagascar

for slain TTP commander Umar Khalid Khurasani who was killed in Afghanistan in August last.

A police official said that a portion of the mosque collapsed and several people were believed to be under it.

“We are currently focused on the rescue operation. Our first priority is to safely retrieve the people buried under the debris,” in-charge Rescue operation Bilal Faizi said.

The bomber entered the highly secured mosque inside police lines where four layers of security were in place.

Provincial Police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said they are investigating the blast and how the bomber entered the highly fortified mosque.

He expressed the apprehensions that the bomber might have been residing in the police lines before the blast as there are family quarters too inside the police lines.

The headquarters of

the Peshawar Police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Frontier Reserve Police (FRP), Elite Force and telecommunications department are also located near the blast site.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief General Asim Munir dashed to Peshawar to review the relief and rescue operation.

The premier along with the army chief also visited the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar and inquired after the health of the injured. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and other officials were also present. The Prime Minister summoned an emergency meeting where the preliminary probe report was presented.

Briefing the prime minister, IGP Ansari said he was unaware from where the bomber had come and how he managed to enter the police lines.

Superintendent of Police (Investigation), Pesha-

Antony Blinken urges IsraelPalestinian calm as violence soars

war, Shazad Kaukab, whose office is close to the mosque, told the media that the blast occurred when he just entered the mosque to offer prayers. He said he luckily survived the attack.

The collective funeral of 27 victims was offered at police lines in the evening.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sharif strongly condemned the attack, saying the attackers behind the incident “have nothing to do with Islam”.

“Terrorists want to create fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan,” he said and vowed that the sacrifices of the blast victims will not go in vain. “The entire nation is standing united against the menace of terrorism.”

He also said that a comprehensive strategy will be adopted to counter the deteriorating law and order situation in restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal government will help provinces in increasing their anti-terrorism capacity.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the attack, saying “terrorist incidents before the local and general elections were meaningful”.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Governor Haji Ghulam Ali condemned the blast and urged the people to donate blood for the injured, saying that it would be a “huge favour for the police”.

The bodies and injured were shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital, officials said.

JERUSALEM, JAN 30

(AP): U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel and the Palestinians on Monday to ease tensions amid a spike in violence that has put the region on edge. The bloodshed has alarmed the Biden administration as it attempts to find common ground with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new right-wing government.

Speaking on his arrival at Israel’s international airport near Tel Aviv after a brief visit to Egypt, Blinken said he had come at “a pivotal moment” and condemned Palestinian attacks that have targeted Israeli citizens but also called for restraint in response, saying that all civilian casualties are deplorable.

“To take an innocent life in an act of terrorism is always a heinous crime but to target people outside their place of worship is especially shocking,” he said, referring to an attack on Friday that killed seven people, many of whom were leaving a Jerusalem synagogue.

“We condemn it in the strongest terms,” he said. “We condemn all those who celebrate these and any other acts of terrorism that take civilian lives no matter who the victim is or what they

believe. Calls for vengeance against more innocent victims are not the answer. And acts of retaliatory violence against civilians are never justified.”

The latest spate of violence erupted last week with an Israeli military raid on a militant stronghold in the West Bank city of Jenin last week that killed 10 people, most of them militants, followed by the shooting in an east Jerusalem Jewish settlement that killed seven Israelis. Blinken said it is imperative for both sides to work to de-escalate tensions that have soared since last week in what he called “a new and horrifying surge in violence” that has prompted severe responses from each.

“It is the responsibility of everyone to takes steps to calm tensions, rather than to inflame them,” he said, “That is the only way to halt the rising tide of violence that has taken too many lives, too many Israelis, too many Palestinians.

On Monday, shortly before Blinken’s arrival, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man in the flashpoint city of Hebron, bringing the toll of Palestinians killed in January to 35. The violence comes after months of Israeli arrest raids in the West Bank, which were launched after a wave of Palestinians attacks against Israelis in the spring of 2022 that killed 19 people.

PUBLiC aUCtiOn/tenDer nOtiCe

Sealed tenders are invited from bidders to purchase the following unserviceable items meant for disposal at SIB Office, Dimapur House No. 56, Middle Point Colony, Near South Indian Bank, Circular Road, Dimapur, (Nagaland) on “as is Where is” basis. The tender should be accompanied with a bank draft drawn on State Bank of India (Kohima main branch) for the sum of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousands only) payable in favour of DDO, SIB Kohima

no. nomenclature Qty (nos.)

1 Antenna 1.8 M 14

2 2 Watt RF Outdoor Unit 14

3 Interfacility link cable assembly set 14

4 Base band and indoor unit PES 5000 14

5 Industrial PC + Printer 14

6 UPS 1 KVA 14

7 Generator 2 KVA, make Birla Mode — EG 3000 ASI 14

8 Encryptor Unit (Fax, Speech, Data 14

9 Tool Kit 14

10 Telephone Set 14

2. The items are open for inspection at SIB Office, Dimapur, House No, 56, Middle Point Colony, Near South Indian Bank, Circular Road, Dimapur (Nagaland) on all working days (Monday to Friday) between 1000 hrs and 1600 hrs. The tender will be received upto 1400 Hrs. on 13.02,2023 at the above mentioned address at Dimapur and would be opened on 13.02.2023 at 1600 Hrs. The successful bidder will be allowed to carry the items against deposit of the bidding amount on cash and IGST tax receipt at SIB Head Office Kohima, near TCP Gate within 10 days from the date of acceptance of tender. Failing which earnest money deposited shall be forfeited.

ANTANARIVO (MADAGASCAR), JAN 30 (AP):

Flooding and landslides caused by the passage of tropical storm Cheneso across Madagascar caused 30 deaths, left 20 people missing and affected tens of thousands across the Indian Ocean island nation, according to a provisional assessment Monday.

The storm made landfall in the northeast of the island last Thursday and impacted close to 89,000 people, Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management said.

Madagascar’s meteorological agency said the storm, which has now passed across the country into the Mozambique Channel, saw winds gusting up to 170 km per hour (105.63 miles per hour) and unleashed torrential rains.

Colonel Faly Aritiana, of the risk and disaster office, said there had been house collapses and land -

slides in which people have become trapped. The storm has damaged infrastructure, with many roads cut by rising waters, landslides and collapsed bridges.

Nearly 33,000 people have had to leave their homes in the Boeny region, in the northwest of the island. Locals say the prices of basic foodstuffs have skyrocketed.

“Prices of vegetables and rice increased a lot after the storm” with the cost of tomatoes quadrupling, said Véronique Mamitiana, a teacher in the city of Mahajanga. “The merchants say it’s because the national road is cut,” she said.

Marovoay, 100 km (60 miles) further south, was one of the regions worst hit by the storm, with stagnant flood waters still affecting many localities. District leader Tolotriniaina Rakotonindriana said the water level is decreasing very slowly.

3rd Death anniversary of Late i Longti (Dibuia) 31st January 2020

“Wherever a beautiful SOUL has been, there is a TRAIL of beautiful memories.” On this day, we cherish the virtuous life you had lived and the memories you had given us. Your legacy of wisdom and humanity remains a blessing to everyone you left behind.

dp-460/23

2nd Death anniversary of Lt. Chumbenthung Ovung

- Loved Ones

3. The Deputy Director of SIB Kohima reserve the right to reject any or all tenders without assigning any reason. assistant Director/e siB Kohima dc-111/23

PRESS RELEASE

We the undersigned taking into due consideration the challenging task ahead of the newly created Tseminyu District and acknowledging the need for electing a capable and people-centric leader to pro-actively lead, engage and serve as the voice and wheels of the populace of the 12-Tseminyu Assembly constituency, hereby tender our resignation from our respective position in the Naga People Front (NPF) and affirm our unconditional support to able leadership of AR. JWENGA SEB intending candidate 12 Tseminyu A/C. We are fully in agreement with his vision for a progressive, transformative and resilient community and commitment towards delivering inclusive, equitable and proportionate development for all.

PARENT BODY

S/N NAME DESIGNATION SIGNATURE

1 KEVI KEMP VICE PRESIDENT, NPF TSEMINYU DIVISION.

2 SEHILO SEB GENERAL SECRETARY, NPF TSEMINYU DIVISION.

3 STEPHEN LORIN GENERAL SECRETARY, TSEMINYU DIVISION.

4 KENYUHUNLO SEB ASST. TREASURER, TSEMINYU DIVISION.

5 ROBIN MAGH PRESS SECRETARY, TSEMINYU DIVISION.

ADVISORY BOARD

S/N NAME DESIGNATION SIGNATURE

1 RIGA THYUG ADVISOR

2 THONPFULE KEZ ADVISOR

YOUTH WING

NATO

chief asks S. Korea to ‘step up’ military aid for Ukraine

SEOUL, JAN 30 (AGENCIES): NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg asked South Korea on Monday to “step up” military support for Ukraine, suggesting it reconsider its policy of not exporting weapons to countries in conflict, reports AFP. Stoltenberg is in Seoul on the first leg of his Asia trip, which will also take in Japan, as part of a drive to boost ties with the region’s democratic allies in the face of the Ukraine conflict and growing competition from China. He met top South Ko-

rean officials Sunday, and on Monday urged Seoul to do more to help Kyiv, saying there was an “urgent need for more ammunition”.

He told AFP that while South Korea and Japan were “providing significant economic support to Ukraine”, regional allies needed to recognise that global “security is interconnected”. Were Russian President Vladimir Putin to win the war, it would “send a very dangerous message to authoritarian leaders all over the world”, he said during an interview in Seoul.

31st January 2021

Dear Ngongo, You fondly remain in our hearts and we cherish your kind memories and celebrate your two years in Heaven. Our faith assures us that we will meet again. Till we meet…

S/N NAME DESIGNATION SIGNATURE

1 ROMEO WOCH VICE PRESIDENT

2 ZOHILO SEB SECRETARY

3 ZENILO TEP PRESS SECRETARY

Security officials and rescue workers gather at the site of suicide bombing, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Monday. (AP)

Antony Blinken, left, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry hold a press conference in Cairo, Egypt, Monday. (AP)

A man steers his boat to move around the street flooded with rain water in Antananarivo, Saturday. (AP)

India set tri-series final with 8-wkt win over WI

EAST LONDON (SOUTH AFRICA), JAN

30 (PTI): Deepti Sharma emerged as the star performer as India tuned up for the women’s T20 Triseries final with a dominating eight-wicket win over the West Indies in an inconsequential match here on Monday.

If the bowlers, led by Deepti (3/11), put up a clinical show to limit the West Indies to 94 for six, Jemimah Rodrigues (42 not out) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (32 not out) produced an attacking batting display as India chased down the modest target in 13.5 overs.

India will face hosts South Africa in the final on February 2.

Chasing 95 for win, Smriti Mandhana (5) was castled after she was late in attempting a shot but Rodrigues picked up three boundaries to take India to 36 for one in six overs.

Harleen Deol, who was looking good, failed to clear the mid-off and was holed out to Shabika Gajnabi.

Skipper Harmanpreet then joined Rodrigues and smashed four boundaries to knock off the remaining runs with immaculate ease. The duo added a

match-winning unbeaten 54 runs off just 40 balls.

Earlier, India justified the decision to bowl after winning the toss as they sizzled with the ball with spin duo of Deepti and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1/9) suffocating the Windies batters.

Deepti rocked the top

LFC: A1 Tsungiki to face XI Brothers Chukitong in final today

order with back-to-back wickets, removing Rashada Williams (8) and Campbelle (0), before returning to get rid of Shabika Gajnabi (12), who was stumped by Yastika Bhatia. Left-arm spinner Gayakwad too stuck to a good line and length as the Windies batters couldn’t free

their arms. She was rewarded soon as her arm-ball trapped Djenaba Joseph (3) in the ninth over. Replays later showed that she had got an inside-edge.

Pooja Vastrakar (2/19), who was introduced in the 10th over, snapped two wickets, including the final wicket of Alleyne in the last ball of the innings.

But it was an off day for veteran pacer Shikha Pandey, who conceded 28 runs in her three overs, while Renuka Singh was wicketless for 22 in her quota for four overs.

For West Indies, Hayley Matthews (34) was the only batter who put up a fight but she didn’t get any support from the other end.

Gajnabi (12) managed a double digit figure but it was the two unexpected sixes from Zaida James (21), which took West Indies closer to the 100-run mark.

Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Graham Reid resigns

NEW DELHI, JAN 30

(PTI): Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Graham Reid on Monday resigned from his position following the host nation’s disastrous outing at the just-concluded World Cup.

Reid, who was appointed India coach in April 2019, led the team to a historic bronze medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The 58-year-old Australian submitted his resignation to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, a day after the conclusion of the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, where Germany beat Belgium in a penalty shoot-out to emerge as champions.

“It is now time for me to step aside and hand over the reigns to the next management,” Reid said, announcing his retirement.

Reid’s term was till

next year’s Paris Olympics.

“It has been an honour and privilege to work with the team and Hockey India and I have enjoyed every moment of this epic journey. I wish the team all the very best,” he added. Reid took the decision after HI chief Tirkey and secretary general Bholanath Singh met with the players and support staff to discuss the team’s performance and strategy going forward. Besides Reid, the team’s analytical coach

Greg Clark and scientific advisor Mitchell David Pemberton also tendered their resignations on Monday morning.

The trio will be serving a notice period of one month before relinquishing their duties.

Under Reid, India achieved a lot of success, including an Olympic medal after 41 years, a silver in last year’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League season in 2021-22.

Reid’s successful outings with India also includes the FIH Series Final title victory in 2019. The team made the Tokyo Games by winning the qualifiers in Bhubaneswar in the same year. Tirkey accepted the trio’s resignations and said the country will always remain grateful for their services.

Djokovic returns to top spot; Nadal slips to sixth in ATP rankings

NEW DELHI, JAN 30

(IANS): After winning his 10th Australian Open title, Novak Djokovic returned to the No. 1 spot in the latest ATP rankings released on Monday.

Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in the final on Sunday and clinched his 22nd Grand Slam title, equalling Rafael Nadal on the list for most Grand Slam crowns on Sunday night.

Sabalenkabacktocareer-highworld no.2;Rybakinamakestop-10debut

Players in action at local ground Wokha on Monday.

DIMAPUR, JAN 30

(NPN): A1 Tsungiki

and XI Brothers Chukitong won their respective matches in the semi-final matches at the ongoing 12th edition of Lotha Football Championship (LFC) on Monday at local

ground, Wokha. After 30 exciting matches in the last two weeks, final will be played between defending champion A1 Tsungiki and XI Brothers Chukitong at 11 am.

Playing the first semi-

final match on Saturday, A1 Tsungiki secured a spot in the final after defeating ERSA 3-1. In the second semi-final match played between XI Brothers Chukitong and NRSA, XI brothers edged past their opponent 4-2.

The Serbian climbed four spots from World No. 5 to seal the top spot, the biggest jump to the top of the men’s tennis summit between two editions of the ATP Rankings in history (since 1973). The 35-yearold dethroned reigning U.S. Open champion Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who is now placed second on the list.

The four-place ascent is a bigger jump than the three-spot climb previously made by Carlos Alcaraz

World Veterans TT: Yogesh Desai claims gold in 70+, Mantu Murmu wins women’s 60+ crown

MUMBAI, JAN 30 (IANS): Indian paddler Yogesh Desai emerged as the World Champion, winning the men’s 70+ singles title in the recently-concluded ITTF World Veterans Table Tennis Championship 2023, in Muscat, Oman.

The Indian contingent returned from Oman with a rich haul of 24 medals, including six gold, six silver and 12 bronze medals.

The Mumbai-based player Desai played with plenty of grit and determination and did well to brush aside the challenge from Czech Republic’s Milan Rakovicky storming to a 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 1311) in the best-of-five-game final and claim his maiden gold medal in the event organised by the Oman Table Tennis Association and played at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Another Indian Mantu Murmu also won the World Champion’s crown winning the Women’s 60+ singles

crown. The Kolkata-based Murmu proved too good for compatriot Suhasini Bakre smoothly cruising to a 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, and 11-7) victory with a measure of ease and clinched the gold medal.

Meanwhile, India also won the Men’s 70+ doubles title with the pairing of Ulhas Shirke and Pinakin Sampat winning the final. The Mumbai duo of Shirke and Sampat combined perfectly to outplay the mixed Indo-USA pair of Girish Sawant and Randy Hou, winning by a

3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 6-11, and 11-8) margin.

Earlier, in the Men’s 70+ semifinals, Desai showed remarkable fighting spirit as he recovered after trailing 1-2 to come back by winning the last two games to overcome Austria’s Reinhard Sorger by snatching a tense 3-2 (11-9, 5-11, 7-11, 12-10, and 11-4) win. The other semifinal also witnessed an engrossing battle as Rakovicky lost the opening two games against compatriot Frantisek Just, who made a positive start. But Rakovicky

gallantly fought back to win the remaining three games in succession to clinch a deserving 3-2 (6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, and 12-10) win.

Results:

Women’s 60+ singles

(semis): Mantu Murmu (IND) bt Virginia Stanescu (BEL) 3-0 (11-4, 13-11, 112); Sushasini Bakre (IND) bt Gina Hundven (NOR) 3-1 (11-1, 11-4, 4-11, 118); Finals Mantu Murmu (IND) bt Sushasini Bakre (IND) 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 117).

Men’s 70+ singles (semis): Yogesh Desai (IND) bt Reinhard Sorger (AUT) 3-2 (11-9, 5-11, 7-11, 12-10, 11-4); Milan Rakovicky (CZE) bt Frantisek Just (Cze) 3-2 (6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10); Final: Yogesh Desai (IND) bt Milan Rakovicky (CZE) 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 13-11).

Men’s 70+ doubles (final): Ulhas Shirke (IND)/ Pinakin Sampat (IND) bt Girish Sawant (IND)/Randy Hou (USA) 3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8).

Theegala tied fourth at Farmers as Rahm finishes fifth

SAN DIEGO, JAN 30

(IANS): Sahith Theegala logged his first Top-5 of 2023 as he closed the Farmers Insurance Open with a final round of 70 at the South course at Torrey Pines. Theegala had a modest start with finishes of 33rd at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and T-54 at the American Express. He had four good

rounds of 66-72-71-70 for a 9-under 279 total as he finished four shots behind the winner, Max Homa (66).

Indian-American Theegala had one birdie on the front nine and on the back he dropped shots on 10-11 and then birdied 12, 14 and 18.

Homa came from five shots off the lead to win by two strokes over Keegan Bradley as Jon Rahm missed winning his third

straight start and moving to No. 1 in the world. It was the sixth PGA Tour win for Homa and fourth in his home state of California.

Collin Morikawa was third while Theegala tied for fourth with Korean Sungjae Im and Sam Ryder, who was trying for a wire-to-wire win.

Homa took The Genesis Invitational at Riviera in 2021 and has won the

(September 12, 2022), Pete Sampras (September 11, 2000), Andre Agassi (July 5, 1999) and Carlos Moya (March 15, 1999).

If Djokovic remained World No. 1 through the week of February 20, he will tie Stefanie Graf’s record for most weeks as World No. 1 in history (men and women) at 377.

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal dropped from second to sixth place after his second-round loss

to USA’s Mackenzie McDonald.

After reaching the second Grand Slam final of his career, Tsitsipas moved up one place and returned to his career-high World No. 3, 875 points behind Djokovic.

Denmark’s Holger Rune reached a new careerhigh ranking of World No. 9. Last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev moved out of the top 10 as he slipped four spots to 12.

Bundesliga: Dortmund down Bayer Leverkusen

Aryna Sabalenka attained her career-high ranking of World No. 2 after winning the Australian Open women’s singles title while runner-up Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan marked her top-10 debut in the latest WTA Rankings released on Monday. Sabalenka came back from a set down to defeat Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final to win her first Grand Slam title on Saturday. The triumph saw her improve her ranking by 3 spots to number two with 6100 ranking points.

Having paved her way to her second major final with wins over World No.1 Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko, and Victoria Azarenka, reigning Wimbledon champion Rybakina took a giant leap of 15 places to sit in tenth place.

Poland’s Swiatek, however, retained her No. 1 spot with 10485 pimts, which is 4385 ranking points ahead of Sabalenka. With her quarterfinal run, Latvia’s Ostapenko jumped five places to 12th while Azarenka climbed eight places to get back in the top 20. Other players that improved their ranking are Dona Vekic, who is back up to 33, and Linda Fruhvirtova jumped 31 spots to 51.

Indian Army renovates volleyball court at Mima village

DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): India Army renovated a broken volleyball court at Mima village, Kohima district under Operation Sadbhavan.

According to PRO defence, a simple function held at the village on January 30 where the renovated court was handed over to the villagers and dedicated to promote the game of volleyball among the youth. During the function, some sports items were also presented to the village. The event was attended by the village council members and more than 100 villagers.

Fortinet Championship in Napa in consecutive years.

Homa closed with a 6-under 66 to finish at 13-under 275. He made a 4-foot birdie putt on No. 18. Bradley also shot a 66 on the South Course. Morikawa shot 69 and finished at 10 under. Ryder shot 75, his worst round of the week, and tied for fourth with Theegala (70) and Im (70) at 9-under.

BERLIN, JAN 30 (IANS):

Borussia Dortmund secured its third consecutive win after taking a 2-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final match of the 18th round, also ending Bayer Leverkusen’s five-game winning run. The Werkself assumed control from the kick-off and came close in the early stages, as Nadiem Amiri rattled the side net in the sixth minute before Moussa Diaby forced Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into action ten minutes later, reports Xinhua news agency.

Dortmund needed some time but opened the scoring with 33 minutes gone as Julian Brandt’s cutback pass found Karim Adeyemi, who marked his first-ever Bundesliga goal from the central position of the box.

The ‘BVB’ defended well with their narrow lead

behind and kept the offensively minded hosts at bay for the remainder of the first half.

Leverkusen took the reins again but couldn’t restore parity after the restart, as Kobel was on guard again to deny Diaby and Amine Adli in quick succession three minutes into the second half.

Things went from bad to worse moments later for Leverkusen. Edmond Tapsoba cleared a square pass from Dortmund’s Marius Wolf into the wrong goal to make it 2-0 for the visitors in the 53rd minute.

Leverkusen remained unimpressed and pushed forward, but Kobel was invincible as neither Adli nor Diaby was able to overcome the Dortmund goalkeeper from promising positions.

Elsewhere, relegationthreatened Schalke shared the spoils with Cologne following a goalless draw.

Indian Women teammates celebrate during the T20 Tri-series with West Indies.

Aryna Sabalenka

Novak Djokovic

Borussia Dortmund player celebrate after their side goal.

Yogesh Desai

Graham Reid