1 Feb 2023

Nagaland Post

Ukraine seeks Western fighter jets

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Economy to grow 6-6.8% in FY24: Eco Survey

NEW DELHI,

JAN 31

(PTI): India’s economy is projected to slow to 6-6.8 per cent in the fiscal year starting April - still remaining the fastest growing major economy in the worldas extraordinary challenges facing the globe will likely hurt exports, the Economic Survey said on Tuesday.

The projection of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is higher than the 6.1 per cent estimate of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and compares with the survey’s estimated 7 per cent expansion in the current fiscal year (April 2022 to March 2023) and 8.7 per cent in the previous year.

The survey that details the state of the economy was tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman a day before she presents Union Budget 2023-24. “At least three shocks have hit the global economy since 2020,” the

ECI issues notification for Assembly polls

DIMAPUR, JAN 31

(NPN): Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday formally issued notification for the 14th Assembly election to 60 constituencies in Nagaland.

Accordingly, election will be held on February 27 and the results will be declared on March 2.

February 7 has been fixed as the last date for filing nominations, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on February 8 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 10. The polls will be conducted from 7 am to 4 pm on February 27, and the election shall be completed on March 4.

Meanwhile, in accordance with the provisions of clause (1) of Article 172 of the Constitution, the existing Nagaland Legislative Assembly will continue up to and including March 12, unless sooner dissolved, and shall thereafter stand dissolved on the expiration of its duration.

Further, as recommended by ECI in pursuance of sub-Section (2) of Sec 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951), the governor called upon all Assembly constituencies in the State to elect members to the Legislative Assembly.

No nomination filed on day-1: No candidate has filed papers on the first day of filing of nominations for February 27 election.

report, prepared by Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, said.

Starting with the pandemic-induced contraction of the global output, the Russian-Ukraine conflict last year led to a worldwide surge in inflation. And then, central banks across econo-

mies led by the US Federal Reserve responded with synchronised policy rate hikes to curb inflation.

The rate hike by the US Fed drove capital into the US markets causing the US dollar to appreciate against most currencies. This led to the widening of

the Current Account Deficits (CAD) and increased inflationary pressures in net importing economies like India.

“The Indian economy, however, appears to have moved on after its encounter with the pandemic, staging a full recovery in FY22 (April 2021 to March 2022) ahead of many nations and positioning itself to ascend to the pre-pandemic growth path in FY23.

“Yet in the current year, India has also faced the challenge of reining in inflation that the European strife accentuated,” the survey said.

However, the challenge of the depreciating rupee, although better performing than most other currencies, persists with the likelihood of further increases in policy rates by the US Fed.

The widening of the CAD may also continue as global commodity prices

Ranji Trophy: K’taka blow away U’khand on Day 1 SPORTS, PAGE

Political parties get into huddle for finalizing candidates, seat distribution

remain elevated and the growth momentum of the Indian economy remains strong, it said.

The survey stated that the inflation projection by RBI at 6.8 per cent for current fiscal (FY23) is above the central bank’s tolerance limit but the pace of price increase is not high enough to deter private consumption or low enough to weaken investment.

According to the survey, the pressure on the Indian rupee could continue due to the tightening of monetary policy.

On exports, it said the growth moderated in the second half of current fiscal year. Slowing world growth, shrinking global trade led to loss of export stimulus in the second half of the current year.

A slowdown in global growth will likely push down global commodity prices and improve India’s CAD in FY24.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 31 (NPN):

Following the issuance of notification for Assembly election by Election Commission of India on Tuesday, major political parties will distribute tickets to the intending candidates within this week.

BJP: The BJP, which will be contesting 20 seats as per seat sharing agreement with NDPP (40 seats), will finalise its list of candidates on Wednesday at New Delhi and distribute tickets later this week.

According to sources, out of 12 sitting BJP legislators, 11 will be issued the tickets while nine will be given to mostly new faces, including a woman.

It has been widely speculated that the BJP tickets were finalized as (districtwise)-- Mon- 3, Tuensang2, Longleng- 1, Kiphire- 1, Noklak- 1, Mokokchung- 3,

Zunheboto- 3, Dimapur- 2, Wokha- 3 and Kohima- 1.

NDPP: With 44 legislators (now 43 after the demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier) including others vying for 40 seats, the NDPP has come under immense pressure from ticket aspirants.

Sources said that the party, which will be contesting in 40 seats, will have to take a tough call and may also refuse ticket to some sitting MLAs. The NDPP will be distributing the party tickets on February 2 at Kohima.

NPF: On the other hand, NPF will distribute tickets on February 3. But, while the demand for tickets was pouring in, NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu informed Nagaland Post that ticket allotment had not been finalised yet.

Azo said that though applications have been pouring in from aspirants,

Jamir laments lack of governance, fragmentation in Nagaland MHA, ENPO agree on ‘new

DIMAPUR, JAN 31

(NPN): Former chief minister and governor Padma Bushan Dr SC Jamir lamented that governance in the State has totally collapsed and only giving rise to extraconstitutional authorities who were running the de facto parallel administration, guided by their whims and fancies.

Dr. Jamir said this while speaking at the silver jubilee function of Christina Memorial Higher Secondary School (CMHSS) here on Tuesday on the theme “Refine Lives – The Hope of Tomorrow”. He questioned

the people of Nagaland on whether they were prepared to live perpetually in a state of uncertainty and confusion and asked them to ponder over who was responsible for all the mess.

Dr. Jamir who is the sole surviving member of the

Naga People’s Convention (NPC) that formulated the 16 Point Agreement which formed the basis for creation of Nagaland state in 1963, lamented that Nagaland today was witnessing a rudderless political movement . He said Nagas were facing both seen and unseen forces working to the detrimental of healthy growth of this beautiful land of the Nagas.

He said the land of Christians has become a land of factions and almost all of them were at daggers drawn in the name of Naga sovereignty.

While pursuing the common political goal, he said the Naga political move-

NPF open to post-poll alliance: Azo

KOHIMA, JAN 31 (PTI):

The Naga People’s Front (NPF), one of the oldest regional parties in the state, will press for a solution of the vexed Naga Political Issue if it comes to power after the Assembly election and is ready for post-poll alliance.

The election to the 60-member Nagaland Assembly is scheduled for February 27.

NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo)

Nienu in an exclusive interview to PTI said that with no pre-poll alliance, the NPF is ready for a post-poll strategy with any political party to

form the next government. “We are ready to form or be a part of the government with any political party in the state, because post-election the demand for Naga political solution will be the pressing need,” he said.

“The Government of India is not at all serious in solving the Naga Political Issue. We are not at all satisfied,” he said, claiming that post election the NPF will press harder for solution to the vexed problem.

On the fielding of candidates for the ensuing election, Azo claimed a large number of aspirants are

coming forward seeking the party ticket. “It has gone beyond our expectation but as a party we have to look into the financial aspects and during the party CEC meeting, we have decided to set up only winnable candidates. The list will be finalised within a day or two,” he said. He, however, refrained from disclosing the probable number of candidates to be fielded by the party. On the prime agenda of the party for the election campaign, he said in case NPF is part of any government, the priority

ment had resulted in fragmentations with multiple groups instead of a united body, thereby defeating the very objective of the Naga movement built by the pioneers.

Dr. Jamir encouraged Nagas to gather courage and honesty, qualities which have remained dormant for past several decades because of insurgency. He also urged the present leadership, both underground and overground, to redefine the spirit of uniqueness of Naga political history in sync with contemporary socio-politico realities and chart the future of Nagaland everyone dreamt of.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Power shutdown in parts of Dimapur

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN):

In view of dismantling and shifting of old existing HT and LT lines to newly erected Trunk Line in Dimapur town area, Power department has informed consumers of power shutdown from February 1-21.

On February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. the following areas will be affected-- Duncan, DC court, Lengrijan and Oriental areas will be affected

On February 3, 4, 10 & 14 from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m.- Kaboi Bosti, City Tower and New Market, Sematilla, West yard, Chatteshwari,

(Cont’d on p-8) (Cont’d on p-8)

NSCN (I-M), GPRN/NSCN observe 44th Raising Day

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN):

NSCN (I-M) and GPRR/ NSCN celebrated the 44th Raising Day of NSCN at their respective council headquarters on January 31.

NSCN built on foundation of Naga national principles, says Tuccu: NSCN (I-M) chairman Q. Tuccu reminded all that NSCN was built on the foundation of Naga national principles.

“We have to stand guard that we do not deviate from what NSCN stands for. The objectives of the manifesto of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) is mainly to safeguard and maintain the fundamental principles of Sovereign Independent

Christian Socialist Democratic Republic of Nagalim founded on solid ground of our centuries old social system and modern socio-political scenario,” Tuccu said.

“Let us continue to exercise our revolutionary responsibility in order to fulfill the high level of faith and trust reposed in us by the people. NSCN is indeed mandated by the Naga people to negotiate with the Government of India for bringing an honourable solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga political problem. So far, we have not wavered in defending the sovereign rights of the Naga nation,” he said.

(Full text on p-6)

GoI failed to perform political task on Naga issue: In his speech, GPRN/NSCN chairman ‘gen.’ (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak expressed dismay that the political leadership of India, in the name of democracy, was conducting election in Nagaland and has diverted their attention to electioneering and party politics. Terming it as “unfair”, Neokpao, however, said Nagas were patient practitioners of ancient democratic values.

“Abstaining from democratic exercise too is a democratic right since the Indian leadership failed to perform its political task on the Naga issue,” he said. He asserted that: “Those Nagas prepar-

ing to contest in the Indian election representing different political parties have to understand the severity of the Naga situation. This democratic exercise every five years have enabled thieves and scoundrels to flourish. Bankrupt minds have blurred the Naga vision. The hunger for five year power is threatening to destroy the future of Naga generations. Those clamouring for power will be answerable someday.”

(Full text on p-6)

Earlier, NPAC convener Zhekiye Yeptho graced Raising Day as the guest speaker at Council Headquarters, Naga Unification Camp, Khehoyi.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 31 (NPN):

After nearly a month of intense deliberation between Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) representatives and the threemember committee of the Home Ministry led by advisor (North East) AK Mishra, on the demand for “Frontier Nagaland” state demand, both sides have agreed to work out a “new arrangement” for Eastern Nagaland. This final decision was arrived after two days

(January 30-31) of hectic parleys between the ENPO delegation and the Central team at Guwahati.

Sources privy to the meeting, disclosed that necessary formalities would be chalked out before the “new arrangement” is put in place. It was learnt that though ENPO had in principle, agreed to the “new arrangement”, it would however continue to press for a separate “Frontier Nagaland”.

Sources also said that after the new arrangement comes to fruition, it would

mostly freshers, there was no woman applicant so far. He, however, refused to answer whether any of the former members (21 NPF legislators who merged with NDPP) returned to the parent party.

Azo alleged that most of the winnable candidates were purchased and therefore the battle was unpredictable. He said though many were new faces, tickets would be issued to winnable candidates.

He also clarified to this correspondent that NPF did not stitch pre-poll alliance with any party, though the party would work out postpoll alliance to ensure that the party was part of the government.

Congress: Meanwhile, Congress will issue the tickets on February 5. A Congress leader said though the number of candidates could not be ascertained, the list would include a woman candidate.

arrangement’

reportedly be in place for 10 years, which would likely have financial autonomy, separate funding among others.

In view of some technical issues over the ‘new arrangement’ to be cleared, a team of ENPO leaders will heading for Delhi on Wednesday to work out modalities before finalising the agreement.

As reported earlier, Union Home minister Amit Shah is expected to visit Eastern Nagaland after the Central team submit its final report to the Centre.

Staff Reporter

Dr. SC Jamir (NP)

Nagaland prepares for assembly election 2023

DIMAPUR: In view of the ensuing general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), various trainings and meetings are being held and information disseminated for peaceful and smooth conduct of the election.

EO for Dimapur A/Cs holds meeting

ROs inform on Form-1, Notice of Election

Returning Officers (ROs) of respective Assembly Constituencies have notified on issue of Form-1, Notice of Election for an election is to be held of a member to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).

EOs arrive in Kohima, Longleng

Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur

Expenditure Observer for Dimapur, Suboth Singh at the meeting. (DPRO Dimapur) Expenditure Observer (EO) for Dimapur I, II and III Assembly Constituencies, Suboth Singh held meeting with Dimapur district Magistrates of FST and SST, officer incharge of VST, VVT and nodal officer MCMC held at the conference hall of DC & DEO Dimapur on January 31.

According to DIPR report, Singh at the meeting categorically said that money power should not find any space for influencing voters during the ensuing general elections.

He enquired from the magistrates and nodal officers about their ongoing activities undertaken and advised them with inputs on how to go about for ensuring free and fair elections without any inducement and prejudices.

Singh also cleared the queries of the nodal officers/ magistrates by explaining all the legal provisions and instructions by of the Election Commission relating to expenditure and monitoring issues.

Terming election as the festival of democracy, Singh urged upon the officers to create an ecosystem, en-

abling voters to come and cast their vote with free conscience without money power. Sharing his official number, 7005155223 which has been allotted to him by the ECI, Singh informed the nodal officers and any voter to contact him freely anytime even at night for any doubts/clarifications. In the meeting, DC& DEO Dimapur, Commissioner Police and RO Dimapur shared insights so that the different teams work collectively with clarity and seriousness and ensure fair and peaceful elections.

Dimapur district control center functional: Deputy Commissioner and DEO Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal informed the general public that the District Control Centre, under District Election office Dimapur has been made operational and will be functional at all times. In this connection, public can take assistance from the Dimapur district control center for any queries related to the forthcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023, under Dimapur district in the following numbers: 1950 and 6009082491 and for complaints: 03862-248009.

IMFL destroyed in Dmu, Mkg

Officials destroying seized IMFL in Mokokchung.

DIMAPUR: Dimapur destruction committee on January 30 destroyed a total of 7843 numbers of assorted Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) seized by the police stations under Dimapur Police Commissionerate at Burma Camp dumping site.

A press release by Dimapur police PRO stated that the pretrial destruction was necessitated to ensure zero pilferage and misappropriation of seized liquor. The destruction committee members and witness were led by Public Prosecutor, Dimapur, Hutoi as chairman.

IMFL seized: Dimapur District Excise duty party manning New Field Inter-State Excise checkgate intercepted a truck (NL01AE 3666) and recov-

AR hold security meet at Njauna

DIMAPUR: Jalukie Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted security meet at Njauna village Peren district on January 31.

According to PRO defence, the aim of the security meet was to discuss issues related to security of the area for the upcoming assembly election in Nagaland. During meeting, various issues concerning the security of the region such as sharing of information for any untoward incident, coordination and convergence on the issues of mutual interest were deliberately discussed.

Attendees were also informed about likely security threats along the border areas and also about the relentless efforts of the security forces to maintain peace and harmony for conducting free and fair elections in the region. The event concluded with health check-up and distribution of essential medicines where 38 villagers were benefited.

In separate notices, ROs have informed that nomination papers may be obtained and delivered by a candidate or by any of his/her proposers to the RO or to assistant returning officer between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on any day (other than public holiday) not later than February 7. It said nomination papers would be taken up for scrutiny on February 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at respective RO/ARO office.

Further, ROs informed that notice of withdrawal of candidature may be delivered either by a candidate or by any of his/her proposers or by his/her election agent who has been authorized in writing by the candidate to deliver it to either of the officers (RO/ ARO) before February 10, 3 p.m. at the respective RO/ARO office. In the event of the election being contested, ROs said the poll would be taken on February 27 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Following are the addresses to obtain and submit the forms:

1 Dimapur-I and 3 DimapurIII AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to the RO or to assistant returning officer, Litsenthung Kikon at ADC office chamber, DC office Dimapur.

2 Dimapur-II AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to the RO or to assistant returning officer, Yanthungbemo Kikon at Office Chamber of the Sub- Divisional Officer (Civil) HQ,

10 Northern Angami-I AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to the RO or to assistant returning officer, Nockpai Konyak at SDO (C) HQ Room 1st Floor, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Kohima.

11 Northern Angami-II AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to the ADC Chiephobozou and RO, Alemyapang Longchar or to ARO, Vitoka Yepthomi at the Office Chamber of the ADC Chiephobozou.

7-Peren AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to the RO or to assistant returning officer, Meyazungba Jamir at the office of the Returning Officer

7-Peren AC, Old DC Complex, Peren town.

12- Tseminyu AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to the RO or to assistant returning officer, Ruokuosetuo Tetso at the chamber of the ADC & Returning officer.

6-Tening AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to the RO or to assistant returning officer, Imliwabang Aier at the office of the RO 6-Tening AC, Old DC’s building, Peren Town.

35 Zunheboto AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to ADC & RO, Moakumzuk Tzudir or to ARO, Athrong at the Office of the ADC and RO, D.C Office Zunheboto.

40 Bhandari (ST) AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to RO and ADC, Rohit Singh or to ARO, Wetsho Lasushe at the office of the ADC, Bhandari.

1st Death anniversary of our beloved father Lt. er. agwaseng Kent

ered 1000 cases of assorted IMFL concealed under confectionary items on January 26. In this connection, one person identified as Ismail Hassan (23), son of Asinddin Bhuyan resident of Goalpara, lower Assam was arrested and booked under the relevant sections of the NLTP Act 1989.

Mokokchung: A total of 215 cases of IMLF seized on different occasion was destroyed on January 28 at Mokokchung. A DIRP report informed that the seized consignment was destroyed in the presence of SDO(C), Mokokchung, SDPO, Mokokchung, assistant public prosecutor, Mokokchung, prosecuting inspector, Mokokchung and representatives from the NGOs.

Died : 01/02/2022

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Loving Wife, Children & Family Members

The Expenditure Observer (EO) for the ensuing General Election 2023 to the 9 Kohima Town, 10 Northern Angami - I and 11 Northern Angami – II Assembly Constituencies, Samatha Mullamudi arrived on January 31 at Kohima. On her arrival at DC & DEO’s Office Kohima, the DC & DEO Kohima, Shanavas C gave an overview of the status of the preparation of the election process in the district. The observer also inspected various cells set up in DC and DEO’s Office premises and shared her views on proper record maintenance.

Longleng: The Expenditure Observer (EO) for 49 A/C Tamlu and 50 A/C Longleng under Longleng district, Aditya Kamlakar Somkumar arrived and reported to the DC & DEO, Longleng.

The EO would be holding an interactive meeting with various teams/cells under the Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) on February 1, 12 noon at Conference Hall, DC Longleng office. All the team leaders of FST, SST, VVT, VST, MCMC and social media have been asked to attend the interaction session with the EO.

DC Zunheboto informs requisitioned vehicle owners

Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Zunheboto has directed all mini truck/tata mobile/bolero pick up/ sumo/omni van/zonal/local taxi owners and drivers including those vehicles already requisitioned under Zunheboto district to report along with zonal/taxi permits and vehicle documents in original. DC and DEO Zunheboto informed owners and driver of mini truck/ tata mobile/ bolero pick to report on February 2, 10 a.m. at Local Ground, Zunheboto and sumo/omni van/eeco/alto on February 3, 10 a.m. at Local ground Zunheboto. Further, DC and DEO has warned strict action shall be initiated against the vehicle owners/ drivers who fails to comply with the order, and shall be booked under relevant Sections of the law. DC and DEO said Form 12 (Postal ballot) to the attached drivers would also be issued on the same day.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CEM Nagaland holds sensitisation campaign at PCC

Clean Election Movement (CEM) Nagaland held a sensitisation campaign on the theme, “Your Stand Decides the Future” on January 30 at Patkai Christian College (PCC).

A press release by PCC informed that, dean, Shalom Bible Seminary, Dr. Villo Naleo asserted that election was not just a socio problem but a socioreligious problem. He shared on how election mal-practices was the worst symptom of moral and spiritual crisis in the society. Dr. Naleo elaborated on how the electorates, as Christians, have misused their political rights because of the narrow view on politics.

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) youth secretary, Rev. N. Suhuto Chishi while talking on the “Role played by the Youths”, said “Clean election is for you, for future, for progress, for development, of our tiny state which is crippled by corruption”. He deliberated on the significant role of young people in clean election movement.

Speaking on “proxy voting and women”, social worker, Vitono Gugu Haralu asserted that young men and women have active role to play for a clean election.

Speaking on “money election and violence”, businessman, Kevitho Kera said “corruption starts young in Nagaland”, elaborating that it begins the moment a young student manipulates their documents and certificate and thus becomes a part of corruption. He encouraged the students not to sell their votes. Actress and former cooperative executive, Limasenla Jamir said clean election was a vision for young people and that they should choose right leaders.

1st Death anniversary Lt. rhonthungo tungoe

nitOLi v. ZhiMOMi

9th Jan 1987 – 22nd Jan 2023

With profound gratitude, We the family of Lt. nitOLi v. ZhiMOMi would like to convey our deepest appreciation and indebtedness to all who stood by us spiritually, physically and financially during her illness and sad demise.

We convey our sincere thankfulness to Doctors and Nurses of Faith Hospital Dimapur, Families, Friends, Neighbours, Churches, Organisations and Well Wishers.

We regret our inability to reach out individually and express our gratitude for your kind gestures but it is our prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly Loving Husband, Children and Family

dp-473/23

10-09-1919 to 01-02-2022

One year has passed since you left us for your Heavenly home. You had touched countless lives in your lifetime and even after your death, you live through your good deeds. We miss you always!

K-224/23

Loving Family members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

K-221/23

OBITUARY

"GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS" JOhn- 15:13

We the family of Walunir

Lt. Watinungsang Pongener Ex Chairman (Kosasanger Putu) and Head G.B of Chuchuyimlang Village acknowledge our deepest gratitude for your prayer, kindness sympathy and contribution during our darkest hour on the demise of our beloved. Your kind gestures shall always remain in our hearts and prayer.

Our special thanks to :-

1. Chuchuyimlang Riongsanger Putu

2. Kosasanger Putu, Chuchuyimlang

3. Chuchuyimlang G.B Telongjem

4. Kosasanger 3 Buba Sungpo Zunga, Chuchuyimlang

5. Imlang Mopu, Chuchuyimlang

6. Teyong Mopu, Chuchuyimlang

7. Imkonglemba Aso, Chuchuyimlang

8. Imkonglemba Asotsur, Dimapur

9. Shri. Tongpang Ozukum, Minister PWD (Housing & Mechanical)

10. Shri. Amen Yaden, Hon'ble MLA

11. Nuklutoshi (Ex-MLA)

12. Ao Student's Union, Guwahati

13. Longsa Teka Pongen Kidong

14. Ungma Impang Pongener Kidong

15. Yachem Village Council

16. Yaongyimchen Village Council

db-131/23

Late Khekivi K. awomi

Born : 24/10/1977 – Died : 27/01/2023

We the bereaved family of Late Khekivi K. awomi would like to express our heartiest gratitude to all individual, Families, Neighbours, Friends and Well Wishers, Pastors and Church Staff SBCZ, South Point East Prayer Fellowship, A/Saghemi Community Zbto, who have showered spiritual, physical and financial support at the sudden demise of our loving father. 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.

dp-479/23

Loving Children and Family Members

Q.: Is the govt’s claim on rising economy of India backed by the ground reality?

Workshop on handling, rehabilitation of wildlife

JDU accuses BJP of lying on ‘election for solution’

Correspondent WOKHA, JAN 31 (NPN): Continuing its tirade against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the JD(U) national president and Lok Sabha MP Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh accused BJP at the Centre for lying to people by not fulfilling its 2018 election promise-- “Election for Solution”.

NEXT POLL

Q: Will the Nagaland assembly be summoned to pass resolution for ENPO demand?

FEBRUARY 1 DIMAPUR: A two-day workshop on “safe handling, care and rehabilitation of wildlife” held at Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) Rangapahar concluded on January 31 with resource persons from Wildlife Conservation Society India (WCS-India).

A press release by NZP Rangapahar informed that the WCS representatives were Anirbhan Chaud -

huri, Rishik Dutta Gupta, Vikram hoshing, Trishanti Paul and Gargi Sharma. NZP said the workshop was divided into three classroom sessions wherein the participants were given in-depth knowledge about the basics of handling wildlife, their care and rehabilitation with power point presentations. In the afternoon sessions, field exposures to

animal enclosures were carried out wherein the participants were given hands-on experience. The participants were the animal keepers of NZP, staffs from crime branch of wildlife Dimapur and Dimapur division. The workshop concluded with a valedictory note by NZP director, Dr. C. Zupeni Tsanglai with the distribution of certificates.

Seminar on ‘intercultural thinking’ culminates

With people still yearning for final settlement of the Naga issue, Singh said BJP had no right to seek vote from the Naga people and the people should not vote in support of liars.

Addressing the candidature declaration programme of Senchumo NSN Lotha (from 37 Tyui A/C) at Chukitong Range Public Ground, Wokha Singh also accused BJP of not being serious to discuss about Nagaland and the people’s demand for solution but rather created division among the people.

He assured that JDU, given an opportunity, would intensively discuss and bring solution to their demand.

Singh, while appreciating the effort of chief minister Neiphiu R io in

ATMA holds demo on vegetable seedlings

DIMAPUR: ATMA Chunlikha Block conducted demonstration programme on January 27 at Ziphenyu with resource person ATM Chenobu Seb, who demonstrated the methods of installation of Trichogramma cards in the field.

trying his best to bring solution to the demand of the region, however, said that BJP in the Centre was not serious.

He also mentioned about the unfortunate Oting and Mon massacre and said that the BJP claiming peace, prosperity and progress was just a fiction.

In his address, Senchumo Lotha thanked the Central JDU leaders and pledged to uphold the

party principles and carryout works in the area in the interest of the community and bring maximum development.

While seeking unflinching support from the voters, Senchumo urged all to do away with clanism politics, forgive each other and to come together as one so that they will witness the achievement. Bihar minister for water resource and IPR,

Sanjay Kumar Jha, Rajya Sabha MP Aneel Hegde and Bihar MLC & JDU general secretary (I/c North East) Afaque Ahmad Khan in their short speech also shared the vision of the party and their achievement. They assured that Naga society and the government will progress together by electing their JDU representative to power in the state.

LEEC holds general meet-cum-seminar

DIMAPUR: A two-day national seminar on the theme, “Intercultural thinking: A Way Forward for Diverse Living” organised by St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama and Kohima College, Kohima (KCK) at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama culminated on January 31.

A press release by KCK mass media cell informed that the seminar was sponsored by Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi and Indian Council of Social Science Research

- North Eastern Regional Centre (ICSSR-NERC), Shillong.

The keynote speaker for the inaugural session on January 30 was head department of philosophy, Manipal University, Jaipur, and former Indian Council of Cultural Relation (ICCR) Chair of Indian Studies, (under ministry of external affairs, government of India), University of the West Indies, Jamaica, Professor Anthony Savari Raj.

Speaking on “intercultural philosophy”, Professor Anthony began by

pointing out that contemporary cross-culturation was occurring on a scale never experienced before. He said it had brought forth both cultural intermingling as well as experiences of fanaticisms and absolutisms.

The inaugural session commenced with an invocation by assistant professor KCK, Dr. Ketoukhrie-ü followed by the welcome address by SJC principal, Dr. Fr. George Keuolhou Angami. The programme was chaired by SJC exam controller, Dr. Dominic Meyieho; felicitation by

Awareness on tobacco in Tuensang, Peren

KCK principal, Dr. M. Libanthung Ngullie and the vote of thanks by KCK assistant professor, Dr. Eunice Alinger.

At the valedictory session, deputy director (academics), higher education, Dr. Medongoi Rhakho graced the occasion as the guest of honour. The two-day seminar consisted of five technical sessions with presentation of 20 papers by various scholars followed by questions, answers and discussions after each of the sessions.

The block also conducted two demonstration programmes on January 28 at K. Station and Tesophenyu. At the programme, ATM, Sinlo Khing highlighted the advantages of the preparation of nursery beds for raising vegetable seedlings and explained to them the possibilities of growing cole and root crops from the month of January to March in the Tseminyu district. Resource person Kebegi Kent also conducted a hands-on demonstration on the methods of application of trichoderma as seed and foliar treatment.

The farmers were made aware of the advantages of using biocontrol agents and how they can be a better option for chemical pesticides.

KVK Mkg organises awareness programme

DIMAPUR: One day farmers’ awareness programme on “application of agromet advisory services & contingency plan on agricultural production” was conducted on January 30 at Anaki Old village under Tuli block.

A press release by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Mokokchung informed that the programme was conducted by District AgroMet Unit (DAMU) of Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa, IMD established at KVK Mokokchung.

Staf f Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 31

(NPN): The 19th general meeting of Lotha Eloe Ekhüng Chümoukedima (LEEC) was held on Tuesday, at Lotha community hall, Chümoukedima. The meeting was followed by a seminar with Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhung (KLEE) president Renboni Ezung and Kohima educational society chairman and consultant psychiatrist, Dr Phyobemo Ngully as resources persons. Speaking on the topic, “Role of a women in sustainable development”, Renboni said women’s strengthening was a vital factor for accomplis hing

sustainable financial development, social development and ecological maintainability.

She also spoke on the importance of preserving the own culture, tradition, identity and mother tongue.

Later, resource person Dr. Phyobemo Ngul-

ly spoke on the topic “A healthy remembrance”. Earlier, the programme chaired by LEEC president Rosy Yanthan, began with an invocation by LEEC expresident Yankhono Murry and benediction by LBC women pastor Lothunglo Lotha.

DIMAPUR: An awareness programme on “tobacco free zone” was organised by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Tuensang office on January 31 at the Conference Hall, CMO Tuensang office.

A press release by National Health Mission (NHM) Tuensang informed that during the programme, CMO Dr. Keveduyi Theyo spoke on the various health issues caused by tobacco.

He also informed CMO Tuensang office premises has been declared “Tobacco Free Zone’’ with immediate effect.

CMO cautioned that

smoking, chewing, spitting and selling of tobacco in and around the premises was strictly prohibited and punishable offence as per COTPA 2003 Section 4,5,6 and 7.

Peren: An awareness on “tobacco free” was held on January 31 at the Conference Hall, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Peren office, wherein deputy CMO, Dr. Lanuakum spoke about the aims and objectives of the campaign.

A press release by CMO Peren office informed that Dr. Lanuakum emphasized about the harmful effects of smoking and the

danger of second hand smoke in public places, government offices and homes. He talked about the provision of section-4 of COTPA 2003 which bans smoking in public places and urged the participants to stay away from the things that can harm their health and the environment. Dr. Lanuakum encouraged the participants to do away with the use of tobacco and added the only way for an individual to completely eliminate tobacco-related harms was not to use them. A pledge was also taken during the programme.

The day long programme was spearheaded by senior scientist and head, Dr. Keviletsu Khate, ACTO (horticulture), Khekali Sema, ACTO (pant protection), Martha Chakruno and SMS (agrometeorology), Ningshiyangerla Walling as the resource persons.

The resource persons encouraged the participants to strategically plan their farming activities to boost their agricultural production. They covered the basic fulfilment and avenues for crop and livestock production, plant protection measures amidst the changing weather patterns, identification of some prevalent diseases and pests in the village with its managements aspects, harnessing favourable weather for value addition of location specific seasonal crops, packaging, branding and licensing of value added products for scaling up, emphasis on high value vegetable crops, deliberation of weather forecast parameters.

Resource persons, participants and others at NZP on January 31.

LEEC members along with the resources person at the programme. (NP)

Staff of CMO Peren and others at the awareness programme on January 31.

The seminar on ‘Intercultural thinking: A Way Forward for Diverse Living’ in progress.

Senchumo NSN Lotha candidate of 37 Tyui AC with JDU central party leaders and others at the declaration programme on January 30.

Doctors in Manipur threaten cease-work

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 31: Doctors of Manipur health services on Tuesday said they are set to resume their suspended agitations with indefinite cease-work strike alleging that the state government has failed to address their long pending demands.

The doctors under the aegis of All Manipur Health Services Doctors’ Association (AMHSDA) were on strike, pressing the state government to address their four-point charter of demands.

Talking to reporters at Manipur Press Club in Imphal today, AMHSDA general secretary Lolee P Mao alleged that doctors were neglected by the state government.

“Government treats our services as essential but doesn’t bother for our well-being,” he said lamenting that government was testing the patience of the doctors instead of addressing their long pending demands.

Mao claimed that the

doctors under the aegis of AMHSDA have been pressing the state government to materialize their demand for the last two years but the state government remained deaf to their demand.

On account of the failure on the part of the state government to address their demands, the doctors resumed the strike from the last week of October last year.

The protest began with doctors wearing of black

badges while discharging duties. It was followed by a series of sit-in-demonstrations across the 16 districts of the state.

In the middle of November, they suspended the strike after a talk at the level of the state health minister had assured to address four key demands by tabling them in a cabinet meeting.

After the assurance failed to materialize, the doctors resumed the strike with mass casual leave and closure of OPD in all gov-

Manipur Governor seeks border villages’ cooperation in checking illegal migrations

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 31: Manipur Governor La Ganesan on Tuesday paid a maiden visit to a village at IndoMyanmar border in Churachandpur district and took cognisance of issues and grievances faced by the residents of the remote village.

During the visit at Behiang in Singngat sub-division of Churachandpur district, the Governor interacted with District Level Officers (DLOs), representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), chiefs, chairmen and villagers of Behiang and its neighbouring villages. He listened to issues and grievances raised by them and assured them of all possible help in the larger interest of the people, a release of the DIPR stated. The Governor also visited A-company of 46 Assam Rifles, its forward post at Behiang and interacted with officers and jawans there before paying a visit at Chivu Chandrakirti Memorial Park at Tonjang.

During the interaction programme held at Behiang public ground, the Governor said that he came to the sub-division to know the problems faced by the people and to explore ways and means to address it.

He added that he will ask the concerned departments to look into the matter and also ask the chief minister to take necessary steps in the larger interest of the people. Ganesan further said that the issues of drug abuse, poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have been major issues and the state government has been trying to curtail it. Expressing

concern over the issues of illegal migration, smuggling of drugs, weapons etc., the Governor said, “Sneaking of illegal migrants from neighbouring countries into our territory should be prevented at any cost, ” adding that the Government alone cannot prevent it and full cooperation from the general public was indispensable. Further appealing to the people to extend full cooperation to security forces and concerned authority to contain crime, the Governor said that only then will peace loving people of the beautiful state will be able to live peacefully.

ernment healthcare centres, including district hospitals.

The OPD closure strike was also suspended recently after the health minister once again assured to discuss the demands in the cabinet meeting but it was not discussed in the recent cabinet meeting convened on January 25, the general secretary said.

“It is unfortunate that the government resorted to delaying tactics over our demands” he said reiterating that AMHSDA had

decided to launch the cease work strike after due consultations with over 1,300 of its members serving in different healthcare centres across the 16 districts of the state.

When the indefinite cease work strike will commence will be decided soon, the general secretary said asserting that for the time being they were yet to fix the date for resumption of the strike.

The AMHSDA has been pressing the state government to address their four-point demand which included among others time bound/scale promotion, extension of superannuation age of specialist and non-specialist doctors to 65 years as administrative post as per the declaration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The doctors’ body also demanded inclusion of non-practicing allowance (NPA) in the basic pay with effect from January 1 of 2016 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission and major amendment of the outdated MHS rules 1982.

Denied ticket, Tripura BJP MLA resigns, files nomination as independent

AGARTALA, JAN 31 (PTI): Tripura BJP MLA

Atul Debbarma on Tuesday said he has resigned from the saffron party after being denied a ticket for the upcoming polls.

He submitted his nomination papers as an independent candidate for his home constituency Krishnapur in Khowai district.

“I have already sent my resignation letter to the Speaker of the Tripura assembly and also quit the BJP.

“I had left my lucrative job in Delhi. I could have continued service had I not contested the last assembly elections. I have been working for people of Tripura, staying away from my family who lives in Delhi,” Debbarma, a renowned doctor, said.

The BJP fielded Bikash Debbarma, a local tribal leader, for the Krishnapur assembly constituency.

Expressing anger, the doctor-turned-politician also claimed that the party has not “shown any courtesy” to him and it did not

say “why I was not considered” for the seat.

“That’s why I filed my nomination paper to contest from Krishnapur constituency as an independent candidate,” he said.

BJP’s Doctors’ Cell incharge Tamojit Nath from North Tripura’s Dharmanagar, and many leaders have quit the party after they did not find their names on the list of nominees for the February 16 assembly elections.

Bikash Reang, a BJP tribal leader, also submitted a nomination from Julaibari in South Tripura district as an independent candidate as the saffron party’s ally IPFT fielded its nominee.

BJP state committee member Ranjan Sinha, an aspiring candidate for the Chandipur assembly seat in Unakoti district left the party as state general secretary Tinku Roy was given a ticket.

Meanwhile, 228 candidates, including Chief Minister Manik Saha, Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, Pradesh Congress president Birajit Sinha and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, submitted their nomination papers for the ensuing assembly elections on Monday, a poll official.

Earlier, 77 aspirants filed their nomination papers. “As many as 228 candidates of different political parties have submitted their nominations before the returning officers on Monday, the last day of filing nomination papers. The entire process was peaceful and no complaint was received,” Chief Electoral Officer Gitte Kirankumar Dinnakarrao said.

The last date for withdrawal of nomination is February 2.

Arunachal govt’s priority is to uplift rural economy: Khandu

ITANAGAR,

JAN

31

(PTI): Arunachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that his government’s priority is to uplift the rural economy and the administration is promoting self-help groups (SHGs) through a livelihood mission, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Khandu, on a two-day visit to Kra Daadi district, laid foundation stones for several important projects at Palin and Chambang on Monday.

“If villages are developed, a constituency, district, state and the country will develop,” he said in a public meeting.

He also urged officials of the district to dovetail state and central government schemes at a planning stage so that development activities can be undertaken holistically.

Khandu, after laying the foundation stone for a district secretariat and various projects at Palin, assured officials of enough funds for the execution of all projects in a time-bound

manner and insisted that work quality should not be compromised at any cost, the statement said.

“I assure you of accelerated development, but for any development to take place, there should be a conducive atmosphere. This can be created only with the cooperation of people,” he said at the public meeting.

Speaking on developmental works undertaken by his government with the support of the Centre, Khandu said the main hurdle – road connectivity – has been mostly resolved in Kra-Daadi and Kurung Kumey districts.

He also expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Trans Arunachal Highway stretch, connecting both districts with the rest of the state.

“Earlier, it used to take up to eight hours to reach Itanagar from Palin, today it is a matter of about 4 to 5 hours,” he said.

The CM also claimed that the lack of road connectivity and other basic

facilities in villages of the Kra-Daadi district in the past resulted in the migration of rural folks to places like Ziro and Itanagar.

“Things are changing rapidly. I am happy to note that people settled in the state capital have started building homes in their native places and I am sure reverse migration is on the rise,” Khandu said.

The chief minister laid the foundations for a district secretariat and various other projects to be executed by several government departments at the Kra-Daadi district head -

quarters. He appreciated the layout plan for the new extension of the district headquarters, prepared by the Urban Development and Housing department, which will be located 5 km away from the present township and spread over an area of 1.27 sq km.

The chief minister handed over a sanction order worth Rs 8 crore to the Kra-Daadi deputy commissioner to mitigate the material damages caused by a cloudburst in Yangte, Tali and Pipsorang circles on September 28 last year.

He also gave cheques

worth Rs 2.47 crore as loans to 123 SHGs of the district.

Khandu also appreciated a campaign by SBI and Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) for loans during a credit camp organised alongside the public meeting.

The CM, later in the day, travelled to Chambang from Palin, where he laid the foundation stone for an inspection bungalow and made several announcements, which include the upgradation of the circle (established in 1982) to SDO/ADC administration, a police outpost and a power sub-division.

Fulfilling one of his earlier assurances, he handed over a copy of the approval to the district administration for the establishment of an RWD sub-division at Chambang.

Incidentally, Khandu became the third chief minister to reach Chambang after former CMs Gegong Apang and Late Dorjee Khandu.

Meghalaya polls: Lyngdoh sisters and former minister file nominations

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JAN 31: Former Congress minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh and her sister, Dr. Jasmine Lyngdoh were the first to file their nomination papers on Tuesday as National People’s Party (NPP) candidates for the upcoming Meghalaya assembly election scheduled to be held on February 27.

Another prominent politician who filed his nomination papers on Tuesday was former sports

and youth affairs minister, Pynshai Manik Syiem as an independent candidate from Mylliem assembly constituency. Amapreen, the longest serving woman legislator in the matrilineal state of Meghalaya, is seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive term from East Shillong assembly seat. Her younger sister Jasmine, a psychologist by profession, submitted her nomination papers from Nongthymmai assembly constituency for the first time.

The deadline for filing

nominations is on February 7, and the scrutiny of papers is on February 8, the last date for withdrawal of nomination is on Febru-

ary 10. The elections will be held on February 27 and counting of votes on March 2.

Daughters of popular

Congress leader and former Assembly Speaker, late Peter Garnett Marbaniang and sisters to former Home minister Robert Garnett Lyngdoh; the two siblings were accompanied by their family members and supporters to Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shillong to file their nomination papers.

Ampareen is confident to win assembly polls for the fifth straight consecutive term as she has been involved and met the genuine demands of her constituents.

Meghalayapolls:CongressleaderjoinsTMC

Correspondent

DADENGGRE (MEGHA-

LAYA), JAN 31: A day after he withdrew his candidature from the upcoming Meghalaya assembly elections, senior Congress leader Augustine D. Marak on Tuesday joined the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) with a sole intention to defeat health and family welfare minister and National People’s Party (NPP) candidate, James Sangma. Augustine along with 200 supporters from different political parties joined the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC party here in the presence of Meghalaya TMC candidate Rupa M Marak and Dadenggre Block President Jengga Jilinga M Marak.

“In the light of the present political scenario, it is evident to everyone that the current NPP-led government should go. People from the entire length and breadth of society are annoyed with the performance of the government. This is the reason that prompted me to take

this decision today like other people from all walks of life,” Augustine said.

Taking a jibe on performance of the incumbent Dadenggre representative to the Meghalaya Assembly James Sangma, the veteran p olitician said, “I am the one who was spearheading the James Sangma’s return to power in the last election hoping that James will be the natural choice for CM as Conrad did not contest the Assembly election.”

“We thought it would be a matter of pride for us if the MLA from Dadenggre becomes Chief Minister. But after the formation of government James could not perform at any portfolio given to him. That is why I said in the speech that James is not even fit to be an

MLA now. The atmosphere here at the event shows that people are really fed up with James and his way of dealing with the people,” he alleged.

Elaborating on his decision to join Meghalaya TMC, Augustine said, “Some reports have come out suggesting that the votes might get split between Congress and TMC and this might benefit the party that is not fit to win. This is why I am taking Vincent Pala head-on for abandoning Garo Hills. People from Kolkata have visited this part multiple times but he couldn’t come here from Shillong.”

Praising the ideals of Trinamool Congress that call for standing up for the rights of minorities, Augus-

tine D Marak said, “When the funds for Mother Teresa charity [Missionaries of Charity] were blocked by the Centre, our Chief Minister was silent. Neither your MLA James Sangma nor MP Agatha Sangma said a word against the move. But Trinamool MPs from West Bengal - Mahua Moitra and Derek O’Brien - spoke on our behalf.

Expressing his delight for the support extended by Augustine, TMC candidate from Dadenggre assembly seat Rupa Marak said, “With the support from uncle and several leaders who are here to support me, I am very confident that we will manage to get through this election. On the counting day, we will come out with flying colours.”

“I have won four previous elections and I have served my people. There is a high probability that my support will expand and reach more people as my principle as a legislator is to involve grassroots decision,” the former professor of Mass Communication at the prestigious St. Anthony’s College explained.

Asked why did choose to contest from the ruling NPP, the veteran Congress leader said, “I feel the ideology of the NPP is close to the Congress, it is not a

communal party, it believes in inclusive politics, it is a party which believes in grassroots politics and in this way I follow the same footsteps that I always have been coached and trained over the years. “

Asked if the education scam case of 2008-2009 against her will affect her poll prospects, Amapreen said , “I do not think that the matter before the District and Sessions Court will have any impact on my election. We have full faith in the judiciary system

and until such time I am innocent of any wrongdoing. That will not affect my election and my people know that I am confident of no wrongdoing.”

On the other hand, Jasmine is hopeful that the voters of Nongthymmai, which is currently represented by former Assembly Speaker and Trinamool Congress candidate, Charles Pyngrope, would reflect before clicking the voting machine on February 27, saying that “there is so much to do in Nongthymmai.”

Seat sharing with Tipra Motha likely: CPI-M

AGARTALA, JAN 31 (PTI): Tripura CPI(M) secretary Jitendra Choudhury Tuesday said Tipra Motha, a tribal regional party, has resumed dialogues with the Left party for likely seat adjustment by the two parties to defeat BJP in the February 16 Assembly poll.

Choudhury said that Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma had telephoned him on Tuesday morning and said that the party has not named any contestant at Sabroom, from where he is contesting.

The Left party leader claimed that Debbarma has assured that he will undertake an assessment of winnability of the candidates to take on BJP and CPI-M and Tipra Motha

will support each other wherever either of them are relatively weak.

“The Tipra Motha chief said he will let me know by this evening ...

Even if the matter is not yet finalised today, I believe it will be settled by February 2, the last date of withdrawal of nomination,” Choudhury claimed.

Manipur Governor La Ganesan being welcomed.

Pema Khandu

AMHSDA general secretary Lolee P Mao (2nd from right).

Atul Debbarma

Dr. Jasmine Lyngdoh

Augustine D. Marak

Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh

SNIPPETS

‘Jai Jai Maha

Majha’ recognised as state song

MUMBAI, JAN 31 (PTI):

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday recognised ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha’ as the state song.

The song will be adopted on February 19, the birth anniversary of the founder of the Maratha empire Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The decision was taken by the Maharashtra cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

One of the iconic songs in Marathi, ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha, Garja Maharashtra Majha’, which means ‘Glory to Maharashtra’, was penned by Raja Badhe and sung by balladeer Krishnarao

Sable, popularly known as Shaheer Sable.

AI case: Shankar Mishra gets bail

NEW DELHI, JAN 31 (PTI): A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to Shankar Mishra, accused of urinating on a woman co-passenger on an Air India flight from New York to Delhi. Additional Sessions Judge Harjyot Singh Bhalla granted the relief on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. The judge was hearing an appeal filed by the accused against an order of a magisterial court that had denied him bail. The metropolitan magistrate had on January 11 denied relief to Mishra, saying the act was utterly disgusting and repulsive, shocked the civic consciousness and needed to be deprecated.

Two booked for religious conversion

KAUSHAMBI (UP), JAN 31 (PTI): An FIR was registered against two people on Tuesday for allegedly thrashing and forcing a man to convert his religion in Pashchim Sharira village here, police said. According to police, the complainant, Nand Lal Saroj (24), accused one Santlal and Ram Chandra of forcing him to convert to Christianity. He also accused the duo of beating him. Police has detained Santlal and further probe is on in the matter.

Mandaviya meets

GAVI CEO

NEW DELHI, JAN 31 (PTI): Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday met Dr Seth Berkley, CEO, GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, at Nirman Bhawan here. “Met @GaviSeth, CEO of the @GAVI, the international vaccine alliance. He appreciated India’s vaccination programme, U-win platform and Universal Immunization programme,” the minister tweeted. A day before the meeting, Prakash Kumar Singh, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute of India (SII) had met Berkley in Delhi, and discussed various issues. The GAVI team is slated to visit Pune on February 2 to meet SII CEO Adar C Poonawalla.

Court sentences Asaram to life imprisonment in 2013 rape case

AHMEDABAD, JAN 31 (PTI): A court in Gandhinagar on Tuesday sentenced self-styled godman Asaram Bapu to life imprisonment in a rape case filed by a former woman disciple in 2013 after the prosecution argued for the strictest punishment saying he is a “habitual offender”.

Additional sessions judge DK Soni also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Asaram which will be paid as compensation to the victim.

The defence said the order will be challenged in the Gujarat High Court.

The 81-year-old godman is currently serving a life term in a Jodhpur jail in another case of raping a minor girl at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2013.

He was produced in the Gandhinagar court via video link when the judge passed the order on Tuesday.

A day earlier, the

Asaram Bapu

court had convicted Asaram in the case registered in 2013 for raping a woman disciple, who hailed from Surat, on several occasions from 2001 to 2006 when she was living at his ashram at Motera near Ahmedabad.

Six other accused in the case, including Asaram’s wife Laxmiben, their daughter, and four disciples who were accused of aiding and abetting the crime, were acquitted for want of evidence, the prosecution had said.

AAP will fight all 224 seats in Karnataka: Atishi

said the BJP and the Congress are “poor copycats in implementing schemes”.

“The court on Tuesday sentenced Asaram Bapu to life imprisonment under sections 376 (2)(C) for rape and 377 (Unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code. He was also ordered to pay Rs 50,000 towards the compensation to the victim. In the remaining sections, he was sentenced to one year in jail under each count and slapped with a nominal fine,” said special public prosecutor RC Kodekar.

Besides IPC sections 376 (2) (C) and 377, Asaram was convicted under sections 342 (wrongful detention), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 357 (assault), and 506 (criminal intimidation).

The prosecution had sought life imprisonment for Asaram on the ground that he was a “habitual offender,” being convicted and jailed in a similar rape case of a girl at his Jodh-

J-K: Rahul, Priyanka visit Kheer Bhawani temple, Hazratbal shrine

pur ashram in Rajasthan.

Arguing against the life sentence, the defence lawyer said they had no objection if Asaram was handed a 10-year imprisonment, Kodekar added.

“There is a provision of maximum life imprisonment or 10 years in jail for the offence for which Asaram has been convicted by the court. But, we have argued that he has already been convicted in another similar case in Jodhpur, and hence he is a habitual offender,” Kodekar told reporters outside the court after the conclusion of the arguments earlier in the day.

He said the prosecution had submitted before the court that Asaram should get the strictest punishment for the way he kept the victim captive, raped and sodomised her and forced her to remain confined in the ashram.

The hearing of the case was held in-camera.

SRINAGAR,

JAN 31

(PTI): Congress leaders

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Jammu and Kashmir’s two revered shrines of Kheer Bhawani and Hazratbal on Tuesday, a day after the Bharat Jodo Yatra concluded here, officials said. The Gandhi siblings first drove from their hotel here to the shrine of Ragnya Devi, popularly known as Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, in Tullamula area of the central Kashmir’s

ASI Gopal Das had ‘clear intention’ to kill minister: FIR

BHUBANESWAR, JAN

BENGALURU, JAN 31

(PTI): Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Tuesday said her party is setting the agenda for the upcoming Karnataka assembly election with BJP promising ‘Namma Clinic’ on the lines of Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics and Congress promising 200 units of free electricity as has been implemented in the national capital.

The party will fight in all the 224 assembly constituencies across the state in the election, which is less than three months away, and the list of candidates would be announced in the first week of March, the AAP leader said at a press conference here.

The party leader said people do not want a “copycat version of the Delhi model of governance and want the original”. Hence, the party has decided to fight the election in Karnataka with all its vigour. She

While the saffron party has been in power for the past three-and-half years, it is only at the brink of assembly polls that it is promising to implement the ‘Namma Clinics’ based on the Mohalla Clinic model of Delhi, she claimed. “If you (BJP) were serious about providing high-quality healthcare, why has it not been done all these years? It goes to show that a copycat is only a copycat,” Atishi charged.

She wondered why the BJP made a promise of 24,000 classes under the ‘Viveka’ scheme in Karnataka at the end of its tenure.

“My question is why they were not built in the last five years. You (BJP) have been in power, you had the budget and yet you have not built them,” Atishi sought to know. The AAP leader said the Congress is promising 200 units of free electricity if voted to power, which is similar to AAP’s scheme, which has already been implemented in Delhi.

She challenged the Congress that the people of Karnataka will believe the party’s promise of free electricity if it gives free electricity in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Himachal.

31 (PTI): The Odisha Police in its FIR in the killing of Health minister Naba Kishore Das said the accused assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Gopal Das had “clear intention” to kill him.

This was stated by Brajrajnagar Police Station inspector-in charge (IIC) Pradumnya Kumar Swain, who was present at the site when the ASI allegedly opened fire at the 60-yearold minister, leading to his death after some hours during treatment on Sunday.

While no explanation was given in the FIR for

the attack by Gopal Das, psychiatrists treating the police officer for nearly a decade said he was suffering from bipolar disorder, a mental disease which causes extreme, at times ‘maniac’ mood swings.

“All of a sudden, ASI Gopal Das of Gandhi Chowk Police Outpost, who was deployed for traffic clearance duty for the programme, came close to minister N K Das and opened fire from his service pistol from a very close range aiming at the minister with a clear intention to kill him,” the IIC said in his complaint

at Brajrajnagar Police station. Dr C handra Sekhar Tripathy, head of psychiatry department, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, said Gopal Das had bipolar disorder about 10 years ago. Tripathy said, “Das had first visited my clinic about eight to ten years ago. He used to get angry very easily and was undergoing treatment for this. I am not sure whether he was taking medicines regularly. If medicines are not taken regularly, the disease reappears. It has been a year since he visited me last.”

Visakhapatnam will be new Andhra Pradesh capital: Jagan Reddy

VIJAYAWADA, JAN 31 (AGENCIES): Andhra

Pradesh Chief Minister

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday said the State capital would be shifted to Visakhapatnam.

Addressing the preparatory meeting for the Global Investors Summit to be held in Visakhapatnam in March, Jagan said he would be shifting his office to the port city in the months to come. “Here I am to in -

Restore churches neglected during Portuguese rule in Goa: BJP leader

PANAJI, JAN 31 (PTI):

Goa BJP leader Savio Rodrigues on Tuesday met Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai batting for the restoration of churches that he said were neglected during the Portuguese rule in the coastal state, as he called the Christian community an important stakeholder in the democracy of India.

Savio Rodrigues

prowess”.

vite you to Visakhapatnam which is going to be our capital in the days to come. I myself would also be shifting over to Visakhapatnam in the months to come,” he said. Amaravati is the present capital of Andhra Pradesh. In November last year, Jagan Mohan Reddy government repealed the controversial AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020 intended to establish

three capitals for the State. The State government had proposed three capitals, Visakhapatnam (Executive capital), Amaravati (Legislative capital) and Kurnool (Judicial capital).

Jagan further said the State Government is organising the Global Investors Summit in Visakhapatnam on March 3 and 4 and requested the corporate community to take part in the meet and invest in the State.

CORRIGENDUM

Ganderbal district, the officials said.

The duo, accompanied by some Congress leaders, paid obeisance at the shrine nestled among mighty chinars, 28 kilometres from here, they said.

The temple is a revered shrine for the Kashmiri Pandits who believe that the colour of the sacred spring water, which flows below the temple, indicates to the situation in the valley.

While most of the

colours don’t have any particular significance, black or dark colour of the water is believed to be an indication of inauspicious times for Kashmir.

Later, they visited Dargah Hazratbal, on the banks of the famous Dal Lake here. The shrine houses a relic of Prophet Mohammad and is deeply revered among the Muslims in the valley. The visits were kept a secret due to security considerations, they said.

Centre confusing people in name of CAA: Mamata

MALDA (WB), JAN 31

(PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that the BJP-led central government is “confusing people” in the name of implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Banerjee also claimed that she and her party Trinamool Congress have been taking care of the Matua community people, whose roots are in Bangladesh, and blamed the BJP for trying to approach them as a “friend” in the name of the CAA.

“In the name of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, they (Centre) are confusing people. We have been taking care of the Matuas for a long time, but when polls approach, the BJP goes to them, claiming to be their friends... screaming CAA,” Banerjee said at a govern-

ment programme here. The Matuas, originally hailing from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), started migrating to West Bengal in the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution there. The CAA facilitates the grant of citizenship to migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. But as the rules under the Act have not been framed by the government yet, no one so far could be granted citizenship under it.

Banerjee also accused the BJP-led central government of “not releasing” the state’s dues. “You (Centre) owe over Rs 1 lakh crore to Bengal, give us our dues,” she said without elaborating.

Banerjee had earlier alleged that the Centre was not releasing funds for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme. Referring to river erosion mostly in the districts of Malda and Murshidabad of West Bengal, Banerjee said that the central government has “stopped looking into the matter”.

Press note issued by this office and published in Nagaland Post dated 31.01.2023, page 5 should be read as - “some representatives from various ranges previously supporters of Thapi Semy and R. Khing” and not as “Semy Clan”. Inconvenience caused due to typing error is regretted.

held for smoking in plane

Man

KOCHI, JAN 31 (PTI):

A 62-year-old man from Kerala was arrested for allegedly smoking inside the lavatory of a private airlines, which landed at the airport here on January 29.

According to Police, a case under various provisions of the Aircraft Act was registered against Thrissur resident, Sukumaran. The case was registered on January 29 and the man was arrested after completing formalities. Later, he was let off on bail, they said.

As per the FIR, the man was found smoking inside the lavatory of Spicejet airways mid-flight and was apprehended by the crew who handed over him to the airport authorities.

Rodrigues, the BJP’s Goa spokesperson, hailed the scheme introduced by the government to restore temples destroyed or damaged during the Portuguese time. The state’s BJP government has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the purpose.

“In keeping with the intent of the Government of Goa to preserve our heritage, it is my earnest appeal for the Centre and State to consider setting up a fund under a government scheme for the restoration of heritage Catholic Churches in Goa,” he said in a memorandum submitted to the governor.

He said the Catholic churches in the state draw a large number of tourists from all religions who marvel at their history, spiritual essence and “architectural

“Some of the churches like The Velim Church, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Three Kings Chapel and many more are monumental wonders that must be preserved,” he added.

Goa, which attained statehood in 1987, was liberated on December 19, 1961, from Portuguese rule.

Rodrigues said that the government can initiate a study before allotting funds for the “restoration or renovation of heritage Catholic churches” in Goa. He said churches and convents run by the Dominicans, Augustinians, Franciscans, Carmelites and native Goan Churches were also left to ruin during the Portuguese rule.

“I must commend the sincere efforts put in by the Centre and the State for the renovation and restoration of Bom Jesus Basilica (a UNESCO heritage site) at Old Goa so far. It is my humble suggestion that the government extend its efforts towards other Catholic churches that also have historical, cultural and religious significance for Goa and its people,” he said.

FREE VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Interested Candidates are hereby invited for undergoing 4 (four) Month Free Training on CUTTING &TAILORING AND HAND EMBROIDERY at M/s Nagaland Women Vocational Training Institute, Kohima-Imphal Road, Near CRPF Camp, Lerie - Kohima. The Training is free of cost which includes raw materials also. Selection will be on first come first basis. Training will commence from 13th February, 2023. For more details contact- Ms. Marlyn Z Yanthan-8794835682, Smti. Deepali Mech -7005631106

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with party leaders pays obeisance during his visit to the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, Tuesday. (PTI)

Mamata Banerjee

Atishi

Shadow over budget

Even as union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is to present her union budget before the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha election, she would be keen to roll out growth figures and project positive growth for the next five years in order to buttress the claim that the Indian economy continues to be the fastest growing and headed towards becoming a $5 trillion economy in the next five years. When Sitharaman presents her budget on February 1,2023 she may look to maintain its pace of spending to bolster growth as it leans on asset sales while shunning subsidies to shrink the deficit, according to a survey of economists. According to market surveys the finance minister is likely to increase expenditure by about 12.5% year-on-year to 44.40 trillion rupees ($544 billion) in the year beginning April, according to the median of estimates in a Bloomberg survey ahead of the February 1 budget. Sitharaman’s final full-year budget before an election season will address issues of rising unemployment and look at supporting the poor and middle class, but she will stay away from spending way beyond the country’s means as the government seeks to shore up investor sentiment, according to survey respondents. Among the worst sufferers of the government’s economic policy are low and middle income groups who are face rising cost of consumable items in the market. The middle income group have been hardest hit by the multiple bank charges levied on every form of bank cash transaction. The blame on covid pandemic during 2021-22 and then the Ukraine war does explain it. The GDP, inflation figures of other countries may not be impressive because they use credible data from reputed independent institutes but are providing all the care-food, medical and job to the people. The government is allergic to independent economists and more inclined to political economists. The start ups launched with a bang are on decline as much as job intake. To add to the misery of the growth story of the Indian economy is the explosive report by the Hindenburg Research which alleges that the stock values of the Adani Group has been largely inflated and thus its ability to raise debt and leverage has been wildly inflated. The Hindenburg report triggered a massive sell-off in Adani Group as stocks continued to fall for the third consecutive session on January 30, wiping out nearly Rs 1.4 lakh crore worth of investors’ wealth. In all, about 29% of the group’s market capitalisation, or about Rs 5.6 lakh crore, has been eroded in the last three trading sessions. The 5-year advance in Adani Enterprises trumped even the likes of Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc., vaulting Adani from relative obscurity into the ranks of the world’s ten richest people. He surpassed Mukesh Ambani to be in third position but after the crash Adani is at 7th place. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, said LIC lost a whopping Rs.74,000 crore as the second largest holding in the Adani group while State Bank of India lost Rs.81,200 crore. As the shock wave hit the stock market for days, the government and the Securities Exchange Board of India(SEBI) remained mute. The reason is that Gautum Adani from Gujarat and chairman of the Adani group, has been the biggest beneficiary of government largesse. Ramesh demanded that the government, SEBI, the ED and CBI also get into the act of probing and unearthing the alleged fraud. That is the litmus test for the government vis-à-vis its tirade against corruption, black money and bank fraud.

DailyDevotion

Do You See Your Calling?

…separated to the gospel of God… —Romans 1:1

Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the gospel of God. The one all-important thing is that the gospel of God should be recognized as the abiding reality. Reality is not human goodness, or holiness, or heaven, or hell— it is redemption. The need to perceive this is the most vital need of the Christian worker today. As workers, we have to get used to the revelation that redemption is the only reality. Personal holiness is an effect of redemption, not the cause of it. If we place our faith in human goodness we will go under when testing comes. Paul did not say that he separated himself, but “when it pleased God, who separated me…” (Galatians 1:15). Paul was not overly interested in his own character. And as long as our eyes are focused on our own personal holiness, we will never even get close to the full reality of redemption. Christian workers fail because they place their desire for their own holiness above their desire to know God. “Don’t ask me to be confronted with the strong reality of redemption on behalf of the filth of human life surrounding me today; what I want is anything God can do for me to make me more desirable in my own eyes.” To talk that way is a sign that the reality of the gospel of God has not begun to touch me. There is no reckless abandon to God in that. God cannot deliver me while my interest is merely in my own character. Paul was not conscious of himself. He was recklessly abandoned, totally surrendered, and separated by God for one purpose— to proclaim the gospel of God (see Romans 9:3).

Quotes

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

~ Albert Einstein

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Dear countrymen, On this historic NSCN Raising Day, I greet you all in the gracious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

First of all, I pay homage to all those beloved brothers and sisters who have laid down their lives for the cause of Nagalim for Christ.

I am bound to give thanks to all the proven NSCN members big and small from both civil and military setups, who have taken all the necessary troubles in bringing the national issue thus far.

I am also thankful to all the civil societies in Nagalim and abroad that has been with the Nagas in all weathers.

I am obliged to give thanks to our Churches and all the prayer warriors who have been praying for the issue without ceasing. I on behalf of the Naga people would like

to say a big thank you to the international community and friends of the Naga people, who have been standing with us in our struggle. We are deeply indebted to you. We are also a part of the world family. The phantom of colonialism is still haunting the weaker nations everywhere in the world today, which I feel, should be stopped with collective efforts.

It was on this day the, 31st January, 1980, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) was formed and mandated by the National Assembly to salvage the nation from getting lost in the hands of the enemies and traitors. How wonderful is our God, the Jehovah! Let us give glory to Him at all times as we take the courage to follow the path guided by Him to save our land and people.

Ever since NSCN came into being we NSCN have proved ourselves as the bona fide Naga national workers who fought for

Respected comrades, friends, ladies and gentlemen. I give all Glory and Honour to our Almighty God Jehovah, for sustaining our lives and that of our nation!

I extend gratitude to Naga tribes, Churches, Village Headmen and all concerned civil societies for the unwavering co-operation in the search for honorable and acceptable political solution to the Indo-Naga conflict.

Today is a historic day in the life of the Naga people.

We are reminded of a political revival forty-four years ago. There was an upheaval in the political journey of the Nagas. A great political ramification resulting from the debacle of the 11th November, 1975 Shillong Accord. The foundation of the distinct Naga political identity and history, the pillars

“Democracy, discipline and enlightened is the finest thing in the world. A democracy prejudiced, ignorant, superstitious, will land itself in chaos and maybe selfdestroyed.”

-Mahatma Gandhi.

As Nagaland gears up for the assembly election to be polled on 27th of February 2023, there is now aggressive posturing of and even by the intending pristine new brooms. Whether the election will be a battle of the major contendersthe Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Naga People’s Front (NPF), the Congress - or whether the presence of smaller parties like the Rising People’s Party (RPP), the Janata Dal (United), National People’s Party (NPP) and Independent Candidates will have a bearing on the outcome, is the big question.

The festival and the ritual Election, for all good reasons, is corresponded as the ‘festival of democracy’.

The Constitution of India, since it came into effect in 1950, has guaranteed the right to vote to every citizen above the age of 18 irrespective of (in our context)- tribes, gender, status, religion and place.

This stands as the cornerstone of our democracy allowing citizens to decide who governs and how. The

the historical and sovereign rights of the Naga people.

I salute you all of you who stand courageously to uphold the national principles with revolutionary conviction.

My dear comradesin-common cause

Let us keep in mind that NSCN was built on the foundation of Naga national principles. We have to stand guard that we do not deviate from what NSCN stands for. The objectives of the manifesto of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) is mainly to safeguard and maintain the fundamental principles of Sovereign Independent Christian Socialist Democratic Republic of Nagalim founded on solid ground of our centuries old social system and modern sociopolitical scenario.

In the past years we have lost many faithful members who died in defense of the national principles. This is, therefore, an occasion to pay our highest respect to the brave

of the Naga nationhood was shaken amid the widening communication gap and ideological differences among the leadership of the day. Reconciliation was impossible because hatred and mistrust had overtaken the sense of belonging and oneness among the Naga leaders.

After the signing of the Shillong Accord, there was a period of great political distress and dissatisfaction. The Naga National struggle needed condemnation of the act of treachery and needed redemption and restoration of the people’s movement. Sadly, the seeds of factionalism and tribalism broke out openly from its shell. The Naga Political movement needed a political rebirth. To wash away the stains of betrayal, on 31st January, 1980, a fresh initiative was undertaken with the formation of the National Socialist Council of

hearts. We have come this far because of their courage and sacrifice in upholding the national principles at the cost of their precious lives. They went through horrendous times amidst tears, sweat and blood to show the way for the future of Naga nation.

Let us continue to exercise our revolutionary responsibility in order to fulfill the high level of faith and trust reposed in us by the people. NSCN is indeed mandated by the Naga people to negotiate with the Government of India for bringing an honourable solution to the longdrawn Indo-Naga political problem. So far, we have not wavered in defending the sovereign rights of the Naga nation.

This is well reflected when we signed the historic Framework Agreement the on 3rd August, 2015, in the presence of the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.

The past year 2022 was a challenging year for

Nagaland (NSCN). Very fortunately, Naga rights and pride was restored but on the other side, disastrous division among the Nagas and consequent factional killings have left thousands of widows and orphans. This day restored the Naga rights but this did not stop the mistrust within. The Government of India (GoI) has taken maximum advantage and continue to exert and expand neo-colonialism in Naga homeland.

Dear friends, what we can proudly assert today or tomorrow is that, in the “AGREED POSITION” signed between the Working Committee (WC) and Government of India on 17th Nov. 2017, there is a clear political stance which says that the Government of India recognises historical and political right of the Nagas to self determine their future in consonant with

NSCN. We were placed in an unpredictable situation as the Government of India failed to respect the commitment to solve the Naga issue based on the Framework Agreement. We shall hold the ground and never surrender our sovereign right, our land and our people at any eventuality.

Let me be very clear that in the course of pursuing Naga solution on the basis of the Naga national principles, we shall uphold the recognized unique history and sovereign right of the Nagas at all cost, and no other agreement should come in between. We cannot afford to dilute the sanctity of the Naga political issue under any pretext.

Ever since NSCN brought Nagalim as a bona fide member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UN PO) on January 23, 1993, the world has been watching the unfolding development between the Nagas and the Indians

their distinct history and identity.

This clear political statement and understanding set the tone for a political negotiation between the Working Committee of NNPGs and GoI interlocutor.

Today, In the name of democracy, India is conducting elections in Nagaland. The political leadership of India have diverted their attention to electioneering and party politics. This is unfair.

The Naga people are patient practitioners of ancient democratic values. Abstaining from democratic exercise too is a democratic right since the Indian leadership failed to perform its political task on the Naga issue.

Those Nagas preparing to contest in the Indian election representing different political parties have to understand the severity of the Naga situation.

This democratic exercise every

Election: The Baptization of Politics

right to vote has been a hard-won right for many citizens around the world, closely knitted to the broader struggle for political and social equality. It is a festival, in as Christian term, as it is ‘an opportunity to a new birth and a promise of hope that reaches even beyond death’.

But only if we are democratic, disciplined and enlightened. An election (or a vote, for the matter) is no small thing, not a light decision. If one is so casual about it, sh/e must spend a good chunk of time and try to figure out what an election is, who sh/e is, what it means to political parties, why they are spending a lot of money on it and why it all matters. It is the deepest part of our political identity and if exercised well, will ultimately propel our performances in most indices. While there can be no objection to treating an election as a festival, the many processes that go into the conduct of election have begun to be undermined, in the process weakening the functioning of democracy itself. The allegations of corruption and mal-practices, the sedentary office culture on one hand, and on the other, the efforts to curb and improve like the clean election campaign, anti-bribery resolutions adopted by village councils prove so. Independent analysts are rather

skeptical about Nagaland topping the voters turnout list, simply refuting that “many more votes are cast than individuals queuing up before polling booths”.

If only we treat elections merely as fun festivals- the frenzy mounts, the porks in the candidate’s kitchen, the rum bottle, if celebrated with pomp and show and empty hyperbole- this may have serious implications for our democracy. We are inevitably remitted to representative democracy, and election is the occasion on which we choose our representatives. It is through election that we are governed by representatives, giving them the legitimacy, freely chosen by us all so that we are governed by ourselvesself-government. Given an honest and committed candidate to choose, it is a ritual of purification, an initiation into peace and security and harmony and well-being (in political terms- development, governance, justice, rule of law…) especially for the poorest among us. A cast so profound, yet often taken for granted, by almost all. The analoguesAnother facet of the prevailing conditions that deserves attention is the allegiance of elected representatives. A feature of a democratic society, that is commonly understood, is that the elected representatives actually repre -

sent their electors. In other words, the elected representatives are expected to owe allegiance to those who elect them, vote for them. However, common experience is that while candidates do seek out voters before and during the election, once elected, the tables turn. Electors who have to seek out their elected representatives, who tend to become inaccessible. A voter who has cast a vote for a candidate who ends up being elected often thinks that sh/e has a right to approach the elected representative, but the latter seems to think sh/e does not owe anything to the voter. What rather prevails is that elected representatives seem to be working for their interests (the crorepatis) and political parties rather than for their electors.

‘Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know religion’ As a young boy, I remember playing a skit on John 13 (Jesus washing His disciple’s feet). How satisfying and comforting it is now to read about the ecclesiastical ceremony and to have a better grasp (at the risk of sounding like a Pastor): Peter, as prominent as he always has been, yet again made the scene. He did his best to decline Jesus’ effort to wash his feet to which Jesus answered, “If I do not wash you, you

vis-a-vis the Indo-Naga political talks.

Significantly, Naga political issue came into the world focus when the historic Framework Agreement was signed on the 3rd August, 2015. However, the Government of India is yet to fulfill its commitment to the Naga people. The world at large is the witness. As a faithful soldier of the people, NSCN have stood the acid test of time and brought the issue thus far. NSCN is principlebased organization. Our confrontation with the aggressors is principle-based; our negotiation is principle-based and solution is also to be principle-based. Our stand on unity and reconciliation is also principle-based. Any move for solution or unity and reconciliation betraying the principle is treason. No one should doubt about it that NSCN is definitely for unity of all Nagas, but in the line of the principle.

Kuknalim

Q. Tuccu

five years have enabled thieves and scoundrels to flourish. Bankrupt minds have blurred the Naga vision. The hunger for five year power is threatening to destroy the future of Naga generations. Those clamouring for power will be answerable someday.

The international community will question lack of moral responsibility on the part of GoI. I believe GoI attention on Naga issue, or lack of it, will measure Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stature in the coming days. I hope our people will be able to differentiate between a democratic activity called periodic election and a negotiated political solution between two entities to end the political conflict. On the occasion of the 44th NSCN raising day, I wish our people peace and hope.

KUKNALIM!

Dated 31st January, 2023

have no part in me’’. He is there saying ‘unless you let me serve you, you do not know my love’. Jesus ‘’girded himself’’ accepting His duty to take care of them all. He showed what it means to love, and to all humans. (May Heavenly Father bless our leaders with all humbleness). Youth and the hope Traditions and political cultures of course are more in flux than static or bounded entities, and the politics of yesterday and today may not be the same tomorrow. But there is a general point: The idea of a democracy and democratic elections is a vague and insubstantial notion, a kind of fog of possibility. Recent observations show that the youths (particularly those in the age bracket of 18 to 19 years) show the lowest electoral participation, which otherwise would have been the stronghold for a just, clean and fair election.

Information gap among this segment along with the lack of motivation is a major factor leading to electoral participation being least of their concerns. This hiatus must be brought into focus by a myriad of concrete, specific choices and institutions.

The youths must be provided with opportunities to engage with the reality and interrogate with the injustices to create a just present. There is a

clarion call for those in position (District Election Officers) to reinvigorate the young minds in the electoral education and revamp the platforms and programmes rolled out specifically for them. Educational institutions which provide platforms like Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs), Children Parliament, encouraging Campus Ambassadors, to engage students and youths through interesting activities and handson experience to sensitize them on their electoral rights, familiarizing them with the electoral process and voting and also channeling students to play crucial roles in community intervention programmes (success story of ELCs school students in Attappadi, Kerala) will go a long way as participatory education suffused with learning of the realities will equip them as better architects of the state. Given the opportunity with the passkey in our hands, the pursuit of a more democratic ethos is the need of the times, individual choices or the lack thereof can indeed make a difference.

Rampisinang Pipi Newme (The writer is currently studying Public Administration, based in New Delhi. He is to be a 2nd-time voter on 27th Feb, 2023 and he can be reached at pipinewme@ gmail.com).

44th Raising Day speech of NSCN (I-M) chairman Q. Tuccu

44th Raising Day message of NSCN Chairman, Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak, Oking; Naga Unification Camp, Khehoyi

Forest officer held for taking bribe

THANE, JAN 31 (PTI):

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested a zonal forest officer of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 6,000 for allowing transportation of sand trucks to Yeoor Hills in Maharashtra’s Thane city, the ACB said on Tuesday. The 50-year-old accused allegedly demanded from the owner of the trucks Rs 600 each for 10 of his vehicles for sand transportation on January 23, an ACB release said. The truck owner approached the ACB which laid a trap and caught the accused on Monday while accepting Rs 6,000 from the complainant near Upvan Lake in the city, it said. A case was registered against the accused under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the ACB added.

Class 12 student

stabbed to death

NEW DELHI, JAN 31 (PTI): A Class 12 student was allegedly stabbed to death following a quarrel between two groups in southeast Delhi’s Okhla area, police said on Tuesday. The 18-year-old victim, a resident of JJ camp in Okhla Phase II, was a student at Kalkaji school, they said. There was a quarrel between two groups of students near Hansraj Sethi Park during which the boy allegedly suffered stab wounds to the chest. He was admitted to Purnima Sethi Hospital where he succumbed, according to the police. A case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered. CCTV footage from the area has been checked and local enquiry is being conducted to identify and trace the culprits, the police said.

Man kills wife on street

PALGHAR, JAN 31 (PTI): A 45-year-old man from Boisar town in Palghar district of Maharashtra allegedly killed his 40-year-old wife by slitting her throat on a street and also attempted suicide, police said. Prima facie, the man suspected his wife’s fidelity and attacked her with a sharp weapon. He also slashed himself. Police personnel who rushed to the spot at around 12:30 pm found the man lying injured near the body of his wife and their two children crying.

India’s budget will be ray of hope for world: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, JAN 31 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said amid global economic turmoil, India’s budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of common citizens and be a ray of hope for the world.

Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, Modi said recognised voices in the world of economy were bringing positive messages from all sides.

The prime minister said the Budget, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday, will strive to fulfil people’s hopes, aspirations and also boost the hopes with which the world is looking at India.

“The ray of hope being seen by the world will glow brighter -- for this, I firmly believe the finance minister will make all efforts to meet these aspirations,” Modi said.

He also noted that

I seek

President Droupadi Murmu was delivering her maiden address to the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session. The President’s speech is the pride of the Constitution of India, the pride of India’s parliamentary system, and also an opportunity to respect women and the great tribal traditions of the country, Modi said.

According to the parliamentary traditions evolved over the last six

to seven decades, a parliamentarian speaking for the first time in the House, belonging to any political party, is extended respect and a conducive atmosphere is created to enhance his/ her confidence, the prime minister said.

“This is a rich and best tradition. It is the responsibility of parliamentarians to ensure that this moment of the President’s first address to Parliament is full of enthusiasm, warmth

share like Nitish Kumar did while challenging Lalu: Kushwaha

PATNA, JAN 31 (PTI):

Disgruntled JD(U) parliamentary board chief Upendra Kushwaha Tuesday likened his rebellion to the challenge Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had thrown to RJD president Lalu Prasad three decades ago. Talking to reporters here, the recalcitrant leader maintained that he had “boundless reverence” (agaadh shraddha) for Kumar but insisted that the septuagenarian was no longer able to exercise his own volition, resulting in JD(U)’s vulnerability. “I have been asked to clarify what I meant by claiming my own

share (hissa) in the party.

I am doing that today”, Kushwaha a former union minister said with rhetorical flourish. “I am speaking of the same share that Nitish Kumar had demanded at the famous rally of 1994 when

Lalu Prasad was reluctant to give our leader his due,” he said. Kushwaha was referring to ‘Luv Kush’ rally in Patna, a veritable gathering of Kurmis and Koeris upset with supposed hegemony of numerically powerful Yadavs which Prasad, then helming Bihar, was seen as embodying. Kumar’s presence at the rally had set the tone for his separation from the undivided Janata Dal and charting of an independent political journey. Kushwaha, who had returned to JD(U) after merging his Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, rued that as parliamentary board chief he enjoyed no powers.

and energy. I am sure our Parliamentarians will pass this test,” the prime minister said.

Modi said the BJPled NDA government has always worked with a singular aim of putting ‘India First and Citizens First’ and the same spirit will be seen during the Budget Session.

The prime minister said there would be arguments as well during the Budget Session and he hoped that the opposition will articulate them well by studying issues closely.

“The House will deliberate on formulation of policy which will benefit the nation,” the prime minister said.

The Budget Session of Parliament began on Tuesday and the first part will conclude on February 13.

The Parliament will re-convene on March 12 for the second part of the Budget Session that will conclude on April 6.

NEW DELHI, JAN 31 (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said there is “nothing new” in President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament, asserting that she speaks about whatever the government has to say. He said if the government through the President is claiming that the country has pro gressed so much, then why the poor continue to suffer due to unemployment and high inflation, even as he alleged that the schemes renamed by the Modi government are not reaching out to the poorest of the poor.

Kharge claimed that the new colleges and schools that the government claims has opened are all in the private sector as the poor people are unable to benefit from them as they cannot afford them.

“The President’s address is the government’s statement that has come through the President. It is not a new thing... It is only a routine matter and she has expressed those programmes and achievements which the govern -

ment wanted her to say,” he told PTI.

The Congress chief, however, regretted that he could not attend the first address of the President to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, as he was in Jammu and Kashmir and failed to attend the same due to inclement weather.

“In fact, if those achievements are very good, then the people should not feel the pinch of inflation and unemployment. Even the investment is not coming.

“The government claims that it has removed corruption, but then how one man can dupe LIC/ SBI and other banks of nearly ‘Rs 1 lakh crore’. Now, nearly 30 crore people are suffering who have

invested in LIC as that money has gone to one businessman who is very close to the prime minister. However, there is no action on such individuals and schemes which have duped the people of the country,” he said.

Kharge said the government announces schemes with new names, but they do not reach the common people.

He said there is nothing new in the President’s speech, but all welcome it individually because the President is supposed to be impartial.

Asked about the President talking about every Indian being confident and India emerging as a self reliant, strong nation, touching new heights and emerging as solution provider to the world under this government, he said, “I do not blame her, but it is Mr Modi whatever he told outside, she is saying so. If it is so, why is there so much inflation, so much unemployment, why the money value has gone down and why is there so much hike in petrol/diesel prices.”

Italian woman punches crew member on flight; arrested

MUMBAI, JAN 31 (PTI):

A 45-year-old Italian woman passenger allegedly punched a crew me mber, spat on another staffer and stripped on board a Vistara flight to Mumbai from Abu Dhabi after she was stopped from entering the business class, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on Monday and after the flight landed in Mumbai, the crew members handed her over to Sahar police and she was arrested, they said.

Vistara in a statement said the passenger was restrained by the crew for “unruly and violent behaviour” and the incident was reported to the relevant authorities as per the standard operating procedures. According to an official

from Sahar police station, the woman, identified as Paola Perruccio, boarded the flight at around 2 am on Monday with an economy class ticket.

The woman later entered the business class and when she was stopped by the crew members, she allegedly started abusing them, he said. When the crew members tried to stop the woman from misbehaving, she allegedly punched one of them in

the face and spat on another staffer, the official said. When the other crew members rushed to help their colleagues, the woman alleged ly started stripping and walked up and down the aisle in that state, he said. After the flight arrived here on Monday morning, the crew members approached the Sahar police and handed her over to them, the official said.

The woman was arrested and booked under various Indian Penal Code Sections including 323 (voluntary causing hurt) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and provisions of the Aircraft Act, the official said. She was produced before a court and later released on bail, the police added. Vistara in a statement said, “We confirm that there was an unruly passenger on Vistara flight UK-256 operating from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on January 30. In view of the continued unruly conduct and violent behaviour, the captain issued a warning card and made a decision to restrain the customer.”

PM Modi addresses the media on the first day of the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI)

my

Upendra Kushwaha

Mallikarjun Kharge

Adani investors rally to $2.5 billion share sale

MUMBAI, JAN 31 (AGENCIES): Gautam

Adani’s crucial $2.5 billion share sale was fully subscribed on Tuesday as investors pumped funds into his flagship firm, despite a $65 billion rout in the Indian billionaire’s stocks sparked by a shortseller’s report. The fundraising is critical for Adani, not just because it will help cut his group’s debt, but also because it is being seen by some as a gauge of confidence at a time when the tycoon faces one of his biggest business and reputational challenges, reports Reuters.

Hindenburg Research’s report last week alleged improper use of offshore tax havens and concerns about high debt, which Adani denied, but the subsequent market meltdown has led to a dramatic and sudden fall in his fortunes as he slipped to eighth from third in Forbes rich list rankings.

India’s largest ever

secondary share sale attracted participation from anchor investors including Maybank Securities and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, as well as India’s HDFC Life Insurance and state-backed Life Insurance Corporation (LIFI.NS).

But while the 30% anchor portion of the issue had been subscribed fully last week, the book building had only 3% in bids on Monday, amid concerns over the rout in Adani’s stocks.

By Tuesday the overall share sale was fully subscribed as foreign institutional investors and corporate funds flooded in, although participation by retail investors and Adani

AdaniFPOsailsthroughwith helpfromfellowindustrialists

Billionaire Gautam

with Patanjali foods Ltd

Enterprises (ADEL.NS) employees remained low.

“Investors would view the successful completion of the FPO (follow-on public offering) as a welcome relief, as it implies that the company still has the support of institutional investors,” Leonard Law, Senior Credit Analyst at Lucror Analytics Singapore, said on Tuesday.

“The FPO would help to enlarge Adani Enterprises’ public float (thereby partly addressing the issue over the promoters’ concentrated shareholding), as well as reduce leverage for the company and improve investor sentiment,” Law added.

Jamir laments lack of governance, fragmentation in Nagaland

(From p-1)

In order to make this dream a reality, Jamir stressed that the first and topmost step was solution of the Naga political issue so that a new dawn of peace and normalcy adorned the Nagas. He said under such a congenial environment, there would be ample opportunities for human development without any hinderance and the dream for a united, peaceful, progressive, transparent and prosperous Nagaland could be fulfilled.

He remarked that the people should own the responsibility for the kind of pitiable conditions that they were living in, adding there was no justification for shifting the responsibility to others.

Jamir threw the

gauntlet on the younger generation of Nagas whether they accept the present fate as their destiny or opted for a better and brighter future elsewhere.

He expressed the hope that with the courage and determination of younger generation, the Nagas would rise up and surmount the current situation. He said Nagaland today was on the verge of collapse politically, economically, socially and even religiously and that there was hardly anything positive.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by trustee Walu Meru, brief report on CMHSS was shared by its principal and Jubilee Committee chairperson Temsujungla, vote of thanks by was given by JPC chairman O Alem

and benediction by associate pastor Aoyimti Baptist Arogo (ABA) Yashila.

The program was chaired by Hikato Chishi and Suyimsangla Longkumer, while invocation was offered by Rev Z Yapang Aier. Aoyimti Village Council chairman Sosangmeren Jamir and former CMHSS principal Laisen Aier also spoke on the occasion.

Highlights of the programme included unveiling a monolith, inauguration of Jubilee Hall and release of jubilee souvenir by Jamir and dedicatory prayer by ABA pastor Temsü Jamir, celebration of good times by pre-schoolers, short act on “Reflection on the ways of living of the early Nagas” and jubilee song by CMHSS Choir.

Adani-led group’s Rs 20,000 crore share sale in its flagship firm sailed through on the last day after investors, some being family offices of fellow industrialists, rallied behind the embattled tycoon, whose business empire has been rocked by allegations of fraud by a US short seller.

While the portion of a follow-on share sale in Adani Enterprises Ltd reserved for anchor investors was fully subscribed last week, institutional and other non-retail investors helped the offer reach desired subscription levels hours before the sale closed, according to data available from BSE.

As many as 5.08 crore shares were sought against an offer of 4.55 crore, even though the offer price was higher than the rate at which the company stock was being traded on the stock exchange.

Non-institutional

investors put in bids for over three times the 96.16 lakh shares reserved for them, while the 1.28 crore shares reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) were subscribed 1.2 times, according to BSE data. There was, however, a muted response from retail investors and company employees. Retail investors, for whom roughly half of the issue was reserved, bid for just 12 per cent of the 2.29 crore shares earmarked for them. Employees sought 55 per cent of the 1.6 lakh shares reserved for them.

Overall, against 6.14 crore shares on offer, anchor and other investors bid for 6.45 crore.

Industry sources said family offices of some of the top industrialists in the country made offers for the shares. Names of the investors could not be immediately verified. Adani also did not reveal the list of investors.

Power shutdown in parts of Dimapur

(From p-1) Lhomithi, Army supply Road, Church Road, Murgi Patti, Hazi Park, Hong Kong Market, Old BOC.G.S Road, Marawari patti, Hongkong Market, Hazi Park, New Market, DMC, Old BOC, Thakurbari, PWD, Midland, Residency, Supply, Duncan, Landmark, Notun Basti, Naga Cemetry, Island, LRC,City Tower, Tata Parking,Khermahal, SIB Office area and churches colony.

On February 6 & 7

from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m.-- PWD, Midland, Residency, Supply, Duncan, Landmark, Notun Basti, Naga Cemetery, Island, LRC, City Tower, Tata Parking, Khermahal, SIB office area and churches colony. February 17, 18, 20 & 21 from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m.-G.S Road, Marawari patti, Hongkong Market, Hazi Park, New Market, DMC, Old BOC, Thakurbari, Sematilla, West yard, Chatteshwari, Lhomithi, Army supply Road, HMC Road area.

NSCN (I-M), GPRN/NSCN...

(From p-1)

Highlighting on the formation of NSCN, Yeptho urged Nagas people especially the youth, irrespective of one’s political inclination, “to once again retrospect the history of Naga national movement, nurture the proposition passed to us by our past patriotic Naga leaders and diligently introspect ourself to cultivate what is best for the Naga people.”

On the occasion, an obituary moment in honour of the martyrs was also observed. The speech of the charman was read out by chief secretary Kideon V. Zhimomi.

DIAMPUR: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the State Government, represented by the director of Agriculture, Nagaland and Patanjali Foods Ltd (PFL) (Formerly known as Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd) represented by Subhas Bhattacharjee, Head-NE Region, Oil Palm on January 31 at the Directorate of Agriculture

NPF open to post-poll alliance: Azo

(From p-1) will be enforcing the rule of law and minimising taxation and stopping extortion bids by different Naga groups.

Asked if the party has decided on the chief ministerial candidate, he said it will be decided only after filing of nomination of the party aspirants. On the ENPO’s demand for separate ‘Frontier Nagaland’–alleging that the state government has been neglecting the area in all aspects, Azo said development of a particular area fully depends on their own legislators. Every leader is responsible for his constituency, he said. Despite the call for boycott by ENPO, he claimed that there are good numbers of aspirants seeking the NPF party ticket.

for the development and area expansion under oil palm cultivation and processing for Zone-II (Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon districts) in the State of Nagaland under National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

According to a press release by director of Agriculture, PFL was allotted Zone II where there is a wide scope for oil palm plantation in the State

against an EOI released by the Department recently.

Patanjali Foods Ltd is already working in the State of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Tripura

Gold declines Rs 105; silver tumbles Rs 379

NEW DELHI, JAN 31

(PTI): Gold price in the national capital declined Rs 105 to Rs 56,780 per 10 gram on Tuesday amid weak global cues, according to HDFC Securities.

The precious metal had closed at Rs 56,885 per 10 gram in the previous trade.

Silver also tumbled

LAND FOR SALE

Rs 379 to Rs 68,418 per kg.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 56,780 per 10 gram, down Rs 105 per 10 gram,” said an analyst at HDFC Securities. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were trading in the red at USD 1,913 per ounce and USD 23.27 per ounce, respectively.

in the North East. During August 2022, PFL has laid the foundation stone of setting up an oil mill in East Siang district at Niglok, Arunachal Pradesh. The signing of the MoU hopes to boost the oil palm growers in the State.

Director of Agriculture with Subhas Bhattacharjee during the signing of MoU.

Manmohan Singh

conferred LAH in UK

LONDON, JAN 31

(PTI): Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh was recently conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by the India-UK Achievers Honours in London for his contribution to economic and political life. The Honour, announced at an awards ceremony last week, will be handed over to Dr Singh in New Delhi by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK at a later date.

Roof collapse kills 4 in Afghanistan

KABUL, JAN 31

(IANS): Four persons were killed and 18 others injured after the roof of their house collapsed in Afghanistan’s Balkh province.

The incident took place late on Monday in the mountainous Qoriq village of Charkent district, killing four members of the family including two children, and injuring 18 others including women and children, with some in critical condition, provincial police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri said on Tuesday.

10 hurt in Florida mass shooting

TALLAHASSEE, JAN

31 (IANS): At least ten people were wounded in a “targetted” drive-by shooting in Lakeland, Florida, police said.

Two of the wounded in the incident on Monday are critical, CNN reported quoting Lakeland police. A dark-blue Nissan four-door sedan slowed and its windowpanes were downed after which firing from all four windows started shooting males on both sides, Lakeland Police Department Chief Sam Taylor said. Marijuana was recovered at the scene of shooting, police added.

UN assistance after Iran quake

UNITED NATIONS, JAN 31 (IANS): The world body is ready to offer assistance to Iran after the country was hit by a 5.9-magnitude earthquake on Saturday evening, said a UN spokesman.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has requested UN assistance, and the world body stands ready to support the response, said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Monday.

Ukraine seeks Western fighter jets

KYIV, JAN 31 (AP): Ukraine is pushing its Western allies to provide it with fighter jets, a week after winning pledges of sophisticated modern tanks to help it beat back Russia’s invasion force after almost a year of fighting.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov was due in Paris on Tuesday where discussions about the possible delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine was expected to be on the agenda.

After months of haggling, Ukrainian authorities last week persuaded Western allies to send the tanks.

That decision came despite the hesitation and caution of some NATO members, including the United States and Germany.

There was no indication that a decision on warplanes to Ukraine might come any time soon and no sign that Western countries have changed their earlier stance on the issue.

Some Western leaders have

Iran slams Blinken’s ‘threatening’ remarks

ba said on Twitter last Wednesday that securing the provision of Westerntype fighter jets are among the “new tasks ahead” for Ukraine. On the same day, the United States and Germany announced their respective decisions to send combat tanks to Ukraine.

the UK was opposed to other countries sending planes.

Asked by a reporter Monday if his administration was considering sending Ukraine F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, US President Joe Biden responded “no.”

TEHRAN, JAN 31

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, and Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov in Paris Tuesday.( AP) expressed concern that the move could escalate the nearly year-long conflict and draw them deeper into the war.

World leaders oppose the idea

Albeit a constant request from the authorities in Kiev, fighter jets have long been regarded by the West as a taboo in terms of military assistance for Ukraine, for fear that such deliveries would lead to an uncontrollable escalation of the conflict. US Preside nt Joe Biden has

said that he won’t approve sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

“No,” Biden said on Monday in response to a question about the possibility of such a decision, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The president’s remarks came as debate picked up steam over whether to arm Ukraine, which has been in conflict with Russia for nearly a year, with Western-made fighter jets.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kule -

Adani Group acquires Haifa port for $1.2 bn, Israeli PM lauds deal

HAIFA (ISRAEL), JAN

31 (PTI): The Adani Group on Tuesday acquired the strategic Israeli port of Haifa for USD 1.2 billion and vowed to transform the skyline of this Mediterranean city as part of its decision to invest more in the Jewish nation, including opening an artificial intelligence lab in Tel Aviv.

Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, whose business empire was rocked by allegations of fraud by US short seller Hindenburg Research, appeared alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for signing of the deal to takeover Haifa Port, and spoke of investment opportunities.

Prime Minister Netanyahu described the Haifa port deal with the Adani Group as an “enormous milestone”, saying it will significantly improve connectivity between the two countries in many ways.

The Port of Haifa is the second largest port in Israel in terms of shipping containers and the biggest in shipping tourist cruise ships.

“I think this is an enormous milestone...Over 100 years ago, and during World World I, it was the brave Indian soldiers who helped liberate the city of

Gautam Adani with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu during a handing over ceremony on Tuesday. (PTI) Haifa. And today, it’s very robust Indian investors who are helping to liberate the port of Haifa,” Netanyahu said. The Prime Minister said that he discussed with his “good friend” Indian counterpart Narendra Modi this vision of “having connectivity between our countries in many ways, transportation lines and air routes and sea routes...and it’s happening today.”

He said what is happening today has historic importance because what “we see there is a tremendous boost for peace.”

Netanyahu said the region will become an entry point and an exit point to a vast number of goods that reach the Mediterranean and Europe directly without having to go around the Arabian peninsula without having to go through three choke points.

“This is an unequivo-

cal expression of confidence in the Israeli economy,” he said, adding that privatisation of the ports and the entry of new investors strengthen Israel’s economic strength, lowers the cost of living and creates new opportunities for import and export and strengthens ties between India and Israel. On his part, Adani said his group will also develop real estate at the port to transform the Haifa skyline.

Ukraine’s plea for fighter jets met with refusal from Germany, whose chancellor, Olaf Scholz, recently said combat aircraft is not an item on Berlin’s list of weapons for Ukraine. The UK government, which has been one of Kyiv’s staunchest diplomatic supporters and military suppliers, said that sending its fighter jets is “not practical.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman, Max Blain, said “the UK’s Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets are extremely sophisticated and take months to learn how to fly.”

“Given that, we believe it is not practical to send those jets into Ukraine,” he said Tuesday, though he didn’t say that

Kyiv officials have repeatedly urged allies to send jets, saying they are essential to challenge Russia’s air superiority and to ensure the success of future counteroffensives that could be spearheaded by tanks recently promised by Western countries.

Ukraine’s allies also have ruled out providing Kyiv with long-range missiles able to hit Russian territory, signalling a similarly cautious stance on warplanes.

Asked Tuesday about the supplies of Western weapons to Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeated the Kremlin’s view that “NATO long has been directly involved into a hybrid war against Russia.”

NATO chief urges closer ties with Japan to defend democracy

TOKYO, JAN 31 (AP):

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg sharply criticized China on Tuesday for “bullying its neighbors and threatening Taiwan” and stressed the need for Japan and other democracies to work together with the alliance to defend the international order.

Calling it a “critical moment for NATO and for Japan,” Stoltenberg, who is visiting Tokyo, said China and Russia are “leading an authoritarian pushback against international rulesbased order.” He said transAtlantic and Indo-Pacific security are “deeply interconnected,” and a victory by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine would send a message that authoritarian regimes can achieve their goals through brute force. “This is dangerous,” he said. “China is watching closely and learning lessons that may influence its future decisions,” Stoltenberg said

Resolution

at a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. “China is substantially building up its military forces including nuclear weapons, bullying its neighbors and threatening Taiwan, trying to control critical infrastructure and spreading misinformation about NATO and the war in Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said. “China is not our adversary, but we must understand the scale of the challenge and work together to address it.” Stoltenberg’s direct criticism of China contrasted with Kishida’s more indirect expression of opposition to any one-sided changes by force to the status quo in the East and South China Seas. Japan, already a close ally of the United States, has in recent years expanded its military ties with other Indo-Pacific nations as well as with Britain, Europe and NATO amid a growing security threat from China and North Korea.

On the basis of mutual agreement between the concerned parties, GB's, Elders and the representatives of Hoshepu, Khewoto and Khekiye villages and in the spirit of brotherhood the alleged land dispute between the three villages has been resolved amicably and accordingly the pending High Court Case no.: CRP 2/2016 has been withdrawn vide Hon'ble High Court order Dated 30-01-2023. Henceforth, there is no more misunderstanding between the villages in this matter. db-138/23

(IANS): Iran has warned the US that it will not tolerate any aggression against its territory and interests and will react “decisively,” in response to what it calls “threatening” remarks by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The warning by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani comes a day after Blinken told the Arabic news channel Al Arabiya that “all options are available on the table” should the talks on the revival of a 2015 nuclear deal fail to come to fruition, according to a statement published on the Ministry’s website on Monday.

Kanaani also warned the US government about the “legal and international responsibilities” of its “threatening” remarks against Iran and the political consequences of such “provocative” comments, Xinhua news agency reported.

He reaffirmed that nuclear arms have no place in Iran’s national security

Nasser Kanaani

doctrine but the country will not stop its scientific, technical and technological progress in the nuclear field in line with the NonProliferation Treaty. Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to put some curbs on its nuclear programme in return for the removal of sanctions on the country. The US, however, pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and reimposed its unilateral sanctions on Iran, prompting the latter to reduce some of its nuclear commitments under the deal. The talks on the JCPOA’s revival began in April 2021 in Vienna.

Pak blast toll rises to 100

PESHAWAR, JAN 31

(PTI): The death toll from the suicide blast rose to at least 100 on Tuesday after rescue workers retrieved more bodies from the debris of the devastated mosque inside a major police facility in Pakistan’s northwestern Peshawar city.

According to security officials, the suicide bomber who was present in the front row during the Zuhr (afternoon) prayers on Monday blew himself up, causing the roof to collapse on the worshippers.

Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson Mohammad Asim said that 100 bodies had been brought to the medical facility. Asim said 53 injured were cur -

rently being treated while seven had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). He said that most of the injured were out of danger. Most of the victims were policemen. At least a deputy superintendent of police, five sub-inspectors and the mosque’s prayer leader Maulana Sahibzada Noorul Amin were among the dead. 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 for slain TTP commander Umar Khalid Khurasani who was killed in Afghanistan in August last.

SorHiE Clan, KoHiMa VillaGE fEliCitation

We, the Sorhie Clan with immense pride and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to Ms. neihunuo Sorhie on being conferred the Padma Shri award for her outstanding contributions in the field of Arts.

We sincerely pray that Almighty God bless her with good health, wisdom and longevity and wish her the best in the days to come.

Sd/SorHiE Clan K-226/23

ClarifiCation

This press release is with reference to a news item under the caption NPF 2 Dimapur II AC Resignation en-mass and Declaration of Support Published on 27th Jan. 2023, which is blatantly false statement and was not unanimous decision of office bearers of all wards & units and the previous declaration is not valid.

The NPF 2 Dimapur II Assembly Constituency (AC) is hereby bringing this clarification that still a good number of office bearers and party workers from many wards & units and members from AC are still intact with the party.

The general public and Joint Council of Lotha Colony and Oriental Colony Dimapur have expressed gratitude and appreciation to Shri. Moatoshi Longkumer MLA 2 Dimapur II AC for taking initiative role in blacktopping the Colony Road stretching from Lotha Colony Junction to Diphu Road Highway via Oriental Colony and approach roads which has been a long standing grievance of the people of the area. The residents expressed hope that more developmental activities would be taken up in the colony for the welfare of the public.

Authorities using heavy machinery to clear rubble after a mosque bombing in Peshawar. (AP)

Seyie Putsure among top 25 designers in LA

and interior design worlds. She creates fashionable and functional branded interiors for stylish individuals with great taste and for brands catering to them. Her goal is to enhance people’s lives through places she designs, whether it’s a home they enjoy spending time in or a store where shopping becomes a memorable experience.

‘Pathaan’ nears Rs 600 crore mark on day six

P

‘The Boogeyman’: Trailer for Stephen King adaptation makes a strong case for night-lights

D

R

Daughter of late Norman Putsure, Seyie was introduced to the fine arts and architecture at an early age. After college, she

L

These seven symptoms are fast-beating heart, hair loss, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, joint pain and obesity, according to a team of University of Missouri (MU) researchers

enowned interior designer, Seyie Putsure, from Nagaland and based at Los Angeles (US) has been named as one of the top 25 designers in Los Angeles by the LA Times.entered the world of high style in the heart of the New York and Paris international fashion scenes.

While working for some of the world’s finest fashion houses, including CHANEL and Dolce & Gabbana, she honed her skills for excellence and refinement.

With Seyie Design, Putsure merges the fashion

Since Seyie Putsure founded boutique design firm ‘Seyie Design’ in 2007, her body of work has grown internationally to include luxury residences and hospitality environments, such as high-end salons, spas and retail. Some notable projects include private residences in California and New York. She was the exclusive designer for the 54th and 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards Official Talent Gift Lounge and for retail shops at The Bloc in Downtown Los Angeles. Her work has been featured on the cover of New York Post Alexa magazine’s design issue, as well as Livingetc, California Home + Design, and Vogue. (With LA Times inputs)

on Tuesday said its latest offering “Pathaan”, headlined by Shah Rukh Khan, has raised Rs 591 crore gross worldwide in six days.

According to YRF, on its sixth day, the film registered Rs 26.50 crore nett in India (Hindi – Rs 25.50 crore, Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions – Rs 1 crore), taking the domestic gross to Rs 32 crore. The studio said that the overseas gross on day six stood at Rs 16 crore.

Since its January 25 release, “Pathaan” has recorded Rs 224.6 crore in the overseas territories alone, while nett collection in India stand at Rs 307.25 crore (Hindi - Rs 296.50 crore, dubbed - Rs 10.75 crore).

The Siddharth Ananddirected actioner, also

roduction house Yash Raj Films (YRF)starring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, collected Rs 106 crore globally on its opening day, followed by Rs 113.6 crore on day two, Rs 90 crore on day three, Rs 116 crore on day four, and Rs 112 crore on day five.

“Pathaan”, a globetrotting espionage thriller, follows the titular spy (Shah Rukh) who comes out of exile to stop terrorist group Outfit X, led by Jim (John), from launching a debilitating attack on India.

The film, which marks Shah Rukh’s first big screen release as a lead in over four years, is the fourth title in producer Aditya Chopra’s ambitious spy universe, following Salman Khan’s “Ek Tha Tiger” (2012) and “Tiger Zinda Hai” (2017), and “War”, featuring Hrithik Roshan (2019). (PTI)

King himself posted the trailer on Twitter, with the caption: “Really scary!”

Chris Messina (Birds of Prey) leads the cast as Will, a grieving father and professional therapist who isn’t offering much emotional support to his two daughters — Sadie (Yellowjackets’ Sophie Thatcher) and Sawyer (Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Vivien Lyra Blair) — following the recent death of their mother. When a desperate patient shows up asking for Will’s help, he unintentionally makes the grieving family a target of a malevolent being that preys on fear and suffering. Think of it as The Babadook meets Smile.

“I’m three movies

irector Rob Savage (Host, Dashcam) is here to bring up all those old phobias with the official trailer for his new film — The Boogeyman (out in theaters everywhere this summer). A featurelength adaptation of the Stephen King short story of the same name, the film centers around that amorphous entity singlehandedly keeping the night-light industry flush with those Benjamins.in so I don’t quite know what my stamp is but I developed the script for a couple of years and it felt like I could do something that I hadn’t done before,” Savage explained during an interview in early 2022.

“It feels very true to King’s voice and to the short story but takes off into a new direction. We built on the mythology in a way that’s very unique.”

Written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (cocreators of the A Quiet Place franchise) and Mark Heyman (Black Swan), the cast also features Marin Ireland (The Umbrella Academy), Madison Hu (Bizaardvark), LisaGay

Revealed: Only 7 health symptoms directly related to long Covid

ong Covid patients are susceptible to developing only seven health symptoms for up to a year following the infection, a new study has revealed.in the US who made this unexpected discovery and published it in the

Open Forum Infectious Diseases journal. “Despite an overwhelming number of long Covid symptoms previously reported by other studies, we only found a few symptoms specifically

Morning habits to help you lose weight

Weighing yourself first thing in the morning after you pee is more accurate than checking later in the day. What you eat and drink later on can change the results. That visual reminder of your weight each morning can help you stick to your healthy eating plan the rest of the day or week.

Drink a Glass (or 2) of Water

One or two glasses of plain H2O before you eat breakfast may help you lose weight. Water has no calories, but it’s satisfying and curbs your appetite, so you may not want to eat such a big breakfast afterward. It also stimulates your metabolism to help you burn calories.

Work Out Before Breakfast

Do some moderate exercise before you sit down to eat in the mornings.

Working out on an empty stomach actually helps you get better results from exercise. Prebreakfast sweat sessions can help you burn more of your body’s fat for fuel.

Eat a High-Protein

Breakfast

This nutrient may help you lose weight because it makes you feel fuller longer after you eat. It’s also harder for your body to store it as excess fat. Another perk of protein: Your body uses more calories to break it down than it uses for carbs or fat. Go for protein-rich breakfasts, such as an egg and turkey sausage on whole wheat toast or a Greek yogurt smoothie with peanut butter and berries.

Make a Meal Plan for the Day

Every morning, write up a quick list of what you’ll eat that day. Planning meals ahead of time can help you choose lower-calorie foods. If you’ve already decided what to eat for your day’s snacks and meals, you may be less likely to reach for high-calorie convenience foods like fast-food burgers

or fries.

Get Some Sun

Some sunlight on your skin can actually help you burn a little bit more body fat. Research shows that people who soak up a few rays in the morning tend to have a lower body-mass index (BMI), or a leaner, slimmer physique, than people who step out in the sun later in the day.

Use Measuring Cups and Spoons

It’s easy to supersize portions that pack more calories than you need without even knowing it. Keep measuring cups and spoons where you typically dish out breakfast. Measure foods like cereal or milk before you place them in the bowl so you serve yourself the right amount.

Practice Mindfulness

Slow down and think about what you’re eating. Appreciate the smell, look, and taste of even a simple breakfast. Don’t watch TV or scroll through social media when you eat in the morning: just breathe, relax, and enjoy a peaceful meal. This practice could help you eat less and lose weight.

Use a Juice Glass

Most standard drinking glasses are far larger than a serving of juice. That makes it easy to consume more than you should. And many fruit juices have as much sugar in them as a can of soda.

But they also have lots of vitamins and minerals that are great for you as you start your day. To pour a more sensible portion, use a small juice glass.

Don’t Dress Up Your Coffee

Do you have your dessert in your coffee cup each morning? Specialty

related to an infection from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19,” said Chi-Ren Shyu, director of the MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics and the corresponding author of the study.

To develop their findings, the team reviewed real-world data from electronic medical records containing de-identified information for medical

coffees with lots of added sugar, cream, or flavored syrups can add up to more than 500 calories each. Use skim milk or sugar-free flavors instead. Or try green tea for a morning jolt. It has catechins, nutrients that may promote weight loss.

Pack Your Lunch and Snacks

Before you leave the house for the day, grab a sack and pack a healthy lunch and low-calorie snacks like fresh fruit or low-fat cheese. You’ll be prepared to eat a sensible meal when hunger strikes later on, so you don’t reach for junk food. Choose fiberrich foods like whole-grain crackers to keep you feeling fuller longer.

Change Your Commute

Long car rides every day can lead to weight gain.

More time spent sitting behind the wheel cuts down how much you walk every day, so you burn fewer calories. Use traffic apps to find a shorter route. Try to park a few blocks away and walk the rest of the distance to your destination on nice days.

Make a Shopping List

In the morning, make a shopping list before you head to the supermarket or place your online grocery order.

Stick to your list when you shop. You’ll be more likely to buy items that fit your healthy meal plan and not grab junk food on impulse. Include precut fruits and veggies for healthy snacks or easy meal add-ons.

Add Hot Sauce to Your Eggs

The heat in spicy chili peppers may help you lose weight. Regularly eating capsaicinoids, the hot chemical in chili peppers, can reduce body fat, curb your appetite, and even boost your metabolism, so you burn more fat all day. Spice up your morning omelet with diced hot peppers or add a dash or two of hot sauce.

Medically Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

research purposes. After examining data from a total of 52,461 patients at 122 healthcare facilities across the US, the researchers selected the top 47 most commonly reported health symptoms from long Covid to examine for this study.

Then, the researchers looked for any comparisons in the reported health symptoms -- many also

shared by other viral respiratory infections -among people in three different subgroups. These subgroups included people diagnosed with Covid but do not have any common viral respiratory infections like influenza or pneumonia; People with common viral respiratory infections but do

not have Covid and people who do not have Covid or any other common viral respiratory infections. Shyu said the results could benefit ongoing efforts by fellow researchers to study various impacts of Covid.

“Now, researchers will be able to better understand how SARS-CoV-2 may

Hamilton (Vice), and David Dastmalchian (Dune). Shawn Levy (Stranger Things), Dan Levine (Arrival), and Dan Cohen (The Adam Project) are on board as producers. Beck, Woods, Ryan Cunningham, Adam Kolbrenner (The Tomorrow War), and Robin Meisinger serve as executive producers. Sharing the movie poster on his Instagram page Sunday, Levy wrote: “Think of it as a terrifying snack between Stranger Things seasons...” Originally slated for an exclusive streaming release on Hulu, The Boogeyman will now arrive on the big screen Friday, June 2. (Yahoo Entertainment)

mutate or evolve by creating new connections that we may not have known about before,” said Shyu. “Going forward we can use electronic medical records to quickly detect subgroups of patients who may have these long-term health conditions,” the researcher noted. (IANS)

k-219/23

Hop on the Scale

West Ham beats Derby 2-0 in FA Cup

DERBY, JAN 31 (AGENCIES):

Tennis legend Margaret Court’s home burgled

Germany clinch top spot in hockey rankings after WC; India placed sixth

West Ham United

eased into the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable 2-0 victory away to thirdtier Derby County on Monday to set up a meeting with Manchester United.

Derby, fourth in League One, went into the match on the back of 14 matches unbeaten in all competitions but were quickly overrun by the Premier League side, who took the lead in the 10th minute with a close-range volley from Jarrod Bowen.

Bowen went 12 matches without a goal before netting twice against Everton last week and now has three in his last two games.

The forward then crossed for striker Michail Antonio to head in a second goal five minutes after the interval to break his own goal drought stretching back to November.

Back-to-back wins

David Moyes’ side saw out the victory without conceding many chances, recording back-to-back wins for the first time since October, and Bowen said he hoped the win would boost his side, who are 16th

in the table, one point above the relegation zone. “Two wins on the bounce is good for us it’s all about results and momentum and we can use this as a real springboard,” he said.

Bowen said he found out West Ham’s next opponent was United only after he was substituted midway

through the second half.

“I asked Dec (teammate Declan Rice) and he said, ‘We’ve got United away,’” Bowen said.

“It’s never easy but if we want to be successful in this competition, we have to beat top teams. It will be a tough game — they are a top, top team — but we’ve been there plenty of times

Australia’s Women’s World Cup opener moved to bigger venue

before.”

Midfielder Pablo Fornals added: “Everyone knows it hasn’t been an easy season so every game we can win gives us massive confidence.

“We work hard every day in training to get a chance and then you have to take it. That’s what the players tried to do tonight.”

VICTORIA

(AUSTRA -

LIA), JAN 31 (IANS): Australian tennis legend Margaret Court’s Perth home allegedly got targeted during a burglary on Australian Day. Two people from Edgewater, aged 33 and 34, have been charged after medals and awards were stolen during the burglary at former world No.1 tennis star and conservative Christian minister’s City Beach home, The Age reported. A Western Australian Police spokeswoman said that thieves allegedly broke in through the front door and rummaged through the property on Thursday evening. “Perth detectives have charged two men in relation to an aggravated home burglary.

“It will be alleged about 8pm, two men gained access to the premises via the front entrance door,” she said.

“Once inside, it will be further alleged that the accused rummaged through the victim’s property and stole a number of items including awards, medals and jewellery,” she added.

India placed in Group B of Asia Mixed Team C’ships 2023

DUBAI, JAN 31 (IANS): India has been placed in Group B alongside Malaysia, UAE, and Kazakhstan in the Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023, which will be held here at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, from February 14 to 19.

NEW

DELHI, JAN 31

(AGENCIES): Newlycrowned world champion Germany has replaced Australia as the top-ranked men’s team in the latest rankings released by FIH. Germany came from 0-2 down to hold title defender Belgium to a 3-3 draw in regulation time before triumphing 5-4 in the penalty shootout in the final of the recently concluded Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Germany, a threetime world champion, was ranked fourth prior to the

quadrennial event in Odisha.

Runner-up Belgium slipped one spot to third.

Host India, which lost to New Zealand in a crossover match, stayed at sixth.

The Netherlands, bronze medallist, climbed up one place to second while Australia, which finished fourth, dropped from the top of the rankings to fourth.

Elsewhere, in the top 10, Korea and New Zealand exchanged the last two spots. Both teams reached the quarterfinals but the

Asian team jumped from 10th to ninth while the Black Sticks slipped from ninth to 10th.

Here are the top 10 ranked teams and their points post the 2023 Hockey

WC

Germany (2912.47)

Netherlands (2848.29)

Belgium (2845.82)

Australia (2792.96)

England (2536.24)

India (2478.22)

Argentina (2260.32)

Spain (2093.52)

Korea (1942.50)

New Zealand (1899.79)

Wrestling row: Babita joins oversight panel

NEW DELHI, JAN 31 (PTI):

Commonwealth Games gold medallist wrestler Babita Phogat has joined the oversight committee formed to probe the various allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

FILE - Australia’s Sam Kerr (20) scores against Sweden’s Nathalie Bjorn (14) during their women’s friendly match in Melbourne Nov.

MELBOURNE, JAN 31 (AGENCIES): Australia’s

Women’s World Cup opener against Ireland has been moved to a larger stadium amid high demand for tickets. Australia’s opener was originally set to be played at Sydney’s new Allianz Stadium, which seats 42,500, but it has been shifted to Stadium Australia, which seats more than 82,000. Stadium Australia, the former Olympic stadium, will also host the World Cup final on Aug. 20.

The tournament, which is cohosted by Australia and New Zealand, opens on July 20 with a match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden

Park in Auckland. Australia’s match against Ireland is set for later in the day.

“It’s going to be an incredible start for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year. ... Two absolutely massive matches, and we’re expecting over 100,000 fans to fill those two stadiums and take on that momentous moment, which will be the opening day of the Women’s World Cup,” said Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s chief women’s football officer.

Football Australia advocated for the move. “The move from Sydney Football Stadium to Stadium Australia is big for Australian football and highlights the confidence which we have

in the CommBank Matildas to draw a huge crowd for the first match of the tournament in Australia,” Football Australia CEO James Johnson said. CommBank sponsors Australia’s women.

The Matildas look to break their attendance record of 36,109 fans, which was set in 2021 at an exhibition between Australia and the United States. Additional tickets for the Matildas’ first game will go on sale Friday, FIFA said. Fans who already have tickets will be moved to seats in the new venue.

The draw for the continental event, which will have 17 teams, took place here at Dubai Sports Council on Tuesday, where Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu was present as the Guest of Honour. Group A consists of China, Korea, Singapore and Uzbekistan. Group C includes Indonesia, Thailand, Bahrain, Syria and Lebanon while Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Pakistan are drawn in Group D. China, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia are the top four seeded teams. All 17 teams are divided into four groups of four countries, and one group with five, where they compete in Round Robin format with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage. Each tie group shall be decided by the results of two singles and three doubles matches. In the Group stage, all five ma tches of each tie shall be played. In the

Knockout stage, each tie shall be stopped when the tie is decided. A draw of the knockout stage will be made after the completion of the last match of the Group Stage. The Indian team was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the first edition held in 2017. India could not go past the group stage in the last edition of the Championship, held in 2019.

INDIA SQUAD:

Men’s singles: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy

Women’s singles: PV Sindhu, Aakarshi Kashyap

Men’s doubles: Satwiksairaj Ranikreddy/ Chirag Shetty, Krishna Prasad Garga/Vishnuvardhan Goud P

Women’s doubles: Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand, Ashwini Bhat/Shikha Gautam Mixed doubles: Ishaan Bhatnagar/Tanisha Crasto

acKnOWLeDgeMent

Formed by the Sports Ministry, the oversight committee is carrying out an enquiry into the allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, intimidation, financial irregularities and administrative lapses of the WFI and its chief.

The allegations were levelled by prominent grapplers such as Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya. “Former wrestler Babita Phogat has been added to the panel of the Oversight Committee formed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to undertake the day-to-day administration of the Wrestling Federation of India,” the ministry said in a statement. Babita is the sixth member of the oversight committee, being headed by legendary boxer MC Mary Kom.

Farah returns for London Marathon

LONDON, JAN 31 (AGENCIES): Britain’s four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah said on Tuesday he expects 2023 to be the final year of his career, after confirming he will give his home London Marathon “one more shot” in April.

Farah, who withdrew from last year’s event due to injury, has run the London Marathon three times with a best finish of third in 2018, the same year he won the Chicago Marathon. “I’m not going to go

to the Olympics and I think 2023 will probably be my last year,” said Farah, who turns 40 in March. “It has been an amazing career and, for me, to take part in London Marathon is a big deal.

“I have always said it would be nice to win it one

day, but it takes a lot ... It is just nice to say goodbye and I think it will be quite emotional. “I am very proud of what I have achieved and I just want to give myself one more shot and see what I can do. But I have nothing to prove.”

Farah will be joined by reigning Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres champion Eilish McColgan, who also withdrew ahead of her debut last year due to a medical issue. The 32-yearold is the daughter of the 1996 winner Liz McColgan.

In LOvIng MeMOry Of Lt. JacOB

1St Death annIverSary

Late Diethonuo rülho

Born: 04/05/2004 – Died: 15/01/2023

Psalm 118:17

“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.”

The bereaved family members of Lt. Diethonuo rülho, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our extended family members, friends, neighbours, unions, churches, prayer centres and blood donors. who showed us great kindness and supported us through constant prayers, words of encouragement, generous contributions and for all the tireless help rendered during her illness and in the time till our beloved left us on 15th of January 2023.

We are greatly appreciative of the dedication and compassionate medical care to all the staff of Naga Hospital Kohima and Bethel Hospital Kohima.

We also convey our sincere gratitude to:

• Central Baptist Church Kohima

• Nerhema Baptist Church

• Koinonia Baptist Church Kohima

• Believers Fellowship

• Model Hr. Secondary School Kohima

• Don Bosco College Kohima

• Department of Power Kohima.

We immensely regret our inability to thank each and every individual. However, it is our humble prayer that your generosity is richly rewarded by our Almighty God. Loving Mother, Brother and Sisters

09/11/1990 – 01/02/2022

“Forever in our thoughts, forever in our hearts, unseen, unheard but always near and still loved dearly.”

It's been a year that you left us but we still find it very hard to accept that you’re gone. It breaks our hearts to lose you. No words can describe how painful it is, we are missing you everyday with silent tears and how empty our lives are without you. But we take solace in the memories of you that will live forever in our hearts.

DP-422/23

Loving Mom, Dad, Sis, Brother-in-law and Dear Ones

K-222/23 DP-470/23

DP-476/23

West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen in action with Derby County’s Hayden Roberts and Eiran Cashin.

German players celebrate with trophy after winning the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup final match against Belgium, in Bhubaneswar, Sunday. (PTI)

12, 2022.

PV Sindhu

Mo Farah

Babita Phogat

Ranji Trophy: K’taka blow away U’khand on Day 1

BENGALURU/INDORE, JAN 31 (PTI): Medium-pacer M Venkatesh sizzled with a fivewicket haul as Karnataka produced a sensational bowling effort to bundle out Uttarakhand for a paltry 116 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal here on Tuesday.

Karnataka were 123 for no loss at stumps.

The 22-year-old Venkatesh justified captain Mayank Agarwal’s decision to field after winning the toss as he rocked the top-order, removing Avneesh Sudha (17) and Dikshanshu Negi (9) early after Vidhwath Kaverappa (2/17) drew the first blood, dismissing opener Jiwanjot Singh (1).

Vijaykumar Vyshak (1/25) then had Swapnil Singh (0) caught by Samarth R, while Kaverappa cleaned up Aditya Tare (14), as Uttarakhand lost half their side for only 64 in 27.4 overs.

Kunal Chandela (31) tried to hold one end but wickets continued to tumble, with Venkatesh returning to strike twice in the 47th over, sending Akhil Rawat (14) and Abhay Negi (1) back to the dress-

Karnataka Skipper Mayank Agarwal raises his bat to celebrate his fifty during the 2nd quarter final of Ranji Trophy at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. (PTI) ing room.

The Mysore pacer also had Chandela caught by Manish Pandey to put the final nail in Uttarakhand’s coffins as spinner K Gowtham mopped up the tail with two wickets.

In reply, Karnataka seemed to be batting on a different track as both the openers -- Ravikumar Samarth (54) and Mayank Agarwal (65) -- looked in full flow during their unbeaten fifties.

While Samarth cracked seven boundaries, Agarwal had nine hits to the fence besides a maximum. Brief Scores: Uttarakhand 1st innings: 116 allout in 55.4 overs (Kunal Chandela 31; M Venkatesh 5/36) Karnataka 1st innings: 123 for no loss in 26 overs (R Samarth 54 not out, Mayank Agarwal 65 not out; Deepak Dhapola 0/32).

XI Brothers Chukitong lift 12th LFC

Bhui, Shinde put Andhra on top

A fluent century by Ricky Bhui and his association with Karan Shinde helped Andhra overcome the blow dealt by skipper Hanuma Vihari’s injury on day one of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against defending champions Madhya Pradesh here. Thanks to Bhui’s unbeaten 115 and Shinde’s 83 not out, Andhra ended the

day at a strong 262 for two.

Sent in to bat by MP captain Aditya Shrivastava, the visiting team got off to a brisk start with C R Gnaneshwar (24) and Abhishek Reddy (22) adding 37 runs.

Reddy was the first to fall, trapped LBW by medium-pacer Gaurav Yadav (2/53), the only MP bowler to pick up wickets on the day.

Skipper Vihari joined Gnaneshwar and the two added 21 runs before the latter was dismissed by Yadav.

Vihari and Bhui played cautiously before the pacy Avesh Khan struck the former with a bouncer. Andhra were 72 for two at that stage.

The blow left Vihari in some discomfort and he subsequently decided to retire hurt. Later, scans revealed that the Andhra captain had suffered a wrist fracture.

The batters though recovered after Vihari’s injury and frustrated the MP attack. Bhui, a key member of the visiting team’s batting unit, played with a lot of determination, and in Shinde’s company, kept the scoreboard ticking.

Nagaland girls win North East Zonal Blind Football Tourney

DIMAPUR, JAN 31

(NPN): XI Brothers Chukitong defeated A1 Tsungiki 2-0 and lifted the 12th edition of Lotha Football Championship (LFC) after the final match played at Wokha local ground on Tuesday. Both teams displayed brilliance in all areas, however XI Brothers managed to edge past the defending champions by two goals.

The match seemed and swayed in favour of both teams but A1 Tsungiki could not capitalise on their opportunities.

Meanwhile, XI Brothers materialised on their few opportunities and scored two goals to lift the coveted trophy.

PS to dy CM, Hachi

Patton, who graced the closing ceremony, encouraged the players to main-

tain sporting spirit. Stating that football was one of popular sports, he said with determination Nagas could excel in the sport.

Patton thanked the Wokha District Football Association (WDFA) for their efforts in nurturing new talent and giving them exposure. The match was witnessed by hundreds of football enthusiasts.

DIMAPUR, JAN 31

(NPN): Nagaland girls defeated Meghalaya 1-0 to win the First Women’s IBFF Northeast Zonal Blind Football Tournament held at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh from 28-30 January, 2023.

The tournament was organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Blind Sports Association under the aegis

of Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF).

A total of 10 teams comprising six men’s and four women’s teams from the North East region participated in the tournament. Nagaland’s men and women teams also participated in the three-day tournament.

The team was led by head coach Diethozo

Yoho and assistant coach cum goal guide Kezhaleto Zecho.

Nagaland men’s team won third place. Nagaland women won the following individual awards: Marylin Kips (Top scorer), Marylin Kips (Player of the Tournament), Initoli Zhimomi (Best Defender) and Jemima Sema (Best goalkeeper).

Lillard scores 42 as Trail Blazers hold off Hawks 129-125

PORTLAND, JAN 31

(AP): Damian Lillard scored 42 points, Anfernee Simons hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 34 seconds left and the Portland Trail Blazers held off the Atlanta Hawks 129-125 on Monday night.

Dejounte Murray had 40 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Hawks, who played without star point guard Trae Young (ankle).

Lillard added six assists in his fifth 40-point game this month. Jerami Grant had 22 points and Simons finished with 21, including his clutch 3 off a pass from Lillard to give the Trail Blazers a 124-121 lead.

Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 23 points for Atlanta off the bench.

Portland led by 10 in the fourth quarter before the Hawks made their run and tied it at 119 on two free throws by Murray with

3rd T20: India’s top order in focus in series decider

AHMEDABAD, JAN

31 (PTI): India’s young top order will be under pressure to deliver in the series-deciding third T20 International against New Zealand here on Wednesday.

It would be fair to say the trio of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tripathi has not made their opportunities count in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and K L Rahul.

After the game on Wednesday, India don’t play a T20I for a long time, leaving the younger crop to make a statement before the focus shifts to the fiveday format.

Kishan has not been able to find rhythm in his batting since his double hundred in Bangladesh while the turning ball has troubled Gill, who has not been able to replicate his ODI form in the shortest format. Tripathi, too, has wasted chances that have come his way in the absence of regular number three Kohli.

If it hadn’t been for Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, India would have struggled to chase down 100 on Sunday.

The surfaces in the series have attracted a lot of attention and it remains to be seen if the players get to negotiate another turning track at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

In the bowling department, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav playing together has helped India build the pressure on the opposition. With the pitch offering a huge amount of turn, it was surprising that Chahal was used only for two overs after he dismissed opener Finn Allen.

After struggling with no-balls, Arshdeep Singh was back to his frugal best in Lucknow and that should give him a lot of confidence going into the decider.

With the series on the line, Pandya is unlikely to change the playing eleven despite clamour for inclusion of Prithvi Shaw, who made a national comeback with this series.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be expecting more from their middle order. Sensing an opportunity to win a rare series in India. the Blackcaps will be highly motivated for the challenge. Glenn Phillips has not been at his destructive best but trust him to play a match-winning knock on Wednesday. ODI

1:06 left. Lillard scored on a drive but then fouled Murray, who sank two more free throws to tie it 121-all with 41.1 seconds to go. Simons put the Blazers in front for good with his 3-pointer. Bogdanovic

Zverev will not face ATP action on abuse charge

LONDON, JAN 31 (AP):

German tennis player Alexander Zverev will not face disciplinary action after an investigation into domestic abuse allegations against him found “insufficient evidence” to substantiate the claims.

ATP had commissioned probe in Oct 2021 after Zverev’s former girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, accused him of abuse. “Based on a lack of reliable evidence and eyewitness reports...the investigation was unable to substantiate the allegations of abuse, or determine that violations of ATP’s On-Site Offenses or Player Major Offenses rules took place,” the ATP said in a statement.

series sensation Michael Bracewell too is due for a game-changing knock. Number three Mark Chapman will also be looking to make a significant contribution. New Zealand used as many as eight bowling options in the previous game with four spinners bowling their full quota of overs. More than 200 runs were scored in the last T20 played here almost two years ago and, after the low-scoring affair in Lucknow, fans would be hoping that normal service is restored.

was fouled on a 3 with 27.1 seconds to play but missed two of three at the line, leaving Portland ahead 124-122. Grant hit two free throws before Bogdanovic missed a 3 at the other end with 15.1 seconds to go.

A free throw by Josh Hart and two more from Lillard helped the Blazers seal it. Lillard drained all 17 of his foul shots. Hart finished with nine points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

Portland escaped de-

spite getting outrebounded 45-29 and outscored 21-3 in second-chance points.

Lillard had 22 points in the first half to help the Blazers take a 64-60 lead into the locker room. Murray scored 20 before the break. Portland got a big lift from 19-year-old rookie Shaedon Sharpe, whose chase-down block on Murray with 2:49 left in the third quarter gave the crowd a jolt of energy. Sharpe also had two alley-oop dunks and a near miss that drew the loudest reaction of the night. He finished with 10 points and four rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.

With 2:14 left in the third, Murray received a technical for arguing a foul called on the Hawks. Lillard made three free throws to extend Portland’s lead to seven. He closed the quarter scoring five straight points to put the Blazers up 99-92 heading into the fourth.

Deepti Sharma climbs to second spot; closes in on Sophie as top T20I bowler

DUBAI, JAN 31 (PTI):

India all-rounder Deepti

Sharma has climbed to second spot and has the top position -- currently occupied by England’s Sophie Ecclestone -- in her sights in the latest ICC T20I bowling rankings announced on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old offspinner, who is leading the wicket-taker’s list in the ongoing Women’s T20I Triseries in South Africa with nine scalps, has reduced the England left-arm spinner’s lead to just 26 rating points.

Deepti (737 points) moved up one spot, while South African left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who has picked four wick-

ets in the Tri-series, also climbed a spot to occupy the third place with 732 points. If the duo continue

their form, they could take Sophie’s top spot ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled in South Africa from February 10. India and South Africa will square off in the T20I Tri-series final in East London on Thursday.

India left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad also improved her rank four places and is currently 14th on the list of T20I bowlers.

There was a lot of movement inside the top-10 among bowlers this week, with Australia pacer Megan Schutt (up six places to fifth) and England seamer Katherine Sciver-Brunt (up two spots to sixth) also gaining spots.

IOC rejects ‘defamatory’ criticism from Ukraine

KYIV, JAN 31 (AGENCIES): The International Olympic Committee on Monday rejected fierce criticism from Ukrainian officials, who have accused it of promoting war after the body said Russians could potentially be given the opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak at the weekend described the Lausanne-based body as promoting “violence,

mass murders, destruction” and said on Monday a Russian presence at the Games

would constitute giving the country “a platform to promote genocide”. “The IOC

rejects in the strongest possible terms this and other defamatory statements,” the IOC told Reuters in a statement.

“They cannot serve as a basis for any constructive discussion.” Earlier on Monday, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba drew attention to the fact that many Russian Olympians had ties with the military, including by competing for sports clubs affiliated with the defence ministry.

XI Brothers Chukitong team members along with officials.

Nagaland boys and girls participated in the NE Zonal Blind Football Tournament.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (L) drives to the basket on Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela.

Indian player Yuzvendra Chahal with teammate during a practice session ahead of the 3rd T20 cricket match at Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, on Tuesday. (PTI)

International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Deepti Sharma