14 May 2021 by Nagaland Post

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DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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moves to vaccinate all by year-end State logs highest one-day spike of 366 cases India c CoVId-19 status as oN may 12, 2021

District

Dimapur

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Asevere Modymperate ICU On tom- Mild On (without Oxyatic Oxyventilagen gen tor) 1991 131 36 81 0

Non Covid Deaths MiRecovTotal ICU ered Death with grat- Cases Covid 19 ed (On Positivity ventilator 9 6830 122 10 428 9638

Kiphire

Kohima

919

4236

5309

Longleng

Mokokchung

205

297

Mon

609

710

Peren

509

529

Phek

Tuensang

279

331

Wokha

Zunheboto

142

176

Total

3220 181

12968 166

560 17256

*11 deaths not due to Covid-19 *0 deaths under investigation

12 fatalities bring death toll to 177 D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Nagaland on Thursday yet again recorded the highest ever single-day spike of 366 Covid-19 positive cases while 12 more persons succumbed to the virus. The total caseload breached the 17000-mark after fresh cases were reported from across the state that included 164 from Dimapur, 128 from Kohima, 13 from Mokokchung, 12 each from

Wokha and Zunheboto, 10 from Kiphire, nine from Mon, seven from Phek, five from Tuensang and three each from Peren and Longleng, taking the total tally to 17256. The death toll on Thursday rose to 177 after 12 deaths were reported from Dimapur-- 166 Covid related deaths and 11 nonCovid fatalities but with Covid-19 positivity. The active cases in the State also soared to 3551 while 91 more patients recuperated from the infection on Thursday.

Vaccination for 18-44 years category from may 17

Following arrival of 36,580 doses of the Covishield vaccine on Wednesday, the State government will initiate vaccination of people in the age-group 18-44 years from May 17 at the designated Covid-19 vaccination centres. Confirming this, State immunisation officer (UIP) Dr Ritu Thurr in a press release said registration and booking for vaccination of the 18-44 years age-group would start on May 14 at 9 a.m. as per the slot available for each Covid-19 vaccination centre. He said registration through Cowin or Aarogya Setu app was mandatory for everyone to avail the vaccine, stressing that no onsite registration would be entertained. And those who had registered earlier would still need to book a slot for any of the designated Covid19 vaccination centres, he added. Mentioning that every Monday and Tuesday would be reserved for vaccination of individuals in the 18-44 years age-group, Thurr said the remaining days (apart from Monday and Tuesday)

would be reserved for vaccination of 45 years and above as planned by the district. All registered beneficiaries have been requested to come to the vaccination centres with the same photo identity card uploaded in the

Vaccination Day for 18-44 years District

Dimapur

Kohima Mon Tuensang Mokokchung

Monday Session Site Capacity DH 200 Lions HC 200 Duncan UPHC 100 SD Jain Centre 100 Chumukedima CHC 100 Niuland PHC 100 Dhansariphar CHC 100 Medziphema CHC 100 NHAK 100 Poterlane 100 Seikhazou 100 DH 200 DH 200 DH 250 UPHC

DH UPHC DH Zunheboto Kuhuboto SC Phek DH Wokha

Peren Kiphire Longleng Total

rectly by states are meant to inoculate the 18-44 age group under Phase 3 of the vaccination drive. As many as 25 states and six union territories have furnished affidavits before the SC on the measures they have taken in the wake of the massive spurt in Covid infections during the second wave. Sikkim and Uttarakhand are the two states that did not file affidavits, apart from two UTs, Chandigarh and Ladakh. Details enumerated in the affidavits relate to status of healthcare facilities, availability of oxygen, drugs, number of vaccinations administered so far, doses needed to vaccinate

the 18-44 age group and states’ view on the Centre’s policy on vaccine pricing. The matter was listed for hearing on Thursday but the case got adjourned due to the unavailability of one of the three judges, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. While all 31 states and UTs have provided data on vaccination coverage during the first two phases of the drive, 17 have specifically mentioned the number of doses they have placed the orders for with Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India, which manufacture Covaxin and Covishield, respectively. But the nine states mentioned above have cat-

This is it!

“This is my ancient herb mixed with what I could get hands on. Don’t worry, you’ll be 100 percent cured.” K Y M C

riod also. According to the forecast, cyclonic storm is very likely to form over the Arabian Sea around May 16, which will increase moist winds over the State. Hence, thunderstorm activity will be more intense between May 18 and May 23. This phenomenon in the weather activity is mostly expected to occur during late evening, night and early morning hours. Maximum and minimum temperatures for the mountainous regions will be around 240C and 150C respectively, while Dimapur will

200 200 200 200 200 100

Jalukie DH DH 24

100 200 200 3650

egorically said the two companies have either expressed inability to supply them the stock in time or have assured them of staggered delivery over the next twothree months. West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are the only states that have voiced their concern over the Centre’s vaccine pricing policy. A few states also highlighted shortage of vaccines. According to government guidelines, both the manufactures have to sell 50 per cent of their output to the Centre, while the other 50 per cent can be sold to states and private hospitals at pre-decided rates.

SDMA DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (NPN): Rain and thundershowers accompanied by lightning and squally winds have been predicted almost daily in the coming days from May 13 to 25 across the State, according to the weather updates by Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) in coordination with Guwahati-based Regional Meteorological Centre. OSD NSDMA Johnny Ruangmei said Nagaland received decent rainfall in the past week and pre-monsoon activity will continue during this pe-

100

Nagaland, eight states tell sC they’re unlikely to get enough vax stock for 18+ group by may-end NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): Almost one-third of all states in India have told the Supreme Court that they are unlikely to receive their quota of Covid-19 vaccine doses from the manufacturing companies by May-end, reports ThePrint. These states are Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland and Manipur, and they made submissions in their affidavits filed in the top court, which is hearing a suo motu cognisance case related to the supply of essentials during the pandemic. Vaccines bought di-

Cowin or Aarogya Setu app, to wear mask, observe physical distancing and maintain hand hygiene. Thurr said anyone with Covid-19 like symptoms would not be allowed entry to the vaccination centre.

be warm with a maximum and minimum temperature of 310C and 200C respectively. Public have been urged to take precautionary measures during and exercise caution from lightening strikes and gale winds which may cause disruption in communication and connectivity and not to take shelter under large trees and near river banks. NSDMA also requested all district disaster management authorities and other line departments to be on alert to save lives and properties during this monsoon period.

Tuesday Session Site Capacity DH 200 Lions HC 200 Duncan UPHC 100 SD Jain Centre 100 Chumukedima CHC 100 Niuland PHC 50 Dhansariphar CHC 50 Medziphema CHC 50 Chiephobozuo 50 Tseminyu 50 Viswema 50 DH 200 DH 200 DH 250 UPHC 100 Tuli 150 Mangkolemba 100 Changtongya 100 DH 200 UPHC 200 DH 200 Kuhuboto SC 200 DH 200 Jaluki CHC 100 Athibung PHC 100 Tenning CHC 100 DH 200 DH 200 28 3800

Covaxin gets nod to conduct clinical trials on children NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has accorded permission to conduct the Phase II-III clinical trial of Covaxin (Covid vaccine) in the age group of two to 18-years-old to its manufacturer Bharat Biotech Ltd, Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. “The trial will be conducted in 525 healthy volunteers,” said the Ministry. In the trial, the Ministry said, the vaccine will be given by intramuscular route in two doses at day 0 and day 28. After careful examination, the DCGI accepted the recommendation of Subject Expert Committee (SEC). The national drug regulator of the country on Wednesday gave the approval to conduct the clinical trial in the age group of youngest age group till now paving way for them to be saved from the deadly pandemic outbreak. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL) had proposed to carry out a Phase II-III clinical trial of Covaxin in the age group of two to 18 years. As rapid regulatory response, the proposal was deliberated in SEC (Covid19) on May 11, 2021.

India Covid cases will decline by May 23: CJBS tracker NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): A new tracker by Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) forecasts that the number of new Covid cases in India has peaked, and will see a declining trend over the twoweek forecast period to 23 May. The tracker said but there is substantial variation among States and Union Territories in their trajectories. Cases will continue to increase over the next two weeks in Assam, Himachal

Cases will continue to rise in Nagaland, 11 states over the next two weeks Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Tripura. A new CJBS COVID19 Tracker for India, developed by Cambridge Judge Business School and the National Institute of Economic

and Social Research in India working with Health Systems Transformation Platform in India, provides forecasts of the pandemic’s trajectory based on a recently developed model. These forecasts are based on a structural time series model that uses his-

torical data in estimation, but adapts to the trend emerging in the most recent period. The model is described in a paper in Harvard Data Science Review by Andrew Harvey, Emeritus Professor of Econometrics at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Cambridge, and Paul Kattuman, Reader in Economics at Cambridge Judge Business School, entitled “Time series models based on growth curves with applications to forecasting coronavirus”.

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): India will have enough doses to inoculate all citizens by December, the head of the national task force on Covid-19 vaccines said on Thursday, dangling the prospect of a final victory against a virus that is now devastating homes and families across the country. Between August and December, Niti Aayog member Dr Vinod Kumar Paul said, 216 crore vaccine doses would become available, which means that there would be surplus doses after every Indian is vaccinated. “Overall, 216 crore doses of vaccines will be manufactured in India between August and December, for India and for Indians. There should be no doubt that vaccines will be available for all as we move forward,” he said at a press briefing. Paul mentioned eight vaccines — a significant increase from the two currently in use — and the number of doses for each that are likely to be available in the country of 130 crore

VaCCINe ProVIders

Covishield: 75 cr doses Covaxin: 55 cr doses BioE subunit vaccine: 30 cr doses Zydus Cadila DNA: 5 cr doses Novavax : 20 cr doses Bharat Biotech intranasal: 10 cr doses Genova mRNA: 6 cr doses Sputnik V: 15.6 crore doses

people in the five-month period ending December. Successful implementation of the plan would help India defeat the pandemic at the dawn of a new year, and also spark hopes of normalcy in the country battered by a brutal second wave of Covid-19. India vaccinating its citizens with Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield. Last month, Russia’s Sputnik V, the world’s first vaccine registered against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), was recommended for emergency use in India. Paul said Gamaleya’s Sputnik V vaccine had already “arrived in India”. “I’m happy to say that we’re

NPCC slams state govt for failing to control price rise D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Referring to rocketing of prices of essential commodities in the State, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has accused the State government of failing to control surging prices as it can afford and live a life of royal luxury forgetting the poor who cannot even afford an increase of Rs 10 per kg. NPCC president K Therie in a press release alleged that price control had slipped out of the government’s mind as, citing shortage of goods and no stock, traders have increased prices due to lockdown-induced panic buying, adding that random price hike of essential commodities was taking a heavy toll on the public. He alleged that the wholesalers and retailers were looting poor citizens in the name of shortage and less stock.

Therie said the people were paying taxes to 11 governments through wholesalers and retailers on all imported goods, besides paying the neighbouring insurgents, police at all check gates and other government agencies, including taxes, forest, excise, geology and mining, etc. He pointed out that every sensible nation had an independent pricing commission headed by a judge or economist, which determined maximum retail price (MRP), stressing that price offences were criminal acts against the citizens. The NPCC chief stressed that a government was for the welfare of people, not for a party or for a privileged few. He said sustaining the economy of common people and facilitating the growth of economy was the responsibility of a welfare government.

12 to 16-week gap for Covishield doses: Centre NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): The gap between the first and second doses of the Covishield COVID-19 vaccine has been increased to 12-16 weeksfrom the existing six-eight weeks- the government said Thursday. No changes have been announced in dosage intervals for Covaxin, which remains at four to six weeks. “Based on available real-life evidence, particularly from the United Kingdom, the COVID-19 Working Group has agreed to increase dosing interval between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks. No change in intervals for Covaxin was recommended,” the government said in its statement. The changes were accepted Wednesday by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration,

which is led by NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul, and by the Health Ministry. At a ministry briefing Dr Paul said the extension had been recommended “after careful study and without pressure from anyone”, and that the World Health Organization had been consulted. Adar Poonawalla, whose Serum Institute manufactures Covishield, told NDTV: “This is beneficial both from efficacy and immunogenicity standpoint... good scientific decision to increase the gap.” This is the second time in three months Covishield dosage intervals have been widened; in March states and UTs were told to increase the gap from 28 days to six-eight weeks “for better results”. Widening of Covishield dosage intervals has been linked to increased efficacy.

hopeful that it’ll be available in the market next week. We’re hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from there (Russia), will begin next week,” he said. The list mentioned by Paul did not include the vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna and China’s Sinopharm. Paul said the department of biotechnology, the foreign ministry and other concerned departments “have been in touch with Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson from the beginning”.“They were officially asked if they would like to send doses to India or manufacture in India; well find partners and assist,” Paul was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. According to government data (as of Thursday morning), the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country exceeded 17.72 crore. A total of 17,72,14,256 vaccine doses were administered through 25,70,537 sessions, according to a provisional report till 7 a.m.

eden hospital opens 10-bedded Covid ward D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): In view of the increase in number of Covid19 positive cases requiring hospitalization, Eden Medical Centre (EMC) has decided to start a 10-bedded Covid ward to admit Covid-19 positive cases from May 14. Informing this in a statement, EMC director, Dr. Lima Imchen said that Covid positive cases requiring hospital care and oxygen therapy will be admitted in this Covid ward.

odd-even system in dimapur till may 21

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Commissioner of Police Dimapur, R. Tetseo has informed that the movement of all vehicles within Dimapur district shall continue to ply on ‘odd-even’ system till May 21.

uPsC civil services (prelims)postponed

NEW DELJI, MAY 13 (NPN): In view of the surge in Covid cases, Union Public Service Commission Thursday decided to postpone the civil service preliminary exam to October 10. Candidates who have submitted application forms for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021 are advised to visit the official website of UPSC-upsc.gov.in -- to get the latest updates on the exam.

gov, dy Cm extend Id-ul-fitr greetings

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 3 (NPN): Nagaland governor, R.N. Ravi and deputy home minister Y. Patton have extended Eid greetings to the people of Nagaland. In his message, Ravi said Eid, a the festival of breaking the fast, is a religious occasion celebrated worldwide by the Muslim community. It signifies the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramazan, during which events such as prayers, (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

state

CM inspects tunnel construction site

Ongoing tunnel construction of the Kohima-bypass road at Mereima. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio visited and inspected the tunnel construction of Kohimabypass road at Meriema, Kohima on Thursday. According to DIPR report, the chief minister

Dimapur police recover dead body DIMAPUR: Dimapur police recovered one unidentified dead body of a non-Naga male (50-60 years approx) at an under construction building near Tenyimi Complex Circular Road on May 13. According to Dimapur police PRO, on completion of all legal formalities, the dead body was shifted to district hospital for post mortem examination and identification. PRO informed that the deceased was running a tea stall in the said building. Claimant, relatives or friends of the deceased have been requested to contact officer-in-charge, east police station.

was briefed by the executive director, regional office, NHIDCL, Kohima, MS Doel and general manager, PMU, Jakhama, NHIDCL, SP Singh. The officials apprised the gathering of the prog-

K Y M C

DIMAPUR: Pungro Area College Students’ Union (PACSU) has extended support to Khongka Students Union (KSU), Betang Students Union (BSU) and Hakumute Students Union (HSU) demand for clarification from the state PWD (R&B) with regard to abandoned Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road from Mimi to Khongka and Hakumti. In a press release, PACSU expressed displeasure over the advertent negligence by the concerned department despite several appeals by the three student bodies. The union said lackadaisical attitude and discrimination by the department towards the underprivileged section of the society was “drifting the poor to poorer”. PACSU while supporting the three student bodies has urged the concerned department to execute the project at the earliest.

Dy. CM Patton, others mourn demise of W Chingi Phom

DIMAPUR: State deputy chief minister (Dy. CM) and minister in charge of NPWD (R&B) Y. Patton, DC Longleng M. Shayung Phom and Phom Gazetted Officers’ Association (PGOA) have expressed grief over the demise of SDO, R&B (NPWD), Longleng, Er. Chingi Phom, who passed away on May 12. Y Patton: Y. Patton described late Chingi as a sincere and diligent officer whose life was unfortunately cut short during his prime time. In a condolence note, Patton said that it was a great loss for the department and the Nagas as a whole. On behalf of the department, the Dy.CM conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in peace. Meanwhile, Dy.CM has also mourned the de-

mise of president of BJP Kisan Morcha Dimapur district, Akato Chishi. Patton said that late Akato was a “dedicated karyakarta” whose selfless contributions and sacrifices for the party and the people would not be forgotten. The state BLP leader on behalf of the state BJP legislators conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in peace. DC Longleng: In his condolence message, DC & vice chairman district planning & development board (DPDB), Longleng, M. Shayung Phom said that it was disheartening to have lost an exceptional officer and a colleague with a strong character and straight-forward nature. He said that the memories of his wonderful personality and his contribu-

tion would be cherished by all and prayed that the Almighty bless and grant solace to the bereaved family. On behalf of the DPDB members, the DC conveyed condolences to the family members. PGOA: PGOA described its bonafide member, Er. W. Chingi Phom as an active and senior member of the association, who contributed immensely towards the welfare of the association with his experiences and knowledge. PGOA vice president C. Henow Phom and general secretary Y. Tauhong said that the association had lost one of its best members, a sincere and dedicated officer. Further, PGOA prayed to the Almighty to grant comfort and strength to the bereaved family members as his soul rest in eternal peace.

DBS extends Eid greetings

Security forces rescue abducted civilians

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Bengali Samaj (DBS) has extended Eid -Ul-Fitar greetings to its Muslim brothers and hoped that the festival would bring peace, happiness and prospercouple) from Dimapur ity. DBS prayed to the Almighty to help all overcome the difficult times humanity is government college area going through and that the occasion would mark the end of all our troubles. on May 9. According to PRO (Def) Kohima, based on ACKNOWLEDGEMENT specific input, SF launched I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. a joint operation with the 2 Timothy 4:7 state police and rescued the couple who were earlier “abducted from Nagaland gate at gun point, on the orders of a Kilonser of NSCN (IM)”. During the operation, SF also recovered one point 32 pistol, three rounds of point 32 ammunition, two mobile phones and other incriminating documents. PRO informed that the apprehended cadres along with recovered items were handed over to Rescued civilians, apprehended cadres along with the recovered items. west police station, DimaD I M A P U R : S e c u r i t y eration with police appre- “NSCN (IM)” and rescued pur, for further investigaforces (SF) in a joint op- hended two active cadre of two civilians (a married tion, PRO informed.

NNCs inform on ‘Naga plebiscite’ anniversary DIMAPUR: Naga National Council (NNC) has informed that the 70th anniversary of Naga plebiscite scheduled to be held at Chedema peace camp, Chedema on May 16, 2021 would not be held due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state. In a press release, NNC joint secretary Acüyi Vadeo informed that the precautionary measure was taken for the safety of the “nation”. Therefore, NNC has urged Nagas to devote their time, thought and mind for the “nation” in their respective places and homes and “pray to God for His favour in healing the people in this time of distress”. NNC (PB): Naga National Council (Parent Body) has appealed to all the Naga national workers in particular and the Naga citizens in general to observe the Naga National Plebiscite Day on May 16 as “we all support and stand on this Naga National rights for freedom”. In a press release, information & publicity wing, NNC said that “we observe this national day every year as it is our democratic right for freedom inclusive to all the Naga inhabited areas”. The Naga National Council said that it conducted the Plebiscite Day on May 16, 1951 on behalf of all the Nagas “as a people and nation”. Therefore the Naga National Council has appealed to all the Naga people in the homeland and abroad to remember this day “as our national right in praise and prayer to our living God”.

ress of the works, the technical details and shared the various challenges and problems. Meanwhile, Rio interacted with the villagers of Meriema and sought their cooperation and support

for successful and timely completion of the project. The chief minister was accompanied by a host of government officials including principal secretary to CM, KD Vizo, principal secretary, works and housing, Menukhol John and deputy commissioner, Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie. It may be mentioned that the tunnel, situated near the High Court Junction, Meriema, will be 500 metres long with a width of 11 metres and height of 5.5 metres (vertical clearance). The tunnel is part of the two-lane Kohimabypass road connecting NH-39 (New NH-02), NH-150(New NH-02), NH-61(New NH-29) and NH-39(New NH-02) from Design Km 10.500 to Design Km 21.00(Design Length- 10.500 Km) under the SARDP-NE on EPC Mode (Package II).

PACSU supports road project demand

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the family of Late Toiho Yeptho would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who stood with us physically, financially, morally and supported us through prayers at the sudden demise of our beloved on 28 April 2021. Your presence and support has been immeasurable. It is our sincere prayer that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly. Our special thanks to: 1. All rank and files of GPRN/NSCN. 2. Niuland Baptist Church. 3. Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church. 4. CHQ Church Khehoi designated camp. 5. City Prayer Center. 6. Rotomi Welfare Dimapur area. All loved ones DP-2402

Born: 15.03.1949

Died: 11.05.2021

LATE C.Y SANGTAM

01-03-1948 to 09-05-2021 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7) Words fail to express our deepest gratitude to all those who stood by us, morally and physically, while extending unceasing prayer support and financial assistance, during the brief illness and sad demise of our beloved father and husband, C.Y Sangtam, who slipped away from our lives on the 9th of May, 2021 at Swagat Superspecialty Hospital, Guwahati. We are especially grateful to the staff of Nagaland Police Rest House, Guwahati who extended all possible help, to bring home the mortal remains of Late Mr C.Y Sangtam. Much love to all the friends and well-wishers, who stayed with us at his funeral - it means a lot to us. Though heart-breaking it is, we find solace and comfort in the assurance that he has gone to be with the Lord, where there is no pain. Though we cannot thank everyone individually, God knows that you have been there for us. It’s our prayer that God bless you all abundantly. Loving wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren DP-2397

DP-2408

K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Are traders and shopkeepers taking advantage of panic buying ? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

COVID-19: Meetings, advisories and random tests

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

96% 1% 3%

Next Poll

Q: Are people generally

supportive of the lockdown from May 14 to May 21?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MAy 14

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A strong morning thunderstorm 33 22 Aizawl

A strong t-storm in spots

Guwahati A t-storm around in the a.m.

26 17 30 21

Imphal

A strong morning thunderstorm 27 17

Itanagar

A couple of thunderstorms

23 19

Shillong

A morning t-storm in spots

21 14

Kohima

A stray morning thunderstorm 22 14

Dimapur

A strong morning thunderstorm 29 20

Mkg

An a.m. t-storm; partly sunny

22 16

Tuensang A thunderstorm in spots

16 11

A morning thunderstorm

22 17

Zunheboto A morning thunderstorm

19 13

Wokha

news in Brief Home deptt infor ms: Home department has informed that agriculture production commissioner and secretary, PHED have been included in the state level war room core committee for COVID-19 pandemic as members. Meanwhile, Deputy secretary, home, Temsuwati Longkumer has also been attached to the state level control room for COVID-19. The order shall come into force with immediate effect. GPRN/NSCN discharges one:GPRN/NSCN through its MIP has informed that ‘l/corpl.’ Naphong Konyak, A/no. 19247 of Phomching village, has been discharged from “active service of Naga army on ground of health ailment.” MIP stated that the service rendered during his stint in the “national service is most praiseworthy and acknowledged”.

State

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

Medical personnel conducting a nasal swab during random tests in Mokokchung on Thursday. (NP)

DIMAPUR: District administrations and the medical department have been conducting meetings, random COVID-19 testing and issuing advisories in order to prevent further community spread in the state. Mokokchung: Medical personnel have been conducting random testing on citizens including shopkeepers here, since Monday. Out of the total 385 tests conducted till Thursday, 10 persons were tested positive. A joint meeting of

Mangkolemba task force for COVID-19 with all ward chairmen of Mangkolemba town was held at ADC’s conference hall on May 12 under the chairmanship of ADC Mangkolemba, Dharam Raj. According to DIPR report, the chairman briefed the house on guidelines issued by the government to prevent and combat the surge of COVID-19 cases. The meeting also discussed on matters related to formation of ward task force and manning of

various strategic check posts within the town. The meeting was also attended by chairmen from all wards and representatives from Mangkolemba Watsu Mungdang and Mangkolemba Ao Lanur Telongjem. (Correspondent) Tuensang: Tuensang DTF for COVID-19 held a meeting at DC’s conference hall Tuensang on May 13. The meeting was chaired by DC and chairman DTF Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant. According to DIPR

report, DTF members after discussion on the state government’s total lockdown directives agreed for the implementation of guidelines for Tuensang district: The house agreed upon applying “one family one card” system where only one family member shall go out with the card for basic essentials activities; public have been advised to shop or do essential marketing in their respective wards. Shops would be allowed to open from 6 a.m. to 12 noon; suspension of private vehicle movements except those exempted by the DTF; agri and allied farmers would be allowed to go to their field but with a timing of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. to go to the field and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to return from field. The house decided that in order to monitor all the guidelines, the police along with respective wards and sector leaders would be handed over responsibilities. Meanwhile, the house also agreed to establish two counselling teams inclusive of medical experts and religious leaders to guide and aid COVID -19 patients through telephone. Dimapur: DC & DDMA chairman Rajesh

Soundararajan has ordered the sealing of the new india assurance co. Ltd Dimapur city branch office (530501) opposite Chishi complex, circular road, Dimapur for 48 hours from the date of issuing this order. Mon: DC Mon Thavaseelan K ordered the sealing of M/S SSR CREST and engineering camp-2 @ Km 52 + 300, Mon till further order. Meanwhile, ADC Naginimora, Vineet Kumar has ordered the sealing of canteen compound (Sitaram canteen) near Angnung junction, Assam Rifles camp, Naginimora, till further orders. Further, DCs and ADC have informed that any person violating the containment measures would be liable to be proceeded against as per the provision of Sections 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act 2005 besides legal action under IPC Section 188 and other legal provisions as applicable. Peren: Medical de partment, Peren under the supervision of DTF conducted random COVID-19 test among auto, bus and taxi drivers at Jalukie town, traffic police point on May 13.

DC Kohima issues lockdown guidelines

DIMAPUR: In view of the total lockdown from May 14 to 21, deputy commissioner Kohima has issued lockdown directives, in pursuance to the Home department order dated May 11. In addition to the consolidated lockdown guidelines issued by the chief secretary and published on May 12, the DC Kohima has stated that vegetable, fish/meat vendors, milk booths, bakeries, local grocery stores including those that sell animal feed shops for public purchase from 6 a.m. to 12 noon only will be allowed in colonies/wards on alternate days viz. May 17, 19 and 21, by strictly ensuring COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Public are to shop their essential needs from within their colony only, the order said. Further, all shops/business establishments, except those allowed, located along the highway including the road stretch from PR Hill junction to Jail colony, and main market areas like BOC, High School Junction and Keziekie etc. are to be closed without any exception. It further said that strict checking will be carried out at the Kohima district entry points viz. Khuzama, Peducha, Tseminyu and 10 IR Zhadima to prevent non-essential movement of people. It reminded that all activities and movement of person(s)/individual shall be suspended during the lockdown period except for the permitted activities and those under exempted categories (published on May 12, 2021), as mentioned in the government order. Defaulter of the order shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under Sec 188 of the IPC and relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005.

Organisations convey condolences Tening student, youth bodies launch poster campaign DIMAPUR: Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) has expressed grief over the untimely demise of its advisor K. Meliang, who passed away on Thursday. In a condolence note, KTC through its president M Thangou and general secretary NSM Pakhiu described late K. Meliang as a visionary leader who always stood upright and firm for what was right. “We have lost a man of dedication and courage and would be remembered for his dedicated social service till his last breath”, KTC said. The council also said that the citizens of Khiamniungan had lost a down-to-earth leader and the vacuum created would be difficult to fill in. Further, KTC conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for

the departed soul to rest in eternal peace. NRSU: Nokhu Range Students’ Union (NRSU) in a condolence note through its NRSU president P. Shingnya and secretary general Chongtin said that K. Meliang was the third president of NRSU from 1982 to 2002. The union said that he gave all for the welfare of his people, having served the union in the capacity of president for 20 years. He was also the then convenor of the literature board under the banner of NRSU till his last. While stating that the vacuum created by its visionary leader could not be replaced by any other, it said that his passing was a great loss to the range community and the tribe as a whole. Further, NRSU conveyed its condolences to the

bereaved family members and prayed for the departed to rest in peace. NRJA: Nagaland retired Judges Association (NRJA) has expressed grief over the demise of its member, late Niechochiyi Suyie. In a condolence note, NRJA president GH Ramlia said that late N Suyie joined the Nagaland judiciary service in the year 1992 as a judicial magistrate first class and served the bench with great dedication, utmost humility and commitment till his retirement as principal district & session judge in the year 2021. NRJA said that it would remember his noble service. Further, the association prayed for the Almighty to grant comfort to the family and loved ones as his would rests in peace.

DIMAPUR: To express resentment against state government’s failure to repair and renovate the 52-km Peren-Tening road, the joint student bodies and youth organisations under Tening area, Peren district have launched a banner and poster media campaign starting May 11, 2021. In a press release, the media cell of the joint body affirmed that they would continue their ongoing campaign until the state government dispensed justice to their “immediate demand”. The joint body also stated that they would not shy away from asking the state government to provide good roads and development. Further, they maintained that the state government should know that

Tening area students and youth holding the poster.

“good roads are the signs of good governance”. Meanwhile, the joint body of students and youth said that they could not hold protest rally due to the pandemic. However, the bodies warned that they would “leave no stone unturned in initiating their course of

action” if the state government continued to give its deaf ear to the hue and cry of their long awaited demand.

They fur ther cautioned that “the government must shun itself in testing the level of patience of our joint bodies”.

State BJP condemns Cong for ‘false’ propaganda Condemnations on May 6 incident Correspondent KOHIMA, MAY 13 (NPN): BJP Nagaland has condemned Congress party for carrying out “false” propaganda against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government and its management of COVID-19 pandemic. Showing a four-page letter written by BJP national president JP Nadda on May 11 to Congress president Sonia Gandhi at a press conference held at its office here on Thursday, BJP state co-chief spokesperson Nini Cheng said Nadda had in the letter asked Gandhi and her party, including the chief ministers, to stop misleading the people, creating false panic over the COVID-19 pandemic and contradictory stands on the vaccination policy. She said the letter was written after the Congress Working Committee passed a resolution against the Modi-led NDA government and its alleged mismanagement of the pandemic. Asserting that COVID-19 was a global pandemic whose outbreak was so sudden that even World Health Organisation (WHO) could not warn about it in time, Cheng claimed that the nation under Modi was carrying out the largest vaccination drive in the world, pointing out that the prime minister was closely working with all arms of the government, scientists, doctors and innovators racing against time to vaccinate the entire nation. But instead of feeling proud for inventing Indian-made Covid vaccine, she alleged that Congress was mocking all these efforts, reminding that the vaccine did not belong to any political party or leader, but to the nation. She said Congress accuses K Y M C

Modi government of incompetency whereas PM cares fund was allocating funds for setting up 551 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) medical oxygen generation plants, adding that 162 such plants were approved earlier and GPS tagging was done to help the authorities keep track of the movement of oxygen-laden vehicles from source points to hospitals. She claimed that to reduce burdens on hospitals, isolation train coaches became operational in several states and, as per the union health ministry, India had become the fastest country in the world to administer 14 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses in just 99 days. Cheng said, considering a population of about 1.38 billion, worst could have happened, stressing that for a pandemic of such a magnitude, no single leader or organisation or political parity could be blamed as the virus knew no boundaries, infecting not only the poor but also presidents and prime ministers of the world. She alleged that, as per supreme court, health infrastructure inherited over the past 70 years was inadequate. But despite being in power most of the time in the past, pointed out that Congress still ironically blamed the Modi government for the poor health infrastructure. Cheng remarked that when a rival country like Pakistan expressed solidarity with India over Covid crisis and extended unconditional support to fight the pandemic together, Indian citizens were expected to come forward with positive attitude, encourage the Covid warriors and fight the pandemic together, leaving aside political affiliations

and interest. Condemning the irresponsible attitude of politicking during the pandemic by Congress, state BJP spokesperson Samuel Sumi observed that when India was receiving accolades from across the world for its innovative initiative under the BJP government and successfully handling the situation, overcoming flaws in the process, “frustrated idle minds” were all out against the government to quench their insatiable thirst for power. Appreciating Nadda for bringing the reality to light, Sumi on behalf of state BJP president Temjen Imna Along and the party urged responsible citizens of India and Nagaland to support the government of the day to defeat the virus, instead of trying to play a proxy war to defeat their political rivals. State BJP spokesperson W Ngamba Konyak claimed that crores of money, medical equipment, medicines, etc, were being provided by the Centre to fight the pandemic. He claimed that BJP workers around the country distributed free masks, hand sanitizers and gloves, fed the needy by providing rations and medicines, adding that party workers in Nagaland too worked tirelessly. Mentioning that state BJP had so far distributed 2,82,500 masks, 3,34,650 food packages, 25,734 ration packs and 25,180 litres of hand sanitizers free to fight the pandemic, Konyak remarked that when the country was fighting the pandemic, Congress was indulging in propaganda. But, he said BJP would not back off in the face of such propaganda and continue to serve the nation with full dedication.

DIMAPUR: Various organisations have condemned the assault incident that took place on May 6 in Chümoukedima area. ENWO: Eastern Nagaland Women organisation (ENWO) has strongly condemned the physical assault and expressed that as a mother, it was deeply pained to think of their own child beaten up mercilessly in front of their eyes. In a condemnation note, ENWO through its president A. Shamthai Phom appealed to all the right thinking citizens to not endorse violence “in the name of tribes/land, creating more divisions among our own Nagas”. ENWO also appealed to the law enforcing agencies to take stern action against those involved and deliver justice. It prayed for a speedy recovery for the victim of the family. KSUD: Khiamiungan Students’ Union Dimapur (KSUD) has vehemently condemned the incident and stated that it was highly disturbing. KSUD president K Buche Khiamiungan and general secretary PL Chongsop said that that such cruelsome act was totally unacceptable and did not deserve any rightful place in our society. It urged the people to do away with prideful thinking and egoistic approach of claiming land of Nagas as their own and taking law into their own hands. The release added that it was dismayed by the sudden turn of events from CVYS “after coming up with justifying statement despite their loopholes and thereby seeking mere apology” which was “highly undesirable and unsatisfactory”. KSUD appealed to the concerned authority to take stem action against those culprits. It also offered prayers to victims and family and wished for a speedy recovery. SPFDD: Sangtam People’s

Forum Dimapur District (SPFDD) strongly condemned the “unwarranted attempt to murder”. SPFDD president L Bitong and general secretary V Avise Anar stated that it was saddened to recall that youths of CVYS stated that “the pleading and prayers of the father and mother were of no value before the CVYS gangs”. The forum demanded that suo motto action be taken by concerned authority at the earliest, stating “rule of law, not might”. SPFDD further wished and prayed for speedy recovery for the victim and the family. KSUD: Konyak Students’ Union Dimapur (KSUD) condemned the unwarranted attack on a minor by some members of CYVS despite their father pleading for mercy. A condemnation note through its media cell also condemned the violation of SOPs issued by the DC of Dimapur and the fact that CVYS failed to remember that Chümoukedima village fell under the purview of administrative jurisdiction of Dimapur district and exercising the power at their disposal. The union further condemned the “undertaking/statement produced before the three” and alleged that “the application of forceful means to sign the void statement on the same night” was “not acceptable at any cost”. It stated that the act of terrorism against the fellow Naga had defamed the image of a harmonic society. Meanwhile, the union called upon various organisations, intellectuals, and concerned citizens to condemn the incident and urged the law enforcing agencies to look into the matter and to serve justice in accordance with relevant laws. Further, it extended prayerful thoughts to the victim’s family and wished for a speedy recovery. K Y M C

northeast

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

University Students design Covid-19 situation deteriorating in Mizoram Tezpur IoT-based portable ventilator

GUWAHATI, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): The Covid19 situation in Mizoram is deteriorating at a faster rate than the rest of the North Eastern states even as Assam, which is the most populated state in the region, remains at the top with maximum number of active cases and fatalities, Times of India report stated. B a r r i n g M a n i p u r, which has nearly 5,000 active cases, the other states so far have adequate beds, ICUs and ventilators. Owing to the surge in cases, a large number of patients are undergoing treatment on the floor of the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal East, portraying a grim scene witnessed in metro cities of the country. Advisor to Manipur chief minister and MLA, Sapam Ranjan Singh said the number of Covid care centres has been increased across the state and supply of medical oxygen in hospitals is enhanced as well. Stating that JNIMS authorities are extending

sam’s rate of growth of new cases in the last one week was 1.8%. Tripura had the smallest growth rate of 0.8% in the same period, followed by Arunachal Pradesh with 1%, Manipur with 1.4%, Nagaland with 1.7% and Meghalaya 1.8%. Arunachal Pradesh has the least active caseload of 1924, Mizoram has the least number of fatalities

their best efforts to manage the excess number of patients, Ranjan said an extra 100-bed dedicated Covid ward would be set up there soon for which the process has already been started. Mizoram has an active caseload of 2010, which is the second lowest after Arunachal Pradesh with 1,924 active cases on Tuesday. At 1924, Arunachal Pradesh has the least number of active cases, while Mizoram has the least number of fatalities But between May 4

and 11, the number of new cases in the state has grown by an average of 2.5% every day, which is the highest for any NE state, the report said. Mizoram state nodal officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) Dr Pachuau Lalmalsawma said there was no problem about ICUs, ventilators and oxygen supply as of now even as the case count is increasing daily. Despite having a high active caseload of over 40,000 on Tuesday, As-

of 23. Assam tops the list with 39264 active cases and 1838 deaths till Tuesday. Till Tuesday, Nagaland’s active caseload is 3081 and 156 fatalities. Manipur has an active caseload of 4981 and there were 509 deaths so far. Tripura has an active caseload of 3368 and 419 deaths and Meghalaya has 3381 active cases and has witnesses 250 deaths so far.

Unemployed doctors come forward to fight Covid-19

IANS: In a generous gesture, over 400 unemployed doctors, nursing students, laboratory technicians and pharmacists in Mizoram have voluntarily agreed to assist the government in Covid management, health officials said. Responding to the state government’s appeal, 412 unemployed doctors, nursing students and laboratory technicians willingly engaged themselves in Covid-19 related works including sample collections, screening of patients,

contact tracing, and providing care to the patients in Zoram Medical College (ZMC) and other Covid care centres, a health official said. Of the 412 volunteers, 37 are doctors and 144 are nurses, while the rest are laboratory technicians and pharmacists. According to the official, around 900 doctors, nursing and para-medical students had voluntarily helped the Mizoram Health department last year to deal with the pandemic.

GUWAHATI, MAY 13 (PTI): Students of Tezpur University in Assam have designed an IoT-based portable ventilator, which will help patients with respiratory ailments breathe easily and overcome the problem of shortage of the life-saving instrument, amid a second wave of COVID-19, an official said on Thursday. In a bid to address the prevailing COVID situation in the country, the Electrical Engineering Department of the varsity has undertaken the initiative to design the Internet of Things enabled portable ventilator, he said. A group of students is working on the project under the guidance of Chiranjit Adhikary, former guest faculty member, and Firdausa Ahmed, guest faculty member, and the project is supervised by professor Soumik Roy, the head of the department, the varsity said in a statement. “The purpose of the project is to design a portable mechanical ventilator by automating the operation of ‘Ambu Bag’ with volume

IoT-based portable ventilator designed by Tezpur University students.

control ventilation which can be used in respiratory failure,” Roy explained. An ‘Ambu Bag’ is a hand-held device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing adequately or have a severe problem in breathing. Another impor tant objective of the project is to implement IoT-based features like monitoring of patient activities and controlling parameters of ventilator through a mobile-based application, he said.

The prototype of the ventilator is economical, and by using IoT as a remote controlling feature, one can control and monitor the ventilatory parameters through mobile phones and computers, he said, adding that it will prevent both the clinicians and the doctors from getting infected through airborne transmission. The portable ventilator is a costeffective instrument and would be available between Rs 8,000 and Rs 15,000, depending on the features, the statement said.

‘Civil hospitals in Railway to boost water transport, Tripura launches 20 elephants killed in lightning strikes Assam vaccine drive for to have their environment protection in NE 18-44 age group own oxygen plants’

An elephant who after being stuck by lightening near Bamuni Hills in Kondoli, Nagaon district, Thursday. (PTI) GUWAHATI, MAY 13 (PTI): In a tragic incident, at least 20 elephants died in lightning strikes at a forest in Nagaon district of Assam. The incident happened on Wednesday night at a hill in the Kundoli proposed reserve forest in the Kathiatoli range, Principal Chief Con-

servator of Forest (Wildlife) Amit Sahay told PTI. “The area is very remote and our team could reach there on Thursday afternoon. It was found that carcasses were lying in two groups. Fourteen were lying atop the hiil and four were found at the bottom of the

hill,” he said. The preliminary investigation found that the jumbos were killed due to electrocution caused by lightning last night, but the exact reason will be known only after post- mortem, which will be done on Friday, Sahay said.

NALBARI, MAY 13 (PTI): All the civil hospitals in Assam will have their own oxygen plants in the next one month, state Health Minister Keshab Mahanta announced on Thursday. The minister made the statement during a visit to the Nalbari Swahid Mukunda Kakati Civil Hospital to take stock of the COVID situation. Speaking to reporters, Mahanta said the state government has decided to increase the number of COVID testing to at least a lakh per day. Replying to a question, he ruled out the possibility of a total lockdown in the state. Further, Mahanta said the state government is planning a scheme to provide food grains to the below poverty line BPL families who are in home quarantine.

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has ambitious plans to promote water transport, tourism and protection of environment in the mountainous North Eastern region, an official said on Thursday. NFR general manager Anshul Gupta said the NFR has recently signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to provide a multi-modal logistic solution to transporters and to effectively utilise railway and waterway infrastructure for faster economic development of the North East. “This will also promote cruise trips in this part of India,” he said, addressing the media virtually from Northeast Frontier Railway

headquarters in Maligaon, near Guwahati. Gupta also said that to promote tourism in the picturesque region, several new initiatives have been undertaken, including a floating riverside restaurant near Bogibeel bridge in Guwahati to promote eco-tourism while Vistadome railway coaches planned in trains running though hill districts of Assam and Dooars areas of north Bengal. With glass roofs and luxurious seats, which rotate 360 degrees, Vistadome coaches would facilitate the passengers enjoy the picturesque nature that passes by them – greenery, thick forests, falls and hills-- along the railway lines. Gupta said that for the protection of the environ-

Manipur: Doctors, M’laya extends lockdown in Covid worst-hit EKH district health staff asked Correspondent 18 new infection-related In the other 11 remain- Hospital will be distributed Commissioners for necesing districts, which are al- across the State,” the Deputy sary action,” he informed. to remain on alert SHILLONG, MAY 13: deathsInontheThursday. past 24 hours, ready on partial lockdowns Chief Minister informed. “These centres would

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAY 13: Doctors and health staff in government health facilities have been directed to remain at their place of posting round the clock as the Covid-19 situation in Manipur is reported to be worsening. “All doctors and other health staff of the district hospitals, CHC, PHC, HWC (health and wellness centre) and PHSC shall always remain in their places of duty without fail to meet the medical emergencies round the clock,” the order issued by Manipur health director Dr K Rajo Singh stated. It further said that daywise duty roster system is strictly prohibited for doctors and health staff. The director warned that non-compliance of the order will be strictly dealt with as per rules while directing all the chief medical officer, medical superintendent to take immediate action to implement the order. According to reports, the COVID-19 situation in Manipur was alarming as the cases has been of the surge as daily fatalities continued to record above 10 mark and daily infection above 500 mark in the past week. The state recorded its highest ever single-day spike of 666 new cases on Wednesday after the largest number of fatalities of 20 persons was reported on the previous day (May 11). K Y M C

Amid the rise in the number of Coronavirus cases and deaths mounting, the Meghalaya government on Thursday extended the ongoing lockdown for another week from May 17 till 5 a.m. of May 24 in its worst-hit East Khasi Hills district to break the transmission chain. The decision to extend the lockdown in East Khasi Hills district that includes the State capital was taken during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. On Thursday, Meghalaya recorded 591 new COVID-19 cases, the highest ever single-day surge, pushing the number of active cases up to 3,276, while the death tolls rose to 268 with

16, out of the 18 deaths and 2121 active cases were reported in East Khasi Hills district alone Announcing the extension of the ongoing lockdown which was supposed to expire on May 17, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “The decision to extend the lockdown was taken in view of the increasing trend of active cases, and based on the detailed reports received from the districts.” “We have no option but to extend the lockdown for the safety of the citizens of the State,” he said, exhorting residents in worst-hit East Khasi Hills district to adhere to the COVID protocols in order to break the transmission chain.

and total lockdowns only on weekends, Tynsong said the government has left it to the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts to decide on imposing the total lockdown. On availability of oxygen in the state, Tynsong: “Oxygen stock supply is manageable throughout the state”, and urged people not to panic on the issue. “Six units of oxygen generator will be made functional latest by next week in Shillong Civil Hospital. Once this generator at Shillong Civil Hospital is installed we will be able to cut down the requirement of cylinders and the surplus cylinders which are supposed to be utilise in Civil

Moreover, oxygen generators for three other district headquarters - Tura, Jowai and Nongpoh – are already on the way to the state and these would be installed by next month. Tynsong said once these generators are installed, there will be “surplus oxygen” in the state. In the review meeting, the government also decided to create a “cluster or community isolation centre” to cater to those patients who are either asymptomatic or classed as category A or B in every District at the grassroots level to prevent unnecessary pressure on the hospitals. “This has been communicated to all Deputy

take care of asymptomatic positive cases or those who don’t need immediate hospitalization,” Tynsong said. On the confusion arising in some cases with the disposal of the dead bodies, Tynsong said religious rituals concerning the dead can be performed following the laid health protocols. “Instances were detected that the religious groups are sacred to perform religious rituals as done in normal time. people can perform the last rites as per their faith as the bodies are properly wrapped following laid protocols and the last rites can be conducted after the bereaved families and others wear full protection material,” he said.

Arunachal Pradesh government releases Will take steps for speedy rescue ` 66 cr for COVID-19 related expenses of abducted ONGC staff: Sarma ITANAGAR, MAY 13 (PTI): The Ar unachal Pradesh government has released an amount of over Rs 66 crore to the Health department and all deputy commissioners of the district for COVID-19 related expenses. Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday said that the amount has been released from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for effective Covid management in the state. “Pursuant to decision of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), for effective management

of #COVID19, Rs66.0029 crores of SDRF has been released to Health Department and all Deputy Commissioners for Covid related expenses,” Khandu tweeted. Out of total released fund, an amount of Rs 29.15crore has been earmarked for clearing pending liabilities ofCOVID19 related expenditures at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) at Naharlagun near here, and an amount of Rs 17.57 crore for procurement of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits, Disaster Management

Secretary Dani Salu said in two separate orders issued on Tuesday. Salu in the orders stated that the amount was releasedfrom State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) under sub-window response and relief in favour of Director of Health and Family Welfare who would incur the expenditure as per government norms, guidelines and instructions issued from time to time. “The utilization certificates against the allocated fund should be submitted as required under government norms immediately,” the orders said.

MAJULI (ASSAM), MAY 13 (PTI): The wife and youngerbrother of abducted ONGC employee Ritul Saikia on Thursdaycalled on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who assuredthem that all steps will be taken to rescue him from theclutches of the insurgent group ULFA(Independent). Three employees of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation(ONGC) were kidnapped on April 21 from Lakwa oilfield inSivasagar district near the state’s border with Nagaland. Twoof them were rescued three days later, but Saikia is still inthe captivity of ULFA(I),

the police said. During the meeting at Majuli, Saikia’s wife andbrother urged the chief minister to expedite measures torescue the abducted ONGC employee, said a government release. MLA Bhaskarjyoti Baruah was also present during themeeting. Sarma said that all actions will be taken by the stategovernment to rescue Saikia at the earliest, the release said. The police on April 28 claimed that the Saikia wasstill in the clutches of ULFA(I) militants and they werehiding in Mon district of Nagaland.

ment, a MoU was signed between NFR and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling on April 13. “This is an initiative by the NFR towards environment protection at base camp of mountaineering at higher altitude and in turn, assistance by the HMI to the Northeast Frontier Railway in preservation and curation of heritage assets of DHR in museums at Ghoom, Kurseong and Sukhna, training of railway employees in mountaineering, rescue operations in hilly terrains and associating railway men to mountaineering expeditions,” he said. Gupta said that despite of Covid related restrictions, about 50 per cent passenger train services have been restored.

AGARTALA, MAY 13 (PTI): The Tripura government on Thursday launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group after receiving the first consignment of 15,150 doses of Covaxin. Speaking to reporters, Cabinet spokesperson Ratan Lal Nath said the third phase of vaccination was supposed to begin on May 1, but the process was delayed due to the nonavailability of vaccine from the manufacturers as they gave priority to states like Maharashtra, Delhi where the COVID crisis was more acute. “As per the wish of Chief Minister, priority is being given to rickshaw-pullers, auto-rickshaw drivers, employees of High Court, Power & Food departments, bank and air traffic staffers and journalists,” he said.

Mnp BJP president Tikendra Singh dies of Covid-19

S Tikendra Singh

I M H P H A L , M AY 1 3 (AGENCIES/PTI): Manipur BJP president S Tikendra Singh died at a hospital in Imphal on Thursday evening. The 69-year-old BJP leader was undergoing treatment for Covid-19. Singh had tested positive for the virus on April 27. Chief Minister N Biren Singh while informing about the death tweeted, “Im at a loss of word to Regd. No. 890/2021

learn that Prof S Tiken Singh, president BJP Manipur, has passed away just a while ago. “We have lost a stalwart of BJP in Manipur who have dedicated his life for the service of people and the party. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May your soul rest in peace Oja.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president J P Nadda and Union minister Kiren Rijiju have expressed profound grief over death of Manipur party head. A Retired Professor, who have worked tirelessly with selfless devotion towards the ideology of BJP, was loved by one and all in Manipur, Biren Singh wrote on his official Facebook account. Singh was appointed as president of the BJP Manipur unit in June 2020.

AFFIDAVIT

Date 06/05/2021

I, Shri P. Nchumbemo Humtsoe, S/o Ponthungo Lotha, resident of BPO- Moilan, P.O.- Wokha, Dist - Wokha, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare in oath as under :1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India. 2. That, my full, correct and official name is "P. Nchumbemo Humtsoe", which is entered and recorded in my official documents and records. 3. That, my name is inadvertently entered and recorded as "Nchumbemo Humtsoe" in my appointment order and some of the documents pertaining to my service. 4. That, the names "P. Nchumbemo Humtsoe" and "Nchumbemo Humtsoe" refers to the names of one and the same person, i.e., my name only. 5. That, I have sworn this affidavit to declare my correct official name as "P. Nchumbemo Humtsoe" and I shall use the same in all my future correspondence and records. 6. That, the statements made above from para 1 to 5 of this affidavit is made by me which is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, belief and nothing is concealed therein. And I have signed this affidavit on this 06th day of May' 2021 at Dimapur, Nagaland. DEPONENT Sworn before me by the Deponent. NOTARY PUBLIC DP-2401 K Y M C

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

PM missing along with vax, oxygen, medicines: Rahul NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, alleging that he is missing along with vaccines, oxygen and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic and what remains is the Central Vista Project and the PM’s photos. He also said that the government of India has “abdicated” its duty towards citizens during the pandemic and people must come together for those in need. The former Congress chief has been attacking the prime minister over the government’s handling of the coronavirus situation and has been critical of the Centre for the lack of oxygen, medicines and vaccines in the country amid a surge in the number of cases during the second COVID-19 wave. “The prime minister is also missing, along with

Rahul Gandhi

vaccines, oxygen and medicines. All that remain are the Central Vista Project, GST (goods and services tax) on medicines and the prime minister’s photos here and there,” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi. The redevelopment project of the Central Vista -- the power corridor of the country -- envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common Central Secretariat, the revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate and new residences for the

prime minister and the vice president. Leaders of 12 opposition parties, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, on Wednesday had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a free mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19, and a suspension of the ongoing Central Vista project and divert the money to aid the fight against coronavirus. “When a country faces a crisis, the government should ask itself if it is taking from the people or giving to them; if it is helpful or harmful. But the GoI has abdicated its duty so people must come together for those in need. India stands united,” Rahul Gandhi said in another tweet. Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also hit out at the government over dead bodies floating in the Ganga.

national

‘Tauktae’ likely to be an intense cyclone, warn scientists NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): A low pressure area has formed over southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area on Thursday. It is very likely to become well marked over Lakshadweep by Friday and gradually intensify into cyclonic storm Tauktae on May 16. Once formed Cyclone Tauktae can strengthen further very rapidly as all atmospheric conditions are favouring its rapid intensification. “We cannot rule out intensification similar to Super Cyclone Amphan. At present it is difficult to say which category of intensification the cyclone will reach. But conditions are extremely favourable for its rapid intensification. Ocean heat potential is above normal; sea surface temperatures are 1-2 degree C above normal and Madden Julian Oscillation is also favouring rapid intensification. We should be prepared,” said Sunitha Devi, in-charge of cyclones at India Meteorological De-

partment. “MJO is a wave type of propagation west to east across the globe which causes cloudiness and changes in wind direction,” explained Sunitha adding that it is difficult to predict the exact landfall location immediately. The Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) is characterised by a band of rain clouds moving across the tropics, depending on their location they can assist cyclone build up, she explained. Ta u k t a e m e a n i n g gecko (named by Myanmar) will be the first cyclone of this year. By Saturday morning the well-marked low-pressure area is likely to concentrate into a depression over the same region and intensify into a cyclone during the subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to intensify further and move north north-westwards towards Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coasts and reach near Gujarat coast around May 18 evening.

PM Modi to interact with DMs of 100 high COVID caseload districts NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with district magistrates of 100 districts with high caseloads of COVID-19 infections in two meetings on May 18 and 20, government sources said on Thursday. While DMs of 46 districts from nine states will be part of the first meeting, those from 54 districts from 10 states will attend the second meeting, they said, adding that respective chief ministers will be present in these interactions. This will be the first such interaction that the prime minister will have with top district-level administrative officers on the COVID-19 situation. So far, he has held a number of meetings with chief ministers from across the country and also, in some cases, from high caseload states on the pandemic situation since its first outbreak in 2020. According to the latest data from the Union

Narendra Modi

Health Ministry, just ten states account for over 72 per cent of new COVID-19 cases reported in a span of 24 hours and these include Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan. Also, just ten states account for 74.30 per cent of the new deaths.

Modi to release 8th installment of PM-KISAN benefits on Friday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the eighth installment of the financial benefits under the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi” (PM-KISAN) scheme on Friday via video-conferencing. Over Rs 19,000 crore to more than 9.5 crore beneficiary farmer families will be transferred, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, adding that Modi will also interact with the beneficiaries during the event. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be present on the occasion. Under the PM-KISAN scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is provided to the eligible farmer families, payable in three equal installments of Rs 2,000. The fund is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Under the scheme, an amount of over Rs 1.15 lakh crore has been transferred to farmer families so far, the PMO noted.

Peak will come, virus can again emerge: Govt India records 3.62L new cases, 4,120 fresh fatalities

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): As the country battles the second wave of COVID-19, the government Thursday said the virus may emerge again and so preparations have to be made at the national level in collaboration with states, infrastructure needs to be ramped up while curbs and appropriate behaviour must be followed. Dismissing allegations that the government was unaware of the intensity of the second wave, NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul said, “We kept warning again and again from this platform that the second wave of COVID-19

will come. “It was said that the sero-positivity is 20 per cent, 80 per cent of the population is still vulnerable and that virus has not gone anywhere and other countries were also witnessing a resurge.” At a press conference, Paul said, “The prime minister had conveyed the country about the emerging second wave on March 17 without creating panic and had said that we have to fight it.” “Was such a peak expected,” he said, “well, no modelling can predict the size of a peak as the unexpected behaviour virus is

well known.” “So peak will come, the virus can again emerge, we know. So preparations have to be made at country level in collaboration with states, infrastructure has to be ramped up, containment measures have to be implemented and COVID appropriate behaviour has to be followed. “We had not created panic... other countries have faced multiple peaks after all it’s a pandemic,” he said. He said it is the nature of the disease that it will ultimately go to villages. This epidemiology is well known, Paul said as

he urged people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour and embrace vaccination. Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said that plateauing in daily new COVID-19 cases and a slight decline positivity rate have been recorded in the country over the past three days, but added 10 states still have a positivity rate of more than 25 per cent which was “worrisome trend”. He said as many as 12 states have more than 1 lakh active COVID-19 cases, while 24 states have more than 15 per cent case positivity rate.

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): India added 3,62,727 new coronavirus infections in a day taking the COVID-19 tally of cases to 2,37,03,665, while the death toll rose to 2,58,317 with 4,120 daily fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The active cases have increased to 37,10,525 comprising 15.65 per cent of the total infections.

The national COVID- had crossed the 20-lakh November 20 and surpassed 19 recovery rate has im- mark on August 7, 30 lakh the one-crore mark on Deproved to 83.26 per on August 23, 40 lakh cember 19. India crossed the cent, the data updaton September 5 and grim milestone of 2 crore on ed at 8 am showed. 50 lakh on Sep- May 4. The number of tember 16.It went According to the people who have past 60 lakh on ICMR, 30,94,48,585 samrecuperated from September 28, 70 ples have been tested up the disease surged lakh on October to May 12 with 18,64,594 to 1,97,34,823 while 11, crossed 80 lakh samples being tested on the case fatality rate was on October 29, 90 lakh on Thursday. recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated. India’s COVID-19 tally ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Remembering you Dear Hone, On your 2nd Death Anniversary

LATE HUPAVELU (AVE)

1953 2nd Feb. – 2021 30th April Through this column, we, the bereaved family members of Late Hupavelu (Ave) would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us during the sickness and demise of our beloved mother, aunty, sister through your moral, physical, financial and prayer support. We deeply regret for our inability to mention you all individually, by names but we pray that our Almighty God bless you for your kind and selfless deeds that you have extended to us at the time of our saddest moment.

The world changes from year to year Our lives from day to day But the love and memory of you, Shall never fade away.

DP-2398

By Loving Husband, Children, Grand Children, In-Laws and Relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you". (Phil. 1:3) DP-2400

Loved Ones

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Died : 30 April, 2021

DP-2413

K Y M C

Dr. L. Taka Ao left us for his heavenly abode on May 8, 2021. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared our grief in this moment of profound and irreparable loss. Through this column, we bear testimony of God’s infinite love for the departed and express gratitude for the long life of 90 plus years that he was blessed with. We convey our appreciation to his friends, colleagues, acquaintances and near and dear ones who have shared his life’s journey and given it meaning and purpose. Lastly, we would like to convey our gratitude to everyone who have not only provided logistic and material support but also offered their physical presence during the last rites despite the pandemic. Though we will never be able to repay each individual acts of kindness that are too numerous to count, we pray that God bless you manifold in return. Mrs. Imtila Jamir and family DP-2407

The bereaved family of Lt. Ekonthung Patton, BJP President, 40th Constituency Assembly convey our sincere and profound appreciation for everyone's sympathy as we mourn his loss. We would especially like to thank: 1. CHC Bhandari 2. Mmhonlumo Kikon (Advisor, Information Technology & Communication, Science & Technology, NRE) 3. Temjen Imna Along (Minister, Higher Education & Tribal Affairs) 4. Y. Patton, Dy CM & HM 5. Orenthung Patton, DC Wokha 6. Nzinimo Patton & family 7. Medical Colony 8. Nikos Hospital doctors and nurses 9. BJP Workers Wokha District 10. Jungithung Yanthan 11. Friends and well wishers To everyone who reached out to us during our time of mourning, we are grateful for your support and love during our time of need. Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there's a memory, they live on in our hearts. We miss you. DP-2403

Loving wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren K Y M C

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXXI No. 157 DImapur, FrIDaY, maY 14, 2021

WHO does what

urrently india is reeling under the ‘second wave’ of COViD-19, while a third wave of deadly viral infection is already sweeping across Europe. infections are on a rise and forcing many countries to impose lockdown once again in order to curb the spread of the third wave of coronavirus. The second wave has taken a huge toll of lives with some days consecutively recording 4000 deaths. Some ten lakh new coronavirus cases were recorded during the second wave from February 2021 to may 12. That means, within three months cases have jumped by around 10 lakh till the previous figure of march since the pandemic. The second wave began indiscriminate transmission. The highest single-day spike in new coronavirus cases was 4,14. 433 on may 6. Deaths also jumped to a record high at 4197 on may 7. The focus worldwide has “shifted” to the uK variant, then the indian variant which have been held responsible for the human casualties of gigantic proportion. Some have even said it is worse than the Spanish Flu. However by sheer numbers alone far outdid coronavirus, when 50 croreworldwide have been infected and two to five crore people died of the disease. On the other hand, coronavirus has infected 16.12 crore people and causing the deaths of 33.49 lakh deaths across the world. as india fights a long battle, charges of politicisation and preferential treatment are being made against the modi government. Not that the government has actually credited itself of having done more than grabbing headline news. However, the coronavirus infections and fatalities should be understood in its true perspectives. This virus was the focus of secret laboratory research study at the Wuhan institute of Virology(WiV). according to Chinese authorities the virus was found in bats, in the wet market at Wuhan. This was false since bats are not found in Wuhan but except at places 1000 miles away. There are reports that the virus escaped through some technicians and found its way in the wet market. What is strange is that the WiV is supposed to be the highest graded laboratory –BSL iV. Earlier in 2002, a Chinese researcher –Dr.ShiZhengli- had been solely responsible for spread of SarS-CoV-1 that caused asia’s biggest SarS outbreak. These are clear indicators that the deadly viruses were being closely studied in the laboratories, somehow escaped and resulted in a catastrophe. The coronavirus (SarS-Cov-2) was one among two( the other being SarS-Cov-1) which the Chinese were researching on. To put a long story short, the Word Health Organisation(WHO) could have sounded the alarm when news began trickling about coronavirus infections. instead, WHO waited for the Chinese leadership for over a month, for more details about infections and deaths in Wuhan which then spread rapidly across China by January 2020. The entire WHO team led by its Director GeneralTedrosadhanomGhebreyesus acted like a it wanted to protect the CCp, which gave delayed and incomplete casualty data. Dr.Fauci, appointed by Obama had absolved the CCp of any cover up. Even today, the stocks of the WHO has hit rock bottom especially when its DG Dr Tedro unashamedly rejected calls for his resignation. Today with a friendly man in the White House, several WHO “specialists “ continually speak of india’s health care system and conveniently forgetting Dr Tedros and team are responsible for the allowing the pandemic.

dailydevotion The Habit of Keeping a Clear Conscience

…strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. —Acts 24:16 God’s commands to us are actually given to the life of His Son in us. Consequently, to our human nature in which God’s Son has been formed (see Galatians 4:19), His commands are difficult. But they become divinely easy once we obey. Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 ; also see Ephesians 4:23). God always instructs us down to the last detail. Is my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do? “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” (Ephesians 4:30). He does not speak with a voice like thunder— His voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive to Him is the habit of being open to God on the inside. When you begin to debate, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” You are on the wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever it is— drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear.

Quotes

The sun, the earth, love, friends, our very breath are parts of the banquet. ~ Rebecca Harding Davis

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

Post-mortem

Elementary Education in India : Progress towards UEE E ducation plays a vital role in the development of a country. It is used to mitigate most of challenges faced in life. The knowledge that is attained through education helps open doors to a lot of opportunities for better prospects in career growth. Elementary education is the foundation of advanced learning. Keeping this in view, during the decade 1991-2000 centrally sponsored District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) was launched for Universalisation of Primary Education (UPE), whereas during 2001-2010 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was launched for Universalisation of Elementary Education (UEE). It was given legal status on 1st April 2010 when Right of children to free & compulsory education Act 2009 was implemented throughout the country. In 201819, Samagra Shiksha has been launched to cover the children from Pre-Nursery to Class- XII for Universalisation of Education upto Secondary level. National Education Policy 2020 outlines the vision of India’s new education system. With the improved coverage the number of schools imparting elementary education increased many-fold. From 853601 schools in 2002-03 their number has increased to 1449078 in 2015-16. Of the total 85.38 percent schools are located in the rural areas. During the same period, the number of primary schools increased from 601866 to 840546. On an average, number of primary schools per thousand child population (6 to 11 years) is 9, whereas number of upper primary schools per thousand child population (11 to 14 year) is 8. Density of Primary

he Wester n Sumi Youth Front (WSYF), in consultation with Sumi Hoho(SH), Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH), Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), and Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH), in the aftermath of the unfortunate killing of three Zeliang Naga brothers under Kiyevi Village jurisdiction, Aqahuto Area on 22nd March 2021, has been closely observing the diversion of the narrative even before the conclusion of customary rituals in remembrance of the departed souls. What was once a village boundary dispute has been made into an inter-tribe spectacle, screaming vengeance against Sumi people in general and Aqahuto people in particular. The sabre rattling is ominous for Sumi people as a whole and under the circumstances, the WSYF will take any decision necessary to protect and defend the rights and interests of Sumi people. In 2018-19, an attempt was made to establish a new settlement within the jurisdiction of Kiyevi Village called “Lamhai Namdi”. Tension was palpable and the state government stationed law enforcement agencies at the site. Later an order was issued to evict the new settlement however the order was not followed in letter and spirit. The status quo was not observed and this lukewarm response of the state government worsened the situation. On June 25, 2019, the order for status quo was issued by Chief Secretary wherein it cited, “...report has been received from the Commissioner, Nagaland that serious law and order situation is apprehended after the reported activity for establishing a new settlement by the name of LAMHAI NAMDI...” and “...therefore it is hereby ordered that status-quo shall

schools per 10 sq. KM is 3.69, whereas in case of upper primary school it is 1.85. Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a large number of schools have been opened and upgraded. The ratio for the year 2015-16 is one upper primary school for every set of 1.99 primary schools. It is noticed that in about 17 states the ratio of primary to upper primary school is better than the national average. Despite significant improvement in the ratio, there are few states, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Goa, Assam, Manipur and West Bengal, where the ratio still needs to be improved significantly. Nearly 4.59% schools of the country are private aided whereas 18.50% are private unaided. The percentage of government and government aided schools is as high as 74.32, which shows that eight out of every ten schools imparting elementary education in the country are funded by the government. As many as 162237 new primary and 78903 new upper primary schools have been opened since 2002-03, majority of which are located in rural areas and 99% of these have been provided a school building. Schools imparting elementary education across 680 districts had an average of 5.1 classrooms. However, a significant difference is noticed in average number in government (4.2 classrooms) and private managed (7.8 classrooms) schools. About 82% classrooms in primary schools are in good condition and remaining 18% need either minor or major repairs. In 125 districts of the country student classroom ratio is above 30. On an

average about 27 students are sitting in one classroom in elementary schools, but there is alarming situation in Bihar where SCR is 51. In the country, percentage of primary schools with SCR greater than 30 was 25.74 whereas upper primary school with SCR greater than 35 is 28.01. Availability of basic facilities in schools may not only attract more children but also help in improving retention rate. Of the total schools about 96.76% have drinking water facilities, 97.07 percent boy’s toilets, 97.58 percent separate toilets for girls and nearly 64.89 percent schools have boundary walls. Computer education facility is available in 25.97 percent schools in the country. Ramps have been provided in 61.83 percent schools to attract physically challenged children. Providing nutritious food to all children under the mid day meal schemes is one of the ambitious programme of the government. For this purpose, kitchen shed have been constructed in nearly 80.02 percent schools. The percentage of primary schools having attached pre-primary section is only 10.72%. But most of such schools are in urban areas. Nearly 61.67 percent of the schools have been electrified, but Bihar have alarming situation in this sector where just 36.74 percent have electric facility. The commencement of various educational schemes by central as well as state governments has improved the scenario to a great extent. The enrolment in primary schools increased from 101.16 million in 2002-03 to 129.122784 million in 201516, whereas in upper primary school, the enrolment increased upto 67.593727

million. There has been consistent improvement both in Gender Parity Index (Percentage of enrolled girls compared to enrolled boys) and girls’ enrolment. The average of 680 districts indicates a GPI of 0.93 in primary classes and 0.95 in upper primary classes. In year 2015-16, the shares of girls’ enrolment in primary and upper primary classes were 48.21% & 48.63% respectively. The percentage of girls’ enrolment in government managed schools was found to be higher than in private managed schools. The share of SC & ST enrolment with respect to total enrolment works out to be 19.94 & 10.64 percent at primary level and 19.49 & 9.81 % at upper primary level. At all levels, government schools are the main providers of educational needs of both SC & ST children. The share of OBC enrolment in the primary and upper primary classes was 45.05 and 45.15 percent respectively. The percentage of Muslim enrolment at primary & upper primary level is reported to be 14.43 and 12.60 percent in which girls share is 49.05 and 51.35 percent respectively. The enrolment of Muslim children (13.80 percent) is satisfactory in respect of their population (14.20 percent). A lot of emphasis is given to include and integrate children with special needs (CWSN) into the education system. The percentage enrolment of such children is 1.18 and 1.13 percent at primary and upper primary level. One of the essential requirements to achieve UEE is to retain students in the education system. This is also reflected in the retention rate at primary level which estimated to be 84.21 percent and drop-out

rate has come to just 4.13 percent. The transition from primary to upper primary level has improved significantly to 90.14 percent. Availability of teachers in schools is an important variable for quality education. In the country, 8076756 teachers are engaged in schools imparting elementary education, out of which 4674275 are posted in government schools. 8.48 percent teachers are engaged in aided schools whereas 30.79 percent are in unaided schools. The all India average reveals that on an average there are 5.6 teachers in a school that imparts elementary education compared to an average of 3.1 teachers per primary school. About 47.99 percent of the total teachers are female, which shows somewhat satisfactory gender share. Urban areas have higher percentage of female teachers compared to rural areas. Still there are 9.67% single teacher schools in the country. There has been consistent improvement in pupil-teacher ratio (PTR). The PTR is 23:1 and 17:1 at primary and upper primary level as against national norms of 30:1 and 35:1. In 137 districts of the country PTR is above 30. The concentration is mostly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. In only 2 states namely Bihar (36) and Uttar Pradesh PTR at primary level is above 30. At primary level percentage of schools having PTR above is 25.93 , whereas at upper primary level percentage of schools having PTR above 35 is 13.46. There is alarming situation in 4 states namely Bihar (65.92), Delhi (42.92), Jharkhand (41.23) and Uttar Pradesh (57.70), where percentage of schools having PTR is

above 35. In Bihar not only is pupil-teacher ratio (36) high but also the student classroom ratio (51).The number of teachers is better in private schools compared to government schools. Of the total teachers 13.18 percent are contractual teachers. About 82.41% of the regular teachers are professionally trained, whereas only 67.02% of the contract teachers are professionally trained. The percentage of teacher aged above 55 years is just 6.16% in all types of schools. Majority of the teachers of SC & ST community are in government schools. In elementary schools, there are 999335 teachers of SC community and 683268 teachers of ST community, which constitutes about 12.37% and 8.46% of the total working teachers. About 2875608 (35.60%) teachers are from OBC community. After implementation of RTE, changes in various norms of SSA have been done. Emphasis on construction of school building and recruitment of qualified teachers has been given and more funds have been ensured for that. After attaining the goal of enrolment & retention set up under DPEP & SSA, now prime focus is on quality education up to secondary level under “Samagra Shiksha”. Based on NEP 2020 recommendations, modifications in programmatic and financial norms of Samagra Shiksha are being done. It is hoped that in coming years, significant improvement will be noticed in the field of elementary & secondary education in the country. Er. prabhat Kishore (The author is a technocrat & academician)

WSYF on March 22 incident, land issue

be maintained by all parties concerned and no activity whatsoever for any development or construction shall be carried out in the disputed area till the cases are settled by the honorable courts and land boundaries are demarcated between the Dimapur and Peren districts...” On July 8, 2019, further order for removal of illegal settlers from the disputed site was issued from the office of the joint Commissioner and unfortunately no concrete attempt was taken to implement the orders. There is a pathetic attempt to rewrite and stereotype the early Sumi village founders and settlers, their descendents and other settlers in Sumi villages under Western Sumi area as cowards, terrorists, villainous landgrabbers, encroachers etc. The WSYF is aghast at the fabricated storyline doing the rounds in social media insulting and vilifying Sumi people. WSYF is proud of Sumi heritage and the involvement of the supernatural in the establishment of Sumi villages in Western Sumi Area under Dimapur District. Provoking the current generation is acceptable but to question the identity, inheritance and ownership of Sumi Villages under Dimapur District is unacceptable. Tragically, there is an intense co-ordinated campaign to upgrade a village boundary dispute into an all out unrestrained assault on the historical, social and moral foundation of Sumi Naga tribe. Nobody has the courage to acknowledge or admit what Sumi pioneers accomplished for Nagas in general more than a century earlier. It is a fact that Sumis established villages in the vast expanse without resistance from any corner, defying the scorch-

ing summer sun and the people as a whole, not to Sumis in Aqahuto area and prominent tribal bodies in chilly winters, penetrating mention other Naga tribes. elsewhere in the near future. the aftermath of the killing inhospitable highlands and The WSYF is appalled by Although the investigation is of three Zeliang Naga brothterrains with sheer guts and the fact that despite the or- ongoing and ultimately the ers on 22nd March 2021. *All Sumi Villages willpower, smoking out for- der to maintain status quo perpetrators of the crime est bandits and looters from by both parties, authorities must be booked, the appre- under Aqahuto area shall the plains, overcoming de- allowed the mortal remains hension, safety and security strictly maintain peace, somons, evil spirits, dangerous of the three Zeliang Nagas of every Sumi member is cial harmony and patience beasts, poisonous reptiles who lost their lives on 22nd very important at this time even in the face of extreme and insects, while the rest March 2021 to be buried and therefore the WSYF has provocation. There is a legitimate government in resolved that; of the claimants watched within Kiyevi village. place doing its job on mainNaga people must un*All Sumi families livfrom their higher grounds perched onto their hilltop derstand the dynamics of ing in Peren and Jaluki towns taining law and order and villages in shock and amaze- ever evolving historical and are appealed to take shelter therefore violence and gun ment as Sumi villages mush- legal perspective of land in nearby Sumi towns and culture must be shunned. As roomed before WWI and ownership. The tales of villages for their own safety a precautionary measure, continued. By WWII, there bravery, valour and sacri- and security till normalcy re- any sign of aggression or were more than twenty five fices of Sumi village found- turns. This is in view of the sighting of armed strangers Sumi villages. The British ers cannot be erased at the dangerous warmongering within village jurisdiction administration was equally whims and fancies of any and vengeful action plans must be reported to WSH, openly being announced WSKH and WSYF so as to astonished at the martial individual or group. WSYF fears that unless and propagated in print officially relay to law enforcspirit and adaptability of Sumi pioneers. The Naga sanity prevails, the vilifica- and electronic media outlets ing agencies. Issued by media Cell hills bordering Assam was tion may spill over into against the Sumi people secured for all Naga tribes physically targeting innocent by individuals, groups and Western Sumi Youth Front to venture out! WSYF will not allow history to be diluted just because planes are flying above Dimapur sky and trains are chugging in and out of Dimapur city today. It is undeniable that under Dhansiripar sub-division Dimapur there is unresolved land dispute between Sumi Sir, It is to clarify that the Deptt. of Geology and Mining is legally authorized villages and Zeliangs from Peren District. The Sumis to collect royalty on all minor minerals. Accordingly, as per the directive of the and Zeliangs have had skir- Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, the Deptt. is collecting royalty on minor minermishes in the past but WSYF als in Dimapur District on turn basis with the Deptt. of Environment, Forest & believes it is solvable if not Climate Change till the issue of or overlapping of jurisdictions between the two for the lukewarm response departments is resolved. It may be clarified that as per Sec 3(e) of the Mines and of the state government Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957, the Central Govt. has prescribed on the issue of boundary 19 (nineteen) minerals as minor minerals such as; building stone, gravel, ordinary demarcation between the clay, ordinary sand etc., including “Brick Earth” and any other mineral, which the districts of Dimapur and Central Govt. may by notification in the Official Gazette declared to be minor minPeren and between Sumi erals and per Notification No. S.O.423 (E) dated 10th February, 2015, the Central Govt. has notified 31 (thirty one) additional minerals as minor minerals. Moreover, and Zeliang villages. The triple murders have SL. 15 of the Schedule 1 read with Rule 19 (1)(b) of the Nagaland Minor Mineral enraged entire peace loving Concession Rules (NMMCR), 2004, “Brick Earth” is prescribed as one of the miSumi people in particular nor minerals. As per the statutory provisions, the Deptt. Of Geology & Mining is and Nagas in general. Yet, granting mining leases/licenses, levy royalty as per the prescribed rate. Rule 65 of Who has the higher moral the NMMCR, 2004, has empowered to impose penalty 10 (ten) times, the amount ground to label entire Sumi of royalty prescribed on those defaulters (miners/transporters). As per Rule 67 Nagas as killers? Do they (5), the Officer in charge of the check post or any authorized Officer mentioned in know the unresolved vil- sub-rule (2) has been empowered to impose penalty, if the Officer has a reason to lage boundary issue and believe that royalty is likely to be evaded. During 2020-21, despite struggling with a clear government direc- pandemic, the Deptt. Of Geology and Mining has generated about Rs 2.4 crore tive to conflicting villages royalty to the State exchequer. In view of the above stated reasons, all concerned to maintain status quo? stakeholders/miners/transporters are therefore, requested to obtain legal mining This matter is between two lease from the Deptt. of Geology and Mining and deposit advance royalty through neighboring Naga Villages Govt. Treasury Challan to avoid such legal complications. abenthung lotha, Joint Director & HoD and does not involve Sumi Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Reader’s Post

Rejoinder to ‘the illegal royalty/taxes’

CJI considering live telecast of SC proceedings

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): Chief Justice N V Ramana Thursday said he was “actively” considering the proposal to live telecast the proceedings of the Supreme Court. The CJI, however, said before initiating concrete steps in this regard, he would seek general consensus among his colleagues in the top court. Ramana was speaking at the launch of application for granting access of virtual proceedings of the Supreme Court to media persons. Recalling his days as a journalist, the CJI said media faces great challenges in reporting and came to know that journalists were depending on advocates to get links to cover court proceedings. Thus there was request to create a mechanism so that press could attend the hearings, he said. “I was a journalist for a brief time. That time we did not have car or bikes. We used to travel on bus as we were directed not to avail conveyance of organisers of the event,” he said. Urging the media to

national

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

N V Ramana

use the resources (app) responsibly and follow all covid protocols, the CJI said technology, particularly one that is newly developed, is sensitive and might be subject to some flaws in the early days of its use. “Small issues are bound to arise, which should not be unnecessarily magnified. I request everyone to be patient, to be encouraging and supportive to the technical team to ensure that the application works without any problems. I hope that everyone gives the system the requisite time to evolve and expand. “Additionally, I would like to also highlight another feature we are introducing today on the official website and mobile application of

the Supreme Court. This new feature, called “Indicative Notes” is aimed at providing concise summaries of landmark judgments in an easy-to-understand format. This will serve as a useful resource for media persons and the general public who wish to be better informed about the rulings of the Court,” he said. With regard to granting accreditation to media persons, Justice Ramana said he has given directions to further rationalise the policy and he was contemplating to appoint a senior officer to be a single point of contact between the Supreme Court and the media. He thanked the apex court Registry, and the entire technical team, for all their efforts in developing this application and instituting the “Indicative Notes” feature in such a short time. Justice Ramana said this pandemic has affected everyone and shared that as per the data available, 2768 judicial officers and 106 Judges of the High Court have tested positive. “The first employee of the Supreme Court Registry

was reported COVID positive on April 27 2020. Till date, approximately 800 Registry staff have tested positive. Six of our Registrars and 10 Additional Registrars have tested positive at different times. Unfortunately, we lost three of our officials to COVID. “So far as the Indian judiciary is concerned, as per the data available, 2768 judicial officers and 106 Judges of the High Court have tested positive. We are yet to receive the data from two major High Courts. 34 Judicial Officers and three Hon’ble Judges of the High Court have lost their life, battling this pandemic. My heart goes out to the families and the loved ones of those whose life has been cut short by this pandemic,” he said. Justice Ramana said the shift to holding Courts through video conferencing has not been an easy process and the judges have faced various issues while attempting to hold hearings and decide cases. “One of the issues that arose relates to the difficulties in access to video proceedings by the media.

Earlier, some provision was made to allow the media to watch proceedings at specific locations. However, due to certain difficulties and issues, many persons in the media had sent me requests to make changes to the system to enable them to observe Court proceedings more conveniently. The CJI said that transparency is a time-honored principle when it comes to the judicial process in our country and hearing of cases have always taken place in public courtrooms, with access being allowed not only to the lawyers and the litigants in a particular case, but also to the general public. The only restrictions that were ever imposed earlier were because of space and security considerations, he said. “Unfortunately, when COVID-19 struck, the systems which were earlier in place could no longer be relied upon. The judicial system has had to adapt quickly, in order to ensure that justice dispensation does not stop in the country,” he said.

Atrocities FIR: Won’t arrest exCP till May 20, says Maha govt MUMBAI, MAY 13 (PTI): The Maharashtra government on Thursday told the Bombay High Court that it would not arrest former Mumbai Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh till May 20 in connection with the FIR registered against him by Thane police under the Atrocities Act. Senior counsel Darius Khambata, appearing for the state government, told a division bench of Justices P B Varale and N R Borkar that the allegations of corruption levelled against Singh by a police inspector in Akola were of serious nature. He said the police would not arrest Singh till May 20, by when the police would file an affidavit in response to Singh’s plea against the FIR. The FIR was registered on April 30 and an investigation into the case has commenced. The police want time to file an affidavit to the petition, Khambata said. “Till that time, we (police) will not arrest the petitioner (Singh),” he said. The bench accepted the

Param Bir Singh

statement and posted the matter for further hearing on May 20. The HC noted that the alleged incident took place in 2015 and the complaint was filed in 2021. “It took the complainant five years to lodge a complaint,” the court said. Singh approached the HC last week, sought that the FIR against him be quashed. His counsel Mahesh Jethmalani on Thursday argued that the case was filed with malafide intentions and was abuse of powers by the police. “It is a completely misconceived FIR and protection should be given to the petitioner (Singh),” Jethmalani said. The FIR was based on a complaint lodged

by police inspector Bhimrao Ghadge posted at Akola in Maharashtra. Ghadge in his complaint had made a series of allegations of corruption against Singh and other officers, during the period when Singh was posted with the Thane police. The Akola police had registered a Zero FIR (mode of lodging FIR in any police station irrespective of the offence committed in that area or any other area) and it was later transferred to the Thane police for investigation. G h a d ge, w h o wa s posted in the Thane Police Commissionerate during 2015-2018, had alleged that Singh pressured him to drop the names of some persons from a case and when he refused to do so, Singh embroiled him in false cases. The FIR against Singh has been registered under the Indian Penal Code sections for criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence and provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

NHRC issues notices to Centre, UP & Lockdown-like restrictions extended in Maha till June 1 Bihar over bodies floating in Ganga cremation grounds and burial grounds across the country have been overburdened. The NHRC’s statement said, “The practice of disposal of dead bodies in our sacred river Ganga is clearly in violation of guidelines of the National Mission for Clean Ganga project of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.” It said it received a complaint dated May 11, 2021, based on several media reports, wherein apprehensions were expressed that these bodies floating in the Ganga were of COVID19 victims. The complaint noted that the disposal bodies in such a manner may seriously affect all those persons who are dependent on the Ganga for their day-to-day activities, the NHRC mentioned. “It (complaint) further stated that even if these dead bodies were not of COVID victims, then such practice/incidents are shameful to the society as a whole as that amounts to violation of human rights of even deceased persons,” the NHRC added.

Should we hang ourselves over non-availability of vax? Gowda

D V Sadananda Gowda

BENGALURU, MAY 13 (PTI): Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers D V Sadananda Gowda on Thursday sought to know whether people in the government should hang themselves for their failure to produce vaccines as was directed by the government. “The court has with good intention said everyone in the country should get vaccinated. I want to ask you, if the court says tomorrow that you have to give this much (of vaccine), if it has not been produced yet, should we hang ourselves?” Gowda told reporters here. Replying to queries on the shortage of vaccine, the Union Minister stressed on the plan of action of the government and said its decisions are not guided by any political gain or by any other

reason. Gowda said the government has been doing its job sincerely and honestly during which time some shortcomings have surfaced. “Practically, certain things which are beyond our control, can we manage it?,” the Union Minister sought to know. He, however, clarified that the government has been doing its best to ensure that in a day or two, things improve and people get vaccinated. BJP national general secretary C T Ravi, who was present with Gowda, claimed that things would have been worse if arrangements had not been made well in time. “If proper arrangements were not made well in advance then there would have been fatalities 10 times or 100 times more,” Ravi said. He said oxygen supply has been increased from 300 metric tonnes to 1,500 tonnes due to systematic preparation. “But our preparations failed because of the unimaginable spread of coronavirus,” Ravi told reporters.

Priyanka demands judicial probe

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday demanded a judicial probe headed by a high court judge into bodies floating in the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh and said what is happening is inhuman and criminal. “What is happening in UP is inhuman and criminal. The government is busy image building while people are suffering unimaginably. “There must be an immediate judicial enquiry headed by a High Court Judge into these events,” she wrote on Twitter. Her remarks came amid reports of bodies floating in the Ganga in Ballia and other places of Uttar Pradesh as well as in Bihar. “Bodies are floating in the ganga in Ballia and Ghazipur. Reports are coming in of mass burials on the banks of the river in Unnao. Official numbers from cities like Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Jhansi and Kanpur appear to be grossly under-reported,” the Congress general secretary said in another tweet.

for people arriving from places of “sensitive origin” will be applicable to anyone arriving from any part of the country into the state, the order said. In case of cargo carriers, not more than two people will be allowed to travel in those vehicles. If the carriers are originating from outside Maharashtra,they will be allowed with a negative RT-PCR test report issued within 48 hours before the time of entry into the state and will be valid for seven days, the order said.The lockdown-like curbs were earlier imposed in the state on April 5. The curbs were fur-

Representational image

ther tightened on April 15 with Section 144 of the CrPc, banning assembly of five or more people at one place, imposed in theentire state. As per the latest order, the Local Disaster Man-

agement Authority (DMA) will keep a special vigil on rural markets and APMCs (agriculture produce market committees) to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour. If it finds that such

places are difficult to manage and ensure discipline, then the local DMA may decide to shut them or impose further restrictions, the government said. Milk collection, transport and processing will be allowed without restrictions, though its retail trade shall be allowed subject to restrictions imposed on shops dealing with essential items or through home delivery, the order said. Personnel engaged in airport, port services, and movement of cargo related to medicines or equipment for COVID-19 management will be allowed to travel in local, mono and Metro trains, it said.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER OF LEGAL METROLOGY & CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT NAGALAND, KOHIMA

CORRIGENDUM Apropos to the advertisement published on 6th May 2021 for filling up the vacant post of the President, Nagaland State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (State Commission) and Members to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (District Commission), due to the ongoing Lockdown in the state, the date of submission of application is extended.  Interested persons may submit their applications with all relevant documents to the Office of the Joint Controller & HoD, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection Department, Near Agri Office, AG Colony, Kohima on or before the 31st May 2021. (K. TAKEETH IMCHEN) Joint Controller & HoD Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection Deptt., Nagaland, Kohima. DC-437

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION NO.ED/NL/GT-SL/2020

KOHIMA : NAGALAND

NOTIFICATION

Kohima, the 13th May 2021

It is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that the Tentative Seniority List of Graduate Teachers as on 30/04/2021 is published and a copy of the same is made available at Department’s official website https://education.nagaland.gov.in for inviting Claims/Objections in the Tentative Seniority List within a period of 30 days from the date of issue of this notification. The Tentative Seniority List of Graduate Teachers is prepared in accordance with the following criteria: 1. The Seniority list is prepared as per the principles contained in the judgements of the Hon’ble High Court in Writ Appeal No. 16 (K) of 2017 and Writ Appeal No. 17 (K) of 2017 Dated 12/12/2019. 2. Teachers appointed/recruited after 2009 shall be incorporated in the Seniority List only after anomalies related to their appointment/recruitment are resolved. This is necessitated to expedite the process of publication of Final Seniority List of Graduate Teachers as per the directions of the Hon’ble Court. 3. Teachers who were re-designated as AEOs/SISs and reflected in this seniority list shall be governed by the Condition No. (ii) of the Notification No.DSE/ESTT/SIS/1-72/2015 Dated, 27th January 2017 and 14th August 2017. 4. Teachers who are attached in various administrative offices of Department and comes under the purview of the judgement of the Hon’ble High Court Order Dated 08/04/2021 of Case No. WA7/2020 are also directed to submit all relevant documents for inclusion in the Seniority List within the stipulated time. 5. Those Teachers reflected in this Seniority List without complete documents such as Date of Appointment Order/Date of Birth/Graduate Scale Order/Regularization Order/BA Mark Sheet/ Incomplete Documents etc are directed to furnish/submit the same within the stipulated time for confirmation/consideration. Teachers failing to submit the requisite documents within the stipulated time shall not be considered for further promotion and are liable to relinquish their seniority position. Teachers shall submit the requisite documents to the concerned DEOs/SDEOs within the stipulated time for compilation and onward submission to the Directorate of School Education. Claims/Objections should be registered with the respective DEOs/SDEOs within a period of 30 days from the date of issue of this notification and should be accompanied with relevant supporting documents. Failure to register Claims/Objections within the stipulated time limit shall be construed as validation of the entries and submission of Claims/Objections after the expiry of the stipulated time limit shall be treated as invalid and no complaints whatsoever shall be entertained thereafter. This issues with the approval of the Govt. vide letter NO.DSE/SL/2-60/2021/493 Dated 7th May 2021. (SHANAVAS C) IAS Principal Director DC-436

K-959

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (PTI): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, after receiving complaints about several bodies found floating in the Ganga river in the two states. “It (NHRC) has issued notices to the chief secretaries of both the states and the secretary, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, today calling for action taken report within four weeks,” its statement noted. According to residents in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, at least 52 bodies were seen floating at the Ujiyar, Kulhadia and Bharauli ghats in the Narahi area. Similar reports of bodies floating in the Ganga have come from Bihar. In its statement, the NHRC said that it seems the public authorities have failed to take concentric efforts in educating the masses and checking the immersion of half-burnt or unburnt bodies into the Ganga. India has been badly hit by the second wave of coronavirus infections and

M U M BA I , M AY 1 3 (PTI): The Maharashtra government on Thursday extended the lockdownlike restrictions in the state till June 1 to break the chain of COVID-19. Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte in an order said the curbs will remain in force till 7 am on June 1. As per the order, additional restrictions include mandatory negative RTPCR test report for any person entering the state by any mode of transport. The test report will have to be issued within 48 hours before the time of entry into the state. All restrictions enforced as per earlier orders

business/state

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

Sterlite Copper begins production of oxygen Fuel prices unchanged on Thursday team and I are honoured that our facility and efforts are being directly put into helping save lives.” “We promise to make every possible effort to ensure that there is continuous production of oxygen from our plant to mitigate this crisis,” he added. The oxygen plant at the unit was re-activated at the earliest through the collaborative efforts of suppliers and partners. The support received from employees and community also played a critical role in helping ready the plant for immediate production, the company said. Sterlite said it was grateful to the Supreme Court, Central and State governments and to the local administration for providing the necessary approvals in an expedited manner,the company said. At a meet-

ing on April 26 chaired by the then ChiefMinister K Palaniswami and attended by main opposition party DMK, among others, it was resolved to allow Sterlite to produce oxygen from its plant in Tuticorin, days after Vedanta moved the Supreme Court in this connection. As per the Supreme Court directive, power supply may be allowed for Vedanta’s Sterlite Industries in Tuticorin for four months to repair and operate oxygen producing and related equipment only, the meeting had resolved. The period may be extended later but at no cost shall other activities like copper-manufacturing and running the co-generation plant shall be allowed and the power supply shall be cut after this period (four months) by TANGEDCO, itadded.

Paytm provides technological support Jio beats Bharti Airtel, adds 4.3 mn users in February to Japan’s payment app PayPay BENGALURU, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): Indian digital payments firm Paytm is providing technological support to Japan’s payment app PayPay, which multinational conglomerate SoftBank is aiming to take public. Noida-based Paytm may also get some stake in PayPay. PayPay is a QR (quick response) code-based payment app. It is a joint venture between SoftBank and Yahoo Japan, with Paytm as a technology partner. It was founded in June 2018. PayPay has nearly 40 million users and has witnessed 2 billion annual transactions. “We want PayPay to IPO in the future so that they would become independent,” said Junichi Miyakawa, who became chief executive of SoftBank Corp last month, at an earnings briefing. “So rather than having the dependent business model that they have now, we want them to be inde-

pendent. And I don’t think that would be too far out in the future.” SoftBank said PayPay has been growing by 2.5 times year-on-year, and the firm is expected to continue to maintain that momentum. The number of merchants has increased to 3.60 million. SoftBank revealed that PayPay’s GMV (gross merchandise volume), a measure of transaction volume, reached 3.2 trillion yen in the year ended March. Z Holdings, the parent of Yahoo Japan, will be collaborating with PayPay and expand different businesses.PayPay is expected to become a super app and a gateway to the fintech ecosystem. “PayPay Card, PayPay Bank. I mean there’s a lot of collaborations that have begun,” said Miyakawa. “So we will continue to build on this.” Investment giant Softbank Group on Wednesday reported an annual net profit

Su doku

of $45.8 billion. This is the best ever result for a Japanese company. It is getting the rewards of tech share rallies to recover from last year’s record loss. SoftBank has backed top companies in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to biotechnology through its $100 billion Vision Fund. During the fiscal year, the global economic situation was greatly affected by the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and the pandemic that followed, which continues to this day. Governments around the world are implementing fiscal stimulus and monetary easing measures to counter the economic impacts of the pandemic. Expectations that vaccination programs progress in some countries will encourage greater economic activity have led to a sharp overall market recovery in the second half of the fiscal year, with new capital continuing to flow in.

M U M B A I , M AY 1 3 (AGENCIES): Reliance Jio added 4.3 million and Bharti Airtel added 3.7 million users to their networks in February, according to latest data by the telecom regulator. Vodafone Idea barely added 652,625 subscribers to its network in the month of February, shows Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) data. Total wireless subscribers increased from 1.1 billion, in January to 1.2 billion in February, thereby registering a monthly growth rate of 0.72 per cent. Out of the total wireless subscribers, 981.92 million wireless subscribers were active users. The proportion of active wireless subscribers was approximately 84.09 per cent of the total wireless subscriber base. Bharti Airtel has the maximum proportion (97.47 per cent) of its active wireless subscribers. Wireless subscription in urban areas increased from 633.27million at the end of January 2021 to 639.24

million, in February and wireless subscription in rural areas also increased from 526.15 million to 528.47 million during the same period. All service areas except Bihar and Himachal Pradesh showed growth in their wireless subscribers during the month of February. Mumbai area showed maximum growth of 4.83 per cent in its wireless subscriber base during the month. Wireline subscribers increased from 20.08 million, in January 2021, to 20.19 million at the end of February 2021. Net increase in the wireline subscriber base was 0.11 million with a monthly growth rate of 0.54 per cent. The share of urban and rural subscribers in total wireline subscribers were 91.52 per cent and 8.48 per cent, respectively, in February. In January, Bharti Airtel added 6.9 million active users, while Reliance Jio added 3.4 million subscribers to its tally.

No. 9916 Yesterday’s solution No. 9914

No. 4535 Yesterday’s solution No. 4534

No. 3559 Yesterday’s solution No. 3558

Across 3. Food on a skewer (5) 8. Competitor (5) 10. Prison rooms (5) 11. Alcoholic spirit (3) 12. Of the Pope (5) 13. Rearranged word (7) 15. Puzzle-solving aids (5) 18. Wag (3) 19. Afternoon nap (6) 21. Deep purplish red (7) 22. Squirrel’s nest (4) 23. Genuine (4) 24. Shine unsteadily (7) 26. Perfect society (6) 29. Equipment (3) 31. Boy’s name (5) 32. Infers (7) 34. Shaving implement (5) 35. Decompose (3) 36. Danger (5) 37. One who pries (5) 38. Underground drain (5) Down 1. Indications (5) 2. Clear a path! (7) 4. Dutch cheese (4) 5. Shrub or small tree (6) 6. Beautiful girl (5) 7. Precipitation (5) 9. By way of (3) 12. Kneecap (7) 14. Manipulate fraudulently (3) 16. Escort (5) 17. Goes by boat (5) 19. Adhesive label (7) 20. Distinctive smell (5) 21. Fruit (5) 23. Goes back (7) 24. Concluding part (6) 25. To tease (3) 27. Drying cloth (5) 28. French capital (5) 30. Attack (3,2) 32. Unemployment benefit (4) 33. Dove’s call (3)

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): Fuel retailers spared consumers of any further increase in fuel prices by keeping retail prices of petrol and diesel unchanged on Thursday. Accordingly, petrol continues to cost Rs 92.05 per litre and diesel Rs 82.61 up in Delhi. Across the country as well the petrol and diesel price prices remained static on Thursday but its actual retail prices varied depending on the level of local levies in respective states. In Mumbai, regular petrol now comes for Rs 98.36 a litre just few days away from crossing the historic level of Rs 100 per litre. Petrol prices in some states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and in some places in Maharastra have breached the Rs 100 per litre mark while premium petrol has been hovering above that level for some time now.

Before Thursday’s price hold, fuel prices increased for three consecutive days this week up to Wednesday. Petrol and diesel prices also increased on four consecutive days last week. Petrol prices have increased by Rs 1.50 a litre Delhi in May in the seven increases so far. Similarly, diesel prices have risen by Rs 1.88 per litre in capital this month. IANS had written earlier that OMCs may begin increasing the retail price of petrol and diesel post state elections as they were

incurring losses to the tune of Rs 2-3 per litre by holding the price line despite higher global crude and product prices. OMCs benchmark retail fuel prices to a 15-day rolling average of global refined products’ prices and dollar exchange rate. In the last fortnight global oil prices have hovered in $6667 a barrel range higher than the levels when petrol and diesel prices were last revised. Crude prices have jumped around $ 69 a barrel now.

PDTTU holds meeting; adopts 4-point resolution

Gold demand may be subdued this ‘Akshaya Tritiya’

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): Demand for gold on the occasion of ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ on Friday is expected to be somewhat impacted by the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ is considered to be an auspicious occasion to purchase gold and gold commodities, including jewellery. However, the Covid crisis and the ensuing lockdowns across many states would hamper the physical demand for gold, experts said. Nish Bhatt, CEO and Founder, Millwood Kane International, said, “The love for the yellow metal among Indians is no secret, and buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious. But this time around, gold buying may get affected due to the outbreak of the second wave of Covid-19 in different cities across India.”

DIMAPUR: The Peren District Timber Traders Union (PDTTU) held a meeting at Jalukie on May 10 and adopted a four-point resolution. In a press release, PDTTU president Ichiau Kenn and general secretary Johny Newme stated that the house resolved to cease collection of maintenance fee from all the vehicles but take nominal fee of Rs. 1000 per vehicle for emergency fund. The union asked the concerned individual or group operating timber under its jurisdiction to submit photocopy of area agree-

ment/deal to the union on or before October 30, failing which, any vehicle carrying timber would not be allowed to leave Peren district. As per discussion, the house resolved that it would not be responsible to pay any kind of tax/taxes outside of Peren district and which the owner of the saw mill or the buyer of the timber would be responsible for any tax/taxes outside the district. The union also decided to conduct an audit for 2021 on May 25 and convene the general meeting on May 28, 11 a.m. at Jalukie town forest rest house.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Gov, Dy CM extend.. (From p-1) charity, social gatherings, festive meals, gift giving etc mark the celebrations, he added. While wishing all with good health and to stay safe, Ravi also urged all to take precautionary measures by observing Covid-19 protocols throughout the celebrations. DYCM: State deputy chief minister and BLP leader, Y. Patton greeted the Muslim community on the occasion of Id-ul-Fitr, the breaking of month long fasting. Patton said, the practice which dates back many thousands of years, is an act of overcoming the self through penance and meditation. On behalf of the state BJP legislators, Patton conveyed blessed “Id Mubarak” to the Muslim brethren and hope that they celebrate to the fullest in their respective homes keeping in mind Covid SOPs and guidelines.

LATE IMLIMEREN AMRI

Born on 5/01/1944 – Died on 03/05/ 2021

Through this column, we the family members of Late Imlimeren Amri would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and every friends, relatives, unions and organizations who stood by us morally, physically, financially and through prayers, at the demise of our beloved. We also convey our sincere thank you to the entire staff of Faith Hospital for you tired less support and care. We regret that we are unable to thank everyone individually, but it's our sincere prayer to our Almighty God for His abundance blessing upon you all. Loving children, in laws, grandchildren and relatives DP-2406

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACHIEVERS ACADEMY

Registration started for NPSC PRELIMS ONLINE Test Series Registration ends: 14th May For DETAILS, contact 9378129625/ 9366942624

DP-2364

shared it on Twitter. “This is a shining example of the wonders of uniting for the common good,” he added. With the company commencing production of medical oxygen, initially it would dispatch two oxygen tankers on a daily basis and later it would be scaled up by ramping up production. Sterlite claimed the oxygen supplied is of 98.6 per cent purity and said the gas has received the necessary certifications for its use. “We are now working with experts to resolve the logistics involved in transporting the oxygen produced in our facility to the required parts of the country and coordinating with authorised nodal agencies in this regard,” it said. Commenting on the production of medical oxygen, Sterlite Copper CEO Pankaj Kumar said, “My

Riders with Scooty wanted for a delivery service with a monthly package of 25 thousand. Contact 8837020038

DP-2390

Minister Thangam Thennarasu said the production of medical oxygen would commence this week. “One of our oxygen plants commenced production from May12. The first tanker carr ying 4.8 tonnes of liquid oxygen is going to Tirunelveli-Tuticorin,” the company said in a statement today. Commenting on the development, Vedanta Resources Ltd Chairman Anil Agarwal, later in the day, extended his gratitude to the judiciary, State and Central administration for ensuring all support in providing lifesaving oxygen across the nation by restoring the SterliteCopper oxygen plant. “I am grateful to the Sterlite Copper team for their efforts. Their hard work has borne fruit as the first oxygen tanker rolled out to help save lives today,” he said in a statement and

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DP-2412

CHENNAI, MAY 13 (PTI): Vedanta Ltd-owned Sterlite Copper has commenced production of medical oxygen at its facility in Tamil Nadu and dispatched the first batch of medical grade oxygen on Thursday, authorities said. The Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant was given approval by the erstwhile AIADMK gover nment on April 26 at an all-party meeting to produce medical oxygen at its facility in Tuticorin, about 600 km from here, for a period of four months. The unit was sealed by the State government in May 2018,days after 13 agitators who were part of a protest against the company over environmental concerns were killed in police-firing during a violent anti-Sterlite stir in the southern district. Recently, Industries

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OLD SHOWUBA AREA Near Foothill Road/4 Lane 5 Puras i) Per sq. ft. ` 170/ii) Per sq. ft. ` 90/iii) 4 Lane touched - ` 370/Price Negotiable Contact No. : (+91) 9856603713 9612242850 DP-2361

Jan. 1, 1963 – May 10, 2021

We, the family of Late Abeni Lotha (Old Changsu Village), wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness extended to us during the hour of grief. We would like to give our heartfelt thank you to our friends and kins and to all those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. Our profound gratitude to the following: 1. Bor-Lengri Lotha Baptist Church, Pastoral staff and believers of the church 2. Doctors and nurses of Prime Hospital, Dimapur 3. Doctors and nurses of Olive Christian Hospital, Dimapur 4. Dimapur Nkonjan Changsu Yanhen Ekhung 5. Dimapur Nkonjan Changsu Yanhen Eloe Ekhung 6. Bor-Lengri Nkonjan Ezonmontsu-rui Ekhung 7. Mr Yanbemo Lotha, Associate Pastor, Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church It is not possible to thank each and every individual, but please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8 DP-2411

Loving, Husband, Children & Relatives

international

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

57 US Congressmen urge Biden to Israel steps up attack, kills senior Hamas figures bolster COVID-19 assistance to India not simple running to the shelter. It’s not easy with the kids.” Gaza’s Health Ministry said the death toll rose to 65 Palestinians, including 16 children and five women. Islamic Jihad confirmed the deaths of seven militants, while Hamas acknowledged that

1,600 rockets fired from Gaza, Seven Israeli deaths: Military

An Israeli artillery unit fires toward targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border TEL AVIV, MAY 13 Monday - six civilians and

the Cook Islands and New Zealand from May 24. Ardern said Niue is the next addition to the list, stressing that opportunities will be explored on quarantine-free travel with other countries although the task is “not without risk and complication”. The Prime Minister did not give any specific plans but promised that New Zealand will “keep an open mind”. Ardern will lead a trade delegation to Australia in July, which will be her first overseas travel since the pandemic started last year. In June, Trade Minister Damien O’Connor will travel to London and Brussels to discuss free trade agreements with the UK and the European Union.

JAKARTA (INDONESIA) MAY 13 (AP): Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr in a subdued mood for a second year Thursday as the COVID-19 pandemic again forced mosque closings and family separations on the holiday marking the end of Islam’s holiest month of Ramzan. Worshippers wearing masks joined communal prayers in the streets of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. T h e wo r l d ’s m o s t populous Muslim-majority nation allowed mosque prayers in low-risk areas, but mosques in areas where there was more risk of the virus spreading closed their doors, including Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia. Indonesians and Malaysians were banned for a second year from travelling to visit relatives in the traditional Eid homecoming. “I understand that we all miss our relatives at times like this, especially in the momentum of Eid,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in televised remarks. “But let’s prioritise safety together by not going back to our hometowns.” Despite the similar ban a year ago, the number of daily cases in Indonesia had picked up by 37% three

K Y M C

Htar Htet Htet

“The time has come to fight back. Whether you hold a weapon, pen, keyboard or donate money to the prodemocracy movement, everyone must do their bit for the revolution to succeed.” It was not clear which rebel base was Htet Htet undergoing training and for how long. She did not reveal further details, but her appeal to fight the junta may boost recruitment to the Bamar urban insurgent groups. “Htet Htet is quite an icon among the Burmese youth, beautiful and sexy but very political and socially conscious,” said her friend, who is another beauty queen and presents a popular TV program. But she asked not to be identified for obvious reasons. “She is quite a draw and very courageous. I wish I could do what she did.” These Bamar groups

one soldier. Israel’s military has attacked around 600 targets in the Gaza Strip, including rocket production and storage facilities. A tunnel was also targeted that Conricus said was used partially to hide fighters and was built under a school in a populated area.Conricus did not give concrete answers on how much arsenal the Palestinian militants have. They had a very large amount and still have a considerable quantity, he said.Israel blames Islamist Hamas, the de facto rulers of the Gaza Strip, for any attacks from Gaza.

Joe Biden

India, there is the potential for additional variants that could pose a serious threat to a vaccinated America,” Sherman said. In the letter, the Congressmen relayed to the administration that India remains in need of additional medical equipment, supplies and other vital resources to emerge from this crisis. They requested the administration to provide oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, oxygen generator plants, cryogenic oxygen tanker/container, Remdesivir, Tocilizumab and ventilators/BiPAP to

India. It is also in the US interest that everyone in India be vaccinated, the Congressmen wrote. “To the extent it is possible, we hope that you will work to provide India with vaccines,” they said. “With this in mind, we welcome recently announced plans to make available sources of raw materials to help India manufacture more vaccines. Further, we ask that you share with India surplus doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as possible,” the Congressmen wrote.

Virus stifles Eid al-Fitr celebrations for 2nd year Mt. Everest records 1st deaths

Burmese beauty queen turns rebel

KO L K ATA , M AY 1 3 (IANS): Burmese beauty queen Htar Htet Htet has turned rebel, promising to bring down the brutal military junta in Myanmar or die fighting it. Htet Htet represented Myanmar in the first Miss Grand International beauty pageant in Thailand in 2013. Eight years later, the 32-year-old fitness instructor, who contested against 60 participants, has joined ethnic armed groups in Myanmar’s border regions. Hundreds of ethnic Bamars or Burmese, angered by death of protesting comrades in military/ police firings, have joined the newly-formed urban rebel groups like the Federal Army and United Defence Force. Nearly 800 Burmese have been killed in these indiscriminate firings. Like Htet Htet, these angry youths are now training in weapons use and guerrilla tactics in bases of Myanmar‘s old ethnic rebel armies like the Karen National Union. Some may have returned already to Burmese cities for action. The former beauty queen recently posted her pictures with an assault rifle in her Burmese Facebook page, in which she wrote:

(IANS): Palestinian militants have now fired more than 1,600 rockets from Gaza at Israel since the latest flare-up of fighting began earlier this week, Israel’s military said on Thursday. Around 400 went down over Gaza, dpa news agency quoted military spokesman Jonathan Conricus as saying. The success rate of Israel’s Iron Dome aerial defence system continues to average around 90 per cent at intercepting rockets, he added. Seven people have died in Israel since the rocket launches began on

are believed to be responsible for individual assasinations and select strikes against police informers and on an off-take station in the Chinese financed and operated oil-gas pipeline connecting terminals in Myanmar’s Rakhine province and China’s Yunnan province. Chinese interests have become target because most in the pro-democracy movement see Beijing as the principal backer of the Myanmar military regime. “That will be further reinforced by the junta’s recent clearing of 15 foreign investment proposals, almost all Chinese. Beijing is having a windfall backing a blood thirsty junta which is shooting its own boys and girls like flies,” said Kolkata-based Myanmar watcher Amrita Dey, who edited a volume on Burmese democracy movement.

Muslims offer prayers during the first day of Eid al-Fitr, at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Thursday. (AP)

weeks after the holiday. Similar patterns followed other holidays in the country that has counted 1.7 million infections and more than 47,600 fatalities from COVID-19. The Jakarta governor also ordered malls, restaurants and leisure destinations usually packed during the holiday period to shut. With no congregational prayers at mosques, no family reunions, no relatives bearing gifts and cookies for children, “Eid is not a grand event anymore,” Jakarta resident Maysa Andriana said. “The pandemic has changed everything... this is too sad!” she said. While police set up highway checkpoints and domestic flights

American India Foundation raises USD25 millions WASHINGTON, MAY 13 (PTI): An Indian-American non-profit body has raised USD25 million for COVID19 assistance to India as the country battles a severe outbreak of the viral disease, its functionaries said. “So far, we have ordered and have commitments for 5,500 oxygen concentrators, 2,300 hospital beds, 25 oxygen plants, and 30,000 nonelectric ventilators,” Nishant Pandey, CEO of the American India Foundation (AIF), told PTI on Wednesday. AIF, which was founded in the aftermath of the Gujarat earthquake at the initiative of the then US President Bill Clinton and the then PM late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has raised USD25 million so far, making it the highest amount raised by an Indian-American non-profit body. “The response has been immense and humbling from AIF’s perspective. We have always worked closely with the Indian-American diaspora but the giving we have seen is beyond that and includes those in the community that was not previously connected to AIF,” Pandey said.

and other modes of transportation were suspended, anxiety lingers that people will defy the prohibition. Television reports showed city dwellers hiding on disguised trucks or fishing boats and officers at roadblocks being overwhelmed by desperate motorists. “ We f o l l owe d t h e government decision that banned us visiting my parents for Eid last year, it’s enough! Nothing can stop me now,” said factory worker Askari Anam, who used alleys and shortcuts to avoid being stopped from visiting his hometown. “Of course I’m worried,” he said when asked about possibly contracting the virus. “But I leave it to God.”Health Minister Budi

Gunadi Sadikin expressed concern of a virus spike and feared people would travel despite the ban. In the southern Philippines, coronavirus outbreaks and new fighting between government forces and Muslim insurgents in one province prevented people from holding large public prayers. Instead, most hunkered down in their homes, while in Maguindanao province, many families displaced by recent fighting marked the holiday in evacuation camps. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin unexpectedly announced another nationwide lockdown from Wednesday until June 7 to curb a spike in cases. Inter-state travel and all social activities are banned, which means that like in Indonesia, Muslims cannot visit each other or family graves. Muhyiddin acknowledged that many are angry with the lockdown but defended the need for drastic measures, saying hospitals have almost reached their capacity. Malaysia re por ted 4,765 cases on Wednesday, pushing its tally to 453,222, nearly fourfold from the start of the year. Deaths also rose to 1,761.

of 2021 climbing season

KATHMANDU, MAY 13 (IANS): Two climbers have died near the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first fatalities of the 2021 expedition, their expedition agency said on Thursday. A Swiss and an American national died during the final ascent of the world’s tallest peak, according to Mingma Sherpa, chairman of the Seven Summit Treks, an expedition agency based in Kathmandu. “The climbers who were members of our expedition team died during the final ascent,” Sherpa told dpa news agency on Thursday morning. The Swiss climber had successfully reached the summit but began experiencing issues during his descent, while the American died due to snow blindness and exhaustion at Camp

OFFICE OF THE

YANTHAN-TSÜ EKHUNG Hq. - Wokha, Nagaland

OFFICE OF THE

KHAR CITIZEN STUDENTS' UNION

FELICITATION

MANGKOLEMBA

FELICITATION

The Khar Citizen Students' Union Mangkolemba (KCSUM) with immense pride and honour would like to congratulate Miss Ingkumnaro, D/o Mr. Imdongensa Jamir and Mrs. Imnatola Walling for achieving the post of SubInspector in Delhi Police through SSC CPO exams. The Union further wishes her all the very best for her future endeavours. (Takotemsu) President, KCSUM

(Limasenla) Gen. Secretary, KCSUM

IV before reaching the summit, the agency wrote in its Facebook page. Even as Nepal continues to grapple with the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 100 climbers have already reached the world’s tallest peak, while others are expected to make the final push in the next few days. Local media, a climber as well as at least one hospital in Kathmandu have reported Covid-19 transmission among some Everest climbers, a claim which the Nepalese authorities have rejected. Some of the successful climbers of this season so far include Bahraini Prince Mohammed Hamad Mohammed Al Khalifa and Kenton Cool, a Briton who reached the peak for the 15th time, according to the Himalayan Times.

FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, the Nagaland Alumni of LDCE would like to extend a heartiest congratulations to the following members for their achievements. 1. Er. Theruovituo Pienyu, promoted to Executive Engineer, Directorate of Municipal Affairs. 2. Er. Chumbeno Shidio, promoted to Executive Engineer, Urban Engineering Wing, Urban Development Department. 3. Er. Imsapang Imsong, promoted to Mechanical Engineer, PWD (Mechanical). 4. Er. Kilangtemsu, for securing the post of Extra Assistant Commissioner (Cl-I Gazetted Junior Grade) under Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department. The Union further wishes them the best in their future endeavours. Er. Pfutsulo Thasou Er. Metevinu Thol President General Secretary

Yanthan-tsü Ekhung with immense pride and honour, extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. L. Nonghothung Yanthan, S/o Lt. Lidemo Yanthan and Mrs. Lochumlo Yanthan for securing the post of DSP in the recently declared NPSC 2019 results. Ekhung wishes him all the best and success in his future endeavours.

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M. Yanthan IAS Rtd. Chairman Yanthan-tsü Ekhung

OFFICE OF THE

WOKHA CIRCLE STUDENTS’ UNION H.Q. Wokha, Nagaland – 797111

FELICITATION

The Wokha Circle Students’ Union (WCSU) with immense pride and honour would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to the following individuals for bringing laurels to their village and Wokha circle through their meritorious achievement in the recent state and central services exams results securing the following position. 1. Dr. L. Nongothung Yanthan, S/o Lt. Lidemo Yanthan and Mrs. Lochumlo Yanthan, Humtso Village for achieving the post of Dy. Superintended of Police (DSP) in the recently declared NPSC result examination 2021. 2. Mr. Nzanthung Yanthan, S/o Lt Bichamo Yanthan and Mrs. Yibono Yanthan, Humtso Village for clearing SSCCPO 2018 examination for the post of Sub-Inspector (SI) in CRPF. 3. Ms. Jandeno Humtsoe, D/o Mr Yilobemo Humtsoe and Mrs. Tsenlumi Humtsoe, Humtso Village for clearing the recently declared IBPS examination as a Probationary Officer (PO) 2020 in Canara Bank The Union wishes and expresses our profound happiness for their success and achievement and further wishes them the best in their future endeavours. Jonjibemo Tsopoe C. Longshithung Lotha General Secretary, WCSU President, WCSU

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Jacinda Ardern

his apartment building in Gaza City. “That terror is impossible to describe.” Gaza militants continued to bombard Israel with nonstop rocket fire throughout the day. The attacks brought life to a standstill in southern communities near Gaza, but also reached as far north as the Tel Aviv area, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) to the north, for a second straight day. “We’re coping, sitting at home, hoping it will be OK,” said Motti Haim, a resident of the central town of Beer Yaakov and father of two children. “It’s

WASHINGTON, MAY 13 (PTI): Fifty-seven US Congressmen have written to President Joe Biden, urging him to bolster America’s COVID-19 assistance to India. “The sharp increase in cases has overwhelmed India’s healthcare system. We must do our part to quell the virus everywhere it persists,” the lawmakers said in a letter to Biden on Wednesday. “We are extremely concerned with regards to India’s deadly COVID19 second wave. India is now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today marked India’s deadliest day, with 4,205 deaths reported, carrying the total number of confirmed deaths to more than 250,000,” said the letter initiated by Congressman Brad Sherman, the Democratic Chair of the Congressional India Caucus. “India’s latest surge of COVID-19 infections is a humanitarian crisis that requires our assistance. As long as COVID persists in

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throughout Wednesday, filling the sky with pillars of smoke. At nightfall, the streets of Gaza City resembled a ghost town as people huddled indoors on the final night of Ramadan. The evening, followed by the Eid al-Fitr holiday, is usually a time of vibrant night life, shopping and crowded restaurants. “There is nowhere to run. There is nowhere to hide,” said Zeyad Khattab, a 44-yearold pharmacist who fled with a dozen other relatives to a family home in central Gaza after bombs pounded

NZ mulls more quarantine-free bubbles for vaccinated visitors

WELLINGTON, MAY 13 (IANS): New Zealand is considering more quarantine-free travel opportunities for people vaccinated against Covid-19 after the country reopened its borders to Australia and will soon to the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday. “Our goal now is to move towards reconnecting our people to the world,” she said in her pre-Budget speech. Since the trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel started April 19, more than 70,000 people have flied to New Zealand from Australia, and over 57,000 have travelled the other way, Xinhua news agency reported. Quarantine-free travel will start between

a top commander and several other members were killed. A total of seven people have been killed in Israel, including four people who died on Wednesday. Among them were a soldier killed by an anti-tank missile and a 6-year-old child hit in a rocket attack.

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GAZA CITY (GAZA STRIP), MAY 13 (AP): Israel has pressed ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing as many as 10 senior Hamas military figures and toppling a pair of high-rise towers housing Hamas facilities in a series of airstrikes. The Islamic militant group showed no signs of backing down and fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities. In just three days, this latest round of fighting between the bitter enemies has already begun to resemble — and even exceed — a devastating 50-day war in 2014. Like that previous war, neither side appears to have an exit strategy. But there are key differences. The fighting has triggered the worst JewishArab violence inside Israel in decades. And looming in the background is an international war crimes investigation. Israel carried out an intense barrage of airstrikes just after sunrise, striking dozens of targets in several minutes that set off bonerattling explosions across Gaza. Airstrikes continued

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InfotaInment

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

Beijing attempts maiden Mars rover landing Brain implants turn imagined

h e Pe r s eve r a n c e rover which is trundling on the surface of Mars is likely going to get a new neighbour soon as China attempts to land its maiden rover on the Red Planet on Friday. The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) will attempt to land the Zhurong rover, part of the Tianwen-1 spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars since February of this year. China aims to achieve orbiting, landing, and roving on the Red Planet in a single mission. The country has already successfully entered into the orbit of

Mars when it reached the Red Planet in February. According to Global Times, China’s Mars orbiter is carrying seven scientific payloads, while the rover is equipped with six instruments to explore the Red Planet. So far, no country except the US has succeeded in landing rovers on the surface, China will look to change this fact (Russia landed its rover on Venus). As CNSA enters the Martian atmosphere, Chinese scientists sitting at the administration’s headquarters will experience the ‘seven minutes of terror’,

a term used to refer to the loss of communication with the machine hurtling down the surface. It is only after seven minutes -- the machine may have either landed or crashed -- confirmation of the rover’s status reaches Earth due to the massive distance between the two planets. As the lander hits the Martian atmosphere the rover will be tucked under a heat shield, protecting it from the immense heat generated due to friction in Mars’s upper atmosphere. A parachute will be deployed seconds after the heat shield is ejected midway, to slow down the

space probe. Working on similar equipment as the sky crane that lowered Perseverance onto the surface, the Chinese lander will put the rover on the ground. According to CNSA, if the landing is successful, a ramp will be deployed on the lander to slowly roll out the rover onto the surface. The rover which, will land in the Utopia Planitia basin is expected to be in operation for 90 Martian days. It will observe the surface soil characteristics and analyse the surface material composition with reference to the planet’s climate and environment. The Utopia Planitia basin is the same where Nasa’s Viking 2 lander touched down in 1976. CNSA, which is one of the most tight-lipped space agencies, recently released the name of the rover to be Zhurong. “Zhurong is the god of fire in ancient Chinese mythology, which echoes with the Chinese name of the red planet, Huoxing (meaning the planet of fire). Fire brought warmth and brightness to the ancestors of humankind, and fire lit up human civilization,”

it said in a statement. “The name is another example of Chinese aerospace workers’ scientific romance as they have named spacecraft, including Tianwen, Chang’e, and Beidou, after Chinese traditional culture, which also shows the Chinese people’s spirit of exploration and cultural confidence,” Wu Yanhua, deputy director of the CNSA said. China launched its Mars probe, Tianwen-1, on July 23, 2020. The spacecraft, consisting of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover, entered the parking orbit of Mars on February 24, 2021. Beijing used its homegrown Long March-5 rocket, a heavy-lift booster to launch the maiden Mars mission. Meanwhile, to facilitate smooth communication with the Mars mission, China also built a 70-meter reflector antenna in Wuqing District, Tianjin, Global Times reported. The antenna that started functioning in October 2020 is high-performance equipment that stretches 72 meters in height and weighs 2,700 tons, composed of 1,328 high-precision panels. (India Today)

handwriting into text

lectrodes in a paralyzed man’s brain turned his imagined handwriting into words typed on a screen. The translation from brain to text may ultimately point to ways to help people with disabilities like paralysis communicate using just their thoughts. A 65-year-old man had two grids of tiny electrodes implanted on the surface of his brain. The electrodes read electrical activity in the part of the brain that controls hand and finger movements. Although the man was paralyzed from the neck down, he imagined writing letters

softly with his hand. With an algorithm, researchers then figured out the neural patterns that went with each imagined letter and transformed those patterns into text on a screen. From his brain activity alone, the participant produced 90 characters, or 15 words, per minute, Krishna Shenoy, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at Stanford University, and colleagues report May 12 in Nature. That’s about as fast as the average typing rate of people around the participant’s age on smartphones. The thought-to-text system worked even long

after the injury. “The big surprise is that even years and years after spinal cord injury, where you haven’t been able to use your hands or fingers, we can still listen in on that electrical activity. It’s still very active,” Shenoy says. T h o u g h t - p owe r e d communication is still in its early stages (SN: 4/24/19). Research with more volunteers is needed, but “there’s little doubt that this will work again in other people,” says Shenoy. The researchers plan to test the system with a person who has lost both the ability to move and speak. (Science News)

Hall of Fame a sham not to include Sykkuno on why GTA RP Shekhar Suman warns against random forwarded messages has dethroned Among Us Maiden: Gene Simmons S

ISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons says it is “disgusting” that Iron Maiden has yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even though artists are eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall of fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single, iconic hard rock and metal groups like Maiden, Judas Priest and Motörhead have yet to be recognized by the institution, which inducted Guns N’ Roses in that band’s first year of eligibility. Iron Maiden was on the ballot for Rock Hall induction this year but failed to receive enough votes to make the class of 2021. Having been eligible for induction for a decade and a half, Iron Maiden is one of the biggest bands on

the planet. Since the arrival of its self-titled debut album, Maiden has released a further 15 full-length studio records, and sold over 100 million copies. After blabbermouth. net tweeted that Maiden was snubbed by rock hall this year, Gene shared the tweet and included the following comment: “RR Hall of Fame is a sham not to include MAIDEN. Disgusting!” Simmons is not the only member of KISS to argue that Iron Maiden deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Last month, Paul Stanley tweeted: “Regardless of whether it matters to them, Maiden not being in the @ rockhall of Fame is insanity. Regardless of who is writing in or not, the committee must induct them.

They have helped spawn an entire genre of music. What else do you need to do?? @ IronMaiden” Rock hall rules state that artists become eligible a quarter century after their first records were released, but the hall also claims that other “criteria include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock ‘n’ roll,” which is, of course, open to interpretation. Just two weeks after KISS’s induction, Stanley once again slammed the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, saying that the organization “hates” the band and that the Hall Of Fame had “no choice” but to induct KISS after the group’s fans demanded it. (Blabbermouth)

things tend to be cyclical. Games like Fall Guys and Phasmophobia have also seen strong attention before streamers moved on to the next big thing. For those unfamiliar with the NoPixel’s GTA RP, players act out different roles, and the rules force them to stay in character. Sykkuno’s in-game character is Yuno Sykk. The character is known for his incredible kindness to everyone, from criminals to the police. It will be interesting to see whether or not the GTA RP can continue to find this sort of attention, and how long it lasts. Gamers are constantly moving on to the next big thing, and Twitch is a reflection of that. As long as viewers continue to tune-in to see streamers like Sykkuno, xQc, and Pokimane play the game, it seems NoPixel’s GTA RP server will continue to find a lot of success on Twitch. (Comic Book)

NK Naga, renowned Naga Hindi singer, was recently appointed by Join Films Bollywood, to sing for their music channel and also to feature in the video. It can also be noted that NK Naga is the only Naga Bollywood playback singer from Nagaland to work with renowned production house in Bollywood level.

Apex Legends threaten bans for players who abuse ‘Ghost Rock’

game-breaking texture glitch has been recently discovered in Apex Legends, but Respawn Entertainment has already promised bans for players who dared to abuse the exploit. A different yet equally annoying bug happened in the game a few days ago when players stumbled upon a completely vanished map. The recent Apex Legends world map glitch resulted in a completely missing playable area at the start of a battle royale round. Once the match started, players discovered they had nowhere to land since pure nothingness was waiting for them below. The entire lobby was trapped in an almost endless skydiving sequence, although gamers were gradually dying after hitting invisible borders of the missing world. The worst part of the whole experience was the fact it happened in a ranked match, making players lose precious RP. Apex Legends’ Legacy season has introduced anK Y M C

other exploit that allowed players hiding in the rock, and those who abused the glitch would get banned, according to Respawn’s post on Twitter. The notorious exploit was discovered a few days ago on the Apex Legends Arenas’ map Phase Runner. According to the

most recent report, courtesy of Void-Ultiking on Reddit, a “ghost rock” was located near the portal’s exit, allowing players to hide inside of it and attack their unsuspecting opponents. Although a hotfix had to be postponed due to technical difficulties, it has finally gone live today.

According to Respawn’s John Larson, Associate Live Balance Designer on Apex Legends, the issue has been effectively dealt with. However, the developer encourages players to send them direct messages containing information about glitch abusers who might still be

punished post-factum for what they did. The previous update for Apex Legends introduced a few balance changes to some popular weapons, particularly to the Bocek bow, which some players found overpowered. Bocek adjustments included reduced

He also urged people to encourage all to take vaccine and stop stepping out. “Easy said than done but we need to be really strong during this Pandemic. Urge each other to vaccinate asap to stop the surge and also take extreme precautions

and follow Covid appropriate behaviour. STOP going out for the time being, just STOP,” Suman wrote in a separate tweet. Ea rlier this week, Shekhar Suman tweeted to encourage netizens to help others via social media platforms. He wrote: “The way ppl are helping each other through social media platforms just shows that humanity is still alive and throbbing. People have given their own hospital beds and oxygen cylinders to others who are more needy. The stories are bringing tears in everyone’s eyes.” (IANS)

damage output and slightly increased charge time. On top of that, Respawn decided to nerf Spitfire making it deal less damage per shot and contain fewer bullets in a purple/gold magazine. The very same update was supposed to fix the “ghost rock” issue, although it had to be delayed for a day, as previously highlighted. (Screenrant) Although hugely annoying, the latest rock glitch in Apex Legends isn’t something revolutionary new for the game. Things like that happened several times before, and one of the most infuriating examples dates back to Season 3 when a similar ghost rock allowed whole squads to hide inside of it. Luckily, Respawn didn’t hesitate to fix the most recent glitch as soon as possible, openly communicating with players and keeping them up to date. That’s a sign of great live support, aimed at providing the best experience for the community.

OFFICE OF THE

MAROK DIBUIA SENSO MUNGDANG Dibuia, Mokokchung : Nagaland

FELICITATION

The Marok Dibuia Senso Mungdang with immense joy and honor, extend our heartiest congratulations to one of its bonafide citizen Shri. T. Sanny Pongener on his promotion to the post of Director of Sericulture Department, Govt. of Nagaland. The Mungdang prays that the Almighty God continue to guide you and grant good health and wisdom to lead your department to greater heights. Sd/Lanupokyim Longkumer President (M.D.S.M)

Sd/Bendangmeren Walling Secretary (M.D.S.M)

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mong Us has found a massive amount of success on Twitch over the last year, but major streamers are increasingly turning to NoPixel’s GTA Online RP, instead. There are a lot of potential reasons for the switch, but part of it comes down to ease. In a recent Just Chatting session, Sykkuno addressed the shift, revealing that it’s simply easier for streamers to hop on GTA RP, while Among Us forces them to find other people to play with. It makes a lot of sense, and it gives streamers like Sykkuno more time to spend playing the actual game, as opposed to setting up. “I think GTA RP you kind of just log on and you can play, there’s people around, you have things to do. I think Among Us was always like you gotta get 10 people, sometimes you can’t invite everyone and some people would get left out,” said Sykkuno. Sykkuno’s explanation makes a bit of sense, but there are other factors at play, as well. Once a game starts to get hot on Twitch, it seems that a lot of the bigger streamers want to get in on the trend. While Among Us has enjoyed a long stretch as one of the more popular games on the streaming platform, these

hekhar Suman on T h u r s d ay wa r n e d netizens against relying on random forwarded messages on WhatsApp. The actor also alleged that pharma companies are floating rumours for their vested interest. “Let’s not play Doctor-Doctor at home. Follow only your physician or any reputed doctor. Don’t just follow anything floating on watsapp. Sieve thru it. confirm, reconfirm. There r all kinds of rumours being floated by pharma companies for their own vested interest,” Suman tweeted on Thursday.

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sports

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

Serena Williams accepts Champions League final moved to Porto wild card to play in Parma

UEFA said 6,000 tickets to both Chelsea and City fans would go on sale on Thursday. “Fans have had to suffer more than twelve months without the ability to see their teams live and reaching a Champions

League final is the pinnacle of club football,” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said. “To deprive those supporters of the chance to see the match in person was not an option and I am delighted that this compro-

Olympic-bound race-walkers test covid positive nEW dELHI, May 13 (IanS): Seven elite athletes, including Olympicbound race-walkers Sandeep Kumar and KT Irfan, have tested positive for Covid-19. “Reports of weekly Covid-19 tests conducted last weekend by SAI have revealed that seven athletes tested positive for coronavirus. Since it is mandatory for Covid-19 patients to undergo 15 days of quarantine and stay inside their rooms, the athletes can’t train outdoors,” a coach told IANS from Bengaluru where the affected athletes are attending a camp. Kumar, 35, qualified for Tokyo Olympics in

Former Manchester United defender Valencia retires

QUITo (ECUadoR), May 13 (IanS): Former Manchester United and Ecuador player Antonio Valencia on Thursday announced his retirement from football because of chronic knee problems. The 35-year-old Valencia made the decision after playing just 15 matches in almost six months for Mexican side Queretaro. “It is a tough decision. I feel mentally strong, I feel good, but there is something that is not right with my body, and that’s my knee,” he told a virtual news conference, Xinhua reports. “It is time to say thanks to this beautiful sport. If I’ve let anybody down, I apologise. I’ve always tried to give my all for my country.” Valencia was capped 99 times for Ecuador’s national team in a career that included a decade at Manchester United as well as spells with Villarreal, Wigan Athletic and LDU Quito, among other clubs.

Powar is head coach of Indian women’s cricket team nEW dELHI, May 13 (IanS): Former India cricketer Ramesh Powar has been appointed head coach of India women’s team, the Indian cricket board announced on Thursday. Powar, in his second stint as national women’s coach, replaces another former India cricketer, WV Raman. “The threemember Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sulakshana Naik, Madan Lal and Rudra Pratap Singh [junior] interviewed the applicants and unanimously agreed on Powar’s candidature,” said a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) statement. Powar, a former offspinner, will be in charge of the senior women’s team. The BCCI received over 35 applications for the post. K Y M C

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February at the National Race Walk Championships in Ranchi, Jharkhand. His gold medal-winning time of 1 hour 20.16 seconds was better than the Olympic qualification time of 1 hour 21 seconds. Irfan, 31, was the first Indian racewalker to win ticket to Japan when he finished fourth in 2019 Asian Race Walking Championships held in Nomi, Japan. His time was 1 hour 57 seconds. Last month, Priyanka Goswami, who has also qualified for Olympics in women’s 20 km race walk, was out of action for 15 days as she tested positive for Covid-19. “Priyanka has recovered and she is back to normal training,” said the coach. Five Indian race-walkers, including two in the women’s category, have qualified in the 20 km event for the Tokyo Olympic Games starting July 23.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

Job 14:1

5 DOB: 12-12-1964 We, the bereaved family members of Late Toniho Aye would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood with us during the time of our grief. Words cannot express our sincere thanks to all for supporting us in kindness and in different ways at the sudden demise of our beloved on 11th May 2021, despite the prevailing situation of pandemic. We convey our special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to: 1. Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima (SBCK). 2. Suruhuto Tokukujo Kuqhakulu, Kohima (STKK). 3. Aichisaghemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (AKK). 4. Aichisaghemi Community, Kohima. 5. Aichisaghemi Community, Dimapur. 6. Shri. Khehovi Yeptho, Advisor, Tourism and Art & Culture, GON. 7. Shri. M.C. Konyak, Ex-Minister. 8. Shri. Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, APC. 9. Officers & staff of the Department of Art & Culture. 10. Mrs. Ahola Those, IAS, Comm & Secy, Art & Culture. 11. Mrs. Adela M. Thong, Addl. Director, Art & Culture. 12. Mrs. & Mr. V. Visheto Yeptho, 4th Mile Dimapur. 13. Mrs. & Mr. Hokito Jakhalu, Kohima. 14. Mrs. & Mr. Hukato Yeptho, Kohima 15. Mrs. & Mr. Lukheto Yeptho, Kohima. 16. Mrs. & Mr. Khuvishe Aye, Kohima. 17. Mrs. & Mr. Kughato Rochill, Kohima. 18. Doctors & nurses, Bethel Hospital, Kohima. 19. High School, Bayavu, Sepfuzuo Fellowship (HBSF). 20. Surumi Community, Kohima. 21. Sumi Community (Old Ministers Hill). 22. Ministers Hill Sumi Youth Fellowship. 23. Living Tree School, Tsiepugei Kohima. 24. Sumi Welfare Society, Directorate of Art & Culture. 25. Ministers Hill Kuposhukulu (SBCK). 26. Integrated Extension Training Centre (IETC) friends. 27. Friends, neighbours and well-wishers. We deeply regret our inability to mention and thank each and everyone individually, but it is our earnest prayer that the Almighty bless you abundantly for being with us during our time of grief. From Loving Wife, Sons, Daughters & Relatives.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Serena Williams

definitely different on clay to make that last adjustment.” Williams is preparing for the French Open, which starts at the end of the month. Venus Williams, Serena’s sister, also accepted a

1932 to 06-05-2021

We, the family members of Late L. Hotovi Yepthomi, founder of L.Hotovi Village would like to express our profound gratitude to all the organisations and individuals who shared in our bereavement from the time of his brief illness till he left for his heavenly abode on 6th May 2021. Through this column, we would like to acknowledge one and all who supported us physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially during our darkest hour. We are truely indebted to you all and even though we cannot thank each one of you personally, it is our prayer that God Almighty shower His richest and unceasing blessings upon each one of you. DC-438

Loving Wife, Children, Son in law, Daughters in law, Grandchildren and All Loved Ones.

wild-card invitation, organizers said. The clay-court event in Parma, which was added to the calendar amid the coronavirus pandemic, starts Sunday.

CONDOLENCE We were always afraid of losing you because we love you so much. When heard the news we were losing you we didn't know what to do or say. But we know you're not leaving us just going to a better place. Loving Mom, Dad , Sisters, Brothers and Relatives.

Rekha Rajbonshi

02/08/1993 – 12/05/2021

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

We the Iphonumi Students' Union (ISU) have expressed deep pain over the demise of Rev. K. Tohovi Aye, Police Pastor, 8th NAP Naltoqa who passed away on 10th May 2021 at Thahekhu village, Dimapur. Late Rev. K. Tohovi Aye was a man of a pioneer in many fields. He founded Iphonumi Students' Union in 1985. He was the first Matriculate and Graduate from Iphonumi Village as well as the First Iphonumi Ordained Reverend. In 1984-85, he worked as Executive Secretary in Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Akukuhou Kukhakulu (SABAK) which reflected him as the First ES (SABAK) in church history. His demise will be a great loss to ISU and Iphonumi people in general. His revolutionary and visionary work can never be replaced. The Union conveys our condolences to his bereaved family members and prays that the Almighty God provide solace and comfort as his departed soul rest in eternal peace. We would cherish his legacy and actions and follow his footprint in our hearts. Amatoli K. Swu Kito P. Swu President, ISU General Secy, ISU

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for the guests and broadcasters required by UEFA to attend the game. But Portugal is among the 12 territories that England is allowing people to return from without quarantine beginning next week.

PaRMa, ITaLy, May 13 (aP): Serena Williams has accepted a wild-card invitation to play at the EmiliaRomagna Open in Parma starting this weekend. The move came immediately after Williams lost in straight sets to Nadia Podoroska at the Italian Open on Wednesday in her first match in nearly three months. “Maybe I do need a few more matches, so I’m going to try to figure that out with my coach and my team and see what we would like to do,” Williams said after losing to Podoroska, a semifinalist at last year’s French Open. “I have been training for months, but it feels

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A view of Estadio do Dragao in Porto.

mise has been found. “After the year that fans have endured, it is not right that they don’t have the chance to watch their teams in the biggest game of the season.” Last year’s final, which was also moved from Istanbul to Portugal, was played without fans in Lisbon as Bayern Munich won. “We accept that the decision of the British Government to place Turkey on the red list for travel was taken in good faith and in the best interests of protecting its citizens from the spread of the virus but it also presented us with a major challenge in staging a final featuring two English teams,” Ceferin said.

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L o n d o n, M ay 1 3 (PTI): The all-English Champions League final will be held in Porto with 12,000 fans from Chelsea and Manchester City, UEFA confirmed Thursday. The May 29 showpiece was moved from Istanbul to the 50,000-capacity Estádio do Dragão due to England imposing tougher pandemic travel restrictions on Turkey that would have prevented fans flying in. The initial alternative had been to use Wembley Stadium in London, but talks with the British government stalled on Monday over being able to secure quarantine waivers

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sports

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur FriDaY, maY 14, 2021

Djokovic into Italian Open Chelsea’s UCL push hit by loss to Arsenal quarter-finals as fans return

LO N D O N, M AY 1 3 (AGENCIES): Chelsea slipped up in their push for a Champions League spot when they lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday with Emile Smith Rowe’s first-half goal settling the London derby after a defensive mix-up by the hosts. The visitors capitalised on a wayward back pass by Chelsea’s Jorginho to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who scrambled back to palm it off the line. The ball fell to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who cut it back for Smith Rowe to score in the 16th minute. Chelsea, who play Leicester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday and Manchester City in the Champions League final on May 29, dominated possession but largely failed to break down Arsenal’s defensive lines. Kai Havertz spurned a glorious chance to put Chelsea ahead in the 11th

Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud misses a chance to score during the Premier League match with Arsenal.

minute when the German dispossessed Arsenal defender Pablo Mari, ran through on goal but fired over when he looked certain to score. The Blues turned up the tempo as the final whistle approached and almost

drew level in the 90th minute when Kurt Zouma’s header was tipped onto the crossbar by Bernd Leno only for former Gunner Olivier Giroud, on as a sub, to hit the bar as well with a volley on the follow up. The rare defeat under

coach Thomas Tuchel - his third in his 26th game in all competitions - left Chelsea in the last of the Premier League’s four Champions League qualifying spots with two games to play. They are six points clear of West Ham United who

McGregor tops Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list

Pant gets first jab of Covid-19 vaccine

Conor McGregor

NEW JERSEY, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor was the world’s highestpaid athlete over the last year ahead of soccer players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the annual Forbes list

released on Wednesday. During the 12-month period ending May 1, 2021 McGregor earned $180 million, a figure which includes $158 million from endorsements and the recent sale of the majority stake of his whiskey brand,

Forbes said. Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi was second on the list and set a record as the highestearning soccer player after bringing home $130 million while Portugal and Juventus forward Ronaldo earned $120 million to sit third among the top 10 highest-paid athletes. NFL quarterback Dak Prescott ($107.5 million) of the Dallas Cowboys and four-times NBA champion LeBron James ($96.5 million) rounded out the top five. Forbes said its on-thefield earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned during the 12-month period while off-the-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and licensing income.

NEW DELHI, MAY 13 (IANS): Wicketkee per Rishabh Pant said that he has got his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday. Pant urged people to get the vaccine whenever they are eligible. “Got my first jab today. When you are eligible, please step up and get the vaccine. The sooner we do it, the sooner we can beat this Virus,” Pant tweeted with a photo of him getting the vaccine. Earlier Indian captain Virat Kohli and fast bowlers Deepak Chahar and Siddharth Kaul also said that they had got their first jabs. Pant was captain of Delhi Capitals for the 2021 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following an impressive season with the Indian team in which he played integral roles in their Test series wins away from home against Australia and at home against England.

have three matches left and seven ahead of Liverpool with four. “It’s still in our hands,” Tuchel told Sky Sports. “We had some good results but we have to cope now with a loss.” The German said he took responsibility for the defeat, blaming himself for making too many changes to his starting team. “I’m not happy with my lineup,” he said. “There were too many changes. I should not have done it like this.” Arsenal edged up to eighth spot but have played more matches than Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, who are also pushing for a Europa League spot. “I’m very pleased, we haven’t won here in 10 years so it’s very good to get the result,” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta told the BBC. “It’s a gift because we were pressing through with the right attitude and organisation so you force mistakes.”

in charge of Qatari side Al-Sadd until 2023, it was announced on Wednesday, DPA reports. The 41-year-old has guided Al-Sadd to Qatar Stars League (202021), Qatar Cup (2020 and 2021), Qatari super Cup (2019), Emir of Qatar Cup (2020) and Qatari Stars Cup (2019) success since Xavi becoming coach in 2019. “We achieved a lot matches and titles, and we together, scored goals, won are all very proud of this

success. Getting this kind of support is the best thing any coach can get,” said Xavi, who spent 17 years with Barca, where he won eight LaLiga trophies and four Champions League titles among other honours. “I have everything I could want to do well, and I feel proud to continue with Al-Sadd for an additional two seasons.” Xavi -- who held the record for most Barca appearances

N E W D E L H I , M AY 13 (IANS): India have retained the top spot in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual update of the Test rankings. India are on 121 rating points while second-placed New Zealand are on 120. England over took Australia to take third place with 109 rating points. Australia currently have 108. The West Indies, who beat Bangladesh 2-0 and drew 0-0 with Sri Lanka in series played this year, have moved from eighth to sixth with 84 points, their best position since 2013. The ICC said that the latest update eliminates the results of 2017/18. It rates all matches played since May 2020 at 100 per cent and those of the previous two years at 50 per cent “India’s 2-1 win over Australia and 3-1 win over England over the past year and New Zealand’s 2-0

by saving five match points - in a clinical display. He said his performance had been “at least 20-30% better” than against American Taylor Fritz in his opening match on Tuesday, when he was unhappy with the playing conditions and had been prone to errors. Djokovic will take on fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semifinals after the Greek beat Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.

before it was broken by Lionel Messi this season also denied he has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave Al-Sadd amid Barca links. “This is incorrect,” the former Spain international added. “I have a two-season contract with Al-Sadd, and I respect this contract - and I also respect the official negotiation methods between all parties.”

File photo of Indian cricket team.

series wins over the West Indies and Pakistan have helped them keep ahead of the pack,” said the ICC. Pakistan have gained three points but remain in

Bangladesh have lost five points but remain in ninth position while Zimbabwe have gained eight points but are still nine points behind Bangladesh.

injury lay-offs because of obviously hip surgeries but Forget said the Scot, a Roland Garros finalist in 2016, could probably beat “half of the people in the main draw”.

death. Inter moved on to 88 points - their biggest haul since 2007 - while Roma, who will be coached by Jose Mourinho next season, are now guaranteed to finish no higher than seventh.

Ronaldo reaches 100 goals for Juve in vital win at Sassuolo

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100th goal for Juventus in all competitions helped keep alive his side’s hopes of a top-four Serie A finish after a 3-1 win at an impressive Sassuolo on Wednesday. The result was not easy to come by for Juve, with returning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon saving an early penalty, but goals from Adrien Rabiot, Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala meant they stayed fifth, two points off the Champions League qualification places. Buffon, who announced this week that he is leaving the club at the end of the season, replaced Wojciech Szczesny in goal and immediately showed he has lost Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic celebrates scoring their first goal with Nicolo Barella none of his ability as he brilliantly kept out Domenico and Andrea Ranocchia during the Serie A match against Roma. Berardi’s spot-kick. The chances kept coming for the home side, and M I L A N , M A Y 1 3 ners for the first time in Coach Antonio Conte (AGENCIES): Champi- 11 years, Inter showed no has resisted resting too their profligacy proved costly as Rabiot drilled home ons Inter Milan stretched sign of letting up as goals many players as the season the opener in the 28th minute, before Ronaldo reached their unbeaten Serie A run from Marcelo Brozovic, comes to a close, and a another milestone just before the break with a cool finto 20 games as they eased Matias Vecino and Romelu strong Inter side burst into ish from the edge of the area. Sassuolo continued to do everything but score, to a 3-1 victory over AS Lukaku preserved their 13- a two-goal lead inside 20 Roma on Wednesday. point lead at the top with minutes thanks to well- until Giacomo Raspadori finally beat Buffon just before Crowned Serie A win- two games to play. taken goals from Brozovic the hour mark.

fifth position. South Africa are in seventh position, equaling their lowest in Test ranking history, while Sri Lanka are next on the list.

Murray ‘deserves’ French Open wildcard, says tournament director Forget

Champions Inter see off Roma to stretch unbeaten run and Vecino. Edin Dzeko set up Henrikh Mkhitaryan just after the half-hour mark to give Roma hope of a comeback, but Inter’s top scorer Lukaku made sure of a fourth successive win at the

Novak Djokovic

The previous rounds of the tournament had been held behind closed doors but on Thursday the venue welcomed back spectators with 25% capacity allowed. “It was not good, it was great. I missed the crowd,” the five-time champion Djokovic, 33, said. “It was nice to see them back.” After losing his opening service game, Djokovic went on to outclass his opponent - who staged some late resistance

India retain top spot in ICC Test rankings

Xavi extends Al-Sadd contract, ends Barca speculation M AY 1 3 , B E R L I N (IANS): Xavi has signed a new contract with Al-Sadd to put an end to speculation linking him to La Liga giants Barcelona. A Barca great, Xavi has long been tipped to return to Camp Nou as head coach -- firstly before Ronald Koeman’s appointment at the start of 2020-21 and after Joan Laporta’s presidential election victory. But Spaniard Xavi will remain

PARIS, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): World number one Novak Djokovic reached the Italian Open quarterfinals for the 15th time in a row with a straight-set win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The defending champion dropped his opening serve but recovered immediately to beat the Spanish qualifier 6-2 6-1. He was bad-tempered in his previous match but here he was serene as he savoured the return of fans in Rome. Second seed Rafael Nadal is in action later on Thursday when he takes on Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. Meanwhile, Britain’s Andy Murray is back in doubles action alongside Liam Broady when they face Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Romania’s Horia Tecau - the eighth seeds - in the second round.

PARIS, MAY 13 (AGENCIES): Andy Murray has entered the qualifying rounds for the French Open later this month but tournament director Guy Forget said the former world number one “deserves” a wildcard spot for the claycourt Grand Slam. Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray has fallen to 123rd in the world rankings after long

Wildcard spots for the May 30-June 13 tournament have not been handed out yet, while the qualifying rounds begin on May 24. “I know that Andy entered the qualifying (rounds), I know he’s practising right now in Rome, I saw him play some games and sets with Novak Djokovic,” Forget told reporters. “Andy is a great player, he sure deserves one (a wildcard). It is a discussion we have to have with him and our team. We want to see him in good shape, I hope he feels well. “He hasn’t played any matches yet, which is

what any player wants to do before committing to a big tournament, especially when you are going to play the best-of-five sets.” Murray, 33, missed out on the Australian Open due to quarantine protocols after contracting the novel coronavirus and has played only eight matches this year after a groin injury ruled him out of the Miami Open in March. read more Murray is playing in the Italian Open but only entered the doubles competition where he is paired with fellow Briton Liam Broady. “ I t ’s t h e Fr e n c h Open’s decision what they want to do,” Murray told the BBC. “I’d love the opportunity to play there but I also respect they have lots of good players, lots of players ranked between 120 and 160. I haven’t been fit for the last three or four months.”

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