19 May 2021

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DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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Dimapur to get 176-bed Covid hospital acknowledged the services rendered by frontline workers, particularly by the medical fraternity.

“They have been making significant sacrifices and taking great risk to keep us safe and healthy,” he remarked and called upon all to cooperate and provide assistance to the frontline workers to ease their burden.

Hints at extension of lockdown: Meanwhile, as the State grapples to break the chain of Covid infection, Rio hinted that the current total lockdown, which was to end on May 21, in the State could be extended, if the situation demanded.

Admitting that the current total lockdown had created great inconvenience to the people, he, however, pointed out that the extraordinary scenario demanded it so.

“We should be prepared that the lockdown may even need to be extended if the situation requires,” Rio remarked and sought cooperation from all to ensure that lockdown regulations were not compromised for the sake of everyone’s safety and health.

He called upon the

people to be extra cautious and be extremely vigilant so that the virus did not spread to rural areas, which could have far-reaching consequences.

“Weeks and months ahead may be very difficult with greater challenges,” he commented.

Stating that every citizen was a member of Team Nagaland, he said, “We will finish this fight as one Naga family.” (See Advt on p-3) Later, the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues and other senior officials, held a videoconferencing with all deputy commissioners-cum-chairmen of district task forces on Covid-19.

“Discussed the prevailing situation in the districts, preparedness, status of vaccination, testing & took decisions on further plan of action,” Rio later tweeted.

Taking note of the financial support required as presented by the District Task Forces (DTFs), HPC spokespersons, minister Neiba Kronu and adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon said that the committee agreed to provide more funds depending on the requirements of the DTFs.

State logs another highest single-day spike of 365 cases; 12 Covid deaths

Churches ready to work with Govt to fight Covid-19

CM hints at extension of total lockdown D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): To augment bed capacity amid the surge in Covid-19 cases across the State, particularly in Dimapur district, chief minister Neiphiu Rio announced the decision to set up a new 176-bedded Covid hospital in Dimapur and also “emergency care facilities” for the medical fraternity.

Addressing citizens of the State virtually on Tuesday, he admitted that the State healthcare system had not reached its desired standards, but he assured that the government was making all-out efforts to protect them.

“Our healthcare facility may not be the best, but in the past few years we made significant investments, resulting in improvements and upgrade of our healthcare facilities,” he claimed.

Rio, however, stressed that this was not the time to dwell on the past, but focus on the present and be pre-

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): Nagaland has once again recorded the highest ever single-day spike of 365 Covid-19 positive cases on Tuesday while 12 more succumbed to the infection.

Of the fresh cases, 195 were reported from Dimapur, 108 from Kohima, 13 from Zunheboto, 12 from Phek, 11 from Longleng, 10 from Mokokchung, eight from Peren, four from Mon, two from Kiphire and one each from Tuensang and Wokha, taking the total caseload to 18714.

The death toll further rose to 228 after nine more Covid fatalities were reported in Dimapur and three in Kohima (217 Covid deaths and 11 non-Covid deaths with Covid positivity).

Meanwhile, a total of 249579 eligible persons have been inoculated against Covid-19 (195691 first does and 53888 second dose) On vaccination for 1844 years age group, it was learnt that next drive will be carried out ay 24 and 25 across the state. Though registration process is opened online every Wednesday at 9 a.m., the government has informed that all the slots for Kohima, Mon and Longleng were booked.

This is it!

“They say these are not organic because these are not exotic items.”

K Y M C

Neiphiu Rio

pared for the future. “These are extraordinary times. We need to come together and work united,” he added.

He also acknowledged the support provided by the Centre and all well wishers for enabling the State to improve its healthcare facilities Rio assured that the government was ramping up vaccine drive in the State with procurement of more vaccines.

Acknowledging the contribution of everyone, he appealed to all – churches, tribal hohos, civil society groups, political parties and NGOs – to rise up to the occasion by setting aside all differences and work collectively as members of one team for the sake of “our people”.

The chief minister expressed gratitude and

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON MAy 18, 2021 District

Asymptom- Mild atic

Dimapur 2272 128 Kiphire 33 4 Kohima 1260 30 Longleng 29 11 Mokokchung 85 12 Mon 131 10 Peren 21 1 Phek 42 0 Tuensang 65 4 Wokha 22 3 Zunheboto 48 0 Total 4008 203

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic evere Moderate ICU On On (without Oxy- Oxy- ventilagen gen tor) 59 64 33 0 0 0 10 5 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 71 74 37

RecovDeath ered

ICU (On ventilator 13 7131 158 0 41 1 1 4394 39 0 25 0 0 225 7 0 626 2 0 521 0 0 68 2 0 279 2 0 39 1 0 142 5 14 13491 217

Non Covid Deaths MiTotal with gratCases Covid 19 ed Positivity 10 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 11

449 10317 0 79 91 5834 9 74 19 350 12 782 1 544 0 112 2 353 2 67 3 202 588 18714

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

India records highest one-day Covid deaths PTI: India’s COVID19 death toll climbed to 2,78,719 with a record 4,329 fresh fatalities, while the single day rise in coronavirus cases stood at 2.63 lakh, the lowest in 28 days, the Health Ministry data stated.

The country reported a total of 2,63,533 new cases in a span of 24 hours, taking the total tally of COVID19 cases to 2,52,28,996, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 2,59,170 cases were reported in a span of 24 hours on April 20.

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The active cases further reduced to 33,53,765 comprising 13.29% of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 85.60%, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,15,96,512, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.10 per cent, the data stated.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (NPN): Church leaders of the State have expressed their willingness to come forward to wholeheartedly work with the State government agencies to fight Covid-19 pandemic together.

They conveyed this to state chief secretary J Alam when he, along with other senior officials and State Covid-19 War Room members, held a video conference with church bodies like Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Diocese of Kohima, Catholic Church, Nagaland Christian Revival Church and Pentecostal Church, a DIPR report stated.

After getting the views and concerns of church bodies, various issues were also discussed including education and awareness on Covid-19 and health appropriate behaviour.

The church leaders also agreed to provide volunteers to assist in the management of Covid-19 care centres run by the government as support staff and services and also training and dissemination of Covid-19 appropriate information.

Ao Senden calls for extension of total lockdown MOKOKCHUNG, MAY 18 (NPN): Ao Senden has urged the state government to extend lockdown and also provide financial assistance to all the district task force (DTFs). In a representation to the chief minister, Ao Senden vice president I Imkong Jamir and general secretary Imtipokyim expressed apprehension that there could be community spread with rapid increase in Covid cases and casualties with each passing day endangering the lives of the people.

Therefore, in order to break the chain of transmission and in the larger interest and safety of the people of Nagaland, the Senden has appealed to the state government to extend lockdown till the situation returned to normalcy. Further, asserting that the smooth functioning of different DTFs was being hindered due to financial restraints, the Senden urged the government to allocate enough financial assistance.

Ao Senden has acknowledged the concerted effort of the government besides the “paramount sacrifice” put in by the frontline workers under the leadership of the chief minister.

Tokyo doctors call for cancellation of Olympic sPorts, Page 8

Efforts being made to ramp up Covid vaccine supply: PM Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (NPN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said that continuous efforts were being made to increase the supply of COVID-19 vaccine on a very large scale and added that the Health Ministry was streamlining the system and process of vaccination.

Interacting with field officials from states and districts through video conference, the Prime Minister spoke about how getting vaccinated was instrumental to lowering the severity of the disease and reducing hospitalisations and mortalities.

He said that attempts were being made to give a schedule of the next 15 days to the states in advance.

Stressing on the need to stop vaccine wastage, Modi said the convenience of the people increases when information of bed availability and vaccine availability were easily made available.

In the same way, he said black marketing should be curbed and strict action should be taken against

identification of suitable and strategically-located government health facilities like CHCs, PHCs, UPHCs, SCs, SMHI, TB and CDH for delivery of essential healthcare services, including emergency secondary services.

He also directed that equipments of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) might be temporarily relocated, as and when required, for delivery emergency secondary services. He stressed that some health facilities for delivery of essential services should

be identified as 24x7 facilities. PD directed the DC to widely publicise list of all health facilities identified for delivery of essential services for the information of public at large.

Further, the DC has been asked to put in place a comprehensive HR plan to mobilise manpower. He has been directed to requisition staff from other departments for non-medical and ministerial tasks and pool health care workers (HCWs) from establishments of CMO, MS, etc for medical tasks.

those who do so.

The Prime Minister also said that all the officials have a very important role in this war against Corona like a field commander of this war. He remarked that local containment zones, aggressive testing and correct and complete information to the people are the weapons against the virus.

Modi advised the officials also to take care of the ease of living of every citizen of their district. He stressed on the need to stop infection and at the same time ensure unhindered flow of essential supplies.

He informed that work was being done rapidly to install oxygen plants in hospitals in

DCCI warns against hoarding, unfair price hike D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Tuesday reminded all the shops and business establishments within its jurisdiction not to indulge in hoarding or unfair hike in prices of commodities.

In a press release, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Akashe K Zhimomi informed that the chamber, in coordination with the district administration and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), was trying its

best to monitor the market round the clock. DCCI stated that it has its own public grievance cell to take direct complaints from the public and take necessary action.

However, DCCI lamented that lately some incidents in the marketplace including the May 16 assault of a shopkeeper had raised concerns over the safety and welfare of business community.

DCCI asserted that those incidents were “a result of some unauthorized

organizations/unions or individuals trying to enforce their own diktats on shopkeepers and traders.”

In this regard, DCCI has asked whether the district administration had empowered any organization/union or individuals to conduct checking or raids on shops since such actions were illegal and tantamount to overlapping of jurisdiction.

For grievances related to unfair trade practice, DCCI has requested the public to contact 9436002945,

9402022222 and 700552678 to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, DCCI has claimed that police were enforcing the odd-even traffic system on the National Highway even on vehicles carrying essential commodities or construction materials, which were exempted as per the government directive.

DCCI has, therefore, requested the commissioner of police Dimapur to intervene and issue necessary directive.

Petrol, diesel prices hiked again NJCF calls for state-

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): State-owned oil and marketing companies (OMCs) Tuesday increased the prices of petrol and diesel after one-day hiatus.

According to a price notification of OMCs, petrol price was increased by 27 paise per litre and diesel by 29 paise.

In the national capital Delhi, the price of petrol increased to Rs 92.85 a litre in Delhi while diesel price rose to Rs 83.51 a litre.

After Tuesday’s rate revision, price of petrol in Dimapur surged to Rs.91.66 per litre and diesel price climbed to Rs.86.61 per litre.

In the state capital Kohima,

prices of petrol and diesel rose to Rs.92.60 per litre and Rs.86.37 per litre respectively. The hike - tenth this month - pushed petrol and diesel prices to an all-time high across the country. In 10 increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.46 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.78.

Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. Petrol and diesel prices have been hiked by well over Rs 2 per litre this month, following a gap of almost two months when prices were kept artificially low.

DTF Dimapur asked to make alt arrangements for healthcare services D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): With the designation of District Hospital Dimapur as Covid hospital to tackle surging Covid-19 cases in the district, the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department has called for making alternative arrangements for delivery of essential healthcare services.

In a letter to DC Dimapur, who is also chairman of District Task Force (DTF), H&FW principal director (PD) Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao advised several measures in this regard. These include

Narendra Modi interacts with officials on Tuesday.

every district of the country through PM CARES Fund and these plants have already started functioning in many hospitals.

During the interaction, the officials thanked the Prime Minister for leading the fight against the second wave of Covid from the front. The officials shared their experiences and apprised the Prime Minister about the innovative steps that were undertaken to manage the recent surge of cases. They also informed about the efforts being undertaken to augment the medical infrastructure and capacity building in rural areas. The Prime Minister asked the officials to compile the best practices and innovative steps so that these may be used in other districts of the country.

The meeting was attended by the home minister, defence minister, health minister, chief ministers of various states, member (health) NITI Aayog, health secretary, pharmaceutical secretary, and other officers from PMO, ministries and departments of central government.

The PD ordered the DC to set up Flu Corner and isolation facility in all such health facilities to enable prompt detection and segregation of suspected cases. All ILI & SARI cases as well as admitted patients should be tested as per testing policy, he stated.

Insisting that provision of diet and laundry services should be as per existing policy, Khimiao said NHAK would be the hub for diagnostic and blood bank services, whenever required, for the identified

health facilities. He directed establishment of ambulance services network for timely transportation of patients to various health facilities, adding that a call centre could be set up or contacts details of the ambulance operators be widely publicised for information of public at large.

The PD directed requisitioning necessary vehicles from other departments for transportation of staff and laboratory samples, besides providing necessary security measures at NHAK designated Covid hospital.

wide prayer on May 22

DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (NPN): Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has called for a state-wide payer on May 22 by way of holding prayer walk and family prayer time.

In an appeal to all the denominations, NJCF vice president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino stated that “Coronavirus is real, it is cruel and it has shattered our life, our family and our community.

We live in fear but we must continue to trust God and seek his mercy in a situation such as this.”

He said a time such as this, churches are in prayer for God’s intervention “as we do our part, we must also continue to pray as a Christian majority state so that God will be gracious to us.”

In this regard NJCF has called for a state-wide prayer in two phases Morning prayer walk (4 a.m. to 5 a.m.)-- to pray for protection of the state, where pastors, deacons and church workers have been requested to hold the prayer walk in the colony, village and in towns for God’s protection, claim God’s protection over the people and pray for the sick and the families that are going

through a difficult time.

Evening phase (family prayer from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) where leaders of the denomination have been requested to prepare prayer points and disseminate the information to the pastors for-- prayer of thanksgiving, prayer of confession, pray for special needs, pray for the national/state leaders and policy makers, pray for district administration, pray for the sick and Covid patients for speedy recovery, pray for the global community, prayer for the bereaved family for God’s comfort, prayer for frontline workers, to pray especially for Kohima and Dimapur, the epicentre of the virus, pray for the farmers, prayer for the children those who are outside of the state and prayer for church leaders.

It further appealed to all the denomination to prepare a chain of prayer for the church for the month of June. “Everyone is praying because God will ultimately bring healing and deliverance. But let us dedicate the month June as Covid month of prayer seeking God’s intervention to completely wipe away the virus from our land,’ it added.

K Y M C

2

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Is L o c k d ow n a l s o promoting local entrepreneurs to sell their own products?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

51% 31% 18%

Next Poll

Q: Is there need to provide

food subsidy to the poor to improve their health to fight covid?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MAy 19

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A strong afternoon t-storm

35 27

A t-storm around in the p.m.

27 21

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

33 24

Imphal

A shower; colder in the a.m.

26 21

Itanagar

An afternoon t-storm or two

24 21

Shillong

A t-storm around in the a.m.

23 18

Kohima

A.M. showers; mostly cloudy

24 18

Dimapur

Mostly cloudy

31 23

Mkg

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

24 19

Aizawl

Tuensang A thundershower in spots Wokha

Random Covid testing underway in Dimapur

A thunderstorm in spots

18 15 24 20

Zunheboto Humid; a morning thunderstorm 21 17

Random test being conducted in Dimapur. (NP)

medical team assisted by District Task Force (DTF) D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 has been conducting ran(NPN): Amid the surge in dom Covid testing in order COVID-19 cases in the state, to stop further community Staff Reporter

spread.Out of 170 random samples tested from around Dimapur and Chümoukedima area here, on Tuesday, 21 samples were tested positive.

According to the random testing report, a total of 72 samples were tested from Seithekima, Chümoukedima and Sovima under Chümoukedima area wherein 17 samples were tested positive.

Meanwhile at town area, the samples were collected from Thahekhu, Lhomithi, Kevijau and Signal Angami. Out of 98 samples, four were tested positive.

Indefinite halt on 2-lane road work: SSAALWC

DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (NPN): Owing to the failure of the state government to respond positively to the March 20, 2021 resolution, SARDP Sumi Area Affected Landowners Welfare Committee (SSAALWC) has decided to impose indefinite total cessation of the ongoing 2-lane road project under Sumi jurisdiction (eight villages) with effect from May 17.

While reaffirming its earlier resolutions, SSAALWC convenor Ghuvishe V. Zhimomi and secretary Kakheto Zhimo in a letter to the deputy commissioner Zunheboto, stated that the total suspension of work will be for an indefinite period

till compensations were made to all the beneficiaries.

In this regard, the contractors have been advised to remove all the machineries from site with immediate effect. Failing to do so will invite penalty individually and seizure of machinery(s), it added.

It cautioned that during the protest period, if any law enforcement agency(s) harass, arrest, etc. any genuine landowner(s), the eight villages will collectively take the issue for necessary action. The committee also resolved not to attend any meeting till the compensation amount was sanctioned by the sanctioning authority.

Student bodies back campaign for road connectivity DIMAPUR: Tesen Students’ Union (N) (TSU) Azailong Students’ Union (ASU) and Azailong Youth Organisation (AYO) extended their support towards the movement of students and youth bodies under Tening area for good road connectivity.

In a press release, TSU president Dikugong Esalung and general secretary Haigangbeu Hengame stated that the road condition which had become worse each year was left neglected without proper repair “for more than three decades by the government”.

In this regard, the

union called upon the government not to keep the sanctioned amount on hold but to authorise the concerned contractors and stakeholders to execute the work at the earliest.

It also reminded that the ultimatum served by student and youth bodies of the area was “not just for publicity but the people of the area had become impatient with each passing year”.

TSU while extending full support and cooperation to the student and youth bodies under Tening area for good roads and said they (TSU & youth

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BELOVED FATHER LT. NCHUMTHUNG KIKON

bodies) were part of the movement and would continue to shoulder responsibilities when required.

It called upon the students and youth of every village to be agents for change and development in the area and to extend their continuous support to ensure the complete blacktopping of roads.

Further, TSU also urged them to monitor and ensure that the road was of good quality, once the work began in their respective area.

M e a n w h i l e, A S U president Haigurang and AYO vice president Idalia

expressed displeasure over the government for nonplacement of funds to the immediate demand of the joint bodies for the common cause of the public of Tening area.

The two bodies urged upon the state government to listen to the cry of the concerned citizens of Tening area and to execute the work at the earliest “to show its action of good governance for one and all”.

They hoped that the present government would “leave no stone unturned during the five years of its ruling”.

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

CM, Organisations, NPGs extend condolences

DIMAPUR: State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio has expressed grief over the sudden demise of former president of Lotha Eloe Ekhung Dimapur (LEED) and wife of NDPP general secretary TL Merry, Elizabeth Merry who passed away on Tuesday.

In condolence note, Rio described late Elizabeth as a selfless person who always worked for the welfare of the people, especially those belonging to the marginalised sections of society.

While stating that she made sincere efforts towards women development and empowerment, the CM said that her demise was a great loss to the family as well as the Lotha community.

Further, Rio extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would grant them peace and solace.

Y Patton: Dy. CM and BLP leader Y. Patton in a condolence note described late Elizabeth as one of the strong pillars for Naga women organisations and that in her demise, the Naga women had lost a wise advisor.

The Dy. CM conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Chingwang Konyak: NDPP president Chingwang Konyak on behalf of his family and the rank and file of NDPP conveyed their condolences and prayers to the family of late Elizabeth. Chingwang Konyak said that it was devastating to lose a wife, a mother and grandmother, yet he hoped that the memories would be forever cherished in their hearts.

NCD: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) expressed sorrow over the demise of its former senior councilor late Elizabeth Merry.

A condolence note through its

vice-president (adm) Etsungmomo Kikon and general secretary Thsapongkyu Sangtam prayed for the bereaved family to find solace in the Almighty as the soul rests in peace.

NWD: Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) has expressed deep pain over the demise of NWHD advisor, late Elizabeth Merry. NWHD said late Merry was serving as NWHD advisor from 2019 till date with outmost sincerity. In her passing, NWHD said the hoho in particular and the society in general had lost an eminent leader and that her service to the society would be cherished. NWHD has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

LSU: Lazami Students’ Union (LSU) has mourned at the demise of former president, Khezakeno welfare society, Kohima late Pfüche Koza who passed away on May 17, at NHAK. In a condolence message, LSU president Khuvishe Swu described late Pfüche as a kindhearted and visionary hardworking leader who was at the forefront of strengthening brotherhood ties between the people of Lazami and Khezhakeno village.

RCN: Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) in a condolence note through its RCN president Chingkhiulung Gonmei and general secretary Kidongam Panmei said that the untimely demise of a sincere and dedicated leader was not only lost to for Chakhesang brothers alone but a lost for the entire Naga society.

CPO: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has mourned the demise of Western Chakhesang Hoho treasurer late Shekhoyi Neinu and late Pfüche Koza. CPO said it was unfortunate to

part with them when their service was much sought not only in the capacity they served, but to a greater horizon where they would much contribute towards the community with their extra insight. CPO while conveying condolences to the bereaved families prayed that the Almighty grant solace and comfort and for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace with the Lord.

ENNWU: Eastern Naga National Workers union (NSCN/GPRN) in a condolence note through its convener Moba Chang (CLM) said that the untimely demise of late K. Imlong Chang MLA had created a void for the people of eastern in particular and the Nagas in general. It said that the people had lost another great fatherly figure and the tallest leader whose absence would be hard to replace. The ENNWU conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to grant solace to the departed soul as he rests in peace.

NSCN (I-M): NSCN (I-M) has expressed grief over the demise of ‘col’ Imtimeren Jamir, Naga army of the general headquarters (GHq), Naga army on May 16, who was from Mangmetong village under Ao region. He enrolled in the Naga national service in 1988. In a condolence note through its MIP, NSCN (I-M) said that he served the “Naga nation” with unwavering patriotism until his demise and the void created by his demise would be deeply felt and difficult to fill in. It also said that the office of Longvibu, Naga army posthumously bestowed him the rank of ‘brigadier’ on the May 17 in recognition of his service. Further, NSCN (I-M) conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and for his soul to rest in peace.

YGBA supports 14-day deadline on H&FW department

DIMAPUR: Yimchunger GBs Association (YGBA) has extended its support to the 14-day deadline served

by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Shamator town on non-availability of adequate manpower at S h a m a t o r C o m mu n i t y Health Centre (CHC).

In a press release, YGBA president Lakiumong stated that despite its upgrade since 2014, many

staff were either transferred without reliever or got attached elsewhere. YGBA said that “many posts were lying vacant on ground of death and those vacant posts are yet to be filled up”.

While informing that “Shamator town has a total of 12 COVID-19 positive cases (as of today)”, YGBA said that the authority had not provided enough emergency safety measures and

required facilities to contain the spread of the virus. It said that the primary contract tracing measures for those detected on May 14 were also yet to be undertaken for identification and testing.

In this, YGBA said that lives of the entire subdivision were exposed to the

virus.

As appealed by the CSOs of Shamator town, YGBA therefore requested the competent authority to immediately deploy required manpower and facilities that should have been made available at CHC Shamator within the timeframe set by CSOs.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY Late Arenjenba

DP-2450

OUR BELOVED MOTHER

We, the bereaved family members would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals, friends, neighbors, churches, doctors and nurses who supported and stood by us during our recent bereavement on 10th May 2021.

May our Almighty grant showers of blessing to you all abundantly.

He, said “naked I come from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job 1:21 Loving Wife, Children, In-laws, Grandchildren and Relatives.

MKC-142

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Died on 19th May 2020 On this day, we remember your love and your loving memory fills our hearts, our home and always keeps us alive with the blessings you left and the blessings you shower on us from above.

God’s blessings through you always gives us strength to move on everyday.

We missed you Apo. Loving family members DP-2448

G. SAMUEL ASSUMI Born on 22.07.1980 – Died on 19.05.2020 You left us so soon and so sudden. But God’s plan is greater and better than our’s. You are dearly missed every moment. Rest in eternal peace Sambo until we meet again in His glory.

Loving Wife, Children, Mom & Siblings DP-2457

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

Late Kekhriezhaü Kire Died 11/05/2021 We, the bereaved family members of Late Kekhriezhaü Kire, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us and supported physically, financially and spiritually during her illness and at her demise on 11th May 2021. We pray to God to bless you all abundantly.

Loving husband, sons and relatives K-968 K Y M C

The bereaved family would like to acknowledge and express our heartfelt gratitude for your expressions of sympathy, prayers and all act of kindness extended to us at the demise of our beloved Late Kusubu Chizo on 6th May 2021.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to : 1. Toulazouma Village Council 2. Toulazouma Chakhesang Baptist Church 3. Men Department (TCBC) 4. Youth Department (TCBC) KUSUBU CHIZO 5. Toulazouma Chakhesang 27th SEP 1973 – 6th MAY 2021 Women Society 6. Toulazouma Women Organisation 7. ANTA, Phek Unit 8. United Baptist Church, Toulazouma 9. Phekmi Welfare, Dimapur 10. Toulazouma Phek Union Welfare 11. Phek Basa Union, Dimapur 12. Phekmi Women Welfare, Dimapur Words cannot express how thankful we are for the overwhelming amount of love and support we have received in our moment of grief.

We regret our inability to thank each and everyone personally but it is our earnest prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, children, mom, brother & sisters DP-2451

Lt. Mrs. T. Maongsangla Imchen Wife of Mr. S. Imkong Longkumer (Lirmen) May 16, 1938 – May 15, 2021 We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and sincerely thank to all individuals, friends, neighbors, churches, unions and well wishers who have extended immeasurable help morally, physically, financially and unceasingly prayers for our family during the brief illness and ultimate demise of our beloved mother Lt. Mrs. T. Maongsangla Imchen on 15th May, 2021.

We convey our special thanks to : 1. Shri. TemjenImna Along, Hon’ble Minister Tribal Affairs & Higher Education, Nagaland, Kohima.

2. Dr. Yanger Aier 3. Dr. S. Apong Longchar 4. Dr. Rongsenangla 5. COVID-19 Dimapur District Task Force 6. COVID-19 Task Force, Lengrijan 7. DABA, Sümedem Fellowship We deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually but your considerate act of kindness extended in times of sorrow will always be remembered.

May Almighty God, in return bless you all abundantly.

DP-2454

-LOVING HUSBAND, CHILDREN, IN LAWS, GRANDCHILDREN AND RELATIVES

1937 – 2021 Romans 14:8 - "For if we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then whether we live or we whether we die, we are the Lord's" We, the bereaved family members of Lt. I. Nivishe Rochill, who left us for his heavenly abode on 13/05/2021, would like to express our sincere gratitude for the bountiful prayers, physical, mental and spiritual support during our time of loss. Despite our inability to thank each and everyone individually, we shall always remain indebted and remembering you in our prayers.

We specially want to thank : * Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church * DSBC Notun Bosti/ Riverbelt/ Tea Estate Fellowship * DSBC Town Area Fellowship * WSBAK, Akuvuto * Notun Bosti Ao/Khel Council * Sumi Community, Notun Bosti * Aichisaghemi Community, Dimapur * Sumi Baptist Church, Jalukie Town * Dr. Aoakum Kichu & staff, Eden Medical Centre * Neighbours, friends, relatives & well-wishers "Till we meet again, you shall always be remembered" DP-2449

Loving Wife, Children, Grand-Children & In-laws K Y M C

15,000 Myanmar refugees have entered India: report

FILE PHOTO. Myanmarese policemen, crossed illegally to India, hold the three-finger salute in a temporary shelter in Mizoram. (AFP/Sajjad Hussain)

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (AGENCIES):: The number of Myanmar citizens seeking refuge in India has risen to more than 15,000, an government of India official confirmed, as violent clashes amid the junta’s postcoup crackdown continue throughout the country, RT report stated.

Individuals have been fleeing over the mountain border from Myanmar into the North Eastern

Debojit murder case: KA Police arrest 2 suspects Correspondent DIPHU MAY 18: Karbi Anglong police has arrested two prime suspects for their involvement in the May 15 broad daylight murder of Debojit Singha (20 years) a TDC 2nd year student and resident of Shitalabari locality of Diphu town near Haticamp area.

According to police sources the accused identified as on Francis Engti, a resident of Manja and Waisong Terang resident of Diphu were apprehended by the police from an undisclosed location on Tuesday. Police also recovered the murder weapon, a .22 caliber pistol and three live ammunition from the accused persons. A case under various sections of the IPC was already registered at Diphu Police station soon after the incident, sources added.

Initially, it was suspected that the recently formed Dimasa National Liberation Army was behind the killing. However, after the arrested were made, police were clear to probe into the case and find out the reason behind the murder.

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Northeast/state

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

state of Mizoram since police officers used the route to escape after refusing to participate in the violent efforts to suppress pro-democracy protests in the wake of the February 1 coup.

In April, only around 1,800 individuals from Myanmar had fled into India but the vice chair of Mizoram’s state planning board, H. Rammawi, confirmed on May 18 that the number has now risen to more

than 15,400 and is “increasing day by day.”

Mizoram and parts of Myanmar are tied ethnically, with some families split across both sides of the border, hence the decision for many to seek refuge in the Indian region.

Rammawi said 6,000 Myanmar residents have settled in Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, and the rest are spread out across the state’s five districts. While the influx into the region is being supported by residents and non-governmental organizations, officials have requested additional support from federal authorities.

Monitoring groups in Myanmar have reported that thousands of residents from areas along the border have fled to neighboring countries or into the jungle to avoid the fighting that’s broken out in the wake of the coup. Mindat, near the Indian border, has been put under martial law in recent days as armed forces have sought to suppress the pro-democracy uprising.

ULFA (I) has kept kidnapped ONGC staff in Myanmar: Sarma TITABAR (ASSAM), MAY 18 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday claimed that abducted ONGC employee Ritul Saikia has been “kept somewhere in Myanmar” by the proscribed ULFA (I).

Sarma along with MPs Topon Kumar Gogoi, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, and Pallab Lochan Das, and local MLA Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah visited Saikia’s home at Titabar in Jorhat district during the day and assured his wife and parents that the government was doing everything possible to secure his release.

“We have assured the parents of Ritul Saikia that the government will do everything possible to get him back. As per information with the Assam Government, Ritul Saikia is in a place somewhere in Myanmar along the Indo-Myanmar border,” the chief minister told reporters.

The government also has information that Saikia is safe,

Sarma said.

Ritul Saikia, along with two other employees of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Mohini Mohan Gogoi and Alakesh Saikia, were on April 21 kidnapped by suspected militants of the United Liberatin Front of Asom (Independent) from the Lakwa oilfield in Sivasagar district along the Assam-Nagaland border.

Mohini Mohan Gogoi and Alakesh Saikia were rescued by security forces on April 24 after an encounter with the abductors near the India-Myanmar border in Mon district of Nagaland.

“For his release, various persons have contacted (us) for mediation. Some people have brought information. We are trying to bring him back hale and hearty.

“The government is firmly behind his family in these trying times and is doing its best to rescue Saikia at the earliest,” he added.

Manipur’s Covid death tally crosses 600-mark with 20 deaths in 24 hours Correspondent IMPHAL, MAY 18: Manipur on Tuesday officially crossed the grim milestone of 600 deaths from the COVID-19 virus, a day after its infection tally crossed 40,000-mark.

The total number of people who have died of the COVID-19 virus in the state rose to 612 with 20 deaths in the past 24 hours, the state health department stated in its bulletin updated at 5pm on Tuesday.

The figure was the highest single-day deaths reported for the second time ever since the pandemic hit the state in March last year. Same number of fatalities was recorded on May 11 last.

The data indicates the staggering pace at which deaths have increased since the second wave of the pandemic began in the last week of March this year.

Since May 8, the first day of commencement of the complete curfew in the seven most affected districts of the state, the state has been recording daily deaths of above 10 due to the viral disease.

As per the health department, with nine succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, Imphal East district, the second worst affected district reported the highest number of fatality. The worst affected Imphal West district reported five casualties even as two reported in Churachandpur and one each in Senapati, Thoubal and Ukhrul districts.

The bulletin further showed adding 624 new infections in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall infection tally of the state to 40,683. State’s infection rally had crossed the 40,000-mark on Monday.

Covid cases mount, total lockdown in EKH

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 18: Amid a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths mounting, the Meghalaya government on Tuesday imposed a ten-day total lockdown from 8 pm of May 19 in its worst-hit East Khasi Hills district to break the transmission chain.

“The government has decided that from tomorrow (Wednesday) 8 pm of May 19 to 5 am of May 31 w will impose a total lockdown in East Khasi Hills district,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced after the review meeting chaired by chief minister Conrad Sangma.

On the other hand, Sangma appealed to the citizens to remain indoors during the lockdown period.

“If you develop symptoms please isolate and call 14410 and please follow Covid Appropriate Behaviour even if you are at home. We request all citizens of East Khasi Hills and residents of Meghalaya to kindly adhere and strictly follow the regulations issued by the Government and the respective District Administration,” Sangma said.

The imposition of lockdown is significant in view of the continuous spike of COVID-19 infection and mounting deaths toll in the East Khasi Hills that included the State capital Shillong, which is witnessing an unprecedented spike for the last fortnight.

On Tuesday, the state reported 906 cases, the highest single-day spike since the onset of the pandemic and also 19 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Assam seeks M’laya’s support for ‘oxygen hub’

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 18: Assam Government is going to send a proposal to the Centre to make Assam the oxygen logistic hub for North Eastern states and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday sought the support of his Meghalaya counterpart, Conrad K Sangma in this regard.

“The Assam chief minister has requested the Government of Meghalaya to back the proposal,”

a statement issued by the Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma Tuesday held consultations via video conference with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma on the COVID-19 scenario and cooperation between the two neighbouring states to tackle the emerging situation. The duo discussed cooperation and support which can be extended as the county is unitedly work-

ing to defeat Coronavirus.

Sangma thanked Sarma for the support being extended by the Assam government to provide oxygen to Meghalaya. During the virtual meeting, Sangma requested further cooperation from Assam, in case of any eventuality. Sarma has assured Meghalaya government to provide all necessary support to combat COVID-19.

“Assam will give 100 doses of Covaxin to Meghalaya and also D Type Cylinders,” Sangma informed.

More condole demise of ENPO president Sashi

DIMAPUR: Various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), tribal hohos, Naga Political Groups (NPGs), legislators and individuals have condoled the demise of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) president C Sashi Naga, who passed away in the early hours of 17 May, 2021 at Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR), Dimapur.

TTC: Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has condoled the untimely demise of late C Sashi Naga. In a condolence message, TTC said late Sashi was a man of dedication, straightforward and social worker. TCC said his death was not only a great loss for the people of ENPO but also for the Nagas in genera and that the vacuum caused by his death would be difficult to fill in. Further, TTC has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed to rest in peace.

Kuki Inpi Nagaland: Kuki Inpi Nagaland has expressed deep grief over the untimely demise of C Sashi Naga. In a condolence message, Kuki Inpi said his sudden demise was a great loss not only to the loved ones but also to the society at large and that his contribution, services and wisdom would be missed dearly. Kuki Inpi Nagaland has conveyed sympathy and sincere condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the almighty would provide them solace at this moment of grief, and eternal peace to the departed soul.

CPO: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) said it was deeply saddened on K Y M C

the sudden demise of C. Sashi Naga, who was at the verge of leading his community to greater heights.

In his demise, CPO said not only ENPO people but also the Naga community as a whole has lost a good leader.

CPO has conveyed deepest condolencesto the bereaved family.

LH: Lotha Hoho (LH) has expressed profound sorrow at the demise of C Sashi Naga and has conveyed condolences and sympathy to the ENPO and the bereaved family. In a condolence message, LH prayed that God would grant strength to the bereaved family and ENPO and for the departed soul to rest in peace.

APO:Angami Public Organization (APO) has expressed its deep shock and sadness over the sudden and untimely demise of C.Sashi Naga. In a condolence message, APO said late Sashi was a tall leader who devoted his life in the servitude of the Eastern Naga People in various capacities. In his demise, APO said the Eastern Nagaland family and the Nagas in general have lost a visionary leader and that his immense contributions would always be cherished by all. Conveying heartfelt condolences, APO said it stands with the members of the bereaved family and ENPO family. APO prayed that God almighty would grant peace and solace in this time of untold grief and sorrow, and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

NH: Naga Hoho has expressed profound sorrow over the sudden demise of C Sashi Naga. In a condo-

lence message, NH said late Sashi was a dedicated social worker, who had served the Naga people particularly the ENPO in various capacities and a very humble person.

During his lifetime, NH said he had contributed his best for the welfare of the people adding that Nagas have lost a true son of the soil and that the vacuum created by him would be irreparable.

Further, NH has conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and colleagues and prayed that God Almighty grand peace and comfort to his near and dear ones, and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

NGA: Nagaland Gorkha Association (NGA) has expressed deep shock and anguishes at the sad passing away C Sashi Naga and said that his unexpectedly demise has created a big void and that his leadership and guidance would be greatly missed by the state.

NGA has expressed sincere condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the soul of the departed.

TNL: Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) Ukhrul has expressed shock and sadness at the untimely demise of late C Sashi Naga. In a condolence message, TNL said it stand in solidarity with the people of ENPO at this time of sorrow and grief. TNL has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

RCN: Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) expressed deep grief over demise of C. Sashi Naga and said that his untimely death has been

a great loss to ENPO brothers and the entire Naga society.

In a condolence note, RCN president Chingkhiulung Gonmei and general secretary Kidongam Panmei stated that the vacuum left by his death would be irreplaceable. RCN extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty God comfort them during this period of mourning and grief.

FNR: In a condolence message, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) said late C. Sashi Naga, was an inspiring and promising Naga leader. The forum has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members and to the ENPO. In Sashi’s home going, FNR said Nagas have lost a leader and prayed that the departed rest in Christ.

SKH: Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH) has expressed shock at the untimely demise of late C Sashi Nagaland.

SKH has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

ESH: Easter n Sumi Hoho (ESH) Kiphire has expressed sadness at the sudden demise of late C Sashi Naga.

In a condolence message, ESH said late Sashi worked selflessly for the welfare of the people. In his demise, ESH said Nagas have lost a tall leader whose absence would be difficult to replace and hoped that his good deeds would continue to inspire people. Further, ESH has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and for the departed soul to rest in peace.

(More condolences on www.nagalandpost.com) K Y M C

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXXI No. 162 DImapur, WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

Common people vulnerable

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ven before the lockdown pushed prices, very item in the market has been witnessing steady rise, making essential commodities almost beyond reach of the lower section of society, especially those earnings lesser than rs.10,000 a month. Those earning lesser and especially with many mouths to feed have to grapple with this difficult challenge. Due to lockdown or under the plea of lockdown, the government during the first pandemic made attempts to provide essential and basic food commodities to thousands and this in a way also greatly reduced the quantity meant for those living below the poverty line (BpL). However, for whatever reasons this measure was of great help in the end proved too little too late. The items has been diverted to the open market where one kilogram of rice available under BpL for rs.3 is sold at around rs.20 a kilogram in the open market. The rise is particularly startling in non-vegetable items such as meat, fish or poultry products. a kilogram of pork that used to be sold at around from rs 180 has shot up to around rs.300 per kilogram. Everybody accepts that lockdown has practically cut off or greatly reduced the supply chain. However, this has led to hugely inflated prices of various commodities in the market. The common man is the worst suffer because all he gets from both the politicians and government is lip service. The common people who have to pay sky high prices will continue to suffer because no one is interested in protecting their rights.

This is a grim scenario but it reveals the economic plight that continues to confront several thousand families in Nagaland who are left to grapple with day to day conditions. Government servants may or may not be hit as hard; mainly because they are getting fat salaries and a whole lot of perks . prices of fuel have been raised more than twelve times and the state has also gone ahead in adding cess under the plea of COViD-19. Based on a rough study some time back, this newspaper found that prices of commodities such as vegetables and meat items were spiraling up. The meteoric rise in prices of food items does not augur well for the common people unless there is some serious action on the part of the government. When prices of commodities in Dimapur rise, they have a cascading and multiply effect on the prices in other districts. it is undeniable that lockdown that has pushed up cost of living also poses a serious possible social problem. The authorities have to take a serious view on this issue and ensure that those who manipulate market prices and promote black marketing and profiteering must be discouraged. The challenge is whether the state government can open a kind of local cooperative market to ensure that unscrupulous traders don’t play around and manipulate the market. Tax revenues are set to crash and india’s hitherto relatively stable debt-to-GDp ratio may spike up toward 90%.

Controlling the spread of the pandemic will bleed state resources, leaving little for the welfare measures that will be essential in coming months.

dailydevotion Living Simply— Yet Focused

Look at the birds of the air….Consider the lilies of the field… —Matthew 6:26, 28

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin”— they simply are!

Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon— all of these simply are as well— yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf! So often we impair God’s designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful.

Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, “Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me.” In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you “will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually— just as “the lilies of the field.”

The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and “the lilies of the field”— simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.

If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live— yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.

Quotes

Nothing can be done except little by little. ~ Charles Baudelaire

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

Post-mortem

Design of a new health system could emerge from the Covid crucible

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he big cities battered by Covid-19 are now showing early signs of recovery from the second wave.

There is growing concern now about smaller towns and rural areas where the virus has made inroads.

Rising rates of transmission are superimposed on health systems that have been weak for long and essential health services have not been readily available or reliably efficient.

This is not true, of course, for all of India.

States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have strong health systems that reach remote rural areas. Even there, areas of tribal concentration are vulnerable.

Many states in central and northern India have frail health systems which are especially feeble in rural areas. Infrastructure, health workforce, availability of drugs and other medical supplies, population health literacy and connectivity to higher levels of care are deficient in many districts.

During the first wave, the virus did not have easy passage into rural areas. Travel restrictions, prescribed or voluntary, prevailed even after the lockdown was lifted. Large gatherings were mostly avoided. Even where the virus entered, it had slow transmission as villages have lower population

density than urban areas — people live in relatively ventilated houses and work in open fields. Because co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are lower in rural populations, risk of severe illness and death was also less. Rural health services were not severely challenged during the first wave, except in districts where urban-rural connectivity was high and differences in development were narrow.

However, the events leading to the second wave saw a change of script.

Elections saw vigorous campaigning, huge crowds and frequent visits by outsiders. The Kumbh Mela and regional festivals saw many villagers travel and return with the virus. This time, it was not just the wild virus but also the more infectious variants. Erroneously assumed countrywide herd immunity and lack of anticipation of the second wave became the Trojan horses by which the virus evaded rural defences.

We now need to respond vigorously to contain the threat and limit the damage. The Standard Operating Procedures released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on May 16 for “Covid-19 Containment & Management in Peri-urban, Rural & Tribal areas” are well-

framed and timely. They cover surveillance, screening, isolation and referral; home and communitybased isolation; monitoring of active cases in home isolation; health infrastructure (such as Covid Care Centre at sub-centre or PHC level and a Dedicated Covid Health Centre at CHC or sub-district level); trained human resources; in-patient and out-patient services; clinical management; home care; postCovid management; community mobilisation; risk and behaviour change communication.

The proposed protocols are good in most parts but some areas will need a fresh look or modification. Household visits by frontline health workers for surveillance of Covid symptoms is to be followed

by Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) of any suspected case. While RAT is easier to use than RT-PCR, it has a higher rate of false negative results. Either repeat tests have to be done after a few days in such cases or a composite clinical diagnosis has to drive the decisions for isolation and case management.

Recommended drugs include hydroxychloroquine (which has shown no benefit for prevention or treatment in large clinical trials) and ivermectin (of uncertain benefit as yet,

with WHO cautioning that use should be restricted to clinical trials). Many states may prefer to develop their own treatment protocols which have greater scientific strength.

While primary healthcare teams must indeed conduct household visits for symptom surveillance and case detection, timely testing, triage and referral as needed, home care support and monitoring, they are likely to be hardpressed with multiple duties. Engagement of the local community is vital.

Where available, NSS and NCC resources can be drawn upon. Communitybased organisations, which have grassroots presence, can assist in the delivery of health and social services.

Emergency transport systems that can transfer seriously ill patients to pre-determined points of advanced care and mobile laboratories must be organised with assurance of availability, affordability and equity. Other than for essential needs, commuting between urban and rural areas must be restricted to reduce the risk of transmission. Large gatherings must be prohibited for at least six months.

Va c c i n e d e l i v e r y would depend on availability, which seems constrained at present. Those

aged above 45 years and younger persons with comorbidities must be given priority in vaccination. As the access to and familiarity with smartphones will be limited, primary healthcare teams and citizen volunteers should assist age-eligible persons for registration. Since many persons may be unaware of their blood pressure or blood sugar values, all persons above 30 years of age may be offered screening of blood pressure and blood sugar at the health sub-centre or a convenient location in the village. Point-of-care diagnostic devices can be supplied for this purpose.

Technology-enabled frontline health workers can catalyse the transformation of healthcare, as we configure health systems for the future.

The vaccination drive can serve to advance screening and counselling for hypertension and diabetes. These are integral to the template of comprehensive primary care proposed in the National Health Policy, 2017.

Other health programmes too must be attended to through engagement of communities and NGOs. Supportive social services can be extended through such partnerships.

Decentralised planning, delivery and monitoring are needed at the dis-

trict level, with the district collector and the district health officer mobilising resources and coordinating operations. While support from the police will be essential, public health should not be viewed as a law enforcement issue.

Decentralised, data-driven decision making must be enabled by easily operable and reliable information systems. Essential data must be readily available locally at the block level for real-time alerts and rapid response. Expanded data sets can be analysed at the district level for monitoring and supportive supervision.

More elaborate (optimal) data sets can flow to the state capital level for course corrections and resource allocation. At the local level, qualitative information from key informant interviews must supplement quantitative data to help in identifying roadblocks and solutions.

Perhaps the design of a new health system will emerge from the Covid crucible to serve as the platform for universal health coverage.

K Srinath reddy The writer, a cardiologist and epidemiologist, is President, Public Health Foundation of India.

(This article was first published in Indian Express on May 18, 2021.)

Smartphones and Stresses npp nagaland on present covid situation

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oday, the best way to hush have the coping mechanisms to a baby is to hand them a deal with stress. Social media smartphone. You need to becomes an escape that offers play a video they like and hand temporary reliefs. But what about them the device to make them the long run? stop crying. For instance, our It is true that people who little girl would always demand spend more time on Facebook that we play ‘The Finger Family suffer higher rates of depression Song’ otherwise she would start than people who spend less time all her dramas. on Facebook. This is because we Smartphones undeniably miserably fail to cope with the have a massive impact on our reality of our changing stages world today, especially on the of life. Instead of facing the real younger generation. Even before problems that we have and learncompleting their high school we ing the coping strategies we need, start getting them smartphones we tend to run away from our where they can access the world problems and always try to find at their fingertips. Within a short an escape in other things such as span of time, these children start social media and drugs. Like menbeing obsessed with their smart- tioned before, this badly affects phones, to the point where they our lives that when we are faced literally almost make it a part of with reality, the only thing that is themselves. left for us becomes depression and While the younger teenagers anxiety. Many youths today are are simply onto videos that they addicted to social media. A bigger entertain themselves with, the big- concern is that we want to show ger problem is with the younger the world who we want to be but adults (late teens to early twenties) that which we cannot be because who are onto various social media we are wasting our time on social platforms that are often taking media futilely hoping that it will them away from reality which in provide a shortcut to happiness. most cases proves to be extremely But, on the other hand, happiness defective in the long run. It is to has to be earned. Contentment has be reckoned that for these younger to be earned. Everything worth in adults, it is the time when they ex- life has to be earned and there are perience significant changes both no things as shortcuts. If you take physically and mentally and hence a shortcut to happiness, your hapare always in search of ways to piness will be short-cut. It simply be ably adapted to these changes wouldn’t last like the saying goes that are often stressful and highly ‘Everything worth takes times.’ anxious for them, and given that The younger generation has situation they somehow learn to to understand this today that they rely on drugs and social media. need to find a balance no matter Simon Sinek, one of the lead- how tempting social media is and ing life coaches today says that how dull their studies are. There is using smartphones and engaging nothing wrong with social media, in social media platforms like the problem is the imbalance.

Facebook and Twitter releases a Don’t be on your phone when you chemical called Dopamine which are sitting with your friends. If you is the exact same chemical that are in a meeting, don’t constantly makes us feel good when we look at your phone as if you are smoke, drink, or gamble. This about to win a lottery. Stop checkmeans that like intoxicants, social media platforms are also highly ing your phone every other time addictive as it is evident from inside the church. Otherwise you young people using it to help them are already addicted and that’s a cope with the stress and anxiety really bad sign for your future.

We need to face the stresses of adolescence. It is the same now somehow, otherwise the more reason why we are so obsessed with checking the number of we run from them, the bigger and engagements in our social media. more destructive they become.

In other words, our lives become Keep away your smartphones wholly or partially determined by today and deal with your stresses like a real person. Give yourself social media.

Unfortunately, this becomes some time to really think and hardwired in our brain for the rest not to really distract yourselves. of our lives that when we suffer All you have to do is simply let significant stress we do not turn to the first things first and follow a person but we turn to drugs or the rules of life. Life will just be social media or both. As we grow fine then.

Janghaolun Haokip older, we don’t know how to form Kholep Village, P.O -Motbung, deep meaningful relationships Kangpokpi District, Manipur, because we have never practiced 795107 the skill set, and worse we don’t Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the

N

PP expresses their gratitude to all frontline workers who are relentlessly working at these challenging times and are making remarkable difference by putting their lives at stake. NPP, would at the same time like to thank APC Nagaland, Shri.

Y. Kikheto Sema, (IAS), in effectively handling and trying to curb the situation through his sheer commitment.

Furthermore, in our assessment of the State Government’s measures of tackling the current pandemic we are utterly dismayed by the partial treatment meted out or in better words, relentlessly showing favoritism to the capital. It is disheartening to see how the government is executing a step motherly treatment to the rest of the Districts when Kohima itself is oversaturated with development. If such partiality remains then why not take the maximum number of burden or covid patience in their fold. Needless to say statistically Dimapur has been the worst effected from this pandemic more than the previous year and especially when it has become the transit center for quarantine personals, the government has played a blind eye from the very beginning and even thought it was a wiser idea to install the BS- 3 lab first in Kohima. Then again to see that a bigger O2 plant was set up in Kohima, which is said to produce 300 liters per minutes when the situation is more critical in Dimapur and in utmost need of the hour, yet the government chose to install a smaller capacity of 200 liters per minutes. The NPP, does not condone this unjust handling of COVID relief procedures by the Government. It would be only fair if the government handles the situation according to need based centric instead of political or tribal centric narrow views.

One should stop playing with human medical needs.

The NPP would also like to get a clarification from the Family Health & Welfare department on why no efforts were taken to strengthen and revitalize the sole BMA Oxygen manufacturing plant in Nagaland for any eventualities.

In the interview with Nagaland Today, online, dated 10 July 2019, the Proprietor B. Imti Aier commented that the Department spends Rs. 2.3 crores annually to import Oxygen Gas from Jorhat, Assam whereas the

same could be procured from BMA which is one of the best quality of air manufactured at the cost of Rs.70 to 75 Lakhs annually thereby saving the state treasury by Rs. 1.55 crores. Why is the department not procuring from BMA and rather choose the import from Assam at the higher rate?

NPP at this hour only hopes and pray that the government with gained wisdom and experience from past episode is now well equipped and prepared to face any worst eventualities if yet to come and by not simply ignoring the truth and swiping off the dirt under the rug.

NPP expresses apprehensive of the RANDOM Covid testing, if not carried out hygienically. Hypothetically speaking, if the positive person sneezes or breathes out the virus on the gloves of the health worker it could subsequently have negative consequences as it will have a ripple effect of contamination, on the fresh testing bud which is ready to collect the sample from a negative person. And therefore, NPP beseech every item going in and out of the hospital be thoroughly and regularly disinfected including the Ambulance, Oxygen cylinders, PPE Suits, equipments, pathways, waiting area etc. NPP query may be too blunt, but if think seriously, it is a matter of life and death for every citizen right now and therefore there should not be any loose ends, faulty or improper testing procedure which may lead to several blunders and loss of lives.

NPP, applause the Railway department for making available the converted train coaches for temporary Covid hospital care but it is critical on the feasibility due to various factors; such

as; the severe hot temperature condition inside the coaches, conceivable technical difficulties to replenish water in the train, issues of poor security and improper security fencing, accommodation issue for healthcare worker & inaccessibility for ambulance on any SOS. It urges the DTF to first do a proper assessment before it becomes functional even to be used for poor, migrant workers who does not have the home isolation facility as and when the capacity at Covid Care Centre, Chumukedima is exhausted as decided by DTF. It is worth mentioning that the claimed 160 bed is not plausible as it can only accommodate eighty (80) persons since the distance between two beds is hardly one and half feet which goes against the SOPs. Thus, there needs to be a re-evaluation and a logistic take on the probability of Train coaches as COVID temporary hospitals for several safety reasons and not merely giving service as a pacifier or an eye wash.

NPP sincerely urge all citizens to voice out by shedding aside our personal differences and collectively think about the welfare of the people who are suffering and need desperate help at this time. We should not shy away from highlighting the lapses of the government but give constructive criticism for the welfare of all. NPP reassures its unflinching support to all concerned including the State Government for every possible support.

“Let good sense and development prevail for all without biasness” Ipr & media cell Npp Nagaland

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Let us all be vigilant

While the works of the frontline workers are much appreciated during these crucial times, I would also like to sincerely request our people not to indulge in wrongful activities. Illegally selling of things in what they deem as “black” should be stopped and people should also be aware of hackers and scammers who are on the prowl in search of prey frequently these days. This lockdown is for the greater good of the whole nation and thus being said, this should not mislead our minds into committing further transgressions. Let us all remain vigilant and stay safe for we do not know what tomorrow holds for us. ari Sangtam, Dimapur

columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

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NagalaNd Post, Dimapur WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

Mamata wants change of gov, writes to PM, Prez Vijayan delivers beamer, drops Shailaja, es rubbished the Trinamool charges. One said the Governor was a lawyer by training and was “ totally conscious of this powers and responsibilities.” “ He had raised val-

Renowned cardiologist KK Agarwal passes away due to Covid-19

Rahul hopes Modi ‘system’ will wake up for kids’ sake

violence in West Bengal since the election.

It said the whole exercise is to project a ‘ highly inflated version ‘ of the law and order situation in West Bengal, overlooking the fact that the incidents happened when the control of administration was “ not in our hands.”

The situation is now under full control and the administration is busy fighting Covid, it said.

The letter also pointed out that Dhankhar was

Dr K K Aggarwal

dent is survived by wife Dr Veena Aggarwal, son Nilesh and daughter Naina.

Aggarwal was one of the first frontline workers to take the first dose of the antiCOVID vaccine in January, which he revealed during a live video broadcast from his car. He had received the

Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2010. He was also honoured with the Dr B C Roy Award. Aggarwal’s name was mentioned in the Limca Book of Records for training the maximum number of people in the lifesaving technique of handsonly CPR at one go. The IMA said his demise was “an unexpected and tragic loss”. “Dr. K. K. Aggarwal was a true legend and iconic figure in mass education and awareness. He served millions of lives and his services proved a guiding torch to all of us even during the pandemic... IMA is poorer by the loss,” it said in a tweet.

Narada case: Arrested minister, TMC MLA, former party leader admitted to Kolkata hospital West Bengal minister Subrata Mukherjee, TMC MLA Madan Mitra and former party leader Sovan Chatterjee, who were arrested by the CBI in the Narada sting case, were admitted to a hospital here on Tuesday after they complained of uneasiness in a correctional home, officials said. Another TMC minister Firhad Hakim, who was also apprehended by the central agency in the case, was shifted to a health facility in Presidency Correctional Home after he developed fever in the morning, they said.

Mitra and Chatterjee were admitted to the state-run SSKM Hospital early on Tuesday as both the politicians developed breathlessness. Mukherjee was initially taken to the hospital early this morning and brought back to the correctional home after completion of check-up as he did not wish to get admitted there, an official of the medical facility said. The 76-year-old minister was again taken to the hospital later in the day and admitted to the facility as he felt uneasiness.

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (IANS): Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed concern over the Narendra Modi government’s preparedness and plans as experts forecast a likely Covid3.0, which could prove deadly for children.

“In the time to come, children will need protection from Corona. Paediatric services and vaccine-treatment protocol should already be in place. India’s future needs for the present Modi asystem’ to be shaken out of sleep,” Gandhi tweeted. His remarks came after several countries started approving a Covid-19 vaccine for use in children aged 12-15 years.

Christians begin cremating bodies, burying ashes

Representational image

whose brother died of Covid last week and the family first cremated the body and then buried the ashes.

At the Christian graveyard at Chaukaghat in Varanasi, at least six bodies have been cremated and ashes were later taken for burial.

Father Vijay Shanti-

270 doctors died of Covid in second wave of pandemic: IMA

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (PTI): The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday said 270 doctors across the country have succumbed to the coronavirus infection in the second wave of the pandemic so far.

The list of the deceased doctors includes former IMA president Dr K K Aggarwal, who succumbed to the deadly virus on Monday.

Bihar saw the maximum number of 78 deaths of medical practitioners, followed by Uttar Pradesh (37), Delhi (29) and Andhra Pradesh (22).

According to the IMA COVID-19 registry, 748 doctors succumbed to the disease in the first wave of the pandemic.

“Last year, 748 doctors across India succumbed to COVID-19, while in the current wave, in a short period, we have lost 270 doctors.

“The second wave of the pandemic is turning out to be extremely fatal for all and especially for the healthcare workers who are at the forefront,” IMA president Dr JA Jayalal said.

raj, secretary of Banaras Christian Cemetery Board, said, “The Christian population in Varanasi is over 3,000. Normally, one or two deaths are reported in the community per month, but more than 30 have died in the last 45 days when Covid cases started surging. When

someone dies in Christian community, prayers are held at home and later at church by keeping the body in a coffin before burial.

However, nowadays, as precautionary measures we are ensuring that minimum persons come in contact with the body for safety and to prevent any likely spread of infection.”

He further said, “Some people got infected and died of Covid, and their families consulted us since they were not in favour of burying the body. We suggested that the bodies be cremated and ashes can then be buried,” he said. He said that when the annual special prayers are offered at the cemeteries on November 2, prayers will also be held at these graves.

T H I RU VA NA N THAPURAM, MAY 18 (IANS): True to his style of being the last word in the CPI-M and also in the government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan delivered a beamer on Tuesday when he, much to the surprise and dismay of many, dropped the acclaimed Health Minister K.K. Shailaja from his new cabinet, while he gave a ministerial post to his son-in-law P.A. Mohammed Riyaz.

The 21-member cabinet includes 12 from the CPI-M, four from the CPI, one each from the Kerala Congress (M), NCP and Janata Dal(S) and one each from two allies which will be shared between the four allies, each having one legislator. It was Loktantrik Janata Dal, the only ally which did not get a cabinet post. It has come as a shock to many in the party and

N E W D E L H I , M AY 18 (AGENCIES): Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla -- who moved to the UK earlier this month amid a huge vaccine shortage and pressure to scale up production -- today said his firm has “never exported vaccines at the cost of the people of India”.

India’s vaccination drive, he said, cannot be completed in two or three months given the huge population. It is Important to “stay united to fight the pandemic”, read his statement in which he also pointed out that India is now receiving support from nations where vaccines, medicines were exported.

In the statement, Mr Poonawalla also explained the circumstances in which consignments of vaccines were sent abroad and the commitments made by the government in the initial stages of the pandemic last year.

When the vaccines were launched in January, there was a stockpile in India. The Covid numbers were at an “all-time low” and the vaccination drive had started successfully,

Adar Poonawalla

he said.

At the same time, many other nations were in an “acute crisis” and in “desperate need of help”.

The government, he said, extended whatever help was possible.

Pointing out that the pandemic will “not be limited by geographical or political boundaries,” he said “we will not be safe till everyone has been able to defeat the virus on a global scale”.

Poonawalla was given Y category security in April after the government conducted a threat assessment amid the raging second wave of coronavirus and anger in the country over vaccine shortage. Days

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AGAINST FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA (URBAN)

NEW RISETHSI VILLAGE COUNCIL P.O & District: Kiphire-798611; Nagaland Kiphire, Dated the 17th May 2021

APPRECIATION The New Risethsi Village Council conveys its sincere appreciations to Shri. V Kashiho Sangtam, Hon’ble Minister Soil and Water Conservation, Geology & Mining and Chairman NSMDC for fulfilling the long awaited aspiration of the people for construction of a new road connection between Old Risethsi and Yingshikur village. It has paved the way for the farmers in gaining easy access to the neighboring villages and agricultural activities. Conveniently, this road will also serve as an alternative route for the unstable KAL road (i.e., Kiphire via Amahator and Lukhami) in times of heavy torrential monsoon period.

Under your able leadership, our dreams and aspiration are turning into a tangible reality bringing about desirable changes. This only portrays your keen concern towards the people beyond any lines. We acknowledge your impetus leadership for bringing good development and anticipate the same zeal and determination in the coming days.

(Tsiseto) Chairman, New Risethsi Village Council

police arrested 17 people who were allegedly involved.

The opposition reacted with outrage, with many leaders including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, posting defiant tweets.

The need to conduct vaccination on a war footing has been felt with experts warning about a third wave of the virus which might target children.

Some experts have pointed out that a way to forestall this is to immediately vaccinate 80 per cent of the adult population.

This is a near-impossible goal unless there is a massive scaling up vaccination in terms of production and other logistics.

If the current rate is continued, it would take more than three years to vaccinate 80 per cent of all adults in the country.

PUBLIC NOTICE

OFFICE OF THE

(C.T. Setsiba) Hd. Gb, New Risethsi Village

later, he had left for the UK. In an interview to the Times soon after, Mr Poonawalla said he was getting aggressive calls from some of the most powerful people in India, demanding supplies of Covishield.

He later said parts of his comments were “misinterpreted”.

The Serum Institute chief ’s statement came today amid much opposition criticism of the government over the vaccine shortage.

Many states, including Delhi, have been unable to continue vaccination of all eligible age groups due to the shortage.

Over the weekend, as posters mushroomed in Delhi criticising Prime Minster Narendra Modi over the export of the much-needed vaccines, the

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outside and all what Shailaja said was, she is a disciplined party worker and will abide by the party’s decision. All the other names were on expected lines and there was only one norm and that was unflinching loyalty to Vijayan and it includes, former Rajya Sabha members P. Rajiv and K.N. Balagopal, the women include R. Bindu, a college professor and more importantly the wife of the present CPI-M secretary A. Vijayaraghavan besides journalist turned two time

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Pinarayi Vijayan

legislator Veena George.

The others include Vijayan’s closest aide and in all likelihood will be the number two -- M. Govindan who hails from Kannur, besides, Saji Cherian, former State Minister and also former Speaker K. Radhakrishnan who was elected from a scheduled caste constituency in Thrissur district.

V. Sivankutty was also a certainty as he was the one who defeated strong BJP candidate KummanemRajasekheran at the Nemom seat in the state capital, which he lost to BJP veteran O. Rajagopal in the 2016 assembly polls. Then there is V. Abdurahiman who has come from the Muslim dominated Malappuram district, however belongs to the National Secular Conference a party which has the blessings of the CPI-M but not an ally.

‘Never exported vax at cost of people in India’: SII chief

MKC-141

LUCKNOW/ VARANASI/ PRAYAGRAj (UP), MAY 18 (IANS): An increasing number of members from the Christian community are now adopting the Hindu tradition of cremating the bodies. They are then taking the ashes in urns to the graveyard for entombment.

“With the increasing number of deaths taking place in the second wave of the pandemic, land is falling short for traditional burials in the graveyards. More and more people in the community are cremating the bodies and then burying the urns containing the ashes.

This requires less space and also ensures that the Covid infection does not spread,” said Amardeep Solomon,

includes son-in-law in new team

DP-2458

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (AGENCIES): Padma Shri awardee and eminent cardiologist Dr K K Aggarwal, who gained more prominence in recent months by posting informative videos about COVID-19 on social media, has died of the same disease, a statement posted on his Twitter handle said.

Aggarwal, 62, who was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here and was on ventilator support since last week, died at 11.30 pm on Monday after a lengthy battle with COVID-19, according to the statement.

The former Indian Medical Association (IMA) presi-

Mamata Banerjee

id concerns over breakdown of law and order.

He had cleared the CBI to prosecute the politicians involved in the Narada scam,” the Raj Bhavan source said.

It is given to understand that certain persons (individuals/ entities) are making fraudulent offers of benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) to potential beneficiaries.

• It is hereby cautioned that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) at the Centre as well as the State Level Nodal Agency, i.e., the Department of Municipal Affairs has not authorized any person to collect money for availing of any benefit under PMAY (U).

• It is informed that demand for housing under PMAY (U) is assessed/ registered by the SLNA/Implementing Agency in coordination with the concerned Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) free of cost.

• It is advised not to pay money or disclose details (such as – Aadhar card / bank details/ Phone numbers / E-mail id etc.) to any person for PMAY (U).

• Any such fraudulent activities are to be reported to the nearest police station.

Any person using the name or logo of PMAY (U) or MOHUA or responsible for abetment of any fraud in the name of PMAY (U) shall be liable for penal action.

The above notice is issued as per the directives of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India.

DC-446

“crossing all limits” by raising the law and order issue during the swearingin ceremony and tweeting about it in public domain.

It said the Governor is trying to ‘destabilise the functioning of the government ‘ at the time when the need of the hour was focussed efforts to control the Covidpandemic .

Trinamool Congress sources said the party was considering a resolution passed by the legislative assembly demanding the removal of the Governor.

The Gover nor has been at daggers drawn with the Trinamool government ever since he took charge. “ He is trying to build up a narrative of a severe breakdown of law and order with malafide motive of destabilising an elected government, “ alleged Trinamool MP Saugata Roy. But Raj Bhavan sourc-

KOLKATA, MAY 18 (IANS/PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to President and Prime Minister demanding a change of Governor in the interest of “good governance “ in the state .

The letter comes immediately after the CBI arrested four Trinamool leaders, including two ministers, a former minister and a former Mayor in the Narada scam, on Monday.

Governor JagdeepDhankhar has been on an unusual offensive against the Mamata government after the ruling Trinamool Congress won a landslide in this summer’s assembly polls.

Banerjee’s letters despatched on Tuesday alleges that Governor Dhankhar has been raking up an ‘exaggerated version’ of

Sd/Temjenrenla Kechu State Mission Director, PMAY-HFA (U), & Joint Director, Municipal Affairs Department Nagaland : Kohima

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NagalaNd Post, Dimapur WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

than 2 pc population Cyclone fury leaves trail of destruction in Gujarat; 7 dead ‘Less affected by Covid in India’

AHMEDABAD, MAY 18 (PTI): At least seven people were killed in Gujarat as cyclone Tauktae battered parts of the state and left behind a trail of destruction along the coast, uprooting electric poles and trees, and damaging several houses and roads, officials said on Tuesday.

Over 16,000 houses were damaged, and more than 40,000 trees and over 1,000 poles uprooted due to the cyclonic storm, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said.

The landfall process of the eye of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Tauktae, which hit the Gujarat coast in Saurashtra region between Diu and Una, ended around midnight, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

It crossed the Gujarat coast as an “extremely severe cyclonic storm” and gradually weakened.

On Tuesday morning, it lay over the Saurashtra region near Amreli as a “severe severe cyclonic storm,” and was likely to weaken

said.

NDRF personnel clear a road, obstructed by felling of trees, after Cyclone Tauktae made landfall, in Gujarat. (PTI Photo) gradually into a cyclonic storm by the afternoon, the IMD said in its latest bulletin.

The wind intensity reduced to 105-115 kmph gusting to 125 kmph, as the cyclone lay 15 km eastnortheast of Amreli, around 125 km south-southwest of Surendranagar, and 205 km southwest of Ahmedabad, as per the IMD bulletin at 10.30 am.

Even as the cyclonic intensity weakened, it left

behind a trail of destruction, with at least seven people losing their lives - three in Bhavnagar, and one each in Rajkot, Patan, Amreli and Valsad, officials said.

An official of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) confirmed three casualties due to the cyclone, one each from Rajkot, Valsad and Bhavnagar.

An electric pole fell on a woman while she was sleeping in Patan town late Monday night amid strong

wind, an official from Patan A-division police station said.

A woman and her daughter were killed when the wall of their house collapsed at Badeli village in Palitana taluka of Bhavnagar, a local administration official said.

In another incident, a girl died after the roof of their house collapsed on four members of the family at Rajula in Amreli district on Monday night, police

Chief Minister Rupani told reporters in Gandhinagar that 16,500 houses, mostly thatched ones, were damaged, and more than 40,000 trees and 1,081 poles, mainly of electric supply, were uprooted due to the cyclone.

Also, 159 roads were damaged and 196 blocked due to different reasons, he said, adding that 45 of them were so far cleared for traffic movement.

There was power outage in 2,437 villages and the supply has been restored in 484 villages till now, he said.

Rupani said the state government’s major concern was uninterrupted treatment of COVID-19 patients in around 1,400 hospitals across the state.

Out of these facilities, 16 faced power outage due to the cyclone. The electric supply was restored in 12 of them,while the remaining four were operating on backup powergenerators, he said.

The production of medical oxygen at a plant in Bhavnagar was disrupted due to the cyclonic storm, but the supply continued. from the buffer stock, he informed.

According to the IMD, most places of Gujarat and Saurashtra meteorological regions of the state are likely receive light to moderate rainfall on Tuesday, with heavy to very rainfall and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places in these areas.

The wind speed is likely to decrease during the day, it said, adding that “astronomical high” tidal waves would continue to inundate coastal areas, it said.

As many as 35 talukas received more than one inch rainfall, with Bagasara taluka receiving 9 inches of rainfall, Gir Gadhada-8 inches, Una-8 inches, Savarkundla-7 inches and Amreli-5 inches downpour.

Rajula, Khamba, and Babra talukas also received 5 inches rainfall each, the CM said.

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (PTI): Less than 2 per cent of the total population in India has been affected by COVID-19 so far and 98 per cent of the population is still susceptible or vulnerable to the infection, the government said on Tuesday.

“Despite the high number of cases reported so far, we have been able to contain the spread to under 2 pc of population,” said Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal.

The government said that of the total population in India, 1.8 per cent has been affected by COVID-19 so far and 98 per cent of the population is still susceptible or vulnerable to the infec-

tion. The government said a continued decline has been noted in active cases in the last 15 days. From 17.13 per cent of the total caseload reported on May 3, it has reduced to 13.3 per cent, it added.

Eight states have more then 1 lakh active COVID19 cases and 22 states have more than 15 per cent case positivity, it said.

Maharashtra, UP, Delhi, Bihar, MP and Chhattisgarh have shown a decline in cases and a decline in positivity, it added.

There are 199 districts showing a continued decline in COVID-19 cases and positivity since the last two weeks, it said.

‘Halt S’pore flights, new variant can usher in 3rd wave’ Cong accuses BJP of propagating ‘fake Live-in-relationships unacceptable: HCs Kejriwal announces Rs 50K for toolkit’, to file FIR against Nadda, Patra

Arvind Kejriwal

was 8.42%. This, even as the number of tests in the city increased from 53,756 on Monday to 65,004 on Tuesday. Deaths too have reduced to 265 from 340 on Monday. In the last 24 hours, there were 4,482 fresh cases, marginally lower than the 4,524 reported Monday.

Out of the 24,305 beds reserved for COVID patients across the city, currently 9,906 are vacant. Officials have attributed the drop in positivity rate to the lockdown in Delhi which was extended for the fourth time on May 1.

Su do ku

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Tuesday that Rs 50,000 ex gratia will be given to each family in the national capital that has had a Covid death. Stating that many families have lost their loved ones during the second wave of the pandemic, Kejriwal said, “We cannot fill that void, but we will provide financial help of Rs 50,000 to each family that has lost at least one of its members to the pandemic.”

The Aam Aadmi Party-led government will also provide Rs 2,500 a month to the families whose sole breadwinner fell prey to Covid-19. “There are many such families wherein the main earning members have died due to Covid. Delhi government will provide Rs 2,500 per month to each

such family,” Kejriwal said.

Also, children whose parents have succumbed to the virus will be given Rs 2,500 per month, while Delhi government will bear all expenses for their education. Apart from these, the Delhi government will also provide free ration to all the poor families which are struggling during the Covidinduced lockdown.

“Each such family in Delhi will be given 10 kg free ration (5 kg from the Centre and 5 kg from the Delhi government). There will be no need of producing income certificates to avail this ration. It would be given even to those who do not have a valid ration card,” Kejriwal said. He said that all these decisions will be approved by the Cabinet and implemented soon.

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (IANS): Hours after the BJP on Tuesday alleged that former Congress President Rahul Gandhi used the pandemic to malign Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image, the grand old party accused it of propagating a fake toolkit and said that it will file an FIR. Hitting back at BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, Congress Research Department chairman Rajeev Gowda in a tweet said, “BJP is propagating a fake toolkit on Covid-19 mismanagement and attributing it to AICC Research Department. We are filing an FIR for forgery against (BJP Chief) J.P. Nadda and Sambit Patra. When our country is devastated by Covid, instead of providing relief, BJP shamelessly concocts forgeries.”

No. 9920 Yesterday’s solution No. 9919

No. 4540 Yesterday’s solution No. 4539

No. 3564 Yesterday’s solution No. 3563

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Earlier in the day, sharing a page on his twitter account, BJP National Spokesperson Patra said, “Friends look at the Congress ‘ToolKit’ in extending help to the needy during the Pandemic. More of a PR exercise with the help of ‘Friendly Journalists’ and ‘Influencers’ than a soulful endeavour. Read for yourselves the agenda of the Congress: CongressToolKitExposed.”

Levelling further allegations against the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, Patra tweeted, “Disgusting to say the least. Rahul Gandhi wanting to use this opportunity of pandemic to destroy the image of PM. Congress workers were instructed to call the mutant strain as ‘Modi strain’. No stone left unturned to scar the name of India with the help of Foreign Journalists.”

Controversy broke out after Patra shared the page and BJP leaders used it to slam Congress. BJP National General Secretary

About 32L tonne foodgrains lifted by states under PMGKAY NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (PTI): States have lifted 31.8 lakh tonne of foodgrains for distribution under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).

The Centre launched this scheme to ameliorate the hardship faced by the poor due to economic disruption caused by COVID19.

Under this scheme, an additional foodgrain quota of 5 kg per person per month is being provided free of cost to around 79.39 crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act. The additional foodgrains will be provided for a period of two months(May-June 2021).

Till May 17, 2021, all 36 states/UTs have lifted 31.80 lakh tonne of foodgrains from Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots, the food ministry said in a statement.

As many as 15 states and Union Territories -Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Ladakh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Tripura -- have lifted full allocation for May. All states/ UTs have been asked to lift and distribute free foodgrains in time bound manner.

Total 79.39 lakh tonne foodgrains will be issued under this scheme.

and MP, Bhupendra Yadav tweeted, “Instead of helping people fight Covid, Congress wants its supporters to use ‘Indian strain’ and ‘Modi strain’ when talking of the new mutant to malign the PM’s image. This vulture politics is a new low even by Congress’s low standards.”

BJP National in-charge of Information and Technology department, Amit Malviya tweeted, “It is brazen and shocking that at a time when India is fighting Covid, the Congress party is fighting India. All that it cares for at this point is to score political points, tarnish the Kumbh as a super spreader while play up Eid as a happy event.”

BJP national Secretary, Sunil Deodhar in a tweet said, “Is this not a toolkit of anti-nationals? Instead of fighting Covid, agenda of Congress is to fight Modi and malign India by calling a strain “Indian strain” despite WHO rejecting that term. Worst kind of vulture politics.”

CHANDIGARH, MAY 18 (PTI): The Punjab and Haryana High Court has said a live-in-relationship is morally and socially unacceptable while dismissing a petition filed by a runaway couple seeking protection.

Petitioners Gulza Kumari (19) and Gurwinder Singh (22) in the petition had stated that they were residing together and intended to get married shortly.

They had apprehended danger to their lives from Kumari’s parents. “As a matter of fact, the petitioners in the garb of filing the present petition are seeking seal of approval on their live-in-relationship, which is morally and socially not acceptable and no protection order in the petition can be passed. The petition stands dismissed accordingly,” Justice H S Madaan said in his May 11 order. According to petitioner’s counsel J S Thakur, Singh and Kumari were living together in Tarn Taran district. He said Kumari’s parents, who are in Ludhiana, did not approve of their relationship.

OFFICE OF THE

YAONGYIMCHEN STUDENTS' UNIT LONGLENG : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

The Yaongyimchen Students' Unit Longleng with immense pride and honour would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri Y. Nuklu Phom for receiving the prestigious Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) Award on 12th May 2021.

The Unit further extends best wishes for your future endeavours.

S. Mangyangkaba Phom T. Imdongdangla Phom President, YSUL G/Secy, YSUL

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families with Covid death in Delhi

OFFICE OF THE

MANGKOLEMBA TOWN STUDENTS’ UNION MANGKOLEMBA - 798604, MOKOKCHUNG

FELICITATION

With great delight and honor, the Mangkolemba Town Students’ Union is overwhelmed by joy and meantime extends our warmest congratulations to Miss Ingkumnaro, d/o M r. I m d o n g e n s a J a m i r and Mrs. Imnatola Walling for the remarkable and an impressive success in clearing the SSC CPO exams for the post of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police.

May the spectacular achievement be a beacon of hope for the upcoming young aspirants.

The Mangkolemba Town Students’ Union further wishes her a good health, wisdom and dedication while discharging her duties to serve the Nation. May the divine guidance be with you as you take this new venture.

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NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (AGENCIES): Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday said a variant of the novel coronavirus found in Singapore could usher in a third wave in the country, and appealed to the Centre to immediately halt air services with Singapore. He said the new variant could be especially dangerous for children. In a tweet, Kejriwal said, “A new variant of coronavirus found in Singapore is being said to be very dangerous for children. This can usher in the third wave (of COVID-19) in India. I appeal to the Central government to immediately halt air services with Singapore, and work on developing a vaccine for children on a priority basis.”

Meanwhile, according to officials, the Covid-19 positivity rate in the capital has fallen to 6.89%. On Monday, the positivity rate

(WAPONGTOSHI IMCHEN) PRESIDENT MTSU

(TONGPANGYANGER LONGCHAR) PRESS SECRETARY MTSU

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

COVID-19 pandemic: Information & advisories

diMapUr: District administrations and CMOs have been issuing COVID19 advisories to the public in order to stop further community spread.

Wokha: District administration, Wokha has activated the helpline in the district to respond to all types of issues/information etc., on COVID-19.

For any query, the citizens have been asked to contact: war room Wokha (24x7) at 9863663885; DMM district hospital, Wo k h a ; i n - c h a r ge o f cemetery/crematorium Rev. Abemo Jungio at 9862290732, Benthungo Yanthan at 9863303086, Pastor Ntheo Mozhui CRC at 9862826094, Tenyimi church pastor at 8415950255, Hindu Shashi at 9862120825, Nepali SK Daju at 6009185339, Muslim Kamran at 8787765311, AG Church Shanbemo Ngullie at 7085897968 and Catholic Church, Rabemo

at 9862990044 Meanwhile, one may also contact psychological support unit Arhoni at 8837271699, Robin Ezung at 9862130514, Mhonbeni at 8787444200 and Jessica at 9612947782.

In another notification, DC Wokha & DTF chairman for COVID-19, Orenthung Lotha has appealed all to follow the new SOPs. The DC informed that reports were being received from district surveillance team that some persons under home quarantine/ home isolation as advised by the medical team were not complying with the protocols and SOPs despite strict directives.

According to DIPR report, it was observed that many shops were overcrowded, people were still not following SOPs with diligence and were moving from one colony to another despite restrictions on nonessential movement.

7

state/international

Assam Rifles fogging Shamator town on May 17

DC also said that private vehicles were plying without passes. In this regard, he said that the negligence was a cause of concern.

He therefore reiterated that any such violation of or non-compliance to any other clauses/provisions of SOPs/advisories currently in force including home

quarantine/isolation, contact tracing, testing (refusal to disclose contacts, refusal to undergo testing, breaking home quarantine or isolation norm, discrimi-

nation or stigmatization of those affected by COVID19 etc) would invite punishment/penalties under relevant sections of Nagaland Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Nagaland Epidemic Diseases (COVID19) Regulations 2020. dimapur: In order to help the covid positive patients, Rotaract club of Dimapur has set up helpline numbers for every department.

In a press release, its president Nikhil Jain has informed that the Covid care team of Rotaract Club of Dimapur would assist with; Sandeep Agarwal 7005501490 and Jatin Jain 9089458559 for oxygen; Ashok Kochar 7005616106, Sarthak Jain 09774115974 and Nehal Jain 9862723333 for hospital beds; Kushal Jain 8259013569 for food and Nikhil Jain 9774868629, Akash Jain 7005657308 and Pratik Jain 8974504214

for plasma/blood. assam rifles: In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Assam Rifles at Shamator carried out a sanitisation drive by spraying disinfectants and fogging of Shamator town, ADC office, market places, public places, SBI office, police station on May 17.

L o n g l e n g : C M O, Longleng has informed all 11 ward chairmen in Longleng that due to the increase of COVID-19 positive cases, there was an increase of contact tracing since sample collection teams were unable to reach every house.

CMO has therefore requested the chairmen to identify a spot/place for sample collection from their respective wards.

They have also been requested to intimidate the identified spot/place on or before May 19. One may contact at 8974708121 for more information.

DDCF condemns assault on shopkeeper diMapUr: Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) has condemned the May 16 incident where a businessman was assaulted by two unidentified miscreants at Chatteshwary Colony, Dimapur.

A condemnation note by Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum through its media cell stated that it was unfortunate that there were people who committed such atrocities on an innocent law-abiding citizen when citizens have been trying to do their part in fighting the second wave of COVID-19 by abiding by the directives.

Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum while appreciating the police personnel who were swift to respond to the complaints of the victim also urged upon the concerned authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and to book the culprits as per the law.

international

208 dead in Israeli-Palestinian hostilities: UN Malay police kill 5 suspected terrorists

Biden expresses support for ceasefire in call with Israeli PM Washington, May 18 (ians): US President Joe Biden on Monday voiced support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The President expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end,” according to a White House readout of the phone conversation.

Biden “encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians,” said the readout.

Afghan air raids kill 12 Taliban militants KabUl, May 18 (ians): At least 12 Taliban militants were killed as Afghan fighter planes struck a hideout of the militant group in Logar province, the military said in a statement on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip off, the planes targeted the hideout in Kozachatrakai area of the restive Azra district late Monday night, killing 12 armed militants on the spot and injuring three others, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

Seven motorbikes and a number of arms and ammunitions were also destroyed during the airstrikes, the statement added.

K Y M C

Meanwhile, Biden reiterated support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks.

“The two leaders discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza,” it said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier in the day held multiple phone conversations over the issue with his regional counterparts, including Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

The Monday call between Biden and Netanyahu was the third in less than a week as violence

escalated between the Israeli security forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The call also came as the Biden administration faced mounting pressure from a group of Democratic senators urging an immediate ceasefire to prevent loss of civilian life.

The ongoing conflict, the worst violence between Israel and the besieged Palestinian enclave since 2014, has killed 204 Palestinians, including 59 children, and 10 Israelis, including a five-year-old boy and a soldier.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT John 11:25-26. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye.

Gone before we knew, and only God knows why, You will forever live in our hearts.

Thank you for always making us laugh. You are dearly missed.

We thank everyone who joined us in prayers and supported us with their presence and financial generosity.

Loving wife, daughter, sons and relatives

agency reported.

The Treasury in the statement accused the State Administration Council of being “created by the military to support its unlawful overthrow of the democratically elected civilian government.”

A one-year state of emergency was declared in Myanmar on Feb. 1 this year, and the state power was handed over to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chair of the newly formed State Administration Council.

EASTERN NAGALAND WOMEN ORGANISATION KOHIMA UNIT KOHIMA - 797001 : NAGALAND

The Eastern Nagaland Women Organization, Kohima Unit (ENWOK) is very shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Shri. C. Sashi Naga, President ENPO. We believed him to be a great asset to the Organization and that he would lead it for the better under his able leadership. The Eastern Nagaland are at a great loss with the early demise of a dedicated and a visionary leader.

The ENWOK on behalf of all the Eastern Women from Kohima, support the bereaved family with prayers at this hour of grief and convey our heartfelt condolences. May our Almighty God provide solace and courage to overcome the loss.

May his soul rest in eternal peace!

(LEMEI B. PHOM) (AMEN KHIAMNIUNGAN ) President, ENWOK Gen. Secretary, ENWOK

CONDOLENCES

Extremely saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Mrs. Elizabeth, W/o Mr. T. L. Merry (BOD) On behalf of President and members of Bhartiya Farmers Agro. Business Dev. Cooperative Ltd. H.Q. Dimapur convey our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May God grant solace and strength to bear the loss. May the departed Soul rest in eternal Peace.

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Akokla. (BOD) BFABDC Ltd.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

02/06/1976 to 14/05/2021 Late Tsemomo Dominic Kikon

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Father into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46

US imposes sanctions against Myanmar officials Washington, May 18 (ians): The US Department of Treasury on Monday announced fresh sanctions against Myanmar’s State Administration Council and more than a dozen senior officials.

The Treasury said in a statement that it had blacklisted 16 individuals connected to the military, including four members of the State Administration Council, three adult children of previously designated military officials, and nine senior government officials, the Xinhua news

Lotha Eloe Ekhung Dimapur (LEED) is deeply mourned by the sad demise of its esteemed member, Mrs. Elizabeth Merry on 18/5/21. She was a dynamic leader and a pillar of strength to the Ekhung on all fronts.

During her lifetime, she served and contributed towards the Ekhung in various capacities, viz: General Secretary - 1996 to 1999, President - 2009 to 2012, LEED Advisor to Naga Women Hoho Dimapur - 2018 till the time of her demise. Her death is a great loss to the Lotha women in particular and Naga women in general. The vacuum she has left will be greatly felt, but the exemplary service she rendered will always be remembered. LEED prays that the departed soul rest in eternal peace and further extends their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

May God's peace and solace be upon you all at this difficult time.

Zujano Patton President

nappings, some of which have been carried out during raids on Sabah, Abu Sayyaf has declared loyalty to the Islamic State terror group.

It has been deemed a terrorist organisation by the US and the Philippines, where soldiers in March killed a key leader during a raid to free Indonesian hostages.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

CONDOLENCE

Renbeni Kithan General Secretary

which has its stronghold across the Sulu Sea in the southern Philippines, reports DPA news.

“Our men knocked on the door of one of the squatter houses but were met with hostile gunfire, which we immediately returned,” said Sabah police commissioner Hazani Ghazali.

Known for its brutal and sometimes deadly kid-

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facility, the world organisation said.

Additionally, four Ministry of Health hospitals, two non-governmental hospitals, two clinics, a health centre and a Palestine Red Crescent Society also were damaged.

Electricity across Gaza is down to six to eight hours a day, on average, with some feeder lines not functioning, disrupting the provision of health care and other essential

KUala lUMpUr, May 18 (ians): Police in Malaysia said on Tuesday that they shot dead five men suspected to be members of the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf terror group during a raid.

The police in Sabah, a state in the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, said the five were killed during a patrol at the same location where last week police arrested eight alleged members of the group,

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istry of Public Works and Housing, OCHA reported 94 buildings destroyed and 285 housing units severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable. The humanitarian partner Shelter Cluster reported more than 2,500 people homeless.

Damaged structures include 41 education facilities, schools, kindergartens, a UNRWA vocational training centre, the Ministry of Education directorate and a higher education

In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, widespread demonstrations and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces broke out in multiple locations in commemoration of Nakba Day on May 15, OCHA said.

Two Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli forces. Another boy died after having been shot four days previously in Hebron

by Israeli forces.

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People run to take cover during an Israeli airstrike near the Health Ministry in Gaza City, Monday. (AP/PTI)

services, including water, hygiene and sanitation, OCHA said.

Food and cash support needs are increasing.

The UN and humanitarian partners provide food and non-food items to displaced families in Gaza and immediate cash assistance to more than 52,000 people.

They also provide remote psychosocial counselling sessions for the traumatized, increase awareness about the heightened risk of explosive remnants of war and assess property damage.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that some recent Israeli airstrikes, particularly on high-rise buildings, are raising concerns of indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks under international humanitarian law.

Likewise, the launching of rockets and mortars from highly populated civilian neighbourhoods in Gaza into civilian population centers in Israel also may be unlawful.

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U n i t e d nat i o n s, May 18 (ians): At least 208 people have been killed and some 1,500 others injured in a week of the ongoing airstrikes and rocket shellings between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported on Monday that 198 people died, including 58 children, and 1,300 injured in seven days of bombardments by Israel, Xinhua news agency quoted the OCHA as saying.

Meanwhile, Israel reported 10 fatalities and hundreds more injured by Palestinian rocket attacks launched from Gaza.

Concentrating its report on the toll to Palestinians, the OCHA said more than 42,000 displaced people are seeking protection in 50 schools across Gaza operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA. Citing the Gaza Min-

Born on 14 March 2012 Died on 14 May 2021

The family of Late Ashusa Joshou would like to express our sincere acknowledgement to each and everyone for the sympathy and kind gestures shown towards us during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved daughter.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who have supported us physically, financially and through prayers during these difficult times. Our sincere gratitude to Lephori Welfare Union, Kohima, Koinonia Prayer Center, Kohima, the Media Team of Dimapur 24/7, various churches, organizations, friends and well-wishers for your love, compassion and support shown to her till the last breath.

Words are inadequate to thank each and everyone individually but our gratitude and prayers are with you all. May our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Parents, Brothers, Aunt and Relatives

LATE OBED RIO

19/07/1989 – 09/05/2021

We, the family members of Late Obed Rio, wish to acknowledge various individuals, churches, organizations, friends and relatives that came and rendered their valuable help and support in our very difficult time. Though we are unable to repay your priceless help we pray to our Almighty God to bless you all abundantly.

K-969

Loving Mother, Brothers & Relatives K Y M C

8

sports

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur WEDNESDaY, maY 19, 2021

Man Utd forward Cantona Tokyo doctors call for cancellation of Olympic Former inducted into EPL Hall of Fame

TOKYO, MAY 18 (AGENCIES): A top medical organisation has thrown its weight behind calls to cancel the Tokyo Olympics saying hospitals are already overwhelmed as the country battles a spike in coronavirus infections less than three months from the start of the Games.

The Tokyo Medical Practitioners Association representing about 6,000 primary care doctors said hospitals in the Games host city “have their hands full and have almost no spare capacity” amid a surge in infections.

“We strongly request that the authorities convince the IOC (International Olympic Committee) that holding the Olympics is difficult and obtain its decision to cancel the Games,” the association said in a May 14 open letter to Prime Minister YoshihideSuga which was posted to its website on

Monday. A jump in infections has stoked alarm amid a shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas of the Japanese capital, promoting the government to extend a third state of emergency in Tokyo and several other prefectures until May 31.

Doctors would soon face the added difficulty of dealing with heat exhaustion patients during the summer months and if the Olympics contributed to a

rise in deaths “Japan will bear the maximum responsibility”, it added.

Other health experts and medical groups have voiced their concerns about the Olympics, while an online petition calling for the Games to be cancelled was signed by hundreds of thousands of people.

Overall, Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by other nations, but the government has come under

sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out.

Only about 3.5% of its population of about 126 million has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker.

Underscoring the challenges with the vaccinations, booking systems for mass inoculation sites being launched in Tokyo and Osaka - which started accepting bookings on Monday - were marred by technical glitches.

Still, Suga says Japan can host “a safe and secure Olympics” while following appropriate COVID-19 containment measures.

Preparations for the July 23-Aug. 8 Games are progressing under tight COVID-19 protocols, such as an athletics test event featuring 420 athletes in early May. But multiple pre-Olympic training camps, including one for the United States’

track and field team have been cancelled, and athletes have voiced concerns about the Games taking place in the midst of a global pandemic. read more Canadian equastrian athlete and gold medalist Eric Lamaze announced on Monday that he had pulled out of being an Olympic candidate, citing personal health concerns. He has been treated for a brain tumor over the past three years.

“My health is something that I take very seriously, and I’ve decided that Tokyo is not the best venue for me,” Lamaze said in the statement.

“The Olympics are a celebration of the athletes and I don’t think we’re going to have a true celebration in Tokyo,” he added. “It’s not the time to celebrate.”

The Games have already been postponed once due to the pandemic.

L O N D O N, M AY 1 7 (AGENCIES): Former Manchester United and Leeds United forward Eric Cantona has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

He joins Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry, who were the first players to be inducted last month.

Cantona joined Sir Alex Ferguson’s side from Leeds in 1992 and won four Premier League titles in five seasons.

“I am very happy and very proud, but at the same time I am not surprised,” said the Frenchman, 54.

“I would’ve been surprised not to be elected. I have been lucky to play in this team, with wonderful players, a wonderful manager and wonderful fans.”

The France international won the old First Division title with Leeds

Eric Cantona

in 1991-92 and then scored 70 goals in 156 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, before retiring from football in 1997.

Cantona also famously launched a “kung-fu” kick at a fan after being sent off at Crystal Palace in January 1995, for which

he received a nine-month ban.

He is one of six more inductees to the Hall of Fame being announced this week. They have been selected from a 23-man shor tlist based on the most combined votes from the public and a Premier League panel.

Toni Kroos tests positive for Covid India’s white ball series needed We didn’t tamper with ball, end to lift SL out of mess: BCCI rumour-mongering: Aussie bowlers

MADrID, MAY 18 (IANS): Real Madrid will be without German midfielder Toni Kroos for the decisive last game of the season after the club confirmed on Monday that he has tested positive for Covid-19.

Kroos had been isolated at home since Friday after a close contact had tested positive for the virus and missed Sunday’s 1-0 win away to Athletic Club Bilbao and he will now also have to sit out Saturday’s home match against Villarreal, Xinhua reports.

Real Madrid need to beat Villarreal and hope that Atletico Madrid fail to win in their visit to relegationthreatened Valladolid in a game that will be played at the same time, to be crowned this season’s La Liga champions.

The German is the ninth member of the Real Ma-

drid first-team squad to test positive for Covid19 this season, following Eder Militao, Casemiro, Nacho Fernandez, Raphael Varane, S e r g i o R a m o s, FedeValverde, and Luka Jovic, who is currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane and club President, Florentino Perez had also been infected by the virus during the course of the campaign.

Kroos has been a vital player for Real Madrid this season, playing 3,194 minutes in 42 games in all competitions, scoring 3 goals, and providing 12 assists.

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (IANS): India’s limitedovers tour of Sri Lanka is necessary to ensure that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) makes up for the loss of revenue caused by last year’s cancelled tour of the Island nation, the Indian cricket board treasurer Arun Dhumal has said.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka in June last year was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which sent the entire Future Tours Programme (FTP) of the top cricketing countries haywire.

India’s tour to Sri Lanka is coinciding with the national team’s Test tour of England, comprising the World Test Championship final against New Zealand and a Test series against the host.

“We had to miss Sri Lanka tour last year also. So, we need to work out on that.

Since our team that is going to England is primarily for Tests, we could have made up (sic) a team for these white-ball matches. So, that is why we thought we should do our bit to make sure Sri Lankan board and we can play white-ball cricket in time,” Dhumal was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

These days every country wants to host the Indian team, comprising stars like ViratKohli and Rohit Sharma, for matches as they fetch handsome revenue through TV rights, sponsorships, and series branding etc. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer said that it is important for the teams to follow such a policy in future.

Wrestler murder case: court denies anticipatory bail to Sushil

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (IANS): A Delhi court on Tuesday declined to grant anticipatory bail to Sushil Kumar, India’s double Olympic medallist in wrestling, in connection with a brawl at Chhatrasal Stadium, which led to the death of a wrestler.

Additional sessions judge Jagdish Kumar declined to grant the relief to Kumar who has been booked for murder, abduction and criminal conspiracy. Kumar in his plea seeking anticipatory bail filed by advocate Kumar Vaibhaw has said: “unfounded, baseless, scurrilous and preposterous allegations have been made against the applicant maliciously with the only motive to humiliate and injure the reputation of the applicant.” The police said Kumar is the main accused who has played a key role in the commission

of offence.

The police have also announced a cash award of Rs.50,000 for anyone who provides information on Sushil’s associate Ajay Kumar, who is a co-accused in the murder of SagarDhankar, a former international wrestler. On May 4, two groups of wrestlers clashed at Chhatrasal Stadium, resulting in the death of 23year-old Dhankar.

Ku m a r, i n t h e plea, argued that statement of the victims has been recorded and alleged recoveries have also been made, therefore no custodial interrogation was required.

Kumar also claimed that he has no connection with the alleged firing, which took place during the brawl.

Senior advocate

SiddharthLuthra, representing Kumar, questioned before the court the act of prosecution seizing Kumar’s passport.

Additional public prosecutor AtulShrivastava replied, “We have an apprehension that he may flee from the country.” Shrivastava added that there is electronic evidence against Kumar.

Police insisted on Kumar’s custodial interrogation to reveal the conspiracy and also to recover the weapon of offence from him.

Citing the falsity in allegations, Kumar’s plea said that as per the PCR call the incident took place at around 1.19 hours on May 5, 2021 and the distance from the place of incident, Chhatrasal Stadium, and the police station PS Model Town is just one kilometre.

(L-R): Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

S Y D N E Y, M AY 1 8 (IANS): Australia bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood said they were not aware of ball being tampered during the infamous third Test against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018.

Cummins, Starc, Lyon and Hazlewood were the bowlers in that Test and the four released a joint statement on Tuesday amid rising speculation over their awareness of the tactic which eventually led to bans on Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner.

“We did not know a foreign substance was taken onto the field to alter

the condition of the ball until we saw images on the big screen at Newlands,” said the players in the statement.

“And to those who, despite the evidence, insist that ‘we must have known’ about the use of the foreign substance simply because we are bowlers, we say this: The umpires during that Test match, Nigel Long and Richard Illingworth, both very respected and experienced umpires, inspected the ball after images surfaced on the TV coverage and did not change it because there was no sign of damage,” they further said.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Ban-

croft indicated that the bowlers knew about tampering. This was followed by former Australia captain Michael Clarke saying that bowlers had to know about what was happening to the ball.

“We respectfully request an end to the rumourmongering and innuendo.

It has gone for too long and it is time to move on,” the four bowlers further said in their statement.

“We pride ourselves on our honesty. So it’s been disappointing to see that our integrity has been questioned by some journalists and past players in recent days in regard to the Cape Town Test of 2018,” they said.

India women’s cricket team to tour Aus in Sept Wilder arbitration casts doubt over Joshua-Fury Saudi bout

NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (IANS): The India women’s cricket team is set to tour Australia for the first time in 15 years for a one-off Test and a white-ball series in September.

Though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA) are yet to make an announcement, Australian pace bowler Megan Schutt recently revealed on ‘No Balls: The Cricket Podcast’ that her country

will play a home series against India in September, with a preparatory camp in Darwin, ESPNcricinfo.com reported. The India women’s team last toured Australia in 2006 under captainMithali Raj and lost the one-off Test in Adelaide by an innings and four runs. That team comprised Anjum Chopra, JhulanGoswami and Neetu David among others.

In all, the two teams have played nine Tests, with Australia

leading 4-0. Five matches have ended as draw.

India women are currently gearing up for a month-long tour of England in June-July.

They will play a one-off Test against England from June 16-19 at Bristol, which will be followed by three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is. This is the first time since 2014 that the Mithali Rajled India will play two Tests in a calendar year.

L O N D O N, M AY 1 8 (AGENCIES): Tyson Fury has been ordered to fight Deontay Wilder for a third time, casting doubt over a proposed August super bout with Anthony Joshua.

Fury, 32, won the WBC world heavyweight title from Wilder in a rematch in February 2020 after an initial draw.

The pair were due to fight again but delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic prompted Fury to seek an alternative.

On Monday a US judge ruled in mediation that Wilder has a right to face Fury for a third time before 15 September.

The American’s team had long argued their fighter had a contractual right to a third fight with Fury.

But after delays caused by the pandemic led to a July 2020 contest being postponed, Wilder’s team sought to move the bout to 2021.

Fury refused the 2021 date and said he would move

Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder

on. That prompted mediation overseen by American judge Daniel Weinstein, who has now sided with Wilder and set a 15 September deadline for a third contest.

“Until we can reach an accommodation with Deontay Wilder’s people, I can’t say that [Fury’s fight with Joshua] will definitely happen,” Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme.

“But we are working hard to get that over the line. We were talking last night and

hopefully we can do that. If not then Tyson, if he wishes, will go to the fight with Wilder. They’re the only two options.”

Fury’s US promoters Top Rank did not wish to comment on the development when contacted by BBC Sport.

Just 24 hours before Monday’s arbitration hearing, Fury confirmed he had agreed to fight fellow Briton Joshua holder of the IBF, WBA and WBO belts - for all four heavyweight world titles in Saudi Arabia on 14 August.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has also said several times that the August bout was in place, with terms agreed.

The mediation outcome does not necessarily mean a Fury-Joshua fight cannot take place in August but fresh deals will now need to be struck for it to do so.

That could mean Wilder being offered money to allow Fury-Joshua to take place.

“It’ll cost quite a bit of money. He will want as much as possible so I think it’ll be about the negotiation if we go down that road,” said Warren.

Saudi authorities are reportedly putting forward around £106m just to stage the Fury-Joshua contest.

Pay-per-view sales and ticket sales will serve to substantially add to the total revenue of the contest.

If it goes ahead, Joshua versus Fury will be the first bout in heavyweight history where all four world titles are on the line.

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