22 May 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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Doorstep treatment will reduce burden on health system: Modi Narendra Modi interacts with the doctors and frontline workers. (PTI)

ond wave of the pandemic.

The infection rate was high, the patients had to be hospitalised for longer and there was “extreme pressure” on the health system.

Stressing the importance of vaccination, he said frontline workers managed to serve without worry because of it. This “suraksha kavach” (shield) should reach everyone, he added.

Just as the fight against coronavirus has been a joint effort, the vaccination should also be a collective responsibility and everyone should take the vaccine when their turn comes, he said.

Modi emphasized the important role played by ASHA and ANM workers in the war against COVID-19 in the villages and urged the health officials to take maximum advantage of their potential and experience.

He expressed satisfaction that people’s representatives remained connected to the drive against the pandemic despite facing “naraazgi”, an indirect reference to hostile comments.

DRDO develops Covid antibody detection kit Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 21 (NPN): Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed an antibody detection-based kit ‘DIPCOVAN’, the DIPASVDx COVID-19 IgG Antibody Microwell ELISA for sero-surveillance.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the DIPCOVAN kit can detect both spike as well as nucleocapsid (S&N) proteins of SARSCoV-2 virus with a high sensitivity of 97 per cent and specificity of 99 per cent.

The kit has been developed in association with Vanguard Diagnostics Pvt Ltd, a development and manufacturing diagnostics company based in New Delhi.

The kit was developed indigenously by the scientists, followed by extensive validation on over 1000 patient samples at various COVID designated hospitals in Delhi. The antibody detection kit is approved by Indian Council of Medical Research in April 2021.

Biden signs bill into law to curb anti-Asian hate crime international, page 7

Israel, Hamas agree to ceasefire to end bloody 11-day war JERUSALEM/GAZA, MAY 21 (IANS/AGENCIES): Both Israel and Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, have accepted an Egyptian-brokered deal to cease fighting at 2 a.m.

(Friday local time) to end the 11-day bloodshed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the Israeli security cabinet approved on Thursday night the Eg yptian-brokered ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Xinhua reported. The decision came after a 2.5-hour discussion and was “unanimously” approved by the ministers, according to the office’s statement. “The political echelon emphasizes that the reality on the ground will determine the continuation of the military campaign,” the statement noted.

Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh was informed of the timing of the truce by Egypt, Hamas spokesman in Gaza Hazem Qassem said. The Egyptian mediator informed Hamas that Israel had agreed to a mutual ceasefire, “and therefore we also agreed to the

People celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire brokered by Egypt between Israel and Hamas, Friday. (AFP)

NEW DELHI, MAY 21 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that bringing treatment to the doorsteps of patients will reduce the burden on the health system and he also provided a new mantra in COVID management - ‘Jaha bimar, wahi upchaar’ (treatment where the patient is located).

He said this while interacting with doctors and officials of Varanasi on Friday through video conference, where he choked up while speaking of lives lost to the virus.

“Though the attack of the pandemic has been checked to an extent with the joint efforts of all, it is not the time to feel satisfied,” he said.

“Creating micro containment zones and distributing medicines at the doorstep of the people is a good initiative. We have to follow the initiative comprehensively in villages,” Modi said.

“Bringing doctors, labs and e-marketing companies together to provide a telemedicine facility named ‘Kashi Kavach’ is also a very innovative initiative,” he said.

“If the treatment is taken to the sick, it will bring down the pressure on the health system,” Modi said. He talked about telemedicine and involving young and retired medical professionals in tackling the pandemic. He lauded the efforts of doctors, nurses,

Complete lockdown in Kohima village area till May 31

State logs 309 new Covid cases, 13 deaths Nagaland receives 1200 oxygen cylinders

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 21 (NPN): In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases, the Kohima Village Council (KVC) at an emergency meeting held here on Friday decided to impose complete lockdown in all areas under its jurisdiction till May 31.

The meeting also decided that all shops would be closed while movement of persons, including those attending to agriculture work, would be totally restricted.

Those wishing to attend to agricultural activities have been asked to camp at their respective fields until the lockdown was lifted.

It was also learnt that the lockdown areas will include Ziekezou (DBS), Keyake (BSF camp), Kenuozou and Phezoucha while sanitation trucks will also not be allowed to ply during the lockdown period.

The meeting further directed KVC unit executives to inform citizens to procure necessary provisions in preparation for the lockdown. While exemptions may be extended to those udner exempted category, strict action would be imposed agaisnt defaulters, the meeting warned.

This is it!

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 1 (NPN): Nagaland on Friday reported 309 fresh Covid positive cases, taking the total caseload to 19593 while the death toll surged to 258 after 13 more succumbed to the infection.

Dimapur accounted for most number of fresh cases with 122, Kohima- 133, Phek- 22, Mokokchung- 15, Wokha- 12, Zunheboto- 11, nine in Tuensang, four in Mon and one in Peren.

In Dimapur, 12 more succumbed to contagion while Phek reported one fatality, taking the Covid related death toll to 258 out

technicians, ward boys and ambulance drivers. “But this pandemic is so big that despite all the efforts we have not been able to save the lives of our family members,” he added.

“This virus has snatched so many of our near ones,” Modi said, choking with emotion.

There was a long pause, before the prime minister continued, “I pay my respects to all these people and offer condolences to their near and dear ones,” he said. Modi called for special efforts to save children from coronavirus. He also flagged mucormycosis or black fungus as a “new challenge”.

He said the fight was on many fronts in the sec-

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of which 247 were Covid related deaths and 11 nonCovid but with Covid positivity.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,53,153 persons have been inoculated against Covid19, out of which 199215 were first dose and 53938 second dose.

PTI: The daily rise in coronavirus cases in India remained below 3 lakh for the fifth consecutive day with 2.59 lakh new cases recorded in a single day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. With a total of 2,59,551 fresh cases, India’s

total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,60,31,991.

The death toll climbed to 2,91,331 with 4,209 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The active cases further reduced to 30,27,925 comprising 11.63 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate improved to 87.25 per cent.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,27,12,735, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.12 per cent, the data stated.

K Y M C

Biden hails CF pact

United States President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and emphasised the US will continue to sup-

Staff Reporter

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 1 (NPN): Nagaland on Friday received the first batch consignment consisting of 400 jumbo (D type) and 800 B-Type oxygen cylinders.

The consignment containing 1200 cylinders were transported from Ahmedabad via Jorhat by the Indian Air Force logistics team, after which they were brought to Dimapur by road and stored at the State depot for oxygen cylinders, Police Complex Chumukedima.

“We’ve received the first batch of oxygen cylinders

Cylinders being loaded onto an air force plane. (Abu Metha via twitter)

procured by Nagaland - 400 jumbo & 800 B-type. They were airlifted along with the trucks by IAF aircraft,” chief minister Neiphiu Rio said in a tweet. Meanwhile, in a statement, government

spokespersons on COVID19, minister Neiba Kronu and adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon informed that oxygen consignment was procured

by Nagaland Health Project aided by World Bank.

port Israel militarily.

“The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks

by Hamas and other Gazabased terrorist groups that have taken the lives of innocent civilians,” Biden said in remarks at the White House in Washington.

Biden said the US would work with the United Nations and other international organisations to “provide rapid humanitarian assistance” for the people of Gaza. “We will do this in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas … in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal,” Biden said.

With these and other receipts, the spokespersons said the total number of oxygen cylinders available in the state in the last 10 days have gone up from 402 to 1014 type-D cylinders and 1533 to 2344 type-B cylinders respectively, with more cylinders on the way.

State now has 402 oxygen concentrators.

They also informed that the state depot for oxygen cylinders has been activated to facilitate smooth movement of oxygen cylinders to districts and also to reduce the turn-around time for refilling.

NPF suggests measures to combat Covid Lockdown curbs, odd-even GBUD, DUCCF against colonies system to continue in Dmu enforcing own lockdown rules

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 1 (NPN): Expressing grave concern over the increasing rate of Covid cases and death in the state, the NPF Friday suggested measures to fight the pandemic.

NPF through its press bureau suggested that the state government make available Covid vaccine to all the citizens above the age of 18 and sensitize the importance of the vaccine since many people were still reluctant to take the vaccine. It stated that all Covid related issues be made free of cost including testing, medicine and treatment.

NPF also suggested that strict directives be given to village, wards and colonies to totally isolate individuals who were tested through contact tracing and waiting for results. It cited instances wherein positive patients before their result being declared were seen moving freely in their vicinity posing risk of spreading the virus.

With positive cases increasing each day, NPF suggested that more hospital beds and medical equipment should be immediately arranged particularly in Dimapur and Kohima and

even for other districts.

NPF cautioned that if the present trend continued the worst time was likely to hit the state. NPF also suggested that the government try to utilize voluntary service of all retired doctors.

Since the government has announced extension of lockdown, NPF said it must fully be prepared for the safety and livelihood of the people post-lockdown.

Meanwhile, the opposition party has assured to extend its fullest cooperation and support to the government in combating the Covid-19.

DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): With regard to the total lockdown in Dimapur district, the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, has informed that the all the directive issued on May 12, 2021 would continue to remain operative till May 31, 2021.

The DC cautioned that any person violating the order would be liable to be prosecuted against as per the relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act 2005, besides actions under Section 188 of IPC and other legal provisions as applicable.

Odd-even system: Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetso, has notified that the essential movement of all vehicles within Dimapur district would continue to ply on odd-even system till May 31, 2021. CP informed that the rest of the order would remain the same.

DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): GB Union Dimapur (GBUD) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) affirmed that no colony should enforce own version of lockdown restrictions under its jurisdiction. In a joint statement, GBUD president MY Ngullie and DUCCF president Tsenthungo Nyamo stated that the colony authorities, if necessary, should consult with the district task force (DTF) and not to set their own rules that put the citizens in difficult situation.

The two bodies have urged the colony leaders to rather give logistic support to the citizens in managing Covid-19 issues in collaboration with DTF and medical department.

As directed by deputy commissioner Dimapur, GBUD and DUCCF stated that every colony should adhere to the order and avoid enforcing own rules. They also cautioned the public to sincerely adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour and follow SOPs/guidelines for their own safety.

(Cont’d on p-5)

DMC working to keep city clean, says administrator Death of two NPF leaders mourned Staff Reporter

“Instead of rice, the ration shop fellow supplied wheat. Does he want us to become atta eaters?”

ceasefire,” a Hamas source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

“We have obtained guarantees from the mediators that the aggression on Gaza will stop,” Hamas leader in Lebanon Osama Hamdan told the news website Al Resala. Taher alNouno, the media advisor of Haniyeh in Gaza, said the Palestinian armed resistance will be committed to the agreement as long as the Israeli side is.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 1 (NPN): Despite frequent public complaints of lack of service, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) administrator Albert Ezung has claimed that the council was working round the clock to keep the town clean amidst the State-wide total lockdown.

Asked about the public complaints of untimely collection of garbage, the administrator told Nagaland Post that DMC sanitation DMC sanitation team collecting garbage on Friday. (NP)

workers lived in close proximity, and with one worker having tested positive for Covid-19, the rest were undergoing home isolation But, he claimed that the council had made alternate arrangements to ensure that garbage was collected on time.

The DMC has around 30 vehicles, including tractors and trucks, which cover 96 colonies, including market areas, besides employing 170 workers, including drivers, labourers and supervi(Cont’d on p-5) sors.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 1 (NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF), National People’s Party (NPP) and Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) have condoled the death of two NPF leaders Phukavi Yepthomi and Itokhu Chophy.

In a condolence message, NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu deeply mourned the demise of both-- Yepthomi, who was formerly Dimapur Municipal Council member and party’s candidate from IDimapur-1, and Chophy

who was party’s Dimapur division general secretary (administration). He said he was greatly pained at the passing away of the two leaders.

Yepthomi died in Guwahati after a prolonged illness and had contested the last Assembly election on an NPF ticket from Dimapur-1 constituency.

Liezietsu said NPF would always cherish and remember his contributions and sacrifices for the party.

Terming Chophy, who died here, as an active and

distinguished party leader who worked with dedication and sincerity for the party in general and Dimapur division in particular, he said the vacuum created by both the leaders would be difficult to fill.

On behalf of his party, the NPF president conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to almighty God to comfort them at this hour of grief and intense sorrow.

He wished that the two departed souls rest in eternal peace.

(Cont’d on p-5) K Y M C

2

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Are present covid beds planned in Dimapur sufficient to meet the growing demands?

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

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

10% 78% 12%

Next Poll

Q: Has India betrayed lack

of moral courage by it’s silence on recent Hamas-Israeli clash ?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MAy 22

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

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

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

36 27 32 20

Guwahati A morning thunderstorm; humid 34 24 Imphal 31 20 A passing morning shower Itanagar A.M. showers; variably cloudy 29 22 Shillong An a.m. t-storm; partly sunny 24 18

A stray morning thunderstorm 26 18 34 24 Dimapur Mostly sunny Mkg 28 19 Partly sunny with a t-storm Kohima

Tuensang Partly sunny Wokha An afternoon shower or two

21 15 27 21

Zunheboto A stray morning thundershower 25 17

HPC asks state govt to vaccinate all jail inmates

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 21 (NPN): A High Powered Committee (HPC) has requested the State government to make arrangements to vaccinate all prisoners across the State numbering 429.

According to a late report received here on Friday, the committee headed

by Nagaland State Legal Services Authority executive chairman Justice S Serto and its members, including principal secretary (home) R Ramakrishnan, and additional director general (prisons) Renchamo P Kikon, held its second video conference recently during which it stressed the need to prioritise vaccination for the jail inmates.

As per the meeting minutes, the principal secretary (home) assured of taking up the matter with health & family welfare (H&FW) department as vaccination for citizens above 45 years of age was being carried out.

During the meeting, the HPC members stressed that vaccinating the prisoners should be prioritised as they were living in a con-

fined environment and that though segregation was enforced, they feared that the virus could spread quickly in the event of any prisoner getting infected. The committee emphasised that vaccines for prisoners should be made universal without age differentiation or other criteria applied elsewhere.

HPC also reiterated its earlier stand that mandatory Covid-19 test should be carried out on all arrested individuals before being forwarded to courts either for police or judicial custody, while strictly adhering to Covid SOPs and guidelines in order to contain the spread of the virus.

And in pursuance of Supreme Court order, the committee directed that regular Covid-19 test of both prisoners and prison staff should be conducted

by H&FW department to ensure that the pandemic did not spread in jails.

On the issue of decongestion of prisons, HPC said it had received reports from the prisons department and district judicial officials that there was no overcrowding in any jail in

Organisations extend condolences DIMAPUR: The Kulolau Yeputhomi Kuposhukulu Dimapur (KYKD) has expressed grief over the demise of its leader, ex-DMC member and ex-candidate 1 Dimapur-1 A/C Pukhavi Yeputhomi.

In a condolence note, KYKD secretary Otoka H. Yeputhomi said that the people had lost a resolute and benevolent leader who uplifted the downtrodden with his generosity. “His enormous contributions to the society will be remembered for many generations to come”, the union stated.

KYKD extended its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would give them strength to bear the loss.

MPK: The Midland Panchayat Kohima (MPK) has expressed grief over the demise of All Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat ( A K M W P ) p r e si d e nt, Neibulie Kiewhuo who passed away on Friday evening.

In a condolence note, MPK chairman Kopelo Krome described late Neibulie Kiewhuo as a

Nagaland since Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) held regular meetings and also implemented HPC’s resolution passed on April 1, 2020 wherein criteria were laid down to release under trial prisoners (UTPs) on interim bail/parole as per the Supreme Court order to decongest jails in view of Covid-19 pandemic.

The meeting also reviewed medical facilities provided to the prisoners as directed by the apex court.

The minute stated that HPC was informed that a dedicated medical officer (MO) had been posted at Dimapur Central Jail by Dimapur chief medical officer though in other districts jails, MO and staff were available on-call basis only.

In this regard, the committee reiterated its earlier resolutions that medical facilities should be placed and doctors made available to attend to any medical situation in jails across the State in view of the pandemic. It resolved that H&FW principal secretary should ensure availability of dedicated medical facilities in all jails at all times.

Stating that it was “step motherly treatment” meted out by the responsible department, JCC demanded H&FW to immediately deploy more doctors led by senior medical officer and adequate manpower and facilities to effectively tackle the pandemic before the end of 14 Days deadline.

In the event of failing to address the demand within the stipulated date, it said that the health department would be solely held responsible for any consequences thereafter.

CAPF: Extending support to the 14-day ultimatum served on health & family welfare (H&FW) department by civil society organisations of Shamator, the Chessore Area Public Forum (CAPF) said that there was no positive response despite repeated request by various CSOs and student bodies of the area.

In a press release, CAPF president Y. Kiumukam said that the “conscious negligence and discrimination” had “reached the crest of public rage beyond reasonable control.” Maintaining that CHC was in a deplorable condition with no doctors, no adequate nurses and technical staff, CAPF said that every citizen had the right to have access to adequate health facilities within their reach. The forum said that health centre was also functioning without proper life-saving drugs and infrastructure.

In this regard, CAPF

maintained that the responsible department was “not at all adhering with the mandatory guidelines of IPHS issued by the ministry of H&FW, India”.

The forum maintained that “95% of the facilities which any CHCs across India are entitled” had not been provided at CHC Shamator.

It also stated that the responsible department “must be accountable” for the loss of lives and that not everyone could afford to go outside the district for proper management of their ailments.

It said that denying medical facilities was a clear deprivation of their right to life. It questioned the department what would become of the people staying in the locations with less or no facilities in the state. The forum also asked whether they were not part of Nagaland.

It said that responsible authority must take the matter seriously and mitigate the problem at any cost.

While reminding the department of the 14-day ultimatum, CAPF warned that it would be constrained to take appropriate steps in the event of the failure to bring justice within the stipulated time. It also warned that the department “should be able to bear the brunt of public resentment” for any eventualities.

Meanwhile, the concerned citizens and representatives of various CSOs and 11 ward and colony leaders under Shamator town have resolved to constitute them-

“truly noble soul, dedicated and committed towards the welfare and betterment of Kohima and the society at large”.

It also said that the vacuum left behind would be difficult to be replaced and prayed that the Almighty would grant comfort and strength to the bereaved family members.

NPF Dimapur division: Naga People’s Front (NPF) Dimapur division has expressed grief over the demise of NPF Dimapur division general secretary Itokhu Chophy.

In a condolence note, the division described late Chophy as a man of integrity who had an impeccable record while serving the party.

It said that the party had lost a committed leader and the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill.

The Dimapur division, women wing, youth wing, farmers wing and party workers under Dimapur division extended their condolences to the grieving family members.

NPF Phek division:

NPF Phek division has mourned over the sudden demise of Itokhu Chophy.

In a condolence note , the division through its president Wepe Mekrisuh said that his untimely demise had caused a huge vacuum and a great lost to the party.

NCSU: The Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union (NCSU) head office Kohima has expressed grief over the sudden demise of its vice president Ntsenthung Tungoe who passed away on Friday afternoon.

In a condolence note, its president Pele Khezhie and general secretary John Kath said that the NCSU in particular and Nagas in general had lost a tall leader who cannot be replaceable.

While stating that he had served NCSU with his best ability NCSU described him as very simple natured, hard working, dedicated and humble person.

Further, the union conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families at this hour of grief and prayed that the Almighty

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Through this column, the bereaved family members of Late K. Meliang express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood and supported us physically, financially, materially and in faithful prayers during our mourning hours. We would like to thank:1. Doctor, nurses and staff, Oking Hospital Kohima 2. KBCA Komking 3. KBC Kohima 4. KBC Dimapur 5. Ao Baptist Fellowship Noklak 6. Choklangan Baptist Donthi 7. Choklangan Union Kohima K. Meliang 8. Choklangan Union Mokokchung 01.11.1964 – 13.05.2021 9. Choklangan Paopong Tuensang 10. Choklangan Union Noklak 11. Choklangan Village Council 12. Khiamniungan Tribal Council 13. Khiamniungan Students’ Union 14. Choklangan Students’ Union 15. NPF 56th A/C Noklak 16. Nokhu Range Public Organisation 17. Nokhu Range Students’ Union 18. Nokhu Village Council 19. EAC staff Nokhu 20. Chio Khao Nokhu 21. Nokhu Range Pensioner Union 22. Mithun Rearing Union Choklangan 23. Medical staff Choklangan 24. Teaching staff, GMS Choklangan We regret our inability to mention and thank individually, but it is our faithful prayer that our Almighty God bless you abundantly.

Wife, family members & relatives K-973

Shamator bodies back 14-day ultimatum

DIMAPUR: Various bodies under Shamator have extended support to the 14-day deadline served by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Shamator town on non-availability of adequate manpower at Shamator Community Health Centre (CHC).

JCC: Joint co-ordination committee (JCC), Shamator has appealed to the principal director of state Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) to immediately fulfill the demand to deploy adequate manpower and to set up required facilities at the CHC. In a press release, JCC convenor S. Toji and member secretary Thsantong said that there was “not even a single doctor for the entire populace at CHC Shamator to effectively tackle the present prevailing pandemic”. It claimed that “five precious souls” had also been lost in the midst of recent transfer and posting of medical officers depriving the deceased of proper medical attention and care. “As if not satisfied with the loss, the concerned department continues to turn deaf ears and blind eyes to the hue and cries of the people”, JCC stated.

Maintaining that 12 more Covid positives cases were detected through random testing at Shamator recently, JCC said that primary contract tracing was not done even after more than a week of which reason, it said would be best known to the concerned authority.

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SaTurDaY, maY 22, 2021

selves under the banner of joint co-ordination committee (JCC) solely to protect and preserve the common interest of the people of Shamator.

In a press release, its sessional chairman Kiuji and sessional secretary Thsantong has informed that the JCC would address grievances to the responsible authority faced by the general public owing to lack of adequate manpower and other required facilities at CHC Shamator.

In a joint meeting held on May 18, the committee appointed JCC representing various organisations and strata of society.

Physically departed but always in our hearts

would grant them solace.

GPRN/NSCN: GPRN/NSCN has expressed grief over the demise of L. Toiho Achumi, Kilonser, union territory region, who passed away on May 20. He enrolled and joined the national service in 1997.

In a condolence note, GPRN/NSCN through its MIP said that L. Toiho Achumi was a selfless and compassionate man who “served the nation for 24 years with full commitment and compassion as a true national worker in various capacities till his last breath”.

In his demise GPRN said that it had lost one of the most dedicated and promising patriot and his admirable and persistent dedication for the “Naga nation” would be cherished and treasured in the pages of Naga history.

F u r t h e r, G P R N / NSCN conveyed its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would grant them solace and comfort at this time of grief.

GRATITUDE

(Born : 18-08-1945 – Died : 16-05-2021) It is difficult to find the words to express our heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and support shown to us during this unprecedented time.

We are so grateful for all you have done for us. Your prayers and support meant a great deal to us as we struggled with our heartbreaking loss of our beloved father Late A. ZANKHOMO TSANGLAO. Along with the emotional support you gave us and other gifts of your time and energy helped sustain us day to day.

Please know that your generosity and thoughtfulness have touched us deeply. Knowing that we were not alone helped us bear our grief and sadness.

We thank you all for being there for us.

MAY GOD BLESSED YOU ALL ABUNDANTLY. With sincere thanks, Wife, Sons, Daughters, Grand Children, Great Grand Children, In-laws and Family Members.

DP-2487

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."

~ John 17:4

We, the family members of Lt. Yansathung YANSATHUNG YANSA Yansa would like to extend our heartfelt Born : 15/11/1969 gratitude to DLBC Pastoral staff, neighbours, Died : 19/05/2021 officers & staff of CGST department Dimapur, friends, relatives and well-wishers who stood with us physically, spiritually & financially at the sudden demise of our beloved. We deeply regret our inability to thank each of you individually but we pray that our Lord bless each one of you abundantly.

Loving wife, children & family members DP-2490 K Y M C

Late Mr. Watinungsang Ao

Born on 01-07-1949 – Died on 15-05-2021

Late Mr. N. Wobemo Murry Retd. Librarian 6 Jan 1945 – 15th May 2021 th

We are truly and deeply indebted to Dimapur Lotha Colony Sector Church, Dimapur Lotha Colony Council, Dimapur Sanis Ekhung, neighbors, friends, colleagues and well-wishers for all the help rendered to us physically, financially, morally and extending your prayer support to us during the sad loss of Late Mr. N. Wobemo Murry. We regret our inability to thank all of you personally, but we pray that our Almighty God bless each one of you abundantly.

Our heartfelt and sincere gratitude.

DP-2491

Loving wife, children, daughter-in-law, grandson, grandniece and relatives

We, the bereaved family of Late Watinungsang Ao appreciate and sincerely thank each and every individual who stood with us in our unfortunate time of sorrow.

Your incredible kindness and generous help in every form is highly acknowledged and received with our deepest gratitude.

We also appreciate those who could not make it in person, given the circumstances of global pandemic at hand, yet managed to comfort and upload us in your prayers and condolences though far apart. We are ever so thankful for your unwavering support.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually, but it's our sincere prayer that our Almighty God grant showers of blessing to you all abundantly.

DP-2493

Empty chairs, empty wisdom Silent days, silent dinners Yet, I cannot say and I will not say That he is dead. He is just away!

With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand He has wandered into an unknown land.

A man of faith, honest, humble, hardworking, sincere, trustworthy, kind and a loving husband and father equipped with the best qualities that one could ask for!

We will cherish the memories in our hearts forever.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren and In-laws K Y M C

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SaTurDaY, maY 22, 2021

ULFA releases abducted ONGC staff Ritul Saikia GUWAHATI MAY 21 (AGENCIES): Abducted ONGC employee Ritul Saikia has been released by the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on Friday morning, The Sentinel Assam reported.

According to reports, Saikia was released by the banned outfit at Mon district in Nagaland-Myanmar border.

Earlier, Assam chief minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the ULFA (I) chief Paresh Baruah to release the captivated ONGC employee.

Soon after Sarma’s request, ULFA-I chief Paresh Barua released the abducted ONGC staffer Ritul Saikia from captivity. The outfit made an announcement stating that Saikia who has been in captivity since April 21 this

Ritul Saikia

year would be released in one to four days.

Sharing the information with local news channel of Assam, ULFA Commander-in-Chief Baruah said that it was more than 200 percent confirmed that Ritual Saikia would return home hale and hearty.

Sarma, during the press conference, said that

it would not be prudent to make the functioning of the oil companies operating out of Assam difficult as they are a major source of revenue for the Assam government unlike the tea industry that of late, been contributing nothing to the government coffers.

Ritul Saikia was kidnapped along with two other ONGC employees from ONGC’s Lakwa oil field in the Sibsagar district of Assam on April 21 this year.

The other two employees, Mohini Mohan Gogoi and Alakesh Saikia were rescued during a joint operation conducted by Assam Police, Army, and Nagaland Police on April 24, within three days of being abducted by ULFA-I. They were rescued from the Mon district of Nagaland.

Meghalaya logs highest oneday toll of 25 Covid deaths

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 21: Meghalaya on Friday reported 25 Covid-related deaths, the highest single-day tally of fatality in the State so far, mounting the number of fatalities count to 414, and 828 new cases of infection surged the active caseload 6861 , health officials said.

The State also reported 411 new recoveries, pushing the total number of recovered patients up to 20,480 as on date. So far, Meghalaya has detected 27,755 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the onset of the viral infection in April, 2020.

Meanwhile, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong has voiced

concern on the rising cases in the state and said, “Several people have not taken mild symptoms seriously and have ventured out instead of isolating themselves and taking the test.”

“They must isolate themselves if they encounter mild COVID symptoms and immediately inform health authorities or get themselves tested at the Community Health Centres or the Primary Health Centres,” Tynsong appealed. Tynsong said, strict instructions have been given to the DCs to strengthen checking at the entry points after reports emerged that some people have clandestinely entered the state during the lockdown period.

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Northeast/state SF bust NSCN (I-M) camp; 2 NSCN K (YA) cadres arrested

Jailed MLA Akhil Gogoi turns into instant sensation at Assam assembly session

DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): Security Forces busted a temporary camp of the NSCN (I-M) in Motongsa area under Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh on May 19.

In a press note, PRO (IGAR-N) said that security forces launched an operation based on specific input and busted the camp.

“Busting of temporary camp will severely impact the administrative setup and disrupt the unhindered move of insurgents resulting in decline of illegal activities of the faction in the region,” PRO added.

2 cadres held: Security forces of the Spear Corps, in a joint operation with police apprehended two NSCN (K-YA) cadres at Maihwa village, Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh on May 20.

PRO (Def) Kohima said that the locals of the area had also filed an FIR against the cadres at Longding Police Station for attempting to abduct a local. Based on a specific inputs, the cadres were apprehended and handed over to Longding Police Station, PRO said.

GUWAHATI, MAY 21 (PTI): As three-day session of the 15th Assam assembly began on Friday, first time MLA Akhil Gogoi, who came for the swearing-in ceremony from prison with special permission from the courts, turned out to be a sensation with people including assembly staff rushing to take selfies with the jailed leader.

Gogoi, who contested as Independent, became the first Assamese to win an election from behind the bars without any physical campaigning. He also became the first in Assam Assembly to take oath as a prisoner MLA. He has been arrested on terror and sedition charges after leading a movement against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Such was the craze among the Assembly staff to have a photograph with Gogoi that police, who were on duty inside the Assembly building in civil dresses, and House Marshals had to intervene.

Dozens of Assembly staff huddled in the narrow corridor

of the Assembly building outside Gogoi’s room, minutes after the House was adjourned after the first half, reminiscent of crowds outside the rooms of `rock stars.

A lady member of the assembly staff, who declined to be identified, told PTI that she and her colleagues came to the isolated room, where Gogoi was kept after taking oath as an MLA of the 15th Assam Legislative Assembly, only to catch a glimpse of the RTI activist-turned-politician.

“I have spent 11 years in service in the Assembly and never clicked any picture with anyone we all are very excited to see Akhil Gogoi,” she added.

Police from the special cell guarded the room after crowds swelled and jostled to see the MLA, forgetting all social distancing norms amid a raging Covid-19 pandemic, and did not allow anyone thereafter to meet him.

In the morning when Gogoi arrived in a heavily escorted convoy from the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he is undergoing treatment,

he was seen being pushed by security personnel when the MLA tried to speak to media outside the main gate.

“I am an MLA of this Assembly. How can you push and drag an MLA? This is an insult ...

No one can silence my voice,” he shouted while being pushed inside the Assembly building.

Inside the House, Gogoi raised the issue with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who, according to the MLA, directed the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika to look into the matter.

Gogoi took oath in the name of honesty and sincerity, instead of in the name of God. Later talking exclusively to PTI sitting at the opposition MLA’s lounge, the Raijor Dal chief said I will raise the same old questions about welfare of Assam and its people, this time in front of the chief minister, ruling and opposition MLAs,” he added.

Gogoi said he will raise his voice against any “anti- people” policies of the Assam government.

Tripura set to export jackfruit to UK Army chief reviews situation along northern border in Arunachal

AGARTALA, MAY 21 (PTI): After having successfully exported pineapples and lemons to the Middle East, Tripura will now be sending jackfruits to the United Kingdom, Phani Bhusan Jamatia, the director of the horticulture department, said on Friday.

As part of the trial run, a consignment of 350 jackfruits was on Thursday shipped to New Delhi from Agartala for its export to the UK, Jamatiya said.

“England (set) to get a taste of Tripuras sweet jackfruits. First time Tripura is exporting jackfruit,

which has huge potential.

First consignment already shipped. After the state’s queen pineapples now jackfruits are also in the export list. Kudos to our Farmers, Agriculture & Horticulture Dept, state agriculture minister Pranajit Sinha Roy tweeted.

A Guwahati-based export company, which has received the contract for the overseas trade, has fixed Rs 30 as the price for a single piece of the summer fruit.

“The first consignment has been sent to Guwahati on Thursday. It will then be exported to

the United Kingdom via Delhi on Friday,” Jamatiya explained. He further said that the shipment will be officially flagged off by the officials of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) from New Delhi over a video conference.

Horticulture Secretary C K Jamatia will represent Tripura in the virtual meet.

“If the trial run is successful, the Guwahatibased exporter is expected to purchase five tonne of Army chief Gen. M Naravane on arrival at 3 Corps Hqs on Thursday. (PRO) jackfruit from Tripura ev- NEW DELHI MAY 21 (PTI): the North Eastern region. ery week,” Jamatia said.

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane re“On arrival at the Corps headviewed India’s operational readiness quarters in Dimapur, the Army Chief along the border with China in the was briefed by Lt Gen Johnson Arunachal Pradesh sector during a Mathew, General Officer Commandtwo-day visit to the region that began ing of Spear Corps and the Division conduct a COVID-19 test on Thursday.

Commanders on the prevailing situfor drug users at the social His visit to the region came amid ation and operational preparedness welfare directorate. Only the Army’s continued standoff with along the Northern borders,” the those who test negative for the Chinese military in some of the Army said.

COVID-19 would be taken friction points in eastern Ladakh.

It said the Chief of Army Staff to the rehabilitation centre Officials said Gen Naravane ar- complimented all ranks for mainand those with positive re- rived at Dimapur on Thursday to re- taining excellent vigil and exhorted sults would be referred to view the operational readiness along them to stay alert and keep watch on COVID-19 care centers, he the Northern borders of Arunachal activities along the Line of Actual added.

Pradesh and the security situation in Control (LAC).

Manipur announces free education to children who lost parents to Covid IMPHAL, MAY 21 (ANI): Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh launched CM’s COVID-19 Grievance Cell at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Imphal.

Singh stated that the Grievance Cell is being opened especially for COVID-19 patients under-

going home isolation. He further said that children who have lost parents to COVID-19 would be provided free education, food, accommodation and other necessities till they attain the age of 18 years.

Singh also appealed the public to reach out to the

Childline toll-free number 1098 if anyone came across such a child in the state.

Earlier, the state government had set up the State COVID-19 Control Room to address the COVID-19 related issues and challenges facing by the public, including doctor consultation,

medicines among others.

Highlighting how the drug users are highly vulnerable to contracted COVID19, CM Biren Singh further informed that the state would arrange detoxification-cumtreatment camp for them.

Singh further stated that May 24 onwards, the state would

state

COVID-19 pandemic: Information, advisories DIMAPUR: District administrations and civil society organisations (CSOs) have issued information and directives to the general public in order to contain further community spread.

Kohima: DC & chairman, DTF Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has informed that the total lockdown would continue to remain operative in Kohima district till May 31.

According to DIPR report, the DC has informed that vegetable, fish/meat vendors, milk booths, bakeries, local grocery stores including those that sell animal feed shops in wards/ colonies and wholesale-shops in BOC, supermarket and high school area have been permitted to be open from 6 a.m.-12 noon on alternate days viz.

May 24, 26 and 28 by strictly ensuring COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

Public have also been directed to shop their essential needs from within their colony only.

Peren: ADC Jalukie, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang has notified that the ongoing lockdown has been extended till May 31 within the entire jurisdiction of Jalukie sub-division and all such activities restricted/permitted as per the DC, Peren order shall be enforced during the lockdown period.

The DC however stated that in order to facilitate the public for purchase of essential commodities and other basic needs, opening of local grocery stores, vegetable markets, fish/meat vendors, and hardware stores would be allowed from 8 a.m. to 12 noon from Saturday.

Further, the ADC has directed all the residents of Jalukie sub-division to mainK Y M C

tain COVID-19 appropriate behaviours. All the village/ ward authorities in addition to enforcement committees and police have been directed to ensure compliance to COVID19 appropriate behaviour and other SOPs in their respective jurisdiction.

Any person violating this order shall be penalised as per the provisions of Section-51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 besides legal action under IPC Section 188.

Dimapur: Out of 126 random samples tested from around Dimapur town area here, on Friday, two samples were tested positive.

According to the random testing report, a total of 60 samples were tested from Nagarjan and 66 samples were collected from Burma camp under Dimapur town area where two samples were tested positive from Nagarjan area. (Staff Reporter) DC & DDMA chairman Rajesh Soundararajan has ordered the unsealing of SBI, old market branch, 11629, Kalibari road from the date of issuing this order.

Meanwhile, the DC has ordered the sealing of SBI, evening branch 08068 for 48 hours from the date of issuing this order.

DC has informed that any person violating these containment measures would be penalised as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster management Act 2006 besides legal action under IPC Section 188.

ADAN: Ayurvedic Doctors Association of Nagaland (ADAN) has informed that it would be organising a free teleconsultation for asymptomatic,

mild and moderate COVID19 patients who are isolated at home. ADAN through its media cell has informed that those keen in keeping themselves and their families healthy and people having exposure to COVID-19 patients (mild/moderate symptoms) may contact Dr. Imlikumba 7 a.m.-9 a.m.

(7005223892); Dr Nungshitila Lkr, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (7005915372); Dr. Toshinenla Jamir 3 p.m.-5 p.m. (7002379820); Dr. Gwachung Magh 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

(8011583853); Dr Aosemba Jamir 7 p.m.-8 p.m. (8750485711) and Dr. Shanjamo Ezung 8 p.m.-9 p.m. (7086789441).

TVC: Assuring its citizens and dispelling doubts on the stigma and fear around COVID-19 patients and death, the Tangha Village Council (TVC) has reaffirmed its 2020 resolution to allow burial in the village cemetery in the event of an unfortunate death of its citizen while observing all SOPs and guidelines laid down by the government.

While reaffirming the resolution, TVC in a press release through its chairman Hensha Phom and secretary Longjah Phom reminded its citizens that as COVID-19 make way through community, schools, workplace and homes changing all routines, everyone was advised by the government of the practical things they can do.

In this regard, TVC has urged its citizens to strictly follow government advisories and extend cooperation to the frontline workers.

Further, it said that its citizens scattered across the world were being uphold in their prayers, and asked all to keep TVC updated of their welfare.

Kohima DTF suggests stringent lockdown measures

In view of the COVID-19 situation in Kohima, the Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 convened a virtual meeting on Friday under the chairmanship of DC & DTF Kohima chairman, Gregory Thejawelie.

According to DIPR report, the virtual meeting was attended by minister in-charge for Kohima district minister PWD housing and mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum along with state nodal officer for Kohima district & secretary PHED, Kesonyü Yhome; CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo; MS NHAK, Dr. Sentimeren Aonok, AKMWP and AYO representatives and other DTF members.

Deliberating on essential service hospitals, minister Tongpang asked NHAK officials and CMO to work out the plan for alternative hospitals.

He also felt that Red Cross ambulance be requisitioned for emergency services and on 24X7 dedicated helpline including private hospitals, he felt that the hospital ambulance services should also be provided and asked to coordinate with the private hospitals in this matter.

State nodal officer, Kesonyü also pointed out that at this stage, all DTF proposals made has to be operationalised by Monday to understand where the district exactly stood. He also suggested random sampling in rural areas to assess positivity rate in the community.

Dr. Sentimeren informed that preparation was underway for shifting Covid serious patients from Meriema Covid hospital to NHAK Covid hospital as instructed by the government.

At present, the NHAK has not fully converted to Covid Hospital as there were patients who still required essential services, however, he informed that if worse came to worst, the non-covid patients had to be shifted to associated CHCs as directed by medical department where facilities and essential services would be given.

CMO also informed that medical officers of CHCs and PHCs would be directed to station in their respective posting places

where vaccination would continue.

On re-activation of TB & chest disease hospital Khuzama to Covid hospital and identifying Seikhazou UPHC for 24X7 essential services and other related issues, CMO was entrusted to examine and propose to DTF in order to take up with the concerned department.

On the status of availability of oxygen and essential medicine, he informed that within a week time, additional points of oxygen would be completed at NHAK. He informed the house that another 1000 LPM which was almost three times the size of what they had at present was to be installed at NHAK as conveyed by the department, for which preparation was under process.

The meeting decided to take up the following: one ambulance to be stationed at Meriema for transferring severe Covid patients to NHAK; NHAK and CMO office to immediately work out the plan for essential health care service requirements and shifting of OPD and vaccination centre to PMTI at the earliest.

To work out feasibility of setting up of Covid care centre at sub-divisional level along with district administration officers, medical officers and ASHAs and to sensitise public on disposal of Covid dead bodies through social and print media.

Reviewing the total lockdown measures, DTF with observations and suggestions from various corners felt that more stringent measures have to be imposed in this extended lockdown.

The DTF has therefore entrusted all village and ward/colony authorities to be more vigilant and strictly monitor the non-essential movement in their respective jurisdictions and areas.

Wearing of masks and social distance would be strictly imposed on the shopping days and to strictly implement the modification of lockdown directives with regard to opening timing of markets and closure of takeaways, food delivery services in the district.

SSAALWC rejects joint resolution DIMAPUR: The SARDP Sumi Area Affected Landowners Welfare Committee (SSAALWC) has “outrightly” rejected the joint resolution which the committee said was a “harsh and provoking decision jointly” taken by the district administration, police, Sumi Hoho, SOUZ and SKH on May 20 “without consultation”.

In a press release, SSAALWC convenor Ghuvishe V. Zhimomi and secretary Kakheto Zhimo said that the SSAALWC (8 villages) had collectively adopted a seven-point resolution.

In a letter addressed to the deputy commissioner, Zunheboto, the committee said that instead of addressing their demand, the signatories of joint resolution served and fed them with intimidation (joint resolution No. 3) “like common criminals”.

It said that it was “a gross violation of landownership rights on the part of the signatories of joint resolution” and that they would not allow/compromise any repressive action in “our God’s given ancestral land without oral/written approval from me/us”.

SSAALWC stated that it was “not against the overall development”, but asked to “first fulfill what the aggrieved landowners have been claiming”.

“The ongoing arbitration between the Nagaland state government Vs Gayatri & Maytas has nothing to do with the landowners, it’s the problem of the government competent authority(s)”, the release stated.

While firmly reaffirming the previous resolutions, the committee said that it would “not allow any construction company(s) to continue their work” till the payment was made.

Further, it warned that if any conflicts/clashes arose between the (a) beneficiaries/landowners (b) police forces/arm forces; and (c) construction company, resulting to death/ injury, “the sole responsibility would be borne by the signatories of joint resolution”.

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXXI No. 165 DImapur, saturDaY, maY 22, 2021

Bracing for the third

E

ven as the country is yet to reach the peak of the second wave, health experts have started talking about the likelihood of a third wave.

This was predicted by Dr randeep Gueleria, Director aiimS. He has said that if more people got vaccinated before the expected third wave then it would have less severe impact. presently, india has only vaccinated about 11% of its population with the first dose of the vaccine at least. Daily vaccination targets are also barely crossing the 4-5 million mark, only in a few days. There is also a shortage of vaccine doses being reported from many states. Contributing also is the daily struggle to book an appointment through CoWin platform, which has also marred the vaccination for those above 45. according to reports, they suggest that children could be at a higher risk of getting infected in the third wave of Covid-19. it is plausible, since most adults will have received at least one shot of the jab by the time the third wave hits india. unfortunately, there is still no approved Covid-19 vaccine for children in india. The coronavirus waves around the world have drawn comparisons with past pandemics that the world has faced. The Spanish influenza of 1918, for instance, spread through the world in three consecutive waves between early 1918 and 1919. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic, too, came in two distinct waves. Some other diseases like the common cold follow a predictable seasonal pattern, spreading faster in certain months than others. The current pandemic is showing a similar pattern, with the first wave hitting around march last year and the second one still going strong in some parts of the world. While lockdowns may bring down the daily cases temporarily, experts say vaccination is the only way to prevent future surges. The faster india is able to vaccinate a significant number of people, the higher the chances of breaking the chain of infection.

The surge in infections during the second wave has coincided with a drop in vaccinations as well as daily testing. a slow pace of vaccination means that the country could remain vulnerable to future waves of Covid-19 even if the current surge subsides. States such as Delhi, maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala etc which have had record breaking cases for months, area reportedly either on third or fourth wave. The well-known reason for multiple waves is the mutation in the genetic code of the coronavirus. a slow vaccination pace gives it more time to mutate and find ways to evade or trick antibodies. Fitch ratings has warned that this delay would cause more epidemic waves in the future; the only silver lining is its prediction that the economic damage of Wave Two will not be as severe as in the first.

Variants can override vaccines and unleash severe diseases, according to the uS Centers for Disease Control and prevention. They are fast movers. The D614G mutant can spread more rapidly than the original coronavirus by infecting human respiratory epithelial cells.Enough warnings have been issued and there can be no more excuses made during the first pandemic wave.

dailydevotion Having God’s “Unreasonable” Faith

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

—Matthew 6:33 When we look at these words of Jesus, we immediately find them to be the most revolutionary that human ears have ever heard. “…seek first the kingdom of God….” Even the most spiritually-minded of us argue the exact opposite, saying, “But I must live; I must make a certain amount of money; I must be clothed; I must be fed.” The great concern of our lives is not the kingdom of God but how we are going to take care of ourselves to live. Jesus reversed the order by telling us to get the right relationship with God first, maintaining it as the primary concern of our lives, and never to place our concern on taking care of the other things of life. “…do not worry about your life…” (Matthew 6:25). Our Lord pointed out that from His standpoint it is absolutely unreasonable for us to be anxious, worrying about how we will live. Jesus did not say that the person who takes no thought for anything in his life is blessed— no, that person is a fool. But Jesus did teach that His disciple must make his relationship with God the dominating focus of his life, and to be cautiously carefree about everything else in comparison to that.

In essence, Jesus was saying, “Don’t make food and drink the controlling factor of your life, but be focused absolutely on God.” Some people are careless about what they eat and drink, and they suffer for it; they are careless about what they wear, having no business looking the way they do; they are careless with their earthly matters, and God holds them responsible.

Jesus is saying that the greatest concern of life is to place our relationship with God first, and everything else second.

It is one of the most difficult, yet critical, disciplines of the Christian life to allow the Holy Spirit to bring us into absolute harmony with the teaching of Jesus in these verses.

Quotes

Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles. ~ Thomas Browne

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SaTurDaY, maY 22, 2021

Post-mortem

When biodiversity has a problem, Future depends on compassion humanity has a problem T 22nd May is the International Day for Biological Diversity

T

he destruction of nature and biodiversity is everywhere. Human beings have destroyed the natural environment for its own needs. We have negatively impacted on nature and we have also negatively contributed to wild lives be it plants or animals or any other living organisms. The recent pandemic has given little relaxation to the environment due to lock down. Biodiversity is in threat and as current negative trends in biodiversity and ecosystems will undermine progress towards 80% of the assessed targets of 8 Sustainable Development Goals.

Three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions and 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. Biological diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, but it also includes genetic differences within each species — for example, between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock — and the variety of ecosystems (lakes, forest, deserts, agricultural landscapes) that host multiple kind of interactions among their members (humans, plants, animals).

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year.

There is no doubt that we are part of many solutions and if we wish then we can do wonders and bring changes.

This year’s theme is “We’re part of the solution”. The slogan was chosen to be a continuation of the momentum generated last year under the over-arching theme, “Our solutions are in nature”,

which served as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges.

Secretary-General of the United Nations in his message said that “by reversing biodiversity loss, we can improve human health, realize sustainable development and address the climate emergency”. He also said that “We need to protect nature, restore ecosystems and establish a balance in our relationship with the planet.” The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196 nations. Its overall objective is to encourage actions, which will lead to a sustainable future. themes 2021 - We’re part of the solution 2020 - Our solutions are in nature 2019 - Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health 2018 - Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity 2017 - Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism 2016 - Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods 2015 - Biodiversity for Sustainable Development 2014 - Island Biodiversity 2013 - Water and Biodiversity 2012 - Marine Biodiversity 2011 - Forest Biodiversity 2010 - Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation We are aware that from naturebased solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better.

Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations.

We must protect and safeguard it for our own interest. Let us all contribute towards the protection of biodiversity. Each and every one of us can play the role and let us take up the responsibility to preserve biodiversity. We should not forget that loss of bio diversity means loss of culture and many other intangible heritages. ranjan K Baruah (With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@ gmail.com)

hese are not the best of times. Everyone has his own version, own experience, and most of it is common: No one has ever experienced such devastating anxiety, apprehensions and uncertainty about the days ahead.

There is a disturbing sense as one receives a call.

Every conversation centres around the near and dear ones being under the grip of COVID, and it is no more an exception to receive the devastating news of people suddenly passing away.

I received a call from a young lady, known to me ever since she was a kid, some five decades ago. She devotedly looks after her 97-year-old father, who is in comparatively good health for his age. She tells me that she is extremely disturbed after receiving a call from her close relatives, who stay in a distant city.

When she received the call, and began to ask about the welfare of the family members on that side, the caller brushed it aside and came directly to the point: “All of us are in isolation having tested Corona positive. We are upset and disturbed. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow.

Whatever happens, we shall not inform you as it would serve no purpose.

Likewise, we would request you not to inform us even if any fatality occurs on your side.”

This daughter, already under tremendous tension, was just dumbstruck! She always thought she could fall back upon them. As an elderly academic and family friend, I did my bit. In this instance, the old man is fine

by God’s grace and we hope to celebrate his centenary in a couple of years; hopefully, without any COVID restrictions. But will this daughter ever forget how she was left to fend for herself ?

The unprecedented pandemic’s onslaught has triggered numerous tragedies

across the nation, with people being unable to attend even the last rites of their loved ones. An estimate suggests that 230 million Indian families became poorer during the first wave. Humanity, however, survives on Hope.

Things will change, and humanity would certainly come out of the excruciating stranglehold of the pandemic. Human ingenuity would triumph once more, as it has in the past. At present, everyone seems to be impacted either directly, or indirectly.

The loss of livelihood could only be called ‘rampant’.

In April-May of 2021, the health infrastructure stands shattered, patients are dying in front of hospital gates, in verandas, on stretchers and, shockingly, due to the non-availability of hospital beds. It is a tragic situation that would leave permanent scars on millions of families for ever.

It has challenged human sensitivity, emotionality and compassion. So much is to be rebuilt, resurrected and re-energised on every front of human existence. Its magnitude has already begun to emerge. The learned and the knowledgeable are already envisioning the shape of things in the post-COVID India and its global context.

In the post-Corona era, no nation can progress in isolation. Corona knows no boundaries, no nationalities, and it could be countered only by a strategy that is global in nature, international in implementation and humane in approach.

It would not be an overstretched logic to assert that if the UN and organisations like the Unesco and the UNSC had really achieved their objectives in the initial decades of their existence, humanity would have been much better equipped, united and ready to counter problems like Corona. Sadly enough, the global urge to create a world of peace, nonviolence and righteous conduct that led to creation

of International platforms for dialogue and discussion has so far failed to achieve even basic objectives.

While the Governments preferred to participate in creating more and more lethal weapons, the health sector research was mostly taken over by pharmaceutical companies that were interested only in remaining ahead of their competitors, get the patents before others, and capture the market.

In India, the health infrastructure shall obviously require serious revamping.

Rampant corr uption in regulatory bodies impeded the expansion of the medical education for decades.

Fortunately, now there are plans to have a medical college in every district, which would now materialise with greater speed, efficiency and resource inputs. There ought to be a far greater say of experts in policy formulation at the highest levels. It is generally believed that if it were so, India would not have faced a nationwide shortage of medical oxygen, a deficiency that definitely led to several most tragic and avoidable deaths.

India, which was being hailed for offering vaccines to several countries, found itself in a distress situation by the second wave that necessitated helping hands from around the globe. Such inadequacies must not occur in future.

The guiding principles for the post-COVID India could be extracted from the basics Swami Vivekananda had taught us: “The faith in our own selves must be reawakened and then only all the problems that face our country will be gradually solved.” The mantra of success would be: “We should give positive ideas; negative thoughts only weaken men.”

Let us trust human compassion and ingenuity.

Js rajput (The author works in education and social cohesion. The views expressed are personal.)

Restructuring education during COVID 19 pandemic

M

ore than 700 t e a c h e r s h ave died of coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh after poll duty,reported

by Teachers’ union 30th April 2021. Many lives have lost,and still many are suffering with coronavirus at home and hospitals. Amidst the COVID19 pandemic, students have to continue their education through online from their respective places.

Thus the whole world is adjusting to the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic by finding alternatives to the interruptions caused thus far.Schools and colleges are moving to online classes while, teachers are preparing their best to pass on the knowledge through online classes.

The sudden switch to online classes has caused anxiety and raised questions among students about their academic future.

COVID-19 has changed the world system, and the college students have been dramatically affected by this crisis, learning to be adaptable.

This short column is to encourage College students to accept the situation as opportunity andto focus on their studies for their future career.

Difficulties Faced By Teachers Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic: Many teachers faced problems while shifting to online classes from classroom teaching during the educational shift caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.Teachers often need to rethink their course design and use different

strategies for teaching, and assessment in the online environment. It is challenging to build a comfortable environment for learning and a sense of community in the online environment.

It is important to think about ways that students and teachers can get to know each other and stay connected.Teachers try to focus on innovation rather than technologies, they venture into new and interesting methods through online-classroom. Online teaching forced teacher to restructure their ways of teachings, such as, keeping up with students submissions, ensuring the authenticity of work and assessments, which demands extra attention and need more time.It is imperative as teachers to keep students engaged while being mindful of their ability to think and act.

Challenges Faced by the students: It is important to have advanced technical skills, and to feel comfortable using a computer and navigating the Internet. However, slow connections can make accessing course materials frustrating.

In Nagaland many studentsfrom rural areas suffer due to poor internet connectivity. During on class interactionone of the student’s said, he wassitting on top of the mountain; the only place where he could access the network device for his online classes. Another said, hewalked around 3 kilometers away from home everyday to get the

network to attend the online classes.

Benefits of online learning: Online classes will continue to be an integral part of the education.

The covid19 brought the platform to students that they can learn without geographical locations.

This advantage of online learning allows students to work in the environment that best suits them. As new online degree- and certificateseekers, research in different places, should focus on those that offer a reliable internet connection.

Tthough the Colleges are closed by covid19 pandemic the advantage is that students learning are ensured and not hindered.

Through online classes the students take initiatives and develops their own voice as they learn through activities with their peers online.

Student need to accept the changes and develop the habits according to the need of the time. They need to start practicing the art of being friendly with the technology.

Teachers and parents need to establish a better communication among them to look after the discipline of the students taking the help of the technology to keep a track of their activity.In order to maintain the interest in the students one needs to find more motivating and interactive ways to teach and learn.

Students need to be serious about their education, learn how to manage

time and set their daily schedule, and learn to study despite the constant distractions. Learning online can help students improve the technical skills they need for the job.

New skills include the ability to use new software suites, perform in-depth research online, and communicate effectively in various formats such as discussion boards and teleconferencing.

Employers often demand these skills as more and more positions require employees to work remotely.

Will You Become a part of it?

As a teacher or as a

student, teaching online allows you to have the chance to impact lives, contribute to a growing industry, and share your expertise with others.

Try to identify a quiet place to complete your coursework, even if that time is late at night. If you get distracted by social media or browsing the internet, use tools to block when you need to focus on study.

Also creating a to-do list for the week or each day with what you need to get done can help you determine the best times of day to tackle each task.

Stay in touch with your classmates, in ad-

dition to reaching out to faculty or academic staff as needed. Log in daily to see course updates and class discussions. Connect with other students and share questions or perspectives.

The most important step is to stay in touch with professors and inform them about your doubts. They will help you understand and be flexible about the situation, perhaps even recording class sessions as a backup.

“Students fear not that you might fail; Fear rather that you might never succeed if you never dare to try.”!

Dr. meyinganglaCounsellor, Immanuel College-Dimapur

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Strong Base to win the Battle

First of all , all glory to God our State is still in the “ Green Zone .”

Credit goes to God first , the Front line Workers, Government and the cooperation of the Public.

As we all know to win a battle the Base (HQ) must be strong , well equip and ready to send re-enforcement to the outpost where enemy is getting stronger. In the same way, I feel that Dimapur ( gate way to Nagaland) and Kohima where all the executive decisions to run the State is taken by the Government are the Base of Nagaland, as such these two districts must remain strong and well equip to safe Nagaland. It is truly so comforting to know that many districts in Nagaland are still Covid-19 free, it is always our prayers that it would stay that way always.

Now the Scientists are saying that only way to safe the people is Vaccination.

From the field report of the “ Vaccination Drive” of the State , we see that many districts are yet to be mentioned, may be it is because the vaccination drive is yet to start. Here I want to give a suggestion - when the next consignment of vaccine reach the State, if allotment of the doses to these two districts ( Dimapur & Kohima) are increase as these two districts are places of confluence of people from other districts and the main land . These two Districts must remain strong if we are to safe Nagaland. God bless Nagaland ! seketouzo Haralu, Kohima town.

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

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NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SaTurDaY, maY 22, 2021

DUCCF against colonies India and Pfizer at impasse Mamata likely to contest from GBUD, enforcing own lockdown rules over vaccine indemnity demand Bhabanipur constituency sitting MLA to vacate seat

ko l k aTa , M aY 2 1 (PTi): West Bengal agriculture minister and veteran TMC leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay vacated the Bhabanipur assembly seat on Friday, paving way for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to contest bypoll from her old bastion, party sources said.

Banerjee, who lost the recently concluded polls from Nandigram, needs to get elected to the assembly within six months to hold on to the chief minister’s chair.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, however, refused to divulge anything on Banerjee’s re-election, and said the party will come up with a statement at an appropriate time.

Chattopadhyay tendered his resignation to Assembly speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay in the presence of senior party leader and his ministerial colleague Partha Chatterjee.

Before leaving for the

Mamata Banerjee

state legislature, he told PTI that he would happily abide by the party’s decision. “I am going to resign as the MLA of Bhabanipur seat.

This is my decision as well as that of the party. I am happily abiding by it,” the agriculture minister said.

The speaker, on his part, said, “Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay has resigned from the Bhabanipur seat voluntarily. I have accepted his resignation letter after confirming that he has taken the decision on his own without any pressure or threat.” A section of party members speculated that the septuagenarian politician might be fielded from the Khardah seat, where bypoll has been necessitated following the death of party leader Kajal

Sinha due to COVID-19.

There are others who claimed that Chattopadhyay might be nominated to Rajya Sabha. The veteran TMC leader said, “We must work to ensure victory of our leader Mamata Banerjee from a seat, as Bengal can prosper and move forward when she is at the helm.

As there were talks within the party about her election to the assembly, and I was tapped in this regard, I readily agreed.”

He, however, clarified that he isn’t too keen on Upper House nomination.

Asked if he would quit as a minister, Chattopadhyay said, “I will follow the party’s instructions. However, I am not aware of any such rule, which entails my resignation from the ministerial post.”

Chattopadhyay, who had earlier represented the Rashbehari assembly seat, contested from Bhabanipur this year and defeated BJP’s Rudranil Ghosh by a convincing margin. Banerjee had won the seat in 2011 and 2016.

(From p-1) Meanwhile, the two organizations have lauded the district administration, police department, district task force, doctors and nurses and medical fraternity for working resolutely risking their own lives to protect the citizens. They also lauded Dimapur district nodal officer for managing Covid19 activities and APC, Y Kikheto Sema for the concern and efforts to increase Covid-19 care bed facilities.

Further, GBUD and DUCCF lauded private hospital managements for

coming forward and providing facilities in treating positive cases. They also expressed gratitude to the Churches for supporting Covid people in distress and pastors for avowing to provide prayers, counselling and conduct prayer of burial at the cemetery.

They also lauded law enforcing agencies headed by commissioner of police Dimapur for keeping the law and order under control.

The two bodies urged the police department to strictly deal with vehicles violating the lockdown rules.

DMC working to keep city clean...

(Form p-1) Ezung mentioned that besides collecting garbage, the sanitation workers went around clearing drains and sanitising areas under DMC. Regarding collection of garbage, he explained that this was done as per the garbage generation. So, he said garbage was collected regularly in some colonies, while in others this was done on alternate days or after

two-three days.

He claimed that colony authorities had been informed of the day and time of collection of garbage.

Asser ting that the council was trying it best to keep the town clean, the DMC administrator sought community participation during the lockdown. He also requested the public not to dump garbage on drains and continue keep their surroundings clean.

New Delhi/New York, MaY 21 (aGeNCieS): Pfizer and the Indian government are at loggerheads over a demand by the U.S. drugmaker for legal protection from any claims linked to the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in one of the world’s biggest markets, two sources told Reuters.

India has not given any manufacturer of a COVID19 vaccine indemnity against the costs of compensation for any severe side effects, which is a condition Pfizer has obtained in many countries where its shots have already been widely rolled out, including Britain and the United States.

“The whole problem with Pfizer is the indemnity bond. Why should we sign it?” an Indian government source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

“If something happens, a patient dies, we will not be able to question them (Pfizer). If somebody challenges in a court of law, the central government will be responsible for everything, not

the company,” the source added.

Pfizer and India’s health ministry did not reply to Reuters requests for comment on Friday.

The second source said Pfizer was not going to change its position on the indemnity issue.

Both sources declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media.

India, which is facing a shortage of shots as coronavirus cases soar, pledged last month to fast-track approvals for overseas vaccine makers including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and

Johnson.

However, none have since sought permission from India’s drug regulator to sell their vaccine in the country, which has a population of 1.35 billion.

The second source said that the other issue being discussed between Pfizer and New Delhi was the Indian government’s insistence on a local trial for any vaccine approval.

Pfizer withdrew its application for emergency use authorisation for the vaccine developed with Germany’s BioNTech in February after India insisted on such a trial.

MHA asks states, UTs to take measures to China developing Tibetan border villages near Arunachal protect vulnerable groups amid pandemic BeiJiNG, MaY 21 (PTi): China is ramping up efforts to develop the infrastructure in remote villages located along Tibet’s border with India, Bhutan, and Nepal, according to a white paper on Tibet issued by the Chinese government on Friday.

Developing the border areas and improving people’s lives in Tibet has become important as the strategic Himalayan region shares 4,000-km long external borderline, the document titled ‘Tibet Since 1951: Liberation, Development and Prosperity’ said.

The inhabitants of the contiguous areas experience harsh living and working

New Delhi, MaY 21 (aGeNCieS): The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday issued an advisory to all the states and the Union Territories urging them to take cognisance of the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups of society.

The advisory asked states to immediately initiate measures to provide support and assistance to women, senior citizens, scheduled castes/scheduled tribes, and particularly children who have been orphaned due to the pandemic.

The MHA asked states to put in place institutional mechanisms to keep a close watch on incidences of human trafficking. The advisory, which was undersigned

by Pawan Mehta, Deputy

Secretary, Women Safety Division of the MHA, also drew attention to the funds received by the states and the UTs to put the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place.

“In order to facilitate implementation of the above guidelines, attention is drawn to Rs. 107.49 crores released to States/UTs for setting up or strengthening Women Help Desks in Police Stations” the MHA said, adding that it was also mandated that Women Help Desks have lawyers, psychologists and NGOs in order to assist victims, who seek support and rehabilitation. The guidelines also mentioned protocols about inter-state communication and reporting missing and found persons. “The states/UTs have

been enabled through the provision of several IT modules by the NCRB including Cri-MAC for police to share information of inter-state relevance and a National Alert Service for Police on missing and found persons using CCTNS,” it said.

The advisory said that a sum of Rs 100 crore had specifically been allocated to the States and the UTs for the eradication of human trafficking.

The funding has been released as grants in order to strengthen or set up AntiHuman Trafficking Units or AHTUs. “These AHTUs would be integrated task forces consisting of police, and other lines departments dealing with prevention and combating trafficking,” the MHA said.

dispute covers the 3,488-kmlong Line of Actual Control (LAC) of which 1,126 km is located in Arunachal Pradesh. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, which India has firmly rejected.

China also shares an over 477-km-long border with Bhutan which is yet to be delineated and 1,389 kms of border with Nepal.

The border village development was highlighted when President Xi wrote a letter to a Tibetan herdsman family in Lhunze County close to Arunachal Pradesh in 2017 asking them to “set down roots” to safeguard the “Chinese territory” and

DiMaPUr, MaY 21 (NPN): State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased the pump prices of petrol and diesel again on Friday across the country after two-day hiatus.

According to a price notification by state-owned OMCs, the price of petrol was increased by 19 paise per litre and diesel by 29 paise per litre.

The latest hike—11th this month—pushed petrol and diesel prices to all-time high levels across the country. In Delhi, petrol rates climbed to Rs 93.04 per litre and diesel rose to Rs 83.80 per litre.

After Friday’s rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur rose to Rs.91.84 per litre and diesel price surged to Rs.85.90 per litre.

In the state capital Kohima, a litre of petrol

and diesel increased to Rs.92.79 and Rs.86.66 respectively.

Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges.

According to PTI report, rates had already crossed the Rs 100-mark in several cities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Before Friday, OMC were revising fuel prices on every alternate day for last one week rather than undertaking changes on a daily basis as has been practiced.

Under daily price revision, OMCs revise petrol and diesel prices every morning benchmarking retail fuel prices to a 15-day rolling average of global refined products’ prices and dollar exchange rate.

Border Areas (2017-2020) was released, designed to ensure better access to housing, water, electricity, roads, communications and the internet, to improve education, technology, culture, healthcare and social security in border villages, and to boost industries in border areas.

By the end of 2020, first-tier and second-tier border villages had access to highways, all border townships and towns were connected to the main power grid, and all border villages had access to postal services, mobile communications, and safe drinking water, it said.

Govt to import 3,63,000 vials of Black Karnataka extends lockdown Fungus medicine Amphotericin-B till June 7 amid Covid surge

New Delhi, MaY 21 (iaNS): The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made efforts to ramp up supply and availability of Amphotericin-B, the anti-fungal drug used in treatment of Black Fungus disease. A statement from the government said on Friday, “In May 2021, 3,63,000 vials of Amphotericin-B will be imported, thereby resulting in total availability in the country (inclusive of the domestic production) of 5,26752 vials, --3,15,000 vials will be imported in June 2021. along with the domestic supply, the countrywide availability of Amphotericin-B will be enhanced to 5,70,114 vials in June 2021.”

Several States and UTs have reported an increasing num-

ber of patients suffering from Covid complications in the form of Mucormycosis, popularly known as Black Fungus. There is also a reported shortage of Amphotericin-B, an anti-fungal drug used for treatment of the Black Fungus disease.

The production capacity of the existing companies was extremely limited in the month of April 2021. As a result of the hand-holding

by Government of India, these domestic manufactures will cumulatively produce 1,63,752 vials of Amphotericin-B in May 2021.

This will be further ramped up to 2,55,114 vials in the month of June 2021.

Union Ministr y of Health said five more manufacturers have been given the licence to produce the anti-fungal drug within the country. Cumulatively, these companies will start producing 1,11,000 vials of Amphotericin-B per month from July 2021. The Union Health Ministry and Deptt. of Pharmaceuticals are together trying to facilitate these five manufacturers to bring forward some of this production so that these additional supplies begin in June 2021.

Fuel prices rise after 7 women among 13 Maoists killed in Maharashtra two-day pause GaDChiroli (MaharaShTra), MaY 21 (iaNS): Notching a significant victory, the Maharashtra Police on Friday gunned down 13 Maoists, including 7 women, in a fierce gunbattle in the deep forests near Etapally, officials said here.

The 90-minute encounter between the Maoists and the crack force of C-60 commandos, which started around 6 am today in the Paydi-Kotmi jungles, may have resulted in at least 4-5 more of the rebels getting injured but they escaped in the jungle.

Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil visited the Gadchiroli Police headquarters and felicitated the top police officers including Sanjay Saxena, Sandip Patil, Ankit Goyal, Manish Kalvaniya, Sameer Shaikh and Somay Munde, Bhausaheb Dhole, all IPS, among others.

An official spokesper-

focus on developing their hometown.

“Without the peace in the territory, there will be no peaceful lives for the millions of families,” Xi wrote in his much-publicised letter focussing on border development.

Particularly since Xi came to power, border villages, townships, and counties in Tibet have been granted more preferential state policies on infrastructure construction, covering water, electricity, roads, and housing, it said.

In 2017, the Plan of Tibet Autonomous Region on the Construction of Villages of Moderate Prosperity in

Dead bodies of 13 naxals, who were killed in a gun battle at Kotmi forest during a anti-Naxal operation. (PTI)

son for the Anti Naxal Operations (ANO) said that early today, following a tip-off that a group of Maoists were planning to come to the local villages for its regular extortion purposes, a team of C-60 commandos was deployed to carry out combing operation in the forests.

At that time, a gang of around 60-70 heavily armed

Maoists opened indiscriminate firing in the direction of the police teams.

The police first made appeals to the rebels to lay down arms and surrender, but they failed to comply and the commandos replied back with firing at the Maoists.

After about 90 minutes, the Maoists escaped in the thick forests ending the

dawn encounter after the police extracted a heavy toll on the rebels’ side.

A subsequent search of the vicinity revealed the bodies of 13 Maoists, including 7 women and six men, and they belonged to the dreaded groups active locally.

The police also recovered weapons like AK-47s, SLRs, Carbines, 303 revolvers, 12-bore rifles, and a huge stock of ammunition and explosives, besides articles of daily use from what appeared to be a temporary camp area.

The district police and surroundings are put on alert in other talukas for any retaliatory attacks by the Maoists. This is the second important success in the anti-Maoist crusade of the Maharashtra Police in the past 7 months after an October 2020 encounter in Gyarapatti forests saw 5 Maoists, including 3 women, shot dead.

BeNGalUrU, MaY 21 (aGeNCieS): The Karnataka government has extended the statewide lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19 till 6 am on June 7, informed Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa in Bengaluru on Friday.

Hence, the lockdown restrictions which are in place across the state will continue till June 7.

The government had initially announced 14-days ‘close down’ from April 27,

but subsequently imposed a complete lockdown from May 10 to May 24, as the COVID cases continued to increase across the state.

The chief minister clarified that there are no changes in the current restrictions. “The decision to extend the lockdown for two weeks is taken after experts advised us to continue the lockdown.” he said after a meeting with senior officials and ministers on Friday evening.

Death of two NPF leaders mourned (From p-1) NPP: Expressing sorrow at the demise of Yepthomi and Chophy, NPP Nagaland State termed both as prolific individuals who worked actively and diligently to fulfil their duties for the greater good of society. In a statement, party’s State president Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema said it was a tragedy to have lost such visionaries and leaders of the soil. Conveying heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved families, friends, relatives, well-wishers and their colleagues, NPP wished that may the abundant love of God fill their grieving hearts with comfort and peace, and wished them strength and earnestly prayed for their well-being. It prayed for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace. wSYF: WSYF said it was saddened and aggrieved at the demise of Yepthomi, adding that he was a resolute and sincere leader who strived for uplifting the society, specially the youth, besides wholeheartedly rendering his service in different capacities for common welfare of the society.

Pointing out that his demise had left a void that would be difficult to fill, WSYF in a messaged said it joined the bereaved family in mourning and prayed to almighty God to bestow His strength and comfort to all his loved ones to overcome this great loss. The front also prayed for the eternal solace of the departed soul.

HELPER WANTED !!

For Personal care of an elderly couple.

Primary role: To take care of the elderly as there are other helpers to manage the house hold work.

Previous Experience in similar role is a must.

Salary - 7,000 per month Food and accommodation provided Location - Kohima Contact number 60093 61766, 878-7802514

K-974

Women mourn the loss of a relative due to Covid in Delhi.

conditions and a high incidence of poverty. Governments at all levels have been making constant efforts to develop border areas and improve people’s lives, it said.

The document said that under the guidance of the ruling Communist Party, the financial allocation has been increasing year by year for border development in Tibet.

The development of China’s border areas by establishing new villages with added emphasis on security has been accorded a priority since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012.

The India-China border

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A family member of a victim of the crew P305 shows his picture for verification at J. J. Hospital in Mumbai, Friday. (PTI)

ship Sagar Bhushan were brought to safety, Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the Mumbai coast as the search and rescue operations entered the fifth day on Friday.

Mumbai police have announced they will con-

duct a probe as to why the ill-fated barge remained in the turbulent area despite warnings about cyclone Tauktae, an official said.

The police have also registered accidental death reports in connection with the death of the personnel on the barge.

Police have registered an FIR against the captain of barge P-305 and some other persons after it sank in the Arabian Sea five days ago during cyclone Tauktae, in which at least 49 of its personnel were killed, an official said on Friday.

The case was registered under section 304 (2) (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 338 (causing grievous hurt to any person through rash or negligent act) and 34 (common intention) at the Yellow Gate police station here.

Rakesh Ballav, the captain of the barge, and others have been named in the FIR, a Mumbai Police spokesperson said.

The case was registered on the basis of the complaint lodged by Rahman Hussain

Shaikh, the chief engineer of the barge who was among the survivors in the incident, he said.

Of the 261 personnel who were on the barge that sank on Monday, 186 had been rescued till Thursday, officials had said.

Bodies of 49 persons have been recovered and the Navy and the Coast Guard have been carrying out a search for the 26 personnel missing from the barge and 11 from anchor boat Varaprada, they had said.

Three barges and an anchor handling boat deployed by private contractor Afcons for a project it was doing for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and a drillship of a stateowned firm had lost anchors and drifted away.

IAF pilot killed as MiG-21 Bison crashes RBI to transfer Rs 99,122 in Punjab field, Court of Inquiry ordered crore as surplus to Centre

Mangled remains of Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 fighter aircraft, which crashed late on Thursday night, killing the pilot, in Moga district, Friday. (PTI)

MOGA (PUNJAB), MAY 21 (PTI): An IAF MiG-21 Bison aircraft crashed during heavy rain in a field in Punjab’s Moga district, killing its pilot Squadron Leader Abhinav Choudhary, officials said The aircraft was on a training sortie from Suratgarh in Rajasthan when it crashed in Langeana village on Thursday night, said Moga Superintendent of Police Gurdeep Singh.

The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of In-

quiry to ascertain the cause of the accident and said it condoles the tragic loss of its officer.

“The aircraft crashed in a field and caught fire. It was raining heavily at the time,” Singh said, adding that there was no other loss of life or damage to property The pilot’s body was found about two kilometres from the crash site, barely 200 metres from a couple of big ‘havelis’.

“Had the aircraft crashed over these houses,

Su do ku

it could have caused heavy casualties,” Singh told PTI over the phone.

He said the pilot appeared to have deployed a parachute in a bid to land safely. “It seems he broke his neck upon impact on the ground,” he added.

“According to the information we got, the aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh in Rajasthan for Jagraon near Ludhiana and was on the way back after a training sortie when it crashed,” Singh said.

NEW DELHI, MAY 21 (IANS): Reserve Bank will transfer Rs 99,122 crore as surplus to Centre for nine months ended March 31, 2021. The decision was taken at the 589th meeting of the Central Board under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, through video conference.

According to the RBI, the Board in its meeting reviewed the current economic situation, global and domestic challenges and recent policy measures taken by the Reserve Bank to mitigate the adverse impact of the second wave of Covid-19 on the economy.

“With the change in the Reserve Bank’s accounting year to April-March (earlier July-June), the Board discussed the working of the Reserve Bank of India during the transition period of nine months (July 2020March 2021) and approved the Annual Report and accounts of the Reserve Bank for the transition period,” the RBI said in a statement. “The Board also approved the

transfer of Rs 99,122 crore as surplus to the Central Government for the accounting period of nine months ended March 31, 2021 (July 2020-March 2021), while deciding to maintain the Contingency Risk Buffer at 5.50 per cent.”

The RBI approved a Rs 1,76,000 crore ($24.8 billion) dividend payment to the government, including Rs 1,48,000 crore for FY20.

It earns via interest income on account of open market operations (OMOs), foreign exchange (FX) gains, and writing back of excess risk provisions. RBI’s liabilities include issuance of notes and deposits held (CRR and reverse repos). The transfer of surplus is expected to help the government ease fiscal pressure caused by the pandemic and also aid it in giving the economy a boost.

In the past, the demand on the RBI for higher dividends and to part with a greater share of its capital has been a hotly debated issue between the central bank and the government.

No. 9923 Yesterday’s solution No. 9922

No. 4543 Yesterday’s solution No. 4542

No. 3567 Yesterday’s solution No. 3566

Across 4. Using maximum effort (3-3) 7. Period of 30 minutes (4-4) 8. Drinking vessel (6) 10. Chasm (5) 13. Solid block (4) 14. Harsh grating noise (4) 15. Slimming plan (4) 16. That woman (3) 17. Discharge (4) 19. Prayer ending (4) 21. Vivacity (9) 23. Offers (4) 24. Hollow (4) 26. Jam container (3) 27. Cast off (4) 29. Heinous (4) 32. Touch (4) 33. Soft runny mud (5) 34. Fleet of ships (6) 35. Very hot curry (8) 36. Light and thin (6) Down 1. Cut wool from (5) 2. Kills (5) 3. Therefore (4) 4. Quarrel (5) 5. Ear part (4) 6. Irregular (6) 9. Acquire (6) 11. Bleat (3) 12. Use up completely (5) 13. Fortified building (7) 15. Faint (3) 16. Farmyard bird (3) 18. Failed to hit (6) 20. Roadside hotel (5) 21. Broadcast (3) 22. Boy’s name (3) 23. Cask (6) 25. That man (3) 28. Difficult to lift (5) 30. Musical instrument (5) 31. Yellow oval fruit (5) 32. Cultivate land (4) 33. Lather (4)

RAIPUR, MAY 21 (PTI): Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of indulging in anti-people activities, playing with the future of farmers and acting against their interests by bringing new agriculture laws.

She praised the Congress government in Chhattisgarh, saying that it was trying to bring about a change in the lives of common people, particularly farmers, by empowering them financially.

Gandhi said this in a written message read out

by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at a function held at his official residence here to disburse cash benefits to farmers and cattle-rearers under two schemes of the state government on the occasion of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s death anniversary.

In her message, she hailed the Bhupesh Baghelled dispensation saying that these schemes are a tribute in a true sense to Rajiv Gandhi.

“In the current situation, when the BJP government at the Centre is involved in anti-people

Journalist Tarun Tejpal acquitted in rape case PANAJI, MAY 21 (PTI): A sessions court in Goa on Friday acquitted journalist Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting a former female colleague.

Tejpal, former Tehelka editor-in-chief, was accused of sexually assaulting the colleague inside the elevator of a luxury hotel in Goa in 2013.

The Goa Police had registered an FIR against Tejpal in November 2013 following which he was arrested.

He has been out on bail since May 2014.

The court had earlier adjourned pronouncement of the verdict in the case on three occasions, citing various reasons.

The court was to deliver the verdict on April 27, but the judge had adjourned it to May 12. On May 12, it was further adjourned to May 19 and on May 19, it was adjourned to May 21.

The Goa police registered an FIR against Tejpal in November 2013 following which he was arrested.

The Goa crime branch had filed a charge sheet against Tejpal, who has been out on bail since May 2014.

He faced trial under IPC sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 376(2)(f) (person in a position of authority over women, committing rape) and 376(2)k) (rape by a person in a position of control).

Sonia Gandhi

activities, playing with the future of cultivators, taking every steps against interests of farmers by bringing laws (referring to new farms laws) and exploiting them, I am satisfied that Congress government in Chhattisgarh has been seriously fulfilling its poll promises,” Gandhi said in the message.

The government led

by Baghel has been continuously making efforts to bring happiness and change in lives of common people, particularly ‘annadata’ (food providers), by economically empowering them, she said.

“Rajiv Gandhi ji always kept the interest of common people in his thoughts and resolution.

He wanted to see farmers, workers, poor and back-

ward people economically strong and happy. The step by Chhattisgarh government (to provide cash benefit to farmer and cattle rearers) on his death anniversary is a tribute in a true sense to him,” she added.

Virtually speaking on the occasion, AICC’s Chhattisgarh in-charge P L Punia slammed the Centre saying that while the Central Vista project is the priority of the union government, the Chhattisgarh government’s priority is its farmers and cattle-rearers.

Due to the coronavirus crisis, the state government has halted several of its major projects, including the new state assembly building, Governor house and CM house buildings, but overcoming the challenges, it provided cash benefits to farmers, which reflects its concern for them, he said.

On the occasion, Baghel transferred a sum of Rs 1,500 crore into bank accounts of about 22 lakh farmers as the first instalment of agricultural input subsidy under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojna (RGKNY) for the kharif crop season 2020-21 for paddy cultivation.

EAM Jaishankar to begin fiveday visit to US from Monday

NEW DELHI, MAY 21 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin a five-day visit to the United States from Monday with a focus on procurement of coronavirus vaccines from American companies as well as explore the possibility of their joint production.

The Ministry of External Affairs said Jaishankar will hold discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken besides meeting senior officials of the Biden administration during his visit from May 24 to 28.

In New York, Jaishan-

kar is expected to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“In Washington DC, the External Affairs Minister will hold discussions with his counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He will also be meeting Cabinet members and Senior Officials of the Administration dealing with the bilateral relationship,” the MEA said in a statement.

It said he will have two interactions with business forums on economic and COVID-related cooperation between the two countries.

51st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Dr. K. Izheho Zhimomi & Inoli Tonili Yepthomi 22nd May 1970 – 22nd May 2021 To the most loved souls, here’s to wish you both love, laughter and happily ever after. May you celebrate everyday together the way you have celebrated today.

Happy Anniversary to you both.

From loving family members DC-452

CHUCHUYIMLANG VILLAGE COUNCIL FELICITATION

ACHIEVERS ACADEMY Registration started for NPSC CSAT-MADE-EASY Series Registration ends : 29th May ONLINE Class Starts : 1st June For DETAILS, Contact 9378129625/9366942624

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M U M B A I , M AY 2 1 (PTI): The death toll on barge P305 that sank in the Arabian Sea five days ago rose to 51 on Friday with the recovery of two more bodies even as the Navy and the Coast Guard continued the search for the 24 personnel missing from the barge and 11 from anchor boat Varaprada.

Hopes of finding more survivors of the Cyclone Tauktae fury have receded, an official said.

Of the 261 personnel who were on barge P305 that sank on Monday, 186 have been recovered so far. Of the 13 persons on Varaprada, two have been rescued while the search for the remaining 11 is on.

While all the 440 persons on barges Gal Constructor and Support Station 3 (SS-3) and drill-

Sonia slams Centre for ‘anti-people’ activities, ‘exploiting’ farmers

LAND FOR SALE Residential Plot of land in Diphupar A 29 Lakhs (Negotiable) Ph.7005737067

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51 dead, 24 from barge P305 missing

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SaTurDaY, maY 22, 2021

With immense pride and pleasure, the Chuchuyimlang Village Council extends our heartiest appreciation and congratulations to Shri Nuklu Phom for winning the prestigious Whitley Fund for Nature Award 2021 and bringing laurels not only to Phom or Naga community but to all Indian citizens.

Shri Nuklu Phom, a Conservationist, won the award for his selfless and tireless efforts in initiating and promoting Lemsachenlok, a Community Development Society of Yaongyimchen, Alayong and Sanglu villages under Longleng District of Nagaland and who are engaged in conserving bio-diversity since 2007.

Shri Nuklu Phom led Lemsachenlok was earlier honoured with India Biodiversity Awards in 2018 for their endeavour in the conservation of wild species.

The Chuchuyimlang Village Council extends all support to Shri Nuklu Phom and Lemsachenlok organization in their strive to conserve bio-diversity in broader scope and horizon.

CHUCHUYIMLANG VILLAGE COUNCIL MOKOKCHUNG, NAGALAND DP-2492

7

international

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SaTurDaY, maY 22, 2021

mag quake hits China’s Blast kills at least seven at proBiden signs bill into law to 6.1Yunnan province, 1 dead Palestine rally in southwest Pak curb anti-Asian hate crimes

Washington, May 21 (ians): US President Joe Biden on Thursday afternoon signed a legislation to curb anti-Asian hate crimes that have skyrocketed during the Covid-19 pandemic in the US. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris thanked lawmakers for offering overwhelming bipartisan support to the legislation, Xinhua reported.

“My message to all those of you who are hurting is, we see you,” said Biden. “And we are committed to stopping the hatred and the bias.”

“Racism exists in America,” Harris said. “Xenophobia exists in America.

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, it all exists.”

“This bill brings us one step closer to stopping hate, not just against Asian Americans, but for all

Afghan district falls to Taliban kabul, May 21 (ians): Jalrez district in Afghanistan’s Maidan Wardak province have fallen to the Taliban after heavy attacks by the militant group for three straight days, an official confirmed on Friday.

Mahdi Rasikh, an MP from the province, said the district Governor’s compound and the police headquarters were captured by the Taliban, TOLO News reported. He added that at least seven security force members were killed during the attacks on the district, adding that some soldiers were missing, while others captured.

Rasikh reiterated that “no action was taken by the central government to help the district” during the heavy fighting. Taliban has claimed that they have captured Jalrez district located in the west of Maidan Wardak province. It lies 62 km southwest of Kabul.

This is the second district in Maidan Wardak that fell to the Taliban in less than two weeks, reports TOLO News.

On Thursday, Dawlat Shah district in Laghman was captured by the Taliban, according to lawmakers from the province.

But the Defence Ministry said that the security forces made a tactical retreat in the district.

Violence has remained high in the country despite peace efforts.

Joe Biden

Americans,” said Harris.

The House passed the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act on Tuesday in a 364-62 vote after the Senate voted 94-1 last month.

The legislation would create a position at the Justice Department to expedite a review of Covid-19related hate crimes; provide grants for states to create hotlines for reporting hate crimes and for law enforcement training aimed at preventing and identifying hate crimes; and direct fed-

eral agencies to work with community organizations to help raise awareness about hate crimes during the pandemic.

Reported hate crimes against Asian Americans in 16 of the country’s largest cities and counties have increased 164 percent since last year, showed a recent study by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernardino.

Separately, Stop AAPI Hate, a center tracking reports of racism and discrimination against Asian Americans, said it has received 6,603 firsthand complaints -- nearly two thirds of them reported by women -- since last year, revealing the troubling spike in antiAsian hatred during the pandemic while underscoring the need for urgent actions, including those from Congress.

K Y M C

outdoors after the quake.

The provincial government said some buildings had collapsed and others had been damaged, and that the “disaster situation was undergoing further verification.” The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) warned people to “stay away from buildings” in a post on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. The quake monitor said the earthquake followed a series of smaller quakes less than an hour before. Yunnan is acutely vulnerable to earthquakes. The region sees frequent seismic activity from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which form the vast Himalayan mountain range.

In October 2014, hundreds of people were injured and more than 100,000 displaced after a shallow 6.0-magnitude tremor hit Yunnan, close to China’s borders with Myanmar and Laos.

Australian youth stage climate strike canberra, May 21 (ians): Youngsters across Australia staged strikes on Friday in a push for the country to take more action against climate change and halt plans to expand the gas industry.

School Strike 4 Climate listed dozens of locations including the national capital Canberra and state capitals Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, reports dpa news agency.

Organisers tweeted images of crowds with placards across the country alongside the hashtag “FundOurFutureNotGas”.

Thousands were leaving their classrooms to march, broadcaster ABC and Guardian Australia

reported.

The protest comes after the country’s budget announcement last week, which saw the federal government pledge more than A$58 million ($45 million ) to expand the gas industry.

This week, the New

South Wales state government announced up to A$600 million of taxpayer money would go towards building a gas-fired power station in the state.

Strikers are calling for the government to fund projects that transition the

economy towards renewable energy by 2030.

For the world to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the global energy sector must undergo a massive transformation and new investment in projects using fossil fuels must stop immediately, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report earlier this week.

Climate change has contributed to a series of natural disasters in Australia in recent years, including the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires of 2019-2020 and flooding earlier this year.

Quetta/islaMabad, May 21 (agencies): A bomb blast has killed at least seven people at a pro-Palestinian rally in the southwestern Pakistani border town of Chaman, police and hospital officials said.

The explosion took place as participants of the rally, organised by a regional religious political party, were dispersing, police official Muhammad Iqbal told Al Jazeera. “There was a rally there, and as soon as it was ending and people were dispersing that is when the blast occurred,” he said via telephone.

Iqbal said the explosives had been planted in a motorcycle parked near the location of the rally.

The death toll stood at seven killed and 17 wounded, local hospital official Akhtar Muhammad told Al Jazeera. The condition of three of the wounded is critical and they have

A police officer surveys the site after a bomb blast in Chaman, a Pakistani town on the border with Afghanistan.

been moved to the provincial capital, Quetta, about 100km (62 miles) southeast of Chaman. A small town of about 150,000 residents in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, Chaman is one of the main border crossings between Pakistan and its northwestern neighbour Afghanistan.

Abdul Qadir Loni, the regional chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam religious party’s Nazriati

Washington, May 21 (ians): In the November 2020 US presidential elections, Indian-Americans reported the highest rate of voting at 71 per cent among adult citizens, according to the publisher of demographic data and policy research on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Japanese Americans came second with 66 per cent, an AAPI Data blog reveals.

“For Indian-Americans, this was a 9 percentage point increase compared to

the 2016 election, while for Japanese Americans, the increase was a modest 4 per cent,” it said.

The blog further said that the election on November 3, 2020, witnessed a major increase in voter engagement among AAPI community, “building on record gains in voting in the 2018 midterm elections, where midterm voter registration and turnout jumped across every segment, including by nativity, age, gender and geography”.

Karthick Ramakrish-

including Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel peace laureate.

Nationwide protests against the coup have been met with fierce army reprisals that activists say have killed over 800 people.

The April ASEAN deal came about after some neighbouring governments voiced concerns about spill-over as refugees fled border-region fighting between the army and ethnic militias.

“Nothing has changed,” said Malaysian opposition lawmaker Charles Santiago, the APHR chair, who on Friday accused Min Aung Hlaing of “blatantly ignoring” the deal.

Kasit Piromya, a former Thai foreign minister, said ASEAN governments run the risk of being seen as acting “to protect them (the junta) against global condemnation, not to end the violence”.

nan, the Director of AAPI Data, told NPR there was a stark increase in voting among second-generation immigrants, who were born in the US to immigrant parents, The American Bazaar reported.

“This second generation is coming of political age and especially during this moment of Covid and the increase in anti-Asian racism and hate incidents, you are seeing a kind of political consciousness that’s forming that will likely last a generation.

faction (JUI-N), which was hosting the rally, told Al Jazeera via telephone that the blast occurred as he was leaving the venue.

Loni said he heard a loud explosion and was hurried into his vehicle, and that he had faced threats to his life in recent months.

Local police official Maqsood Ahmed confirmed that the blast took place at the conclusion of the rally.

Russia will ‘knock out’ opponents’ teeth: Putin M o s c oW, M ay 2 1 (ians): Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to “knock out the teeth” of his country’s opponents, in comments aimed at nations that he said were trying to steal parts of Russian territory.

Foreign enemies regularly try to snatch away Russian territories, Putin said, DPA reported citing the Interfax news agency.

“Everyone would like to ‘bite’ us somewhere or ‘bite off ’ some part of us, but they should know that we knock the teeth out of those who want to do that, so they can’t bite,” Putin

said.

The long-time ruler in the Kremlin said this was guaranteed by the progress the military has made of late.

Although a third of Russian territory was lost in the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia is still the

largest country in the world in terms of area.

Russia has modernized its military in recent years, with official figures saying that more than 3 trillion roubles (more than $41 billion) will be invested in national defence this year alone.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In Loving Memory

Indian-Americans recorded highest rate of voting in 2020 presidential polls

Myanmar junta accused of ignoring regional peace plan bangkok, May 21 (ians): Myanmar’s military rulers have ignored a tentative peace plan agreed a month ago by the 10country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to lawmakers from across the region.

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) group on Friday urged the bloc’s nine other member-states to push for “immediate and effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus,” as the blueprint is called, “and to hold the military accountable for its blatant disregard” of the deal, dpa news agency reported.

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing signed up to the consensus, which includes calls for an end to violence and the visit to Myanmar of a regional envoy, during an ASEAN summit one month ago.

T h e a r my s e i z e d power in Myanmar on February 1, arresting civilian government leaders

b e i j i n g , M ay 2 1 (agencies): A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan late Friday, killing at least one person, local officials and seismologists said.

The US Geological Survey said the epicentre of the quake -- which hit at 9:48 pm (1348 GMT) at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometres (six miles) -was near the city of Dali, a popular tourist destination.

The initial magnitude of 6.0 was revised upwards.

At least one person was confirmed dead after the quake in the mountainous province, a truck driver who had been crushed by a falling rock, provincial officials said in a statement, adding that three more people had been buried under rubble.

Local media published videos showing ceiling lamps swinging and vases falling off shelves, as well as groups of people who had run

Born on : 27th Dec., 1966 Expired on : 12th May, 2021

Lt. Mrs. Rongsenlemla

28th Nov. 1938 – 17th May 2021 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:21-26 We, the bereaved family of Lt. Mrs. Rongsenlemla would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who supported us physically, spiritually and financially at her demise. We regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually but it is our earnest prayer that God bless you all abundantly for being with us during our time of grief.

We also convey our sincere thanks to : 1. Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo 2. Dimapur Waromung Senso Telongjem 3. Waromungtsur Telongjem 4. Dimapur Waromung Fellowship 5. Aliba Fellowship Dimapur 6. Dimapur Aliba Senso Telongjem From, Loving Husband, Children, Grand Children and In-laws DP-2485

The family of Late Mr.Yashimongba Ao, Longmisa village acknowledge the many expression of sympathy and kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and every person, friends, neighbours and well- wishers who visited our home, attended the service and burial and for the immense emotional and practical support.

Your contributions and support made our loss more bearable. As it would not be possible to thank each and everyone individually, kindly accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude to one & all.

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Loving Wife & Children

OBITUARY

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

US passes $1.9 bn bill to upgrade Capitol security ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Washington, May 21 (ians): The Democrat-led US House on Thursday passed a $1.9-billion spending bill aimed to upgrade Capitol security.

The vote was 213-212.

Three Democrats and all Republicans present voted “no”, Xinhua reported.

The legislation is focused on repairing and rebuilding the Capitol complex’s physical infrastructure, as well as funding an enhanced security workforce, according to a The Hill report.

Up to $40 million will be set aside for fixing damage done to the Capitol during the attack, while about $529 million in the bill would go toward upgrading the building’s security, including funds to harden doors and windows, expand screening areas, add security cameras and build a retractable fencing system, said the report.

The bill would also put $8.6 million toward Capitol Police body cameras and $2.6 million for upgraded riot control gear.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phipp. 1:21) We, the bereaved family members of Late S. Mosha Chang, Education Secy., Nagaland Police Baptist Church Association (NPBCA) would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the well wishers, friends, relatives, near and dear ones who stood by us and supported us spiritually, physically and financially during the brief illness and sudden demise of our beloved on 11th May 2021. We have nothing to give you in return but we pray that our Almighty God continue to bless you all abundantly.

We convey our sincere thanks to : 1. Executive Secretary and his colleagues, NPBCA 2. NBCC 3. Pastor, Mission Church, NPBCA and all the members 4. All the Pastors, Church workers and members under NPBCA 5. Pastor and his wife, Chang Baptist Church Dimapur 6. President, Tuensang Village Welfare Society, Dimapur 7. Pastor and members of Chang Baptist Church Chumukedima 8. Chang Union Chumukedima 9. Dimapur District Hospital 10.District Task Force 11.Pastor and well wishers of Tuensang Village 12.Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen 13.Tsg. Vill K/Khel citizens 14.Saint Savio School - Loving wife, children and families members DP-2489

Lt. Shone Silvia Achumi 25.10.1973 – 19.05.2021

Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrow a heart can know but her goodness, kindness, caring and wisdom live on like a legacy of love that will always be with us. May that love surround you now and bring you peace.

The strength of a mother is second to none, even when she is stressed and exhausted fighting her own illness nothing could stop her from finding the strength she needs to carry on, giving us hope each day. Mom, we miss you every moment of our live, you will continue to live in hearts and minds of the loving family you left behind.

Our deepest gratitude to all who have stood by us with your love, prayers, kind words and financial support throughout the prolonged illness and demise of our mother.

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Always in our hearts Loving Husband, children and family members.

K Y M C

8

Colombia dropped as Copa America co-host

There have been protests against the government in Colombia, including a national strike

Asuncion, MAy 21 (AGEnciEs): Colombia will no longer co-host the 2021 Copa America after a series of protests in the country.

The tournament was set to be held between Colombia and Argentina for the first time in its 105-year history.

There have been widespread protests against the government in Colombia, with demonstrators disrupting some Copa Libertadores matches.

The final of the 10-

team tournament, which runs from 13 June-10 July, was due to be held in Barranquilla.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) took the games off Colombia after previously rejecting a proposal to move them to November, saying it was “impossible”.

“We guarantee the realisation of the 2021 Copa America and in the coming days will inform on the relocation of those games that were to be held in Colom-

Maradona’s personal doctor facing up to 25 yrs in prison

BuEnos AiREs, MAy 21 (iAns): Less than six months after the death of Diego Maradona, the public prosecutor’s office has brought charges of homicide against his medical and nursing team.

The former Argentine footballer’s personal physician Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist AgustinaCosachov and several nurses are facing between eight and 25 years of imprisonment if convicted, according to reports from La Nacion citing judicial sources and TN television station citing legal documents.

The seven defendants are not allowed to leave the country and will have to make their statements start-

ing at the end of May, DPA reports.

Maradona died of a heart attack last year in November at the age of 60. He was recovering from brain surgery at the time.

A commission of experts recently made serious allegations against his doctors and nurses.

TN cited a 29-page document from the prosecutor’s office as saying that the medical professionals, despite being aware of the poor health of the patient, “took actions contrary to medical practice and failed to perform specific actions ... worsening Diego Armando Maradona’s medical situation and putting him in a position of helplessness.”

bia,” CONMEBOL said.

Argentina has offered to host the entire tournament.

Protests have been ongoing in Colombia since April after the government tried to implement a controversial tax plan.

The proposal was revoked but protestors have continued to demonstrate against police brutality, poor wages and a lack of opportunities for young people.

A number of continental cup matches have been moved from Colombia to Paraguay and Ecuador because of the protests.

Colombia has also been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with the death toll surpassing 83,000 this week. Argentina is under a strict lockdown until 31 May after a new wave of cases in the country.

Brazil are defending champions from when the tournament was last held in 2019.

Ever y game of the tournament will be shown live on the BBC.

PARis, MAy 21 (AGEnciEs): U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem heads to Roland Garros short on preparation and low on confidence after crashing out in straight sets to Britain’s Cameron Norrie in his opening match in Lyon.

The world number four, a French Open finalist in 2018 and 2019, losing both to Rafael Nadal, was sidelined for two months by a foot problem and returned to the Tour at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid.

The 27-year-old made an encouraging return, making the semi-finals in

Madrid earlier this month, but then lost in the third round in Rome last week and took a wildcard for Lyon to get some matches under his belt before the claycourt major.

“It was a huge disappointment just now. Just also a big ... step backwards after promising tournaments in Madrid and Rome,” Thiem told reporters after his 6-3 6-2 defeat to world number 49 Norrie on Thursday.

“I don’t really know why. I was preparing well here, practising well and just didn’t find any rhythm, any strokes.

FIFA under-17 women’s WC to be held in India in Oct 2022

nEw DELhi, MAy 21 (iAns): The 2022 FIFA under-17 Women’s World Cup will be held in India from October 11 to 30, 2022, football’s global governing body said. India was set to host the 2021 u-17 Women’s World Cup before it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The World Cup was originally to be played between November 2 and 21, 2020, before being postponed to 2021. It was to be staged from February 17-March 7.

“The announcement of the dates for U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 marks a fresh beginning for the tournament. The

LOC (Local Organising Committee) is carrying on the work that had already begun with the previous edition. As the Covid-19 situation improves, we look forward to restarting all the legacy activities that have been planned, and to the growth of women’s football through this tournament,” said All India Football Federation general secretary Kushal Das. This global event will be the second FIFA tournament to be hosted by India after the FIFA under-17 World Cup in 2017, which broke the record for being the most attended youth World Cup in FIFA’s history.

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SaTurDaY, maY 22, 2021

B’luru ruled out as venue for interstate athletics

nEw DELhi, MAy 21 (iAns): The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has ruled out Bengaluru as venue for next month’s Indian Grand Prix 4 and Inter-State Athletics Championships, which is the last domestic competition to achieve the Tokyo Olympic qualification mark for Indian athletes.

“AFI is working to shift the venue of IGP 4 and inter-state championships from Bengalur u.

Patiala is being considered as option,” AFI said on its social media platform.

The eight-lane synthetic track at SreeKanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru is still under construction.

“Due to lockdown in Karnataka, the relaying of track got delayed. Since construction work is yet to be completed, it is not possible to conduct any competition,” said an official of the Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA).

The AFI is hopeful of conducting both IGP 4 and Inter-State Athletics Championships in Patiala.

Olympics Games will go ahead even under state of emergency: IOC official ToKyo, MAy 21 (AGEnciEs): The Tokyo Olympics will go ahead even if the city is under a state of emergency due to COVID19, a top Olympic official said on Friday, underscoring the challenges facing organisers of the pandemichit Games.

With just nine weeks until the Games get underway, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sought to calm fears in Japan that the event would present a burden to a medical system already under strain from the pandemic at the end of a three-day virtual meeting to discuss preparations.

In a boost for the Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced that French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country will host the 2024 Games, plans to attend the opening ceremony in Tokyo.

The global sporting event faces mounting opposition from the public, and in a Reuters company survey released on Friday nearly

Thiem heads to Roland Garros short on confidence, matches

Dominic Thiem

sports

“I was hoping to take the little positive signs from Madrid and Rome here, but it didn’t work out. I have to analyse now and look (towards) Roland Garros.”

After the high of winning his maiden Grand Slam in New York last year, Thiem has had a difficult 2021 season.

The Austrian had one win in two matches in the ATP Cup before a fourthround exit at the Australian Open. Thiem then lost in the quarter-final in Doha and bowed out in his first match in Dubai the following week.

“It’s not good for the confidence. To be honest, the way I played today, I was expecting that to come more in Madrid because I hadn’t played for so long,” said Thiem.

“But now I was back in the match rhythm and actually hoping for good tennis.

I need to find a way back somehow.

“The next match is already the first round at Roland Garros and until that day I need to hopefully sort it out.”

70% of respondents said they wanted a cancellation or further postponement.

Asked whether the Olympics would go ahead even if Tokyo is under a state of emergency, the IOC Vice President John Coates, who oversees the preparations, said: “Absolutely yes.”

He added that “all of the plans we have in place to protect the safety and security of the athletes and the people of Japan are based on the worst possible circumstances.”

Coates, who spoke at a news conference at the end of the meeting, said that more than 80% of resi-

n yo n ( s w i T Z E R L A n D ) , M Ay 2 1 (AGEnciEs): A report

by European soccer’s governing body UEFA said the continent’s top-flight clubs are expected to suffer losses of more than 8 billion euros ($9.78 billion) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report showed 4 billion euros were lost in gate receipts, 2.7 billion euros in sponsorship and 1.4 billion euros in broadcast revenue.

The losses led to a dip in the clubs’ expenditure on transfer deals, with spending in the January window down 56% compared to last year. The 2020 summer transfer window saw a 39% decrease from 2019.

English clubs made up 43% of global transfers, with the Premier League being the biggest spender in the 2020-21 campaign at more than 1.8 billion euros.

UEFA said reforms to its financial fair play rules were necessary and that transfer fees and wages “must be reduced to acceptable levels”.

The report also criticised the breakaway European Super League, saying a closed competition would have “devastating impacts on European football from a sporting, emotional and financial perspective”.

The breakaway league set up by 12 clubs was announced last month but fell apart after 48 hours following a huge backlash from fans, governing bodies and politicians.

The Super League had argued it would increase revenue for the top clubs in Europe and allow them to distribute more money to the rest of the game.

“A breakaway league cannot be the response to the pandemic, the report added.

“Restoring financial health and growth requires a process of financial discipline, careful management and long-term planning.

“It is only by respecting the pyramid and the principle of promotion and relegation on sporting merit that European football will be able to continue to grow.”

BARcELonA, MAy 21 (AP): Lionel Messi might have played his final game for Barcelona.

The Argentina star has been given permission to skip the team’s final game of the Spanish league season — at Eibar on Saturday — so he can have extra rest ahead of the Copa América, Barcelona said Friday.

Messi didn’t train on Friday. Barcelona is out of contention for the league title.

His contract expires at the end of this season, and he hasn’t given an indication he will sign a new one.

The 33-yea r-old Messi has been with Barcelona for his whole career, but he tried to leave following the 2019-20 season, saying he wasn’t happy with the direction the club was taking.

The Copa América starts June 13, when Argentina takes on Chile.

Barcelona is third in the Spanish league, seven points behind leader Atletico Madrid and five behind Real Madrid. The team could get overtaken by fourth-place Sevilla, which is two points back ahead of a home match against Alaves. Last-place Eibar has already been relegated.

Man Utd captain Maguire ‘unlikely’ to be fit for Europa League final MAnchEsTER, MAy 21 (AGEnciEs): Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he does not expect captain Harry Maguire to be fit enough to play in Wednesday’s Europa League final with Villarreal in Gdansk.

Maguire, 28, suffered an ankle ligament injury against Aston Villa on 9 May. The England defender attended a screening of Sir Alex Ferguson’s film at Old Trafford on Thursday without crutches, sparking hope he may be fit.

“He is walking but it is a long way from that to running,” said Solskjaer.

“We will give him every chance but I don’t think we will see him in Gdansk. Steadily but surely he is improving but ligaments take time to heal.”

Solskjaer said even if he is not fit, Maguire will still be in Poland and play an important part in United’s preparations as they try to win their first trophy since 2017.

Speaking before Sunday’s Premier League last-day trip to Wolves, the Norwegian also said his side had made significant improvements this season in securing only their second runners-up spot since Ferguson retired in 2013.

However, he thinks the club need to be active in the transfer market this summer if they are to close the gap on champions Manchester City.

“I hope we will strengthen with two or three players we definitely need to challenge higher up the table,” said Solskjaer. “We are too far behind to think it will come by itself.”

dents of the Olympic Village would be vaccinated ahead of July 23, when the Olympics start.

He added that additional medical personnel would be part of the foreign Olympic delegations to support the medical operations and the implementation of the COVID-19 countermeasures at the Games.

Japan has vaccinated just 4.1% of its population, according to Reuters’ global tracker, the lowest rate among the world’s wealthy countries and only about a half of its medical staff have completed their inoculations.

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French Open: Simona Halep

withdraws with left calf injury

Simona Halep

PARis, MAy 21 (AGEnciEs): World number three and 2018 champion Simona Halep has withdrawn from the French Open with a left calf injury.

The Romanian, who lifted her maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, had to be helped off court at the Italian Open after tearing a muscle.

Halep is a three-time finalist at the French Open, which starts on 30 May. The 29-year-old won Wimbledon in 2019, so will be the defending champion if she is fit for this year’s event, which begins on 28 June.

“Withdrawing from a Grand Slam goes against all my instincts and aspirations as an athlete,” Halep said.

Halep beat American Sloane Stephens in Paris in 2018 to win the French Open.

She reached the fourth round last year before losing to eventual champion IgaSwiatek.

She retired from her second-round Italian Open match against Angelique Kerber with the injury and a scan revealed a tear.

“Unfortunately the tear in my left calf needs more time to recover and the timeline is just too short,” Halep wrote on Twitter.

“The thought of not being in Paris fills me with sadness, but I will focus my energy on recovery.”

World number one and 2019 champion Ashleigh Barty also retired from her Italian Open quarter-final with an arm injury.

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