23 May

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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State records 2062 positive cases, 68 Covid deaths in one week: H&FW D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): State Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department on Saturday informed that Nagaland had reported 2062 Covid positive cases and 68 deaths in one week (May 15-21).

According to the weekly bulletin released on Saturday, the Health department said that 16% percent of deaths happened within six hours of admission while 34% of deaths within 24 hours, signifying late arrival to Covid-19 hospital with too advanced symptoms.

With Dimapur reporting the maximum number of fatalities, the department said that among all Covid-19 deaths in Dimapur till date, none had been fully vaccinated and only eight had received the first dose.

With regard to the number of days taken for every 1000 Covid cases, H&FW said it took an average of four days for every 1000 cases (between April 25 to May 20). The data compared between October 20, 2020 to April 24 this year, it showed an average of

34 days for every 1000 cases while in cases from May 25, 202 to April 19, 2021 showed an average of 20 days for every 1000 cases.

252 fresh cases, 13 more deaths: On May 22, the state recorded 252 fresh Covid positive cases while 13 more patients succumbed to the infection.

Of the fresh cases, 137 were reported from Dimapur, Kohima- 50, Mokokchung- 17, Zunheboto- 15, Phek- 11, eight in Tuensang, six in Wokha, three each in Mon and Kiphire, and one each in Peren and Longleng,

Total lockdown in Kohima evokes positive response

DTFs empowered to rope in MBBS students, medical professionals

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 22 (NPN): First day of total lockdown imposed by Kohima Village Council (KVC) in all areas under its jurisdiction till May 31 evoked positive response.

Roads wore deserted look as there was no movement of vehicles and people. Shops and business establishments also remained closed.

K V YO p r e s i d e n t Ruokuoneituo Phewhuo told Nagaland Post that the organisation did not deploy volunteers to enforce the lockdown. He said citizens heeded the call of KVC and extended cooperation by choosing to remain indoors.

He said a few of the members inspected the area/colony and Khels and saw the positive response.

KVYO president exuded confidence that the citizens would cooperate till the lockdown was lifted.

Phewhuo urged all responsible to support KVC call and strictly adhere to COVID-19 SOPs even at home. KVYO has set up COVID helpline for assistance regarding essential commodities and medical supplies for those who were in need. (Cont’d on p-5)

This is it!

“Sheeesh. these days everything is COVID lockdown and so my brain is also under lockdown.”

K Y M C

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): The state government has empowered the District Task Forces to engage final year and intern students of various medical professions on temporary basis for clinical Covid/ non-Covid and non-clinical duties.

In a letter to the principal director Health & Family Welfare, DTFs and CMOs, chief secretary Jane Alam said that the DTFs can engage such professionals for a period of up to three months with effect from the date of issue of this order, with an initial upper limit of 30 students for Kohima and Dimapur and 10 each in other districts subject to the districts ensuring that an equivalent additional existing staff is deputed for Covid duty in each of the district.

For this, the government also announced stipends to be paid under various category of interns: On clinical Covid/non-Covid duty/essential services-MBBS Rs. 25,000 p.m., BDS/AYUSH Rs. 20,000 p.m., BSc. nursing Rs.13,500 p.m., GNM/Technician Rs. 10,000 p.m., ANM Rs. 800 p.m. and for non-clinical duty-- final year MBBS/

taking the total caseload to 19845.

The death toll surged to 271 (260 Covid deaths and 11 non-Covid with Covid positivity) after 10 succumbed to the contagion in Dimapur, two in Kohima and one in Zunheboto.

The state currently has 4607 active cases. With the recovery of 214 more patients on Saturday, a total of 14363 patients have recuperated till date.

PTI: The daily rise in coronavirus cases in India remained below the 3 lakhmark for the sixth consecu-

BDS/AYUSH Rs.9000 p.m., final year BSc Nursing/GNM/technician Rs. 8000 p.m., final year ANM Rs.7500 p.m. and below final year and upto 2nd year student Rs. 6000 p.m.

The budgetary allocation for 2020-21 and as available in the Civil Deposit, for the purpose of stipend would be initially used, and sub-allocated to the chief medical officers of the respective districts as per their requirement immediately.

Preference in govt. appointments: Further, the chief secretary said that the Government will give preference, in the form of up to 25% of the total marks for the respective recruitment examination, depending on the length of Covid duties rendered, to the health care workers who have worked on Covid-19 duties in government or private Covid facilities for at least 100 days, for appointment against regular government posts for any post recruited through NPSC, NSSB or departmental recruitment board during the years 2021 and 2022.

Detailed instructions in this regard would be issued in consultation with P&AR department separately.

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tive day, with 2.57 lakh new cases recorded in a single day, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

With the fresh cases, India’s tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,62,89,290.

The death toll due to the disease rose to 2,95,525 with 4,194 fresh fatalities, the ministry data updated at 8 am showed.

The active cases further reduced to 29,23,400 comprising 11.12 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate improved to 87.76 per cent.

Rain likely over parts of Nagaland D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): After experiencing intense whether activities over the past few days, Nagaland is likely to witness on and off rain and thundershower activities with light to moderate intensity with one or two intense spell.

According to Skymet Weather report, rain activities would decrease significantly across the state on May 23 and 24, but areas right from Peren to Kiphire would witness isolated light rain with partly cloudy sky.

Temperatures could increase a bit and thereafter

by May 25 rain activity may again intensify until end of the week.

There would be heavy spell of rain and thundershower. Wind speed could also increase significantly between May 25 and 27 as cyclone Yaas is likely to form on May 24 over north central parts of Bay of Bengal and expected to make a land fall over Gangetic West Bengal and parts of Odisha.

The North Easter n states particularly Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur would, therefore, be coming under the outer periphery of the cyclone.

sPorts, Page 8

Nagaland govt declares black fungus as notifiable disease D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Days after the Centre asked the States to make mucormycosis (Black Fungus) a notifiable disease, the State government Saturday issued the Nagaland Epidemic Diseases (Mucormycosis) Regulations 2021, which would come into force immediately and remain valid for one year from the date of publication.

In a notification, the state health & family welfare (H&FW) department stated that all the government and private healthcare facilities would report each suspected

and confirmed case of Mucormycosis to the respective chief medical officer (CMO) on daily basis. It stated that CMOs would compile and submit the district report to the principal director H&FW on daily basis.

All the government and private healthcare facilities have been asked to follow the guidelines for screening, diagnosis, management of Mucormycosis, issued by Health ministry, Indian Council of Medical Research and the State government, and amended from time to time.

Further, all the government

and private healthcare facilities are to submit complete patient records in case of deaths due to Mucormycosis through the respective CMO to the principal director H&FW, within 24 hours of the event. The principal director H&FW would prescribe a format for reporting such deaths.

Meanwhile, the state government has notified that no person/institution would publish or circulate rumours or unauthenticated information regarding Covid-19 through any print or electronic media.

‘Diagnosing black fungus a challenge’ Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 22 (NPN): A senior doctor has said that diagnosing Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) would be a challenge as confirming the disease had to undergo numerous tests.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, ENT surgeon and MS CIHSR Dimapur, Dr. Clement Momin, said that so far there were no confirmed cases of mucormycosis in the state. He, however, said they were keeping a close watch. He said to diagnose

mucormycosis was not easy since samples had to be collected from appropriate areas to find out exactly from where it was infected.

Dr. Momin said detecting mucormycosis, which required CT Scan, endoscopy and proper sampling, would, therefore, be a challenge.

He informed that preliminary report could take a day, but for confirmation it could take longer time than expected. ENT Surgeon said the disease was not only confined with COVID patients or COVID recov-

ered patients. He said the fungus tends to grow when a person’s immune was suppressed, adding patients with diabetes also get affected.

If the disease was detected at early stage, it is treatable, however, Dr. Momin said since the disease was aggressive it becomes difficult to treat once it infects the eyes and brain.

Asked whether the state had enough stock of medicines to treat mucormycosis, he said that since the entire country was facing shortage of drugs there were limited stocks.

Incentives for in-service medical officers: Preference for study leave for undergoing further studies will be given to HCWs who have rendered at least 100 days on Covid-19 duty and have qualified the entrance examination. Amendments in the Study Leave rules for this purpose shall be also issued separately.

Engagement of HCWs for short term basis: Any healthcare worker engaged for at least 100 days for the management of Covid patients shall be entitled to remuneration above 25% of the entry level salary of respective grade of employees.

Treatment for Coivd19 for private HCWs: The cost of treatment for HCWs who contract Covid-19 while on duty in private hospitals shall also be reimbursed on the same pattern as for government employees.

He further said that the government had already announced an additional amount (ex-gratia) of Rs. 10 lakh for all HCWs in government hospitals and health care centres, and private hospitals over and above the Rs. 50 lakh under PMGKP insurance scheme.

State receives 150 oxygen concentrators D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Nagaland has received 150 oxygen concentrators from the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 22.

Informing this in a tweet, Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom said the oxygen concentrators will be distributed to all the districts and strategic health care centres on need basis.

He expressed gratitude to WHO for the contribution and assistance during this difficult times.

It may be mentioned that the State on Friday received the first batch con-

WHO-funded oxygen concentrators for Nagaland.

signment consisting of 400 The consignment was transjumbo (D type) and 800 ported by the Indian Air B-Type oxygen cylinders. Force.

K Y M C

2

Random COVID testing in Dimapur concludes

Medical department carrying out the random testing exercise in one of the locations in Dimapur. (NP)

72 positive out of 731 random tests Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): In a period of five days, the medical department with the assistance of district task force (DTF) collected a total of 731 samples from within Dimapur town and Chümouke-

dima area during the random testing exercise.

The five-day random sample testing exercise commenced from May 17 and concluded on May 21.

According to the random sample test report, out of the 731 random samples tested, 72 were tested positive.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, District Vector Borne Officer (DVBO), Dr. Kavi-

to said that the authorities were planning to continue with the random sample testing and had been making arrangements for the coming week.

It may be mentioned that Dimapur district health authorities carried out the test at various locations that were earmarked to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 among the public.

state

Organisations extend condolences DIMAPUR: Y. Vikheho Swu, MLA has expressed grief over the demise of Nagaholi Sumi, wife of former minister, late Huska Sumi, who passed away on May 21.

In a condolence note, Vikheho Swu described late Nagaholi Sumi as an educated person who was understanding, quick in encapsulating people’s minds and firm in what she believed in.

While maintaining that both late Huska Sumi and his wife led an honest and a simple life, Vikheho said that they did their bit for the Nagas and the Pughoboto people.

In her demise, Vikheho hoped that all would be reminded of late Huskha and his wife and their contributions to the Naga people in general and people of Pughoboto constituency in particular.

Further, the MLA extended his condolences to the family members.

KMC: Kohima Municipal Council (KMC)

NSCN (I-M) declares 3-day ‘national mourning’ DIMAPUR: Deeply mourning the “unfortunate and untimely demise” of its three members—Steering Committee member Sashiba Aier from Sungratsu village under Ao Region; deputy kilonser Atoshe Aye from Hovishe village under union territory (UT) and deputy kilonser Atoho Yeptho from Litsami village under Sumi Region—on May 22, 2021, the NSCN (I-M) has declared that all its offices would remain closed from May 22 to May 24, 2021 sunset as “National Mourning Days”.

NSCN (I-M) through its MIP stated that the Naga national flag would be flown half mast during the mourn-

ing period as a mark of respect to the “departed national figures.”

In a condolence note, NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser Th Muivah said that they have lost two souls “in the hands of the wicked disease of COVID-19”. Th Muivah said late Atoshe Aye joined the “Naga national service” in 2005 with full conviction and commitment. Ato kilonser said that late Aye served the “nation” in various capacities and responsibilities with utmost dedication.

Further, Th Muivah said that late Atoho Yeptho served the nation as the project director, CNC and served in various capacities

and responsibilities in the past.

“He was a true servant of God and has always served the nation with utmost dedication…”, Muivah said.

Ato kilonser said that the “nation” owed both the departed souls “a debt for his sacrificial service rendered to the national cause which shall never be repaid”.

On behalf of the “nation”, he extended sympathies to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal rest to the departed souls.

Expressing grief over the demise of steering committee member Sashi Aier,

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

NSCN (I-M) chairman, Q Tuccu said that his demise was not only a loss to his family, but a great loss for the Ao community in particular and NSCN in general. Tuccu said the vaccum created by his demise would be difficult to fill in.

NSCN (I-M) chairman described late Sashi as a man of principle, a caring father and a visionary man who always strived to uplift the community and NSCN in various fields.

Stating that they have lost a great freedom fighter, Tuccu extended condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would grant him peace and solace.

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved

Late TOKHEHO ACHUMI 23.05.2020

has expressed grief over the demise of government nominee member to KMC and Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP), president, Neibulie Kiewhuo, who passed away on May 21.

In a condolence note, KMC administrator, Kovi Meyase said that in the demise of late Kiewhuo, the people had lost another stalwart who was gone too soon when they needed him most.

While thanking him for the services rendered, KMC said that it would always cherish and remember him with gratitude.

The council prayed that the Lord would grant strength to all his loved ones during this hour of grief.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the former councilors of KMC, Menuovilie Kesiezie and Vipopal Kintso described late Kiewhuo as a committed social worker.

The former councilors also said that that he took risks and during the pandemic and that with heavy hearts, they bid farewell to their colleague.

While hoping that his yeoman service to the society would be cherished, the former councilors conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members.

NVCO: Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) said that in the demise of late Neibule Kiewhuo, the citizens of Kohima town lost

someone who put his efforts to build the town and fulfill the requirements of smart city.

In a condolence note, NVCO president, Kezhokhoto Savi said that late Neibule Kiewhuo also shared concerns for the welfare of consumers in the town and his positive visions as a leader of the soil would remain fresh.

Further, NVCO conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

APO: APO has expressed grief over the sudden demise of its member, Kevisokho Khro, who passed away on Saturday.

He served in the office of APO for two terms from February 10, 2015 to February 10, 2021 as property secretary and finance secretary respectively.

In a condolence note, APO president, Razouvoto Chatsu said that late Kevisokho Khro also served as the warden of Patkai Christian College and Seithekema old village council chairman.

APO said that it would cherish his commitment towards the welfare of the society and that it had lost a noble soul.

Further, the organisation conveyed its condolences to the grieving family members and prayed to the Almighty to grant them comfort.

CPO: The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) while expressing grief over the demise of

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” 2 Cor 5: 8 We, the bereaved family of Late BECHUK MANCHU express our profound gratitude and thanks to all individuals, churches, organizations and friends for your help and support through prayers, financially and materially during this grieving times. Words are not enough to express our sincere thanks to those who stood by us physically and emotionally during her trying times and untimely demise of our daughter.

Special thanks to:1. Mopong Hongkong Union, Dimapur 2. Changnyu Union Dimapur 3. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok, Dimapur 4. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Youth, Dimapur 5. A. Nyamnyei Konyak, Chairman DAN 6. E.E Pangteang, MLA 7. Nyakpa Konyak 8. B.A 6th Semester Pranabananda Women’s College, Dimapur 9. Moka Union, Tizit 10. Changnyu Union Mon Town 11. Shantham Ward, Mon Town 12. Mopong Hongkong Union, Mon Town 13. Mopong Hongkong Sheko Khong, Mon Town Born on : 04/01/1999 14. NAP Fellowship, Mon Died on : 10/05/2021 15. KBCM 16. KBCM Youth 17. Tompang Fellowship Youth 18. Yoppu Committee, Shantham Ward 19. YCSU We deeply regret our inability to mention every individual and group and we are unable to repay your priceless help and sympathy, but we humbly pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

K-977

Loving Family & Relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Sadly missed along life's way, Quietly remembered every day…

No longer in our life to share, But in our hearts you are always there.

DP-2484

K Y M C

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren & In-laws

We, the bereaved family members of Late S. Phonokiu Yim would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us and supported us physically, financially and spiritually during his illness and demise on 21st May 2021.

We would like to extend our special thanks to: 1. Yimchunger Baptist Church Dimapur 2. Mr. Bendang Yanger Sangtam, Commandant 3rd NAP Battalion, Tuensang 3. Mr. Ngaku Chang R/O 3rd NAP Battalion Tuensang 4. Thsotoku Village Service Union We deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually but your considerate act of kindness extended in times of sorrow will always be remembered.

May Almighty God, in return bless you all abundantly.

DP-2499

-Loving Wife, Children, In-laws and Relatives

nagalandpost.com Poll

late Kevisokho Khro, its president Vichütuolie Mere and general secretary Mhiesisato Vüprü said that he served the public of Chakhroma region in different fields and CPO in various capacities.

While maintaining that the vacuum created by his demise would be difficult to fill in, CPO said that his leadership and guidance would be missed.

Further, it conveyed condolences to his family and prayed that the Lord would bestow them His strength and solace.

FGN: The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has expressed grief over the untimely demise of Toiho Muru of Vishepu village, who passed away on May 20. He joined the “Naga national service” in 1996.

In a condolence note, FGN ministry of rali wali affairs said that prior to his induction to the rank of tatar in 2012, he served in different ministries in his capacities. He was inducted to deputy kilonser in 2015 and kilonser in 2019 with the portfolio of geology & mining till his last breath, FGN stated.

While maintaining that his services rendered to the “nation” during his 25 years would not go in vain but would be recorded in history, FGN prayed for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

Q.: Has India betrayed lack of moral courage by it’s silence on recent Hamas-Israeli clash ?

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

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

A

B

C

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

83% 17% 0%

Next Poll

Q: I s a c h i e v i n g 7 5 %

efficiency too high a goal for the department of power Nagaland?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MAy 23

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

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

38 26

A t-storm around in the p.m.

32 20

Aizawl

Guwahati Partly sunny; warm and humid 35 25 Imphal

Partly sunny and very warm

34 19

Itanagar A stray morning thunderstorm 31 22 Shillong A stray morning thunderstorm 25 17 Kohima

Some sun with a thundershower 26 17

Dimapur Partly sunny Mkg

34 23

A t-storm around in the a.m.

Tuensang Occasional morning rain

29 19 23 15

A t-storm around in the a.m.

27 21

Zunheboto Humid with a thunderstorm

26 17

Wokha

OBITUARY

The Lord also will be a strong hold for the oppressed a stronghold in times of troubles.

Psalms 9:9

Lt. Mr Mhathung Lotha (Ngullie)

Born : 25/12/1948 – Died : 17/05/2021 The loss of our Father will always Sting. But now, everything we do is in honor of him and celebrate his life.

This is the price we pay for having a loving Husband, a Great Father and a loving Grand Father. We got the wonder, the joy, the Tender Moments and yet we get the tears at the end too.

Our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who supported us with continuous prayer, physically and financially at the sudden demise of our beloved Father.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren and In-laws DP-2496

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“What no eye has seen, what nor ear heard, and what no human mind has conceived- the things God has prepared for those who love him”.

1 Cor 2:9

(25.06.1978) (11.05.2021)

Words are inadequate to express our profound gratitude to those who stood by us financially, spiritually and physically from the time of illness till his last and comforted us with your constant prayer at the untimely demise of our beloved Late Mr. TOVIKHU TUKHA on 11th May 2021.

We shall be indebted to the kind gesture and sympathy you have shown us during one of our most difficult times and we deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually. May God repay your selfless act of love and kindness rendered to us in every possible way with His infinite and manifold blessings.

DP-2500

Loving Wife, Son & Family Members K Y M C

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

AR jawan killed, 2 injured in Arunachal

Empty shells recovered from the encounter site. gUwAHAtI, MAy 22 (AgENCIES): A trooper of the Assam Rifles was killed and two others injured in an encounter with insurgents suspected to be members of the NSCN (K)-Yung Aung faction in Changlang district

of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday.

“One Assam Rif les jawan was martyred and two others injured in an encounter between security forces and militants at Longvi village under Nampong circle

3

Northeast/state

in Changlang district of Ar unachal Pradesh,” Changlang deputy commissioner Devansh Yadav said. He said the injured jawans were airlifted and taken to the army hospital.

Yadav said that security forces have launched a massive counter-insurgency operation to flush out the terrorists from the area. “A column of Assam Rifles was launched to carry out an operation around 9 am. Suddenly, the soldiers came under heavy firing in which the jawan was martyred after receiving bullet injury,” said a police source.

The encounter took place around 8 km from Longvi village under Nampong circle in Arunachal Pradesh.

The deceased jawan has been identified as Rifleman Avatar Chakma and the injured were identified as Bablu and Rifleman Baldev, Yadav stated.

Various factions of the NSCN have been among the outfits based in the North East that have waged guerrilla war for six decades against central rule by New Delhi.

M’laya logs 21 deaths and 1,123 fresh Covid cases Correspondent SHIlloNg, MAy 22: The Covid-19 upsurge in Meghalaya continued with 21 Coronavirus-related deaths and 1,123 new COVID-19 cases, mounting the number of fatalities and active cases up to 435 and 7,454 respectively on Saturday, health officials said.

The growth rate of active COVID19 cases in the last seven days is about 1.5 per cent per day. On average, the state witnessed about 288 positive cases per day. With 435 deaths as on date, the fatality rate currently stands at 1.51 per cent, while the recovery rate is at 72.88 per cent with 509 more recovered from the viral infection, taking the number of recoveries up to 20,989 as on date.

With the exponential growth in COVID-19 cases across the State, and especially in East Khasi Hills district, Health and Family Welfare Minister Alexander Laloo Hek reiterated his appeal and said, “The COVID-19 situation is very grim. I appeal to the citizens to stay inside during the lockdown period to break this transmission chain.”

East Khasi Hills, which includes the State Shillong, is the worst hit Coronavirus district in Meghalaya has been under total lockdown since May 19.

In Shillong and elsewhere, the Dorbar Shnong (village council) has also come out in support of the State government by setting up Community Corona Care Centres and also assisting the police in checking unnecessary movement of people and regulating essential shops.

Meanwhile, Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said the COVID-19 related deaths included 19 in East Khasi Hills district and two in West Jaintia Hills district.

Lockdown extended in aizawl, other districts by 7 days

AIzAwl, MAy 22 (PtI): The Mizoram government on Saturday extended total lockdown in Aizawl and other district headquarters by another 7 days to rein in coronavirus surge.

The existing lockdown imposed since May 10 was scheduled to be lifted at 4 am on May 24.

The government order issued on Saturday said, “In view of the continued surge of COVID-19 positive cases, the competent authority has decided to continue with the current restrictions imposed for curtailing people’s movement and activities, in order to further mitigate probable serious impact on public health”. The existing complete lockdown is extended till 4 am of May 31, it said. People residing in the state capital and other district headquarters/towns shall strictly confine to indoors and not venture outside without permission, it said.

All places of worship, educational institutions, public parks, picnic spots, movie theatres, gymnasiums, community halls, and restaurants, shopping complexes, malls, business shops having no permission will continue to remain close in all parts of the state.

Besides, all government offices barring a few will remain close during the extended lockdown in Aizawl and other district headquarters, it said.

However, government offices and commercial banks will be allowed to open under strict Covid-19 protocols outside the jurisdiction of the state capital and other district headquarters. Shops dealing with

essential commodities, vegetables and meats will be opened only on Tuesday and Friday, while those dealing with agricultural seeds and equipment, construction materials, motor workshop, spare parts, among others will open only on Tuesday from 5 am to 5 pm, the order said.

Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, dispensaries, bank and non-banking financial institutions, post offices, filling stations, LPG store houses, fair price shop, animal feed store are exempted from total lockdown.

However, economic and agriculture activities will continue to function smoothly under strict adherence to Covid-19 appropriate behavior in other areas outside Aizawl and district headquarters, it said. Night curfew will also be continued in state capital and district headquarters/towns between 7 pm and 4 am.

As for Aizawl and other district headquarters, daily labour can be operated strictly within one compound and no labourer is allowed to work outside his neighbourhood.

However, people practicing jhum cultivation, agriculture garden, pisciculture and also animal rearing outside state capital and district headquarters are also exempted from complete lockdown, it said.

State residents or visitors should enter the state only through those entry points currently opened by the state government and they will have to undergo mandatory home isolation for 10 days if they tested negative for Covid-19 upon their arrival.

Manipur govt to bear expenses of final rites of COVID victims

Correspondent

IMPHAl, MAy 22: Manipur government has once again decided to bear the cremation and burial expenses of people who die of Covid-19 in the state, as was done last year.

“Cremation cost for Covid victims will now be borne by the state government” chief minister N Biren Singh said in his Facebook post on Saturday, after his interaction with home isolation patients through video conferencing.

“Through these interactions I have learnt about the challenges faced by the families who are grieving the death of loved ones. Considering the trauma and financial problems being faced by them, the government will bear the cost of cremation,” he stated.

Singh also said that the such interactive session would continue every day at 7 p.m. till all the patients are covered.

This programme is being held to understand their grievances of the patients and what they expect from the government, CM’s office said in a press note.

Singh, who had already been infected by the virus earlier, assured everybody that the disease can be cured within 14 days if it was detected and treated early.

assam govt plans to introduce E Woman infected with ‘black fungus’ in tripura MAy 22 our Oxygen supplies and ing oxygen plants operating AgArtAlA, MAy 22 (PtI): A 68- barma said. cow protection bill: Governor gUwAHAtI, Nath said the state government has (AgENCIES): Amid re- movement,” Dr Sarma said in the state for medical pur- year-old woman undergoing treatment

Jagdish Mukhi

gUwAHAtI, MAy 22 (PtI): Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Saturday said the government is planning to introduce a cow protection bill in the next assembly session to ban transport of the animal outside the state.

Addressing the first session of the 15th Assam Legis-

lative Assembly, Mukhi said people revere and worship cows, considering it a sacred animal.

“I am happy to inform you that my government plans to introduce the Cow Protection Bill in the next assembly session. The proposed bill envisages imposition of complete ban on transport of cattle outside the state,” he said. The government will adopt a zero-tolerance policy for protection of the animal and enforce stringent punishment for those found transporting it outside Assam, the governor said.

“Once passed, Assam will join other states which have passed similar bills,” he said.

ports of the demand for oxygen rising in Assam as COVID cases continue to rise in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated four additional oxygen carrying tankers to Assam and other Northeastern states, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked PM Modi for the help. “Thank you Hon Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi. We are grateful to Government of India for having allocated four additional Oxygen carrying tankers to us for use in Assam and other NE states.

This shall help us augment

in a social media post.

In an order dated May 21, 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway said that 4 oxygen tankers would reach Assam and other Northeastern states and 2 tankers have been dispatched for Odisha.

The Assam Cabi net had earlier this week cleared proposals stating the state government would provide 100 % free power supply to any new oxygen plants being set up in the state or any oxygen plant being revived.

The state government also said that 20% power would be free for all exist-

State

COVID-19 guidelines, advisories and directives DIMAPUr: In order to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state and to stop further community spread, district administrations have been issuing directives to the public.

Kohima: SDO (C) Jakhama, Ruopfukuotuo Noudi has issued guidelines for strict compliance by all villages in the sub-division.

According to DIPR report, Ruopfukuotuo Noudi directed COVID core committees in the villages to closely monitor the developments in their respective villages and community surveillance of people with COVID-like symptoms to be immediately activated to proactively deal with any possible spread of virus in rural areas.

All villages have been directed to set up a village surveillance team (VST) comprising of ASHA workers from the medical department, angawadi workers from the social welfare department and SHGs from NSRLM (RD). VST has been directed to regularly monitor the health status of villagers in their respective villages and identify anyone with influenza like illness (ILI) including fever, cough, cold and difficulty in breathing.

Any person with such symptoms would be mandatorily advised for self-quarantine/isolation and all such cases should be reported to the medical officers (MOs) in the subdivision.

Villagers have been advised to adhere to guidelines issued by the government; regular announcements in the village through public address systems have also been advised to be carried out to spread awareness in the village for compulsory observance of COVID appropriate behaviours by villagers.

K Y M C

The SDO has also directed for suitable facilities in the village to be identified for use as village quarantine facility in case of requirement; public burial grounds at suitable locations in every village should be identified for use in case of emergency. He also directed for the disposal of dead bodies of COVID patients to be strictly carried in compliance with the SOP issued by the NSDMA. Further, village authorities have been directed to spread awareness in their respective villages to ensure that a dignified burial/cremation is accorded to COVID victims and that stigmatisation in any form is “absolutely avoided”.

Mon: DC Mon, Thavaseelan K has requested all beneficiaries (18-44 years) who have booked a slot for COVID-19 vaccination but are unable to get vaccinated on the appointed date to cancel their appointments (online) at least one day prior so as to enable willing beneficiaries to avail the opportunity.

The DC informed that cancellation/booking of slots on the day of vaccination was not possible.

In another notification, the DC also informed that the interval for the second dose of Covishield vaccine has been revised to 12-16 weeks after the first dose. In this regard, all recipients have been requested to get their 2nd dose of Covishield within the stipulated time interval. zunheboto: In view of the detection and confirmation of COVID-19 positive case and in the larger interest of public health and safety, ADC Pughoboto, Thungchanbemo Tungoe has informed that St. Bartholomew

Convent at Khuluqa Khel, Lazami village under Pughoboto sub-division has been sealed with immediate effect. wokha: DC & chairman DTF for COVID-19 Wokha, Orenthung Lotha has ordered the sealing of H/no. 51 at New colony, H/no. 294 at Chanka colony, H/no. 64 at Lower CMHS colony, H/no. 74 at GHSS colony, H/no. 776 at tourist lodge colony, Wokha town till further order.

Further the DC has also informed that sealing of Dr. MM district hospital, Wokha has been extended for another 48 hours from May 22.

The DC and ADC has informed that during the sealing period, all movement of persons within the sealed area would be strictly prohibited and any persons violating containment measures would be liable to prosecution as per provisions of section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and IPC section 188. wSSU: Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU) has appealed to the citizens to be responsible in every aspect as “our behavior is going to determine our future in this time of despair”.

In a press release, its president A Kughato Achumi maintained a time had come for the people to unite together hand in hand with prayer and usher responsibility in the fight against COVID-19.

While stating that the alarming fatality rate also indicated that the virus was spreading much faster and more deadlier, WSSU advised the citizens that the safety and the best solution to save one’s life was “through prayer, discipline and responsibility”.

It also said that everyone’s little efforts of “self-discipline and devotion” could save lives.

poses. Assam government has been taking all possible steps to prevent an oxygen crisis as COVID cases continue to soar despite strict curbs and curfew in place across the state. Even interdistrict movement has been stopped.

Sarma had earlier said that the state’s oxygen production capacity has gone up to 80 MT as against the requirement of 70 MT. He also said that the Central Government has allocated 100 MT oxygen to the state which would be transported by a dedicated train.

Assam recorded 6, 066 new cases and 81 deaths on Friday, May 21.

at a private hospital here has been infected with mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’, Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath said.

Tripura Government has declared mucormycosis, commonly known as ‘black fungus’ as a notifiable disease under Epidemic Disease Act, Nath, who is also the cabinet spokesperson told reporters at the civil secretariat on Friday.

The Union Health Ministry has directed states and union territories to make mucormycosis a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, health officials said.

“After one person was found to be infected with ‘black fungus’ on Friday, the state government has made all necessary arrangements for treating black fungus infected patients in Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Tripura Medical College (TMC)”, Director of Health and Family Welfare, Radha Deb-

formed a 4-member committee with paediatricians to look after COVID19 infection among children after 36 children in two orphanages in the state capital, Agartala were recently found to be infected with coronavirus.

Meanwhile, at least 863 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura on Friday, pushing the tally in the state to 45,223, a health department official said.

The COVID-19 death toll rose to 454 with two more patients succumbing to the infection.

Tripura currently has 6,473 active coronavirus cases, while 37,369 people have recovered from the disease.

“In the vaccination drive, 15,34,142 doses have already been administered to 10,27,399 people who have received the first dose while the second dose has been given to 5,06,743 people,” Nath told reporters.

Power deptt on jungle clearing exercise DIMAPUr: DC Mon, Thavaseelan K has informed the general public that the power department, Mon would be conducting a jungle cutting/clearing exercise from May 25 along the existing 33KV line from 66/33 KV emanating substation, Naginimora up to power house, Mon, passing through: Tanhai village to Longkei village; Longkei village to Leangnyu village; Leangnyu village to Tenang river; Tenang river to Wakching road (old); Wakching road (old) to Dhobinalla (Thamnan ward) and Dhobinalla (Thamnan ward) to power house (via KBCM).

The DC also informed that the line with a width of right way (ROW) of 15 metres would be kept charged at rated voltage as standby feeder to Mon Hq. In this regard, all the landowners have been requested to collect any valuable crops or trees that fall under the said transmission line on or before May 24.

KNCtS receives ‘national biodiversity award’ DIMAPUr: While celebrating the “international day for biological diversity” on Saturday, the Khonoma Nature conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) was awarded the “National Biodiversity Award 2021” under the category “sustainable use of biological resources”.

KNCTS expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders involved and those who rendered their help in this achievement particularly forest, environment and climate change department, Nagaland state biodiversity board & national biodiversity authority, government of India.

K Y M C

4

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXXI No. 166 DImapur, SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

M

Test and treat

ost Covid-19 epicentre states have shown signs of retreat or plateauing of the second wave of coronavirus pandemic. However, the Northeastern states are showing a clear spike in Covid-19 cases. These figures have shown a big leap especially in assam where assembly elections and Bihu celebrations were held. political interests certainly proved costly in terms of human lives lost and thousands suffering. meghalaya used to have low record of new cases in a day till end of 2020. However, cases continued to rise. What the government of meghalaya eventually did was to launch a series of compulsory testing. Today meghalaya ranks among the second highest after assam in terms of new covid cases in a day. On may 21, for instance, meghalaya recorded a single day spike of over 800 new covid cases and the numbers are rising. assam with over 6000 new cases on the same day, leads the entire region. manipur with over 606 new cases; Sikkim with 317 new cases; mizoram with 284 new cases and arunachal pradesh with 394 new cases on the same day – are indicative of the need for more wider testing. Nagaland recorded 309 new cases on the same day while Tripura surprisingly recorded only a little over 400 for a hugely densely populated state. as per the studies, nationally for every one case recorded as positive, five have been missed. reports said these are clearly indicative of either faulty swab sample collection by ill trained staff or wrong timing of testing swab samples. in states where testing is almost compulsory the numbers have shown increase. This can be seen in states like meghalaya, mizoram, assam, manipur etc. To achieve faster result iCmr has insisted that covid tests should not be on rT-pCr tests solely but instead on rapid antigen Tests (raT), which will help in surveillance and in breaking the chain of transmission.antigen tests detect viral proteins in patients at the peak of the infection. They are not considered to be as accurate as the rT-pCr tests. When using antigen tests, a significant number of people infected with the virus show up as negative, which could result in the authorities missing many infections. rT-pCr tests detect the presence of viral rNa and is rated to be very accurate as it is able to detect a COViD infection even before the person becomes infectious, which helps to prevent virus transmission to other people. raT is not per se inaccurate provided the latest technology is adopted. iCmr’s own tests show just 50-60% accuracy, which means 40 to 50 of every 100 infections are being missed. This is because india continues to use the older model instead of adopting to newer antigen technologies which are faster and accurate.Western countries, especially the uS, have adopted new generation antigen technologies like abbot’s rapid panbio antigen tests. a nasal swab is inserted into a small, portable device, and a visual result is provided within about 15 minutes, similar to a home pregnancy test. installation of more COViD beds is only one solution whereas the main challenge is to test more so that infected persons who were untested , do not suddenly appear in hospitals when it becomes too late. more people are dying of low oxygen saturation that suddenly overwhelm especially the young.

dailydevotion The Explanation For Our Difficulties

…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us… —John 17:21 If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.

God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— “…that they may be one just as We are one…”

(John 17:22). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?

God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy.

If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, “…that they all may be one….”

Quotes

Challenging the meaning of life is the truest expression of the state of being human. ~ Viktor E. Frankl

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

Post-mortem

Explained: COVID-19 Vaccines in Cancer Patients

T

he COVID-19 pandemic, ccontinues to impact many people, including cancer patients, their families, and caregivers.Vaccines help a person’s immune system to recognize and protect the body against infections. COVID-19 vaccines have been found to significantly lower the risk of getting infected with COVID-19, lower the risk of having severe disease, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19 if one gets infected.

Here we’ll discuss some frequently asked questions by people with cancer or a history of previous cancer have about the COVID-19 vaccines.

1) Should cancer patients and survivors take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Patients with cancer or a history of cancer should get the COVID -19 vaccine whenever available. Many expert medical groups recommend patients with a recent cancer diagnosis and those on treatment should be given the highest priority. This is because cancer and its treatment can weaken the

immune system putting such patients at risk for severe COVID-19 disease.

Caregivers and household members of cancer patients should also be immunized whenever possible.

2) Is it safe for cancer patients to receive the CoVID-19 vaccine?

At present, there is a lack of data regarding thesafety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients. Numerous studies have shown that cancer patients are at higher risk for more severe COVID-19 disease and complications. There are no reports of increased risk for side effects of the vaccine in cancer patients.

The risks of COVID-19 for cancer patients outweigh the very low risk of vaccination. Because of these, oncology groups including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and the American Society for Radiation Oncology have all recommended patients with cancer get vaccinated.

3) Is there any specific approved CoVID-19 vac-

cine for cancer patients?

At this time, no major medical organizations have recommended getting one type of COVID vaccine over another, either for cancer patients or for other people. Health experts believe that getting the vaccine once it becomes available, whichever one it is, is most important, rather than waiting to get a specific vaccine.

4) What are the side effects of the vaccines?

Common side effects that have been reported after getting the vaccines to include: • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site • Feeling tired • Headache • Fever • Chills • Muscle and joint pain • Nausea The incidence or the nature of side effects in cancer patients and survivors had been reported to be similar to with the general population.

Some people (16%) might develop swelling or pain under the vaccinated

arm. This is often a normal response by the body’s immune system to the vaccine. A swollen lymph node under the arm might cause concern since this can also be a sign of breast cancer spread.

Oncologists recommend that patients with breast cancer or a history of breast cancer get the vaccine in the arm on the unaffected side.

5) are there any exceptions for CoVID-19 vaccination among cancer patients?

There are few exceptions: a) Vaccination should be delayed for at least 3 months following bone marrow transplantation and engineered cellular therapy to maximize vaccine efficacy. b) Vaccination in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy should be delayed until neutrophil count recovery. c) Patients undergoing major surgery for cancer should have a gap of few days in-between.

In patients undergoing chemotherapy, the optimum timing for vac-

cination about the chemotherapy cycle is still unclear. The difference in the efficacy of the COVID19 vaccine in terms of its immunogenic potential i.e. ability to generate antibodies against coronavirus- SARS-COV-2, when administered along with chemotherapy versus midcycle, is still unknown. In absence of robust data, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for now recommends vaccination when available.

6) Will vaccination affect my cancer-related tests and scans?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine might result in swollen lymph nodes under the arm in which the injection was given. Swollen lymph nodes might show up on a CT Scan or mammogram is done for breast cancer or other cancers, causing concern and confusion. It is important to communicate with your doctor if you are scheduled to get an imaging test (such as an MRI or CT scan) in the weeks after getting a COVID vaccine.

7) Do I still need to take precautions if I get

the CoVID-19 vaccine?

While the vaccine can lower the risk of getting a serious disease from COVID, it doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of getting infected by the virus. It is also not yet clear how well vaccines can prevent the spread of the virus to others. Here it will be appropriate to mention that data tracking the immune response in patients with cancer who have been vaccinated are still evolving.

Therefore, even after vaccination, it is advised that everyone continue to follow all COVID-19 prevention protocols.

More infor mation about the COVID-19 vaccination, including known risk and benefits,available at: a) US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) b) US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Dhaneshwor Naorem mBBS, mS, Fellow Head & Neck oncology american oncology Institute at Babina Specialty Hospital, Imphal

The paradox of being positive India’s worst offshore disaster was avoidable

W

C

yclone Tauktae has though, the blood sugar taken a heavy toll level tends to improve in on lives and property a week with a proper diet. along India’s west coast, Regular management will and while every life lost is however be required for to be grieved, the sinking a while and the situation of accommodation barge could be more tasking for P-305 on May 17 about 35 the aged individuals. The miles off Mumbai in the headache for Covid affected Arabian Sea was a deeply individuals does not end unfortunate, and avoidable, here. The black fungus has tragedy. mercilessly preyed on the A total of 261 workers, recovering Covid patients who were on an assignand the state of Rajasthan ment with Oil and Natural has declared a pandemic. Gas Corporation (ONGC), And to matter worst, there were reported to have been is now white fungus in fray on board the barge (also as a scary disease to watch referred to as Papa-305), out for covid recovering and 49 victims are feared patients. The question now killed. While 186 of those is how well are we prepared on the ill-fated barge have and most importantly the been rescued by the Navy extent. in very adverse weather Covid recovering pa- conditions (torrential rain, tients need psychological 25 foot waves and 40 mph support from the extrin- gales), many workers are sic factors as well as from yet to be accounted for and within. The belief that the a massive rescue operation worst is over is important is underway. Other barges to rebuild the mind and and a tugboat have also been body. While the efforts of damaged, and the numbers personal emotional-boost of those drowned/lost could is an individual concern, increase. there is no better source of The loss of precious hope for the affected, than lives could have been avoidimproving our medical in- ed if all the involved agenfrastructures that will result cies had followed standard in manifold covid recovery safety regulations and protorates and their full recovery cols, both before and during thereon. That positivity can- the build-up of the cyclone. not be mustered by mere When the final death toll is thoughts. It has to be seen, confirmed, P-305 will rank heard, and witnessed. Gov- as the worst offshore disaster ernment should thus have for India. a system in place for the One hopes that the Covid recovering. appropriate policy lapses As all record tumbles will be objectively reviewed in second wave and lock- by the political apex and downs are enforced yet institutional accountability again throughout the coun- sought. To put it bluntly try, one hopes the required — heads must roll, and the lessons are learned at least lives of contract workers now. Eventually, lockdown who have little or no voice will be relaxed and we as a collective must not be will have to start working taken for granted. again, and with it comes The ministry of petrothe responsibility of the leum and natural gas has Government to focus on announced that a high-level the all-important duty of inquiry would be constituted securing the lives of its citi- to identify the “lapses and zens. Already talks of third- gaps” in the system. While wave having the potential this is welcome, past experito affect children have been ence has demonstrated that reported. Unvaccinated and when it comes to matters oxygen-deprived, thousands of safety at sea and the died in the second wave. efficient regulation of the What beholds in the third maritime domain, the existwave will surely have un- ing institutional status quo certainties for which we as — inadequate, inefficient mankind has to research and low on integrity — is the develop and strive towards preferred default mode. This finding the solution. But is despite Prime Minister what is highly unfortunate Narendra Modi’s personal would be to have the same advocacy of security and known misgivings robbing growth for all in the region us of precious lives over (Sagar), in relation to the and again.

Indian Ocean, which he had T S Haokip is a freelance outlined in 2015.

Accommodation work writer and author Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

ho is to be blamed?

China and its Wuhan lab or myself for failingto abet the disease? Personally, I would not curse myself though, as I have meticulously followed all advisories and painstakingly adhered to preventive norms since the onset of the pandemic;the whole commitmentswill see no better results even if the whole effort is to be repeated. Who else then?

Had the crucial period of the months after the 1st wave been utilised for a war footing vaccination drive, the situation could be much different. Also, the precious opportunity to develop infrastructure to tackle another wave was consciously lost as the absence of oxygen supply and hospital beds became the hallmark of the second wave.

Four days of azithromycin antibiotics and paracetamol failed to douse my fever. Fatigue was an understatement to describe the difficulty I had in walking even a step. When the result of my test came, confirming Covid-19 positive, my blood-oxygen saturation was in the 80s. I was then expectedly advised by the doctor to get admitted as the chest infection could result in complications.

We went to a hospital and were asked to wait for a bed to be vacant. So many patients were bought in, all but one symptom- difficulty in breathing. I have seen in papers and television regarding COVID patients struggling to get oxygen.

But the actual experience was frightening and outrageous to think that even after so many months, we could not have enough seats for the sick and enough Oxygen condensers and ventilators.

The news of several dead bodies being discarded unceremoniously is only an inadmissible pain the patients of Covid-19 endured psychologically in addition to the physical complexities they harboured as death appears nearer both in dreams and reality. Among the many thoughts, the questions of will I am accorded decent burial and will my loved ones be able to mourn over my body are the two uncomfortable questions that do not escape the mind of the affected patients.

On the 3rd day of hospitalisation, as I was moved to the ICU of Covid care, an opportunity many patients are robbed and one which owed me a few people to thank for, there were a couple of patients whose conditions were much serious.

The patient just opposite to me failed to continue his fights even as the Doctors and nurses tried everything to save him.

The unfortunate event all unfurled in front of my eyes; the patient gasping for breath and eventually slipping into an uneasy quietness and the doctor commanding his colleagues and nurses to perform the many procedures till the man felt no discomfort permanently were no pleasant sight that replayed in minds often.

Everyone in the ICU was silent for a while.

Then the doctors turn to another patient with the same vigour and commitment to save live.. They did save many. And it is in this unfortunate trivial, that the efforts of the healthcare staff stood out as the exemplary human sacrifice beyond the call of duty. We owe a lot to them.

As my situation improved and my blood-oxygen concentration steadily remained at 93 above for two days, I was advised by my doctor to recuperate at home to make way for patients with more severe complications. The only concern in my case was the shooting up of my blood sugar level, in one instance rising to above 600, as a result of steroids administration.

It is ironic because Covid treatment requires steroids and steroids increase blood sugar level which worsens the disease and hence the requirement for more steroid treatment. It is a dangerous cycle and one that makes Diabetes management a key component for Covid care of patients treated with steroids.

The need to eat healthy and energy enriching foods post-Covid is punctuated with the requirement to manage blood sugar level and therefore the need to watch out for foods containing sugar and carbs. To achieve favourable readings, I have avoided all sugar-containing foods albeit salivating thoughts to relish just a cup of tea with biscuits. Without steroids

barges (AWB) are the equivalent of rudimentary dormitories at sea for contract workers and their living conditions are spartan. Given the high operational costs in maintaining a work force on an oil rig or platform at sea, cost-cutting and pennypinching is endemic to the off-shore hydrocarbon sector and Bombay High is no exception. In the pecking order, the contract worker is at the lower end of the ladder and it appears that very few safety norms and regulations have been put in place. ONGC and its major contractors are more than aware of the grim, ground reality.

Barges are large, flatbottom floating structures with cramped built-up accommodation, and when they have no self-propulsion, they are deemed to be “dumb”. P-305 belonged to this category, and, with 261 people on board, it would have been very vulnerable to the cyclone.

Safety of human lives at sea is a complex responsibility, one that is difficult to regulate and enforce given the nature of the maritime domain and the vast number of seafarers. From the traditional fisherman to the more skilled seaman on a merchant vessel or oil-rig worker — the number of individuals who are out at sea is vast.

In the Indian context, there is no single nodal national maritime authority and many verticals exist by way of ministries or departments with watertight silos that are zealously guarded.

Turf sensitivities and personality clashes are intense.

In the current tragedy, the ministries of petroleum, shipping and defence are involved, and both the ONGC and the Director General (DG), Shipping have direct operational responsibili-

ties. Concurrently, the DG, Coast Guard, who is also the Chairman of the National Search and Rescue Board (NSRB), has a direct locus in such cases.

An objective review of the Tauktae debris should identify the institutional lapses, from the most glaring (unserviceable life rafts on P-305 is criminal negligence) to the most obvious — why was a dumb barge, with 261 people on board, allowed to remain at sea even though the cyclone warning was received a week prior to its sinking? Between DG Shipping, ONGC and the Coast Guard, did the obvious danger to the human lives on the barges not lead to the flashing of amber lights?

India has an anomalous maritime sector management pattern, wherein domain competence is ignored and generalist civil servants are preferred for the top job. Consequently, DG Shipping is a position often tenanted by a civil servant with little or no maritime experience or knowledge.

Learning on the job is the norm and regrettably, the global standard of safety (of human lives and ships) is often compromised.

If PM Modi’s vision of Sagar is to be meaningfully realised, the safety of every seafarer must be valued and the contract workers on P-305 should not be forgotten as the current focus on cyclone Tauktae dissipates.

Institutional distortions and procedural dissonances must be set right and placing the entire onus on a “dumb” scapegoat avoided. An independent panel of domain experts must investigate this avoidable tragedy.

C uday Bhaskar is the director of Society for policy Studies (The views expressed are personal)

Reader’s Post

Authority owes an explanation Sir,

It was read in the newspapers recently that the Government of India was providing free rice to ration card holders for two months during COVID-19 crisis. But it is learned that the beneficiaries were provided rice for two months,but the cost for one month was not free.The concerned authority owes an explanation to the public why payment was realised from the beneficiaries when the Government of India was providing it freely.

Kalito Sumi, Dimapur newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

headache, swelling signs of black fungus’: AIIMS chief NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): If you are recovering from COVID19 and can’t get rid of that persistent headache or that swelling on one side of the face, immediately speak to a doctor and get tested for Black Fungus. Do the same if you find discolouration in the mouth and decreased sensation in any part of the face, according to the expert opinion of Dr Randeep Guleria, chief of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi.

Listing out more more such symptoms, Dr Guleria said, “If your nose is getting blocked and there is thrusting...those are early signs that you should start worrying. If there is loosening of a tooth, then, too, you should immediately consult your doctor.”

There were several ways of determining Black Fungus infection or Mucormycosis. An X-ray or a CT scan of the sinuses is done to see if there is infection.

A second option, he said, was to do a biopsy through a nasal endoscopy. “There is also a blood test that can be done...a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test,”

Dr. Randeep Guleria

he told NDTV in an exclusive interview.

Dr Guleria said more cases of Black Fungus were being reported in India, despite it not being contagious, because of a large diabetic population and the unrestricted use and sale of steroids. Mucormycosis cases came up in the first wave, too, he said, although the number is greater during the second wave due to the excessive use of steroids.

All age groups and even non-covid patients can contract Mucormycosis, he said.

However, those above 40, who are also diabetic, are more prone. Children are at lesser risk only because a majority of children only have mild Covid infection that does not require the use of steroids.

The central government on Friday said it was working to alleviate a shortage of a medicine used to treat the rare fungal disease hitting COVID-19 patients as country’s its healthcare system reels under a massive wave of coronavirus infections. Cases of Black Fungus that also causes blurred or double vision, chest pain and breathing difficulties, have surged in India, mostly among COVID-19 patients, with at least 7,250 such cases have been found across the country as of May 19, according to reports.

The health ministry said it was looking for more companies to produce the antifungal drug amphotericin B used to treat it and also increase imports of the medication. That would lead to a nearly 250 per cent increase in supply to around 5.7 lakh vials in June, the ministry said on Friday. Some states like Maharashtra, which has reported 1,500 cases of mucormycosis so far with 850 patients undergoing treatment, said they were running low on amphotericin B as Black Fungus cases spiked and had asked central authorities to provide more.

national/state

5

Chemists threaten to join lockdown

Kidnapped ONGC staff released by ULFA(I)

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has threatened to join the lockdown if chemists were not given COVID-19 vaccines on priority similar to healthcare and frontline workers.

In a press statement, AIOCD president JS Shinde and general secretary Rajiv Singhal said that 9.40 lakh chemists in India could anytime join the lockdown to protect and save the lives of its members as they were sidelined while considering vaccination priority.

The association said that despite all the dangers, every chemist of the country was continuously providing services to the suffering humanity of the country.

Dispensing and distribution of medicine, AIOCD said was nothing less important than doctors, nurses hospital staff, and sanitization workers. The association said it was logical to vaccinate frontline workers, but

in spite of repeated appeals chemists were sidelined for no reason. Since last year March 2020 till date, AIOCD said more than 650 chemists and pharmacists have lost their lives due to Covid infection.

It said that chemists/ pharmacist and their staff were most vulnerable to infection as they closely interact with patients at shop counters.

F u r t h e r, A I O C D pointed out that injection Remdesivir/Tocilizumab were taken under control by government, routed through its members but drugs were not made available even for its members. It said that next drug Amphterocin B, expected to go under government control, has disappeared from market.

AIOCD said that since they were ‘Jan Swasthya Rakshak Chemists” the association wanted to maintain the availability of medicines during this crucial corona period.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): ULFA (I) militants on Saturday morning released the kidnapped ONGC employee Ritul Saikia along the Indo-Myanmar border area of Longwa, Mon district. According to Nagaland police sources, Saikia was received by a team of Mon police, Assam police and Assam Rifles personnel at around 8 a.m.

After all legal formalities, Saikia was handed over to the Assam police, sources said. Three employees of the Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) were on April 21 kidnapped by ULFA(I) militants from the Lakwa oilfield in Sivasagar district along the Assam-Nagaland border.

Two employees, Mohini Mohan Gogoi and Alakesh Saikia, were rescued on April 24 after an encounter near the India- Myanmar border in the Mon district.

KU appeals AR to withdraw FIR: Following the release of Ritul Saikia, Konyak Union (KU) has requested the commanding officer of the 35 Assam Rifles to withdraw the FIR filed against one Konpa of Tanhai village, on charges that the latter had aided ULFA cadres in transporting the abducted ONGC employees from Assam to

Ritul Saikia with Nagaland and Assam police personnel, Saturday.

Myanmar border.

KU vice president Honang Konyak and general secretary Wango Konyak lamented that the “innocent victim” had been handed over to Assam Police from Mon Jail on account of second FIR filed by Assam Rifle under Sivasagar district.

KU said that the allegations against Konpa Konyak was found to be baseless “since his involvement were restricted within Tanhai village customary jurisdiction alone and not as per the statement filed in the FIR.” KU said Konpa was innocent and “discipline enough to adhere to the standing resolution” of KU-- “to avoid any bloodshed within its soil” The union expressed regret that the FIR has “created huge confusion/commotion within the general populace” whereby Konpa

would now face “double trial under two separate courts (Nagaland & Assam)”. “Be it right or wrong, no man can be convicted twice for one single deed and the Konyak Union is compelled stand with Mr. Konpa at this juncture,” it added.

While out rightly condemning the abduction by ULFA, KU said that Konpa should not be convicted for such un-intentional/ pitiable offence as claimed and demanded that Konpa be released “unconditionally without any delay”. It also reminded that KU had steadfastly initiated and activated the Konyak Union (Myanmar) to negotiate internally in freeing Ritu Shaikia peacefully. In the interest of the general Konyak public, KU urged the CO to positively act as per the motto of the Assam Rifles-- “Friends of the Hill people”.

Black fungus in intestine: Rarest of rare cases Total lockdown Cyclone Yaas to intensify into severe cyclonic storm

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): Doctors at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi have confirmed the detection of Mucormycosis of the small intestine in at least two patients.

According to the Health Ministry, the rare disease also known as ‘Black Fungus’ has claimed a total of 219 lives across the country to date. In a statement on Saturday, the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said Black Fungus in the small intestine was detected in two recovered Covid patients.

The two cases are rare since ‘Black fungus’ commonly involves the lungs but the two patients treated at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital had Covid-19 and Mucormycosis of the stomach/colon.

“The biopsy confirmed our worst fear of Mucormycosis of the small intestine in both patients. Both these patients had Covid and had diabetes but only one of them had received steroids,” the hos-

CT scan of one of the patients treated for ‘Black fungus’ in the small intestine (Sir Ganga Ram hospital)

pital said.

The first patient, a 56year-old, lost three of his family members to Covid19.

He had tested positive along with his wife and was experiencing abdominal pain after recovering from the infection.

He initially took selfmedication for acidity, which led to a delay in treatment. It was only after a CT scan that doctors de-

tected Mucormycosis of the small intestine in the patient.

Doctors decided to operate without wasting any time since the CT scan revealed that his small intestine had perforated.

A senior consultant in the hospital’s Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation department, Dr Ushast Dhir said, “Ulceration of Jejunam (First part of Small Intestine) in the patient raised my suspicion of fungal disease and patient was immediately started on antifungal treatment. We sent the portion of the removed intestine for biopsy.” In the case of the second patient, a 68year-old, doctors say he, too, experienced mild abdominal pain after recovering from Covid-19.

The patient was a diabetic and had received steroids as part of treatment. A CT scan revealed that there was a perforation of the small intestine, similar to the one detected earlier.

in Kohima...

(From p-1) In this regard, Phewhuo said any person could call 7640077276, 8732896363 or 9774418143 for any assistance.

Meanwhile, police personnel manning town area were skeptical over the movement of vehicles with car passes issued by different department and agencies.

It was informed that there were too many officials on duty despite government’s directive that core group was supposed to be constituted to function the offices. However, the officials informed that people were taking undue advantage of the car passes and moving around for personal work.

People should not move about except in case of unavoidable circumstances, police officials said, adding that people and “officials on duty” should also own responsibility towards their family and the society.

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

A low pressure area formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining north Andaman Sea on Saturday. While a low pressure area is the first stage of formation of a cyclone, it is not necessary that all low pressure areas will intensify into cyclonic storms.

“The low pressure area is very likely to concentrate into a depression over eastcentral Bay of Bengal by tomorrow, the 23rd May morning. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 24th May and further into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours,” the IMD said. It would continue to move northnorthwestwards, intensify

cyclone Tauktae hit the Gujarat coast and left a trail of destruction all over the western coast. As it weakened further, its impact was felt across the north Indian plains and even in the hill states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

The April-May and the October-December periods are also known to witness cyclones. Last May saw the formation of two cyclones – one in the Bay of Bengal (super cyclonic storm Amphan) and the other in the Arabian Sea (severe cyclonic storm Nisarga) – that hit the Indian coasts. further and reach north Bay of Bengal near West Bengal and the adjoining north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts by the morning of May 26, it said. “It is very likely to cross West Bengal and the adjoining north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts around the evening of 26th May,” the IMD added.

Last week, extremely severe

‘Can’t live without Didi: BJP’s Sonali Guha wants to rejoin TMC KO L K ATA , M AY 2 2 (AGENCIES): Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sonali Guha, who switched over to the BJP ahead of the elections, on Saturday wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, apologising to her for leaving the party and urging her to take her back.

In the letter, which was shared by Guha on Twitter,

she said that she left the party after being emotional.

“I am writing this with a broken heart that I took the wrong decision of joining another party after being emotional. I could not get accustomed there,” she said.

“The way a fish cannot stay out of the water, I will not be able to live without you, Didi. I seek your for-

Sonali Guha

giveness and if you don’t forgive me, I won’t be able to live. Please allow me to come back and spend the rest of my life in your affec-

tion,” she wrote in Bengali.

Guha, a four-time MLA and once considered to be the “shadow” of the chief minister, was among the slew of Trinamool leaders who switched over to the BJP ahead of the assembly elections.

She was dropped from the TMC’s candidates’ list this time, following which she left the party after an

CBI gives clean chit to Lalu Prasad in DLF bribery case

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (IANS): In relief to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) founder Lalu Prasad, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has given him a clean chit in connection with a bribery case involving DLF. According to CBI sources, the central probe agency had initiated a preliminary enquiry for corruption against Lalu Prasad and the real estate developer DLF group in January 2018.

The CBI PE was to probe over the allegations if the DLF Group, eyeing rail land lease project in Mumbai’s Bandra and upgradation of New Delhi Railway Station, had bribed Lalu Prasad, a former railway minister with a property in an upscale South Delhi’s New Friend Colony.

Lalu Prasad

The source said that it was alleged that AB Exports, an alleged shell company, had bought a property in New Friends Colony for nearly Rs 5 crore in December 2007 while its actual circle rate was Rs 30 crore at that time. The transaction for buying the property was allegedly funded

by DLF Home Developers and routed through Lexis Infotech and a few other

shell companies.

However, in 2011, Tejashwi Yadav, and Lalu Prasad’s daughters - Chanda Yadav and Ragini - allegedly bought over AB Exports for a mere Rs 4 lakh by transfer of shares. Thus the property of New Friends Colony was transferred to them. The source said that the CBI had also probed the role of Praveen Jain and Amit Katyal, who executed the transactions between the DLF Group and RJD leader.

The CBI source said that the “PE has been closed as no case has been made out of the allegations”.

According to sources, the clean chit to the RJD leader was given by Rishi Kumar Shukla before his retirement from the top post.

emotional outburst on TV channels and joined the BJP. She did not fight the elections but had said that she would work for strengthening the BJP’s organisation.

When contacted, Guha said that she felt “unwanted” in the BJP. “My decision to join the BJP was a wrong one

and I can feel that today.

I did not bother to tell the BJP about leaving that party. I always felt unwanted there. They tried to use me and asked me to badmouth Mamata-di. I could not do that,” she said.

Guha, a former deputy speaker of the state assembly, said she was willing to meet the chief minister to rejoin the TMC.

FELICITATION “The Tikhir Gazetted Officers' Association (TGOA), is immensely elated to extend it’s warmest appreciation to Shri. T. Issac Tikhir on his promotion to the post of Evaluation Inspector (ClassII Gazetted) in Evaluation Department, Government of Nagaland.

The TGOA also prays to the Almighty God to bless him robust health and wisdom in pursuit of his illustrious career ahead.”

(Er. S. I. ASANGBA TIKHIR) President, TGOA

DP-2507

(T. ASUTHONG) NSS Finance Secretary, TGOA

OFFICE OF THE

WANSOI VILLAGE COUNICL Dist. Noklak : Nagaland PRESS INFORMATION

The Wansoi Village Council expresses its gratitude to M/s Nagaland Steel Engineering Works Khermahal : Nagaland and employees for the successful completion of 8 KMs of road from New Pangsha to Wansoi Village under PMGSY. The village acknowledges the sincere execution of work bearing all inconveniences for the uplift of the people of extreme border region.

The village council expresses its appreciation to both M/s Nagaland Steel Engineering Works Khermahal, Dimapur and the concerned authority of the state government for the timely completion of the road which is a long felt need of the people of Wansoi.

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(M.T. PUTCHONG) Head GB Wansoi Village

BOOKCLUB TUENSANG FELICITATES

DC-453

The Bookclub Tuensang congratulates Mr. Nabum Chang on clearing the NPSC and securing the post of Assistant Research Officer under Art and Culture Department. The Club wishes him the best for the future.

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6

national

and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar.

In view of the prevailing situation, almost all the state education boards, CBSE and ICSE have postponed their Class 12 examinations, 2021. Similarly, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and other National exam conducting institutions have also postponed the entrance exams for admissions to professional courses.

As the conduct of Class 12 examinations impacts upon state board ex-

‘Delhi to get 8L jabs for June, vaccination for youth halted’

New Delhi, May 22 (iaNS): Vaccination for the youth (aged between 18-44 years) in Delhi has been halted from Saturday, except in a few centres, since no stocks of the anti-Covid vaccine for the age group now remain with the Delhi government.

All centres administering vaccine jabs to youth have been temporarily shut from Saturday and will remain closed until the Delhi government receives further supply of vaccines from the Centre.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he has written to the Centre and requested it to provide vaccines for those aged between 18-44 years.

“Delhi has been provided 16 lakh doses of vaccines in May for 18-44 age group. Delhi needs around 80 lakh doses of vaccines per month,” Kejriwal said.

For the month of June,

Delhi would get only 8 lakh doses of vaccines. “The Central Government in a letter to Delhi government has informed that we would be given only 8 lakh does of vaccines in June. If the vaccination drive moves at this speed, it will take more than three years to vaccinate all the people in the Capital,” added the chief minister.

“When we started inoculating the youth between 18-44, the programme was running in nearly 99 schools, at 368 sites. Covaxin’s supply had already ended and Covishield’s supply is also nearing its end. So, as of today, those between 18-44 are being vaccinated in only 46 schools,” AAP leader and Kalkaji MLA Atishi had told mediapersons on Friday evening.

However, 661 vaccination centres in 499 locations for those aged more than 45 year, along with healthcare/frontline workers will remain operational.

ams and other entrance exams across the country, and to reduce uncertainty among students it is desirable that a considered decision based on inputs of different state governments and UT administrations is taken about Class 12 CBSE examinations in the interest of all the students across the country.

In a letter written by the Union Education Minister to states and UTs, he has stated that the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Educa-

‘Over 1.6 cr vaccine doses still available with states and UTs’ New Delhi, May 22 (pTi): More than 1.60 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and union territories, and over 2.67 lakh doses will be supplied to them in the next three day, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry said more than 21 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states and union territories (UTs).

“Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 21, 2021, including wastage, is 19,73,61,311 doses (as per data available at 8 am today),” it said. “More than 1.60 crore COVID vaccine doses (1,60,13,409) are still available with the states/ UTs to be administered,” the statement said.

It said that 2,67,110 vaccine doses “are in the pipeline and will be received by the states/UTs within the next three days”.

tion and CBSE are exploring options regarding the conduct of examinations, keeping in mind the safety and security of the students and the teachers.

The Department of Higher Education is also deliberating upon the finalization of the dates of examinations for institutions of higher learning.

The letter has noted that Covid-19 pandemic has affected various areas including the education sector, particularly the board exams and entrance exams.

C h e N Na i , M ay 2 2 (iaNS): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin on Saturday announced lockdown for a week starting from May 24 further tightening some of the relaxations to break the chain of coronavirus infection. In a statement issued here after a meeting of law makers belonging to all parties, Stalin said the current lockdown will be extended from May 24 early morning for a week. According to him the following services are exempted from the lockdown from May 24: -Pharmacies -- allopathy, traditional medicines and veterinary -Milk/water/newspaper supplies -Vegetables and fruits to be supplied by horticulture department through vehicles to people here and in districts -Essential departments at the State Secretariat and

Protests begin over Kerala Higher Edu Minister taking oath as Prof

T h i ru va Na N ThapuraM, May 22 (iaNS): Trouble has started over the manner in which Kerala Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu was swor n in by Gover nor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday, taking oath as Professor R. Bindhu.

Bindhu is a first time legislator and also the wife of CPI-M state secretary V. Vijayaraghavan, a former Rajya Sabha member and she quit her job as ‘principal’ at the Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, an aided college.

Raising the question of impropriety by Bindhu, senior BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan said that she does not qualify as a professor according to UGC norms and knowing that very well, it was improper on her part to read her name in the oath as Prof R. Bindhu.

“This fact that she is

not a professor might not be known to the common public, but she knows very well that she is not a professor. However, till now none knows if the UGC has given any exemption to the Minister, who is the wife of CPI-M state secretary. She is only an Associate Professor,” said Gopalakrishnan.

Even the official Kerala government notification that came out on Friday describing the list of cabinet ministers and their portfolios also indicate her name as Prof R. Bindhu.

Speaking to IANS, U. Abdul Kalam principal of a leading aided college in the state and also the president of the Kerala Private College Teachers Association said at the moment there is not a single professor in any of the government or aided colleges in the state.

“In our colleges the entry level appointment is called Assistant Professor

No. 9924 Yesterday’s solution No. 9923

Su do ku

No. 4544 Yesterday’s solution No. 4543

No. 3568 Yesterday’s solution No. 3567

and after a decade of service one becomes an Associate Professor. Then to become a professor one has to have a Phd, have to guide research students who will produce their thesis, besides have publications in peer reviewed journals. Then there is grading system and for each criterion there is a mark given. Bindhu has been awarded her Phd very recently only. She does not have a designation of Professor and hence she cannot use it also,” said Kalam and added that there are professors in the various Universities departments.

Gopalakrishnan further added that in the finesse of things, Bindhu should take a fresh oath with her correct designation.

District Headquarters -Employees in private sector, banks, insurance companies are requested to work from home -E-Commerce companies can function between 8 a.m to 6 p.m.

-Only takeaways from hotels/restaurants can function between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. 12 noon to 3 p.m and 6 p.m to 9 p.m. Food delivery companies like Swiggy and Zomato can deliver only during the above period -Fuel outlets will function -ATM services will be allowed -Trucks carrying agri produce, farm inputs and essential items will be allowed -Inter district travel for medical reasons and death allowed with e-registration -Intra district travel for medical reasons are allowed without e-registration

-Media allowed to function -Continuous process industries and industries manufacturing essential commodities and medical equipments are allowed to operate H oweve r t h e g ov ernment is silent on the operation of grocery and provision shops during the lockdown. The government has allowed to keep all shops open till 9 p.m. on Saturday and between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday as lockdown kicks in on Monday early morning. Buses to outstation will be allowed to ply on May 22 and 23 to enable people to travel. Earlier speaking at the meeting of law-makers here Stalin said that medical and healthcare experts had suggested two weeks complete lockdown without any relaxations to bring down the Covid-19 infection numbers.

4th DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF LT. L. NOKSHONG PHOM

Dear, You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, Although we cannot see you, You are always in our hearts.

Loving Family Members & Relatives

23rd May, 2017

CONDOLENCE

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

DP-2466

New Delhi, May 22 (iaNS): To reduce uncertainty among students, the Central government will take a decision on Sunday over proposals for the conduct of exams for Class 12th and entrance examinations for professional courses.

The decision will be taken in a high-level virtual meeting with Education Ministers, Education Secretaries and Chairpersons of State Examination Boards and all stakeholders of the States and Union Territories (UT), Ministry of Education said on Saturday.

The meeting will be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in presence of Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani and Union Information

MuMBai, May 22 (pTi): With no trace of 15 personnel from barge P305 and 11 from tugboat Varaprada six days after Cyclone Tauktae fury rendered the vessels adrift, the Navy on Saturday deployed specialised diving teams to boost the search and rescue operations (SAR) off Mumbai coast.

“To augment the ongoing SAR ops for the missing crew of Barge P305 and Tug Varaprada, specialised diving teams onboard INS Makar with side-scan sonar and INS Tarasa sailed out early morning today from Mumbai,” a Navy spokesperson tweeted. The death toll on barge P305 that sank in the Arabian Sea on Monday reached 60 on Friday with the recovery of 11 more bodies even as the Navy and the Coast Guard continued the search for the 15 missing personnel from the barge and 11 from Varaprada.

TN government announces one week tightened lockdown

DP-2506

Centre to decide on conducting Class 12 examinations today

26 still missing; Navy deploys diving teams to look for bodies

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

Across 3. Shock, dismay (5) 8. Discourage (5) 10. Flies high (5) 11. Decompose (3) 12. Singlets (5) 13. Very bad (7) 15. Picture puzzle (5) 18. Register, record (3) 19. Exhibit, flaunt (6) 21. Book collection (7) 22. At the summit (4) 23. Furniture item (4) 24. Photographer (7) 26. Evoke (6) 29. Pelvis (3) 31. Neighbourhood pub (5) 32. Indicates, designates (7) 34. Post off (5) 35. So or thus (3) 36. Clean feathers (5) 37. Take away (5) 38. Thieve (5) Down 1. Doing words (5) 2. Allow to escape (3,4) 4. Pare (4) 5. Out of the correct path (6) 6. Defeated competitor (5) 7. Deliberate deceit (5) 9. Plaything (3) 12. Tramp (7) 14. Angry crowd (3) 16. Bread maker (5) 17. Looks for (5) 19. Seer (7) 20. Ship of the desert (5) 21. Reasoned thought (5) 23. Down payment (7) 24. Noiseless (6) 25. Narrow brooch (3) 27. Truck (5) 28. Takes an interest in (5) 30. Happen again (5) 32. Prima donna (4) 33. Metallic element (3)

We are deeply saddened and grieved at the sudden and untimely demise of our Chairman Z Ngolo Koza on 20th May 2021.

Besides being a great man and true leader, Late Z Ngolo Koza was one of the finest gentlemen one could ever meet. His passing away is not only a loss to the family, but our society at large.

We convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and pray that the Almighty God give them solace at this time of grief and may the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Kode Society, 6th Mile, Dimapur DP-2503

DP-2498

Biden, Moon willing to engage with N.Korea

Washington, May 22 (ians): US President Joe Biden and his visiting South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have voiced willingness to engage with Pyongyang, while reaffirming the goal to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

Moon is the second foreign leader, after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in April, to make an official working visit to the White House after Biden became the President in January, reports Xinhua news agency.

During a joint press conference at the White House following their meeting on Friday, Biden said he and Moon discussed the shared approach towards North Korea.

“Our two nations also share a willingness to engage diplomatically with North Korea, to take pragmatic steps that will reduce tensions as we move toward our ultimate goal of denuclearization of the Ko-

7.4-magnitude quake hits China’s Qinghai beijing, May 22 (ians): An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale jolted China’s Qinghai province on Saturday, authorities said, adding there were no reports of any casualties.

The quake struck Maduo County at 2.04 a.m., according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The tremor was felt strongly by residents in the provincial capital city of Xining, which is 385 km away from Maduo, reports Xinhua news agency.

The e picentre was monitored at 34.59 degrees north latitude and 98.34 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 17 km.

So far there have been no reports of casualties and house collapses, with normal operation of power and communication networks, local officials reported.

However, highway sections and bridges have seen collapses in the quake-hit area, making vehicles impassable. Well-equipped rescue forces have been dispatched to the quake zone.

At an average altitude of 4,200 meters, Maduo County is located at the source region of the Yellow River with a great number of rivers and lakes.

In the past five years, about 25 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or above have occurred within 200 km of Saturday’s epicentre, CENC data showed.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, left, smiles with US President Joe Biden during a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House, Friday, in Washington. (AP/PTI)

rean Peninsula,” he said.

“We’re under no illusions how difficult this is, none whatsoever,” Biden told reporters. “And the past four administrations have not achieved the objective. It’s an incredibly difficult objective.”

Biden announced that career diplomat Sung Kim will act as the US Special Envoy for North Korea to

drive diplomatic efforts.

Moon, in his remarks, called achieving complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula as the “most urgent common task” that the two allies must undertake.

He noted that Biden expressed support for the inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation.

KathMandu, May 22 (ians): Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli’s decision to dissolve Parliament has led to controversy, uproar and opposition in the Himalayan nation.

On the recommendation of Oli’s Cabinet, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Friday midnight dissolved the House and declared snap polls for November 12 and 19.

The decision is likely to polarise the politics of Himalayan nation for the time-being, where opinions are largely divided over whether elections can take place or not.

Another looming question is whether to take part

in the elections which, according to some, are carried out in an unconstitutional and undemocratic way.

“Dissolution of the House is an attempt to political coup and declaration of so-called elections is a fraud,” former Prime Minister and ruling party leader Madhav Kumar Nepal said in a statement on Saturday.

Though Oli and Nepal are in the same party, the latter’s faction is running a parallel structure after serious differences erupted between the two. Oli is the chairman of Nepal Communist Party —UML. “This is regression and this is also the attempt to rape Parliament. The Presi-

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

t e l av i v, M ay 2 2 (ians): A senior Israeli military commander said that its offensive in the Gaza Strip “took Hamas years back and rebuilding it will be very difficult”.

The remarks on Friday came after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect at 2 a.m., ending the 11-day bloodshed in the Gaza Strip, reports Xinhua news agency.

During the 11-day intense fighting, approximately 230 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, and almost 2,000 others injured. In Israel, 13 people were killed.

Briefing foreign journalists on the condition of anonymity, the senior commander did not give the number of targets struck by Israel, only saying there were thousands of them. “Israel’s goal was to change Hamas’s calculations when it decides to provoke Israel,” he said.

The fighting began when Hamas launched a missile attack against Jeru-

KP Oli

dent’s Office has hit back the Constitution. This is regression part two. I condemned the act of the Prime Minister and have asked all to protest against it,” said Nepal.

According to party leaders, the proximity between the President and

salem, after weeks of tensions in the city surrounding the Al-Aqsa mosque.

The attack caught Israel by surprise and led to massive retaliation and the launching of an operation dubbed by the military “Guardian of the Walls”.

During the operation, over 4,000 rockets were fired

by Palestinian militants into Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The offensive was meant to “caution Israel’s other adversaries in the Middle East”, said the senior commander, noting that “our fight in Gaza is a projection of our deterrence in the Middle East.”

As the operation continued and the Palestinian death toll rose, Israel came under harsh international criticism.

In one of the most contested Israeli airstrikes, a building housing media organizations including the Associated Press and Al Jazeera was targeted.

Nigerian army chief, 10 others killed in military plane crash abuja, May 22 (ians): Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other officers died in an air force plane crash in the country’s Kaduna state, a military spokesman said.

The 11 victims were en route to the city of Kaduna from Abuja on Friday when their plane crashed near an international airport in the state, Xinhua news agency quoted spokesman Mohammed Yerima as saying in a statement.

Some military sources told Xinhua that Attahiru, who was appointed the Chief of Army Staff on January 26, was on an official trip to Kaduna when the incident occurred.

The immediate cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained, said Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the air force.

Also, the identities of the other officers aboard the aircraft are yet to be revealed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Prime Minister is the reason behind this attempt.

Oli had earlier dissolved the House on December 20, 2020, but the Supreme Court reinstated it this February 23.

Ram Chandra Poudel, a senior leader of the opposition Nepali Congress party, said Bhandari and Oli have committed a fraud against the Constitution.

“At a time when opposition parties stake claim over the new government with the majority vote, the sudden dissolution of the House is an unconstitutional and undemocratic act and we will fight legal, political and constitutional battles against it,” he said.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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

2 Timothy 4:7

D.O.B : 12/10/1969 – D.O.D : 16/05/2021

“The love we have for you will always burn bright; never tainted by reality or by overuse. It will be clear and fierce tomorrow as it was the very first day it began.”

We, the bereaved family of Lt. Moasangla wishes to acknowledge the many courtesies and kindnesses rendered during her sudden illness and demise. Your support whether through kind words, prayers, monetary, or attendance at the funeral made her departure more bearable. Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

DP-2501

Loving Husband, Daughter, Siblings and Relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born on : 28th Jan 1928 – Died on : 20th May 2021

We, the bereaved family members and relatives of Lt. Rev. Jonathan (Mekuli) “a vissionaire of the word of God” wish to acknowledge and express our profound gratitude to ABAM and the churches, Mekuli Village Council, to all the villagers, friends and well-wishers during the his lifetime and demise.

Words are inadequate to express our thankfulness.

MKC-143

Loving wife, children, grandchildren and relatives

Born : 28.03.1983 – Died : 13.05.2021

We, the bereaved family and relatives of Lt. Mhasivilie Thorie, would like to express our profound gratitude to all individuals, friends, families, neighbours, churches and well-wishers who stood by us morally, physically, financially, materially and through unconditional prayer support at his sudden demise.

We would like to convey our special thanks to : 1. Sechü-Zubza Baptist Church.

2. SBI, Sechü-Zubza.

3. Sechü-Zubza Village Council.

4. Sechü-Zubza Youth Organisation.

5. Sechü-Zubza GB’s.

6. Kigwema Baptist Church.

We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally, but we sincerely pray that the Almighty God shower His blessings abundantly upon you all.

K Y M C

“Under close cooperation with the US, we will work to facilitate progress in inter-Korean relations, so as to achieve a virtuous cycle with US-North Korea dialogue.”

Biden did not rule out a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, but stressed a precondition of the meeting would be Pyongyang’s commitment

to discussing its nuclear weapons.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation on issues of regional security, emerging technology, climate change, and Covid-19 vaccines. The two countries have agreed to establish a comprehensive vaccine partnership, and the US will provide vaccinations for 550,000 South Korean troops working in close contact with American forces.

The Biden administration at the end of April completed its policy review towards North Korea.

The White House said that it had reached out to Pyongyang through several channels but had not yet received any response.

Kim and former US President Donald Trump held their first summit in Singapore in June 2018, agreeing on a complete denuclearization of and a lasting peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula.

Gaza offensive took Hamas years back: Israeli commander

Uproar, opposition in Nepal after Oli dissolves Parliament

AC KNOWLEDGEMENT

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international

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

Loving Family Members

30/11/1961 – 10/05/2021 We, the bereaved family members of Late Amongla Pongen would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have shown immense support and kindness in different manners during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved on May 10, 2021. We convey our special thanks to Dr. Akumnaro Jamir and her team, Faith Hospital Dimapur.

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

Loving husband and family members DP-2505

And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

- Ecclesiastes 12:7

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As we mourn the loss of our beloved father, Late HAV Lipokmar Ao, we, the family members would like to express our deepest appreciation to the many who reached out to us during his prolonged illness, who comforted us with their presence during our most heart wrenching moments, who prayed genuinely for the departed soul and our family, who supported us financially and who remembered and reflected on their journey with our beloved father.

We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally but it’s our genuine prayer that our God Almighty bless you abundantly.

We especially extend our gratitude to: • Doctors, nurses and staff of CIHSR, Dimapur • Office of the Officer-in-Charge and staff of Police Central Store, Chumoukedima • Commandant and all Ranks of 4th NAP Battalion, HAV Lipokmar Ao Thizama 02.02.1971 – 18.05.2021 • Chumoukedima Longjang Senso Telongjem • Chumoukedima Longjang Fellowship • Dimapur Longjang Senso Telongjem • Mokokchung Longjang Senso Telongjem • Silver Jubilee Planning Committee LKTD Chumoukedima, Sub-Unit • Chumoukedima Ao Baptist Arogo • Police Central Store Colony Union, Chumoukedima • Police Central Store Colony Youth, Chumoukedima • Watet Telok • Camp Area Youth Meet

DC-454

With prayers and gratitude Loving wife, children and relatives

Late K. Itokhu Chophi (G.B, K Hetoi Village) 18th May 1961 to 20th May 2021

Through this column, we the bereaved family members of Late K. Itokhu Chophi would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who stood by us morally, physically, financially and supported us through prayers in our time of grief.

We regret our inability to thank each one of you individually but we sincerely hope and pray that the Lord Almighty bless each one of you abundantly.

We also convey our special thanks to: 1. Doctors, nurses and staff of Faith Hospital, Dimapur 2. H Kakuho Yeptho, Hd. GB, K Hetoi Village 3. K Hetoi Village Council 4. K Hetoi Baptist Akukuhou 5. Sughuna Baptist Church, Bor Lengri 6. Tea Estate Village Council, Bor Lengri 7. Sumi Community, Bor Lengri 8. Friends & well-wishers DP-2504

Loving Wife, Children, Mother, Son in law, Grandson, Siblings and Relatives

K Y M C

8

FIFA to look into holding World Cup every 2 years

BERLIN, MAY 22 (IANS): Football’s world governing body FIFA has been given the mandate to make a feasibility study of hosting the men’s and women’s World Cups every two years instead of its current fouryear cycle.

Domestic federations voted 166-22 at a virtual congress of the ruling body on Friday in favour of an according motion from Saudi Arabia’s national federation on the impact of holding the events every two years, reports DPA. FIFA has in several stages increased the numbers

of teams at World Cup, with 48 teams instead of 32 at the men’s event from 2026 and the women with 32 teams from 2023, up from 24.

But the four-year cycle itself has never been touched as the international match calendar also includes continental tournaments, the Olympics, qualifiers, plus domestic and international club competitions.

However, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said Friday that a full review of the calendar from 2024 is needed to help make football truly global, saying that talks must start from “a

blank sheet of paper.”

Saudi Arabia federation president Yasser Al Misehal spoke of “a critical juncture” for football and “a time to review how the global game is structured” as he outlined the motion in a video message. “It is important to review how the global game is structured, which should include whether the current four-year cycle remains the optimum basis for how football is managed both from a competition and a commercial perspective as well as overall football development.”

Al Misehal also said the review should also touch on qualifiers because “having fewer yet more meaningful competitive national team matches could potentially address concerns regarding player welfare” and enhance the value of the events.

There are also plans to look into a possible annual staging of junior World Cups to give more players a chance to feature there.

sports

Batra re-elected as FIH Manny Pacquiao set to fight Errol president for a second term Spence Jr in Las Vegas in August

Narinder Batra

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (PTI): Incumbent Narinder Batra of India was on Saturday re-elected as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) President for a second term after beating Marc Coudron of Belgium by a slender margin of just two votes during the world body’s virtual 47th Congress.

Considered the favourite from the beginning, Batra, who is the also the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, barely managed to pip Coudron, who is the chief of Belgium Hockey Federation and sits on the country’s Olympic panel.

Cris Cyborg beats Lesley Smith to retain Bellator title

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg continued her dominance of the 145lb division with a fifthround TKO victory against American Leslie Smith.

The bout at Bellator 259 was a rematch of their contest at UFC 198 five years ago, when Cyborg finished Smith via TKO in 81 seconds in front of a raucous crowd in Curitiba, Brazil.

In their rematch behind closed doors in Bellator’s ‘Fightsphere’ at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, 35year-old Cyborg fought to a much more patient gameplan as she dominated all

Cris Cyborg and Lesley Smith in action during the Bellator title fight.

five rounds before finishing the fight with strikes with only nine seconds remaining to retain her title.

Brazilian Cyborg said: “I really respect her; she’s a real fighter.

“I worked really hard and I knew with her we

could do a great match, because she keeps going. She’s tough.”

Cyborg said she wants to face top contender and former UFC bantamweight title challenger Cat Zingano in her next title defence.

“I’ve been 16 years do-

ing this. I’ve got four titles in my career. And before you can be a GOAT, you have to stop running from the Cat,” she grinned. “So I’d like to see Cat Zingano fight me for the next match.”

Cyborg extended her remarkable record of winning championship gold in every major promotion she has fought for when she finished Julia Budd to capture the featherweight title on her Bellator debut in January 2020.

Cyborg defended her belt by claiming her first career submission victory against Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 249 in October to cement her status at the top of the promotion’s 145lb division.

clay courts in Italy over the past fortnight, with a semifinal run at the Italian Open last week leading to a title triumph this week.

Coco has now won 20 of her last 26 matches on Tour as she rapidly racks up match-wins this season.

By contrast, she won 21 matches in 2019 and 2020 combined.

She won more than three-quarters of her firstservice points and fended off each and every one of the four break points she faced in her first encounter with the 29-year-old Wang.

Wang had a resurgent week in Parma, as the former World No.12 was just 4-11 on the year coming into the event. The Chinese broke through to her fifth career singles final -- her first since 2018 -- but was unable to win her third career title, and her first outside of her home country.

Coco has a chance to make a clean sweep of the titles in Parma when she pairs with compatriot Caty McNally in the doubles final against No. 2 seeds Darija Jurak (Croatia) and Andreja Klepac (Slovenia).

Batra secured 63 votes as against his rival’s 61 to emerge winner during the online voting process, in which 124 member associations participated.

The FIH Congress was held virtually due to travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.

The closeness of the contest can be gauged from the fact that 63 votes were needed by a candidate to secure victory and Batra managed to prevail over his opponent in the battle.

The Indian will hold the office until 2024 as the FIH has reduced the term from four to three years due to deferment of the Congress last year.

The 47th Congress was to be held last year in New Delhi but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Batra became the first non-European president of the FIH in 2016 after he was elected to the top post by an overwhelming margin during the world body’s 45th Congress.

Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr

LAS VEGAS, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): Manny Pacquiao is set for his first fight in two years when he faces WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr in August.

The 42-year-old has not fought since he beat Keith Thurman for the WBA welterweight title in July 2019.

He announced on Twitter that he will meet

Lionel Messi

31-year-old Spence Jr in Las Vegas on 21 August in what would be his 72nd professional fight.

Pacquiao, who is a serving senator in the Philippines, has a 62-7-2 record.

He is aiming to win a world title in a fourth decade after first claiming the WBC flyweight belt in 1998. He has won world titles at eight differ-

ent weights in his 26-year pro career.

Spence Jr, who has a 27-0 record, claimed victory over Danny Garcia in December in his first fight since a serious car crash in 2019 that left him in intensive care.

Confirming the fight on Instagram, Spence Jr wrote: “Done deal! See y’all in Vegas for the biggest fight of the year.”

Wrestler Sushil arrested in WTC final against NZ will be Chhatrasal stadium murder case India’s first at neutral venue NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): India’s twotime Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who was on the run for over a fortnight for alleged links with the murder of former international wrestler SagarDhankar, was arrested by Delhi Police on Saturday, according to a source. “Kumar has been arrested near Jalandhar.

His associate Ajay Kumar, accused in the case, has also been arrested,” a source told IANS. On May 18, Kumar had moved an anticipatory bail in New Delhi’s Rohini court, but the court rejected his bail plea. Last week, Delhi Police had an-

nounced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh for feedback on the celebrated wrestler who was absconding since May 4.

On May 4, two groups of wrestlers clashed with each other at Chhatrasal Stadium leading to the death of 23-year-old Dhankar due to injuries he sustained during the brawl.

The Delhi court had also issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Kumar.

Delhi Police issued a lookout notice for Kumar. “A lookout notice has been issued for Kumar,” Dr Guriqbal Singh Sidhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North West Delhi) had said.

PSG ‘looking closely’ at Messi contract situation: Balague

American Coco Gauff clinches Emilia-Romagna Open title

PARMA, MAY 22 (IANS): American teenager Coco Gauff won her second career WTA singles title at the Emilia-Romagna Open, dispatching China’s Wang Qiang 6-1, 6-3 in Parma on Saturday. Coco, the world No. 30, needed an hour and 14 minutes to overcome the challenge from the 48thranked Chinese and add to her singles title collection, which she started as a lucky loser in Linz in 2019.

The American dropped only one set en route to her title here. The 17-year-old Coco has excelled on the

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur SuNDaY, maY 23, 2021

M A D R I D, M AY 2 2 (AGENCIES): Barcelona have not begun contract renewal negotiations with Lionel Messi and Paris St-Germain are “looking closely” at the situation, says Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

The Argentine forward, 33, is out of contract this summer and has yet to agree an extension.

A number of players could leave the La Liga club in the coming months.

“Messi will monitor the next two weeks when big

club decisions will be made,” Balague said.

Messi sent a fax to Barca in August 2020 saying he wanted to exercise a clause in his contract which he said allowed him to leave for free.

But the club said his 700m euro (£624m) release clause would have to be met.

He ultimately stayed with the La Liga giants, saying it would be “impossible” for any team to pay the fee.

Messi said at the time that the fact he did not tell Barca he wanted to leave before 10 June was crucial, and had he done so his release clause would not have had to be met.

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (IANS): India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand in Southampton will be their first Test at a neutral venue in their 89-year history of Test cricket.

Among nations with Test status, India and Bangladesh are the only sides who haven’t played Test cricket at a neutral venue.

Over the last decade, most international cricket teams have played series against Pakistan at a neutral venue since there was no cricket in Pakistan. The series were mostly in the United Arab Emirates, with almost no crowd for either side as Test matches found few takers in the Emirates.

No country has visited Pakistan for 10 years since early 2009 when the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by gunmen.

Since India have not played a Test match against Pakistan after the 200708 home series, they have not got to play any match

at a neutral venue. India had an opportunity to play at a neutral venue, back in 1999-00 during the Asian Test Championships. The final was played in Dhaka but India failed to reach it and Pakistan and Sri Lanka were involved in a title clash in Dhaka.

The WTC final at Southampton though will most likely be played in front of a crowd of 4,000 and there could be plenty of Indian fans though not as many as India are used to at home or even overseas nowadays.

Rod Bransgrove, the chairman of the Hampshire Country Cricket Club has been quoted as saying by section of the media that out of the 4,000 tickets, 50% will go to ICC for its sponsors and stakeholders while they will be selling the remaining 2,000 tickets.

“We have already received more than double applications from the fans.

It is a high interest game and there is a good demand for it,” he had told Cricbuzz.

upset at Indian football team begins training in Doha Yuvraj not getting regular

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (PTI): All the players and support staff of the Indian football team have tested negative for COVID-19 after arrival in Qatar and have also started training ahead of the joint Qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup next month.

The team, which arrived in Doha on Wednesday evening, was under compulsory quarantine and waiting for the results of their RT-PCR tests before starting their preparatory camp.

“Yes, all the 28 players and support staff tested negative in the tests done after their arrival,” All India Football Federation General Secretary Kushal Das told PTI. The team, bolstered by the return of Sunil Chhetri, will have a preparatory camp inside a bio-bubble here before its first match on June 3 against hosts Qa-

Indian team head coach Igor Stimac surrounded by players during the first training session in Doha.

tar. The other two matches are against Bangladesh (June 7) and Afghanistan (June 15).

Through the good offices of Qatar Football

Association, a 10-day hard quarantine was waived off for the Indians and they began training as soon as they got the COVID-19 negative results.

“Gearing-up for the challenges ahead. The #BlueTigers had their training first training session in Doha, Qatar last night,” the AIFF said in a

tweet, along with pictures of training of players under head coach Igor Stimac.

The matches are being played in Doha in view of the COVID-19 pandemic which doesn’t allow the original format of home and away matches.

The Indian team, fourth in Group E with three points, is already out of contention for a World Cup berth but is still in the reckoning for the 2023 Asian Cup in China.

The Indian players were to have a national camp in Kolkata from May 2 onwards but the raging pandemic in the country led to its cancellation.

The players and the support had left the country on Wednesday after undergoing RT-PCR tests prior to flying off to Doha from New Delhi.

They had arrived in New Delhi on May 15 with mandatory negative RTPCR test results.

chances in Test cricket

NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (IANS): Former India batsman Yuvraj Singh took a dig at the team management of his time for ignoring him and not giving opportunities to play Test cricket regularly.

“Probably next life! When I’m not 12th man for 7 years [emoticon: zany face],” tweeted Yuvraj Singh in response to a tweet posted by a cricket website that asked its followers to name a player who they wished should have played more Tests.

Singh, a left-handed batsman and among the cleanest hitters of the cricket ball in Indian cricket, played 40 Tests over a period of nine years.

Known more for his exploits in limited-overs cricket, Yuvraj scored 1900 Test runs at an average of 33.92 in a format where he was played intermittently. He scored three centuries and 11 half-centuries. He made a roaring start to his Test career, scoring a half-century and a century (59 & 112 against Pakistan) in his first three innings. In his fourth innings, also against Pakistan, he made 47.

He got to play 15 Tests intermittently over the next three and a half years, rarely getting a long stretch. He got scores of 75 and 77 against Sri Lanka and 122 against Pakistan during this phase.

He then scored 169 again against Pakistan in Bengaluru in December, 2007.

After that he scored a few half-centuries in the remaining Test matches he played, including an unbeaten 85 against England in the 2008 Chennai Test in which India chased a 387-run target in fourth innings.

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