November 2, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 328

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Modi talks of Pak’s Pulwama confession

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national, Page 5

Covid virus mutation may have made it more contagious: Study

N E W YO R K , N OV 1 (IANS/AGENCIES): The virus that causes Covid-19 is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious, says a study involving more than 5,000 patients in the US. In August, Malaysia’s Director General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah in a Facebook post stated that the new strain of the novel coronavirus called ‘D614G’, deemed ten times more infectious, was detected in Malaysia. “It’s is found to be 10 times easier to infect different people and easier to spread, if spread by ‘super spreader’ individuals,” Dr Noor Hisham said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

According to the paper published in the peerreviewed journal mBIO, the mutation called D614G, is located in the spike protein that pries open our cells for viral entry. The patients involved in this study of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were from Houston, Texas.

Odd-Even system to continue in Dmu D I M A P U R , N OV 1 (NPN): Dimapur police has informed that the odd-even system for non-essential vehicular movement within Dimapur town and NH-29 till Chumoukedima town will continue with effect from November 2 till November 30.

In an order, Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur, R. Tetseo, informed that there will be no restriction on Sundays and for twowheelers. It also stated that the category under essential services as notified earlier would be exempted.

Further, government servants on bona fide duties and vehicles involved in providing essential services/involved in COVID-19 related duties will be exempted on production of relevant documents and valid ID proof.

All heavy vehicles, except those engaged in fourlane construction works with valid permit, would be restricted from plying within the town area and highway area from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Odd number day: Vehicle numbers ending with 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9 are allowed to ply on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Even number day: Vehicle numbers ending with 2, 4, 6, 8 & 0 are allowed to ply on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

This is it!

”It’s that rival’s agent.

He enticing us with cash for votes instead of campaigning.”

K Y M C

The paper shows “the virus is mutating due to a combination of neutral driftwhich just means random genetic changes that don’t help or hurt the virus-and pressure from our immune systems,” said Ilya Finkelstein, Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Austin and co-author of the study. During the initial wave of the pandemic, 71 per cent of the novel coronaviruses identified in patients in Houston had this mutation.

When the second wave of the outbreak hit Houston during the summer, this variant had leaped to 99.9 per cent prevalence, said the study, adding that this mir-

rors a trend observed around the world.

A study published in July based on more than 28,000 genome sequences found that variants carrying the D614G mutation became the globally dominant form of SARS-CoV-2 in about a month.

The good news is that this mutation is rare and does not appear to make the disease more severe for infected patients.

“The virus continues to mutate as it rips through the world,” Finkelstein said.

“Real-time surveillance efforts like our study will ensure that global vaccines and therapeutics are always one step ahead.” The sci-

Nagaland COVID tally 9075 COVID-19 STATUS AS ON november 1, 2020 District

Dimapur

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsDeath ReMi- Total ympunder Critical-ICU cov- Death grat- CastomInvestiMod- Se- With- With On ered ed es atic Mild erate vere out gation Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator 1075 30 3 4 0 0 3 3877 29* 2 47 5070

Kiphire

6

2

0

0

0

0

0

15

0

0

0

23

Kohima

250

4

12

4

0

5

0

2402

6

0

11

2694

Longleng

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

0

0

9

18

Mokokchung

14

0

0

0

0

0

0

96

1

0

2

113

Mon

54

3

0

0

0

0

0

428

2

0

9

496

Peren

9

0

0

0

0

0

0

297

0

0

0

306

Phek

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

36

0

0

0

36

Tuensang

11

0

0

0

0

0

0

141

0

0

0

152

Wokha

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

26

1

0

0

29

Zunheboto

5

3

0

0

0

0

0

127

0

0

3

138

Total

1425

43

15

8

0

5

3

7454

39

2

81

9075

*6 deaths not due to Covid-19 *2 deaths in under investigation

DIMAPUR, NOV 1 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday reported 28 new COVID-19 positive cases-- 22 in Dimapur, 4 in Kohima and 1 each in Longleng and Mon, taking the tally to 9075.

Further, out of 9075 positive cases, the distribution across various categories include 3950 cases from the armed forces/police, 1658 returnees, 3025 traced contacts and 442 frontline workers.

India’s COVID tally surges to 81.84L

PTI: India’s COVID-19 caseload rose to 81,84,082 with 46,963 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,22,111 with 470 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

New infections due to COVID-19 have started to decline steadily since the first week of October.

entists noted a total of 285 mutations across thousands of infections, although most do not appear to have a significant effect on how severe the disease is.

How prevalent is it in India?: “The D614G mutation, which is the defining mutation for clade A2 of the virus, is indeed, quite prevalent in India,” Dr Anu Raghunathan, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory said in an email to The Hindu.

A study (a preprint posted on bioRxiv) — which collected SARS-CoV-2positive samples from the various States like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh among others — reveals that the D614G was one of the most prevalent spike mutations even during the initial phase of the pandemic.

Since then, D614G mutation’s ‘relative abundance’ has increased over time to 70% and above, in most States except Delhi, reports another pre-print in BioRxiv after analysing samples from 10 Indian States.

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

Taxes on fuel may rise again to aid Centre’s finances NEW DELHI, NOV 1 (AGENCIES): The economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent pressure on revenues may again push the Centre to raise excise duty on petrol and diesel.

Sources indicated that another Rs 3-6 per litre increase in excise duty on petrol and diesel may come soon if the government felt the need to mobilise more resources to finance additional economic recovery packages to fight Covid-19 related disruptions.

This level of increase could provide government additional revenue to the tune of Rs 60,000 crore for full year. In the balance period, about Rs 30,000 crore could be mobilised.

An internal examination to look at duty structure on the two products is on and exact timing of the announcement may be finalised soon, sources indicated.

Government wants that any duty hike on fuel should not result in an increase in the retail price as it would not be popular with the consumers besides the increase could have inflationary implications on the economy.

UK heads for complete lockdown international, Page 7

Sea of Amur falcons reach roosting site at Hakhizhe village DIMAPUR, NOV 1 (NPN): Amur falcons have been flocking to their roosting site near Hakhizhe village under Nuiland sub-division in Dimapur district in greater numbers this year.

Hakhizhe Village Council chairman Viyito Shohe told a visiting wildlife team led by wildlife warden of Dimapur wildlife division H Tokaho Kinimi on October 30, that around 50 to 100 raptors reached the site on October 14. Thereafter, 1,000 to 2,000 arrived on October 17 and by October 26, it was a sea of Amur falcons, he added.

According to Shohe, this year was witnessing a huge surge in the number of Amur falcon visiting Hakhizhe village as compared to previous years.

The village council chairman assured the visiting delegation of providing safe passage and stay to Amur falcons. He also said the Amur falcon protection team members were patrolling, guarding and protecting the roosting site since October 14 and sometimes they patrolled till late into the night. The wildlife war-

den appreciated the village council and Amur falcon protection team for their sincere efforts in protecting the raptors and ensuring their safe stay and passage.

He assured all possible help from the department and also appealed to the village council to also accord equal importance to protection of other indigenous species of birds and animals.

Earlier, when the team visited the village, they witnessed sea of Amur falcons at the roosting site, about 5 km away from the village. A brief meeting was held with the Hakhizhe Village Council chairman and Amur falcon protection team members on the occasion. This was stated in a press release by Dimapur wildlife division.

Positive outcome of Naga Sec. 144 clamped ahead of by-polls Dimapur: 1 dead, 5 injured in mishap NOV 1 (NPN): With Kiphire Assembly constituencies political talks soon: Sarma DIMAPUR, by-elections to the 14-Southern against the backdrop of COVID-19 DIMAPUR, NOV 1 (NPN):

GUWAHATI, NOV 1 (AGENCIES): In a positive development concerning the ongoing Naga peace talks, Assam’s Finance Minister and convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Himanta Biswa Sarma said that there is forward movement in the Naga political dialogue and very soon positive outcome is expected, reports the Economic Times.

Sarma, while talking to media persons, said: “I am not aware about the micro details however Union Home ministry is working day and night to resolve the Naga political issue.” He added, “It is a complex issue involving dialogue for last 23 years and it is not something to be discussed in media. Things are in shape, there is forward movement and very soon positive outcome is expected.”

This gains significance as NSCN (I-M) has time and again reiterated its demands for a separate flag and constitution. Meanwhile, the Government has rejected the demand so far.

NSCN (I-M) in a statement, On October 30, said that the Framework Agreement, which spoke of the unique history of Naga people and their sovereign independent identity, embraced separate Naga flag and constitution and therefore, there was no scope provided to have separate talks for flag and constitution.

Angami I and 60 Pungro-Kiphire assembly constituencies scheduled to be held on November 3, the deputy commissioners of Kohima and Kiphire district, Mohammed Ali Shihab A and AK Ranjan have ordered imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC and barred assembly of more than five persons from 6 p.m. on Sunday till 6 p.m. on November 4.

Sec. 144 CrPC will applicable only within the limits of the respective assembly constituencies. DC Kohima said that the prohibitory order has been imposed to maintain peace and prevent spread of corona virus in view of the continuing spike in COVID-19 cases in Kohima district with more symptomatic cases being reported.

As per the order, violation of the order will tantamount to punitive punishment under section 188 of Indian Penal Code.

Meanwhile, Election Commission of India has issued broad guidelines for smooth conduct of the by-elections to 14-Southern Angami I (ST) and 60-Pungro-

and to ensure that the by-polls were conducted in a free, fair, safe and peaceful manner.

On the other hand, campaigning for the November 3 by-polls concluded on November 1, Sunday evening.

suspected cases and 90 laboratoryconfirmed cases of COVID-19 from 39 countries with information on symptom duration, the average duration of symptoms was 12 days.

Rash-like morbilliform and urticarial eruptions lasted for a maximum duration of 28 days.

Papulosquamous eruptions, which are scaly papules and plaques lasted for more than 70 days.

Pernio/chilblains, or redness and swelling of the feet and hands, commonly known as “COVID toes,” lasted an average of 15 days in patients with suspected COVID19 and 10 days in lab-confirmed cases. Coronavirus may cause sudden permanent hearing loss in some patients: They said while the causes are not very clear, the condition sometimes follows a viral infection, such as flu or herpes.

The research, published in the journal BMJ Case Reports, describes the case of a 45 year old man with asthma who was referred to the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital in the UK after

suddenly experiencing hearing loss in one ear while being treated for COVID-19.

According to the scientists, the patient had been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms which had been going on for 10 days during which he was transferred to intensive care as he was struggling to breathe.

He was put on a ventilator for 30 days, and developed other complications as a result, the study noted. The researchers noted that he was treated with the antiviral drug remdesivir, intravenous steroids, and a blood transfusion after which he started to get better.

However, the patient noticed ringing (tinnitus) in his left ear followed by sudden hearing loss in that ear a week after the breathing tube was removed and he left intensive care. According to the scientists, he had not lost his hearing or had ear problems before, and apart from asthma, he was otherwise fit and well.

They said the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to a particular type

Cash, liquor seized

Flying squad teams (FST), static surveillance teams and excise and other agencies have seized liquor and drugs worth over Rs 13 lakh, besides cash, till Sunday in the run-up to by-polls to 14 Southern Angami-I and 60 Pungro-Kiphire Assembly constituencies.

In a statement, additional chief electoral officer N Moa Aier said Rs 6 lakh in cash was seized, while the liquor and drugs (mostly cough syrups) have been valued at Rs 6.64 lakh and Rs 78,000 respectively, with the total value of the seizures being estimated at Rs 13.42 lakh.

Further, he said 425 persons have been bound down so far under preventive sections of CrPC in both the constituencies.

Long-term side effects after recovery from COVID-19 LONDON, NOV 1 (AGENCIES): Over the last couple of months, scientists and researchers have deduced some alarming details about the survivors of the coronavirus flu- and that is- long term side-effects.

According to researchers, long-haulers is the name given to those who have had the COVID-19 illness and lived to tell the tale, but with a caveat. They say, many don’t really get better, but are scarred for life with different kinds of persistent damages or side-effects, which could possibly be life-long, hence the term, long-haulers.

While fatigue, lung and kidney damage and breathing difficulties are the most common of the damages wrecked by the coronavirus, some other side-effects are less than common, but highly likely.

Some patients with COVID19 have persistent skin-related symptoms long after their initial infection has cleared. The team evaluated almost 1,000 cases of patients with skin manifestations of COVID-19. Among 224 total

Amur falcons over Hakhizhe Village (inset- Amur falcon).

of cell lining the lungs, and could also infect similar cells lining the middle ear. According to the scientists, the virus also generates an inflammatory response and an increase in the chemicals that have been linked to hearing loss.

An analysis of more than 80 studies reporting complications experienced by COVID-19 patients has revealed that about one-third of them have abnormalities in the frontal lobe of the brain.

The scientists explained that patients are recommended an EEG test when they have a slowed reaction to stimuli, followed by: seizure-like events, speech issues, confusion, inability to wake up after sedation. They said some of the EEG alterations found in COVID19 patients may indicate damage to the brain that might not be repaired after recovering from the disease.

Since the brain cannot regenerate, Zulfi Haneef, asst. professor of neurology at Baylor College of Medicine in the US, cautioned that any damage to the organ will more than likely be permanent.

One person died while five others were injured in a fatal road accident on Saturday night near Faith petrol pump, 5th Mile, Dimapur.

According to Dimapur police, the incident happened around 11 p.m. when the vehicle (Bolero) collided head-on with a truck which was approaching on the wrong lane along NH-29.

Of the six occupants, one succumbed while two out of the five injured remained in critical condition, police said. The injured were rushed to Referral hospital and Zion hospital.

Meanwhile, police said that the driver of the truck was arrested kept under police custody.

It may be noted that one major concern of the newly constructed 4-lane highway is that most vehicles, in order to take shortcuts, ply on the wrong side of the road.

Kuda village and not ‘Full Nagarjan’: Kuda ‘B’ youth org DIMAPUR, NOV 1 (NPN): Kuda ‘B’ Youth Organisation has reminded everyone that the name of “Full Nagarjan” has since long been changed to “Kuda village” vide Kuda Village Council resolution of May 14, 1999, and subsequent order from the Home ministry, followed by Gazette notification by the state government.

Reacting to a tweet by Dimapur Police about retrieving body of a lady from “Full Nagarjan”, Kuda ‘B’ Youth Organisation president Rokovilie Savino in a release pointed out that the locality’s name was erroneously tweeted obviously due to ignorance.

Mentioning that Kuda village has been branched into three khels-- Kuda-A khel, Kuda-B khel and Kuda-C khel for local administrative convenience, the youth body said all concerned may note the correct nomenclature henceforth.

Providing details, Kuda ‘B’ Youth Organisation further claimed that the body was discovered in the Dhansiri river, below Dhansiri bridge at Kuda village (under B-khel jurisdiction) around 12 noon by locals on Sunday. Dimapur Police Women’s Cell later retrieved the body, it added. The organisation said the unidentified body could have floated downstream and washed from east side of the river bank below the construction site of an embankment wall of a building.

Dimapur Police had tweeted: “One unidentified dead body of a female retrieved from Dhansiri river below the Full Nagarjan bridge.

The individual in blue jeans, pink blouse with a red thread tied around the left wrist. Body shifted to District Hospital morgue for further identification.”

K Y M C

2

Polling personnel gears up for duty in Kiphire

Polling personnel checking their materials before leaving for assigned polling stations on November 1. (NP)

Correspondent KIPHIRE, NOV 1 (NPN): Polling personnel for the forthcoming by-election to 60 Pungro-KiphireA/C are all geared up for polling duty in Kiphire district.

12 section of polling party were sent as P-2 group category for polling stations located in nearby Indo-Myanmar border on November 1.

With no road connectivity or due to bad condition of the road in three villages under Pungro sub-division, the P-2 party has to walk on foot.

The polling stations are

Vongtsuvong village, 13 kms on foot from Tsuntang village, Iponger 8 kms from Zaonger village and Lopfkhong, 7 kms from Khongjiri junction.

Altogether there are 77 polling stations under 60 A/C Pungro-Kiphire with twenty-nine thousand five hundred general voters and one hundred one service voters to exercise their franchise on November 3.

Short sent out programme was held at the DC’s office complex where deputy commissioner & district election officer Kiphire briefed the polling personnel and appreciated

their dedication on November 1. Secretary, USBLA, Dr. Abise Sangtam invoked God’s blessing for the long journey and peaceful return from their duty.

Altogether five candidates are in the fray for the 60 assembly constituency (Pungro-Kiphire) seat which was declared vacant by Election Commission of India after the expiry of late T. Torechu (NPF). The candidates are Khaseo Anar INC, Lirimong Sangtam BJP, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger IND, K. Shellumthong IND and T. Yangseo Sangtam IND.

state

Wungtung bids farewell to outgoing director IPR DIMAPUR: Farewell programme for outgoing director, IPR, Limawati Ao was observed on October 31 at the IPR conference hall, directorate of Information and Public Relations.

According to DIPR report, Limawati Ao in his farewell speech narrated his journey in the department where he first joined as an information officer and subsequently his district postings in Wokha and Mokokchung as DPRO. He said that he was encouraged by the attitude of senior officers about the main objectives of the department motivated him to give his best service. He also called it his fate that he was appointed to serve in the department of IPR, as he enjoyed the work assigned to him to serve the government and the people.

He spoke about the struggles and difficulties he faced while serving as an officer in the districts due to lack of proper equipment and technologies in earlier days but had managed to perform his duties with any available resource. In the directorate too, Limawati said there were hardships but today, with the inputs and contributions from the officers and staff, the IPR department was the frontrunner

DC Kohima holds by-poll meeting with sector officials DIMAPUR: Deputy commissioner & district election officer Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab A had a final briefing with all the sector officers, commanders, nodal officer (Health) and sector health regulators in connection with the forth coming by-election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 14 Southern Angami -1 (ST) assembly constituency at DC’s conference hall Kohima on October 31.

According to DIPR report, in the meeting, general observer for by-election S.K Pradhan encouraged the assigned polling officers to be well versed with the guidelines given by the Election Commission of India. He called upon them to give their best efforts in

S. K. Pradhan, Mohammed Ali Shihab A, Manoj Kumar and, Ruopfukuotuo Noudi in Kohima. (DIPR)

their respective assigned duties for the peaceful and safe conduct of the byelection.

DC & DEO Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab A in his final briefing to the assigned officers reminded them to work together,

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

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A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

26% 60% 14%

Next poll

Q: Is Donald Trump likely

to get re-elected on November 3,2020?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST november 2

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy, a thunderstorm; humid 31 24

A heavy t-storm in the a.m.

25 19

Guwahati Cloudy with a stray t-storm

30 21

Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.

26 18

Aizawl Imphal

Itanagar Some rain and a thunderstorm 27 19 Shillong Cloudy with a thunderstorm

22 14

Kohima Cloudy, a couple of t-showers 21 15 Dimapur Cloudy with a shower Mkg

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

28 21 23 17

Tuensang Cloudy, cool; a p.m. t-shower 17 12 Wokha

Cloudy, a shower; not as warm 22 18

Zunheboto A morning t-shower; cloudy K Y M C

20 14

given by ECI and to ensure smooth conduct of the byelection. Superintendent of Police Kohima, Manoj Kumar pointed out to maintain law and order and to execute their duties as per the ECI guidelines.

ADC Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa and CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu also apprised the members on the present status of COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measures undertaken for the safe conduct of by-election. Sub-divisional officer (C) Jakhama and returning officer for byelection, Ruopfukuotuo Noudi, all the sector officers and sector commanders, nodal officer (Health) and sector health regulators attended the meeting.

department can do was follow the legacy of work ethics and tributes which Limawati leaves behind.

Wungtung appreciated the contributions made towards the department and hoped his successors would continue to bring forward the department to be a monument among other departments in the state.

State transport commissioner, Elias Lotha and director, Employment, Skill Development, Chiten Yaden also recounted their days while posted in the same district and also their association with the di-

rector at all levels. Other speakers included joint director IPR, Dzuvinuo Theunuo, deputy director, IPR, Siewatho S. Nyusou and DPRO, Dimapur, Lolano.

On the occasion two books published by IPR, a pictorial monograph titled “Nagaland Album - A Photographic Journey” and a reference booklet titled “An Insider’s Guide for DIPR Officials” were released by advisor, IPR, SCERT & Village Guards, Toshi Wungtung and Limawati Ao. The programme was chaired by deputy director, IPR Asangla Imsong.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Advisor Toshi Wungtung and Limawati releasing a booklet at IPR conference hall on October 31. (DIPR)

in technology to carry out all the work through modern technologies and the efficient staff behind it all.

Advisor, IPR, SCERT & Village Guards, Toshi Wungtung in his special exhortation remarked that Limawati was an inspiring director with outstanding leadership quality and an efficient administrator. He stated that IPR has been a glamorous department under his directorship and quoted him “Truly a

captain of the ship”. He also pointed that all this became possible because of the love, respect and teamwork that exist in the department.

He said that the retiring director will be leaving a priceless legacy, a legacy which cannot be bought, rather, which can only be achieved through good personality and character.

Work ethics was the most important thing and he believed that the least the

Campaign for by-poll 2020 ends dimapur: Deputy commissioner and district election officer, Kohima Mohammed Ali Shihab A has informed all concerned that under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, in the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of poll, no campaign can be carried out.

DC has informed all concerned to take note of the restrictions and ensure that no political functionaries/ party workers/procession functionaries/campaign functionaries etc from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency shall remain in the constituency from 4 p.m of November 1 till the election is over.

MOAMEREN LONGCHAR

BORN : 26.08.1980 DIED : 22.10.2020 The family of Late Moameren Longchar would like to convey our deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation to all the neighbours, churches, organizations, classmates, friends, relatives and well-wishers for your sincere expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness during our hour of bereavement. Your good deeds during this difficult time gave us immense strength. Though we are unable to express our gratitude in person, it is our humble prayer that the good Lord will reward each for you abundantly.

Gratitude parents, sister, brother, niece, nephew & brother-in-law DP-4745

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: C a n t h e W e s t effectively tackle rising terrorism?

share ideas and co-ordinate with each other in all aspects relating to election process. Mentioning on the election motto “Free, fair, safe and peaceful election”, DC called upon them to perform their respective roles as per the guidelines

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020

Through this column, we the bereaved family would like to convey our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who stood with us through prayers, physical presence, financial and material support during the tragic demise of our beloved son LT. NITO ACHUMI on 16th of October 2020.

We would like to convey our special thanks to:1.

Thahekhu Block -7, Community Council, Church and Surrounding Areas.

2. Police Investigation Team and Officers.

3. Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church 4. Itimi Loka S/School PWD/Supply 5. Itimi Loka S/School (DSBC) 6. STH PWD/Supply Unit 7. PWD/Supply Sumi Prayer Fellowship D.O.B: 25/02/2005 – D.O.D: 16/10/2020 8. Akivi Group, Dimapur 9. Teachers/Students GMS Midland 10. SOUDA, Prayer Fellowship 11. VTM, Shena Old 12. Beautification Committee (DSBC) 13. Lisana Group (Lafame) Dimapur 14. Abolomi Akighini Muqo, Dimapur 15. DEO, Office Staff and Friends, Dimapur 16. Awang Koibin and Lokin (Nito Friends) 17. Er. Nitoli Jimo & Children 18. Mrs. Zhekheli V. Zhimo 19. Mrs & Mr. Y. M Imchen 20. Mrs & Mr. Tovito Achumi (Kalito) 21. Mr. Simon Assumi A/P (DSBC) for conducting Funeral Service 22. Mr. Vishiho Shohe Children Pastor (DSBC) 23. Mrs. Khetoni Shikhu A/P Women (DSBC) 24. Mrs & Mr. Hokito Swu A/P Women (DSBC) 25. Mrs & Mr. S. Vitoshe Achumi, Thahekhu Block -5 26. Mrs & Mr. S. Vika Achumi, Rtd DIG, Padumpukhuri 27. Mrs & Er. V. Ghoshito Achumi, Padumpukhuri 28. Dr. Hotoka L. Hesso, N. Bosti 29. Mrs & Mr. Levi. B.D.P.O Land Resource, Kohima 30. Mrs & Mr. Khehuto Y. Zhimomi, G.B Midland, Dimapur 31. Mrs & Mr. Shikavi Kinnimi, Landmark Colony 32. Mrs & Er. Tokhevi Chophi, Landmark Colony 33. Dr. P. Toiho Sema, N.U. Lumami 34. Er. Kahuli Sema, Dy.C.E. PWD (R&B), Kohima 35. Mrs. & Mr. Pukhato Achumi, G.B Shena Old. From Loving Family Members & Relatives DP-4749

DP-4742

K Y M C

Assam, Mizoram in letter war on border issues

Guwahati/Aizawl Nov 1 (PTI): Amid tension on the border, governments of Assam and Mizoram have engaged in a letter war over issues related to the boundary dispute between the two states.

The Assam government alleged that the police in Mizoram are setting up “bunker like structures” and increased the number of personnel inside its territory in Kulicherra area of Cachar district, which will disturb “local peace and normalcy”.

The allegation was raised by Cachar district Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli in a letter to her Kolasib district counterpart across the state border on Friday.

The Mizoram government also claimed that policemen of Assam, who were escorting oil tankers to the neighbouring state deserted the vehicles near the border, leaving the drivers vulnerable to attacks by miscreants.

Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo wrote a letter in

3

Northeast/State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020

this regard to his Assam counterpart Jishnu Baruah on Saturday.

Tension has been prevailing along the AssamMizoram border since October 17 after miscreants damaged 18 temporary huts and three dwelling units, following which several rounds of talks were held among officials of the two states and the Centre.

In her letter, Jalli said, “...it has been reported on 29/10/2020 that there has been an increase in Mizoram Police Personnel and IR Bn force in Kulicherra area nearby to the 990 No. Dholakhar LP School.

“It has also been observed that construction activities have been taken up on NH 306, with bunker like structures being set up with JCB movement.”

A huge number of civilians from local NGOs were mobilised on the National Highway, Jalli said in the letter, attaching photographs of the assembly of people.

“As you may be aware, construction in Reserve forest area, on highway within Assam is unconsti-

tutional and illegal. Such acts of aggression disturb local peace and normalcy,” she added.

The presence of Mizoram forces within the territorial jurisdiction of Assam is causing “profound distress and bitterness” amongst the local public, the Cachar DC said in the communication to her Kolasib counterpart across the state border.

Jalli requested the Kolashib DC to withdraw the Mizoram forces from the constitutional boundaries of Assam to restore normalcy in the area.

In his letter, Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo asked his Assam counterpart to allow the government to send police forces up to Silchar in Assam to escort all the stranded vehicles along the National Highway-306 bound for Mizoram.

He claimed that drivers have lost confidence in the Assam Police after the personnel escorting tankers from Silchar abandoned them at Lailapur near the border on Saturday.

“The personnel of As-

sam Police who escorted vehicles carrying POL (petroleum, oil, lubricant) from Mizoram House, Silchar to Mizoram deserted them near Lailapur and left them to fend for themselves and exposing them to grave danger to their personal safety.

“They barely managed to escape from the attack of some armed persons who threatened them and prevented them from proceeding towards Mizoram,” the letter said.

“The District Administrations of Kolasib and Cachar can work out the detail logistics. As the issue has gained much urgency, I request your quick positive response in the matter,” it said.

The Mizoram chief secretary also pointed out that the blockade on the national highway continued despite assurance from his Assam counterpart during the meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

The road blockade has forced Mizoram to bring

essential commodities, including LPG cylinders and oil, from neighbouring Tripura and Manipur.

Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana has earlier said that the state government will not withdraw its forces till normalcy returns.

Agitators have blockaded the highway since Wednesday, six days after truck movement along the inter-state border resumed on October 22 following a Centre-brokered dialogue between Assam and Mizoram on October 21.

The highway was blockaded between October 16 and 21 after officials from Assam’s Karimganj district allegedly destroyed a hut and some plantation in an area disputed between the two states.

A violent clash took place between people of the two states near border village Vairengte on October 17, in which several people were injured on both sides.

The situation was brought under control and normalcy restored after the October 21 talks.

Mizoram plans tap water supply to 31k households by 2020 end New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS): Mizoram plans to provide tap water connection to nearly 31,963 households by end 2020 and achieve 100 per cent coverage for all rural households by 2022-23, state officials said at a mid-term review of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ across states and Union Territories (UTs) on Sunday.

The state has nearly 1.27 lakh rural households of which 1.02 lakh do not have tap connections.

Presenting, through videoconferencing, the status of planning and implementation of the JJM, Mizoram officials also highlighted the need for analysing the existing

piped water supply (PWS) schemes in villages where a single connection has not been provided, even as the Central government stressed on universal coverage of aspirational districts, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST)-dominated villages and villages under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).

The Jal Shakti Ministry has been working with the states and UTs to implement JJM to improve the lives of rural people, especially women and girls, and reduce their drudgery.

The Union government provides funds based on the output

in terms of providing functional household tap connections and the utilisation of available Central and state shares, the Jal Shakti Ministry said in a statement.

As JJM is a decentralised, demand-driven and communitymanaged programme, the local village community/Gram Panchayats or user groups have to play a key role in planning, implementation, management, operation and maintenance of water supply systems in villages to ensure long-term sustainability.

Mizoram was urged to undertake ‘Information Education

and Communication’ campaign with community mobilisation in all villages making JJM a people’s movement.

“Women self-help groups and voluntary organisations are to be engaged to mobilise the rural community for creation of in-village water supply infrastructure as well as for their operation and maintenance,” the Jal Shakti Ministry added.

The Centre has allocated Rs 79.3 crore to Mizoram under JJM for 2020-2021, and asked it to speed up the utilisation of the available funds to avoid losing the Central grants.

Loaded truck plunges into river as bridge collapses on NH-37 in Manipur Correspondent IMPHAL, Nov 1: National Highway -37 which connects Imphal with other parts of the country via Jiribam has been totally cut-off after a bridge on the second lifeline of Manipur in Tamenglong district collapsed on Sunday morning.

The driver of a loaded truck that fell into the river after the bridge collapsed was feared dead while the handyman trapped inside the truck underwater was rescued.

Villagers of Taobam village who swung into action soon after the truck fell into the river rescued the handyman identified as Raja. Personnel of the CRPF from its nearby post also joined the operation.

The driver identified as Khamba Singh was however found missing.

Operation to trace the driver amid the swollen and strong current due to rain was in progress till the time of filing this report.

Officials of the state PWD and leaders of drivers’ bodies who rushed to the spot have joined the operation.

Reports said that the Bailey bridge on Irang river collapsed all of a sudden when the tipper truck loaded with sand was in the middle of the bridge around 7.30 am on Sunday.

Officials of the state PWD who rushed to the spot to take first hand stock of the situation said that repairing the bridge would take at least 30 to 40 days as it has been severely damaged.

State PWD chief en-

State

‘National Unity Day’ observed across Nagaland

DGP Nagaland, T. John Longkumer administering the pledge of unity at PHQ Kohima on October 31. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the country, “The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” or “The National Unity Day” in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel, the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India was observed in Nagaland on October 31.

PHQ Kohima: In Kohima, the occasion was held at PHQ with DGP Nagaland, T. John Longkumer as the chief host on October 31.

According to DIPR report, in his address DGP said, Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel played an important role in the country’s struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united and independent India.

DGP said, the Police forces in India including the CPO and Assam Rifles have contributed immensely towards various internal security challenges.

They were an integral part of the national security and instrumental in maintaining unity of the country. It was in recognition of the galvanizing role played by the police, that the period October 21 to 31 has been declared as “Police Flag Day” which culminated with the observance of the “National Unity Day”. DGP also administered the pledge of unity and called upon to gathering to renew their oaths to uphold the integrity and K Y M C

security of the Nation.

Noklak: In Noklak, a mini marathon race was organised by Police department, where superintendent of Police, Noklak, Dr. Pritpal Kaur advised the students and youths to set aim in life, work hard to achieve it and also encouraged them to contribute to the society in whatever possible ways. She congratulated all the winners’ and participants of the mini marathon race and gave away the cash prizes and certificates to the winners and participants.

In boys category, Puto, Sangtsoi and Ngon bag first, second and third position respectively where Monglon S and Mutchiu S got consolidation prize.

Under Girls category, Tsuchoi T, Songmo P and Niansai got first, second and third positions respectively and Thongkoi T and Tongzen H got consolation prizes. SDO (C) Noklak, C. Phuniang administrated the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge in the programme chaired by additional SP Noklak, Ngou Khiam.

The mini marathon race started at Govt. Middle School Junction (Penshe Sector) to GHSS Noklak (High School B Sector) where the prize distribution ceremony was held.

Participants in the unity run/ mini marathon race comprised

of students, teachers, Red Cross Society, Medical department, Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association, Police department, district administration and well-wishers.

DMI SJGS: DMI St. Joseph Global School (SJGS) observed organized various interesting activities online for class V-VI online pledge, for VII-VIII, essay writing and for class IX-X, poster making on the theme.

A press release by DMI SJGS stated that, Pali K Aomi coordinated the entire online programme. Objective of this observation was to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of the nation by instilling in the young minds the thirst for ageless ideals.

Unity College Dimapur: In Unity College Dimapur, the IQAC organised a programme, where college principal, Dr. Lichumo Enie delivered short speech.

A press release by IQAC coordinator Dr. Adani Ngullie stated that Dr. Lichumo Enie, mentioned the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in building a modern and unified India. He further reminded the participants to take a pledge to give the first priority to national unity and integration which was the bond and togetherness between people regardless of their caste, creed, religion or

gender.

A short speech was also delivered by UCSU (BA 3rd semester D) magazine and information secretary Kewithunbo Nchang. A poem was recited over by Jyoti Dimasa, M. Com 3rd semester. Dr. Adani Ngullie led in the pledge taking at the end of the programme.

Teaching faculty, non-teaching staff and students attended the online programme chaired by assistant professor, Commerce, Vandana Ladha.

Tetso College: Tetso College celebrated the day with Brig. (Dr) Jeewan Rajpurohit as guest speaker, wherein he called upon the virtual gathering to renew oaths to uphold the integrity and security of the nation.

A press release by Tetso College stated that, Brig. (Dr) Jeewan Rajpurohit spoke about the rich tradition of India of which unity has been the spirit and encouraged young generation to be dreamers, thinkers and doers. While delivering a message of unity and oneness Brig. (Dr) Rajpurohit also shared his personal experiences with Northeast and Nagaland.

HoD of Political Science Dr. Rimmei Longmei, Tetso College, speaking on the topic, “why national unity day” made the audience to understand the importance of the challenges of nation-building in India and the process of “national unity and integration”.

He urged all to unite and extend unconditional support to preserve the unity, integrity and security of this great nation.

Earlier, welcome address was given by Dr. Aniruddha Babar. Unity pledge and vote of thanks was delivered by Yaoreiphy Awungshi, assistant professor, Political Science, Tetso College. Winners of short patriotic essay in the writing competition were presented by Kezhavikho Lhoushe (1st), Mosa S. Sangtam (2nd) and Abeni Yanthan (3rd). Keneisedeu Mezhu and Keren Kent bagged consolation prizes.

news in Brief Shops to remain closed on poll day at Kohima: Deputy commissioner and district election officer Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab A has notified that all the shops/business establishments and government offices under the 14th Southern Angami-l assembly constituency and all shops/business establishments within Kohima Municipal Area have been directed to remain closed on the poll day November 3 from 4 a.m to 7 p.m. Paid holiday shall be granted to all employees from the area of the constituency including the electors outside the constituency to enable them to participate and exercise their universal adult franchise. This order shall not apply to electors whose absence may cause danger or substantial loss in respect of the employment in which he/she is engaged. Failure to comply with this order shall invite legal actions as per relevant sections of the law under Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Tuensang DPDB meeting: Tuensang district planning & development board (DPDB) meeting has been scheduled on November 6, 11 a.m at deputy commissioner conference hall.

All the DPDB members have been requested to follow the COVID-19 SOP and attend the meeting.

Corrigendum: Apropos the news item published under the headline, “NDPP’s by-election rally conducted at Mitelephe”, the name of the advisor should be read as Pohwang Konyak and not as published. Inadvertent error is regretted. (Correspondent)

Picture of the truck that fell into Irang river after bridge along NH-37 collapsed on Sunday. (NP)

gineer T Rabindrakumar who is currently camping at the spot said that they have contacted officials of the NHIDC ((National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) manning the section of the highway and bridges.

He further stated that that repair work has commenced immediately considering the importance of the highway and that damaged parts of the bridge were to be procured from Kolkata which will take time.

On the other hand, Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) Manipur blamed the NHIDL authority for collapse of the bridge.

TDC president H Ranjit alleged that NHIDCL was not properly maintaining the weak bridge that needed special attention.

Talking to reporters in Imphal, the president drew the attention of the state government to the early completion of the repair work so that normal vehicular traffic can be

resume before the Ningol Chakouba, one of the biggest festivals in Manipur that falls on November 17.

Informing that NHIDCL authority took over the maintenance of the highway in 2010, Ranjit alleged that even after 10 years, construction of not a single RCC bridge on this section of the highway was completed.

Like the BRO (Border Road Organisation) that handled the highway before, NHIDCL has converted the highway as their easy income earning business centre, he alleged.

Irang Bridge is one of the many old bailey bridges on the 214 km stretch of the Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-37 where funds for construction of RCC bridges to replace the old bailey bridges had already been sanctioned.

Except laying of foundation stone for construction of a super RCC bridge, ground work for construction is yet to be taken up till date for reasons best known to the authorities.

UGC extends online application for scholarships

Dimapur: University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, India has invited fresh applications (including renewals) from regular and full time students under the following four schemes for the academic year 2020- 2021: Indira Gandhi PG scholarship for single girl child (SGC); PG scholarship for university rank holder candidate (URH); Ishan Uday Special scheme for North Eastern Region (NER); PG scholarship for professional courses for SC/ST candidates. The guidelines of each scheme may be accessed at national scholarship portal and students who were eligible and were admitted in the recognised institutions, as per

the guidelines, may submit their applications through national scholarship portal on its websites- https:// scholarships.gov.in/. The portal was opened since September 1 and will be opened for receiving applications for fresh as well as renewals as per the following timelines: Closing date for filing online applications by November 30; Closing date for verification of applications by institutions of students including re-submission of defective applications by December 15. It would be in the interest of students if all the applications were verified by institutions by December 10 so that they would able to correct/rectify the defected applications.

Polling stations sanitised for by-election 2020

DIMAPUR: In view of the upcoming by-election to the 14 Southern Angami I ST assembly constituency scheduled on November 3, the Home Guards, Civil Defence & State Disaster Response Force Kohima carried out sanitisation of polling stations under the constituency on November 1.

According to DIPR report, the Coy. Commander HG,CD & SDRF, A. K. Prem Kumar informed that altogether five SDRF teams carried out the sanitisation of all twenty two designated polling stations, located at Chotobosti, Phesama, Pfuchama, Mima, Mitelephe, Kigwema and Jakhama villages.

K Y M C

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 328 Dimapur, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020

W

A revealing fact

hen the Department of Health and Family Welfare(DoHFW), revealed on Saturday, as part of its weekly report, that many who tested positive for COVID-19 did not disclose their source of contact(s) only served to lent credence to long-held speculations, that many who have been infected with COVID-19 cases were through community transmission. Even if the DoHFW refused to accept the unacceptable about community transmission, it is a reality not only in Nagaland but elsewhere. Even in July, many organisations in Nagaland expressed deep suspicions that community transmission had taken place. They pointed to cases reported outside quarantine facilities when total lockdown was enforced throughout the state. However, the DoHFW chose to toe the line of the ministry of health & family welfare(MoHFW) that there was no community transmission (in India) but a stage between local transmission and community transmission. Even in India, eminent epidemiologists and virologists have admitted that community transmission has already taken place since April. On March 28, the Health Ministry acknowledged that there was "limited community transmission" of the novel coronavirus in India.

On April 9, the ICMR and Health Ministry researchers - some of them are national task force members for COVID-19 in a journal paper, provided evidence suggesting the prevalence of community transmission in 36 districts across 15 States. The health ministry’s own admission that there was “limited community transmission”, a newly created phase that was supposed to be between Stages 2 and 3. However, the ministry hastily retracted this statement. Even as late as on June and just two days after ICMR director-general Balram Bhargava had rejected that community transmission has already taken place; leading experts like former director AIIMS, Dr MC Mishra, virologist Shahid Jameel, lung surgeon Dr Arvind Kumar and epidemiologist Dr Jayaprakash Muliyil came out in the open by reiterating that the virus had already spread among population groups and localities that have little to do with travel or contact with travellers. Virologist Shahid Jameel based his argument of a community transmission in India on the ICMR's study itself. He said, "even ICMR's own study of SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) showed that about 40 per cent of those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 did not have any history of overseas travel or contact to a known case. If this is not community transmission, what is?”. The reluctance has surprised many health experts since the total cases reported even on May 10 had already crossed 63,500, and the nature of spread in most cases was through droplet transmission and contact with contaminated surfaces. In contrast, in the U.S. on February 26, when the total number of cases was just 60, it confirmed community spread following the detection in California of the first case with no travel history or contact with a known positive case. The state DoHFW has been adopting the ICMR and ministry of health and family welfare guidelines regarding handling of COVID-19 pandemic and information on public domain. On the spike since September, the DoHFW termed it as “community spread” and not “community transmission”. The term is nowhere found in the WHO lexicon. The admission

by DoHFW on Saturday, that many infected with the virus did not disclose contacts, cannot take away the huge possibility that perhaps they can’t identify the source of contact. Death rate will increase and the graph will gradually level and this is what epidemiologists have been predicting all along.

DailyDevotion “You Are Not Your Own”

Do you not know that…you are not your own?

—1 Corinthians 6:19 There is no such thing as a private life, or a place to hide in this world, for a man or woman who is intimately aware of and shares in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God divides the private life of His saints and makes it a highway for the world on one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ.

We are not sanctified for ourselves. We are called into intimacy with the gospel, and things happen that appear to have nothing to do with us. But God is getting us into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way. If you refuse, you will be of no value to God in His redemptive work in the world, but will be a hindrance and a stumbling block.

The first thing God does is get us grounded on strong reality and truth. He does this until our cares for ourselves individually have been brought into submission to His way for the purpose of His redemption. Why shouldn’t we experience heartbreak?

Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us collapse at the first grip of pain. We sit down at the door of God’s purpose and enter a slow death through self-pity. And all the so-called Christian sympathy of others helps us to our deathbed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, as if to say, “Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine.”

If God can accomplish His purposes in this world through a broken heart, then why not thank Him for breaking yours?

Quotes

If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. ~ Lewis Carroll

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020

Modi instills hope; Fund flow needed for fast growth

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi has tried to give a new boost to the market and market forces to become investment magnet in his latest talk to a newspaper and cites automobile, manufacturing, FDI and EPFO numbers as instances for a bright future as “economy is getting back on track” The prime minister’s words give hope as he says the big push to investment and infrastructure should become the driving force or recovery and growth and continue with reforms drive to ensure India becomes the world’s most preferred investment destination.

The nation must draw more funds from across the world to fulfill that dream for a panic struck lock-downed country that has seen every aspect of life coming down to a halt and the nation surviving on huge government doles that sustained 80 crore poor people through difficult days.

Modi’s discourse was preceded a month ago by a similar narration by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying that the country needs a holistic approach to handling economy. Both the

exercises are aimed at boosting national and international scenario for larger inflow of funds and encouragement to corporate and citizens that opportunities abound.

It is true this vast subcontinent has options to revive, its people have resilience and in a short span domestic remittances have improved, according to a number of companies like Fino Payments bank, Paypoint, and FIA Technology. They estimate that money transfers by domestic migrant workers, who have started moving back to cities has increased 30 to 35 percent of the prelockdown period. Fundraising in digital space has also increased. Some of the big companies that were in deep debt have seen huge inflows to the extent that these are in surplus of a few thousand crore. Such platforms their promoters say will help the ecosystems. Though their critics wonder whether the model would be sustainable or not.

A foreign online digital sales platform, Amazon, has invested Rs 1125 crore into the Indian market. It is being projected as an encouraging mode as it boosts sales of some of the foreign

and Indian manufacturers.

But startups accuse another, Google, of not playing fair as it deducts 30 percent as commission against 1.2 to 1.5 percent levied by external gateways. Domestic sellers find the monopolistic approach forcing its own app to be used as not beneficiary to business.

There is a revival trend, FM says and that is correct as the states are gradually opening up despite having the leash in their hands. It is not in favour of the free market that is being cited as getting back to normal.

The HCL chairman Roshni Nadar holds Shivaji the same view as the FM as she sees the growth ahead because the customer demand is stabilizing after the initial revenue decline during the lockdown.

She expects her margins to improve by about 20 percent and 2 percent growth per quarter in post-pandemic situation that has given a boost to tech companies.

The tech industry insiders are not that optimistic for the sector. They hope that companies’ balance sheets remain straight and there are no repeats of Satyam or Enron.

Auto companies are riding the festival hopes and expect 15 to 30 percent higher sales September-November amid people’s concern for travelling safe in personalized transport. The higher sales have their trouble on the roads in metros and some busy highways get choked.

It also is an indicator that public transport has yet to get back to normal and having a trust deficit. Despite the positivity their annual revenues may plunge 14 to 18 percent.

The railways are still shy of opening up the train routes and resuming its normal Sarkar oo pf e r1a1t,i0o0n0s life and business-sustaining trains. The present model of running only 162 pairs of high-cost, high-priced special trains is a burden on its balance sheet and a drain on national economy. It erodes more GDP than vehicle sales can create. With higher use of fossil fuel, the carbon footprint also increases. The country’s lifeline has not only stilled itself but also sustenance of its people. Even goods train movements are from normal.

Though truck operations are gradually improv-

ing, it has yet to come back to normal amid hike in freight charges by 15 percent. The raise is to defray higher cost of diesel and lubricants.

Actual charges are more as there are fewer operational vehicles. The country’s inflation is being hit by rise in rail and road transportation costs. It is cutting into the income of farmers as well, who are also shelling out more costs on tilling as tractors have increased their charges.

The government so far has not been able to check inflationary trends. Both retail and wholesale inflation are rising. Retail inflation (CPI) remains high at 6.7 and has been rising since before the lockdown supply distortions. It remains at a high despite low incomes and weak economic activity. The manufacturing is into growth path with September PMI touching 56.8 supposedly highest since January 2012.

But it also has to be noted that the rise is a temporary post-lockdown phenomenon.

If it is sustained it could see a high GDP growth. There is some hope as exports are rising after six successive months’ contraction sales are increasing.

As Modi says some sectors like the pharmaceuticals are becoming global suppliers. He quotes Moody’s to state that 154 green-field projects from the US have to come in India this year compared to 15 in China, 12 in Vietnam and 15 in Malaysia.

And the truth is as he says the growth is commensurate with that of the performance, growth, political and economic management of the states. They have to build infrastructure.

And that is the problem. Their share of GST is presently locked up with the Centre. The roads, even the NHAI highways, are not in shape. In many states, law and order remains a serious issue. The number of jobless is rising and the governance and economic issues are being echoed, even in the crucial Bihar elections more than customary caste.

Prime minister’s statement instills hope on a longterm basis. The short-term solutions have to wait. There have been some onerous shocks to economy since 2016. The small and medium, key to growth, are yet to resume operations. Many policy interventions are needed to even the path.

Post-mortem

Tackling the propaganda against Christianity (It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men-Samuel Adams) any observers see minorities as the prototype of resistance; some observe their sustenance as the source of stability in the political system; some analyze them as the source of change. Minorities are a significant part of any state. They are small in number, but in this intense prevailing nationalism atmosphere, they face the most number of critique, and strong debates are mostly converged toward them. Their social and cultural impact pervades the whole society and shapes the incumbent social fabric. Sometimes it causes the gap or subsystem that leads to continuous skirmishes and hostilities like the Muslims and Jews in Israel. However, sometimes these societies amalgamated to generate incorporated culture that causes harmony and peace between two or more religious cultures. Later was India's case, where people from different religions can retain their own identity through cultural, religious, and social practices by incorporating the social culture.

The late twenty-first century marks the rise of nationalism and extreme fascist ideologies in the whole world. Iran turned into the Shia ideological state, Middle east countries faced nationalism ideologies by coups like Sadam Husain in Iraq, and Zia leads Pakistan to a theocratic republic.

India was no aberration in that era. Intense Hindu nationalist parties like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh started to rise, which creates an environment of polarity supported by propaganda. Christians did not exempt from this propaganda. They were denounced as the "elements of colonization," while if someone digs the history of Christian theology and its practices, the reality is by far different from the perception. Noam Chomsky presented his theory of "manufacturing consent," He underlined the media's role as a propaganda tool that can make any community villain based on fake lies. Christians' struggle for India's betterment and the whole of the subcontinent seems to be forgotten by the mob unions, blatant accusations, and shouting slogans.

Many notable Christians stood with Gandhi against the suppression of colonization. The first and last Governor-General of India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachar, is one of the prominent leaders in northern India for the subcontinent's independence. He was a lawyer and aligned his ideologies with Gandhi and choose the path to reform society. He risked his liberty many times for Gandhi. When Gandhi started the Dandi march against Britain's tax in 1929, he started the same non-cooperative protest movement named Vedaranyam Salt Satya-

M

graha. He also held the minister's seat in the Madras and water to civil disobedience against the colonization. He was not the only one that participated in the formation of this nation. According to Congress official data, more than 600 Christian presents in the Indian National Congress's meeting in 1887 in Madras. Later, They made the independent All India Conference of Indian Christians (AICIC) in 1914 to safeguard the interest of Christians of India. During the formation of the Constitution, thirteen memoranda were signed by them to ensure the safety of minorities in independent India.

R. R. Keithahn is also a prominent name in the Indian struggle. So the Christian are also the indigenous people of land that are living there for around 2000 years Besides the political well being of Indian society, many Christian figures help in the betterment of society. Mother Teresa was a nun and missionary who worked for humanitarian causes without considering caste, creed, or ethnicity. She laid the foundation stone of Missionaries of charity that is still active in more than 133 countries. She runs school and institution from the adoption and care of children to assisting youth in meeting daily life requirements. She was still admired for her charitable work.

When she was subjected to harsh criticism, she argued that she is just converting them to be better Muslims, Hindu, and Christians, and one should find betterment in his religion. Doctor Ruth Pfau was a doctor who devoted her life to the cure of Leprosy in Pakistan. She lived in Germany but then migrated to Pakistan for the betterment of Asia. There are hundreds of social institutions that are doing charitable work for the betterment of society.

With the rise of Hindu nationalism, the Christian social institutions face the critique of being used only for proselytization and receiving foreign funding from the Christian missionaries. At the same time, the argument is bogus and has no factual ground.

In a recent tweet, Subramanyam Swami (Cabinet minister) said “Threat to India’s integrity today is from Christian missionary organizations who use induced conversion to Christian faith to subvert the nation. Islamic terror is a more manageable threat and is mainly from within India”.

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act promulgated in 2011 is an evident example of regulating and censoring Christian social support to the community.

NGOs and social work institutions have characteristics of nonalignment to any political system, and it only works for humanity.

However, the state's bigotry against these organizations is also a tool for the suppression of goodwill.

Civil work is also a way to mend the bridge between subculture, and its suppression will increase more violence. The famous NGO "Com-

passion international" was banned from working in India, and its more than six hundred care center that was nurturing more than one lakh children ceased to exist.

The notable names in the realms of science are Benjamin Bailey that established the first printing press. We all know about the Indian mission to Moon, and Dr. Koshy contributed much to this matter. May George was the first Indian woman engineer. The list goes on as we have no words to tame the Christian community's contribution to this prestigious and glorified Country. The most common misconception propagated inside the ordinary person's mind is that Christianity is spread by European to colonize this continent. However, history tells us a different story; Thomas spread the words of Jesus in around 64Ad. At the same time, the British and dutch missionaries came hundreds of years later. The Christians living in southern India are there for more than a thousand centuries.

Therefore the prejudice on the argument of colonization has no factual basis.

There are specific claims made on the Christian by the numbers of followers and population, but many sociologists disagree with the government consensus.

The reason for this is that there are specific leverages for the scheduled caste by the government.

Therefore many Dalit, even after the conversion, officially remains Hindus. Today about 2.6 percent population of India is Christian.

Many argue that the reason for this is sociological and economical.

The growth rate of Christians is less than Hindu and Muslim. The recent attacks on the converted Christian through a campaign like "Ghar Wapsi" pose a severe threat to Christianity's propagation in India. Jenkins is not satisfied with Indian national consensus and calls it "one of the world's great works of creative fiction." he further reiterated, “is because of systematic and widespread persecution by Hindu extremist sects, often operating in alliance with local governments and police authorities — violence that receives virtually no publicity in the West.”

Many people believe in Jesus but are not leaving their cultural affiliation to previous religions. So there is a particular community living the life of multiple religions that are not counted as the Christian.

Other religions in India are older than Christianity, but they are less than 2 percent of the total population. For example, Buddhism came hundreds of years before Christian, but less in number, and the same happened with Judaism.

There is the promulgation of Anti Conversion laws in the states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu. They not only passed legislation but also implemented it harshly.

Article 25 of the Constitution of India constituted as "all persons are equally entitled to freedom of

conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion subject to public order, morality and health."

This type of law restricted conversion activities and stood against the Constitution and the fundamental human right of practicing any religion. A senior lawyer Tehmina Arora mentioned that using these laws as a tool to coerce minorities is increasing.

She mentioned many incidents in which the mob attacked minorities and took them to the police station to lodge the FIR. The Christians in eastern India faced this type of violence. The United Nations Charter also professed the practice of every religion as the fundamental human right. So the anti-conversion laws are both the laws of the Constitution of India and also universal human rights. There is a provision that "Threat of divine displeasure" can be accounted for the guilt.

Even if someone does not believe in the holy personality, he can be made guilty.

There are reported violence against Christians in recent years.

According to the Christian council, every Christian faces the prejudice or criminal act done to coerce or suppress him after every forty-minute. These are a threat that is imposed on the Christian community. RSS, Shiv Sena, etc. are the staunch right-wing parties that are nurturing this violence.

The distraction from national matters like unemployment, worse economy, etc. was also gain due to the spreads of false propaganda.

From January 2016 to September 2020, India witnessed 2,224 incidents of persecution against Christians. These are the figure for reported incidents. At many times, the fear is placed so that the people fear reporting the incident, or there is a pressure of Police to relinquish the suit due to corruption. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh are considered to be the worst place for Christians to live in. There are no laws that have been passed or the formal response from the government against this persecution. In the recent "Palghar Lynching," Christian missionaries were accused by the right wing Hindu leader of the killing. However, the realities were quite different, and the motive to kill those persons was a misconception that they abduct the child. This type of propaganda is done to pollute the image of the

community.

Christians have also made many mistakes in the past that confined them to the small population.

In the beginning, the upper class was only proselytized. The focus on the lower cast came very late.

The Church's educational service was previously reserved for the upper class, and the lower cast was not allowed to enter the Church.

These modifications in the practices of the Church decrease the popularity of Christianity in the eye of the typical person. There is also "church corruption" reported in many places. The violence can not deter violence, so any force must be abandoned. A new term, "Crypto Christian," is started to write for those people who have been baptized and accepted Jesus as their savior. However, for economic reasons, they still are legally Scheduled cast and enjoying the state's leverage. If a person coverts to be a Christian, more or less, his caste remains the same. These practices must be abandoned, and the class system must be abolished.

These are the main hurdle that must be transcended in order to be more effective and pervasive.

The world has become an informative web, and there are many media where one can verify the news and prevailing argument about the incident. Humanity has suffered a lot in history due to these prejudices based on religion, ethnicity, color, and creed.

There is no more reason to fight and hate, as no religion teaches violence. The future strategy to cater is to dig inside the rationality of the arguments and verify the truth. The government should come forward and remove all the unconstitutional legislation from the state laws. There should be separate Police and legal structure to produce religious harmony and save the minorities from any violence. Any form of discrimination over the religion would be taken seriously and denounced by putting harsh penalties. Society should look for standard practices in the culture and promote them as a bridge. Society should behave more tolerantly and respect the emotional feelings of other people.

There will be both legal and social safeguards for the minorities of all religions.

Mahatma Gandhi said that “Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth."

Moanaro Imchen, Mokokchung

Reader’s Post Sir,

Breaking the rules

Lately public have become slack when it comes to maintaining SOPs and that is a serious cause of concern. I read in the paper today that the odd-even system will be continued in Kohima and this needs to be seriously checked. Our lives are far more important than breaking the rules.

Renbomo Ngullie, Kohima

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

Modi talks of Pak’s Pulwama confession Evokes ‘chhath’ on Bihar campaign trail

NEW DELHI, NOV 1 (IANS): Amid the keenly contested Bihar Assembly elections, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said that the poll results since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections showed that the BJP can be defeated and hoped that Bihar results will prove it.

“Who said BJP cannot be defeated? Opposition parties must believe that they can defeat the BJP. I hope this will be proved in Bihar,” he tweeted.

In another post, the former Union Finance Minister said: “In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP candidates won 319 out of 381 Assembly segments.

“Of the total 381 Assembly segments where elections were held (330) or by-elections (51) since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where there were BJP candidates, they won only 163 of these 381 segments.”

He was referring to the results of Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana.

Elections are slated to be held in three phases for the 243 Assembly seats in Bihar. The first phase of elections was held in Bihar on October 28. In the second phase, voting for 94 seats will be held on November 3. In the third phase, 78 seats will go to polls on November 7.

Counting will take place on November 10.

we lost in the suicide attack which killed many sons of Bihar. They have always been more preoccupied with their political gains,” said Modi referring to the questions that were raised about the Balakot air strikes that followed the terrorist strike.

He asked the electorate to “beware of such elements” who are seeking their votes.

Modi also berated the RJD-Congress combine in Bihar, calling it an alliance of “double-double yuvraj” (two crown princes) whose sole concern was to protect their “respective thrones”.

“On the one hand, there is development brought in by the double engine gov-

ernment of the NDA. On the other there are these double-double yuvraj with the sole agenda of saving their thrones,” he said referring to Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi who have shared the stage during elections quite a few times.

“One of them failed in UP a few years ago and is now lending his support to the ‘yuvraj of jungle raj’ in Bihar. They are going to fail here again,” Modi said recalling the short-lived SP-Congress alliance which was trounced in the assembly polls of Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

In a bid to strike a chord with the state’s women voters, the prime minister said,

pushed him aside.

Modi also raked up the issue of “ill treatment and insult” to former union minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh by the family of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad which ultimately led to the founding member quitting the party a day before his death.

Although Singh, a hugely respected leader, belonged to the neighboring Vaishali district, the treatment meted out to him is said to have angered his fellow Rajputs who have a sizeable presence in Chapra.

Harping on the alleged lawlessness under the LaluRabri governments, Modi referred to the folklore about “lakadsunghwa”, a mysterious child-lifter against whom parents used to warn their children to prevent them from stepping out of homes after dark.

“The kidnappers were like the lakadsunghwa. They endangered not just children, but engineers, contractors and people from all walks of life,” Modi said urging the voters to reject the RJD-led Grand alliance like “bad food which causes us indigestion after which we make up our mind never to try it again”.

S R I NAG A R , N OV 1 (PTI): Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) chief Dr Saifullah was killed in an encounter on the outskirts of the city on Sunday, police said, describing it as a huge success for the security forces.

Saifullah, who had taken command of the outfit after the killing of Riyaz Naikoo in May this year, was one of the most wanted militants in the Kashmir Valley and involved in several attacks on the security forces, an official said.

“This is a huge success for the police and security forces. This is not a small achievement,” Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar told reporters at the encounter site.

Recounting the events of the morning, an official said security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Rangreth area near the old airfield following specific information about the presence of militants there. As the forces were conducting searches in the area, the militants fired. The forces retaliated, resulting in the encounter.

Security personnel during an encounter with militants, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Nov. 1. (PTI) A militant was killed in the exchange of fire, the official said, identifying him as Saifullah.

Incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, were recovered from the encounter site, he added.

Addressing reporters near the encounter site, IGP Kumar said they had received information that Saifullah had come here from south Kashmir and was hiding in a house.

“So the security forces cordoned off the area and an operation was launched.

In the exchange of firing, one militant was killed. According to our source, we are 95 per cent sure he is Dr Saifullah. We are retrieving the body and it will be identified,” Kumar added.

Kumar said the network of J-K Police has become stronger and police get information about any militant entering the city.

Asked whether any other militant was apprehended alive from the encounter site, he said a suspect has been taken into custody and is being questioned.

Scindia mistakenly seeks votes for Cong India asks Pak to vacate its occupation of Gilgit-Baltistan BHOPAL, NOV 1 (PTI): In a slip of the tongue, BJP Rajya Sabha member Jyotiraditya Scindia asked people to vote for his former party Congress during a campaign for the November 3 by-elections in Madhya Pradesh.

A video, in which Scindia is seen seeking votes for the Congress during a rally on Saturday in favour of BJP candidate Imarti Devi from Dabra town in Gwalior, has gone viral on social media.

In the video, Scindia is heard saying, “My people of Dabra, raise your hand and make your fist to convince (state chief minister) Shivraj Singh and me, make us believe that you will press the ‘hand’ button on November 3.”

However, the BJP leader immediately amended

Jyotiraditya Scindia his sentence and appealed to people to vote for the ‘kamal’ (lotus) symbol of the saffron party. Taking a dig at the goof-up, the state Congress’s Twitter handle shared the video and said, “Scindia ji, the people of Madhya Pradesh assure you that they will press the key (on EVM) of ‘Hath ka Panja’ (Congress’s symbol) on November 3.”

When contacted, state

BJP spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi told PTI that such a goof-up can happen by any person.

“It was a simple slip of the tongue and this can happen with anybody. Scindia immediately rectified.

Everybody knows that he is a BJP leader,” he said.

Scindia, 49, had joined Congress in 2002. After 18 years, he quit the party in March this year.

As many as 22 MP Congress MLAs loyal to him also resigned, which brought down the Kamal Nath-led state gover nment.

Later, Scindia and his loyalists joined the BJP. Bypolls to a total of 28 seats in the state will be held on November 3.

New Delhi/Islamabad, Nov 1 (IANS): The Centre has asked Pakistan to immediately vacate from the Indian territory of Gilgit-Baltistan which the Imran Khan government declared as its provisional fifth province on Sunday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday announced that his government has decided to grant the “provisional-provincial status” to Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, illegally occupied by Pakistan in 1947.

In a statement issued in New Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: “The Government of India firmly rejects the attempt by Pakistan to bring

material changes to a part of Indian territory, under its illegal and forcible occupation.”

The government reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the area of so-called “GilgitBaltistan”, are an integral part of India by virtue of the legal, complete and irrevocable accession of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India in 1947.

Srivastava said that the Pakistan government has “no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied” by it. Such attempts by Pakistan, intended to camouflage its illegal occupation, cannot hide the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom for over

seven decades to the people residing in these Pakistan occupied territories, he added. The spokesperson said that instead of seeking to alter the status of these Indian territories, Indian government calls upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday said that he had decided to give the provisional province status to the region “keeping in mind

the UN Security Council’s resolutions.

“The Khan government is also holding elections in the region, where many activists have called it a Pakistani Army’s fraud to grab and further occupy Gilgit-Baltistan.

Backed by the Pakistani Army, Prime Minister Khan on the occasion did not miss the opportunity to praise the military, which is facing stiff challenge from the political opposition headed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

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Who says BJP can’t be defeated? asks Chidambaram

Narendra Modi addresses during an election rally for the second phase of Bihar Assembly polls, Nov. 1. (PTI)

“My mothers need not worry about whether they would be able to afford Chhath festivities a few weeks from now. Do remember this son of yours is sitting in Delhi.

He will take care of all your needs”.

The prime minister also referred to a video, which has gone viral on the social media, where an old village woman snaps at a journalist who poses her the question “what has Modi done for you?.

“I was impressed when the woman fluently spoke about the welfare measures undertaken by our government and hurled the counter question when Modi has done so much for us, do you expect us to vote for you and not for him? She expressed the sentiment shared by most voters of Bihar,” Modi said.

He said the turnout in the first phase of poll proved pundits wrong and suggested that the NDA was set to return to power again.

“This has left our opponents frustrated. They have started pushing and shoving their own supporters,” said Modi in a veiled reference to a recent video of Tejashwi Yadav where he grabbed a supporter by the arm and

Hizbul chief Saifullah killed near Srinagar, IGP terms it ‘huge success’

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CHAPRA, NOV 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday excoriated the opposition over the Pulwama attack after Pakistan’s admission of complicity in it, saying it has “taken masks off ” the faces of those in India who never cared for the “sons of Bihar” who lost their lives in the assault.

Addressing an election rally here, he also sought to appeal to Bihari sensitivities by speaking about ‘chhath’ puja, saying their “son” will ensure that kitchen fires are kept burning despite the COVID pandemic.

A few days ago, our neighbour confessed to its involvement in the Pulwama terror attack,” Modi said referring to a statement made on the floor of Pakistan National Assembly by minister Fawad Chaudhry who credited Premier Imran Khan for the “success in Pulwama” where “humne Hindustan ko ghar mein ghus kar maara (we hit India on its own soil)”.

“The admission has also taken the masks off our opponents who never actually cared for the lives

5

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national Expedite cases against Tytler, the MSP, then rectify it, Nath: Sukhbir but don’t destroy the entire

Rahul asks PM to reconsider farms laws

RAIPUR, NOV 1 (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the three new farm laws enacted by the Centre will “weaken” the foundation of the nation, and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the laws in the interest of farmers.

Virtually addressing the Chhattisgarh statehood day celebrations, Gandhi hailed a scheme launched by the state government to set English medium schools in all districts, saying the language provides a global opportunity to youth.

The function to celebrate the statehood of Chhattisgarh, which came into existence on November 1, 2000 after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh, was held at Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghels official residence here.

Gandhi said the country has been witnessing a tough phase due to COVID19 outbreak. In such a situation, the weakest sections like farmers, labourers, small businessmen, mothers, sisters and youth are the worst-affected.

“The condition of farmers in the country is known to everyone. We read news of farmer suicides

Rahul Gandhi every day. In a way, it is happening on such a scale that the country has accepted it,” he said.

“But we should not accept it. We should protect farmers, labourers and small businessmen and stand with them,” the former Congress president said.

Farmers and labourers are the foundation of the country. Villages are the foundation of cities while farmers and labourers are the foundation of villages, he said.

“If we weaken the foundation - the farmers and the labourers - then the entire structure will weaken.

When we protect farmers and labourers, we are not only protecting them but also safeguarding our nation and its future,” Gandhi said.

“Similarly, youth and children are the foundation of our future. If we do not give opportunity to them, then we will be weakening the future of the nation,” he added.

Referring to the farm laws enacted by the central government, Gandhi said, “I am pained that farmers in the country are being attacked.”

He noted that recently during an election rally in Bihar, he said mandi (farm produce markets) and minimum support price (MSP) hold a great significance and these ensure protection to the interests of farmers and labourers.

“I accept that there can be lacunae in mandi, MSP and procurement systems, but if we destroy the entire system, like it was done in Bihar in 2006, then the countrys foundation will be destroyed. Therefore, we have been fighting against the three new central farm laws, he said.

Gandhi also said he had asked the prime minister to reconsider these laws and strengthen the mandi system.

“If there are less number of Mandis, then increase it, and if there are flaws in

system.

“I am confident that the PM will reconsider the three laws in view of the sentiments of farmers as these laws will weaken the countrys foundation,” Gandhi said.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel released the third installment of cash benefit under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojna to 18.38 lakh farmers in the state.

Baghel also launched the Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School scheme, aimed at providing education in the English language to students across the state.

The CM also dedicated mobile hospital-cum-laboratories in 30 urban slum areas under the Chief Minister Urban Slum Health Scheme.

Hailing the schemes, Gandhi said, “Many people will think what will happen if English medium schools are started. But the English language provides a global opportunity to youth. Hindi and our local languages have their own place. But English language gives global opportunities.”

Chandigarh, Nov 1 (IANS): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Sunday requested the Union Home Ministry to expedite the cases registered against senior Congress leaders, including Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath, saying the victims of the 1984 massacre were still awaiting justice.

In a statement here, the SAD President also expressed solidarity with the victims of the November 1 to 4 massacres, and said the party would continue to stand with them and fight to ensure the perpetrators of this horrific crime should be brought to justice.

Badal said even though witnesses had stepped forward to testify against Tytler and Kamal Nath, they were successful in delaying their prosecution which was very unfortunate.

“Recently, senior journalist Sanjay Suri, who had witnessed Nath leading a mob indulging in mass killings of Sikhs, tweeted that he had written to the SIT to offer evidence as a witness but was never called for the same.”

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020

Haryana government mulling law against ‘love jihad’

CHANDIGARH, NOV 1 (PTI): A day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced his government would bring a law against “love jihad”, his Haryana counterpart M L Khattar said his government is also considering legal provisions against it to ensure “the guilty cannot escape”.

Citing the recent murder of a student in Faridabad’s Ballabhgarh, Khattar said the incident is being linked to “love jihad”, a derogatory coinage used by right-wing activists to refer to the alleged campaign of Muslims forcing Hindu girls to convert in the guise of love.

Earlier in the day, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij tweeted the state government “is contemplating a law against love jihad”.

Speaking to reporters in Karnal, Khattar said, “This (Ballabhgarh) incident needs to be strongly condemned. This incident is being seen linked with the love jihad issue... both the Centre and the state government are taking the love jihad issue very seriously.”

M L Khattar “The Centre and the state government are looking into this issue and legal advice is being taken so that such incidents are not repeated. Legal provisions are being contemplated so that the guilty cannot escape and no innocent person is punished,” he said.

Last week, a 21-yearold college student, Nikita, was shot dead in Ballabhgarh by a man. The victim’s family has alleged that the man was pressuring her to convert to Islam in order to marry him.

Some Hindu outfits have alleged that the woman’s murder is a case of “love jihad”.

O n S a t u r d a y, Adityanath had said his government would come

out with a law to deal with “love jihad” and used the Hindu funeral chant ‘Ram Naam Satya Hai’ to threaten those who don’t respect their daughters and sisters.

He said posters would be put up of those involved in “love jihad”.

Addressing election rallies in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur and Deoria, Adityanath also welcomed the Allahabad High Court ruling declaring that conversion for the sole purpose of marriage is not valid.

Vij told reporters in Ambala what Adityanath said on “love jihad” was right.

“To save daughters, it is necessary to deal with love jihad. We need to take steps to deal with love jihad,” he said on Sunday.

A ‘Mahapanchayat’ was organised by various social organisations in Ballabhgarh on Sunday to demand justice for Nikita.

The Haryana government has set up a threemember Special Investigation Team to probe the case.

The police have arrested three men in the case including the main accused, Tausif.

Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister Public buses resume plying with full seating capacity in Delhi Doraikkannu dies of Covid-19 CHENNAI, NOV 1 (IANS): Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R. Doraikkannu, a Covid-19 patient, died on Saturday late night, said a senior official of Kauvery Hospital. “ Wi t h d e e p g r i e f , we announce the sad demise of the Honourable Minister for Agriculture, Thiru R.Doraikkannu on 31.10.2020 at 11.15 p.m.,” said Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director in a statement issued here.

Earlier on Saturday, Selvaraj had said Doraikkannu had suffered significant deterioration in vital functions and is extremely

R. Doraikkannu critical despite being on maximal life support.

The 72-year-old minister, elected from the Papanasam assembly constituency was admitted to the hospital on October 13 with serious

Crossword

breathlessness and tested Covid-19 positive.

“He has multiple comorbidities and the latest CT scan shows 90 per cent of lung involvement. He is currently on ECMO and Ventilator, receiving maximum support,” Selvaraj had said earlier.

On October 13 morning Doraikkannu was taken to a hospital in Villupuram district after he complained of chest pain and breathing trouble. Doraikkannu complained of ill-health while he was travelling to Salem to pay homage to Chief Minister K. Palaniswami’s mother who died on that day.

NEW DELHI, NOV 1 (PTI): The DTC and Cluster buses resumed plying with full seating capacity on Sunday, with Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot urging travellers to wear masks and observe COVID19 appropriate behaviour.

In a tweet, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) said intra-state movement of buses has been permitted with full seating capacity on a trial basis, subject to condition that no passenger will travel standing and without mask.

Owing to closure of offices, the number of passengers who travelled on buses on Sunday was relatively low.

Howeve r, a t so m e

crowded bus stands like ITO and Dhaula Kuan, drivers and conductors had to struggle to manage the commuters who were trying to board the buses.

“It is difficult to maintain the required social distance of six feet in a bus even if no one is standing in the corridor, because seats are very close.

“But there is no other option because how long can you sit at home and not go out to earn for your family,” said Ram Sajivan, a daily wager, who was travelling in a bus from Anand Vihar to Badarpur Border.

Gahlot tweeted “I would appeal to all pas- Passengers, not adhering to social distancing norms, board a DTC bus, in sengers to wear mask and New Delhi, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. (PTI) observe Covid appropriate behaviour.”

19 cases with upwards of states in case, the driver of The number of passen- 5,000 new infections being any DTC or Cluster bus gers is likely to increase on reported daily for the past is found carrying passenAcross Monday when more people few days. gers more than the seating 1. Shining (5) As per the standard capacity of the vehicle, 6. Variety of turnip use the public transport buses to commute to work operating procedure issued strict disciplinary action (5) and other purposes.

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UK heads for complete lockdown

LONDON, NOV 1 (PTI): The UK has crossed the grim milestone of 1 million coronavirus cases as it prepares for a second complete lockdown in an attempt to curb the rapid spread of infections.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared the latest stay-at-home rules for England, to take effect from Thursday and last until at least December 2, during a 10 Downing Street briefing on Saturday evening.

As the experts ran through the latest figures and statistics showing a surge in the numbers being infected by the deadly virus, Johnson declared that “no responsible PM can ignore the message of those figures” and must be humble in the face of nature, even as he faced a backlash from sections within his own Conservative Party and the Opposition Labour Party – the former opposed to the harsh measures and the latter accusing him of acting too late.

“In this country alas, as across much of Europe, the virus is spreading even faster than the reasonable worst-case scenario of our scientific advisers whose models suggest that unless

Boris Johnson

we act we could see deaths in this country running at several thousand a day. A peak of mortality alas far bigger than the one we saw in April,” said Johnson.

The UK prime minister stressed that a complete lockdown was the only answer to prevent the overrunning of the country’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS), which would be a “medical and moral disaster” beyond the raw loss of life.

The new rules, which will be debated in Parliament before a vote on Wednesday, will be enforced from midnight on Thursday until the start of December. They would

French manhunt underway after shooting of Greek priest

LYON (FRANCE), NOV 1 (AP): French police interrogated one suspect and searched for others on Sunday after a Greek Orthodox priest was shot and critically wounded while closing the door to his church in the French city of Lyon.

Investigators are trying to determine whether a man arrested Saturday night was the gunman behind the attack, or has information about it, according to a police official.

The priest remains in critical condition after being shot with a hunting rifle, said the official, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to police policy.

The motive for Saturday’s shooting remains unclear. Anti-terrorism prosecutors are not investigating the case, and the Lyon prosecutor opened an attempted murder investigation.

The attack came as France is under high security alert after the killing of three people at a Nice church on Thursday, amid global tensions over cartoons of the Muslim

Prophet Muhammad published in a French newspaper. The French prime minister has promised more protection for religious sites.

It also came amid tensions within the Greek Orthodox community in Lyon. The priest, a Greek citizen, had had a longrunning legal dispute with a former monk who was convicted of defamation, according to French media reports.

The Greek Orthodox Holy Diocese of France identified the victim as Father Nikolaos Kakavelakis, and said he was scheduled to return soon to Greece after his time working at the Lyon church. “We pray for a speedy recovery and unequivocally condemn all forms of violence,” it said.

Antoine Callot, the pastor at another Greek Orthodox church in Lyon, told The Associated Press that the Greek Orthodox community in Lyon has not received any threats, but said he immediately asked police for security protection at his church after the shooting.

mean people in England will be allowed to leave home only for specific reasons, including for education; for work if someone cannot work from home; for exercise and recreation outdoors within your household or on your own with one person from another household; for medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm; to shop for food and essentials; and to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will all be closed and pubs, bars, restaurants must close except for takeaway and delivery services.

No new Covid-19 cases in Aus for 1st time in 5 months

CANBERRA, NOV 1 (IANS): There were no new coronavirus cases in Australia on Sunday for the first time in five months, according to health authorities.

The authorities said that zero cases were reported in the 24 hours between 8 p.m. on Friday and 8 p.m. on Saturday, the first time since June 9, the BBC reported.

Also, there were no new infections for a second consecutive day in the worst-hit state of Victoria, which accounts for 20,346 cases of the country’s overall tally of 27,590.

“Thank you to all of our amazing health & public health workers and above all else the Australian people,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said tweeted on Sunday.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews praised the state’s six million residents for following such strict rules and said they were well placed for a “Covidnormal Christmas”.

The country’s death toll currently stands at 907.

Workplaces are expected to stay open where people can’t work from home, such as in the construction or manufacturing sectors.

The new restrictions apply across England, the largest of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom, with the other three devolved nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already under varying degrees of complete lockdowns.

“We have updated the devolved administrations on the action we are taking in England and stand ready to work with them on plans for Christmas and beyond,” said Johnson, as he indicated that the tough action being taken at this stage may allow families to be able to unite and celebrate Christmas.

He also confirmed an extension to the government’s furlough scheme, or taxpayer support for wages, until December.

H oweve r, s eve r a l backbench Tory MPs from within his own party have lashed out at the severe restrictions, with some accusing him of bowing to pressure from scientists and putting businesses and the economy at peril.

The Opposition, on the other hand, accused Johnson of “burying his head in the sand” and losing out on crucial weeks to contain the spread of the infection by not calling a short circuit-breaker lockdown as demanded by Labour last month.

The Opposition leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has demanded the government must use this second lockdown to fix the “test, trace and isolate” system and keep the restrictions in place until the infection rate, the so-called R rate, is below 1.

“This lockdown is going on to at least December 2, everybody’s seen the figures, and, therefore, I don’t think it’s fair to pretend that Christmas is going to be normal in any sense of the word. I think we need to level with the public on that,” he said.

The UK recorded another 21,915 confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the total since the pandemic beyond a million to 1,011,660.

Another 326 people were reported to have died within 28 days of a positive test, taking the country’s death toll up to 46,555.

7

Chinese Communist Party unveils plan to make PLA on par with US military by 2027 BEIJING, NOV 1 (PTI): The just-concluded key conclave of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has finalised plans to build a fully modern military on par with the US by 2027, media reports here said.

By the year 2027, which marks the centennial of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China will build a fully modern military, a goal that is in alignment with the national strength and will fulfil the future national defence need, staterun Global Times quoted Chinese analysts as saying on Saturday.

The Plenary session of the ruling CPC headed by President Xi Jinping which held a four-day meeting adopted his proposals for the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035.

While the 14th FiveYear plan envisages massive overhaul of the country’s domestic market to boost consumption in order to reduce China’s reliance on shrinking exports markets, the Vision 2035 visualises a long-term plan, reflecting

the development vision of Xi including the military.

Politically, Xi’s Vision 2035 plan sparked speculation that he could continue in power for the next 15 years.

Xi, 67, has emerged as the CPC’s most powerful leader after its founder Mao Zedong, holding the posts of CPC General Secretary, head of the military besides the presidency with prospects of a life-long tenure.

A constitutional amendment in 2018 has removed the two-five-year term limit for the President, which would enable Xi to continue in power for life.

His second term as the president is due to end in 2022.

According to the Communique of the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee released on Thursday, the country’s national defence capabilities and economic strength should be strengthened at the same time and reach the centennial goal of building a modern military by 2027.

The meeting headed by Xi has set a new goal to turn the PLA into a modern military force by 2027, by which time, China aims to build an army on par with

that of the US, the Hong Kong based South China Morning Post reported.

With the centennial goal of building a modern military by 2027, China aims to develop the military with the capability to defend national sovereignty, safeguard against security threats posed by the hegemonism in western pacific region and protect overseas development interests as China’s overseas economic presence grows, Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert, told the Global Times.

“The centennial goal is in line with national strength,” Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the tabloid.

Hong Kong military analyst Song Zhongping told the Post that the new centennial goal can be interpreted as “putting the PLA as a leading modern force in the world, one that can be on par with the US army”. Sunfei Wu, deputy head of Hong Kong think tank Tianda Institute said this is the first time the Chinese leaders have included the military in such development goals. He said the goal was primarily targeted at Taiwan.

Trump predicts massive win for Republicans in Nov 3 polls BUTLER (US), NOV 1 (PTI): US President Donald Trump has predicted a massive win for the Republicans in the November 3 elections, saying the margin would be much bigger than what the party had received four years ago.

Speaking at four different rallies in the battleground State of Pennsylvania on Saturday, Trump said his administration has made tremendous accomplishments in the last four years under his presidency.

“It’s going to be a very interesting Tuesday. You have a big red wave that has formed. Nobody’s ever seen anything like this,” Trump told the cheering crowd.

In almost identical speeches, Trump reflected upon the accomplishments of his administration in the first term, while made allegations of massive corruption by the family of his Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

The president also accused the Democrats of taking the country on a path of socialism and raising taxes if Biden wins the election.

The president, who is trailing behind Biden in battle ground States including Pennsylvania, said that he will win these States and his

margin of victory would be greater than that in 2016.

A wave is forming, he said.

“They see it forming on all sides and there’s not a thing they can do about it.

This is the state where the story of American independence began,” Trump said at a place in Pennsylvania where the first president George Washington plotted his trip across the Delaware River during the American Revolution.

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On November 3, we’re going to win Pennsylvania. We’re going to win four more years in that very beautiful White House,” he said.

Trump, 74, said he did excellent job in the areas of defence.

“In 2016, Pennsylvania voted against this failed establishment. You voted for an outsider who is finally putting America first,” he said as he listed some of his key achievements from military to jobs and peace in

the Middle East.

“Over these last four years we’ve been building the strongest and most secure middle class in human history. We’ve built the most powerful military in the world by far,” he said.

Trump during his Saturday rallies called Biden low with energy.

“I do what’s right for America. I have made a lot of enemies in Washington.

I wear their opposition like a badge of honour,” he said.

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Beijing, Nov 1 (PTI): China on Sunday started the world’s biggest exercise of population count, conducted once in a decade, to document demographic changes in the most populous country.

About seven million census takers began door-todoor survey for the seventh census in the country to account for China’s population stated to be 1.37 billion in the last census exercise ten years ago. Carrying out the census is critical to understand the population size, structure and distribution, Ning Jizhe, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said during a video conference to promote the national census.

The census collects data, including name, ID number, gender, marital status, education, and profession of Chinese citizens, state-r un Xinhua news agency reported. China has been conducting a national population census every 10 years since the 1990s. The exercise was expected to provide the size of its ageing population.

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KKR eliminate RR from IPL 2020 Chennai knocks Punjab out of IPL 2020

Gaikwad’s knock helps Chennai thrash Punjab by 9 wickets.

Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot against Rajasthan Royals.

Abu Dhabi, Nov 1 (AGENCIES): Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 60 runs in Match 54 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. KKR posted a total of 191 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs, after being sent in to bat. Skipper Eoin Morgan

was the highest run-scorer, smashing 68 runs off 35 deliveries. Morgan’s innings comprised of five boundaries and six sixes. Andre Russell further made his presence felt with a 11-ball 25 in an innings comprising of a boundary and three sixes.

Rahul Tewatia was the pick of the bowlers, accounting for three wickets. Karthik Tyagi further chipped in

not my last CSK game: Dhoni confirms presence in IPL 2021

MS Dhoni

Abu Dhabi, Nov 1 (IANS): Former India skipper MS Dhoni put speculations to rest as he made it clear that he will be playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the next Indian Premier League (IPL) edition. “Definitely not,” replied the CSK veteran at the toss when asked by Danny Morrison if Sunday’s match against Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2020 was Dhoni’s last match in yellow jersey.

CSK, the three-time IPL champions, were not able to perform as per expectations and have, for the first time ever, failed to qualify for the playoffs.

In August this year, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had said that Dhoni will be a part of the franchise for the 2021 and 2022 IPL editions.

“Yes. We can expect MS Dhoni to be part of both (IPL 2020 and 2021) and probably for even the next year - 2022,” Viswanathan had told indiatoday. in.

Dhoni was the face of CSK for the first eight editions of the league, leading them to two titles (2010 & 2011) and four runnerup finishes. He was then drafted by Rising Pune Supergiant in the ninth edition of the league. And, he once again became the first player to be retained

by CSK ahead of the 2018 auction.

The 2018 IPL season had a fairytale ending with another glistening silverware added to the trophy cabinet of the CSK under Dhoni’s leadership. The 2019 edition too saw CSK reach the finals of the tournament where they lost to Mumbai Indians.

Dhoni, who turned up for India till now in 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20Is while affecting a staggering 829 dismissals behind the stumps, retired from international cricket on August 15 earlier this year.

with two wickets. The RR batsmen started the chase on a strong note, with openers Ben Stokes and Robin Uthappa scoring 19 runs off the opening over bowled

by Pat Cummins. However, Cummins made a strong comeback accounting for the openers and skipper Steve Smith in quick succession. The Rajasthan batsmen failed to recover from

this early jolt, eventually scoring just 131 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, accounting for four wickets. Shivam Mavi and Varun Chakravarthy further chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders: 191/7 (20.0) & Rajasthan Royals: 131/9 (20.0)

Sebastian Coe

different, there will probably be adaptations, they will probably demand more from your teams that we have not seen in any Olympic Games before.

“But please reassure your athletes as they enter preparation phase that there is a strong determination (among officials in Japan) to stage the Olympic Games.”

The Tokyo Olympic Games were to be held from July 24 to August 9 this year but was postponed to next summer due to the pandemic.

Coe, who was the first president of any top international federation to visit the Olympic stadium, said he left Tokyo “comforted” by what he saw in the Japanese capital.

of the Indian Premier League 2020 in Abu Dhabi. In pursuit of a 154run target, Gaikwad and du Plessis stitched an 82-run stand for the opening wicket. Ruturaj was the top-scorer as he remained unbeaten on 62. Ambati Rayudu contributed with an unbeaten 30 runs.

Earlier, CSk won the toss and put KXIP to bat first. Deepak Hooda’s unbeaten 62 off 39 balls guided Kings Xi Punjab to 153 for 6 in their 20 overs, against Chennai Super Kings in the 53rd match of the In-

dian Premier League 2020 in Abu Dhabi. Punjab went through a batting collapse despite having a brisk start. Lungi Ngidi was among wickets as he returned with the figures of 3/39 in four overs. He removed both the openers - KL Rahul (29) and Mayankk Agarwal (26) and then got rid of James Neesham (2). Shardul Thakur (1/27), Imran Tahir (1/24) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/17) picked up a wicket each.

Scores- KXI: 153/6 (20.0 ov) & CSK 154/1(18.5 ov)

Aubameyang penalty enough for Arsenal to beat Man Utd G R E AT E R M A N C H E S T E R , N OV 1 (AGENCIES): Aubameyang ended a run of five games without a goal by sending David de Gea the wrong way on 69 minutes after Paul Pogba had fouled Hector Bellerin.

United tried to rally but came no closer to an equaliser than when Donny van de Beek’s cross-shot flicked off Mohamed Elneny and then into the face of goalkeeper Bernd Leno before bouncing to safety off a post.

It was not the greatest contest between two clubs who used to fight it out for the biggest prizes but are now a pale imitation of their former selves.

While Arsenal will be delighted at the deserved victory, this was not the kind of United performance that did justice to the memory of club legend Nobby Stiles, who died on Friday.

Pogba is the most highprofile figure in the United midfield that World Cup winner Stiles used to operate in. But the Frenchman had a day to forget, giving the ball away too cheaply

Aubameyang scoring with his first shot on target against David de Gea for Arsenal at Old Trafford Sunday.

when his side attacked and needlessly fouling Bellerin to turn the contest Arsenal’s way.

The Gunners now have 12 points and are up to eighth and United remain in 15th on seven points.

Southampton beat Aston Villa 4-3

Club stalwart James WardProwse marked his 26th birthday with two goals from fantastic free-kicks as Southampton survived a late Aston Villa rally to

Tokyo determined to stage Olympics in 2021: Coe GURUGRAM, NOV 1 (PTI): World Athletics President Sebastian Coe on Sunday said the Tokyo Olympics organisers have a “cast-iron determination” to stage the postponed Games next year despite the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coe, who was recently made a member of the International Olympic Committee, visited Tokyo last month and met several top-ranking officials there, including the organising committee chief Yoshiro Mori and the sports and Olympics ministers in the Japanese government.

“The future is uncertain but let me give you a slightly more optimistic message. I recently visited Tokyo and met top officials there including ministers in the government. There I can see a cast-iron determination to stage the Games,” Coe said.

He was addressing the Annual General Body Meeting of the Athletics Federation of India virtually.

“The Games may be

Abu Dhabi, Nov 1 (AGENCIES): End of the road for KXIP who have been the most entertaining side of this IPL. The team won just one of their first seven matches, came back strongly and lit up the tournament with five successive wins but failed to cross the final hurdle with backto-back defeats.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s third consecutive fifty guided Chennai Super Kings to a 9-wicket win against Kings XI Punjab in the 53rd match

The 64-year-old double Olympic gold medallist in 1500m claimed that no other sport at the international level has done so much for the athletes and been so active with several competitions being staged despite the global pandemic.

“Our sport has faced challenges during these traumatic months. We have taken many brave decisions, we have kept the athletes at the centre of all our efforts, held competitions, worked for sponsorships, for media, television and social media related activities. “No other sport at the global level has done so much as we had done to maintain our presence during these difficult times which we have never faced during our career as athletes or as administrator.”

He cited as example the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships last month in Poland where the women’s world record was broken by Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir as one of the high points of this year.

“Besides the world record in women’s event, it was the only world championships where 10 men recorded under 1 hour timings.

“There was also 10,000m world record (by Joshua Cheptegei), the continental tour events, the innovative garden challenges via iphones, the Inspiration Games, all these have kept athletics at the forefront of global sport.

“We are also learning new things and we may have to take these to next year but I am hoping that it (the situation) is not so bad (next year).”

Coe also praised AFI for organising many activities online for the benefit of the athletes and officials in India, in the South Asian region and in Asia.

“I have lost count of how many times I have joined you online. The AFI is doing a fantastic job which is keeping the athletes in the front and centre. Your activities are also benefiting others in the South Asian region and beyond.”

move up to third in the Premier League, reports BBC Sports.

The England midfielder also provided the assist for the opener for Jannik Vestergaard before Danny Ings made it 4-0.

Two stoppage-time goals from the home side took some of the gloss off the victory for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men.

As for Villa’s Dean Smith, his side have now lost their past two games and conceded seven goals in the process having won

their first four fixtures.

After having been denied a goal by the finest of margins following a VAR check in the third minute, Saints took the lead when defender Jannik Vestergaard thumped home a header from WardProwse’s delivery from the right. It was the Dane’s second goal in the past two away games. It was 2-0 shortly after the half-hour.

Winger Theo Walcott, back in the starting lineup, won a free-kick near the edge of the area for

a foul by Douglas Luiz.

Ward-Prowse stepped up and whipped the ball past Emiliano Martinez.

And just before halftime, the club’s former youth player repeated the trick after Matthew Cash had handled a yard outside the box. Ings curled in an exquisite shot after the break for Saints’ fourth before Tyrone Mings managed to pull a goal back with 28 minutes of regular time still remaining, but the hosts could not build on it until the game was in its final moments.

Ollie Watkins fired in from the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage time, before Jack Grealish struck home from outside the area with al-

most the final kick of the match. Smith’s side drop to seventh, a point behind Southampton. The current longest-serving player, Ward-Prowse has experienced a handful of highs and a clutch of lows with the club in his nine seasons at St Mary’s.

When Hasenhuttl was at his lowest ebb last October, following the 9-0 drubbing by Leicester, he looked to the likes of his skipper and Ings to bail him out of trouble. They did so and now the Austrian boss is getting the most out of the pair at the other end of the table. WardProwse’s ability from setpieces is unquestionable, but on Sunday he reached new heights:

New Castle beat Everton 2-1

Everton missed the chance to return to the top of the Premier League as Callum Wilson scored twice to give Newcastle a first win in three matches.

Former Bournemouth forward Wilson opened the scoring - converting a penalty he had won after being fouled by Andre Gomes - and then tapped in a second from Ryan Fraser’s looping cross.

The result means Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain second, three points behind Liverpool, while the Magpies move up to 10th.

After a largely uneventful first half, the game sparked into life in the second period.

Aleem Dar breaks record for most ODIs as umpire

Rawalpindi, Nov 1 (IANS): Aleem Dar on Sunday surpassed Rudi Koertzen’s record of most ODIs as an umpire in the second match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Dar has now officiated in 210 ODIs, and is followed by Koertzen (209), Billy Bowden (200), Steve Bucknor (181) and Simon Taufel and Daryl Harper (174).

The 52-year-old, who played first-class cricket in Pakistan for over a decade as an all-rounder before taking up umpiring, had also made his ODI debut in Pakistan, when he stood in a match against Sri Lanka in his hometown of Gujranwala in 2000.

Last year, Dar passed Bucknor to the top of the Test umpires’ list. He holds the record of officiating in 132 Tests and is second in the list of T20Is, only behind compatriot Ahsan Raza, with 46 T20Is. He has officiated in 387 international matches so far, the most by any umpire.

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