April 29, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 142

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 Pages 6 (Online Edition)

Delhi HC seeks Centre’s stand on arrest of CAA protesters national, Page 3

COVID-19 cess: Petrol and diesel get costlier in Nagaland DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): Nagaland government on Tuesday decided to impose COVID-19 cess on petrol and diesel with effect from April 28 midnight.

As per the notification, issued through OSD Finance department, Taliremba, people would now have to pay additional Rs 5 per litre of diesel and Rs. 6 per litre of petrol and motor spirit.

Extension of visa for foreigners in Dmu

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DC Dmu orders strict compliance of norms

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): Hundreds of vehicles jammed roads in Dimapur city while thousands of people rushed to markets afterthe administration permitted all shops to opened form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the gradual relaxation of the lockdown.

DC Dimapur Anoop Kinchi had allowed retail shops dealing with essential commodities and medicines in Murgipatti and GS Road areas to remain open from 9 am to 2 p.m with effect from April 28. These included only shops deemed as ‘stand alone’ or not located as clusters in heavily populated shopping areas have been permitted to reopen.

In his order dated April 26, the DC allowed opening of shops for truck repairs along the highway by maintaining the stipulated social distancing norms.

All shops, including those in residential complex and market complexes, except those at multi-brand and single brand malls, outside the limits of municipalities and town councils have been allowed to open between 9 am and 2 pm with

View of a crowded market place in Dimapur, defying all safety norms on Tuesday. (NP)

Stranded Nagas raise issue Covid-19 cases near 30k on relief amount; SBI clarifies mark; death toll at 937

mandatory was totally ignored as people acted as though COVID-19 pandemic has taken a break after relaxation of the lockdown.

Public transport, including autorickshaws and cabs services, continue to remain prohibited.

It may be mentioned that the current nationwide lockdown was extended from April 14 to May 3 and on April 27 Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions on whether or not to extend it with all chief ministers. The outcome of the meeting was to continue with the lockdown till midMay with further relaxations in non ‘hot spot’ zones under various states.

Taking serious note of violations of government safety guidelines, deputy commissioner Dimapur, Anoop Kinchi has directed all executive magistrates and incident commanders to strictly enforce the April 15 order, issued by the chief secretary, in public places  Wearing of face cover is compulsory in all public places, work places.  All persons in charge of public places, work places and transport shall ensure social distancing as per the guidelines.  No organization/ manager of public place shall allow gathering of 5 or more persons.  Gatherings such as marriages, funerals shall remain regulated by DM.  Spitting in public spaces is punishable with fine.  Strict ban on sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco etc. and spitting should be strictly prohibited.

DC warned of action against the defaulters as per IPC and Disaster Management Act 2005.

BSL-3 and 2 lab to be ready soon: Gov DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, R.N. Ravi on Tuesday informed that the work for the Bio-Safety Laboratory-2 (BSL) at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur will commence right after the completion of the BSL-3 lab at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).

According to Ravi, in a tweet by @RajBhavanKo-

hima: “It (BSL-2) is likely to be made operational by mid May.” Ravi also expressed happiness that the much awaited BSL-III at NHAK was likely to be operational by first week of May. Earlier, during the day Ravi also held weekly review meeting on COVID-19 preparedness level in the with senior officials led by chief secretary Temjen Toy.

Disposal of bio-waste as per SOP: H&FW Kohima Correspondent adds: State Health and Family Welfare secretary, Kesonyu Yhome on Tuesday said that the department has put in place all safety norms as per standard operating procedure (SOP) for disposal/treating bio-wastes.

Any contaminated water emanating out of bio safety level (BSL) laboratories will be filtered through a plant to ensure that with chlorination process, the contaminated water is distilled and does not contaminate the soil, Yhome said.

Referring to the ongoing construction of BSL laboratories in Kohima and

Dimapur, Yhome, who also heads the committee set up to fast-track completion of the labs, said the SOP was being strictly followed to ensure that all wastes that emanated out of the laboratories were treated so that environment was not contaminated.

Asserting that all safety norms and protocols given

by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was being strictly conformed with to ensure that ICMR certification was obtained upon completion of the setting-up process, he also informed that the final consignment for both BSL labs was expected very soon.

Nagaland govt procures 10 BLS ambulances Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, APR 28 (NPN): Health &Family Welfare department, funded by the state government, procured 10 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, to be dispatched to various districts to cater to the health care centres where there were no ambulances.

A brief dedicatory programme was held outside the COVID-19 hospital Dimapur in the presence of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom, host of minsters, advisors and senior officials.

The dedicatory prayer was led by Dimapur district Hospital chaplain, Y. Thong.

Later, Rio also inspected the wards, toilets, newly installed 500kVA transformer & 125kVA generator.

In a tweet, Pangnyu said: “I am happy that the 10 Ambulances purchased

Consider ‘one nation, one ration card’ scheme: SC to Govt

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international, Page 6

Lockdown knocked down by indiscipline

50% staff strength by wear- Many felt apprehensive that DIMAPUR, APR 28 ing masks and adhering to such blatant disregard for (NPN): Commissioner of social distancing could spur social distancing norms. police (CP) and foreigners But despite the clear community transmission. registration officer (FRO) announcement made by Desperate daily wage laDimapur has informed that the district administration, bourers were working in regular visa, e-visa or stay public paid no heed to it and groups while many thronged stipulation, for foreign nacame out of their homes in market places seemingly aptionals who were stranded large numbers, many with- pearing unconcerned about in Dimapur due to spread out face masks. the threat of COVID-19. of COVID-19 pandemic and While permitting reAfter the scene throughsubsequent travel restrictions opening of shops, the gov- out Dimapur on Tuesday, imposed and visas which ernment has reiterated that one health worker lamented had expired or due for expiry social distancing should that violating social distancduring the period February continue to be maintained at ing norm on the streets and 1, 2020 (midnight) to May all costs in order to prevent markets would render the 3, 2020 (midnight) would likely spread of COVID-19 efforts to contain COVIDbe extended till midnight of into community transmis- 19 meaningless. The public May 3, 20200 on “gratis” sion or stage 3. Though it is simply refused to adhere to basis on application via https://indianfrro.gov.in/ a normal scene to see thou- the social distancing norm frro (Dimapur FRO helpline sands of people out on the as witnessed at several marNo.7085065056/email frostreets and in market places, ket places and shops. Even nadpr@nic.in). In a circular, on Tuesday, it was a shock. wearing of masks made CP and FRO Dimapur also informed that exit permit for stay upto May 17, 2020 could be applied for free of cost. However, CP and FRO stated that overstay penalty NEW DELHI, APR 28 (AGENwould be applicable beyond DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): Several stranded CIES): Total number of novel corothat time period.

Nagas outside Nagaland have reached out to navirus cases in the country rose to state government, through social media plat- 29,974 Tuesday after adding 1,594 NU dismisses ‘fake’ the forms, raising issues about relief amount being fresh Covid-19 patients in the last 24 UG exam routine reversed from their accounts. hours, according to the latest Ministry A stranded Naga posted on the official twit- of Health and Family Welfare data.

DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): Nagaland Univer- ter handle of the state government (@MyGovNa- In addition to that, the death toll also sity (NU) has dismissed a galand) that: “Covid-19 financial assistance for increased by 51 to 937, it said. fake examination routine stranded citizens outside Nagaland was credited Global tally surpasses 3 milof undergraduate (UG) 6th to our account and the same amount is being lion: Globally, the novel coroanvirus Semester that was being cir- reversed....” cases have surpassed 3 million count Another person on twitter claimed Rs.4000 while the death toll has crossed culated on social media such as WhatsApp and clarified was deposited. However, when the amount was 212,0000 deaths, according to Johns that the university has not reversed, the person claimed that an amount of Hopkins University Data. issued any such notification. Rs.4500 was debited instead.

In a press release, NU PRO SBI Nagaland secretariat branch clarifies Nagaland: Results of 19 awaited State Health & Family Welfare Peter Ki has appealed to all Following several complaints, the State department till date had sent 639 responsible not to be misled by the fake notification. PRO Bank of India (SBI) Nagaland Secretariat branch, (cumulative) COVID-19 suspected informed that the university Kohima branch manager Tuesday clarified on samples for testing, including 10 would officially notify the the issue regarding the beneficiary working list samples sent on April 28. The result of 620 have so far reported negative examination routine on its credited and reversed on April 27, 2020.

SBI said that there were many instances of while results of 19 were awaited, it website as and when the same accounts with different names. However, added. HW&W stated that 38 persituation permits.

ANCU demands ac- the branch manager said that SBI consulted with sons were under facility quarantine.

Meanwhile, all the District Hostion: All Nagaland College the state government on the issue of the list. “The verified beneficiary lists from the state governpitals have been advised to continue Students’ Union (ANCdelivery of selected services such as SU) has condemned the ment will be credited on 28.04.2020,” it said.

Nagaland Post tried to contact the SBI OPD and other day care services till perpetrator(s) involved in circulation of fake under- branch at 0370-2271238 for comment, but to such time COVID-19 related patients were admitted in the Hospital. graduate exam routine and no avail. appealed to the law enforcing agencies to bring those responsible to book and award befitting punishment. In a press release, ANCSU presi- NEW DELHI, APR 28 dent Vimeyiekho Vitso and (PTI): The Supreme Court general secretary Imnameren has asked the Centre to N Jamir said the union had consider the feasibility of confirmed from NU registrar ‘temporarily’ adopting the that no revised/new UG ‘one nation, one ration card’ Exam routine has been is- scheme during the ongoing sued by the university. coronavirus lockdown period to enable the migrant workers and economically weaker sections (EWS) get subsidised foodgrain. The central government scheme the launching of the scheme, lockdown in the State / is scheduled to be launched for the benefit of migrant UTs even if they are not in in June this year. workers, beneficiaries and their respective home State / A bench of Justices N citizens of other states Union Territory by way of a V Ramana, Sanjay Kishan stranded in different places mandamus to the concerned Kaul and B R Gavai, in an due to the nationwide lock- authorities to temporarorder passed on Monday down. “The petitioner seeks ily adopt One Nation One said: “We direct the Union the indulgence of this court Umbrella Policy during the of India to consider whether to protect and safeguard epidemic of corona due to it is feasible for it to imple- right of migrant labourers absence of scheme of One ment the said Scheme at /beneficiaries / citizens of Nation One Rashan Card,” this stage or not and take other States/ UT/ tour- the plea said. appropriate decision in this ists to get their entitlement Kansal claimed that regard keeping in view the of subsidized foodgrain States and Union Territories “COVID-19 has deprived present circumstances”. and benefits of government have been giving preferences us of imported food. Now The top court disposed scheme etc introduced dur- to its respective citizens and swine fever is depriving of a plea filed by advocate ing the epidemic of coro- voters and denying benefits us of pork.”

Reepak Kansal, who sought navirus and nationwide of subsidized grains / foods

This is it!

Pandemic ‘far from over’, children at risk: WHO chief

/shelter/ medical facilities to the migrants labourers or citizens of other states/ UTs due to absence of local identity proof like Ration card/residential proof or voter card even during the unprecedented nationwide lockdown due to epidemic of COVID-19.

“The scheme...announced by Central Government is about to start...

June, 2020. Due to lack of scheme of One Nation One Ration Card and another policy/ circular/notification by Central government to protect the rights of migrant labourers in regard to protect the lives and health of above-said section. “The said section of the society has not been getting benefits of schemes of Central and State government including subsidized food grains, shelter and medical facilities (except Corona treatment),” the plea said.

Neiphiu Rio with cabinet colleagues and officials at COVID-19 hospital Dimapur.

by the DHFW, GON has reached Dimapur. The Ambulance will be distributed immediately to cater to the need of the districts to combat the pandemic.”

When contacted, Health and Family Welfare secretary Kesonyu Yhome said that the ambulances were procured considering the urgency of the situation across the state.

Funded by state government, one ambulance cost over Rs. 18, Yhome said. The allocation of ambulances to various districts will be carried out from Wednesday, he said.

Set up testing labs in 10 days: GHC tells govt DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench has asked the state government to ready at least two COVID-19 testing labs within 10 days.

Acting on a PIL filed by V Suokhrie, a division bench of Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice S. Hukato Swu ordered the state government to “make at least two testing labs of Covid-19 functional within 10 days”.

The court had ordered the state government to gear up and make sure that the two main hospitals, one in Kohima and the other in Dimapur, are ready for functioning. The court also directed the government to “make every effort to establish other labs at strategic places in the state to facilitate free testing in the future”. (Cont’d on p-3)

CM inspects COVID-19 Hospital State chief minister Neiphiu Rio Tuesday visited the COVID-19 Hospital, Dimapur to take stock of the preparedness level and expressed satisfaction with the progress made since his last visit. Rio inspected wards, toilets, newly installed 500kVA transformer and 125kVA generator at the Hospital.

After his visit to COVID-19 Hospital, the chief minister held meeting with Dimapur district administration, police, medical department and members

of the special Committee Dimapur in the presence of minister health and family welfare, Pangnyu Phom, his other colleagues and advisors and other officials including the chief secretary Nagaland and secretary health and family welfare in the conference Hall of Commissioner Police Dimapur.

At the meeting, Rio remarked that Dimapur was doing well so far and encouraged all responsible to continue to work not only for Dimapur district but for the whole (Cont’d on p-3) State.

Cement syndicates hiking prices: HMAD DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): Hardware Merchants Association, Dimapur (HMAD) alleged hike in prices of cement in Dimapur, which it termed as disturbing as it had come at a time when the world is fighting COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter addressed to DC Dimapur, HMAD president K. Denis pointed out that hiking cement prices at this time not only affected the economy, but that it was also morally wrong on the part of some dealers and distributors to take undue advantage of the situation.

HMAD also stated that the prevalence of a cement syndicate was a known fact though this had not been exposed in public. It said distribution of cement in North East has become a monopoly as it was being dominated by a handful

of cement brands. It said people requiring cement had to compromise by paying more than the usual rates, thus encouraging the sellers to have their own way.

HMAD alleged that a particular cement brand, that was sold at a retail price of Rs 420 per bag prior to lockdown, was now being sold at Rs 480 and another brand that was sold at Rs 440 earlier was now being sold at Rs 500-550. It warned that such increase in rates of cement would result in exorbitant of prices of the product in other districts of the State. HMAD also warned that production units would take undue advantage of these rates and hike prices in the coming days and therefore, urged the administration to look into the matter on priority basis and “stop black marketing” of cement.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Mock drills, meetings held as part of COVID-19 pandemic preparedness

DIMAPUR: District and Sub-Division Task Force (DTF) for COVID-19 across the state conducted mock drills in their respective jurisdictions as part of COVID-19 preparedness. The district and sub-divisional administrations have also been conducting meetings and issuing directives, appeals and advisory in an effort to contain the spread of the deadly virus. It may be noted that in view of the nationwide lockdown which came into force on March 24 midnight, the state government and its agencies have been taking all measures to enforce the lockdown while also ensuring that public get an access to essential commodities. The state government has also allowed limited commercial activities across the state. In this regard, deputy commissioners of the eleven districts have issued an order permitting limited activities. However, the DCs have emphasised that social distancing as specified in the National COVID-19 Directives and Standard Operation Procedure, Protocol for social distancing must be followed.

KIPHIRE District

MOKOKCHUNG DISTRICT

TUENSANG DISTRICT

PEREN DISTRICT

A patient being treated for COVID-19 during a mock drill A patient carried on a stretcher during the mock drill at AWWs and ASHAs of DHS Tuensang sewing face masks. at District Hospital Kiphire. (DIPR) CHC Changtongya. (DIPR)

Mock drill at DHK: Mock drill in preparedness for management of COVID-19 patients was conducted Tuesday at District Hospital Kiphire (DHK).

According to DIPR report, a team from medical department of Kiphire demonstrated different stages which included –bringing the patients by ambulance to the COVID 19 hospital where the patients were send for testing; sample collection where the lab technician take the swab sample and seal the VTM and hand over to the designated police personnel for transporting to laboratory; sealing of dead body following standard management guidelines and handing over of dead bodies to relatives. The mock drill also demonstrated bio medical waste management.

DTF meeting on COVID-19: District Task Force (DTF) Kiphire organized a meeting on April 27 at DPDB hall chaired

by Deputy Commissioner

(DC) Sarita Yadav n.

According to DIPR report, MS Kiphire briefed the gathering on responsive mechanism and informed that guidelines of the government, members of ANMs, ASHAs, AWWs and Red Cross Society were trained and have been undertaking the duties.

Except the saloons, hotels, shops have been allowed to open from next marketing day i.e. April 29 from morning 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The DC reiterated that that all precautionary measures have to be observed during shopping hours adhering to the government guidelines such as social distancing and using of sanitizers. Vehicular movements are also restricted till May 3.

DEO Kiphire informed the members that online study materials have been dispatched to the students of government schools. Under mid day meal scheme, rice and other food items are being distributed to the students.

Mock drill at CHC Changtongya: COVID-19 pandemic preparedness mock drill was carried out on Tuesday at Community Health Centre Changtongya.

According to DIPR report, the mock drill focused on the management of any patience coming to the centre with the symptoms of COVID-19. The drill was also witness by the administration, police and medical staffs.

Temporary OPD services: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mokokchung, Dr. R. Chubala Aier has informed that subsequent to the earlier information, temporary arrangements for OPD services have been made for patients to avail service of doctors.

CMO Mokokchung has informed that the services can be availed at UPHC Yimyu, OPD service and normal deliveries, Kumlong Sub- Centre, OPD service and Impur Diagnostic Centre and OPD & treatment. Further, it has been informed that

doctors will be available in all the centres for free consultation.

CCF unveils #MokokchungRainbows banner: Christian Community Fellowship (CCF) under Mokokchung Town o n Tu e s d ay u nve i l e d #MokokchungRainbows banner and erected the same at the main town square. #MokokchungRainbows aims bring peace, hope and colour to the town. It also a symbol of encouragement for the frontline workers and COVID-19 patients.

The banner is a result of the #MokokchungRainbows project that was launched on March 27 encouraging families to spend quality time together, be creative and learn about God’s promises during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Anyone wanting to participate has been asked to send their photos to +918974061977 (Whatsapp) or share on the Mokokchung Rainbows Facebook page.

AWWs, ASHAs sew face masks: Frontline workers Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) under District Health Society (DHS) Tuensang sewed 500 masks.

The masks were distributed to the people at Hakchang village under Tuensang Sadar block on April 27.

Sub-divisional task meeting at Noklak: A subdivisional task force meeting was held in Noklak which was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) M.Chaitanya Prasad.

According to DIPR report, all the initiative taken so far with regard to quarantine center up-gradation, sanitation measure, patrolling duties and essential commodities was discussed with the members. The members suggested the

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will Modi announce continuation or lifting of lockdown?

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

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

A

B

A Continuation.

B Lifting.

C Can’t Say.

C

83% 17% 0%

Next poll

Q: Is the state govt justified

Officers proposed for COVID-19 duty under IRS undergoing training at DPDB Hall Kohima. (DIPR)

Training for officers proposed for COVID-19 duty under IRS: One day training for officers proposed for COVID-19 duty under Inci-

dent Response Team (IRS) was conducted by office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) KohimaTuesday at DPDB hall.

for treatment.

They also informed that 37 people from Nagaland have been accommodated at Northeast Shelter Home Chennai, and that hundreds of people from Nagaland are still in need of basic food and shelter as most of them have lost their jobs.

NSUC said due to closure of educational institutions and extension of lockdown more people have been stranded.

As there is no Nagaland House in Chennai, NSUC said these stranded people have nowhere to go

and are facing untold hardships.

With Chennai declared as a “red zone”, NSUC said the students and unskilled workers from Nagaland are suffering and dependent on Nagaland government and well wishers.

NSUC informed that the union along with the Nagaland state nodal officer, Wapang Toshi, who is also the Pastor of Naga Christian Fellowship Chennai, has so far reached out to more than 500 Nagas through financial support and ration supply from Nagaland government.

Army bust NSCN(I-M) hideout in Mon

in increasing excise on petrol and diesel?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST April 29

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A thunderstorm in the area

30 22

Aizawl

A strong morning thunderstorm 24 17

Guwahati Showers and thunderstorms

30 21

An afternoon t-storm or two

26 17

Imphal

Itanagar Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

24 17

Shillong

Partly sunny, a heavy t-storm 21 12

Kohima

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm 20 14

Dimapur A thunderstorm in spots Mkg

A thunderstorm

Tuensang A p.m. t-storm in spots Wokha

28 19 22 15 15 11

A stray morning thunderstorm 23 17

Zunheboto Clearing, a t-storm in spots

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A temporary hideout of NSCN (I-M) near Longting under Mon district set ablaze.

(PRO Defence)

DIMAPUR: A joint operation comprising of troops from Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Nagaland police reportedly busted a temporary hideout of NSCN (I-M)

19 contact line listing, house to house search of suspected COVID-19 cases in a cluster, daily reporting format for Supervisor/block, contact listing and follow-up for frontline health workers and COVID-19 dead body management.

Demonstration on proper hand washing technique and donning and doffing of PPEs were also carried out.

Mon DISTRICT

NSCB Mon branch to allow cash withdrawal: Deputy Commissioner, Mon has informed all concerned that the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB) has agreed to allow the Village Council Chairman/Village Council Secretary/Village Development Board (VDB) thority (DDMA) will be Secretar y to withdraw conducting a mock drill on money on behalf of the April 29 at District hospital villagers, if they are unable to come to the bank Wokha.

According to DIPR report, the main objective of the training was to ensure that the IRS was prepared to tackle any issue relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the district.

The resource persons gave a detailed explanation along with visual presentations on seven vital topics – introduction of COVID-19, containment strategy, roles and responsibilities, contact tracing, data management, personal protective measures and end of life care management.

The training was conducted by a team of six resource

37 in NE shelter home, over 1000 stranded: NSUC

KOHIMA, APRIL 28(NP): After nationwide lockdown was enforced on March 24 midnight, Naga Students Union Chennai (NSUC) has informed that it has identified more than 1000 people from Nagaland stranded in and around Chennai.

NSUC president, Chibenthung and advisor, Keviletuo Richard Yano informed Nagaland Post that the stranded people include students, working people, tourist and patients/people who are in Chennai

Training for frontline workers: Medical Department, Peren organised training for police personnel, ASHAs & Anganwadi workers Tuesday at ADC Jalukie, Conference Hall.

According to DIPR report, resource persons DSO, Dr. Kevi Meyase, MO CHC Jalukie, Dr. Albert and DIO, Dr. Asangla spoke on cluster containment strategy and community surveillance, COVID-

themselves due to the lockdown.

However, the DC has informed that the authorized individual will have to produce authorization letter from the respective bank account holder along with fully filled withdrawal form.

It has been informed that the withdrawal forms can be collected in bulk from the NSCB Mon branch.

Kohima DISTRICT

block level have been directed to conduct the said training in their respective blocks and submit an action taken report supported by photos of the training conducted at their blocks.

Nine villages to allow burial: Nine villages under Longleng district namely Tangha, Yonglok, Namhaching, Apoiji, Shetap, Orangkong and Auching have declared to allow burial of COVID-19 victims in the village cemeteries.

According to DIPR report, the respective village council, students’ union, church and citizens’ forum of the villages made the declaration after rumours spread that the COVID-19 victims would be denied community cemetery for burial.

Correspondent

MO CHC Jalukie demonstrating donning and doffing of PPEs during the training for frontline workers. (DIPR)

WOKHA DISTRICT

Mock drill on April 29: Wokha District Task Force on COVID-19 and District Disaster management Au-

LONGLENG DISTRICT Training on contract tracing of COVID-19 cases: Deputy Commissioner of Longleng, M. Shayung Phom, has informed that a training of “Contract Tracing of COVID-19 cases” for the departments and organisations will be held at Deputy Commissioner (DC)’s office lobby.

According to DIPR report, training for the surveillance team Longleng block and Police force will be held on April 29, 11 a.m. while training for the Red Cross Society Longleng, NYKS, ward authorities and Phom Students’ Conference (PSC) will be held on April 30, 2 p.m. All concerned have been directed to attend the training.

Further, medical officer at the

need to further sensitise the interior village with regard to usage of mask and social distancing.

SMO, Noklak Victor NC highlighted shortage of doctors in Noklak and the house agreed to recommend to the government immediate posting of gynaecologist.

The members also dwelled on the need for PPEs and body bags as precautionary measures.

It was decided to write to higher authority to ask for additional protective equipment and disinfectant.

Mock drill on April 29: In view of potential outbreak of COVID - 19 in the district, Tuensang District Task Force (DTF) on COVID and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will be conducting a mock drill on April 29 at GHSS Tuensang.

near Longting under Mon district on April 26, 2020.

In a press release, PRO (defence) Lt Col Sumit K Sharma said a search operation was launched

by the troops based on a specific input regarding setting up of a temporary hideout by NSCN(I-M) in the area. During the operation, PRO said a temporary

hideout comprising of a living area with eight-ten and a kitchen was busted by the security forces.

The troops also recovered rations, utensils and other ancillaries from the camp, PRO said, adding that the hideout was destroyed in presence of police representative.

According to PRO, the items recovered from the camp were handed over to Tizit police station and a FIR was lodged for violation of cease fire ground rules by NSCN(I-M) for further investigations.

PPRO said the joint operation was carried out as part of their continued efforts to check violation and enforce cease fire ground rules.

persons – CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokhulu Theyo, deputy CMO, Dr. Hoito Sema, MO, MMU, Dr. Ruyangulie Paphino, DSO, Dr. Aseno Rhetso, DTO, Dr. Asunu Thong and DPO (RCH/UIP), Dr. Rupert Peseyie.

The training was followed by a brief discussion on a table top exercise for the district incident response team with regard to conducting a district level mock drill on April 30.

DC Kohima informs on lockdown: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima Gregory Thejawelie NCS, has informed

ANCSU asks students to wait for UGC guidelines DIMAPUR: All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has urged the student community to wait for the final guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) which would be notified through Nagaland University (NU).

In a press release, ANCSU president, Vimeyiekho Vitso and general secretary, Imnameren N Jamir informed the students that University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted two committees – one to look into the issues related to examination and academic calendar and the other to look into issues related with promoting online education.

ANCSU said two committees of NU had submitted it reports on April 24.

As such, the union has informed the student community that after the final guidelines/advisories are issued by the UGC, the NU would notify the needful.

Further, ANCSU expressed that hope that NU would consider the “facility limitations” of the state and take appropriate steps to facilitate the exam and academic related matters. The union then said, “Nevertheless, the value of human life should prevail.”

that the lockdown measures in Kohima district will continue as notified earlier till the May 3.

According to DIPR report, the order is in continuation to the April 19 order and considering the overall prevailing situation within Kohima district and as a precautionary measure to encourage social distancing due to the COVID19 pandemic crisis.

The DC re-iterated that the restrictions for shop opening days and timings, public and vehicular movement will stand as notified earlier.

Swine Flu: Dimapur begins CSF vaccination

DIMAPUR: Amidst reports of outbreak of swine fever in nearby Jorhat and Sivasagar districts of Assam, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has informed that first phase of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) vaccination has began on April 28.

The DC in a circu-

lar has informed that the first phase will target colonies namely Aoyimkum, Senjum, Indisen, Rilan, Aokong, Lingrijan, Notun Bosti and LRC. All GBs, chairman of the colony and villages have been requested to cooperate with the district administration.

A Halo around the sun in Dimapur on April 28. This spectacle was also visible in Kiphire. A Sun halo is caused by the refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light through ice particles suspended within thin, wispy, high altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. (NP)

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national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

re-infection minuscule, CFD holds meeting with govt officials Delhi HC seeks Centre’s stand Covid-19 RT-PCR certified cure reliable: Govt on arrest of CAA protesters NEW DELHI, APRIL 28 (IANS): The Delhi High Court has sought Centre’s stand over a plea seeking court’s direction restraining the police from picking or arresting the Delhi riots-2020 victims/ persons protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act on the pretext of investigation and sending them to jail in riots-related cases during lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.

While issuing notice on the plea filed by Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, the court said, “All the individuals named in the petition, who are stated to have been arrested thus far, are at liberty to institute appropriate proceedings, in accordance with law, including seeking regular bail, before the courts of competent jurisdiction, in the meantime.”

The petition said when the country is fighting against the pandemic Covid-19, the Delhi police on the pretext of investigation of offences related to the riots in February

is arresting suspects from their houses and sending them to jail. This has come at a time when the Supreme Court has suomotu taken cognizance of the pandemic’s spread and directed all states and Union Territories to decongest jails and release prisoners on bail, parole and furloughs.

“The unilateral, arbitrary and unwarranted act of Delhi Police, if not checked, will frustrate the very purpose of order passed by the Supreme Court and would also frustrate the purpose of ‘emergency parole’ for inmates which the Delhi government introduced by

amending its Prison Rules and newly inserted rule in Delhi Prison Rules for reducing congestion in jails by directing the release of prisoners,” the plea said.

The plea also stated that the role of the Delhi Police is “biased, having communal colour” and it is also “discriminatory.”

The Jamiat Ulama-IHind also sought court’s directions to hold the investigation which is being carried out in connection with the riots that broke out in the North East district of the national capital.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a retired judge is carrying out the probe.

Pandemic, blessing in disguise for India: Health Minister

Gurugram, Faridabad borders may be sealed: Vij

Harsh Vardhan NEW DELHI, APRIL 28 (IANS):Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday said that the coronavirus pandemic has come in India as a blessing in disguise as it has given impetus to various activities under the Make in India project.

The Health Minister while addressing a video conferencing with autonomous institutes and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Department of Biotechnology, said, “this pandemic has come as a blessing in disguise for India as lots of activities have also started in make in India.

We are now manufacturing PPEs and have over hundred manufacturers in the country. We are making 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh PPEs ev-

eryday in the country”.

Harsh Vardhan also said that the whole country has been waiting very anxiously for the contribution of the Indian scientists whether it is about discovery of new drug or successful trial of drugs which are used at present, or discovery of a vaccine or indigenous testing kits.

According to the Health Minister pre-lockdown the doubling rate of the cases in India was around 3 days but for the last 14 days it had been 8.2 and for the last 7 days it was 10.2. In the last 3 days it is 10.9. “This is a very significant progress,” said the Health Minister.

“A hundred and 29 districts where there are a significant number of cases, around 15 or less, we call them hotspots. These are the places where we are focusing our approach on cluster containment and disease outbreak containment strategies. There is house to house survey in five kilometers area. Right now in the last 24 hours there are 16 states which have not reported any new case,” Harsh Vardhan said.

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 28 (IANS): With the continuous spike in coronavirus cases relating to people daily travelling to Delhi for work, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Tuesday said after Sonepat, the state is considering sealing borders in Gurugram and Faridabad districts with the national capital.

“The state is considering sealing all borders with Delhi, including those in Gurugram and Faridabad,” Vij, who also holds the health portfolio, told the media.

He said that 18 cases have been reported in the state linked to daily commuters of the state working in Delhi. Vij, on Sunday, asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to make arrangements to check the daily commuters between Haryana and the national capital and limit the issuance of lockdown passes.

He also blamed the Delhi government for allowing entry of Tablighi Jamaat members, who were allegedly responsible for spreading the virus in the state.

Delhi allows electricians, plumbers; sale of books

NEW DELHI, APRIL 28 (IANS):The Delhi government has allowed from Tuesday some relaxation in the ongoing lockdown and has approved services of electricians, plumbers and sale of educational books even as it has said no other relief will be given till May 3.

In an order issued late on Monday night, the government also allowed the movement of inter, intra state and air travel of all healthcare workers and scientists.

In the Healthcare sector, veterinary hospitals, dispensaries, clinics, pathological laboratories, sale and supply of vaccine and medicine have been allowed, the order said.

“Movement (inter and intra state, including by air) of all medical and veterinary personnel, scientists, nurses, paramedical staff, lab technician, mid-wives and other hospital support services, including ambulances will be allowed,” the order signed by chief secretary Vijay Dev said.

Also, it has allowed K Y M C

the operations of homes for children, disabled, mentally challenged, senior citizens, destitute, women and widows.

The order also said that online teaching and distance learning are to be encouraged.

“Shops of educational books for students and shops selling electric fans have also been allowed to open,” the order said.

Apar t from these, services provided by selfemployed persons such as electricians, plumbers or those repairing water purifiers have also been allowed.

For all other services, the order directed to maintain “status-quo” with respect to strict implementation of guidelines issued for the lockdown till May 3 or further orders.

From April 20, the Centre has allowed some relaxation, but the city government maintained the “status-quo” without any relaxation.

On April 26, Cheif Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that only standalone shops will be allowed

to open in the city.

Speaking to the media, Kejriwal had said the Central government has decided to open a few neighbourhood shops, we will follow the MHA order in Delhi as well.

“The essential services will remain open, but the markets, complexes, and shopping malls will remain shut. Only standalone and neighbourhood shops such as those in residential areas will be allowed to open. However, standalone and neighbourhood shops that fall under the containment area will remain closed.

Nothing else, other than what is mentioned in this order, will be allowed to re-open till May 3, which is another one week,” Kejriwal said.

However, the order said the additional services are allowed from Tuesday “after an assessment of the overall situation”, which was done on Monday.

Delhi has reported more than 3,100 COVID cases so far with 100 containment zones across the city.

NEW DELHI, APRIL 28 (IANS): The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said number of cases of Covid-19 re-infection is very minuscule worldwide, and in the absence of any conclusive evidence, patients certified as cured through RT-PCR test are perfectly alright.

At the daily briefing, Joint Secretary, Health, Lav Agarwal, said: “Globally, number of cases of Covid-19 re-infection is very minuscule; hence, in absence of conclusive evidence, we have to surely consider that those patients who have been certified as cured as per RT-PCR - the gold standard for Covid-19 - are perfectly alright.”

Citing the increase in doubling time of cases, Agarwal added that the doubling time of cornavirus cases in India was 3-3.25 days before the lockdown, and now is around 10.2 days. “This is mainly because of our focus on containment, physical distancing and lockdown measures,” he added.

He insisted that if a Covid-19 patient is found to be infected at any health

Lav Agarwal facility, the facility can be reused after proper disinfection procedures. Similarly, workplaces where positive patients were found can be used after proper disinfection, Agarwal added.

Earlier during the day, Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a meeting with Department of Biotechnology and its 18 autonomous bodies and PSUs, asked them to fast-track development of antibody detection kits, RT-PCR detection kits and Covid-19 vaccine, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The Health Ministry said that in the last 24 hours, 1,543 new Covid-19 cases were reported, taking the total number of cases to 29,435.

CFD members and govt officials at the meeting on Tuesday.

DIMAPUR: A joint meeting of Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) and state government officials was held at Bishop’s House Dimapur on April 28 to share the concerns, challenges and enhancing possibilities of a strong collaborative mission to combat the COVID-19 pandemic

crisis According to CFD, the interactive meeting was a platform to discuss serious concerns and to assess and understand each other to chalk out ways to deal with the pandemic collectively.

The meeting was also addressed, APC and com-

missioner & secretary and district COVID-19 head, Y. Kikheto Sema; DC Dimapur Anoop Kinchi; secretary F&CS Honje Konyak.

Altogether 35 Church leaders representing various denominations participated in the emergency meeting called by CFD.

State govt freezes DA and DF

DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, the State government has decided put on halt the Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief of government employees and pensioners respectively due from January 1, 2020; July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021. However, they shall continue to be paid at the current rates till further order, a DIPR report stated.

The decision was in line with the Finance ministry OM dated April 23.

Accordingly, as and when a decision is taken by the Centre to release the future installment of Dearness Allowances due from July 1, 2021, the deferred enhancements of Dearness Allowances shall be prospectively restored and incorporated into the rate of July 2021 without arrears as specified in the OM, DIPR stated.

CM inspects COVID-19 Hospital Set up testing labs in 10 days: GHC tells govt (From p-1) With national lockdown 2.0 due to end on May 3, 2020, Rio has emphasised the need for educating the public to follow the social distancing guidelines.

Commenting on gradual opening up economic activities postlockdown, Rio said that though there was less presence of factories and industries in the state, shops and construction works needed to be regulated for economic activities.

With monsoon also fast approaching, Rio said that road and other development works needed to be activated. He also said that agricultural activities have to continue including lifting of machineries, sowing, harvesting as per directive from the central government.

Rio also expressed satisfaction with the marked improvement of Dimapur COVID-19 hospital as compared to his last visit on April 3, 2020. “A lot of good things have happened,” Rio observed.

Referring to WHO announcement that the virus could stay for a long time, Rio said “our preparedness should be ready for today if not tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Rio expressed his appreciation to the citizens of Dimapur, district administration, police, medical, members of the special committee, NGOs, Churches, various departments and all the people involved for working so hard thus far in containing COVID-19.

He also lauded the ministers and advisors for their support and cooperation in the fight against coronavirus and hoped that they would continue to play their role.

Rio expressed special appreciation to the H& FW minister, Pangnyu Phom for his full involvement working day and night, visiting several districts and bringing out orders for containing the pandemic.

State chief secretary, Temjen Toy, observed that isolation beds needed to be increased. He said that more people would be admitted in the isolation wards than COVID hospital. Toy explained that COVID suspects would first be kept in the isolation wards and only after the patient test for COVID positive they would be taken to COVID 19 hospital. He also acknowledged the performance and arrangements of Dimapur district in containing the virus so far.

Stating that the support of NGOs and civil society organisations was required at all fronts, Toy, however, reminded the district administration that under no circumstances could they substitute the government.

DC Dimapur Anoop Kinchi, commissioner of police Dimapur Rothihu Tetseo and special committee convenor, APC and commissioner secretary agriculture, Y Kikheto Sema also apprised the chief minister about the arrangements and preventive measure enforced in Dimapur city for containing the pandemic.

Nation awaits clear exit strategy from lockdown: Congress to PM

Randeep Surjewala NEW DELHI, APR 28 (PTI): The Congress on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spell out a clear exit strategy for coronavirus lockdown after May 3, saying the nation is waiting for it.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the prime minister is expected to lead the nation in crisis like these.

“We once again appeal to the prime minister to come out with a clear exit strategy for the lockdown, to state the roadmap for economic revival and to deal with the health pandemic post May 3, as also restrict the lockdown only to hotspot zones,” he told reporters at a press conference through video conferencing.

He said the chief ministers requested the prime minister to tell the nation what is the exit strategy from the lockdown.

“What is the government’s strategy on the health front and the economic front in terms of post lockdown period.

What is the roadmap for the future course after May 3. “How is the prime minister going to come out with financial action plan 2 as Sonia Gandhi has demanded and so have many experts, be it for starvation, migrant labour, or be it for kickstarting the economy or the small and medium enterprises,” the Congress leader said. The appeal comes a day after Modi met chief ministers of various states through video-conferencing and sought their views, while also spelling out the government’s strategy on tackling COVID-19.

Most of the chief ministers have demanded extension of the lockdown and urged prime minister to take a call on the exit strategy, while asking him to have a cautious approach in opening it.

(From p-1) The petitioner had raised questions about the state’s preparedness to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The Court also asked the state government to provide a sufficient number of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to all healthcare workers who are treating COVID-19 patients and looking after those who are in quarantine centres.

The government was also asked to take all efforts to make Intensive Care Unit facilities at all places identified for treatment of COVID-19 infected persons and increase the number of ventilators to facilitate the treatment in times of need.

SC seeks Centre’s respond order asking employers to pay wages NEW DELHI, APR 28, (PTI): The Supreme Court has granted two weeks time to the Centre to respond to a batch of pleas challenging its decision asking employers to pay full wages to their workers during the lockdown imposed to contain spread of COVID-19.

A bench of Justices N V Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and B R Gavai, in a hearing conducted through video conferencing, on Monday heard counsel for three private firms including Nagreeka Exports Limited and Ficus Pax Private Ltd against notifications of the Ministry of Home Affairs asking them to pay full wages to employees during lockdown.

“Solicitor General (Tushar Mehta) submits that he wants to file a response to these writ petitions. List after two weeks,” the bench said in its order.

The top court asked the pri-

vate firms to supply copies of their applications to the Solicitor General through e-mail. Textile firm ‘Nagreeka Exports Limited, one of the petitioners, has sought quashing of the government order asking employers to pay full salary to staff, contract workers, casual workers and other workers during the corona virus lockdown, even though factories are not operational. The firm engaged in manufacture and export of cotton yarns, fabric & textiles, stated in its plea that because of stoppage of operations since the lockdown, it has suffered losses to the tune of Rs.1.50 crore till the filing of the plea.

“On top of that, as per the said orders dated March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2020, Petitioner had to disburse full salaries to all its employees on its payroll, which amounts to approximately Rs.1.75 crores,” the petition said.

NHM to oversee essential health services DIMAPUR, APR 28 (NPN): In an important development, National Health Mission (NHM) has been made responsible for effective delivery of essential health services and mitigating health risks of general population in the State, while health & family welfare (H&FW) department will continue to focus on COVID-19 management.

According to a DIPR release, this has been done due to the unprecedented strain on public healthcare system and the entire focus currently being focused on COVID-19 preparedness,

response and mitigation activities.

As such, NHM mission director would personally interact with all districts and submit daily report on all KPIs by 2 and designate officials as in-charge districtwise to provide all necessary information. He would also personally oversee that on no account delivery of essential healthcare services to the general population is compromised.

Through another notification, the H&FW department has reminded all district hospitals to continue delivery of selected services like OPD and other day-

care services till such time COVID-19 patients were admitted.

The hospital authority would ensure adequate measures for social distancing and triaging, including barriers, to prevent intermingling of patients and to avoid overcrowding in conformity with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issue from time to time.

Further, all patients and attendants are to wear face masks at all times, while concerned health personnel would wear appropriate personal protective equipments as per extant SOPs, the notification stated.

AAR’COVID-free’ Pulwama in J&K witness positive case

SRINAGAR, APRIL 28 (IANS): Less than a week after it was declared as a COVID free district by the authorities, J&K’s Pulwama on Tuesday recorded a positive case forcing authorities to revisit their earlier decision.

An 18-year-old teenager belonging to Rahmoo village, who had a travel history to Delhi, tested positive on Tuesday.

Paramedics assisted by police are now trying to isolate the family members of the teenager and also neighbours who might have come into contact with him.

Authorities, however, tried to play down the development saying that the teenager had already been moved to quarantine and there was little chance of him having come into contact with others in the village. Experts had questioned the decision of the authorities to declare Pulwama as a COVID-free district.

“How can authorities do that hastily unless the entire population has been tested and then isolated from outside interaction,” said a prominent doctor here who did not want to be named.

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 142 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

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Virus under lockdown

ndia’s current lockdown is one of the largest COVID-19 national lockdown in the world which was extended to May 3. The prime minister Narendra Modi has consulted state chief ministers on April 27 on whether or not to lift the lockdown. As of April 27, India has reported over 28,000 confirmed cases and886 deaths from COVID-19 with the top three states being Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi.

A majority of the chief ministers who interacted with Prime Minister on Monday wanted the lockdown to continue after May 3 and asked him to adopt a cautious approach while opening it. The chief ministers were unanimous in telling the prime minister that the way the coronavirus is spreading, a “cautious approach” is needed while lifting the lockdown, which they said should continue, but economic activity should also start slowly. On the other hand, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed the Centre is making contradictory statements on enforcement of the lockdown, and alleged funds are not being provided to the state for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. What states want from the Centre is funds to combat COVID-19 as the lockdown has brought all economic activities to a grinding halt. One of the most challenging task for a lockdown is on the plight of millions of daily wage earners and migrant labourers. Millions of daily wage labourers suddenly lost their jobs, forcing hundreds of thousands to travel hundreds of kilometres (miles) back to their home villages, often on foot.

Others have been stranded in cities in cramped, unsanitary conditions where the virus could spread quickly. The lockdown has also given the government time to prepare for a possible surge in cases when the pandemic is forecasted to peak in the coming weeks. Still, India’s population of 1•3 billion across diverse states, health inequalities, widening economic and social disparities, and distinct cultural values present unique challenges. Preparedness and response to COVID-19 have differed at the state level. Kerala has drawn on its experience with the Nipah virus in 2018 to use extensive testing, contact tracing, and community mobilisation to contain the virus and maintain a very low mortality rate.

It has also set up thousands of temporary shelters for migrant workers. With the majority of states on April 27 telling the prime minister that the lockdown should be extended since they are still not cent per cent satisfied with the achievements. At the back of their minds lurks the fear that COVID-19 is hiding and could burst out in the open once the lockdown is totally lifted. The point is how long should the lockdown be continued, when no one can safely or correctly claim that the virus has been isolated within the ‘hot spots’? Simply having a lockdown is like a curfew that confines everybody inside homes but failing to trace and arrest the culprits. One of the most important objective is to trace and track COVID-19 and then treat those carrying the virus.

The problem is the huge challenge of testing a few million people in order to arrive at a clear picture about the virus. The other is to have a vaccine that is efficacious in treating COVID-19. These two are vital for containing and eliminating the virus. While these are under process, it is hoped the virus does not mutate into another form that it can elude and evade measures to eliminate it.

DailyDevotion What You Will Get I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go. —Jeremiah 45:5 This is the firm and immovable secret of the Lord to those who trust Him– “I will give your life to you….” What more does a man want than his life?

It is the essential thing. “…your life…as a prize…” means that wherever you may go, even if it is into hell, you will come out with your life and nothing can harm it. So many of us are caught up in exhibiting things for others to see, not showing off property and possessions, but our blessings. All these things that we so proudly show have to go. But there is something greater that can never go– the life that “is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Are you prepared to let God take you into total oneness with Himself, paying no more attention to what you call the great things of life? Are you prepared to surrender totally and let go? The true test of abandonment or surrender is in refusing to say, “Well, what about this?” Beware of your own ideas and speculations. The moment you allow yourself to think, “What about this?” you show that you have not surrendered and that you do not really trust God. But once you do surrender, you will no longer think about what God is going to do. Abandonment means to refuse yourself the luxury of asking any questions. If you totally abandon yourself to God, He immediately says to you, “I will give your life to you as a prize….”

The reason people are tired of life is that God has not given them anything— they have not been given their life “as a prize.” The way to get out of that condition is to abandon yourself to God. And once you do get to the point of total surrender to Him, you will be the most surprised and delighted person on earth. God will have you absolutely, without any limitations, and He will have given you your life. If you are not there, it is either because of disobedience in your life or your refusal to be simple enough.

Quotes

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. ~ George Halas

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

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COVID-19 in Nagaland: Lessons to be learned

ARS-CoV-2, otherwise known as COVID-19, is holding over 3 billion people hostage and has infected over 3 million people and killed more than 2,00,000 worldwide and still counting. Scientists around the world have pointed out that increasing interaction or contact between humans and wildlife reservoirs is one of the key drivers in Emerging Infectious Disease (EID) outbreaks. The ease of traveling anywhere around the globe in hours plays a significant role in spread of infectious diseases. A study published on bats Coronaviruses in March 2019 by the Wuhan Institute of Virology predicted that this was going to happen in China. But the early warning was ignored by the Government. Time and again in the recent past, emerging infectious diseases have waged wars on humanity; Hendra virus in 1994 (Australia), Nipah virus in 1998 (Malaysia), in 2018 (Kerala), in 2001 (Bangladesh), SARS-CoV in 2003, Avian Flu (H5N1) in 2008, lesser-known Marburg Virus in 1967, MERS-CoV in 2012, Ebola virus in 2014 and still going on in West Africa. All these infectious viruses’ hosts are almost certainly known to have originated from bats and subsequently jumped to humans with or without an intermediate host (mostly civets).

T h i s n ew C o r o n av i r u s (COVID-19), first emerged in Wuhan, China is believed to have originated from the wet market.

The first clusters of patients primarily were stall owners at the Huanan Seafood wholesale market in the central Wuhan,

who developed severe pneumonia.

Reports soon claimed the market sold not just seafood but different species of live wild animals kept in cages stacked one above the other in a cramped space, giving the virus perfect opportunity to spill over. The first SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in 2002-2003 (which also emerged in the wet markets in China), has created awareness among general public about the Coronavirus group of viruses and its potential to cause fatal infections in humans. The Coronavirus family is not new to science, research on Coronavirus dates back to as early as the 1930s.

The COVID-19 has caught us off guard. It has paralyzed the world’s economy, perplexed world leaders and mobilized scientific community to scramble for the cure. The global response to COVID-19 exposed the public health policy’s greatest failure in our generation.

This pandemic suggests that we have not learned to mitigate the threat of emerging infectious diseases. During this pandemic COVID-19, preparedness reports of Nagaland Government is something we should be very concerned about. Dovih P (2015) “Can Traditional Bat Hunts Cause Disease Outbreaks in India?” published in Economic and Political weekly recommended the need for national and regional epidemiological surveillance laboratories in biodiversity hotspots to deal with emerging infectious diseases. It also emphasized on investment in healthcare infrastructure in disease outbreak-prone areas like Nagaland. However, the state

government’s recent quick-fix corrective measures for COVID-19; “Maintaining a cleaner environment in and around the facility by painting the walls, planting trees and a good drainage system” is not good enough to contain this kind of contagious virus. Increasing investment in the health care system specifically in laboratory sciences and research facilities are the right path for the state.

In this way, the state will reduce the dependency on neighbouring states for medical tests and diagnosis. It is time Nagaland Medical Directorate and the state Government understand the seriousness of investing in medical research facilities because such research saves lives. The best example can be seen from the Kerala Government’s response to the Nipahvirus outbreak in 2018 that claimed 17 precious lives.

They quickly build three medical centres that had immensely helped in containing the COVID-19, despite being the first state hit by the virus in India. Building containment facilities and garnering the support of scientists with large-scale DNA sequencing skills, data analysis and capacity building in scientific research are very crucial in responding to this kind of outbreak. Nagaland state though one of the oldest state in the Northeast (established more than 50 years) but lag far behind younger states in medical front.

This does not reflect so well on the state Government and the Medical Directorate Nagaland without a single well-established research laboratory and a medical college. The medical infrastruc-

ture needs to align with growing demand and increasing medical cases of the state. While enhancing the medical infrastructure is an urgent necessity in the capital town Kohima and Dimapur, equal importance needs to be paid to the marginalized people living along the Myanmar borders who have very little access to medical health care. Wild animals will always have several viruses circulating in their body, and animalhuman contacts are increasingly becoming common. Hence the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) “One Health approach” involving experts in human, animal, environmental health and other relevant disciplines is the need of the hour. A sentinel innovative public health surveillance system on wildlife, animal farms, and animal markets could help understand the risks and mitigate possible disease outbreaks in the future. Administrations such as forestry, animal husbandry, wildlife ecologists, sociologists, and medical health care personnel, along with experts (not necessarily from the Government sector) need to unify and rethink in an effort to combat infectious disease in humans by formulating riskbased targeted interventions and action plans.

Bush meat hunting and close contact with wildlife is not the only opportunity for the virus to spill over to humans. With increasing human population, urbanization, climate change, deforestation, and intrusion into wildlife habitats epidemics/pandemics will continue to increase in the future. Viruses that otherwise are

restricted to their natural reservoir hosts will jump to humans upon repeated exposure. The problem is not the animal hosts. It is the humans’ activities that fuel the spill over diseases. For instance, the Nipah virus outbreak in 1998 in Malaysia that killed hundreds is known to have spilled over to humans due to deforestation and agricultural intensification for palm oil plantations. Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa is known to have jumped to humans via bush meat hunting. Similarly, studies have claimed that HIVAIDS is known to have jumped to humans through bush meat hunting of chimpanzees in Africa about a hundred years ago.

There also needs to be a cultural shift in our food habits and attitude towards the way we treat wildlife. Co-existing with wildlife and keeping the ecosystem intact is the way to go to discourage infectious diseases from spill over to humans. Hopefully, this COVID19 can help us learn enough to better prepare and quickly respond to any future outbreaks. Seeing the way emerging infectious disease is storming the world moving heaven and earth at the last minute may not help unless prepared. If we value our health, Naga as a society deserves a health care with modern health care infrastructure and not a substandard health care system. For disease, no man is an island.

D Pilot Dovih (Researcher) National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bangalore

What next ? Aftermath reflections & effects of COVID-19 in Nagaland & the globe

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erplexity of the origin of the virus is still on search and on debate.

Only time will tell and unearth the truth but whatever be the cause of its origin, coronavirus has really put the entire world on standstill and with utter shock and untold anxieties. It is hearsay and belief that after every 100 years pandemic occurs and indeed though unprecedented not exception to this year 2020 .Including me, for billions it’s a nerve racking life changing experience, horrifying and a heart breaking and a tearful moment and most arguably a juncture for retrospection and reflections. So, I just wanted to put forth some of my observations and reflections arises out of this global pandemic: 1) Respect is earned not in born: Regardless of our professions, status, position, wealth, fame, we are nothing if we are not doing something worth respecting. there’s a feeling of hero inside everyone of us but real heroes are rare and seen in actions.

From now on, I hope and believe that magnitude of people will stop respecting and idolizing those richest persons on planet, the most beautiful and handsome actresses and actors around the world, the most agile and eye catching sports persons around the globe, who have not contributed even a penny in a fight against this global pandemic, disgusting and wonder what they will do with that hundred and thousands of crores in their Bank Account, shame on them. Such egocentric and individualistic personalities are not worth living as a human being, we should stop watching their movies, games and stop purchasing their company products but huge respect and admiration for some of the celebrities, business magnates, the cynosures and some companies and individuals around the world those who have generously and magnanimously contributed for the cause.

We have to unceasingly keep praying for people like Ratan Tata so that if not every day than every year people like him be born and conceive by humanitarian and socio-centric mother’s around the world, so that in future during the times of trial and test of such events,

no poor one goes sleepless night, hungry and die out of starvation.

2) Realization and religious reform: The entire world was shaken and realized that though arms and ammunition is important to defend the country from certain extremities but preserving and co-existing with the Mother nature and having hospital which can provide world class heath care facilities is paramount but above all, the world is made to witnessed that there exist a supernatural power in the form of living God. So, the big question is how many of us are worshiping the one and only living God??? We should not be taken ride and fooled by the prophecy, magic, sorcery and necromancy of certain class of religious leaders anymore. What’s the use of contributing thousands, lakhs and crores of rupees in the form of tithes, offerings and donations towards those Churches, Temples, Mosques, Arks, Shrines etc who have not come to the rescue of poor people during this historic turmoil and unrest. We cannot be hypocrites anymore, we have to come out from the clutches and shadow of self centered and money grubber religious leaders and stop them from living a lavish life and enjoying with our hard earned money in the name and disguise of religion. Many religious leaders and their relatives around the world are living the life which is even more cozy than the Kings & Queens way of living, enjoying just from the poor and common man contributions. So, where is all those money gone???

Let’s worship the one and only living God and stop adoring and having sympathy towards those tainted religious leaders.

3) Economic and social reform: Before it’s too late for Nagas even for realization, it’s high time for Nagas to come out from the cage of ego and attitude problem.

We should know that earning money in any form or ways is a profession and business in itself. Indeed, we should be proud and not feel shy and look down ourselves because you are dealing in business selling of Axone (a fermented Soya beans, a Naga delicacy), a vegetable vendor, a mansion, a cob-

bler, an auto rickshaw driver, Rickshaw puller and barber, farmers, daily wagers and so on. I believe COVID-19 has thought us the value of one rupee and savings, our life style should be changed.

We cannot afford to spend 10000 or more in a month from the earning of 10000 a month. Just imagine the contributions of Lakhpattis and Crorepattis mainlanders during this Coronavirus Crisis in CMRF Or Have you seen them doing Yeoman service towards any of our Nagas fellows??? Have you seen any Messiah among them??. Just remember, their sole purpose of being here in Nagaland is to do business and to earn and to earn only and nothing more than that. During the times of such calamities, it’s our own brothers and sisters, relatives, friends and neighbours to whom we can rely and lean on but not to outsiders. During this crisis, we have seen many Nagas brothers and sisters stranded outside our state in pursuit of earning some few thousands more than back home. So just imagine the plight and sufferings that they are going through at this moment??? Why let outsiders or different malls and companies earn thousands of crores of rupees without contributing for our state economy and manipulate our young educated unemployed youth by giving them a meagre salary out from their lakhs and crores of profit??? It’s high time, Nagaland Govt. passed an Act in co-ordination with BAN (Business Association of Nagaland) wherein, every educated Nagas gets an opportunity to earn from our State Itself .Such as Making it compulsory for every Non local Businessman’s/Enterpreneurs to employed Nagas educated unemployed and give a minimum salary package of 5000 (under matric),7000 matriculate), 8000 (P.U), 10000 /12000 (Graduate & Post Graduate) working in any kind of business establishment. Stop procuring perishable items and any items which we can locally produced from other states and give opportunity to local farmers, growers, artisans and craftsmen etc and encourage them to produce more and earn more. Stop from being a dependent state any more but be a producer

state from now on.

4) Political reformation: We always throw a stone at or blame on visionless, inefficient,unethical and egocentric politicians for the poor and deplorable facets of our state in every spheres, yes i am not denying the fact that they are one among the most corrupted politicians but have we ever thought about yours, parents ,relatives , friends that they are also equally responsible and accomplices in some way or others? Forget about the Chief Secretary, Secretaries, HOD/AHOD/ Engineers/officers/clerical staffs and so on, in Nagaland, even peons and 4th grade staffs are also known for making money from unknown source. What about Church leaders then??? Visit maximum at the “Haves” home but only some few handful rarely visit “Haves Not” home for counselling and prayer. What about

teacher’s??? Graduate and Postgraduate teachers appointing under matriculate teachers as a proxy teachers to teach the students in their place, so just imagine the quality of Education??

What about the different underground factions, who are strangulating the poor public at the cost of fighting for sovereignty, different taxations and extortion has led to skyrocketing rise in every commodities that we eat and wear forgetting that those taxations and extortion activities is adjusted by the outsiders at the cost of Nagas public earnings and buying. How many of us used to cast our vote without taking money from the candidate??? How many of the Government servants in Nagaland is appointed through competitive exams and not through backdoor??? So, in Nagaland who is not corrupted please enlighten me???

Conclusion: If we want to see and test the changes in Nagaland and create a new Nagaland free of corruption, the one and only remedy is let us first be a change in changes.

God work for those who work for themselves. We cannot just keep on dreaming only and passing on constructive comments on different Social Media platform anymore but let us first analyse, whether our family is completely clean from corruptions in any form and if not that’s great and worthy of respect and admiration. So let us all come together and fight a common fight against the menace of corruption, favouritism, isms and vice versa without any compromise whatsoever than changes is imminent. Right is always right, wrong will always be wrong !!!Kuknalim!!!

Amento Chishy, (amentoschishy@gmail.com)

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Appeal to DoFW Govt of Nagaland

Despite the rampant upgradation of hospitals, the staffing pattern of patient - nurse ratio all over Nagaland is evidently inadequate. Regardless of the deadly COVID-19 lurking around us it is learnt that the department of health and family welfare is reluctant to appoint nurses against the existing vacancies of 28 staff nurse post citing overage issues which does not apply to the trained nurses (in reference to the media release published on 22 of April 2020 it is quoted as per the direction given by then director vide No DHS-4/217/Trg/90-91/3530 dated 1/09/2005 stating that the legible age for appointment is relaxed for the trained nursing personnel and also P&AR vide U.O No 773 dated 22/09/2005 condoned the overage of the trained nurses for appointment).

Apparently, these nurses had undergone three years of training after going through a series of screening test conducted by the department and waiting patiently for 17-18 years for their turns faithfully adhering to the rules and regulations laid down by the department (i.e. appointment on seniority-cum-merit basis with age condonation). It is understandable that all the trainees cannot be accommodated at one go and hundreds have to wait in line for their turn for appointment. In this process many have crossed 35 years of age.

Mention may be made that the maximum and minimum age limit published in media advertisement by the department/government to undergo training for nurses is between 17- 35 years. I would like to point out that some trainees become overage even before the completion of training course. So, the question of overage does not arise here.

Having said that at present there are more than 400 nurses who are overage waiting for their turns following department norms, whose career would be jeopardized if appointment and post creation are stunted indiscriminately. It is also pertinent to mention that Nagaland is clogged with an exorbitant excess of government employees, yet in medical department only a mere 20 post approximately of nurses have been created in the span of 30 years. These doctors and nurses are the warriors of our health care system and if these vortexes of handling the department persist, our health care system will find itself down to the gutters. If this is not pathetic then what is it??

Today as a Naga public I stand by the aggrieved nurses and request the Health and Family Welfare department to look into the matter and appoint them on senioritycum-merit basis with age condonation as it has been customarily followed by your esteemed department, because all of them are trained, qualified and have passed out from the school of Nursing run by the state government. Hope the victimized do not pursue legal recourse and their grievances addressed in due time and dispel of any confounding issues.

Razzu Lohe, Kohima, a concerned Naga citizen

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.

northeast/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

5

Mizoram likely to be 6th corona-free NE state Parcel trains to run between Ghy-Dibrugarh

had tested negative a few days back. After his samples were found negative in subsequent tests, the doctors would decide about his release from the hospital,” Mizoram’s Health and Family Welfare Director H. Lalchungnunga told IANS over phone.

“The patient’s condition is stable,” he said. The 50-year-old Christian pastor

from Mizoram had tested positive for coronavirus after he returned to Aizawl from Amsterdam, Netharland via Delhi and Guwahati on March 16 and then admitted to the Zoram Medical College and Hospital.

The Mizoram man’s wife and two children’s swab samples had earlier tested negative and they are staying at home.

Building catches fire at Mhainamtsi M’laya defers 50 % of salaries

Fire personnel dousing off fire at Mhainamtsi (Kohima Road), Jalukie.

DIMAPUR: A building at Mhainamtsi (Kohima Road), Jalukie on Monday morning caught fire but was contained by the fire-

fighters.

A press release by state fire & emergency services (F&ES), deputy SP, T. Shilu Jamir informed that on re-

ceiving “fire call” at 9:46 a.m., F&ES mobilised a quick response team from Fire Station Jalukie and pressed into action to contain the fire.

The department said the building was partially damaged in fire incident.

However, the timely intervention of fire personnel managed to put fire under control and prevented from further spreading to adjoining building.

F&ES informed that the fire was caused by short circuit and that no casualty was reported. The response team was led by OC, Khriemezo Mere and duty commander ASI Lakhum Yimchunger.

Prioritise processing special financial package: NTFB

DIMAPUR: Naga Task force Bengaluru (NTFB) has asked the state government to “prioritise processing the special financial package announced for stranded Nagas outside Nagaland”.

This was stated by NTFB convener, Mughato Kiba, who is also the president of Naga Students Union Bengaluru (NSUB), through a press release issued by NSUB, general secretary, Paul N Rengma.

“Many Nagas working in company and hospitality industries has lost their jobs, many are facing issues without salary and unable to buy daily needs, this special financial package announced is a great relief to many stranded Nagas and can help cater to daily needs”, said Mughato Kiba.

The release also informed that on April 25, the northeast students leaders of Karnataka had an emergency meeting

with the nodal officer of northeast states, Srinath Joshi, deputy commissioner of Police South East Division Bengaluru pertaining to issues arising due to the current lockdown. It said the Nagaland state was represented by Mughato Kiba, and advisor NSUB, Nuthipru Nienu.

The meeting discussed issues relating to non-payment of salary in hospitality industries, racism, house rent, providing groceries and medical emergencies cases.

The release informed that nodal officer Srinath Joshi assured full support and cooperation to help solve all the issues arising due to the lockdown.

Meanwhile, NTFB has informed that it has been providing essential commodities to stranded Nagas in Bengaluru and so far it has reached out to more than 1000 Nagas.

CVS, KVK Peren celebrate ‘World Veterinary Day’

CVS and KVK Peren staff distributing vegetable seeds to villagers.

DIMAPUR: Faculty of College of Veterinary Sciences (CVS) Jalukie and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Peren celebrated “World Veterinary Day” on April 25 under the theme, “Environmental protection for improving animal and human health” by planting tree saplings in the college campus.

A press release by CVS Jalukie, dean, Dr. Capt. G Dhanan Jaya Rao stated having recognised the imK

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portance of backyard vegetable garden or kitchen garden at this critical juncture, the college and KVK Peren distributed vegetable seeds to over 456 families of Jalukie and surrounding villages in the presence of local administration.

Keeping in mind the lockdown protocol of social distancing and to prevent crowding, the release said teams were formed for distribution of vegetable seeds to the public.

of ministers, govt employees

Correspondent

Shillong, April 28: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday said that it will defer the salary of many of its employees for two months as revenue falls in view of the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“The current unprecedented situation owing to COVID-19 and the accompanying lockdown is likely to cause reduction in the flow of tax and nontax revenues of the state,” Additional Chief Secretary Finance Rebecca Suchiang said.

Stating that tax and non-tax revenue collected for April 2020 is very less compared to last year, She said, “The tax devolution from Government of India for April 2020 was also Rs 76 crore less than the budget estimates. There is every likelihood that the size of the devolution in the coming months could be reduced.”

Therefore, Suchiang said there was a need for the state to manage its finances more carefully and to keep adequate funds for dealing with any health or relief related emergency.

To put in place expenditure control and cash management for effective management of COVID19 situation, the government

has decided that for salaries to be paid for April and May 2020, there would be a deferment of 50 per cent in the gross salary of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Ministers.

The same would be applied as far as the gross salary in respect of All India Services Officers and central services officers on deputation to Meghalaya is concerned. Moreover, there would be a deferment of 35 per cent in the gross salary of Group A and B officers, and 25 per cent in respect of Group C staff of all departments, except for all the officers and staff of the health, home (police) and home (civil defence and home guards) departments.

The proportion of the deferment for Group A, B and C employees as already indicated would also be applicable to all the institutions being provided grant-in-aid (salary) by the state government except for Group C employees of the municipal boards.

However, there would be no deferment in the salary of Group D employees and pension payments.

The government stated that the measures are only for deferment of salaries and that the deductions will be paid back to the employees after the economic and fiscal situation improves.

Community assistance & relief during lockdown DIMAPUR: As the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic lockdown continues for over a month, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), political leaders, political parties and individuals across the state and beyond have come forward and offered assistance to those in need.

NH Delhi: Officers and staff of Nagaland House, New Delhi led by the ACS & RC Jyoti Kalash and DRC Kethosituo Sekhose on Monday handed over Rs. 1.15 lak to the fund for providing rations to stranded people from Nagaland, who are staying at Delhi NCR. A press release by NH New Dehi PRO informed that the officers and staff are already contributing in the form of voluntary service in reaching out to the needy in spite of the difficulties and health hazards.

The release said three teams from the Nagaland House is being regularly sent to various parts of Dehi NCR for distribution of dry rations. It added that medical team led by Dr.Hentok Phom and Kuolie Mere is reaching out

to patients from the state across Delhi to provide various assistance, consultation and vehicles monetary and blood donations in various hospitals for their treatment.

Meetei Council: Relief committee of Dimapur Meetei Council on April 26 carried out its third phase of distribution of food grains to daily wage earners identified by Bethel Church of Signal Angami Village. The council also reached out to Christian Meeteis, who are the members of Meitei Baptist Church and to 25 families of Chumukedima Federal Unit.

78 bn CRPF: 78 battalion CRPF, Zubza on Monday distributed essential commodities to the people in need at Leizha A colony, Sechu Zubza Kohima.

Kohima Bn: Kohima Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) reached out to 11 Veer Naris and Ex-Servicemen at lower Chandmari, Kohima and provided them with essential food items.

Peren Bn: 36 Assam Rifles of Peren battalion

distributed food grains to 20 “needy” families at Peletkie village.

NDPP CYO: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Central Youth Organisation (CYO) along with its regions, ACs and unit youth organisations have been reaching out to affected and needy persons by distributing food grains, vegetables, dry rations and relief materials.

NSCN (R) VP: NSCN (R) vice president, Akato Chophy on April 27 distributed food items to villagers of S. Vihuto village.

Mokokchung Bn: Mokokchung Battalion of Assam Rifles extended its helping hand to the district administration, mokokchung by improvising masks and PPEs out of locally available materials to be given out to frontline health workers and policemen in their selfless fight against COVID-19.

Zunheboto Bn: Zunheboto Battalion of Assam Rifles distributed essential commodities along with basic medicines to aggrieved residents of Ahotshe village, Tuensang on April 27.

D I M A P U R , A pr 2 8 (NPN): Northeast Frontier Railway will be operating ‘parcel express trains’ between Guwahati and Dibrugarh on April 29 and Dibrugarh to Guwahati on April 30, as per fixed time table to ensure transportation of essential goods in small quantity to various parts of Assam.

Parcel express train towards Dibrugarh will leave from Guwahati at 9.20 a.m. on April 29 with stoppage time at Jagiroad, Chaparmukh, Hojai, Lumding Jn, Diphu, Dimapur,

Sarupathar, Furkating Jn, Mariani Jn, Simaluguri Jn, Duliajan & New Tinsukia stations for loading/unloading of items.

The special train will return from Dibrugarh on April 30 at 9.20 a.m. with stoppages at all nominated stations for loading / unloading of materials.

For parcel booking in these trains, interested traders/customers including government agencies. agencies may contact the respective Station Manager or any of the officials for details: Sr. Divisional Com-

mercial Manager/Lumding (mob-9957553950), Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager / Tinsukia (mob– 9957555950), Asst. Commercial Manager / Guwahati (mob-9957553954), Asst. Commercial Manager / Tinsukia (mob9957555952), Commercial Control / Tinsukia (mob -9957555984).

These parcel train service can also be availed by anybody who is in need of sending consignments to different places by calling a centralized helpline number 138.

Mnp approves promotion of Class 11 to 12 Imphal, Apr 28 (PTI): The Manipur government has approved the promotion of class 11 students of state schools to the next class, a senior Education department official said on Tuesday.

Commissioner Education (School) T Ranjit Singh in a notification on Monday said class 11 examination for the academic year (2019-20) be done away in view of outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and students be promoted to class 12 based on term test performance, the

official said.

The notification said “action taken report” by the schools should be intimated to the state government.

The Class 11 examination conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM) was cancelled in mid-February after leak of question papers in five subjects.

The COHSEM had then announced that the examination in the five subjects would be held on a later date.

No fresh cases of COVID-19 in M’laya

Manipur villages monitor Indo-Myanmar border

SHILLONG, APR 28: Meghalaya has not reported any fresh cases of COVID-19 in the past one week and the Health and Family Welfare Department is maintaining a strict vigilant, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Monday.

In his daily briefing on the prevailing health scenario, he said that all the 11 active COVID-19 positive patients were stable.

“Till date swab samples of 1254 have been tested for COVID-19, out of which 1182 yielded negative, while outcome of 60 samples were awaited,” Tynsong said.

Informing that 24,382 ind iv id ua l s have be e n screened so far, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “Contact tracing of 181 primary contacts and 3147 secondary contacts completed.

6,434 individuals are under home quarantine and 308 are under institutional quarantine.”

Director of Health Services, Dr. Aman War informed that samples of the COVID-19 patients will be collected again on completion of their 14th days for testing to ascertain whether the patients are free from the virus.

“If such person tests negative they will be certified to be corona free,” Dr. War said.

Correspondent

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Apr 28: In the absence of government action, residents of villages bordering Myanmar in Manipur are handling the task of checking the cross border spread of COVID-19 in Kamjong district, sharing almost half of the 398 kms long border with Myanmar.

Five hill districts of the state – Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel and Churachandpur share international border with Myanmar, out of which around 200 km lies with Ukhrul and Kamjong districts .

The Manipur government had sealed the entire length of the international border by issuing an order on March 9 last to check cross border transmission of COVID-19. Fur ther tightening on cross border movement, authorities of Manipur government took up COVID-19 fencing along the stretch of the border in Tengnoupal and Churachandpur districts.

Fencing work of the porous border in Tengnoupal sector was almost completed few days ago. The fencing of around 220 meter stretch of the border at Behiang area of Churachandpur district was also completed and erecting fencing at other porous border was also on war footing, according to

official reports. The fencing work at the border at Behiang area was taken up on war after Tiddim Township of the neighbouring Myanmar, which is at a walkable distance from the border villages of Manipur, became a COVID-19 hotspot.

Authorities from Indian side are also yet to take up fencing of the stretch of porous border within Kamjong district and even the Indian security force present at the area is yet to undertake any fencing work.

Fear grips residents of the border villages taking the task of checking the cross border movement voluntarily without any kind of assistance from the government side, MLA Leishiyo Keishing who present Phungyar Assembly constituency of Kamjong district also alleged, in an interview given to a local TV network on Tuesday. There are nearly 50 villages on the Manipur side along this stretch, and of these, six villages are vulnerable as they have roads connecting to villages on the Myanmar side.

While taking the task of the checking the cross border movement, villagers had to stop buying their daily essential earlier bought from across the border.

INFORMATION

It is informed to all concerned that Aokum Baptist Church Golden Jubilee Raffle Draw is being postponed due to COVID-19 lock down.

Draw date in lieu of 3rd May 2020 will be notified later on. Inconvenience is regretted.

Sd/ Convener ABA Golden Jubilee Planning Committee

MKC-121

Aizawl/Guwahati, Apr 28 (IANS): Mizoram would soon be the sixth COVID-19- free state out of the eight states in northeast India as the state’s lone corona patient tested negative while after five days, a fresh positive case was found in Assam, Minister and officials said on Tuesday.

“The swab sample of the lone Mizoram patient

treatments in various medical colleges and hospitals are expected to be released within few days.

While no positive case was reported from Sikkim and Nagaland, the other six northeastern states have so far reported 55 coronavirus positive cases.

Five of the eight northeastern states - Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura -- are currently free from coronavirus and its spread has been mostly tamed in other three states -- Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Two persons, a senior doctor in Meghalaya and a 65-year-old Covid-19 patient in Assam, have died.

Of Assam’s 36 cases, 35 people directly or indirectly participated in the Delhi’s Nizamuddin Tablighi Jamaat congregation last month. Of the 55 cases detected so far in the northeastern states, there are only 21 active cases -- eight in Assam, 11 in Meghalaya and one in Mizoram.

DC-393

File photo of social distancing in Mizoram.

Health officials in Aizawl said that four people, including two women, from Mizoram tested positive for Covid-19 in Maharashtra in the third week of April.

All the four people, three of them are cancer patients, along with their relatives had been living in Mizoram House in Mumbai. A doctor from Mizoram, who worked in a hospital in Meghalaya, also tested positive for coronavirus in Shillong on April 14. In Guwahati, Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a tweet on Tuesday that a 16-year-old girl from Salmara Bongaingaon (western Assam), secondary contact of a (Nizamuddin) Markaz attendee, has tested positive for coronavirus.

“The number of COVID-19 patients in Assam now stands at 36. However active cases undergoing treatment in the hospitals are now eight,” the Minister said. Sarma told the media in Guwahati most of the patients undergoing

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6

Pandemic ‘far from over’, children at risk: WHO chief

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

‘Children in South Asia could face health crisis’

China could have stopped COVID-19: Trump

KATHMANDU, APR 28 (PTI): Expressing concern over the disruptions caused in immunisations due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday that South Asia could face yet another health emergency if children across the region did not receive their life-saving vaccine shots.

Almost a quarter of the world’s unimmunised or partially immunised children—about 4.5 million children—live in South Asia. Almost all of them, or 97 per cent, live in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

With lockdowns in place as a part of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response, routine immunisations have been severely disrupted, and parents are increasingly reluctant to take their children to health centers for routine jabs.

Sporadic outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and diphtheria, have already been seen in parts of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.

WASHINGTON, APR 28 (AGENCIES): U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that China could have stopped the coronavirus before it swept the globe and that his administration was conducting “serious investigations” into what happened.

Trump’s criticism was the latest from his administration to target China’s handling of the coronavir us outbreak, which emerged late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic.

L a s t w e e k , U. S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States “strongly believed” Beijing failed to report the outbreak in a timely manner and covered up how dangerous the respiratory illness caused by the virus was.

“We’re doing very serious investigations... We are not happy with China,” Trump said at a White House briefing.

“There are a lot of

Kim may be trying to avoid coronavirus: S Korea

‘Global COVID-19 cases top 3 mn’

G E N E VA , A P R 2 8 (AGENCIES): The coronavirus pandemic is “far from over” and is still disrupting normal health services, especially life-saving immunisation for children in the poorest countries, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

The U.N. agency is concerned about rising numbers of cases and deaths in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and some Asian countries, even as the numbers flatten or decline in some wealthier nations.

“We have a long road ahead of us and a lot of work to do,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference in Geneva, adding that a second wave of infections could be prevented with the right actions.

The novel coronavirus, which emerged late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, has alrady infected

SEOUL, APR 28 (AGENCIES): Fear of catching the coronavirus could have kept North Korean leader Kim Jong Un away from state ceremonies for a key holiday in mid-April, a South Korean minister said on Tuesday as speculation swirled over Kim’s whereabouts and health.

The speculation erupted following Kim’s unprecedented absence from public ceremonies on the April 15 birth anniversary of his grandfather and founder of the country, Kim Il Sung.

Kim has not been seen in public since.

The last time official media in the secretive North Korean state reported on Kim’s whereabouts was when he presided over a meeting on April 11, but there have been near-daily reports of him sending letters and diplomatic messages.

South Korean officials emphasise they have detected no unusual movements in North Korea and have

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

2.97 million and claimed 205,948 lives, according to the latest Reuters tally.

Tedros expressed concern that the health of children was being threatened by the impact of the coronavirus emergency on vaccination programmes for other diseases. “Children may be at relatively low risk from severe disease and death from COVID-19 - the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus - but can be at high risk from other diseases that can be prevented with

cautioned against reports that Kim may be ill.

North Korea has said it has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, but given the fact that the country has taken stringent steps to head off an outbreak, Kim’s absence from the ceremonies is not particularly unusual, Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul, who oversees North Korea engagement, told lawmakers.

“It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns,” the minister said at a parliamentary hearing.

He said there were at least two instances since mid-January where Kim Jong Un was out of sight for nearly 20 days. “I don’t think that’s particularly unusual given the current (coronavirus) situation.”

The unification minister described reports that

vaccines,” said Tedros.

Some 13 million people have been affected worldwide by delays in regular immunisations against diseases including polio, measles, cholera, yellow fever and meningitis, he said.

Shortages of vaccines against other diseases are being reported in 21 countries as a result of border restrictions and disruptions to travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Tedros said, citing the GAVI global vaccine alliance.

Kim had undergone a heart procedure, and that a Chinese medical team had travelled to North Korea, as “fake news.”

Citing three people familiar with the situation, Reuters reported on Saturday that China had dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on Kim Jong Un, though it was unclear what the trip signalled in terms of Kim’s health.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he has a good idea how Kim Jong Un is doing and hopes he is fine, but would not elaborate.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was aware of reports on Kim’s health and he was paying close attention to developments.

North Korea had cancelled some large events, and imposed a border lockdown and quarantine measures in an effort to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus.

But if Kim Jong Un

Tokyo 2020 will be scrapped in case of further delay: Mori

TOKYO, APR 28 (AFP): The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn’t brought under control by next year, the organising committee’s president warned, ruling out further delays.

The comments, in an interview with a Japanese sports daily published Tuesday, come as medical experts doubted whether the pandemic can be sufficiently contained by next year to hold an event drawing participants and spectators from around the world.

The pandemic has already forced a year-long delay of the Games, which are now scheduled to open on July 23, 2021.

But Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori was categorical when asked by the Nikkan Sports daily whether the Games could be delayed until 2022 if the pandemic remains a threat next year, replying: “No.” “In that case, it’s cancelled,” Mori said.

Mori noted the Games had been cancelled previously only during wartime, and compared the battle against coronavirus to “fighting an invisible enemy”.

If the virus is success-

Yoshiro Mori

fully contained, “we’ll hold the Olympics in peace next summer”, he added.

“Mankind is betting on it.” Masa Takaya, a Tokyo 2020 spokesman, declined to comment on a possible cancellation of the Games and told reporters that Mori’s remarks weret based on “the chairman’s own thoughts”.

But the comments will add to growing questions about the postponement, decided last month after heavy pressure on the organisers and the International Olympic Committee from athletes and sports federations.

On Tuesday, the head of Japan Medical Association warned it would be “exceedingly difficult” to hold the Games next year if a vaccine has not been found. “I would not

say that they should not be held, but it would be exceedingly difficult,” Yoshitake Yokokura told reporters.

Last week a specialist in infectious diseases also admitted the chances of the Games going ahead are slim.

‘To be honest with you, I don’t think the Olympics is likely to be held next year,’ said Kentaro Iwata, a professor at Kobe University.

‘Holding the Olympics needs two conditions; one, controlling Covid-19 in Japan, and controlling Covid-19 everywhere.’

International Olympic President Thomas Bach said earlier this month that organisers ‘could not manage a postponement beyond next summer at the latest’.

is hiding out due to fears surrounding COVID-19, it would “puncture a hole in the state media narrative of how this crisis has been perfectly managed”, said Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, which monitors North Korea.

“If he is merely trying to avoid infection, it should theoretically be very easy to release photos or videos of a healthy-looking Kim,” he said.

An authoritative source familiar with U.S. intelligence reporting said on Monday it was entirely possible Kim had disappeared from public view to avoid exposure to COVID-19 and the sighting of his presidential train in the coastal resort area of Wonsan did suggest he may be there or have been there recently.

But the source said that since there was no authoritative backing for such a conclusion, U.S. agencies were also still considering the possibility Kim might be ill, even seriously.

Beijing decries shifting of blame

WASHINGTON, APR 28 (IANS): The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the world has topped 3 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

As of Tuesday morning, the total number of cases stood at 3,041,517, the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at the university revealed in its latest update. The global death toll has increased to 211,159 The US, which remains the hardest-hit country, reported 988,451 cases and 56,245 deaths, both tallies are the highest in the world currently.

In terms of cases, Spain came in at the second position with 229,422 infections, followed by Italy 199,414; France 165,964; Germany 158,758; the UK 158,348; and Turkey 112,261, the CSSE data showed. Italy accounted for the second highest death toll with 26,977 fatalities, followed by Spain 23,521; France 23,293; and the UK 21,092.

sports

T20 World Cup a ‘logistical nightmare’ amid pandemic: Lynn MELBOURNE, APR 28 (AGENCIES): Hard-hitting Australian batsman Chris Lynn has poured cold water on the nation’s hopes of hosting the Twenty20 World Cup in October and November, saying it would be a “logistical nightmare” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The International Cricket Council, the sport’s global governing body, said last week it was still planning for the tournament according to its Oct. 18 Nov. 15 schedule, despite a global shutdown of sport to contain COVID-19.

Lynn, who has played 18 T20 internationals, said he could not see it going ahead due to the complications of hosting international teams in the 16-side tournament. “My personal opinion is no,” he told local broadcaster Fox Sports on Tuesday. “Obviously we’re praying for it to go ahead but we’ve just got to play what’s in front of us. “Having teams come from all over the world is going to be a logistical nightmare.

“Hotels, travel, keeping the teams in the hotels for a number of weeks before the tournament is going to be tough work moving forward.”

Cricket Australia has said it is planning for the tournament to start in Oc-

Chris Lynn

tober but Chief Executive Kevin Roberts conceded last week that the entire international schedule in 2020 is up in the air due to the virus.

Cancelling or postponing the T20 World Cup would put further pressure on CA’s finances, with the board having already lost tens of millions of dollars due to the shutdown.

Players are expected to be hit with pay cuts when CA releases their annual list of national contracts this week, having already postponed them by a month.

Lynn, who is captain of Brisbane Heat in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) T20 tournament, said domestic players should be prepared to take pay cuts to ensure the BBL could go ahead in the home summer.

“No-one likes to take pay cuts but I think for the longevity of the game you’ve got to be realistic,” said the 30-year-old.

Donald Trump

ways you can hold them accountable.

“We believe it could have been stopped at the source. It could have been stopped quickly and it wouldn’t have spread all over the world.”

Chinese Foreign Ministr y spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing that some U.S. politicians were lying to deflect attention from their insufficient response to the virus at home.

He did not specifically refer to Trump or Pompeo.

“Attempts to shift the

Geng Shuang

blame on China will not denigrate China’s efforts in responding to the virus,” Geng said.

The coronavirus outbreak has killed more than 210,000 people around the world, including more than 56,000 in the United States, according to a Reuters tally.

Earlier on Monday, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro accused China of sending low-quality and counterfeit coronavirus antibody testing kits to the United States and of “profiteering” from the pandemic.

Navarro, an outspoken critic of Beijing whom Trump has appointed to work on supply-line issues relating to the crisis, said more testing both for the virus and antibodies was vital to getting Americans currently in lockdown back to work.

“That’s where, perhaps, we can find people who are immune that can be in the workplace in a safer environment. But we can’t have China, for example, bringing in those fake tests and counterfeit tests, because that’s going to be very disruptive,” Navarro said in an interview on Fox News.

“There’s a lot of these antibody tests coming in from China now that are low quality, false readings and things like that,” he said.

Asked about Navarro’s comments, Geng said that the White House adviser was a habitual liar with no credibility, in line with previous comments

by China.

United Kingdom holds minute’s silence for fallen frontline workers

L O N D O N, A P R 2 8 (IANS): A minute’s silence was observed across the UK as a tribute to frontline workers who have died in the country’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who returned to work on Monday, joined the tribute that started at 11 a.m. (local time), the BBC reported. More than 100 NHS and care staff have died with the virus, as have many transport and other key workers.

The UK has so far reported 158,348 coronavirus cases, with 21,092 deaths.

Among the 360 new deaths reported on Monday, there were 82 National Health Service (NHS) staff and 16 care workers.

The Archbishop of York John Sentanu, who was among those inviting people to take part in the minute’s silence, said: “Workers should not be sent into danger without

the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).”

He also called for those on the frontline to be “given all the safety equipment they need”.

NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said the silence would ensure the health workers’ “contribution is remembered and appreciated”.

Chief nursing officer Ruth May added: “Every death is a tragedy but we feel the loss of fellow health and care workers particularly keenly.”

A flag was flown at half mast at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which was among many medical venues around the country where staff will pause to pay their respects to their colleagues, the BBC reported.

Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said the

minute’s silence would “bring together a sombre but grateful nation”.

Tuesday’s development comes as the son of a doctor who died called on the government to issue a public apology for issues with PPE. Intisar Chowdhury told the BBC that he wanted ministers “to accept their mistakes and let their mistakes become improvement rather than just ignore them and completely move on”. The 18-year-old also asked the government to make private apologies to the families of health and care workers affected.

Intisar’s father, Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, who died earlier this month, had warned Prime Minister Johnson about a lack of PPE five days before being hospitalised.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock was also asked

by Intisar Chowdhury to apologise.

Pogba’s a World Cup winner: Rio Ferdinand on criticism MANCHESTER, APR 28 (IANS): Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Paul Pogba in his public altercation with Graeme Souness, stressing that the former Liverpool captain has unfairly targeted his old friend who has won a World Cup with France in 2018.

Pogba has struggled with game time with just eight first-team appearances for United this season due to a nagging ankle injury.

The French midfielder underwent surgery in January. Football is currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Souness has criticised Pogba throughout his second spell at Old Trafford, questioning his attitude and commitment.

When asked about Souness’ comments during a sit-down for United’s official podcast, Pogba admitted that he had never heard of the former Liverpool defender, who responded by saying: “The oldest thing in football comes to mind -- put your medals on the table.”

Ferdinand added that Pogba’s World Cup winners’ medal is proof of his potential.

The ex-United centre-

Rio Ferdinand

Paul Pogba

back said on The Beautiful Game Podcast as quoted

by Goal: “He hasn’t even played football this year! I don’t know how his name is in people’s mouths, he hasn’t even played football.

“I don’t understand it, like why are you chatting about Paul Pogba? He hasn’t played really this season so he shouldn’t be in the conversation.

“I don’t understand.

Yeah, he’s a great player, huge profile, I understand all that. But he’s being judged or made the villain in this season which he’s played really no part in, so I don’t get it.

“Obviously Graeme Souness made a statement about putting your medals on the table. Boy, listen, my man’s got a World Cup winners’ medal. Like, it’s hard to chat to someone when they’ve got a World Cup. “He won four Scudetti

in Italy or something. He’s won stuff.

Listen, Graeme Souness was a great player and he’s won a lot of stuff.

“Listen, my generation, and even worse for Graeme Souness and all the guys in that generation, they’ve got to understand that these guys don’t look at them sometimes. They don’t know who they are.

“For Paul Pogba to say he doesn’t know who he is, or wouldn’t know him as a footballer, I believe that.

It’s not disrespectful, he doesn’t know him!

“As great a player as Souness was -- he was a top player, one of the best, if you’re talking about the best British midfielders we’ve ever produced, he’s in the conversation -- but Paul Pogba doesn’t know him.

“Simple as that. And that’s just a difference of generations. So I don’t think it’s disrespectful.”

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