October 31, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 326

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

RR batsmen click as unit to beat KXIP by 7 wkts

Follow us on @Nagaland_Post

sports, Page 8

Assam-Mizoram border row heightens

Police personnel stand guard near the Mizoram-Assam border.

nagalandpostofficial

Dog meat ban: State govt gets 3 weeks to respond Correspondent

KOHIMA, OCT 30 (NPN): Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench granted three weeks to the State government to file an affidavit-inopposition as a last chance through an order on October 28. During the hearing, the state government counsel sought three weeks time to file the reply.

Considering the sensitiveness of the matter the respondents were given three weeks time to file their affidavit-in-opposition as last chance, the single bench of Justice Songkhupchung Serto stated in the order.

The petitioner insisted that an interim prayer may be taken up, to which the court ruled that if the matter could not be heard and disposed of on the next date fixed, the interim prayer would be heard.

It may be mentioned that a PIL was filed on September 2 calling for quashing of the notification by the State government banning commercial import and trading of dogs, dog markets and sale of dogs in the State.

The case is in the stage of admission.

New arrest after France church attack international, Page 7

States asked to form committees for smooth COVID-19 vaccination drive NEW DELHI, OCT 30 (PTI): Centre has asked states to constitute committees for coordination and overseeing COVID-19 vaccination drive while ensuring minimal disruptions in other routine healthcare services, and stressed early tracking of social media to dispel rumours which could impact the community acceptance of coronavirus inoculation.

Stating that COVID-19 vaccine introduction will span over a year with multiple groups being included “sequentially starting from health care workers”, the Health Ministry has sought constitution of committees at state and district levels which will review preparatory activities in terms of cold chain preparedness, operational planning, strategies for state-specific challenges in terms of geographical terrain and hard-to-reach areas, etc.

In a letter to states, Union Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has suggested setting up of a state steering committee (SSC) chaired by the chief secretary, a state task force (STF) led by additional chief secretary or principal secretary

(Health), and a district task force (DTF) to be headed by the district magistrate.

An annexure attached with the letter outlines the terms of references for the committees according to which the SSC will ensure active involvement of all departments concerned and devise innovative strategies for improving community engagement (‘Jan Bhagidaari’) for improved coverage of COVID-19 vaccine once it is available.

The SSC will also have to institute a reward/recognition mechanism for achievement of best performing district/block/urban ward, etc. The activities to be conducted by the STF includes providing guidance, including funding and operational guidelines, fixing timelines for districts to plan and implement COVID-19 vaccine introduction whenever a vaccine is made available and identifying vaccinators across government and private sectors so as to minimise disruption of routine immunisation services.

Activities also include planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where HCWs will be vaccinated

during 1st phase and mapping human resources across departments that could be deployed for vaccination sessions for verification of beneficiaries, crowd management and overall coordination at the session site and STF will also track districts for adherence to timelines for overall implementation of vaccine introduction.

DTF will monitor progress of database of beneficiaries on COVID-19 vaccination, ensure training of all concerned HR on COVID-19 vaccination Beneficiary Management system (CVBMS), monitor progress on key activities such as microplanning, communication planning, cold chain and vaccine logistics planning. Accountability to be fixed for each activity at all levels. DTF will develop a robust communication planning at all levels to “address rumour mongering as well as vaccine eagerness”, track blocks and urban areas for adherence to timelines for various activities required for introduction of vaccine, besides ensuring timely disbursal of funds at all levels and sharing feedback at state level for review.

GUWAHATI, OCT 30 (AGENCIES): A week after a supposed breakthrough, a festering Mizoram-Assam boundary row worsened Friday, intensifying blockades and protests along the border between the two states after the Mizoram government announced that it is not withdrawing its forces.

The agitators in southern Assam refused to call off their blockade of National Highway 306, the lifeline of Mizoram, seeking withdrawal of security personnel from Assam’s area. Mizoram home minister Lalchamliana said his government would not withdraw its forces from the state border with Assam till normalcy returns.

The minister said his government accepted the demarcation notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 as the actual boundary of Mizoram and Assam.

He claimed that some local residents of Lailapur (in Cachar district of southern Assam) “backed by Assam officials” blockaded National Highway 306 leading to Mizoram’s Bairabi village since Wednesday.

Movement of vehicles on the NH 306, which has been blocked by residents of Lailapur in Assam’s Cachar district since Wednesday seeking withdrawal of the neighbouring state’s security personnel from Assam ter-

Petrol, diesel prices on freeze, says IOC

State COVID tally nears 9k-mark Naga pol. issue: NPF working committee 3 dead, 3 injured in mishap

NEW DELHI, OCT 30 (PTI): State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) on Friday said international oil prices have been range-bound in the last few weeks, warranting no revision in retail petrol and diesel rates.

While petrol price hasn’t changed since September 22, diesel rates have been static from October 2.

“Crude oil has not seen any drastic movement,” IOC Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya told reporters here.

“Crude oil has traded in the USD 39 to 42 per barrel range in recent weeks.”

The basket of crude oil that India buys has averaged around USD 40 per barrel in October as against USD 41.35 in the previous month.

He said this rangebound movement does not warrant a change in retail rates. As per practice, petrol and diesel prices are revised daily on the basis of change in benchmark international oil price and foreign exchange rate.

Vaidya said the cracks or difference between crude oil and product price, have been low, which is a matter of concern.

Petrol and diesel cracks are around USD 2 per barrel as against USD 7.8 and USD 13.2 a barrel respectively last year, he said.

This is it!

“Now he wants us to buy only local. Are we living in the Middle Age?” K Y M C

ritory, continued to remain paralysed.

Lalchamliana said that the state government is taking steps to ensure that supply of essential commodities is not hampered. Mizoram transports all its essentials, food grains, transport fuel and various other goods and machines through this highway. Sources in the Mizoram government have said they are in talks to work out an alternative route to bring in essentials through Manipur.

On Friday, Assam’s forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya visited the border areas and interacted with residents. He assured that the government is taking

steps to resolve the border dispute soon.

The minister visited the newly set up border out post (BoP) at Singua and assured residents that two more BoPs would soon be set up at Tulartal and Baghewala areas. The border tension between the two states was resolved on Thursday last after Union Home Secretary held a video conference with the chief secretaries of both Assam and Mizoram to defuse the situation.

Asserting that tension was prevailing between the two neighbouring states following a bomb blast in a school and video clips flashed on local news channel claiming that non-Mizo residents were being harassed in Mizoram, security sources said that it has created anger among the people living in bordering areas.

Meanwhile, Assam ADGP (law and order) G P Singh told reporters that a recent bomb blast in a school in Lailapur along the Assam-Mizoram border may have been an attempt to terrorise the locals. Assam Police will request its counterpart to hand over the probe of the incident to a central agency.

nagalandpostofficial

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON october 30, 2020

District

Dimapur

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsDeath ReMi- Total ympunder Critical-ICU cov- Death grat- CastomInvestiMod- Se- With- With On ered ed es Mild atic gation erate vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator 1158 44 4 0 0 0 2 3679 29* 2 46 4964

Kiphire

9

2

0

0

0

0

0

12

0

0

0

23 2674

Kohima

243

4

12

3

0

0

0

2395

6

0

11

Longleng

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

0

0

8

17

Mokokchung

14

0

0

0

0

0

0

96

1

0

2

113

Mon

65

3

0

0

0

0

0

414

2

0

9

493

Peren

12

0

0

0

0

0

0

294

0

0

0

306

Phek

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

36

0

0

0

36

Tuensang

11

0

0

0

0

0

0

141

0

0

0

152

Wokha

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

26

1

0

0

29

Zunheboto

5

3

0

0

0

0

0

127

0

0

3

138

Total

1518

57

16

3

0

0

2

7229

39

2

79

8945

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

DIMAPUR, OCT 30 (NPN): Nagaland COVID19 tally rose to 8945, nearing the 9000-mark, after 51 new cases were detected on Friday– 32 in Dimapur, 16 in Kohima, 2 in Mokokchung and 1 in Tuensang.

Further, out of 8,945 positive cases, the distribution across various categories of people include 3878 cases from the armed forces/ police, 1653 returnees, 2978 traced contacts and 436 frontline workers.

India’s tally climbs to 80,88,851 cases

PTI: India saw 48,648 new infections being reported in a day taking the COVID-19 caseload to 80,88,851, according to Union Health Ministry data on Friday.

Further, the COVID19 death toll in the country climbed to 1,21,090 with 563 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

okays formation of new common platform

Correspondent

KOHIMA, OCT 30 (NPN): Following appeals from different quarters and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s insistence that members of NPF’s Political Affairs Mission (PAM) should join the ruling coalition’s Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga political issue, NPF working committee endorsed formation of a new common platform.

The working committee on Friday held a meeting and resolved to leave it to the wisdom of NPF legislative wing to decide on formation of a common platform comprising 60 legislators of Nagaland Assembly and two members of Parliament.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, NPF legislative wing spokesperson Imkong L Imchen said the party’s legislative wing took the decision to work with the ruling

coalition, which include change of the nomenclature JLF, at the request of Shah, adding that the forum would be replaced by a new common platform with a new nomenclature.

Keeping in mind the Union home minister’s insistence that both the ruling and opposition parties should be on one platform, Imchen said NPF legislative wing took a decision in this regard in a meeting held last week.

He said the meeting also decided to impress upon chief minister Neiphiu Rio to convene an emergency session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly to discuss the Naga political issue as Government of India was determined to go for a settlement once and for all.

Claiming that there was no arrogance among NPF legislators, Imchen said the same was expected

from the ruling coalition to form a new platform. With the endorsement of the party’s working committee, NPF legislative wing will be sitting for a meeting.

Meanwhile, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon told this correspondent that the working committee also resolved to reiterate the demand for an acceptable, honourable and inclusive solution. He said the meeting also resolved to appeal to NNPGs and NSCN (I-M) to sit across the table for mutual understanding reiterating its stand for one solution and one accord.

It may be recalled that NPF legislature party at a meeting held in Dimapur on August 18 resolved to withdraw membership from the JLF on the ground of “huge trust deficit”, saying that the ruling dispensation had no confidence with the NPF legislators.

The mangled remains of the vehicle after the accident, Friday.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, OCT 30 (NPN): Three persons died on the spot while three others sustained injured after a taxi (Tata Sumo) in which they were travelling met with an accident near Shingshe river, around 9 kms away from Noklak town Friday morning.

Sources said, the deceased included two males

and one female while those injured included the driver and two minor children.

The travellers were on their way to Tuensang when the vehicle reportedly rolled down the hill.

Police team, Assam Rifles personnel along with local villagers rushed to the spot.

The injured persons were rushed to Noklak community health centre.

FA includes Naga flag and constitution: NSCN (I-M) NIA arrest 1 for extortion fund conduit ‘No scope provided to have separate talk on flag & constitution’ DIMAPUR, OCT 30 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) through its MIP, maintained that against the backdrop of focus of talks between the government of India and NSCN being mainly on Naga flag and Naga constitution (Yehzabo), it sought to dwell deeper on Framework Agreement (FA) “lest reckless interpretation comes into play to find an escape route”.

It said the Framework Agreement, which spoke of the unique history of Naga people and their sovereign independent identity, embraced separate Naga flag and constitution and therefore, there was no

scope provided to have separate talks for flag and constitution.

According to NSCN (I-M), by having separate talks over flag and constitution, the Government of India (Centre ) was sending a wrong signal and was not in sync with the Framework Agreement.

It demanded that the Centre should not undo its commitment and backtrack from the agreement by distorting what had been agreed upon. NSCN (I-M) has asserted that it was totally committed to stick to Framework Agreement to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue and accused governor RN Ravi of giving misleading report to Parliamentary Standing Committee contradicting the agreement.

NSCN (I-M) stated that such reports that are not

connected with any agreement with its negotiating team have now become the source of “soreness in the Indo-Naga political talks”.

“Even the appointment of the then interlocutor as Nagaland governor” is believed to have been deliberately done with the sinister design to undo his own signature on the Framework Agreement,” NSCN (I-M) stated. It further reminded that the recognition of “unique history and situation of the Nagas” by the government of India on July 11,2002 was “a political milestone in the Indo-Naga political negotiations.”

This recognition, it said, meant that before or after declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, Nagas have never taken a single step to join India “either by conquest

or consent.” Further, it pointed that as the government of India accepted the universal principle that in democracy, ‘sovereignty’ lies with people, this was exercised by Nagas on May 16,1951 when the NNC conducted the Naga plebiscite where 99.99% voted in favour of “sovereign Naga independence.”

NSCN (I-M) said respecting each other’s position, shared sovereignty was defined in the competencies.

Accordingly, how certain parts of Naga sovereignty and vice versa was to be shared with India was also defined in the competencies. With this arrangement, NSCN (I-M) said it was confident that this would provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful coexistence of the two enti(Cont’d on p-6) ties.

IMPHAL, OCT 30: National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested 35-year-old Ramningle Pame for allegedly delivering extortion money of Rs 35 lakh to a self styled colonel of the NSCN (I-M) named Rauiling Nsarangbe, The Sangai Express (TSE) report stated.

According to TSE, Ramningle was taken to 5 days transmit remand to be produced before Special NIA court in Dimapur. She was alleged to have been voluntarily involved in negotiation for the NSCN (I-M) and facilitated delivery of the Rs 35 lakh extortion money to ‘col.’ Rauiling Nsarangbe, sources told The Sangai Express.

Special Public Prosecutor for NIA submitted that Ramningle was arrested on Thursday for her alleged involvement in the extortion case. It said that the accused “knowingly and

intentionally helped” the negotiation between Shivalaya Construction company and NSCN (I-M) for transfer of the extortion money.

The PP mentioned that Ramningle arranged the delivery of Rs 26 lakh out of which Rs. 15 lakh was transferred through hawala and Rs. 11 lakh through the bank account of another accused identified as Dr. Rabi Pame. She had also allegedly arranged an incentive of Rs 8,000 for Dr Rabi Pame, it said.

The court directed the NIA to produce Ramningle before it on or before November 3 and instructed to get her medically examined every 48 hours.

NIA had re-registered cases against ‘col.’ Rayilung Nsarangbe, ‘pvt.’ Lamci Iralu, Zingringmung, Zingshongam Muinao, Dr Rabi Pame and Vimal Kumar Jain and others under vari-

ous Sections of Explosive Substance Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Indian Passport Act and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act in connection with to recovery of Rs 1,58,72,800 along with arms and ammunition, explosives and extortion slips, the report said.

In the course of the investigation, NIA stated that one accused namely Ruth Chawang was arrested on July 12 and was presently lodged at Central jail in Dimapur.

TSE reported that investigation into the cases had also revealed financial transactions being diverted from Government funds and projects (PMGSY, NREGA etc) and other construction works going on in Manipur and Nagaland by sympathizers and over ground workers of NSCN (I-M) under the directions of ‘col.’

Rayilung.

K Y M C

2

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Will money play a major factor in the c u r re n t by p o l l s i n Nagaland?

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

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

93% 5% 2%

Next poll

Q: Will spike of COVID in

winter lead to another lockdown?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST October 31

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A stray t-storm; not as hot

29 24

An afternoon t-storm or two

24 19

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

31 21

Aizawl Imphal

A t-storm or two;not as warm 25 20

Itanagar Cloudy and not as warm

27 19

Shillong

A stray afternoon t-storm

Kohima

A stray t-shower; not as warm 22 17

Dimapur Cooler; a stray p.m. t-storm Mkg

22 16 27 22

Cooler; a stray a.m. t-shower 22 18

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

DC Kohima Launches ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign

Cooler; a stray p.m. t-storm

16 14 23 20

Zunheboto Cloudy, cooler; a p.m. shower 19 16

Kohima DC Mohammed Ali shihab along with other members during the launch of Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign in his office chamber, Kohima.

KOHIMA: Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign aimed at identifying the most vulnerable in terms of substance and alcohol abuse was formally launched by the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima and chairman of Nasha Mukt Bharat Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab for Kohima district at his office chamber October 29.

According to a DIPR report, the DC who launched the campaign said Nasha Mukt Bharat Annual Action Plan 20202021 was prepared by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Social Justice &

Empowerment and will be implemented in 272 districts identified as most vulnerable in terms of substance and alcohol abuse.

Three districts from Nagaland, namely; Kohima, Dimapur and Mon district were listed based on inputs received from Narcotics Control Bureau and the findings of the comprehensive national survey done by the Ministry.

The deputy commissioner informed that the District Level Committee has been entrusted with the formulation and implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign in the respective districts. In

NMC honours young Naga musicians

NMC members along with the awardees and others at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, Friday. (NP)

Correspondent Kohima , O c t 3 0 (NPN): Naga Musicians Collective (NMC), a group of like-minded musicians of the 80s, organised a programme to acknowledge upcoming talented musicians of Nagaland and gifted them with musical instruments at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on Friday.

The three recipients are Muno Shiu, Imnainla Jamir and Kilang Jamir.

Speaking as the special guest, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro described music as a “powerful language” and a “language of the soul” that can connect anyone, anywhere regardless of the differences. “Music has the power to change

the world because it has the power to touch and move people to do positive things, to change and once people change, the world can change too,” she added. Lauding Kilang Jamir, a young differentlyabled man, for following his passion for music, Nakhro pointed out about the misconceptions about disability among people even today.

Referring to the negative attitudes-- bullying, humiliations etc., Nakhro said “a lot of shame and stigma is dumped on people who live with disabilities, and this is particularly tough on young disabled people”.

She asserted that there was nothing to be ashamed of to live with any kind of disability. Leaving a word of message for the

young people, she said, “Be proud of who you are. Love yourself, embrace your disability, embrace your flaws, your imperfections, nobody is perfect so, embrace your difference and imperfections.” Advisor TaFMA, Theja Meru viewed that though the COVID situation has been a rough time, it has not dampened the spirit of the music and arts fraternity of Nagaland.

“I feel that in the past month of using the social media, we have let the country learn our initiatives for being creative and also coming up with bright ideas” said Meru. he also encouraged young musicians to dream together and make Nagaland a centre of music and musical and also continue to inspire humanity.

this regard, he called for proper coordination to take forward campaign activities successfully and also asked concerned officials to work out action plan for the district and submit it to the State Nodal Officers at the earliest for further implementation of the programme.

Elaborating on the various functions of the committee, the DC suggested aggressive sensitisation programme on the campaign is required to reach out all the educational institutions, universities and even at community levels.

The deputy commissioner also emphasized on devising a social media strategy for district campaigns and implement the same, while also stressing on the need for collective efforts of all implementing agencies for the success of the campaign. ADC Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa; District Welfare Officer, Akali Sema; Child Development Project Officer Kohima, Hebou Rio; SA Neikesonuo from Social Welfare Department along with other members were also present during the launch.

Dy CM extends greetings DIMAPUR: State deputy chief minister, Y. Patton extended greetings to Liangmai, Zeliang, and Kuki communities on the occasion of Chaga Gadi, Langsimnyi, and Chavang Kut festivals respectively. He wished good health, happiness, and prosperity to the communities and prayed for God’s blessings to every house and bountiful harvest.

He said the extraordinary situation has not lessened the zeal to celebrate the festivals, which form a great part of our identity.

ATMA and KVK conduct DLT

DIMAPUR: A district level training on bamboo shoot pickle and drudgery reduction for farm women was organized at Jalukielo village on October 28. The training was organized by ATMA Peren, in collaboration with KVK Peren. A press release from ATMA Peren, stated that resource persons Akam Zeliang and Dr. Patu Khate, spoke on, ‘Pest management on vegetables’ apart from the demonstration on bamboo shoot pickle and drudgery reduction for farm women.

An interaction program was also conducted followed by videos on awareness progamme on recent Farm Act 2020 for agricultural reforms.

Altogether, 27 farmers attended the programme.

CM, NDPP condole

Dimapur: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed shock over the demise of late Nchumo Kikon on October 29 in Dimapur, after a brief illness.

In his condolence message, the chief minister said that Kikon’s demise was an immense and irreplaceable loss to his family, the party and the community as a whole. Rio also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

NDPP senior vice president Charlie Sekhose & Dimapur region in- charge & convenor and the NDPP Dimapur also expressed shock and sorrow over the sudden demise of Nchumo Kikon on October 29.

In a condolence message, NDPP vice president Charlie Sekhose stated that late Nchumo Kikon was

co-convenor of Dimapur region and also general secretary of NDPP (CEB) who was actively involved with the activities of the party and had deep concern for the society. Charlie Sekhose stated late Nchumo Kikon is one of the pioneers of the NDPP party and also co-convenor for Dimapur region, adding that the demise of Nchumo Kikon has been a great personal loss and the also the Nagas in general. The NDPP Dimapur region also express pain at losing such a senior leader, who had vast experience and knowledge.

Sekhose on behalf of all rank and file of the NDPP Dimapur region conveyed deepest condolences to his wife and all members of the bereaved family and prayed for strength and solace during the trying time.

Mkg police conduct seminar

Correspondent

DIMAPUR: A seminar on ‘vegetable cultivation, food processing and marketing’ from Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH) was conducted by Mokokchung police at New Reserve Mokokchung. The seminar was an initiative of Police Family Welfare Mokokchung. Mokokchung Superintendent of Police, Vishal informed that Dr. Moasosang Longkumer deliberated on the topic, ‘seed distribution and cultivation of onion’ while Vinika K Aomi, spoke on ‘prospects of post-harvest processing and value addition.’

Short speeches were also delivered by SP Mokokchung Vishal, Mokokchung DFO Dr. Sentitula and president of Police Family Welfare, Mokokchung, Priyanka.

Tening village Namsan Kohima DTF ON COVID-19 prepares celebrates Chega Gadi for conduct of bye-election 2020

Cock Fight in action during the celebration of Chaga Gadi festival in Tening Namsan (New Tening village) on October 30.

DIMAPUR: Tening village Namsan (New Tening village) under Peren District celebrated Chega Gadi , the most important festival of the Liangmai Naga on October 30 . The festival falls in the month of Chagahiu i.e, October and on dates- 30 and 31 every year Earlier, the Liangmai Naga forefathers observed the festival for a duration of 4 to 5 days but the was reduced to 2 to 3 days in time of any casualty. A press release by Rutmakbo Media K Y M C

Cell Tening Namsan stated that the president of Village Development Board ( VDB) Peren Unit Kinkariulung graced the festival as the guest of honour.

The festival marks people’s belief that the Almighty showers his blessing and brings good harvest, good health, riches and good luck on the day. The celebration is marked by feasting and merrymaking.

Highlights of the festival are : long jump, wrestling, cock fight and other traditional games etc.

KOHIMA: In view of the upcoming bye-election to the 14 Southern Angami-I ST Assembly Constituency, the Kohima District Task Force on COVID-19 held an emergency meeting for the safe conduct of the byelection. The meeting was chaired by deputy commissioner and Chairman DTF Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab A in his office chamber on October 29.

According to a DIPR report, the DC who chaired the meeting appreciated the tireless efforts of DTF members, especially the medical teams, in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also encouraged every members to continue to collectively contain spread of infection in the district.

Calling upon members to focus on election related activities and perform respective roles as per the ECI guidelines, he urged them to be prepared with the post-election plan. The meeting also deliberated on the new challenges posed

by the surge in COVID positive cases in the district whereby CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu apprised members on the current status of positive cases reported from the block levels besides the town. She also pointed out that strategic planning for medical teams from the blocks engaged in taking care of quarantine centres till date, needs to be worked out to enable them to resume their works in their respective assigned blocks for early detection of the infection. DSO Kohima, Dr. Aseno said that considering the spike of positive cases outside the quarantine centres, the department has accorded priority for early testing and early detection to contain spread of infection in the district.

On the conduct of safe election in the district, ADC Kohima Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa said various activities relating to election process have being conducted till date as per the ECI guidelines and while maintaining

all the safety protocols.

She further revealed that postal ballots from senior citizens, people with disabilities and positive persons under the constituency were collected by the election officials on October 28 and 29. The ADC informed of more sensitization and awareness on precautionary measures and safety protocols along with sensitization of polling stations and other measures to be carried out before the day of the poll.

Dy. CMO Kohima, Dr. Rupert Peseyie and Drug Inspector Kohima, Ethungbemo Ezung also shared on the set up of medical teams put in place in each villages under the constituency.

The sector health regulators along with medical teams in collaboration with COVID Committee of each villages and Village Council Chairman under the supervision of sector officers on monitoring safety protocols also carried out election related activities under the constituency till date.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

Rejuvenation of 100 springs underway in 11 districts

Under the ‘spring rejuvenation initiative’, a total of approximately 50 hectares have been treated so far.

KOHIMA: Land Resources and Rural Development Departments in collaboration with the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) and Tata Trusts have undertaken the ‘spring rejuvenation initiative’ aimed at reviving 100 springs in 11 districts across the state A joint press statement

by NEIDA project associate Avelu Chotso and director, Land Resources Department T.RenbenLotha, informed that springshed recharge activities have been initiated in phase 2 villages, while under phase 1, a total of 36 springshed recharge activities have been completed comprising digging of trenches and recharge

ponds, construction of gabion structures and plantation activities along with regular rainfall and spring discharge data collection.

Plantations and construction of such structures minimize rainwater run -off so that groundwater can be recharged and at the soil moisture content is also increased at the same time. This measure is also expected to control soil erosion.

Under the ‘spring rejuvenation initiative’, a total of approximately 50 hectares have been treated so far. Prior to this, a team led by para-hydrogeologist from the Land Resources Department along with the participating village communities

and Rural Development Department officials carried out hydro-geological surveys in 100 villages to identify areas where rainwater percolates to recharge the spring aquifers.

The joint press statement observed that as Nagaland is a mountainous state, a majority of the population depend on springs for domestic as well as for irrigation purposes. Unfortunately, there have been reports of springs drying up in many parts of the state in the recent past. One of the key objectives of the partners under the multi-stakeholder initiative is to develop a spring rejuvenation model that can be scaled up across the state, the release added.

NNC /FGN, Sumi region passes three resolutions

DIMAPUR: The NNC/ FGN, Sumi Region has announced that it has unanimously adopted three-point resolution at a meeting of its functionaries, civil and “Naga army” held in Dimapur on October 30, 2020. A press release by Khutovi Awomi, NNC Midan Peyu, Sumi region, stated that the first resolution expressed appreciation

news in Brief

DSSU convenes meeting of finance committee: Dimapur Sümi Students’ Union (DSSU) Golden Jubilee Finance Committee have informed its members that a meeting of the finance committee has been convened on October 31, 2:00 pm at Four Season hotel. members of Golden Jubilee Finance committee are requested to attend the meeting positively.

DC Kohima informs on vehicles restriction inside DC’s office complex: The deputy commissioner & district election officer Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab A has informed all concerned that government and private vehicles are restricted from entry into the DC’s Office Complex, Kohima from November 1 to 4, except for those on election duty or election related works.

The notification was issued keeping in mind the ensuing bye-election to the 14 Southern Angami-I ST Assembly Constituency scheduled on November 3, the DC said.

Seminar on ‘Tobacco abuse’ in Tuensang

DIMAPUR: A one-day seminar on ‘Tobacco abuse’ amongst youth, was organised by District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Tuensang, under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in collaboration with Longkhim Students Union (LSU), at Duda Conference Hall, Longkhim Town, on October 29. A press release from district media officer, CMO, Apheang, stated that resource person district consultant, District Tobacco Control Cell Tuensang, Sentilong Longchar, deliberated on the ill-effects of tobacco consumption and how the tobacco industry manipulated youth and different health issues caused by it. The programme was chaired by general secretary, Longkhim Students Union, Lumliba Sangtam.

to the leadership of “brig. (retd)” S. Singnya, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) for leading the NNC/FGN with “experience and wisdom and upholding the ardent desire and aspirations of the Naga people.” The second resolution appreciated the wisdom of the Working Committee of NNPGs in the signing of agreed posi-

tion on November 17, 2017 between Government of India and the NNPGs. The third resolution was to continue extending full support to the WC of NNPGs in its endeavour to resolve the protracted “Indo-Naga” political problem and hoped that the political settlement will be resolved peacefully at an early date.

1 ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF LATE MRS. KENEILEU NAKHRO Dearest Mom, It's been a year since you left us on this day, the 31st of October, 2019. There is not even a moment that we spent without you in our hearts. Your precious love and your support had been our biggest strength and your guidance and teachings will remain in our hearts forever. Though you are not with us anymore, we are glad that you are in a better place now. God has you in His arms and we have you in our hearts.

Loving husband, children, in-laws & grandchildren

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born : 30.08.1961 – Died : 15.10.2020 We, the bereaved family of Late Toqhuli Aye express our profound gratitude to all who shared our grief at the demise of our beloved Mother. May the Almighty bless you all abundantly.

Dearest Mummy, you are a gem among women. Many women have done well but you excel them all. Our hearts aches for you but we are comforted to know that you are now in your heavenly home waiting for us. Mummy we miss you dearly till we meet.

Loving Husband, Children, In-laws, Grandchildren and Relatives DP-4713

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Northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

New SOP to fight COVID-19 in Manipur Search on in Assam JEE proxy candidate case: Police Govt spent Rs. 62 crore so far in combating COVID-19, says Manipur CM

Correspondent IMPHAL, Oct 30: A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be implemented to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state, said Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday.

Singh made the announcement during a function at chief minister’s secretariat Imphal, related to distribution of banners and pamphlets to various societies and associations for creating COVID-19 awareness.

Singh said that a new SOP, taking into consideration the role to be played by CSOs, local clubs and other stakeholders, will be issued for implementation very soon.

He appealed to the people of the state to strictly comply with the SOP so as to work collectively and defeat COVID-19.

“Obeying the SOPs would be the only means to combat this pandemic.

So, we need to create mass awareness to individuals

Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh speaks at a function in Imphal on Friday. (NP)

residing in every nook and corner of the state,” he said. He maintained that a new way of fighting the pandemic has become necessary with the involvement of each and every citizen of the state as prevention from the pandemic depended much on the behaviour of each individual.

The chief minister informed that treatment of COVID-19 has now been covered under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the state government would also soon approve such coverage of treatment under the

Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT).

In order to motivate the frontline workers, he said the frontline workers would be covered with a life insurance scheme till 2021.

Informing the expenditure incurred by the state government in combating the COVID-19, the chief minister said that a total of around Rs 62 crore had been spent so far.

Singh maintained that his government had been taking up concerted steps to increase the number of Covid beds in hospitals.

The government was also taking steps to increase the number of beds at district level to ensure necessary treatment of Covid patients at their respective districts, he added.

During the programme, the chief minister led all the others present at the venue in taking a pledge to fight COVID-19.

Advisor (health) to chief minister, MLA Dr Sapam Rajan Singh, state principal secretary (health & family welfare) V Vumlunmang, officials of different departments, anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, ANM workers and representatives of drivers associations were among others who attended the programme.

The banners and pamphlets were distributed citing the need for giving awareness and mass involvement of every individual of the state in successfully fighting the deadly virus, an official of the state health department said.

GUWAHATI, OCT 30 (PTI): After arresting the topper of the JEE (Mains) examination in Assam and his doctor father for allegedly using an impersonator to write the test, the state police is looking for an owner of a coaching institute and an employee of a leading IT company in connection with the fraud in the country’s prestigious engineering entrance exam.

Five persons have been arrested in the case so far and taken into police custody for five days, a senior officer said on Friday.

“The police are searching for an owner of a citybased coaching institute and an employee of a leading IT company,” Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Guwahati Suprotive Lal Baruah told PTI. Many people are suspected to be involved in the malpractice and the investigation is on to unearth the racket, another senior police officer said.

The state police approached the National Testing Agency, which has conducted the examination across the country, and sought information

related to the JEE (Mains) exam to help them in their investigations.

The NTA had outsourced the infrastructural and human resources support to an IT company for conducting the examination, the police officer said.

Baruah is heading a special investigating team, set up to probe the scam, which came to light on Wednesday after an audio recording of the candidate’s purported telephonic conversation with one of his friends went viral on social media.

The candidate admitted the fraud to a friend during a phone call which was recorded, police said.

The examination was

held on September 5.

An FIR was filed by a person, identified as Mitradev Sharma, on October 23 in Azara police station here, alleging that the candidate, who scored 99.8 per cent in the JEE (Mains), had used an impersonator to appear for the test on his

behalf.

Sharma alleged that on the day of the examination, the candidate entered the specified centre at Borjhar area, but came out after completing the biometric attendance with the help of an invigilator and another person wrote the exam.

Assam CM suggests hydrological survey to tackle floods, erosion LAKHIMPUR, OCT 30 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has mooted the idea of carrying out hydrological survey to address the problems of flood and erosion caused by the Subansiri river in Lakhimpur district.

Terming the river as the lifeline for the people of Lakhimpur, the chief minister on Friday said that in order to sustain the importance of the river, a hydrological survey of the water body should be carried out.

Such surveys involving the mapping of drainage channels, fleets and other watercourses help in the preparation of flood risk assessments.

Reviewing the development schemes in the district at a meeting here, Sonowal said that since recurring flood and erosion caused by the river

pose a perennial problem, a hydrological survey is necessary to study the nature of the river.

He directed the Water Resources Department to do the needful for undertaking the survey.

The chief minister also reviewed the stages of implementation of government schemes in the district at a meeting with the deputy commissioner and senior officials.

D u r i n g t h e m e e t i n g, Sonowal reviewed the progress of allotment of land pattas (deeds), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, AADHAR registration, Saubhagya scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in the district.

The chief minister also asked the deputy commissioner to ensure that no one was deprived of clean drinking water.

435 kg brown sugar seized in Mnp

IMPHAL, OCT 30 (PTI): The Manipur Police has busted a drug manufacturing unit and seized over 435 kg of brown sugar from Thoubal district, a senior police officer said on Friday.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team raided a house in Moijing Awang area on Thursday and recovered 16 packets of brown sugar along with other materials used for manufacturing of the drug, Thoubal Superintendent of Police Sarangthem Ibomcha Singh said.

“We have seized 435.94 kg of brown sugar along with 438 litres of morphinated liquid, 705 grams of lime and a bottle of ammonium chloride,” the SP said.

The police also recovered three LPG cylinders, a motorcycle and an auto-rickshaw during the search operation, Singh said.

The market value of the seized drug could not be ascertained, another police officer said.

“Md. Kayamuddin, the owner of the brown sugar manufacturing unit, and his wife managed to escape from the spot during the raid. A search operation has been launched to apprehend them,” he said.

The state police has intensified its crackdown on illegal activities ahead of the upcoming by-elections to three assembly seats on November 7.

Night curfew extended in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills Correspondent SHILLONG, OCT 30: Night curfew has been extended in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district from 10 pm to 5 am each day from October 31 upto November 7 as preventive and mitigation measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills Isawanda Laloo said the order will not apply to medical teams and officials on COVID-19 duty, police, security and armed forces, civil defence and home guard volunteers, wholesale and retail pharmacies, fire and emergency services.

“These services shall strictly comply with all the protocols and procedures including social distancing, limiting of field staff to the barest minimum and other advisories of the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail,” the order notified.

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“Movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipments and shops for repair of trucks on highways are also exempted,” the order read.

However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols.

“Exemption granted to official and non official emergency and essential services, establishments and agencies shall not extend to containment areas,” the order read.

Curfew passes for timings falling between 10 PM to 5 AM with effect from October 31, up to November 7 can be obtained via online application at eastkhasihills.gov.in.

Night curfew has been in force in the State ever since the breakout of the COVID19 pandemic, with an aim to contain the spread of the viral infection.

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 326 Dimapur, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

A

Sword of terror

fter the iconic Twin Towers were obliterated by on September 9,2011 by Islamic terrorists in two hijacked passenger planes , the western world took notice but yet couldn’t get their act together to confront and contain the spread of terror attacks. The west and in particular, European countries are under threat from radical Islamists from within their own societies.

Europe’s home grown terror has spread particularly with arrival of millions of immigrants from the middle east including former soviet regions such as Chechnya, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Today western nations have been reminded that their brand of freedom, liberty and free speech is under serious threat from Muslim immigrants. Though most European muslims do not support nor agree with jihadism, yet their voices are silent when terrorists wreak death and destruction. France has been facing multiple attacks even as recent as 2015 not to speak of past decades. Even a cartoon depiction of Muslim prophet Mohammad by Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical weekly, earned the ire of the Islamic world. This only served to ignite the fire of terrorism when in January 2015- two terrorists forced their way inside Charlie Hebdo office and shot dead 12 people inside. In the most recent terror attack in Nice, two women and a man were attacked inside the basilica on Thursday morning before the first Mass of the day.

The elderly victim, a woman, was “virtually beheaded”.

Another woman and a man also died. The attacker was a 21-year-old Tunisian national who had arrived in France earlier in October. In an earlier attack by Islamic terrorist, a teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded close to his school outside Paris earlier this month after showing the controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad to some of his pupils. In July 2016- two terrorists killed a priest and seriously wound another hostage after storming a church. Other attacks during the period included- the November 2015 Paris attacks (130 killed), the July 2016 Nice truck attack (86 killed), the June 2016 Atatürk Airport attack (45 killed), the March 2016 Brussels bombings (32 killed), and the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing (22 killed). During the last fifty years, Muslims have been accused of carrying out a ‘demographic aggression’ against Europe. They have migrated in huge numbers to Germany, Belgium, France, UK and other countries. Now, some of them even hold high government offices. Most Muslims are loath to follow the European laws that they think are not in tune with Islam. They don’t believe in the Western civilization, Western values, and the Western system despite living in the West. Hence their insistence on the Shariat law. Most Muslim immigrants refuse to be assimilated as they don’t respect the native culture.

Also, they want to persist with the misogyny inherent in Islam. Today people across the world see Islam as a religion of terror though adherents claim it is a religion of peace. This was reflected in France where a survey by the Journal du Dimanche, revealed that 61 percent of respondents said that Islam was “incompatible with the values of French society,” an increase of 8 percent over February. Nearly 80 percent said they felt that the vaunted French creed of secularism was “in danger,” largely because of Islam. These are worrying times and it is time even for those peace loving Muslims to act.

DailyDevotion Faith

Without faith it is impossible to please Him. —Hebrews 11:6

Faith in antagonism to common sense is fanaticism, and common sense in antagonism to faith is rationalism. The life of faith brings the two into a right relation. Common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense; they stand in the relation of the natural and the spiritual; of impulse and inspiration. Nothing Jesus Christ ever said is common sense, it is revelation sense, and it reaches the shores where common sense fails. Faith must be tried before the reality of faith is actual. “We know that all things work together for good,” then no matter what happens, the alchemy of God’s providence transfigures the ideal faith into actual reality. Faith always works on the personal line, the whole purpose of God being to see that the ideal faith is made real in His children. For every detail of the commonsense life, there is a revelation fact of God whereby we can prove in practical experience what we believe God to be. Faith is a tremendously active principle which always puts Jesus Christ first — “Lord, Thou hast said so and so” (e.g., Matthew 6:33), “it looks mad, but I am going to venture on Thy word.” To turn head faith into a personal possession is a fight always, not sometimes. God brings us into circumstances in order to educate our faith, because the nature of faith is to make its object real. Until we know Jesus, God is a mere abstraction, we can not have faith in Him; but immediately we hear Jesus say — “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father,” we have something that is real, and faith is boundless.

Faith is the whole man rightly related to God by the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Quotes

“It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” ~ Lewis Carroll

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

Post-mortem

The Naga Rising appeal to PM for early solution

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he Naga flag and Yezhabo (constitution) have been an integral part of the Naga national movement since its inception, irrespective of the numerous groups or factions that exist. As such, there is nothing to demand or bargain for when it comes to these national symbols as they are inherent and inalienable rights of the Naga people.

Perhaps, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) would understand better the emotion behind the Naga case as it has hailed the use of its own saffron flag. According to the RSS, the saffron flag represents “history, tradition and the supreme sacrifices made for the nation” and that it is the “embodiment of all basic elements of our nationhood.” The Nagas are expressing the same sentiment.

Nevertheless,as we put forward a case for the Naga flag and constitution to be made part of a peace agreement, The Naga Rising wishes to appeal to you to give due consideration of the following points.

The Naga Political Groups, though divided, continue to exist on the basis of the declaration of Naga Independence of August 14, 1947, and the Plebiscite of 1951.

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efore I begin to answer the question I would like to raise first a few questions. Which tribe is called the naked Nagas?

Which tribe is called Kacha Nagas? Are Nagas having a common ancestor? Which tribe was first called Naga tribe? Which tribe is the last to be called Naga tribe? Why Nagas are still confused about their common identity? Are there real Nagas and unreal Nagas? When did the nomenclature of the word Naga come to be used to the various allied and cognate tribes and sub-tribes? Are all Nagas naked in the early 20th century? Which are the two places of Naga origin where maximum Naga tribes trace their migration with certainty? Is Nagamese real Naga language? When will Nagas have their common language with their indigenous language?

The word Naga is not indigenous to the present Naga people. In other words, it is given by Shan/Ahom people as per available authentic documents like the word ‘Hindu’ was given by Persian. Similarly the word ‘China’ was given by Indian.

The naked Nagas ( Konyak Nagas) by Christopher Von Haimendorf and Kacha Nagas (Zeliang Nagas) is a corrupted form of Angami language for Ketsa (forest) people for Zeliang Nagas by outsiders on inquiry from Angamis have created huge confusion and misunderstanding among the Nagas and non-Nagas till today due to ignorance and prejudice. Different theories and conjectures are put forth to explain the origin of the use of Naga to the present Naga people inhabiting in the state of Nagaland, Naga hills of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Myanmar due to lack of definite historical record. Unfortunately till today there is no study syllabus in schools.

Therefore, ignorance is still wide spread among the Nagas including even educated ones. From the available references, various ethnographical anthropological and historical writings including oral tradition of neighbouring non-Naga tribes, it is fairly certain that the word Naga was not applied to the present Naga people until 19th century though the

It is also a fact that the NSCN (IM) and the NNPGs are engaged in ceasefire and political dialogues with the Government of India because earlier accords–––the Shillong Accord and the 16-Point Agreement–––could not solve the Naga issue.

The question of a separate Naga flag and constitution should be seen in the context of the historical and political rights of the Naga people as these symbols are embedded in the unique history and situation of the Nagas, rightly acknowledged and recognized by the GoI. Both the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 with the NSCN (IM) and the Agreed Position of November 17, 2017 with the NNPGs have officially recognized the Nagas as an ‘entity’ i.e. distinct and independent from the Government of India.

Add to this is the understanding reached to share sovereign powers–––a point that has been consistently upheld throughout the peace process by the GoI and duly recognized by the two recent agreements signed with the NSCN (IM) and the NNPGs. India should not see a separate Naga flag and constitution as outlandish.

For the GoI to now say that the flag and constitution cannot be officially recognized is disrespectful to the Nagas. The wide spectrum of political support to the Naga peace process through successive Indian Prime Ministers should not be undermined.

At this very important juncture when all substantive issues are believed to have been resolved, barring the question of a separate flag and constitution, The Naga Rising is of the firm belief that India and the Nagas must look tounderstand each other’s needs and aspirations as the only way forward towards a peace agreement.

Fighting is no longer a viable option. Both sides cannot throw away the gains of the last two decades. The Naga masses too have invested their social capital and goodwill in the peace process and their voice for an early peace accord that is inclusive and honorable should not be undermined either.

If Nagas associate with India in some form of federal relationship, (understood to have been worked out in the agreed competencies), a flag and constitution will represent the duality of the two entities already agreed upon. It will also realise the ‘special

Who are Nagas?

word ‘Kha’ was referred to Heimi and Lanong Naga tribes of Myanmer in the 18th century by Shan and Khachin people. As per Ahom Buranjis the first tribes to be called Nagas are the Tangsa, Wancho, Nocte and later to Konyak which means highlanders and not snake or naked or earlobe piercing people as interpreted by some scholars.

Thus the evolution is from Kha to Nakha to Naga due to differences in pronounciation. The Nagas were not at all aware that they were all belonging to the same ethnic stock due to complete isolation and total lack of formal education.

Initially many Nagas even refused to be called Nagas.

Yet outsiders perceived that the different tribes and subtribes of Nagas were having a lot of common features and family resemblances among themselves. It is for this reason many researchers and their neighbours used to call them all as Nagas with the writing about them.

They are the following: The Nagas in the 19th century

by Verrier Elwin, the North East frontier of India by Alexander Mackenzie, the Eastern Frontier of India by R.B. Pemberton, a history of Assam by Sir Edward Gait, Manipur and the Naga hills

by Sir James Johnstone, The Angami Nagas (including Chakesang, Mao, Poumai, Maram and Thangal) by J.H. Hutton, The Sema Nagas

by J.H.Hutton, The Naga Tribes of Manipur by T.C. Hodson, The Ao Nagas

by J.P. Mill and also by W.C. Smith, The Rengma Nagas by J.P. Mill, The Lhotha Nagas by J.P. Mill, the Mao Nagas (including poumai) by Lt. Col. Shakespear and etc. The Nagas can be broadly categorized as Tenyimia group consisting of ten tribes, Konyak and their allied tribes like Wancho, Nocte, Heimi etc, Some of the Eastern tribes, Anal and their allied tribes like Moyon, Monsang, Lamkan, Chothe etc who were put under old Kuki group

by British writers.

The old Kuki group classified by the British were the last to be included within the Naga Family.

The first tribes to be called Nagas were from Myanmar and NEFA or Arunachal

Pradesh. One who seriously examines and reflects upon the languages, customs, food habits, demeanours, and beliefs etc of the different Naga tribes; there is no real Nagas and unreal Nagas.

Further, in the 19th century all Nagas were not naked particularly the Tenyimia group. The prefix ‘naked’ for the Konyak Nagas has misled many people thinking that all Nagas were naked even in the 19th century.

Similarly the ‘Kacha Nagas’ for Zeliang Nagas has also misled so many people including the Nagas due to complete ignorance for many years even now.

The umbrella term Bodo or Kachari covers several allied tribes and subtribes but unlike the Nagas they do not agree and accept this. Similarly the umbrella term Kuki covers several allied tribes and sub-tribes but today many do not accept it.

In fact, Kuki-Chin-Lushai or Mizo allied tribes and sub-tribes have much more linguistic similarities among themselves than the Nagas and yet till today they do not have commonly accepted umbrella term. Seven major tribes of Manipuri or Meitei form into one community called Meitei people with a common language. Even the various tribes and subtribes of Khasi and Jaintia are coming together as one community with a common language of Cherra and under the umbrella term Khasi.

All such social processes and construction come with heightened consciousness and quality education.

Why in the case of the Nagas the umbrella term Naga is accepted by all tribes with some reservation? The answer is primarily because of political consciousness and spearheaded by Mr. A. Z. Phizo, the father of the Naga political movement.

Though he was just class ten, he was very broad minded and inclusive in his approach to the different Naga tribes despite certain shortcomings unlike many of the so called Naga National political groups who are terribly narrow-minded, exclusive and highly violent . In the history of the Naga political movement no one is as popular as Mr. Phizo. Further nobody commands as much respect

arrangement’ for the Nagas that has been promised at the highest level of the GoI. Naga f lag can coexist Based on existing law and understanding it is evident that having a separate Naga flag is not prohibited under the Indian legal or political system.You may consider the following: In a 1994 case before the Supreme Court of India, S. R. Bommai v.

Union of India, the Supreme Court declared that there is no prohibition in the Constitution of India for a state to have its own flag. However, a state flag should not dishonour the national flag.

For many years, Jammu and Kashmir had a separate flag due to special status granted by Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Also, the Flag Code of India, 2002, does not impose prohibitions on a State flag. By implication, the Code provides space for a State flag as long as it does not offend the dignity and honour of the national flag.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also taken the official position that legally there is no provision either for providing or prohibiting a separate flag for any state.

as Mr. Phizo how and why?

An instance can substantiate this point. In 1990, when his dead body was brought to Nagaland from London the overwhelming pouring of emotion from a huge numbers of people from all over the Naga inhabited areas with Naga National flag spontaneously gathered to pay their last tribute was a crystal clear proof of the above statement. In several places like Shillong and many other places condolence meetings were organized to bid final farewell to him was amazing and unprecedented in the history of the Nagas.

Lastly Dimapur Airport was at once named after him and he was buried in kohima, the capital city of Nagaland and not in his native village.

In the near future there is no possibility of having a common Naga language without physical and emotional integration of contiguous areas. Though Makhel and Khezakeno are the last two halting places complementary to each other where majority of the Naga tribes trace their immediate origin of migration still serious systematic scientific research are needed including genetic studies.

The other important reason is deep division and distrust caused by excessive tribalism despite the vital role played by Forum for Naga Reconciliation. History is testimony to this: The formation of ‘The Revolutionary Government of Nagaland’ on 2nd November 1968 mainly comprised of the Sema or Sumi tribe with a few individuals from some other tribes did not hesitate to betray the whole Naga political movement at the altar of crass tribalism. This is also betrayal of the PLA of China. This betrayal had inevitably led to the signing of controversial ‘Shillong Accord’ of 1975. Another manifestation of excessive tribalism was the brutal cold blooded fratricidal shooting in 1988 in which many were killed; when NSCN was split into two. Many instances can be cited. In short, Nagas are still a long way to go towards peaceful civilised co-existence.

Prof. Xavier Pfokrehe Mao Department of Philosophy NEHU, Shillong Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

The Naga flag or constitution is not a threat to India nor will it diminish India’s standing as an emerging global power.

Such symbols will recognise, protect and promote the Naga identity in the cultural milieu of the Indian sub-continent.

Upon your counsel and guidance, we urge the Naga negotiators and the GoIto work out some formulations that would recognize the Naga flag.

By this act of magnanimity, we believe India will also gain the trust and support of the Nagas and realise its need for durable peace, stability, and security in the restive eastern borderlands.

Conclusion No other Prime Minister has been more explicit in recognizing the depth of the Naga political movement and to resolving the Naga issue than yourself.

During your visit to Nagaland in December 2014, you proclaimed the Naga nationalist slogan ‘Kuknalim’ three times in a public address, a gesture that perhaps underlined the duality of India and the Nagas while also expressing your respect for the Naga people’s sentiment, their history and culture.

The Naga Risingbelieves that this mutual

acceptance and respect should provide the basis for peaceful co-existence of the two entities in a framework that takes into account contemporary realities.

Likewise, at the signing of the Framework Agreement, you spoke about the need to restore the “pride and prestige and self-respect” of the Nagas.

We appeal to you to translate your well-meaning words into action by addressing Naga ‘aspirations’ and agreeing to a flag and constitution in the peace accord. This is the respect that Nagas want from you and something you have already expressed in your heart.

May God bless India and the Nagas.

The Naga Rising 1. Along Longkumer 2. Vitho Zao 3. Hukavi T. Yeputhomi 4. Amai Chingkhu 5. Tsukti Longkumer 6. Moie Bonny Konyak 7. Ngukato K. Tsuipu 8. Mar Longkumer 9. Joel Naga 10. Khriezodilhou Yhome 11. Phyoben Odyuo 12. Y. Aheto Sumi 13. Dorothy Chang 14. Khesheli Chishi 15. Villo Naleo 16. Kekhwengulo Lea

‘Irritating Covid Mobile message’

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ometimes it makes one wonder if people are really “listening” to COVID pre-call massage that comes every time we make a call. Whatever the number of people this writer has asked nearly all say that they find the message not just irritating but it is utterly wasting their precious time. The saying– “too much of anything is bad” is what is perfectly applicable here too. Well, in order to avoid hearing repeatedly the same message, many people these days have taken an alternative option for communication like calling by WhatsApp or by sending messages. Even the voice of superstar Amitabh Bachchan has literally failed to cheer up his crazy fans.

Is it not an embarrassment of riches?

Of course, for the first 1/2-month of the pandemic, people never grumbled, they did not feel jaded. As a matter of fact, the massive awareness and warning against the coronavirus was a must. True, the Government must force the message down the throat of the citizens who are habitually irresponsible and insensitive.

Moreover, the government can’t take the risk as the major part of the population might not follow the virus precautionary measures.

But, now, already into the seventh month, if “some” people don’t comply with the COVID regulations then they won’t be even after hearing the same sermon for another ten years. One netizen expresses his anger on social media thus: “If I don’t die of coronavirus, I’ll probably die of an overdose of listening to the forced coronavirus ringtone.”

What is unquestion-

ably obvious is this pre-call message has cumulatively disrupted the routine affairs of countless people while putting many others on the verge of chaos and loss.

Well, one medical officer from New Delhi, who has to make frequent calls to his juniors, quips – “No doubt, the Covid message can be given once or twice on each alternate day but not all the time. It has adversely affected people’s day to day activities”. Who knows if some hot-temper freaks would not bang their cell phones like they bang and break their TVs or remotes when their favorite cricket team loses the game? Undoubtedly, the repetitive COVID message has wreaked havoc on business and commerce in every segment as they are totally dependent on mobile communication.

Now let’s make one small calculation. If a person makes 4 calls in 24 hours then that means his roughly 2-minute time is wasted by this pre-call patter. If we multiply that by 100 crore citizens, it comes to approximately 3800 years’ time span per one-day-onenight. Just evaluate and imagine how this overdone message has retarded the pace of economic development and tempo of growth and progress. Here I can’t say much but one intensely wishes that some group of mathematicians put these facts and figures across the table of PMO. The Government must take the public call now.

Salil Gewali, Upper Mawprem, Shillong-2 (A Shillong-based writer and researcher, Salil Gewali is best known for his researchbased work entitled ‘Great Minds on India’)

Reader’s Post

Tone down festivities during COVID pandemic

Sir,

While most us eagerly wait to celebrate our festivals, I urge fellow Dimpaurians to exercise some restraint as the battle against COVID is far from over. It was indeed disappointing to see revellers flouting social distancing norms while celebrating puja recently. I am not against celebrating any festivals, but I believe that irrespective of religion, we should tone down celebrations this year.

Bishwajit Das, Dimapur newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

Phase-I Malabar exercise from Nov 3-6

NEW DELHI, OCT 30 (PTI): In the midst of its bitter border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, India will hold the first phase of the Malabar naval exercise with navies of the US, Japan and Australia from November 3 to 6 in the Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam coast, officials said on Friday.

The second phase of the mega exercise is scheduled to be held from November 17 to 20 in the Arabian sea, they said.

Last week, India announced that Australia will be part of the Malabar exercise which effectively makes it a drill by all four member nations of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition.

China has been suspicious about the purpose of the Malabar exercise as it feels that the annual war game is an effort to contain its influence in the IndoPacific region.

The invitation by India to the Australian Navy for the exercise came two weeks after foreign ministers of the ‘Quad’ member nations held extensive talks in Tokyo with a focus on enhancing their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a region where China has been expanding its military influence.

The officials said the first phase of the drill would witness complex and advanced naval exercises, including surface,

Representational image. anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations, besides cross-deck flying, seamanship evolutions and weapon firing exercises.

The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015.

The annual exercise was conducted off the coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea in 2018 and off the coast of Japan in 2019.

The Indian Navy will deploy a number of key

platforms in the exercise which will include destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, off-shore patrol vessel Sukanya, fleet support ship Shakti and submarine Sindhuraj.

In addition, advanced jet trainer Hawk, longrange maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, and a number of helicopters will also be participating in the exercise, the officials said.

During the recent Indo-US 2+2 talks, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper welcomed India’s in-

vitation to Australia to join the Malabar exercise.

The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China’s increasing military muscle flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers. The US has been favouring making Quad a security architecture to check China’s growing assertiveness.

India and China are locked in an over fivemonth-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a

series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

After the invitation to the drill, Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds CSC said the Malabar exercise marked a “milestone opportunity” for the Australian defence force and that it will showcase the “deep trust” between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.

For the last few years, Australia has been showing keen interest in participating in the exercise.

Defence and security ties between India and Australia have been on an upswing in the last few years.

In June, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) allows militaries of the two countries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, besides facilitating scaling up of overall defence cooperation.

Rajasthan govt may bring bill against Centre’s farm laws JAIPUR, OCT 30 (PTI): The Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan is likely to introduce an amendment bill to counter the Centre’s new farm laws when the state assembly convenes on Saturday.

The fifth session of the current assembly was adjourned on August 24 and the House will resume its business on October 31, according to the Rajasthan Legislative Secretariat.

The Rajasthan government’s move to introduce the amendment bill comes days after the Punjab assembly adopted a resolution against the farm laws and unanimously passed four bills to counter the Centre’s contentious legislations.

Earlier, Congress leadership has suggestion to states where the party is in power to pass laws of their own, negating the central legislations.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot too had said his government will bring a bill on the lines of Punjab.

The Union government, however, has been saying that the laws passed

by Parliament recently amid a vociferous protest will raise farmers’ income, free them from the clutches of the middlemen and usher in new technology in farming.

5 EC revokes Kamal Nath’s star campaigner status NEW DELHI, OCT 30 (PTI): Taking serious note of breach of “ethical and dignified behaviour”, the Election Commission on Friday revoked the “star campaigner” status of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath for repeated violations of the model code during campaign for the bypolls in 28 assembly constituencies in the state.

In an order, the Commission said, “...for repeated violation of Model Code of Conduct and for completely disregarding the advisory issued to him, the Commission hereby revokes the status of leader of political party (Star Campaigner) of Kamal Nath, Ex-Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, with immediate effect for the current Bye-elections of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh.”

It said no permission will be granted by authorities to Nath as a star campaigner.

“However, if any campaign is done by Kamal Nath from now onwards, the entire expenditure related to travel, stay and visit will be completely borne by the candidate in whose constituency he carries out campaigning,” it said.

While the political party pays for the expenditure of a star campaigner, the candidate pays for the

Kamal Nath (File) expenditure of other campaigners.

The EC said it has carefully considered the matter and has observed with “displeasure that Kamal Nath despite being a leader of a political party is repeatedly violating the provisions of Model Code of Conduct and breaching the ethical and dignified behaviour”.

The Commission referred to his remarks against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

He had used the words “mafia” and “milawat khor” against a political rival at a recent campaigning event.

Last week, the EC had asked Nath not to use words like “item” in campaigning.

He had used the jibe to hit out at state minister and BJP candidate Imarti Devi at a rally.

Campaigning is underway for the election to 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly seats on November 3.

Active caseload below 6L for the first time after 85 days 7,000 recoveries each.

Also, 78 per cent of 48,648 new cases of COVID19 recorded in a span of 24 hours are from 10 states and UTs. Kerala is still reporting a very high number of new cases with more than 7,000 cases followed by Maharashtra and Delhi with more than 5,000 cases each, the ministry said.

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recovery rate has progressed to 91.15 per cent.

The ministry said that 80 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs. Kerala has contributed the maximum with more than 8,000 to the single day recoveries followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka with more than

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cases and recovered cases is consistently increasing and stands at 6,778,989 as on date,” the ministry highlighted. A total of 57,386 patients have recovered and were discharged in a span of 24 hours whereas 48,648 new infections were reported during the same period, according to the data updated at 8 am. The national

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NEW DELHI, OCT 30 (PTI): The active caseload of coronavirus infection in the country dropped below 6 lakh for the first time in nearly three months and comprises only 7.35 per cent of the total cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday, asserting India has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against COVID-19.

There are 5,94,386 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country as on date. The active caseload was 5.95 lakh on August 6.

“Presently the active cases comprise only 7.35 per cent of the total positive cases of the country standing at 5,94,386. This has strengthened its trend of steady decline,” the ministry said. The trajectory of the active caseload across different states and UTs has been diverse indicating their efforts and gradual progress in their fight against the global pandemic. India has also sustained its high number of recoveries with 73,73,375 people having recuperated.

“India continues to be the topmost country with the maximum number of recovered cases globally. The difference between active

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER NAGALAND::KOHIMA

E-mail: ceo_nagaland@eci.gov.in NO.ELE/CDT-140/2016

Dated 31st October, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

NOTICE INVITING BIDS FOR REGIMENTAL SHOPS AT CHAKABAMA MIL STATION

This is for general information of all concerned that the Election Commission of India vide its Order NO.3/4/ID/2020/SDR/VOL-II dated 14th October, 2020 has directed that for the current Bye-elections to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 14-Southern Angami-I (ST) AC and 60-Pungro-Kiphire (ST) AC; all the electors who have been issued EPICs shall produce their EPICs for their identification at the polling station before casting their votes. Those electors who are not able to produce the EPIC shall have to produce one of the following alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity:-

1. Bids are invited only from under mentioned section of people for running of following regimental shops at Chakabama Military Station: (a) War widows/Widows of Defense Personnel killed while on duty. (b) Disabled Soldier

i. ii. iii. iv.

Aadhaar Card, MGNREGA Job Card, Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/ Post Office, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour, v. Driving License, vi. PAN Card, vii. Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, viii. Indian Passport, ix. Pension document with photograph, x. Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/ State Govt./ PSUs/ Public Limited Companies, and xi. Official Identity Cards issued to MPs/ MLAs/ MLCs 2.

It may be noted that Photo Voter Slip shall not be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for voting, though it will be prepared and issued to electors. Electors are required to carry EPIC or one of the 11 alternative documents as specified above by the Commission for voting.

3.

The poll will take place on 3rd November, 2020 (Tuesday), and the polling time will be between 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (ABHIJIT SINHA) IAS Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland

DC-674

(c) Ex-Servicemen. (d) Spouse/widows of ex-servicemen.

2. The categories of shop being allotted (with plinth area) on payment of rebate and rent & allied charges are as under:S No Type of Shop Plinth Area (In Sq Ft) (a) Gen Store 77.85 (b) Gen Store 37.58 (C) Gen Store 37.58 3. Bidders will be allotted only one shop bidding.

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Base Rebate Rs 6600.00 Rs 6500.00 Rs 2650.00 after successful

4. Bids are required to reach Station Headquarters Chakabama on prescribed form within 15 days of publication of this advertisement. Application Forms, Terms and Conditions for running of above shops may be collected from Station Headquarters, Chakabama Military Station in person.

Contact No: 8971720552 & 8264581270 Email ID: chak.stnhq@gov.in DC-673

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national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur saturDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

ambush Will fight for restoration of Art 370: Omar 2 cops injured in J’khand Maoist 10 CRPF jawans

SRINAGAR, OCT 30 (PTI): The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday began the process of widening its consultations with residents in Ladakh, as the alliance asserted that the revocation of articles 370 and 35A by the Centre were unacceptable and vowed to continue the fight to reverse them.

“We will fight politically and legally as well, but our fight will be peaceful.

We have no intention to vitiate the atmosphere in this state,” NC vice president Omar Abdullah told reporters in Kargil, over 200 kms from here.

A delegation of the PAGD led by Omar Abdullah visited Ladakh and held consultations with the people in Kargil “on the road ahead” for Jammu and Kashmir.

Seven mainstream parties of Jammu and Kashmir, including the NC and the PDP, have formed the PAGD for restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Vowing to fight for the rights of the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir using all peaceful means, Omar said the PAGD was ready to talk to anyone to develop a wider consensus over their

NC vice president Omar Abdullah (L) with party general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar at a rally in Srinagar Oct. 29, 2020. (PTI) demands.

“We are ready to talk to anyone and we will not hesitate in doing so,” he said when asked whether the delegation was ready to talk to an apex body recently formed in Leh. The former chief minister said he wants the representatives from Kargil to become part of the PAGD. “We had not held any discussions with them (representatives from Kargil) so far, so how could we have included them in PAGD? Now that we have held consultations with them, we want the voices from Kargil to attend the meeting of PAGD,” he said.

Earlier, addressing people in the Drass area, Omar said the fight against last year’s decisions by the Centre would continue as the decisions were imposed on

the people of the erstwhile state “illegally” without consulting them.

He said the delegation was visiting Kargil on the directions of PAGD president Farooq Abdullah, who is also the chief of the NC, and his deputy and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to meet the people and take their view point.

The visit was to take the feedback right from the ground-level, Omar said, adding that they did not want to have such a situation where they say one thing in Srinagar and the people in Kargil felt otherwise.

“It was very important to come here to bring more weight to our fight so that whether it is Srinagar or Jammu or even Parliament, we can tell the rulers at the Centre that the people of Kargil are not with your

August 5, 2019 decisions,” he said. Terming the Centre’s decisions as “injustice”, Omar said the decisions were thrust upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

“This is injustice. It was for the very first time such a decision was taken without the people’s consent. Whenever a state was divided, the decision was taken with the people’s consent. Whether it was Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh or recently in Andhra Pradesh – the people were with the decision to divide the state.

This is for the first time that such a decision was thrust upon people,” he said.

The NC leader said they were not ready to accept the Centre’s decision.

“Neither was this decision taken by our assembly or Parliament, nor was it signed by an elected chief minister of J-K. The powers were taken by the governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir illegally and without talking to us and the state was divided and downgraded into two UTs. We are not ready to accept this decision,” he said.

Stressing that the need of the hour was to keep political rifts between various political parties in J-K at bay, the former chief minister said the parties came together to fight for revers-

ing the decisions of August 5 last year.

“It is our responsibility today to forget all such things – no election, no government, no chair and no power – we have come on a single platform with the sole aim to reverse the decisions of August 5 last year. God willing, if you continue to support us, we will not back down in this fight and will reach our objective,” Omar Abdullah said.

He assured the people of Kargil that they were not alone in the fight seeking restoration of their rights, saying “we will not rest till we overturn the decisions of August 5, 2019 and succeed in joining back the (erstwhile) state of J-K”.

Omar Abdullah got nostalgic about the visit saying he felt something different when he entered Kargil.

“Whenever we used to come here, we came thinking we were in our home only, that it was our state, our nation and our people even as we were separated by mountains. But, today, when we crossed Zojilla pass, we felt something different when we saw all names related to J-K have been replaced by Ladakh.

We felt like we were entering into some neighbour’s house and not ours, like we were coming as guests,” he said.

injured in mishap

An injured CRPF jawan being taken for treatment after an IED blast in Lohardaga district, in Ranchi, Friday (PTI) LOHARDAGA/GIRIDIH (JHARKHAND), OCT 30 (PTI): Two police personnel were critically injured in an ambush by activists of the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district on Friday, police said.

During a search operation in Shahi Ghat area, Maoists exploded an IED and fired upon a police team, in which two personnel were critically injured, a senior officer said.

The policemen re-

turned fire at the red rebels, following which they escaped into the dense forest, Lohardaga Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO) Jitendra Kumar Singh told PTI. The injured police personnel Upendra Singh and Arvind Pandey were airlifted and admitted to a hospital in Ranchi, he said.

Additional police forces and CRPF personnel have been deployed in the area and a search operation is underway, the officer added.

Ten CRPF personnel were injured, some of them critically, when a truck carrying them overturned after losing control while trying to save some bovine animals in Jharkhand’s Giridih district on Friday, police said.

The incident took place in Madhuban police station area when around 25 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force’s 154th Battalion were being transported from Madhuban to Nimiaghat, a police officer said.

Some cattle suddenly came in front of the CRPF truck and the driver tried to manoeuvre to save them, following which the vehicle overturned, the officer said.

The injured jawans have been admitted to a local hospital and it is being discussed whether to airlift the two-three personnel who are in critical condition, he added.

FA includes Naga flag and constitution: NSCN (I-M) (From p-1) In the talks that followed, an understanding was reached that “enduring inclusive” was for lasting relationship of all Nagas, including other factions to be included in the Framework Agreement.

New relationship implied that old relation of violent confrontation would end once

and for all and pertained to peaceful coexistence of the two entities. NSCN (I-M) said, “The Framework Agreement is not far off for any layman to understand, that the identity of one is not dismissed, lost or demeaned in any manner that defines peaceful coexistence of two entities. We have stoutly defended our political identity.”

Bihar Cong leaders meet Gov; seek dismissal of govt Tamil Nadu Gov clears 7.5 per cent reservation bill

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No. 9731 Yesterday’s solution No. 9730

No. 4350 Yesterday’s solution No. 4349

No. 3374 Yesterday’s solution No. 3373

Across 9. Seductive (8) 10. For every (3) 11. Scamp (6) 12. Husband or wife (6) 13. Harassed (7) 14. Ear part (4) 15. Free (2,3,5) 17. Tree (8) 18. Spot kick (7) 19. Operatic song (4) 21. Six-legged creature (6) 24. Have sensational success (3,3,5,2,4) 27. Doghouse (6) 29. Story (4) 30. Undress (7) 33. Adverse reaction (8) 35. Cutlery item (10) 36. Overt (4) 37. Sherry (7) 38. Obstruct (6) 40. Discussion (6) 41. Manage (3) 42. Voters (8) Down 1. Stocking supporters (10) 2. Colour (4) 3. Rather (8) 4. Connecting strip of land (7) 5. Wedding attendants (11) 6. Forecast (10) 7. Refuge (6) 8. Atrocious (8) 10. Dried plum (5) 16. Encourage (7) 20. Rustic (5) 22. Rider’s foot support (7) 23. Telephone installation (11) 25. Six (4,1,5) 26. Needlework (10) 28. Instances (8) 31. Listed (8) 32. Belly (7) 34. U.S. state (6) 35. Prickle (5) 39. Track (4)

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cleared.

As per the bill, 7.5 per cent of seats shall be set apart on a preferential basis to government school students qualifying in NEET, in admissions to MBBS, B D S, B S M S, BA M S, BUMS, and BHMS. With the state assembly elections due during April-May next year, the NEET related issue had once again brought the two major political parties into a straight fight with the DMK attacking the ruling party and the latter accusing it of shedding crocodile tears.

On Friday, Palaniswami said efforts were afoot to implement the horizontal reservation from the current academic year itself.

He called on Purohit at the Raj Bhavan and thanked him for clearing the bill, which would also help the government overcome a possible legal challenge to the executive route it had taken earlier to implement the quota.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who accompanied Palaniswami, said the quota was the ‘brainchild’ of the Chief Minister and the AIADMK government.

“DMK cannot take credit,” he told reporters when asked about Stalin

stating that Purohit’s approval followed his party’s protest.

Stalin was trying to build an illusion and this won’t succeed, he said.

In the past about nine year AIADMK rule, as any as 3,050 new MBBS seats were created (in government sector) and during the five year DMK rule (2006-11), only 300 seats were added, Jayakumar said adding the announcement on counselling for medical admissions could be expected soon. Stalin claimed Purohit gave his assent to the quota bill as he was left with no other choice and thanked him for giving his nod.

His party’s protest and the hope expressed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court were behind Purohit’s “change of heart”, he added.

In a tweet, Stalin said the approval came after 45 days and when the time for medical counselling was nearing and the Governor had to approve in view of such factors.

Hearing a batch of public interest litigation petitions, a division bench had on Thursday expressed hope that the Governor would take a decision at the earliest.

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C H E NNA I , OC T 3 0 (PTI): Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has given his assent to a bill envisaging 7.5 per cent reservation in undergraduate medical courses to government school students who have cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.

The governor’s nod came a day after the AIADMK government took the

executive route and issued an order for implementing the quota from the current 2020-21 academic year itself, amid pressure from political parties for its immediate enforcement.

“This is to inform the people of Tamil Nadu that the honourable Governor has given his assent to the bill,” the Raj Bhavan said, in an announcement that came as a surprise since Purohit has only days ago said he would take a decision in 3-4 weeks.

The development saw both the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK, which last week staged a protest for immediate assent, seeking to claim credit for the governor’s approval.

The TN Admission to Undergraduate Courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Indian Medicine and Homeopathy on preferential basis to the students of the Government Schools Bill 2020 was passed by the assembly last month and sent to the governor.

A release from the Raj Bhavan said Purohit sought legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on September 26 and it was received on October 29.

“As soon as the opinion was received, honourable Governor has given assent to the bill,” it said.

The statement that the assent came as soon as the opinion was received assumes significance as the issue had taken a political overtone after DMK and others questioned the ‘delay’ and attacked the state government for “not exerting” pressure to get it

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IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND No. JUD/SUCC-34/19-20/71 Dt. Zbto the 21st Oct. 2020.

Notice Calling Objection for the issue of Succession Certificate Whereas application has received from Smti Tokheli, U/s 372 of Indian Succession Act, resident of Satoi Village P.S Zunheboto for Succession of SBI A/C No-11736622866, all the intestate properties & assets, pension benefits & other allowances, debts and securities of Late Akhevi Sema.

Notice is hereby issued for filing objections to all who has interest in the said claim/s within thirty days from the date of publication to this notice.

Sd/District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto : Nagaland K-1745

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Govt school students to get preference in medical admissions

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is the daughter of one of the senior most JD(U) leaders (Rajya Sabha member RCP Singh) while the collector is close to both Kumar and Sushil Modi.

The Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi duo are the “real culprits” of the “brutal and ruthless” firing and lathicharge which took place with their consent, Surjewala alleged.

The delegation also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation for the family of Anurag Kumar, the person who died in the firing in Munger and institution of an FIR after suspending the erring officials in this regard, he said. The governor, despite being unwell, gave the Congress leaders a patient hearing and assured them of “necessary action”, Surjewala said.

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Crossword

gress national general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala told newsmen after submitting the memorandum.

“It was the BJP-JD(U) government which ordered the latchicharge and firing on the innocent devotees of Goddess Durga in which one person was killed while eight others were injured during the immersion of an idol on Monday night,” he said.

The memorandum said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar instead of ensuring justice for the people of Munger actually protected the superintendent of police and district magistrate who are responsible for the incident, he said.

The government, he alleged, is protecting the two officials as the Munger superintendent of police

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PATNA, OCT 30 (PTI): Bihar Congress leaders met Governor Phagu Chauhan on Friday and demanded dismissal of the Nitish Kumar government in the midst of the ongoing state assembly polls, holding it responsible for the firing in Munger during a Durga Puja event that claimed a life.

Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Madan Mohan Jha submitted the memorandum to the governor at the Raj Bhavan here demanding dismissal of the Nitish Kumar government.

“We demanded the dismissal of the Nitish Kumar government ... We told the governor that the Munger incident took place at the instance of JD(U)-BJP government of Kumar and his deputy Sushil Modi,” Con-

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New arrest after France church attack

French police officers stand near Notre Dame church in Nice, southern France, Thursday. (AP/PTI)

NICE (FRANCE), OCT 30 (AP): A new suspect is in custody Friday in the investigation into a gruesome attack by a Tunisian man who killed three people in a French church, as France heightened its security alert amid religious and geopolitical tensions around cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

The suspect is a 47year-old man believed to have been in contact with the attacker the night before the attack on the Notre Dame Basilica in the Riviera city of Nice, according

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

to a judicial official. The official was not authorized to be publicly named.

The attacker, Ibrahim Issaoui, was seriously wounded by police and hospitalized in life-threatening condition, authorities said.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors in France and Tunisia are investigating.

In an interview broadcast Friday with Saudiowned Al-Arabiya TV, Issaoui’s mother said she was shocked by the events.

From the Tunisian province of Sfax, the mother, her eyes wet with tears,

said she was surprised to hear her son was in France when he called upon his arrival and had no idea what he was planning. “ Yo u d o n’t k n ow the French language, you don’t know anyone there, you’re going to live alone there, why, why did you go there?” she said she told him over the phone at the time.

His brother told AlArabiya that Issaoui had informed the family he would sleep in front of the church, and sent them a photograph showing him

at the cathedral where the attack took place.

“He didn’t tell me anything,” he said. A neighbor said he knew the assailant when he was a mechanic and held various other odd jobs, and had shown no signs of radicalisation.

France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor said the suspect is a Tunisian born in 1999 who reached the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key landing point for migrants crossing in boats from North Africa, on Sept. 20 and travelled to Bari, a port city in southern Italy, on Oct 9. It is not clear when he arrived in Nice.

The attack was the third in less than two months that French authorities have attributed to Muslim extremists, including the beheading of a teacher who had shown caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in class after the images were re-published by satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

President Emmanuel Macron said he would immediately increase the number of soldiers deployed to protect schools and religious sites from around 3,000 to 7,000.

Quake kills 6 in Turkey, rattles Greek island ISTANBUL, OCT 30 (AP): A strong earthquake struck on Friday in the Aegean Sea between the Turkish coast and the Greek island of Samos, collapsing buildings in the city of Izmir in western Turkey, and officials said at least six people were killed and scores were injured.

A small tsunami struck the Seferisar district of Izmir, said Haluk Ozener, director of the Istanbul-based Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute.

At least four people were slightly injured on Samos, where a tsunami warning was issued.

Six people were killed in Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, including one who drowned, and 202 were injured, according to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, or AFAD. Izmir Gov. Yavuz Selim Kosger said at least 70 people had been rescued from the wreckage.

He said four buildings were destroyed and more than 10 collapsed, while others also were damaged. Search and rescue efforts were continuing in at least 12 buildings, AFAD said.

China vows to bolster military after 4-day government meeting

BEIJING, OCT 30 (AGENCIES): China’s leaders vow to become a “self-reliant” technology power and to continue defence capabilities as Communist Party leader Xi Jinping closed a four-day government meeting aimed at outlining policy plans for the next five years.

A communiqué released at the end of the meeting gave a scant outline, and full details aren’t expected until next spring when the country’s parliament meets for its annual session to rubber-stamp the plans.

While Beijing has prioritised boosting its advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities over recent years to be less dependent on foreign imports, that push is being renewed as tensions grow with the US. Supply chains for Chinese tech firms have been disrupted after Washington slapped tariffs and restricted access to components.

The communiqué also stressed that China would continue to develop its military, and made clear the government’s would promote peaceful unification with Taiwan.

Chinese president Xi Jinping oversaw the meeting.

Taiwan, an island of 23 million with a democratic government and its own currency, military, passport and foreign policy, has long been regarded by Beijing as a renegade province.

Balancing the peaceful language was the term to “prepare for war,” a phrase last used in relation to fiveyear policy planning around 1966 – when the Cultural Revolution began.

Such rhetoric fits into Beijing’s increasing swagger, running military drills near and around Taiwan in a show of force despite being busy with the coronavirus pandemic this year.

Xi’s recent pledge for China to be carbon neutral

by 2060 is largely expected to be written into policy plans. But so far, authorities have only said that China would push forward on green and low-carbon development, without giving further details.

While the economy has fared “better than expected” amid uncertainty triggered

by Covid, officials haven’t indicated whether a growth target will be set.

One key part of the meeting that was missing, however, was any hint of who would potentially be Mr Xi’s successor. In 2018, he scrapped China’s twoterm limit for state president, allowing him to rule indefinitely.

New Zealand votes to legalize Nagorno-Karabakh talks held amid Azerbaijan’s offensive euthanasia but not marijuana

WELLINGTON, OCT 30 (AGENCIES): New Zealanders voted to legalize euthanasia in a binding referendum, but preliminary results released Friday showed they likely would not legalize recreational marijuana use.

With about 83% of votes counted, New Zealanders emphatically endorsed the euthanasia measure with 65% voting in favor and 34% voting against.

The “No” vote on marijuana was much closer, with 53% voting against legalizing the drug for recreational use and 46% voting in favor. That left open a slight chance the measure could still pass once all special votes were counted next week, although it would require a huge swing.

The two referendums represented significant potential changes to New Zealand’s social fabric, although the campaigns for each ended up getting overshadowed somewhat by the coronavirus pandemic and a paral-

lel political race, in which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her liberal Labour Party won a second term in a landslide.

In past elections, special votes — which include those cast by overseas voters — have tended to track more liberal than general votes, giving proponents of marijuana legalization some hope the measure could still pass.

Proponents of legalizing the drug were frustrated that Ardern wouldn’t reveal how she intended to vote ahead the Oct. 17 ballot.

Many believed an endorsement by Ardern could have boosted support for the measure, but she said she wanted to leave the decision to New Zealanders. Ardern said Friday after the results were released that she had voted in favor of both referendums.

Conservative lawmaker Nick Smith, from the opposition National Party, welcomed the preliminary marijuana result.

“This is a victory for

common sense. Research shows cannabis causes mental health problems, reduced motivation and educational achievement, and increased road and workplace deaths,” he said. “New Zealanders have rightly concluded that legalizing recreational cannabis would normalize it, make it more available, increase its use and cause more harm.”

But liberal lawmaker Chlöe Swarbrick, from the Green Party, said they had long assumed the vote would be close and they needed to wait until the special votes were counted.

YEREVAN (ARMENIA), OCT 30 (AP): Azerbaijani forces pushed deeper into Nagorno-Karabakh on Friday as top diplomats from Armenia and Azerbaijan attended talks in Geneva intended to help broker an end to more than a month of heavy fighting over the separatist territory.

Intense clashes were going on in the south of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia’s Defense Ministry said.

The Azerbaijani military reported that areas in the Terter and Gubadli regions of Azerbaijan came under Armenian shelling.

On Thursday, Nagorno-Karabakh’s separatist leader said Azerbaijani

troops had advanced to within 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) of a strategically located town just south of the region’s capital, Stepanakert. He urged residents to mobilize all their resources to fend off the attack on Shushi, a town that sits on the main road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia.

“The one who controls Shushi controls NagornoKarabakh,” Arayik Harutyunyan said in a video address from the town’s cathedral, which was severely damaged by Azerbaijani shelling this month.

Harutyunyan’s statements marked a somber acknowledgment of Azer-

baijani gains in the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh that started on Sept. 27. The latest outburst of hostilities has left hundreds and possibly thousands of people dead, marking the largest escalation in the region in more than a quartercentury.

In Stepanakert, a group of people boarded a bus bound for Armenia to escape the fighting.

“I don’t want to leave.

I want to stay home in the village but they told us that we should leave,” said Valya Sogomonyan, who fled her village in the Askeran region. “Azerbaijanis are shelling our village. We are leaving our house and all

our things behind.”

Nagor no-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a war there ended in 1994. In that war, Armenian forces also seized several regions of Azerbaijan around Nagorno-Karabakh, creating a buffer zone around the territory.

Azerbaijani troops, which have relied on strike drones and long-range rocket systems supplied by Turkey, have reclaimed control of some of those regions in the latest fighting and forged into Nagorno-Karabakh from the south.

A U.S.-brokered truce

frayed immediately after it took effect Monday, just like two previous cease-fires negotiated by Russia. The warring sides have repeatedly blamed each other for violations.

According to NagornoKarabakh officials, 1,166 of their troops and 39 civilians have been killed. Azerbaijani authorities haven’t disclosed their military losses, but say the fighting has killed at least 91 civilians and wounded 400.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that, according to Moscow’s information, the actual death toll was significantly higher and nearing 5,000.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT NATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROJECT (World Bank Funded Project) E-Procurement Notice

The Executive Engineer, Investigation Cell, WRD, Dimapur, Nagaland on behalf of Governor of Nagaland invites bids through e-procurement for the package- Construction of 03 (Three) Nos of Deep Groundwater Piezometer in 03 (Three) locations- Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung in Nagaland.

The details are available at www.nagalandtenders.gov.in Download start date: 1/11 /2020 (11.00 Hours) DC-671

OFFICE OF THE

MOKOKCHUNG SENSO KAKETSHIR TELONGJEM MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND FELICITATION

Sd/General Secretary MSKT

DP-4711

DP-4719

DC-672

Sd/President MSKT

MKC-244

The Mokokchung Senso Kaketshir Telongjem (MSKT) with immense pride extend our heartiest congratulations to Ms. Kilanginla Longkumer, D/o Mr. K. Bendangmeren Longkumer for securing subject topper in Mathematics in the recently declared Nagaland University examination 2020 results.

We wish that our Almighty God continue to grant wisdom and good health in your future endeavors.

K Y M C

K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020

RR batsmen click as unit to beat KXIP by 7 wkts Football legend Maradona turns 60

ABU DHABI, OCT 30 (PTI): Star England allrounder Ben Stokes stole the limelight from Chris Gayle as Rajasthan Royals clicked as a unit to beat Kings XI Punjab by seven wickets and stay afloat in the Indian Premier League here on Friday.

Stokes hit a 26-ball 50 and also claimed two wickets to emerge as the star performer for his team.

Earlier, Gayle had smashed a 63-ball 99 to power KXIP to 185 for four but it went in vain.

Chasing 186 for a win, RR overhauled the target in 17.3 overs with Stokes topscoring with a magnificent 26-ball 50. Sanju Samson was also equally impressive during his knock of 48 from 25 balls.

Opener Robin Uthappa contributed 30, while captain Steve Smith, who has been struggling for form, and Jos Buttler remained not out on 31 and 22 respectively to take RR home and snap KXIP's five-match winning streak.

RR's collective batting effort ensured that KXIP batsman Chris Gayle's superb 99 went in vain. During his knock, the West Indies batsman had taken his tally of sixes to 1001 in his glorious T20 career.

With the win, their sixth in 13 matches, RR

RR players celebrate the wicket of KL Rahul of KXIP during the IPL cricket match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Friday (PTI)

kept themselves alive for a spot in the play-offs with 12 points with one game left.

Despite the loss, KXIP also remained in contention with 12 points from 13 matches.

RR made an explosive start to their run chase with Stokes and Uthappa stitching 60 runs inside powerplay. Stokes was in magnificent form during his short innings as he got the boundaries with ease.

The star England allrounder hit Murugan Ash-

win for two sixes and a four to take 16 runs from the fourth over. He reached his fifty off 24 balls when he hoisted Chris Jordan for a six in the sixth over.

But Jordan got his revenge by removing Stokes two balls later.

RR were still cruising ahead at 66 for 1 at the end of powerplay and with Samson firing on all cylinders, they went past the 100-run mark in the 10th over.

The fireworks were halted after Uthappa fell in the 11th over to Ashwin but RR were in complete control with the asking rate less than seven runs an over with seven wickets in hand.

Earlier, Gayle continued his menacing form, smashing a 63-ball 99 to steer Punjab to 185 for 4 after being put in to bat.

Gayle and captain KL Rahul (46) took the RR bowlers to the cleaners,

stitching 120 runs for the second wicket in 13.4 overs to help KXIP post a challenging total.

N i c h o l a s Po o r a n played a late cameo of 22 off just 10 deliveries with the help of three sixes.

Gayle, who had four boundaries and eight sixes in his explosive innings, was out just two balls before the end of the innings and he showed his disappointment of missing out on a hundred by throwing down his bat.

KXIP lost their first wicket in the opening over itself when Mandeep Singh got dismissed for a firstball duck with Ben Stokes taking a brilliant diving catch off an equally superb delivery by Archer.

But Gayle and Rahul maintained a high scoring rate, reaching 53 for 1 at the end of powerplay. The self-styled 'Universe Boss' smacked two fours and six in consecutive deliveries off pacer Kartik Tyagi.

Gayle reached his third fifty in six matches in this IPL in style, hitting a six off Rahul Tewati in the 11th over as KXIP cruised along to reach the 100-run mark in the 13th over.

Stokes finally got the breakthrough by getting rid of tournament's top rungetter Rahul in the 15th over to put brakes on KXIP innings.

BUENOS AIRES, OCT 30 (IANS): Argentina football legend Diego Maradona turned 60 on Friday.

Widely rated as one of the greatest football players of all time, Maradona played in four FIFA World Cups and was captain of the Argentine team that won the 1986 tournament.

In an interview with French weekly French Football, Maradona joked that that he dreams of scoring another ‘Hand of God’, but this time with his right hand. “I dream of scoring another goal against England but with my right hand,” he said.

Maradona’s performance in Argentina’s quarter-final match against heated rivals England immortalised him in his country’s culture. He scored twice in Argentina’s 2-1 win in that match. The first goal was scored with his hand and his explanation in the immediate aftermath that he had made contact with the ball “a little with his head, and a little with the hand of God”, led to the goal being known as “The Hand of God”.

Four minutes later, Maradona went on a 60yard run with the ball from midfield, dribbling past six English players, and ended the move with a feint that left goalkeeper Peter Shilton on the ground, and

Diego Maradona

scored what has since been called “The Goal of the Century”.

Maradona’s excesses and struggles with drug addiction was just as famous as his ability with the ball.

This was testified by the fact that he was sent home from the 1994 World Cup after a failed drug test. He played only two matches in the tournament, the second of which was also the last of his illustrious international career.

Born in a slum area in the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires on October 30, 1960, Maradona made his senior debut for Buenos Aires-based Argentinos Juniors in 1976. He went on to a play for Argentine giants Boca Juniors in the 1981-82 season. He then shifted to Europe where he spent two tumultous seasons with Spanish giants

Barcelona. His tenure with the Catalan club ended with a nasty brawl that triggered crowd trouble in the 1984 Copa del Rey final.

Maradona then went to Italian club Napoli, where he had arguably the most productive period of his career. He won two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and one UEFA Cup in his seven seasons with the club, leaving as their all-time highest goalscorer, a record that stood until Marek Hamsik overtook his tally in 2017. He went on to spend a season each at Spanish club Sevilla and Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys before ending his career at Boca Juniors.

As a coach, Maradona notably managed Argentina between 2008 and 2010. He currently manages Argentine club Gimnasia.

ATK Mohun Bagan face Kerala Virgil van Dijk’s knee surgery a success: Liverpool Blasters in ISL opener on Nov 20 M A RG AO, O C T 3 0 (PTI): ATK Mohun Bagan will face Kerala Blasters in the opening match of this year’s Indian Super League on November 20 as the high-profile event, to be played behind closed doors, unveiled just the first leg fixtures on Friday due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

ATK clinched the title last season after beating Chennaiyin FC in the final though FC Goa won the league phase shield to grab the AFC Champions League spot. ATK have since merged with I-League champions Mohun Bagan and they will play as one club.

The ISL organis ers released the fixtures of only the first half of the 11-team league. The schedule covers matches to be played till January 11, 2011. The remaining

fixtures will be released later.

The much-anticipated first clash between Kolkata sides ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal will be played at Tilak Maidan Stadium at Vasco on November 27.

Following a buy-out of majority stake by Kolkata-based Shree Cements, former I-League giants East Bengal have now become SC East Bengal and they are making their first foray in the ISL. Home side FC Goa play their first match against former champions Bengaluru FC on November 22 at Fatorda here.

This year’s ISL is being staged entirely in Goa behind closed doors in three venues due to the raging pandemic.

Earlier this month, seven players and an assistant coach of NorthEast United, Khalid Ja-

mil, tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Goa. All the players and officials of each team are staying at separate hotels which are bio-secure bubbles. The players and officials are mandated to have Aarogya Setu app and ISL Health App through which contact tracing can be done in case there is any positive case.

If any player or official tests positive, he will have to be quarantined immediately and will need to have three negative results in seven days to be able to join back.

Before their arrival in Goa, all teams were required to have three negative test results.

Following their arrival, the players and officials were put under quarantine for 10 days (14 for foreign players) during which five tests were conducted.

LO N D O N, O C T 3 0 (AGENCIES): Virgil van Dijk has undergone successful knee surgery and will begin rehabilitation, Premier League champions Liverpool said on Friday.

The club would not say how long the 29-yearold central defender would be out. Van Dijk, who was pivotal in both Liverpool’s Champions League success in 2019 and their title triumph last season, suffered cruciate ligament damage after a tackle from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford earlier this month.

“Virgil van Dijk has undergone surgery on the knee ligament injury he sustained earlier this month,” read a club statement. “The Liverpool defender’s planned operation took place in London and was conducted successfully. “Van Dijk will now immediately focus on the beginning of his rehabilitation with the support of the Reds’ medical department.

“No timeframe has been placed on the Dutchman’s return to action.”

Virgil van Dijk has undergone successful surgery on the knee injured in a tackle by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told his press conference on the eve of their Premier League home game with West Ham that Van Dijk was doing okay.

“This time (after a operation) is always unpleasant,” said Klopp. “You don’t just wake up and everything is fine, you still feel the surgery. But he’s as good as can

be. “It’s clear to say he is a quick healer. That’s all clear, all these things help.”

The 53-year-old German said it was time to move on even though Liverpool have spoken to referee chief Mike Riley about why VAR was not referred to.

Pickford’s challenge has been labelled as “stupid”

by Liverpool midfielder

Georginio Wijnaldum but Klopp drew a line under it.

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I would immediately if it would change anything but it doesn’t,” he said.

“I’m not sure the world is in a place right now where we have to keep this story going. “Yes we still feel something about it, but nothing

that will happen will change that. So I’ve nothing else to say.” The Dutch international’s absence adds to Liverpool’s problems in central defence.

Joel Matip has missed the last three games injured and makeshift centreback Fabinho limped off in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Midtjylland with what is believed to be hamstring injury. “Fab (Fabinho) is not in, he has a little injury,” said Klopp.

“He’s out for the weekend and slightly longer but all the others are in contention.” Klopp said that rather than letting the increasing number of injured players get to him he embraces the problem. “Do I see the challenge in the situation? Yes,” said Klopp. “Do I see it as an opportunity? Yes. “But still we play games every three days and this will stay a challenge.

“I am fine, we are fine.

We will deal with the situation and make the best of it.

That’s the plan.”

Pakistan defeat Zimbabwe in first ODI match Everton lose James for Newcastle match RAWALPINDI, OCT 30 (AGENCIES): Pakistan on Friday defeated Zimbabwe by 26 runs in the seriesopening one-day international played at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.

The visiting team managed to score 255 runs while chasing the target of 282 runs.

Pakistan lead the threematch ODI series 1-0.

Zimbabwe were all out for 255 runs with two balls remaining. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wahab Riaz starred among bowlers as they picked five and four wickets respectively. Allrounder Imad Wasim also took one wicket.

The tourists, in their chase of a 282-run target set by Pakistan, got off to a shaky start when Afridi bowled opener Brian Chari (2) on the third ball of the innings.

Despite a remarkable century by Brendan Taylor, who scored 112 off 116 balls and hit 11 boundaries and thre sixes, Zimbabwe could not recover from the onslaught of Pakistani bowlers. Craig Ervine (41) and Wesley Madhevere (52) also stood out amongst Zimba-

Zimbabwe’s bowler Carl Mumba (R) celebrates the dismissal of Pakistani batsman Abild Ali (L) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi Friday (AP/PTI)

bwe's batsmen.

After winning the toss, the Green Shirts ended their innings with 281 runs at the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Abid Ali was the first to be sent back to the pavilion in the middle of the tenth over after scoring 21 runs. He was followed by Babar Azam and Imamul Haq who scored 19 and 58 runs, respectively. The next casualty was Mohammad

Rizwan who fell in the 37th over after scoring a meagre 14 and was followed by Iftikhar Ahmed (12) in the 41st over.

With six fours and two sixes, Haris Sohail tried to stabilise the team scoring 71 off 82 balls but he fell to Sikandar Raza in the 42nd over.

Earlier, captain Babar Azam had won the toss and elected to bat. Both teams are opening their World Cup

Super League campaigns after the International Cricket Council introduced the competition to bring context to ODI cricket.

The top seven teams in the league will directly qualify for the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. The league features 13 countries playing four three-match ODI series (home and away).

Babar, who leads Pakistan in Twenty20s, will be captaining for the first time

in the ODI format. He was appointed ODI captain during the lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pakistan gave an ODI debut to fast bowler Haris Rauf, who received his cap from bowling coach Waqar Younis before the toss.

The home team has packed its playing XI with four fast bowlers, with allrounder Faheem Ashraf getting a nod ahead of uncapped leg-spinner Usman Qadir. Zimbabwe, led by Chamu Chibhabha, left out experienced batsman Elton Chigumubura for the first match of the three-match series. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani returned to ODI format after nearly two years.

The Zimbabwe series, which also features three Twenty20 Internationals at the same venue, is the beginning of a busy season for Pakistan who are also slated to host England and South Africa.

Yesterday, during a pre-series press conference, Babar said the hosts won't underestimate low-ranked Zimbabwe, against whom Pakistan have won 52 of the 59 matches in this format.

L O N D O N, O C T 3 0 (AGENCIES): Premier League leaders Everton will be without dynamic playmaker James Rodriguez for Sunday’s away game with Newcastle said manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The 29-year-old Colombian inter national played in last weekend’s loss to Southampton despite being a doubt beforehand.

However, Ancelotti -whose side lead city rivals and champions Liverpool on goal difference -- said at his pre-match press conference James would be rested for the weekend.

Everton will also be without suspended duo Richarlison and Lucas Digne “He has played all the games, he had a little problem so he needs to rest for this game and he will be available for the next game,” said Ancelotti.

Ancelotti, like many of his fellow Premier League managers, is increasingly concerned by the toll the packed schedule is taking on their players.

The 61-year-old Italian has seen a report which has been compiled about

Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez will miss Premier League leaders Everton’s away match with Newcastle.

the rate of injuries this season.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said earlier on Friday tat 42 percent of the injuries are soft-tissue problems, adding it was “a big stat”. “Yeah, I saw the report,” said Ancelotti.

“It has been a really, really busy schedule, but after the international break we only have one game a week so it’s not so bad for us.”

The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich handler said the same cannot be said for teams, such as Liverpool, former club

Chelsea and others with European commitments.

“For teams in the Champions League and Europa League it’s really busy,” he said.

“The fact there are more injuries is for that reason and the managers are more concerned for this.

“I agree with this, because it’s a really busy schedule.

“Also, you have to consider that for the international break you are going to lose all the players and you can’t give them a rest, so it’s really complicated.”

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