September 4, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 270

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Trump calls Biden ‘not so sharp’ international, Page 7

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Nagaland govt to seek relief for industrial units hit by lockdown Proposes relief to industrial units in the form of cash infusion To waive off GST for some period Power tariff exemption for few months Correspondent

KOHIMA, SEP 3 (NPN): Following the nationwide lockdown since March this year, more than 1,800 industrial units in Nagaland have been severely affected.

Speaking to Nagaland Post at his office chamber, at the State Civil Secretariat here on Thursday, Industries & Commerce commissioner & secretary Kekhrievor Kevichusa said all the 1,800 units registered with the department that were running successfully even in rural areas were badly affected by the lockdown.

He said the department had found out during an industrial survey conducted in May and June that most units were facing problem

Diesel price slashed, petrol unchanged DIMAPUR, SEP 3 (NPN): State-owned oil marketing companies decreased diesel prices by 15-17 paise across the metros on Thursday marking the first reduction in the rate of diesel in close to six months. Thursday’s revision in diesel rates is the first reduction since midMarch.

OMCs had kept the diesel prices unchanged for 82 days to adjust a record hike in excise duty on fuels against declining benchmark costs.

According IOCL website, the price of diesel in Delhi was lowered to Rs.73.40 per litre from Rs.73.56 per litre while petrol remained at Rs 82.08 per litre.

After today’s rate revision, diesel price in Dimapur was lowered to Rs.79.26 per litre while in the state capital Kohima diesel price was reduced to Rs.79.98 per litre.

A litre of petrol in Dimapur and Kohima was steady at Rs. 87.37 and Rs. 88.27 respectively.

Currently, petrol and diesel rates vary in different parts of the country, and any revisions are implemented at fuel stations with effect from 6 a.m.

This is it!

“He complains about lockdown but he’s actually enjoying life doing nothing but eating.”

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due to lack of money, labourers and supplies due to restriction on vehicular movements, besides lack of orders. Following the survey, Kevichusa said the department was helping in preparation of a proposed economic roadmap and had made necessary recommendations in this regard, before submitting them to the Union Commerce & Industry ministry.

He said some of the suggestions included providing relief to the industrial units in the form of cash infusion, waiving GST for some period, power tariff exemption for few months, etc, adding that if the Centre approves the proposal, the units would be benefitted in some way or the other. He

exuded confidence that the ministry would understand the issues faced by the industrial units and approve the proposal.

Besides the 1,800 registered units, the official said around 400 units that were not registered with the department also responded to the survey.

He said though the Central government had launched a scheme for extending credit without collateral and waving of loans to the units which qualified, but these were for the preexisting loans and registered units. He said whether micro or major enterprise, whoever wants to avail Central assistance or loans should be registered with the department and must comply with GST and other statutes.

While perusing the measures to help people during the pandemic, Kevichusa further stated that the department was also planning to kick-start development of industries, focusing more on cluster developments in the form of handicraft, handloom,

furniture clusters, etc, for benefiting the people in the medium and long run.

As facilitator, he assured that the department would help anyone coming up with ideas and plans to set up industries, besides assisting companies willing to invest in the State.

He admitted that the past records of the department in promoting or in successful implementation of certain schemes/projects were not impressive. But with change in strategy, he was hopeful to see success in future.

Kevichusa claimed that the most successfully implemented units was the mechanical skill-based Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre in Dimapur, which imparts training and equips the trainees for jobs, besides sending some even outside the State for additional training.

He said the unit also manufactures rural agrobased technology to facilitate farmers and processes orders since it has a fabrication unit.

US Open: Djokovic overcomes Edmund

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

COVID: India records highest single-day surge worldwide NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): With 83,883 cases on Thursday, India recorded the biggest single-day spike in coronavirus cases across the world. India’s tally also raced past 38 lakh on Thursday, while the number of recoveries surged to 29,70,492, pushing the recovery rate to over 77 per cent, Union health ministry data showed.

T h e t o t a l nu m b e r of coronavirus cases in the country mounted to 38,53,406, while the death toll climbed to 67,376 as 1,043 people succumbed to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The national COVID19 recovery rate has risen to 77.09 per cent. The case fatality rate due to the infection has further declined to 1.75 per cent.

There are 8,15,538 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprise 21.16 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India’s COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 and went past 30 lakh on August 23.

sports, Page 8

Aug 21 incident: Cab appeals both parties to ‘forgive & forget’ Correspondent

KOHIMA, SEP 3 (NPN): In another attempt at reconciliation between healthcare workers and security forces, Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs minister Neiba Kronu has appealed to both the parties to forgive and forget the alleged assault on a doctor by IRB personnel on August 21 night.

Speaking to a section of media persons at his office chamber here, Kronu, who is also High Powered Committee (HPC) spokesperson for COVID-19, said the State cabinet discussed the matter on Thursday and urged both parties to embrace the principle of “forgive and forget formula”, in the interest of all.

Stressing that the issue must not affect the public, he appealed to both the parties and their associations to work for betterment of the society.

The minister remarked that the report submitted by the independent enquiry committee was timely and satisfactory, adding that the State government had stud-

Neiba Kronu (NP)

ied the case and discussed it, before entrusting chief secretary Temjen Toy to mediate/initiate a meeting of the parties involved– doctors’ association and police association.

Outer ring roads, flyovers to ease traffic Meanwhile, Kronu informed the media that Nagaland GIS and planning department have worked out a module for creating outer-ring road, flyovers or bridges to ease traffic congestion in Dimapur and Kohima. He said the departments were serious about it and proposed to take them up with the funding agencies.

On relaxation of the total lockdown, Kronu explained that the lockdown was being relaxed as it had become a necessity for improving the State’s economy, stating that the State government would be focusing on agriculture.

And despite the prevailing pandemic situation, he urged the people to be prepared for the future. He claimed that the government was working on a strategic planning to improve the economy post COVID-19.

Illegal liquor unit: CSOs demand stringent action State COVID tally 4066 DIMAPUR, SEP 3 (NPN): A day after security forces along with Dimapur police busted an illegal liquor unit in 7th Mile area and seized several items besides arresting an individual, the civil society organisations (CSOs) including Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), Chümoukedima Circle Chakhroma Public Organisation (CCCPO) and Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT) have demanded stringent punishment on those involved.

WSH: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) through its media, vehemently condemned the “spurious liquor racket”, in which one Electo Sumi, reportedly a driver and a member of the Sümi community, was also arrested.

WSH demanded that the law enforcing agencies take stringent action against all those involved in the adulteration and unearth the nexus. The hoho also

lauded the Assam Rifles for the commendable job in busting such illegal activity and saving many lives from such poisonous liquor. WSH said that mixing toxic agents such as hydrochloric acid with liquor and selling them to fellow beings to consume and earn money was “an act of total abomination” tantamount to “cold blooded murder of innocent lives.”

The hoho stated that no sane person in their right mind would ever do such “murderous” business. “One can only wonder how many lives have already been lost by drinking such poisonous liquor manufactured by this heartless group of unscrupulous people,” WSH stated.

Also, WSH demanded to know how such kind of activity went unnoticed by state police and the excise department. It maintained that the two agencies, being unaware of such illegal activity showed their “incompetence”. It also asked

the state police force to “roll up its sleeves and pull up its socks.” Such raids should not end there but investigated till all skeletons in the cupboard come out, added WSH. Further, WSH also urged upon village/colony authorities to remain alert so such acts did not take place under their nose. It also asserted that the courts should not grant bail easily to those accused since they indulge in the same old anti-social activities after they are released. WSH has also appealed to the lawyers not to take up cases of such people committing heinous crimes.

CCCPO: Chümoukedima Circle Chakhroma Public Organisation (CCCPO) has expressed shock over the operation of the illegal bottling unit of spurious liquor within its jurisdiction.

In a press release, CCCPO president Neikhriehu Kense and general secretary Khriebulie Peseyie

Said that at a time when the society was trying to control illegal supply and sale of contraband, such activity of manufacturing and supplying spurious liquor from its jurisdiction cannot be condoned or over looked in any manner.

CCCPO has appreciated the 5th Assam Rifles and Dimapur police for busting the nefarious activities and arresting the culprits involved.

CCCPO has urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate into the matter till all the people involved were brought to book and appropriate punishments given as per the provision of law.

NTUCT: Naga Tribal Union Chumoukedima Town (NTUCT) has appreciated the efforts of 5th Assam Rifles in busting an illegal spurious liquor bottling plant at 7th Mile Model Village Dimapur.

He claimed that the State government was seriously interested in bringing them together to have a better understanding in the future, even as he stressed for peaceful co-existence between the police and doctors.

“We are confident that the parties involved will come to an understanding on this soon,” he added.

According to Kronu, the incident on August 21 occurred over a parking issue. He remarked that parking often created problem and urged the people to be more disciplined in this regard.

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON september 3, 2020

NHAK sample testing facility at TT stadium

DIMAPUR, SEP 3 (NPN): Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) has informed that in view of rollback of NHAK to normal public healthcare delivery service from COVID-19 designated hospital; all COVID-19 sample testing triage OPD/Flu OPD has been shifted to TT stadium, Raj Bhavan, Kohima with effect from September 3 till further notice. In a press release, NHAK managing director Dr. Thorhusie Katirty has, therefore, advised all responsible to report to the *2 deaths not due to Covid-19 *5 deaths in Dimapur under investigation registration at mentioned DIMAPUR, SEP 3 (NPN): 3314 recovered, 10 deaths venue for the necessary Nagaland’s COVID-19 tally and 10 migrated. As per the testing. rose to 4066 cases Thursday severity of symptoms, 726 after 49 fresh cases were cases are asymptomatic and reported from across the 6 mild cases. state. According to Health Further, out of the DIMAPUR, SEP 3 (NPN): minister, S. Pangnyu Phom, 4,066 positive cases, the Department of School Eduout of 708 samples that were distribution across various cation has informed that the tested, 24 cases each were categories of people include State would not be celebratdetected in Dimapur and 1726 cases from the Armed ing/observing Teachers Day Kohim and 1 case in Mon. Forces, 1278 returnees, 297 2020 in view of the declaraAs on September 3, the frontline workers and 765 tion of seven-day national (Cont’d on p-5) state has 732 active cases, traced contacts. mourning by the Government of India on the demise of Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee. In a notification, principal director school education Shanavas than 90 per cent tests even today C has, however, notified that are RT-PCR tests while there are other states where the RT-PCR DIMAPUR, SEP 3 (NPN): over shortage of medical staff in Teachers Day messages from testing, TrueNat and CBNAAT Konyak Union (KU) has appealed the State, KU feared that in the the dignitaries may be issued testing capacity is limited and to chairman of High Powered event of any emergency, existing along with announcement of therefore in those states, if there Committee (HPC) for Covid-19 medical manpower strength would awardees through media. are containment zones or buffer and chief minister Neiphiu Rio to not be able to handle the situation Zion Hospital to zones, one cannot be satisfied with reconsider implementation of the The representation also stat- resume all services limited testing, he stressed. latest standard operating proce- ed that the District Hospital, Mon ICMR’s guidelines clearly lay dure (SOP) for Mon district. as well as the community health DIMAPUR, SE 3 (NPN): down that rapid antigen tests are In a representation to the centres and primary health centres Zion Hospital and Reideal screening tests for densely HPC chairman through the min- in the district were lagging behind search Centre (ZHRC) has populated areas, for containment ister in charge of Mon district for in terms of proper medical equip- announced resumption of all services i.e. OPD, IPD, and buffer zones so why not use COVID-19, KU vice-president ment and infrastructure. them there, he said.

Honang Konyak and general secConsidering the fact that the Operations, Dialysis, Vac“However, I do admit there retary Wango Konyak said SOP people of Mon had been actively cinations and Emergency are states where the optimal capac- for Unlock 4.0 should not be made and tirelessly working and sacri- services from September 4. ity of RT-PCR off late is not being applicable to Mon as unlike other ficing their resources, energy and IRB personnel from utilised and we have in the health districts of the State, there were no lives in assisting the State governministry drawn the attention of proper motorable roads connect- ment in containing the pandemic, WB to return home those states that they do have an ing it with rest of the State.

KU observed that giving up the PURULIA, SEP 3 (AGENinstalled capacity of conducting Also, due to the fact that the fight suddenly might undo all the CIES): Six companies of India Reserve Battalions more RT-PCR tests and hence district was most vulnerable as it sacrifices made by the people.

The representation also in- (IRB) personnel of the Nathey need to scale it up,” Bhushan shared borders with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar, formed the HPC chairman that the galand Police have left for said.

ICMR Director General Dr they said compromising health citizens of Mon district was initiat- Dimapur from Purulia, after Balram Bhargava said that WHO over economy might not be advis- ing a COVID Adaptive Response serving in the junglemahal (CARE) model under the aegis of for over ten years, fighthas lauded India for use of rapid able at this stage.

Pointing out how it had been KU, which was duly endorsed and ing the Maoists in Purulia antigen tests in a calibrated and district. continuously expressing concern approved by him. distributive manner.

ACTIVE CASES Asymp- Symptomatic RecovMiTotal District Death tomatic ered grated Cases Mild Moderate Dimapur 4 0 1612 1933 305 9* 3 Kiphire 0 0 1 11 10 0 0 Kohima 1 0 974 1294 315 0 4 Longleng 0 0 4 5 0 0 1 Mokokchung 0 0 19 28 9 0 0 Mon 1 0 235 289 50 1 2 Peren 0 0 266 268 2 0 0 Phek 0 0 31 32 1 0 0 Tuensang 0 0 48 68 20 0 0 Wokha 0 0 20 24 4 0 0 Zunheboto 10 0 0 104 114 0 0 Total 6 0 3314 4066 726 10 10

State-level Teachers Day cancelled: DoSE

India conducts 11.72 lakh daily COVID tests Reconsider implementation of NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): Cumulative tests for detection of COVID-19 rose to 4,55,09,380 in the country with a record 11,72,179 tests being conducted on Wednesday, the Union Health Ministry said underlining that India’s daily testing numbers are one of the highest in the world.

Higher testing numbers subsequently result in lowered positivity rate, it said on Thursday. “India has witnessed an unprecedented surge in testing. Over 11.7 lakh tests were done in 24 hours,” the ministry said.

From conducting merely 10 tests per day on January 30, the daily average has crossed more than 11 lakh, the ministry said, adding this demonstrates an exponential increase in the daily COVID-19 testing in the country.

“Higher numbers of testing also subsequently result in lowered positivity rate,” the ministry said.

India’s COVID-19 case fatality rate due to the disease has further dropped to 1.75 per cent as on date, while the national recovery

Unlock 4 SOP in Mon: KU to HPC

A health worker collects a sample for COVID-19 test in New Delhi. (PTI File)

rate has risen to 77.09 per cent.

There are 8,15,538 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 21.16 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

Asked about rapid antigen tests comprising a large chunk of the total tests conducted now, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan at a press briefing on Thursday said that there is no uniform picture across the country on this. In Tamil Nadu, more

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state

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Fire breaks out at DC Noklak directs PHED to New lockdown guidelines for Peren Chümoukedima sawmill improve water supply quality

DC Noklak, Reny Wilfred along with other officials at the water source of Noklak town on September 2. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Deputy commissioner (DC) Noklak, Reny Wilfred paid a visit to PHE water supply sources of Noklak town on September 2, in response to various concerns raised from all walks of life regarding poor quality of water supply in Noklak town.

According to DIPR report, after inspection of the spot and surrounding areas, DC and his team found that the water source was being contaminated by dung and urine droppings

of mithuns and wild animals which visit the same source to drink water.

The water source which are directly connected to the streams are supplying the citizens of Noklak town without any proper water purification system and filtration tanks, according to the PHE department. The water source is located at a distance of more than 3 kms away from Noklak Ttown while there was another water source located approximately 12 kms away from the town,

prone to damages every now and then particular during monsoon seasons.

Therefore, the urgent need of having fencing facilities in the sources and a filtration tank was required at the earliest. DC urged the PHED to initiate necessary steps to improve the water source and install necessary filtration mechanisms under available provision.

DC was accompanied by officers, DBs, PHED, representatives from students’ union and village council members.

DIMAPUR: Deputy commissioner (DC) Peren, Sentiwapang Aier has issued the following guidelines for strict implementation throughout the district till September 30.

According to DIPR report, the district will follow the latest SOP issued by the state government: Entry/exit points in the district will be allowed only through the existing check gates (Heningkunglwa & Mhainamtsi) and the entry into district through any other route will not be allowed; Limitations on the number of passengers will be as per the existing state guidelines for lockdown measures. Concerned administrator of town councils within the district will ensure installation of adequate hand washing facilities at the bus/taxi/auto rickshaws stand,

display adequate IEC metarials (poster/pamhlets/flex banners) and conduct sensitization programme on standard preventive measures for drivers and travellers; Customers and shop keepers are to wear face mask compulsorily at all times. The policy of “no mask, no entry” must be imposed. Concern Town Council will conduct awareness drive on standard preventive measures for traders and their staff; All government offices in the district shall mandatorily function with a roster system of 50% staff attendance every alternate week; Every office shall designate a nodal officer for infection control to oversee proper maintenance and implementation of preventive measures.

ANGCTA and ANCSU appeal for undisrupted internet services

DIMAPUR: In view of the scheduled Nagaland University undergraduate online examination to commence from September 21, the All Nagaland Government College Teachers’ Association (ANGCTA) and All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) have appealed competent authorities and service providers to ensure undisrupted internet connectivity and services during the examination period throughout the state.

A press release by ANGCTA president, Lily Angami and ANCSU president, Vimeyiekho Vitso stated that, with no sign of respite from the pandemic and the Supreme Court judgment that final examination has to be conducted, online was the only alternative and safest mode for the interest of the students as well as the institutions. Online examination has been scheduled from September 21 to October 20 and its success depends on the regular power supply and internet connectivity, stated the release.

IEC campaign on COVID-19 in Tuensang

villages under the Health and wellness centres of six Primary Health Centres (PHC) and 13 sub-centres from August 15-30.

A press release by DMO Tuensang informed that the campaign was organised with an aim at creating awareness on relating the COVID-19 issues like dispelling the myths and misconceptions, prevention of stigma and discrimination apart from other general preventive measures.

The release said during the campaign the villagers were advised regular practice of hand hygiene, wear face mask in public places and maintain social distancing specially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The villagers were made aware of the different health services provided under The team during awareness camp held at Kiding village under Chare block. the health and wellness centre and they DIMAPUR: An Information Education COVID-19 was organised by District were also encouraged to avail medical & Communication (IEC) campaign on Health Society (DHS) Tuensang in 31 services in the health centre.

news in Brief

Fire personnel dousing off fire on Thursday at Chümoukedima.

DIMAPUR: Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Dimapur, fire team on Thursday wee hours managed to douse off a major fire at M/s Shikuto Sema Saw Mill, 7th Mile Chümoukedima Dimapur.

A press release by F&ES Dimapur stated that on receiving fire call at around 4:49 a.m., a quick response team from Fire Station Chümoukedima, Fire Station Dimapur (Central) & Fire Station Dimapur (West) was mobilised to control the fire.

F&ES said six fire tenders along

Dimapur district administration visits flood affected Niu Colony

DIMAPUR: Around 120 houses at Niu Colony, Burma Camp were flooded due to overnight rain on September 1, when the Lengri River-Assam/Nagaland border and Niu/Vety drainage overflowed.

In a press release Niu Colony Council chairman, Tukuka. H. Awomi, general secretary, Inato. N. Swu and GB, Hozkha.

K. Awomi stated that, the district administration led by DC Rajesh Soundararajan came along with the disaster management team and surveyed the affected parts.

Beside, the 5th Assam Rifle unit led by Ajay Sharma also came and surveyed the affected areas and helped the A house at Niu Colony flooded due to the overnight rain. affected people. Advisor of Power, Tovihoto Ayemi also came to take stoke of the RD situation and extended assistance to the affected families. of our beloved son Late Penünlo Jemu

Q.: Does China have a plan to attack India?

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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

of our beloved father Late Savilie Theunuo (4/9/2019)

A year has passed since you left your earthly home, you are fondly remembered by us every single day with the hope to meet again soon.

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A

B

C

86% 0% 14%

the cause of death of Sushant Singh Rajput achieve its objective?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST august 4

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

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

34 26

An a.m. shower; mostly cloudy 30 21

Guwahati Some sun with a stray t-storm 34 25

Some brightening

31 20

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

29 23

Shillong

A morning t-storm in spots

26 18

Kohima

Cloudy with thunderstorms

26 18

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

33 23

Cloudy; a t-storm in spots

27 19

Tuensang Cloudy; a t-storm in spots

20 15

Wokha

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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Next poll

Mkg

Loving Dad, Mom, Sisters and Brother

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

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Q: Will the CBI probe into

Imphal

DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Years have passed since you left us on this day for your eternal home.

But we still miss you and remember you every moment in our hearts with silent tears.

K-1390

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A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

Aizawl

3

Died : 04/09/2017

WSKH to inaugurate new office: Western Sumi Kükami Hoho (WSKH) will be inagurating its new office at Diphupar, near Referral Hospital on September 5. All village chiefs, frontal organisations, area representatives, officers, elders have been requested to attend the function positively.

Launching of Naga Telehealth postponed: Naga Telehealth, which was slated to be launched by health minister, S Pangnyu Phom, on September 4 has been postponed.

“Due to unavoidable circumstances, the launching program of Naga-Telehealth schedule tomorrow has been postponed,” Phom tweeted.

nagalandpost.com Poll

with sufficient equipments and fire personnel were pressed into action for five hours.

The release informed that property worth Rs. 40 lakh (approximate) was lost in the inferno. However, F&ES said due to timely response from fire team, the fire was prevented from spreading.

F&ES said the cause of fire was yet to be ascertained at the time of filing report. The response team was led by duty commander, S.I Francis Sungsit, S.I Kenyuyhun Kent, S.I C. Pausung and S.I Thungathung Shitire.

A t-storm around in the a.m.

Zunheboto Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

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26 21 24 17

LT. MEZASENG JEMU Born on 10.10.1943 – Died on 24.08.2020 Through this column, we would like to express our humble gratitude to all who stood by us at the sudden demise of our beloved father Lt. Mezaseng Jemu.

Words are inadequate to express our indebtedness to all individuals for the love and concern we received in the form of your physical and financial help.

We also thank members of various organisations, neighbouring villages for your support during our remorseful time. We especially want to thank all the members of the following organisations for their condolences during this hard time.

1. Tesophenyu Upper Baptist Church 2. St. Peter’s Catholic Church Tesophenyu 3. Tesophenyu Village Council and neighbouring villages 4. Tesophenyu Group Public Union (Central) 5. Tesophenyu Group Public Union Dimapur 6. Tesophenyu Group Youth Organisation 7. Tesophenyu Group Women Organization 8. Kepvüshen Logwa Tesophenyu 9. Jemutsa and Semytsa Union Tesophenyu We have nothing to repay you back but earnestly pray to our Almighty God to bless you with good health and happy life.

Wife, children and grand children K-1891

16/12/1958 – 29/8/2020 I, wife of Late Dietho-o Pfukha would like to acknowledge and thank each and everyone who covered us prayerfully, physically and financially to celebrate the life of my beloved Husband and Father as he left for his heavenly home on 29th of August, 2020. We are in awe of the love and respect my husband was shown on his last journey by family and friends, loved ones and well wishers despite the pandemic. Words are inadequate to express how much your good words and deeds have comforted us in this difficult time. We have nothing to give in return but we pray and believe Our Almighty God bless all richly.

We would like to especially mention and thank: 1. Dr. Sedevi Angami 2. Doctors and staff of Referral Hospital 3. Shri Neiphiu Rio, Honourable CM, Nagaland 4. Shri MoaToshi MLA 5. NPF, Central Women Wing 6. NPF Dimapur Division, President and colleagues 7. NPF Dimapur 2, President and colleagues 8. Town Baptist Church, Dimapur 9. Viola Colony Council and members 10. Escort party (RE Brothers, United Riders) I regret the inability to mention all the churches, organisations and everyone individually but God knows and May He bless all abundantly.

The prayers and love from everyone has been a great source of strength for us. Hearing the many testimonies from people who loved him, we are encouraged to gather ourselves and celebrate his life and his legacy of love and humility. Though we are still hurting, we rest assured He is with the one whom he had been singing about all his life!

We are grateful to everyone who was a part of his life and who supported us through this difficult time.

May God's Grace and favour be upon each one of you.

His beloved wife, children, in-laws and relatives DP-3713

K-1389

Loving Family Members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

BORN ON : 04/06/1964 DIED ON : 29/08/2020 We the bereaved Family members of Lt. IMTITOSHI (MONGCHEN) would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and every indivdiual, neighbours, churches, organisations and well wishers who had stood selflessly with us physically, morally, financially and ceaseless prayer till his ultimate demise.

We deeply regret our inability to thank every individual personally but it is our earnest prayer to the Almighty God to bless you all.

DP-3711

Loving Wife, Children & Family Members.

K Y M C

3

northeast/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Bill on NE water resources Centre not keeping its word: United Committee Manipur to be tabled in Parliament ‘Naga talks should not affect territorial integrity of Manipur’

Correspondent

SHILLONG, SEP 3 (IANS): The Union Jal Shakti Ministry has prepared a bill which is likely to be tabled in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament for better utilisation of the water resources of India’s northeast region, which can provide 60,000 MW clean energy to the country, NITI Aayog ViceChairman Rajiv Kumar said.

Kumar said that the bill, which would facilitate the formation of the North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA), is ready in consultation with the Chief Ministers of the eight northeastern states, experts and all stakeholders.

“At the initiative of the NITI Aayog, work for the 2,000 MW electricity generation capacity Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project has been started.”

“The commissioning of the mega power project along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border would be the beginning of the full exploitation of 60,000 MW energy potential of the northeastern region,” Kumar said while speaking at a seminar from a virtual platform on Wednesday. “Northeast can be a big provider of clean energy to the rest of the country. Besides the Centre, both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would work mutually to complete the project in its timeline.”

The seminar on the

theme “India’s North East: Development Challenges and Strategies in the post COVID-19 Era”, was organised by the Shillong based think tank and research body “Asian Confluence.” Kumar said that the Brahmaputra Board would be subsumed within the NEWMA and all out efforts would be made for the better utilisation of the water resources of the northeastern region, flood mitigation, erosion and environment management in a people friendly manner. “I have consulted with Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Brahmaputra Board Chairman Rajiv Yadav on the progress of NEWMA. The minister informed me that the bill is ready,” he said.

Rajiv Kumar said that after the formation of the NITI Forum, two meetings were held in Guwahati and Agartala which identified five areas - tea, tourism, bamboo economy, fisheries and dairy - to boost the economy of the northeastern region. To develop the infrastructure for the five identified sectors, Kumar suggested funding from the New Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Bank besides private investment and Foreign Direct Investment.

“We have to make Northeast India attractive for more and more private investment as well as foreign

investment. Public-Private Partnership initiative must be undertaken to develop the infrastructure and to reduce the project risk for the investors. Agriculture and horticulture dominate a large part of the economy of the region. Diversification of agriculture is essential and the Sikkim model in organic farming and agro processing must be followed,” Kumar pointed out.

He informed that a joint working group was formed by the NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to push forward the five identified sectors. The NITI Aayog deputy chief said as the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector has been suffering, the states can take collaborative initiatives with the small industry associations to boost the sector. “Money and credit with reasonable rates are available. States must take a lead to facilitate them to the small, micro and medium enterprises individuals and groups. A model of funding similar to Bangladesh’s Grameen Bank for extending credit to the MSME sectors is being considered,” he said.

Kumar said that the NITI Aayog has the mandate of overseeing the adoption and monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals in the northeast region by 2030.

IMPHAL, SEP 3: India government was not keeping its word, the apex body of various civil society and local youth clubs United Committee Manipur (UCM), alleged on Thursday while urging people of the state to remain alert.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of Langban Heitha Leithaba (tarpon) in Imphal’s Kekrupat Memorial Complex, UCM president Sunil Karam alleged that the Centre has not translated into action its assurances to the people of the state.

Meitei, the major community of Manipur offer tarpon (offering of fresh flowers and fruits to the water as mark of paying tribute to their ancestors in

the month of langbal (the 6th month of Manipuri calendar) believing that they descend to their homes on the night of the full moon of Langbal month (usually falls in September or October) and return to their dwellings on the day of the new moon.

Like previous years, UCM offered tarpon to the 18 people who sacrificed their lives during the people’s uprising in June 2001 to protest against extension of ceasefire between Centre and NSCN(I-M) without territorial limit.

However, this year, only a few leaders of the UCM and other civil society organisations offered tarpon to follow COVID-19 guidelines.

Karam said that the Centre had given assuranc-

es to consult with all stakeholders before finalising the proposed peace accord with NSCN(I-M), however, there was no invitation for talks received so far.

Karam said that they were aware of the Prime Minister’s Office working on inking the final peace accord by the cur rent month.

“We have no objection to inking of the final peace accord. But the agreement should not affect the territorial integrity of Manipur. It should be confined only in Nagaland,” he said.

If any point hurting the interest of Manipur is included in the proposed agreement, UCM will not remain silent, he warned.

“If the Centre happens to invite stakeholders only for the name sake after fi-

SHILLONG, SEPT 3 (PTI): Five persons, all residents of a Punjabi locality here, were arrested for assaulting a local man, police said on Thursday.

The five allegedly attacked and assaulted Arnell Steward Nongdhar on August 25 while they were returning from the warehouse of a multinational ecommerce company located in the area, East Khasi Hills superintendent of police Sylvester Nongtnger said.

Trouble started when Nongdhar who was in his vehicle had reportedly asked a Punjabi person to move

ASHA monthly meeting held in Phek

his motorbike which he had parked in the middle of the road.

This irked the person on the motorbike who phoned 10 of his friends and when they arrived, asaaulted Nongdha, the SP said.

The arrested identified as Sachin Singh(26), Udham Singh(23), Malkit Singh(19), Vikash Singh(20) and Rocky Singh (40) are residents of Goraline in Punjabi Lane area here, he said.

Four of them were identified with the help of witnesses and arrested immediately. One of them was arrested on Wednesday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Sep 3: A 16year-old girl who abandoned after she was allegedly raped died at the ICU ward of a hospital in Imphal around 2 pm on Thursday where she battled for her life.

Shocked and angry relatives of the victim stormed the chief minister’s secretariat demanding befitting action against the culprit(s).

The teenage girl was admitted at the ICU ward of RIMS hospital on Wednesday morning after she was picked by a team of Mayang

DIMAPUR: Chakhro Angami Kuda Union Dimapur (CAKUD) has condemned the kidnapping of M/S Symbios Creation Pvt. Ltd by tow miscreants. In a condemnation, CAKUD president, Zhato Kimho and secretary, Vimechiezo Miachieo has urged all right minded responsible person, society and organisation to condemn and speak against all anti-social activities prevailing in the society.

Meeting of Committee for Oral Evidence

ASHAs at the review meeting being briefed about their upcoming IDCF programme.

Khalo, briefed the ASHAs on their roles at the upcoming Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) programme which will be observed from September 1 to 14.

During the fortnight ASHAs will be visiting households, with children

below 5 years of age and identify diarrhoea cases and refer to ANM/health facilities. They will also give awareness on the importance of ORS & Zince during the home visits.

Their registers and activities maintained were reviewed and discussed. Activities

holders will be consulted before finalising the peace accord. Earlier on Wednesday, COCOMI, in a statement, urged the people of the state to remain vigilant and united while anticipating a final solution to the Naga peace talk this month (September).

It demanded that the proposed final solution to the peace talk should remain well within the boundary of Nagaland. And if any point affecting the state’s interest is included, people of Manipur should be invited and recognised as one of the parties of the peace talk, COCOMI stated.

“We must remain vigilant and united to face any adversary and agenda that threatens the interests and integrity of the state,” COCOMI had stated.

5 held for assault in Meghalaya Teenage gang rape victim dies in Manipur

state CAKUD condemns alleged kidnapping

DIMAPUR: ASHAs of Phek held monthly review meeting at CMO conference hall, Phek on September 1.

A press release by NHM Phek district media officer, Kutolu Nakro stated that, DPO RCH/ UIP Phek, Dr. Kolhitso

nalising the proposed agreement, we will not accept it,” he warned.

He reminded the centre of its assurances on many occasions and urged it to stand by its words of consulting stakeholders, if any point related with neighbouring states of Nagaland is included in the proposed agreement.

He said that on behalf of the people of the state, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) had conveyed the wishes of the people of Manipur in a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in November last year.

In the meeting in which state chief minister and some other ministers were also present, Amit Shah had assured all stake-

on Home Base New Born Care (HBNC) where the Ashas have to visit new born 7 times within 42 days have been reviewed and were reminded to continue their visits. ASHAs were also instructed to identify those pregnant women and refer for ANC.

DIMAPUR: Chairman, Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU), Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Mhathung Yanthan has convened a meeting of the Committee for Oral Evidence (COE) with the departmental representatives on the examination of the C&AG report of India for the period 2016-2017 for NIRMSC, NHL, NIDC and NHHDC under the department of Industries & Commerce and NSMDC under department of Geology and Mining on September 10, 11 a.m at the committee room of the assembly secretariat. All members of the committee and all AHoDs, HoDs and managing directors of the respective departments/corporations have been requested to attend the meeting.

Imphal police station of Imphal West from a roadside pond at Yengdoupat village. She was first found by morning walkers who saw her lying there. Police suspect the girl was sexually assaulted before she was left to die. Police investigating the case have arrested her boyfriend identified as Md Arish alias Maja Khan (19) of Heibongmakhong village late yesterday evening and are searching for five others who were still at large.

The girl went missing after she came out of her home on Tuesday afternoon

as reported by her family who filed a missing report with the police. Soon after news of her death spread, her relatives and people from her village turned up and stormed the chief minister’s secretariat where they engaged in a brief struggle with police who blocked them from entering the secretariat complex. At the gate, they shouted various slogans demanding immediate booking of other culprits involved in the case and award them befitting punishment demanding that the culprits be hanged to death.

FPAI, Nagaland branch webinar on cervical cancer

DIMAPUR: FPA India (FPAI), Nagaland branch organised webinar on the topic “cervical cancer” on September 2 with consultant obstetrics and gynaecologist, Dr. Nounenuo Terhase as resource person.

A press release by FPA India Nagaland branch programme officer, Akangkokla Namo stated that Dr. Terhase in her presentation explained that cervical cancer caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) was one of the most common cancers among women.

She explained that almost all sexually active individuals were infected with HPV at some point in their lives and some may be repeatedly infected.

However, persistent infection with specific types of HPV may lead to precancerous lesion and if untreated, these lesions may progress to cervical cancer, she informed.

Dr. Terhase mentioned that some risk factors included use of tobacco and smoking, women with multiple pregnancies, multiple sexual partners, early age of onset of sexual activity, and the incidences of cervical cancer are more common in women from low socio-economic group of population. She said that

there might not be major symptoms at early stages but some of the common symptoms as it progressed were vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, difficult passing of urine and stool and lower abdomen pain.

Stressing on the types of screening test i.e., pap smear, visual inspections with acetic acid (VIA), HPV DNA test, she cited that VIA can be carried out by nurses and ASHAs after they are trained and it was also cost effective.

She stated that in order to prevent cervical cancer, the primary method was education about safe sex and human papilloma virus vaccination for girls between 9-14 years, while secondary prevention was screening and treatment of precancerous diseases.

She further added that the cervical cancer has various stages and the treatment differed in each stage, where if the cancer is detected at an early age it can be treated by simple surgical method and the later stage involves surgical removal, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Dr. Terhase further urged women of 30 years and above to undergo screening test for precaution.

Farewell programme for outgoing official DMC sanitises Hazi Park market Dimapur

Y. Sacheo Ovung with his wife, incoming director R Kronu, and others during the farewell programme.

DIMAPUR: Directorate of Economics & Statistics bade farewell to its outgoing director, Y Sacheo Ovung, who retired on completion of 35 years of service, at the directorate conference hall on August 31.

A press release by the department stated that, Ovung in his speech encouraged young officers

and staff to have the enthusiasm to learn and ensure strengthening statisticians by bringing accurate data for better planning and policy making at different levels.

While appreciating the support and cooperation of the officers and staff of the department during his tenure, Ovung also assured of his cooperation towards

the department even after his retirement.

Incoming director, R. Kronu acknowledged the outgoing director as a mentor and teacher while being the longest serving director of the department for more than eight years. He highlighted that after joining as language translator in the education department in 1985, Ovung also served as

statistician in PWD in 1988, and became assistant director of Economic & Statistics department in 1992 and went up to head the department since 2009.

Describing him as a collected and broadminded gentleman with patience, Kronu wished him prosperity and a healthy retired life.

Special secretary, Kev-

ileno Angami congratulated Ovung for successful completion of his innings in good health while maintaining that he was an enthusiastic and receptive director.

Remarking that economics and statistics was an unknown department but the role it played was critical, Angami said that it brought out data for factual planning and policy making. She also lauded Ovung for being instrumental in bringing several changes including reformation in cadre structure.

Earlier on behalf of advisor for Fisheries, Evaluation, Economics & Statistics, L Khumo, his PA, Pokio Khiam delivered his speech while chairman Nagaland Bio Resource Mission, L Thronghokiu, president Nagaland Economics & Statistics Services Association, Neisatuo Puro and other officers and staff of the department also spoke on the occasion.

NMGBC members along with the sanitation team on Thursday during DMC sanitsation drive.

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) on Thursday undertook a sanitisation drive of the entire Hong Kong Market (Hazi Park) complex, including the footpath areas.

A press release by New Market GB Council

(NMGBC) stated that, president of Hazi Park Business Welfare Committee (HPBWC), Hukato V Achumi thanked DMC administrator, Albert Ezung for initiating the sanitisation drive.

New Market GB

Council members also assisted DMC sanitation team while disinfecting the area. The markets will be opening on September 4, alternatively as odd and even numbers, where the council also posted serial numbers accordingly.

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 270 Dimapur, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

I

The new ‘ab-normal’

n a planet ravaged by coronavirus, online education has emerged as the new ‘normal’ for over 30 crore students across the world. While the virtual education is the best crisis management solution today, it’s also a roadmap of what the future will look like. The pandemic has sparked a worldwide shift in today’s academic structure. In the last few months, almost every reputed university and institution have introduced online versions of their regular courses.

Private colleges in India which were already offering online education for last two decades now have a massive surge in e-Learning demand to meet. The pandemic has made “e-Learning or online education as the new normal and will ensure proliferation of information technology tools and gadgets postCOVID-19. Interestingly the virtual world is offering new possibilities to 600,000 Indian students who annually head overseas for higher education. With lockdowns across nations, online education is a blessing in disguise. Online education is expected to grow from $ 247 million(Rs.18,11,97,84,150) in 2016, to $ 1.96 billion (Rs.1,43,79,00,10,000) by 2021. Its users are estimated to grow to 1.6 million or 16 lakhs in 2016 to 9.6 million or 96 lakhs towards the end of 2021. Incidentally, Indians are the second largest consumers on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). India has approximately 35 lakh students in higher education and around 900 universities catering to this need. In 2030, India is projected to have 1.40 crore students, which will amount to four times increase in demand. To meet this, India needs four times the number of universities, colleges and teachers. Similarly, by 2022, India faces a potential shortage of 25 crore skilled workers across sectors says the EY/FICCI report. The demand will lead to tremendous increase in online education. Online educational courses can be taken up by office goers and housewives too, at the time that suits them. Depending on their availability and comfort, many people choose to learn at weekends or evenings. A prime benefit of learning online is that it makes sure that a person is in synchronization with modern learners. This enables the learner to access updated content whenever they want it. Lessons starts quickly and also wrapped up in a single learning session. This enables training programs to easily roll out within a few weeks, or sometime even days. However, there are also many demerits of online education. Online education deprives one of developing communicational skills since there is no face-to-face communication. One cannot cope up with a global world where communication is taken for granted. In traditional classrooms, teachers can give students immediate face-to-face feedback.

Students experiencing problems in the curriculum can resolve them quickly and directly with the teacher. Personalized feedback has a positive impact on students, as it makes learning processes easier, richer and raising the motivation levels. The value of subjects taught in online education is limited and those involved in teaching are focussed on theory rather than on practice. Also online education is not accessible for those who are computer illiterate.

Most importantly, online education lacks accreditation and quality assurance that are important for job seekers. Ironically, while social distancing is the norm in the pandemic, online education through isolation could make the e-learners find themselves socially distanced. And the question is whether that will also be the new normal?.

DailyDevotion Pouring Out the Water of Satisfaction He would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord.

—2 Samuel 23:16 What has been like “water from the well of Bethlehem” to you recently— love, friendship, or maybe some spiritual blessing (2 Samuel 23:16)? Have you taken whatever it may be, even at the risk of damaging your own soul, simply to satisfy yourself? If you have, then you cannot pour it out “to the Lord.” You can never set apart for God something that you desire for yourself to achieve your own satisfaction. If you try to satisfy yourself with a blessing from God, it will corrupt you.

You must sacrifice it, pouring it out to God— something that your common sense says is an absurd waste.

How can I pour out “to the Lord” natural love and spiritual blessings? There is only one way— I must make a determination in my mind to do so. There are certain things other people do that could never be received by someone who does not know God, because it is humanly impossible to repay them. As soon as I realize that something is too wonderful for me, that I am not worthy to receive it, and that it is not meant for a human being at all, I must pour it out “to the Lord.” Then these very things that have come to me will be poured out as “rivers of living water” all around me (John 7:38). And until I pour these things out to God, they actually endanger those I love, as well as myself, because they will be turned into lust. Yes, we can be lustful in things that are not sordid and vile. Even love must be transformed by being poured out “to the Lord.”

If you have become bitter and sour, it is because when God gave you a blessing you hoarded it. Yet if you had poured it out to Him, you would have been the sweetest person on earth. If you are always keeping blessings to yourself and never learning to pour out anything “to the Lord,” other people will never have their vision of God expanded through you.

Quotes

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. ~ Khalil Gibran

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Post-mortem

Maternal and child health care crisis in the midst of COVID pandemic

T

he Covid-19 pandemic has hit ever yone hard. But the worst-hit are those who often do not have the means to tell their hardship and has left some people more wounded than the rest. Regular human activities have been bought to a grinding halt, but not the progression of diseases and other medical conditions.

Lack of affordable health care is a crisis in itself.

The Covid Pandemic has made the crisis even more acute and unbearable for many people living on daily wage. The brunt of the Covid-19 crisis fell upon the poor ailing and expectant mothers. As mothers, our hearts break at the heart wrenching stories and the untold sufferings of those who are less fortunate and have suffered in silence without respite.

With the various Government District Hospitals closed to the public for general patient care, there

T

are many other patients who have been suffering silently with excruciating difficulty especially expectant mothers seeking normal deliveries or caesarean sections, and other patients seeking surgical treatment, cancer care and renal failure patients in need of dialysis. In the dilemma of the non-availability of public health care, many have been forced to seek health care in the private sector beyond their means which is unaffordable to many. The lockdown and the loss of wages and earning have deepened the personal financial crisis further more. Many have incurred huge debts in the pursuit of health care in private sectors.

While all District Hospitals are expected to ensure that all measures are taken to provide health care services even in the times of Covid, Kohima has all the more reason to ensure the provision

of general health care services in government hospital, not because the people living in Kohima deserves it more than the others, but because it is the referral health center for all the other districts and patients come to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) from far and wide. In terms of infrastructure, manpower, facility and resource, the NHAK is better off compared to the rest. As such it is imperative that the public health care services resume at the earliest, it being the only Government health center in the whole State providing cancer care as well as dialysis and a state-of-the-art ICU. Although the protem Out Patient Services provided

by NHAK at the PMTI make-shift OPD is appreciated, the lack of inpatient facility, child delivery and operating facility does not mitigate the distress of the poor. While there were

some talks that NHAK will resume the public health care services to the relief of many who depend on government hospitals for their health care, nothing has changed on the ground despite the lapse of several weeks.

The World Health Organisation in 2017 stated that approximately 810 women dieevery day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth and 94 %of all maternal deaths occurred in low and lower middleincome groups, reflecting inequalities in access to quality health ser vices and highlighted the gap between the rich and the poor. It was found that some of the main factors that prevent women from receiving or seeking care during pregnancy and childbirth are poverty, distance to facilities and inadequate and poor quality services amongst others. While the Maternal

Policy reforms for sustainable agriculture in post COVID

he ongoing health crisis around COVID19 has affected all walks of life.

Protecting lives of people suffering from the disease as well as frontline health responders have been the priority of nations. Governments have swung into actions since the Corona virus attack created an unprecedented situation. During these challenging times, how does Indian Agriculture respond to the crisis and how do government measures affect 140 million farm households across the country and thereafter impact the economy of a very important country in the developing world? We assess the immediate challenges that COVID19 has posed to the farm sector and suggest mitigation measures to ensure a sustainable food system in the post-crisis period. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has issued state-wise guidelines for farmers to be followed during the lockdown period.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also announced specific measures that address the “burden of debt servicing” due to COVID19 pandemic.

In spite of all these measures and in view of continuing restrictions on movements of people and vehicular traffic, concerns have been raised regarding negative implications of COVID19 pandemic on the farm economy. Moreover, any severe disruption to the supply of perishable fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fish, etc. having mobilized to meet the increasing demand from a bulging middle class as well as urban and rural consumers, may create irreparable damage to all actors in the supply chain.

The migration of workers from few parts to their native places has also triggered panic buttons, as they are crucial for both harvesting operations and post-harvest handling of produce in storage and marketing centers. The sale of dairy products; fish; poultry, etc. has also been hit during the lockdown period as the uptake by the organized industry players has been affected due to shortage of workforce and transport issues.

The poor sections of society are always the hardest hit in any disaster or pandemic situation. With about 85 percent of Indian farm households being small and marginal farmers, and a significant part of the population being landless farm laborers, welfare measures to contain any damage from COVID are definitely going to help them with sincere implementation.

The focus of the Government therefore has to be to protect the lives of every citizen.

To sustain the demand for

agricultural commodities, investments in key logistics must be enhanced. Moreover, e-commerce and delivery companies and start-ups need to be encouraged with suitable policies and incentives. The small and medium enterprises, running with raw materials from the agriculture and allied sector or otherwise, also need special attention so that the rural economy doesn’t collapse. To obviate the immediate concerns of scarcity of farm labor, policies must facilitate easy availability of machinery through state entities, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or custom hiring centers (CHCs) with suitable incentives. Agriculture in India is a State subject, and as has been observed in past years, policies and programs vary from one State to the other. Structural reforms such as land leasing, contract farming and private agricultural markets, etc. have long been advocated to bring enhanced investments into the agriculture sector and to push its growth. However, there has not been uniform implementation of these legislations by State Governments and so the full potential of the sector is unrealized. These reforms need significant political will.

Concerns of a slowdown in the zeal of States, post-COVID scenario, could be tackled with suitable incentive mechanisms by the Federal Government to the States.

Policies for Sustainable Agri in Post COVID Era: 1. Present policies need a paradigm shift to have a pro-farmer (Farmer FIRST) focus with income and prosperity being the central theme of agricultural planning in future.

2. Agricultural diversification towards high-value crops.

3. Shifting from cereal dominance to high value crops like horticulture and livestock.

4. Adoption of new models for collection, dissemination and usage of data, effective use of ICT for knowledge dissemination.

5. Linking subsidies with efficient farming practices around use of water, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and farm mechanization.

6. Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Cooperative Banks, AgriClinics, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Custom Hire Centres (CHC), etc. should receive top priority now.

7. Establishment of successful models for credit to farmers at low interest rate like Grameen Bank in Bangladesh or to establish Kisan Banks in rural areas would

be a desirable step to make a difference.

8. High emphasis to be given to post-harvest management, linking to markets, logistics and supply chains along with price support and encourage professionalism in postharvest value addition.

9. Organic farming by Village Producer Organizations (VPOs) and FPOs is being encouraged in large clusters.

10. Cluster based cultivation and development to achieve economy of scale in the horticultural supply chain though FPOs/ VPOs. e-NAM, a mission for a common online market platform to facilitate pan-India trade in agriculture commodities, providing better price discovery through transparent auction process.

11. Promotion of farm mechanization to reduce the cost of production.

12. Development of horticulture based integrated farming system for small and marginal farmers.

13. Investment in human capital (education and health), especially among youth including women and access to financial services are important for enhancing income through rural nonfarm sector.

14. Establishment of custom hiring center in each village.

15. Structural reforms such as land leasing, contract farming and private agricultural markets, etc. have long been advocated to bring enhanced investments into the agriculture sector and to push its growth.

16. Implementation of farmer friendly long term export policy.

17. Development of export-supportive infrastructure and logistics would need investments and support of the private sector that will be in the long term interests of farmers in boosting their income.

Good news is that Government of India has now increased its focus on nutrition security and raising farmers’ income (rather than enhancing farm productivity). Changing the consumer behavior with suitable programs and incentives is already in the agenda.

For all these to happen, the existing landscape of policy incentives that favor the two big staples of wheat and rice has to change. Designing agricultural policies, postCOVID19 scenario, must include these imperatives for a food systems transformation in India.

Dr. Dipak Nath, Dy. Director of Extension Education Central Agricultural University, Imphal

Mortality rate has been brought down considerably over the years, the denial of services in the wake of covid-19 would turn back the clock by several years behind if the Covid-19 related activities have to continue at the cost of many other patients suffering from other medical conditions, most specifically the maternal and child care. Of all the services denied to the public by government hospitals, it seems most unfair to expectant mothers and the lack of affordable maternal care is most unfortunate for the fact that the two lives are put at risk, or that the whole family is put in financial jeopardy by having to seek the same in private sector which is often beyond the means of many a poor mother.

Will the Government of Nagaland and the Department of Health and family welfare wake up to the plight of these helpless

mothers and the many other plethora of grave ailments affecting the poor and the marginalised patients and be sensitive to their health care needs?

To endure and nurture a pregnancy is an arduous task beyond the miracle of life. But to have been denied the service of an affordable health care is even worse and can be seen as not only a failure on the part of the government, but also a violation of their human rights. It could often be very well a tragic death sentence by the process of child birth for some who cannot afford the exorbitant maternal care in the private sector. It is incumbent upon the Government to ensure that no lives are lost for want of services in the district hospitals.

Kevinourheno Seyie, President and Shürhivino Nakhro, General Secretary, Angamimiapfü Mechü Krotho

The struggle is real, not reel Online Classes/Exam Vs Rural Students

W

e’ve heard enough of COVID-19 and it’s impact on the society. It has directly or indirectly affected everyone of us. As we are well aware that COVID-19 pandemic has changed the education system all around the world, and there’s no explanation needed on this. On the directives of the government, the Educational institutions have come up with New Digital channels for teaching and learning process, and of course the new online exam methods. The world is fast changing with latest technologies, but it is unfortunate that many students in our community are still struggling for basic needs.

I am a student myself, and the experience with online classes and online Exam for the past few months is indeed very discouraging (personally). There are frequent power cuts, and the network is terrible. I want to narrate one of my experiences: My Online Classes started on 15th June, but I’ve attended countable number of classes so far. Online Exam started on 10th August 2020, and since the start of Exam I recorded the number of days without electricity in my locality. There was a power cut from: -7th to 11th August (5 days) -17th to 25th August (9 days) -31st Aug to 3rd Sep (3 days and still counting).

All our power back ups, inverters, batteries run out of energy within a day or two. I live in a not so small Village under Mon District, and the story is pretty similar to many other villages. It is almost impossible to appear the ongoing exam and online classes without power supply. All thanks to our small Solar panels and Church generator for saving the lives of some students in my village. These are my personal struggles, but I’ve learnt and witnessed enough that hundreds and thousands of students are facing similar untold miseries in search of education. This write up is not just one man’s cry, but I believe it represents more students who are genuinely struggling. One wise decision form the concerned authority could have lessened the number of struggling students atleast by few margins.

Many of the Students in the Villages live without a mobile phone, and it is just a dream to think about laptop and other electronic gadgets.

(Let me not get into the Pendrive de-

cision by government of Nagaland.)

Amidst all these struggles, some college (quite understandably) ask for a screenshot of Internet speed test from Student’s device(s). It seems like the concerned authority and the government is trying to overlook the problems of some struggling students. I believe we are aware that the impact of the “New Normal” is more severe on the disadvantaged students in rural areas, which is causing interruption in learning and the inability to appear exam due to number of hindrances like poor/’Near No’ Internet service, unavailability of electronic devices, mobile phones, and irregular electricity. Not all students live in a comfortable home with cozy Sofas, WiFi connection, and luxurious power backup, but students in the villages are the most vulnerable ones to this environment.

I am well aware that the government and the teachers in particular are serving our people with great concerns. We are grateful to each one of you for what you are doing for us. Nonetheless, as a responsible citizen I would like to raise the long existing issue once again and also urge all the Students’ organisation to take up this issue once again. And an appeal to the Electric Department and various Telecom Companies (especially Jio ad Airtel) to kindly focus on the network condition in Villages too, not only in towns and cities.

As we continue to collectively try to adapt to the “new normal”, let us not forget the unfortunate ones who are stressed with online method of learning and online Exams. Perhaps for people living in cities for ages haven’t experienced the poor network, so in some situations it may seem like many students are faking the network issue and reeling their make up Stories. But I want to affirm that the Struggle is Real, and not REEL. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a truly unprecedented situation which affects us all directly or indirectly. It is my prayer that this crisis will be resolved soon and we will all be able to resume all the activities. Let us overcome this with prayers.

(This letter is in not to be regarded as a complaint, but only as an appeal).

E. Echu Konyak, (echukonyak@gmail.com)

Reader’s Post

Be cautious now more than ever

Sir,

As lockdown relaxes in Nagaland, we will not only be driven by mere hope or economic necessity but we must be driven by public health, personal hygiene and adherence to the SOPs. The government on the other hand must monitor the State’s progress locally and if there are outbreaks, the State government must not hesitate to put on the brakes. It is unlikely that exiting lockdown will return to how things were before the outbreak, but social distancing, regular hand washing, face masks has become our new normal.

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

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

LAC tension ‘direct result’ of China’s actions: India NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): India on Thursday said the border tension in Ladakh over the past four months is a “direct result” of Chinese actions aimed at effecting unilateral change in the status quo of the region, and asserted that the only way forward to resolve it was through negotiations.

The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that squarely put the blame on China for the prolonged border standoff came even as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat asserted that India’s armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in “best suitable ways”.

Amid a fresh flare-up at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Army Chief Gen. M M Naravane began a two-day visit to Ladakh on Thursday to have a firsthand look at India’s overall combat readiness in the region.

At an online media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the Chinese actions resulted in “violation” of the bilateral agreements and protocol which ensured peace and tranquillity in the border areas for close to three decades.

He urged the Chinese

IAF Chinook helicopter flies amid the prolonged India-China stand off in the Ladakh region, in Leh, Sept. 3. (PTI)

side to “sincerely” engage with India with the objective of “expeditiously” restoring the peace and tranquillity in the border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols.

“It is clear that the situation we witnessed over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo,” he said.

“These actions resulted in violation of the bilateral agreements and protocol which ensured peace and tranquillity in the border

areas for close to three decades.”

Srivastava said the only way ahead now is negotiations, both through the diplomatic and military channels, adding the Indian side is “firmly committed” to resolving all outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue.

Separately, Gen. Rawat said India’s armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in “best suitable ways” while pressing for further bolstering the country’s military power to expand its regional influence.

“Of late, India has

been seeing some aggressive actions by China but we are capable of handling these in the best suitable ways,” Gen. Rawat said at the online interactive session at the USIndia Strategic Partnership Forum.

Tensions flared up again in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake four days back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row.

India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese ac-

tions in the future. China has strongly objected to India’s move. But India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC, according to government sources.

At his briefing, Srivastava also referred to the telephonic conversation between foreign ministers of India and China as well as talks between Special Representatives (SRs) of the two countries on boundary questions after the border row erupted.

“We reiterate the consensus reached between the two foreign ministers and SRs that the situation in the border should be handled in a responsible manner and either side should not take any provocative action or escalate matters,” he said.

Army Chief begins two-day visit to Ladakh Ar my Chief Gen MM Naravane began a two-day visit to Ladakh on Thursday to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region in view of China’s fresh attempts to change status quo along the southern bank of Pangong lake, official sources said.

Gen Naravane will

be briefed about the evolving situation by top Army commanders overseeing deployment of troops as well as India’s combat readiness in the region, they said.

“The Chief of Army Staff is on a two-day visit to Leh to review operational preparedness in Ladakh region,” said a source.

5

Air Chief Marshal reviews IAF preparedness in eastern sector NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Wednesday visited key air bases under the Eastern Air Command and reviewed the IAF’s combat readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in view of the heightened border tensions with China, officials said.

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria asked the air warriors to maintain a very high-level of alertness considering the evolving situation in Pangong lake region in eastern Ladakh following China’s unsuccessful attempts to occupy certain strategic points in the area, the officials said on Thursday.

The Eastern Air Command, headquartered in Shillong, looks after the aerial defence of sensitive areas along the LAC in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh as well as various other parts of the region.

“Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff visited frontline air bases in Eastern Air Command on Wednesday,” an IAF spokesperson said without mentioning the

RKS Bhadauria

bases.

The Army and the Indian Air Force have increased their alert levels in all key bases along the nearly 3,400 km-long LAC following China’s fresh attempts to change the status quo in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh.

The IAF spokesperson said the Chief of Air Staff was apprised about the “state of readiness” and operational preparedness of the combat units under the command.

“Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria also met and interacted with air warriors serving in these units during the course of his visit. He lauded the focused efforts by the station personnel towards maintaining proficiency in all roles envisaged

and urged them to continue performing their duty with due diligence,” the official said.

Following China’s attempts to change the status quo in Southern Bank of Pangong lake, Indian Army captured a number of strategic heights and hill tops in the area that overlook crucial Chinese positions.

China has objected to Indian troops occupying the heights.

The IAF Chief has been regularly visiting key air bases along the LAC since the border row broke out between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh in early May. The IAF has also deployed Apache attack choppers as well as Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations in eastern Ladakh.

On Monday, the Indian Army said the Chinese military carried out “provocative military movements” to “unilaterally” change the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 but the attempt was thwarted by the Indian troops.

Those who still have a grudge are Facebook responds to Cong’s charge of political bias free to talk to Sonia: Congress Says it is non-

NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (IANS): More than a week after the letter bomb stoked a controversy in the Congress Working Committee meeting, where the dissenters were cornered by the loyalists, the issue has not died down as the dissenters are now speaking publicly.

The Congress on Thursday reacted and said that those still nursing a grudge could speak to Sonia Gandhi.

The dissenters are said to be unhappy because the contents of the letter were not discussed at the meeting, and, instead, the signatories were targeted on the timing of the letter. They are demanding an introspection by the party.

Reacting to the reports, Congress Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “After Sonia Gandhi has listened to all the voices of dissent and said that she

is willing to take everybody along, but, still if somebody has a problem they can go and talk to the Congress President”.

A group of 23 Congress leaders had written a letter to the Congress President, asking her for sweeping reforms in the party and demanding elections to the CWC, which is the highest decision making body of the party. After a stormy CWC meeting last week, the Congress had said that the CWC passed a resolution that intra-party issues “cannot be deliberated” through the media or in a public forum.

“The CWC urges and advises all concerned to raise such issues only in party fora in the interest of propriety and discipline,” Congress leader K. C. Venugopal had said while reading out the resolution.

The CWC had autho-

rised the Congress Interim President to effect the “necessary organisational changes” that she may deem appropriate to take on the emerging challenges.

“In the light of the above deliberations and conclusions, the CWC unanimously requests Sonia Gandhi to continue to lead the Congress until such time as circumstances will permit an AICC session to be convened,” the CWC resolution said.

After the letter row, Sonia Gandhi had offered to quit the top post. However, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged her to continue as the party chief.

The party resolution also said that it had taken note of the letter of the Congress chief as also a letter written earlier by certain Congress leaders to Sonia Gandhi.

partisan and denounces hate

NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): Amid a raging controversy over Facebook’s alleged political bias and interference in India’s democratic process, the social media giant has told the Congress that it is non-partisan, denounces hate and bigotry in all forms and strives to ensure that its platforms remain a space where people can express themselves freely.

Responding to concerns raised by the opposition Congress, Facebook’s Public Policy, Trust and Safety Director Neil Potts has said that it has taken the party’s allegation of bias very seriously and will ensure that it remains nonpartisan and is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity.

The Congress accused Facebook of interfering in India’s democratic process and social harmony and being soft on members of the of India, defence of India and security of ruling BJP while applying the state and public order”.

China’s Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that the action “strongly violates the legal interests of Chinese investors and services providers” while asking “India to 1. Tipper Truck Driver – 4 Posts correct its mistakes”.

(With minimum 3 years of experience) The government had on Wednesday 2. Mohori – 2 Posts (10th and above) banned 118 mostly-Chinese mobile applications, including the popular PUBG, Apply within 1 (One) week with required documents to : after a fresh round of border confrontation M/s. Jordan Construction with China in eastern Ladakh. It had earlier SB-40, 41 Naga Shopping Arcade, Super Market, Dimapur banned 59 apps, including TikTok, after the E-mail: jordanconstruction@live.com Galwan Valley clash on June 15.

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Digital apps must abide by rules: MEA on banning of Chinese apps

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Illegal liquor unit: CSOs demand stringent action

(From p-1) NTUCT president Lhousito Khro and general secretary Er Longshi Kikon in a press release lauded the Assam Rifles for taking bold and pragmatic initiative to curb anti-social elements that were spoiling innocent people’s lives for their vested interests and minting money through illegal means. Strongly condemning the nefarious illegal act, the union appealed to the State government and investigating agencies to immediately book the kingpin/culprits involved in the nefarious act and award stringent punishment.

NAGALAND

UNIVERSITY

(A Central University Established by an Act of Parliament No. 35 of 1989) School of Agricultural Sciences & rural Development MEDZIPHEMA: NAGALAND No.SAMN/ACD-133/2020Date: 03-09-2020

on their protected characteristics, including religion, caste, ethnicity, and national origin. In line with our hate speech policy, we have removed and will continue to remove hateful content by public figures in India on our platforms.” Facebook is at the centre of a raging political debate in the country with both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress accusing it of colluding and influencing opinion.

The BJP has accused the social media giant’s

employees of supporting people from a political predisposition that lost successive elections, and “abusing” Prime Minister and senior cabinet ministers.

In a three-page letter to Zuckerberg, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad flagged the social media platform’s alleged “bias and inaction” by individuals in the Facebook India team on complaints by people supportive of right-of-centre ideology. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on In-

formation Technology had also called representatives of Facebook to hear their views “on the subject of safeguarding citizens’ rights and prevention of misuse of social/online news media platforms including special emphasis on women security in the digital space”.

Facebook’s India head Ajit Mohan appeared before the panel on Wednesday.

In his letter to the Congress, Facebook’s Potts said, “To reiterate, we are committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity in the way we operate and in fostering an environment of free and safe expression on our platforms.” Facebook said it has a team with deep expertise on terrorism and organized hate, who pay attention to global and regional trends and advise on these matters.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

NAGALAND STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY

DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE NAGALAND: KOHIMA

NO. NSACS/ADMN-LWS/2020-21/598

/Dated Kohima, the 2nd September 2020

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The proposal should reach the undersigned on or before 17 th September 2020 via mail at nagalandsacs@gmail.com. The prescribed NACO’s format may be downloaded from www.nsacs.nagaland.gov.in

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NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (AGENCIES): India hit back strongly at a Chinese government statement that opposed the banning of mobile apps with Chinese content.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said while India had one of the world’s most open regimes for the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), they must abide by the government’s rules and regulations. He referred to a Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology statement that said the apps were banned as “they are engaged in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity

its hate-speech rules. The Congress had written to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg after reports by the Wall Street Journal and the Time magazine about the conduct of Facebook and WhatsApp India’s leadership team flagged bias and proximity with the ruling BJP. “We take seriously the concerns and recommendations you raised on behalf of the Indian National Congress... First and foremost, we want to take this opportunity to state that we are non-partisan and strive to ensure that our platforms remain a space where people can express themselves freely. We take allegations of bias seriously and want to make clear that we denounce hate and bigotry in all forms,” Potts said in the letter, dated September 1.

In his letter to AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, who had written to Zuckerberg twice, Potts said, “On the question of hateful content by public figures, we want to assure you that our Community Standards prohibit attacks against people based

ADMISSION FOR B.SC. (HONS.) AG 4 YEAR DEGREE PROGRAMME UNDER HIGHER FEE CATEGORY 2020-21 Application are invited from candidates all over North-Eastern states for admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag. 4th year degree Programme (5 seats) against Higher Fee Category at Nagaland University, School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development (SASRD).

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Ready to answer every question in Parl: Govt

eers, boxers, members of local fight clubs and others.

Most of the members are raised from the local population,” said the officer.

It was after their deployments across the LAC that China started making incursion attempts into Indian territories. China had made provocative military movements to change the status quo at Pangong Tso. However, Indian soldiers were already present at those heights to thwart the PLA’s land-grabbing bid.

On the intervening night of August 29 and August 30, 2020, PLA troops had violated the previous consensus agreed in military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

in eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo.

“Indian troops preempted this PLA activity on the Southern Bank of Pangong Tso, and undertook measures to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground,” the force said.

The Indian Army also stated that they are committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity through dialogue, but are also equally determined to protect its territorial integrity. North of the Pangong Tso, China has refused to move back from its present military position.

NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi and Tamil Nadu account for 70 % of the total COVID-19 deaths in the country, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry further said that the five states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for 62% of the active cases in the country.

Addressing a press conference, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said if deaths are tracked in these states and UTs across weeks then a different picture emerges. “If we track deaths in these five states across weeks, then out of 5 only 2 states i.e Karnataka and Delhi have shown an in-

crease in Case Fatality Trajectory. However, in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu there is decrease in daily deaths,” he said. “On a week-to-week basis, there has been 4.5% decrease in average daily deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh, 11.5% decline in Maharashtra and 18.2% decline in Tamil Nadu. On the other hand, Delhi has seen 50 % and Karnataka has seen 9.6 % increase in average daily fatalities,” he said. There was a decline of both active cases and deaths but there has been a rise in the past few weeks in the National Capital, he said.

Giving statistics on the number of cases per million population, Bhushan said India has 2,792 cases of COVID-19 per million pop-

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ulation which is amongst the lowest in the world.

He added that in India, deaths per million population is 49 which is also amongst the lowest in the world. “Recovered cases of COVID-19 are 3.6 times the number of active cases,” he added. Bhushan said states and UTs where COVID positivity rate among healthcare workers is on the higher side are Telangana (18%), Maharashtra (16%), Delhi (14%), Karnataka (13%), Puducherry (12%) and Punjab (11%).

Responding to a question, Bhushan said there is no directive from the Health Ministry on wearing a mask if you driving a car alone or riding a cycle alone.

“If you are cycling or jogging in a group you need a mask and need to maintain social distancing,” he said.

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OFFICE OF THE SUMI AWOMI KUQHAKULU KIPHIRE DISTRICT HQ.Kiphire Reg. No.Home/SRC-7240 Motto “Kuqhakulu no toni” (Victory Through Unity)

FELICITATION

The Sumi Awomi Kuqhakulu Kiphire District extend our hearty congratulations to Shri K Zhekheto Awomi on being promoted to the Director of Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government of Nagaland.

As you step into the threshold of new adventure, we sincerely pray to God Almighty for His consistence guidance with good health in your future endeavour.

(H PHUTOI AWOMI) (TOKATO AWOMI) President, General Secretary, Sumi Awomi Kuqhakulu Sumi Awomi Kuqhakulu Kiphire District Kiphire District

AOSEMBA SEMCHIR MOPUNGCHUKET FELICITATION With great joy and thanksgiving, we the members of Aosemba Semchir Mopungchuket would like to congratulate Mr. Temsuchuba Jamir, EAC (MKG) on being promoted to the post of SDO (Civil).

We hope and pray that God will give you wisdom and good health as you take a new responsibility in days to come.

DP-3709 AFFIDAVIT Date : 12/08/2020 (Declaration for Change of Name) I, Shri. RUOKUONGULIE HUOZHA, S/o Late Keneizelie and Late Mhasibeinuo Angami, Resident of Tenyiphe Village, 6th Mile, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as under:1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, in my LT. mother's Aadhaar Card has been mentioned and recorded as "MHASIBEINUO", in her SBI Bank Passbook and PAN Card as "MHASIBEINUO HUOZHA" and in her Service Identity Card as "MHASIBENUO" and in her Appointment letter as "MHASIBEINUO ANGAMI" and "MHASIBENI" in her GPF under Medical Dept..

3. That, accordingly, my mother's name has been inadvertently used and recorded the said names interchangeably in all her official documents and records.

4. That, the names "MHASIBEINUO" "MHASIBEINUO HUOZHA" "MHASIBENUO" "MHASIBEINUO ANGAMI" "MHASIBENI" refers to the name of one and same person i.e. my Lt. mother's name only.

5. That, I swear this affidavit declaring that this affidavit will be treated as a piece of evidence wherever necessary and that my Lt. Mother's name shall be used as MHASIBEINUO ANGAMI for all intends and purposes.

6. That, the statements made in para 1 to 5 are true to the best of my knowledge and my consent thereto.

DECLARANT Solemnly affirmed and declared before me by the above named declarant on this 12th Day of August 2020, at Dimapur, Nagaland.

Notary Public Govt. of Nagaland DP-3714 Regd. No. 140/2020

NOTICE

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of economic activities, the government also ensured that all prerequisites such as adequate testing capacity, clear-cut guidelines of standard clinical treatment protocol and enhanced hospital infrastructure are in place,” he said.

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the government is opening up the economy when cases are increasing, Bhushan said a graded approach has been adopted to unlock and open up various economic activities. “It is not as if suddenly everything has been opened up. Prior to graded opening

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NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (IANS): China has deployed five militia squads for rapid response at the disputed Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh. It has done so to “consolidate the border” and “stabilise Tibet region”, sources said.

“Militia is basically a reserve force of the Chinese’s People Liberation Army. They are deployed during war time situations and help the PLA in its military operations,” said a senior government officer.

The officer also explained that Chinese militia conducts independent operations and provides combat support and manpower to replenish the PLA. “It is an irregular mix of mountain-

T Raja Singh

our platform.

“The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to this decision,” a Facebook company spokesperson said in a statement.

Facebook -- which counts India among its largest markets with over 300 million users -- has been in the eye of a storm after a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report alleged that the social media platform’s content policies favoured the ruling party in India.

The report had accused Facebook of ignoring posts containing hate speech by BJP MLA Raja Singh. Since then, the ruling BJP and Congress have been trading

barbs over the social media giant’s alleged political bias.

Reacting to Facebook’s action, Singh, the lone saffron party legislator from the southern state, claimed he did not have a Facebook account since April 2019 and that the pages the social networking site now banned might have been created by his followers.

He said he had written a letter to Hyderabad Police Cyber Crime department on October 8, 2018 that his verified official Facebook page was hacked.

In a brief statement, Singh said he again started a new page which “was unpublished/ deleted in April 2019. So, Since April 2019, I’m not on Facebook itself, so no question of banning (me). Is Facebook working under the pressure of Congress”.

He also said that he will write to Facebook to open his official account.

“I will follow all rules and regulations to use it. I should be given the right to use Facebook account and I will seek their permission,” he said.

Maha, AP, K’taka, Delhi, TN account for 70% of total Covid deaths

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China deploys five militia squads in Eastern Ladkah

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It is based on this consensus among the opposition parties that the government has requested the presiding officers to do away with the Question Hour and Private Members’ Business for this session, the sources said.

C o n g r e s s ’s c h i e f spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi had not consulted all the opposition leaders. He said doing away with the Question Hour, not holding the government accountable to the questions of public interest raised in Parliament in the “starred” category “is an assault on India’s democracy and a sinister design to undermine the Parliament of the country and Parliamentary

NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): Under pressure from opposition parties for alleged political bias and handling of hate speech content, Facebook on Thursday said it has banned BJP Telangana MLA T Raja Singh from its platform and Instagram for violating its policy on content promoting violence and hate, even as the legislator from Telangana claimed that he had no account with the social networking site for over a year.

In a separate communication, Facebook also told the Congress that the company was non-partisan, denounces hate and bigotry in all forms, and strives to ensure that its platforms remain a space where people can express themselves freely. It was responding to the opposition party’s allegation that the social media giant was soft on members of the ruling BJP while applying its hate speech rules.

“We have banned Raja Singh from Facebook for violating our policy prohibiting those that promote or engage in violence and hate from having a presence on

DP-3679

tioning normally except opposition leaders, who were put behind bars, and the media, which was censored.

Unlike then, the government has argued that it is a real health emergency in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the session is being held under extraordinary circumstances even as there is a paucity of time.

The presiding officers of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha have received a letter from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, informing them that the government has consulted different political parties and that there is a broad consensus, barring one political party, on doing away with the Question Hour.

Raja Singh claims not on Facebook since 2019

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DP-3719

NEW DELHI, SEP 3 (PTI): The government on Thursday said it will answer every question asked in Parliament and 160 “unstarred” questions will be answered every day during the upcoming Monsoon session starting September 14, sources said. Countering the Opposition charge of curtailing the Question Hour, the sources in the government said this is not the first time that the Question Hour will not be taken up during a session as it was dispensed with in 2004 and 2009, besides also in 1991 as well as in 1962, 1975 and 1976 for various reasons. A research conducted by the Rajya Sabha also revealed that 60 per cent of Question Hour time was not availed during the last five years with only 40 per cent utilisation.

Sources said the Question Hour was first done away with during the Emergency in 1975 and 1976, when everything was func-

replace ordinances.

“By abolishing the Question Hour, the government is running scared of answering relevant questions to the people of India through their elected representatives. The Modi government does not want to answer questions on the transgressions by China, about India’s economy and the free fall of the GDP. “The Modi government does not want to be held accountable in the coronavirus (pandemic). It does not want to be held accountable for the closure of businesses and industries. The Modi government does not want to be held accountable for the sinister stifling of democracy and that is why it wants to end the Question Hour. The Congress party will oppose it tooth and nail,” Surjewala said at an online media briefing.

Government sources have argued that there has been no Question Hour in assemblies in states ruled by the Congress or other opposition parties during the pandemic and that sessions are being held for only one to three days.

Facebook bans BJP MLA Raja Singh

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Opposition cries foul

practices”. He said in the “starred” question category, the minister concerned has to answer supplementary questions. The idea is to hold the government accountable to ensure that public welfare steps are taken and fix accountability of the government to Parliament and through it, to the 130 crore people of India, the Congress leader said. Besides the “unstarred” questions, up to 10 special mentions would also be taken up to bring matters of importance to the government’s notice, the sources said.

Both houses will also discuss important issues like the pandemic, the state of the economy and other developments and there will be provisions for short-duration discussions, besides calling attention notices will also be taken up, they said.

The Opposition has criticised the government for its decision not to have the Question Hour and the Private Members’ Business, alleging that it is trying to “murder” democracy in the name of COVID-19 and the session is being convened to bring legislative proposals to

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

S/C. NO. 302/2020

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Mhasibeinuo Angami has been applied by Shri Ruokuongulie Huozha, S/o Late Mhasibeinuo Angami, R/o Tenyiphe Village, 6th Mile, Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of: 1. Pension Benefits 2. SBI A/C No. 10810696466 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 28th Sept, 2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 26th Aug, 2020.

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DP-3715 DIMAPUR::NAGALAND

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR::NAGALAND NOTICE

S/C. NO. 315/20

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Imlinungba has been applied

by Smti Moamongla Walling, W/o Late Imlinungba R/o H.No 17, Landmark Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of: 1. Pension Benefits 2. SBI A/C No. 11274143070 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/ he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 1st Oct, 2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 2nd Sept, 2020.

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DP-3716 DIMAPUR::NAGALAND

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Trump calls Biden ‘not so sharp’

WILMINGTON, SEP 3 (AP) : As thunderstorms threatened, President Donald Trump sped through a V-J Day speech on Wednesday, trumpeting American strength and managing to squeeze in a swipe at Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Trump stood before an iconic World War II-era battleship to declare the port city of Wilmington, North Carolina, a World War II “Heritage City.”

He pointed to a bolt of lightning and said it was God saluting the event.

He honoured war veterans, including 97-year-old Hershel “Woody” Williams, the sole surviving Marine from the war to receive the Medal of Honour. The West Virginia native fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Pacific. “He’s 100 percent sharp,” Trump said of Williams, who travelled to the key battleground state with the president aboard Air Force One. “I know a 78-year-old who’s not so sharp,” Trump added, a clear allusion to Biden. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany had insisted earlier this week that there was no “political purpose” to Trump’s visit to North Carolina.

But when the president landed in Wilmington, Trump lost no time in criticising Biden. “This is the most important election

ailors man the rails of guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) during the official ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the Japanese surrender. (AP/PTI)

in the history of our country.

I really believe that, because we’re running against people that have got some big issues,” he told supporters on the airport tarmac. “They have got some big, big problems. They’re stone cold crazy.” Trump also encouraged those who cast votes by mail to cast two ballots in November’s election, one by mail and another in person as a check to see if the mailed vote was counted.

“They’ll go out and they’ll vote and they’re going to have to go and check their vote by going to the poll and voting that way because if it tabulates then they won’t

be able to do that. So, let them send it in and let them go vote,” Trump said in an interview with WECT-TV at the Wilmington airport.

“And if their system’s as good as they say it is, then obviously they won’t be able to vote. If it isn’t tabulated, they’ll be able to vote. So that’s the way it is, and that’s what they should do.” Trump made a similar appeal in remarks to supporters at the airport.

“You can’t let them take your vote away; these people are playing dirty politics — dirty politics. So if you have an absentee ballot or, as I call it, a solicited

ballot ... you send it in, but I would check it, in any event, I would go and follow it and go vote,” he said.

Tr ump won Nor th Carolina by 3.6 percentage points in 2016, but polls are showing an extremely close race taking shape in a state that generates 15 electoral votes for its winner.

The president’s visit to North Carolina comes as county boards start sending absentee ballots to voters on Friday. Vice President Mike Pence will follow the president by visiting Raleigh on Thursday. Through September 1, more than 591,000 ballot requests had been

received, compared with approximately 36,500 through the same period in 2016, the state elections board said Wednesday. More than half of the absentee ballots, or approximately 313,000, have been requested by Democrats. Republicans have requested more than 93,000 and registered unaffiliated voters account for approximately 183,000 ballot requests.

Biden released a statement in advance of the trip saying that Trump has not provided North Carolina with the roadmap and resources needed to protect businesses, schools and families from the coronavirus.

“Instead of honouring the sacrifice of our front-line heroes, President Trump has repeatedly ignored public health guidance for political purposes,” Biden said.

Wilmington has been home to the Battleship North Carolina since 1962.

The ship is now a floating museum. On September 2, 1945, Japan’s formal surrender took place aboard the USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. Congress passed a bill earlier this year that included a provision requiring the secretary of the interior to annually designate one city in the United States as an “American World War II Heritage City.” Wilmington is the first city to get that designation.

7

HK media mogul cleared in intimidation trial

Hong Kong businessman and media tycoon Jimmy Lai, center, leaves a court after the court has found him not guilty of criminal intimidation, Thursday. AP/PTI)

Hong Kong, Sep 3 (IANS): Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, who was arrested last month over alleged collusion with foreign forces, was on Thursday acquitted of intimidating a reporter three years ago.

T h u r s d ay ’s r u l i n g means Lai’s criminal record is clear for now, though he still faces proceedings stemming from last year’s social unrest, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper.

Lai, 72, had denied one count of criminal intimidation over his encounter with an Oriental Daily reporter during the annual candlelight vigil at Victoria Park on June 4, 2017, commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Video footage played during the West Kowloon

Court trial showed the Apple Daily founder cursing at the reporter, and claiming he would find someone to “mess with” him, after the latter took pictures and videos of Lai. The reporter testified he had suffered from adjustment disorder – a condition stemming from stressful events – and a depressed mood since the incident.

Prosecutors alleged Lai’s remarks were threats of injury with intent to cause alarm. Defence lawyers countered by questioning the ethics of Oriental Daily, describing the incident as impulsive “scolding” following years of pressure the newspaper and its employees placed on Lai. Lai is among 13 opposition figures and activists facing prosecution on incite-

ment charges over this year’s June 4 vigil, which police had banned citing social-distancing rules in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday’s development comes after Lai, along with his two sons and four senior employees of the tabloidstyle newspaper known for its scathing criticisms of Beijing, were arrested on August 10 when more than 200 officers raided the Apple Daily offices, sparking an international backlash, the SCMP reported.

He became the first high-profile figure to be held under the new national security law imposed in the city

by China, which is aimed at punishing acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.

South Korea Climate change protests resume in London Alexei Navalny poisoned with reports 195 new Novichok: Angela Merkel Covid -19 cases

Alexei Navalny

agent was used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK in 2018. While they survived, a British woman later died in hospital. The UK accused Russia’s military intelligence of carrying out that attack.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the latest attack as “outrageous”.

“The Russian government must now explain what happened to Mr Navalny - we will work with international partners to ensure justice is done,” he tweeted.

After the government in Berlin released results of toxicology tests carried out at a military laboratory, Chancellor Merkel said there were now “serious questions that only the Rus-

sian government can and must answer”. “Someone tried to silence [Mr Navalny] and in the name of the whole German government I condemn that in the strongest terms.” Chancellor Merkel said Germany’s Nato and EU partners had been informed of the results of the investigation and they would decide on a common and appropriate response based on Russia’s reaction.

Navalny’s wife Yulia Navalnaya and Russia’s ambassador to Germany would also be informed of the findings, the Berlin government said. The European Union has demanded a “transparent” investigation by the Russian government.

“Those responsible must be brought to justice,” a statement read.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also called for an inquiry in a tweet, while the US National Security Council (NSC) said the suspected poisoning was “completely reprehensible”.

Seoul, Sep 3 (IANS): South Korea reported 195 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, raising the total number of infections to 20,644.

The daily caseload fell below 200 in 17 days, but it has continued to grow in triple digits since August 14 due to cluster infections in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi province linked to church services and a massive rally held on August 15, reports Xinhua news agency.

Of the new cases, 69 were Seoul residents and 64 from Gyeonggi province.

The country also reported three more fatalities, taking the death toll ti 329.

The total fatality rate stood at 1.59 per cent.

A total of 173 more patients were discharged from quarantine after making full recovery. The total recovery rate was 75.22 per cent.

Since January 3, the country has tested more than 2 million people.

US black man killed in police ‘spit hood’ restraint N ew Yo r k , S ep 3 (IANS): An unarmed African-American died in New York state after the police held him down on the road for two minutes and also put a “spit hood” on his head, designed to protect officers from a detainee’s saliva, according to body camera footage.

Although the incident took place in March, it came to light only on Wednesday, the BBC reported.

In a news conference on Wednesday, the brother of the victim, Daniel Prude, 41, said he called police in Rochester, New York, on March 23 as the latter was suffering from acute mental health problems.

“I placed a phone call for my brother to get help, not for my brother to get lynched,” the BBC report quoted Joe Prude as saying.

A warehouse worker from Chicago and father of five, Daniel Prude was visiting his brother at the time of his death.

Police body camera footage obtained by the family showed the victim, who K Y M C

protesters gather near the site where Daniel Prude was restrained by police officers. (AP/PTI)

had been running naked through the streets in a light snow before police arrived, lying unarmed as officers restrain him on the ground.

In the video, Daniel Prude is seen to comply immediately when officers arrived on the scene and ordered him to lie on the ground and put his hands behind his back.

Once he was restrained, the victim told officers that he was infected with corona-

virus, and they placed a “spit hood” over his head.

“Spit hoods” are mesh fabric hoods placed over the heads of suspects to prevent spitting or biting.

One officer is seen pressing down with both hands on his head and saying: “Stop spitting.”

After he stops writhing and goes quiet, one officer can be heard saying: “He feels pretty cold.”

Medics try to revive

him before he is carried into an ambulance. He was taken off life support on March 30. Protesters gathered in the city of Rochester, New York, on Wednesday to condemn Daniel Prude’s death, the BBC reported.

In a statement, the New York state’s attorney general called the death a “tragedy” and said an investigation was underway.

The officers involved have not been suspended.

Daniel Prude’s death took place two months before George Floyd, also an unarmed African-American man ,died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his nect for some nine minutes.

Floyd’s death triggered protests against police brutality and racism across the US and also the world.

Tensions have escalated in the US again after 29-year-old Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a white policeman in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 23.

The cause of Blake’s shooting remains under investigation.

at least 160 people were arrested when thousands of campaigners have descended on Parliament Square.

ing the country’s lawmakers to back a climate emergency bill.

In a document outlining the details of the protests, the group said that the actions will be seen “across the nations, regions and communities” and “then they’ll be followed by mass actions in London”.

A previous protest

planned for April was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, the group said, while encouraging protesters to maintain social distancing, wear gloves, masks, and carry hand sanitizers. It has also planned an online event dubbed Digital Rebellion for those who would prefer to get involved from home.

Last year, more than 1,700 arrests were made during Extinction Rebellion’s 10-day “Autumn Uprising”, which saw major disruption across the UK. They blocked roads and glued themselves to buildings in high profile spots, including some in London to further their demands.

UNSC members thwarts Pak’s US urges N. Korea to resumes talks Sep 3 (IANS): The US has bid to list 2 Indians as terrorists Washington/Seoul, renewed its call on North Korea to return to the negotiating table, saying it cannot remain isolated and that there

UNITED NATIONS, SEP 3 (PTI): India has thanked members of the UN Security Council who thwarted Pakistan’s bid to get two Indian nationals listed as terrorists by the world body’s sanctions committee as well as Islamabad’s “blatant attempt” to politicise the UN procedure on terrorism.

Pakistan had submitted the names of Angara Appaji and Gobinda Patnaik for designation under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council.

However, Pakistan’s attempt was thwarted on Wednesday as the US, the UK, France, Germany and Belgium blocked the move in the Council to list Appaji and Patnaik. Sources said no evidence was given by Pakistan in its case to get the individuals listed.

Similarly, an earlier attempt by Pakistan to list Ajoy Mistry and Venumadhav Dongara was blocked by the Council around June/July.

“Pakistan’s blatant attempt to politicise 1267 special procedure on terrorism by giving it a religious colour, has been thwarted

by UN Security Council.

We thank all those Council members who have blocked Pakistan’s designs,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted on Wednesday.

Last month, India had laid bare a lie by Pakistan about Indian nationals in the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions List of the UN Security Council.

In response to the remark by Pakistan that it submitted names of the four Indians to be proscribed under the Sanctions List, India had said the Sanctions List is “public and the world can see none of these individuals are in it.

The 1267 Committee works on the basis of evidence and not random accusations thrown in to divert their time and attention”.

was a brighter future for the country and its people, the media reported on Thursday.

“This administration has gone far further than any other in taking strong actions to let North Korea know that they are going to have to negotiate,” the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency quoted David Stilwell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, as saying on Wednesday.

In the advisory, jointly issued by the State, treasury and Commerce Departments, the US said that North Korea continues to procure materials and equipment for its nuclear and weapons development programs through any “deceptive” means possible, and that those engaged in such transactions with the North must be aware of consequences.

F E L I C I TAT I O N We t h e E a s t e r n S u m i Students' Union (ESSU) extend our highest appreciation and congratulate Shri. K. Zhekheto Awomi on being promoted as Director, under Soil and Water Conservation Department.

ESSU thank him for bringing laurels and pray that Almighty grant him guidance and wisdom as he continues to render his service to the Government in particular and to our Naga people in general.

The Union also wishes him more blessing for the future endeavour.

President Hokato V Yepthomi

General Secy.

Vinato Z Awomi

DP-3710

BERLIN, SEP 3 (IANS): There is “unequivocal proof ” that Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent, Germany has said.

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said he was a victim of attempted murder and the world would look to Russia for answers, the BBC reported.

Navalny was airlifted to Berlin in a coma after falling ill on a flight in Russia’s Siberia region last month.

His team says he was poisoned on President Vladimir Putin’s orders.

The Kremlin has dismissed the allegation. The Kremlin spokesman called on Germany for a full exchange of information and foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova complained the Novichok allegations were not backed up by evidence. “Where are the facts, where are the formulas, at least some kind of information?” she asked.

A Novichok ner ve

London, Sep 3 (IANS): Climate change protests by environmental activists from the Extinction Rebellion group resumed for a second day in London.

The protesters on Wednesday returned to Parliament Square, while a demonstration was also planned outside Buckingham Palace, reports Xinhua news agency.

At least 10 people were carried away by police after the group refused to move from the roads around Parliament Square.

Protesters chanted and cheered as the officers took them away to nearby police vans. The protests resumed a day after at least 160 people were arrested when thousands of campaigners have descended on Parliament Square, blocking roads and bringing traffic to a standstill, Scotland Yard said.

London police said offences included assaulting an officer, obstructing police and public order breaches.

Wednesday’s demonstration came after Extinction Rebellion kicked-off four days of protests across the UK on August 29, urg-

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8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

US Open: Djokovic overcomes Edmund Messi could stay at Barcelona the trophy and the Serb overcame a slow start to show why.

“Mentally, Kyle played a fantastic first set, did not do much wrong,” said Djokovic.

“It was anybody’s game really for a set and a half. Winning the second set I felt more comfortable.

Overall, it was a very good test and I am happy to get through.”

Edmund took a tight opening set, laying down

an ace to clinch the tiebreak 7-5.

It was only the sixth set Djokovic had dropped going all the way back to the Australian Open and he did not surrender another to the 44th-ranked Briton.

A serve that was misfiring in the first began to find the mark in the second, the Serb securing the early break on an Edmund double fault on the way to levelling the match.

Djokovic again seized

the initiative in the second with back-to-back breaks to jump ahead 4-1 but struggled to close out the set, Edmund rallying to cut the advantage to 5-4 before the three-times champion held for a 2-1 lead.

When Djokovic broke to open the fourth Edmund’s last bit of resistance vanished and the Serb delivered an emphatic knockout punch to set up a thirdround clash with Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.

Top seed Pliskova crashes out

Novak Djokovic returns a shot to Kyle Edmund during their second round match of the US Open.

N E W YO R K , S e p 3 (Agencies): World number one Novak Djokovic brushed aside Briton Kyle Edmund 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 after a sluggish start to remain unbeaten in 2020 and move into the third round of the U.S. Open.

On a hot, humid day at Flushing Meadows, Edmund was left bathed in sweat while a cool and col-

lected Djokovic stayed on course for his 18th Grand Slam title and improved his 2020 match record to 25-0.

It stands as the second best start to a season since the Serb went 41-0 in 2011.

With the two other members of the sport’s Big Three - Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal - absent from the tournament, Djokovic is heavy favourite to hoist

Czech top seed Karolina Pliskova crashed out of the US Open in the second round while Japan’s Naomi Osaka and Pliskova’s compatriot Petra Kvitova advanced. The 2016 runner up fell to France’s Caroline Garcia 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) in a match that lasted one hour and 33 minutes.

Garcia, ranked 50 on the WTA standings, will next face 28th seed Jennifer Brady, who beat CiCi Bellis 6-1, 6-2 in just 51 minutes. Against Pliskova, she produced 30 winners and just 17 unforced errors with the latter cutting a frustrated figure throughout the match and in the media interactions afterwards on Wednesday.

“In the second set I had a set point. That was

Man Utd complete Van de Beek signing

Donny van de Beek

Manchester, Sep 3 (Agencies): Manchester United have signed Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax Amsterdam on a five-year contract, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported that United paid an initial fee of 35 million pounds ($47 million) for the 23-year-old.

“I cannot begin to ex-

plain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history,” Van de Beek said in a statement.

“I would like to thank everyone at Ajax. I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club. I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.”

Having joined Ajax

at the age of 11, Van de Beek scored 41 goals and provided 34 assists in 175 appearances in all competitions and helped them win the Dutch league title in 2018-19.

“Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team,” United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.

“His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield.”

United have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho but the German club have ruled out the possibility of the 20-year-old England international leaving.

United finished third in the Premier League last season to secure Champions League qualification.

The Premier League season kicks off on September 12 but United, who played in the Europa League semi-finals last month, begin their campaign against Crystal Palace at home on September 19.

Karolina Pliskova in action during her match against Carolina Garcia.

Barcelona, Sep 3 (Agencies): Lionel Messi’s father says there is a possibility that his son stays at Barcelona for the final year of his contract amid claims that the club captain is leaning towards abandoning his attempt to leave the Catalan giants.

The future of the Argentinean has been a a hot topic ever since he expressed his desire to leave the Nou Camp last month, citing what he believes to be an active clause in his contract that allows him to walk away for free.

Messi had become exasperated with events at the club, who suffered an embarrassing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the restarted Champions League.

That led to the departure of Quique Setien as manager as well as Eric Abidal as sporting director, with Ronald Koeman stepping into the breach as the new coach.

With the saga surrounding Messi’s future the hottest topic in Koeman’s in-tray, the star’s father Jorge has been holding talks with Barca chiefs in a bid to thrash out his son’s future.

Some reports in Argentina have begun to claim that Messi is leaning towards staying at the club for another season amid a lack of progress with his attempts to leave.

Lionel Messi

Barca are remaining adamant that Messi will not be allowed to leave on a free transfer before the end of his contract as any such clause allowing him to do so has expired.

When a reporter from Spanish publication Deportes Cuatro asked Messi Snr if he was looking into the possibility that his son stayed at the club this season and left on a free next year, he simply replied: “Yes.” Messi’s Barcelona teammate Frenkie de Jong claims the whole situation

has been “chaos” at the club.

“I followed this from a distance and, how should I say, it’s kind of chaos now, many things are going on,” De Jong told reporters from the Netherlands camp.

“But I didn’t speak with Messi personally, not with the club.”

“I will see when I arrive after this week in Barcelona how things are going, and what is really happening. Honestly I don’t know what will happen,” added de Jong.

definitely one ball I could make. I had a second serve on my forehand,” world no.3 Pliskova said.

M e a n w h i l e, 2 0 1 8 champion and fourth seed Osaka made light work of Italy’s Camila Giorgi, winning her second round fixture 6-1, 6-2. Giorgi made

24 unforced errors during the match.

Kvitova managed a hard-fought two-set win over Ukraine’s Kateryna Kozlova with the final score standing 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. German 17th seed beat compatriot Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-3, 7-6 (8-6).

IPL schedule to be released today

IPL pull-out was difficult decision: Richardson

N ew D e l h i , S e p 3 (Agencies): The BCCI boss Sourav Ganguly on Thursday revealed that IPL 2020 schedule will be released on Friday.

The first game of the cash-rich season is scheduled to take place between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians (MI) - last year’s season finalists, on September 19.

BCCI was supposed to release the complete fixtures last week on September 4 but it was postponed after two players and 12 staff members of CSK tested positive for Covid-19. “We understand schedules are delayed. It is almost on the verge of getting final and should be released by Friday”, said Ganguly.

The 56-day tournament will be played across three venues Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The 13th edition of the cash-rich tournament was initially supposed to take place from March 29 but got postponed for indefinite period due to Covid-19.

Southampton, Sep 3 (PTI): Australian pacer Kane Richardson said pulling out of the upcoming IPL was difficult but definitely a right decision as he didn’t want to miss the birth of his first child in the wake of travel restrictions due to the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

The 29-year-old, who was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 4 crore in the IPL auction last December, had opted out of the tournament to be with his wife for the birth of his first child.

RC B n a m e d Au s tralian leg-spinner Adam Zampa as his replacement for the cash-rich event starting September 19 in the UAE. “It’s always difficult to withdraw from a competition like the IPL, it’s the pinnacle domestic competition in the world so it wasn’t an easy decision, but when I sat down and thought about it, it was definitely the right one,” Richardson told media on

Kane Richardson

Wednesday.

“With all that’s going on in the world at the moment and the challenge of getting home on time for something as unpredictable as the birth of a child, I

couldn’t risk missing that.”

Currently in England for Australia’s limited-overs series, Richardson plans to head home to Adelaide to be with his family after undertaking the manda-

tory two week quarantine following the conclusion of the tour later this month.

“I’m disappointed to miss the IPL but hopefully there are opportunities ahead for that,” he said.

“I don’t think I’d be able to live with missing the birth of my first child … I can be home and support my wife as best I can, and hopefully those (cricket) opportunities come around again.”

Richardson has featured in the last nine T20Is for Australia and is now taking inspiration from his past performances to get into the playing XI as a third pacer behind Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. “ C o m i n g o f f f ive months of doing nothing you don’t really know until we start, but if I look back in the last 12 months, I feel like I’ve done the job in the games we’ve played,” he said.

The first T20 between Australia and England will be played in Southampton on Friday.

NBA: Houston Rockets edge Thunder 104-102 Houston, Sep 3 (Agencies): James Harden endured a miserable shooting performance but made a clutch series-saving defensive play as the Houston Rockets held on for a 104102 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Wednesday night.

Following a Robert Covington free throw, the Rockets blew up an inbounds play from the Thunder with 1.1 seconds left to clinch the series and set a date opposite the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semi-finals.

Game 1 of that series is set for Friday in the AdventHealth Arena.

Dort recorded a gamehigh 30 points on 6-for-12 three-point shooting. But the Rockets clamped down elsewhere defensively, forcing Thunder guard Chris Paul into six turnovers while holding Dennis Schroder to 5-of-17 shooting.

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched Paul with 19 points

Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder in progress.

and hit a corner three-pointer that gave the Thunder a 102-101 lead with 1:42 remaining. But those were the final points of the game for the Thunder, who committed 22 turnovers that Houston converted into 28 points.

Paul added 11 rebounds and 12 assists to complete a triple-double.

Neither team led by more than eight points in a contest that featured 13 ties and 15

lead changes. With Harden off to a woeful shooting start, missing 5-of-6 shot attempts, Covington, Gordon and Westbrook carried the Rockets offensively in the first quarter by recording six points apiece.

But the Thunder led by just one point entering the second quarter despite shooting 11 of 20 from the floor by virtue of seven first-period turnovers that the Rockets converted into

10 points.

Dort caught fire in the second, pouring in a dozen points during one stretch before the Rockets wrestled away control. Gordon and Covington combined for 30 points as Houston led 61-59 at the intermission.

H E AT 1 1 6 - 1 1 4 BUCKS: Jimmy Butler lifted the Miami Heat past the Milwaukee Bucks 116-114 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinals

series. Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton was fouled by Goran Dragic of Miami while attempting a triple with 4.3 seconds remaining and converted all three free throws to tie the score 114 all.

Butler was fouled by Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks as time expired and calmly made two free throws for the win.

Dragic added 23 points while Tyler Herro added 16, Jae Crowder scored 16, Bam Adebayo 15, Butler and Duncan Robinson contributed 13 apiece, and Kelly Olynyk chipped in 11.

The Heat are two wins away from reaching the conference finals which they last reached in 2014 when LeBron James was still playing for them. Giannis scored 29 points and hauled 14 rebounds for the Bucks who are in danger of being eliminated in the playoffs for the second straight season.

Middleton added 23 points for Milwaukee, Brook Lopez and Eric Bledsoe each had 16, and George Hill chipped in 14.

Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association members and Nagaland Olympic Association members held a coordination meeting in Kohima. The meeting deliberated on several important issues including promoting the game in the state.

Chelsea agree club record Havertz fee

London, Sep 3 (Agencies): Kai Havertz is closing in on a move to Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen after the clubs agreed a package of €80m plus €20m in addons for the midfielder.

Chelsea, who have been in talks with their Bundesliga counterparts for several weeks over a deal for the Germany international, concluded the negotiations for the club-record £89m transfer on Wednesday.

Havertz, who is keen to join the club as soon as possible, remains with the Germany squad for their UEFA Nations League fix-

Kai Havertz

tures with Spain and Switzerland.

Chelsea’s previous club-record deal was the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6m in 2018.

Earlier this week, Leverkusen’s head coach Peter Bosz said the 21-year-old is unlikely to train for the club again as he nears a move to the Premier League.

Havertz looks set to become Frank Lampard’s seventh summer signing, following the arrivals of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Xavier Mbuyamba.

As part of the deal, Chelsea have offered Leverkusen the chance to sign one of their summer arrivals, Sarr, on loan for the rest for the season.

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