September 7, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 273

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Navalny probe: Germany ups pressure on Russia international, Page 7

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New SOP proposed for COVID H&FW proposes SOP for testing, quarantine etc.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, SEP 6 (NPN): As Nagaland enters Unlock 4.0 along with rest of the country, new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for COVID testing, discharging patients, quarantine and home isolation, etc. will be announced after obtaining the nod of the High Power Committee on COVID. This was informed at a press briefing by principal director H&FW, Dr. Vizolie Z. Suokhrie, Sunday. He said that after further relaxation of lockdown, the public have to be more careful and proactive in preventive measures.

Dr. Suokhrie also cautioned against the arrival of seasonal flu by stressing on the need to take precautions by avoiding-- crowded places, close contact and confined places and to wear mask and wash hands frequently with soap and water.

He informed that maximum

NSCN (I-M) reacts to report DIMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has condemned the “selective war mongering” reportage by a national daily under the headline “NSCNIM: Nagas ready for fresh ‘war’”.

NSCN (I-M) said that the report had sensationalised one particular sentence from the Nagalim Voice August 2020 editorial: “They are still ready to fight another war if their political rights and history are not respected”.

NSCN(I-M) has put on record that it stood for peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue and that was the reasons how the second “Indo-Naga” ceasefire was brought about in 1997.

It however expressed regret that the Government of India (GoI) failed to demonstrate the desired sincerity and commitment despite 23 years of peace talks adding this was the crux of the ongoing talks.

NSCN(I-M) has therefore, asked the Centre to revisit the hard-earned achievements in the “IndoNaga” peace process and push forward towards the desired direction to bring a solution that is honourable and acceptable to both the parties.

This is it!

“You don’t need different mask everyday as you need dress.”

K Y M C

(L) Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie with Health department officials during the briefing on Sunday.

number of private hospitals in Dimapur and Kohima have applied for permission for COVID test in their hospitals, while some were in the process of registration and procuring the necessary devices.

In view of limited manpower of pathologist and microbiologist in private hospitals, Dr. Suokhrie said the department had written to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Government of India to relax the norms, so that trained personal can conduct the test. He said private hospitals are encouraged to set up their COVID testing facility so that the COVID certificate is not denied to the public.

Dr. Suokhrie said that more than 50,000 COVID testing has been done so far in the state which was higher than the national average.

Due to lesser number of backlog in testing, he said 700 to 800 samples were being tested in a day and test results were given within 24 hour. He pointed out that for the past week, the COVID positive cases were going down but cautioned against complacency due to the expected second wave of COVID. On COVID related death cases registered in Dimapur, Dr. Suokhrie said all cases were due to comorbidity. He said the district review committee was reviewing the epistemologi-

State COVID tally 4178 COVID-19 STATUS AS ON september 6, 2020 District

Asymptomatic

Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang Wokha Zunheboto Total

280 10 287 0 9 30 2 2 16 3 7 646

ACTIVE CASES RecovMiTotal Symptomatic Death ered grated Cases Mild Moderate 8 1 1705 2006 9* 3 0 0 1 11 0 0 1 0 1034 1326 0 4 0 0 4 5 0 1 0 0 20 29 0 0 1 0 260 294 1 2 0 0 266 268 0 0 0 0 31 33 0 0 0 0 52 68 0 0 0 0 21 24 0 0 0 0 107 114 0 0 10 1 3501 4178 10 10

*2 deaths not due to Covid-19 *5 deaths in Dimapur under investigation

DMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday registered 50 fresh COVID cases-- 42 in Dimapur, 7 in Kohima and 1 in Mon, taking the tally to 4178 cases.

Till September 6, there were 657 active cases, 3601 recovered, 10 deaths and 10 migrated. As per the severity of symptoms, 646 active cases are asymptomatic, 10

mild and moderate case.

Further, out of the 4,178 positive cases, the distribution across various categories of people include-- 1786 cases from the Armed Forces, 1296 returnees, 308 frontline workers and 788 traced contacts.

Meanwhile, a total of 773 persons were presently under facility quarantine.

cal link, after which finding will be passed to the state review committee.

He further informed that after the rollback of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) to normal public health care delivery, the OPD and essential services will be fully functional from next week.

Dr. Suokhrie said that new COVID positive cases, if asymptomatic, will be kept under home isolation or treatment at the COVID care centre (CCC) Mereima and severe or moderate cases will be treated at Chedema COVID hospital.

He also pointed out that Under Trail Prisoners (UTPs) if tested positive, those asymptomatic will be treated at CCC and symptomatic will be treated at COVID hospital with security. Dr. Suokhrie said a separate facility for UTPs has been established at CCC in Chümoukedima. He also assured support to the army and para-military forces towards setting up their own COVID-19 testing facility.

State nodal officer for IDSP, Dr. Nyan Kikon and deputy director, Dr. Kikameren Longkumer also briefed the media.

Govt proposes full refund of air tickets

NEW DELHI, SEP 6 (IANS): Centre has proposed that a full refund should be given by airlines within 15 days for tickets booked during the lockdown, and if any airline is in financial distress then a credit shell should be provided up to March 31, 2021 on any route of passengers choice. The full refund has been proposed for tickets booked during the lockdown on domestic, international and foreign airlines.

In an affidavit in the Supreme Court, O.K. Gupta, Director, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said for the domestic airlines if the tickets were booked directly with the airline or through an agent, during the first lockdown period, - March 25 - April 14 - for the journeys to be undertaken in both first and second lockdown period, March 25 - May 3 - in all such cases, full refund shall be given by the airlines.

NVCO backs Assam truckers demand DIMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): Extending support to Lahorijan and Khatkhati Truck Owners’ Welfare Society, Assam and Bokajan Truck Owners’ Association, Assam’s warning to block national highways, Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has appealed to the State government to stop COVID cess on fuel and illegal taxation at check-gates and on highways.

In a press release, NVCO shared the concern expressed by both the Assam-based truckers’ bodies over taxes being collected from heavy vehicles by various law enforcing agencies and underground outfits at different designated points and gates starting from Dimapur entry gate till Imphal.

It appealed to the State government to stop illegal collection at all check-gates

and on highways by effectively executing its standing order of June 22, 2009 which has banned all forms of cash collection by any organisation/individual including various government departments such as police, excise, forest and taxes.

NVCO pointed out that the check-gates are controlled and maintained

by Nagaland Police mainly to check vehicles carrying contraband goods or any stolen goods, vehicles, etc, but not to take cash from vehicles/truckers.

According to NVCO, the practice of illegal taxation or collection of cash in Nagaland were in different forms like taxes imposed on the business community, government employees, developmental projects, etc, by various underground factions, deduction and collection of abnormal commissions al-

legedly in the name of party funds and several others, including higher-up offices, mainly from development projects/contractors’ bills, collection of cash on the highways and at checkgates by unions, public organisations, state police, federations, associations, government departments, etc.

It also recalled that in the past several bandhs, chakka jam and strikes were called by various councils, union and truckers associations against illegal taxation and extortion in the state, that have led to sky rocketing of prices of all commodities.

NVCO has therefore appealed on the district administration to give more efforts in tackling the illegal taxation menace at check gates and highways especially in Kohima and Dimapur.

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

Not against any particular group: 14 tribal hohos DIMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): The 14 tribal hohos of Nagaland clarified that they are not part of Naga Hoho but a different platform to respond to the need in coming together to facilitate the Naga peace process. Stating this, media cell said the hohos also comprise of different apex bodies such as ENPO, CNTC and Tenyimi.

The hohos maintained that as stakeholders of Nagas of Nagaland, the sole purpose of the 14 tribes of Nagaland was to protect the rights of the people and also work for unity of all Naga national political parties in order to expedite early solution that was honourable and acceptable to all.

The hohos clarified that the question of sidelining any particular group did not arise and attributing it to the 14 tribes was fabricated.

They also said since the Centre has decided to conclude the peace talks with NSCN (I-M) and NNPGs

by September 2020, it was time for civil societies to discuss on creating a conducive atmosphere with understanding as one family so as to pave way for Naga solution for a better future.

US Open: Serena Williams overcomes Stephens sports, Page 8

India registers world’s highest singleday rise of over 90,000 COVID cases

NEW DELHI, SEP 6 (PTI): India has registered a record new 90,632 coronavirus cases, the world’s highest single-day increase since the pandemic began, just as the government began easing restrictions to help the country’s battered economy.

India’s COVID-19 tally of cases also went past 41 lakh-mark while 31,80,865 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 77.32 per cent on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 41,13,811, while the death toll climbed to 70,626 with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 1,065 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate due to the coronavirus infection has further declined to 1.72 per cent.

There are 8,62,320 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 20.96 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and it went past 40 lakh on September 5.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 4,88,31,145 samples have been tested up to September 5 with 10,92,654 samples being tested on Saturday.

The health ministry

stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

“Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID: B’luru woman tests +ve again in a month

JEE main exams conclude; result likely by Sep 11

BENGALURU, SEP 6 (AGENCIES): A woman was infected with the coronavirus after recovering from an initial bout in July in what doctors claimed to be the first case showing that re-infection may occur within a few months.

The 27-year-old woman from Bengaluru tested positive again nearly a month after she was treated and discharged from hospital, Fortis Hospital confirmed on Sunday. This is the first confirmed case of COVID19 reinfection in Bengaluru, the Fortis Hospital said.

Dr Pratik Patil, consultant, infectious diseases, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, said, “In the first week of July, the patient was symptomatic (fever, cough and sore throat) and was tested positive. She was admitted to the hospital and recovered well.”

“A repeat test was conducted on her, which turned out to be negative, post which she was discharged

Chessore area bodies serve 7-day ultimatum DIMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): Chessore village area organizations have served a 7-day ultimatum on the authorities to execute the road work under LADP-ICONIC scheme Tuensang.

Chessore Area Public Forum president, Y. Kiumukam said the organizationsCAPF, CVC, CTGB’sU, YWO (CU) CTSU, CVSUstated that despite having served an ultimatum to the concern authority on July 13, 2020, the scheme for Chessore town to Chessore village 4 km soiling, metalling and carpeting during 2019-2020, was not yet implemented.

Asserting that their appeals were not being paid heed to, the organizations warned of taking their own course of action if no action was taken on the matter.

on July 24. However, nearly after one month, in the last week of August, she developed mild symptoms again and has been tested positive again. Both times she did not have severe disease,” he added.

“Normally, in case of infection, the COVID Immunoglobulin G antibody is tested positive after 2-3 weeks of infection, however in this patient, the antibody has been tested negative, which means she did not develop immunity after infection,” Patil said Telangana health minister Eatala Rajender earlier said there were two cases of COVID reinfection in the state. Two days ago, a doctor in Mumbai tested positive for the second time after a gap of two months.

It may be recalled that the world’s first COVID-19 reinfection was reported in Hong Kong on August 24.

“We have read with interest the reports of reinfection in one case in Hong

Kong. We are learning more and more about the disease as we go ahead. It can depend on several factors, one can be related to the patient itself, how is his immunity, how was his immune status, was it compromised. It can also depend upon the virus, whether the virus has mutated or turned virulent,” said ICMR director-general Balram Bhargava.

“We need to find out how long the immunity lasts. We need to closely follow it up, but at the same time we don’t need to be alarmed immensely about it,” Bhargava added.

Health experts generally believe people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection, or how long it would last. This is important because if immunity wears off, it could pose a challenge for vaccines. Some experts say booster shots may be needed.

DIMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): The Joint Entrance Exam (JEE)-Mains for admission to IITs and other technical schools concluded on Sunday amid stringent precautions and social distancing measures in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Dimapur, exams were held in four centres-NIT Chümoukedima, Patkai Christian College, Delhi Public School and Unity College and in Kohima one centre at ION Digital Zone Idz Pezielietsie. Altogether 1851 candidates had registered to appear for the JEE exams in two shifts.

Meanwhile, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is scheduled to be held on September 13. According to reports, the results of JEE Mains was likely by September 11 or before that and merit would be issued on the day of the result.

7th Mile village council, women body welcome busting of illegal liquor plant DIMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): The 7th Mile Model Village Council (VC) and Women Association 7th Mile Model Village have appreciated authorities for having detected and busted an illegal liquor bottling unit at a closed mineral water bottling plant on the outskirts of the village some distance away from Dimul factory and GD Plastic factory on September 2.

In a press release, VC chairman Imkong Tzuder said that the incident had caught the people totally unaware and shocked them. He therefore urged the authority concerned to take stern action against the perpetrators for tarnishing “our image”.

VC also warned individuals or groups against practising any such anti-social activity and urged the general public to report any suspicious activity to the council.

Referring to the ban on sale and consumption of alcohol in and around Chumoukedima by civil society organisations in sync with the NLTP Act, he claimed that the VC had always extended its full cooperation to fight such anti-social activities and assured of its support.

The chairman said there are seven village lanes that connect directly with NH 29 and no suspicious activities as such were noticed in these lanes. He suspected that the perpetrators must have used other private lanes to avoid public view.

Women association: 7th Mile Model Village Women Association president Atula and general secretary Aien Koza too appreciated the efforts of 5th Assam Rifles in busting the illegal spurious liquor plant. Claim-

ing that the association had been busy checking sale of liquor in its jurisdiction for the past two years with the help of youth organisation, they said the women’s body had also published statements in local dailies on May 23, 2018 announcing strict prohibition of all illegal activities under its jurisdiction.

They said the association and youth body had shut down five wholesalers of wine and four alcohol stocks were completely closed but were quite unaware of this plant within their jurisdiction that shocked them.

Strongly condemning the illegal act, the association urged the government to give strictest of punishment to the persons involved, while appealing to all right-thinking CSOs to condemn such an evil business in Naga society.

K Y M C

state

2 nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Are the govt’s economic policies likely to succeed in improving the current economic crisis?

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

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

60% 40% 0%

Next poll

Q: Is banning Chinese

goods and Apps going to help India?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST September 7

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A stray afternoon t-storm

33 26

A p.m. t-storm in spots

Aizawl

Guwahati Cloudy with a thunderstorm

A morning t-storm in spots

Imphal

28 21 32 25 27 19

Itanagar Cloudy with a thunderstorm

27 23

Shillong

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

22 18

Kohima

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

23 17

Dimapur A stray t-storm; not as warm

28 23

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

24 19

Mkg

Tuensang Couple of thunderstorms

19 15

Not as warm; an a.m. t-storm 24 21

Wokha

Zunheboto Cloudy with a thunderstorm

22 17

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

Coordination meeting Peren DTF resolves on various agendas

news in Brief

held at DH Tuensang

DIMAPUR: Peren District Task Force of taxi fares in the district will be revised DWO Peren informs: (DTF) on COVID-19 meeting was held after discussing with Peren District Taxi District welfare officer at deputy commissioner’s chamber, New Union at the earliest; Lack of alternative (DWO) Peren has inPeren on September 3, under the chair- places for Covid Care Centre (CCC) the formed that payment for manship of DC Peren, Sentiwapang Aier house has decided to approach the Govt. the following schemes who is also the chairman of District Task Middle School (GMS) & Govt. Hr. Sec. under National Social Force.

School (GHSS) Jalukie to add more Covid Assistance Programme According to DIPR report, the house Care Centre till alternative arrangement (NSAP) viz IGNOAPS (60-79 years), IGNOAPS resolved on following agendas: Standard is made.

Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on Deputy commissioner entrusted the (80+ years), IGNWPS, August 31 concerning with the unlock-4 Medical department to enquire about IGNDPS and state old was reviewed in detail and decided to availability of additional fogging machine age pension non-plan will issue order for strict implementation of in the district and to carry on with the ex- be made on the following the consolidated guidelines throughout isting manpower since other options were dates: Tening project Sept 9-10, Nsong project Sept the district; Stressing on the importance limited at present. of high risk settings, strict enforcement Deputy commissioner also briefed 11, Peren project Sept 18of infection prevention and control prac- that the proposal for mass awareness 19, Athibung project Sept tices (IPCP) will continue to implement at campaign in the district and sustainable 25, Jalukie project Sept check gates, offices, markets and crowded Covid Hospital & Covid Care Centre at 28-29. All beneficiaries places; Surprised checking of privates and New Peren district HQ has been submit- are to submit a photocopy CMO and MS staff members during the coordination meeting held on September 5. of their Aadhaar card passengers vehicles will be conducted time ted to higher up.

He also informed the members pres- and bank account details DIMAPUR: A coordina- collection can be submitted tors and nurses from District to time to ensure public compliance with along with their payment tion meeting between CMO to the lab.

Hospital, NHM and IDSP the safety measures as per the latest Stan- ent in the meeting that the liaison officer at book. dard Operating Procedure (SOP); Rates Dimapur was likely to be replaced soon. and MS staffs of District CMO staff also re- staffs.

Hospital Tuensang was held quested MS, to provide at on September 5, in regard to least six manpower from COVID-19 activities during the District Hospital for the the past six months. sample collection.

A press release by HA, Holichem, also DMO Tuensang, Apheang highlighted on manpower “Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence” Psalms 21:6 stated that, meeting dis- utilisation on COVID-19 We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain to walk with us cussed on separate untied duty starting from March throughout our lives until we meet again so rest in peace dear loved one and we thank fund provided for BSL-2 lab till date, including the health you for all you’ve done, we pray that God has given you the Crown you’ve truly won. to be utilised when needed. workers from medical ofThe family members of Late Neilazotuo Kire would like to express our profound Regarding separate quarter ficers to IV grade staff from gratitude to every individual, organizations, churches etc who comforted us in arrangemenst for health vertical programmes. Data prayers, in generosity and in kindness during the brief sickness and demise of our workers in Sedem Quar- manager Temjen also said most beloved Husband and Father on 16th August 2020 antine Centre, the persons that the team have comOur sincere appreciation to responsible and working in pleted “swab collection” the lab have been informed for the fourth round. CMO 1. Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister to submit line listing on also encouraged everyone 2. Shri. Y. Patton, Deputy Chief Minister time. It was also decided to coordinate and work 3. Dr. Nicky Kire, Advisor Urban and Municipal Affairs that TrueNat machine will together for the betterment 4. Mr. and Mrs. Theyiekielie Tachü be used in the same old of the district. Meeting was 5. Shri Pele Khezhie place itself but the sample attended by CMO, MS, doc6. NDPP Central and NDPP Kohima Region 7. NDPP 9th Kohima Town A/C and all Units 8. Fair Price Shop Union Kohima 9. All Nagaland Fair Price Shop Association 10. Nagaland Christian Revival Churches Jotsoma Village, Subsidiary Kumar Ramnikant has or11. Christian Revival Church, Kohima Village Intelligence Bureau (SIB) dered unsealing of all the 12. Naga Shisha Hoho, Prüzhie Kohima Guest House, Officer’s Hill below mentioned houses/ 13. Cultural Promotion Society, D.Khel Colony, Kohima; H/No. 61 business establishments 14. Dapfhütsumiapfü Mechü Krotho New Market Colony, H/No. with immediate effect. High 15. All Friends, Neighbors and Relatives D-I l Peraciezie Colony and School B (middle sector)-1 residence Opp UPHC Seik- H/Nos- 129, 39, 113 and 16. Doctors and Nurses, Oking Hospital hazou, Seikhazou Colony.

134; Laiket Lumpou Khel 17. Dr. Kobunuo Kire, NHAK Tuensang: Following H/No. C1, H/no. 334 Tuen18. Kohima Town Congress Committee the completion of 14 days sang Village, H/No. 1 NST We are unable to thank everyone individually but pray that God Bless you all sealing period and contract sector, Kejong Shop buildabundantly! tracing and testing, deputy ing NST Sec and K.S Sons Loving commissioner Tuensang, workshop building NST. Wife, Children and all Family members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DIMAPUR: In view of the detection of a COVID-19 positive cases, ADC Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa has ordered sealing of several houses/areas.

H/No. 23, H/No. 123 and H/No. 124 at Officer’s Hill Colony, Kohima; H/No. 165 and H/No 224 at Potterlane Colony; H/No. No. 88 of Upper Chandmari Colony; Kethovi’s residence,

K-1404

Sealing of houses in Kma & unsealing in Tsg

Acknowledgement “I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the Day of Judgment He will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants Him to appear with power”.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

PUKHAZHE H. YEPUTHOMI (Retd. Joint Director School Education) 12.12.1936 –01.09.2020

We the family of Late Pukhazhe H. Yeputhomi, wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss right from his Illness till the time of his death.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours, well-wishers and the family members who attended the wake, service and burial and who provided emotional and practical support to us at this difficult time. For those who traveled short and long distances, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolences, as well as those who generously extended their time, energy, prayer and financial support towards us, we are truly blessed and grateful.

Your contributions made our loss more bearable as it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

We are truly indebted to you all but in return may the good Lord bless you all abundantly.

Dearest Ipu You were our role model and a source of inspiration for us and for many…..

The legacy that you have left behind will live on.

You will forever live in our hearts May you rest in peace till we meet again …. You are truly missed “HEAVEN HAS GAINED ANOTHER SOUL…….”

Beloved wife, children, grand children, in-laws and host of relatives

DP-3751

K Y M C

K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

‘Rise in smuggling in NE due to distress caused by COVID’

G U WA H AT I , S E P 6 (PTI): The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) on Sunday said the recent rise in smuggling in the northeast can be attributed to economic distress caused

by COVID-19 pandemic.

The FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) lauded the efforts of paramilitary force Assam Rifles and congratulated its Director General along with other officers for their anti-smuggling operations.

“Experts believe that the recent increase in smuggling in the North East could be due to the economic distress insinuated

by COVID-19. Loss of jobs and lack of income due to recurrent lockdowns have left citizens without a means of livelihood,” FICCI CASCADE said in a statement.

Reports suggest that smugglers and insurgents are using people from the local tribal areas to transport smuggled goods by

taking advantage of their financial vulnerability caused due to COVID-19, it added.

FICCI said the Assam Rifles in the last two months seized smuggled cigarettes worth around Rs 14 crore by conducting 26 operations. Other illicit items such as drugs and betel nuts, mostly enter through the international border with Myanmar, it said.

Various battalions of the paramilitary force intercepted smugglers transporting the illicit consignments using bikes, cars and trucks while hiding them inside rice sacks, and other items, it added.

Appealing for stricter vigilance along the border, FICCI CASCADE Chairman Anil Rajput said: “Illicit cigarette smuggling

is a formidable challenge before our nation that has been draining our government exchequer by creating opportunities from tax arbitrage. It also threatens local industries and their capacity to create livelihoods.”

The FICCI CASCADE has requested the Union Home Secretary for appropriate intervention to sensitise other paramilitary forces on the gravity of the issue and amplify the need for a greater focus on combating smuggling and smuggling-related crimes at the borders, the statement said.

“In order to create large-scale awareness of this menace, FICCI CASCADE has been conducting interactions with government and enforcement agencies across several states in India on the ways to mitigate this challenge.

“It also appeals to the government to declare smuggling as a national threat that should be addressed with stricter vigilance and reforms,” the industry chamber said.

Northeast/State

3

After Sikkim, Tripura records highest suicide in NE: NCRB

Manipur CM assures justice to gang-rape victim, ATM refill staff

AG A RTA L A , S E P 6 (AGENCIES): In a report published by the Nation Crime Reports Bureau (NCRB), Sikkim and Tripura has the highest suicide rates in the North East India in 2019.

While Sikkim ranked first with 33.1%, Tripura reported 18.2% of cases.

The report also said that the two states surpassed the national level suicide rate that stands at 10.4% in 2019.

After Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh reported 7.4% suicide rate to become third in NE followed

by Assam 6.9% and Meghalaya 6.1%. Nagaland and Mizoram were in the last positions recording 1.9% cases each.

According to the NCRB report, total 1,39,123 suicides were reported in 2019 and 1,34,516 such cases in 2018 across the country showing an increase of 3.4% in the last year. However, the suicides rate was hiked by 0.2% in 2019 from 2018.

“Every year, more than 1, 00,000 people commit suicide in our country.

There are various causes of suicides like profes-

sional/career problems, sense of isolation, abuse, violence, family problems, mental disorders, addiction to alcohol, financial loss, chronic pain etc”, the NCRB report reads.

Other causes included drug addiction, bankruptcy, failure in examinations , unemployment , property dispute , professional problems, illness, marriage-related problems in 2019. Of them, family problem and illness were found to be the major causes of suicides in the country that accounted for 32.4% and 17.1% of total suicides .

In case of suicides due to illness, Sikkim had 100 and Meghalaya reported 33 cases, 11 cases in Mizoram, three cases in Nagaland , two cases in Manipur and one in Arunachal Pradesh.

Reacting to the report, Dr. Anjana Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor of Tripura University’s Clinical and Forensic Psychology said, “Awareness is the way to prevent tendencies of suicide. But, unfortunately, there has been no such awareness of mental health”.

COVID-19 fatalities rise; 88 fresh cases in Meghalaya

Correspondent

Shillong, Sep 6: The COVID-19 death toll in Meghalaya rose to 16 with one more fatality in Meghalaya even as the confirmed cases rose to 1,433 with 88 new cases detected on Sunday, health officials said.

M e a n w h i l e, n i g h t curfew has been further extended across the state from 9 pm to 5 am from September 7 to 14 next as mitigation measures

to contain, reduce and eliminate COVID by way of rigorous contact tracing, testing, quarantine, isolation and ensuring strict observance of protocols and advisories.

With community transmission taking place where tracing the source of infection is not possible, the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, Matsiewdor War Nongbri has advised persons above 65 years, persons with co-morbidities,

pregnant women and children below 10 years to stay at home except for meeting essential requirements and health purposes. “ I n d i v i d u a l mu s t maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet or 2 metres in public places,” Nongbri specified in her order.

Meanwhile, Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War informed that a 59-year-old man Dinabandhu Roy from Shillong died of COVID-

Security Forces seize contraband

19 on Sunday afternoon at Nazareth hospital.

“The patient (Roy) admitted at NEIGRIHMS hospital this morning was suffering from diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction with COVID19,” War said.

Of the 88 new cases, the senior medical official said, 35, including 15 personnel of armed forces/ para military forces, were reported from East Khasi Hills district, 39 that in-

cluded 12 personnel of armed forces/para military forces from West Garo Hills district, 4 each from South Garo Hills district, 4 from East Jaintia Hills district, besides 1 case each from West Jaintia Hills, South Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills districts respectively.

Wa r i n f o r m e d 2 9 COVID-19 patients also recovered on Sunday taking the overall recoveries to 1,556.

State

CSC inaugurated at Chiechama village

DIMAPUR: Community sanitary complex (CSC) and waste-bin at Eirene Quarantine Home (Baptist Church Chiechama), Chiechama village under SBM (G) during 2019-20 was inaugurated by SDO PHED Chiephobozou, Er. Abinuo Peki on September 5.

A press release by Chiechama Village Coun-

cil (CVC) press secretary, Medo-u Dzeyie stated that, Er. Abinuo expressed satisfaction at the work done by the core committee Baptist Church Chiechama.

CVC chairman, Neitso Sogotsu also lauded the PHED department and Chiephobozou division for timely implementation at this crucial time.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Sep 6: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh who is also in-charge of state home department said on Sunday that he has instructed the DGP to take the help of militant groups under suspension of operation (SoO) in tracking down miscreants who robbed Rs. 1.15 crore after killing a bank ATM replenishment staff.

The chief minister has also assured submission of the charge-sheet of the heinous crime of gang-rape and murder of a teenage girl in Imphal West district within two months.

Addressing a press conference here, Singh strongly condemned the incidents of gang-rape and murder of a minor girl in Mayang Imphal and robbery of Rs 1.15 crore in Churachandpur after killing a bank ATM replenishment staff. He assured exemplary punishments to the culprits at the earliest so that such incidents do not recur in future.

“It is unfortunate that people have to endure anguish and pain due to these heinous crimes at a time when they are struggling to cope with pandemic COVID-19,” he said.

Urging people to stay calm as the police have been putting in best possible efforts to crack both cases, the chief minister said that he is personally monitoring the progress of investigations round the clock as he is additionally in-charge of the home department and the head of the state cabinet.

On the Mayang Imphal incident on September 2 last, Singh informed that the police have arrested six suspects so far and dedicated efforts would be put in to file charge-sheets against them

Manipur CM N Biren Singh addressing a press conference in Imphal on Sunday. in less than two months under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

The 14-year-old girl who was abandoned to die after she was allegedly gangraped was picked up by a team of police from Mayang Imphal police station on the morning of September 2.

She was found in an unconscious state and died at the ICU ward of RIMS the next day. Singh assured that Rs 5 lakh would be provided as ex-gratia to the victim’s family.

He lauded the people, particularly civil society organizations and the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the incident to extend cooperation to the police in nabbing the suspects. “It was with the help of people, CSOs and JAC that police were able to arrest the culprits involved in the heinous crime,” the chief minister said.

On the Churachandpur incident on September 4, Singh informed that three suspects have been picked up for questioning so far and investigations are on with good progress.

Two motorcycle-borne robbers shot dead a cash custodian of a SBI branch replenishing money in bank ATMs and looted around Rs 1.15 crore in Churachandpur district headquarters on

September 4 last.

The bank staff, Arambam Ranjan (28) of Zoveng Khuga Tampak village of Churachandpur district who sustained bullet injuries on his abdomen later succumbed on the way to a hospital in Imphal.

The chief minister said that he had talked to the wife of the victim over the phone and assured justice.

The chief minister further said that he has also instructed DGP LM Khaute to visit Churachandpur to supervise the investigation.

Claiming that some crucial leads had been gathered from CCTV cameras, Singh said he hasinstructed the DGP to cull information from Kuki militant groups under SoO and active in the district, as well.

The DGP has been instructed to hold a meeting with leaders of militant groups under SoO actively operating in the district and to seek s their help in tracking down the assailants.

“I hope, police will be able to nab the assailants if the militants under SoO extend their cooperation sincerely,” he said.

The chief minister also assured to provide monetary assistance to the victim’s family as per the Government rules. He also sought cooperation from the public in nabbing the culprits.

NNC/FGN observes ‘Indo–Naga Ceasefire Day’

TCP Kohima on Sunday.

The programme was led by Aciiyi Vadeo, joint secretary Naga National Council.

Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie, executive director Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) spoke at the programme.

R e v. S . N o k s a Chiu, secretary finance & proper ty Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) prayed for the programme.

DIMAPUR: Inner Wheel Club Dimapur (IWCD) Special number was members honoured 18 teachers of Govt Middle School presented by Angami (GMS), Zeliangrong village (converted to Happy School) Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie speaking at the programme in Kohima Baptist Church Council on September 5. staff. on September 6.

A press release by IWCD president, Sanjukta Bhattacharjee, mentioned that special prizes were given KOHIMA: Naga National away to three teachers based on who worked as frontline Council (NNC) and Fedworker during COVID-19 pandemic, best techno-savvy eral Government of Nateacher and most regular and punctual teacher during galand (FGN) observed online classes. Certificates of appreciation were also 57th Indo–Naga Ceasefire Dearest Daddy (Jambemo Odyuo) Day at a function held at given. Project chairman was Pinky Agarwal.

Wishing you a happy life, with good health and blessings from our Almighty God through out your life, on this very special day of your’s ....

Happy Birthday From your Ben, Shum, Nunu, Mhoyani

IWCD honours GMS teachers Apprehended persons with seized consignments.

DIMAPUR: Security Forces seized a major consignment of contraband, moving from Manipur to Dimapur on September 4.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), based on specific inputs about the

movement of contraband, Security Forces launched an operation and established mobile vehicle checks near Piphema on National Highway-29, during which, two trucks carrying 120 bags of “Vietnamese poppy/opium seeds” were

intercepted along with four individuals. The total cost of recovered contrabands was estimated to be Rs 1.44 crore. The apprehended individuals with seized contrabands were handed over to Custom Preventive Division officials.

Knack & Wrap website and ‘Love Nagaland’ prayer Farewell programme app launched in Dimapur day observed in Dimapur held for outgoing official

DIMAPUR: Knack & Wrap website and app was launched at Dimapur by Lezo Putsure, founder and director of Edu NorthEast Pvt Limited.

A press release by Knack & Wrap stated that, Lezo highlighted the need of digital store like Knack & Wrap in Nagaland, as the world was tur ning digital in a more efficient and convenient way. He K Y M C

emphasized on how quality products and service was the key to success in any start up.

He also encouraged and called out to any budding start ups or entrepreneurs for any assistance regarding start-up findings, information etc. He also applauded the founders of Knack & Wrap, Benny Tep and Janet Suohu for starting this venture.

Knack & Wrap is a digital online gifting store to provide gifting solution to everyone, from budget friendly to premium hamper.

The design and editing was done by Anung Pongener and the app and website was developed by Phoukuo Zatsu.

DIMAPUR: “Love Nagaland” for Dimapur and Nagaland was held at Dimapur on September 6, with leaders from various spheres of influence.

A press release by Father’s House stated that, prayers were led by the church leaders for the government, for churches in Nagaland, business community and entrepreneurs, citizens of Dimapur, for all frontline workers including the Police and Security Forces, youths and all citizens of Dimapur.

Prophetic worship was led by New Wine, Worship Band of Father’s House and the speakers who led the prayers included Rev Moses Murry, president Dimapur Christian Forum, Rev. James Ngullie, Rev. Ravi Agarwal, Rev. Asabe Chuilo, Lumdemo Kikon from Indian Evangelical Mission and .Nune Kire, proprietor of Shamrock International School.

Earlier, senior pastor of Father’s House, Rev. Robert Kikon in his welcome note said, “today we are here with a spiritual act of humility and unity with a sacred trust to shape the future of our land so Nagaland will fulfill her spiritual destiny.”

The “Love Nagaland” prayer day was attended by church leaders from various denominations and civil society leaders, political parties including the commissioner of Police Dimapur, with all SOPs in place.

Payer day also called upon all Naga political groups to reconciliation, restitution and forgiveness for God’s Hand upon Dimapur and Nagaland.

DIMAPUR: Farewell programme was held for retiring director of Technical Education, Er. Arjun Singh on August 31, attended by minister of Higher & Technical Education, Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along along with commissioner & secretary, Imjung M. Panger.

A press release by media officer to the minister stated that, Temjen Imna Along speaking on the occasion, asserted that Er. Arjun Singh was a gentleman of high calibre, who had tirelessly served the department and the people of the state.

Minister also added that his sincerity and dedication towards his assigned duties and responsibilities were worthy to be noted and honored. Imjung M. Panger, also conveyed his appreciation to the outgoing director for his untiring service rendered to

the department.

Arjun Singh in his farewell speech, shared his experiences and expressed sincere gratitude to the minister, commissioner and secretary and his colleagues in the secretariat, and his subordinate officers in the directorate. He further went on to say that Nagas were polite and kind and that Nagaland was the safest place to stay.

Earlier, farewell programme was chaired by Tiakaba Amer, project director, invocation pronounced

by Er. David Tsela, principal in-charge of ICIT Mokokchung.

Farewell speeches were delivered by Er. Keyiekhru Rhutso, principal, Government Polytechnic Kohima, Dr. Abeni Lotha, director of Higher Education and Er. Vipulhou Lhounyu, officer on special duty.

K Y M C

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

India needs humane policy, open biz

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 273 Dimapur, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

When much is too much

I

ndian electronic media has only two subjects which are being broadcast day after day which continue to hog all the limelight unfailingly, such as -the border issue between India and China and the other being daily exposes on the death case of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. While the Indo-China border issue deserves all the attention of the citizens; opinions differ on whether the death case of Sushant Singh deserves to overshadow a national security issue. Since the last part of June and till today, the electronic media continues to bombard viewers with an overdose of the case under the pretext of investigative journalism.

The mad race among TV channels to broadcast their “explosive exclusive” has resulted in the media going off track. Unfortunately, in their quest for justice, the messenger appears to have stripped the actor of dignity he deserved in death. Every day channels hold their own trial on who should be or who should not be held guilty and this unwavering crusade has turned into a travesty of truth and justice. News channels have broken every rule in the book on responsible journalism. They have invaded the privacy of the late actor’s life such as- his personal life, his bank statements, film contracts and even post-mortem photographs. The media crusade for justice had even led to a political war of sorts between the Maharashtra and Bihar governments. The media had initially maintained that the late actor did not commit suicide but was murdered. The CBI then came into play after the ruling of the Supreme Court and there was great expectation that it would veer round to the conclusion of murder. Unfortunately for those who swallowed this line, the CBI concurred with Mumbai Police, that the late actor was not murdered but had committed suicide. TV channels initially focused on suspected murder, to abetment, to slow poisoning and then to his relationships. In the process of invasion of privacy, what came out was whether the late actor suffered from depression and his alleged use of psychotropic drugs. Several personalities have been projected as the villains by the media’s unending charade of so called “explosive exclusive.” While the entire charade began with the media’s quest for justice the case now has taken several turns. One is now about cash transactions and alleged siphoning of funds which is being followed up by Enforcement Directorate. Next is on the drug angle as to who supplied them to the late actor? Several names have been mentioned by the media and now Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have put these in the dock. Having noted all these, the Press Council of India warned news organisations to follow the Norms of Journalistic Conduct and asked them not to ‘vigorously report crime on a day to day basis’ without factual proof. However, the electronic media is not affiliated with PCI but affiliated with the News Broadcasters Association(NBA). The question that needs answering is what has been the driving motive for the character assassination of individuals, who may or may not have any role in the Sushant Singh case. Also whether the NBA will question these channels on whether they have any right to act as police, prosecutor, judge, jury under the plea of investigative journalism. However, viewers and readers have put the media itself in the dock for disrepute of not only the profession but the memory of the late actor.

DailyDevotion The Far-Reaching Rivers of Life

He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. —John 7:38 A river reaches places which its source never knows. And Jesus said that, if we have received His fullness, “rivers of living water” will flow out of us, reaching in blessing even “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) regardless of how small the visible effects of our lives may appear to be. We have nothing to do with the outflow— “This is the work of God, that you believe…” (John 6:29). God rarely allows a person to see how great a blessing he is to others.

A river is victoriously persistent, overcoming all barriers. For a while it goes steadily on its course, but then comes to an obstacle. And for a while it is blocked, yet it soon makes a pathway around the obstacle. Or a river will drop out of sight for miles, only later to emerge again even broader and greater than ever. Do you see God using the lives of others, but an obstacle has come into your life and you do not seem to be of any use to God? Then keep paying attention to the Source, and God will either take you around the obstacle or remove it. The river of the Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. Never focus your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty. The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source. Never allow anything to come between you and Jesus Christ— not emotion nor experience— nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.

Think of the healing and far-reaching rivers developing and nourishing themselves in our souls!

God has been opening up wonderful truths to our minds, and every point He has opened up is another indication of the wider power of the river that He will flow through us. If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessing for others.

Quotes

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. ~ William Shakespeare

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

Whatever, the country needs soft policy, low taxes, no barriers like tolls, open business and humane approach to solve difficult problems. India with a new beginning can beat all. t’s a fall or new beginning. The nation is pondering over the minus 23.9 percent GDP crash.

The figures are stark but the life goes on. Does the GDP really matter?

The lockdown (LD) has plunged India into a never before crisis. The GDP slump now is likely to worsen to full-year economic contraction of 7 percent – or simply negative seven percent, massive for a country of 130 crore that wants to take a super leap.

It is the result of routinely jettisoning financial stability for myopic adjustments in government expenditures, says Viral V Acharya, former RBI deputy governor.

Now the growth is prescribed on government spending by RBI. Good.

Nobody has answered from where the government after squandering opportunities since the demonetization, accentuated by GST and devastating economy with LD would bring the precious money. The gold pawning by the Chandrashekhar government in 1990 caused similar

I

cocern. Then the growth clocked one percent.

Again the figures have meant not much for the nation. Post-1992 budget some companies did exceedingly well at the stock market.

It led to exposure of billion-dollar Harshad Mehta scam. Banks and financial institutions were denuded.

The corrective steps were taken, SEBI was formed but the banks continue to take the hit.

The RBI is eloquent.

It says even in a year of crisis that began in August 2019, bank frauds jump 159 percent involving Rs 1.48 lakh crore for public sector banks and Rs 34211 crore for private ones.

During the last 30 years GDP swung up and down but the common man not only in India even in the US and Europe post-2008 sub-prime crisis lost several billions. The insurances and mutual funds emerged as more dishonest. Nations churn out big concerns; hopes and jingoism across the world keep people busy.

T h e U S e c o n o my shrinks by -31.7 percent, the British by -20.4 percent and the fall guy China by -6.2 percent. Pakistan, with scant containment, is clocking at least 1.03 percent growth.

India many might say is in league with the big. May be it is in a better situation with free food grain doles to 80 crore people. That is indeed a silver lining. Many families are able to survive.

Though now they are being harassed by demands of production of ‘income’ certificates. Many may cross the illusory poverty line and be forced to starve. They are people in need and not corrupt as some officials tend to paint them.

It is also true that since these 80 crore Shivaji are not part of the market as they do not generate demand. The job losses, salary cuts or its nonpayment, starvation, and rising number of suicides to four a minute has led to fall in industrial output to 38.1 percent, services 20.6 percent, and manufacturing to 39.3 may not theoretically have hit them.

India has notionally spent Rs 150,471 crore for free rice and wheat. The overflowing stocks in FCI silos were paid long back and do not entail financial burden. Actual hit to exchequer as of now is Rs 1930 crore for transportation and another Rs 5000 crore for pulses. The immediate cost is Rs 6930 crore.

But as the stocks are de-

pleting carrying out the operation beyond November or till West Bengal polls would burden critical finances.

The present figures are only first estimates. Informal sector numbers, which are likely to have suffered more, says India’s former chief statistician Pranab Sen, will be announced later.

Entire non-farm economy has been hit.

Agriculture with 3.4 percent is the silver line but it is also having problem in recovering costs. The wholeprice inSarkar sale dices’ contraction indicates producer prices are declining.

Gross value added (GVA) that is actual production value minus taxes contracts by 22.8 percent.

Even the public administration, defence and other services sub-sectors record 10.3 percent fall in government spending. Gross fixed capital formation, in short investment, contracts 47.1 percent. However, government consumption expenses have grown by 16 percent, much due to inflation.

Even nominal GDP has contracted by 22.6 percent.

It means base of tax collection, as the GST controversy depicts, will shrink.

More than the government, the central bank, RBI,

is responsible for having dithered form achieving its long-term objectives of price and financial ability, opines Acharya. It is leading to a situation of stagnant growth and high inflation – stagflation. It is hitting bank depositors and market investors creating uncertainties.

The economy is getting more centralized. The government balance sheet gets larger and that of private sector shrinks. It hits all but the smaller players more like the MSME crisis and private educational institutions. As the economy shrinks government funding programmes become mainstay in relation to crashing domestic savings and irrational interest rates.

It hits the core of economy.

It increases lobbying by the powerful.

The remedy is in less government and more free private sector open economy. It also does not mean selling the public sector jewels like railways, HAL and others. They set the quality standards. Simultaneously, private sector has to be allowed spaces without direct or indirect government support. For this the government has to have fiscal restraint and RBI has to put financial stability and resist fiscal dominance.

The GDP itself is not a big number but its ramifications are. It is a symptom.

The disease is severe – not the covid19 but financial failures2019. As a first the RBI has to assert itself and instead of suppressing interest rates on savings, it has to increase it to a minimum of 9 percent for bank deposits, else the banks would collapse.

It is not for rewarding the saver but to boost the culture of savings that has been taking care of government expenses, deficit, all through including of the Hindu rate of growth era.

It has to reset policies and functions like the central bank adhering to rule-based decisions to save and bolster nation’s finances.

The life will go on but to become a global leader we need a minimum 8 percent continuous growth for $ 5 trillion economy. The central bank has to delineate the path.

Disease or not the nation has to take a vow that it would not jeopardise normal functioning ever again.

Whatever, the country needs soft policy, low taxes, no barriers like tolls, open business and humane approach to solve difficult problems.

India with a new beginning can beat all.

Post-mortem

T

Replying to Naga Hoho

he Naga Hoho could not react to my first article carried by local papers dated 5.8.2020 through which I questioned as to whether the Hoho stands for the Naga political solution or for procrastination of the political negotiations between the GoI and the two groups of the Naga negotiators with reference to the Hoho’s representation to the PM of India dated 28.7.2020 that appeared in local papers dated 30.7.2020 by which the Naga Hoho demanded the removal of the present Interlocutor Mr. R.N. Ravi, the Honorable Governor of Nagaland as one cannot fail to discern the intention of the Hoho from the statement quoted herewith beside other controversial comments. In the Naga Hoho’s July 28, 2020 representation to PM of India and I quote “With the appointment of Sri. R.N. Ravi as the Governor, it was hoped to expedite the peace process. Instead, he is breaking the hard-earned trust and faith of the people and rendering the 23 years of negotiation meaningless by smearing the Naga history….” “We feel that peaceful settlement cannot be achieved with an Interlocutor (Mr. R.N. Ravi) without empathy and without understanding our people, our history and our aspiration.” Unquote. The quoted statements are the indictment of the Interlocutor so as to discredit him with the hope of disqualifying him from his continuance as the Interlocutor. Whoever is for early political solution would not even dream of replacement of the Interlocutor at the moment. Whereas, if at all the Hoho, in its smearing campaign, manages to convince the PMO for replacement of the present Interlocutor, there will be paradigm shift in the style of managing the nittygritty of the negotiations under the new dispensation. Such major shuffling at this crucial moment may even become the vibrant factor by which the progress of negotiations so far made is retrogressed. Having analyzed the intention of the Naga Hoho, one cannot avoid concluding that it is nothing else but desperately attempting to thwart the early settlement of the Naga cause and prolong the negotiations indefinitely.

Being critical with the Naga Hoho in view of its relentless efforts to sabotage the political solution as observed as above is never out of the blue. Had I not been compelled so, what do I gain from hating the Hoho?

Meanwhile, to my utter surprise, the Naga Hoho President made a complete U-turn statement in Hindustan Times on August 12, 2020 and I quote “We have no connection with NSCN(IM)’s statement and there is no question of favoring or not favoring removal of Ravi as Interlocutor from our side.” Unquote. This statement was reported by Utpal Parashar and edited by Sabir Hussain, Hindustan Times, Guwahati. In that article, how and what was the question so posed to the Hoho President was not published except the answer. Besides, the Communication Cell of Naga Hoho’s response to my article titled “Why Naga Hoho has backtracked?” dated 26.8.2020 which was published

yesterday, the 5th September, 2020 by local papers in which it quoted its President’s statement as “we have no connection with NSCN(IM)’s statement of favouring or not favouring “Ravi” as Interlocutor from our side” is found incomplete. What the President, Naga Hoho stated was published in Hindustan Times dated 12.8.2020 and I had quoted it from the paper without mincing and not as evasively quoted by the Communication Cell, Naga Hoho as the words “and there is no question” after the word ‘statement’ and before the word ‘of favouring…’ were found omitted. If the quoted statement runs without the omitted words, the implication becomes less intensive, and perhaps the omission was intentional and not by inadvertent mistake.

Secondly, if Naga Hoho’s intention is “never to delay the Naga Political Solution but it is our solemn prayer to bring Indo-Naga settlement at the earliest possible time” I am to question the wisdom of the Hoho as to how the replacement of the present Interlocutor Mr. R.N. Ravi, the Honorable Governor of Nagaland would expedite the process of solution? If what was stated is the faith of Naga Hoho, why had Hoho undermined the 31.10.2019 meet at Kohima between the two Naga negotiating groups and the Interlocutor in which the parties had agreed to have solution as reportedly known by stating that “…nor is there any progress in the political talk” in its July 28’s representation to the PM of India? Is Naga Hoho scare of solution?

Yes, the original Motto of NSF was “For greater and glory of the Nagas”. We realized the absence of the predicate in the sentence. Five Shillong based Naga scholars were entrusted to find a correct version.

Thus, the word ‘lim’ (land or country in Ao) was inserted. Nevertheless, by means of having NSF background I am not bound neither to subscribe to falsehood nor to uphold wrong philosophies. I am a sinful man and the most imperfect man and yet I do struggle to uphold what is real and practical. In my strong believe, the two foundation agreements, namely, the 3rd August, 2005 Framework Agreement of NSCN(IM) and the 17th November, 2017 Agreed Position/ Preamble of WC, NNPGs respectively with the GoI could evolve only after the Naga negotiators agreed to understand and appreciate the position of the GoI and vice versa.

Therefore, my understanding of the ground realities is that out of the possible political solution, there will be no Sovereignty and no Naga Integration.

In other words, the status quo remains, the Nagas in Manipur, the Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh, the Nagas in Assam and the Nagas of Nagaland will have to remain in our respective States. The signatories of the above basic agreements had already signed it in 2005 and 2017 respectively for the said status quo. The proposed solution will therefore be under the Constitution of India.

(To be concluded) Z. Lohe

Language, culture and Naga integration: A possible solution

(From previous issue) Language plays a very important role of uniting people. Language has scripts or not it is immaterial. People of a particular group make use of a language for uniting and bringing people together that is how language and culture go together. In other words, it is language that integrates people. In due course of time language gives rise to culture. It is culture which integrates people. If Nagas are a community and they speak similar languages and different dialects which have family resemblance then it is this affinity and similarity which unites Nagas together. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine a state without a common language. Let us imagine a state where each family speaks a language of its own. Perhaps it will be difficult for such a state to survive. We cannot think of a diverse country like India to have only one language where all citizens speak. Perhaps this is unworkable hypothesis. Therefore, language and culture cannot be separated from each other. To think of a culture without language is incomplete. In this sense language and culture are internally connected. The concept of a state is a later day invention. People speaking different languages come together and form what is known as state.

But in due course of time the concept of state had undergone change and transformation for various reasons. In the modern sense of the term state is a group of people living together having its own territory, government and sovereignty? Interestingly enough India is state but includes many states. Seeing in this light, Indian Constitution distributes power between centre and states.

Let us come to the problem faced by Nagas since the time of Simon Commission visit to the Naga Hills in 1929. Indian subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan.

It took very ugly turn. It can be noted in this connection that the word Pakistan was coined

by Jinnah. Even after India’s independence the Naga political problem persisted. After independence, Indian leaders decided to have a Constitution. Accordingly states and union territories were created for all round development of the country. For the first time, in the country, all round development is included in the Constitution. For some reasons or other Nagas refuse to join the Indian Union even after many years of fight and development.

The North-East people are even exempted from payment of income tax if they employees are posted in the North-East. Now the question is why such persistent Naga political struggle even after many years of Indian security operation along with annual budgetary allocation to Na-

galand? Do the Indian political leaders care and attempt to understand and appreciate the Naga political question? If I am giving impression for pleading the cause of the Nagas I am sorry. My attempt is an objective and impartial analysis of the Naga problem. India is a democracy. Every citizen has right to demand grievances to be addressed. There are methods, ways and means to redress one’s genuine aspiration. Therefore, in my small opinion in independent India Nagas have every right to demand at least integration of their contiguous areas with Nagaland state that is within the Constitution of India. To concede this demand is to do justice to them to live together as one people bound together by their common culture for further development of their language and culture. It is also the bounden duty of the conscious Indian leaders to correct the arbitrary boundaries drawn by the British colonial masters as boundary lines are drawn and redrawn around the world. To resolve the Naga political question it is necessary that at least Naga majority in bordering states be amalgamated with Nagaland state. By doing so, Nagas are not taking even an inch of other neighbouring states. On the contrary, the ancestral land of the Naga minority areas will be lost with the neighbouring states as part of boundary adjustment. As I suggested earlier, language and culture bring people together. In past there were many problems in many parts of the country as a result state re-organization commission was set up to address them. Creation of states along with similar languages and culture was a noble idea. Ideally speaking each state contains people of more or less similar languages. This is the reason why the idea of linguistic and cultural state was created in India. In this sense language and culture get intermixed. Nagas belong to a particular broad cultural group therefore wherever possible excluding Myanmar country, Naga majority areas should be integrated into one entity for the simple reason that language and culture get integrated. However, since the neighbouring states have been opposed to integrating ancestral Naga areas with their fellow Nagaland state for good or for bad reason some compensation may be given to them by the central Government. But perhaps separate constitution and separate flag for Nagas, the present BJP ruled India controlled by RSS is next to impossible to recognize since the separate constitution and separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir have been also abolished.

(Concluded) Dr. X. P. Mao, Professor of Philosophy, NEHU Shillong

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Kudos! Respected teachers

Ever since the pandemic started, teachers, both of government and private sectors, have been carrying out tremendous efforts in trying to reach out to their students to provide quality education, through various means.

Many students, mainly in remote areas, not having access to proper internet connection, thereby missing online classes, had caused loop holes in many students’ life. However, many teachers have gone way beyond their lines, by not only sending them voice recordings of the subject matter, but also helping students in getting old but usable mobile devises for online learning. As the saying goes, “Teachers are the second parents”, we ought to be thankful to our teachers for their noble and motherly task.

David, Pfutsero

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

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

Centre asks 5 states, 1 UT to ramp COVID tests NEW DELHI, SEP 6 (PTI): The Centre has asked 5 states and one UT from where 35 districts have been reporting high active COVID-19 caseload and fatality rate to strengthen containment measures and scale up testing to bring down positivity rate below five per cent.

These 35 districts comprise all 11 districts in Delhi, Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas and 24 South Parganas in West Bengal; Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Kolhapur, Sangli, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Raigad, Jalgaon, Solapur, Satara, Palghar, Aurangabad, Dhule and Nanded in Maharashtra; Surat in Gujarat; Pondicherry in Puducherry and East Singhbhum in Jharkhand.

In a review meeting held on Saturday, they were asked to ensure strict perimeter control, strengthen the active case search focusing on comorbids and elderly population, early identification by ramping up testing and optional utilization of RTPCR testing capacity to break the chain of transmission of the disease, the Health ministry said on Sunday.

A health worker takes samples from a homeless man for COVID-19 test as others wait for their turn, in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI) Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan held the review meeting through video conference (VC) with health secretaries of five states and one UT on the containment and management of COVID-19 in 35 districts under their jurisdiction.

The district collectors and other functionaries were advised to prepare and update district specific plans to continue their efforts to manage the pandemic.

The states were also

advised to effectively monitor home isolation cases and early hospitalisation in case of disease progression, seamless hospitalisation and early admission for patients requiring medical support, especially in cases of comorbid and elderly population, besides following effective infection control measures in hospitals to safeguard healthcare workers from contracting the infection.

The Union Health Ministry has been proactively monitoring the

trajectory of the COVID pandemic and has been undertaking impactful interactions with the state and UT authorities to guide the administration of districts exhibiting a surge in COVID cases and having high active caseload and fatality rate to improve their management of the crisis, the ministry said.

In addition to state health secretaries, district collectors, municipal commissioners and other functionaries of the affected districts also participated

in the digital meeting.

The State Health Secretaries presented a detailed analysis on the current status of COVID19 in these districts.

They covered the aspects of containment measures, contact tracing, surveillance activities, facilitywise case fatality rates, trends in terms of weekly new cases and deaths, etc, the ministry said.

They also discussed the detailed roadmaps and action plan for the next one month, it said.

Details in terms of split of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests conducted in the district, re-testing percentage of symptomatic negatives from antigen tests, testing lab utilization, hospitalization status and bed occupancies of oxygen-supported beds, ICU beds and ventilator etc., were also shared with the Centre.

India’s COVID-19 tally of cases mounted to 41,13,811 with a record 90,632 people being infected in a day, while the death toll climbed to 70,626 with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 1,065 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

5 UP man beaten Sitharaman blaming gods for ‘fun’, dies for failure of economy: Raut in hospital BAREILLY (UP), SEP 6 (IANS): A 32-year-old man was tied him to a tree and allegedly lynched by a mob on suspicion of theft in Uttar Pradesh’s Aonla town.

According to reports, some of the attackers joined the crowd for the sheer ‘fun’ of it and posed for mobile cameras while the victim, Basid Khan, was being thrashed in the background on Friday. Basid, it later turned out, was an alcoholic but not a thief. Basid was handed over to police who set him free as no one came forward to file a complaint against him. His family, on seeing his condition, took him to hospital where he died of internal bleeding the next day.

A heavy police force was deployed in the area.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Shailesh Pandey told reporters, “I have received a video in which Basid is seen tied to a tree and locals were thrashing him. We are trying to identify the accused using the videos of the incident. There were no visible injuries on the body. The post-mortem will be conducted by a panel of doctors to ascertain the reason of death.”

MUMBAI, SEP 6 (PTI): Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday alleged that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was blaming gods for failure of India’s economy.

In his weekly column Rokhthok in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana, Raut also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on all issues, but refuses to touch the issue of “failing economy” and related issues.

Sitharaman last month said the economy has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is an “Act of God”, and it will see a contraction in the current fiscal.

“If gods are pronounced culprits, in which court should the trial be conducted?” Raut wrote, responding to Sitharaman’s remarks.

“From demonetisation to lockdown, the economy is completely paralysed. But the Union finance minister directly blamed gods for it.

This is an insult of Hindutva. What kind of Hindutva is this?” he asked.

Raut said the minister’s comments did not suit India which calls itself an emerging economic superpower.

He said the country’s

Sanjay Raut economy was crumbling even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the first quarter of the current financial year, the GDP has come down by 23.9 per cent and this is due to human error and careless attitude,” he said.

“Coronavirus pandemic and crumbled economy is god’s will. Then what is the need for government and military. God will see to everything,” he said.

Raut said in legal terms, an act of god is a natural catastrophe which no one can prevent, such as an earthquake, a tidal wave, a volcanic eruption, a hurricane or a tornado, “Acts of god are legal excuse for delay or failure in fulfilling an obligation or to complete a construction project,” he said.

Faulty GST destroyed informal Sushant case: Rhea appears before NCB for questioning in drugs case economy, alleges Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI, SEP 6 (IANS): Keeping up his attack on the government, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi has slammed the Modi government on the GST, alleging that it was the second big blow to the unorganised sector of the economy and that its faulty implementation had destroyed the economy.

In his third video of a series, Rahul Gandhi said that the GST was the UPA’s idea of easy taxation but the NDA has made it “complex and complicated”.

“The GST implemented by NDA government is different as four slabs of taxes are there to the tune of 28 per cent, it’s very complicated and very difficult to understand,” said Rahul.

The small and medium businesses can’t comply with this tax procedure but the big companies can hire as many accountants as possible, he said.

Rahul Gandhi asked why there are four slabs of taxation rates in the country and those who have resources can comply but small and marginal businesses

Rahul Gandhi are left to suffer. “Who has the means? India’s biggest 15 to 20 industrialists. So whatever tax law they want to change can easily be done in this GST regime.”

He said that “this GST is an absolute failure. Not only is it unsuccessful, it is an attack on the poor and on the small and medium businesses. GST is not a tax system, it is an attack on India’s poor. It is an attack on small shopkeepers, small and medium businesses, farmers and labourers.”

“We have to recognise this attack and stand against it together,” Rahul said.

“The result of NDA’s GST? Today, the government of India is unable to

provide the GST compensation money to the states.

The states are unable to give money to state employees.”

Rahul had on Wednesday released his second video and alleged that demonetisation was an attack on India’s poor, its farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers and termed it as an attack on India’s unorganised economy.

Rahul Gandhi said that “demonetisation did not erase black money as was claimed by the Prime Minister and it did not benefit the poor and the advantage was given to India’s biggest billionaires.”

“The money that you had in your pockets, that you had in your homes was taken and used by the government to waive off the debts of these rich people,” said Rahul He said demonetisation wiped out cash from the system and due to this the informal sector has suffered because the unorganised economy runs on cash whether it is a small shopkeeper, farmer or labourer.

MUMBAI, SEP 6 (PTI): Actress Rhea Chakraborty on Sunday appeared before the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) here for questioning in the drugs case linked to the death of her live-in partner and actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

The 28-year-old arrived at the agency’s office in the Ballard Estate area at 12 noon. She was escorted by police personnel.

The agency has said it wants to question Rhea, the main accused in the death case, to take the probe forward in the case.

A team of the agency had early morning visited her home to serve summons to her for joining the probe, officials said.

A team led by NCB joint director Sameer Wankhede had visited Rhea’s house located in Santa Cruz (west) area accompanied by local police and some women personnel. The team left after visiting her flat.

The agency has said it also wants to confront Rhea with Showik, Miranda and Sawant in order to ascertain their individual roles in this alleged drug racket after it obtained mobile phone chat records and other electronic

Gujarat riots: Taluka court drops Modi’s name from suits AHMEDABAD,SEP 6 (AGENCIES): A taluka court in the district of Sabarkantha on Saturday directed that the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi be removed as respondent from three civil suits moved by relatives of victims of 2002 riots, following an application moved by the advocate representing Modi.

Principal senior civil judge S K Gadhvi at the Prantij court arrived at this decision to remove Modi as a defendant in the three suits, broadly on the ground that according to the court, the plaintiff was attempting to drag on the case and that the plaintiff relied on “allegations only general, non specific and vague” against Modi and no material was brought to establish that the then Gujarat chief minister Modi was present at the site of offence.

The civil suits for compensation were filed by kin of the victims, Shirin Dawood, Shamima Dawood (both British nationals) and Imran Salim Dawood.

Apar t from Modi, other defendants included as part of the suit include the six accused who were

eventually acquitted by the special court as well as former home minister in Gujarat Gordhan Zadaphia, late DGP K Chakravarthi, former additional chief secretary at home department Ashok Narayan, late IPS officer Amitabh Pathak, then inspector D K Vanikar and the state government.

On February 28, 2002, British national Imran Dawood, then a boy of 18, had made his maiden visit to India along with his UK-based uncles -Saeed Dawood, Shakeel Dawood and Mohammed Aswat.

The four had toured Jaipur and Agra, and were returning to their native village Lajpur near Prantij in Sabarkantha district where a mob blocked their way and set ablaze their Tata Sumo. Saeed and Aswat along with their Gujarati driver Yusuf Piraghar were hacked to death, while Shakeel went missing. It was presumed he died. The Prantij British nationals killing case is also distinct because it is probably the rare case where foreign diplomats had deposed as witnesses through videoconference.

In the order dated Sep-

tember 5, the taluka court noted that “there is not a single averment showing presence of defendant No.1 (Modi) at the scene of offence at the relevant time or his direct or indirect involvement in the alleged act or any specific role from which reasonable ground for malice or intentional acts or omissions can be found, entitling the plaintiff to claim any legal right or relief…”

The order also noted that the victims’ relatives had in no way stated as to how Modi “is personally liable for the alleged acts or omissions of officials” of the then state government.

“The averments in the plaint are made cleverly to connect defendant No.1 (Modi) with all pre and post Godhra incidents and thereby to array defendant No.1 (Modi) as perpetrator of the crime making him liable for compensation….

In my view, such reckless allegations without any basis, i.e. evidence, can hardly establish any nexus or help in raising cause of action” against Modi.

Meanwhile, the application moved by Modi through his advocate S S

Shah was vehemently opposed by Salim, son of the deceased UK national, on behalf of the three plaintiffs. Salim also submitted that his lawyer Anwar Malek had conveyed that he would be unable to continue to represent Dawood “due to targeted actions” faced by Malek.

Shah, representing Modi, had submitted that the litigation has been going on since 2004 with Modi as a party, when he was the chief minister, despite him being “neither necessary nor proper party to join” as a defendant party. Further it was submitted that Salim’s allegations and averments were “political” in nature, which had anyway been addressed in the Nanavati Commission inquiry.

The judge arrived at the conclusion that the plaintiffs are trying to delay the proceedings on the basis that Salim had contested the jurisdiction of the forum on which the suits are being decided.

The petitioners had sought Rs 22 crore as damages claimed alleging acts of commissions and omissions on the part of defendants including Modi.

arrested two men, Abbas Lakhani and Karan Arora, for alleged drug peddling and officials have claimed that through them they reached Zaid Vilatra and Abdel Basit Parihar who are allegedly linked to this drugs case as they were in touch with Miranda.

Miranda, they had said, used to allegedly procure drugs from them on the purported instructions

Rhea Chakraborty outside NCB office after being summoned for questioning. (PTI) data that suggested some banned drugs were allegedly being procured by these people.

Rhea, in interviews given to multiple TV news channels, has said that she has never consumed drugs herself. She had, however, claimed that the late actor used to consume marijuana.

The NCB, over the last two days, has arrested her younger brother Showik Chakraborty (24), Rajput’s house manager Samuel Miranda (33) and Dipesh Sawant, a member of the actor’s personal staff, in this case. It is claimed that

Miranda told NCB investigators that he used to procure bud or curated marijuana for the late actor’s household.

Sawant was arrested on Saturday and he is expected to be produced by the agency before a local court on Sunday for seeking his custody.

A total of 8 people have been arrested till now by the NCB with six being directly linked to this probe while two were arrested by it when the probe was launched under criminal sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. When the probe in the case began, the agency had

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE NAGALAND : KOHIMA Tel: 0370-2270459; Email: pddhfw@gmail.com; Website: https://nagahealth.nagaland.gov.in/ NO.DHFW-1/381-Misc/2016 Dated Kohima, the Sept’ 2020 CORRIGENDUM In connection to Advertisement published on 5th Sept 2020 vide No.DHFW-1/381-Misc/2016/5648 dt 4th Sept 2020, the following corrigendum is issued under mentioned points: 1. “inorder of merit” in 1st para to be deleted.

2. The name in Sl. No: 1 is also repeated in Sl. No: 51. Therefore, entries in Sl. No: 51 is deleted.

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UP: Ex-MLA beaten to death

Nirvendra Kumar Munna LAKHIMPUR KHERI (UP), SEP 6 (IANS): Former independent MLA from Uttar Pradesh, Nirvendra Kumar Munna was beaten to death in a land dispute in Lakhimpur on Sunday.

The land in question is located near the bus station and the matter is in court.

According to reports, the other group came to forcibly occupy the land and the former legislator resisted the attempt after which the opposite party, led by one Kishan Kumar Gupta, beat him and his son Sanjeev Kumar Munna with ‘lathis’.

The former legislator was seriously injured and succumbed to injuries on way to hospital while his son has been admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.

Family sources said

of Showik, agency officials said. Both Lakhani and Arora have been granted bail. The NCB had said it recovered 59 grams of cannabis from them.

The NCB, while seeking remand of one of the accused in this case few days back, had told a local court that it was looking into “the drug citadel in Mumbai, and especially Bollywood” in this probe.

that scores of armed men had come to forcibly occupy the disputed land and beat up the father and son.

Local people staged a massive demonstration in Lakhimpur in protest against the incident.

N i r ve n d r a Ku m a r Munna had been elected from the Nighasan Assembly sat as an independent legislator in 1989 and 1991 and in 1993 on the Samajwadi Party ticket.

Senior police officials were on the spot and did not respond to calls.

Meanwhile, UP Congress tweeted, “Another Brahmin killed. The jungle raj in UP is getting frightening.”

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Rajnath discusses regional security with Iran

New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI): Opposition parties are planning a joint offensive against the government to corner it in Parliament on issues of national security like the border situation with China, handling of the COVID pandemic, economy and GST compensation to states, sources said.

Leaders of various opposition parties are expected to meet later this week to formulate a joint floor strategy in both the houses of Parliament, they said.

The Monsoon session of Parliament will commence on September

14 amid COVID-induced changes in its proceedings.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has convened a meeting of the party’s strategy group on September 8, the sources said.

Opposition leaders are keen that various likeminded parties should work closely with each other to take on the government in Parliament. This was expressed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and JMM’s Hemant Soren at a recent meeting of nonNDA chief ministers with

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Congress president Sonia Gandhi on JEE/NEET and GST issues.

The Congress strategy group has already met once and discussed the issues to be raised during the session.

Senior Congress leaders have also been asked to contact UPA allies and other like-minded parties to put up a united fight against the government, both inside and outside Parliament.

TMC leader Derek O’Brien had earlier said that like-minded opposition parties will work together in Parliament and find common ground on public

issues.

There will be a lot of teamwork among such parties in Parliament, he had said.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Sunday that consultations are underway for a joint opposition strategy.

CPI leader D Raja also said that meetings of opposition leaders will be soon held in this regard.

With tensions escalating in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control with China, the opposition will demand answers from the government on the issue.

UP reports record COVID-19 cases

Ram temple construction to begin after Sep 17

LUCKNOW, SEP 6 (PTI): Uttar Pradesh on Sunday reported its highest single-day spike of 6,777 COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths, the state health department said.

With this, the state’s infection tally has reached 2,66,283 and the death toll mounted to 3,920. Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said 6,777 fresh COVID-19 cases were registered in the state. The previous single-day highest spike of 6,692 COVID-19 cases was recorded on Saturday. The state now has 61,625 active COVID-19 cases, Prasad said.

No. 9678 Yesterday’s solution No. 9677

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AY O D H Y A , SEP 6 (IANS): The much-awaited construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will begin after September 17 when the ‘Pitra Paksh’ period ends.

Pitra Paksh refers to the period when Hindus express gratitude to their ancestors and no auspicious work is done during this period.

According to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary, Champat Rai, country’s leading construction company Larsen and Toubro is all set to lay the foundation of the grand temple, which would come up in 12,879 square metre area on Ram Janmabhoomi campus.

The company is carr ying out constr uction without charging any fee.

Around 1,200 pillars will be laid around 100 feet below the surface to prepare the temple’s foundation. These pillars will be of stone and no iron will be used. Again,

on these pillars, another layer of foundation will be laid.

The construction company has sourced machines from Mumbai and is in the process of sourcing machines from Hyderabad.

The Trust is expected to engage around 100 labourers to lay the foundation of the temple.

All workers will be tested for the coronavirus and thermal-scanned before being allowed entry into the Ram Janmabhoomi campus. Last week, the Ayod-

hya Development Authority (ADA) had approved two layouts -- one of Ram mandir and another of the entire Ram Janmabhoomi campus.

The ADA also handed over the layouts to the Trust on September 4 after it deposited requisite fee in the development authority’s bank account. The proposed Ram mandir will be 360 feet long, 235 feet wide and 161 feet high and will have five domes.

OFFICE OF THE

ATOIZU RANGE STUDENTS' UNION FELICITATION

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Oppn planning joint offensive against govt in Parliament

the arrears of GST compensation to the States,” he said on Twitter.

“All of the above will need money. Borrow.

Don’t hesitate,” he suggested.

“Here are some concrete steps to raise money: Relax the FRBM norm and borrow more this year.

Accelerate disinvestment.

Use the offer of USD 6.5 billion by IMF, WB, ADB etc. As a last resort, monetise part of the deficit,” he tweeted.

Chidambaram has been urging the government to take concrete measures to revive the economy and has called upon it to provide GST compensation to states, as promised to them at the time of GST implementation.

The Atoizu Range Students' Union with immense pride and great joy would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to: 1. Shri. K. Khekiho Shohe on being promoted to Additional Director Soil & Water Conservation Department.

2. Er. Kihito Shohe on being promoted to SDO under NPWD. 3. Er. Shikato Shohe on being promoted to SDO under NPWD. 4. Er. L. Hokheto Sema on being promoted to SDO Power Department.

5. Shri. Tavinto K Sumi for receiving State Level Teachers Award.

6. T. Henito Sema for receiving District Level Teachers' Award.

AKETOVI ASSUMI President

KITOVI ACHUMI General Secretary

Dimapur Lizutomi Kuqhakulu (DLK) extends heartiest congratulations to Shri K. Zhekheto Awomi on being promoted to Director of Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government of Nagaland.

As he assumes bigger responsibility the union prays to the Almighty God to bless him with good health and wisdom. DLK wishes him success in all his future endeavours.

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war in the country.

In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO on Friday, in the Russian capital, Singh said that the security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern.

According to a recent UN report, as many as 533 Afghan civilians - including more than 150 children - were killed in war-torn Afghanistan due to fighting.

At the SCO meeting, Singh said: “India will continue to support the efforts of the people and government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process.”

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace

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AT NAHARBARI, DIMAPUR 4 minutes drive from Naharbari Junction Any Size Available Rs. 480/- Sq. Ft. (Nego) Contact No. 7630831439

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Iran and India enjoy traditional friendly ties.

Iranian and Indian officials hold regular consultations on close cooperation to ensure regional peace and security, the report added.

Singh’s visit to Iran, a major regional player, is considered to be significant as it came after he voiced India’s deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.

India has been keenly following the evolving political situation in the strifetorn Afghanistan after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February.

The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington’s 18-year

Strait of Hormuz if the US, which has already imposed crippling sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme, tries to strangle its economy.

India and Iran have strong commercial, energy, cultural and people-to-people links.

India-Iran commercial ties were traditionally dominated by Indian import of Iranian crude oil.

In 2018-19 India imported USD 12.11 billion worth of crude oil from Iran.

However, following the end of the Significant Reduction Exemption period on May 2, 2019, India has suspended importing crude from Iran, according to the Indian Embassy here.

The US had asked countries, including India, to cut oil imports from Iran down to “zero” by November 6, 2019 or face sanctions.

The bilateral trade during 2019-20 was USD 4.77 billion, a decrease of 71.99 per cent as compared to the trade of USD 17.03 billion 2018-19. What is significant is that Indian exports to Iran between 2011-12 and 2019-20 have grown by 45.60 per cent, according to the website of the mission.

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held at the request of the Iranian defence minister.

The meeting between the two ministers took place in a “cordial and warm atmosphere,” it said, adding that the leaders emphasised upon the age-old cultural, linguistic and civilisational ties between India and Iran.

Iranian Defence Minister Hatami and his Indian counterpart Singh held talks in Tehran on international, regional and bilateral issues, Iran’s official Irna news agency reported on Sunday.

Visit of Singh is the first travel of a top Indian official to Iran since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in December 2019, it noted.

NEW DELHI, SEP 6 (PTI): Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday suggested the government to borrow more to help stimulate demand and revive the country’s economy.

The senior Congress leader also suggested some measures to raise money which include relaxing FRBM norms, accelerating disinvestment and borrowing money from global banks.

As part of his measures to revive the economy, he sought transferring cash to the poorest 50 per cent of families, offering them foodgrains and increasing spending on infrastructure, besides paying arrears of Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation to states.

“Here are some concrete steps to stimulate demand/consumption and revive the economy: Transfer some cash to the poorest 50 percent of families. Offer food grain to all families, those who need will take it. Increase spending on infrastructure projects.

Use food grain stock to pay wages in kind and start massive public works.

Recapitalize banks to enable them to lend and Pay

and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process. New Delhi has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any “ungoverned spaces” where terrorists and their proxies can relocate.

There have been global concerns over Pakistan’s support to the Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan.

At the SCO meeting, Singh had also voiced India’s concern over the situation in the Gulf region, vital for the country’s energy needs. A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran and the US in recent months have flared up tension in the region.

“We are deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf,” Singh said in his address at the SCO meeting on Friday.

“We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other,” Singh said. Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the

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Rajnath Singh with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami (unseen) discuss bilateral ties between the two countries. (PTI)

Borrow more to stimulate demand, revive economy, says Chidambaram

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Tehran, Sep 6 (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said he had a “very fruitful” meeting with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to bolster bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

Singh reached Tehran from Moscow on Saturday on a transit halt after concluding his three-day visit to Russia where he attended a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers.

He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and the Central Asian countries.

“Had a very fruitful meeting with Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami in Tehran. We discussed regional security issues including Afghanistan and the issues of bilateral cooperation,” Singh said in a tweet.

“Both the Defence Ministers discussed ways to take forward bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues, including peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Singh’s office said in a separate tweet on the meeting

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

Navalny probe: Germany ups pressure on Russia Berlin, Sep 6 (AP): Germany on Sunday increased pressure on Russia over the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, warning that a lack of support by Moscow in the investigation could “force” Germany to rethink the fate of a German-Russian gas pipeline project.

“I hope the Russians won’t force us to change our position regarding the Nord Stream 2” pipeline being built under the Baltic Sea, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told weekly Bild am Sonntag.

Maas also said that “if there won’t be an contributions from the Russian side regarding the investigation in the coming days, we will have to consult with our partners.”

He did not exclude possible punishments against Russia, telling the newspaper that “if we think about sanctions, they should be pinpointed effectively.”

However, Maas also admitted that halting the building of the nearly com-

Alexei Navalny

pleted gas pipeline would harm German and European companies.

“Whoever demands this has to be aware of the consequences,” he said.

“More than 100 companies from 12 European countries are involved (in the construction), about half of them from Germany.”

The German government has come under growing pressure to use the joint German-Russian pipeline project as leverage in getting Russia to provide answers on Navalny.

The Nord Stream 2 project would deliver Russian gas directly to Ger-

many under the Baltic Sea when completed, bypassing Ukraine.

Navalny, a Kremlin critic and corruption investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow last month and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk.

He has been in an induced coma in a Berlin hospital since he was flown to Germany for treatment on August 22.

German authorities have said that tests showed that he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group.

British authorities previously identified the nerve

agent, developed during the Soviet era, as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018.

“We have high expectations from the Russians to bring light into this severe crime,” Maas said.

“If they have nothing to do with this attack then it’s in their own interest to put the facts on the table.”

President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Navalny and said last week that Germany hadn’t provided Moscow with any evidence about the politician’s condition.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Navalny’s poisoning an attempted murder that aimed to silence one of Putin’s fiercest critics and called for a full investigation.

Merkel personally offered the country’s assistance in treating Navalny.

He’s now in stable condition at Berlin’s Charite hospital,

1 killed, 7 injured in stabbings in UK Birmingham, Sep 6 (Agencies): A man was killed and seven people injured in late-night stabbings in a busy nightlife area of the central England city of Birmingham, police said Sunday.

Police said they were searching for a lone suspect in what appeared to be random attacks.

Chief Superintendent Steve Graham of West Midlands Police said detectives were still investigating the motive but “there is absolutely no suggestion at all that this is terror-related.”

West Midlands Police said officers were called to reports of a stabbing shortly after midnight on Sunday.

That was soon followed by reports of other stabbings across the city center over a period of about two hours.

Police said they be-

A police forensics officer at the site following a major stabbing incident in the centre of Birmingham.

lieved the stabbings were linked and had launched a murder investigation.

Graham said two of the seven injured people, a man and a woman, were in critical condition in hospitals. Five others received “relatively minor” injuries.

Typhoon unleashes fierce winds, rain in Japan

Tokyo, Sep 6 (Agencies): The second powerful typhoon to slam Japan in a week unleashed fierce winds and rain on southern islands on Sunday, blowing off rooftops and leaving homes without power as it edged northward into an area vulnerable to flooding and mudslides.

We a t h e r o f f i c i a l s warned that the rainfall from what could be a record storm would be fierce. Warnings were issued days in advance for people to be ready to take shelter. Several rivers on the main southwestern island of Kyushu were at risk of overflowing, officials said.

Public broadcaster NHK TV

said evacuation warnings were issued for more than 50,000 people in Okinawa and Kyushu, including Kagoshima and and Nagasaki prefectures.

News footage showed people in Kyushu starting to gather at gymnasiums, before winds gather momentum in the evening.

Social distancing will be in place to guard against the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries in Okinawa, home to more than half of the roughly 50,000 U.S. troops based in Japan under a bilateral treaty.

The site of one attack is in the city’s Gay Village, but Graham said there was no suggestion the crime was “motivated by hate.”

Police cordoned off an area in the center of the city full of bars and nightclubs.

Witnesses said they were

busy on Saturday night, with many people eating and drinking at outdoor tables. More cordons and blue forensic tents were set up about half a mile away, near the city’s Snow Hill train station.

Cara Curran, a club promoter, said she saw multiple people fighting in the street.

“It was one group of boys against another group of boys,” she told the BBC, adding that “racial slurs” were being thrown.

Fo r e i g n S e c r e t a r y Dominic Raab said it was “a very serious incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street urged people “to not speculate about the incident” and to “remain calm but vigilant.”

but doctors expect a long recovery and haven’t ruled out that the 44-year-old could face long-term effects to his health.

Merkel has previously rejected the idea that the Navalny case should be linked to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

The US has long opposed the project, which has been increasingly a source of friction between Berlin and Washington. In early August, three Republican senators threatened sanctions against an operator of a Baltic Sea port located in Merkel’s parliamentary constituency over its part in Nord Stream 2. The Mukran port is a key staging post for ships involved in its construction.

The US argues the project will endanger European security by making Germany overly dependent on Russian gas. It’s also opposed by Ukraine and Poland, which will be bypassed by the pipeline under the Baltic, as well as some other European nations.

7 B’desh mosque AC explosion toll rises to 24

Dhaka, Sep 6 (PTI): The death toll from an explosion of air conditioners in a mosque on the outskirts of Dhaka rose to 24, with three more victims succumbing to their injuries on Sunday, doctors said.

A gas leak in an underground pipeline caused six air conditioners to explode almost simultaneously during Friday evening prayers at the Baitul Salat mosque in the central district of Narayanganj.

Twenty-one victims of the blasts died until 11 pm Saturday. Three more victims died on Sunday during their treatment, the Daily Star reported, quoting doctors of the Dhaka-based Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Another 13 people are battling for their lives at the hospital, according to bdnews24.com.

Fire officials suspect accumulated gas from a leaked pipeline triggered a spark and all six air conditioners on the ground floor of the mosque exploded.

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

DP-3741

LATE P. YILOBEMO NGULLIE (09.05.1956 – 07.09.2019) Good days are gone, never to come back.

Vacant created, nothing can fill.

Sweet memories etched in our hearts will never fade.

Sleep in Heavenly peace till we meet again In a better place called Heaven.

Loving wife, children and relatives.

Assange to fight US extradition bid in UK court

Julian Assange

London, Sep 6 (AP): WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is set to fight for his freedom in a British court after a decade of legal drama, as he challenges American authorities’ attempt to extradite him on spying charges over the site’s publication of secret US Military documents.

Lawyers for Assange and the US Government are scheduled to face off in London Monday at an extradition hearing that was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

American prosecutors have indicted the 49year-old Australian on 18

espionage and computer misuse charges adding up to a maximum sentence of 175 years. His lawyers say the prosecution is a politically motivated abuse of power that will stifle press freedom and put journalists at risk.

Assange attorney Jennifer Robinson said the case “is fundamentally about basic human rights and freedom of speech.”

“Journalists and whistle-blowers who reveal illegal activity by companies or governments and war crimes - such as the publications Julian has been charged for - should be protected from prosecution,” she said.

2ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY

of our beloved father Lt. Neiphretuo Metsieo

Died on 07-09-2018

The sands of time will never wash away the memories we had together. Your love is forever imprinted in our hearts.

K-1394

Loving family members

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

of our beloved Lt. Meyakümla Jamir

7th September, 2019 A year has passed since you left us all but memories of your love, care and affection and your unceasing prayers will always remain alive in our hearts. We miss you deeply but rejoice in the spirit that you are with the Lord in Heaven.

Loving children, grandchildren and relatives MKC-190

Pak summons ACKNOWLEDGMENT Indian diplomat With sincerity we the bereaved

Is l a m abad, S e p 6 (PTI): Pakistan on Sunday summoned a senior diplomat from the Indian High Commission here to register its protest over the alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC).

In a statement, the Foreign Office said that due to “indiscriminate and unprovoked firing” in the Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC on Saturday, one civilian sustained serious injuries.

The Indian forces along “the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons,” the statement alleged.

It claimed that 17 people have been killed and 168 others injured in 2,158 incidents of ceasefire violations this year.

K Y M C

family of Late Mrs. Kewele Imti would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to one and all who despite the pandemic have come from far and near to share our grief and sorrow at the moment when we needed the most. Words are inadequate to thank for your unceasing prayers, sympathy and kindness. Though we are unable to thank each one of you personally, we pray that the almighty God shower his blessings unto all for your good deeds. We are grateful to everyone who was a part of her life and supported us till her last journey.

DP-3755

Beloved husband, children, in-laws, grandchildren and relatives. Late Kewele Imti (1962-2020) K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

US Open: Serena Williams overcomes Stephens BCCI releases IPL 13 schedule

N e w Yo r k , S e p 6 (Agencies): Serena Williams rallied to defeat the 2017 winner Sloane Stephens in the third round of the US Open and move into the women’s singles last 16 on Saturday.

Third seed Williams essayed a signature comeback and served 12 aces to edge past her American compaSerena Williams triot Stephens 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in really incredible matches Sloane. I tried to stay calm one hour and 43 minutes.

“It was intense I have and it brings out the best and be more serene after the to say. We always have some of my fitness when I play loss of the first set. I knew

it was important for me just to keep trying, just to keep going,” Xinhua news agency quoted Williams as saying.

Stephens went up a double break to carve out a 5-2 lead and served out the opening set in just 38 minutes. But Williams began to raise her game and served much better in the second set, lifting her first-serve percentage from 50 to 76

per cent. By breaking twice, Williams won the second set to level the match.

Then in the third set, Williams was rarely troubled by her rival enroute to victory.

She will take on the 15th-seeded Maria Sakkari of Greece in the last 16, who stunned Williams at the Western and Southern Open last month.

Dubai, Sep 6 (PTI): Ending days of anxious wait, the BCCI on Sunday released the schedule for IPL, and in keeping with tradition, defending champions Mumbai Indians will take on runners-up Chennai Super Kings in the opener in Abu Dhabi on September 19.

After the tournamentopener in the capital city,

Dubai will host its first game the next day when Delhi Capitals take on Kings XI Punjab followed by the third match on Monday between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The action will then shift to Sharjah on September 22 when Rajasthan Royals will host Chennai Super Kings.

There will be 10 double headers, with the first match starting at 3:30pm IST and the second 7:30pm, according to a BCCI release.

In all, 24 matches will be held in Dubai, 20 in Abu Dhabi and 12 in Sharjah.

Venues for the playoffs and the IPL 2020 final will be announced later. The final is slated for November 10.

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