Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXII No. 159
DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00
RR beat LSG by 24 runs, inch closer to play-offs
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SPORTS, PAGE 12
India scripts history with maiden Thomas Cup win
NEW DELHI, MAY 15 (AGENCIES/PTI): India scripted history by ending the 73-year-long wait to bring home the biggest team championship crown-- the “Thomas Uber Cup 2022” defeating 14-time Champions Indonesia in the final at the Impact Arena in Bangkok on Sunday. Not many gave India a chance to win the team tournament that had previously been won by only 5 nations. However, the team, spearheaded by Kidambi Srikanth, rallied against the odds and beat the 5-time champions Malaysia, former champions Denmark in the quarter-final and semi-final before outclassing the most successful team in the history of the tournament in the final. Led by Lakshya Sen’s incredible victory against Anthony Ginting, India won three straight games against players who were ranked much higher than
India registers 2487 Covid-19 cases, 13 deaths NEW DELHI, MAY 15 (AGENCIES): With 2,487 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India’s total tally of Covid-19 cases rose to 4,31,21,599 while the active cases decreased to 17,692, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. According to the Union health ministry data updated at 9 am, the death toll rose to 5,24,214 with 13 more fatalities. The active cases constituted 0.04 per cent of the total infections, while the national recovery rate was recorded at 98.74 per cent, the health ministry said. A decrease of 404 cases has been recorded in the active Covid-19 caseload in a span of last 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.61 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.62 per cent, the data said. The number of people who have recuperated from the viral disease surged to 4,25,79,693. The case fatality rate was recorded at 1.22%, it said. NPN adds: Meanwhile, Nagaland on Sunday recorded nil Covid-19 cases and the death toll remained unchanged. Till Sunday, the total Covid-19 caseload stood at 35493 while the death toll remained at 760 (including 4 non-Covid deaths but with positivity). The State currently has two active cases, both in Dimapur.
This is it!
“Now we’re coal miners and if coal is auctioned, we’ll become labourers.” K Y M C
India’s team members pose with the national flag after winning Thomas Cup title in Bangkok. (AP/PTI)
them in the world badminton rankings. Lakshya and the doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty came back from a game deficit to win their respective matches. Srikanth smashed his way through the first game, defeating Jonathan Christie
21-15 in a stunning win. While the match became much nervy in the second game, Srikanth held his nerve to seal the deal for India. He took the tie to 2321, but kept his calm to give India a historic win at the prestigious competition.
PM others laud
Hailing the Indian men’s badminton team for winning the Thomas Cup for the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that they have scripted history and their win will motivate many upcom-
EC to pursue reforms through consultation: CEC NEW DELHI, MAY 15 (AGENCIES): The Election Commission will not shy away from taking tough decisions while discharging its Constitutional responsibility and shall pursue electoral reforms by following the time-tested and democratic methods of consultation and consensus, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said after taking over reins of the poll body on Sunday. Kumar, who succeeds Sushil Chandra as CEC, has been serving as election commissioner since September 1, 2020. He will have a tenure of 2 years and 9 months at the helm, dur-
Rajiv Kumar (PTI)
ing which he will preside over 2024 general elections to the Lok Sabha. He said that a lot has been done by ECI over the past 70 years to give the citizens free and fair elections, to ensure purity of the electoral rolls, prevent malpractices and enhance the quality of elections.
“The Commission will follow the time-tested and democratic methods of consultations and consensus building in bringing about any major reforms for dynamically evolving contexts. And in matters for which it is responsible under the Constitution, ECI will not shy away from tough decisions,” he stated. Kumar also said that technology will further be made the major instrument for simplification of processes and practices for bringing about transparency and ease of voter services for better election management and operations.
ing sportspersons. Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, “...A momentous day for the Indian Badminton team that will be etched in the annals of our sport’s history.” India’s chief badminton coach and former All England champion, Pullela Gopichand highlighted the enormity of India’s Thomas Cup victory, saying it is even bigger than the 1983 Cricket World Cup triumph for Indian badminton. From politicians, to sports personalities and Bollywood stars, the historic achievement led to big celebrations on Twitter and other social media platforms. Rs 1 cr reward: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday announced a cash award of Rs 1 crore to the Indian men’s badminton team which created history by winning the coveted Thomas Cup title for the first time.
NSCN (I-M) miffed over Shah’s ‘broadbased’ talks NEW DELHI, MAY 15 (AGENCIES): NSCN (I-M) collective leadership is none too pleased with the Central government after two days of talks-- on May 12 and 13, The New Indian Express (TNIE) report stated. The Centre’s representative for Naga talks did not yield any conclusive result on the vexed issue of a separate flag and constitution. What has annoyed the NSCN (I-M) is that the Union home ministry has “quietly” called in other senior Nagaland-based leaders of all hues, (Cont’d on p-8)
Russians stymied in Ukraine; Finland favors joining NATO INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
Centre on solution to Naga political issue- it’s now or never Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, MAY 15 (NPN): Political development in Nagaland, the crucible of over seven decades of Naga political movement, is at the crossroad as the government of India appears to be inching closer to the desire of the Nagas for early solution to the Naga political issue. There is discernible frustration and resentment among Nagas against the prolonged delay in securing a solution to the Naga political issue despite official negotiations having concluded on October 31,2019. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also held meetings with the state legislators under Core Committee as well as with senior most veteran Naga politician and former Governor Dr. S.C. Jamir on the issue. Dr Jamir also held a meeting to discuss the Naga political issue with union home minister Amit Shah at the latter’s invitation in Delhi recently. The Core Committee led by the chief minister Neiphiu Rio as Convenor and co-convenors: Dy. chief minister Y. Patton (BJP) T.R. Zeliang (then NPF), and Kuzholuzo Neinu (NPF legislature party leader) will be meeting with prime minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The Core Committee representatives have been meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah to brief him about their role as “facilitators” especially in getting all NPGs on board for one solution. Legislators have been
maintaining securing solution to the Naga political issue was the single-most important issue on agenda. The claim by legislators of attesting utmost importance to early solution since many years, has been jolted by BJP legislature Party Leader and deputy chief minister Y. Patton who is also co-convenor of the Core Committee. Patton said he was not afraid to boldly say that while majority of Nagas want early solution, some don’t want it because they are exploiting the situation. Patton on May 14, has said that if solution was not possible under present situation, then the state should be brought under President’s Rule. He said Nagas of Nagaland should unite for solution to expose those who are against solution. Patton even said that he will give the same message to the prime minister when the core committee delegation meets him in Delhi. Legislators have been repeating that they will pave way for an alternative arrangement when solution to the Naga political issue is achieved. However, the legislators said that they will resign some months before a scheduled assembly election and not soon after being elected. Therefore, the demand for President’s Rule could be plausible if the government of India makes its formal offer to the NPGs to ink an agreement before assembly election in 2023. Nagaland is slated to go to the polls either by end of February or beginning of March 2023. If the agreement is signed by August( or before August 15,2022) then PR
can be promulgated and assembly put under suspended animation for an alternative or interim government likely to comprise of representatives of NPGs and possibly legislators . Under such a situation, the 2023 election could be extended so that six months after the installation of an interim government, assembly elections could be held by March 2023. Nagas have been expecting eventual solution to the Naga political issue after 24 years and over 90 negotiations between the government of India and Naga Political Groups-NSCN(IM) and 7-member Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups(NNPGs). Solution requires unanimity for inking the final agreement between the government of India and the negotiating Naga Political Groups(NPGs)- NSCN(IM) and 7-member Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups(NNPGs). The government of India has made it clear that it is ready for one solution for one Naga political issue with NPGs and not two solutions for the two NPGs for one issue. The main hurdle towards inking and agreement stems from the issue of Naga flag and constitution being part of the final agreement as raised by the NSCN (IM). The government of India has said it in no uncertain terms that the demand was unacceptable in the past, the present and future. However, the Centre said the two can addressed post-solution but only for Naga cultural and social events. (Cont’d on p-8)
State ranks 2nd in HIV prevalence among adult population Cong adopts ‘one family, one ticket’ with a rider Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 15(NPN): With prevalence rate of 1.44% among adult population, Nagaland has been ranked second in the country in HIV prevalence among adult population in HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS), 2020. Revealing this, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) project director Dr Akuo Sorhie said about 29,928 HIV positive cases had been detected in the State as per records and 10,617 patients were still alive. She was speaking at
Observance of International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Kohima.
a programme held at the Conclave Hall, LCS building here on Sunday to mark the 39th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on the theme “We remember, We take action, We live beyond HIV”. Under the National
AIDS Control Programme, Sorhie claimed various information, education and c o m mu n i c a t i o n ( I E C ) activities were being carried out in the State, while HIV-related facilities were provided along with HIV ombudsman under the Hu-
man Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 where infected people could lodge their complaints and grievances regarding discrimination and violation of their rights. She said the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held in memory of the lost souls and honour those people who had dedicated their lives in helping people with HIV and remember their contribution in breaking down barriers of social discrimination and stigma, giving hope to many. (Cont’d on p-8)
UDAIPUR, MAY 15 (PTI): After three days of intense brainstorming, the top decision making body of the Congress party, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Sunday gave its approval to proposals for organisational reforms like enforcing one family, one ticket rule with riders in the party, 50 per cent representation for those below 50 years of age at all levels including the CWC and five-year term limit for those holding positions at all levels. In its Udaipur Declaration adopted after deliberations at the ‘Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir’, Congress
NNC, FGN greet people on ‘Naga National Plebiscite Day’ D I M A P U R , M AY 1 5 (NPN): Naga National Council (NNC) groups, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) have greeted the people on the occasion of Naga National Plebiscite Day on Sunday. Yilow: Greeting all Nagas in homeland and all those residing in other countries, NNC acting president Yilow Humtsoe in a message also paid tribute to the leaders, elders and people who conducted the democratic sovereign rights of Naga people on May 16, 1951. Claiming that the current political situation around the world was in favour of Naga people and Naga political problem,
Humtsoe called upon the Nagas, especially the national workers of all groups, to unite for standing together to achieve recognition as a people and nation at this crucial juncture. He stressed that none should compromise the sovereign rights of the Nagas, cautioning that any compromise by any individual or group at this given opportune time would be condemned by people and future generations for betrayal to the Naga cause. (Full text on p-6) Senka: In a separate message, NNC/FGN president Senka Ao greeted the people in the name of Almighty God on the historic day. He recalled that Naga
people had boldly stated and voluntarily exhibited to the world their desire and aspiration to live as a free and sovereign nation on this day in 1951 under the banner of NNC. According to Senka, a remarkable feature of the plebiscite was the overwhelming 99.9% vote in favour of Naga independence, which stood as a testimony of the unity of Nagas and at the same time serves as an affirmation of both historic memorandum to the Simon Commission of 1929 and declaration of Naga Independence on August 14, 1947. He hoped that the historic occasion would remind the Nagas that they were a
group of people resolutely determined and committed to live as free people, free to be who they were and who they wanted to be. (Full text on p-6) Thinoselie: In his message, NNC president Thinoselie M Keyho greeted the people and reminded everyone that “our elders” with the firm intent to remain as a sovereign Naga nation had on May 16, 1951 imprinted their thumbs, thereby making the day most historic. Paying tributes to the multitudes of Nagas who had taken up the task of safeguarding and promoting the eternal Naga truths by sacrificing their precious time, energy, wealth and
even their lives, he said he hoped and strongly believed that the present generation and all the ones to follow would hold these Naga rights most lovingly close to their hearts and spirits. Noting that the Central government had been desperately trying to resolve the Naga issue through many ways and means but without any success to date, Keyho predicted that this would never succeed. He warned that if India continued to pursue the old path of barbaric aggression and unfounded hostility towards Naga national issue, it would only be faced with more failures and frustrations. (Full text on p-6)
also decided to set up three new departments -- public insight, election management and national training. The party announced enforcing the ‘one family, one ticket’ rule with exception to be made only when another family member has been working in the party for at least five years. The party also decided that no person should hold one party position for more than five years to give opportunity to new people. Congress has also decided to provide 50 per cent representation to those below 50 years of age at all levels of organisation.
The Congress president will set up an advisory group from among Congress Working Committee (CWC) members to deliberate on political challenges, the party announced. A special body for election management will also be set up, sources said. In her concluding address, Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced that a task force will be set up to initiate the organisational reforms. She said the Congress will launch a ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ from Kanyakumari to Kashmir beginning on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti October 2.
Coal auctioning in stakeholders’ interest: Geology & Mining dept D I M A P U R , M AY 1 5 (NPN): Geology & Mining department has clarified that its advertisement inviting expression of interest (EOI) for auctioning of coal was in the best interest of all stakeholders, including local coal miners. On receiving several complaints from coal mining licence holders and coal depot outsourced licensees expressing difficulties in transportation of coal by road to other States, the department said it had conducted a joint visit to the site to take stock of the situation from April 27 to 28. In a statement, Geology
& Mining additional director Tsuknung Jamir said during the visit, it was confirmed that hardly any coal could be transported by road due to various reasons, which was adversely affecting the coal miners and producers who were doing small-time business as their livelihood. The team was equally concerned about the incubation period for spontaneous heating of coal, which was seriously affecting the economy, environment and safety of the people in the area due to not addressing the issue of spontaneous heating in time (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C