16 April 2023

Nagaland Post

CASA emerges group champs of PDSA meet

After 50 years, over bridge to undergo repair

ing seven spans, though in “good condition”, would also undergo “major repairs”. He said apart from the spans, repair of road pavement, hand railing and footpath would be done.

Concrete decision on ULB issue after meeting stakeholders: Rio

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 15

(NPN): After years of negligence and after Nagaland Post since 2012 reported on damages and cracks on the Road/Railway Over Bridge (ROB) near DDSC stadium, authorities are set to undertake major repairs soon.

The over bridge, a vital link for NH 29 connecting Numaligarh to Dimapur, Kohima and Imphal, has

PM lauds people of Wansoi village

NEW DELHI, APR 15

(NPN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded people of Wansoi village, under Noklak district for adopting progressive gender policies.

“A very important step, which will give a boost to dignity and empowerment of women. Compliments to the people of Wansoi village,” Modi tweeted. PM was reacting to a tweet by Rajya Sabha MP S. Phangnon Konyak who said that the women of Wansoi was allowed to enter the Morung and play the logdrum for the first time. In hitherto tradition it never allowed women to even step inside a morung.

WSH revokes noncooperation with Khango group

DIMAPUR, APR 15

(NPN): Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) Saturday announced its decision to revoke the “indefinite non-cooperation” against NSCN Khango group with immediate effect from April 15, 2023.

In a ‘revocation order’, WSH president Shikaho Zhimo and general secretary H Kisheto Chishi stated that WSH along with all its frontal organizations (WSKH, WSYF, WSSU, WSTH, WSSA, SOUD) at a meeting held in Hoho Hiyam, Chekiye village on January 5, 2023 resolved to impose an indefinite non-cooperation to NSCN Khango within Western Sumi jurisdiction following the incident at Ceasefire monitoring office at Thilixu Village of January 4, 2023.

remained under a state of disrepair as many areas under and around it have been encroached by illegal settlers over the years. The repairs were precluded with closure of all roads leading to the over bridge from Friday and which resulted in one of the worst and longest traffic jams in Dimapur.

When contacted by Nagaland Post, PWD (NH) Dimapur division SDO confirmed that there is a plan

to undertake major repairs on ROB as soon as tendering process of the project was completed. To initiate the rehabilitation works on ROB, the officer said the department had already started the tendering process and details like commencement of project, project estimation, duration etc, could be ascertained after the tendering process was completed.

He mentioned that the “major repair work” had

been initiated based on a bridge non-destructive durability test conducted by CE Testing Company Pvt Ltd, a Kolkata-based consultant, along with the PWD (NH).

The officer divulged that the test detected two spans (adjacent to Hotel Sente), out of total nine spans of the bridge, that required “serious observation”. He said the two spans would be replaced by RE wall while the remain-

Ward 21 committee lauds Police crackdown on road side vendors

DIMAPUR, APR 15 (NPN): Ward 21 Welfare Committee, a conglomeration of four colonies—Middle Point Colony, Churches Colony, Notun Bosti, and Nyamo Lotha Colony— have welcomed the warning issued by Dimapur Police to act against street hawkers and vendors illegally occupying the public footpath and roadside vehicle parking areas in Dimapur city. The warning was published on Friday and by Saturday, the footpaths and roadside parking area were free from all street vendors and hawkers and bringing

much relief to pedestrians and motorists.

Welcoming the move, committee convenor D Jonah Achumi and secretary Omega G Naga, in a joint statement, also drew the attention of responsible authorities on the Clock Tower area where “a number of public nuisances are brought about by late-night openings of food carts and stalls” from Clock Tower to Popular Bakery junction.

While appreciating the “dignity of labour” by many of local youths running food carts/stalls to make a living; the committee however

Isak-led NSCN intact, says WC

DIMAPUR, APR 15 (NPN): Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has clarified that despite the unfortunate internal conflict in the NSCN between Khango Konyak and Isak Sumi, the NSCN/GPRN led by Isak Sumi and Luyanba Yimkhiung remained intact and that status quo continued to be maintained in connection to ceasefire agreement with the Central government.

WC also said that the status/position of Isak as the co-convener representing NSCN/GPRN in the WC, NNPGs remained unchanged as he enjoyed the unanimous support of all the affiliates to the NNPGs led by convener N Kitovi Zhimomi, which was reciprocated by the Centre as well.

The committee therefore appealed to all peaceyearning Nagas to remain steadfast and continue to extended support and co-operation to the NNPGs in their pursuit for an amicable political solution with the Central government at the earliest.

This was not the time for Nagas to be swayed away by anti-peace and anti-solution elements working ceaselessly to sabotage Indo-Naga political solution, the statement emphasised.

pointed out that there were issues should also be looked into such as - food safety, traffic laws, hours of operation, waste management, neighbourhood compatibility, checks on anti-social activities, etc.

The committee stressed that these issues needed to be immediately looked into by the authorities so that proper guidelines are implemented.

The committee also disclosed that there have been numerous complaints made in the past, concerning the events and activities which

He also emphasised on the need for urgent eviction of illegal settlers around the area before commencement of rehabilitation works besides removal of utility pipes and telecom cables. The officer also disclosed that the bridge had been maintained by Border Roads Organisation and later handed over to PWD (NH) only in 2017.

Commenting on the April 14-15 trial run, he said the test to assess traffic congestion was conducted in view of the upcoming rehabilitation works. He said the trial-run would help put in place a better diversion plan, focusing more on places where heavy traffic congestion was observed.

DIMAPUR, APR 15 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, said that the discussion on the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) issue with stakeholders would take place where concrete decision would be made for the good of the state. According to a DIPR report, the chief minister said this at a felicitation programme of newly elected legislators of 14th NLA from Kohima district cum monthly DPDB meeting at DPDB Hall Kohima on Saturday.

While emphasizing on ULB election, Rio said that the government tried its best to bring more opportunities to its citizens while so many negative impacts and social unrest had been faced. Therefore, he said that in order not to face same situation like in 2017, the government had repealed Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 in toto.

Implementation of RIIN will depend on VCs:

Regarding RIIN, Rio said that Naga people were the native citizens of Nagaland and the village council were the guardian of traditional and customary law and to implement it successfully or not depended on the village councils.

Rio said that the village councils have the authority to issue Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate to any eligible citizen. However, he also warned that misusing of the power could invite legal action from the government. In

this regard, the chief minister urged the administration and police to assist in implementing RIIN in a corrective manner. At the meeting, the chief minister also remarked that even the Britishers did not involve in the Naga village level since election process becomes dirty and corrupt. Rio, therefore, suggested selection and head count process instead of election in the village level so as to keep village affairs fair and transparent and to safeguard traditional and customary law and its governance.

Army to follow amended CI ops SOPs in NE: Lt Gen Kalita

GU WAHATI, APR 15 (AGENCIES): Indian Army troops deployed in counter-insurgency terrain in the Northeast are required to follow amended Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for any military operation, General OfficerCommanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, Lt Gen R.P. Kalita, told reporters in Guwahati Saturday, reports ThePrint. The statement comes nine months after the Supreme Court stayed further proceedings in a botched operation that resulted in the death of 14 civilians in Nagaland’s Mon district. “When this unfortu nate incident

took place, a Court of Inquiry was initiated, and that has been finalised. Unfortunately, because of the stay order passed by the Supreme Court, the proceedings have been stayed completely,” Lt Gen Kalita said.

He added that alongside the inquiry, the Army has “analysed the mistakes

P&AR dept plea for smooth conduct of interview

DIMAPUR, APR 15

(NPN): The Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) department has appealed to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), other student bodies, candidates, their parents and guardians, and the citizens at large to appreciate the need to continue the current recruitment process with the existing Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) regulations and let the forthcoming interview process starting on April 18 be conducted without any hindrance in the interest of the future of the meritorious youth.

Reacting to April 13,

2023 NSF representation to the chief secretary objecting to the viva-voce component in the ensuing Combined Staff Recruitment Examination (CSRE), 2022 and demanding reduction of the personal interview marks from 12.5% to 5%, P&AR secretary Akunu S Meyase clarified that the State government, with due consultation with various stakeholders, including NSF, set up the NSSB and notified the NSSB regulations on July 20, 2020, which was also in the public domain.

Meyase said the NSSB had advertised its first Combined Staff Recruitment Exams 2022 on Septem -

ber 9, 2022 for 630 posts. Accordingly, written exams were conducted at 111 exam centres across 13 district headquarters for around 50,000 candidates. Of these, 1,866 candidates were shortlisted requiring computer proficiency test and other skill tests. Currently, she mentioned that 1,368 candidates had been called for vivavoce that would commence from April 18 and continue till June 28.

Meyase explained that the government had framed the regulations taking into account the practices of other State recruitment boards

Local subcontractors gherao road contractor’s site office

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 15 (NPN):

Irked over non-payment of pending bills, angry local subcontractors on Saturday stormed the site office of Stroyproekt LLC OIA JV that was currently executing Kohima-Jessami Package V under Phek district. According to a local subcontractor A Movi, the local contractors became agitated as some officials of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) informed them that the contract was terminated on account of slow progress. He said the project employed

around 90% of the local population.

Speaking to Nagaland Post , he disclosed that the local subcontractors were working under Stroyproekt, which was engaged by NHIDCL, and claimed that pending bills of the local

subcontractors were worth more than Rs 25 crore. He mentioned that were altogether 42 local subcontractors having about 120 staff/labourers, all of whom were yet to be paid since NHIDCL did not release the payment to the firm.

He alleged that in spite of not being paid, NHIDCL intended to terminate the contract, which infuriated the subcontractors. According to Movi, the general manager of Stroyproekt had contacted local MLA Küzholuzo (Azo) Nienü, who was on his way to Phek. Azo rushed to the spot halfway and calmed the situation with assurances, to take up the matter with NHIDCL on Monday, Movi said. They, however, gave time till April 30 to clear the pending bills and threatened to start blockade of the road from May 1, which would disrupt traffic leading to Meluri-Kiphire..

committed in that operation and taken a comprehensive review of the conduct of operation in those areas”.

“Whatever necessary amendments had to be done on the SOPs for Nagaland, Manipur, South Arunachal Pradesh, and upper Assam were already put in place,” he said. Stating that the Army is carrying out only hard intelligence-based operations in these areas, Lt Gen Kalita said: “We are now observing how the troops are following the amended SOPs to carry out operations.”

Welcoming the central government’s decision to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from

parts of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland for the second time in a year, the officer said “a drop in violence parameters has prompted such decisions”, which were taken after multiple discussions with various stakeholders. He also said that he hoped to see further rollbacks, depending upon the security situation in the region. Furthermore, Lt gen Kalita said the situation along the northern border with China is “quite stable”, adding that “any emerging situation or minor misunderstanding will be resolved through border talks under established protocols”.

Ban on transport of pigs in Assam; Nagaland to face acute shortage

DIMAPUR, APR 15 (NPN):

Nagaland is likely to face acute shortage of pork as Assam government has imposed ban on transportation of live pigs through the state of Assam.

Pork Butchers’ Union Dimapur (PBUD) has informed that Assam government through a notification has imposed temporary ban on transportation of live pigs through the State of Assam.

In a press release, PBUD president Shikato T Swu informed that supply of live pigs was not restricted within the State of Assam. The union said that Assam government was allowing infra-district and inter-district transportation to

DIMAPUR, APR 15 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has denied having any connection with the Washington D.C.based organization under the name and style-- NagaAmerican Council (NAC). Though NAC’s objective was to establish cooperation in socio-political issues for promoting peace and development in Nagaland, NSCN (I-M) clarified that NAC was in no way connected with NSCN in any manner.

Appreciating the concern of NAC vis-à-vis ongoing Indo-Naga political development, NSCN (I-M) through its MIP said that NAC’s April 14, 2023 comments and statement on Naga issue did not reflect

help and facilitate their farmers. PBUD stated that live pigs were being brought to Nagaland from the other parts of the States and cities through Assam just like transportation of other essential goods and items.

According to PUBD, the live pigs come from other States and cities such as Punjab, Haryana, U.P, Bangalore and Hyderabad. “Hence, there is no point in imposing ban on free passage of the live healthy pigs to Nagaland,” the union said.

PBUD stated that pork shortage would result in price escalation and also impact the lives of butchers who earn their livelihood through the trade.

the official policy and stand of NSCN/GPRN.

NSCN (I-M) said the Indo-Naga issue has been regarded as one of the oldest political issues in the world and had naturally drawn the attention and sympathy of many international organisations around the world, including NAC, which had shown keen interest in IndoNaga affairs.

MIP asserted that the Naga flag was the identity of Naga nationhood and did not have different meaning as mentioned by Naga-American Council and regretted the council’s “bewildering understanding” of the flag.

“We understand that NagaAmerican Council must have

given their interpretation of flag from American context and not from Naga context,” MIP stated.

Further, NSCN (I-M) said the Framework Agreement (FA) between Centre and NSCN/GPRN recognised the Indo-Naga conflict as political, besides acknowledging the unique history and position of the Nagas and the FA was signed on the cornerstone of sovereignty.

MIP asserted that there was no ambiguity in the FA and hence demanded that the Centre must honour and implement the FA in letter and spirit and recognise the Naga national flag and constitution in the Indo-Naga political agreement.

(Cont’d on p-8)

(Cont’d on p-8)

(Cont’d on p-8)

Local subcontractors during the protest on Saturday.

Rio along with members of the DPDB Kohima, Saturday. (DIPR)

(L) Corroded reinforced concrete beams of the over bridge and (R) Illegal settlers right below the over bridge on Saturday. (NP)

Lt Gen R.P. Kalita

YouthNet, YRS deptt organise ‘LaunchPad Education’ in Chümou

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APRIL 15

(NPN): YouthNet and the department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) organised “LaunchPad Education and Career Fair 2023” at Tetso College, Sovima on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering as guest of honour, advisor, industries and commerce, Hekani Jakhalu said Nagaland could prosper and progress only through local economy and urged the youth to take charge of the state’s economy by exploring various opportunities.

Expressing concern over the unemployment problem in Nagaland, she encouraged youths to have the desire to be skilled, learn new techniques and be open for any employ-

DC Mon cautions govt employees

DIMAPUR: Taking note of various complaints regarding absence of Head of Offices (HoOs), Head of Institutions (HoIs), officers and staff under Mon district, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon, Ajit Kumar Verman has directed all concerned to seek prior approval before leaving the station/proceeding on any kind of leave.

According to a DIPR report, DC Mon noted that HoOs and HoIs are reported to be leaving their stations without prior permission/ leave sanctioning from the competent authority, which was not only hampering the smooth functioning of government offices/departments in the district but also causing inconvenience to the public in general while availing various government services.

In this regard, DC Mon said various complaints have also been received about the non-functioning of certain government offices due to the absence of officers and staff. In view of the above and the interest of public service, DC Mon has directed all the officers to seek prior approval before leaving the station/proceeding on any kind of leave, and added that a written intimation in this regard shall be mandatorily submitted in advance, without fail.

DC Mon further cautioned that any case of noncompliance shall be viewed seriously and necessary disciplinary action shall be initiated under the relevant provisions of law.

DoSE appeals for OoSC registration

DIMAPUR: In continuation of its efforts of mainstreaming Out of School Children (OoSC), Department of School Education (DoSE) has appealed for registration of out of school children in the age group of 6-16 years.

In a press release, DoSE principal director, Thavaseelan K has appealed members of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), municipal/town/village councils, churches, student unions and the general public to register details out of school children in the age group of 6-16 years (children who are not enrolled in any school or dropped out at any stage before completing secondary education) at the DoSE, Nagaland online education services portal https:// dosenl.in

The principal director said registering the children would enable the department to device mechanism for arranging special training and mainstreaming the OoSC in appropriate classes at neighbouring government schools/national open school.

ment opportunities. Inspiring the students with her journey, Hekani said with commitment, efforts and hard work, she has become what she is today. She then said there was no other options but to work hard in order to become successful.

Delivering a short speech, YRO, YRS, Chubarenla Longchari said in Nagaland the general

DC Mokokchung informs pensioners

RBCAN affiliated to NBCC; holds thanksgiving programme

population considers government jobs as the only viable form of employment, which she said limits one’s vision and cancels out other important factors such as one’s aptitude, talent, skills and inspirations.

She said the unemployment problem could be eased to a large extent if the younger generation plan their education and career choices by not limiting

themselves but exploring option as per their talents and capabilities. During the programme, YouthNet director, Nuneseno Chase gave an overview of the LaunchPad; alumni speeches were delivered by Rosy Konyak, Ayimwati and Tsarobi Sangtam; one smartphone each was handed over to Phuyeka of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Aghunato and Seneh of GHSS Jalukie while Gopal Das of GHSS Mayangnokcha and Ngamlem of Mon GHSS were given a laptop each as “LaunchPad Awards”; invocation was offered by Women Pastor, Chekiye Village Baptist Church, Dr. Kanili Aye, while welcome note and closing remarks was delivered by Ravolü Chüzho.

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has informed all pensioners (life/family) of Mokokchung headquarters that in order to facilitate printing of card for Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), operators shall be available with effect from April 17, 10 a.m. onwards at the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mokokchung office during office hours.

In a notification, DC Mokokchung said if pensioners have already registered on the portal, the pensioners/representative are to produce Aadhaar card and family ID. If the family ID is not generated, the pensioner has been asked to come personally with Pensioner Payment Order (PPO), Aadhaar card and registered sim card linked with Aadhaard card.

SHGs encouraged to be skilled, avail loans

DIMAPUR: Self Help

Groups (SHGs) were encouraged to take advantage of various skill-based training programmes and schemes to build successful businesses.

According to a DIPR report, the department of District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), Wokha organised a one-day programme on women empowerment and upliftment for SHGs/ Day-NULM on April 13 at VDB Hall, Wokha.

In an opening remark, deputy director, urban development, Wokha, Kiniholi Kinimi urged the participants representing various SHGs to strengthen their activities in order to carry forward their groups to a greater height. She said that through SHGs, women entrepreneurs were provided with micro loans to sustain their business and stated that de -

pending on their activities and efforts various kind of help have been extended. She also highlighted the various schemes and loan policies available.

Nagaland Rural Bank, Wokha, manager, W. Longshithung Tsopoe said that the government supported the SHGs by providing skill based training and administrative help to build successful business and urged them

to avail the opportunity available.

He encouraged them to inculcate the habit of saving by utilising banking facilities among members, and urged them to properly maintain book records and other activities records in order to maintain transparency.

Tsopoe also urged them to following digital mode of transaction as now the system is empha-

sising to do transaction digitally.

During the second session, discussion on basic training and hand holding support to SHGs were held which was conducted by CO, DUDA, Wokha, Myingthunglo Ezung. The function was chaired by CMM, DUDA, Wokha Echungbeni while vote of thanks was delivered by CO, DUDA, Wokha Renbeni Odyuo.

RBCAN members during the thanksgiving programme.

DIMAPUR: On being affiliated to Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Rongmei Baptist Church Association Nagaland (RBCAN) organised a thanksgiving programme at Mission Center, Jalukie Town, Saturday.

A press release by RBCAN informed that the celebration began with a traditional way of making fire which was torched by NBCC president, Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie and RBCAN president, Rev. Namrong Pamei, marking a new beginning for the ministry and mission ahead.

Welcoming the dignitaries and the congregation, Rev. Namrong Pamei express joy that it was the Lord’s doing that RBCAN has been affiliated to NBCC after a long period of time. RBCAN executive secretary, Rev. Mathiuthai

Gonmei expressed sincere gratitude to the leadership of NBCC, the executive members and the member associations for the support and prayers during the process for affiliation. Rev. Gonmei also highlighted the history of the process for affiliation that has initiated in 1992 and how it has come thus far. He also acknowledged the endorsement by Zeme Council and Rongmei Council Peren and the Old Jalukie Village Council and Jalukie Pumling.

Speaking on the occasion, NBCC general secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho while welcoming RBCAN to NBCC family, reminded that the purpose of a local church or a fellowship of believers was to serve the world. He also expressed that God has made everything good and beautiful in

its time of which the story of RBCAN wasone. Exhorting the gathering, Zeme Baptist Church Council president, Rev. Suitei Ndang said the Rongmeis in the past has contributed to the growth of the church especially through singing and elderly leadership. He also expressed that they are impatient during the affiliation process because they have vision for the church, which was a positive note for every church growth.

A thanksgiving prayer and a blessing for the ministry of RBCAN was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie. Other highlights of the programme include choral presentation by RBYF choir and women choir from ERBC, and a traditional dance by Chabwan Kamang Club.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

All rank and file of the Nagaland Village Guards Organisation (VGOs) is deeply saddened to hear about the news on the demise of Late PJ Cheno, (Father of Shri.C.L. John, Hon’ble Minister, Village Guards and Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Govt. of Nagaland) on 14/04/2023.

Late Shri. PJ Cheno who hails from Chenwetnyu Village is fondly remembered as one of the early pioneers in bringing Christianity to Chen Area under Mon District and till his last breath, he was serving as a Deacon.

At this hour of grief and loss, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved members of the family.

May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

K-806/23

(T. MHABEMO YANTHAN) IAS Commissioner & Ex-Officio Commandant General, Village Guards Organisation, Nagaland

Hekani Jakhalu speaking during the event.

Women from various SGHs and others at the training programme.

NEXT POLL

10 MT organic Ginger flagged off to Odisha

FPCs and FPOs to take advantage of the social media platform such as eNAM, Instagram and Facebook to expand and advertise their products adding that such platforms would provide direct interaction between the farmer and consumers.

Meanwhile, delivering the keynote address, Additional Director, agriculture, Jacob Yanthan, spoke on the necessity and importance of organic farming for sustainability of states development.

He also dwelled on how the state government’s initiative had been giving its efforts to market state’s product through the launching of the brand name, “Naga Organics”.

Shamator, Z’boto, Tseminyu DPDB meetings

DIMAPUR: Shamator, Zunheboto and Tseminyu District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) held separate meetings and discussed ways to develop respective districts.

Shamator: Shamator DPDB meeting was conducted on April 15 near Shiponger River, Shamator with advisor youth resources and sports, chairman Shamator DPDB, Keoshu called upon heads of offices and departments to give more effort to develop the new district. According to a DIPR report, the advisor also urged the members to address respective departments’ grievances for the smooth functioning of the department and assured to help in every possible way.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 15

(NPN): Advisor, Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan on Saturday, flagged off the first consignment of 10 metric tons of organic ginger from Dimapur, destined for Odisha.

Addressing the gathering at the flagging off programme, Yanthan stated that the flag off programme marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable agriculture in the state.

Highlighting the impact and importance of Agriculture in the state, he stated that Agricultural

income generates almost 70% of the state’s economic activities.

Denying the statement that farmers of Nagaland were lazy, Yanthan supplemented this by claiming that more and more farmers were discouraged into practicing farming due to lack of markets.

Here, he opined that Nagas need to emphasize the need to identify market demands and forge strong links with buyers from outside the region.

He thereby encouraged farmers to consider themselves as entrepreneurs and emphasized on the need

ZSUN highlights discrepancies in

DIMAPUR: Zeliangrong

Students Union Nagaland (ZSUN) during its educational tour to all Government High Schools (GHSs) and Government Higher Secondary Schools (GHSSs) within the district observed some discrepancies such as shortage of teachers, inadequate blackboard and lack of basic infrastructures, which it said was needed to be immediately readdressed by the authority in charge.

In a press release, ZSUN education secretary, Idalia Samding said the union visited all government educational institutions on the theme, “Redefining responsibilities”, and interacted with concerned

department officials, school management, teaching faculties and students with the objective to foster quality education.

During the visit, the union stated that many schools were found functioning without head teacher, assistant headmaster, language teacher, office assistant (UDA), LDA and computer assistants, peon chowkidar and draughtsmen. ZSUN claimed that schools has been functioning for year without subject teachers – mathematics, science and Hindi.

ZSUN said it has also resolved to abolish the “illegal proxy teacher system” and has informed those government teachers, who

NEWS IN BRIEF

DC Longleng notifies: In view of the conclusion of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Longleng has informed all the arms license holders under Longleng district to collect their arms license along with the arms deposited from respective Police Station with effect from April 11. Mkg DISHA meeting cancelled: Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has informed all concerned that the meeting convened by the MP (Lok Sabha) and chairman of the District Level Coordination & Monitoring Committee (DISHA), Tokheho Yepthomi on April 17 stands cancelled till further directive.

NBSE meeting with new HoIs: NBSE has convened a meeting with the new heads of institutions on April 28, 10 a.m. at Kohima. All the new heads of institutions appointed during the period 2022-2023 have been requested to confirm their participation positively on or before April 21 by filling up the google form: https:// forms.gle/sTfi7oCNYNdfsZAt8

UNPG, NNC parent body informs: United Naga

People’s Government (UNPG) Naga National Council (NNC) parent body has informed all individuals and business establishment within its jurisdiction not to pay any donation to any individual. UNPG/NNC president, Z Royim has directed all concerned to withhold any payment whatsoever till further notice. It warned those contravening then notice would be doing so at their own peril.

NSCN (Niki) terminates: NSCN/GPRN (Niki) has terminated its under-secretaries, Chenithung Ezung and Jimmy Lotha from active “national service” on the ground of involving in “anti-national and anti-social activities”. NSCN (Nkik) warned that any individual, organizations, societies, unions or business associations dealing with them shall be doing so at their own risks and that it shall not be responsible for any activities that they may undertake on behalf of the government.

Awareness health camp in Dimapur: An awareness health camp was organised by Clinical Research Unit CRU (H) Dimapur Unit and Integrated AYUSH Hospital (IAH), Dimapur on April 15 at ISBT, Dimapur, Purana Bazaar, Dimapur. The medical team comprised of Dr. Eyingthung Odyuo, MD(Hom.) SRF (H), from CRU(H), Dr. L. Sunup, MO (AYUSH) from District Hospital, Dr. Sendongyanger MO (Homoeopathy) and Dr. Sentila Aier MD(Ayurveda) from IAH and supporting staff.

for products that were in demand in markets in the organic sector.

He also spoke on the challenges faced in changing from traditional to modern farming practices and the importance of providing on point solutions to farmers by understanding the complete value and supply chain.

The advisor dwelled on the need to make farmers aware about organic products and thereby discouraged chemical based products, adding that the state’s organic tag line should not be hampered. He also advised the

Earlier, the programme was chaired and welcome address delivered by founder, Wokhaland Organic Ginger FPC, Eunice Patton, while vote of thanks offered by CEO Wokhaland, Sorenthung Humtsoe.

It can be noted that the 10 MT organic ginger consignment is marketed by Wokhaland organic ginger producer Company limited, under mission organic value chain development for Northeast Region (MOVCDNE) Phase III, supported by department of Agriculture government of Nagaland and service provided by Centre of learning, Knowledge and services (COLKS).

Shamator Deputy Commissioner (DC) and vice chairman DPDB, Thuvisie Phoji urged the members to discharge their duties sincerely. The house also deliberated and approved agendas and forwarded it to higher authority for necessary action.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto DPDB meeting was held on April 14 at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zunheboto office with advisor,

land resources and chairman Zunheboto DPDB, G Ikuto Zhimomi, Toiho Yepthomi, MLA, and Dr. Sukhato Sema, MLA.

According to a DIPR report, in an introductory speech, Ikuto said the government has marked 2023 as the year to achieve a state of excellence. To achieve this goal district, he said all HoDs and staff need to do their duties with full dedication. Toiho requested the officers to cooperate with the MLAs so that they can do justice to their chair and also assured them that they would always be ready to help in any way and anytime. Dr. Sukhato applauded the recent people’s friendly budget where various budgets were made for the people especially targeting the youths and requested the officers to make various schemes and projects known to the people.

The meeting also discussed various agendas and development activities. Tseminyu: Tseminyu DPDB meeting was held on April 13 at the DC Office conference hall, Tseminyu with MLA and chairman Tseminyu DPDB, Jwenga Seb. According to a DIPR report, Seb urged them to be sincere in their duties for the upliftment of the district so as to make Tseminyu a model district. To make a model district, he said upgradation of offices to district level and creation of the new offices are required for all-round development. DC & Vice Chairman DPDB Tseminyu, Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi reviewed the last meeting minutes, and also stated that strict attendance of all the DPDB members would be maintained so that development activities are not put on hold.

EBC holds 49th graduation ceremony

are unable to perform their duties, to voluntarily retire and pave way for thousands of aspiring unemployed youths.

Stating that the union would be conducting surprise checking, ZSUN said it would not hesitate to execute its “own course of action”, including liable for termination, if teachers are found absent for more than one month without leave or if found to be employing proxy teachers.

Further, the union has demanded that the concerned authority give the due right of the school at the earliest and urged all organisations to collectively shoulder the responsibilities in moulding the students.

DIMAPUR: NNC/FGN Sumi region along with the “Naga army” under its region held a joint meeting with the central authorities of the NNC/FGN under FGN kedahge, “Brig. (Retd)” S. Singnya and NNC president, Senka Ao on April 14 at Dimapur, and discussed issues of “national importance faced by the region in particular and the Naga nation in general.”

In a press release, NNC/ FGN Sumi region, regional president, Vikato Zhimo and Sumi region, midan peyu, Khutovi Awomi said after the fruitful and constructive deliberations, the joint meeting adopted two-point resolutions. The joint meeting unanimously reiterated continued unconditional

support to the WC, NNPGs in the political dialogue with government of India. The meeting expressed concern that even after a lapse of more than three years of concluding the negotiations there was no formal accord/ agreement. Therefore, the joint meeting has appealed to the negotiating parties to expedite an honourable and acceptable solution at the earliest. The joint meeting also appreciated the immense contributions and sacrifices of the Sumi community towards the Naga cause through its participation in the NNC/FGN, right from its inception till date. The meeting further appealed the Sumi community to continue its unflinching support to the NNC/FGN.

Condolences on demise of C.L John’s father

DIMAPUR, APR 15

(NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy CM, Eastern Nagaland Legislator’s Union (ENLU) and Konyak Union (LU) have condoled the demise of Cheno Konyak, father of C.L. John, minister for forest, environment & climate change and village guards, who passed away on April 14 evening. He was 105.

In a condolence message to CL John, Rio said he was deeply touched to know that late Cheno Konyak was a man of truth, integrity and a big heart, who always kept the welfare of his people as priority throughout his life. Besides being a reformer who fought against the social evils which were prevailing in the Konyak community, Rio said late Cheno had also taught his children to be humble, kind and selfless.

In his demise, Rio said the Konyaks have lost a guardian and a father-figure and the vacuum left by him would be difficult to fill.

Rio, along with his family, conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear the irreparable loss and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

DY.

CM: Deputy chief minister Y. Patton has condoled the death of PJ Cheno, father of minister CL John. Patton said that the late Cheno was a pioneer in

the field of Christianity and Konyak literature in Mon district, particularly his area and also a true son of the soil. On behalf of the state BJP legislators, Patton conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

ENLU: Eastern Nagaland Legislator’s Union (ENLU) convenor

P Paiwang on behalf of the union deeply mourned the demise of Pj Cheno. Paiwang said that Late Pj. Cheno was a patriotic son of the soil. The union recalled that late Cheno was instrumental in ushering Christianity into Konyak soil in 1960. Late Pj. Cheno was also a member of the first Konyak Literature committee, an active member during the formation of NNC in 1957 and a social reformer under the banner of Konyak Students’ Conference. Paiwang said that during 1960 and early 70s, late. Pj. Cheno served as “Ranapeyu” of Phita Range, Rajapeyu during 1963-71 and also under his initiative, Chen Circle office was established in 1968. Further during 1960-1968, Late Pj. Cheno was made in-charge for the mission house of Chenwetnyu village. The believers also held church service in his house till the village church was constructed. He was also the deacon for 35 years (1976-2011).

Describing him as a

man of faith, principle and integrity who lived a good life and served the Konyak’s in particular, Paiwang said late. Cheno’s hard work and dedication towards the community in particular shall remain engraved in the hearts of the Konyak. On behalf of ENLU, Paiwang conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

KU: Expressing heartfelt condolence, the Konyak Union (KU) said that late Cheno Konyak was a wellrespected member of the Konyak Naga Society, and his contributions to the community was immeasurable.

In a condolence message, KU president Tingthok Konyak and press & media secretary Nokzei P Konyak said late Cheno lived his life to the fullest, and his legacy would remain for generations to come. The union said that his passing away has left a void in the community, but at the same time left behind a positive impact that would continue to inspire all.

Late Cheno was a man of goodwill, and he dedicated his life to the betterment of society, KU stated.

“His selfless contributions will always be remembered, and we are grateful for all that he has done,” KU said. The union prayed for the bereaved family members to find comfort and also the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

DIMAPUR, APRIL 15 (NPN): Eastern Bible College (EBC), conducted its 49th graduation ceremony at Buntain Chapel, EBC on Saturday.

Addressing the ceremony, keynote speaker National President, National Christian Council, Manager Joyce Meyer Ministries, India Rev. Dr. Stephen Chittibabu encouraged the graduates to grow in wisdom and knowledge of God, while maintaining quality relationship with God, and to remain more humble and grateful as they

pursue a new chapter in life.

Valedictory speech on behalf of graduating students was delivered by Liyingbeni Kikon, while special numbers were presented by RBC choir.

Earlier the programme was presided by Lecturer Peter Kemp, special guest President Northeast India National Christian Council Rev. N.K. Gurung released the magazine, Academic Dean and Principal EBC led the presentation of awards and the certificates.

Principal, Academic Dean presented the special EBC award, scripture reading by OT lecturer Thujolu

Demo and NT lecturer Ch Kaisibou, Lecturer Shinglong CS Konyak greeted the graduates. Pastor Man Bahadur offered prayer. Principal Rev. Dr. T. N. Lotha Jr. delivered welcome address, invocation by Dimapur Lotha Prayer Warrior Secretary, Khonsao Ovung and benediction by Youth director, Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Pastor Longshithung Patton. 25 students graduated in Master of Divinity, 13 students in Ma Missions, two in Bachelor in Christian Ministry, one in BA Wholistic studies and one in Master of Christian Ministry.

The Bharatiya Janata Party Nagaland State is thrilled to learn about the incredible accomplishment of Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and BLP Leader Shri Y. Patton for being featured and listed on "India's most prestigious leaders in focus" under the aegis of "Leadership you can trust" . Shri Y. Patton got listed amongst 16 other leaders from across the Country. This entitlement is given to honor leaders who have impacted the society and Nation with leadership practices that create positive working ambience through fostering of trust, inclusiveness, authenticity and motivation for positive change.

BJP Nagaland State also convey our heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and National President Shri JP Naddaji for bestowing our leader with this honor. This recognition is just one more step to pursue for higher goals par excellence in your journey as a leader. Dear Sir Patton, we celebrate with you and congratulate you for this achievement. State

Media Cell, BJP Nagaland.

Dated 14th April 2023 Dimapur : Nagaland.

Staff Reporter

NNC/FGN Sumi region holds joint meet with central authorities

government schools

Mhathung Yanthan flagging off consignment of Organic Gingers from Dimapur, Saturday. (NP)

Graduating students with college officials and others at the graduation ceremony. (NP)

Zunheboto DPDB officials during the meeting. (DIPR)

Biren lauds AMCO support to war on drugs

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 15: A collective pledge by Christian leaders in Manipur to extend unstinted support to Manipur government’s fight against drug menace and poppy cultivation received appreciation from chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday.

It may be mentioned that All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) hosted a one-day discussion on drug menace in Manipur in Imphal on Friday made a three-point declaration on drugs and poppy cultivation while making a collective pledge.

“The Church, under the aegis of AMCO, made a collective pledge based on Christian faith, biblical ethics and values to extend unstinted support to the Government of Manipur, organizations, churches and individuals who relentlessly work for the eradication of abuse of psychotropic

substance and poppy cultivation in our state,” the first declaration stated.

The AMCO also reaffirmed solidarity to all the stakeholders and prayers for the success of this noble cause.

It further declared, “The Church, with all our resources and capabilities, will persistently work for the eradication of abuse of psychotropic substances and poppy cultivation in the state and discourage receiving revenue from such sources.”

The Church, in collaboration with all stakeholders, will unstintingly address the abuse of psychotropic substances and its menace and work for the same at the grassroots level without any prejudice in the larger interest for an enduring future, the one-day consultation of Christian leaders, CSOs and various stakeholders on drug problem further declared.

The discussion was held in view of the undesirable colossal damaging

impact of drugs and poppy cultivation on the youth, society, environment and ecosystem at large.

“I wholeheartedly welcome and appreciate the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) for taking a collective pledge to join the fight against drug menace and poppy cultivation in the state in support of the state government’s War on Drugs campaign,” chief minister N Biren Singh wrote in his Facebook page today.

Singh further wrote

“With the Church authori-

ITBP distributes solar street lights under Civic Action Programme

ties joining hands to work at the grassroots level in the larger interest of the future of Manipur, I am confident that the state will soon be completely free of drugs.”

AMCO hosted the consultation programme to sensitize Church leaders in Manipur on the evil impact of drugs and poppy cultivation.

It discussed “Drug Problems in Manipur: The Church Response (Impact, Strategy and Resolution”).

Making the declaration, AMCO fervently appealed to all individuals involved in the nefarious activity/trade to refrain from further indulgence in order to save thousands of precious human lives and the degrading eco-system as well for common survival.

The Christian body, in its declaration, also reiterated its clarion call upon every church, Christians, CSO, NGO, and concerned individuals to take all necessary initiatives to fight against the abuse of psy -

Tripura govt to sell Hilsa fish on ‘Poila Boishakh’

Meghalaya gears up to host precursor meeting of G20 Summit

chotropic substances and poppy cultivation to enable a “Drug-Free Manipur”.

The AMCO also conveyed its sincere appeals to all the poppy cultivators in the state to stop the cultivation of poppy plants in the larger interest of humanity and environment.

The body further appealed to the Central and state governments to formulate a comprehensive/ concrete socio-economic policy (Agriculture, Environment, Forest, Livelihood) in the line of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on rationality, sustainability, inclusivity, and free from prejudice for a progressive and harmonious society/ state free from abuse of psychotropic substances.

The AMCO also expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the government of India and government of Manipur on their relentless effort to eradicate the menace of drugs in the state.

SHILLONG, APR 15 (AGENCIES): Meghalaya is preparing to host the Precursor Meeting of the Space Economy Leaders’ Meet (SELM) of the G20 Summit on April 17 and 18,reports East Mojo. The event will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Shillong and will be attended by 28 diplomats from various countries, as well as more than 100 delegates, including technocrats.

The city of Shillong has undergone a facelift, and several roads have been repaired in preparation for the event. During a press conference on Saturday, principal secretary of the planning department Shakeel Ahammad, ISRO director N Sudheer Kumar, and Commissioner Secretary of the planning department Joram Beda announced that the state’s cultural heritage will also be showcased at the event.

The principal secretary

highlighted that the event will provide an opportunity for the state to showcase its unique culture, natural beauty, cuisine, cleanliness, and hospitality. He emphasized that high-level delegates coming to Meghalaya is a rare occasion and the state should present its best foot forward to leave a lasting positive impression. This can help Meghalaya in showcasing, benchmarking, and positioning itself as a bright destination for tourism, investment, and development.

As part of the event, about 28 startups in the Space Economy Leaders

Meet will be participating, and exhibits will be held alongside the conference. ISRO Director N Sudheer Kumar mentioned that this event is a precursor to the main event, which will be held in Bengaluru on July 6 and 7. The precursor event will focus on organizing the main event and showcasing the capabilities and potential of the space economy and ISRO. Kumar also emphasized that, with nearly 50 years of experience, ISRO has acquired self-reliance and capabilities not only in launch vehicles but also in satellites, satellite applications, and navigation.

Rongali Bihu celebrated across Northeast

GANGTOK, APR15

(AGENCIES): As part of the Civic Action Programme organised by 13 BN, IndoTibetan Border Police Force (ITBP), 12 solar street lights were distributed to villagers of Sama-Sevik village, which is situated near the camp. The installation process of the street lights has also begun, reports India

Today NE.

Chandan Singh Bhandari, Comdt, 13 Bn, ITBP, while addressing the local villagers, expressed that the ITBP, along with the security of the borders, is also committed to promoting the welfare of border villagers. The cleanliness drive on the

mountains in remote areas, tree plantation campaign, and medical camps for local villagers have also been organized, in which the local citizens are being facilitated and taking advantage.

Further, the Comdt, 13 Bn, informed that this year medical camps and veterinary camps have also been organized by this unit in Chhatan, Thangu, and Ray villages, and free medical services have been made available to the citizens. The Comdt also stated that solar street lights will be helpful to villagers during the night, and that 10 solar street lights are being installed in Muguthang village and 10 in

75-ft high Tricolour hoisted at army station in Guwahati

GUWAHATI, APR 15 (PTI): A 75-ft high national flag was hoisted at Narangi Military Station in Assam’s Guwahati on Saturday.

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen R P Kalita unfurled the Tricolour.

The national flag has been sponsored by an NGO, Flag Foundation of India, and placed at Sainik Park in the military station.

Lt Gen Kalita appreciated the team of 51 Sub Area, under which Narangi Military Station comes, for undertaking the task.

He said the national flag will motivate the personnel to perform their duties with greater zeal.

Flag Foundation of

Thangu village. In addition, it was noted that 31 solar street lights were installed in Ray village and Sama village during the year-2021-22 under the Civic Action Program. The various welfare schemes being run by the Government of India and the youth of the border area were also promoted by the Comdt, 13 Bn, encouraging them to join the IndoTibetan Border Police Force and other Central Armed Police Forces.

The distribution of the solar street lights and the organisation of various welfare schemes are aimed at improving the lives of border villagers and pro -

AGARTALA, APR 15 (PTI): A Tripura government-run entity announced that it will sell around 5,000 kg of ‘Hilsa’ fish imported from Bangladesh at reasonable prices on the occasion of ‘Polia Boishakh’, the first day of Bengali New Year. Hilsa will be sold by Tripura Apex Fisheries Cooperative Society Ltd at three counters of Maharajganj market in Agartala.

State Fisheries minister Sudhangshu Das inaugurated one of the three outlets at the market on Friday.

The state government entity plans to “sell around 5,000 kg of Hilsa imported from Bangladesh on the occasion of Poila Baishakh on April 15”, an official said.

A price of Rs 770 per kg will be charged if a Hilsa fish’s weight varies between 500-800 grams, while one has to pay Rs 100 more per kg for fish with a weight between over 800 to 1,000 grams, according to the rate chart displayed in front of the counter.

GUWAHATI, APR 15 (IANS): Braving the rising temperatures across the northeastern states, people in the region on Saturday celebrated Rongali Bihu and Poila Boishakh with rituals, traditional fervour and enthusiasm.

Lakhs of people including women and children in traditional and new attires took part in the celebrations, especially in the states of Assam and Tripura.

Most parts of the northeast region of India are currently witnessing heatwave-like conditions badly affecting normal life with maximum temperatures in many places hovering between 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, which is above the normal by 5 to 6 degrees.

Rongali or Bohag Bihu is the most important festival in Assam as it marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.

The two other Bihus -Kongali or Kati and Bhogali or Magh -- are observed in January and October, respectively.

In a historic development, around 11,300 Bihu performers scripted

history on Thursday as it entered the Guinness Book of World Records with the largest Bihu performance at a single venue at Guwahati’s Sarusajai stadium.

“The record-breaking Bihu performance was aimed to take the famous indigenous cultures to the world arena,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Sarma had told the enormous gathering.

Cutting across religious barriers and economic status, people also exchange various sweets and gifts, including the traditional ‘Gamosa’ (a white piece of cloth with a red border hav-

ing a customary pattern), with their near and dear ones as a mark of love and New Year celebrations.

Women were seen making various delicious foods, besides ‘pithas’ (rice cakes) while the markets were flooded with hundreds of traditional and new food items along with clothes to celebrate the festival.

During the past few days, shoppers, especially women, throng the shops and markets to buy their favourite clothes and domestic items to mark the tradition of wearing new clothes on the first day of ‘Bohag’.

Meanwhile, Poila Boishakh or Bengali New Year is also being celebrated along with numerous events including cultural functions in Tripura, Assam, Manipur and other northeastern states. With new and fresh clothes, men and women visited various temples on the occasion of Poila Boishakh to take the blessings of the goddess. People especially young men and women exchange ‘Shubho Nobo Borsho’ wishes, images, messages, greetings, statuses to share on Bengali New Year.

Correspondent

GUWAHATI, APR 15

(PTI): A rhino horn believed to have been extracted by miscreants last month has been seized by the Assam Police in Nagaon but the suspected poacher managed to escape from custody, a top officer said on Saturday. The suspected poaching of a one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park was the first such incident in the park in over a year. = Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh said the rhino horn has been recovered by Special Task Force (STF), Assam, and the Nagaon Police. “It’s scientifically established to be a fresh rhino horn,” Singh wrote on Twitter.

IMPHAL, APR 15: Police in Manipur’s Thoubal district have arrested five members of a family –father, mother and siblings – as suspects after a missing man was found murdered. The suspects were identified as Md Habibur Rehman (50) of Lilong Chingjao village, his wife Gahorjan (55), and his three sons – Md Hassan (30), Md Amir alias Boboi (27) and Md Sakir (24).

Except the wife (Gahorjan) who was arrested later, the suspects were produced in a local court in Thoubal district and remanded to police custody till April 20.

The police accused them of murdering a

23-year-old youth identified as Md Nasir of Lilong Nungei Khunou village who went missing on April 12 night.

The dead body of Md Amar was recovered by the police from an isolated place at Nungei Dolaithabi under Lilong police station of Thoubal district on around 6.30 am on Friday while police were searching his whereabouts the wife of the deceased (wife of Md Amar) lodged a missing report on April 13.

As per the missing report lodged by the wife, Amar failed to return after going out of their house on the night of April 12 last.

Within an hour of recovery of the body, the police immediately picked Md Habibur Rehman father and

his three sons as suspects.

5 family members held in murder case in Mnp Rhino horn recovered, poacher flees

To further their investigation, the police raided the house of arrested family members last night and recovered a DI Tata ((MN040619) which they suspected was used in committing the crime.

The police also arrested the wife of Md Habibur Rehman on Saturday morning as further interrogation to the detained family members revealed her involvement in the crime.

The police further claimed that the arrested family members admitted murder of Md Amar.

The police, however, were yet to establish the motive behind the commission of the crime even as they suspected personal enmity behind it.

Violators to pay dearly for sewage discharge into Umkhrah-Umshyrpi rivers

SHILLONG, APR 15 (AGENCIES): Thirty-two areas have been identified along the two rivers - Umkhrah and Umshyrpi - for setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) even as hefty fines have been imposed against direct discharging of sewage into water bodies, reports Meghalaya Times.

Forty-five days was also given to the concerned authority to take corrective action against mining activities in and around the Umkhen river, which will become the main source of water supply for the new Shillong township.

This was informed by the Chief Secretary DP Wahlang after a meeting on rejuvenation and restoration of these three major rivers of Shillong in the presence of the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday. Different stakeholders including traditional heads and members of civil society groups also attended the meeting, which also highlighted the operative part of the orders passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) towards cleaning and reviving the water bodies of

these major rivers.

“The basic focus was basically on the collective responsibility and also working together with one objective and that is to clean up Umkhrah, Umshyrpi and Umkhen which will be future source of water supply

scheme in new Shillong,” Wahlang told reporters.

“It was a good meeting as all of us was in one mind and unanimously agreed that we should work together with the various agencies and the civil society groups and the headmen and I am sure that concrete results will be visible very soon,” he added.

Asked on the steps taking to stop direct discharge of liquid and solid waste into the rivers, Wahlang said in his presentation during the meeting he had shown the drone images of Wah Umkhrah right from the source up to Mawlai area

Militancy at its lowest, says Meghalaya DGP

SHILLONG, APR 15 (AGENCIES):

Director General of Police (DGP) Dr LR Bishnoi has stated that the law and order situation in the state is more or less peaceful,reports Meghalaya Times.

“It is under control and we are getting full cooperation from the people,” Dr Bishnoi told reporters after a meeting at the police headquarters. He said in the districts, most of the crimes are not directly linked to the law and order.

immediately.”

and also Umshyrpi right from the source up to the Umshyrpi bridge and “over there we have seen concrete evidence of direct discharge into the rivers”.

He said that the first internal meeting on the matter was actually held on April 6, in which it was decided that the need to consult with all the other stakeholders and make it a bigger collective body towards addressing this problem. “And since the last one week we have imposed hefty penalty. In fact anyone discharging directly into the rivers and anyone having faulty septic tanks and defective septic

tanks if they don’t repair in 10-days’ time a fine will be imposed at the rate of Rs 500 per day not one time but Rs 500 per day till they seal the septic tank or they ensure the discharge does not make its way directly to the water bodies,” Wahlang informed. “So a lot of decisions have been taken on April 6 meeting and also in today’s meeting in which I highlighted to all the headmen and environmental groups on what actions have been taken as it is time we all wake up as the situation is alarming and it is a collective effort only which will see us through,” he asserted.

“Fortunately, militancy is also at its lowest level and whatever remnant groups are there, they are in the peace process they are talking to the central interlocutors also,” Dr Bishnoi said while adding “Not much problem as of today but future challenges will remain and for that we are trying to strengthen our law and order branch so that they can deal with the situation

Regd. No. 504/23

The Meghalaya High Court was not happy with the performance of the state police especially in regards to the illegal transportation of coal, the DGP said, “We are going as per the high court orders wherever the mistakes are pointed out we are trying to plug the loopholes but again you know the area is so much and the police strength is not proportionately adequate to dominate each and every inch of the land of the state so sometimes you know through the jungle route some may indulge in the transportation of illegal coal etc for that also we are trying to dominate it by the patrolling.”

“So by and large it is under control now and whatever the direction from the court or government given to the police department we will definitely try to follow those,” he added.

AFFIDAVIT

(Correction/Rectification of Name)

Date 14/02/23 I, Shri. KEKHRIESELIE MEPFHÜO, S/o, Shri. VISIZOLIE MEPFHÜO, R/o, L Khel, Kohima Village, Kohima, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare an oath as follows:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That my official name is KEKHRIESELIE MEPFHÜO however, in some of the important documents my name has been recorded as KEKHRIESELIE MEPFÜO hence, the stated names represents the same and one person having single identity i.e., myself.

3. That henceforth, I herewith rectified the same and declare that my official name will be KEKHRIESELIE MEPFHÜO for all official references and correspondences.

4. That the above statements made in para 1-3 are true to the best of my knowledge and no material has been concealed herein and I signed this affidavit before the competent authority on 14th February 2023 at Kohima, Nagaland.

K-807/23

N Biren Singh

India CEO Maj Gen (retd) Ashim Kohli was also present on the occasion. Army personnel and their families, NCC cadets and civilians witnessed the hoisting of the Tricolour.

DP Wahlang

Principal secretary of the planning department Shakeel Ahammad (c) addressing the press.

Rongali Bihu dance performance

SNIPPETS

BSF seizes 3kg drugs dropped by Pak drone

CHANDIGARH, APR 15 (IANS): Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday said it seized three-kg narcotics dropped by a drone from Pakistan in Punjab’s Amritsar district.

“On April 15 at about 3.21 a.m., BSF troops deployed at border heard buzzing sound of a suspected flying object (drone) entering from Pakistan into Indian territory in the area near Mullakot village in Amritsar district,” BSF said in a statement. BSF further said that during search of the area, the troops recovered one big bag containing three packets of narcotics, suspected to be heroin, of the gross weight 3.2 kg.

Man kills lover after celebrating her birthday

BENGALURU, APR 15 (IANS): Karnataka Police have arrested a person on charges of killing his lover after celebrating her birthday in Bengaluru, officials said on Saturday.

The deceased woman has been identified as 24-yearold Navya. She worked as a clerk in the internal security division of the state Police Department. The accused has been identified as Prashanth from Kanakapura. According to police, Navya was in relationship with Prashanth for six years. Both were distant relatives. Navya celebrated her birthday last Tuesday but Prashanth did not attend it, claiming that he was busy. The accused later celebrated her birthday Friday night. He had bought a cake and got it cut by the victim. Later, he slit her throat and killed her.

Mobile tower stolen in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur

PATNA, APR 14 (IANS):

Thieves made off an entire mobile tower in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, police said on Friday. The mobile tower, belonging to GTAL company, was installed in the house of Manisha Kumari, located in Shramjivi Nagar area under Sadar police station in the city. The mobile phone tower was found missing when company officials reached the house of Manisha Kumari to inspect it. A generator set, shelter, and stabiliser were also missing from the place. Company official Shahnawaz Anwar lodged an FIR against unknown persons in Sadar police station of the district.

6 killed as tractortrolley falls into river

SHAHJAHANPUR

(UP), APR 15 (PTI): At least six people were killed when the tractor trolley they were travelling in fell from the bridge here on Saturday, police said. The people were on their way to fetch water from Garra river for ‘Bhagwat katha’, they said, adding that around 30 people were in the vehicle. Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sanjeev Bajpai told PTI that the number of casualties might increase. An official spokesperson in Lucknow said instructions have been issued to immediately extend financial assistance.

Atiq Ahmad, brother shot dead in Prayagraj; 3 held

PRAYAGRAJ (UP), APR 15 (PTI): Gangster-turnedpolitician Atiq Ahmad (60) and his brother Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction on Saturday night while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college here for a checkup.

The brothers, both jailed in Prayagraj, were in handcuffs when they were killed in full view of camera crews around 10 pm. The horrifying visuals were circulated widely on social media platforms and television channels. The last rites of Ahmad’s son Asad, who was gunned down in a police encounter in Jhansi on April 13, were performed here just hours before the shooting.

A police officer said the three assailants, who were arrested immediately after the incident, had joined the group of mediapersons who were trying to get sound bites from Ahmad and Ashraf.

A policeman was injured in the incident as a bullet hit his arm, the officer said, adding that a journalist was also hurt after he fell during the commotion that followed the shooting.

Video footage showed a man thrusting a gun at Ahmad’s head as he talks to reporters and the former Samajwadi Party (SP) MP collapsing. The footage also showed the three assailants firing at the brothers even after they had fallen.

The bullet-riddled bodies of Ahmad and Ashraf were taken away from the spot as tension gripped the area after the sensational killings. “We are looking into the incident. It is too early to say anything. We are yet to question the arrested men,” another police officer said.

Officials said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formed a three-member judicial commission to probe the killing of Ahmad and his brother.

Reacting to the inci -

dent, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a tweet in Hindi: “Crime has reached its peak in Uttar Pradesh and the criminals are unfazed. When someone can be shot dead amidst a police cordon, then what about the safety of the general public? An atmosphere of fear is being created among the public due to this and it seems that some people are deliberately creating such an atmosphere.”

Ahmad, a former SP MP, and his brother were brought here for a court hearing in connection with the Umesh Pal murder case and were remanded in police custody.

Ahmad’s son Asad and one of his accomplices were killed in a police encounter in Jhansi on April 13. The last rites of Asad

Gehlot filling Congress coffers with corruption money: Amit Shah

BHARATPUR (RAJ), APR 15 (PTI): In a swipe at the Congress in Rajasthan over infighting, Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the party prefers Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over his former deputy Sachin Pilot as his contribution in filling its coffers with the “corruption” money from the state is higher.

He said that Gehlot and Pilot are fighting unnecessarily as the BJP will form the next government in Rajasthan.

“Pilot sits on dharna

on any pretext... his contribution may be higher on the ground but his number will not come because his contribution in filling the coffers of Congress party is less and Gehlot’s contribution is higher,” Shah said while addressing booth-level party workers meeting in Bharatpur.

The two Congress leaders are at loggerheads since 2020 after Pilot revolted against Gehlot’s leadership. Pilot recently observed a one-day fast against his own government alleging inaction on corruption charges

against the previous Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government.

“Gehlot ji is saying that I do not want to step down and Pilot ji is saying that I want to be on the chair. They are fighting unnecessarily because the government is to be formed by the BJP,” Shah said.

Shah alleged Gehlot has made the Rajasthan government “an ‘adda’ (hub) of corruption and has looted the state. This money of corruption has gone to the coffers of the Congress party”.

were performed at the Kasari Masari graveyard here on Saturday amid heavy police security, with only a few distant relatives and locals present inside the burial ground. Incidentally, Ahmad and Ashraf were being questioned by the Uttar Pradesh Police at the Dhoomanganj police station, around 3 km from the burial venue. Asked by reporters to comment on Asad’s death, his uncle Ashraf said, “Allah has taken back what belonged to him.”

Umesh Pal, a key witness in the murder case of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal, and his two police security guards were shot dead outside his Dhoomanganj residence here on February 24. Based on a complaint lodged by Umesh Pal’s wife

2019 Pulwama attack: Cong questions Centre

Asks‘Whywere CRPFpersonnel deniedaircraft?’

NEW DELHI, APR 15

serious questions about his credibility and cited various statements made by him in recent years.

Jaya Pal, a case was registered on February 25 against Ahmad, Ashraf, Ahmad’s wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. A police team from Uttar Pradesh brought Ahmad, who was lodged in the high-security Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, to Prayagraj on March 26 to produce him in a court in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case. On March 28, the court sentenced Ahmad and two others to life imprisonment in the kidnapping case.

In 2006, Ahmad and his aides abducted Umesh Pal and forced him to give a statement in court in their favour. Umesh Pal had got a complaint registered in this regard.

(PTI): The Congress on Saturday demanded that the Centre reveal the outcome of the probe into the 2019 Pulwama incident in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed and asked why the paramilitary personnel were “denied” aircraft and made to commute by road despite terror attack threat.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP-led Union government of “minimum governance and maximum silence” and asked for its response to the allegations made by Satypal Malik who was the governor of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of the Pulwama terror attack.

“It is the government’s responsibility to answer,” he said, adding that the Congress will continue to ask questions that concern national security. There has been no reaction from the government since Malik’s interview to a news portal was released, while the BJP has said that there were

Tagging the interview, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi: “To whom does Rs 20,000 crore belong - why is the prime minister so afraid of answering this question?”.

In another tweet on Friday night, Gandhi repeated the reported statement of Satyapal Malik, saying, “The prime minister does not hate corruption very much.”

Ramesh also said on Twitter, “The Home Minister should stop trying to play Narada Muni and address the very serious charges levelled against his Saheb by his own party colleague, Satyapal Malik.”

In another tweet, he said the probe into the Pulwama incident assumes fresh significance in the light of former Malik’s “revelations”.

“Former governor Satyapal Malik has made sensational revelations in an interview. And now every effort is being made to suppress the issues raised in the interview but the truth will not be suppressed,” Ramesh said.

Denying me ticket will have a bearing : Shettar

HUBBALLI (K’TAKA), APR 15 (PTI): In a rebellious tone, former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar has said denying him a ticket to the HubliDharwad Central constituency for the Assembly polls will have a bearing on at least 20 to 25 seats even as Union Minister Pralhad Joshi met him here on Saturday with an assurance that the party would take an appropriate decision on his candidature.

Shettar is the sitting MLA from Hubli-Dharwad Central and the BJP high command had earlier in the week asked him to drop his name for the election that

Jagadish Shettar

left the former CM upset. The BJP has not yet released the list of candidates for 12 constituencies, including Hubli-Dharwad Central.

As 16 Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation councillors offered to tender their resignation

Karnataka CM Bommai files nomination from Shiggaon

HAVERI (K’TAKA), APR 15 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday filed his nominations as BJP’s candidate from Shiggaon segment here for the May 10 Assembly polls and expressed confidence of getting elected again with the highest number of votes. Bommai was accompanied by Public Works Minister C C Patil, Haveri-Gadag MP Shivakumar Udasi, and son Bharath Bommai among others as he submitted his papers to the Returning Officer. Bommai, son of former Karnataka chief minister and Janata Parivar veteran late S R Bommai, has represented Shiggaon thrice since 2008. With a saffron shawl on his shoulder, the 63-year-old Chief Minister visited Shiggaon’s ‘Dyamavva Devi’ temple,

before filing his nomination.

“I have filed my nomination today. People of my Shiggaon constituency have supported me tremendously in the past and this time too, I’m confident of breaking all the records and getting elected with the highest number of votes. People here are

aware voters and they vote for development,” Bommai said after filing his nomination. Pointing out that he had submitted his nomination papers as there was a good muhurta (time) today, Bommai added that he will be filing nomination once again on April 19 in the presence of BJP

national President J P Nadda and other senior leaders. To a question that Congress was planning to field a strong candidate against him, the Chief Minister said, “Opponent is an opponent whether strong or weak, I will take everyone equally. If there are opponents, only then there will be a contest. I’m confidence in the people of my constituency, who have supported me.”

Bommai won in Shiggaon in the 2018 Assembly polls by about 9,260 votes. He started his political career with the Janata Dal, and was member of the Karnataka Legislative Council twice (in 1998 and 2004) from Dharwad local authorities constituency, and had also served as Parliament Secretary to Chief Minister and as Deputy Leader of Opposition.

13 killed as bus falls into gorge on old Mumbai-Pune road

MUMBAI, APR 15 (PTI):

Thirteen persons, including five minors, were killed and 29 injured after a bus carrying young male and female members of a traditional `Dhol-Tasha-Zaanj’ music troupe fell into a gorge on the old Mumbai-Pune highway in Raigad district of Maharashtra in the early

Bihar CM launches 2nd phase of caste-based survey

PATNA, APR 15 (PTI):

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday launched the second phase of the caste-based survey from his hometown, Bakhtiyarpur, in Patna district.

Officials, engaged in the enumeration exercise, asked questions to the CM and his family members at his residence there. The second phase of the survey will continue till May 15.

“It’s a good initiative taken by the Bihar government. Data related to people’s economic status and their caste will be collected during the exercise so that the state government can know how many people are poor and what sort of steps should be taken to bring them into the mainstream,” Kumar told reporters after the launch of the second part of the survey.

hours of Saturday, police said. The deceased included an eight-year-old boy and three young women. The private bus with 42 persons on board was going from Pune to Mumbai when it plunged into the 300-feet deep gorge in the Bor Ghat mountain pass section, better known as Khandala

Ghat, between 4.15 and 4.30 am, said a senior police official. The accident took place near Khopoli, 70 km from Mumbai.

Late in the evening, police registered a case of rash and negligent driving against the bus driver who died in the accident. Among injured, at least six are mi-

nors. Most of the music troupe members were in their twenties or teens. The group, which played traditional instruments of Dhol (drum), Tasha (kettledrum) and Zaanj (cymbals), was returning to Mumbai after taking part in an event in Pimpri Chinchwad township near Pune city.

PubLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that chicks of Vanaraja and Srinidhi breeds are available for purchase at ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema-797 106 on first come first basis. The interested applicants may contact the office of ICAR Nagaland Centre or may drop mail to icarnagaland@gmail.com. Please write your mobile number in email or application.

with BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel today, the senior leader said he was grateful to them for showing their affection towards him.

Addressing his supporters, Shettar said he has not lost his hopes and would wait till the evening. “I have not lost my hopes. I have time till the evening and the nomination will take place till the evening. I will take your opinion and then I will decide my next course of action. We will discuss if I do not get ticket. I believe that such a situation will not arise,” he said. “They (councillors) have expressed their dis -

pleasure. They are hurt. For them, it’s enough now. Their feelings are hurt so they are expressing their anger by resigning from the municipal corporation,” the former Karnataka Assembly speaker said. Shettar added that that he will take note of the councillors’ opinion before deciding on the next step.

To a query that some top BJP functionaries were confident of him getting the ticket, Shettar said he was aware of such statements but wanted “the result”. There was a protest in support of Shettar and a public meeting too was held in Hubballi.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai files his nomination for Assembly polls from Shiggon constituency, Saturday. (PTI)

(L) Atiq Ahmed and his brother being shot at point blank range. (R) A man opens fire at Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed as they are being taken for a medical checkup, in Prayagraj, Saturday. (PTI)

Mutating hate virus

When prime minister Narendra Modi visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral at Delhi on Easter Sunday to join in offering prayers, many Christians and non-Christian secularists alike, were in two minds. The photo of the prime minister in the church and offering prayer was read as a genuine outreach while there were those who saw it merely as a photo-op. Leaving aside the different views, Modi’s visit to the church comes against the backdrop of continuing attacks on Christians across India. The prime minister’s visit is also being seen as a message of reassurance to Christians at a time when atrocities continue on a worrisome scale. However when compared with the past, it is difficult to easily accept that anything will change. This is seen when Modi for the first time, spoke out against anti-Christian attacks in February 2015 when these were widely reported in the media. Modi had remarked that his government will protect all faiths and not allow any group to incite religious hatred at a function organised by church leaders in February 2015. Recently a batch of petitions were filed in the Supreme Court alleging increasing incidents of attacks on Christians. The petitions had alleged that attacks against Christians saw an “exponential rise” post 2022. They had listed alleged incidents of violence against Christians in the States of Bihar, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves took up the case for petitioners Rev. Dr. Peter Machado of National Solidarity Forum and Rev. Vijayesh Lal of Evangelical Fellowship of India and others. Gonsalves had submitted there was an explosion of community hate in certain sections of the media and rallies.In response, Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, said statistics given by the petitioners to prove their case of attacks on the religious community was wrong at the hearing on April 13,2023. Mehta told the Supreme Court that the incidents of attacks on Christians were devised to keep the “pot boiling” and give an “exaggerated” and wrong impression. The new year 2023 unleashed a fresh wave of violence at last count, more than 100 pastors were languishing in jail in Yogi Adityanath’s UP on charges ranging from forced conversion to inciting violence. In March, a pastor and his wife were dragged out from their home in Ghaziabad and arrested following a complaint by Bajrang Dal activists that they were forcibly converting Hindus. According to a prominent spokesperson for the Christian community John Dayal, there were at least 650 incidents of violence against Christians and their churches in 2022. It is observed that atrocities on Christians are not confined only to BJP ruled states but even Congress-ruled states such as Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand where the Congress and JMM have an alliance government. A huge Christian protest at Jantar Mantar was organised in February this year to demand government action and protection from violence. Significantly, the protest was led by none other than Archbishop Rev Anil J Couto who had welcomed Modi to the Easter Sunday services at the church. The point is, if Modi’s assurance in 2015 has not cut ice with the perpetrators, then what needs to be done to send a strong message?

DailyDevotion

The Failure To Pay Close Attention

The high places were not removed from Israel. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was loyal all his days. —2 Chronicles 15:17

Asa was not completely obedient in the outward, visible areas of his life. He was obedient in what he considered the most important areas, but he was not entirely right. Beware of ever thinking, “Oh, that thing in my life doesn’t matter much.” The fact that it doesn’t matter much to you may mean that it matters a great deal to God. Nothing should be considered a trivial matter by a child of God. How much longer are we going to prevent God from teaching us even one thing? But He keeps trying to teach us and He never loses patience. You say, “I know I am right with God”— yet the “high places” still remain in your life. There is still an area of disobedience. Do you protest that your heart is right with God, and yet there is something in your life He causes you to doubt? Whenever God causes a doubt about something, stop it immediately, no matter what it may be. Nothing in our lives is a mere insignificant detail to God.

Are there some things regarding your physical or intellectual life to which you have been paying no attention at all? If so, you may think you are all correct in the important areas, but you are careless— you are failing to concentrate or to focus properly. You no more need a day off from spiritual concentration on matters in your life than your heart needs a day off from beating. As you cannot take a day off morally and remain moral, neither can you take a day off spiritually and remain spiritual. God wants you to be entirely His, and it requires paying close attention to keep yourself fit. It also takes a tremendous amount of time. Yet some of us expect to rise above all of our problems, going from one mountaintop experience to another, with only a few minutes’ effort.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Presage and Aftermath of Easter Sunday

PERIOD OF LENT

It is relevant to understand the events leading up to Easter Sunday and aftermath for all time to come. On April 09 Christians will celebrate Easter with hope for redemption.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday: so called for the practice of putting ashes on the forehead as a sign of penitence. This year it was on Feb. 22 last. Lent is the period of forty weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter, observed in Christian Churches by fasting and penitence to commemorate Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness for forty days.

The significance of Lent includes Palm Sunday, the Sunday---April 02---before Easter commemorating in Christian Churches Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding a pure white donkey which had never been ridden before, when palm branches were strewn before him amidst hail of Hosannas. Lent presages Christ’s Crucifixion on Good Friday, followed by Holy Saturday and culminating in the glorification of His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

As Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen wrote in LIFE OF CHRIST, ‘’First the Fast and then the Feast….For there can never be an Easter Sunday without a Good Friday.’’

PENTECOST, THE FEAST OF HARVEST

Pentecost is significant in the New Testament because on that day the Christian Church was born.

Christ the Passover lamb had been sacrificed; then fifty days later, God poured out His Spirit on that small group of disciples who were the firstfruits of His new people, the Church of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:14; cf of 1 Cor 5:7).This is the Christian Festival on the seventh Sunday after Easter and this year 2023 it is on June 05.

The word “Pentecost” means fifty, and comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament. It refers to the Israelite harvest festival that was held fifty days after Passover. In the Old Testament the feast is called the Feast of Harvest and the Feast of Firstfruits. In the New Testament it is called the Feast of Pentecost (Lev 23:5-6, 15-16; Acts 2:1; 20:16; 1 Cor 16:8). It was also known as the

One of the earliest memories was sailing a small boat in our backward paddy field during floods. No fear - it was too exciting there.

While the Titanic sank because it hit an iceberg, we also got hit by bhur (banana raft) in the strong water current that can sweep away even large objects.

Villagers steered a boat to the bank for livelihood.

Ours actions of fun-filled pleasure were never ending task when villages were cut off by the large body of water. We pulled hard on the oars against the water moving. Living on water is normal for riparian habitat.

People embrace floating chang-ghar (flood-resilient homes of bamboo stilts) which can keep floodwaters at bay and their life rolls on.

We heard of forming Chandubi Lake as a result of a devastating earthquake in 1897 of moment magnitude (Mw) 8.1, when parts of hills along the AssamMeghalaya border sank that led to the formation of the lake. The lonely stretch of the National Highway 37 at the foot of

Feast of Weeks, being a week of weeks after the offering of the first barley sheaf (Deut 16:9-10).

ISRAELITE FEASTS

Israelites were largely a farming people, their religious festivals, or feasts, were built up into the agricultural cycle. There were three main annual festivals; Passover-Unleavened Bread and Pentecost-Harvest at the beginning of the year, and Tabernaclesingatherings in the middle of the year. On these three occasions all adult males had to go to the central place of worship, which was originally the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Exod 23:14-17).

PASSOVER AND UNLEAVENED BREAD

The Feast of Passover was God’s appointed way for the people of Israel to celebrate their miraculous escape from bondage in Egypt (Exod 12:14,24). The Passover recalled God’s “passing over” the houses of the Israelites when He killed the firstborn throughout Egypt (Exod 12:27). However, God withheld judgement from Israelite households only when He saw the blood of the sacrificial animal outside the door. The blood was a sign that an innocent life had been taken in place of the one under judgement (Exod 12; 5, 7, 12-13; Lev 17:11).

God decreed that month of Passover should be the first month that is Abib (Exod 23:15) or Nisan (Neh 2:1) of their religious year (Exod 12:2). This Jewish month fits somewhere into the period of MarchApril on our calendar. In the middle of the month the people kept the Passover, followed by the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev 23:5-8; Mark 14:1).

The accompanying Feast of Unleavened Bread recalled the people’s hasty departure from Egypt when they had to make their bread without leaven (yeast), cooking as they travelled in order to save time (Exod 12:8, 34, 39).

Once the Israelites had settled in Canaan, the festival became an occasion to acknowledge God’s care in giving them their grain harvest. At Passover time the barley was ready for harvest, but before the people could reap it and use it for themselves, they had to acknowledge God as the giver. Therefore, on the third day of the Feast

Garo Hills surrounded by the fresh air of Barduar Tea Garden, Rajapara had rejuvenated visitors in the weekend gateway and we too decided oaring for another time on the natural lake like youthful days. The site was unbelievable to notice submerged large tree trunks. The underwater forests made difficult for sailing through the water shrubs. But slowly the things have changed now.

Soon we booked for a boat ride; we were made us with Life Jackets and Haaluwa Jappis (farmer’s umbrella), which will surely love you. The sleeveless buoyant of inflatable red jackets had obviously persuaded us for keeping afloat in water. The local people of Rabha-Hasang showed us great hospitality. As we set off the boat; I was shaken by grandma’s stories of the great Assam Earthquake that the edge of the Shillong Plateau was being thrust violently upwards about 11 meters and the hills sank forming into Chandubi.

People felt with the intensity that lasted for 3 minutes. The river rose

of Unleavened Bread, they presented the first sheaf of reaped barley to God (Deut 16:9-10). They accompanied this with animal sacrifices that expressed confession, gratitude and dedication (Lev 23:10-14; Num 28:16-25).

After the sevenday Feast of Unleavened Bread, the people returned home and the next six weeks were busy harvesting, first the barley and then the wheat. At the end of the wheat harvest, they showed their thanks to God for their food by presenting to Him two loaves of Bread such as they would eat in their normal meals. Since this festival fell on the fiftieth day after Passover, it later became known as Feast of Pentecost. Again there were additional sacrifices (Lev 23:15-21; Num 28:27-31).

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The baptism with, in, or by the Holy Spirit was an event that John the Baptist foretold (Matt 3:11), that Jesus promised (Acts 1;4-5, and Peter and Paul referred to (Acts 11:15-16); 1 Cor 12:13). Historically it took place on the Day of Pentecost, when the risen and glorified Christ gave the Holy Spirit to His disciples as He had promised and, in so doing, united them all into one body, the Church (Acts 2:1-4, 33; 1 Cor 12:13).

On the Day of Pentecost two separate groups of believers received the gift, or baptism, of the Spirit. The first group consisted of the one hundred and twenty mentioned in Acts 1:15, 2:-4. The second group consisted of the three thousand mentioned in Acts 2:37-42. There are several differences between the two groups.

The first group consisted of those who had been believers for some time and who had awaited Jesus’ departure in order to receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. In his book “The Big Fisherman” Lloyd C. Douglas wrote, “And so it was that in strangely convincing dreams, and by intuitive, compelling impulses, and many other indubitable signs, one hundred and twenty men, having no consultation with one another, turned their faces toward Jerusalem, arriving (at the Coppersmith’s Guildhall) mid-morning of the Day of Pentecost, to receive tidings

concerning the future of the Kingdom. Nothing like this had ever happened in the world before.”

Among these 120 men were included, to name a few, Simon the Cyrene who carried Christ’s Cross to Calvary, Roman Proconsul Mencius, Prince Joseph of Arimathea, Jairus the official whose daughter Sharon Jesus healed, Ephraim the lone farrier (blacksmith) of Nazareth who was always kind to Jesus since He was a boy and others who had been specifically chosen accordingly.

In his Bible Commentary Matthew Henry states that between the promise of the Spirit and His coming there were but a few days; and during those days the Apostles lay perfectly windbound, and not offering to preach. But with reference to Acts 1 chapter two, “the north wind and the south wind awake, and then they awake and we have them in the pulpit presently. Here is the descent of the Holy Ghost at a time of a solemn feast, because there was then a great concourse (gathering) of people to Jerusalem from all parts, which would make the fame of it to be spread the sooner and further. Thus now, as before as the Passover, the Jewish feasts served to toll the bell for Christian services.”

When those of the first group received the Holy Spirit, the experience was dramatic. But, because of the special circumstances in their case, such an experience should not be considered the normal experience of the Christian. Those disciples had lived with Jesus and could receive the Holy Spirit only after Jesus had returned to the Father (John 7:39; 16:7).

The second group consisted of three thousand mentioned in Acts 2:3742). They became believers only after they heard Peter preach that day and who received the gift of the Holy Spirit immediately. The experience of those in the second group, who received the Holy Spirit when they believed, without any unusual happenings, was the normal experience of the Christian, then as well as now (Acts 2:38-41). The third group who received the Holy Spirit in unusual circumstances consisted of some disciples of John the Baptist whom Paul met in an unevange-

Cruising the Chandubi

and the waves from the Brahmaputra destroyed its riverbanks. It reduced to rubble all masonry buildings of Guwahati and Shillong. While Richard Dixon Oldham, the Superintendent of the Geological Survey of India, analyzed the seismic records from Italy, and reported the first clear evidence of seismic waves. The northeastern region appears to be compressed from almost every side and is among the most seismically vulnerable regions in the world. This region has witnessed another in 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake of Mw 8.5.

While propelling the boat, the water looked calm on the surface, however water runs deep. There were poles embedded in the mud inside the lake cautioning boatmen to avoid the route.

In the meantime rain had fallen but a bundle of tokou (palm) leaves of the Jaapis protected us from the intermittent rain. We slowly grew tired after we took to the oars in the blazing sunshine. It rarely bothered with such situation. We trusted the lake. It is the home to large number of

lized part of Asia Minor (Asiatic Turkey). At first they did not fully understand how the life and work of Jesus was the true fulfilment of John’s ministry. When Paul explained this to them they believed, and showed themselves to be disciples of Jesus, not just of John, by being baptized as Christians. They then received the Holy Spirit, as the original disciples had on the day of Pentecost.

THE EARLY CHURCH

Only three exceptions to this normal experience are recorded in the New Testament, and all are related to the development of the early Church. At first the Church was entirely Jewish (Acts 2:5, 22, 41; 4:1-4), but when a number of Samaritans believed, a difficulty appeared. The Samaritans were a people of mixed blood and mixed religion who originated partly from Old Testament Israel, but they and the Jews hated each other. This division was not to be carried into the Church. It seems, therefore, that before God gave the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans, He wanted the Jerusalem leaders to be assured that the Samaritans were true Christians, who were to be welcomed into the Church as the Jews (Acts 8:14-17).

Later, the Apostles were even more amazed when a group of full-blooded Gentiles believed the Gospel and received the Holy Spirit without the Apostles doing anything at all. It was a repetition of what had happened on the Day of Pentecost, but this time among Gentiles, not Jews (Acts 10:44-46; 11:15-17).

THE LORD’S SUPPER

Jesus’ death on the Cross was the great act of redemption of which the Israelite Passover was but a picture (Exod12:5 with 1 Peter 1:18-19; Exod 12:46 with John 19:36, Exod12:21, 27 with 1 Cor 5:7). Once Jesus had died, the Passover was of no further use. It was replaced by a new remembrance ceremony, the Lord’s Supper (Matt 26:17-30; 1 Cor 10:16; 11:23-26).

In both the New Testament and the present day Church, the Lord’s Supper is known by a number of names. Paul calls it, literally, the Supper of the Lord, because Christians

keep it on the Lord’s authority and in His honour (1 Cor 11:20). Paul speaks of it also as a communion, meaning an act of fellowship, or sharing together, in Christ. Luke calls it the breaking of bread, referring to part of the meal as a shortened title for the whole (Acts 2:46; 20:7). Another name, the Eucharist (from the Greek word for “thanksgiving”) refers to Jesus’ act of giving thanks for the bread and wine (Mark14;23; 1Cor 11-24). This Feast of Pentecost was kept in remembrance of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. Fitly, therefore, the Holy Ghost is given at that feast, in fire and in tongues, for the promulgation of the evangelical law, not as that to one nation, but to every creature. The Feast of Pentecost happened on the first day of the week, which was a confirmation of it to be the Christian Sabbath (Sunday). It is a standing memorial in His Church of those two great blessings---the Resurrection of Christ, and the pouring out of His Spirit.

THE TIMELESS, UNIVERSAL CHURCH

At present times, Pentecost Church has third largest number of adherents, after Roman Catholics and Orthodox Churches and is followed by Lutherans, Anglicans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists and so on there were 102 recognized denominations till 1991but apparently have increased manifold over the years.

Be that as it may, Paul pointed out, through a letter he wrote to a church of new converts in southern Greece, that there is a sense in which all Christians, regardless of era or nationality, have some part in the events of the Day of Pentecost. Because Jesus waSs to be the channel through which God would give the Holy Spirit to believers in general, through the baptism of the Spirit, all Christians, the moment they believe, are then brought into the Church and made sharers in the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:13). Jesus’ promised gift of the Spirit, though initially received at Pentecost, extends through the ages to all who repent and believe the Gospel (Acts 2; 38-39; Acts 12:12).

Jack T. Chakhesang

aquatic plants and holds the exotic wildlife. The presence of migratory birds bestowed it with natural beauty and we picked up kolmou (water spinach) as exotic vegetables for the kitchen and plucked a few vets (water lilies) as souvenirs.

Sadly, the forest is now under threat. Chandubi have shrunk with the vegetation cover and its wetland have rapidly decline, while the growth of aquatic vegetation could endanger to vulnerable species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and plant species. The threats from climate change and anthropogenic activities caused by human activities made its toll.

By the time, it was the middle of the day; we went on a retreat at Ranikhamar waterfalls. We were miles and miles away from the maddening crowd of the day. All that hiking had given us an appetite and we made a grab for some boiled rice and fish. The Kulsi River rolled down from the Garo hills but illegal sand mining posing a serious threat to the habitat

of aquatic mammal of river dolphin as the people dwelling on the bank of a river depends on the Kulsi for livings. The river runs into a small stream connecting the Chandubi Lake and finally flows through the mighty Brahmaputra at lower Assam.

The sun finally set and we hurried back home on the route passes by the

mountain shadows above the speed limit warning of the speedometer. The moonlight and the fresh air through the sunroof had freshened up after an exhausted cruising but the rhythmic sound of oars and water along the shore of Chandubi are indistinctly heard so far.

Kamal Baruah

Need for a flyover and better public transportation

Sir, Considering the increasing number of vehicles in Nagaland with every passing year and also the existing high density of vehicles, the govt should consider a flyover in a strategic area to ease traffic congestion. Another option would be to introduce AC buses with cheap fares that play from one end of Dimapur to the other end at regular intervals to encourage people to use public transportation.

With business increasing and more people opting for their own vehicles instead of auto rickshaws, it is high time the government starts to act.

Chumbemo Kikon. Dimapur

“You can’t live an exceptional life by being ‘normal’.”

~ Nick Maley

3

SNIPPETS

held for duping bank customers

NEW DELHI, APR 15

(PTI): A former employee of a popular online financial marketplace and his two associates were arrested for allegedly duping ICICI bank customers of Rs 1.4 lakh, police said on Saturday. The accused stole data from paisabazaar.com and targeted ICICI bank customers, they added.

With the arrest of the accused, police claimed to have worked out two cases of cheating in the city. A laptop and two mobile phones used in the commission of crime have been seized from the accused, they said.

Manager of fake college arrested in UP BALLIA (UP), APR 15 (PTI): A manager of a nursing and paramedical college was arrested here after the college was found to be operating without registration, police said on Saturday.

“The action was taken after an initial inquiry found that the college was operating without proper registration. Police lodged an FIR under relevant sections of IPC at Sikandarpur police station on Friday and arrested the manager Manoj Kumar on Saturday,” Station House Officer (SHO) Dinesh Pathak said.

Man crushed to death by speeding car

GURUGRAM, APR 15 (PTI): A man was crushed to death by a speeding car in the early hours of Saturday, police said. The incident took place near the HSVP office in sector 14 at around 2 am, they said. The white-coloured car hit a water ATM booth nearby and then ran over Bajrang who was sleeping inside his make-shift shop, police said. The driver fled from the spot after the incident, leaving his car behind, they said.

Man gets life sentence for sodomising boy in UP

MUZAFFARNAGAR

(UP), APR 15 (PTI):

A special court here on Saturday convicted a man of sodomising an eight-year-old Dalit boy about seven years ago and sentenced him to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 30,000, said a court official. District Government Advocate Rajeev Sharma told PTI-Bhasha on Saturday that the Special POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act Court sentenced a man named Khalid for the crime he committed in July 2016 when the boy had been out for toilet. Khalid was booked at the complaint of the boy’s father, Sharma said.

SUV falls into pit in UP’s

Shravasti, six killed

SHRAVASTI (UP), APR 15 (PTI): Six people, including a nine-yearold boy, were killed and eight injured when their SUV fell into a roadside pit after colliding with a tree in the Ikauna area of this Uttar Pradesh district, police said on Saturday. The SUV driver had lost control of the vehicle, leading to the accident near Sonrai, they said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives. “Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the road accident in Shravasti district. Wishing peace to the departed souls, the chief minister passed on his condolences to the bereaved family members,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a tweet in Hindi.

Full strength SC should not be aberration but regular feature: CJI

(PTI): Chief Justice of India

(CJI) DY Chandrachud has said a Supreme Court functioning at its full strength should not be an “aberration” but a “regular feature” and asked the in-house think tank --Center for Research and Planning (CRP)-- to collect data of top 50 judges in the country for selection as future apex court judges.

With the swearing-in of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Aravind Kumar, on February 13, this year, the top court got the full strength of 34 judges including the CJI.

The CRP was set up in 2018 by the then CJI, Ranjan Gogoi, to strengthen the knowledge infrastructure of Supreme Court and, apart from research, the think tank is mandated to focus on outreach that includes explaining key decisions of the SC as well as its contribution

DY Chandrachud

to law and justice, besides the working of courts. The CJI was speaking at a function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Tuesday to felicitate justices Dipankar Datta, Pankaj Mithal, Sanjay Karol, Sanjay Kumar, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Manoj Mishra, Rajesh Bindal and Aravind Kumar for their recent induction as apex court judges.

The top court faces the prospect of six judges retir-

Delhi excise policy scam: CBI to question Arvind Kejriwal today

NEW DELHI, APR 15

ing this year. “One of my missions has been to ensure that a full-strength Supreme Court is not an aberration but a regular feature of the Supreme Court. There is absolutely no justification or reason for the Collegium to keep even a single vacancy unfilled in the Supreme Court and that will be my mission for the future as well,” the CJI said. He also said that CRP has been directed to collect data of the top 50 judges in the country for selection as future Supreme Court judges and this will assist the Permanent Secretariat of the collegium which deals with judicial appointments. “The CRP has some extraordinarily talented young people including young judicial officers who I have recruited. It is headed by an officer from the Punjab and Haryana High

P&AR dept plea for smooth conduct of interview

(From p-1)

and agencies that had retained vivavoce and interviews as an integral requirement of the recruitment process. Meyase pointed out that the Supreme Court had in its recent order had directed for 12.5% of the total marks for the viva-voce in the recruitment process under Haryana Staff Selection Commission.

The official quoted Section 45 (10) of the NSSB Regulations, 2020: “The Marks allotted for Personal Interview shall be fixed at not more than 12.5% of the total marks of the examination process”.

Further, Section 45 (12) read, “Marks awarded to a candidate appearing in the Personal Interview shall not be less than 40% of the total marks allotted for Interview and generally not more than 80% of the total marks allotted for Interview”.

Therefore, as a corollary to the provisions under Section 45 (12), only 5% out of 12.5% was left for the NSSB to assess

and award the marks for the personal interview, Meyase pointed out.

In the discussions with the NSF, the secretary claimed that it was made clear that the State government was open to the idea of reviewing the NSSB regulations concerning the proportion of total marks to be allotted for written and interview exams, among others, before advertising the next cycle of recruitment.

However, since the current recruitment process was started with existing regulations, Meyase appealed that it should be allowed to go on without any change.

Meyase mentioned that the NSSB, being a new organisation, was putting in place strong systems to ensure a robust, transparent and IT-enabled recruitment process. The official said the NSSB was confident that the interview process would be completed smoothly and transparently as per the regulations.

Army to follow amended CI ops SOPs in...

(From p-1)

On the political instability in Myanmar and the streaming of refugees into India, he said the paramilitary force of Assam Rifles is monitoring the situation along the Indo-Myanmar border. India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar in four northeastern states — Arunachal (520 km), Nagaland (215

km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km).

“We would like to see the situation in Myanmar moving towards peace and stability. We have increased the deployment of troops along the Indo-Myanmar border because of the situation improving in the hinterland,” he said.

However, Lt Gen Kalita denied reports that eth-

nic Chin insurgents fighting Myanmar’s junta were using Indian territory as a logistical base.

“We will not allow Indian territory to be used by any rebel group. There have been a few cases of aerial bombings targeting Myanmar insurgent camps near the border, and we are constantly monitoring the situation,” he said.

Conman held for posing as PMO staffer now booked for cheating firm owner

AHMEDABAD, APR 15

(PTI): Alleged conman Kiran Patel was on Saturday booked on the charge of cheating a businessman from Ahmedabad by posing as an official from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), taking the number of FIRs against him to six, police said.

The city crime branch registered a first information report (FIR) against Patel on the complaint of one Kishor Chandarana, who owns an event management firm here. Patel allegedly deceived the complainant with the promise of getting him a big project in Jammu and Kashmir.

Accused Kiran Patel

Patel was first arrested in March by the J&K police for posing as a PMO official and brought here on a transfer warrant by the Ahmedabad crime branch on April 8 in connection with another cheating case registered against him, said officials.

According to the crime branch, Patel identified himself as an ‘additional director’ in the PMO by sending a visiting card to the complainant on WhatsApp and claimed that he had been given the responsibility of

Court, a young dalit student...,” he said.

This collection of data was never done, he said, adding the collegiums will now have the judgements and their numbers. “The idea is to promote a sense of objectivity in the work which the Collegium does.

So the CRP will now merge its activities with the permanent Secretariat of the CJI,” he said. He said, as of today, all apex court judges have been appointed between 2006 and 2011 as judges of the High Courts, and the sum total of their cumulative experience as judges works to about 121 years. “121 years, 13 states, one of the union territories. So this gives you an idea of the diversity and the depth of the experience which our colleagues bring to the bench,” Justice Chandrachud said.

(PTI): The CBI will question Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday in its probe into the excise policy scam, a move that has escalated the AAP-Centre faceoff and became a fresh rallying point for opposition unity push ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

As opposition leaders like the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and JD(U) supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed solidarity with Kejriwal on Saturday and renewed calls to speed up opposition unity efforts to take on the BJP, officials said the CBI may ask the AAP chief about the policy formulation process, especially of the “untraceable” file which was earlier slated to be put before the Delhi Council of Ministers. Kejriwal is being summoned as a witness and is not an accused in the

Arvind Kejriwal

excise policy case in which his former deputy Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on February 26. Sisodia was last month arrested by the Enforcement Directorate(ED) and is in judicial custody.

The chief minister on his part said the Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) has emerged as a ray of hope for the country and claimed that is the reason why efforts are being made to trample it.

In his first reaction after being served a notice by the CBI to appear before it at

11 am on Sunday, Kejriwal said he will be present before the probe agency.

Addressing a press conference here, he said no other party has been targeted in the last 75 years as the AAP. He also alleged that the agencies were torturing people to extract false confessions.

Asserting that if he was “corrupt” then no one in the world was “honest”, Kejriwal also claimed that BJP leaders were demanding his arrest and that if the saffron party had “ordered” the probe agency to arrest him, it cannot refuse doing so. Kejriwal said he will sue the CBI and ED officials for alleged perjury and filing false affidavits in courts. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju took a jibe at Kejriwal over his sue CBI and ED remarks, saying the AAP leader will file a case against the court if convicted.

K’taka polls: Cong announces 3rd list of candidates

No ticket to ex-CM Siddaramaiah in Kolar

BENGALURU/NEW

DELHI, APR 15 (PTI):

The Congress on Saturday announced its third list of 43 candidates for the May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka, and turned down the request of senior leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to contest from the second seat - Kolar.

Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, who joined the Congress on Friday, has got the ticket from Athani in Belagavi district.

Also, senior JD(S) leader K M Shivalinge

Gowda, who had joined the Congress recently, has been fielded from Arsikere.

The Congress has given tickets to at least 16 fresh faces in the third list. They include former Union Minister and Opposition’s nominee for the Vice-President polls Margaret Alva’s son Nivedit Alva, and former state Minister Motamma’s daughter Nayana Jyothi Jhawar.

The party had on March 25 announced the first list of 124 candidates and second list for 42 constituencies (including Melukote where it is backing the candidate of a different party) on April 6.

With the third list of 43 candidates, the party

has so far announced the nominees for 209 out of total 224 seats.

The Congress has fielded former Mulbagal MLA Kothur G Manjunath from Kolar, the second seat from where Siddaramaiah wanted to contest.

The Karnataka HC had in April, 2018 had disqualified Manjunath, who had got elected as an independent MLA from Mulbagal in 2013 polls, on a charge of furnishing an illegal caste certificate.

According to party sources, as it got clearer that he will not get the ticket to contest from Kolar, Siddaramaiah himself is said to have favoured Manjunath, as the candidate, amid other

aspirants.

Stating that he was among those who demanded that Siddaramaiah should contest from Kolar and it continues to be his demand even today, Manjunath told reporters he was caught by surprise to see his name in the list, as he along with other leaders from Kolar only expected Siddaramaiah’s name to be announced as the candidate.

While Siddaramaiah’s name was announced as candidate from his home turf of Varuna in the first list itself, the Congress Legislature Party leader had maintained that he wished to contest from Kolar too, as the second seat, if the party high command agrees.

NagalaNd Multispeciality HealtH & ReseaRcH ceNtRe, MidlaNd, diMapuR ph: 8416097640/ 9856006026/ 03862-248302

CARDiOlOGiST FROm ApOllO ExCEl CARE HOSpiTAl GUwAHATi AvAilAblE FOR CONSUlTATiON

Teacher WanTed

the development of Kashmir.

He lured the complainant by promising to offer him the contract for an all-India level medical conference at Pulwama in J&K and made him spend Rs 3.5 lakh, said police.

Chandarana told police that he spent the money on Patel by organising an event in a five-star hotel in Ahmedabad under the banner of G20 summit and paying for Patel’s air travel from Ahmedabad to Srinagar and his stay at a five-star hotel there.

In the latest case, Patel has been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 170 (pretending to hold office as public servant).

Patel was brought to Ahmedabad in connection with a case related to usurping a bungalow belonging to a senior citizen in a posh locality of the city in which his wife Malini Patel was arrested on March 28 as a co-accused.

With this, Patel has been shown as an accused in six FIRs, said officials.

Bihar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 14 in Motihari

MOTIHARI/PATNA, APRIL 15 (PTI): Death toll in suspected hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Motihari climbed to 14 on Saturday amidst a political blame game.

The deaths took place in Turkauliya, Harsiddhi, Sugauli and Paharpur areas, officials said. Some ten people have been arrested in connection with the sale

and transportation of illicit liquor.

Police was informed that some villagers have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. Officials also said some ten more people were critically ill people and are being treated at Motihari Sadar hospital.

PINNACLE SKILLS ADmiSSiON OpEN

COURSE FEES

Certificate in Cutting & Tailoring (3 months) 3500/-

Nursing Assistant (6 months) 8000/-

Diploma in Fashion Designing (4 months) 15000/12000/- (Offer till 30th April)

DCA (3 months) 6000/- (Get a chance to win Samsung Tablet)

Diploma in Hospitality Management (6 months) 9000/-

CONTACT US : 6009484809/8731804648 (Dimapur) 8794668242 (Kohima)

DP-1621/23

JOB O PENING

SBI Life, Dimapur Branch

Part Time/ Full Time for Advisor

Businessmen, Housewives, Working Professionals, Teachers, Retired People, VRS, Mutual Fund Agents etc can apply.

Min. Qualification : Class 10 above

Age : 27 yrs Above

Contact : 9862306095 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Address : Super Market, Pauna Complex 2nd Floor Above Mercy Eye Care

For a Reputed School in Dimapur.

Post : Computer Teacher Required Qualification : MCA/M.Sc in Computer Science

Min Experience : 3 Years in Teaching

Salary : 15k to 25k

Send your Resume/CV at resumecv750@gmail.com

-1570/23

Govt plans to improve health of PSU gen insurers

NEW DELHI, APR 15

(PTI): The finance ministry is planning an additional capital infusion of Rs 3,000 crore this fiscal in the three loss-making public sector general insurance companies to improve their health, according to sources.

The government in FY22 provided Rs 5,000 crore capital to three insurers --National Insurance Company Limited, Oriental Insurance Company Limited and United India Insurance Company.

Kolkata-based National Insurance Company Limited was given the highest Rs 3,700 crore, followed by Delhi-based Oriental Insurance Company Limited Rs 1,200 crore and Chennai-based United India Insurance Company Rs 100 crore.

According to the sources these companies have been asked to improve their solvency ratio and meet the regulatory requirement of 150 per cent.

The solvency ratio is a measure of capital adequacy. A higher ratio reflects better financial health and

Concrete decision on ULB issue...

(From p-1)

Nirmala Sitharaman

the ability of the company to pay claims and meet future contingencies and business growth plans.

Barring the solvency ratio of New India Assurance, this key indicator of the three Public sector general insurance companies stood below the regulatory requirement of 150 per cent in 2021-22. For example, the solvency ratio of National Insurance Company Limited was 63 per cent, Oriental Insurance Company Limited 15 per cent and United India Insurance Company 51 per cent. The solvency margin is the extra capital the companies must hold over and above the claim amounts they are likely to incur. It

After 50 years, over bridge...

(From p-1)

The official mentioned that the report of the trial run would be sent to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and the project would be implemented under the guidelines and direction of the ministry.

When contacted, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Sachin Jaiswal confirmed that the district administration would “evict all illegal settlers under the bridge before rehabilitation works begins.”

It may be noted that Nagaland Post had highlighted the deplorable condition of the city’s oldest bridge. According to some reports, the construction of this bridge was completed in the early 1970s and officially inaugurated in 1973, thereby making it at least 50 years old.

Nagaland Post had carried a special report in 2012 revealing several cracks that had appeared in a portion of one of the beams. In 2018, the newspaper had also reported that a fire, which broke out in a colony, had destabilised the bridge slabs when several cracks appeared over the burnt area. It was reported that iron rods supporting the main beams of the bridge slabs were exposed after the fire burned off parts of cement plasters on the beams.

The newspaper had also on several occasions highlighted the issue of several illegal hutments below the bridge and how settlers in the surrounding areas posed threat on the bridge. Despite such reports on hazardous condition of the bridge and the illegal occupation of the railway land, the authorities have remained mute and only woken up after ten years.

acts as a financial backup in extreme situations, enabling the company to settle all claims.

Each of these companies has been asked to pursue a profitable growth path, the sources said, adding further capital infusion would depend on their performance indicators being met. During 2019-20, the government infused Rs 2,500 crore in these three companies.

It increased substantially to Rs 9,950 crore in the following year and Rs 5,000 crore in 2021-22.

Public sector general insurance companies are undergoing various reforms, including organisational restructuring, product rationalisation, cost rationalisation and digitalisation. For efficient use of capital and to push profitable growth, the sources said, a set of key performance indicators linked reforms have been initiated by all public sector general insurance companies effective 2020-21 when the maximum capital infusion was made.

Indiaprojectedtogrowat7%in

2022-23:SitharamanatIMFmeet

NEW DELHI, APR 15

(IANS): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that with both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank having projected India as the fastest growing major economy in 2023, it will stay on course and is projected to grow at 7 per cent in 2022-23 as per the government’s own economic survey 2022-23. She said this during the plenary meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) at the IMF headquarters in Washington.

In her intervention, the finance minister highlighted that conducive domestic policy environment along with the Indian government’s focus on structural reforms has kept domestic economic activity in India robust. Sitharaman underlined the learning from the pandemic that digitalisation, especially digital public infrastructure (DPI) is a positive-catalyst

Ward 21 committee lauds Police crackdown on road side vendors

(From p-1) take place when those food carts/stalls were “permitted to operate until nearly the early hours of the morning with little to no time limit.” According to sources, the permit to operate these food stalls where the owners placed dining table and chairs on footpath, were okayed by the DMC.

The Committee also pointed out that as a result of the disorderly and unlawful parking techniques used by food carts/stalls, there was a tremendous amount of traffic along that stretch of road. The signatories reminded that residents of the neighbourhood have also complained that those vendors frequently block the path (lane) to their homes with their food carts or stalls during the night and making

it difficult to pass through . “This is against commuters’ fundamental right to move freely and use the roads without any obstruction,” the committee maintained . In view of the above , the committee has appealed to authorities to take action. It also suggested some feasible solutions such as setting time for food carts, stalls and merchants to open; allocating specific places to lessen or prevent congestion; proper disposal of garbage; inspection on food safety and public health; preventing any illegal activity; ensuring that no obstacle is caused to movement of pedestrians and to disallow food stalls/carts to put tables and chairs on the footpaths obstructing public movement especially during the evening rush hour.

for the global economy and how India’s DPI revolutionised the access and created a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Referring to global sovereign debt roundtable, the finance minister said it has demonstrated a constructive way forward with multi-stakeholder cooperation for other vulnerable countries and India is pleased to be part of the team that provided solution for Sri Lanka and Suriname.

Through India’s G20 presidency, Sitharaman reiterated the commitment towards exploring solutions through stakeholder engagements, to pressing global challenges, which disproportionately harm the poorest and most vulnerable. In conclusion of her intervention, while urging all the G20 members to continue to support multilateral efforts, Sitharaman emphasised on engaging in positive dialogue to fight the challenge of global fragmentation.

On the occasion, chief minister thanked the Kohima DPDB for organising the programme. He sought active participation from all the district officers to make Kohima city a real Smart City in Nagaland.

Rio remarked that officers who were posted in Kohima, the state capital and the first district of Nagaland, were privileged and since Kohima is the Mirror of Nagaland. He urged every officer and stakeholder to give their best to keep Kohima city in proper place in terms of sanitation, beautification and other basic amenities.

Rio also thanked and congratulated the district administration, police and other line departments for their tireless efforts and effective cooperation for the successful conduct of G20/ B20 Summit in Kohima and peaceful conduct of State General Election 2023. The chief minister also suggested holding of forthcoming DPDB meetings in different venues in to make it more interesting and constructive by giving special

emphasis on the particular area and to see the works that has been achieved and also to identify the developmental activities that were to be focused.

He also asked district officers to be aware of the important historical places. He also asked the tourism department to give more importance in training Tourist Guides with special focus in rural areas with basic facilities, since most of the tourists prefer to stay in rural areas.

DPDB chairman and advisor Er. Kropol Vitsu, in his short speech, expressed gratitude to the chief minister for reposing faith in him and assigning him as the chairman of Kohima DPDB.

He said under the leadership of chief minister Rio the elected legislators would lead the district in terms of planning and development. Chairman asked the members to extend their full cooperation and contribute constructive suggestions as per the policies and programmes of the government for the development of the district. He also

called upon the members to be sincere, regular and take active part in the forum in order to contribute something for the welfare of the public and become a role model to the other district.

The newly elected legislators led by chief minister, Neiphiu Rio; minister for women resource development & horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse; advisor prisons, printing & stationeries, Er. Kropol Vitsu; Kevipodi Sophie, MLA, and Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, attended the felicitation programme.

Review of last meeting minutes, PPT presentation by Horticulture Department and District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU) were also presented.

DC Kohima, Shanavas C, chaired the programme and also delivered the welcome address and felicitating the newly elected legislators. District Education Officer, Emilo Patton gave invocation while and vote of thanks was proposed by DPO & member secretary DPDB, Vilhoutuonuo Sachu.

Amazon, Google CEOs hint at more layoffs

NEW DELHI, APR 15 (IANS): As tech layoffs continue unabated in 2023, Amazon and Google CEOs have hinted at more layoffs as the companies continue to evaluate business.

In a letter to company shareholders, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that they reprioritised where to spend resources, which ultimately led to the hard decision to eliminate 27,000 corporate roles.

“There are a number of other changes that we’ve made over the last several months to streamline our overall costs, and like most leadership teams, we’ll continue to evaluate what we’re seeing in our business and proceed adaptively,” the Amazon CEO wrote.

Jassy said that the company had to conduct a

thorough analysis of each business and invention within the company to determine whether they had strong potential to generate revenue, operating income, free cash flow, and return on invested capital in the long run.

Meanwhile, Pichai said that the company is “literally looking at every aspect of what we do” in

an effort to re-engineer its cost base permanently.

In a recent interview with Wall Street Journal, the Alphabet and Google CEO said: “We are trying to accomplish that across many different ways. We’re literally looking at every aspect of what we do, and as we said on our last earnings call, we’re thinking about how to re-engineer

our cost base in a durable way.”

“We are definitely being focused on creating durable savings. We are pleased with the progress, but there’s more work left to do,” he was quoted as saying. Google had in January laid off 12,000 employees in its first round of layoffs.

All Types of Fire Extinguisher, Refilling, Fire Hydrant, Sprinkler, Fire Intelligent System. Tinpatti Junction Kohima Nagaland - 797001 Contact: 9089110001

SNIPPETS

Ukraine to receive financial help from IMF KIEV, APR

Explosive thrown at Japan PM Kishida

15 (IANS):

Ukraine will receive a total of $4.5 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this year as Russia continues its full scale invasion of Kiev, the war-torn country’s Finance Ministry said.

Ukraine received the first tranche of $2.7 billion earlier this month, and expects to receive two additional tranches totaling $1.8 billion, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying. After his meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, Ukrainian Finance Minister

Serhiy Marchenko said the new Extended Fund Facility program endorsed by the global lender last month “will make a significant contribution to the financing of this year’s budget deficit and will create the underpin for the reconstruction of the country and its accession to the European Union”.

Fire breaks out at Dhaka’s Supermarket

DHAKA, APRIL 15 (IANS): A fire broke out at the New Supermarket in Dhaka near the popular Newmarket on Saturday.

Presently, 28 units of the fire service and a Border Guard Bangladesh rescue team are working to control the blaze. Confirming the development, Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service, Shajahan Sikder told IANS that the blaze was reported at 5.40 a.m. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. There were no reports of any casualties or injuries so far. This is the second fire incident in Bangladesh capital within a month.

UN continues quakerelated aid to Syria

UNITED NATIONS, APR 15 (IANS): The UN and partners are continuing to help people affected by the recent earthquakes in Syria, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Across the country, more than one million people have received tents, shelter kits and other emergency items. Nearly 1.1 million people have received food rations. Nearly two million hot meals have been provided, OCHA added on Friday. More than three-quarters of damaged schools have reopened in the governorates of Aleppo, Lattakia, Tartous, Hama, Homs and Idlib, it said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

Finland builds fence on Russian border

HELSINKI, APR 15 (IANS): Finland is building a fence on its border with Russia, the country’s Border Guard said in a press statement. Finland’s Parliament reached a consensus on the construction of the fence in 2022 and granted funding for the project. Work started in February this year. The fence is to cover nearly 200 kilometre of the country’s 1,300-kilometre eastern border, Xinhua news agency reported. The project, to be completed by 2026, includes a steel mesh fence, an adjacent road, a deforested opening and a technical surveillance system. The overall cost is 380 million euros ($418 million).

A three-kilometre pilot version of the fence near the southeastern town of Imatra is scheduled to be completed in June. The next 75-kilometre stretch of the fence will be built near the Salla international border crossing in Lapland between August and November 2023.

WAKAYAMA (JAPAN), APR 15 (AP): Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated unharmed Saturday after someone threw an explosive device in his direction while he was campaigning at a fishing port in western Japan, officials said. Police wrestled a suspect to the ground as screaming bystanders scrambled to get away and smoke filled the air.

One police officer was slightly hurt and Kishida continued campaigning Saturday, but the chaotic scene was reminiscent of the assassination nine months ago of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which also came on a campaign tour and continues to reverberate in Japanese politics. Kishida was visiting Saikazaki port in Wakayama prefecture to support his ruling party’s candidate in a local election, and the explosion occurred just before he was to begin his speech.

A young man believed to be a suspect was arrested Saturday at the scene after he allegedly threw “the suspicious object,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

Matsuno refused to comment on the suspect’s motive and background, saying police are still investigating.

TV footage shows Kishida standing with his back to the crowd. His security detail suddenly points to the ground near him, and the prime minister whips around, looking alarmed. The camera quickly turns to the crowd just as several people, including uniformed and plainclothes police officers, converge on a young man wearing a white surgical mask and holding what appears to be another device, a long silver tube.

As they collapse on top of the man, working to

remove the tube from his hands, a large explosion is heard near where Kishida had been standing. The crowd scatters in panic as police roughly drag the man away.

It wasn’t immediately clear what the explosive device was or how many the suspect had, but some reports said it was a smoke or pipe bomb, possibly with a delayed fuse. No injuries among the crowd were reported in the incident, which came on the eve of a major international forum in Japan. Kishida was not hurt and continued his campaign speeches later Saturday, Matsuno said. One

Sudan’s army and rival force clash; wider conflict feared

KHARTOUM, APR 15

(AP): Fierce clashes between Sudan’s military and the country’s powerful paramilitary force erupted Saturday in the capital and elsewhere in the African nation, raising fears of a wider conflict in the chaos-stricken country. In Khartoum, the sound of heavy firing could be heard in a number of areas, including the city center and the neighbourhood of Bahri. In a series of statements, the Rapid Support Forces militia accused the army of attacking its forces at one of its bases in south Khartoum.

They claimed they seized the city’s airport and “completely controlled” Khartoum’s Republican Palace, the seat of the country’s presidency. The group also said it seized an airport and air base in the northern city of Merowe some 350 kilometers (215 miles) northwest of Khartoum. The Associated Press was unable

Smoke is seen rising from a neighborhood in Khartoum, Sudan, Saturday. (AP)

to verify those claims.

The Sudanese army said fighting broke out after RSF troops tried to attack its forces in the southern part of the capital, accusing the group of trying to take control of strategic locations in Khartoum, including the palace.

The military also declared the RSF a rebel force and described the paramilitary’s statements as “lies.”

A military official told the AP that fighter jets took

off from a military base north of Omdurman and attacked the RSF’s positions in and around Khartoum.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media. The clashes came as tensions between the military and the RSF have escalated in recent months, forcing a delay in the signing of an internationally backed deal with political parties to revive the country’s democratic

police officer was slighlty injured.

The investigation at the scene continued late into the night. Japanese media reports said the suspect refused to talk to police until his lawyer arrived.

Kishida did not mention the explosion and returned to the Tokyo region in the evening after campaigning in Chiba for another candidate.

“Elections are the core of democracy, and we should never tolerate threats or obstruction by violence,” Matsuno said.

He said he instructed national police to ensure their utmost effort for the protection of dignitaries who are visiting Japan in the period leading up to the Group of Seven summit in May.

Abe’s assassination, which shocked a nation that prides itself on public safety and extremely tight gun controls, came as he delivered a campaign speech in the western city of Nara. Amid a national outcry, police have tightened their protective measures following a subsequent investigation that found holes in Abe’s security.

G7 energy, environment leaders haggle over climate strategy

SAPPORO, APR 14 (AP):

Energy and environment ministers of the Group of Seven wealthy nations met Saturday in northern Japan, seeking to reconcile the world’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels with the urgency of ending carbon emissions to stave off the worst consequences of climate change.

The meetings in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo are aimed at forging a consensus on the best way forward, ahead of the G-7 summit in Hiroshima in May. “We are facing the challenge of promoting reforms to resolve climate change ... and achieving energy security at the same time,” economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told the ministers as the meetings began.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meetings, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said the G-7 was “powerfully positioned to be able to lead” in the effort to stem global warming. “We appreciate Japan’s leadership and its stewardship of G-7 this year.”

But differences persist

over how, and how quickly, to end carbon emissions, especially at a time when the war in Ukraine has deepened concerns over energy security, complicating that effort. The talks in Sapporo will also focus on biodiversity loss and other global challenges. But climate change tops the agenda of the closed door meetings. At the G-7 summit last year in Germany, the countries set a common goal of achieving a fully or predominantly decarbonized electricity supply by 2035.

U.S. officials voiced support for Japan’s strategy

centering on so-called clean coal, hydrogen and nuclear energy to bridge the transition to renewable energy. Others are pushing for a faster transition to renewable energy. The head of the United Nations recently called for an end to new fossil fuel exploration and for rich countries to quit coal, oil and gas by 2040. While emissions among the G-7 nations, especially in Europe, have begun falling, they are still rising globally, especially in big, increasingly affluent economies like India and China.

Safeguards needed to ensure AI is not misused: Kamboj

UNITED NATIONS, APR 15 (PTI): Artificial Intelligence, if harnessed properly, can generate enormous prosperity and opportunity, India has said, underscoring the need to ensure AI systems are not misused and that advancement of digital super intelligence must be symbiotic with humanity.

Speaking at a special event ‘Artificial Intelligence for Social Justice’, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj underlined that if harnessed properly, AI can generate enormous prosperity and opportunity, leading to vastly more productive and efficient economies.

The event was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in partnership with NGO Foundation for Human Horizon at the UN headquarters on the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar here on Friday.

Kamboj quoted Ambedkar saying “We are Indians, firstly and lastly”.

She said the Father of the Constitution of India

had emphasised that all Indians, regardless of their caste, religion, or social status, should be treated equally, and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. “And the Government of India’s motto ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ emphasises just that, a society where everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstance.”

She added that as the mid-term review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beckons in September 2023, the international community needs to turbocharge the SDGs to ensure the social and economic development of one and all.

China protests US sanctioning of firms dealing with Russia

BEIJING, APR 15 (AP):

Beijing on Saturday protested US sanctions against additional Chinese companies over their alleged attempts to evade US export controls on Russia, calling it an illegal move that endangers global supply chains.

The US Commerce Department on Wednesday put five firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong on its “entity list”, barring them from trading with any US firms without gaining a nearly unobtainable special license.

Washington has been tightening up enforcement of sanctions against foreign firms it sees as providing assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine, forcing them to choose between trading with Moscow or with the US.

A total of 28 entities from countries ranging from Malta to Turkey to Singapore were added to the list. A statement from China’s Commerce Ministry said the US action “has no basis in international law and is not authorized by the

United Nations Security Council”.

“It is a typical unilateral sanction and a form of long-arm jurisdiction’ which seriously damages the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and affects the security and stability of the global supply chain. China firmly opposes this,” the statement said.

“The US should immediately correct its wrongdoing and stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies. China will resolutely safeguard the legiti-

mate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” it added.

The latest sanctions were levelled against Allparts Trading Co., Ltd.; Avtex Semiconductor Limited; ETC Electronics Ltd.; Maxtronic International Co., Ltd.; and STK Electronics Co., Ltd., registered in Hong Kong.

The list identifies entities — essentially businesses — that the US suspects “have been involved, are involved, or pose a significant risk of being or becoming

Ukraine awaits US missile system after Russian strike

KYIV, APR 15 (AP): The death toll from Russian missile strikes on eastern Ukraine’s city of Sloviansk rose to 11 Saturday as rescue crews tried to reach people trapped in the rubble of an apartment building, Ukrainian authorities said.

Ukraine’s air force said the country would soon have weapons with which to try to prevent attacks like the one on Friday. The delivery of the Patriot air defence system promised by the US was expected in Ukraine sometime after Easter, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said.

The primarily Orthodox Christian country is preparing to observe Easter on

Sunday. Speaking Saturday on Ukrainian state TV, Ihnat declined to give a precise timeline for the arrival of the defensive missile system but said the public would know “as soon as the first Russian aircraft is shot down.”

A group of 65 Ukrai-

nian soldiers completed their training last month at Fort Sill, a US Army post in Oklahoma, and returned to Europe to learn more about using the defensive missile system to track and shoot down enemy aircraft. Officials said at the

time that the Ukrainians would then go back to their country with a Patriot missile battery, which typically includes six mobile launchers, a mobile radar, a power generator and an engagement control center.

Germany and the Netherlands also have pledged to provide a Patriot system each to Ukraine. In addition, a SAMP/T antimissile system pledged by France and Italy “should enter Ukraine in the near future,” Ihnat said this week.

The Ukrainian military is looking to beef up its ability to intercept missiles as it prepares for an expected spring counter-offensive to retake Russian-occupied areas of the country.

involved in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States”, the department said.

Entities named were designated as “military end users” for “attempting to evade export controls and acquiring or attempting to acquire US-origin items in support of Russia’s military and/or defence industrial base,” it said.

The Chinese protest was similar to one issued in February after the US announced sanctions against

“How then can AI power social justice? How can AI overcome barriers and unleash opportunities for all,” she said.

“As true for any technology, there is a need to take required measures and put in place adequate safeguards to ensure that AI systems are not misused or guided by biases leading to discrimination. As said, the advance of digital super intelligence should be / must be symbiotic with humanity,” Kamboj added.

UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill described Ambedkar as a “powerful symbol” and “torchbearer” of the fight for equity and justice for the downtrodden not just in India but all over the subcontinent.

He noted that while a lot has been accomplished since Babasaheb’s time through wise policies, affirmative action and community mobilisation in the fight against injustices, prejudice, hatred and discrimination, there is still a lot that has to change not just in India but

everywhere.

“There is prejudice, there is injustice, there is discrimination, there is exploitation in the analog world. And what we do and build in the digital world cannot be separate from that. If our AI systems use data that reflects the existing injustices in the world, the prejudices, the hatred that is still out there, then we are just perpetuating that,” Gill said.

He added that if the digital systems are designed well, with a focus on responsible AI, and are based on unbiased data free from discrimination, then “perhaps we can use them as a tool to build social justice.”

Gill further stressed that there is a lot of potential in AI for good which the UN system is also leveraging.

He cited examples of a team working with chilli farmers in eastern India and using the latest AI tools to help farmers and agriculture extension workers bring more productivity to farming practices as well as using AI to support health systems in northern India.

Office Of the MangMetOng SenSO telOngjeM DiMapur felicitatiOn

The Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Dimapur with enormous pride and joy would like to congratulate Shri. Moa Subong on being awarded the prestigious Padma Shri for his immense contributions to Art and Music. He and his wife Smti. Arenla Moa (Mangmetong) are pioneers in the incorporation and sophistication of traditional sounds, instruments and culture in the modern theatre. He has brought recognition to not only Aos but to the Nagas in general, bringing our culture to a worldwide audience as he continues to inspire us all through his commendable achievements.

We pray God Almighty’s continued blessings be upon him and his family and wish him success and joy in all his future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Imtiyongdang Ao Bendangsashi Imchen President General Secretary

OF

Shri Y.chingak Konyak Smti lemnon Konyak Miss polem Konyak

of Nagaland.

3. Miss polem Konyak, D/o Honching Konyak on being awarded as 1st Runner Up Miss Mon 2023 & 2nd Runner Up Miss Eastern Nagaland 2023

The Wakching Union Kohima wishes them good health and grand success in the days to come. Y.Yongyo n t jhenge President Gen. Secy.

A man, on the ground, caught after what appeared to be a smoke bomb was thrown at Western Japan, Saturday. (AP)

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and Japan’s Environment Minister Akihiro Nishimura. (AP)

Ruchira Kamboj

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire as they look for victims after a Russian rocket attack in Sloviansk. (AP)

FAN organizes film screening

With the objective to create awareness and appreciation of good cinema, a film screening was organized by Film Association of Nagaland (FAN) in collaboration with Federation of Film societies here on Saturday, at hill view colony, court road Dimapur.

Eight significant feature and short films from the region were screened.

Among the eight films screened include four films from north east region. Naga filmmaker, Theja Rio’s Konyak film titled “Angh” a notable film talking about a Konyak village chief and his young son who remain the last people in the region to be converted to Christianity was screened. Others include a feature length film by reputed film maker Hoabam Paban Kumar where

Biden taps Gaga, Garner, others for arts committee

he talks about his personal journey of being born in Manipur in the film called “Nine Hills One Valley”. Pradip Kurba’s, much awarded Meghalaya short film “Patha” depicts a personal journey taken by one man to know how India prepares for the threat of the virus. Another noteworthy Poumai Naga short film “Look at the sky”, by Ashok Veilou narrates the story of a man declared an outcast by his people for not supporting the local candidate in the Indian election.

It may be mentioned that Federation of Film Societies FFSI, affiliated with IFFS International Federation of Film Societies, is now celebrating the 75 Years of the Film Society Movement in India. Film Association of Nagaland is also a member of FFSI. (Staff Reporter)

The White House on Thursday announced a starstudded slate of members for the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, a panel of artists, museum professionals, academics and philanthropists that serves as an advisory board to President Joe Biden on culture issues.

The group will be cochaired by Bruce Cohen, an Academy Award-winning producer known for films such as “American Beauty” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” and pop megastar and Grammy Award winner Lady Gaga, also known as Stefani Germanotta, according to the White House. Others tapped to the committee include musician Jon Batiste, who performed at the White House state dinner in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron in December, television

healthy ways to use lemons and limes

Whether you squeeze the juice into water or onto a tasty fish dish, these tangy citrus treats provide you with the same vitamins and minerals as other citrus fruits. The best part: They do it with less sugar.

Keep Wrinkles at Bay

It’s all that vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. Your body can’t create it, so you have to get it from food. It helps make collagen, which keeps your skin springy and full. Without enough, it’ll start to wrinkle. Sure, that’s also a natural part of aging, but you can slow it down with the right vitamins and nutrition.

Rev You Up

Thiamin and riboflavin, part of a group of vitamins called B complex, turn your food into the energy you need. They also help the cells in your body to grow and do their jobs. Just one medium sized lemon or lime gives you a small portion of what you need every day.

Serve Up Antioxidants

Vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oils, and coumarins are

all plentiful in lemons and limes. They’re part of a team of superhero substances called antioxidants. They band together to fight the bad guys -- free radicals -- which damage your cells and lead to diseases and other health problems.

Help Your Baby

Grow

They have a small amount of a B vitamin called folate. It helps little ones form in the womb. Cells use it to divide to make more cells. It also creates genetic material in both your bodies that tells your baby’s cells how to build their body.

Kill Nasty Bugs

Their high acid content adds the perfect sour bite to your salad greens. It also helps kill salmonella bacteria that might be on your food, your cutting board, or your kitchen counter. That might be the difference between a pleasant evening and a long, long night. Don’t plan on scrubbing the bathroom with it, but if you want to make sure your greens are clean, a half vinegar, half lemon juice mix should zap most of the bacteria in about 15 minutes.

Lower Blood Pres -

TaFMA organizes ‘World Art Day’

sure

Both the juice and the peel of lemons or limes can do the trick. Squeeze some in your water before and after you go for a walk. You may get more benefit from each. Talk to your doctor if you take blood pressure drugs or other meds. Citrus can interfere with them. Never adjust medication unless the doctor tells you to.

Prevent Cancer

While there’s no evidence that lemons or limes can fight cancer you already have, they’re full of antioxidants that may help keep you from getting it in the first place. This is particularly true for cancer of the liver, bone, stomach, breast, and colon.

Pump Up Your Heart

It’s all about those flavonoids. Work more of them into your life and you’re less likely to get heart disease. That’s partly because they help keep the fats and sugars in your blood at healthy levels. Too much of either is bad for your blood vessels.

Boost Your Brain

Lemons and limes have special chemicals that may keep brain cells safe from toxic substances in

your body. And because they also protect against general cell breakdown and inflammation, they may help reduce some of the risk of brain diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

Keep Gums Healthy Swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth are signs of scurvy. It was common long ago when people didn’t have easy access to foods with vitamin C. But you could get it now if you’re older, a smoker, have a low income, or are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Before you chow down on citrus to prevent it, know this: Citric acid is good for what ails you but bad for tooth enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink something with acid before you brush your teeth.

Get You Over That Cold

It’s a myth that the vitamin C in lemons and limes will prevent a cold. But you do need it to keep your immune system running at peak levels. Taking it at the first sign of the sniffles may help you feel better faster.

Improve Your Cholesterol

A daily mixture of garlic and lemon juice could be good news for people with high cholesterol. Unhealthy levels are linked to hardening of the arteries (your doctor will call it atherosclerosis), which can cause heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Lose Weight -- Maybe Polyphenols, a special kind of antioxidant found in lemons and limes, may hold off weight and body fat gain. Scientists think these substances change the way your body processes fat and improve its response to insulin. But before you load up on lemon water, know that this study was done on mice, not people.

Prevent Kidney Stones

If you’ve ever had one of these painful little rocks block the tubes you use to pee, chances are you’re already halfway to the local lemonade stand. The stones form when minerals in your body clump together. Substances called citrates in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits can help stop this buildup.

Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD

producer Shonda Rhimes, Grammy Award winner Joe Walsh, and actors George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, Troy Kotsur and Kerry Washington. It also includes one former member of Congress: Democrat Steve Israel, who represented New York in the House. Tsione Wolde-Mi -

chael, the committee’s executive director, says it is “positioned to do meaningful work that will positively impact the arts, libraries, museums, and public humanities work in communities across the country.”

Many of the members appointed to the arts and humanities committee have previously partnered with

Biden on key issues, such as Gaga on the “It’s On Us” campaign to battle sexual assault on college campuses. Veteran television producer Marta Kauffman, who was also selected for the committee, hosted first lady Jill Biden at her home for a fundraiser in September. (AP)

Sushmita Sen resumes Aarya 3 shooting after recovering from heart attack

Sushmita Sen is happy to be back in Jaipur where she will unleash her Aarya avatar one more time. The actor will resume the shoot of season 3 of the Disney Plus Hotstar series Aarya which came to a halt as Sushmita suffered cardiac arrest in February. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the actor hosted a live session for her fans and followers on her way to a Jaipur hotel by car. Sharing an inside detail of the flight, the former Miss Universe said, “I was seated next to Pankaj Udhas Sir in the flight. The energy this man has... I was shameless to ask him, Sir do line gaa dijiye (Sir, please sing a couple of lines) It makes me feel that I am surrounded by good people and good energy...”

Sharing the video, Sushmita captioned it, “Shubho Noboborsho. Here’s to new beginnings with endless possibilities! I love you guys! #duggadugga #yourstruly” The actor told that she received a warm welcome at the airport. She exchanged greetings with the people who joined the sessions. The actor also wished a very happy Bengali new year to all her

King Charles’ Coronation: Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli & more to perform at concert

The festivities for King Charles III’s coronation will be a starstudded affair. Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli and many more are slated to perform at The Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7 on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) organized World Art Day in collaboration with artists of Nagaland in Coraggio school, Kohima on Saturday.

Exhorting the gathering, TaFMA chairman, Theja Meru pointed out that life would be boring without art as it touches all aspects of life and makes life worth living.

Being an art enthusiast, Meru shared that on a simple white canvas, one could make life into reality and emphasized the power of art that it not only brings colour but also records history like the cave paintings by early men, pyramids in Egypt.

He also encouraged the crowd to take pride in their passion, love their work, and value living it. Art & Drama Educator, and founder of Art -

sists of Nagaland, Cynthia Kolakhe highlighted that ‘World Art day’ was an occasion to shine and provide Art in Modern education to various students, with a creative outlet that can improve their problem-solving skills and they would also learn how to think outside the box and explore topics in an unconventional way.

Sharing that topic which are often difficult to teach in the classroom, such as emotions, time and space, could be made easier to understand when paired with art with regular practice to stimulate creativity, inspire confidence, and knowledge and foster personal growth.

The program was chaired by Muzung Yimchunger, and a welcome speech was presented by the Headmistress of Coraggio School, Kohima. Correspondent

The BBC on Friday announced the first set of performers, which also includes British pop group Take That, Welsh brass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, singer/songwriter Freya Ridings and classical-soul composer/ producer Alexis Ffrench.

According to the U.K.’s national broadcaster, the artists will perform “in front of 20,000 members of the public and invited guests, as well as millions watching and listening at home -- on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as well as BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds -- with further names due to be announced shortly.”

The BBC notes that “the concert will celebrate a new chapter in the nation’s history, with themes of love, respect and optimism, celebrating the four nations, their communities and the Commonwealth.” Around 2,000 guests are expected to attend the ceremony at The Abbey Church of Westminster in London. First Lady Jill Biden will be in attendance to represent the United States, the White House announced.

Per the White House, President Joe Biden spoke by phone Tuesday with King Charles and offered his congratulations to the monarch.

Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

“The President congratulated the King on his upcoming Coronation and informed him that First Lady Jill Biden looks forward to attending on behalf of the United States,” a White House readout of the call said. The lineup announcement comes just a month after Rolling Stone reported that Adele, Harry Styles and Elton John were among

the British pop artists who turned down an invitation to perform the weekend of the coronation.

By contrast, Queen Elizabeth’s “Platinum Party at the Palace” last June included appearances by Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, Duran Duran, Queen and Adam Lambert. Queen Elizabeth died three months later.

(Entertainment Tonight)

viewers irrespective of their caste, creed and language. “Back to life... It’s good to be back”, said Sushmita in all ecstasy.

The actor also recited a Shayari as one of the viewers requested her. Sushmita is celebrated for her inspiring and positive attitude towards life. The actor repeatedly said during the live session that she felt blessed and privileged as her fans constantly sent her good wishes during her tough time.

Sushmita suffered a cardiac arrest in February and following that she has undergone angioplasty.

The Aarya actor informed her fans through social media that she was diagnosed with a 95 per cent blockage in the main artery. Since then, the actor has been updating with her health

details on Instagram. In one of her live sessions, Sushmita requested the younger generation to get their hearts checked at regular intervals. Fans have always found the actor inspiring for her unconventional personal and professional choices. Recently she was seen shopping with ex-boyfriend Rohman Shawl and younger daughter Alisah. They were also seen together in a workout session. Meanwhile, Sushmita completed the dubbing for Taali. The series is based on the life of transgender Shreegauri Sawant. She was one of the petitioners in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) case of 2013, in connection with which the Supreme Court recognised a transgender person as the third gender. (ANI)

Office of the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji is elated by the news of Mr. Thronglise Sangtam, Hon'ble Kilonser, NSCN hailing from Keor Village for being appointed as Member of Collective Leadership vide Order No. 11/CLM-12/CO/NSCN-23 Oking 24th March 2023.

The USLP extends its gratitude to the Chairman and the Collective Leadership of NSCN/GPRN (IM) for the new assignment bestowed upon one of its members and extends our heartiest congratulations to the new assignment and wish him the best in his new endeavours.

Sd/(YANGTHSABA SANGTAM) Joint Secretary Sd/(KIPITONG SANGTAM) Vice President

Theja Meru speaking during World Art Day programme.

Jennifer Garner

Sivasagar lifts7th A. Sopen konyak Volleyball Trophy

Hockey: India, Pakistan in the same pool for men’s Jr Asia Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, APRIL 15 (IANS): Archrivals India and Pakistan have been drawn in the same group for the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 to be held in Salalah, Oman from May 23-June 1 this year. India and Pakistan are in Pool A along with Japan, Thailand and Chinese Taipei in the 10-team competition and will meet on May 27 in a group clash. Group B comprises South Korea, Malaysia, hosts Oman, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has announced.

Super Cup: Chennaiyin, Churchill Brothers share spoils after 0-0 draw

Oman in January 2023,” the AHF said in a statement. The top three teams from the tournament, apart from Malaysia, which is already qualified as the host, will make it to the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2023, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from December 5-16. 2023.

JR WOMEN’S

EVENT FROM JUNE 2

DIMAPUR, APR (NPN): Debutant Sivasagar volleyball team from Assam emerged champions in the 7th edition of A. Sopen konyak memorial men’s open volleyball championship 2023 at Tobu Village local ground from April 12 to 14 organized by Deuyong club.

A press release by DeuYong club president Kaibo Konyak and general secretary B.John Khangnyu stated that Cousin’s United Tuensang bagged the runner-up. The champion and

the runners up received a cash prize of Rs. 50000 and Rs 30000 respectively along with trophies and certificate.

In the individual category, Chiba Yemba of cousin’s united Tuensang was awarded player of the tournament while Tenjak Jamir of Sivasagar Vollyball club was adjudged the best player and Moa Chang of Cousin’s united was named as the best setter.

The two losing semifinalist team of the tournament, Hukpang Students’ Union, Longleng and Sev-

en Eleven Club, longleng walked away with a cash of Rs. 10000/- each. The opening and closing ceremony of the tournament was graced by MLA Naiba Konyak as special guest and president, Chang Wedoshi Setshang Pongsu Chang as special invitee. Altogether, 17 teams from four districts of Nagaland and a lone team from Assam participated in the e tournament. Longleng, Mon and Tuensang had 5 teams each, while Noklak and Sivasagar district of Assam had one team each.

Teams in the preliminary round will play on a round-robin basis in their respective pools with the top two finishers in each group qualifying for the semifinals, which will be played on May 31. The final will be played on June 1.

“The top five teams India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea and Malaysia got an automatic qualification based on their world rankings. Whereas, Bangladesh, Oman, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Chinese Taipei won their qualification from the Men’s Junior AHF Cup held in Muscat,

Meanwhile, the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 will be played at Kakamigahara, Japan from June 2 to 11, 2023. India are in Pool A along with Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan while Group B comprises China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong China and Indonesia. The semifinals will be played on June 10 and the final on June 11.

The top five teams India, China, Korea, Japan and Malaysia got an automatic qualification based on their world rankings; Kazakhstan, Hong Kong China, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Indonesia won their qualification from the Women’s Junior AHF Cup held in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan in October 2022.

Juventus stadium ban for racist chants at Lukaku suspended

JUVENTUS, APR 15 (

AGENCIES): A partial stadium ban imposed on Juventus for racist chants directed toward Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has been suspended, reports Sportsstar.

The Italian football federation made the decision Friday following an appeal of the penalty issued by the Serie A judge — meaning that Juventus will be permitted to have a full stadium for its next home game in the league against runaway leader Napoli on April 23.

Under the original sanction, Juventus was ordered to close part of the southern end of the Allianz Stadium. The ban had stemmed from incidents during the

Lukaku was sanctioned with a second yellow card for provoking Juventus fans by holding his finger to his lips.

first leg of the Italian Cup semifinals last week, when Lukaku, who is Black, was subjected to discriminatory chants.

Lukaku was sanctioned with a second yellow card for provoking Juventus fans by holding his finger to his lips as if to silence the crowd after

converting a stoppage-time penalty to earn Inter a 1-1 draw. Lukaku was therefore suspended for the second leg of the semifinals on April 26.

Lukaku’s gesture enraged the opposing team and the game ended in a scuffle between the two squads, with Juventus

Man United defender Lisandro Martinez out for season

MANCHESTER, APR 15 ( AGENCIES): Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot, the Premier League club said Friday.

Fellow center back Raphael Varane is also set to be out for “a few weeks,” United added, leaving the team without two of its top defenders for a crucial stretch of the campaign.

Martinez and Varane were both injured during Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Sevilla in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals.

Varane was substituted at halftime and Martinez looked in distress as he was carried off the field by Sevilla players Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Mon-

tiel, his Argentina teammates, late in the game. Martinez has been a key part of United’s improved defense this season after signing from Ajax to join up with manager Erik ten Hag, and also helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar. United said the defender should be fit for the start of next season.

The club did not provide details on Varane’s injury. United was already without leading scorer Marcus Rashford, who has been ruled out for a “few games” with a muscle injury. His availability for next week’s Europa League return leg and FA Cup semifinal against Brighton is unclear.

City working ‘24 hours’ to keep Haaland fit, says Guardiola

LEICESTER, APR 15

(AGENCIES): Manchester City’s medical team is working round the clock to keep key striker Erling Haaland fit for the season run-in, manager Pep Guardiola said ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game at home to Leicester City, reports Sportsstar.

Haaland, who joined from Borussia Dortmund this season, has scored 45 goals in all competitions

Erling Haaland

for City -- a single-season record for any Premier League player. There had been concerns over Haa -

winger Juan Cuadrado and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic also sent off. Cuadrado was banned for three matches while Handanovic was banned for one game. Each player was fined 10,000 euros ($11,000). The federation decided to suspend the partial stadium ban after taking into consideration

how Juventus coordinated with authorities to identify the fans responsible for the racist behavior. One fan, a minor, was banned from Juventus games for 10 years, and an adult fan was banned for life.

Lukaku has been subjected to racist chants on numerous occasions during his two stints at Inter.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the bereaved family members would like to express our profound gratitude and deep appreciation to each and every individual, who stood by us at the sudden accidental demise of our beloved Lt. Mukesh Kumar Singh, S/o Ramshrith Singh on 25th March 2023.

From Loving Family Members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

MANJERI (KERALA), APRIL 15 (IANS): Chennaiyin FC played out a goalless draw against Churchill Brothers in their second Group D match of the Hero Super Cup 2023 at the Payyanad Stadium here on Saturday.

Chennaiyin, who came into the match after a win against NorthEast United FC, were dominant from the get-go. They made a spirited start and kept piling the pressure on the opposition defenders with their aggressive approach.

They had 61 per cent possession and several goal-scoring opportunities, which also included seven

corners, but couldn’t manage to convert any in the first half.

One such chance came as early as in the sixth minute when the Anirudh Thapa-led side had almost opened the scoring off a corner but the opposition defenders, somehow, managed to clear the ball. The last match’s hero Aakash Sangwan also came into the picture when his close-range header missed the target by a whisker a few minutes before the half time. After struggling to hold the ball initially, Churchill Brothers regrouped after the break and showcased better re -

sistance in the second half that witnessed stiff competition from both ends.

The I-League side was reduced to 10 men after Richard Costa was handed his second yellow card of the match for bringing down Mohammad Rafique five minutes before the final whistle.

Both the teams tried their best to find a goal in the final quarter but eventually ended up sharing points with a draw.

Chennaiyin, with four points from two games, will now square off against Mumbai City FC in their final group-stage match on Wednesday.

land’s fitness ahead of his transfer after he missed 16 games due to injury for Dortmund last term, but the Norway international has missed only four for City this campaign.

“I don’t know what he’s done in Dortmund but we take care of him 24 hours,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “We have incredible doctors and physiotherapists, they are behind him every second of the day.

28.11.1941 – 08.04.2023

Through this column, we the family members of Lt. PURANGLA AO, wish to express our deepest gratitude to all our friends, neighbours and relatives for your expressions of sympathy and kindness shown to us during her prolonged illness and sad demise.

Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Doctors and Nurses (C-Wing) of Eden Medical Centre Dimapur for their untiring care and support during her month long stay at the Hospital.

We also wish to thank DABA Church Dimapur, all the prayers & support group, Unions, Associations, Fellowships and individuals who stood by us in solidarity and the tremendous love and respect shown to us in our hour of grief.

For all the beautiful Floral Tributes, Cards & Messages of Condolences as well as charitable donations, we are truly grateful.

It is our sincere prayer that the Almighty God bless each and every one of you abundantly.

“We only depart so that we may meet again”

-Loving Husband, Sons, In-Laws & Grand Children

We, the bereaved family of Lt. Razoukhwel Khanyo would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our friends, neighbours, relatives and well-wishers for your expressions of kindness and support during the prolonged illness till he left us for his heavenly abode on 5/4/2023.

A special word of thanks to the CRC AG Road, the Management, Nurses and Staff of NEIGRIHMS and Civil Hospital Shillong. May God’s richest blessings rest upon each and every one. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work”

Philippians 4:1

Loving wife, daughters and family members

K-800/23

Champions Sivasagar volleyball team pose with the cheque.

Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United looks dejected as he gets on the stretcher during match against Sevilla.

Chennaiyin had 61 per cent possession and several goal-scoring opportunities.

CASA emerges group champs of PDSA meet

KOHIMA, APR

15(NPN): Host team Chozuba Area Sports Association (CASA) emerged as the group champion of the 37th Phek District Sports Association Meet 2023 after securing 30 medals (14 gold, 8 silver, and one bronze) in the weeklong sports meet of Phek district. They received a running cash prize of Rs. 200,000 along with late Vamuzo Memorial Trophy.

Chokri Area Games and Sports Association secured second position with 31 medals (10 gold, 17 silver, 4 bronze) followed by Centre Chakhesang Sports Association with 10 medals (4 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze).

The best discipline team was given to Khezha Kuzha Tephe Sports Association.

Mulusayi Medeo of Chozuba Area with three gold medal in 400m sprint (0.57.25), 800m race (02:12.04) and 1500 m race (4.38.47) retained the best athlete in Phek district for the second time.

For the women’s best

athletic award, Choyivelu Neinu (PASA) and Chekrotalu Khusoh (CASA) shared the award after winning three gold each. Neinu won three gold medals in 100m dash (0:14.53), Long Jump (4.48m) and Triple jump (9.61m) While Khusoh won three gold medals in 800m race (02:48.63), 1500 m race (06:06.47) and 3000m

race (15:12.00).

On the last day, a thrilling football final match was played between Chozuba Area Sports Association and Khezha-Kuzha Tephe Sports Association. It was the last minute goals that gave host Chozuba Area the football trophy. They defeated Khezha-Kuzha Tephe Sports Association by 3-1.

2nd edition Dr. Savizo N. Yhome memorial tennis cup concludes

The final match saw Khezha-Kuzha Tephe scoring the first goal through Rhitsho Mero in the 20th minute but Chozuba Captain Punuru Nienu found the equaliser scoring directly through a corner kick in the 27th minute.

The second half saw super sub Photo Nienu scoring the second goal in 85th minute and Yhoto

Lohe finished the game in the 90th minute scoring a stunner to help the host team secure the trophy.

Lhiweto Koza the goalkeeper of KKTSA was given the best goalkeeper, while Yhoto Lohe (CASA) with 6 goals the highest scorer of the tournament. The player of the tournament was awarded to Vekudu Keyho of Chozuba Area.

In women’s football, Khezha-Kuzha Tephe Sports Association overcame Chozuba Area Sports Association via penalty tiebreaker 3-2 after the match ended in a 1-1 draw to lift the title. Player of the tournament was given to Vesapralü Dozo (CASA) and highest scorer to Lhüvekholu Tetseo (CASA).

Chokri Area Sports Association defeated the three times defending champion Khezha-Kuzha Tephe Sports Association by 27-23 points to win the men’s basketball title for Phek district. Aggi Tunyi from Chokri Area was awarded the most valuable player of the champion -

AIFF bars overseas players from playing in state leagues

NEW DELHI, APRIL 15

(IANS): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken a definite decision to restrict the number of foreign players taking part in different competitions across the country, which, it believes, is a hindrance to the development of local players. The AIFF reached a decision to this effect during its executive committee meeting at its headquarters, Football House, in the national capital on Friday.

Glad I could shut people who slagged me: Harry Brook

ship. In women’s basketball, Chokri Area Games and Sports Association defended their title for the second time as they outclassed Chozuba Area Sports Association 24-2 points in the final to take the championship title. Ravolu Nyekha of Chokri Area was given the most valuable player for women’s basketball.

Chozuba Area Sports Association defended the men’s volleyball title for the fourth time defeating Chokri Area by three straight sets with 25-22, 25-16, 25-17.

The best spiker was given to Mulusayi Medeo (CASA) and best setter to Nusato Phesao (CASA).

Chozuba Area have now won eight times for Phek district Volleyball championship.

In women’s volleyball, Chozuba Area Sports Association defeated Chokri Area by 27-25, 25-22 in the final match to take the title.

The best spiker was given to Kuzhopolu Medeo (CAGSA) and best setter Dzuvevolu Rhakho (CASA)

KOLKATA, APR 15 (PTI):

Harry Brook did incur the wrath of Indian fans whose opinion about players is as fickle as English weather but he is happy that his maiden IPL hundred will “shut them up” for good.

Having scored 29 in three games so far, Brook came to his own with a 55ball unbeaten 100 that ensured a 23-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL match here on Friday.

“I was putting pressure on myself a little bit. You go on social media and people are calling you rubbish.

There’s a lot of Indian fans out there who’ll say well done tonight. But they were slagging me off a few days ago. Glad I could shut them up to be honest,” Brook said

after the match.

While he predictably rated his three Test hundreds over an IPL ton, he was satisfied to get to the milestone with his girlfriend in the stands.

“My four Test hundreds will have to be over this one,” he said. It was a “special night” and Brook insisted that he can bat at any position.

“It was a special night. Thankfully, we got over the line as well. Got a little tense in the middle. A lot of people say that opening the batting in T20 is the best time to bat. “I am happy to bat anywhere. I’ve had a lot of success batting at five. Made my name there. The crowd was phenomenal tonight. I enjoyed it,” Brook said.

Open Air Rifle Tourney held

also in the Second Division League I-League, the third tier of Indian football after ISL and I-League,” said Chaubey. “The reason being, these are the competitions from where Indian players come up in their formative years. If we allow foreigners, who are physically much superior, they will occupy the key positions, thus further diminishing the chances of the local footballers,” Chaubey pointed out.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APRIL 15

(NPN): The closing function of the 2nd edition Dr. Savizo N. Yhome Memorial Tennis Cup was held at Chavino Peseyie Indoor Tennis Stadium, Kuda Village, Dimapur on Saturday.

In his address as chief guest, NLTA President C Apok Jamir said that tennis is a popular game all over the world. After witnessing the participation in the tournament, he expressed optimism that more youngsters will participate in upcoming tournament and

bring laurels.

He said that with the recent involvement of youth in sports, he hoped to see players participating not only in national level but also in international level.

He acknowledged the organizers for concluding the tournament successfully and thanked all unsung heroes for their sacrifices and commitment in nurturing and ensuring the birth of tennis in Nagaland.

In men’s single, Vilasier Khate walked away with a cash prize of Rs 50000, and runners up Iciraibe

Salie with Rs 30000

In mixed double’s, winner Vilasier Khate and Sentinaro received Rs 20000 and runners up Thejaser Khate and Catherine Walsh received Rs 10000.

In veteran’s double’s, winner Kikrusetuo and Lhokishe Awomi received Rs 25000 and runners up Shikhiye Sumi and Rishu Chakraboty received Rs 15000.

In men’s double, winners Thejaser Khate and Vilasier Khate received Rs 30000, and the runners up Vikhozolie Khate and K Sekhose received Rs 20000.

Later, speaking to the IANS, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said that till now, the AIFF allowed a 3+1 (three foreigners and one player of Asian origin) formula in each team.

Over the years, the Federation had observed that most clubs have the tendency to hire foreign footballers in two key positions - central defender and striker. Even the big clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League follow the pattern, which, the AIFF feels, is one of the reasons why there is an apparent dearth of good Indian footballers in these positions. “So, we have decided to not allow any foreigners in the state football leagues all over India and

Raza, Curran shine as PBKS beat LSG by two wickets

LUCKNOW, APR 15 (PTI): Sikandar Raza slammed his maiden IPL fifty after an impressive show by his side’s bowling unit as Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Super Giants by two wickets in a last-over finish here on Saturday.

Invited to bat, captain KL Rahul smashed his first fifty of this IPL season but Punjab Kings roared back with timely wickets to restrict the Lucknow side to a modest 159 for eight.

Chasing 160 for a win, Zimbabwean Raza, who also picked a wicket with his spin bowling, cracked a 41ball 57 to keep PBKS in the hunt after Matthew Short’s 22-ball 34.

Once he was holed out in the 18th over off Ravi Bishnoi, Shahrukh Khan (23 not out) completed the job, knocking off the final runs with a boundary.

Raza hit four boundaries and three sixes in his match-winning knock.

On a two-paced wicket, KL Rahul displayed great composure en route his 56-ball 74 as he added 53 and 48 runs with Kyle Mayers (29) and Krunal Pandya (18) for the first and third wickets respectively.

Punjab Kings batter Sikandar Raza plays a shot against Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings. (PTI)

However, LSG couldn’t finish things with a flourish as they lost four wickets for 48 runs in the last five overs, with Sam Curran picking up three of those.

Kagiso Rabada (2/34), Arshdeep Singh (1/22), Harpreet Brar (1/10) and Sikandar Raza (1/19) were also among wickets.

Defending the total, pacer Yudhvir Singh made a sensational debut, dismissing fellow debutant Atharva Taide (0) and Prabhsimran Singh (4) -- who replaced Rahul Chahar as impact sub -- in his first two overs to reduce PBKS to 17 for 2.

Matthew Short looked

in good nick, slamming three boundaries off Avesh Khan, before producing two hits to the fence off Yudhvir.

Krishnappa Gowtham, who replaced Kyle Mayers as impact sub, too, was smacked for a six by Short but the spinner had the batter caught by Stoinis as Punjab slumped to 45 for 3 in 6 overs.

Raza then took the onus on himself as he and Harpreet Singh Bhatia (22) added run-a-ball 30 before Pandya broke the stand, holing out the former at deep backward square.

Raza exploded in the 13th over, clobbering two successive sixes and a four

off Pandya to pile up 17 runs.

However, KL Rahul produced a sensational effort to get rid off Jitesh Sharma, while Ravi Bishnoi, introduced after 14 overs, got rid off Curran (6) before accounting for Raza to raise hopes of an upset. Needing 21 in 13 balls, Shahrukh sent Woods sailing for a maximum, while Brar too picked up a four to bring down the required runs.

Earlier, Rahul and Mayers provided LSG a flying start with the burly left-handed West Indian being the aggressor initially.

While Rahul dealt in boundaries, Mayers dealt in maximums.

Mayers blasted Mathew Short over deep backward square leg and followed it up with a backward punch for another six over covers off Sam Curran before depositing Rabada into the stands as LSG raced away to 40 for no loss in the powerplay.

With the pitch offering a bit of grip and turn, Curran, who led PBKS in place of an injured Shikhar Dhawan, brought in the spinners.

“The rule is not applicable to ISL or I-League, as we feel these are competitive leagues. But in other competitions, if our players receive proper guidance in their formative years, while they play for their states and agegroup events, they can be in a good position to compete for their places in the ISL and I-League against overseas players,” Chaubey said. Apart from Sunil Chhetri, who is 38 now, there is hardly any Indian player in the national scene who can match the caliber of the charismatic striker. But as our national coach Igor Stimac rightly said in a recent interview that Sunil may be into his last season, the big question is who will step into his shoes.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 15

(NPN): The 6th Open Air Rifle Tournament 2023 for both men and women was held today at Pele Khezhie Indoor Stadium, Kohima Village.

Special guest during the event, Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhütso, MLA in his speech said shooting sports was one where there were no age bars while Naga players were immensely talented. He said there were groups of sports which needs physical strength while others need mental strength and judgement

and shooting belong to the latter group. While Nagas are good in other sports as well, he observed that Nagas were born with a talent in shooting.

He pointed out that since there was no age limit in this event, dedicated players had the potential to reach higher events even at national and international levels.

He urged the players to give their time and energy in practice as they progress farther in their sporting careers. He observed that when talking about career guidance, people often go on

to think only about getting jobs, becoming entrepreneurs etc. However, he said such an event was similar to that of career guidance and that youths could become professionals by participating in this kind of events. The tournament was conducted under 3 different categories including, 10 m PCP Air Rifle (open sight), 10 m Break Barrel Air Rifle (open sight) and 25 m Air Rifle with Scope bench rest. Cash Prizes for the winners were as follows for both the categories: Rs.12,000, Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 6,000 for the three categories along with certificate.

Debutant Vyshak, Kohli script comeback win for RCB; DC campaign in tatters with fifth loss on trot

BENGALURU, APR 15 (PTI): Local lad Vijaykumar Vyshak claimed three wickets on debut to complement Virat Kohli’s imperious fifty as Royal Challengers Bangalore returned to winning ways with a dominant 23-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League here on Saturday.

Kohli (50 off 34 balls) slammed his third fifty in four innings -- with the help of six boundaries and a six -- before left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (41-23-2) led Delhi Capitals’ charge in the middle overs to restrict RCB to 174/6 after David Warner opted to bowl.

The bottom-placed Delhi side, who came into the match after four losses on the trot, then made a mockery of the 175run chase as they were restricted to 151/9 in the stipulated 20 overs.

Delhi lost four wickets in the powerplay, including that of skipper Warner (19 off 13 balls), and they were 2 runs for 3 wickets at one stage.

Yet to open their account after five matches, time is running out for the Ricky Ponting-coached side. They now have the difficult task of winning eight out of their remaining nine matches to secure a play-off berth. RCB, on the other hand, got their campaign back on track after backto-back losses as they have four points from as many matches. Vyshak, who was handed his debut in place of Karn Sharma, got his maiden wicket in the form of Warner with a slower delivery, en route to his

memorable haul of 3/20.

The 26-year-old varied his pace and mixed his length well to trouble the batters as he went on to take two more wickets -- that of Axar Patel and Lalit Yadav -- as DC were reduced to 110/8 inside 16 overs.

After Warner (19 off 13 balls) got out cheaply, Manish Pandey waged a lone battle with a 37-ball 50, his 22nd fifty of the tournament.

But the wily Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva trapped Pandey, following a smart

review, and it was all but over for DC. Continuing his horror run, Shaw (0) got out for his fifth singledigit score from eight IPL innings when he became victim of a terrific run-out by Impact Player sub Anuj Rawat.

Prithvi was always slow with his running, and he showed a clear lack of intent opening with Warner. Shaw started off the blocks tentatively and Rawat was just pin-point with his throw from extracover. Shaw now has 34 runs, including two ducks, from five innings in this IPL.

Earlier, DC bowlers did well to restrict RCB to 174 for 6. RCB were 110 for 2 in 12 overs but they managed to add just 64 runs for the loss of four wicets in the last eight overs.

RCB were going all guns blazing with Kohli and Glenn Maxwell (24 off 14 balls) who was in a sixhitting spree. But the DC spin trio of Kuldeep, Axar Patel (3-0-25-1) and Lalit Yadav (4-0-29-1) seized the momentum.

Winners of the PDSA meet 2023

Winners and participants pose with their trophies.

Dr Ato speaking at the event. (NP)

Harry Brook

RCB bowler Vyshak celebrates with teammates after the wicket of Delhi Capitals batter Axar Patel. (PTI)