17 OCT 2021 by Nagaland Post

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 312

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Myanmar junta chief Hlaing excluded from ASEAN summit

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

NE region saw largest share of the country’s tree cover loss: study

Nagaland forest CANOPY LOST! According to satellite data — analysed by researchers from cover shrunk the University of Maryland — India lost roughly two million hectares tree cover from 2001 to 2020. But the loss has been fastest since 2001 ofuneven with the North East experiencing the highest NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (AGENCIES): The North Eastern region of India lost 79% of its tree cover in 2020, recording the biggest dip in the country, according to an analysis by Down To Earth. Over 110,000 hectares of tree cover vanished from the region last year, according to the University of Maryland’s forest change data. India lost close to 143,000 hectares of forest cover in 2020, when the overall forest area was 4.6 per cent lower than in 2001, according to the report. But the loss has been uneven. The ‘seven sisters’ Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland individually were responsible for 5-14% of the country’s loss in forest area from 2001 through 2020. Assam, the largest of the seven states, contributed the most (14.1%) to the national

11.9% Nagaland

10.3% Manipur

5.5% Tripura

Tree cover loss (in %) 13% Mizoram

3.3 6.6 10 13.3 16.6 20

Source: Global Forest Watch via University of Maryland Graphic by Pulaha Roy

tree cover loss during the period. Nagaland, however, saw its forest cover shrink the fastest since 2001, suffering a 17% drop in the two decades. It was followed by Tripura, where area under

Police and AR personnel at the blast site on Friday.

KOHIMA, OCT 16 (NPN): In a delayed report, a woman in her early 60s was killed and two others injured when an undetected bomb ex-

11.6% Arunachal Pradesh

14.1% Assam

forest cover decreased by 15% in the years studied. Outside the Nor th East, Odisha lost the largest area of land under tree cover (125,004 hectares) from 2001-2020 — 6.5 per cent of India’s total. It was

1 dead, 2 injured in blast at Chenloisho

Correspondent

As % share of India's total tree cover loss

loss — 76 per cent or roughly 1.4 million hectares

10.3% Meghalaya

ploded at Chenloisho village under Mon district during a social work Friday morning. Informing this to Nagaland Post, superintendent of police Mon, Imnalensa said that incident occurred

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around 11.30 a.m. when a group of womenfolk had gone to clear the area for the Bible school programme. Soon after the incident, police and Assam Rifles personnel rushed to the spot, which is located near the AR outpost. As per initial reports, SP said an undetected explosive device went off when the womenfolk were clearing the area, killing one person and injuring two others. The injured were rushed to Mon district hospital. SP said that a case has been registered with Aboi police station and investigation was on to ascertain how the unexploded devices were lying in the area.

followed by Kerala that contributed 4 per cent of the forest area lost. Researchers from the University of Maryland processed and analysed over a million satellite images to demonstrate the loss.

Fuel prices touch new record highs DIMAPUR, OCT 16 (NPN): For the third straight day, the state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) hiked the prices of petrol and diesel on Saturday taking retail rates to new record highs across the country. According to a price notification of OMCs, the prices of both petrol and diesel were increased by 35 paise per litre. After the latest rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur has climbed to all-time high of Rs.103.91 per litre while diesel rose to highestever level of Rs.96.36 per litre. In the state capital Kohima, prices of petrol and diesel increased to record high of Rs.104.91 per litre and Rs.97.17 per litre respectively. With this hike, petrol is now at Rs 100-a-litre mark or more in all state capitals, while diesel has touched the 100-level in a dozen states. Since ending of a threeweek long hiatus in rate revision in the last week of September, this is the 15th increase in petrol price and the 18th time that diesel rates have gone up. Shedding the modest price change policy, stateowned fuel retailers have since October 6 started passing on the larger incidence of cost to consumers.

India crowned SAFF champions for 8th time SPORTS, PAGE 12

Fresh talks underway to achieve Naga political solution, says Rio Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, OCT 16 (NPN): State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, Saturday maintained that although formal negotiations with all groups officially ended on October 31, 2019, no solution could be achieved. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired solution, he said a new chapter was opened and new talks currently underway. He said this while speaking at the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) thanksgiving programme at NDPP Headquarters Chümoukedima to felicitate party nominee and UDA consensus candidate S Keoshu Yimchunger for winning the by-election to 58 Shamatore-Chessore assembly constituency unopposed. On the pursuit for Naga solution, Rio said that the main issue outstanding was the NSCN(I-M) demand for separate flag and constitution. Rio emphasised that the state government was not a part of the negotiating groups although it was only playing its role as facilitator to bring early solution. He said that the negotiating

Neiphiu Rio and Chingwang Konyak felicitating (C) S Keoshu Yimchunger at the thanksgiving programme. (NP)

parties would have the last say on the ongoing talks. He also appealed to all the sections not to miss the opportunity as there may not be another. Stressing on the need to work together, Rio said “Solution will come when we all work together.” On the formation of opposition-less government under the umbrella of UDA, Rio said that the top most priority in forming UDA government was for early solution to the Naga political issue. He, however, maintained that the state government had to prove to the citizens that UDA could run good governance and serve the people of the state. On UDA’s role as a facilitator, Rio said that the

government formed a core committee and had met with negotiating parties to discuss on the ongoing peace talks. He said that Naga political issue was one, and that there would be one solution only. Rio said the government of India was holding talks with all negotiating entities and therefore it was also the Centre’s responsibility to bring all entities together to sign the settlement. Commenting on the controversy surrounding the shifting of DC office to the new complex at Chümoukedima, Rio said there was no official order to shift DC’s office Dimapur to Chümoukedima. (Cont’d on p-8)

Covid: State’s weekly positivity rate at 2.9% DIMAPUR, OCT 16 (NPN): Nagaland’s weekly sample positivity rate during the week (October 9-15) stood at 2.9%, a slight increase from the previous week. According to Health department’s weekly bulletin, a total of 4,765 samples were tested during the past week, out of which 137 tested positive for Covid-19 and five deaths. 24 fresh cases: Nagaland on Saturday recorded 24 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while no deaths were reported during the day. Of the fresh cases, 11 were from Dimapur, nine in Kohima and two each in Longleng and Mokokchung, taking the total caseload to 31571.

Cong chief to be elected in 2022; Rahul says ‘will consider’ taking up post August 21 and September 20 next year with a majority of party leaders urging Rahul Gandhi to assume the top post, a request he said he would consider. Addressing the all-important meeting, Sonia Gandhi asserted that she is a “full-time, hands-on Congress president” and asked party leaders to speak directly Sonia Gandhi with Rahul Gandhi and others during the Congress to her instead of speaking Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Delhi on Saturday. (PTI) through the media, in a clear NEW DELHI, OCT 16 urday decided that elections message to those criticising (PTI): The Congress Working for the new Congress presi- the leadership publicly. Committee (CWC) on Sat- dent would be held between This comes days after

This is it!

"I miss those days when they really observed Sunday as a Holy day." K Y M C

some sections within the Congress, especially the G23 leaders, questioned the absence of an elected party chief and also the decisionmaking process in the party. The top decision-making body of the Congress also finalised the schedule for elections to all party positions from the block to national level starting April 16, 2022, a demand raised by the G-23 in their letter to Sonia Gandhi last year seeking organisational overhaul. (Cont’d on p-5)

RPP alleges anomalies in DUDA DIMAPUR, OCT 16 (NPN): Rising People’s Party (RPP) has pointed out that the amount of money sanctioned by the Central government every year under the Underdeveloped Area Programme (UDAP) and Border Area Development Programme (BADP), Eastern Nagaland should have been decently developed by now, if the funds were judiciously utilized. RPP, which claimed that it was in possession of thousands of work-orders issued by Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA),

amounting to hundreds of crores issued from 2011-12 till date for works under the two schemes (UDAP and BADP), said that instead of developing priority sectors such as hospitals, schools, sporting facilities, and good roads, etc., precious funds were spent on constructing endless retaining walls, footsteps, culverts, helipads, etc. Based on the RTI reply, it said DUDA had allocated Rs. 49. 65 crores for the period 2011-12. (See table on p-8) RPP said it was also “unbelievable that DUDA

contractors should be able to construct so many guest houses in remote areas with the modest amount of Rs. 4,75,000/- only.” Further, as per the workorders, RPP said eastern Nagaland should have been the highest exporter of ginger and cardamom in the entire North East by now. RPP said that there was no other explanation for such absurdity except that there seems to be an alleged “syndicate involving ministers and power-brokers in the government (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

STATE

KSUK celebrates 25th anniversary

D I M A P U R : Khiamniungan Students’ Union Kohima (KSUK) celebrated its 25th anniversary on Ocotber 15 in the state academy hall, Kohima with advisor, urban development & municipal affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire as special guest and advisor, fisheries & aquatic resources, evaluation, economics & statistics, L. Khumo as guest of honour. In a press release, c o nve n o r, m e d i a a n d publicity KSUK informed that during the programme, the special guest in his address acknowledged the pioneers and the gathering on its 25th anniversary. He encouraged them to have 3Ds in life, determination, dedication and devotion and never to give up. Dr. Neikiesalie also stressed on posessing the 3Ts and to continue striving. He encouraged them to take up sports and athletic activities. He advised them to

Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire speaking at the programme as special guest.

keep away from the mindset of the word “backward” as such mentality would never take anyone further but only hinder. The first KSUK president also recollected how the need for a union wa s f e l t b a c k i n t h e

year 1996 with very few members. He shared how he was now in a moment of happiness in keeping the union going with strong determination. During the general session, new office bearers

were inducted with Bem Lushing as president. Earlier, additional d e p u t y c o m m i s i o n e r, Kohima M.S Thangpong delivered a speech while pecial prayer was said by M.Chuba Lam associate pastor, youth KBCK.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Trg on WQMS for FTK users in Tuensang DIMAPUR: A twoday training on Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance (WQMS) for Field Testing Kits (FTK) was organised by District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) of Public Health Engineering Department ( P H E D ) Tu e n s a n g o n October 3 and October 5 at Chungliyimti Village and District Water Quality Testing Laboratory PHED Tuensang respectively. A press release from PHED Tuensang informed that the main objectives of the FTK training was to achieve the jal jeevan mission objectives on community base participation on the WQMS system at the village level. The release also informed the WQMS training was aimed at letting the FTK users test the water sample by themselves, to know the quality of the water and to upload it in the WQMIS from their respective villages.

NEWS IN BRIEF PWDFWA Dmu unit convenes meeting: PWD Field Workers Association (PWDFWA) Dimapur unit has convened an emergency general meeting of PWD work charge union, housing, R&B, highway on October 19, 9 a.m. at PWD office complex. All members have been requested to attend the meeting. JCBKK informs: Japfüphiki Chokri Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho (JCBKK) has convened its directors and chairmen get-together on October 19, 10 a.m., at Tora, Sedzü. JCBKK has informed all the youth directors and chairmen under JBKK and CABYF to attend the programme and for further queries they could contact +91 8413075756. ANGDA first executive meet: All Nagaland Government Drivers Association (CC) has convened its first executive meeting on October 23, 2 p.m. at the association office conference hall. All affiliated units, vehicles inspector, head drivers and executives have been requested to attend the meeting.

Mokokchung District Legal services authority (MDLSA) observed “World Students Day” on the theme, “right to education”, here, at Mokokchung Law college on Friday, as part of the Pan INDIA campaign and legal services week. MDLSA also set up “legal services clinic” at the college premise to provide free legal services to the public and students in particular. (NP)

Remembering you on your

DLSU holds 6th ‘academic excellency award’

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, OCT 16 (NPN): With an aim to encourage student community, an “academic excellency award” is conducted by Dimapur Lotha Students Union (DLSU). This year the 6th academic excellency award was conducted here, Saturday at Lotha Hoho Ki on the theme “excelling future”. The award is sponsored by late Sanchiso Patton family, Lt. Nyamo Lotha family and Lt. Rhalamo Ngullie family. Speaking at the event as special

BSI inaugurates Changtongya branch DIMAPUR: The Bible Society of India (BSI), Dimapur Auxiliary inaugurated BSI Changtongya branch on October 15 at Changtongya. The inaugural & seminar was hosted by Changtongya Tow n B a p t i s t C h u r c h (CTBC). In a press release, BSI Dimapur auxiliary informed that during the programme, BSI Mokokchung branch secretary deacon Temsu stated that it was a great blessing if someone could hear the word of God and be saved through the contribution of individuals and churches. Auxiliary secretary Rev. Yiepetso Wezah in his speech said that there were many works to be done. While pointing out that there were 1,652 recognised languages in India according to the Indian government data, he informed that BSI had brought out 74 full Bible and additional 92 New Testament with 81 translations undergoing. “Only with the support of the churches, the great commission can be fulfilled by bringing the cord of God to every nation, tribe and language”, Rev. Yiepetso stated. D u r i n g t h e prog ramme, following were appointed as office bearers of BSI Changtongya branch: CTBC, associate pastor Rev. T. Aliba as president, Changtongya Yimsen Baptist Church, pastor Matsung, as secretary and Longchara Baptist Church, pastor Mao, as treasurer. The programme was chaired by BSI Mokokchung branch treasurer Wapang, invocation by Nukshiyim Baptist Church, pastor Rev. Repa, welcome address by CTBC pastor reverend Temshi, offertory prayer by Changtongya Baptist Church, pastor Rev. I. Wati Jamir and benediction by associate pastor L Amenla Pongen. Resource mobiliser Marwati also spoke at the programme. K Y M C

guest Lotha Youth Organisation Dimapur (LYOD) and class-1 contractor, Nzanbemo Humtsoe encouraged the student community to be dedicated, to work hard and be exceptionally good in whatever they do. Nzanbemo elaborated on three basics to achieve excellence which included setting a goal, to acquire knowledge continuously, work with dedication and inculcate never to give up attitude. He advised the students to respect their parents for their sacrifices to make ends meet while

First Death anniversary of Late smti Lije Phom

pursuing their studies. The programme was chaired by DLSU assistant general secretary Mercy Ovung, invocation by Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD) CNY director Elizabeth Ovung, welcome address was delivered by DLSU president Benthungo Ovung, vote of thanks was delivered by DLSU general secretary Micheal Yanthan and benediction was proposed by LBCD youth evangelist Longshithung Patton. HSLC and HSSLC students were also felicitated during the programme.

First Death anniversary

dp-4995/21

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Born in 1947 – Died on 17/10/2020 Dear Mom, We weep to see you! You hastened away so soon, Shattering the hearts of all your beloved ones, with only your memories to be cherished for ages!

of Lt. rev. Khriezetuo Keretsü

k-2003/21

Loving husband, children, grandchildren, in-laws and relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Late Mr. Imly Longchar (Aonokpu)

(GB Jakhama Village)

(17-10-2020)

It's been a year since you left us, but your memories are still fresh in our hearts, unforgotten. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. dp-4988/21

17-10-2020

Dearest daddy, It is already a year, since you left for eternity. Yet we always thank the Lord Almighty for the life you’ve lived. Your wisdom, compassion, selfless love and your unceasing zeal for His house is always vivid, impacting us. Though physically absent, you will always be in our hearts. Till we meet again. k-1997/21

Loving Wife, Sons & Family Members

1st Death anniversary of our beloved father

Lt. Pukhato Kets

From loving wife, children, in-laws, grandchildren, family members and loved ones.

Dearest father, It's been one year since you left us on this day, the 17th of October 2020 to be with our Lord, yet your sweet memories still remain afresh. Till we meet again we will always cherish your immeasurable love, kindness and endless sacrifices you have shown us. k-2007/21

dp-5003/21

dp-4997/21

Loving wife and children

- We Love him a Lot, But God Loved Him More –

We, the Family Members of Late VIPOZO VICTOR NATSO (Gaon Burah, Jakhama Village) through this column, wish to express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt acknowledgement to all our neighbors, friends, churches, societies, unions and all individuals who stood with us physically, spiritually and financially during his brief illness and at the sad demise of our beloved Father on 11th October, 2021. 1. Jakhama Village Council & GB’s 2. Khatso Natso Khel, Jakhama 3. Jakhama Village Women Society 4. Ze-Naki Council 5. Jakhama Youth Organization 6. Virazouma Village Council 7. Mary Help of Christian Church, Jakhama Village 8. St. Peter Church, Jakhama Town 9. Phevima Village Council 10. Phevima Village Youth Organization 11. St. Leo Catholic Church, Kacharigaon (Phevima) 12. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gaikhang, St. Joseph Parish, Chumukedima 13. Angami Catholic Krotho, St. Joseph Church, Chumukedima 14. Jakhama Kuda Union 15. M/s Zao Cooperative Society 16. St. Peter Church, Jakhama Town 17. Kacharigaon (Phevima) Youth Organization 18. Sangtam Baptist Church, Chumukedima 19. Sangtam Union, Chumukedima 20. Sangtam Baptist Youth Endeavour, Chumukedima 21. Sangtam Students' Union, Chumukedima 22. Seyochung Village Union, Dimapur 23. Khriezephe Village Council 24. Muslim Samaj, Virazouma We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual by mentioning your names personally, but it is our Dedication and Sincere Prayers that our Almighty God shower His Blessings in abundance upon each and every one of you. OUR LOVING FATHER, GRAND FATHER AND FATHER IN LAW YOU WILL BE MISSED. REST IN PEACE dp-4899/21 K Y M C

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

‘World Food day 2021’ observed in various districts

DIMAPUR

DIMAPUR: World Food Day was observed in various districts across the state on October 16 on the theme, “our actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better life”. The day is an initiative by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. This global event marks a day calling for worldwide awareness and collective action to combat

CoVS&AH

the issue of hunger and ensure healthy diets for all. In Dimapur, District Agriculture Office (DAO) obser ved “World food Day” at its office premises. Fo c u s i n g o n t h e theme, DAO Dimapur L Mhao Lotha stated that starvation was a massive problem in a number of countries and that there was a need for people to do more to raise awareness and combat the problem. He lamented that

people lived in a world where a large portion of the population was able to indulge in any sort of food they wanted without a second thought while others struggled to put food on the table. He suggested that the department should take further active initiative to meet more the evergrowing demands of food in the region. DAO further stated that the department took

this opportunity to recognise the role of farmers, workers and staff who are making sure that food reaches the consumers despite the unprecedented disruptions due to COVID-19. The programme was chaired by DAO deputy L Moangsanger and vote of thanks was delivered by ATMA, DPD Avitoli. CoVS&AH: College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry

(CoVS&AH), Jalukie held a programme to mark “world food day” where the dean of the college, Dr. Arun Kumar Sangwan delivered a seminar on the theme “our actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better life”. Dr. Sangwan spoke on safe food now for a healthier tomorrow. He explained how Agri- food systems work and how people could play

Tuensang

a part in making them function better. Dr. Arun also discussed the challenges to feed the population and the way forward. KVK Tuensang: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tuensang celebrated World Food Day at KVK conference hall, Tuensang. ACTO (genetics and breeding) Dr. Martina Shitiri in her address highlighted the importance of food nutrition, malnutrition and climate resilient

crop. The participants were asked not to waste food and to know the value of food, as a large section of the population in the world were still unable to get twomeal a day. The importance and objective of nutritional garden, where different types of crops are grown to meet the nutrition was also imparted to the participants. They were asked to

choose a healthy, diverse, local and seasonal food to lead a healthy and balanced life. Altogether, 45 farmers including KVK staff participated in the programme where vegetable seeds were also distributed to the participants. The programme was chaired by programme assistant Seveto Nyekha and vote of thanks was delivered by farm manager Yanger I. Kichu.

OTC celebrates 25th anniversary TGOF holds 4th general conference at Tsungiki village Correspondent

Temjen Imna Along and V Kashiho Sangtam along with OTC officials during the stone unveiling ceremony. (NP)

Correspondent LONGKHIM, OCT 16 (NPN): Oriental Theological College (OTC), Yangli celebrated its 25th anniversary under the theme “venturing in His faithfulness” on October 15 with Shalom Bible Seminary Kohima principal, Dr. Sanyü Iralu as speaker. While speaking at the programme, Dr. Sanyü posited three basics of venturing in faith which included accepting God’s word as true and trustworthy, winning God’s approval and recognizing God’s power. Special guests on the

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70% 24% 6%

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worried about the unchecked price rise of petrol, diesel and LPG?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST OCTOBER 17

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy

32 25

Aizawl

Clouds giving way to some sun 26 21

Guwahati Sun through high clouds Imphal

A little morning rain; cloudy

32 26 26 21

Itanagar A stray morning thunderstorm 30 22 Shillong

Humid; a stray a.m. t-storm

23 18

Kohima

Mostly cloudy

24 18

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

30 24

Variably cloudy; not as warm

26 20

Mkg

Tuensang Overcast and cooler

18 15

Cooler; a stray a.m. t-storm

26 20

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

22 18

Wokha

K Y M C

occasion were minster for higher education & tribal affairs, Temjen Imna Along and minister soil & water conservation, geology & mining NSMDC Ltd., V Kashiho Sangtam. Delivering a greeting message, Along called the people of God to be agents of transformation. Citing the Bible, he expressed his belief that “the gospel of Christ has the power to transform everything”. He exhorted the gathering to be soul winners, people winners and become conquerors. Meanwhile, a 25th year anniversary celebration souvenir was released by V. Kashiho Sangtam. Delivering a short speech after, Kashiho said that a relational building with other tribes was a priority. Challenging the

congregation, he emphasised the involvement of Church in fighting against the corruption. He viewed that Theologians could become politicians and administrators to lead the society in truth. Later, a foundation stone for the boy’s hostel construction was also by Along. Earlier, an alumni night programme was conducted where USBLA executive secretary, Rev. Y. Imty was the speaker and elaborated the leadership skills from the life of Moses. The board of directors along with the principal expressed gratitude to the speakers, special guests, participants, churches under USBLA, alumni, sponsors and well-wishers for making the programme a grand success.

TSUNGIKI, OCT 16 (NPN): Tsungiki Gazetted Officers’ Forum (TGOF) conducted its 4th general conference here, Saturday, at community hall, Tsungiki village under Wokha district with consultant psychiatrist and Kohima Educational Society (KES) chairman Dr P. Ngully as resource person. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ngully urged the officers to be role models for the village and society by contributing their ideas and resources for the common welfare of all. Dr. Ngully who shared experiences from his social services also urged the gathering to protect and defend their age-old lands left by their forefathers. Dwelling on the significance of land as one’s identity and on the importance of planning for the younger generation, Dr. Ngully shared how the

Native Americans regarded the present moment as time borrowed from their younger generation. Expressing regret for the work left unfinished by their generation, Dr. Ngully urged the younger generation to take up the responsibility of serving and working for the interest and benefit of society. Wokha District Bar Association president Oren Humtsoe urged the officers to be united, lead, share and inculcate in others what they knew. Opining that the purpose for which God blesses individuals was to serve humanity, Humtsoe reminded the officers not to forget that purpose. TGOF president Mhonlumo Kikon dwelt on the formation and purpose of the forum while delivering the welcome address. He urged all to inculcate the habit of participating happily in the achievements of others so that the

TGOF members at the 4th general conference on Saturday. (NP)

participants themselves were blessed in return. Earlier, at the inaugural session chaired by TGOF executive member Z. Habemo Ngullie, a twominute silent prayer was observed in remembrance of TGOF members who had passed away. Invocation for the session was said by Tsungiki Baptist Church (TBC) pastor T. Mhao Kikon, folk song was presented by Tsungiki Village Council (TVC), special number by

R. David Ngullie, vote of thanks proposed by TGOF general secretary W. Yibemo Kikon, and Mithun lunch feast dedicated by TBC women leader Tumchobeni Ngullie. Later, during the business session chaired by TGOF president, reports were presented by TGOF general secretary and treasurer S. Tsenkao Lotha followed by discussion hour and election of new TGOF office bearers. TBC pastor dedicated

the new TGOF team (20212024) led by Z. Habemo Ngullie as president and E. Longphyo Kikon as general secretary along with seven other office bearers and six executive members. Retired officers, representatives from TVC, Tsungiki village unions from Chukitong, Wokha, Kohima and Dimapur, TBC, Tsungiki Youth Organisation, Tsungiki Students’ Union and Tsungiki Eloe Ekhung also attended the conference.

Mahila Kisan Diwas observed in Tsg

DIMAPUR: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tuensang observed “Mahila Kisan Diwas” on October 15 at KVK conference hall. During the programme, ACTO (GPB) Dr. Martina Shitiri highlighted the importance of role of women in agriculture and agriculture nutrition. Participants were also made sensitised on the importance of women empowerment and gender equality. At the end of the

programme, vegetables seeds were distributed to the women participants and best SHG groups were also awarded. The programme was chaired by programme assistant Seveto Nyekha, and vote of thanks was delivered by farm manager Yanger I. Kichu. Altogether, 30 women participated in the programme which focused on women in agriculture nutrition, income genera- A book on Mülümi clan was released and dedicated by Rev. Phuheto Shikhu, senior tion, etc. Pastor, Yehemi Baptist church on October 15 at Zunheboto.

Condolence messages on the demise of Kihoto Hollohon DIMAPUR: Organisations, leaders and others have conveyed condolences on the demise of veteran Naga politician and former minister, Kihoto Hollohon who passed away at a private hospital in Dimapur on Friday. WC, NNPGs: WC, NNPGs convenor, N Kitovi Zhimomi on behalf of all the co-conveners conveyed sincere condolences to the family of late Hollohon. In a condolence note, Kitovi said late Hollohon was a youthful military officer in the Naga Army in the early years of IndoNaga conflict, a patriot and hero in his own right. “Upon their sacrifices, we have our history and identity today”, he stated. WC, NNPGs convenor said that in his demise, Nagas had lost one of the most charitable political leaders who had the desire to help the poor and underprivileged. “The magnificent Churches he helped built is a testimony to his commitment to man and God”, he said. Maintaining that he

would forever remain grateful and cherish the precious hours and fatherly advices late Hollohon had reserved for him, Kitovi prayed for strength to the bereaved family. WSH: Expressing shock over the demise of late Hollohon, Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) said that he was a torchbearer of their generation and a leader who pushed the boundary of possibilities in the socio-economic, political and also religious spheres of public service. WSH said that his leadership enabled the expansion of the horizon and vision of both common man and people in authority. It also said that he “gave voice to the voiceless and strengthened the democratic fibre of the Naga society” and that his “long eventful life is, in itself, was a testimony of the blessings he had earned from God”. WSH extended heartfelt sympathy and prayer to the grieving family members and prayed that the Almighty would grant them

solace in this hour of pain. SOUD: Sumi Officers Union Dimapur (SOUD) has expressed deep sorrow to have lost a dynamic and visionary leader of the Nagas and a fatherly figure to many. The union said that his demise had left irreplaceable vacuum but his contribution for the Nagas society particularly among Sumi community would always live in the hearts for generations. SOUD conveyed condolence to the bereaved family. KYKD: Kulolau Yeputhomi Kuposhukulu Dimapur (KYKD) in a condolence message acknowledged late Hollohon’s unselfish contributions in various capacities towards the people of Nagaland. KYKD said that in his demise, the Naga society as a whole had lost a dynamic leader and a true son of the soil. Maintaining that the vacuum created in his demise would be difficult to fill, the organisation said that his legacy would continue to live through many lives he had touched.

KYKD conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would give them strength and courage. AAUD: Expressing grief over the demise of late Hollohon, Aghünato Areami Union Dimapur (AAUD) described him as a kind and generous person who had genuine concern for the society. The union said that in his demise, Nagaland had lost a precious son of the soil and his absence would leave a huge void which would be hard to fill. The union also acknowledged his unselfish contributions in various capacities towards the people of Aghunato in particular and Nagas in general and said his legacy would remain afresh. Conveying heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, AAUD prayed that the Almighty would grant them strength and fortitude. Thenucho Tunyi: For mer speaker, NLA Thenucho Tunyi has expressed sadness to have learnt about the passing of

“Uncle Hollohon” whom he had known since his days as a student. Thenucho said that he had the privilege of working with late Hollohon on various occasions including their time in governance and found him to be “a fearless person with a strong personality who had a sincere love and concern for the Naga people.” “Hollohon was a generous man who always extended a willing help to people in need. A believer in Christ, he also contributed immensely to the growth of the Churches and its mission”, Thenucho said. Maintaining that Nagas had lost a great leader and a friend of the needy, Thenucho prayed that the Almighty would grant peace and comfort to the bereaved family. KTCN: Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN) while offering its deepest condolences to the family members of late Hollohon said that in his demise, the Kacharis of Nagaland had “lost a genuine leader who had real concerns for the

Kacharis”. “During his tenure as the elected representative from Dimapur III AC he did his best to uplift the Kacharis and even the Govt. High School, Dhansiripar was recognised

by the government through his initiative”, KTCN said. While stating that they would forever be indebted to him, KTCN prayed that God would give solace to the bereaved family members.

K Y M C

‘PMGSMP to accelerate execution of infra projects’

DIBRUGARH (ASSAM), OCT 16 (PTI): Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Saturday said the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan (PMGSMP) is aimed at seamless coordination between different ministries and departments for easy execution of infrastructure projects and give fresh impetus to the country’s growth in the 21st century. Sonowal, the union minister for shipping, ports and waterways and AYUSH, told a press conference here that the project is aimed at bringing in seamlessness and coordination among 16 ministries and departments for apt planning and smooth execution of infrastructure projects. PM Narendra Modi had on October 13 launched the Rs 100 trillion infrastructure initiative, which is dubbed as the country’s roadmap for the next 25 years. Major central government ministries like railways, roads and highways, petroleum and gas, power, telecom, shipping and aviation will be part of this project. Sonowal said, “There

Sarbananda Sonowal addresses a press conference in Dibrugarh on Saturday. (PTI)

has always been a gap between macro-planning and micro-execution. Due to bureaucratic entanglements and inter-ministerial silos, the work used to get held up, costing the exchequer huge cost”. In order to address this problem, the plan envisions a digital portal with all existing and planned infrastructure projects of the ministries and departments which are included in the project. With holistic planning and execution, there will be swift execution and savings on time and money, he said. “With the transparency of progress, it will be now

easier to prioritise projects through cross sectoral interactions ... The project aims to bring down logistical cost by developing last mile connectivity as well as optimally using all the economic zones and industrial parks through the development of multi modal connectivity,” the union minister said. The Centre expects that this initiative will also bring in huge benefits to state governments as they will now be able to figure out time frames for a particular infrastructure project and accordingly pitch for investor interest by giving a reasonable period of commitment, Sonowal added.

NE records 4- 5°C higher than usual; to improve in next 24 hrs

Mizoram reports 932 new COVID cases

GUWAHATI, OCT 16 (AGENCIES): Northeast India continues to witness some of its hottest days even in October. On October 16, most cities across the region registered a temperature 4 to 5 degrees higher than usual, reports East Mojo. While Guwahati saw 36.5°C, temperatures went up to 37.8°C in Arunachal Pradesh’s Itanagar. Agartala reported 34.8°C and Dibrugarh recorded a temperature of 35.8°C. Other cities showed relatively lower temperatures but still higher than usual with 29.2°C in Aizawl, 29.7°C in Cherrapunjee, 26.2°C in Shillong, 28.8°C in Imphal and 26.5°C in Kohima. According to the meteorological department, the weather is likely to improve in the next 24 hours. but the maximum temperature is likely to remain above normal. “If we look at the condition today at 8:30 am, actually there is a low-

pressure area which now lies over north-costal Andhra Pradesh adjoining the westcentral Bay of Bengal and the associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 kilometres above main sea level tilting south-westwards with height,” explained Sanjay Shaw, Director, Regional Meteorological Centre, Guwahati. “If we look at this through satellite imagery, you will see that there is very less cloud in the northeastern region since a lowpressure area has developed there are more clouds in this area. But there are chances of improvement in the condition in the expected weather forecast,” the director added. He further informed that light to moderate rain and shower is very likely to occur at a few places over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura and light rain/thundershower are very likely to occur at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

AIZAWL, OCT 16 (PTI): Mizoram on Saturday registered 932 new COVID-19 cases, 31 more than the previous day, with the tally rising to 1,11,651, a health department official said. Six more fatalities due to the infection raised the death toll to 380, he said. The daily positivity rate was at 13.71 per cent as the fresh cases were detected from 6,806 sample tests. “Mizoram reported less than 1000 single-day COVID cases for the second consecutive day. At least 185 children are among new patients,” the official said. Aizawl district recorded the highest number of fresh cases at 643, followed by Lunglei at 71 and Siaha at 63, he said. The northeastern state now has 13,316 active cases, while 97,955 people have recovered from the infection. T h e r e c ove r y r a t e among coronavirus patients in the state currently stands at 87.73 per cent.

NORTHEAST

Congress slams Meghalaya government on fuel price hike Correspondent SHILLONG, OCT 16: Hitting out at the government as petrol prices crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark in Meghalaya, opposition Congress on Saturday charged the Conrad Sangma-led government of being “insensitive” towards the “commoners”. The Congress also demanded from the government the rationale behind increase of taxes as people are struggling to get their livelihood in order after the pandemic. “The state government must explain to the people why the price of petrol per litre has crossed the three digit mark as people are struggling with their livelihood,” Congress legislator, Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh said. The price of petrol has touched Rs. 100. 08 per litre in the past few days while the price of diesel is Rs 92.65 per litre. Lyngdoh said the price of fuel wasn’t increased abruptly as at this juncture when the international price of fuel was at its peak. “So why has the government increased the price now and where is the extra fund going to,” Lyngdoh asked.

S H I L LO N G, O C T 1 6 (AGENCIES): On the occasion of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s 90th birth anniversary, the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis of IIM Shillong hosted Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat as guest speaker for an interactive talk session with the students of IIM Shillong. Dr. Saraswat is a Member of NITI Aayog and Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He formerly served as the Director-General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the chief scientific advisor to the Indian Minister of Defence. He is the recipient of numerous awards that include Padma Shri (1998) and Padma Bhushan (2013) from the

Government of India. Addressing the participants of IIM Shillong, Dr. Saraswat narrated his experience of working with Dr. Kalam and how this collaboration, which lasted for more than 25 years, changed his life. He shared the dream that Dr. Kalam saw for India – Vision 2020 and prodded the thought of students to the question, “Have we achieved this dream?” He highlighted Dr. Kalam’s concerns about India’s deteriorating value system and reminded them of his oath “I will succeed with integrity and honesty in my life.” In light of the upcoming ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav,’ he shared his decadeold conversation with Dr. Kalam about making India self-reliant and how he sees

that dream unfolding in present India. He pointed out the five crucial pillars for the emergence of self-reliant India: economy, infrastructure, system, demography, and demand. He pointed out how the increase in FDI limit for the defence sector, to 74% from 49%, will benefit India. Dr. Saraswat cited examples from the defence sector where India has started building indigenous computing systems and microprocessors and ventured towards more advanced technologies like Super Computers and AIbased Computing. D r. S a r a swa t a l s o talked about the perils of the pandemic and the government’s structured approach in achieving a V shape recovery with timely

BJP using CBI, ED, IT to target rivals : Bora GUWAHATI, OCT 16 (PTI): Congress MP Ripun Bora on Saturday alleged that the BJP government at the Centre is using agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax department to target its political rivals across the country, specially before elections. The senior Congress leader from Assam also criticised the Centre’s decision to increase the area under the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force saying that it was a unilateral one and the states concerned were not consulted. “The Congress demands that the notification extending BSF’s jurisdiction be immediately revoked,” Bora said. Hitting out at the BJP, he told a press conference here, “In the last seven years since the Narendra Modiled government came to power at the Centre we have not seen a single case by the CBI, ED or the Income Tax department against any BJP leader. “However, during this period, the BJP government has targeted Congress and other opposition leaders through these agencies and raided their houses. It was done with the sole aim

Ripun Bora

of harassing the Opposition leaders and silencing them,” he added. Bora cited a large number of instances of Congress and other opposition parties’ leaders being slapped with cases by the central agencies in recent years and claimed that most of them took place just ahead of elections to the states to which the Opposition leaders belonged. He pointed to the imprisonment of former union minister P Chidambaram and his son in a CBI case for several months and of former Karnataka Congress chief and minister D K Shivakumar in an IT case. Continuing with his examples, Bora said former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda too was questioned by CBI in an old land related case just two days before a by-

election in January, 2019, to malign his public image and late Congress leader Ahmed Patel and his son were slapped with cases by CBI and ED ahead of the 2018 Rajya Sabha poll. He alleged that CBI had even tried to keep Congress leader and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat confined on the eve of a confidence vote in the state Assembly in 2016. Citing examples of leaders of other Opposition parties being allegedly targeted by the central agencies, Bora said Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is also nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, his wife and a relative had been repeatedly summoned by CBI for questioning in an old case since February this year as the state prepared for Assembly poll. The ED had confiscated the properties of TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Satabdi Roy in connection with the Saradha ponzi scheme scam ahead of the West Bengal poll earlier this year but no such action was taken against BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Mukul Roy in the same case, Bora claimed.

Manipur govt launches ‘STAR Education Manipur’ Correspondent IMPHAL, OCT 16: In pollbound Manipur, the BJP-led coalition government has continued to launch new initiatives. After it had earlier launched the ‘CM Da Haisi’ platform and ‘Health for all’ schemes this week, chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday launched another initiative called, ‘STAR Education Manipur’. Singh launched the government initiative at a function organized by the state education (school) department at Classic Grande, Imphal. S TA R E d u c a t i o n Manipur is a flagship programme of the state government to transform the education system of the state through excellence in teaching and learning in classrooms driving radical learning gains. In his speech on the occasion, Singh observed that the motto of the current education system had now changed from the earlier narrow vision of getting a government job to a broader

IIM Shillong observes Dr.Kalam’s 90th birth anniv

File photo of former president Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at IIM Shillong in 2015.

Stating that during the pandemic taxes were levied on different item to meet the additional cost to fight the pandemic, the senior Congress legislator asked why there has been a hike on fuel now when the pandemic has subsided Lyngdoh said the increase in fuel price would have a cascading effect on different items as most of them are transported into the state through roadways. M e a n w h i l e, t h e Hynñiewtrep Youth Council raising similar concern said the central government is charging about Rs 32-33 per liter of petrol as Excise Duty and the VAT charged by the state government is around Rs 22-23 per liter of petrol. Similarly for diesel, Excise duty is about Rs 3132 per liter and Rs 13-14 per liter is charged as VAT by the state government. “We are ver y concerned regarding the price of fuel in the state, which in the last few days the cost of petrol has crossed the three digit mark,” Hynniewtrep Youth Council, General Secretary, Roy Kupar Synrem said. HYC has asked the state government to reduce taxes on fuel.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

lockdowns. He spoke on the robustness and reliability of the system that maintained minimum losses and provided support for daily wage workers, farmers, and other highly affected sections of society. He praised the collaboration between the ministry, educational institutes, and corporates to conduct successful vaccination programs across India. He summarized his thoughts by saying, “India at 75 has a 360-degree growth where it possesses all the ingredients and potential required to become a leader in the world.” The session ended with a Q&A round with the students talking about their thoughts on ‘Emerging India.’ The legacy that IIM Shillong shares with Dr. Kalam made the session special for all the students giving them insights into the ideas and dreams of the visionary. Hearing about the life and achievements of Dr. Kalam instilled a sense of pride and motivation in all the students. The stories of realizing Dr. Kalam’s visions will surely make their beliefs stronger and push them to keep dreams alive through sincere and innovative pursuits. As Dr. Kalam rightly said, “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action.”

one of creating jobs and serving the nation. The new initiative launched today would also assist teachers to teach students better, he said. He maintained that the state government, since its formation, had been doing things differently to serve people in a better way. The government had earlier launched the ‘School Fagathansi Mission’, an initiative to improve government schools, with an ambitious objective to give renewed thrust towards the improvement of government schools both in terms of physical and manpower infrastructure, he said. The state government had also taken up welfare schemes in many sectors, the chief minister stated, adding that many youths of Manipur have now performed better compared to other states in different fields. “Such achievements were made possible with the zeal on the part of people to do something new and the prevalence of a better environment,” he said. Singh also maintained

Manipur CM N Biren Singh launching STAR Education Manipur in Imphal on Saturday.

that the state government had always encouraged achievements of all individuals and would be ready to support those who are hard working. State education minister Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, who also attended

Assam records over 500 road accidents amid Durga Puja festivities GUWAHATI, OCT 16 (AGENCIES): This year, the Assam Government has imposed strict protocols and guidelines during the Durga Puja celebrations as a measure against the spread of coronavirus, reports The Sentinel Assam. Meanwhile, over 500 road accidents were recorded in Assam during the festivities season. In a report issued by the state emergency services, a total of 541 road accidents were reported in Assam. A total of 49 road accidents were reported in Kamrup Rural while 48 road accidents were reported in the Golaghat district. The districts of Sonitpur and Tinsukia both reported a total of 32 accidents. In the last 5 days of the festivities season, 8 road accidents were reported in Kamrup metro. On October 14, the day of Navami, 137 road accidents were reported making it the highest number compared to other days. In a report issued by the emergency services, the data gives an idea about the number of accidents that took place between October 11 and 15. Upon being asked if there was a rise in accident cases this Puja season, he answered, “Last year there were no Durga Puja celebrations so there were no major accidents as such. In normal days, we cater to about 70 to 80 accidents per day but these days it has gone up to hundred on some days.”

the launch function, claimed that the education system in the state had considerably improved after the lunch of School Fagathansi Mission. To facilitate teachers in taking online classes effectively for higher education, recording studios had been

set up in different colleges, he added. The minister appreciated chief minister N Biren Singh for his farsighted vision and initiatives for developing the education infrastructure of the state. He expressed hopefulness that the STAR Education Manipur programme would facilitate teachers and students in their teaching and learning process and play a key role in developing knowledge of students. According to officials of the education department, STAR Education Manipur would deploy an innovative technology and data-driven platform, coupled with high quality learning materials, effective training and ongoing coaching for teachers and school leaders, and technologyenabled support teams. During the programme, the chief minister also released a leaflet on STAR Education Manipur and also handed over teachers’ computer sets and school management smart phones to the director of state education (s) department.

Manipur on verge of being COVID free state: Health officials

Correspondent

IMPHAL, OCT 16: With daily COVID-19 positivity rate on the decline, officials of the Manipur health department hoped that the state would become a Corona free state in the next 50 to 60 days. The state has been registering a daily positive rate below 5% in the last four consecutive days and with the gradual decline in the daily count of positive cases, the number of active cases is also below the 1,500-mark. According to the latest bulletin of the state health department, the state reported 88 new cases and two fresh deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the infection count to 1,22,633 and fatality toll to 1,895. The positivity rate of the day was 4.38% while the recovery rate improved to 97.30% as the recovery count reached 1,19,316 with 108 patients discharged on Saturday. Addressing a press conference on Saturday, officials of the state health department said that the state has moved from a few cases to being declared “Corona-free”. Additional director and spokesperson of the state health department Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang said that if the present downward trend continued further, the state will be free from COVID-19 by the next 50 to 60 days. He said that analysis of the COVID-19 infection data showed that 48 persons per one lakh people were infected by the virus in the last five to 10 days. This shows that the COVID-19

situation of the state has been improved beyond the low risk category. The World Health Organization (WHO) put infection of 50 to 150 per one lakh people beyond the risk category, he said. On the other hand, the spokesperson said that stringent measures were being put in place to check spread of new strains of the virus in the state. A monitoring cell to monitor people entering the state from outside is operational at Imphal airport. At the same time, with onethird of the population of the state being vaccinated against COVID-19 till date, the state would be able to protect itself from the viral disease to a great extent, he hoped. Besides, the Centre has approved vaccination of children in the 2-18 years age group in principle and as soon as the state gets instruction from the Centre, vaccination of children will begin in the state too. “It will help a lot in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 in the state,” he said. The increase in the testing capacity in the state is also another tool that helped curb the spread of the virus, he said. He said that at the initial stage, the state had no laboratory to test samples for the virus and would send samples to a laboratory at Pune. However, the problem has almost been solved as a person can test for the virus any day or any time whenever he or she desires as many testing laboratories have been operational in the state, the spokesperson said.

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Singhu border lynching: 2nd person arrested Victim’s family demands high-level probe

Sarabjit Singh, being taken back to police custody after the court ordered for his 7-day remand, in Sonipat. (PTI)

Jandiala Guru in Amritsar district, police said. Narain Singh, however, claimed that he had informed the police that he was surrendering. Talking to the media before his arrest, Narain Singh was unrepentant and said that Lakhbir Singh had been “punished for sacrilege”. He said that the accused in the Bargari sacrilege incident in Punjab were yet to be arrested, but now if somebody will commit “such a heinous crime he would be punished on the spot”. Narain Singh was given a robe of honour and a garland of currency notes by some people when he paid obeisance in the Amarkot Gurdwara before his arrest. According to police, Sarabjit Singh has claimed

the involvement of a few more people in the gruesome killing, which has sparked outrage and has triggered calls for action to clear the protest sites on Delhi’s borders where farmers have been camping since last November to press for the scrapping of the Centre’s three agri laws. Haryana’s Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and senior BJP leader Rattan Lal Kataria said the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which is leading the farmers’ agitation, cannot escape the responsibility for what happened at their protest site. “It was a barbaric crime. Police are already at job conducting investigations into the case..But 40 leaders (SKM leaders) cannot escape from their

Do not upset MVA is most corrupt govt in Maharashtra’s history: Fadnavis farmers of Punjab: NAGPUR, OCT 16 (PTI): Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday hit out at the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray saying the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was the most corrupt in the history of the state with extortion being its “only agenda”. The former chief minister alleged that the MVA government came to power by indulging in dishonesty, and claimed that the BJP is the number one party in the state. He made the statements a day after Thackeray, who is also the president of the Shiv Sena, launched a no-holds-barred attack on the BJP during the Sena’s annual Dussehra rally here. “Thackeray’s speech reflected his frustration. You may try to defame the BJP, but the party is firmly grounded...You should remember that the BJP is the number one party in the state,” Fadnavis told reporters here. “You are saying that the people rejected the BJP, but in fact they rejected the NCP-Congress and promoted you (Shiv Sena). Out of the seats that we fought together (in the 2019 Assembly polls), the BJP had won nearly 70 per cent seats and the Shiv Sena had won 45 per cent seats. Hence, you indulged in dishonesty with the peoples vote and came to power,” he said.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena had parted ways after the 2019 Assembly polls over the issue of chief minister’s post. The Thackeray-led party later joined hands with the NCP and the Congress to form the government. In that election, the BJP had won 105 seats, followed by the Sena (56), the NCP (54) and the Congress (48) in the 288-member House. “This is a government formed through dishonesty and I feel that respected Uddhavji should now accept that he had ambitions of becoming a chief minister which he fulfilled. In politics, having ambitions is not wrong. But if you wanted to keep the word, you could have made senior Sena leaders Diwakar Raote, Subhash Desai or Eknath Shinde a CM,” Fadnavis said. In the past, Thackeray had said several times that he had made a promise to his late father Bal Thackeray to install a ‘Shiv sainik’ (party worker) as chief minister of Maharashtra. “If you really did not want to become a CM, then why Narayan Rane had to leave Shiv Sena? Rane did not want to become the party chief. Also, why Raj Thackeray had to leave Shiv Sena?” Fadnavis asked. It is alright if you had ambitions of becoming chief minister, but now please stop blaming us, the BJP leader said.

Pawar to Centre

PUNE, OCT 16 (PTI): Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said the Union government should handle the ongoing agitation against new farm laws with sensitivity, keeping in mind that majority of protesters are from Punjab, a border state. The country has paid the price of upsetting Punjab in the past, he said, referring to former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination during Khalistan militancy. Speaking to reporters at Pimpri near here, Pawar, who has handled defense and agriculture portfolios at the Centre, was replying to a question about the farmers’ agitation on Delhi borders which has been going on for several months.

She also asserted that she has always appreciated frankness and there was no need to speak to her through the media. “So let us all have a free and honest discussion. But what should get communicated outside the four walls of this room is the collective decision of the CWC,” she said. In her remarks at the meeting, Sonia Gandhi asserted that every member of the party wants a revival of the Congress, but that requires unity and keeping the party’s interest paramount. “Above all, it requires self-control and discipline,” she added.

BJP mocks CWC as ‘parivar bachao working committee’ NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (PTI): The BJP on Saturday mocked the Congress Working Committee meeting as “parivar bachao working committee” and alleged that it offered no answers to the issues of the party’s internal rift and its leadership’s failures, and instead indulged in spreading lies. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also criticised the CWC for not reacting to the ghastly murder of a Dalit man at the Singhu border, one of the sites for the farmers’ protests, and questioned if the opposition party stood with the “Talibani mindset” behind the killing. Anarchic elements are using farmers for their politics, he said. “For the sake of petty and cheap vote bank politics, opposition parties, especially the Congress, will maintain deafening silence on this key issue. They will not have courage to call spade a spade because it

does not suit their political narrative,” Bhatia said while also attacking farmer leader Rakesh Tikait for his reported remarks that organisers cannot be blamed for such a incident. Taking a swipe at Sonia Gandhi over her assertion that she was a “full time and hands on” Congress chief, he noted her status as the interim president of the organisation and the demand of the group of disaffected party members, referred to as G-23, that it should have a full time head. “It will not be wrong to say that it was less a Congress Working Committee and more a parivar bachao working committee (save family working committee),” he said, alleging that Gandhi’s opening remarks did not touch on a host of issues facing the party and left unanswered people’s questions about Congress-run governments in different states.

MUMBAI, OCT 16 (IANS): In a fourth stinger attack in the past 10 days, NCP Minister Nawab Malik on Saturday asked whether the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is willy-nilly targeting film personalities to instil terror in Bollywood with the help of some outsiders. Malik revealed details of a NCB witness Fletcher Patel who claims to be a family friend of the agency’s Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede and has posted pictures on social media with a woman he calls ‘Lady Don’. “Who is this Fletcher Patel and the other woman, ‘Lady Don’? How come this Fletcher Patel, who’s close to Sameer Wankede figuring as a Witness (Pancha) in at

Nawab Malik said Fletcher Patel (in photo) is a family friend of the agency’s Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede

least three NCB cases. Is it against drugs,” demanded ethically correct and what Malik. does it reflect on the credibilAgain accusing NCB ity of the NCB’s operations of carrying out fraudulent

raids on prominent personalities to grab publicity, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) National Spokesperson said in the past one year alone, Fletcher Patel was a Witness in CR No 38/20, CR No 16/20 and CR No 02/21, and his team was collecting more information on other cases. “After we exposed the two persons linked with the BJP, the NCB last week said that they did not know any of the ‘Independent Witnesses’ they had taken on record in the cruise ship raids. Then how come the same Witness Fletcher Patel appears in multiple NCB cases in the past one year, known to the NCB chief,” Malik asked. Later, Fletcher Patel and the alleged ‘Lady Don’

Yasmeen Wankhede, said to be a relative of the NCB chief, appeared on certain media channels and denied Malik’s allegations. “I have been saying from the beginning that the NCB is carrying out fake raids on film personalities but now with the involvement of Wankhede’s friends and family members emerging as witnesses in official case, what is the real motive behind these operations. As in the past, the NCB must hold a press conference and clarify,” Malik demanded. He again questioned if the so-called NCB raids are ‘pre-planned’ in advance with close friends like Fletcher Patel taken in as ‘Witness’ in multiple cases, violating the laws.

BJP to keep its option open about any tie up with Amarinder Singh NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (IANS): While preparing for next year’s assembly polls, the BJP is keeping its options open about any possible tie up or association with former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. The saffron party, however, is closely monitoring political moves of the former Chief Minister. BJP national general secretary and Punjab incharge, Dushyant Gautam told IANS that the BJP has its plan and strategy for Punjab assembly polls and is working accordingly

A video grab of the incident when a car rammed into a religious procession.

in reality in Jashpur district. ‘Shanti Samiti’ (peace committee) had held a meeting before the people gathered for Durga idol immersion. What is more surprising is that there was no deployment of police personnel despite the committee having informed the district police. Had the police barricades set up there, such an incident

held physically after a gap of 18 months due to the Covid situation, also passed three resolutions on the political situation in the country, the economic situation due to high inflation and price rise, and another on the acute agrarian crisis and diabolical attack on farmers. Earlier in her inaugural address, Sonia Gandhi said, “I am, if you will allow me to say so, a full-time and hands-on Congress president,” which is seen by many as a response to Kapil Sibal’s comments last month as to who was taking decisions in the party in the absence of a full-fledged Congress chief.

Is NCB spreading terror in Bollywood, asks Nawab Malik

with the developing situation. “No doubt, Singh is a big name and has had an impact on state politics but first of all the former chief minister must clarify his position about the next political move. We have our plans and the BJP is moving ahead with it. We cannot say about Singh’s plan and currently we can’t say what will happen in future,” Gautam said. Gautan pointed out that the doors of BJP is open for all nationalists. “We are a nationalist party and for us nation comes first. Anyone who believes in this is wel-

C’garh BJP demands judicial probe into Jashpur incident JASHPUR (CHHATTISGARH), OCT 16 (IANS): The Chhattisgarh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit on Saturday demanded a judicial probe into the Jashpur incident in which one person was killed and more than 15 others were seriously injured as a speeding car ploughed into people proceeding to immerse a Durga idol. Chhattisgarh BJP President Vishnu Dev Sai, along with local party leaders, met families of the deceased and the injured. During the meeting, Sai alleged that the Congress government in the state has given a free hand to drug peddlers. “I would directly blame the Congress government for this horrific incident. We used to see such incidents in movies only but it happened

said that “this is a very sensitive issue, which is related to the religious beliefs of the people and associated with the farmers who had been peacefully protesting from almost a year against the draconian farm laws of the central government”. The body of Lakhbir Singh was found on Friday tied to a barricade at the Singhu border with a hand chopped off and multiple wounds caused by sharpedged weapons. Hours after the crime, Sarabjit Sigh, wearing the blue robes of the Nihang order, claimed that he had “punished” the victim for “desecrating” a Sikh holy book. Questioning his claim, the victim’s wife Jaspreet Kaur and sister Raj Kaur said Lakhbir Singh “had a deep respect for the holy Guru Granth Sahib”. “He was a god-fearing man who could not never think of desecrating a holy book... Whenever he used to go to a Gurdwara, he would pray for the wellbeing of his family and the society,” said Jaspreet Kaur. He had no criminal record and there was no report of him being a bad character, the victim’s family said and demanded a high-level probe into the entire episode to bring out the truth.

(From p-1) The schedule for organisational polls was welcomed by senior leaders and G-23 members Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Mukul Wasnik present at the CWC meeting. Over 40 leaders of the party while speaking during the over four-hour meeting urged Rahul Gandhi to assume the charge of Congress president and lead the party following which he said he “would consider their request” while thanking them for reposing faith in him. Sources said that there was no objection from anyone on this proposal. The CWC, which was

would not have occurred,” Said told reporters. Meanwhile, he also blamed district police and demanded suspension of Jashpur Superintendent of Police (SP). Sai said that there seems to be a “planned conspiracy” behind the incident. “The way the incident occurred and a car which ploughed into a crowd was

set on fire indicates that the government wants to hide something. It has been learnt that the car was loaded with a huge amount of ganja, which is why it burnt immediately. A judicial inquiry must be ordered.” On the other hand, Jashpur District Collector Ritesh Kumar Agrawal told the media that the state government has announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakhs for the deceased person. “One person died on spot while 16 were injured, four of them critically and they have been admitted in Raigarh district hospital for treatment. Those who have received minor injuries are being treated at Jashpur district hospital. A team of senior officials has been set up for further inquiry into the matter.”

come,” he said. Gautam mentioned that the party is currently working on strengthening the organisational presence across the state. “We are focused on getting 51 per cent of vote share and meanwhile several programs and campaigns are already going on to expand the party base in the state,” Gautam said. Former Chief Minister Singh has made it clear that he was not joining the BJP but has no intention to continue in the Congress either. Many party leaders

admitted that Singh will give the BJP’s campaign a major boost and any tie up will happen only once he clarifies his stand. “Singh’s image suits our nationalist politics and he can be used to pacify farmers protesting against the three farm laws for the last one year,” a party leader said. Another leader pointed out that Singh will help BJP gain the ground lost after alliance with SAD was snapped. “Singh’s stature and understanding of politics will help if we join hands with him,” the BJP

leader said. As part of its ongoing strategy, the BJP is already concentrating on about three dozen urban seats of Punjab

spread across the state. A party insider explained that voters in urban constituencies have different aspirations.

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“Some disturbing news is coming from Bangladesh. Though the Sheikh Hasina government and many people of that country are opposing such acts, but why is @PMOIndia mute spectator? The Centre should play an effective role, and the BJP mustn’t do cheap drama of fake Hindutva over it. We want safety of minorities in both India and Bangladesh,” the West Bengal TMC general secretary tweeted in Bengali. Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and Nandigram’s BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari retweeted a tweet of ISKCON in which it said that its Noakhali premises in Bangladesh was attacked and one member killed.

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SONIPAT (HR)/AMRITSAR (PB), OCT 16 (PTI): A second member of the Sikhs’ Nihang order was arrested on Saturday in connection with the lynching of a Dalit labourer at the farmers’ protest site at Singhu on Delhi-Haryana border, even as the victim’s family questioned the attackers’ claim that he had committed sacrilege and demanded a high-level probe into the episode. The mortal remains of Lakhbir Singh were cremated at his native village in Punjab’s Tarn Taran amid tight security in the presence of his close family members. No Sikh priest was present to perform Ardas (Sikh religious prayer) and no one from his village Cheema Kalan attended the last rites. Sarabjit Singh, arrested on Friday for the brutal killing of Lakhbir Singh, was produced before a Sonepat court in Haryana and remanded in police custody for seven days. Hours later, Narain Singh was also arrested by the Amritsar Rural police at Amarkot village near

responsibility,” Dushyant Chautala, who is leader of the JJP, which is a coalition partner of the ruling BJP in Haryana, said. Kataria, a for mer Union Minister, said, the incident was similar to the killings carried out by the Taliban. “The responsibility of any incident happening at the protest site (of farmers) lies with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM),” the MP from Ambala said. The SKM had issued a statement on Friday distancing itself from the incident and said that it wanted to make it clear that “both the parties to the incident”, the Nihang group and the victim, have no relation with the Morcha. Farmer union leaders asserted on Saturday that the incident will have no impact on the agitation and said they will upgrade security by installing CCTV cameras and increasing the number of volunteers at the protest sites. Punjab’s Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa demanded an inquiry by a sitting judge to find out “actual cause” of the incident and alleged it was an attempts to sabotage the farmers’ agitation. Randhawa, who also holds the Home Department portfolio, in an official statement,

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXI NO. 312 DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Rising atrocities

trangely for whatever reasons, the spate of recent atrocities against Christians in India is being buried inside the pages of newspapers and considered as not as a serious issue of violation of human and fundamental rights. However, mostly such incidents are ignored by the Indian media, busy as it is with atrocities a day routine in other states involving other communities etc. Even if the mainstream media chooses to downplay or ignore such atrocities, it does not lessen the gravity of the crimes. Many Christians wrongly felt that the Modi government, after a strong reminder from international human rights bodies including the US Congress over atrocities on religious minorities, would have less tolerance. It is not so since recent reports by the Indian organization Persecution Relief, reveal that crimes against Christians increased by 60% from 2016 to 2019. There were 330 incidents in 2016, 440 incidents in 2017, 477 in 2018 and 527 incidents of hate crimes in 2019. Again, in the first half of 2021 (from January to June) 145 cases of violence against Christians in India were documented: as reported in a note sent to Agenzia Fides by the Commission for Religious Freedom within the “Evangelical Fellowship of Indian” Religious Liberty Commission“(EFI), among the 145 episodes, there are three murders. The cases are presented and documented in the report entitled “Hate and targeted violence against Christians in India – half-yearly report 2021” published on July 23 by the EFI Religious Freedom Commission. According to EFI report violence against Christians went on despite normal life being thrown out of gear during the second wave of the pandemic. The detailed violence in the Report sent to Fides refers, among others, to three murders, 22 attacks on churches, 20 cases, in rural areas, of ostracism or social boycott of families who had refused to renounce their Christian faith. According to the Report, Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 30 cases in terms of geographical spread. The state, which has vast areas of forest land where Adivasis or tribals live, was among the first to enact “Anti-Conversion Laws”. The neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh continued to record 22 cases, while the Karnataka and Chhattisgarh States, also polarized by a decade of religiously divisive political campaigns, report 14 and 13 cases each. The most bizarre incident occurred on March 19, 2021, in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, when four Catholic nuns of the Sacred Heart Society were arrested while on their way from Delhi to Odisha state. The reason was that the nuns were trying to convert people through fraudulent means. They were taken to custody by police and despite no evidence were charge under relevant sections. About 150 members of radical Hindu nationalist organizations accompanied the women in procession to the police station. The terrified nuns were released at 11.30 pm after leaders and civil society organizations convinced the police that the nuns were innocent and had credible documents to prove their story. Right wing extremist elements are targeting religious minorities with accusations of involving in fraudulent conversion. India’s anti conversion laws impinge upon the very basis of fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution. The fact that population of Christians in India hasn’t grown is evidence that the entire charges of fraudulent conversions are a fraud. There are no Hindu terrorists unlike Islamic terrorists. The reason is simple- Hindu is a tolerant religion but there are neo-fascists who use religion to strike fear, bring divisions and dominate.

DailyDevotion The Key to the Master’s Orders

Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. —Matthew 9:38 The key to the missionary’s difficult task is in the hand of God, and that key is prayer, not work— that is, not work as the word is commonly used today, which often results in the shifting of our focus away from God. The key to the missionary’s difficult task is also not the key of common sense, nor is it the key of medicine, civilization, education, or even evangelization. The key is in following the Master’s orders— the key is prayer. “Pray the Lord of the harvest….” In the natural realm, prayer is not practical but absurd. We have to realize that prayer is foolish from the commonsense point of view. From Jesus Christ’s perspective, there are no nations, but only the world. How many of us pray without regard to the persons, but with regard to only one Person— Jesus Christ? He owns the harvest that is produced through distress and through conviction of sin. This is the harvest for which we have to pray that laborers be sent out to reap. We stay busy at work, while people all around us are ripe and ready to be harvested; we do not reap even one of them, but simply waste our Lord’s time in over-energized activities and programs. Suppose a crisis were to come into your father’s or your brother’s life— are you there as a laborer to reap the harvest for Jesus Christ? Is your response, “Oh, but I have a special work to do!” No Christian has a special work to do. A Christian is called to be Jesus Christ’s own, “a servant [who] is not greater than his master” (John 13:16), and someone who does not dictate to Jesus Christ what he intends to do. Our Lord calls us to no special work— He calls us to Himself. “Pray the Lord of the harvest,” and He will engineer your circumstances to send you out as His laborer.

Quotes

Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. ~ John W. Gardner

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Post-mortem

SARFAESI Act 2002 and rights under Article 371 T he Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, (for short the Act of 2002) was enacted by the Parliament in the year 2002. It was enforced on 17-12-2002. The purpose of the Act is to regulate securitization and reconstruction of financial assets and enforcement of security interests and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereof. The Act of 2002 was amended in the year 2004 and 2012. The legislative evolution, in the field of financial matters of Banks reached to its zenith by the enactment of the Act of 2002. It was enacted to facilitate and ensure immediate recovery of finances/money which was/ is due to financial institutions from the bor rowers. In the fast changing global financial scenarios, it was deemed imperative and essential to have legislation, which ensure speedy and hassle free recovery of finances/ money from the borrowers/ loanees. It was found that the slow speed with which the loan is being recovered, in view of the existing legal system and further for the reason that some of the borrowers/loanees wo u l d d e l ay p ay m e n t of finances/amount by adopting different delaying tactics, it was deemed necessary to enact a law which would ar m the financial institutions/banks to recover money without delay. Initially, in order to overcome the aforesaid difficulties, the Parliament enacted “Recovery of Debts Due to Bank & Financial Institutions Act 1993”. With the passage of time, it was found that the Act of 1993 could not measure up the expectations of the Bank/ financial institutions, in as much as, the speed, which was required for recovery of finances/money, was not achieved. It is in this backdrop that the Act of 2002 was enacted to secure the financial interests of the nations. Section 31 (i) of the Act of 2002 provides that the provisions of this Act not to apply in any security interest created in agricultural land. Hence, the Act of 2002 is only applicable in security created in the notified

cadastral area. Article 371 ( A ) of the Constitution of India was inserted into Constitution of India through the Constitution (Thirteen Amendment ) Act, 1962 with effect from 01-121963 on account of certain historical and political necessities and was based on an agreement reached by the Government of India with the Naga Peoples Convention. Article 371 (A) starts with a “nonobstante” clause; “No Act of Parliament in respect of …… ownership and transfer of land and its resources shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides.” In view of Article 371 (A), the SARFAESI Act, 2002 is yet to be enforced in Nagaland since the N a g a l a n d L e g i s l a t ive Assembly is yet to pass a resolution to make it applicable. There has been a demand from the business community of Nagaland, political leaders etc. to enforce the SARFAESI Act 2002 in Nagaland in order to facilitate loan with immovable assets as collateral securities from Banks/ financial institutions without any legal bottlenecks with the twin objectives of uplifting Naga businesses towards economic freedom, move Nagaland from a salary economy to market economy and entrepreneurships’. It is also learned from the media that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Committee is seriously examining its applicability in the State. Whereas, the Nagaland Bar Association had expressed some genuine apprehensions in the event the Act of 2002 is made applicable in the State to the detriment of the common people. In the event of default of loan payments, the mortgaged properties shall be auctioned and sold to non-indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland by the Banks/ financial institutions etc. The Finance Department, Nagaland through a Press Statement had tried to clarify and dispel the serious concerns of the Nagaland Bar Association on the ground that Nagaland is

protected by Article 371 (A) and The Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment Act), 1978 which prohibits transfer of immoveable properties to non – indigenous inhabitants. Section 13 of the Act of 2002 provides enforcement of security interest. It provides the power to Banks/financial institutions to take possession of the secured assets of the borrower including the right to transfer by way of lease, assignment or sale for realizing the secured asset. It will clearly impinge upon the rights of the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland guaranteed under Article 371(A). Section 34 provides that civil court shall have no jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding. Section 35 of the Act of 2002 provides that the provision of the Act shall have effect, notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force of instrument having effect by virtue of any such law. It is a valid legal argument to state that Section 35 cannot override the constitutional provision and the rights and protections as guaranteed under Article 371 (A). As such, the Act of 2002, in its present form, if given effect to, in the State of Nagaland, will dilute the rights guaranteed under Article 371 (A). Whether the power under Article 371 (A) is only restrictive in nature or Article 371 (A) is both restrictive as well as an enabling provision has been a subject matter of debate over the years. The Government of Nagaland over the years, keeping in view our unique political histor y is of the clear stand that Article 371 (A) have both negative as well as positive powers. The Nagaland Legislative Assembly have the power to make laws with regard to subjects under Article 371 (A) (1) (a) (i) to (iv) and also the power to restrict applications of Central Laws in the same subject matter unless by a resolution so decides. I n exe r c i s e o f p owe r under Article 371 (A), the Nagaland legislative Assembly had enacted The Nagaland Ownership

and Transfer of Land and its Resources) Act, 1990 which received the assent of the Governor on 2705-1993 and published in the Nagaland Gazette on 06-07-1993. Whereas, the stand of the Central Government in the Affidavit filed by the Ministry of Pe t r o l e u m & N a t u r a l Gas in Lotha HOHO Vs The State of Nagaland & 7others, PIL No. 4(K) /2015 that Article 371 (A) is a restrictive provision which put a restriction on the application of laws made by Parliament and not a source of legislative power of the state. It is a very delicate matter and which requires a political negotiation and settlement keeping in view the spirit of Article 371 (A). However, it is a valid legal argument to take a stand that when the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by a resolution allows the application of a central Act in the State of Nagaland, all the protections, rights guaranteed under Article 371 (A) are automatically lifted/diluted and the central Act shall apply in its full force and not in a piece meal. In exercise of power under Article 371 (A), the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had adopted The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886 (Regulation 1 of 1886). It was amended by the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment Act), (Nagaland Act No.8 of 1978). It received the assent of the Governor on 29-09-1978 and published in the Nagaland Gazette on 15-11-1978. The amendment provides that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any law, usage, contract or agreement no person other than the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland shall acquire or possess by transfer, exchange, lease agreement or settlement of any land in any arear or areas. No document evidencing or transaction of acquisition or possession of any land by way of transfer, exchange, lease or settlement shall be registered. The Nagaland Post editorial on 04-10-2021 had raised a very pertinent point on the present issue. When the Register of Indigenous Inhabitant of

Nagaland (RINN), it is yet to be enacted, when the criteria for recognizing indigenous inhabitant is yet to be finalized, how SARFESAI Act, 2002 can be implemented with the rider that the properties can only be auctioned or sold to an indigenous inhabitant. This is a serious question to be deliberated by all the stake holders before any final decision. In spite of the Nagaland Land Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 1978, it is an open secret that there are rampant Benami transactions with regard to land, immovable properties, Benami business with the sole motive to evade taxes especially i n D i m a p u r. B e n a m i transaction is defined as any transaction in which property is transferred to one person for consideration paid by another person. Such transaction are in clear violations of the The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988 and The Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016. The central and well as the state agencies had turned a blind eye to such illegal transactions in the State. Also, the civil societies are totally silent. In a similarly situated case, Section 187 of The Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960 which prohibits sale of hypothecated/mortgaged proper ty of tribals to non-tribals, the Hon’ble Supreme Court in UCO Bank and another Vs Dipak Debbarma and others, (2017) 2 SCC 585, had held that the SARFESAI Act, 2002 shall prevail over Section 187 of the Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960. The provisions of the Act of 2002, which do not contain any embargo on the category of persons to whom mortgaged property can be sold to bank for realization of its dues that will prevail over the provisions contained in Section 187 of the Tripura Act, 1960.Also, the Hon’ble Supreme Court in State Bank of India Vs Santosh Gupta and another, (2017) 2 SCC 538, had held that the SARFESAI Act, 2002 is fully applicable without any conditions in the erstwhile state of Jammu

& Kashmir superseding the protections under Article 370 & 35 A of the Constitution of India (now abrogated). Section 31 A of the Act of 2002 empowers that Central Government through a Notification that any of the provisions of this Act shall apply not apply/ shall apply to the class or classes of banks or financial institutions with such exceptions, modifications, as may be specified in the notifications. Section 37 of the Act of 2002 provides that applications of any other law for the time being in force is not barred. As such, the State Government can approach the Central Government to ensure such exceptions, modifications in the Act of 2002, by incorporating an exception clause to Section 13 of the Act of 2002, keeping in view the protection under Article 371 (A). Also, the State Government should obtain a written assurance from all the banks/ financial institutions for mandatory incorporation of the provisions of The Nagaland Land Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 1978 in all contract/ loan agreements, in the event the Act of 2002 is enforced in Nagaland. What is the way out? The people of Nagaland should look forward not backward. For the overall economic g rowth and development of the state and to keep pace with the ever changing financial scenario and to ensure that Nagaland does not lag behind in its overall growth in all the related fields, it is incumbent upon the policy makers to make a serious effort to ensure and facilitate availability of bank loans to encourage business in the state. However, it is also imperative to initiate a serious public debate/ consultation with all the stake holders to ensure and balance the spirit of entrepreneurship, economic growth and the protection of our rights, identity as enshrined under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India, before any final decision to enforce the SARFESAI Act, 2002 in Nagaland. Taka Masa Ao Senior Advocate & Ex. MLA

Price rise and hunger syndrome are co-relational: The state of our nation

ndia in recent times has been hitting the rock-bottom in the socio-economic and happiness indices. All these three facets are co-relational and interwoven with each other. More importantly, price rise and hunger syndrome are directly connected with each other and both are complimentary in nature. For the last 18-months particularly the poor and the lower-middle class Indians have been facing huge problems in meeting both the ends, especially the poor, hapless and economically deprived sections as the prices of fuel, vegetables, pulses, edible oil and host of others have touched the sky-high – some doubled and others tripled. The prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas have been on constantly soaring in recent weeks and months. Global Hunger Report, 2021, has placed India to 101 position in the Index (GHI) of 116 countries, falling from its 94th rank in 3030 to 101 in 2021. Its findings have been damning to the Government of India (GOI), especially the ruling BJP dispensation. India is behind Pakistan and Bangladesh India’s current ranking is lower than all its neighbors, except one. When we observe the related aspects in detail, 34.7 percent of children under five are stunted, 17.3 percent of children under five are wasted, 3.4 percent of children die before their fifth birthday and 15.3 percent of population in India is undernourished. What is

worrying is that the report came out categorically that “India has a level of hunger that is serious.” Global Hunger Report of 2021 has placed India to the position of 101 – its entry into three digits. As expected, the Government of India (GOI) vis-à-vis the Centre in a strongly worded rebuttal questioned the methodology followed by Global Hunger Report of 2021, where India slipped to 101 from 94 last year, pointing out that the data was based on a “telephonic estimate” from Gallup calls. Unable to stomach that it is lagging behind its neighbors Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, it posed four questions that the survey did not include a query on whether respondent had received support from government schemes during the pandemic; the report’s incongruous conclusion that countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal improved their nutritional status as the pandemic had no impact on them at all. Based on assessment by UN body on “Four Question” the Government of India (GOI) simply rejected the report saying that it was like that of opinion poll as the information collected telephonically. Further, it said that Global Hunger Report concerns world wide, but Welt Hunger Hilife did not carryout the research with due diligence. It also said that the report was “shocking, devoid of ground reality and facts.” Adding further, it said that the report

had “completely disregarded government’s massive effort to ensure food security of the entire population during the Covid period, verifiable data on which are available.” In addition, it said that “The opinion poll does not have a single question on whether the respondent received any food support from the government or other sources. The present dispensation did raise a few questions as against the Global Hunger Report – 2021. It questioned the methodology that the agency had employed and went on saying that it failed to add a few questions particularly that concerns the ways with which the Government at the Centre handled COVID-19 at its peak. Though countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, have not been affected as severely like India by Covid-19 pandemic, they have been able to improve their position much better. Nevertheless, India has been failing and falling on social indices drastically. Healthy population is wealth creation of the country for the present and the future. Joblessness and unemployment are showing the surge. Ninety percent of our workforce is engaged in the informal sectors who work for their livelihood for meagre wages. Price rise at alarming levels of the edible oil, vegetables, pulses, cooking gas, diesel, petrol and others on regular basis have further escalated hunger and

poverty. Take for example, the truck, taxi and auto drivers; those engaged in the delivery of food chains, services in other goods to the designated places have to fill-in gasoline. Since the gasoline per liter has gone beyond Rs. 100/- (diesel and petrol), cooking gas is about to touch Rs. 1000/ and prices of vegetables have phenomenally gone up, all these have necessitated to add up the cost of the commodities they buy and sell. For all these they need initial capital and also reasonable returns in terms of profits. When joblessness and unemployment grow; prices of essential commodities and sustenance needs escalates, the teeming millions are pushed to hunger and poverty as they have no money to meet both the ends. The unorganized labor that runs to millions hardly have money in their hands. It is obvious and quite natural that this segment would land up in hunger and poverty. In our country a huge per centage of people go to bed on empty stomach. We did witness during the pandemic how the public health system worked, the state and central governments handled the pandemic crises; yet we have no data of those single, double or non-vaccinated. More than anything, does the respective governments have data of those who died of coronavirus? Taxing the poor and the lower middle-class on essential items is not progressive, rather

reg ressive. Only a healthy population can eventually become the creator of wealth. A population with wellness is an asset for the present and the future. A sickly population is a liability and counterproductive. Unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, hunger, illhealth, infant mortality, lack of PHOs, inequality and other related aspects are important socio-economic indicators. The Government at the Centre keep talking about making India as a “Super Power” or aiming to make India as “World’s biggest military force”, but only when the entire population is healthy having quality life and three meals of balanced food. Instead of finding problems with agencies on methodologies employed and finding faults on data collected we need to ask: what is the Ministry of Statistics and its agency National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) doing? Has it been regular in providing data on employment both in the formal and informal sectors? What is the percentage of population who live in poverty and hunger (rural and urban India)? Whenever the data favors government’s political ends, NSSO publishes its findings, otherwise the report is shelved. Poverty and hunger are real and existential. We may play with methodology and numbers, but not the severity and intensity of hunger and poverty. Dr. John Mohan Razu Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Pragya Thakur terms man who Kerala rains: At least 10 missing in Kottayam shot her kabaddi video as ‘Ravana’

Kottayam and Pathanamthitta are the most affected districts in the state as of now due to heavy rains since Friday night.

ing to be rescued as water entered their homes,” the Minister said. Kottayam and Pathanamthitta are the most affected districts in the state as of now due to heavy rains since Friday night. Visuals have emerged on social media from various parts of Kottayam district, including a KSRTC bus stuck in flood water and locals rescuing passengers

LeT commander among two militants killed in Pulwama

SRINAGAR, OCT 16 (PTI): Two militants, including Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Umar Mushtaq Khandey, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pampore area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday, a senior police officer said. Khandey was allegedly involved in the killing of two policemen here earlier this year. “LeT #terrorist Umar Mustaq Khandey who martyred our 2 colleagues SgCT Mohammad Yousf and Ct Suhail Ah in Baghat Srinagar while they were having tea, #neutralised in Drangbal, #Pampore. Amongst various other crimes of the terrorists, this

stands out as most unforgivable,” Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said in a tweet. “We are committed to #hunt down these #terrorists who try to create fear among masses and spread mischief & tumult in the valley. Such elements and their name should be excised from society,” he said. Another unidentified militant was also killed in the Pampore encounter, a police official said, adding that arms and ammunition were recovered from the spot. Khandey’s name figured in the list of top 10 militants who the security forces were targeting since the hit list was released by the police in August this year.

from it. A CMO release said, “six teams of NDRF have been deployed in six districts--Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki. Two teams of Army have been directed to be deployed in Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam districts. Airforce has been requested to be on standby in case of any emergencies.”

The CM also said a Red alert has been sounded for the dams under KSEB, including Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, Sholayar in Thrissur, Kundala and Kallarkutti in Idukki. A red alert has also been issued for Chulliyar dam in Palakkad and Peechi dam in Thrissur, which are under the irrigation department. Revenue Minister K Rajan said a meeting will

chaired by the Chief Minister this evening in which all district collectors and other concerned officials will take part. “All necessary precautions have been taken. We have asked the district collectors to issue warnings to people residing along the river banks,” Rajan told PTI. The India Meteorological Department has warned of widespread heavy rains in the state due to the Low Pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea and issued a Red Alert for five districts in the state. Destruction of roads was reported in many places including in Kollam and Kottayam districts while severe waterlogging made life miserable in Kuttanad region, popularly known as the ‘rice bowl’ of the state spread in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The water level is rising steadily in many rivers including Meenachal and Manimala in the district.

J-K killings: Senior police officer denies security lapse

S R I NAG A R , O C T 1 6 (PTI): A senior Jammu and Kashmir Police officer on Saturday ruled out any security lapse behind the recent civilian killings in the Valley and said that it is not possible to provide security to all those who may be soft targets for terrorists. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said that none of the civilians killed last week had been provided security by the police. Seven civilians, including four from minority communities, were killed by terrorists in Kashmir last week, triggering fear among the people in the Valley and

criticism of the security apparatus by political parties. “There was no lapse in security... They (terrorists) chose soft targets, we had not provided security to them (civilians). It is not possible to provide security to all soft targets,” Kumar said. He said security forces acted swiftly and identified all five terrorists involved in the killings. “Two of them have been neutralised and the other three will also be tracked down soon,” he added. Dismissing criticism of the security apparatus by politicians, Kumar said the police are dealing with the situation professionally. “It is the job of politicians to make all kinds of

statements. I am a professional and I know how to deal with it (situation). We are dealing with it professionally,” he said. The IGP said that 11 terrorists have been killed in nine encounters since October 8. “Two more are trapped (in an encounter at Pampore) and they will also be killed soon,” he said. Many political leaders had criticised the Centre and the security forces over the civilian killings in Kashmir. Some had also demanded that accountability be fixed for the “repeated security lapses” and security be provided to members of minority communities living in the Valley.

Plea in SC to remove farmers from protest sites March this year, saying “The right to freedom of speech and expression cannot supersede the right to life and if this protest is allowed to go in like this, the nation at large will be at a loss.” The interim application has been filed by Swati Goel and Sanjeev Newar in their pending PIL through lawyer Shashank Shekhar Jha. “After the incident of mutilating and murder of the Dalit man, I have moved an urgent mentioning application before Supreme Court,” the lawyer said, adding, “Anti-human activities are happening in the name of protests, including rape of a woman and killing of and mutilating a Dalit man. It cannot be allowed to continue.” Besides seeking the

Ex-PM Manmohan Singh condition improving: AIIMS

Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (PTI): Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has been diagnosed with dengue but his health condition is improving, AIIMS officials said Saturday. The 89-year-old Congress leader was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here Wednesday evening after he complained of weakness following a fever. “He has been diagnosed with dengue but his platelet count is now increasing and his condition is improving,” an AIIMS

official said Saturday. Singh has been admitted to a private ward in the cardio-neuro centre of the hospital and is under the care of a team of cardiologists led by Dr Nitish Naik. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Singh on Thursday and enquired about his health. A row erupted after Mandaviya’s visit as he allegedly took a photographer with him while visiting the former prime minister. Manmohan Singh’s daughter, Daman Singh, had hit out at Mandaviya for getting a photographer against the wishes of the family. Daman Singh told ThePrint that her mother was very upset because a photographer had entered the room along with the minister. But when she insisted that the photographer leave the room, “she was completely ignored”.

removal of protesting farmers, the plea has also sought the issuance of guidelines by the Centre to the states and Union Territories to stop all kinds of protests and not permit them until the pandemic gets over. “A protest which in itself is illegal cannot be continued when it is witnessing anti-humanitarian acts,” the PIL said, adding the protests have seen many unforeseen and unacceptable things including the tractor rally on Republic Day, rape of a woman and its cover-up at the site and murder of Lakhbir Singh on Dusshera. The plea said at a time when there is a ban on celebrating festivals, visiting temples, going to school and colleges, allowing such protests will serve no good.

“Protestors are not only putting their life at risk but of millions of people of India and such a prolonged agitation cannot be allowed especially during ongoing pandemic since prolonged protests on public places are not only a clear violation of Supreme Court rulings but is violating Right of Life of others who are directly or indirectly affected by the said protests,” it said. The plea said the PIL, which was listed first on May 10, could not be heard due to the crash of a server at the apex court on that day and later dates of hearings also, it could not be taken up. Meanwhile, the top court is also hearing a separate plea of a NOIDA resident Monicca Agrawaal. She has sought the re-

moval of blockades saying earlier it took 20 minutes to reach Delhi and now it is taking over two hours and that people of the area are facing hardships due to the protests at the UP Gate on the Delhi border. On October 4, the top court sought responses from 43 farmers’ bodies and their leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, Darshan Pal and Gurnam Singh, leading protests at Delhi borders, on a plea of the Haryana government alleging they have not been participating in talks with its panel to resolve the impasses over road blockade here. Haryana has moved an application seeking to make 43 bodies and individual leaders of various farmers’ organisations in the PIL filed by Agrawaal.

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BHOPAL, OCT 16 (PTI): After a viral video showed her playing kabaddi, Bhopal’s BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, who was confined to a wheelchair for a long time and had obtained bail in the 2008 Malegaon blast case on medical grounds, described the man who shot and circulated the clip as “Ravana” and said his old age and next birth will get spoiled. Criticising the BJP leader over her remarks, the Congress said she follows the ideology of the demon king and of those who represent the evil. Thakur made the statement while speaking during a Dussehra programme in Bhopal’s Sant Nagar (Bairagarh), a Sindhi community-dominated area, on Friday night. “I went for offering aarti (at a Durga pandal) two days back, when some sportsmen playing on a ground requested me to conduct a (kabaddi) raid. A small clip of this was captured and shown in the media,” she said. “If someone fretted and fumed, it was Ravana among you, some Sindhi brother...someone who is a big enemy (of mine). I am not his enemy, but he con-

UP: SP, BSP district chiefs among seven held for rape LALITPUR (UP), OCT 16 (PTI): Seven people, including the district presidents of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, have so far been arrested in connection with the rape of a 17-year-old girl here, police said on Saturday. Superintendent of Police Nikhil Pathak said the arrests were made following the girl’s complaint that she was raped for five years in different parts of the city and named 25 people in her complaint along with three unknown persons. A case was registered at Sadar Kotwali police station on October 12 against 25 people -- including the victim’s father and uncle -- and three unknown persons. The SP said a hotel in Mirzapur district was raided on Friday from where Tilak Yadav and Deepak Ahirvar, the SP and BSP district chiefs of Lalitpur respectively, and an engineer named Mahendra Dubey were arrested.

Pragya Thakur taking part in a kabaddi match.

sidered me as his enemy. I don’t know what precious thing I snatched from him... But Ravana can be anywhere,” she added. “I am telling the person, whose sanskaras have got spoiled, to mend them. If you don’t, your old age and next birth will also get spoiled because whenever anyone has clashed with the patriots, revolutionaries and above all saints, neither Ravana or Kansa survived, nor will the ‘adharmi’ or ‘vidharmi’ of the present be saved,” she said. She said that her ‘tapasya’ (penance) and meditation was for public. Reacting to her remarks, state Congress spokesperson K K Mishra on Saturday said, “Those who follow the ideology of Ravana, see the demon king everywhere. The Bhopal MP follows the ideology of those who represent the evil.” The video that went viral on social media showed Thakur playing a game of kabaddi on the premises of

Kali temple. Earlier, another video of her taking part in a Garba dance during the just-concluded Navratri festival had emerged. Defending the Bhopal MP, her elder sister Upma Thakur had earlier said that she suffers from a spine problem, which can give trouble to her any time. “You never know at which moment it can create problems for her. There is a problem with her L4 and L5 bones (vertebrae) as they got dislocated because ATS Maharashtra (investigators) threw her on the floor. “Whenever these problems occur, the lower portion (of her body) is left with no sensation....It can happen even when she sits or gets down from a vehicle,” Upma had said. On the other, MP Congress leaders, while taking a swipe at Pragya Thakur accused her of having many faces as sometimes she is seen in a wheelchair, sometime she plays Garba and kabaddi too.

PM to visit Kedarnath on Nov 5

DEHRADUN, OCT 16 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kedarnath on November 5 to offer prayers and inaugurate Kedar puri reconstruction projects worth Rs 250 crore. This will be his second visit to the state within a month. The prime minister had visited the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh on October 7 to inaugurate an oxygen plant there. Confirming Modi’s visit to Kedarnath next month, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said apart from offering prayers at the Himalayan temple, the prime minister is likely to inaugurate Kedar puri reconstr uction projects worth Rs 250 crore, including the rebuilt Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. The prime minister is also likely to lay foundation stones of second phase of Kedarpuri recon-

Narendra Modi

struction projects worth Rs 150 crore, Dhami said. Modi has visited Kedarnath several times since becoming prime minister in 2014. He could not come to Kedarnath last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic situation relatively under control now there was speculation about his visit to the temple. The prime minister has been closely monitoring Kedarpuri reconstruction projects. The portals of Kedarnath are scheduled to be closed for winter on November 6 on the occasion of Bhaiyya Dooj.

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NEW DELHI, OCT 16 ( PTI): A day after a man’s body with a hand chopped off was found at the farmers’ protest site at the Singhu border, a plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of a pending petition which has sought removal of protestors. The body of Lakhbir Singh, 35, from Punjab’s Taran Taran district, was found tied to an overturned police barricade at the site where farmers are protesting three Central farm laws for over 10 months. His body bore over 10 wounds caused by sharpedged weapons and the incident is being blamed on a group of Nihangs. Referring to the incident, a fresh plea has been filed for urgent hearing of the PIL, pending since

Cong says she follows demon king’s ideology

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KOCHI, OCT 16 (PTI): The Kerala government has sought the assistance of the Indian Air Force for rescue operations in the state, where landslides have occurred following heavy rains. The Chief Minister’s Office has informed that help from the Air Force has been sought for rescue in Koottikal at Kottayam district where landslides have been reported isolating a few families. Minister for Cooperation and Registration V N Vasavan told PTI that at least three houses have been washed away in Kottayam district and 10 people feared missing. “At least four landslips have been reported from various parts of Kottayam district. We have sought the assistance of the Airforce to rescue people who are stranded in Koottikal area. We have received information about some people missing and over 60 wait-

BUSINESS/STATE

IMF hails India’s ‘swift COVID response

KAKURO

while India benefits from favourable demographics, disruption to access to education and training due to the pandemic could weigh on improvements in human capital. At the same time, the recovery could also be faster than expected, it said adding that faster vaccination and better therapeutics could help contain the spread and limit the impact of the pandemic.

(From p-1) He said that the only decision taken was to create ADC, sub-treasury and Seithekima EAC to work under ADC and posted to the new DC Complex at Chümoukedima. The chief minister also said that there was no need to pressure state government by submitting ultimatum, memorandum or deadline. He said that if there was any genuine demand, they should approach the state government to sit across the table and share their opinions “instead of flushing out their opinions in media.” He also wondered whether a constitutionally elected government should run the government or civil society? Rio reasserted that while he respected all organisations, he lamented that sometimes some organizations speak and act without thinking. “There are many leaders in Nagaland,

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who have hardly any followers” he added. On the demand of CSOs to change the tag “HQ: Chümoukedima; Camp: Dimapur” from the letterhead of DC Dimapur, Rio said that during the chief ministership of Dr. SC Jamir, the cabinet had decided to name Chümoukedima as the Headquarters of Dimapur and accordingly a notification was issue on November 10, 1997. “How can we revoke an order that has been notified 20 to 25 years ago?” Rio questioned. He said that to revoke a government order was “unreasonable”, and added that a sitting should be held to discuss the issue. “All problems will be resolved. Whether one is happy or not, the government will take decision concerning justice for all,” Rio stated. Meanwhile, delivering thanksgiving speech, chief minister acknowledged the

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UDA government for rendering support to the consensus candidate and not filing nomination. He also acknowledged Congress party for not fielding candidate respecting the decision of the state government and tribal Hohos. He further acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by those who wanted to file nomination, but did not, respecting parties call and the alliance under the umbrella of UDA. Also, appreciating the support rendered by the tribal bodies of Yimchunhger and Tikhir, Rio said that such unity was very rare in the Naga society. “It is a very costly thing to be united,” Rio stated. He said that unity, which brings all good ingredients, could conquer anything. He also claimed that the BJP central government was pleased that UDA candidate was elected “uncontested” as winning an election uncon-

tested was very seldom. Rio also congratulated the new elected member of the assembly S Keoshu Yimchunger and expressed hope that the victory would only strengthen the UDA. Earlier, NDPP secretary general and advisor to CM, Abu Metha delivered the welcome address while short messages were also delivered by NDPP president Chinhwang Konyak and NPF legislator Imkong L Imchen. Newly elected legislator S Keoshu Yimchunger also gave a brief acknowledgement speech and BJP Nagaland general secretary Khevishe Achumi proposed vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by secretary women organisation NDPP and member, women commission Nagaland, W Nginyeih Konyak, and SBCC youth pastor Vikugha Zhimomi gave the invocation.

SCO meet: India calls for special working group on start-ups NEW DELHI, OCT 15 (IANS): India has proposed creation of a new Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation at the SCO. The proposal was made by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel, in her intervention, at the 20th meeting of the SCO Ministers. Stressing on the need for effective cooperation between the member states for a balanced and equitable growth in trade and

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commerce, Patel proposed the creation of a new Special Working Group on Start-ups and Innovation and for setting up a new Expert Working Group on Cooperation in Traditional Medicine. “She also stated that cooperation in the field of start-ups and innovation can be a focal point in reviving our economies from the consequences of the pandemic,” the Ministry of

Commerce & Industry said in a statement. She highlighted that there is “a significant gap in digital technologies between developed ang developing countries which needs to be narrowed down by building digital capacities”. On the environment issues, the minister welcomed the need for environment protection and mitigation of adverse effects of climate change.

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Number of WorkTotal amount Ordersallocated sanctioned to the to the firm for firm under UDAP 2011-12 and BADP in Rs. M/S R.K Construction 16 3, 76,20,000 M/S Jorlemp Enterprise 22 3, 60,05,000 M/S Mopa Enterprise 15 3,18,25,000 M/S Haowong Thai & Sons 16 2,55,39,000 M/S H. Khampong 16 2,04,25,000 M/S Bendang Kejong 13 2,02,35,000 M/S L. Haomang Konyak& sons 5 1,58,65,000 M/S T. WangdunKonyak 4 1,46,30,000 M/S Suryanath Singh 13 1,41,55,000 M/S Kuiyipu& Co. 16 1,40,90,000 M/S CKL Construction 3 1,13,05,000 M/S D. Yongnyak 6 99,70,900 M/S Wangnao Construction 7 96,90,000 M/S C. Levi and Co. 13 95,00,000 M/S C. Akai Taolem 9 84,55,000 M/S M. Akai Konyak 8 80,75,000 M/S T. Akhumba Yim 3 79,80,000 M/S Sammy Konyak 4 79,80,000 M/S W. Bendang Chang 5 75,05,000 M/S Y. Yiangpong Konyak 3 75,05,000 M/S D. Mangne Ailly 5 71,25,000 M/S A. PongshiPhom 2 71,25,000 M/S Casa Enterprise 3 70,30,000 M/S P. Apong Chang 4 65,55,000 M/S P. MantokPhom 6 61,65,000 M/S Dennis Zeliang 7 47,50,000 M/S M.K. Construction 4 42,75,000 M/S Muru Construction Co. 3 42,75,000 M/S Techno Builders 2 42,75,000 M/S Ngampa Konyak 2 38,00,000 M/S T. Asu Construction 1 38,00,000 M/S Ntsenthung Tungoe 3 33,25,000 M/S P. Honpe Konyak& Sons 5 23,75,000 M/S Mongzar Enterprise 2 19,00,000 M/S Multi-builders 1 19,00,000 M/S Nokpen Konyak 1 19,00,000 M/S C. Ongkhum& brothers 4 17,10,000 Others 17 96,90,000 Grand total 270 Work-orders 40, 03,39,900/- Crore Name of the firm

NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (IANS): The Centre on Saturday said that the Income Tax Department recently carried out ‘search and seizure’ operations at various locations around the country to unearth massive under-invoicing of imported products such as laptops, mobile phones and peripheral parts. According to the Ministry of Finance, the operations were carried out on an importer and trader of laptops, mobile phones and peripheral parts”. Notably, the search operations which commenced on October 10 were spread across the National Capital Region, Haryana and West Bengal. As per the ministry, during the search operations, several incriminating documents, diaries and digital evidences have been found which reveal that the group is entrenched into large scale under-invoicing and wrongful declaration of goods imported by it.

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(From p-1) because it’s the same firm or firms which keep getting multiple work-orders year after year to construct endless rostrums, guest houses, culverts, playgrounds, footsteps, etc.,” Taking note of this, RPP said that the state government does not have a blue-print for the development of eastern Nagaland and the border areas. It alleged that DUDA simply existed to inflate the bank balance of individuals. Thus, RPP said the allegation that DUDA funds were essentially meant for “less savoury purposes, such as, placating disgruntled MLAs, and is the pocketmoney department of Nagaland government is amply true.” Meanwhile, the party informed that it would be serializing yearly-wise the amount allocated to DUDA in the days to come and also welcomed those interested to access to the work-orders to reach at risingpeoplesparty@ gmail.com.

demand of the industry (9.4 GW) is just 6% of the country’s total demand, it is 123% of the total energy traded at the Indian Energy Exchange. Therefore, it says, it is not feasible for the aluminium plants to get power from the power grid and has to depend solely on captive power plants. Meanwhile, the government has said that the coal supply to the power sector is continuously improving. The Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO) on Thursday reported that the total capacity of units under outage due to low coal stocks has reduced from 11 GW on 12 October, 2021 to 5 GW on 14 October, 2021.

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2021-22, amid elevated price pressures. “The economic outlook remains clouded due to pandemic-related uncertainties contributing to both downside and upside risks. A persistent negative impact of COVID-19 on investment, human capital, and other growth drivers could prolong the recovery and impact medium-term growth,” the IMF said. It further said that

sociation, aluminium production is a 24x7 and 365 days continuous process industry and there is no provision to switch off and switch on. “It is a highly power intensive industry, just to illustrate 1 tonne of aluminium requires 14,500 units of continuous power which is around 15 times in comparison to steel industry and 145 times as that for cement. The sector depends on captive power plants to fulfil the energy demand. Aluminium industry has set up its in-house captive power plant 9.4 GW, which is 34% of thermal CPP capacity of the country. According to the Aluminium Association of India, while power

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NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (AGENCIES): What happens to the special purpose vehicle (SPV)-- Air India Asset Holding Ltd (AIAHL)-created by the government to hold some of the assets and liabilities of Air India, after the latter’s privatisation? Tuhin Kanta Pandey, secretary, Department of Investment Promotion and Asset Management (DIPAM), the government department responsible for disinvestment of public sector companies, told The New Indian Express that disposal of assets held by AIAHL will begin now as the government has identified the bidder of Air India. Pandey said the ground handling subsidiary of Air India-- Air India Air Transport Service Ltd-- would be the first one to be sold off

vision, and accommodative financial sector and regulatory policies”. “Despite the pandemic, the authorities have continued to introduce structural reforms, including labour reforms and a privatisation plan,” the report said. The IMF has projected India’s economic growth at 9.5 per cent in FY2021-22 and 8.5 per cent in 202223. Headline inflation is projected at 5.6 per cent in

NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (AGENCIES): The ongoing coal crisis has taken its toll not just on the power sector, but also on nonpower sectors especially the aluminium industry. A day after Coal India decided to temporarily halt fuel supply to non-power sectors, the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) on Friday said that domestic aluminium plants continue to grapple with critically low levels of coal stock, with no recourse or alternative means to meet their power needs and keep the plants operational, reports The New Indian Express. The association has warned that if coal supply is not restored immediately, it would lead to irrevocable collateral damage to these assets. The association has argued that any import of coal will take 90-120 days of cycle period from purchase to consumption. Therefore, sudden decision by Coal India to stop the domestic coal supply to the aluminium industry has resulted in complete chaos. According to the as-

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WASHINGTON, OCT 16 (PTI): Describing the Indian government’s response to the COVID-19 situation as “swift and substantial”, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the country continued with labour reforms and privatisation despite the pandemic. The IMF in its report based on “consultations” among members, however, sounded a note of caution saying that the economic outlook remains “clouded” due to pandemic-related uncertainties, contributing to both downside and upside risks. In its “Article IV” consultations report, it further said that a persistent negative impact of COVID-19 on investment and other growth drivers could prolong the economic recovery. On the Indian government’s handling of the pandemic, the multilateral agency said it was “swift and substantial...has included fiscal support, including scaled-up support to vulnerable groups, monetary policy easing, liquidity pro-

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Myanmar junta chief Hlaing excluded from ASEAN summit

end the violent crackdown in the countr y and to release political prisoners. The BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok says the decision to exclude the general from the summit, which will also be attended by US President Joe Biden and other world leaders, is a significant blow to the military government’s hopes of eventual international recognition. T h e r e h ave b e e n no indications yet, our correspondent adds, that the military is willing to reduce the use of violence against the opposition and to start negotiating with them. Asean did not name the Myanmar r e p r e s e n t a t ive i t wa s inviting to participate in the summit. Demonstrations spread across Myanmar following the February coup. Security forces responded with a brutal crackdown, killing more than 1,000 people and detaining more than 6,000, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

INTERNATIONAL Earthquake in Bali kills 3 people, injures 7 BALI, OCT 16 (IANS): Three people were killed and seven others injured with another one still buried under rubbles of a building that collapsed after a 4.8-magnitude quake struck Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on Saturday. The epicentre of the quake, which occurred at 3.18 a.m. with a depth of 10 km, was located 8 km northwest of Karangasem district, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said, adding the tremors were felt until nearby Lombok Island. The jolt triggered no tsunami. Head of Operational Unit of the Disaster Management Agency of Bali, Gede Adhi Tiana Putra told Xinhua that two people were killed in Bangli district, while the third victim and the person who was being rescued were from Karangasem. The seven people were being treated for fractures, he said. Several houses were destroyed by the tremor and most of the damages were in Bangli district.

British MP killing was terrorist incident: Police L O N D O N, O C T 1 6 (AGENCIES): The killing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess is being treated as a terrorist incident by police. Sir David was stabbed mul tiple times at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on Friday, BBC reported. The Metropolitan Police said there was a potential link to Islamist extremism. A 25-year-old British man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. Home Secretary Priti Patel paid tribute to Sir David as a “man of the people” who was “killed doing a job he loved”. Prime Minister Boris Jo h n s o n a n d L a b o u r leader Sir Keir Starmer laid flowers at the scene t o ge t h e r o n S a t u r d ay morning. Patel and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also paid their respects outside Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea. Speaking a short time later, Patel said: “We are all struggling to come to terms with the fact that David Amess has been so cruelly taken away from all of us.” She said the Southend West MP “was absolutely t h e r e f o r e v e r y o n e,

on the basis of what they know so far, the killer was motivated to use violence to further their cause. T h e r e ’s n o public suggestion from i nve s t i g a t i o n s a t t h e moment that there is a specific additional threat to MPs - but detectives and colleagues in MI5 will be delving deeply into the life of the suspect to understand how he reached this mindset and whether this was an attack by a “lone actor” or someone who is part of a network. Secondly, it confirms the initial conclusion that there would need to be more resources thrown at the investigation. Behind the scenes a wider range of detectives and support staff will now have been brought into action. If officers have recovered the suspect’s mobile phone, they will now be forensically examining its contents to uncover potential evidence of mindset and planning. A phone - and any bank cards - will also help detectives track the suspect’s movements in the days and weeks before the incident. That in turn leads them to CCTV so they can build a three-dimensional view of his life.

L O N D O N, O C T 1 6 (AGENCIES): The army general who seized power in Myanmar in February has been excluded from an annual summit of regional leaders later this month. The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) agreed to invite a non-political representative from Myanmar instead of Gen Min Aung Hlaing, BBC reported. It is a unprecedented move for the 10-member bloc, which traditionally avoids interfering in its members’ affairs. Asean said the militar y had not done enough to end the turmoil in Myanmar. In August, Gen Min Aung Hlaing named himself prime minister and said the country’s state of emergency would be extended as fighting between the army and militia forces opposed to the military coup continued. Asean said in a statement that an emergency meeting of its foreign ministers on Friday was unable to reach

a consensus on whether the military should represent Myanmar at the summit held between 26-28 October. The group said M y a n m a r ’s m i l i t a r y leaders had refused to fulfil promises of dialogue and de-escalation and said its representative had been banned from meeting the deposed and imprisoned civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The statement issued by Brunei, which is hosting the summit - said the situation in Myanmar “was having an impact on regional security as well as the unity, credibility and centrality of Asean”. In April, Asean urged Gen Min Aung Hlaing to

2 Hindu men killed in communal violence in B’desh

Taliban to announce plans for girls’ education: UN ISI chief appointment issue to be resolved in a week: Pak interior min

U N I T E D NAT I O N S, OCT 16 (AFP): The Taliban will announce a framework that allows girls to attend school in Afghanistan “soon,” a senior United Nations official said, after four weeks in which Afghan boys have been allowed a secondary education but girls have not. “The de facto minister of education told us that they are working on a framework, which they will announce soon, that will allow all girls to go to secondary school, and we are expecting that to happen very soon,” UNICEF deputy executive director Omar Abdi said at

the United Nations in New York on Friday. For weeks now the Taliban have been saying that they will allow girls to return to school as soon as possible. The ter ror g roup, notorious for its brutal and oppressive rule from 1996 to 2001, has faced international fury after e f f e c t i ve ly e xc l u d i n g women and girls from schools and work across t h e c o u n t r y, w h i l e incrementally stripping away Afghans’ freedoms. The Taliban permitted girls to attend primary school from the start, but have maintained that neither the girls nor their

female teachers could return to secondary school yet. Taliban officials have said that can happen only once the girls’ security and strict gender segregation can be ensured under the group’s restrictive interpretation of sharia law, adding that more time is needed to put this framework in place. Abdi noted that, as he spoke, “millions of girls of secondary school age are missing out on education for the 27th consecutive day.” He said the UN has urged the Taliban authorities now governing Afghanistan “not to wait”

ISLAMABAD, OCT 16 (PTI): Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said the issue of appointment of the new chief of spy agency ISI would be resolved within a week, amid widespread speculation that Prime Minister Imran Khan and the powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa were not on the same page over the key posting. The issue of appointment of InterServices Intelligence (ISI) director general has been in the news since last week after delay in the issuance of appointment notification of Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum. The interior minister, however, was reluctant to give reasons for the delay. The army in a statement on October 6 announced Anjum replacing Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who was appointed as Peshawar Corps Commander, but the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) withheld the official notification. After initial silence on the issue, the government this week said PM Khan was not properly consulted while making the key appointment.

Russia’s daily Covid deaths hit 1,000 mark Taliban to step up security at L O N D O N, O C T 1 6 (AGENCIES): Russia on Saturday recorded 1,000 Covid-related deaths in a single day for the first time since the pandemic began. The figure had been rising all week, with the Kremlin blaming the Russian people for not taking up vaccination, BBC reported. Only about a third of the population has had a jab, amid wide distrust of the vaccines. Russia’s figure of 222,000 Covid deaths is the highest in Europe, with another 33,000 infections reported on Saturday. The government has avoided bringing in strict restrictions because it says it needs to keep the economy working. The Kremlin has instead focused on public apathy on vaccination. This week, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “In a situation where infections are growing, it is necessary to continue to explain to people that they must get vaccinated. “It is really irresponsible not to get

Shi’ite mosques after attack

A patient is taken to a specialist hospital for Covid treatment in Moscow. (Reuters)

vaccinated. It kills,” he said. The gover nment insists the health system has not been overwhelmed and can cope with the rising number of patients. H o w e ve r, H e a l t h Minister Mikhail Murashko urged doctors who had left practices because of Covid fears to get vaccinated and come back to work. The number of active cases of infected people in Russia is around 750,000 also the highest it has been

since records started in February 2020. Overall infections since the outbreak began are now closing in on 8 million. The figures for single and full vaccination are surprising close together both just short of a third of the population. This suggests a large number of people do not want to be vaccinated at all. Recent opinion polls suggested that figure could be more than 50%. Russia has not

been slow in developing vaccines. Its Sputnik V was rolled out quickly last year and it has approved three others. But it appears to have failed to convince many at home they are either necessary or reliable. It has had more success selling Sputnik V around the world. But although the vaccine was made available for other countries quickly, it also ran into delivery issues, with some nations unable to get their doses on time.

KABUL, OCT 16 ( R E U T E R S ) : Ta l i b a n authorities pledged to step up security at Shi’ite mosques after the second Islamic State attack in a week on worshippers killed more than 40 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday. The hardline Sunni group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the Fatima mosque in Kandahar which saw a group of suicide bombers shoot their way into the mosque before blowing themselves up among the worshippers. A health official said the casualty toll from the attack stood at 41 dead and 70 wounded but the toll could still rise further. “Some of the wounded are in a critical condition and we are trying to transfer them to Kabul,” he said. The head of Kandahar police said units would be assigned to protect the Shi’ite mosques which have so far been guarded by local volunteer forces with special permission to carry

weapons. “Unfortunately they could not protect this area and in future we will assign special security guards for the protection of mosques and Madrasas,” he said in a statement posted on Twitter by a Taliban spokesman. The attack on the F a t i m a m o s q u e, t h e largest Shi’ite mosque in Kandahar, also known as the Imam Bargah mosque, came a week after a similar attack on a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz, which killed as many as 80 people. Attacks on Shi’ite mosques and targets associated with the Hazara ethnic minority, who make up the biggest Shi’ite group i n A f g h a n i s t a n , we r e regular occurrences under the former Western-backed government. There has been deep shock as the attacks have continued since the Taliban seized power in August, tarnishing the movement’s claim to have brought peace to Afghanistan after decades of war.

2016. The Met said officers are carrying out searches at two addresses in the London area and are not seeking anyone else over the death. The force believes the man, who is in custody in Essex, acted alone but inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are continuing. Government sources have told the BBC he is a British national who, from initial inquiries, appears to be of Somali heritage. BBC security c o r r e s p o n d e n t Fr a n k Gardner reports Whitehall officials are saying the arrested man was not on a database of terror suspects. S c o t l a n d Ya r d ’ s decision that the killing of Sir David Amess was an act of terrorism confirms that,

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed

Earlier this week, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had said the prime minister has the right to appoint the spy chief and that the consultation process was completed and the notification would be issued. According to a report published in The Dawn n ew s p a p e r o n Fr i d ay, Sheikh Rashid told a private TV channel that the issue has been amicably settled between the civil and military leadership of the country and “now the appointment (of ISI chief) will take place before next Friday”. When asked about the reasons for the delay, the interior minister said though he knows the reasons, he cannot make them public as

only prime minister Khan could apprise the people on the matter. Responding to a question, Sheikh Rashid rejected the claims that the delay was being made by the PMO due to some “spiritual and saintly” reasons. “It is totally absurd that the issue is being delayed intentionally due to divine intervention. It is illogical that someone is casting a spell,” he said. The minister said there were no differences between the civil and militar y leadership in the country and both sides were satisfied over what they had decided. He also ruled out media reports and a statement by ruling Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI) chief whip in the National Assembly Amir Dogar that PM Khan wanted Lt Gen Faiz to stay in his office for some more time due to the critical situation in neighbouring Afghanistan. Sheikh Rashid said the country’s spy agencies had defeated 42 intelligence agencies of various countries in Afghanistan. “They (military authorities) will not retreat from their own procedure,” he added.

FELICITATION

The New Riphyim Students’ Union and New Riphyim Village Council with immense pride and honour congratulates S m t i . N . C h u m c h a n b e n i K i ko n , W / o . S. Yanbamo Odyuo on being promoted to Director, NCERT, Nagaland, Kohima. The NRSU and NRVC further wish her all success in her future endeavours. Sd/T Chanbemo Odyuo Chairman, NRVC

Sd/Zuchanbeni H Odyuo President, NRSU

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Afghan girls attend a class in a high school in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan on October 10, 2021.

on educating girls. Abdi said he had visited Afghanistan the week before and met with Taliban authorities. “In all my meetings, the education of girls was the first issue that I raised.” He said he had received “affirmations” of the Taliban’s commitments to allow girls to attend primary school. As for secondary school, he said they were allowed “only in five provinces,” but added that the UN is pushing for the right to be implemented throughout the country. A 14-year-old girl identified as Asma this we e k ex p r e s s e d b o t h her frustration with the situation and her determination to pursue an education. “Will I be able to go to school or not? This is my biggest concern. I want to learn everything, from the easiest to the hardest subjects. I want to be an astronaut, or an engineer or architect... This is my dream,” she told Amnesty International. “Education is not a crime,” she added. “If the Taliban announce that getting an education is a crime, then we will commit this crime. We will not give up.”

he was a much loved parliamentarian, to me he was a dear and loyal friend, but also he was a devoted husband and father”. Patel, who has asked police forces to immediately review security arrangements for MPs, maintained a balance could be found to allow face-to-face meetings with constituents to continue. “We will carry on, we live in an open society, a democracy,” she said. “We cannot be cowed by any individual or any motivation... to stop us from functioning”. Sir David, 69, had been an MP since 1983 and was married with four daughters and a son. He is the second serving MP to be killed in recent years, following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in July

OFFICE OF THE

AOYIM VILLAGE COUNCIL AOYIM : DIMAPUR

Govt. Regd. No. GAB-13/17/83 (Vol-IV) 8th Jan.'92

INFORMATION

This is to inform all the concerned Land Owners of Aoyim Village area that as per earlier notification (January 2020) and as per the decision arrived during the 13thAoyim Senso Telongjem Meeting towards maintaining healthy environment and harmonious co-existence amongst the villagers, the Aoyim Village Council has been authorised and empowered to see that all drainage system and road broadening as demarcated by the Village Council should be practically under taken including cutting of trees, bamboos etc. which are disturbing neighbours and road sites. It is therefore decided that all concerned land owners of Aoyim Village are given time up to December 2021 to do the needful, failing which appropriate action shall be initiated by the Aoyim Village Council. (TOSHIMEREN) (K. TEMSU JAMIR) Secretary Chairman Aoyim Village Council Aoyim Village Council

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DHAKA, OCT 16 (AFP): Two Hindu men have been killed in fresh communal violence in Bangladesh, police officials said Saturday, taking the number of deaths to six from recent unrest in the Muslim-majority country. Protests began on Wednesday after footage emerged of a Quran being placed on the knee of a Hindu god during Durga Puja celebrations. The minority community make up about 10 per cent of the population. Police said the latest violence occurred in the southern town of Begumganj when hundreds of Muslims formed a street procession after Friday prayers on the final day of Durga Puja. More than 200 protesters attacked a temple where members of the Hindu community were preparing to perform the last rites of the 10day festival, local police station chief Shah Imran told reporters. The attackers beat and stabbed to death an executive member of the temple committee, he said.

Gen Min Aung Hlaing

Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer and PM Boris Johnson laid floral tributes on Saturday. (Getty Images)

INFOTAINMENT

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

NCDA to hold ‘Choral Conducting Workshop’ N A

NCDA members after the press conference held on Saturday. (NP)

various platforms for the advancement of choral music. For the event the association expects atleast 30 choral directors from churches to partake in three-day workshop. The registration will be open till November 15, with registration fee of Rs. 1500. For further queries, email nagalandCDA@gmail.com or contact +918413802517 Iralu informed that the association plans to organise choral festivals, workshops, seminars, conventions, and other events and also promote Naga choral music, composers and arrangers. The association members include Vimezo Iralu as president who did his

Master of Church Music in Choral Conducting, Singapore Bible College presently the worship director, Union Baptist Church, Kohima, Hito Kiho as vice president Master of Music, Major in Choral Conducting, St. Paul University Manila, Philippines, presently the music director, Purana Bazar Sumi Baptist Church East Dimapur conducting Faculty at Nagaland Conservatory of Music (NCM), Dimapur R. Mhonroni Lotha, as general secretary who did her Master of Music in Choral Conducting, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminar y, USA, presently serving as Assistant Professor, Margaret Shishak School of

‘Squid Game’ video game could happen, says Netflix Asia executive

Netflix Asia executive has said that a video game based on Squid Game, the incredibly popular Netflix series, is being considered. Minyoung Kim revealed the possibility of a game based on the show during a conversation with THR. Squid Game was released in September and since then it has become Netflix’s most-watched show ever. This is being credited to being released across almost every Netflix region on the same day, with the show being dubbed into dozens of languages. Kim said that the streaming giant is consider-

ing the future of the show, and the IP. A video game is under consideration, as well as “consumer products” which covers things like merchandise for the show. While Season 2 has not been confirmed, the unbelievable success of the show almost guarantees that there will be more to come in the future. Recently, Squid Game’s lead actor, Lee Jung-jae, has stated that he “needs to play him again”. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Lee Jung-jae, who plays the main protagonist Seong Gihun in the series, was asked if he’d like to return for a follow-up. “Because I’ve

received so much love and support from [viewers], of course, I have to play him again if there is a season two,” Lee said. “But at this point, I don’t know anything about how the story is going to turn out, or how the characters are going to change, or if there is going to be any new characters adding to the series. While no specifics about what a potential video game would look like, Netflix has recently been exploring video game development themselves, following its first steps into the medium with Minecraft Story Mode. (NME)

Music (MSSM), Patkai Christian College (Autonomous). Pfotokho Kayina, as finance secretary Master of Music Major in Choral Conducting, St. Paul University Manila, Philippines who is presently the faculty, Nagaland Conservatory of Music (NCM), Dimapur and Kevisekuo Sechu as Public Relations Officer Master of Music in Music Education, Voice Emphasis, St. Paul University Manila, Philippines who is also serving as Assistant Professor, Margaret Shishak School of Music (MSSM), Patkai Christian College (Autonomous). The advisors of NCDA includes Lipokmar Tzudir and James Swu. (Staff Reporter)

n update to Steam‘s rules and guidelines reveal that the site has banned games that are built on blockchain technology or allow for NFT and cryptocurrency trading. Steam has updated its onboarding page for partners and Steamworks users with a line that makes it clear that Valve will soon ban NFT trading games from the platform. Under the heading “what you shouldn’t publish on Steam”, a new rule states that “applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs” should not be distributed on the platform. Today, game creators are reporting that their games utilising NFTs are being removed from the platform. Below, the Twitter account for Age Of Rust – in which players “collect in-game NFTs” – announced that “Steam will be kicking all blockchain games off the platform, including Age Of Rust”. The Age Of Rust T itter account adds that from its understanding, “Steam’s point of view is that items have value and they don’t allow items that can have real-world value on their platform”. As it stands, there are numerous games on Steam that currently tie NFT and cryptocurrency into its gameplay. One of which is Mir4, which allows players to earn cryptocurrency in-game despite negative reviews highlighting allegedly boring gameplay. (NME)

Burnt seeds show people used tobacco 12,000 years ago

rchaeologists have uncovered evidence that hunter-gatherers in North America were using tobacco around 12,300 years ago — 9,000 years earlier than was previously documented. Tobacco use spread worldwide after contact between European explorers and Indigenous people in North America in the fifteenth century. But researchers debate precisely how and when tobacco plants (Nicotiana spp.) were first domesticated. Now, Daron Duke and his colleagues at the Far Western Anthropological Research Group in Davis, California, have discovered the oldest direct evidence of tobacco use at a hunter-gatherer camp in Utah’s West Desert. They published the findings on 11 October in Nature Human Behaviour. The site lies alongside the now-dry channel of a prehistoric river called the Old River Bed, where people camped 13,000 to 9,500 years ago. While excavating a historical site located within the US Air Force’s Utah Test and Training Range, the team found an ancient hearth containing four burnt tobacco-plant seeds. The researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine how old the

Excavations at the site in Utah, where charred tobacco seeds were found among the contents of a 12,300-yearold hearth.

hearth and its contents were. The tobacco seeds themselves were too small and fragile to be dated, but the team determined that other burned woody material in the hearth was around 12,300 years old. The charred seeds were presumed to be of a similar age. Although the team cannot say for certain how the tobacco was used, the fact that only seeds remain implies that the leaves and stems of the tobacco plant — the parts with the intoxicant effect — were consumed. The seeds, which are small and easily caught in the sticky hairs of the plant, could’ve been picked up and when the flowering parts were harvested. “People in the Pleistocene likely smoked tobacco or chewed tobacco in a similar fashion to how

it’s used today,” says Jaime Kennedy, an archaeologist at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Artefacts found in and around the hearth provide context for the find. These include fragments of a Haskett, a spear tip commonly used by roaming hunter-gatherers in North America during the Pleistocene. In this case, the researchers say, it seems to have been used to hunt various species of duck: a large number of waterfowl bones were uncovered at the site. D u k e ’s t e a m a l s o found charred seeds from other plants traditionally eaten by Native American communities: goosefoot (Chenopodium spp.), red maids (Calandrina spp.) and hairgrass (Deschampsia spp.). (Nature)

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

The Lhomithi Colony Council on behalf of the entire general public of Lhomithi takes immense pride in conveying our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Kakheto Sema on his appointment as Additional Judge of Gauhati High Court. We hope and pray that our Almighty God bless him with good health and wisdom. Wishing him success in all his future endeavors. Hokheto Yeptho Chairman, LCC

Avito D. Chishi Secretary, LCC

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agaland Choral Directors Association (NCDA) is geared up to conduct “Choral conducting workshop” from November 18 to 20, which was announced by association members. Highlighting about the upcoming event Saturday, in a press conference held at the King Chilli, Hibos Garden, Green Park Jn, 5th Mile, members mentioned that the workshop will be held at Dimapur Christian Fellowship Church, Darogapathar. NCDA president Vimezo Iralu said that the association was planning to host the event on the year it was formed but was put on hold for the last two years due to the pandemic. Members informed that with the upcoming event the team will focus on involving on conducting techniques, choral rehearsals, vocal warm up etc which will help conductors create an ability to inspire singers toward excellence and provide them with the appropriate means to communicate the expressive character of the music. Briefing about the formation of the association, Iralu shared that that in 2019, likeminded choral enthusiasts came together to form the Nagaland Choral Directors Association (NCDA). NCDA’s vision is to promote choral art; to enhance, empower and enrich choir directors, and music directors in Nagaland by creating and providing

Steam is removing NFT games from the platform

Dr. S.C. Jamir- a legacy of Longjakrep Semchir, a real son of the soil, a legendary leader and a pioneering figure who has sacrificed so much for the Nagas, as you celebrate your 90th Birthday on 17th October, we, the Longjakrep Semchir Ungma salutes you. To reach the milestone of 90 years itself is a great achievement. We wish you many more years of spreading your wisdom, which benefits each and every one of us for the greater good. Your life is truly mesmerizing and we are thankful to you and pray that, as you celebrate your 90th Birthday, you will be graced with many more years filled with sound health and joy. On behalf of the Longjakrep Semchir Sd/Imtidongba Jamir, Tatar, Ungma

Sd/Onentiba Jamir, Tatar, Ungma

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Meteorite crash-lands in woman’s bed in Canada

The meteorite that crashed into Ruth Hamilton’s bedroom in Golden, British Columbia.

woman in Canada narrowly missed being struck by a meteorite that crashed through her roof and landed on her pillow. Ruth Hamilton, a resident of Golden, British Columbia, was asleep in her bed on the night of Oct. 3 when she was jolted awake by an explosive bang, as something plummeted through the roof and showered her with debris, Hamilton told Victoria News on Oct. 8. She jumped out of bed and turned on the light, discovering a rock lying nestled between her pillows, right next to the spot where her head had been moments earlier. The object was about the size of a fist and weighed about 2.8 pounds (1.3 kilograms), The New York Times reported on Thursday. K Y M C

Hamilton promptly called 911; a police officer arrived on the scene and investigated the debris, then checked with a local construction company to see if they had set off any explosions at a highway site in the nearby Kicking Horse Canyon, Victoria News reported. A construction company representative said that no blasting had occurred that night, but they mentioned seeing “a bright light in the sky that had exploded and caused some booms,” Hamilton told Victoria News. Hamilton then realized that the object on her pillow — a greyish, melonsize boulder — was likely a rock from space, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC). (Live Science)

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K Y M C

Dravid set to take over as India coach

NEW DELHI, OCT 16 (PTI): India’s batting stalwart and former captain Rahul Dravid is all set to take over as the national cricket team’s head coach following the T20 World Cup in the UAE, having agreed to the BCCI’s offer after initial reluctance. The 48-year-old Dravid, one of the greatest ever to have played for India, has been in charge of the national ‘A’ and U-19 setup for the past six years and a lot of players such as Rishabh Pant, Avesh Khan, Prithvi Shaw, Hanuma Vihari, and Shubman Gill have come through the system prepared by him. He currently heads the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and was in Dubai during the just-concluded IPL to meet his former teammate and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Board secretary Jay Shah for an elaborate discussion. “ Ye s, R a h u l h a s agreed to coach the Indian team till 2023 World Cup. Initially, he was reluctant but it is understood that president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah

SPORTS

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Rahul Dravid

had a meeting with Rahul on the sidelines of the IPL final where they were able to convince him,” a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. “It won’t be an interim role,” he added. Dravid’s trusted lieutenant Paras Mhambrey is expected to be the bowling coach while Vikram Rathour is likely to continue as batting coach. However, it is understood that the BCCI will nonetheless give an advertisement for the position to ensure that due process is followed. The Board has to form a Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which would be mandated to complete the process as prescribed by the Lodha reforms. The Board mandarins are mulling on how to make the best use of

Dravid’s vast knowledge of talent resource in Indian cricket and his role may be a more holistic one rather than just being confined to the chief coach of the national team. While India A or U-19 teams would have their respective coaches, the BCCI could well make Dravid, the head of all coaches, to whom all the cricketing departments, along with the NCA staff, report. When Ganguly took charge of BCCI, he had spoken to the media about the synergy he wanted between the national team, age-group team as well as NCA which is the centre of excellence. Having seen incumbent Ravi Shastri achieve a lot of success, the BCCI was always keen on appointing an Indian coach but there were only a few of stature. Shastri’s tenure ends with the T20 World Cup. One former Indian captain and stalwart had refused to become the coach in the current team set-up as Virat Kohli still remains the Test and ODI captain. It is learnt that bigger names were wary of coach-

ing a team where Kohli had mostly called the shots till the Australia tour earlier this year. The dynamics have changed ever since as the team out-maneuvered a stronger Australia in the absence of Kohli, who was on paternity leave at that time. Shastri was in charge of the side at a fee of Rs 8.5 crore and it is understood that the BCCI is offering Dravid a significant hike, which will be more than his NCA remuneration as well as Shastri’s current pay cheque. Also Dravid, who had in earlier years said no because of his young family, is expected to contribute in a broader manner. Dravid’s elder son Samit has made a name for himself as a batter in the Karnataka’s age-group circle. The basic idea behind having the Dravid-Mhambrey combination in the Indian team set-up is to ensure that in another two years, when the transition in the current team happens, the changing of nucleus is smooth.

Biennial WC would allow teams ‘to dream’: FIFA chief

CARACAS (VENEZUELA), OCT 16 (IANS): FIFA president Gianni Infantino says that a plan to stage the World Cup every two years would provide “a chance to dream” for countries and regions that have never won football’s showpiece tournament. FIFA’s member associations are set to vote on the proposal in December and, if approved, a radically revamped international calendar could be implemented as soon as 2025. “Our job is to constantly think about how we can improve football in the world, to make football truly global,” Infantino said at an event in Venezuela’s capital Caracas. He said the minds behind the inaugural World Cup in 1930 could not have imagined how much the game would grow and downplayed suggestions that staging the event on a more regular basis would diminish its prestige, reports Xinhua. “When it was decided to organize a World Cup every four years, more or less 100 years ago, FIFA had 40 countries,” Infantino said.

WBBL: Harmanpreet, Rodrigues shine for Melbourne Renegades

HOBART, OCT 16 (PTI): India captain Harmanpreet Kaur held her nerves under pressure while opener Jemimah Rodrigues scored an invaluable 33 as Melbourne Renegades beat hosts Hobart Hurricanes by six wickets in a Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) match here on Saturday. C h a s i n g 1 2 2 , Ro drigues and skipper Sophie Molineaux (16 off 16) shared 22 runs for the opening stand before the latter departed. Rodrigues, whose knock came off 34 balls and was laced with two boundaries and a six, then stitched 68 runs for the second wicket with Courtney Webb (31) before three quick wickets made the chase a little tricky for Renegades. With pressure building after the loss of quick wickets, the onus was on the experienced Harmanpreet (24 not out off 19) to hold the innings together and get Renegades over the finishing line. The Indian completed the job with four balls in hand and with a bit of support from George Wareham (5 not out) at the other end.

Harmanpreet Kaur (R) in action for Renegades (WBBL / Screengrab)

Earlier, Renegades’ spin twin of Molineux (2/12) and Wareham (3/13) applied the brakes before bowling out Hurricanes for 121. Harmanpreet also registered her name in the wicket-takers’ list, taking the wicket of compatriot Richa Ghosh, who played a 14-ball 21-run cameo. Meanwhile, in the second match of the day, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma failed to live up to their reputations as their side Sydney Thunder lost by 30 runs against Adelaide Strikers here. Sent into bat, Adelaide Strikers rode on skipper Tahlia McGrath’s

42 and Madeline Penna’s 35 to post a competitive 140 for seven. Deepti Sharma turned out to be expensive with the ball, giving away 32 runs from her four overs while accounting for one wicket. While chasing, the Indian duo of Mandhana (4) and Deepti (4) failed to sparkle with the bat as Sydney Thunders were bowled out for 110. Both the matches were played behind closed doors under strict bio-security protocols after the state of Tasmania went into a threeday lockdown on Friday following a COVID scare.

Rafa becomes ‘adopted son’ of flood-ravaged Spanish town

Rafael Nadal ( IANS)

M A D R I D, O C T 1 6 (IANS): Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal has been honoured at a ceremony in Mallorca for the help he provided Sant Llorenc des Cardassar in October 2018 after torrential rain and flash flooding devastated the town. The storms resulted in the death of 13 people and led to more than 200 people fleeing, with hundreds of homes and businesses swamped with dirty water that reached levels of two metres, according atptour. com on Friday evening.

Nadal spent hours helping volunteers to clean up the area and opened up rooms at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar for those who needed refuge. The 35-year-old also provided a donation of one million euros through his foundation. Now, the 20time major champion, who ended the 2021 season early due to a foot injury and did not compete at the US Open, has been given the title ‘adopted son’ by the city council of Sant Llorenc des Cardassar in recognition of his support. Nadal has not competed since he reached the third round in Washington in August. The world No. 6 underwent treatment on the injury in September. Speaking at the ceremony on Friday evening, Nadal stated he was unsure of when he will return to match action but is working hard and following a specific daily plan with clear goals.

Indian team needs to show maturity to win T20 WC: Ganguly

Virat Kohli and Sourav Ganguly

DUBAI, OCT 16 (PTI): BCCI President and former captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday said the Indian cricket team under Virat Kohli has all the talent to be considered a legitimate contender for the T20 World Cup and it only needs to show a bit of maturity to claim the trophy. India will open their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24. “So, you don’t become champions easily and you just don’t become champions just by stepping into a tournament, so they have to get through the process, they have to show maturity,” Ganguly said when asked what India needs to do to win the title. “...they all have the talent, they all have the skill to score runs and take wickets at this level. They just have to be mentally in good space to win the World Cup,” the flamboyant former lefthanded batter quipped. K Y M C

Ganguly said the side should focus on winning every game instead of targeting the title straight up. “...(the) title is only won when the finals are finished. So, you have a lot of cricket to be played before that and I think India should focus (on) every game, India should focus on winning every game and just taking it from there and not think about the title at the start,” he said. “They (India) will always be contenders in whatever competition they play in and the challenge for them is to be at peace with themselves, focus on the process rather than the results because the most toughest thing and the most wrong thing to do is when you take guard and you think I am here to win the World Cup. “...what is important is to play the next ball which is coming out of the hand and keep doing that till you get to the finals,” he added. K Y M C

SPORTS

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

India crowned SAFF champions for 8th time Fifa FC blank Panther FC 4-0 NSF MARTYRS TROPHY

Sunil Chhetri equals Lionel Messi’s record

MALE (MALDIVES), OCT 16 (PTI): Talisman Sunil Chhetri equalled the iconic Lionel Messi with his 80th international strike as an inspired India blanked Nepal 3-0 for their eighth South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship title here on Saturday. India extended their domination in the regional tournament thanks to second half goals from Chhetri (49th minute), Suresh Singh (50th) and Sahal Abdul Samad (90th). W i t h h i s s t r i k e, the 37-year-old Chhetri equalled Messi and became the second highest gaolscorer in international football among active players. Suresh Singh and Saha then added to the tally and paved the way for India’s title triumph, a much-needed one after a series of mediocre outings. Sahal made it 3-0 when he dribbled past a few defenders after receiving the ball on the left flank at the stroke of the final whistle. India dominated pos-

Indian players celebrate after winning the South Asian Football Federation Championship 2021 on Saturday. (Twitter)

session in the first-half but failed to break the deadlock. However, Chhetri put India ahead minutes into the second half and even before Nepal could down settle down, Suresh made it 2-0. This is the Indian football team’s first title triumph under head coach Igor Stimac, who faced criticism in recent times for his side’s inability to win enough games. However, when it mattered the most in this

edition of the regional tournament, Stimac’s players delivered the results the team’s fans had been waiting for. Stimac also became the third foreign coach after Jiri Pesek (1993) and Stephen Constantine (2015) to clinch the title with the Indian team. Chhetri gave India the lead after he charged in to neatly head in a delivery from Pritam Kotal on the right flank, leaving the Nepalese goalkeeper with no chance to come to

his team’s rescue. Barely a minute after Chhetri’s opener, another attack by India caught Nepal completely off-guard as Suresh found the back of the net after Yasir Mohammad brilliantly cut it back for the mid-fielder. Their tails up after two quick strikes, India pressed hard for more but could not add to the tally for a while before Sahal fond the back of the net with his solo effort. Before Sahal’s strike, there was a chance for

Badosa to meet Azarenka at Indian Wells final INDIAN WELLS (USA), OCT 16 (IANS): Spain’s Paula Badosa continued her dream run in the WTA event at the BNP Paribas Open here as she defeated Ons Jabeur of Tunisia to set up a clash in the final with Victoria Azarenka of Belarus. Paula ended the winning spree of Ons, who is set to become the first Arab woman to reach the top 10 when the WTA rankings are released on Monday, defeating her in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3 in the semi-finals. The World No.27 will face two-time champion and former No.1 Azarenka for the first time for the title. Having already scored wins over Barbora Krejcikova and Angelique Kerber this week, Paula is looking to beat a third major champion en route to a second WTA title, according to a report on the WTA tour website. Paula is the first Spanish woman to make the Indian Wells final since Conchita Martinez finished runner-up in 1996 and 1992, and she has done so in her main draw debut. Seeded No.21, the 23-year-old Spaniard has lost just one set

Paula Badosa

en route to her second final of the season, scoring wins over Dayana Yastremska, Coco Gauff, Barbora Krejcikova, Angelique Kerber, and Ons Jabeur. She and Ons had split their two prior meetings, both on hard courts, with the Tunisian winning their most recent encounter in three sets at the Miami Open this year. Ons fired 24 winners to 35 unforced errors, while Paula played a more contained match, hitting 15 winners to 22 unforced (7 of those errors came off dou-

Victoria Azarenka

ble-faults). Ultimately, the match came down to breakpoint conversion. Ons had break point chances in four games but broke just once. Paula had breakpoints in six games and broke four times. Paula opened the match with an immediate break of serve and consolidated for a 2-0 lead. Ons successfully closed the deficit with the prolific use of drop shots to shorten rallies and disrupt Badosa’s baseline rhythm, but Badosa’s steadiness and patience ultimately won the day. The Spaniard reeled off the final three games of the

opening set to move within a set of her first hardcourt final. In the other semi-final, Victoria Azarenka pulled off a stirring comeback victory on Friday night, as the former World No.1 from Belarus defeated Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. No.27 seed Victoria, who won the title in Indian Wells in 2012 and 2016, charged back from a set and a break down to claim a hard-fought 2-hour and 20-minute win over No.24 seed Ostapenko.

Manvir Singh in the 52nd minute after he was played through, but his left-footed effort was blocked. In the 79th minute, there was great chance for Udanta Singh as he was in the clear to take a crack at goal but Rohit Chand came up with a fine block to deny the Indian winger. It remained goalless at the break as both India and Nepal could not capitalise on the chances that came their way. India could have gone ahead minutes before the half-time but the ball that was delivered from the right flank for Chhetri was not met with properly as the Indian captain’s his effort went wide. However, India more than made up for that with their second-half display, much to Stimac’s delight. India entered the game with the psychological advantage over the Himalayan country as historical or recent statistics cleared favoured Stimac’s side to lift the title yet again. Having endured a topsy-turvy start to their campaign, India ended it in style against the first-time finalists. The final was the 12th for India in 13 editions, showing the domination of the Blue Tigers in this regional tournament.

Players of Fifa FC and Panther FC battle for the ball on Saturday. (NP)

The second match between Patrons FC and ANTA saw an uneventful match as both sides could not make any breakthrough till the regulated time bringing the game to a tie-break. However, in the penalty shootout the ANTA emerged victorious by scoring 5-4. In the final match of the day between Youngsters FC and A. Yhome FC the latter dominated the game by scoring 4-0. Avilie Tsükrü scored two goals in the 9th and 52nd minutes which was later doubled by the contribution of Vilhoubeituo

Yhome and Keneinguze Pienyü each scoring a goal. The tournament is organised by Angami Students’ Union (ASU) in honour and remembrance of Lt. KekuojalieSachü of Kohima Village and Lt. VikhozoYhoshü of Kigwema Village, who were victims to an indiscriminate firing by Armed Police from Alichen on March 20, 1986. MONDAY’S MATCHES Ansem FC Vs United Brothers FC (11:30 am) Phesama YO Vs Hooligans FC (1 pm) Chandmari HSS Alumni Vs Magdaline Coaching FC (2:30 pm)

Formula 1 to have 23-race season in 2022, no race in China

Steyn slams CSA for ignoring Tahir, du Plessis in IPL post

mula 1 caravan will remain in the region for the Saudi Arabia GP at Jeddah on March 27. This will be followed by the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne on April 10. “The 2022 season follows an unprecedented two years for Formula 1 in which the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a revised calendar of 17 races in 2020 and 22 races in 2021 -- a huge achievement given the international nature of the sport,” said F1 in a statement. “It has been fantastic to welcome fans back to events this year, and we will continue to ensure this is done safely and in line with national guidelines. “The pandemic has continued to present challenges to the 2021 season, but the entire sport has shown its ability to react and adapt to the challenges as they have arisen. “While we hope the virus recedes further in the coming months for everyone around the world, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and

DUBAI, OCT 16 (IANS): Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has slammed Cricket South Africa (CSA) for ignoring Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir in an IPL 2021 post on social media. CSA had mentioned only pacer Lungi Ngidi, who is in South Africa’s squad for the men’s T20 World Cup, in congratulating him for Chennai winning the IPL 2021 trophy on Friday. Both du Plessis and Tahir, who weren’t picked in South Africa’s squad for the men’s T20 World Cup, were ignored in a congratulatory post by CSA which read as, “Congratulations @lungingidi on claiming the 2021 IPL title with Chennai Super Kings”. The posts on social media did not go down well with du Plessis. He reacted to the post on Instagram, “Really???”. Du Plessis had scored 633 runs for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021, forming a formidable opening pair with Ruturaj Gaikwad and was the player of the match in Friday’s final for his magnificent knock of 86 runs in 59 balls.

M O N A C O, O C T 1 6 (IANS): The 2022 season of Formula 1 will have a record-breaking 23 Grand Prix races, with the season beginning with Bahrain on March 20 and finishing in Abu Dhabi on November 20. The hectic schedule that will end just a month before Christmas, has Miami hosting the first of the two races in the United States, as Formula 1 makes another attempt to gain a permanent spot in the American motor racing calendar. The schedule has been approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. China misses out once again after the cancellation of races in the last two seasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Due to ongoing pandemic conditions, China will not be included on the 2022 calendar. China will be restored to the calendar as soon as conditions allow,” the organisers said on Friday. After starting the season with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20, the For-

Correspondent

KO H I M A , O C T 1 6 (NPN): Fifa FC, ANTA and A. Yhome FC all progressed to the next round by registering wins in their respective matches in the ongoing 21st NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy at IG Stadium, here Saturday. In the first match of the day, Fifa FC blanked Panther FC 4-0. Rihesh scored two goals in the 14th and 35th minutes. Adding more sorrow to Panther FC, Ngoulal and Benjhonson from Fifa added two more goals in the 21st and 25th minutes.

work closely with the promoters and national authorities,” the F1 said. Provisional 2022 Formula 1 calendar: 20 March: Bahrain GP (Sakhir) 27 March: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) 10 April: Australia (Melbourne) 24 April: Emilia Romagna (Imola) 8 May: Miami (Miami) 22 May: Spain (Barcelona) 29 May: Monaco (Monaco) 12 June: Azerbaijan (Baku) 19 June: Canada (Montreal) 3 July: United Kingdom (Silverstone) 10 July: Austria (Spielberg) 24 July: France (Le Castellet) 31 July: Hungary (Budapest) 28 August: Belgium (Spa) 4 September: Netherlands (Zandvoort) 11 September: Italy (Monza) 25 September: Russia (Sochi) 2 October: Singapore (Singapore} 9 October: Japan (Suzuka) 23 October: USA (Austin) 30 October: Mexico (Mexico City) 13 November: Brazil (Sao Paulo) 20 November: Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi).

is still non-committal Leicester storm back to sink Man Utd 4-2 in thriller Dhoni on playing IPL next season

L E I C E S T E R / WATFORD, OCT 16 (REUTERS/IANS): Leicester City ended their fourmatch winless run in the Premier League as goals from Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka helped them to a comeback 4-2 home win over Manchester United on Saturday. The result also ended United’s record 29-game unbeaten away run in the league as it collapsed in a frantic five-minute spell in the closing stages, having taken an early lead and then pulled it back to 2-2. With Cristiano Ronaldo putting in a subdued performance up front for United, it was shambolic defending that stretched its own winless run to three games in which it has taken one point from a possible nine. Vardy was delighted after the game as Leicester bounced back from its barren spell. United had made a perfect start as Mason Greenwood fired it into a

in the King Power stadium. S u b s t i t u t e Pa t s o n Daka put the icing on the cake for Leicester in stoppage time as more poor defending gave the Zambian striker time and space to tap the ball in from point blank range at the far post.

Liverpool 5-0 Watford

Patson Daka managed to put his difficult start to life at Leicester behind him as he tapped in a fourth to seal an emphatic win.

19th-minute lead when he unleashed a thunderbolt from 20 metres that flew into the far corner as it shaved the inside of the post. But the visitor was punished for sloppy passing in the danger zone in the 31st as Kelechi Iheanacho robbed Harry Maguire of the ball and squared it for Tielemans to hit the top corner with a looping shot

over goalkeeper David De Gea. A tame second half came to life with De Gea tipping a sublime Tielemans ball onto the woodwork before Ronaldo, who spurned a first-half chance with United ahead, saw home keeper Kasper Schmeichel palm over his shot from inside the area. It was rip-roaring action from there on as Caglar Soyuncu turned the

tide with a close-range effort in the 78th minute before Marcus Rashford, returning after shoulder surgery in August, levelled for United in the 82nd. Less than 60 seconds later, however, substitute Ayoze Perez chipped the ball into Vardy’s path and the striker gave De Gea no chance with a superb volley with the outside of his foot, delighting the home fans

Roberto Firmino’s hat-trick and stunning goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane led Liverpool to a comprehensive 5-0 match over Watford. This was Liverpool’s biggest win since the 7-0 hammering of Crystal Palace last December, which was also the last time Firmino, Salah and Mane all scored in a top-flight game. From the first whistle, Liverpool looked in control as Mane, in a superb move in the eighth minute, found the net with a first-time strike after an outstanding pass from Salah. The goal marked Mane’s sixth of the season and 100th in the Premier League.

Mane then picked out James Milner on an overlapping run and he drove a perfect ball across the goal for Firmino to steer home from close range in the 37th minute to put the Reds 2-0 up at halftime. Milner then found Firmino inside the area following another flowing team move and he made no mistake with the easiest of finishes from close range to double Liverpool’s lead on 37 minutes, to put the Reds 2-0 up at halftime. It got worse six minutes after the restart when Firmino scored another tap-in after Foster spilled the ball in the area. Salah then scored a fine fourth with a goal of the season contender, and Firmino tapped in the fifth inside the six-yard box in stoppage time.

RESULTS

Chelsea 1-0 Brentford Aston Villa 2-3 Wolves Man City 2-0 Burnley Norwich 0-0 Brighton Southampton 1-0 Leeds

MS Dhoni

DUBAI, OCT 16 (IANS): Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni did not commit to playing another season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the team from Tamil Nadu though he did say that he was not done with the World’s richest T20 tournament. Though Dhoni maintained that whether he continues to play or not depends on the decisions the BCCI takes regarding player retention when two more teams join the league next year, the 40-year-old said he has not left any legacy behind as of yet. “Still I haven’t left behind....” he signed off during the prize distribution

ceremony after CSK beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs to lift their fourth IPL title. “Again I’ve said it before, it depends on BCCI. With two new teams coming in. We have to decide what is good for CSK. It’s not about me being there in top-three or four. It’s about making a strong core to ensure the franchise doesn’t suffer. The core group, we have to have a hard look to see who can contribute for the next 10 years,” said Dhoni on Friday. CSK set up a big target and then defended it successfully, keeping their nerves even when Kolkata Knight Riders openers Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer and given KKR a great start by putting on 91 runs for the first wicket. There was no panic in CSK ranks and the players went about performing their roles as things just fell in place. Dhoni said they don’t plan or strategise too much before the game and the net sessions are more of one-on-one sessions.

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