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1 April 2023

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXIII No. 114

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Titans begin IPL title defence with win over CSK SPORTS, PAGE 12

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Donald Trump indicted; expected to surrender early next week INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

flays govt plea to relax dry India sees 114% rise in Covid-19 deaths ABAM act for G20 foreign delegates

NEW DELHI, MAR 31 (AGENCIES): India recorded over 114 per cent rise in Covid-19 deaths and 437 per cent spike in cases in the last 28 days, showed the epidemiological report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. The report states that the South-East Asia Region reported over 27,000 new cases, a 152 per cent increase as compared to the previous 28-day period, with the highest proportional increase observed in India (18,130 versus 3,378 new cases) followed by the Maldives (129 per cent) and Nepal (89 per cent). Similarly, India reported at least 62 new deaths which, means 114 per cent rise with 1 new death per 100,000, BT report stated. The WHO is monitoring the new Omicron variant XBB.1.16 in India which is believed to be behind the sudden surge of the cases.

437% rise in cases in 28 days, Omicron variant XBB.1.16 behind the surge, warns WHO Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead for the Covid-19 response at WHO, said that there are about 800 sequences of Omicron variant XBB.1.16 from 22 countries. Most of the sequences are from India and in India XBB.1.16 has replaced the other variants that are in circulation. “XBB.1.16 is actually very similar in profile to XBB.1.5 (Omicron subvariant). It has one additional mutational mutation in the spike protein, which in lab studies shows increase infectivity, as well as potential increased pathogenicity (prop-

erty of causing disease). It has been in circulation for a few months,” she said. Public health experts have said that the symptoms of this new variant are mostly low-grade flulike. People may experience symptoms in the upper and lower respiratory tract. In terms of upper respiratory tract symptoms, people may experience nasal discharge, a sore throat, a slow-rising fever that lasts for one or two days, and loss of smell. “In case of these symptoms, it is recommended to get tested for Covid. For lower respiratory tract

symptoms, people may suffer from severe bronchitis and cough. This new variant is different from others in the sense that it spreads faster than other variants. However, hospitalization rates are very low and can be managed at home,” said Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, head of critical care and pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital. Grover explained that in recent times, people who have been vaccinated and exposed to natural infection during the last Covid waves are developing strong immunity against the virus, which is called hybrid immunity. In hybrid immunity, the body develops antibodies that help fight against mutations of the virus. It has been seen that Covid cases are rising, but they will not lead to massive hospitalizations because of hybrid immunity. “However, it is recommended to follow Covid-related behaviour during the surge of

new variants and influenza. People should wash their hands, wear masks, and avoid social gatherings to prevent the spread of any virus. People with symptoms like cough and cold should avoid meeting people so that the infection is not transmitted to healthy individuals,” said Grover. 3095 cases in 24 hours: India reported a massive rise of 3,095 new cases in the last 24 hours with a daily positivity rate of 2.61 per cent. Concerned over the resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the country, the central government has been taking stock of the situation in the states. According to the data released by the union health ministry, the weekly positivity in Maharashtra has gone up to 4.58 per cent as on March 24, 2023 from 0.54 per cent in the week ending March 3, 2023. In Gujarat, it has increased to 2.17 per cent from 0.07 per cent.

Power dept informs CNWA welcomes repeal of NM Act Closure of Kohima on revised tariff D I M A P U R , M A R 3 1 While urging the gov- session of the 14th NLA to Jessami road

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): The Nagaland Electricity Regulatory Commission has notified all consumers about the revised tariff for 2023-2024, which would be effective from April 1, 2023. In a press note, the department said that the revised tariff rates would have to be updated in the existing pre-paid meters, for which a one-time token would be provided in the next recharge. It said that for Kohima, the one-time token would 120 digits (Genus make meters) and for Dimapur 40 digits (Secure make meters). In this regard, all consumers have been asked to enter the digits in the same manner as done during recharge of the token and subsequent recharge token would be of twenty digits only. For customers facing difficulties, they may contact-- 8415900400. Meanwhile, the department assured that it was putting all efforts to resolve the issue of large number of digits in the one-time recharge token.

Power outage in 4 dists

Power department has informed that power supply to the districts of Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland and Peren would be affected on April 1, 2023 from 6am to 9 am as the department would be availing shutdown of 132/66/33kV 2x100MVA Nagarjan sub-station on to facilitate routine maintenance of 132kV Busbar, 132/66kV 100MVA transformer & 132/33kV 100MVA transformer.

This is it!

“If all women are made to vote only for women candidates, we can do better than 33% reservation.” K Y M C

(NPN): Differing with the stand of a section of the Naga women that raised objection to the decision of repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, the Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA) lauded the decision pointing out that the NM Act infringed upon the rights of the Nagas. In a statement through its information and publicity secretary Angelina Ngullie, CNWA said the association “supports the significant decision, bearing in mind that the taxes on land and building were clearly in violation of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.”

ernment to expedite the process of the enactment of the new Municipal Act, CNWA was of the view that consultations and deliberations should be held with various stakeholders. It also appealed to the government for conducting elections to the Urban Local Bodies at the earliest for the benefit of the society. Meanwhile, the association lauded the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and chief minister Neiphiu Rio for repealing the NM Act, 2001. It may be mentioned that Nagaland Assembly on the last day of the recently concluded first

unanimously resolved to repeal the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 “in toto” after a thorough discussion by the members. After through deliberation, the house deemed that ULB election cannot be conducted unless the NM Act 2001 was repealed. Following the resolution passed by the Assembly, the State Election Commission (SEC) Thursday notified the cancellation of the May 16 elections to urban local bodies. SEC on March 9, 2023 notified general election to civic bodies in Nagaland along with 33% reservation of seats for women.

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Due to ongoing two-lane road construction at km 72+800 to km 73+000 (between Horticulture farm and Mesulumi village) along Kohima-Jessami road NH29, there would be a complete road closure along the mentioned stretch from 8pm to 6am for 30 days with effect from April 1, 2023. The additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Pfutsero, Japheth Woch has advised all vehicles traveling along that stretch during the timing and period of road closure to take the alternate route i.e., Razeba Market Junction to Chizami.

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has expressed shock at the state government’s decision to allow sale and consumption of liquor for a fixed period only for foreign delegates attending the G20 business summit at Kohima from April 4-6 under the plea of enhancing tourism based on Section 16 of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act. This Group of Twenty comprises of 19 countries namely Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and the European Union. In a joint statement, ABAM president Rev. Temshi Longkümer and executive secretary Rev. Dr. Prof., Mar Pongener said that as right thinking citizens, they wonder whether there were no other options of doing development/tourism without abetting the culture of drinking liquor in any manner in Nagaland? They asked if “drink-

ing liquor the only answer to introduce Tourism in Nagaland?”. The two ABAM leaders also said it they were “amused and attracted when such events are initiated in the name of development, trade and corporate investments with first world countries.” Further ABAM said it needs to be examined how far Nagas can balance between tourism and liquor drinking culture especially in a Christian dominated state. While note denying that Tourism was a font of revenue, service production, and regional progress as well as advantage for those interested in foreign exchange and economic development, ABAM, however, said that one can dream of milestone achievements in tourism industry in the light of entrepreneurship development particularly in Northeast solving various emerging problems in the region. The ABAM leaders also cited various methods for advancing development for indigenous people in North East to envision strengthening the outlook using various attractive

slogans such as Incredible India, Look/Act East as a motor for development. Further ABAM maintained that the north east region is known for its artistic natural features, appealing to tourist domestic and international and for the Directorate of Tourism in their respective states, to identify certain thrust areas based upon the opportunities available in the state for the growth of tourism. Countering the relaxation of alcohol on the plea of promoting tourism, ABAM pointed out whether “ indigenous Naga Christians” contemplate contemporary issues such as contemplate on the issues such as: when the pattern of development heralded by Tourism is product centered and not life centered; If such initiatives are focused on the quantity of products and not on better quality of life; If it is for the privileged and not for less disadvantaged, then such development remains questionable. Any industry including Tourism that operates by profit mode and commercial standard needs critical assessment. (Cont’d on p-8)

NTC for consultation before enactment of NM Act DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Welcoming the Nagaland Municipal Act (Repeal Bill 2023), the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has appealed to the government to hold consultations with all concern stakeholders before enacting the new Nagaland Municipal Act. In a statement through its media cell, NTC hoped that the new Act would be “free of criticism, Art 371A of the Constitution of India, the customary practices & traditions, and people of Nagaland friendly Act.”

It said that the legislation to repeal the NM Act 2001 vis-à-vis ULB election has done much of the damaged control of the protective Art 371A of the Constitution of India, and for smooth administration of Municipal and Town Councils in the state in the long-run. NTC expressed gratitude to the government for taking up with concern the anomalies in the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 as has been brought to public domain by the Nagaland apex tribes hohos and civil society organizations.

Manipur forms population panel NCM working on school ‘textbook’ Supongmeren appointed as to identify ‘illegal immigrants’ to promote interfaith bonhomie NPCC chief after Therie resigns

IMPHAL, MAR 31 (AGENCIES): Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday said his government has set up a State Population Commission to identify “illegal immigrants”, adding the government was ready to implement National Register of Citizens (NRC) once it gets approval from the central government, reports NDTV. “We need the Centre’s approval for NRC to be implemented in the state but with the enactment of the population commission we will be able to detect legal and illegal residents,” Singh

said. The announcement comes days after Imphal witnessed massive protests against the government’s alleged “delaying tactics” in implementing the citizens’ register to keep in check the surge in the population of illegal immigrants. Earlier this week, students along with civil society organisations clashed with police while taking out a march to CM’s official residence. The protesters alleged that the rising influx of outsiders from across borders and neighbouring countries were a threat to the indigenous Manipur population.

NEW DELHI, MAR 31 (AGENCIES): To quell misconceptions and promote interfaith bonhomie, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is working on finalising the draft of what could take the shape of a textbook for schoolchildren with basic information on all six recognised minority religions and Hinduism, reports the Times of India. There are six religions in India that have been awarded the minority status-- Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism (Parsis).

Speaking on the sidelines of a daylong conference of state minorities commissions this week, NCM chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura elaborated that the commission plans to send the draft to PMO once it is finalised and recommend that the government consider making the book part of school curriculum, so that children understand the basic idea, rituals and history of various religions. “The members of the Commission are working on finalising the draft,” Lalpura said. As part of efforts to

prevent miscreants from spreading communal hatred, NCM has also written to Union home minister Amit Shah, seeking that directions may be given to the states for measures to create a mechanism to check isolated vigilante groups to prevent them from creating communal disharmony. In a bid to expand the outreach of the Commission, he said NCM would soon will bring an app that will allow people to register their concerns and complaints from anywhere and at any time.

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday appointed Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) vice president and former MLA, S Supongmeren Jamir as the new party chief after incumbent president K Therie resigned from the party on moral grounds on Friday. After the party failed to secure a single seat in the recently concluded Assembly elections, NPCC president K Therie said he resigned “owing to the moral responsibilities of the election debacle,” NPCC communica-

Supongmeren Jamir (File)

tions department stated in a press note. While informing about the new appointment of Supongmeren as the PCC chief, Congress MP and general secretary KC Venugopal said that the Congress appreciated the contributions of the outgoing PCC president K. Therie.

G20 meet: Traffic advisory for Dimapur & Kohima Gov, CM others extend festival greetings DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): In view of the G20 Business meet to be held in Kohima from April 4 to 6, Dimapur police have informed that certain traffic restrictions would be enforced on April 4 and 6. On April 4, 2023, movement of vehicles would be restricted and no vehicles would be allowed to be parked from 3rd Mile junction towards Kohima side till Patkai Bridge from 12 noon to 3 p.m. On April 6, 2023, movement of vehicles would be restricted and no vehicles would be allowed to be parked from Patkai Bridge towards Dimapur

DC Kohima, Shanavas C chairing RTA meeting at DC’s conference hall, Kohima on Friday. (DPRO Kohima)

till 3rd Mile junction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Police have advised all shopkeepers and the public in general not to park their vehicles along the mentioned routes during the restricted timings to avoid any inconveniences.

Odd-even scheme for vehicles in Kohima

In view of the G20 Summit and in the interest of public convenience, the Kohima district administration has informed that odd-even scheme for all

commercial vehicles (two and four-wheeler taxis, pickups/Tata mobile, buses) would be enforced at Kohima town on April 4 and 5, 2023 from 6 a.m. till 9 p.m. In a notification, deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Shanavas, informed that vehicle with registration numbers ending with an odd digit (1,3,5,7,9) would be allowed to ply April 4, 2023 while vehicle with registration numbers ending with an even digit (2,4,6,8,0) on April 5, 2023. DC has cautioned that violators would be penalized under section 179 of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019.

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Nagaland governor La Ganesan, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and others extended greetings to the members of the Konyak, Phom and Chang communities on the occasion of Aoleang festival, Phom Monyu festival and Kündanglüm festival. In a massage, governor said Aoleang is an occasion to welcome the New Year beginning with spring seasons to pray for a bountiful harvest of crops in the current year. He said it was also to recall the rich culture and traditional practices and honoured the significance of the day, which is observed with beautiful attire with ornaments during the fes-

tival. Ganesan wished the Konyak community members good health, happiness and prosperity. In another message, governor said Monyu festival was an occasion to mark the end of the old year and welcome the arrival of New Year. “It is to pray for a favorable sowing seeds and bountiful harvest,” he said and encouraged the youth to carry forward the essence of significant of the festival. He wished Phom brother and sisters to celebrate with grandeur and in good spirit. CM: Taking to twitter, chief minister Neiphiu Rio extended Aoleang greetings. “It is a festival which is observed after completion

of sowing of seeds and to welcome the new year. May the festivities be successful and our prayers for a bountiful harvest be answered,” he tweeted. In another tweet, Rio wished the Chang community on the occasion of Kündanglüm. ”Best wishes for good health, peace and prosperity and may we forge ahead into the new year with renewed vigour,” he stated. TR Zeliang: Deputy chief minister TR Zeliang has also extended greetings to the members of Chang, Konyak and Phom communities on the occasion of Kündanglüm, Aoleang and Phom Mongyu festivals respectively. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C


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