4 April 2023

Govt to consult stakeholders on new NM Act

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN):

Nagaland chief minister

Neiphiu Rio has called for a cabinet meeting on April 6 to discuss with his colleagues about holding consultations with civil society organisations (CSOs), tribal hohos and women bodies before legislation of the new Nagaland Municipal Council.

Informing this to reporters on the sidelines of a press meet on G20 meeting, Rio acknowledged that the people were the real masters and maintained that the state

Nagaland Post

Trump

State to showcase culture, investment potential at B20

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that Nagaland was all set to host the fourth and final B20 event at Kohima, the official G20 dialogue forum for global business community. The event would also showcase the potential of Nagaland for inviting investments during the B20 conference.

Addressing a media persons at Niathu Resort here on Monday, Rio said the B20 conference scheduled on April 5 would be attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs

Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh along with senior central and state government officials.

He informed the media that the meet scheduled from April 4 to 6 at Kohima would witness the convergence of 64 delegates from 29 countries– Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay,

Romania, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

He stated that Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the State government would facilitate Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) meetings.

Taking advantage of the presence of a huge contingent of international delegates, he stated that the State government was making elaborate arrangements not only to showcase investment and partnership opportunities in Nagaland, but also provide unique experience for visiting delegates with exposure to State’s culture, local cuisines, art, festival and scenic beauty.

“The delegations will

WSBAK opposes sale of liquor to foreign delegates

Rahul gets bail in defamation case; hearing in Surat court on April 13

S URAT, APR 3 (PTI):

be taken to landmarks of State, including the Kisama Heritage Village, to create the feeling of a Hornbill festival and Kohima War Cemetery. Rio said visiting overseas business delegates would also get an opportunity to interact with local industry during the B2B and with the government in the B2G session for exploring potential investment opportunities, collaboration and tie-ups. He said the event would also be an opportunity to showcase the initiatives of the government in projecting the state as an investment-friendly destination. He disclosed that over 100 B2B and B2G requests had been generated, including requests for interaction with government departments like Tourism, Commerce and Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Health, Food Processing, etc. Asked about churches’ opposition to temporary lifting of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act so that visiting foreign delegates could be served alcohol, Rio replied that he would not comment on the issue

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): The Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) has strongly opposed the recent decision of the State government to allow sale of liquor to foreign delegates attending the G20 Business Summit scheduled from April 4 to 6 at Kohima. In a press release issued through its executive secretary Rev Dr Phughoto Sema, WSBAK termed it as another blunder decision taken by the government regarding the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN):

Appreciating the state government for repealing the Nagaland Municipal (NM) Act 2001 in the recentlyconcluded Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) session, three urban local bodies however appealed to the government to draft its own Act without copy pasting from any other State “We also would like to remind the government to sincerely draft our own Act without copy pasting from

A sessions court in Gujarat’s Surat city on Monday granted bail to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he filed an appeal against his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his 2019 “Modi surname” remark in which he has been sentenced to two years in jail, a lawyer said. The court of Additional Sessions Judge R P Mogera said it will hear his plea for suspension of conviction on April 13 after issuing a notice to complainant Purnesh Modi, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA

any other Municipals or Corporations of other states taking into consideration of our rights wherein the land in Nagaland belongs to the people unlike the land holding system in other states,” presidents of Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation Zasivikho Zakiesato, Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat Thejao Sekhose and All Ward Union Mokokchung Town Limanungsang stated.

and former Gujarat cabinet minister. The sessions court asked the respondent

(Purnesh Modi) to file his reply by April 10.

“We had filed an application for Rahul Gandhi’s bail and suspension of sentence along with his appeal against conviction by a lower court. The (sessions) court heard the matter and granted him bail. The court kept the matter for hearing on the stay of his conviction for April 13,” a member of his legal team told reporters.

Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in Surat earlier in the day, will not be required to appear in the court during the hearing of the case, he said.

Welcoming the 14th Assembly’s unanimous resolution to repeal to the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 and heeding to the wishes of the people, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has appealed to the government to hold consultations with all stakeholders and take their opinions before “rewriting” the NM Act.

In a press note, NCD vice-president (Adm) Holuto

Aye and general secretary LK Peter Anal said that Nagas viewed unequivocally that the NM Act was politically and constitutionally undermining Naga customary law and practices in all aspects. Therefore, they said all sections of the society made a stand firm to oppose the urban local body (ULB) elections tooth and nail.

Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter

Neiphiu Rio (NP)

Govt committed to deliver good governance: Kudecho

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 3 (NPN):

Advisor, CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, said the government was committed to delivering quality governance rewarding meritocracy and hardwork at same time maintaining productivity at all levels of the governance.

He was speaking at the introductory and felicitation programme organised to welcome him at the conference hall of CAWD, here on Monday.

He said the NDPP-BJP alliance was committed to serve the people and take Nagaland towards a State of Excellence with people from

IT&C, Rural Development bid farewell to officers

Correspondent

KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Directorate of Information Technology & Communication (IT&C) and Rural Development bade farewell to the outgoing officers on Monday.

all capacity moving forward. While appreciating the division for according him the warm welcome, he requested the officials to extend fullest cooperation and suggestions for a smooth functioning.

He pointed out that although CAWD was only a division, it was the face of the government with very important and crucial roles to play in taking the work ahead. He expressed enthusiasm that he would be working with many good engineers, the creamy layer in terms of academics, discipline and hard work in their schools and families.

He urged the gathered officials to ensure that the

public do not undermine them at the same time work hard to avoid bringing a bad name to department or the government in their dealings.

Khamo said he had a commitment to not be a liability to the government while being approachable and dedicated.

The programme was chaired by executive engineer, CAWD Nagaland, Er Sungtiba Amer and invocation by DAO Kiheto Awomi.

A short speech was delivered by joint commissioner, HQ, L Jamithung Lotha while vote of thanks was proposed by AE, CAWD Tuensang, Er Elo Khiam.

PUK celebrates Monyiu

IT & C bade farewell to principal secretary K D Vizo. Vizo came to Nagaland on deputation from the Department of Telecommunications Government of India and took charge of IT&C in 2014 and will be returning to his parent department after nine years of service to the State.

Speaking at the get-together organized in honour of his services, Vizo said Nagaland as a State was now considered a front runner in the IT sector and the department has won awards both at North East and National levels. He also assured to promote the brand

Outgoing officers and other officers of Rural Development.

Nagaland wherever he goes.

Director of IT&C, Er. Tongtiliba Longkumer extended best wishes to the outgoing Principal Secretary in his future endeavours.

He also highlighted that the State under Vizo’s leadership has won five awards which include - Computer Society of India (CSI-Nihilent Award 2017) - Best performing state in Northeast Region in e-Governance, Northeast Tech Sabha 2018 - Enter -

Man sentenced to10 years on possession of ganja

DIMAPUR: The court of sessions judge Phek district on Monday sentenced accused Pfonyi to 10 years rigorous imprisonment on possession of contraband ganja. Special judge (NDPS) Phek, Ajongba Imchen also ordered Pfonyi to pay a fine of Rs. 1, 00,000/- u/s 20(b) (ii) & (c) of the NDPS Act.

While passing the judgment, the special judge pointed out that the ,” it is settled law that once the possession is established, the person who claims that it

was not a conscious possession or have no knowledge of concealment has to establish it, so is presumption”.

The judgment also read that, “From the prosecution evidence it is clear that the accused person was in possession of contraband ganja weighing commercial quantity of 360 kilograms from the vehicle that was driven by the accused” The case was investigated by UBSI Seyielhouca Kehie and Samuel Ritse, Ld. Public Prosecutor led the prosecution.

prise application award by Indian Express Group, National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment 2019 - Nagaland topped Service Delivery in the Northeast and Hill states category, National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment 2021 - Nagaland topped in State Portal in the Northeast and Hill states category and Indian Express Group & Express Computers 2022 - Nagaland wins on Enterprise Applications’ for in -

novative best practices in eGovernance. Other officials and staff of the department also spoke on the occasion.

RD: Department of Rural Development organized a farewell programme in respect of outgoing officers- K. Niebou Sekhose and Neizovonuo Neikha as addl directors; Kikrulhounuo Solo as registrar and head driver, Longkham Khiamniungan on April 3 at Conference Hall, directorate of RD. Speaking on the oc-

assion, commissioner & secretary, RD, Neposo Theluo congratulated the outgoing officials for having served the department for 35 years and said that their contributions and good deeds to the department will be forever cherished and remembered. Director, RD, Azenuo Pienyu also congratulated and wished the retirees good success as they venture in their new phase of life.

Short speeches were also delivered by Toshimongla Kichu, PD, on behalf of PDs and BDOs, Kupto Achumi on behalf of NRDSA, Ayula Longchar on behalf of Establishment branch and Masa, on behalf of grade IV staffs. The retiring officials in return thanked the officers and staffs of RD for the befitting farewell accorded to them and further extended their co-operation in the days to come.

DIMAPUR: Phom Union Kohima (PUK) celebrated Monyiu festival at NBCC Convention Center, Kohima on April 1.

The festival was graced by B. Bangtick Phom MLA as the special guest. A DIPR report stated that, Phom extended festival greetings to the people and extended appreciation to the people for having him elected as an MLA. He called upon the gathering to work together to strive ahead and to live in unity for the uplift of the community. Kohima Village Council chairman, Helievio Solo conveyed his greetings to the Phom community. He appreciated the Phom community living in Kohima for showing their love and honour and wished the friendship between the Phom community and other communities will be stronger than ever.

Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Kohima (ENPUK) president, N. Toshi Chang in his speech said, celebrations were a way of expressing joy, happiness and gratitude. He mentioned that it was an opportunity to bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Speaking on behalf of in-laws, ADC Jalukie, TL Kiusumong Tikhir greeted everyone who had come to celebrate Monyiu. He said the festival was all about the feeling of oneness and called

Trade license renewal extended

DIMAPUR: Dimapur

Municipal Council has informed that the last date of renewal of renewal of trade license (2023-24), has been extended to April 30.

DMC administrator W. Manpai Phom, has informed that DMC would be introducing digital trade license management system w.e.f May 1.

It therefore informed that failure to renewal the trade license before April 30 would led to cancellation without further notice.

upon them to maintain the good qualities inherited from the forefathers.

Other highlights of the festival included significance of Phom Monyiu demonstrated by PSUK and youth department of KBPC, a lullaby by Tamlu Bühü Union Kohima, a folk song presented by Phomla Hoichem Kohima Unit and the

Phumnyu Union Kohima performed a folk dance with beating log drum. The gathering was also enthralled by Hamngoi mukho and friends.

President, Phom Union Kohima, Dr. S. Manyau delivered the welcome address and vice president (PUK) P.Imti Mokholee proposed the vote of thanks.

Newly elected NPCC president, S. Supongmeren Jamir with his team along with Ranajit Mukherjee, AICC secretary I/c, Nagaland, met AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and thanked him for the assignment and for putting AICC’s trust on him. The meeting also deliberated at length on the Congress’ activities in the state.

NEWS IN BRIEF

State handloom expo: Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. Dimapur, will be organizing State Handloom Expo at Urban Haat, Dimapur, from April 28 to May 11, sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi. In this regard, managing director, Vitsutho Nyuthe has asked the interested Co-operative Societies, NGO’s, Apex Societies, SHG’s, etc. to apply to the Project Cell, NHHDC Ltd, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur, along with their respective id cards issued by the Corporation on or before April 23 during office hours.

Co-ordination meeting at Aboi: ADC

Aboi, Phuleshe K Yepthomi, convened a coordination meeting with Heads of Offices under Aboi sub-division, Konyak Union Aboi unit, Aboi Town Students Union (ATSU), Aboi Area Students Union (AASS) and public leaders at the ADC’s Conference hall, Aboi on April 1. At the meeting, departmental requirements were thoroughly discussed and suggestions were accepted all of which was forwarded to the higher authorities for further necessary actions. The meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of MLA 47th A/C Aboi, Manpon C Konyak.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

BORN ON : 10-12-1974 DIED ON : 30-03-2023

We the bereaved family of Lt.T.MHONYAMO JAMI, would like to express our sincere heartfelt gratitude to every individual, Church, relatives, NSCN GPRN. and friends who stood by us, physically, prayerfully and financially at the demise of our beloved.

We regret our inability to thank every individual in person in place may the Lord in Heaven grant you all long lifeand bless you abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children, Parents, Brothers, Sisters and Relatives

A CKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born : 16.08.1978 – Died : 25.03.2023

There are no words that seem adequate enough to say thank you to everyone who expressed their sympathy, prayer, love and support shown to us as we mourn at the sudden demise of our beloved father Late LIMATOSHI TATAR (Ungma) on 25.03.2023. He was a wonderful person and through the memories that he gave each of us, will live on forever in our hearts.

K-727/23 K-724/23

V. NIVITO SEMA 13th Aug 1960 – 04 April 2022 In loving memory of my beloved husband We are deeply saddened by your passing. A year has passed, but the pain of your loss is still as ever. We miss you dearly and think of you every day.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(15/05/1976 – 25/03/2023)

We the bereaved family of Late ROVILHOUKHO MOR of Khonoma village wish to express our sincerest, deepest gratitude and heartfelt thank you to all who shared in our sorrow and comforted us physically, spiritually and financially.

Among all we would like to specially express our gratitude to the following:

1. Police Department (DEF Kohima).

2. Bethel Hospital Kohima.

3. Catholic Church Khonoma.

We remain deeply indebted to each and everyone for the love and kindness shown to us. It is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all.

K-716/23

Kudecho (C seated) with officials on Monday. (NP)

B. Bangtick Phom. Cultural troupe presenting folk song. (DIPR)

NAGALANd POST, DIMAPUR

APRIL 4, 2023

Q.: Is Nagaland going to benefit from tripartite oil revenue sharing with GoI, Assam?

DGP launches ‘traffic patrol’

mer and present unit officers Talisunep Imchen, Z. Tshurhosie Kajiri and Shri T. Henthai Phom.

SP Kohima stated that while two wheelers were the preferred option, the two LMVs were procured keeping in mind the rainy season at the state capital and also for the comfort of the duty personnel as well.

NEXT POLL

WEATHER FORECAST

DIMAPUR: DGP Nagaland, Rupin Sharma on Monday launched two “Traffic Patrol” LMV vehicle for DEF Kohima at police headquarters, Kohima.

PRO of Kohima police in a press release informed that, DGP in his speech, congratulated the SP and team for coming up with innovative idea and for building assets for the department. He directed that the vehicles be fitted with GPS for ef-

fective monitoring and for successful implementation of the project.

He encouraged the unit officers to identify public and private spaces which can be utilized as parking lots with minimal parking charges.

The police chief also directed Kohima Traffic police to be strict in enforcing parking and traffic laws as proper traffic management reinforces the authority of the police in the street as traffic po-

Sunday market in Dimapur

lice were the most visible branch of the police force. He further encouraged vehicle owners to use the multi-level car parking lot available at Old Medical Directorate and Old NST during the G20 Business Meet to avoid congestion and being penalized by traffic police.

Delivering the introductory and concept note, Superintendent of Police Kohima, Imnalensa said that “Traffic Patrol” was conceptualised by the for-

Can Youth hosts workshop on ‘child rights’

Preparation on G20 Business meet

The dedicatory prayer for the traffic patrol vehicles was offered by the pastor Police Union Baptist Church Kohima, later the ‘Traffic Patrol’ was flagged off by the DGP Nagaland in the presence of senior police officers and unit officers. The two traffic patrol vehicles will be attached to North and South traffic control respectively

Concept of Traffic Patrol:

* For speedy and effective mobility of traffic personnel to attend to any traffic related emergencies such as road blockages, accidents, reporting on road conditions etc

* Patrol the city for effective enforcement of parking and traffic laws

* Detecting and apprehending violators

* Deterrence against violators

VC Tripura graces IGNOU convocation in Kohima

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 4 (NPN): Vendors randomly putting up stalls along the I Vikheshe road between Hotel Tragopan and Khermahal Tata parking (Golaghat Road) area here has been causing traffic snarls even on Sundays, causing much inconvenience to commuters.

Most of the stalls are being set up by non-local vendors from Assam and some from Dimapur.

Amidst the setting up of stalls on the foot pavement, it has also been noticed that customers often double park

their vehicles, causing huge traffic congestion in the area and causing much inconvenience to commuters.

When contacted, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Sachin Jaiswal told Nagaland Post that he was not aware of any authorisation being given by the district administration allowing stalls in the area.

The same was also confirmed by DMC administrator Manpai Phom, who too stated that no authorisation or permit was given by DMC to open stalls in the area.

He assured that since the market was unauthor-

ised and creating public inconvenience, DMC would take action. He said such unauthorised stalls in City Tower and Dhobinalla areas were removed in the past since no approval was taken. When asked whether he had taken permit either from Dimapur district administration or Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) for setting up his stall on Sunday, one vendor replied that he was not aware whether permit was required or not. He assumed that there was no harm in putting up the stall without seeking anyone’s permission.

DIMAPUR: National Foundation for India (NFI) in collaboration with Childline Dimapur organised a one day workshop on ‘Child Rights’ the roles and responsibilities of village level child protection committee and strengthening of state SDG goals with village leaders on April 1 at Neisatuo Colony. The event was hosted by Can Youth. Alomi, Counsellor, Childline, Dimapur and Katini Eshena, District coordinator, NFI were the resource persons. At the workshop, Alomi briefed on Childline and said 1098 was a National emergency help line service for children and actively functioning 24x7 all over India. She encouraged the parents and children to reach out through this number in case of any issues.

Katini spoke on sustainable development goals important and relevant situation based. She engaged the participants in activities in identifying the problems existing in their community and what steps should be taken by the community to bring effective solutions to those problems in achieving state SDGs vision 2030.

Measles and rubella elimination discussed

tives fr om development partners and HMIS monitoring team to be part of this cell along with other relevant stakeholders.

DIMAPUR: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre Kohima, Nagaland held its 36th Convocation at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima on April 3.

Speaking as guest of honour, Vice Chancellor, Tripura University, Agartala, Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain congratulated the students on receiving degrees/ diplomas and certificates in different disciplines.

Prof. Prasain said that through IGNOU, thousands have been benefited since its inception and said the students who were about to receive the degrees at the 36th convocation were lucky to get opportunity to study and receive degrees from IGNOU. He mentioned about how some students passed from IGNOU and have become IAS officers. In this regard, he challenged the students to give their best and strive towards excellence and success. Prof. Prasain also informed that degrees/ diplomas or certificates received from IGNOU was equivalent to the degrees/ diplomas or certificates received from any conventional or traditional institutions/universities and were recognised everywhere in the country and

abroad. Prof. Prasain also highlighted about National Education Policy (NEP) and its avenues/ courses for the students to get higher education through online in various disciplines where an individual can undertake two degrees simultaneously and more opportunities to venture out.

He also informed the gathering that there were IGNOU Study Centres in 15 countries so as to enable people to get more education irrespective of age, race, etc. Prof. Prasain also said that due to shortage of universities in Northeast states unlike the other states in India, especially in Na-

Book on ‘The Immense Cost of the Naga Struggle’ released

galand, IGNOU becomes ideal institution for any individual to pursue continuous studies to its higher level.

Prof. Prasain challenged the degree recipient not to be a job seeker but a job giver at any given opportunity.

Regional Director, IGNOU Kohima, Dr. Timir Tripathi while welcoming 1,002 learners, who will be receiving their degrees and diploma certificates to the 36th convocation of IGNOU said that the main convocation function will be held at IGNOU HQ in New Delhi with the president of India, Droupadi Murmu as chief guest and minister of Education, Dharmendra

Pradhan as the guest of honour. He informed that the convocation will be held simultaneously held at 32 Regional Centres through teleconferencing mode, including Kohima Regional Centre.

Dr. Tripathi said that out of 1,002 eligible students under Kohima Regional Centre, 633 were Master’s degree, 129 Bachelor’s degree, 125 Diplomas and 115 Certificates.

Degree certificates were given away by Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain and vote of thanks was pronounced by Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Mayonmi Shimray.

on Immunization on Routine Immunization-cum-Measles and Rubella Elimination on April 3. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: A State Task Force meeting on Immunization on Routine Immunization-cum-Measles and Rubella Elimination was held under the chairmanship of secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Asangla Imti at IDSP Hall, DoHFW on April 3.

State Immunization Officer (SIO) presented the status of the routine immunization of the state, percentage of zero dose

children, dropout rates and the reasons for drop outs; objectives for Measles and Rubella (MR) elimination campaign and the district wise targets for MR elimination.

Mission director, NHM highlighted the operational challenges to achieve immunization coverage and requested support from the allied department from achieving the goal of no child

left behind for vaccination from vaccine preventable diseases.

Asangla Imti commented on need of a dedicated cell to monitor convergence between the allied departments to assess, review and evaluate for course correction. On this note, she dedicated a cell under MD NHM for monthly review to identify gaps and suggestions for closure. SIO, representa -

Convergence between allied department of Social Welfare, NSRLM, School Education and Department of Health and Family Welfare for mobilization of caregivers to ensure children take up the due doses of the Routine Immunization vaccines and towards support for MR Elimination campaign for which letter of convergence from respective nodal department were to be shared with the District/ Block/Village units were discussed.

Support from School Education towards Td injections for 10 years and 16 years age groups as part of convergence with Health Department was discussed. The meeting also deliberated that Anganwadi centres to be used as immunization centre at least once a month as part of convergence and VHND formats to be used for monitoring by the DTFI.

DIMAPUR: A book titled “The Immense Cost of the Naga Struggle from British Rule to Statehood,” was released in Wokha on April 3 at the residence of late P.E. Ezung. Dr. Jan Ezung Nienu, daughter of late P.E. Ezung revised the original book “NKOLO NCHUNG,” (Ancient Today) with the help of her siblings. The book was launched by E.T. Ezung, former speaker along with the family members and friends. The programme was chaired by Dr. Nsanthung Ezung, director

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services who paid heartfelt tribute to his late father along with E.T. Ezung, Abeni T.C.K and Dr. Jan Ezung Nienu. Late P.E Ezung served as Agriculture Officer who resigned from service and joined active politics along with A.Z. Phizo and other Naga leaders. Ezung played a vital role who strived for peace and statehood of Nagaland. He was also one of the signatories to the 16 Point Agreement, and served as an Interim Body Member (IBM) from 1961 to 1963.

DGP Rupin Sharma flagging off the ‘traffic patrol’ in the presence of other police officers on Monday.

A massive traditional transformation at Dimapur Airport to welcome the delegates of G20 Business meet.

Family members of late. P.E. Ezung and others at the book release.

Asangla Imti addressing the state task force meeting

Vice Chancellor, Tripura University, Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain and officials with the graduating students from IGNOU at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima. (DPRO Kohima)

Naga traditional shawls displayed at Dimapur Airport as part of preparation to welcome the delegates of G20 Business meet.

‘Unauthorised’

Traffic jam between Hotel Tragopan and Khermahal Tata parking on Sunday.

Saha roots for investment in Tripura in G-20

AGARTALA, APR 3

(PTI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday urged the business community of the country and abroad to invest in the state, taking advantage of natural resources and connectivity.

Business delegates from the country as well as abroad are “keen to invest in Tripura in an electric vehicle project and also in healthcare, food processing, tea, rubber, bamboo and pharmaceutical sectors, he said.

“They want to sign memoranda of understanding (MoU) instantly with the government seeing the possibilities in various sectors,” he said at a press conference on the sidelines of a G-20 conference on clean energy for a greener future.

The two-day conference beginning on Monday was organised at the International Fair Ground in Hapania in West Tripura district, around 10 km from Agartala.

Terming the investors’

the government wants to “check the sustainability of any proposal because the volume of investment and employment possibility are the key factors”.

“One investor proposed setting up a new medical college in the state but when I ask him where from he will bring faculty members? He replied that they have a medical college and

G20 meet on employment begins in Ghy

istry Rupesh Kumar Thakur said in the first segment, the delegates will discuss to strengthen the availability, quality and comparability of information on supply, demand and mismatch of skills. “They will also explore the feasibility of constructing a global skills taxonomy and developing harmonisation pathways in key sectors,” he added.

GUWAHATI, APR 3

(PTI): The second meeting of the Employment Working Group (EWG) of the G20 grouping began in Assam on Monday, to deliberate on a wide range of issues like labour, employment and social for an inclusive growth.

Addressing a press conference here, Union Labour and Employment Secretary Arti Ahuja said the threeday meeting will discuss various issues under three broad areas. “Under the

first area, we will deliberate on global skill gaps. The second area is gig, platform economy and social protection. The last section will be sustainable financing for social protection,” she added.

The EWG has a mandate of addressing priority labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and jobrich growth for all, Ahuja said.

Elaborating on the topics, Joint Secretary in Labour and Employment min-

The second theme will argue to extend social protection coverage to the gig and platform workers, Thakur said.

“It will also discuss the option to adopt and strengthen measures to bring platform and gig workers within social protection systems, including facilitating registration and data sharing mechanisms,” the joint secretary said.

Adequate levels of social spending during budget preparation will be stressed in the last area of discussion, Thakur said.

will bring faculty members from there. I disagreed with the proposal because sustainability is important to roll out any viable project,” he said.

Addressing the confer-

ence, the CM said Tripura has already begun working on clean energy for sustainable development.

“Of the state’s own power generation of 108 MW, 10 MW come from solar energy. Besides, 18 microgrid stations of solar energy have already been set up,” he said.

Asserting that the state will “initiate work on green hydrocarbon by using bamboo resources”, Saha said the government is keen to work with Vietnam which has been doing well in the sector.

Around 75 delegates from different G-20 nations, international organisations and NITI Aayog have joined the event on clean energy for a greener future.

Experts from the Indian National Science Academy, Indian Institute of Science (IISC), National Chemical Laboratory and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and IIT Delhi have also participated in the event.

Khalistani threat to Assam CM: Security intensified at airports, railway stations

GUWAHATI, APR 3

(IANS): After a threat was issued by a Khalistani outfit to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the police on Monday reviewed the CM’s security and also that of the airports and railway stations.

A top police officer of the state told IANS that as of now, Chief Minister Sarma will continue to be a part of the existing security measures. He has Z+ security cover currently. However, police have stepped up the security vigilance at railway stations and airports across the state. Additional Director-General of Police (DGP) Hiren Nath has been looking after the security measures. An FIR was lodged on Sunday evening at the Special Task Force police station in Dispur. Earlier on Sunday evening, a section of journalists in Assam received calls from different mobile numbers. On receiving the calls, allegedly, a person claiming to

be Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of ‘Sikh for Justice’ outfit issued ‘threats’ for Sarma.

The voice said, “ProKhalistan supporters imprisoned in Assam have been tortured. Listen very carefully, CM Sarma, the fight is between pro-Khalistan Sikhs and the Indian regime.

“We are seeking the liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation through the peaceful democratic process of Khalistan referendum. If your government is torturing and harassing the six, you will be held accountable,” the voice added. G.P. Singh, As-

sam DGP, said, “Reference an audio clip threatening the Chief Minister of Assam by a person called Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a designated individual terrorist under Indian law and heading an unlawful association called Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).”

He added, “The security component of the Chief Minister has been adequately sensitised to the emerging threat. In view of global events, the threat is being taken very seriously by the Assam Police, and the central agencies have been kept in the loop on the issue.”

Oppn Zoram People’s Movement sweeps Lunglei civic polls

AIZAWL, APR 3 (PTI):

The opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) swept the Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC) polls in Mizoram on Monday, dealing a severe blow to the ruling MNF by winning all 11 seats. ZPM secured 49.31 per cent of the total votes polled, while the Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, which also contested 11 seats, managed to get 29.4 per cent of the votes, according to the state Election Commission.

The Congress, which also fielded candidates in all the seats, secured 20 per cent votes, and the BJP which contested nine seats, managed to get only 0.75 per cents of the total votes.

This was the first election to the civic body that was created in 2022.

ZPM president Lalliansawta told PTI that the mandate revealed the

people’s desire for change in the state, which would also be reflected in the assembly elections due later this year.

“The landslide victory and the mandate given to us by the people of Lunglei was a clear indication of the desire for a new system being preached by our party,” he said.

Several factors contributed to ZPM’s victory in the election, including the apathy of the state government towards the people of the Lunglei district during the pandemic, he alleged.

The ZPM, which was formed in 2017, has six MLAs in the 40-member Mizoram assembly. The MNF has 28 MLAs, the Congress has five MLAs, and the BJP has one.

Polling for the 11-member council was held on March 29. A total of 42 candidates, including 16 women, had contested the civic

Land dispute clash in Manipur leaves several injured

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 3: Clash over land ownership among the villagers in remote areas of Manipur has been a frequent scene in last few weeks. The latest clash was reported on Sunday in Jiribam district bordering Tamenglong district.

The clash broke out between two groups of villagers at Nungkhal village

under Jiribam police station when one group strongly protested over displaying of a signboard as Khedagor Gaidunlong, Tousem subdivision of Tamenglong district. Some villagers reportedly sustained minor injuries in the clash which was later subsided by a team of Jiribam police who rushed to the village. The villagers of Nungkhal village protested while

claiming the area is under Jiribam district and demanded the signboard to be taken off.

A police source said that Khedagor Gaidunlong was set up around two years ago after the land was bought from a Khasia.

Besides, the disputed land lies within the reserved forest area. The tension was palpable, the police said. Tensions over land

disputes were reported in parts of the state in the last few weeks and the latest clash came up when the conflict between villagers of Kongsakul and Leilon Vaiphai under Leimakhong police station of Kangpokpi district was yet to be calmed down. The conflict surfaced after a JCB engaged in the road improvement work was torched allegedly by the villagers of Leilon Vaiphei

Fivehurt,onecriticalinManipurIEDblast

treatment.

Reports said that the blast took place when the shopkeepers were busy shutting down their shops after business of the day.

who also abducted some villagers of Konsakhul on March 26. In a clash that followed the incident, six Konsakhul villagers were allegedly assaulted by Leilon Vaiphei while 22 others villagers of Konsakhul were severely injured in police action. There was also a report of a clash between two groups of villagers in Churachandpur district over inter-village land dispute.

polls. Of the 11 seats, four were reserved for women.

The chief minister congratulated the people of Lunglei for successfully voting in the first LMC polls.

Also congratulating

the candidates, he said the election was an example of the greatness of democracy.

Accepting defeat, Revenue Minister Lalruatkima said his party will use this opportunity to reform itself.

State Congress presi-

dent Lalsawta said his party will rise from this defeat for victory. LMC is the second civic body in the state after Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), which was established in 2010.

Tripura Congress to take out rally to protest Rahul disqualification from LS

AGARTALA, APR 3

(PTI): The Congress Tripura unit will take out a rally here on April 16 to protest Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from Lok Sabha, said state party president Birajit Sinha.

Thousands of Congress workers will gather here on April 16 to participate in the protest rally, he

told PTI on Monday.

Sinha said protest programmes will also be held in Kailashahar in Unakoti district and Udaipur in Gomati district on April 20 and 30.

The Tripura Pradesh Congress president expressed concern over postpoll violence which is still going on in the northeastern state even a month after the

announcement of the election results. “It seems the BJP has not learnt a lesson from the people’s verdict Over 61 per cent of voters wanted change in the 2023 Assembly elections in Tripura. They have managed to form the government by securing only 39 per cent vote share… “, he said.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 3: A powerful IED blast that rocked Manipur’s Ukhrul town Monday evening left as many as five persons injured, an official report said.

All the injured people were rushed to Ukhrul district hospital for medical treatment. The condition of one of the injured was stated to be critical. Reports said that the IED explosion took place at a market at Viewland in Ukhrul town on Monday evening, around 6.30 pm. A small crater was created on the road by the impact of the blast.

The injured persons were identified as Mangal Mahanton ((55), Sanjay Ku-

mar Prasad (36), Satnarayan Gupta 930), all from Bihar staying at Viewland, Arjundhan (26) of Kanglatongbi of Kangpokpi and Sanjay Uprety (27), a card puller, of Leimakhong, Imphal.

The condition of Mangal Mahanton was stated to be critical. He sustained grievous splinter injuries on both legs, and his back.

Satnarayan Gupta injured his right hand and other parts of the body while Sanjay on his face, legs and hands. Arjundhan sustained splinter injuries on their legs and hand and their conditions were not serious, the report said.

Mangal and Sanjay Kumar were later referred to a hospital in Imphal for further

The report said that the IED suspected to have been lobbed by militants went off just in front of one of the shops. Soon after the blast, Ukhrul district police including SP Ningsem Vashum and other top officials and troops of

35 Assam Rifles including Major Josephine rushed to spot and conducted a massive search operation in and around the area. There were no reports of picking up any suspect in the operation reportedly going on. No militant group owned up the blast till the time of filing this report. The police, however, suspected cadres of a Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) behind the blast.

A FFIDAVIT Regd. No. 09/2022

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND. S/C NO. 43/2023

NOTICE

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER

PART-I OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession

Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late. Nangshimayang Ao has been applied by Smti. Ruth, Wife of Lt. Nangshimayang Ao R/O H.No. 46 Satihit Ward, Mangkolemba, Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of:

1. GPF, 2. GIS, 3. Gratuity, 4. Leave encashment

5. Pension etc, 6. Closing of A/C Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/ he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 03.05.2023

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 03.04.2023

MKC-122/23

Regd. No. 29/2023

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE COURT MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND NOTICE S/C No.41/2023

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of succession certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Watitoshi Jamir has been applied by Smti Shilunungla W/o Late Watitoshi Jamir R/O H.No.394 Tzutempang Ward, Changtongya Village, Mokokchung Nagaland for possession of.

1. GIS, 2. Gratuity, 3. Leave encashment, 4. NPS etc

5. Closing of A/C

Notice is hereby given that any person interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire to appear in this court on or before the said day of 03.05.2023.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 03.04.2023

Date 03/01/2022

I, Shri. SHAWON KHIAMNEUNGAN, S/o Lt. PAKHOI KHIAMNEUNGAN and Lt. CHIMEN, aged about 56 years, resident of H/ No-128, Ward No. 9, Chumukedima, Dimapur-797103, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and state as under

1. That I am a bonafide and law abiding citizen of India and resident of above mentioned address.

2. That my correct official name is SHAWON KHIAMNEUNGAN and I am using the name in all official and practical purposes including PAN Card, Aadhaar Card bearing number – 339996656260 but in my Service Record book my name has been inadvertently written/entered as SHAWONG KHIMUNGAN.

3. That this Affidavit is made for the purpose of declaring that I am the one and same person of the aforesaid names- SHAWON KHIAMNEUNGAN and SHAWONG KHIMUNGAN, as such whenever or wherever my aforesaid names appears in any of my official papers it may be correctly read as SHAWON KHIAMNEUNGAN and I will us my name as SHAWON KHIAMNEUNGAN for further records and references and this affidavit should be treated as a piece of evidence before any concerned authority.

before me by the deponent on this 3rd day of January, 2022 at

Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung : Nagaland.

AFFIDAVIT

Dated : 31/01/2023

I, Shri. N Yanshumo Kithan, S/o Nrio Kithan, resident of Vungoju Colony, District - Wokha : Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirmed and state as follows :

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India hailing from Lotha/Naga Tribe and residing at Vungoju Colony-Wokha : Nagaland

2. That due to inadvertent and bonafide mistake, my Son name has been wrongly entered as Y Lirenthung Kithan in my Service Book, Army bearing No - 12994575 instead of his correct and official name as Lirenthung Y Kithan which he have been using in all his official documents including his education Documents.

3. That this affidavit is sworn solely for the purpose of declaring my Son name that Shri. Lirenthung Y Kithan & Y Lirenthung Kithan are one and the same person for all record and official purpose(s).

4. That the statements made in this affidavit are true to my personal knowledge and nothing is concealed thereof in any manner whatsoever.

Sworn before me by the deponent on this the 31st day of January, 2023.

Sd/Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung : Nagaland MKC-125/23

Regd. No. 30/2023

AFFIDAVIT

Dated : 31/01/2023

I, Shri. N Yanshumo Kithan, S/o Nrio Kithan, resident of Vungoju Colony, District - Wokha : Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirmed and state as follows :

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India hailing from Lotha/Naga Tribe and residing at Vungoju Colony-Wokha : Nagaland

2. That due to inadvertent and bonafide mistake, my Son name has been wrongly entered as Y Renjanthung Kithan in my Service Book, Army bearing No - 12994575 instead of his correct and official name as Renjanthung Y Kithan which he have been using in all his official documents including his education Documents.

3. That this affidavit is sworn solely for the purpose of declaring my Son name that Shri. Renjanthung Y Kithan & Y Renjanthung Kithan are one and the same person for all record and official purpose(s).

4. That the statements made in this affidavit are true to my personal knowledge and nothing is concealed thereof in any manner whatsoever.

Sworn before me by the deponent on this the 31st day of January, 2023.

Tripura CM Manik Saha watches an artefact depicting G20 India Summit logo, at an exhibition organised as part of G20 meeting, in Agartala, Monday. (PTI) summit as “fruitful”, Saha said

Himanta Biswa Sarma

EWG delegates during the meeting.

Police investigate th esite of IED blast.

ZPM winning candidates.

SNIPPETS

Two Army jawans held for raping 2 women

JHANSI (UP), APR 3

(IANS): In a shocking incident, two women have lodged a case at the GRP police station in Jhansi, accusing three Army men of molesting them inside a stationary coach parked at the Jhansi railway station. Two Army personnel have been arrested while one is absconding. According to GRP Circle officer Mohd Naeem Ansari, the two victims have alleged that one Army personnel asked them for their mobile phone, claiming that he had lost his phone. He then indulged in talking to the women and took them to the railway coach parked on platform 7. There were two other Army personnel inside who then raped them and later asked them to leave.

Girl electrocuted to death in UP MUZAFFARNAGAR,

APR 3 (IANS): A minor girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzzafarnagar district was electrocuted to death while her younger sister sustained serious injuries after coming in contact with a high-tension wire, police said. The incident took place in Kasiara village in Charthawal on Sunday when the sisters had gone to collect grass from a field. Station House Officer of Charthawal police station, Rakesh Singh, said Anushka, 12, and Avni, 10, accidentally touched the broken high-tension wire. Anushka died on the spot while her sister was taken to a hospital in a critical condition, police said. Angry local residents protested against the district administration, demanding compensation for the family of the deceased girl.

President Murmu to visit Shimla

SHIMLA, APR 3 (PTI) : President of India Droupadi Murmu will visit Shimla during April 1820 and stay at the Retreat (Rashtrapati Niwas) in Mashobra in the suburbs of Shimla town, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi said on Monday. Negi presided over a meeting organised here to oversee preparations for the proposed visit. He said the Rashtrapati Niwas would be thrown open to the public on April 20 after Murmu’s departure. Earlier, the 173-year-old heritage building and the lush green lawns of the ‘Rashtrapati Niwas’ were scheduled to be opened for public from April 23.

Rahul challenges conviction in defamation case

Amit Shah sought cheap publicity in Bihar: Minister

SURAT/NEW

DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): A sessions court in Surat on Monday granted bail to Rahul Gandhi and will hear on April 13 the Congress leader’s plea for a stay of his conviction in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his “Modi surname” remark in which he was sentenced to two years in jail that led to his disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

The former Congress chief, who was present in the court, in his appeal against his conviction and sentence by a Magistrate’s court on March 23 contended that the order was “erroneous and patently perverse”, alleging he was sentenced in a manner so as to attract disqualification as a Member of Parliament.

Gandhi submitted he was treated harshly by the trial court which was “overwhelmingly influenced” by his status as an MP, and maintained there is no such thing as a “definite Modi samaj or community on record”. “It appears reasonable to argue that the applicant was really sentenced in a manner so as to attract the order of disqualification (as an MP).”

He further said that by the very nature of his task, a

politician in Opposition cannot always weigh his words in “golden scales.”

“Hence, it is incumbent upon courts to focus on the essence and spirit of the speech (related to Modi surname) made rather than on the tone and tenor,” Gandhi said, adding “a strong and uncompromising opposition” is the essential requirement of a “true and healthy democracy.”

“Parliamentarian, in Opposition, is expected or rather required to be ‘vigilant and critical’, and the view of the trial court that a Member of Parliament deserves to be awarded the highest punishment because

of his status “is wholly unwarranted and manifestly unjust,” said the four-time MP.

Gandhi’s lawyer Kirit Panwala said the bail was given by Additional Sessions Judge RP Mogera till the disposal of his appeal against the Chief Judicial Magistrate H H Varma’s order of conviction and sentence on March 23.

A day later, Gandhi was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha that sparked a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP. He stands disqualified from contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections for eight years unless

EAM Jaishankar receives Bhutan King at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Monday began his two-day trip to India with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar receiving him at the airport here, reflecting the importance New Delhi has attached to the visit.

The King will hold talks with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

“Warm welcome to India, Your Majesty! His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in India a short while ago. His Majesty was received by EAM @DrSJaishankar at the airport,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

Bhutan is a strategically important country for India and the defence and security ties between the two sides have witnessed significant expansion in the last few years.

The strategic ties witnessed an upward trajectory

WANTED HELPER FOR SCHOOL

Qualification - Under Matric (For cleaning & looking after the Students) Walk-In-Interview on 10/04/2023 (Monday) (11:00 am to 1:00 p.m) /

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

DP-1449/23

MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION

NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL SECRETARIAT NONGRIM HILLS, SHILLONG- 793003

Website: https://necouncil.gov.in

The North Eastern Council Secretariat is looking for the services of suitable officers for filling up 14(fourteen) posts of Stenographer Grade-II on deputation basis in the pay scale of Rs. 5000-150-8000/- (5th CPC)/pb-2 Rs.9300-34800/- plus Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- (6th CPC) corresponding to pay scale of Rs. 44900-142400/- (Level 7) of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix

Method of Recruitment and Eligibility Criteria: 2nd method. By deputation. Officers under the central Government or State Government or Union Territories or Statutory Organisation holding analogues post or with eight years regular service in post in the scale of Rs. 4000-1006000 (5th CPC)/PB-1 Rs. 5,200-20,200/- + GPRs. 2400/- (6th CPC) corresponding to pay scale of Rs. 25500 - 81100/- (Level $) of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix or equivalent.

Period of deputation and maximum age limit for the post: Period of deputation including period of deputation in another ex-cadre post held immediately preceding this appointment in the same or some other Organization/Department of the Central Government, shall ordinarily not exceed three years. The maximum age limit for appointment by deputation shall be 'Not exceeding 56 years as on the closing of receipt of applications.

Job recruitment/Duties and Responsibilities of the post: To function as PA to senior officers, Taking shorthand dictation in English and typing in the computer (English), Maintenance of Visitor's Diary, files movement of dak and registers of the officers/Sector/ Section where attached. Maintenance of tour details of officer(s) with whom he/she has been attached. Performing any other task assigned to him/her by his/her officer with whom has been attached from time to time.

The pay and other terms and conditions of deputation will be regulated in accordance with DoPT's O.M.No.6/8/2009-Estt. (Pay-II) dated 17.06.2010 and No. 2/11/2017-Estt. (Pay-II) dtd. 24.11.2017 as amended from time to time. Cadre authorities/Head of Departments are requested to forward applications of eligible and willing candidates whose services can be spared on deputation basis immediately to reach the I/c Deputy Secretary (Admn.) within 60 days from the date of publication of this advertisement in the Employment News. Other details of the advertisement are available in the NEC website https://necouncil.gov.in.

CBC 11104/12/0001/2324

Sd/(Tanung Jamoh) Director (S & T) & I/c Deputy Secretary (Admn.)

a higher court stays his conviction.

The court also issued a notice to complainant Purnesh Modi, a BJP MLA and former Gujarat cabinet minister, over the application for suspension of the conviction, Panwala said. It set April 13 for hearing the plea seeking suspension of conviction and subsequent sentence, he added.

Panwala said Gandhi’s appeal against his conviction was admitted by the sessions court.

Gandhi also filed two additional applications along with the main plea -- the first for the suspension of sentence or for regular bail, and the second for the suspension of conviction. The court allowed his first plea and granted him bail till the disposal of his appeal, Panwala said. Gandhi was also asked to furnish a bond of Rs 15,000.

Purnesh Modi will have to file his response to Gandhi’s plea by April 10, Panwala said, adding the Gujarat government has also been made a respondent and was issued a notice by the sessions court. Gandhi also requested the court for exemption from personal appearance during the next hearing and his prayer was

allowed by the judge.

In a show of support for the former Congress president, party general secretary and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other leaders were present in the courtroom when the matter came up for hearing at around 3 pm.

Gandhi reached the court in a luxury bus accompanied by Priyanka and other senior leaders, while a large number of party workers and supporters gathered outside the premises amid heavy police deployment. The four-time Lok Sabha MP reached Surat in the afternoon via a scheduled commercial flight along with Priyanka.

Soon after the court granted him bail, Gandhi tweeted in Hindi, saying, “This is a fight against “Mitrkaal” to save democracy. In this struggle, truth is my weapon, and truth is my support!” Gandhi has been taking the ‘Mitrakaal’ jibe at the central government, accusing it of working to benefit its “crony capitalist friends”.

In another tweet, the Congress leader vowed to fight for the “voice of India”. He wrote, “I am fighting for the voice of India. I am ready to pay any cost.”

Vinay Kumar Chaudhary

PATNA, APR 3 (PTI):

The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar on Monday deplored Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that rioters would be “hanged upside down if BJP came to power”, and termed it as a way to seek “cheap publicity”.

State parliamentary affairs minister Vinay Kumar Chaudhary said instead of “exploiting the situation electorally”, Shah

as the country’s home minister should have made an appeal for peace.

Chaudhary made the remark outside the assembly, after the House was adjourned till 2 PM within minutes of commencement of proceedings with the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’(grand alliance) and the BJP trading charges on the riots in Sasaram and Bihar Sharif towns last week.

On Sunday, at a joint press conference, the state’s Chief Secretary and the DGP had asserted that the communal disturbances that were triggered during Ram Navami festivities, were brought “fully under control” and more than 100 people were arrested from the two riothit towns.

Power shutdown in parts of Dimapur from Apr 4-9

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Power department subdivisional office No.1 has informed all consumers under Metha and Forest sub-station, that there would be power shut down from April 4 to 9 from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.

In a press note, SDO-I Er. Orenvungo S Ovung said that exercise is being carried out in view of dismantling and shifting works of old existing HT and LT lines to newly erected Trunk Line in parts of Dimapur town area. Therefore, all affected consumers have been requested to cooperate and bear the inconvenience during the period.

Court acquits 27 accused of murder during Godhra riots

GUJARAT, APR 3 (AGENCIES): A court in Gujarat has acquitted all 27 persons accused of gangrape and murder of more than a dozen members of a minority community in separate incidents in Kalol during communal riots in 2002, for want of evidence in the 20-year-old case. Of the total 39 accused, 13 died during the case pendency and the trial against them was abated, reports Outlook.

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Leelabhai

Chudasama at Halol in Panchmahal district on Friday acquitted 26 persons for the offences of murder, gangrape and rioting for want of evidence.

“As many as 13 out of a total 39 accused in the case had died during the pendency of the trial,” the court said in the order. The accused persons were part of a mob that went on a rampage in the communal riots that broke out on March 1, 2002 during a bandh call given after the Sabarmati train burning incident in Godhra

on February 27.

A FIR was lodged against the accused at Kalol police station on March 2, 2002. The prosecution examined 190 witnesses and 334 documentary evidence in support of its argument, but the court said there were contradictions in the accounts of witnesses, and they did not support the prosecution’s argument.

On March 1, 2002, a mob of more than 2,000

people from two different communities clashed with sharp weapons and inflammable objects in Kalol city in Gandhinagar district. They damaged shops and set them on fire. A man who was injured in police firing and being rushed to the hospital was burnt alive along with a tempo. The mob attacked and killed another man coming out of a mosque and burnt his body inside the mosque.

in the last few years in the backdrop of a 73-day faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Doklam tri-junction in 2017.

The Doklam plateau is considered an important area for India’s strategic interest.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL

DIMAPUR

DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

NOTICE

GOVT. COLLEGE

All the Repeater Students of BA & BCOM 2 nd, 4 th & 6th Semester along with 5th Semester Supplementary are hereby informed to fill-up their End Term/Final Examination Form from 10th April to 13th April 2023.

Documents Required : Original Marksheet & Xerox Admit Card.

Sd/Principal Dimapur Government College Dimapur : Nagaland

N.B : No Forms will be accepted after the notified dates. : For any query, contact the College Office during the office hours. DC-427/23

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF EMPLOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

No. DET-7/116/2013

NAGALAND: KOHIMA

BJP SLAMS CONG LEADERS’ MOVE TO ACCOMPANY RAHUL TO COURT

Rahul Gandhi being welcomed by supporters upon his arrival in Surat, Monday, April 3, 2023. (PTI)

S. Jaishankar receives King of Bhutan Wangchuck, upon the latter’s arrival, in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI)

Subjective mindsets

After much has been said over rights of the people, whose voices the civil society and NGOs represent, the state government today finds itself caught in between the people’s rights and its own responsibilities. The process for creation of present Nagaland state was preceded by the merger of Naga Hills district in Assam and Tuensang Frontier Division, carved out of NEFA in 1957 to form Naga Hills Tuensang Area(NHTA).

In 1960 then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to the proposal for the 16-Point Agreement that formed the basis for creation of Nagaland which was later signed with the Naga People’s Convention on July 26,1960. In order to ensure that creation of Nagaland was not merely a political necessity for the people but to ensure that Nagas of Nagaland were provided with special provisions in the form of constitutional safeguards, Article 371A was inserted into the Part XXI of the Indian Constitution in the year 1962. The inherent rights of the people of the new state were accorded constitutional guarantee vide Article 371A. It needs to be reiterated that Article 371A is a positive constitutional guarantee and a safeguard for traditional ownership of land and resources of the Naga people. Article 371A is clearly meant to safeguard the customary laws and practices as well as ownership of land and resources of the people from any act of parliament, unless the state legislative assembly by a resolution so decides. Article 371A is unique as it recognizes the ownership of land and resources of the indigenous people. This is means that the government practically owns no land whatsoever because every inch of land including natural resources is owned by the community. This has led to serious problems since people used the article as a plea to not give land to the government for development. It is not surprising that today the government has virtually given up its rightful holding over vast areas. The consequence of this is a phenomenon called reclaiming of traditional lands ‘occupied’ by the government. Thus the government has become the ‘occupier’ or tenant and has no option but to hand over the lands over which various government institutions and offices came up, to the claimants. The practice goes on undiminished and today, the government sadly finds itself in a no-win situation. Be it water for people or land for development or today, natural resources for exploitation, those who indulge in the rhetoric of ‘the government has no land’ today are unable to extricate themselves from their own words. This has been the cause for the perennial water shortage in the state capital till today. Even in the case where government staff quarters with lands have been grabbed not by the “rightful owners” but by conniving staff and other individuals, Article 371A is plea. Even educational institutions are not spared as the tentacle of encroachments are being legalized through dubious allotments. As the custodian of people’s mandate to do what is right and good for the benefit of the entire state, the state government has to realize it is mandated to guide and govern and any selfish interest or motive, can prove disastrous as being seen today.

daily devotion

“If You Had Known!”

If you had known…in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. —Luke 19:42

Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly and the city was stirred to its very foundations, but a strange god was there– the pride of the Pharisees. It was a god that seemed religious and upright, but Jesus compared it to “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27).

What is it that blinds you to the peace of God “in this your day”? Do you have a strange god– not a disgusting monster but perhaps an unholy nature that controls your life? More than once God has brought me face to face with a strange god in my life, and I knew that I should have given it up, but I didn’t do it. I got through the crisis “by the skin of my teeth,” only to find myself still under the control of that strange god. I am blind to the very things that make for my own peace. It is a shocking thing that we can be in the exact place where the Spirit of God should be having His completely unhindered way with us, and yet we only make matters worse, increasing our blame in God’s eyes.

“If you had known….” God’s words here cut directly to the heart, with the tears of Jesus behind them. These words imply responsibility for our own faults. God holds us accountable for what we refuse to see or are unable to see because of our sin. And “now they are hidden from your eyes” because you have never completely yielded your nature to Him. Oh, the deep, unending sadness for what might have been! God never again opens the doors that have been closed. He opens other doors, but He reminds us that there are doors which we have shut– doors which had no need to be shut. Never be afraid when God brings back your past. Let your memory have its way with you. It is a minister of God bringing its rebuke and sorrow to you. God will turn what might have been into a wonderful lesson of growth for the future.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

The significance of festivals in Konyak

Since time immemorial, the Konyak Nagas have been observing different kinds of festivals in their own localities as their social part of life and it has been inherited from their ancestors. The times of festivals is get together for merry making and celebrate with suitable meaning. The Konyak Celebrates various kinds of festivals fro various reasons in different season. The main reasons in any Festivals whether it is big or small is to give thanks to Almighty God fro the manifold blessing in the future. The celebration of Festivals marks the changing of seasons which comes and go and also to signify change of calendar of the year. The Konyak Nagas celebrate about Seven festivals in a year among which three are most important ones. These are :-

time immemorial. Aoleang is observed after completion of sowing of seeds in the new field and also to mark the end of the old year and to welcome the New Year beginning with spring when a riot of flowers in every hue start to bloom. It is a time to ask Almighty God for bountiful harvest of Crops in that very year. The Aoleang Monyu is spread over six days. Each day has separate names and different significance : (1)

HOI LAI YAH NYIH (2)

YIN MOK PHO NYIH (3)

YIN MOK SHEK NYIH

(4) LINGNYU NYIH (5)

LINGHA NYIH AND (6)

LINGSHAN NYIH.

a chicken and sprinkles its blood on the “WUMJONG” altar with an invocation to the supreme Power for helping to grow crops well. By taking out intestine, he predicts the future of his family. A leg of chicken with food is given to the neighbour of the new jhum field of that year. The food is carefully put into leaves and brought home and given to the family members after the prayers and ceremony on that day also a stage called “AOLEANG WAKAM” is constructed in every “PANS” Morung for the dancing parties.

which means the day for killing of animals. On this day, the green signal for the start of the festival is given by hoisting of a well-decorated bamboo Glag “KOIP HONG”. Rights after the hoisting, the young men starts playing the log drum and go to respective houses to kill the animals. All the men gathered at the Morungs will have the best chosen food and ricebeer before they go to their houses. The youngsters in the age group between 15 to 20 years together kill some domestic animals and take the meat to their parents after they enjoy the day.

1. Aoleang

2. Leanghamo

3. Aonye.

1. The Konyak Aoleang :The entire Konyak Community of Nagaland, observe Aoleang Monyu in the first week of Aoleang Leat (April) every year since

The first day is called “HOI LAI YAH NYIH” which means the preparation day of the Aoleang Monyu. On this day every arrangement is made of the Aoleang, like collection of firewood, banana leaves, vegetables etc. the rice beer is also stored on this day. New clothes are woven and all necessary ornaments are prepared. On this day, the head of the family goes to the jhum field and sacrifices

The second day is called “YIN MOK PHO NYIH” the domestic animals like buffaloes, mithuns, cows and pighs etc have to be searched and roped in and tethered to a post to killed during the Aoleang. In addition, young boys who have not yet joined in head-hunting were taken to the jungles for proxy head-hunting. On their return from the jungles, the next day young boys and girls have to be tattoed.

The third day is called “YIN MOK SHEK NYIH”

NM Act 2001 as amended up-todate does not infringe Article 371(A)

Ipen this my individual opinion

and understanding thoughts on the given subject with a view to dispel some misplaced and misconstrued understanding and interpretation on the issue.

I am aware of the admitted fact that in the realm of understanding and interpretation of written Constitution and the statute laws framed thereunder individual opinions invariably differs. However difference of opinion is the dynamism and strength of democratic parliamentary institutions in a Country like India whose basic Constitutional tenets and ideals are firmly rooted in the long arms of rule of law and the principles of natural justice. The freedom of Speech and Expression which is guaranteed in the Part III of the Constitution stands formidable so long as it does not offend or violate the procedure established by law under the Constitution. With this express and non-derogable mandate of law this small write is attempted by me as a pristine and unspoiled opinion of lawyer in the legal profession. I am in circumspect anticipation that the readers and friends will find more facts and details which this elementary write up tries to explore and project.

In India Constitution is Supreme. All the organs of the State viz. Legislative, Executive and Judiciary derives their power and function from the Constitution, as such the Legislature makes the laws, the Executive implements the laws and the Judiciary interprets the Laws. The Judiciary more particularly the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble High Courts are accorded extraordinary power of Interpretation of Constitution in its provisions under Article 32 and 226 itself.

Article 371A a special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland was inserted in Part XXI of the Constitution of India by Constitution(13th Amendment) Act, 1962 and in pursuance to 16 Point Agreement, the State of Nagaland as 16th State under Indian Union was created by the State of Nagaland Act, 1962 (Act No. 27 of 1962). It is pertinent to note that Article 371A is intended to be special provision as the very word “Special” is given in the Part XXI of the Indian Constitution itself.

Article 371A. Special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland.

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, No Act of Parliament in respect of Religious or Social practices of the Nagas, Naga Customary Law and Procedure, Administration of Civil and Criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga Customary Law. 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:

The introductory sentence of Article 371A begins with Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution this very sentence is a erroneously understood by most of us (Nagas) as non application of all the Laws and Acts framed and passed by the Parliament including the other Provisions of the Constitution of India itself. However, bare reading of the very sentence manifestly reveals that Article 371A shall apply to Acts of Parliament in relation to the subjects mentioned in the clauses (i) to (iv) of the said Article only.

It is observed that Article 371A which we Nagas believed to be sacrosanct and inviolable also suffers from its own inherent flaws from the very threshold which creates difficulties and confusion while interpreting its clauses it is seen that no definition or meaning is given with regard to Religious and Social practices of the Nagas and Naga Customary Law and Procedure including Ownership of Land and its Resources. It must be understood by everyone that Article 371A is a protective Provision but not a enabling Provision, it is a saddening inherent flaw that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly was not accorded power to legislate and make its own law in the special Provisions of Article 371A it is seen that no amendment has been inserted so far in the list III of the Seventh Schedule known as State List which is enumerated in Article 245 read with Article 246, 247 and 248 of the Constitution Situated in the aforesaid facts and circumstance interpretation of Article 371A is left exclusively to the jurisdiction of the Hon’ble Courts to interpret its provisions and clauses.

In a recent case W.P(C) No. 83(K) of 2018 decided on 09.01.2019, the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court Kohima bench while interpreting Article 371A has categorically made an observation that Article 371A deals with the applicability of parliamentary enactments in the state of Nagaland, but not with the practice or validity per se of Customary Laws and Procedure this interpretation and observation of Single Judge was affirmed by the Hon’ble Division Bench in Appeal (W.A(C) No. 3(K) of 2019) in its Order dated 21.9.2022, it is stated that the writer has appeared in the Appeal Petition as Senior Counsel for the state of Nagaland.

The supercilious and flagrant argument that The Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 as amended up-to-date infringes Article 371A of the Constitution appears to have incurably vague and manifestly arbitrary based on wrong premises of law and therefore speculative from the very foundation. It is understandable that Article 371A relates to Acts framed by parliament, however its ambit does not subvert or overturn the same other Provisions of the Constitution. Therefore, by the 74th Ammendment which came into effect on 01.06.1993 Parliament incorporated Part XA in the Constitution of India. This part of the Constitution is in relation to Municipalities, and comprises of Article 243P to Article 243ZT, under the provisions of the aforesaid Articles of the Constitution, the State of Nagaland has enacted the Municipal Act 2001, as such the deriving source of power for enactment of Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 is from the Constitution itself. It is settled principle of law that a certain Constitutional provision cannot be thrown to circumscribed another Provision of the same Constitution. It would be a travesty of justice and affront to the edifice Constitution if the citizen of this country resort to such polarization without any legally tenable bases. As citizens of the country and the state, we are all bound by the constitution and the laws farmed thereunder.

The fourth day is called “LINGNYU NYIH” which means the greates day amongst the six days of Aoleang Monyu. On this day, men and women wear beautiful ornaments and spend the whole day in community feasts, amusements, dance and merry making. Every house prepares the best feast and shares it with friends, relatives and neighbours. In the afternoon, all the men go to the main entrance gate of the village and have a

feast there and also teach the young men the art of head-hunting. On their return from the place called “PEJONG” which means ‘entrance gate of the village’, the men groups themselves according to different Morungs and start dancing. Led by their leaders, they visit each other’s Morung and express each other’s good and bad qualities through songs. The normal themes of the songs are victory over the enemy, asking Almighty God for bountiful crops etc. The dance party holds the enemy’s head in their hands and displays it in front of the other Morungs their victory over their enemies. In the evening, all the groups gather at a place called “SHAOCHONG” where the heads, legs and hands of enemies are kept. All the groups dance together and fire the guns. The old and young men who can shoot go to their own houses to signify the “LINGNYU NYIH”. The fifth day is called “LINGHA NYIH”. This day is observed by honouring each other; the old men are honoured by the

young; young boys and their parents call on their married sisters and daughters respectively and offer them the best feast: married daughters also visit their parents and offer grand feasts to their parents. On this day, families of the dead visit the burial sites of their dead relatives and pay their last homage to the departed souls. A special feast is arranged on this day to renew the friendship made by parents and to make the friendship last for posterity amongst the descendants. They also visit permanently – declared household friends and exchange well prepared food items. Permanently – declared household friendship continues for year together and the best portions of meat are exchanged between these households. The sixt day is called “LINGSHAN NYIH” which means final day of the Aoleang Monyu. The day is spent in cleaning the villages and houses which were made dirty during the Aoleang days.

(W.Wangyuh Konyak) M.A, Former M.P. (Lok Sabha)

Can we trust machines doing the news?

AI is becoming more prevalent in everyday situations but there is still distrust. The challenge is overcoming that barrier.

When you scan the headlines on your favourite news app each morning, do you ever stop to think who — or what — wrote the story?

The assumption is there are human beings doing the work. But it’s also possible an algorithm wrote it. Artificial Intelligence is capable of producing text, images and audio with little to no human intervention.

For instance, the neural network called Generative Pretrained Transformer 3 (GPT-3) is capable of producing text — a fictional story, a poem or even a programming code — virtually indistinguishable from text written by a person.

Major media outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Forbes have automated news production with the aid of generative AI – AI algorithms that autonomously produce textual content.

With great advances in machine learning and natural language processing, the difference between content written by a human and content produced by advanced neural networks such as GPT-3 can be indiscernible even in domains quintessentially humanistic like poetry.

As we come to rely more on AI-generated information in everyday settings, the question of trust becomes more important.

Recent studies have examined whether people believe AIgenerated news stories or trust AI-generated medical diagnoses.

They found that people are mostly sceptical of AI. A machine can write an accurate

story full of facts, but readers will still second-guess its veracity. And while a program can give a more accurate medical analysis than a human, patients are still more likely to go with their (human) doctor’s advice.

The conclusion is people are more likely to distrust AI if it makes a mistake than an individual human. When a reporter makes an error, a reader isn’t likely to think all reporters are unreliable. After all, everyone makes mistakes. But when AI makes a mistake, we are more likely to mistrust the entire concept. Humans can be fallible and forgiven for being so. Not so machines.

AI content is not generally marked as such. It’s rare for a news organisation to flag in the byline that the text was produced by an algorithm. But AI-generated content may lead to bias or misuse, and ethicists and policymakers have advocated for organisations to transparently disclose its use. If disclosure requirements are enforced, future headlines might include a byline that tags AI as the reporter.

Research examined how disclosing use of AI in news generation affected news accuracy perceptions. The results strongly corroborated the AI aversion account: disclosing the use of AI led people to believe news items substantially less, a negative effect explained by lower trust toward AI reporters.

Media outlets are faced not only with the challenges of grabbing the attention of readers in a highly competitive digital marketplace, but also of earning their trust.

This is true of any organisa-

Fickle musings

tion that uses digital technologies to inform their customers, whether that be a regulator, business or academic institution. In fact, the robustness of the negative effect of AI in research suggests that AI aversion applies to other domains where AI generated text is used.

AI is a tool. There certainly needs to be oversight and regulation, but it also has the potential to do a lot of good.

AI could democratise healthcare, for instance by producing an app for a skin cancer risk assessment. People unable to afford a dermatologist, or who simply don’t have access to that type of care, could be alerted to that primary red flag — go check this mole.

AI has the potential to make prescriptively good outcomes available to people who otherwise would not have access to them. And so the question is, if AI has the potential to be used for such positive ends, how can we understand how people view it and how can we foster uptake? If forced to disclose AIgenerated content, what can an organisation do to retain trust in the information that it communicates? The answer is not yet clear, but the hope is current findings will raise awareness of the influence of disclosure of AI-generated content on perceived accuracy and trust and encourage greater research on this topic.

When AI serves in an assistant role to a person who retains the veto or remains the ultimate decision-maker, it’s more likely people would be fine with AI doing some things as long as the final call is made by a human being. PTI

Sir, Through the columns of this esteemed newspaper, I would like to suggest some measures to the government and also to the civil bodies to take this suggestion into consideration.

If at all Naga customary rights and laws are infringed upon by implementing the 74th constitutional amendment and if at all the Indian constitutional laws can be applied with modifications to the state of Nagaland by way of Article 371A.

We can consider the example of the union government in implementing government-sponsored educational and professional benefit programs whereby the “creamy layer” is excluded from such benefits.

The 33% reservation of women in Urban local bodies is designed to give representation to women and bring about gender equality and certainly not to compromise efficiency in administration or disregard the mandate of the people. Having said that, the numbers play an important role here.

There is no textbook rule here or any sort of scientifically proven logic that “33%” is the way forward.

If at all we can apply the constitutional laws to the state of Nagaland with modifications, we might as well take into account ,factors like the mandate of the people and efficiency in administration and reduce the 33% reservation to around 15% reservation.This ensures significant number of women in the urban local bodies and also does not compromise any other factors drastically.

By allowing 15% reservation to women in Urban local bodies, women representation is given equal emphasis while also amending the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 which has been the cry of some civil bodies.

I hope this suggestion can be of some help or serve as some sort of blueprint for the government in tackling this situation.

However, the opinion stated here is of personal view and can certainly be ignored if it does not conform to the technicality of the matter.

Akibo Sumi, Full Nagarjan, (coldpath20@gmail.com)

L. Moayanger Imchen, Senior

SNIPPETS

Bihar violence: Another bomb blast in Sasaram

PATNA, APR 3 (IANS):

As the Bihar government claimed that the situation in Sasaram and Biharsharif was normal, a bomb exploded in Sasaram on Monday morning. The incident took place at Chedilal Gali in the city. Local residents claimed that the bomb exploded at 5 a.m. when the majority of the people were sleeping.

The district police said that the intensity of the bomb was low and no one was injured in this attack.

The police said that the bomb was thrown in front of a house and its remains were found on the door. Shockingly, the police were deployed at that place and yet the incident happened and the culprits managed to flee also.

Following the incident, District Magistrate Dharmendra Kumar and SP Vineet Kumar reached the spot. They also called for the FSL team to take samples of the explosive to ascertain its nature.

5 Maoists, including commander killed in encounter

RANC HI, APR 3

(IANS): Five Maoists, including a commander carrying a reward of Rs 25 lakh, were killed in an encounter in the Lawalong police station area in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Monday. The slain Maoist commander has been identified as Gautam Paswan.

Police are conducting extensive search operations in the area after recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition, including several AK-47 and INSAS rifles.

Squads of CRPF CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and police from Palamu and Chatra were involved in the operation.

CBI’s key responsibility is to free India from corruption: Modi

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): There is no dearth of political will today to act against corruption and officers should take action against the corrupt, however powerful, without any hesitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

Addressing a gathering at the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the prime minister said the agency’s key responsibility is to free India from corruption, which is the biggest roadblock to democracy and justice, and added it should not be distracted by those trying to tarnish its image. It is the desire of the people of the country that no corrupt should be spared, he said.

He said those who benefitted from corruption for decades have created an ecosystem which attacks probe agencies. But the agencies should not be deterred by

stories about the power of the corrupt and their ecosystem to tarnish them.

“These people will keep distracting you, but you have to focus on your work. No corrupt person should be spared. There should be no laxity in our efforts. This is the wish of the country, this is the wish of the people of the country. The country, law and constitution are with you,” the prime minister said.

“Today there is no dearth of political will to take action against corrup-

Ram Navami violence: Hindu outfit moves Supreme Court

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): Days after the Supreme Court’s stark criticism of hate speeches when it said the State has become impotent, a Hindu organisation has moved the top court seeking registration of FIRs in recent incidents of violence on Ram Navami in different parts of the country.

A bench headed by Justice KM Joseph had expressed concern over states not taking action against hate speeches and said the state has become “impotent and powerless”.

Seeking the court’s intervention, NGO Hindu Front for Justice has moved a petition seeking protection for Hindu religious processions taken out on Ram Navami or other such

occasions.

“It is submitted that this year on the occasion of Ram Navami, large-scale violence has been committed by the members of the Muslim community in a pre-planned manner in different parts of the country, namely, at Howrah, Uttar Dinajpur (West Bengal), Sasaram and Nalanda (Bihar), Hyderabad (Telangana), Aurangabad (Maharashtra), Vadodara (Gujarat), Jamshedpur (Jharkhand),”

the petition filed through advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said. The plea has sought directions to the state governments concerned to determine the loss incurred by the people who sustained injuries or lost their lives in the violence.

tion in the country,” Modi said and asked officers to take action against the corrupt, however powerful, without any hesitation. Referring to international transactions and the movement of people, goods and services on a large scale, even outside geographical boundaries, Modi said that India’s economic power is growing while those who create obstacles are also rising. He warned that attacks on India’s social fabric, its unity and brotherhood, and its economic interests

Let country be aware of PM’s academic qualification: Sanjay Raut

MUMBAI, APR 3 (PTI):

and institutions would also increase.

“Corruption money will be spent on this,” he said as he stressed the need to understand and study the multinational nature of crime and corruption. Modi said India got a legacy of corruption at the time of Independence and lamented the fact that instead of removing it, some people kept nourishing this malady.

He said that while a discussion on trillion dollars refers to a strong economy these days, a decade ago, when the CBI celebrated its golden jubilee, such figures were used to describe scams in the country. “There was a competition underway on who will set a new record of corruption,” he said. The scams and the prevailing sense of impunity led to the destruction of the system, and an atmosphere of policy paralysis brought development to a standstill.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come forward to inform about his academic qualification and wondered what was the need to hide it. The Rajya Sabha member said the PM’s degree should be displayed at the entrance of Parliament building. Let the lawmakers and the country be aware of his educational qualification, he added. Raut made the comments while talking to reporters in New Delhi, three days after the Gujarat High Court set aside an order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on PM Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. While noting that both Kejriwal and the CIC were “absolutely casual” in their approach, the court had also observed there was “indiscriminate misuse” of the RTI Act in this case.

Sanjay Raut

Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav had also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal. Raut on Monday said, “Narendra Modi sold tea at a railway platform and did his MA in Entire Political Science. The degree is historic and revolutionary. Display his degree at the grand entrance of the new Parliament building built by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

“Let the entire Parliament and the country be aware of his education. What is the mystery behind it, why would one hide it,” he said.

Responding to a ques-

tion seeking his opinion on the authenticity of the PM’s degree, Raut said, “The prime minister should come forward and inform us about the degree. The degree certificate was first shown to people by (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah.”

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal sought details of his degree, but he was fined Rs 25,000 (by a Gujarat court), the Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson noted.

“If the educational degree of the country’s President, a High Court/ Supreme Court judge or ours can be demanded, then why to hide the educational qualification of the prime minister? I think PM Modi should come forward and give a clarification,” Raut said. Raut also claimed that most of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have “bogus” degrees.

“It is a factory of bogus degrees, you know it. Take any name and check their degree,” he said while responding to a query.

Mamata appeals for peace, as violence-hit towns limp back to normalcy

KHEJURI/RISHRA/ KOLKATA (WB), APR 3

(PTI): Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed for peace and asked “Hindu brothers” to ensure that minorities are protected as prohibitory orders remained in force after post-Ram Navami violence in two towns of the densely populate Hooghly district.

Banerjee who was speaking at a rally at Khejuri in East Mednipur, questioned why processions were continuing to be staged days after the festival of Ram Navami, dedicated to Lord Ram and claimed there was a deliberate attempt at “inciting violence and cre-

ate tention”. “Why will the processions continue for five days after Ram Navami? Do it on the day of the festival. We have never had objections … But they cannot do rallies with guns and bombs, or without necessary permissions from the police,” the firebrand chief minister asserted.

“They are deliberately entering minority areas to incite violence and create tension,” she claimed without naming anyone.

“They (goons) are setting fire to food carts of poor vendors and dancing with guns .. On April 6 (Hanuman Jayanti), they are planning to do another round of

violence. I have asked the DMs and the police to be alert. Not just Bengal, they have created this scenario throughout the country,” the chief minister claimed. She added that she was “appealing to my Hindu

brothers to make sure that no violence takes place against minorities … No one wants these cases of atrocities and violence.”

The situation in violence-hit towns of Hooghly district remained peaceful

and under control, though prohibitory orders and suspension of internet services in some areas continued on Monday and a delegation led by BJP state president was stopped from entering the industrial suburb of Rishra, police said.

Police said the situation in Rishra and Srerampore areas in Hoogly district, would be watched and orders relaxed as the situation improved.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar was barred from visiting Rishra by the police citing prohibitory orders in force in the area, drawing strong protests by the right-wing party.

PM Modi being presented a memento by CBI Director Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI)

Mamata during an event to distribute public welfare services to the people, at Khejuri, Monday. (PTI)

RBI’s repo rate hike decision may not be unanimous

CHENNAI, APR 3

(IANS): With economic experts expecting the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI)

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to increase the repo rate further by 25 basis points (bps), whether it will be unanimous or not will have to be seen. The MPC’s first meeting of FY24 is being held between Monday to Thursday. The decision on the repo rate hike will be announced on Thursday.

At the recent MPC meetings, the rate hike decisions were not unanimous with two external members

-- Dr. Ashima Goyal, Emeritus Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai; and Prof. Jayanth R. Varma, Professor, Indian Institute

of Management, Ahmedabad, voting against the hikes. For instance, at the February 6-8 MPC meeting, Goyal and Varma had voted against the move to hike the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.50 per cent. On the other hand, Dr. Shashanka Bhide, Honorary Senior Advisor, National Council of Applied Economic Research, Delhi; Dr. Rajiv Ranjan, Executive Director, RBI; Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy; and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das voted for the rate hike.

The resolution was passed by a majority of 4:2.

Commenting on the February 6-8 MPC meeting, Emkay Global Financial Services in a report said

New NM Act should not be a ...

(From p-1) They also appealed to the government to include experts from various fields, particularly keeping in mind to protect people’s rights without any infringement upon Article 371A.

‘Joldipabo’ site launched in Dimapur

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN):

the minutes depicted a cautious and data dependent tone with most members anchoring their arguments to the risk of sustained high inflation and their secondround effects.

“The divergence in views became even more acute this time. The internal members of the RBI MPC were significantly hawkish, while Dr. Bhide seemed cautiously neutral. Prof. Varma and Prof. Goyal sounded dovish, arguing that there is a likely case of excessive frontloading of hikes, overshooting what is needed to achieve price stability, and further tightening is not desirable as one has to account for policy transmission lags,” Emkay Global said.

WSBAK opposes sale of liquor to foreign delegates

(From p-1) Rejecting the government’s claim that the relaxation was being done as per “Special Permits to Foreign Sovereign” in the 16th para of NLTP Act, WSBAK claimed that the Act stated otherwise, pointing out that it did not mention “sale” of liquor to foreign nationals as claimed.

It reminded the government that the NLTP Act prohibited “possession, sale consumption and manufacture of liquor in and of import and export thereof in the State of Nagaland,” and that every other law under the Act came under that preamble of Act. Hence, terming the sale of liquor to foreign nationals as a clear infringement of the Act, WSBAK strongly urged the State government to revoke its decision and respect it.

Reliance Digital announces ‘digital discount days’

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN):

Reliance Digital has announced India’s biggest electronics sale, “Digital Discount Days”, where customers can get an incredible offers on electronics of their choice, including up to 7.5% instant discount on HDFC bank cards, discount coupons worth Rs. 1000 and more on all the electronics until April 9 at all Reliance Digital or My Jio Stores.

Along with easy financing and EMI options, customers can also avail the latest tech, the fastest delivery, and installation on a wide range

of products.

Above and beyond these offers, Reliance Digital has also announced exciting offers on all electronics across categories including TVs, smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, audio devices, small domestic devices, and much more.

It may be noted that Reliance Digital is the largest electronics retailer in India with a presence in over 800 cities with 550+ large format Reliance Digital stores and 1800+ My Jio stores, serving customers in every nook and corner of

the country, making latest technology accessible to all. With over 300 international and national brands and over 5000 products at best prices, Reliance Digital has the largest selection of models to help customers find the right technology solution for their lifestyle. At Reliance Digital, the trained and well-informed staff at every store will be always happy to advise customers about every detail on each product. Most importantly, Reliance Digital provides after-sales service for all its products.

The three organizations, along with the town councils of Nagaland, recalled that they had conveyed their concern to the government over certain provisions in the Act and called for certain changes on numerous occasions to protect rights of people duly protected under Article 371A of the Constitution of India. Further, they appealed to the government to take into consideration social customs and traditional practices of Nagas whenever a new Act was drafted since the State was empowered by the 74th Amendment of the Constitution of India whereby the State could frame its own rules and regulations according to its own applicability and practicability. They said the government, repealing NMA in the very first session of the 14th Assembly, was a feat in itself that ought to be saluted by all right-thinking citizens. The organizations also appealed to the government to expedite the process of framing the new municipal Act so as to let the citizens elect their leaders in their wards to truly bring transformation.

Govt to consult stakeholders...

(From p-1) government would not introduce any legislation against their wishes. Rio said only after holding thorough consultation with the tribal hohos, the state government would come up with a viable Act that could be implemented. He, however, said a deadline could not be given on how long it would take to come up with the new legislation.

‘Hold consultations before framing new Act’

(From p-1)

NCD said it was apprehensive of another ugly situation worse than the unrest in 2017 if the State government had failed to listen to the voice of the people.

Meanwhile, NCD appreciated the exceptional wisdom of NLA in adopting a unanimous resolution to repeal the Act to the satisfaction of Nagas as whole and hoped that peace and tranquillity would prevail at all times in the State.

“Joldipabo” a service provider solely designed in finding rental house was launched at Shilloi lounge, Hotel Saramati, here on Monday. It may be noted that J-pabo was initially started with the name “Find house rent in Kohima”

Joldipabo proprietor

Atoho A Kinimi, said that site was introduced to assist the people looking for rents for commercial as well as domestic purpose. On the advantages of Joldi Pabo, Kinimi said that it will serve advantages to both parties, i.e. the tenants and owner, as the intended tenants will no longer have to wander around in search

of house.

J Pabo will scrutinize the prospective tenants, have background check and only after accepting the company terms and conditions, will be eligible and it will also provide security to both the parties in case of any problem arises. He further mentioned that it will also benefit the prospective ten-

ants in a way. The site will initiate a team to execute in every corner to collect information and maintain database. One can register on their website joldipabo@ gmail.com. The programme was graced by additional director department of Industries and Commerce, P Tokugha Achumi as special guest.

State to showcase culture, investment...

(From p-1)

since he had already explained the facts in his speech during the budget session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).

On the steps being taken for involving local entrepreneurs and how the State would benefit from the B20 programme, Rio said business organisations and individuals had been informed of the events and invited to interact with the

delegates. He maintained that such interactions would benefit the local industry in future even if there were no immediate investors. He said CII would act as a bridge to connect investors and interested entrepreneurs. Senior advisor North Eastern states/UTs (CII) Brig. Ashis Bhattacharyya (Retd) and commissioner & secretary (W&H) who is also the team leader of

PSBs transfer Rs.35,012 cr unclaimed deposits to RBI

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (AGENCIES): Public sector banks (PSBs) have transferred unclaimed deposits of Rs.35,012 crore as of February 2023 to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Karad informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.

“As per information available with the RBI, as of the end of February 2023, the total amount of unclaimed deposits transferred to RBI by PSBs in respect of deposits which have not been operated for 10 years or more was Rs.35,012 crore,” Karad said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

SBI tops the list with an unclaimed amount of Rs.8,086 crore, while Punjab National Bank has Rs.5,340 crore and Canara Bank has Rs.4,558 crore. These unclaimed deposits belong to 10.24 crore accounts transferred to the RBI.

To a question that if SBI officials do not assist/ extend any help to the family of deceased and even they do not contact the family who have submitted death certificates of deceased, the minister said, the bank provides help to family of the deceased in settling all cases of claims.

“Settlement of account (s) of deceased constituent

are taken up on priority by SBI. SBI staff has been sensitised and instructions are reiterated in all forums of banks at regular frequency,” he said.

“For the convenience of SBI customers, the details or process of settlement of claims without legal representation in respect

of account(s) of deceased constituents, the specimen of prescribed forms, as well as updated FAQs for easy understanding have been uploaded on SBI’s website. Every application for settlement of account(s) of a deceased constituent received at the SBI branch are duly acknowledged,” Karad said.

the B20 summit, Kesonyu Yhome were also present during the press conference. Meanwhile, Ministry of Commerce & Industry said: “Opportunities for multilateral business partnerships in agriculture and food processing, tourism, and information technology will be the main theme of the forthcoming conference, which will take place in Kohima, from April 4–6, 2023.”

Joldipabo members with special guest. (NP)

SNIPPETS

2 killed in Israeli army raid in West Bank

JERUSALEM, APR 3

(AP): Two Palestinian men were killed by Israeli troops in an army raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus on Monday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, the latest in a year-long spike of violence that shows no sign of abating. The Israeli military said that troops arrested two people suspected of assisting a gunman who shot two soldiers in the occupied West Bank town of Hawara last month. The army said its soldiers came under fire during the raid and shot back, confirming “hits”. Violence has surged in recent months in the West Bank and east Jerusalem amid near-daily Israeli arrest raids in Palestiniancontrolled areas.

Zelenskyy to visit Warsaw

WARSAW, APR 3 (AP): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will pay a visit to Warsaw this week that will include a visit with regular Ukrainians and Poles, the Polish president’s office announced on Monday. The visit is scheduled for Wednesday and will begin with an official meeting between Zelenskyy and his host, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and be followed by a meeting with the public, according to an announcement on the presidential website in Warsaw. Marcin Przydacz, the head of Duda’s international office, told radio broadcaster RMF FM that Zelenskyy will meet with Ukrainians and Poles at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, and that Zelenskyy says he wants to thank Poles for helping Ukrainians.

Papua New Guinea assesses damage after powerful earthquake

WELLINGTON, APR 3 (AP): Disaster relief workers in Papua New Guinea were assessing the extent of damage in a remote region Monday following a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Some buildings and homes were destroyed near the quake’s epicentre in the northern part of the Pacific nation, said Mathew Moihoi, the acting assistant director of the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory. He said disaster relief workers were trying to verify whether there were any deaths or serious injuries.

Moihoi said the quake was big enough to be felt in surrounding regions, including in the nation’s highlands.

Trump set to be arraigned in Manhattan court

NEW YORK, APR 3 (PTI): Donald Trump is set to be arraigned on Tuesday after being indicted last week by a Manhattan grand jury on charges arising from hush money payments made to a porn star during his 2016 campaign, making him the first former US president to face a criminal charge and upending his bid to retake the White House in 2024.

The 76-year-old is expected to fly to New York City from his Mar-a-Lago home on Monday and plans to return back to his resort in Florida following his court hearing, where he will address his supporters on Tuesday night, his office said Sunday. “I will be leaving Mar-a-Lago on Monday at 12 noon, heading to Trump Tower in New York. On Tuesday morning I will be going to, believe it or not, the Courthouse. America was not supposed to be this way!” Trump wrote on his social media account on Truth Social Sunday, as the

city braces for demonstrations from his supporters and protestors in the wake of the unprecedented criminal indictment of a former president.

Trump, who is the first former US president to face a criminal charge, will be arraigned on Tuesday. The proceeding is expected to be brief. The charges in the indictment will be read to him at the hearing, which is set to last about 10-15 minutes.

He has denied all wrongdoing in connection with the payments made to Daniels, 44, ahead of the

2016 presidential election.

Trump will appear before Judge Juan Merchan at 2.15 pm EST (11:45 pm IST) on Tuesday. American media has quoted Trump’s attorneys as saying that the former president will plead not guilty.

After his court appearance, Trump will immediately fly back to Florida where he will deliver remarks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach later Tuesday.

The grand jury on Thursday voted to indict Trump, a Republican, for his role in paying money to

porn star Stormy Daniels in an attempt to buy her silence over an alleged affair. The indictment remains under seal and it is not clear what crimes and how many criminal counts Trump has been charged with. CNN reported that the former president has been charged with more than 30 counts.

Trump has called Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is bringing the criminal charges against him, as “corrupt” and said he has “no case. What he does have is a venue where it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to get a Fair Trial (it must be changed!), and a Trumphating Judge, hand selected by the Soros-backed D.A. (he must be changed!). Also has the DOJ working in the D.A.’s Office - Unprecedented!”

It is expected that Trump will be processed before appearing in court, and his fingerprints and mugshot will be taken. In a report in The Guardian,

Chinese spy balloon gathered info from US military sites

Trump lawyer Joe Tacopina said, “I’m sure they’ll try to get every ounce of publicity from this thing.” He added that the “president will not be put in handcuffs. I’m sure they’ll try to make sure they get some joy out of this by parading him.”

Outlining the scene at the courthouse as Trump makes his appearance, Tacopina said the courthouse is expected to close as Trump arrives. He will appear in front of a judge and plead not guilty. His team will file motions against the indictment, arguing against “the legal liability of this case”.

According to a report in Politico, Tacopina said Sunday that he eventually expects to move to dismiss the charges against the former president.

“I very much anticipate a motion to dismiss coming because there’s no law that fits this,” Tacopina told Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

WASHINGTON, APR 3

(PTI): A Chinese spy balloon that flew across the US was able to gather intelligence from several sensitive American military sites and transmit it back to Beijing in real-time, despite the Biden administration’s efforts to block it, a media report said on Monday.

A suspected Chinese spy balloon said to be the size of three buses, was spotted over the airspace of the United States in late January.

China was able to control the balloon so it could make multiple passes over some of the sites (at times flying figure-eight formations) and transmit the information it collected back to Beijing in real time, NBC News reported, quoting three unnamed officials.

The intelligence China collected was mostly from electronic signals, which can be picked up from weapons systems or include commu-

nications from base personnel, rather than images, the officials were quoted as saying in the report.

The three officials said China could have gathered much more intelligence from sensitive sites if not for the Biden administration’s efforts to move around potential targets and obscure the balloon’s ability to pick up their electronic signals by stopping them from broadcasting signals, the report said. The balloon first entered US airspace from Alaska on January 28, according to the Biden administration. Over the next four days, it was flying over the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, where the US has some of its nuclear assets. The development further strained the already tense bilateral ties between the US and China, with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly postponed his key visit to Beijing in February this year.

Sri Lanka welcomes over 1.25 lakh tourists in March Russia blames Ukraine for bomb that killed military blogger

COLOMBO, APR 3 (PTI):

Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.25 lakh tourists in March this year, with Russians and Indians accounting for the bulk of the arrivals, the country’s tourism department said on Monday.

The tourism sector is the main source of foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka. However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 severely crippled this sector. It was one of the major reasons for Sri Lanka’s economic travails. Sri Lanka welcomed 1,25,495 tourists in March 2023, an impressive jump from the 1,06,500 lakh arrivals reported during the same month last year, according to the Sri Lanka

Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). It is an 11.5 per cent increase from February’s tourist arrivals of 107,639, while 102,545 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in January 2023. Sri Lanka has welcomed over 323,000 tourists in the first three months of 2023, SLTDA chairman Priantha Fernando told the media.

Interestingly, this is the first time since 2019 that the island nation has welcomed over 1,00,000 tourists for three consecutive months.

Over 39,000 Russians visited Sri Lanka in March 2023, topping the list of tourists to visit Sri Lanka, followed by Indians who accounted for close to 19,000 arrivals.

MOSCOW, APR 3 (AP): Russian authorities blamed Ukrainian intelligence agencies on Monday for orchestrating a bombing at a St. Petersburg cafe that killed a Russian military blogger who fervently supported Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and arrested a suspect accused of involvement in the attack.

Ukrainian authorities did not directly respond to the accusation, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he doesn’t think about events in Russia and a senior official earlier described the bombing as part of Russia’s internal turmoil.

Vladlen Tatarsky, 40, was killed Sunday as he was leading a discussion at a cafe on the banks of the Neva

River in the historic heart of Russia’s second-largest city, officials said. Tatarsky, who had filed regular reports from the front lines in Ukraine, was the pen name for Maxim Fomin. He had accumulated more than

China releases 3rd set of names to assert claim over Arunachal

BEIJING, APR 3 (PTI): China has released a third set of names in Chinese, Tibetan and pinyin characters for Arunachal Pradesh, as part of its efforts to reemphasise its claim over the Indian state.

China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs on Sunday released the standardised names of 11 places for Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls “Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet” in accordance with regulations on geographical names issued by the State Council, China’s cabinet.

The official names of the 11 places were released on Sunday by the ministry, which also gave precise coordinates, including two

Finland PM Sanna ousted, conservatives win tight vote

HELSINKI, APR 3 (AP):

Finland’s main conservative party claimed victory in a parliamentary election Sunday in an extremely tight three-way race in which right-wing populists took second place, leaving Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Social Democratic Party in third, dashing her hopes for reelection.

The center-right National Coalition Party (NCP) claimed victory Sunday evening with all of the votes counted, coming out on top at 20.8%. They were followed by right-wing populist party The Finns with 20.1%, while the Social Democrats garnered 19.9%.

With the top three parties each getting around 20% of the vote, no party is in position to form a government alone. Over 2,400 candidates from 22 parties were vying for the 200 seats in the Nordic country’s parliament. “Based on this result, talks over forming a new government to Finland will be initiated under the leadership of the National Coalition Party,” said the

party’s elated leader Petteri Orpo, as he claimed victory surrounded by supporters gathered in a restaurant in the capital, Helsinki.

Marin, who at age 37 is one of Europe’s youngest leaders, has received international praise for her vocal support of Ukraine and her prominent role, along with President Sauli Niinistö, in advocating for Finland’s successful application to join NATO.

The 53-year-old Orpo, Finland’s former finance minister and likely new prime minister, assured that the Nordic country’s solidarity with Kyiv would remain strong during his tenure.

“First to Ukraine: we stand by you, with you,” Orpo told the Associated Press at NCP’s victory event. “We cannot accept this terrible war. And we will do all that is needed to help Ukraine, Ukrainian people because they fight for us.

This is clear.” “And the message to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is: go away from Ukraine because you will lose,” Orpo said.

land areas, two residential areas, five mountain peaks and two rivers and listed the category of places’ names and their subordinate administrative districts, staterun Global Times reported on Monday.

This is the third batch of standardised geographical names for Arunachal Pradesh issued by China’s

civil affairs ministry. The first batch of the standardised names of six places in Arunachal was released in 2017, and the second batch of 15 places was issued in 2021.

India has previously dismissed the Chinese move of renaming some places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state has “always

GREETINGS

Heartiest congratulations to ASSU Hokishe Yepthomi Ato Kukau Khukishe Village who has attained hundred years on this day the 4th April 2023.

May the good Lord grant you good health and add many more years to your life in the days to come.

Vihuto Yepthomi Akukau Khukishe Village

been” and will “always be” an integral part of India and that assigning “invented” names does not alter this fact.

“This is not the first time China has attempted such a renaming of places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in December 2021. “Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact,” he had said.

560,000 followers on his Telegram messaging app channel. Over 30 people were wounded, and 10 of them remain in grave condition from the blast, according to the authorities. Investigators have said

they believe that the bomb was hidden in a bust of the blogger that was given to him just before the explosion. A video showed Tatarsky making jokes about the bust and putting it on the table next to him.

Russian authorities on Monday announced the arrest of Darya Trepova, a 26-year-old St. Petersburg resident who has been seen on video presenting Tatarsky with the bust. Last year, Trepova was detained by police for taking part in antiwar rallies.

The Interior Ministry released a brief video showing Trepova telling a police officer that she brought the statuette that exploded to the cafe. When asked who gave it to her, she said she

would explain it later.

According to Russian media reports, Trepova told investigators that she was asked to deliver the bust, but didn’t know that it was hidden in it.

The National AntiTerrorist Committee, which coordinates counterterrorism operations, said that the bombing was “planned by Ukrainian special services” and noted that Trepova was an “active supporter” of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalny, the Kremlin’s fiercest foe who had exposed official corruption and organized massive antigovernment protests, is serving a nine-year fraud sentence that he has denounced as a political vendetta.

OFFICE OF THE ANATONGRE STUDENTS’ UNION

Dist. -SHAMATOR- 798612 NAGALAND FELICITATION

The Office of the Anatongre Students’ Union is thrilled to extend our heartiest congratulations to the Twin Brothers Mr. SHIUSUTHONG & Mr. SHIUTHONG Sons of Mr. K ingkhu for achieving and bringing laurels to our community by winning the Gold & Silver medal respectively in the 36 th National Sub- Junior Taekwondo Championship 2023 at Cuttack,Odisha

The Union with all its members are immensely proud for their glorious achievement and further wishes them more success and achievements in their future endeavours.

OFFICE OF THE WOLAM RANGE UNION KOHIMA FELICITATION

We the Wolam Range Union Kohima with profound delight extend our heartiest congratulations to Dr. PAMINGCHUBA on being promoted to the post of Deputy Director under Animal Husbandry &Veterinary Services Department, Govt. of Nagaland.

We further wish him sound health to scale more success and prosperity in his future endeavors.

Sd/- Sd/(L. Lamnyah) (Mono Thai) President Joint Secretary W.R.U Kohima W.R.U Kohima K-723/23

DP-1447/23

OFFICE OF THE UNGMA SENSO MONGDANG

U NGMA : M O K O K CHUNG FELICITATION

The Ungma Senso Mongdang with immense pride and honour expresses our heartiest Congratulations to the following Bonafide members:

1. Dr M.Chuba Ao on being appointed as Chairman, MARCOFED.

2. Dr Watizulu Jamir on being appointed as Chairman, Development Authority of Nagaland (DAN).

May God continue to bless you and may this new position allow you both to influence others with your positive attitude. The Ungma Senso Mongdang further wishes you both success in your future endeavours.

OFFICE OF THE MOPUNGCHUKET VILLAGE COUNCIL

P.O. Impur: Mokokchung; Nagaland ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Mopungchuket Village Council and Mopungchuket Medemsanger Putu Menden would like to Congratulate Mr. A. Temjen Jamir on being promoted to the Director of Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland Your diligence has truly bore fruit and we the citizens of Mopungchuket Village are proud of your accomplishment. It is our humble prayer that you keep on the good work for the people of the state with broader vision. May God bless you for the welfare of the people.

Council Chairman Mopungchuket Village Council

On behalf of Medemsanger Putu Menden:

1. NGUKATO K. TSUIPU, Jr. Section Officer Nagaland Civil Secretariat and

dreamcatcherkohima@gmail.com

OFFICE OF THE TONGPOK SEMCHIR PONGEN MONGDANG

H. Q. Mokokchung : 798601, NAGALAND FELICITATION

The Tongpok Semchir Pongen Mongdang takes this opportunity in congratulating Shri. T.N. Mannen IAS (Retd) and Shri. Temjenmenba on being elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and subsequently being appointed as Advisors to the Government of Nagaland.

The Mongdang further congratulates Mr. Takatemjen Pongen, S/o Chubatoba Pongen for achieving the post of Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) under the Department of Personnel And Administrative Reforms, Government of Nagaland through NPSC in 2022.

The Mongdang prays that the Almighty God bless you in all your future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/-

Guru Bendangwati Pongen Meyatoshi Pongen President Secretary

K-660/23

Arentemsu

1. Imyumeren Jamir, TATAR

2. Kartoshi Aier, TATAR

3. Kumsangyanger Ozukum, TATAR MKC-124/23

People lay flowers near the side of an explosion at the “Street Bar” cafe in St. Petersburg, Russia. (AP/PTI)

Donald Trump

Photography exhibitioncum-workshop at PCC

Ayodhya’s Rishi Singh picks up ‘Indian Idol 13’ trophy

Ayodhya’s Rishi Singh, the fans of whose Arijit Singhtype voice and singing style include star cricketer Virat Kohli, was named the winner of ‘Indian Idol 13’ late on Sunday night.

Sazolie College conducts ‘The Grimson Gig Music Festival’

The department of Multimedia & Mass Communication, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) organised the second photography exhibition with the theme, “Nature and Its Forms”, at the college’s administrative block on April 3.

The photo exhibition was inaugurated by dean of Social Sciences, PCC, AG Samuel.

Lauding the students for coming up with the exhibition, Samuel noted that the photos were their contribution towards “social engineering”.

“They say ‘pictures say a thousand words’ and you are leaving a lasting legacy with your photos

which will adorn walls of homes and offices for years to come,” he added.

A photography workshop was also organised as part of the exhibition with wildlife photographer Onenjungshi Ao, as the resource person for the workshop.

During the workshop, Ao highlighted on the different technical aspects of photography and also shared experiences from the field.

Among other aspects, he stressed on the importance of patience and said that it had taken him days, even years to click the photo he had wanted.

The exhibition was organised and curated by

the second year and third year students of the Department of Multimedia & Mass Communication in partial fulfilment of their course curriculum.

Based on the theme, the students exhibited over 58 photos dealing with various aspects of nature and among others, highlighted its perseverance, renewal, luminousness, relationship with humans and life lessons, among others.

Most of the photos displayed at the exhibition, constructed in the form of a botanical garden, were bought by patrons and visitors at the end of the event. Out of 58 photos, 53 were sold on the day.

A favourite right from the start, Rishi takes home a cheque of Rs 25 lakh and a car as well. Debasmita Roy and Chirag Kotwal are the first and second runners-up. Others who made it to the grand finale show were Sonakshi Kar, Shivam Singh, and Bidipta Chakravarty. The popular reality show was judged by Himesh Reshammiya, Vishal Dadlani, and Neha Kakkar. One of the highlights of the show was Rishi narrating the story of how his parents had adopted him. Otherwise, as he put, “Main kahin sadh raha hota, main kahin mar raha hota (I would have been rotting

away somewhere, or maybe dying).” Rishi said he had come to know about his past as recently as the Theatre Round of the reality show. That is when his parents shared with him his life’s biggest truth. Today, out of the just 255 people whom Virat Kohli follows on social media, Rishi Singh is one. Indeed, his parents gave him the life he wouldn’t have even dreamt of had he not been adopted by them. (IANS)

India ‘mother of invention’: Big B

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was impressed by an old man wearing a solar powered fan on his head to keep himself cool and shared his video on social media. Amitabh took to Twitter, where he shared a video of the old man wearing a helmet with an attached fan at the front and

Northeast Film Festival 2023 held in Mumbai

Athree-day Northeast Film Festival

2023, a celebration of Northeast India’s artistic and cultural heritage was held at National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai from March 24 to 26, with film director Rahul Rawail as the guest of honour for the inaugural programme.

Speaking over the phone with film director/ producer, Rebecca Changkija Sema, she informed that the festival was held to encourage content creators from North Eastern states. She also said that the three-day festival featured films and documentaries

from Northeast India. She added that introduction of films made in Northeast was initiated by chairperson, Sikkim Film Promotion Board, Pooja Sharma, while special note was delivered by joint sec-

retary (Films), Ministry of I&B and MD NFDC, Prithul Kumar. She also informed that many renowned film personalities from Bollywood and senior officials from the Ministry of Informa-

TAMLU BÜHÜ UNION KOHIMA FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, the Tamlu Buhu Union Kohima would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. B. Bangtick Phom, Hon'ble MLA for being elected as representative of 49 Tamlu AC in the 14 th Nagaland Legislative Assembly . Your glorious victory shall continue to inspire the younger generations. May the grace of our Almighty God continue to lead and guide you in the service to the people of our Tamlu Constituency and Nagaland State.

Shahlong Buchem Bangjum Phom President Secretary

FELICITATION

The Office of the Northern Angami Students' Union (NASU) tenure 2023-2025, would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals.

Shri. Neiphi-u Rio, hon'ble Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland. He is the only Nagaland Chief Minister to have serving five consecutive terms, and is the longest serving Chief Minister of Nagaland.

Shri. Zhale-o Rio, Advisor, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of Nagaland.

Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome Advisor, School Education & SCERT, Government of Nagaland.

solar panel at the back of it. An impressed Amitabh captioned it: “India the Mother of invention. Bharat mata ki jai.” On the work front, the cine icon on Monday announced his next film, a courtroom drama thriller ‘Section 84’, which also stars Diana Penty. He also has ‘Project K’ with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone.

Sazolie College Students’ Council organized the first edition of “The Grimson Gig Music Festival” under the theme “Replay Sanguine” as an extended event of the annual sports week on April 1 at the college auditorium hall with IGP (Range) Nagaland, Limasunep Jamir as the guest speaker.

Speaking at the programme, Jamir said that the future of any society depends upon the manner in which one attains education and encouraged youngsters to shape their character through education and start nurturing their minds.

Using the analogy of a knife that is useful for cutting it can be also used to stab somebody, he urged the students’ community to use technology to their advantage and avoid misuse. He also cautioned the students on cyber disciplines to avoid untoward circumstances. He further said that inculcating good discipline will take them further in life.

The event witnessed top artistes from various quarters such as Virie, Senti & Hopong, Polar Lights, Moko Koza, Fyreflys, Black Tea, a band from Kohima Science College and participants from the college.

The Anatongre Students’ Union with immense pride congratulates Shri. KIUSUMONG TIKHIR for being appointed as OSD (Backward) to Chief Minister of Nagaland

The Union further wishes him good health, wisdom and success in his future endeavours.

The Union also thank and honour our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Neiphiu Rio and his Government for appointing Shri. KIUSUMONG TIKHIR to the prestigious post.

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tion and Broadcasting also attended the festival.

(Staff Reporter)

cONGRATULATIONS

We the Lhisemiapfü Mechü Krotho would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to S mti N E I H UNUO SOR H I E on being awarded Padma Shri Award 2023 in the field of Arts (Handloom) by the President of India and bringing laurels to the Kohima Village Women Organisation in general and Lhisemiapfü Mechü Krotho in particular.

We wish her Gods blessings in all her future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Ketshuseü Yhome Rüüzonuo Miachieo President, LMK General Secretary, LMK. K -717/23

GRATITUDE

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all my party workers, supporters and well-wishers for your unwavering help and support during my recent election campaign. Your tireless efforts and belief in me have helped me to achieve this incredible victory, and I am deeply grateful for everything you have done. I would like to particularly thank our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. Neiphiu Rio and NDPP President, Shri. Chingwang Konyak for putting your trust in me and giving me the honour to represent the party from 23 Impur A/C.

I am grateful for every vote, every endorsement, and every contribution physically and financially that led to this victory. I know that it takes a team effort to achieve success, and I am fortunate to have such an incredible team of supporters who believed in my vision and values.

Above all, I give thanks to the Almighty God for his blessings upon us.

As I begin my term in office, I want you to know that I am committed to serving you with honesty, integrity, and transparency. I will work diligently to address the issues and concerns that matter most to our community, and I will seek your input and feedback to ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met to the extend possible.

FELICITATION

We, the Kivikhu Ghami Kuposhukulu Dimapur, takes immense pride and joy to extend our warmest congratulations to the following members.

1. Shri. T David Zhimo on being promoted to Assistant Director SDEO/ADEO

2. Shri. Shikaho Sema on being promoted to the post of Asst. SubInspector under the Nagaland Lokayukta Police. We further wish them success and invoke God's blessings upon their future endeavour's.

Sd/- Sd/(Kiyeshe Zhimo) (Bokai Chophy) President Gen. Secy. K.G.K.D K.G.K.D

OFFICE OF THE TIKHIR STUDENTS’ UNION

Hq. Anatongre, Dist: Shamator, 798612,Nagaland Motto: “Rise and Shine” Email: tsuhqana@gmail.com FELICITATION

DP -1438/23

The Tikhir Students' Union on behalf of the younger generation heartily congratulates Shri. S Kiusumong Tikhir on being appointed as the OSD to CM, Nagaland. We further wish you a brighter future. May the good Lord grant you good health and wisdom in your endeavours.

Smti. Hekani Jakhalu Kense , Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland.

(Atouzo Kerhüo)

Smti. Azenuo Pienyü , for being promoted to Director, Rural Development, Government of Nagaland.

Shri. Vipulhou Lhoungu , for being promoted to Director, Technical Education, Government of Nagaland. The Union further wishes and prays that Almighty God bless them with wisdom and long life as they pledge to serve the people.

(Ketholezo Keyho) President, NASU General Secretary, NASU

Once again, thank you for your support, your trust, and your confidence. I am excited to begin this new chapter and to serve our community with dedication.

Sincerely, TN Mannen, Advisor, Law & Justice, Land Revenue

The union also extends our heartiest gratitude to the state government under the able leadership of our Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri. Neiphiu Rio for opening this bright avenue for our people. May the Good Lord bless you with good health and wisdom in your governance.

Sd/- Sd/(Temong Y Tikhir) (T. Wongsuthong) President General Secretary

Shri. T David Zhimo Shri. Shikaho Sema

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/Yutsulim T L Tsumongthong Kiutanshe President ASU Ex. Chairman ASU General Secretary ASU

OFFICE OF THE ANATONGRE STUDENTS’UNION Dist. - SHAMATOR- 798612 NAGALAND FELICITATION

Polar Lights performing at The Grimson Gig Music Festival on April 1.

Serie A: Milan thrash Napoli

‘IOC stance on Russians, Belarusians painful’

LONDON, APR 3 (AGEN-

CIES): The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendation to let Russian and Belarusian athletes return to international competition is painful, threetimes hammer throw champion Anita Wlodarczyk said on Monday, hoping the decision would change. The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but recommended last week that their athletes compete internationally as neutrals.

1st open Konyak Aoleang badminton tourney ends

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN):

The first open badminton tournament of Konyak Aoleang Festival jointly organized by Mon District Badminton Association and Officers’ Club Mon that began on April 1 concluded on Monday at Badminton Stadium Mon. The closing function was graced by Y. Mankhao Konyak, MLA 46 AC Mon Town as the special guest.

ROME, APR 3 (IANS): A highly-anticipated Serie A clash turned out to be a lopsided one, as AC Milan beat Napoli 4-0 away, inflicting the Partenopei’s heaviest defeat this season.

Napoli are flying high this season, just conceding two Serie A defeats before Sunday’s match, while Milan had struggled with only one point from the previous three matches, reports Xinhua. With only 40 percent ball-possession, Milan were more clinical as they broke the deadlock in the 17th

minute when Rafael Leao broke clear after latching on to Brahim Diaz’s inspirational pass, before the Portuguese looped it over an on-rushing Alex Meret.

The away side doubled the lead minutes later when Diaz found the net.

Milan extended the lead on the hour mark with a moment of magic when Sandro Tonali won back possession and found Leao, who out-paced the defenders to finish with an angled drive.

Alexis Saelemaekers put the icing on the cake

Bulgaria dominates Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Sofia

SOFIA, APR 3 (IANS):

Hosts Bulgaria won five of the eight gold medals, and the remaining three went to Uzbekistan, Italy and Poland at the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup Series, which ended here.

In the individual event, Stiliana Nikolova of Bulgaria swept the gold medals in the all-around, hoop, ball, and clubs competitions, while Takhmina Ikromova of Uzbekistan took the title in the ribbon, reports Xinhua. In the all-around and ball competitions, Nikolova was followed by Sofia Raffaeli of Italy, and Ikromova took the bronze medals.

Adi Asya Katz of Israel and Raffaeli took the silver and bronze in the hoop final.

Raffaeli also took a bronze medal in the clubs final, where Eva Brezalieva of Bulgaria won the silver. Elzhana Taniyeva of Kazakhstan and Barbara Domingos of Brazil won the silver and bronze medals in the ribbon competition. In the group event, Bulgaria won the all-around competition, followed by Israel and France. Italy grabbed the title in the five hoops final, where Israel and France took the silver and bronze medals too. And Poland won the three ribbons and two balls, followed by Greece and France. Wang Zilu from China ranked seventh in the individual all-around competition, fourth in the ball final, and eighth in the clubs final.

in the 67th minute with another solo effort as he broke into the box before beating Meret with a low-strike.

With the morale-boosting win, Milan climbed back to the third place with 51 points, four points behind Lazio who won 2-0 over Monza on Sunday, while Napoli still lead the table with a comfortable 16-point lead.

Elsewhere, Roma staged a second-half show to beat Sampdoria 3-0, Bologna crushed Udinese 3-0, and Spezia shared the spoils with Salernitana at 1-1.

Jamshedpur take on Mumbai City for AFC Group Stage

MANJERI (KERALA),

APR 4 (IANS): Mumbai

City FC, the winner of this season’s ISL Winners’ Shield, take on their predecessor Jamshedpur FC in the Club Playoffs here on Tuesday with a direct spot in the AFC Champions League Group Stake at stake.

Football fans can expect a feisty clash between two top sides as the winner of Tuesday’s match at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri, gets a direct berth into the AFC Champions League 2023-24 group stage.

The two Indian Super League (ISL) sides head into the clash following their Hero ISL League Win’ers’ Shield campaigns - Jamshedpur (2021-22) and Mumbai City FC (2022-23).

The Men from the Steel City lifted the Shield in 2022, their first-ever silverware, under the tutelage of former head coach Owen Coyle, after registering 13 wins and 43 points in the league season.

“This is very painful,” the Polish Olympian told journalists at Warsaw airport before departing to Rome, where she will take part in a ceremony to hand over the Olympic torch ahead of the June 21-July European Games in Cracow. “We shouldn’t be thinking about such things at all. It should be a topdown message that athletes from both countries should not compete,” added the 37-year-old Wlodarczyk.

“I cannot imagine that an athlete from Ukraine would compete in one competition with an athlete from Russia, because it’s not only stressful and emotional, but there are also psychological issues, and it’s something terrible, something awful.”

In the Under 15 girl’s category, Angel emerged as the winner while Anon, was the runner-up. In Under 15 Boys, winner - Nokpon, runner-up – Rehan. In mixed double, winner - Ponlih and Shemon, runners-up - Yaom and Rokozo. Men’s double, winner - Abo and Yatsak, runners-up - Shemon and Rokozo and in veteran, winner - Winsha and Homanng, runners-up - Y. Pongba and S. Imtitemjen Ao.

Speaking at the programme, the special expressed his gratitude to the organizing club for their initiative. He also encouraged

the players that winning and losing are part of games and reminded that participating is important and urged them to perform well and try to go further. Highlighting some government initiative for sports and games in Nagaland, he urged them that it’s all depends on the performance of the players. “To have a progressive society, it needs progressive mind and to have progressive mind, it needs progressive physical and to have progressive physical, one needs sports and exercise”, he added.

He further said that there is no short cut and one achieves goal only through hard work.

Manpon, MLA encouraged the players that sport and games is not just a part of life, but it keeps ones fit, which is a moment to motivate and expose for further carrier.

President Konyak Union, Tingtok while lauding the organiser for the event, exhorted the players and organizers to play with sport discipline. He was encouraged to see the officers

enjoy playing badminton with public and making friends. He also appealed to continue to cooperate with the NGOs, and citizens of Mon for peace and development.

Superintendent of Police Mon, Uniel Kichu delivering his welcome speech informed that there were 70 participants with the youngest was 8-yearold and the oldest was 60 years. The programme was chaired by Yaom and vote of thanks was delivered by VP MDBA, Nyamphong.

PDSA 37th meet from April 11-15

DIMAPUR, Apr 3 (NPN): The Phek District Sports Association (PDSA) has on Monday that the 37th meet of the PDSA will be held from April 11 till 15 at Chozuba Town.

A press release from PDSA

president, Nezosa Tetseo has informed that the meet will be hosted by Chozuba Area Sport Association (CASA).

Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye will grace the occasion as the special guest while advi-

sor for CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo will be the guest of honour. It also informed that wrestling will be held on April 11 for various categories - Men: below 65 KG, below 74 KG and below 86 KG.

Klopp says clubs are afraid after record 12 managers sacked

LONDON, Apr 3 (AGEN-

CIES): Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp jokingly questioned why he still had a job as clubs around the Premier League sacked their managers as the season enters its home stretch.

Chelsea sacked Graham Potter on Sunday with the club sitting 11th in the league, hours after relegation-threatened Leicester City parted ways with Brendan Rodgers. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur also parted ways with Antonio Conte late last month.

Klopp has been at Liverpool since 2015 but despite guiding them to Premier League and Champions League titles, he is under pressure with the Anfield club eighth in the standings -- eight points off the top four after losing 4-1 to Manchester City.

“What can I say about that (the sackings)? The elephant in the room is probably why am I still sitting here in this crazy world? Last man standing,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s game against Chelsea.

LOTHA BAPTIST CHURCHES ASSOCIATION

HQ: Vankhosüng, Wokha, Nagaland. FELICITATION

Shri Yanthungo Patton Shri Mhathung Yanthan Shri Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe Shri Achumbemo Kikon 37 Tyui A/C 39 Sanis A/C 38 Wokha A/C 40 Bhandari A/C

With immense pride, the Lotha Baptist Churches Association thank the Almighty God for blessing the Lotha tribe with dynamic and visionary leaders, namely, Shri Yanthungo Patton, Shri Mhathung Yanthan, Shri Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe and Shri Achumbemo Kikon in the just concluded General Election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. We prayerfully convey our heartiest congratulations to the leaders for proving their exemplary leadership qualities.

The Lotha Baptist Churches Association also extends our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Chumben Murry for being appointed as Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland.

As they embarked on their assigned duties, it is our fervent prayer that the Lord bless them with His imperishable wisdom, vision and good health that comes only from the Lord to lead the people of Nagaland to the right path.

“So I think both clubs are not in the spots where they expect to be... I respect them (Potter and Rodgers) a lot. Really good people and fantastic managers, both of them. But things can go wrong.

“We all accept that

part of the business, but that’s it. Conte was last week, (Julian) Nagelsmann and now these two. The season is in a decisive part, people are afraid of maybe not reaching their targets.”

Nagelsmann was shockingly sacked by Bay-

OFFICE OF THE NDPP 38 WOKHA A/C WOKHA : NAGALAND APPRECIATION

The NDPP 38 Wokha A/C would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland who had retained his office for fifth consecutive term and also reposing his faith on Dr. Chumben Murry by appointing him as Advisor to Hon’ble Chief Minister with Cabinet status.

May his dynamic leadership bring prosperity peace and development to the people of Nagaland.

Yiben Tungoe P.T. Tsanglao President Gen. Secretary NDPP 38 Wokha A/C NDPP

OFFICE OF THE KEVIJAU YOUTH ORGANISATION

DIMAPUR - 797112 : NAGALAND FELICITATION

The Kevijau Youth Organisation (KYO), Dimapur conveys its heartfelt congratulations to Shri. IMKONGMAR, Advisor to the Department of Minority Affairs & Sericulture on being elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 25 Mongoya Assembly Constituency, with the clear mandate of the people.

The Kevijau Youth Organisation (KYO), Dimapur extends best wishes to him as he takes up his assigned position and responsibilities as people's representative. May God grant him wisdom, courage and good health.

ern Munich during the international break despite being in a much healthier position in the league.

The Premier League has had a record 12 managers sacked this season, which Klopp described as an “awful number”.

“It is how it is. Some clubs are under achieving, definitely us too... There are expectations out there, rightly so, and if you don’t reach them, then you have to accept the decisions,” he said.

On his own future, the German manager said Liverpool have “smart owners” but he did not like the

fact that he was still in the job because of his previous success with the club.

“I’m here to deliver, I’m not here as a talisman or for murals on houses’ walls,” he said.

“I know as well I’m still here because of what happened in the last few years, I don’t like the fact that I have to rely on that.

“But we have to sort it, we cannot just continue playing like we do from time to time. Not always, thank god. That’s not allowed, really. I’m really disappointed about us, but it happens and we have to find a way out.”

OFFICE OF THE SÜMI APHUYEMI KÜKAMI HOHO (SAKH) G.B. Association Pughoboto Ref No.SAKH/Fel.-G/S-04-2023/07 Date: 02.04.2023

The SÜMI APHUYEMI KÜKAMI HOHO (SAKH) conveys our heartiest congratulations to our bonafide member SHRI. KUPUTO (ATUPU) SHOHE for being appointed as Chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC) Ltd.

The SÜMI APHUYEMI KÜKAMI HOHO (SAKH) with ardent prayer wish SHRI. KUPUTO SHOHE good health and more success as he persists to work and take up new responsibility.

Sd/(QHUTOVI TENNA, G.B) (VIHOSHE ASSUMI, G.B) President General Secretary

FELICITATION K-729/23

OFFICE OF THE ANATONGRE VILLAGE COUNCIL District : Shamator- 798612, Nagaland FELICITATION

(Rev. Dr. E. NRIO EZUNG)

(Rev. KHONBEMO P. KIKON) President, Executive Secretary, Lotha Baptist Churches Association Lotha Baptist Churches Association

All the best for your future noble endeavours. Sd/- Sd/-

Mr. Wabangtoshi Longkumer Mr. Khrievikho Nagi President General Secretary

The Anatongre village council is immensely blessed and proud of the appointment of Shri. S. Kiusumong Tikhir as the OSD to Chief Ministers' office, Nagaland. We heartily congratulate you sir. It is our prayer that our Almighty God bless you with better health and wisdom and serve in His Glory for the welfare of our community and the Naga society at large. We also extend our heartiest gratitude to the state government under the able leadership of our Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri. Neiphiu Rio for generously giving this high status to the youngest tribe of Nagaland.

(Y. Pongkiu) (K. J. Shulimong) Chairman Court Secretary

Match in action between AC Milan and Napoli during the Serie A match.

Special guest, Y. Mankhao Konyak, with players and organisers after the closing function on April 3.

Juergen Klopp

IPL: Chennai Super Kings beat LSG by 12 runs

CHENNAI, APR 3

(IANS): On the back of good efforts from Moeen Ali, Tushar Deshpande and Mitchell Santner, four-time champions Chennai Super Kings marked their grand homecoming to Chepauk in style with a 12-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants here on Monday.

After Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway shared a 110-run opening stand while Ambati Rayudu and captain M.S. Dhoni, along with Moeen and Shivam Dube, propelled CSK to reach 217/7, Kyle Mayers had threatened to steal their thunder with a 22-ball 53. His efforts meant Lucknow reached 73/0 in five overs. But Moeen and Santner came in as LSG slipped to 82/3 in the eighth over. Moeen, who picked 4-26, and Santner, who returned with 1-21, kept things tight to bring Chennai back into the game.

Nicholas Pooran threatened to drive Lucknow to a late win, but Tushar Deshpande took him out as the visitors’ ended

up at 205/7, with Chennai pocketing vital two points in a high-scoring game. Chasing 218, Mayers welcomed Ben Stokes with back-to-back fours through the off-side, followed by a clean 86m six over longoff. Mayers made strokeplay look ridiculously easy, punching, pulling and driving against Deepak Chahar in the next over.

Mayers then put Tushar Deshpande under the pump, lofting over mid-off and muscling over longon for four and six respectively as Lucknow reached their fifty. Chahar was again taken to the cleaners in the fifth over as Mayers and Rahul took 17 runs off the over, followed by the former reaching his fifty in 21 balls for the second time in as

Medvedev wins Miami Open title, fourth trophy of the season

sure a pity there was no Grand Slam at this period of time, but yeah, generally super happy and looking forward to the season even more,” said the 2023 Miami Open champion.

After falling to Carlos Alcaraz two weeks ago in the Indian Wells final, the fourth seed was rock-solid against Sinner as he frustrated the Italian with his calculated baseline game. Medvedev is now 6-0 in his ATP Head-to-Head against Sinner, also having beaten the Italian in the Rotterdam final in February.

MIAMI, APR 3 (IANS):

Playing in his fifth ATP Tour final in as many tournaments, Daniil Medvedev continued his blistering form to claim his first title at the Miami Open by prevailing over Italian Jannik Sinner, 7-5, 6-3, in 1 hour and 34 minutes.

This was Medvedev’s fourth title in five finals played this season. So far this season, he claimed the

trophy in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai before reaching the Indian Wells final in his previous event before Miami, in which he lost to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

With the fourth title win on Sunday night, he now leads the ATP in terms of title wins this season.

“Really happy. It’s the best start of the season I have ever had. Amazing amount of points won. For

The victory extends Medvedev’s lead in the calendar-year ATP Live Race To Turin to 600 points ahead of Novak Djokovic, putting him in pole position in the race for year-end No. 1. He will also move up to No. 4 in the ATP Rankings on Monday.

By reaching the Indian Wells and Miami finals this year, both firsts for Medvedev, the 27-year-old became the first man since Djokovic in 2020 to reach consecutive ATP Masters 1000 finals. His 29 wins on the season leads the ATP Tour.

many matches. But Moeen provided the breakthrough in the final over of Power-play, as Mayers slog-swept straight to deep mid-wicket. In the next over, Deepak Hooda couldn’t time his slog-sweep and holed out to long-on. Rahul went for slog-sweep too and picked out deep mid-wicket.

Krunal Pandya and

Marcus Stoinis tried to resurrect the chase with a six each, but the former miscued the slog to long-on off Moeen while the latter saw his leg-stump being rattled by the off-spinner.

But Pooran kept the chase alive for Lucknow, teeing off with a six and two fours off Rajvardhan Hangargekar. He then flat-batted a six over extra cover off Ravindra Jadeja and followed it up by reverse-sweeping over the point for another six.

Pooran’s blitz came to an end when his lofted drive was caught by longoff against Deshpande. He would take out Ayush Badoni in the final over though he gave away 15 runs, but by then the match was in Chennai’s favour.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings 217/7 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 57, Devon Conway 47; Ravi Bishnoi 3-28, Mark Wood 3-49) beat Lucknow Super Giants 205/7 in 20 overs (Kyle Mayers 53, Nicholas Pooran 32; Moeen Ali 4-26, Tushar Deshpande 2-45) by 12 runs

Chelsea sack Potter as first team coach

charge. Chelsea have confirmed former Brighton defender Bruno Saltar, who moved as a coach to Stamford Bridge with Potter, as their interim replacement.

“We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity, and we are all disappointed in this outcome,” Chelsea said in a communique.

Nagaland wins first NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Trophy

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Nagaland team won the first North East Cricket Development Committee (NECDC) Senior Men’s Intestate Friendship Tournament by defeating Manipur 19 runs in the final match Monday at Sovima Cricket Ground and Nagaland Cricket Ground, Sovima.

Batting first, Nagaland scored 192/9 in 35 overs and in reply, Manipur were bowled out for 173/8.

The tournament was organised under the banner of NECDC, sanctioned by the BCCI and hosted by Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA).

Addressing the gathering at the presentation ceremony at Nagaland Cricket Ground, Sovima, on Monday evening, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio congratulated all the Nagaland team on winning the prestigious tournament and acknowledged the participating team for their

participation.

Rio also appreciated members of the NECDC and NCA office bearers for successfully organizing the tournament and said that such tournaments were very important to build unity amongst the North East states.

Speaking on struggle of getting affiliated to the BCCI, Rio expressed happiness that the state along with the rest of the six North Eastern states under BCCI North East Zone, were coming up and getting better in the field of cricket and other sports as well. He also added that North East

did not lack in talent but need dedication.

Claiming that Nagaland needed more developmental activities in the field of sports, he pointed that the state government was trying its best to promote youths in the field of sport discipline and urged youths to take up sports as a profession seriously assuring support from both the state government as well as the elder generations. He also expressed hope that Nagaland would get the platform to host the next North East Olympics, however added that the same would be a challenge for all.

ATP rankings: Djokovic regains top spot

LONDON, APR 3 (IANS): Chelsea sacked coach Graham Potter on Sunday night after their 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, during which the fans at Stamford Bridge sang “you don’t know what you’re doing” at Potter.

The defeat leaves Chelsea 11th in the Premier League, with little chance of qualifying for Europe next season and just 10 days before they play Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, reports Xinhua.

Potter arrived at Chelsea from Brighton on September 8 and signed a fiveyear contract, but leaves the club after winning just seven of his 22 league games in

Orleans Masters: Saina top Indian in contention

ORLEANS (FRANCE), APR 3 (IANS): Former World No 1 and London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal will lead the Indian challenge in the women’s main draw of Orleans Masters 2023 to be played here from April 4 to 9.

Saina, who has dropped to 31 in the BWF Rankings, is the highestranked Indian woman player in the fray as twotime Olympic medallist P.V Sindhu, who lost in the final of the Madrid Masters 2023 on Sunday, has decided to give the event a miss. Men’s singles players Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy will also skip the BWF Super 300 tournament.

However, the Indian fans’ focus will be on the Indian men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who has been given the top seeding in the main draw.

Satwik and Chirag are ranked sixth in the latest BWF Rankings and are returning to action after missing the Madrid Spain Masters, following their win in the Swiss Open last month. The India pair will open against the Dutch pair of Ruben Jille and Ties van der Lecq.

Saina, who took the court for the last time this season at the Indian Open this year will look to start fresh after missing the German Open, All England Open, Swiss Open and the Madrid Spain Masters tournaments. The former world No. 1, who is currently 31st in the badminton rankings, will open her campaign against a qualifier in the opening round.

The former world No. 1 will open her campaign against a qualifier in the opening round but is expected to face Rio 2016 Olympic champion Carolina Marin, the top seed, in the second round. Marin

reached the semifinals in the Madrid Spain Masters at the weekend.

Apart from Saina, the other Indian women players in the fray are Aakarshi Kashyap and Malavika Bansod. The Indians in the qualifying rounds are Tanya Hemanth, Tasnim Mir and Ashmita Chaliha.

In the men’s singles main draw, the 43rd-ranked Mithun Manjunath is the highest-ranked Indian in the draw with the 2016 World Championships bronze medallist B Sai Praneeth, ranked 49th in the World, as the second-best contender.

Manjunath will open his campaign against Den-

mark’s Victyor Svendsend while Sai Praneeth will start against a qualifier.

Among the other Indians in the men’s main draw, Sameer Verma will start against Nhat Nguyen of Vietnam while Kiran George will take on Mark Caljouw in the first round.

Former Commonwealth Games men’s singles gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap will be the top attraction in the men’s singles qualifiers. He will start against Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the first round of qualifiers. The other Indians in the fray in the men’s singles qualifying are Priyanshu Rajawat and Maisnam Meiraba.

MR Arjun/Dhruv

Kapila, Krishna Prasad Garaga/Vishnuvardhan

Goud Panjala are the other doubles pairs in the main draw while N Sikki Reddy and Arathi Sara Sunil along with Ritika Thaker and Simran Singhi are the other pairs in the women’s doubles draw. The mixed doubles pair of seasoned Ashwini Ponnappa and B Sumeeth Reddy are the top Indians in the fray with K Sai Pratheek/Tanisha Crasto and Rohan Kapoor/N Sikki Reddy also in the main draw.

“Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.”

“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarterfinal ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”

Bruno’s first game in charge will be at home to Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Potter is the second Premier League coach to be sacked on Sunday after Leicester City also ended their four-year relationship with Brendan Rodgers earlier in the day.

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (IANS): Novak Djokovic has returned to the world No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings following Carlos Alcaraz’s semifinal defeat at the Miami Open.

The Serbian great, who recently surpassed Stefanie Graf’s mark of 377 weeks as World No.1, begins his 381st week atop and is scheduled to return to the ATP Tour at the MonteCarlo Masters, which begins on April 9. But there could be a

twist in the battle for No. 1 over the clay season and beyond as Djokovic’s lead over Alcaraz is slender -just 380 points.

However, Alcaraz is set to return to Monte Carlo, where he could have the chance to reclaim the No. 1 spot once again.

The Spaniard dethroned Djokovic less than two weeks ago when he defeated Daniil Medvedev to capture his third ATP Masters 1000 title at the Indian Wells Masters.

CCI billiards: Gilchrist, Hall top stars; Pankaj Advani to lead Indian challenge

MUMBAI, APR 3 (IANS): Peter Gilchrist of Singapore, winner of multiple world billiards titles, and Rob Hall of England will be the star attractions during the Rs 10 lakh prize-money CCI Classic Invitation Billiards (time format) Championship here from April 14 to 20. Besides the two foreign participants, the Indian challenge will come from the country’s most decorated cueist Pankaj Advani, who has 25 world titles, Indian No. 2 and current national runner-up Dhruv Sitwala, former world champions Rupesh Shah, Sourav Kothari, Ashok Shandilya, Devendra Joshi and S. Srikrishna.

At stake in the event organised by the Cricket Club of India at the club’s Sir Wilson Jones billiards hall is a whopping winners’ cheque of Rs 2.5 lakh and a handsome trophy and a runner-up cheque of Rs 1,50,000 and a trophy, the organisers informed in a release on Monday.

The losing semifinalists will receive Rs 75,000 each, the losing quarterfinalists will be awarded Rs 40,000 each, the pre-quarter-final losers will pocket Rs 15,000

each and the 16 players who fail to qualify for the knockout phase will take home a consolation prize of Rs 10,000 each. An award of Rs 50,000 will be presented to the player who scores the highest break (500 points and over).

A total of 24 players have been seeded directly into the main draw and they will be joined by eight players who will come through after playing the knockout qualifying rounds on April 12 and 13.

The 32 players will then be divided into eight groups of four each and the top two players from each group will

progress to the knockout pre-quarterfinals. The initial rounds will be played over a two-hour format.

The players seeded in the main draw are Peter Gilchrist (Singapore), Rob Hall (England), Pankaj Advani, Dhruv Sitwala, S. Srikrishna, Rupesh Shah, Siddharth Parikh, Ketan Chawla, Rohan Jambusaria, Durga Prasad, Aaditya Agarwal, Rayaan Razmi, Dhavaj Haria, Loukic Pathare, Vishal Madan, Sourav Kothari, Devendra Joshi, Ashok Shandilya, Ishpreet Singh Chadha, Nalin Patel, Arun Agarwal, Kamal Chawla, Venkatesh, Mahesh Jagdale.

The 19-year-old became the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history when he won the 2022 US Open. He stayed atop for the rest of the year, despite missing the ATP Finals due to injury, but then slipped to World No. 2 after Djokovic won the Australian Open. Alcaraz has spent a total of 21 weeks as World No. 1 during his young career, putting him 16th on the list for most weeks at the top spot among the 28 players to reach No. 1.

Tom Latham to lead New Zealand in Pak ODI series

AUCKLAND, APR 3 (IANS): Experienced batter Tom Latham will lead a new-look New Zealand side for the five-match away ODI series against Pakistan, starting April 26. The five-match ODI series will begin on April 26 in Rawalpindi and conclude on May 7 in Karachi. It will be preceded by a five-match T20I series between April 14-24. New Zealand will be without the services of several regular stars like Test skipper Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner and Finn Allen, who are currently busy with their respective franchise commitments in the IPL are busy with IPL. ODI skipper Kane Williamson is out with a right knee injury suffered during the opening match of IPL. Latham though will bank on the services of experienced players like Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls and Ish Sodhi, Cricket New Zealand informed in a release on Monday. New Zealand have also included two potential debutants in Ben Lister and Cole McConchie.

Nagaland team celebrate with the trophy. (NP)

Chennai Super Kings bowler Moeen Ali celebrates with teammates after a wicket of Lucknow Super Giants during the IPL match against Lucknow Super Giants, in Chennai. (PTI)

Daniil Medvedev

Graham Potter

Novak Djokovic

Saina Nehwal

Peter Gilchrist and Rob Hall