April 14, 2021

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 127

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

IPL: Mumbai Indians beat KKR by 10 runs

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sports, Page 12

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India records 1,61,736 cases; 879 deaths NEW DELHI, APR 13 (PTI): A total of 1,61,736 new coronavirus infections have been reported in a day pushing India’s tally of cases to 1,36,89,453, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate dropped further to 89.51 per cent, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The death toll increased to 1,71,058 with 879 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase for the 34th day in a row, the number of active cases rose to 12,64,698, or 9.24 per cent of the total infections. The active caseload was at its lowest at 1,35,926 on February 12, 2021 and it was at its highest at 10,17,754 on September 18, 2020. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,22,53,697, while the case fatality rate has dropped

JCPI convenes emergency meet DIMAPUR, APR 13 (NPN): Joint Committee for Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) has convened an emergency consultative meeting of all the Dimapurbased Naga tribal apex bodies, indigenous people apex bodies and civil society organizations to discuss issues relating to ILP/RIIN. JCPI through its media cell said the meeting would be held at Tourist Lodge conference hall, Dimapur on April 14, at p.m. JCPI had recently reminded the state government of the March 31 deadline to implement RIIN through an ordinance, with December 1, 1963 as cut-off date and year.

8 NSCN cadres surrender in AP

ITANAGAR, APR 13 (PTI): Eight NSCN cadres surrendered before the police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district on Tuesday, a senior official said. Among them, five were from NSCN-K (Yung Aung) and three from the NSCN-R, Longding’s Dy.SP B Tangjang said. The cadres were involved in extortion and held influential positions in the outfits, he said. Earlier, several insurgent leaders joined the mainstream in a blow to the activities of the outfits in the region, the officer said. At the ceremony, the surrendered militants appealed to other insurgents to shun violence and start a new beginning by laying down their arms.

This is it!

“You can say, we’re a vote bank community. We’re residents here and voters there.” K Y M C

further to 1.25 per cent, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 25,92,07,108 samples have been tested up to April 12, of which 14,00,122 were done on Monday. Newer Covid symptoms you should know: It’s been more than a year since the deadly coronavirus wreaked havoc in the country, and even after several efforts to contain the spread of it, the second wave of the

virus is currently spreading like wildfire in the nation. While we all know the most common symptoms for COVID are dry cough, fever, loss of taste, and smell, but what most people are unaware of, is when to isolate or get tested because COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms and medical complications. Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder and Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals spoke about the new vari-

ant of COVID and said, “The new variant spreads easily and quicker than any other variant. All mutations or variants may not be transmissible or cause infection, and there is still no clarity on which strain causes which symptoms. Nowadays, we are seeing new covid strain, and some newer symptoms are found in patients like fever, pain in muscles, dry and persistent cough, and loss of smell and taste. In addition to

conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, rashes, upset stomach, and discolouration of fingers and toes.” “The best advice is if you see any of these symptoms, it’s best to practice isolation from other members of the family. The next step would be to reach out to your doctor and get the requisite tests. In the current times, quick recognition of symptoms and alert action can save lives,” Dr Bajaj (Cont’d on p-8) added.

Second Covid-19 wave trend ‘worrying’: Centre

Noting that India’s COVID-19 cases trajectory in the second wave is “worrying”, the Centre said states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat need to ramp up RT-PCR tests. Addressing a press conference, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the Centre is continuously trying to help states and union territories in tackling the pandemic in a more effective manner. He said the previous highest surge has already been crossed and

the “trend is going upward and that is a cause for worry”. “The tests per million are also growing but they are not keeping pace with the average daily cases. The share of RT-PCR tests is progressively coming down so that is something we repeatedly request the state to address,” he said. Bhushan said the ideal proportion is 70 per cent RT-PCR tests and 30 per cent rapid antigen tests as both are important. Rapid antigen tests have their value as a screening test in areas which are densely populated and in

those areas which are showing recent cluster of new cases. Those who test negative in RAT have to be mandatorily subjected to RT-PCR tests, he said. “We have offered to the states that if they desire then they could make use of mobile testing laboratories. These technologies have been perfected through the country and they are being provided in a cost effective way...,” Bhushan said. Bhushan said apart from 10 affected states, the cases are also rising in other parts of the country.

CM inaugurates new RCC T-beam bridge over Dhansiri

Neiphiu Rio, along with his colleagues, inaugurates the new bridge, Tuesday. (NP)

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 13 (NPN): The much-awaited RCC T-beam bridge over Dhansiri river connecting Purana Bazar and Super Market was inaugurated by chief minister Neiphiu Rio here on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Rio hoped that the newly-inaugurated bridge would lessen the hardships of commuters by easing traffic and further boost economic activities in the town. Congratulating the Urban Development department, engineering wing and the contractor, he emphasised on timely completion of road connectivity projects, adding that if a bridge construction took 11 years for completion, one could very well imagine the hardships and harassment faced by the citizens. Though con-

struction of the bridge took over a decade, he expressed happiness that it was finally complete. He also urged everyone to inculcate Christian values and principles and stop encroaching lands, stressing that whatever one strived to get or acquire, these should be done rightfully without disturbing social harmony. Pointing out how the State government had to fight legally to get back encroached lands in Agri Expo and airport, Rio remarked that land encroachment was a sign of an individual’s self interest over the community’s and urged the community to help the government protect public property. As public property like bridges and other government structures belonged to the public, he appealed to the people to protect them, pointed out that if these were not taken care of prop-

erly, people would suffer. The chief minister urged citizens of Dimapur to fully utilise and maintain the bridge for betterment of society, besides following traffic rules to avoid unnecessary accidents. Observing that six years were wasted by the department due to non-following of formalities, he asked the department and engineers to be sincere, dedicated and follow the rules and procedures and be transparent, so that work execution did not get affected. Delivering a shor t speech on the occasion, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs adviser Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire said many issues had cropped up during the construction of the bridge, which the department had to overcome before it could be finally inaugurated.

Pandemic ‘far from over’: WHO chief

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Not going for lockdowns in big way: FM NEW DELHI, APR 13 (PTI): Amid surging coronavirus cases in India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Tuesday made it clear that the government would not go for lockdowns in a big way and only resort to local containment. In a virtual meeting with World Bank Group president David Malpass, Sitharaman “shared the measures being taken by India to contain the spread of second wave of pandemic including the five pillared strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and #COVID19 appropriate behaviour,” the Finance Ministry said in a tweet.

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Follow guidelines, containing virus responsibility of all: CM Says, Nagaland’s average on vaccine coverage ‘very low’ Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 13 (NPN): Even as second wave of COVID-19 pandemic has hit several states in the country, the state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, Tuesday called upon the citizens of the state to follow all COVID-19 guidelines, saying it was the responsibility of all to contain the virus. Speaking on the last day of the three-day Tikka Utsav or vaccination festival, which was observed at Chapel Hall, District hospital, here Tuesday as the special guest, the chief minister appealed to the people in Dimapur and bordering areas to remain on high alert and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) laid down by the government. Rio, who also launched the new Covid vaccination

centres in Dimapur, stated that Dimapur registering half of overall positive cases in the state was because it was the gateway and wellconnected by rail, road and air. He, however, said it was not possible to deny entry to people from other parts of the states or countries. On vaccination front, Rio said that state’s average on vaccination was “very low” compared to other states. While healthcare workers were doing their part, he maintained that people being misguided by rumours has led to vaccine hesitancy. He called for reaching out to the people through village councils and village development boards and explain that vaccines were for their own safety. He, however, stated that vaccinated necessarily did not mean immunity to the virus, adding that people could still get affected. Despite having several positive cases in the state, the chief minister claimed that the state was still in green zone as compared to other states.

In her address, chief medical officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, gave a brief summary of handling the pandemic by the department along with district task force (DTF) Dimapur, NGOs, Churches and communities. CMO informed that the department had conducted random testing at strategic location in Dimapur, wherein out of 32 persons tested, all were tested negative. She also informed about the need of oxygen generation plant. Presenting a statistical report, district immunization officer, Dr. Rebecca Y Sema, stated that 3,003 healthcare workers, 13,244 frontline workers and 8,452 people above the age of 45 years have been vaccinated as of April 12. She informed that a total of 14,230 doses were stored in different locations across the state. Earlier, the programme was chaired by DC and chairman DTF Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, and vote of thanks was proposed by assistant medical superintendent, Dr. Rokoliebi Khate.

11 fresh Covid-19 cases in Nagaland DIMAPUR, APR 13 (NPN): Nagaland on Tuesday reported 11 new COVID-19 positive cases-7 in Dimapur, 2 in Kohima and 1 each in Phek and Wokha, taking the total caseload to 12427. With this the active cases also rose to 174. Further, three more patients recuperated from the infection, taking the tally to 11995. Meanwhile, a building located at the heart of Dimapur city was reportedly sealed after five of its inmates were reportedly among those tested positive

for COVID-19 Tuesday. After pandemic was unlocked through several stages, people by and large, have not been complying with COVID protocols. Even in Dimapur public have largely not followed the protocols and leading the district authorities in directing police to impose penalty on violators. Dimapur airport has already imposed strict adherence to COVID protocols. However, there appears to be no checks at the railway station including

the inter-state check gates at Dimapur. According to officials, the state government had yet to issue any directive for implementing the protocols in the railway station, check gates and other entry-exit points. Assam where threephase polls recently concluded, is reportedly on the verge of another COVID-19 spike. Authorities in Assam are bracing for another surge in COVID after the recent election campaigns and rallies but have yet to issue any severe restriction in view of forthcoming Bihu.

COVID protocols enforced at Dimapur airport Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 13 (NPN): With the second wave of COVID-19 gripping large parts of the country, authorities at Dimapur airport began enforcing strict COVID protocols. A COVID testing centre has been set up at the airport for all in-bound passengers who have not tested. The protocols include regular sanitisation of the complex and baggage, mandatory wearing face masks , scan(Cont’d on p-8) ning body temperatures of

passengers checking in , maintaining social distancing and use of hand sanitizers. Besides signage, COVIDrelated safety messages are displayed prominently at the airport. Public announcements are being frequently made both in Hindi and English to remind the passengers about COVID protocols. Speaking to Nagaland Post, Dimapur airport director Mughavi Zhimo informed that every effort was being made to ensure strict compliance of COVID protocols. As physical checking

was not being carried out except for the security checkin, which was unavoidable, he said passengers are to have COVID app Aarogya Setu installed in their mobile phones for self-declaration. Zhimo said it was mandatory for passengers to get their temperatures checked and touchless inspection of documents. Passengers in the middle row are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) suit while hand gloves and masks were provided by the airlines.

Passengers are to produce vaccination certificates and COVID test reports which were to be issued by the State’s health department as instructed by the state government. No passenger who does not wearface mask will be allowed inside the terminal, he said. Those not following COVID protocols will be penalised or even de-boarded he warned. Zhimo said airport and airlines staffs will strictly enforce all COVID protocols and urged passengers to extend cooperation.

SC cautions HCs over passing orders against arrest, coercive steps Centre fast-tracks approval for NEW DELHI, APR 13 (PTI): Supreme Cour t Tuesday cautioned high courts over passing orders against arrest or coercive steps pending probe even as they decide not to entertain quashing petitions, and said police had the statutory right and duty to investigate cognizable offence and criminal proceedings are not to be scuttled at the initial stage. The apex court, which observed that passing such “blanket” interim orders without assigning reasons would hamper investigation, said courts should not thwart any probe into cognizable offences and quashing of a

complaint or FIR should be an “exception rather than an ordinary rule”. “We caution the high courts again against passing such orders of not to arrest or ‘no coercive steps to be taken’ till the investigation is completed and the final report is filed, while not entertaining quashing petitions under section 482 CrPC and/or Article 226 of the Constitution of India,” said a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud. The bench, also comprising Justices MR Shah and Sanjiv Khanna, said that functions of judiciary and police are “complemen-

tary, not overlapping” and power of quashing should be exercised sparingly with circumspection in the rarest of rare cases. The top court said this in its 64-page judgement by which it quashed the September last year interim order of the Bombay High Court which had directed that “no coercive measures shall be adopted” against the accused in respect of an FIR lodged in 2019 on allegations of cheating, forgery and others. In its verdict, the bench noted that high courts must appreciate that speedy investigation is the requirement in criminal administra-

tion of justice. “The order of the high court must disclose reasons why it has passed an ad-interim direction during the pendency of the proceedings under Section 482 CrPC. Such reasons, however brief must disclose an application of mind,” the bench said. The bench said that while examining an FIR/ complaint, the quashing of which is sought, the court cannot embark upon an enquiry as to the reliability or genuineness or otherwise of the allegations. It said that power under section 482 CrPC is “very wide”, but conferment of wide power

requires the court to be more cautious and it casts an onerous and more diligent duty on the court. However, the court, if it thinks fit, with regard to “the parameters of quashing and the self-restraint imposed by law, more particularly the parameters laid down by this court...has the jurisdiction to quash the FIR/complaint”, the bench said. It said the high court “shall not and as such is not justified” in passing such order of not to arrest or “no coercive steps to be adopted”, while dismissing or disposing of the quashing petition under section 482 CrPC or under Article 226.

vaccines; Sputnik V gets go-ahead

NEW DELHI, APR 13 (PTI): India has fast-tracked emergency use approval for eligible foreign-produced shots against COVID-19, in a move to expand its basket of vaccines amid the “highest” surge in Covid cases and speed up the inoculation drive that got a boost with a third vaccine Sputnik V from Russia getting clearance. The announcement by the Union Health Ministry by which the eligible manufacturers of the foreign vaccines are not required to undertake local clinical trials in India could clear the decks for imports of Pfizer,

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots with certain conditions. The ministry said COVID-19 vaccines which have been developed and manufactured in foreign countries and which have been granted emergency approval for restricted use by authorities abroad or listed in the WHO Emergency Use Listing may be granted emergency use approval in India. The first 100 beneficiaries of such foreign vaccines shall be assessed for 7 days for safety outcomes before it is rolled out, it added. K Y M C


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