April 1, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 115

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 Pages 8 ` 5.00

COVID-19: Tally increases across India national, Page 5

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China probes company for faulty COVID-19 test kits

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international, Page 6

3-day total lockdown in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Following the imposition of Section 144 CrPC in Dimapur district on March 24, 2020, the commissioner of police & district magistrate Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo, has promulgated further prohibitory order for total restriction of public and vehicular movement in the district from 6am of April 1, 2020 to 12 midnight of April 3, 2020.

In the prohibitory order, the commissioner of police & district magistrate Dimapur, clarified that a situation has arisen that warranted restriction on movement of the public in order to ensure self isolation and social distancing in public places.

The CP however stated that police/army/para-military forces/magistrate on duty/doctors and medical staff on duty/media, treasury, banks, power, PHED, Telecom and vehicular transportation of essential commodities have been exempted from the purview of the lockdown. CP warned that violation of the order would be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

NPMHR urges PM to protect NE people against racism DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) Delhi, has appealed to prime minister Narendra Modi to take stringent action against any form of racism on people from the North East, anywhere in India especially against the backdrop of ongoing fight against COVID-19.

In the letter, NPMHR convenor Chingri Vashum and co-convenor Guangpuangnag Kahmei also sought protection from eviction and harassment of North East tenants by landlords across India.They also urged PM to set up shelter centres in different cities for stranded people from NE. Further, NPMHR also urged upon PM to provide concessions on all form of rent for NE students, non-working and vulnerable population.

NPMHR plea arose from widespread reported cases of racial profiling, violence and discrimination against the people from north east living and working in different parts of India. It said many cases have gone unreported while rise in cases of racism has evoked fear and insecurity among the community, in addition to the collective fear of coronavirus.

Assam reports first COVID-19 case; 3rd in NE region STF deployed to enforce lockdown: DG EXEMPTED LIST GUWAHATI, MAR 31 (PTI/ Police, Army, Paramilitary forces

Magistrates on duty Doctors/medical staff Media Treasury and Banks Power, PHE, Telecom depts Vehicles transporting essential items

DC orders closure

Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Anoop Kinchi in a separate order on March 31, under the Sec.6(2)(I) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has directed all shops, commercial and private establishments to remain closed with effect from April 1, 202 till April 3, 2020 midnight.

However, DC stated that personnel of the police, army, paramilitary force including magistrate, doctors/medical staff including private hospitals & clinics, bank staff and persons engaged in emergency services have been exempted.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 31 (NPN): State home department has deployed 50 personnel of Special Task Force (STF) in the district on Tuesday for strict enforcement of the lockdown. Confirming this, director general of police (DGP) TJ Longkumer told Nagaland Post that there were already eight companies of Police force deployed in Dimapur district.

Asserting that citizens must show social responsibility in such a situation for the safety of all, Longkumer reminded the people of the situation in Mizoram where not a single cop was seen on the streets as citizen chose to remain indoors.

On involving organi-

sations for ensuring the lockdown, Longkumer said it was the responsibility of every individual. However, if required, he said the state government would involve NGOs for strict implementation of the various orders issued during this lockdown period. He also informed this correspondent that as per a decision of the State cabinet, total lockdown in Dimapur would begin from 6 am on Wednesday.

He reiterated his appeal to all citizens to abide by the advisories of the State government and to show social responsibility by staying indoors, maintaining social distance and abiding by law so that security personnel need not be forced to use force on them.

Medical stores to remain shut in Dmu

Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) has directed all medical shops to remain closed from April 1, 2020 till further notice and until the state government comes up with proper guidelines.

While expressing regret for the inconvenience, NDMA president Ato Yepthomi stated that they were compelled to shut due to alleged harassment by authorities during the shutdown. “Until the Government comes up with proper guidelines, we are not in a position to open our respective shops,” Ato stated.

Framework Agreement the only basis for solution: NSCN(I-M)

D imapur , M ar 3 1 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has reiterated that the only path to solution to the Naga political issue with the government of India lies along the broad-based Framework Agreement signed on August 3,2015 between the government of India through its Interlocutor R.N. Ravi and NSCN leaders Th. Muivah in the presence of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Home minister Rajnath Singh, Indian Army chief, Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag, NSA, Ajit Doval and hosts of NSCN leaders.

In a statement, MIP maintained that the Framework Agreement is based on the recognized unique history and sovereignty of the Nagas, and co-existence of the two entities of being sovereign which has also been recognised by the government of India. MIP also described the Framework

Agreement as a meeting point between the union of India and the Nagas and also a uniting point for all Nagas.

Further, MIP said the NSCN leadership assure the government of India’s representative that since both entities were bound by the doctrine of the agreement, the NSCN will uphold the Framework Agreement at all costs at all time.

Further, it said Ravi had also assured Naga leaders that the government of India would abide by the Agreement. Therefore, MIP said “whoever opposes the Framework Agreement opposed the government of India.” It also dismissed allegations that the issue of sovereignty has been dropped adding, such was the language of false teachers.

On the issue of integration, MIP said it was the legitimate right of Nagas and

a roadmap for materialising it is being pursued through a political process. MIP said NSCN has never given up the issue of integration as alleged by some critics.

On Pan Naga Hoho, MIP said it was actually proposed by the government of India and mutually agreed upon as a statutory cultural body embracing all Nagas everywhere. MIP said PNH deals with culture, social, customary, language, dialect, integrity and interests of Nagas and would also play an advisory role in the fields of education and development. On the ‘Solution for Nagas of Nagaland state’ as stated by Kitovi in sections of local newspapers, MIP recalled that former Interlocutor Padmanabhaiah had stated that if it was so, then there was no reason to talk “because statehood has been granted to them.”

(Full text on p-6)

AGENCIES): A 52-year-old man tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam’s Silchar on Tuesday, making it the first case of coronavirus infection in the state, and the third in the North East. Confirming this, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the patient was undergoing treatment at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital and his condition was stable.

Meanwhile, Assam government is looking for nearly 500 people who attended the religious event held in Delhi hosted by Tablighi Jamaat, which is now being considered a “hotbed” of the spread of coronavirus. So far, 34 people in Delhi tested positive for the virus, seven have died- one in Jammu and Kashmir and six in Telangana.

Besides Assam, tracing the people who attended and those they contacted is happening on a war-footing in five other states.

The event -- held at a mosque in Delhi from March 8 to 15 -- was attended by people from Malaysia and Indonesia, where coronavirus had been raging. After it became clear that a huge outbreak was possible in there, the authorities started a phased evacuation of the people and mass testing. The Assam has sounded an alert and asked authorities in different districts to look out for these people.

COVID-19 death toll rises to 35, total cases 1,397

NEW DELHI, MAR 31 (PTI): The number of novel coronavirus cases climbed to 1,397 on Tuesday after 146 new infections were reported in the past 24 hours across the country, while the death toll due to the pandemic rose to 35, according to the Union Health Ministry. The active cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) stands at 1,238, while three deaths -- two in Punjab and one in Maharashtra -were reported, the ministry said on Tuesday night.

As many as 123 people were either cured or discharged and one had migrated, taking the total number of cases due to the contagion to 1,397, including 49 foreigners, it stated.

The highest number of cases of the deadly disease was reported from Kerela with 234 infections so far, followed by Maharashtra at 216 and UP at 101.

(L) Shoppers throng a market in Kohima (R) Vendors sell vegetables along the foothpath near Clock Tower, Dimapur on Tuesday. (NP)

Correspondent/Staff Reporter

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Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 31 (NPN): Another consignment of medical equipments, including personal protective equipment kits, hand gloves, hand sanitizers, N95 masks, portable ventilators, ICU ventilators, full face mask, etc, would reach Nagaland on Wednesday.

Providing an update to newsmen on the status of COVID-19 in Nagaland here Tuesday, State government spokesperson for COVID-19 and planning & coordination, land revenue minister Neiba Kronu said the consignment had been dispatched from New Delhi to Guwahati, from where it would be transported by road on Wednesday to the State. He added 5,000 litres of sodium hypo chloride, gloves and sanitizers had also been received from Guwahati on Tuesday.

Kronu said altogether 25 samples had been sent for testing till 3.30 pm on Tuesday, out of which 22 had tested negative and results of the remaining three samples were awaited.

Further, 4,704 individuals, including students who had returned from outside the State since March 6, had self-reported to their respective district surveillance teams and had been home quarantined, out of which 876 have completed quarantine, he added.

According, to the minister, 3,905 persons had self-registered in the ncovid19 Nagaland App by providing all the required information, while 1,165 persons have still not completed filling up

their full details. He appealed to all those who had entered the State after March 6 to self-register in the app with their full details. He said altogether 36,494 persons had been screened in the State till date, while a total of 32,121 phone calls had also been received through the helpline numbers.

On availability of food grains, Kronu claimed the stock of essential commodities continued to be normal across the State. Further, he said the district level price monitoring committees had been instructed to constantly monitor the prices and fix rates of essential commodities along with the stakeholders like the chambers of commerce and industries and other trade bodies. Urging the people to strictly adhere to the lockdown measures in force and stay at home, the minister also called for strict adherence to social distancing norms while buying food and other essential commodities at shops.

“We would also like to inform that all kinds of gatherings are barred, including religious congregations, during the lockdown period as such mass gatherings have the potential of easily allowing the spread of the virus, thereby putting lives of many people in serious danger,” he reiterated. Advising all faith-based organisations to completely refrain from holding any religious congregation of any kind that could see gathering of a large number of people during the lockdown, Kronu remarked “Together We Can: Nagaland Against COVID-19!”

Patton donates protective gears to Police, Health depts Correspondent

KO H I M A , M A R 3 1 (NPN): Deputy chief minister, Y. Patton Tuesday donated protective gears comprising 7,000 masks and 1,500 hand sanitizer bottles each to staff of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) and Police departments at his official residence here on Tuesday.

In a brief meeting, Patton, who is in charge of Home & Road & Bridges departments, appreciated the security forces and health workers for their tireless work and sacrifice for ensuring safety of the citizens of the State.

He reiterated his appeal to the citizens to cooperate with the government for successful implementation of the lockdown, urging them to maintain social distancing and the various

Patton handing over the protective items to John Longkumer.

advisories issued by the government, especially by the H&FW department.

DGP T John Longkumer, who was present on the occasion, expressed gratitude to Patton for the generous contribution and showing personal concern for the ongoing crisis in the State, especially for those in the frontline battling the COVID-19 pandemic. He exuded confidence that with such support and encouragement, the morale

of the police force would be boosted.

H&FW principal director Dr Vizolie Suokhrie too thanked Patton for the initiative after having seen the difficulty faced by the department in procuring the protective gears in the last few weeks.

Ministers, host of advisers, senior officials from the police and H&FW department were also present at the handing-over programme.

Many continue to defy lockdown orders across state Advisory on Church congregations

This is it!

“This lockdown is severe on our economy. No gate tax, sales tax, goods tax, livestock tax..”

Medical equipments: Another consignment to arrive today

KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Despite several orders issued by authorities for effecting lockdown across Nagaland to contain the spread of COVID 19, public by and large, did not adhere to the restrictions. Since the past few days, people continued panic-buying at markets,

groceries and pharmacies in huge numbers and ignored the social distancing.

Kohima: Kohima was also witness to hordes of buyers ignoring social distancing at various stores and markets. A police officer on duty in Kohima regretted that public wilfully disobeyed advisories announced by the government.

He said though police were

restricting movement of people, yet in consideration of their need for buying daily food items, they were left off after warning.

He said in many instances many people were not following the orders given by the district administration when more than two from a family went to buy groceries.

When police warned

them, the officer said they explained that since movement of vehicles were restricted, they had to carry commodities home.

The officer also said the police vehicles without valid pass were not allowed to ply on the roads and drivers booked. In some cases, he said people did not cooperate and in some cases, people had to face the

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): State government has issued an advisory to curb religious congregation during the lockdown period.

In an advisory dated March 31, 2020, the home department stated that since the state was presently under lockdown for 21 days, all kinds of gatherings were barred including religious congregation, which has the potential of easily allowing the virus to spread putting the lives of many at risk.

Reacting to reports of some Churches holding Sunday services involving congregation of big number of people, the home department has once again strongly advised the Churches to completely refrain from holding any religious congregation involving large gatherings during the lockdown period in the interest (Cont’d on p-5) of public health and safety.

wrath of public for doing their duty. When contacted DC Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie maintained that the administration was carrying out directives in the best interest of public health safety. He also said the administration had asked all bakeries and grocery shops to remain open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and adhere to the regulations. He also requested public to strictly to the guidelines issued during the period of lockdown.

When asked about various volunteers enforcing lockdown, Thejawelie clarified the administration had not asked for volunteers nor their involvement in enforcing the lockdown. He explained that some village and colony youth had come out to ensure lockdown out of concern for residents in their localities.

NBCC appeals

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has called upon executive secretaries/director of Baptist associations under NBCC to direct all their churches, in no uncertain terms, to avoid mass gathering in the Church building until the lockdown was over.

NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho thanked God that no one has been confirmed positive with the virus in Nagaland so far.

However, Rev. Keyho said the Church, in this developing situation, cannot be complacent but to remain vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality.

Stating that the effects of the Covid-19 affected everyone in the society, he said “as followers of Christ we need to be exemplary in our social responsibility.”

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Pangnyu takes stock of hospitals for COVID-19

Medical minister with principal secretary & principal director, DoH&FW at the COVID19 Hospital Chedema.

DIMAPUR: Minister of Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom visited directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW) and held a briefing with officers led by principal secretary, Menukhol John and principal director, Dr. Vizolie Z Soukhrie.

A press release from NHM Kohima stated that, the meeting discussed and decided that Longleng District Hospital will also be identified as COVID-19 Hospital and all the general

patients will be transferred to Yachem CHC with immediate effect. It has also been clarified that PPE equipments will be distributed to the clinical critical need based/frontline workers.

Minister also visited the COVID-19 Hospital in Chedema and NHAK, Kohima to take stock of the preparedness. Interacting with the health personnel at the hospital, Pangnyu encouraged them to work relentlessly during these trying times. He specially

appealed to all the staff of Medical department at the state and district level not to be discouraged but work efficiently. Minister was accompanied by advisor of IPR, SCERT & Village Guard, Toshi Wangtung.

C h a k a b a m a A r my camp also volunteered to make temporary fence around the Chedema COVID-19 Hospital after which only one ambulance will be allowed to enter the hospital and visitors will be limited.

KYC appeals DMC to take immediate measures

DIMAPUR: Kuda Youth Club (KYC) Dimapur has appealed the competent authority to keep check on the wholesalers regularly in order to sustain the DMC order.

A press release from KYC president Vikeduo Linyü stated that, KYC had held thorough interaction with the business community dealing in essential commodities within the village. KYC stated that it was unjustified to impose the DMC rate of essential commodities when the wholesalers were inflat-

ing the price and thereby leading to harassment of business owners by the consumers.

KYC further stated that, if the price hike was beyond the control of the state business structure, the government should take up the issue and address it at appropriate level and spare the public from further misconception and ill will towards the innocent business man. To avoid controversy and misunderstanding, KYC stated that the DMC should take immediate measures.

NSCN/GPRN (R) Aoleng greetings to Konyak community DIMAPUR: NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) has extended Aoleng greetings, celebrated by the Konyak Naga people during the 1st week of April which also coincides and commemorates the Konyak New Year.

A greetings message from NSCN/GPRN (R) through its MIP stated that, this year because of the threat of COVID-19, and responding to the “clarion call” of the government, large gatherings and mass celebrations will not be held, however people can always continue to have “emotional attachments” through prayers, thanksgivings and exchanging wishes and greetings. MIP further urged citizens to stay positive and take care until the pandemic is contained completely through joint efforts of everyone concerned.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

ANTA Zunheboto extends support to parent body DIMAPUR: Responding to the statement issued by ANTA Hq president, the ANTA Zunheboto has extended full support to the same.

A press release from ANTA Zunheboto president Katoshe Yeptho Sema stated that, drivers are also human beings and their first priority was the safety and well-being of their family and near and dear ones.

Secondly the drivers and family mostly depend on the meagre income earned through driving on a daily basis. ANTA Zunheboto stated that, the problem arises when the government ignores the plight of the drivers, as without this source of income many drivers and families will starve. While stating that many drivers and their families are actually on a critical level as the lockdown has been going on for quite some, the ANTA Zunheboto requested the government to take necessary action. It also stated that if concerned authority does not take up the matter seriously, ANTA Zunheboto will be compelled to take drastic actions.

news in Brief

DC Kohima informs: Deputy commissioner, Kohima Gregory Thejawelie has informed that the disbursement of ration relief for daily wagers has began on March 31 at Kohima Relief Distribution Center, local ground, Kohima. The relief items will be distributed between 10 a.m to 2 p.m during the lockdown relaxation period on weekdays. All daily wagers, stranded travellers from other district and outside Nagaland may contact Control Room 0370-229 0028 and Kohima Relief Distribution Center- 6033833879 for any relief related issues. DC also issued an order re-iterating all the village council under Kohima district that the ban on jungle burning issued from time to time will continue to remain enforced. All the village council under Kohima district jurisdictions have been directed to inform and warn the public to refrain from burning of jungle. Any violation of the order shall be penalized as per the ordered issues earlier.

DoH&FW appeals retired medical fraternity: Department of Health and Welfare Nagaland has appealed to all the retired personnel of the medical fraternity such as medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, radiographers, pharmacists, etc and also the medical students in the final year as well as PG students who are at home to consider to volunteer and lend a helping hand in service of the people of Nagaland. Members of the above mentioned medical fraternity who would like to volunteer to deliver humanitarian services may submit their willingness details in the mentioned format through WhatsApp to 9402 24 5812. Name: Age/Gender: Technical Qualification(s): Present address.

DoH&FW informs staff: Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has informed that all the staff under the department of Health & Family Welfare to remain at their respective place of posting and to be available on call at any time. They are also directed not to switch off their phones. This is for strict compliance.

NSCN (I-M) clarification: Apropos the news item, “NSCN (I-M) condolence” published on March 31, the NSCN (I-M) has clarified that Mon village should be read as Nyahnyu village and not as published. NSCN (I-M) has expressed regret at the inconvenience.

Contributions pour in from various leaders and organisations during lockdown

DC Peter Lichamo receiving the donation from Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi and Aketo Yeptho.

CAO Kikheto Chishi of NSCN (I-M) handing over food packets and water to athletic coach B. Awala.

TS members with EAC in-charge of food bank.

Police personnel on duty at Changtongya town being served lunch by the CYE.

Club members with police official while donating the essential protective items.

GYCD members at the distribution programme in protective gloves.

SRSU members with medical staff during handing over BJYM members providing food items to needy daily NYO youth members with the essential rations and LCY member handing over relief item to a needy person of safety equipments. wage earners. commodities for the needy. in Kohima on March 31.

DIMAPUR: Legislators, concerned citizens and various organisations continue to extend financial and material donations towards mitigating the plight of the needy people during nationwide lockdown.

Legislators contribute towards COVID-19 fund: Legislators of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, cutting across party affiliations have decided to contribute their one month salary to the Medical department, Nagaland.

A press release from NLA secretariat secretary Dr. P. J. Anthony stated that, this was done in response to the request made by minister of Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom

to the speaker, Sharingain Longkumer who took up the matter immediately with the respective Political parties whose leaders unanimously agreed to the speaker’s suggestion to contribute.

SCC SBAK-Aizuto donates to district administration: Sumi Christian Centre (SCC) SBAK-Aizuto under the leadership of Rev. Mulato Chishi the executive secretary, donated a sum of Rs.50,000 (Fifty thousand) to the district administration towards the COVID-19 relief fund. A press release from media supervisor Bombo K Yeptho stated that, the amount was handed over to the deputy commissioner

Peter Lichamo by Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi pastor ZTSBC and Aketo Yeptho youth leader ZTSBC on March 31. DC thanked the executive secretary and all the staff for the kind contribution.

NSCN (I-M) UT donates: NSCN (I M) UT, Kikheto Chishi CAO handed over food packets and waters to the athletic coach B.Awala Walling also the warden of Youth Hostel on March 31, where students and stranded passengers numbering 42 are currently lodged.

TS donates bags of rice to food bank: Trailblazer Society (TS), organisation of a few Changki youth donated bags of

rice to the food bank set up by the Dimapur district administration. A press release from TS chairman Dr. Temjen Longchari stated that, the contribution was handed over to the Wiridin EAC, Niuland, in-charge of the food bank. EAC expressed that district administration is supplying food to the stranded passengers and daily wage earners, otherwise many may perish due to hunger.

SRSU donates safety equipments: Sakipheto Range Students Union (SRSU) donated 100 face masks and hand washes for the medical squad at community health centre (CHC) Medziphema. A press release SRSU presi-

dent urged the community to contribute and support the front liners. It also requested the public to cooperate with the government by following orders in tackling the pandemic. SRSU also extended gratitude to all the nurses, doctors, concerned individuals, organisations who risk their lives for the welfare of the public.

Wokha district administration expresses gratitude: Wokha district administration has expressed gratitude to all organisations for generous contribution towards the fight against COVID-19.

According to DIPR report, district administration Wokha received a sum

of Rs. 5 lakhs on March 30, from Wokha Town Baptist Church, one lakh from Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), Vankhosung, Wokha and one lakh from Wokha Village Baptist Church.

COBC CYE provides lunch to duty personnel: Changtongya Old Baptist Church (COBC). Christian Youth Endeavour (CYE) distributed lunch in traditional way wrapped in banana leaves to personnel on duty led by SDO (C) and his team, DBs. The GBs & Police personnel have been on duty since lockdown began.

Beckon Club of Medziphema town donates: Beckon Club of

Medziphema town, donated masks, sanitisers and gloves to all police personnel and staff of ADC Medziphema on March 31.

GYCD distributes food to needy people: Gorkha Youth Club Dimapur (GYCD) of Signal Rana Colony unit led by its general secretary Kamal Rana took an initiative to help the poor and needy in and around Dimapur. The club distributed food items at civil hospital and railway station.

BJYM provides essential commodities: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state president Benjamin Yepthomi accompanied by BJP mem-

bers Domel Achumi and Rajesh Sethi provided essential commodities/food items to more than 70 poor and daily wagers on March 31, at Sangtamtila local ground.

NYO Kohima gives to needy: Nagabazar Youth Organization (NYO) Kohima distributed rations & essentials commodities to the needy and the poor including the non locals on March 31. The items have been made available to 170 households.

LCY Kohima extends relief: Lower Chandmari Youth (LCY), Kohima Ward No 13 gave relief measures to the needy persons on March 31, in view of the lockdown period for

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State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

Additional measures, advisories and appeals for combating COVID-19

DIMAPUR: On day-sixth of lockdown in the state of Nagaland, the government together with civil organisations have been carrying out stringent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into the state. Many measures are being undertaken by competent authorities for the safety of the citizens.

Account details for donation towards COVID-19

DC Dimapur issues additional measures for strict compliance: DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi has

informed that in pursuance to the Home department NSDMA Kohima, the following measures are to be strictly adhered to: All the employers, be it in the industry or in the shops and commercial establishments shall make payment of wages of their workers at their work places on the due date without any deduction for the period their establishments are under closure during the lockdown; Where ever the workers, including the migrants are living in rented accommodation, the landlords of those properties shall not demand payment of rent for a period of one month; If any landlord is forcing labourers and students to vacate their premises, they will be liable for action under the Act; Any person violating this order will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 61 of Disaster Management Act 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of IPC.

DC Zunheboto announces total lockdown; farmers exempted: Deputy commissioner, Zunhe-

boto, in continuation of the earlier orders, circulars and notifications, has sent out the following notification to all in Zunheboto district: Total lock down of all entry points under Zunheboto district except for movement of essential commodities and those with exemption under special circumstances shall be implemented with immediate effect; Farmers and farm workers are exempted to move to their respective fields in order to engage in regular farming activities. In this regard, shops providing fertilisers, seeds, and agricultural products related to farming activities are also hereby exempted; Timings for opening of exempted shops will be from 8 a.m to 11 a.m with effect from March 31.

No unnecessary movements shall be allowed beyond these timings. Any person/group of persons acting in violation of this order shall be punishable under section 188 of the Indian penal code and also under section 51 to 61 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005; Maintaining a social distance of at least 1 metre while shopping is to be strictly followed by the shoppers both while shopping and at all times.

DC Mokokchung bars all kinds of gatherings:

Deputy commissioner Mokokchung has issued an order on March 31 that all kinds of gathering has been barred including religious congregations. All the churches and other religious organizations have been directed to completely refrain from any religious congregation of any kind which may see gatherings of large number of people during the lockdown period.

The order also warned that any religious organizations acting in violation of this order shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

DC also expressed profound gratitude to the following for their generous donation/contribution towards assisting Mokokchung district: Mestubo Jamir, minister of Rural Development for donating 5000 masks, 5000 rubber gloves and 100 hand sanitizers; Ao Senden for donating Rs. 1 lakh and Lotha Hoho Mokokchung for donating Rs. 30,000.

MP (RS) K. G. Kenye appeals the PM for VRDL: The lone MP (Rajya Sabha) of Nagaland K.

G. Kenye has sought the attention of the Prime Minister to personally intervene with the concern authority to airlift one Portable/Mobile Viral Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) to be installed in the state immediately without losing further time, as Nagaland does not have a testing laboratory for detection of COVID-19. He also made a fervent appeal and urged the government of India to expedite the sanction for the construction of a permanent viral diagnostic laboratory which is held up by the ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

A press release from PRO to MP (RS) stated that, earlier on March 28 the MP had written a “Letter of Consent” to the Ministry of Statistics & Project Implementation (MOSP) with a copy to the chairman, MPLADS Committee, Rajya Sabha for release of Rs. 2. Crore (Rupees Two Crores) only from MPLADS during the financial year 2020-2021 to be utilised by Nagaland State COVID-19 Task Force. Besides, Kenye also contributed his one month salary of Rs.1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh) only towards the “PM-National Relief Fund”.

KMC informs on home delivery of pork: Administrator Kohima Municipal Council, Kovi Meyase has informed all wards under Kohima Municipal Council that in view of the pandemic, COVID-19, the following operational mechanism for home delivery of pork will begin from April 1.

Wards will identify delivery points (colony wise) alongwith one volunteer or more if necessary, to receive and distribute the meat within the colony/ward. Pork

CMO Wokha, Dr. C.W. Tungoe addressing the district task force meeting in Wokha.

shall be delivered by the supplier to these delivery points at Rs. 230/- per kg (Rs. 220 for the meat and Rs. 10 per kg for the volunteer). Pork will be wrapped in packets of two kgs only. Order for the meat will be placed on these terms: Order should be placed one day in advance through the volunteer; No orders from individuals will be entertained; Amount for the meat should be deposited with the volunteer in advance; On arrival of the meat at the distribution point, payment to be made immediately by the volunteer to the supplier after deduction of Rs. 10/- per kg by the volunteer; Ward authorities or the volunteers may contact the chief inspector, KMC at 9436001900 for implementation of this home delivery mechanism. Further all butcher shops shall remain closed till further order.

Wokha DTF meeting on preparedness: District task force (DTF) Wokha held a meeting on COVID-19 preparedness at deputy commissioner’s conference hall Wokha on March 31. A press release from CMO office stated that, DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha stressed on the need to procure more personal protection equipments (PPEs) for health workers.

Dr. C.W. Tungoe, CMO Wokha informed that more than 933 passengers were screened, 145 people put under home quarantine and 50 completed home quarantine as of march 30. Regarding the preparedness to handle suspected patients, Dr. Tungoe stated that 7 locations were earmarked as quarantine places, 12 health units with 50 beds for isolation facility and 120 quarantine beds were arranged. The members discussed on the alternate arrangements for patients and earmarked CMC Vankhosung as temporary district hospital with effect from April 1.

Longleng administration meeting: In view of the sudden rise of price of essential commodities in the market, an emergency meeting of the representatives from administration, police, chamber of commerce and civil societies of Longleng was held at DC’s conference hall and approved the rate of essential commodities and resolved certain points after thorough deliberation. Meeting was chaired by the ADC & administrator Longleng Town Council (LTC) D. Robin.

According to DIPR report, president chamber of commerce was entrusted to check the availability of essential commodities and ensure to keep adequate stock for the district; Village council chairmen were also entrusted to list the requirements of their villages and depute one VCM/GB for procurement of essential commodities; Timing for public shopping was fixed from 8 a.m to 11 a.m. Villagers coming from far flung areas for procurement of essential commodities for the village shall be assisted by police during the day time; Strict/ stringent action to be initiated against those persons spreading false/fabricated news and rum ours in social media about COVID-19; All forms of social gatherings to be banned until the lockdown was lifted by the government and no shopkeepers shall sale expired goods and beyond the MRP or fixed rate to customers taking advantage of the prevailing situation; Rates fixed will be reviewed periodically and fixed as and when the situation normalises. Anyone found selling above the fixed rate will be penalized which may extend to cancellation of their trade license. Revised rate of the essential commodities are potato Rs. 35 per kg; Onion Rs. 55 per kg; Rice (sunrise) Rs. 900 per 25 kgs; Silky rice (special) Rs. 900 per 25 kgs; Payjam rice Rs. 830 per 25 kgs; Rs. Rice (Andhar, Special Sonpori, Special 7 star, Morani, Arham) Rs. 960 per 25 kgs; Garlic Rs. 250 per kg. This fixed rate will come into force from March 31.

Review meeting of Kohima DTF COVID-19:

Kohima district task force (DTF) on COVID-19 held its review meeting on March 30 in DC’s office chamber, Kohima.

According to DIPR report, DC & chairman Kohima DTF, Gregory Thejawelie briefing the members informed that all preventive and precautionary measures have been

strictly enforced and undertaken at all quarantine centers and COVID-19 hospitals.

He informed that the legislators in-charge of monitoring Kohima COVID-19 situation, minister of Housing, Tongpang Ozukum and advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire and DTF team on March 28 visited the inter-state Khuzama check gate, and TB Hospital Khuzama, quarantine center at Meriema, COVID-19 Treatment Center at Chedema Ayush Hospital and NHAK. They expressed satisfaction over the preparedness facilities undertaken by respective assigned departments at all designated places to combat COVID-19 in the district.

On the other front, DC informed that the district administration along with Police personnel have been on war footing since day one of the lockdown to curtail the movement of the public and vehicles, however he reiterated that public needed to play their part by strictly following the guidelines issued by the government.

He also informed that the KMC has been helping out in all aspects by fumigating town areas alternatively and even extended to wards and colonies.

Deputy CMO Kohima, Dr. Hoito Chishi also briefed the house on the system of information flow in case of COVID-19 positive case under Kohima district. He informed that any symptomatic case from the epicenter of any positive case will be shifted to the Isolation Hospital (Chedema/NHAK) by designated ambulance. All the household in cordoned off area will be monitored and tracked by SMO/MO of respective blocks and their team of BPM/BAC etc and all the asymptomatic cases from the epicenter of any positive case will be home quarantined for 14 days, Dr. Hoito said.

Meeting also discussed on issue of availability of essential commodities in the sub-divisional levels, where the area administrative officers were asked to coordinate with the KMC to address the issue. It also pointed out that all MOs and medical staffs are to be in their respective station 24x7. In anticipation, the area administrative officers were also informed to work on statistic of migrant workers in their respective areas for the welfare of the daily wage earners.

TDTF convenes review meeting for COVID19: Tuensang district task force (DTF) convened a review

meeting at DC conference hall Tuensang on March 30. According to DIPR report, the meeting reviewed loopholes in implementing the lockdown in the district where SP Tuensang Bharat Laxman Markad stated that the police have been directed to follow non-touch policy to execute their duties. On home quarantine, he stated that 645 individuals have been screened, 156 people on home quarantine, 7 individual have completed their home quarantine and a total of 149 people were under home quarantine as of now. It was also resolved that medical team with proper gear will be visiting the all home quarantine person daily. With the directives of the deputy commissioner Tuensang all the colonies shall deployed three each well trained volunteers for updating the home quarantine person status and to distribute the relief items for the needy at the colony. For emergencies urban PHC will be used for regular treatments and severe cases of general sickness will be treated at Longpang PHC and District Hospital Tuensang will be designated as COVID Hospital.

Business establishments directed at Longleng: As a preventative measure to control the spread

of Covid-19 and also to ensure the availability of essential commodities to the people, the Longleng district administration in collaboration with Longleng Town Council and civil societies of the district have resolved and directed all shops and businesses establishments dealing with groceries and vegetables to open their shops and business establishments from 8 a.m to 11 a.m with effect from Monday. All such shops and businesses establishments are directed to compulsorily remain close after and before the aforementioned time period strictly.

NSDMA control room at work to tackle COVID-19

NSDMA officials along with NCS officials at the state control room Kohima on March 31. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Management Disaster Authority (NSDMA) has set up a state control room at Kohima since the state initiated the lockdown to tackle COVID–19.

According to DIPR report, K Y M C

the NSDMA along with NCS officials, Home Guards and DIPR are at work to address the grievances of the public including the far flung areas of the districts and the state by promptly getting into action for

any untoward incidents.

The state control room has been collecting, documenting and officially corresponding (global/national/state) through whatsapp, email and any other source on COVID-19, while

Deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has informed the general public that a dedicated account has been opened towards the COVID-19 cause.

Therefore, if anyone wishes to donate financially may do so at the account given here: Account name Dimapur COVID-19 relief, account number 39241187371 SBI Main Branch, IFSC code SBIN0000072.

daily situation reports of the state are sent to the central ministry for necessary actions to be taken up.

The control room has also been addressing the complaints and reports from various districts for pandemic preparation and responding to emergency support in the state and informed that for any assistance the toll free no. 1070 can be contacted 24/7 or mail to sdma. nagaland@gmail, seoc.nsdma@ gmail.com. Collectively around 60 officials from NSDMA, NCS, DIPR and Home Guards are manning the state control room.

It must be noted that Kohima Lotha Hoho contributed towards the fight against COVID-19 in the state by permitting the NSDMA to utilize its conference hall at Kezieke along with the furniture and other facilities for the present state-wide lockdown period.

It further appealed to all the citizens of Longleng, to stop movement of people within town and outside their home before and after the closure of shops except for emergency and Medical purpose. Violence of the order shall be apprehended and deal as per the Epidemic Diseases (Covid-19) regulations 2020 under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.

TSUD lauds administration and government:

Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) has fervently appealed to every citizen to heed the call of the authorities and to stay at home, while reminding that the lockdown was not a punishment but rather for their own protection.

A press release from TSUD president Rukewezo Wetsah and finance secretary, Pechesin Bukh appealed to all to make use of the home delivery system which has been implemented in Dimapur and Kohima and to make others aware to discourage people from venturing out.

TSUD also requested all the village councils and the colony councils to identify those daily wage earners in their wards and ensure that they get the facilities and relief materials provided by the government.

TSUD also lauded the administration and the government in their efforts to tackle the herculean pandemic and called for cohesive and joint efforts of all branches of the government in overcoming these difficult times.

TSUD also appealed to the government to expedite and set up mobile COVID-19 testing centre/centres in the state which is of paramount importance. TSUD also reminded government to make good on their promises and deliver essential commodities to those who live from hand to mouth through the village councils /colony councils. TSUD also assured fullest cooperation to the administration and will volunteer for any works when called upon to do so if the safety equipments /items are provided.

LMRSU urges people not to panic: Lotha Middle Range Students’ Union (LMRSU) has informed the general public of middle range that the authorities concerned were taking all precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and urged the general populace not to panic or disseminate misinformation pertaining to the outbreak. A press release by LMRSU president, Pipenthung Jungio also requested Medical department to set up a testing unit facility at the earliest, at Sanis community health centre, as it caters to the medical needs of the adjoining villages. Union also urged the people of the range not to resort to panic buying and hoarding of essential commodities, and adhere to strict compliance of government order.

PBCA urges people for spiritual preparedness: Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA),

Nyengching, Longleng headquarters has appreciated the Phom local churches for complying with the norms and guidelines of the lockdown.

A press release from PBCA rather urged people to search for God even during this lockdown period. PBCA informed that since March 24, the church bell rings at 7 p.m sharp every night in all the churches under PBCA to have a family prayer to defeat the war of COVID-19.

PBCA also appreciated Phom churches for continuously praying for all the doctors, nurses, medical experts and government authority all over the world. The PBCA also appreciate the Longleng administration led by DC, SP Longleng and Civil Hospital Longleng led by CMO for arranging ground preparation as precautionary measure for COVID-19.

NDPP central youth organisation appeals:

NDPP central youth organisation has appealed to the people of Nagaland to remain calm, cooperate and collectively battle to prevent the contagious COVID19 disease from reaching the state. The release from NDPP publicity and media cell urged general public to adhere to the order of total lockdown and remain at home except for procuring essential needs and also follow basic hygienic measures as advised by medical experts. NDPP central youth organisation also appealed to the people across all political affiliations or ideologies, religious beliefs and communities to set aside their differences and come together to collectively battle against the nagalandpost.com Poll impeding predicament.

Q.: Should Court issue suo A fervent appeal was moto notice on govt also made to all social meover plight of migrant workers? dia users and bloggers to not insinuate, encourage or 100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– indulge in political tiffs and 90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– squabbles, fear-mongering 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– or spread fake news which 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– could further deteriorate 50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– the prevailing situation 40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– but rather make good use 30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– of the digital platform in 20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– reaching out and to continu10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ally sensitize the public on 0% A B C COVID19.

Organisations condemn Mar 16 incident DIMAPUR: Condemnations at the brutal murder of late Er. Kevinguto Khate on March 16 continues to pour in from various organisations.

AGOK: Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho (AGOK) in a condemnation by president, Dr. Kedozeto Punyu and general secretary, Megolhou Dolie stated that the concerned authorities should leave no stone unturned to serve justice to the victim and his family, who not only have to come to terms with his death, but also the fact that his life had been brutally taken away in such a manner.

AGOK therefore appeals to the concerned authorities to take necessary action at the earliest so that justice may prevail.

OBASSI Nagaland Chapter: Old Boys Association of Sainik School Imphal Nagaland Chapter in a condemnation stated that, late Er. Er. Kevinguto Khate K was an

upcoming and bright officer, a caring brother, a loving son and a good friend.

OBASSI Nagaland Chapter therefore urged the concerned authority to leave no stone unturned and investigate the matter and book the culprits as per the law of the land at the earliest. It also extended condolences and share the sorrow of his bereaved family members, friends and near and dear ones.

MYO: Merhüma Youth Organization (MYO) in a condemnation stated that, these murderers do not deserve to live in a civilized society and therefore should be awarded severest of punishments so as to set a precedence to deter such senseless act in the future.

MYO urged the concerned authorities to take up the case with urgency and expedite the investigation and bring it to a logical closure.

A B C

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

67% 33% 0%

Next poll

Q: Will the lockdown be

effective in containing Coronavirus?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST April 1

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun and summerlike

39 18

Aizawl

Hazy sun and hot

33 12

Guwahati Hot with hazy sunshine Imphal

36 16

Hazy sunshine with very warm 33 10

Itanagar Hazy sunshine

30 16

Shillong Hazy sunshine

26 11

Hazy sunshine

27 11

Dimapur Hazy sun and very warm

34 17

Hazy sunshine

28 13

Tuensang Not as warm with hazy sun

20 9

Hazy sunshine

27 11

Zunheboto Hazy sunshine

25 12

Kohima Mkg Wokha

K Y M C

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 115 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

I

India’s racial virus

ndia is a mega-diverse country, comprising of 28 states and 8 union territories and the home to all the eight major religions of the world; where the 130 crore people speak 22 major languages and over 720 dialects. India is inhabited by more than two thousand ethnic groups- from the Aryans, Dravidians, Austroasiatic, Sino-Tibetan etc. India’s pluralistic, multilingual and multi-ethnic society finds resonance in its constitution which guarantees equality to all. Racism against the north east community in metro cities and other parts of India was believed to be a thing of the past as used to be thought. Unfortunately, people from the north east- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalayacontinue to experience the bitter and humiliating experience of being targets of racist remarks and physical abuse by ‘mainland’ Indians. They have been called ‘chinkis’, ‘momos’ and ‘Chinese’ for decades.

Now a new term of abuse has been added to their bigoted lexicon- ‘Corona’. People in the Northeast are increasingly facing racism and discrimination in the rest of the country since the outbreak of the coronavirus, says a report by Rights and Risk Analysis Group (RRAG), a New Delhi-based rights group. Apart from being called “Corona”, “Chinese”, “Chinki”, India’s Mongoloid looking people were spat on and called “coronavirus”, forcibly quarantined despite showing no COVID-19 symptoms because of their looks, denied entry into the apartment complex , forced to leave the apartment, threatened with eviction from their apartment, forced to leave a restaurant to make others comfortable, none wanting to share transport with them, reported Suhas Chakma of RRAG.The report, called Coronavirus Pandemic: India’s Mongoloid Looking People Face Upsurge of Racism, documents 22 reported cases of hate and racial discrimination between February 7 and March 25. Chakma said that the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued an advisory on March 21 to take “appropriate action against cases of harassment of people from the north east”. He, however, said that in the absence of a law against racism and racial discrimination in India, such an advisory was inadequate. A 74-year-old cancer patient and his daughter were denied entry into an apartment complex in Mumbai as neighbours suspected them to be Chinese. Another girl from Meghalaya was forced to leave an upscale restaurant in New Delhi because she was a ‘Chinki’. Even in February the Northeast Students’ Forum of TISS alleged that some of its members were accused of carrying the deadly virus, which originated in China, owing to their facial features. Two students from Nagaland were video filmed and uploaded on social media with the warning that they were carrying coronavirus. A student from Ladakh who went to buy vegetables in Jammu was nudged out of the line with his elbow as he was accused of being a Chinese carrying coronavirus. In one horrifying incident in Delhi, a woman student from Manipur was called ‘corona’ and spat on. In the latest video that was shown on TV, a person from Nagaland was refused entry into a Bengaluru Mall because he was a ‘chinki’. MoS Kiren Rijiju said he would take up the issue with the home ministry, while Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal brought up the issue in the Lok Sabha on March 19. Thus, all these were not isolated incidents but outright racism that needs to be tackled with stringent punishments otherwise, these pose threats on unity and law and order.

DailyDevotion Heedfulness or Hypocrisy in Ourselves?

If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. —1 John 5:16 If we are not heedful and pay no attention to the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other people are failing, and then we take our discernment and turn it into comments of ridicule and criticism, instead of turning it into intercession on their behalf. God reveals this truth about others to us not through the sharpness of our minds but through the direct penetration of His Spirit. If we are not attentive, we will be completely unaware of the source of the discernment God has given us, becoming critical of others and forgetting that God says, “…he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death.”

Be careful that you don’t become a hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right with God before you worship Him yourself. One of the most subtle and illusive burdens God ever places on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning others. He gives us discernment so that we may accept the responsibility for those souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them (see Philippians 2:5). We should intercede in accordance with what God says He will give us, namely, “life for those who commit sin not leading to death.” It is not that we are able to bring God into contact with our minds, but that we awaken ourselves to the point where God is able to convey His mind to us regarding the people for whom we intercede. Can Jesus Christ see the agony of His soul in us?

He can’t unless we are so closely identified with Him that we have His view concerning the people for whom we pray.

May we learn to intercede so wholeheartedly that Jesus Christ will be completely and overwhelmingly satisfied with us as intercessors.

Quotes

Education and democracy have the same goal: the fullest possible development of human capabilities. ~ Paul Wellstone

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

Post-mortem

Pestilence of old and this COVID-19

L

ike you, friends, I have been bombarded with the voices both from the religious and the secular media: the former mostly filled by fear, uncertainty, devastation, self-pity, and phantacies; and the latter more with factual, life-saving, self-motivating and realistic advice.

It will be a waste of time to explain the difference between these two, especially when everybody knows the difference as always. Actually the former should be the guard in times like this but unfortunately it throws its gun away and runs away for seemingly self pity. Here are few thoughts I consider more pragmatic in the face of so many questions raised by the people.

1. On ‘why the secular attacks the sacred, more specifically the church in the name of the pandemic?’

Many have written on this explaining that this is a different situation, social distancing is the main factor and this is important for the churches to cooperate if it should face lesser destruction by this pandemic and survive to continue worshipping God. 2. O n ‘ w h y t h e church is closed by the pastors listening to the secular authority and depriving the believers from worshipping God?’ Only ten days have passed, two Sundays inclusive. I wonder if this cry comes from those who attend churches regularly and who worship God more in their private lives. As a matter of fact, no one has

shut the church to the extent the church-thirsty believers are deprived too much. One can always go alone and pray in the church even this time except for missing the social acknowledgement in such a collective piety.

3. On ‘why this pastor or that reverend, or that head of the organization is not recording messages and putting in the social media for those believers who are thirsty with the word of God?’ We have missed only two Sunday worships so far and who knows we may have to go for many more such churchless worship.

What if you are quarantined alone in Kanyakumari, Goa or abroad? Is not the word of God with you? Is not Jesus you more when you are alone? Jesus would surely tell us ‘lo I am with you always, I am greater than the sign of Jonah (Lk.11:32), I am greater than Solomon the wisest man(Mt.12:42), and I am greater than the temple Solomon built for worship(Mt.12:16).Forget about the Bible with you but Jesus the word of God in whom you have believed is the Word of God even more than the Bible itself. If the Bible is the only Word of God but not Jesus what if you are not schooled to read the Bible. Of course there can be Bible believing Christians who do not believe in what Jesus told us ‘to obey everything I have commanded you’(Mt.28:20).

Perhaps our lack of obedience to Jesus creates fear and lack the experience of his promise to be with us

always. Our personal faith in the person of Jesus will create a well of his words in our hearts and it will flow every moment of our life, guide us while perplex, encourage us while dismayed, lead us while sidetracked.

But let us leave the watsaap there and think of Pastor Martin Rinkart of Germany (1586-1649).

Europe was struck by a similar pandemic originating and coming along the similar tract from the Eastern World as this COVID-19, the Black death(1347-1357) killing some two millions.

That bubonic plague was also infectious but it was caused by bacteria which could have been done away easily today. We are told our COVID-19 is caused not by bacteria but by a virus which cannot be killed by even the strongest drug available today like antibiotics.

Some two centuries later Germany where Pastor Rinkart served was struck by famines and pestilences following the thirty years war in central Europe killing eight million people.

Pastor Rinkart did not fear the deadly diseases and buried even 50 bodies a day.

Like most pastors today pastor Rinkart did not have enough food and clothing for his own family. But his own home served as the shelter for the afflicted victims sharing with them the limited resources his family had (by the way, the present pastors should also respect the natural law of infection and should not venture to break the rules of social

distancing. Funerals during this COVID-19 may not take place in conventional manner).

Pastor Rinkart could see the day he was fervently praying for, the silver line at the edge of the cloud. He was a choirister, perhaps under the guidance of J. S. Buck in Leipzig Lutheran Church. He outlived that moment of horror and wrote many gospel song including, Now Thank We Our God. This song is not often sung by our choirs, may be because they find the touch of glamour is lesser than other gospel songs like ‘All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name’ (diadem preferably) or the Halelluia Chorus in the compositions. Let us take the courage, faith, and dedication pastor Rinkart had and pray that we see a brighter day through this pandemic. We never know if God has designed to take many of our precious lives by this pandemic. Such event will never disprove the eternal Love of God. Let us remember what Pastor Rinkart’s song teaches us, that God is the Guide when perplexed. Let us stop visioning the rapture or the second coming of Jesus, God knows when it should happen.

Let us pray for a better time for it when we are better prepared in faith and action as Jesus’ followers.

Who can separate us from the love of God even in the midst of death!

Ezamo Murry,Model Village, 5th Mile, Dimapur

Tribute to late Dr. T. M. Lotha

I

am deeply sad at the loss of a good man like late Dr. T. M. Lotha who was not only a neighbour but was also like a nephew to me.

As an old man and during this unfortunate lockdown, I could not even attend his funeral which has made me even more resolved to at least write a few lines about him. Late Dr. T. M. Lotha hailing from Longsa village was a diligent youth and later became a medical doctor and deep at heart he remained thus even after joining the state politics. I remember seeing him walk to his clinic and attending to patients, most of whom got free treatment as late Dr. T. M. Lotha was a compassionate man.

Later he made his maiden venture in politics on NNDP ticket in 1987 and although he did not win, he continued to win people’s heart through his selfless humanitarian service towards the people of the constituency. He later won in the general elections of 1989, 2003 and in 2013. during 2003, he became the Home minister of Nagaland.

Dr. T. M. Lotha inspite of being exalted to a high position in life never lost his humility. He is one of the humblest people that I have come across in my life and a thorough gentleman to the core. He had a very amiable countenance and was a steady person with a deep understanding of various issues. I recollect meeting him often after Sunday devotional at the church premises and we would always have a small chat. At other times I would come across him during my visits to his native village to collect data for the books that I was in

the process of writing then.

He would always accord me much respect and give me encouragement for the research and data work. He was someone that I could sit for a proper discussion regarding pressing needs and issues for our people. We must also not forget that he was very much involved in the formation of the Naga Hoho. Lotha Hoho had held a meeting with the idea of forming one apex body representing the Naga tribes. In this regard, the Lotha Hoho designated Dr. T. M. Lotha, Pinyimthung Patton and Nyanbemo Ngullie as the core committee members to go and convince the various tribal hohos. Dr. T. M. Lotha along with the others took this task to heart and held series of discussions with all the various tribal leaders and returned back home with positive outcome.

The various tribal leaders with the exception of the Zeliangs and Konyaks met at Wokha for a very important meeting and thus was birthed the Naga Hoho on November 15, 1994. He has contributed much during his career as a doctor, politician and social worker and those achievements will remain for posterity. More than all these achievements, the one thing that people will always remember about late Dr. T. M. Lotha will be his genuine goodness as a human being. I want to convey to aka Mhalo and the children that he has left behind a rich legacy and is now at peace from all worldly ailments in the bosom of Jesus Christ.

Our prayers are always with aka Mhalo and the family.

T. Kikon, former IBM & legislator, Wokha.

Naga people are for principle based solution: Stand of NSCN on solution

T

he Nagas have been hand and the uniting point as alleged by some critics. and exists on its own prina free and sovereign for all Nagas on the other. Let us beware of those false ciple and when the prinpeople from time im- This agreement will be the preachers. ciple is murdered everything memorial and they have beginning of a new relaThe PAN Naga Hoho dies a natural death and never been a part of the tionship between the two is a statutory cultural Body, nothing stands. The Naga Union of India or that of peoples. The agreement was which embraces all Nagas nation stays alive and kickBurma or any power, which made taking the security wherever they are. It was ing only on account of its the historic ‘Framework of India and the sovereign proposed by the GoI and well-protected principle. The Agreement’ calls ‘the unique right of the Nagas into con- mutually agreed upon. It past Indian leaders tried to history of the Nagas.’ The sideration. The Framework deals with the affairs of solve the Indo-Naga politipolitics of the Nagas is Agreement says, “Both sides culture, social, customary, cal problem with brute force, founded on the rock of this have understood each oth- language, dialect, integrity but terribly failed. They unique history. Recognition er’s respective positions and interests of the Nagas. tried to solve it through apof the unique history of the and are cognizant of the It will also play an advisory peasement policy by pouring Nagas by the Government universal principle that in a role in the fields of educa- blood money as political of India is a bold and his- democracy sovereignty lies tion and development. The bait, but it could not win toric step. Any agreement with the people.” And that Naga people have a big rea- over the hearts of the Naga that betrays the principle the sovereignty of the Nagas son to say thank you to the people. Again, Government of this unique history is no lies with the Naga people Modi led BJP government. of India tried to murder the solution to the Indo-Naga and the sovereignty of India Only fools will say no.

Naga national principle political problem. lies with the Indian people.

To the question of through deceptive accords The leaders of Govern- The Framework Agreement ‘solution for Nagas of Na- and agreements, where ment of India (GoI) and the is principle based. galand state’ stated by Mr. some opportunist traitors Nagas took diametrically NSCN leadership as- Kitovi, in some sections were hooked, but the issue opposite stands and both sures the Indian represen- of local newspapers, Mr. remained unsolved because of them were adamant to tative that since the two Padmanabhaiah, the former the Naga people took solid their respective stands. GoI entities are bound together Interlocutor of GoI clearly rock stand on their national claimed that Nagalim was by the doctrine of this agree- stated if that is the case, principle. The Naga people an integral part of India and ment, it will uphold the then we have no reason to believe that the present Inviewed the problem from Framework Agreement at talk because statehood has dian leaders will not repeat the perspective of Indian all costs at all time. Mr. R. been granted to them. Gov- the past mistakes. constitution whereas the N. Ravi also assures the ernment of India is talking The Naga people can Nagas viewed it from the Nagas leaders that Govern- with NSCN because you never part with their naperspective of their unique ment of India also will abide (NSCN) represent the issue tional principle because they history. In the political talks by the Framework Agree- of the Nagas. In the formal are fully aware that the day the Naga leaders said, “We ment. Whoever opposes talk in Paris (France) Mr. they sell out their principle, have nothing to do with the Framework Agreement Narasimha Rao, the former everything in their hand India and nothing short of opposes the Government Prime Minister of India – their right, their history, total sovereignty and total of India. said to our leaders, “We are their identity, their culture, independence.” The past NSCN is fully aware talking with you because the their land, their politics political talks ended in a that any agreement that issue is with you, people and religion will die never dead-lock leading to armed betrays sovereign right of are with you and you have to rise. By then, they will confrontation between the the Nagas is no solution. Be proved yourselves, but they become foreigners in their two forces with no hope it informed that the allega- (others factions) are in my own land. of meeting point for solu- tion of dropping the issue of hand, the issue is not with We may live in develtion. Realizing that armed sovereignty is the language them, people are not with oped cities, but those cities confrontation brought no of false teachers. Mr. R. N. them and they have not will be named after our dividend to both, the Gov- Ravi, who represents the proved themselves. Why conquerors if we have sold ernment of India and the Government of India said in should I talk with them?” out our motherland to them; NSCN finally engaged in the formal talk that he is the He stated this in response we may be placed in high negotiations resulting in co-author of the Framework to the question raised by social positions, but the signing of the historic Agreement and that the Mr. Th. Muivah to talk with social positions withFramework Agreement Government of India will others. out national identity is a on 3rd August, 2015. The abide by the Framework Mr. R. N. Ravi said, lost people; we may live in agreement is based on the Agreement.

“Prime Minister Mr. Nar- palatial houses or possess recognized unique history In the competencies, endra Modi has authorized golden cars, but we will be and sovereignty of the Na- it says that ‘integration is me to solve the Naga issue a people without future if gas, and co-existence of the legitimate right of the on the basis of two equals.” we have bartered our right the two entities of being Nagas’ and a roadmap has He also said, “One talk, for gold like Esau of old; sovereign. By co-existence, been set for materializing one agreement and it will we may have unnumbered it means, the Nagas and the it through a political pro- be inclusive, which means children to be proud of, but Indians will coexist as two cess. NSCN is for all Nagas all should subscribe to the they will become subjects entities. In other word, it wherever they are and their reality of one talk and one of other people if we have means, Nagas will coexist territories. NSCN is neither solution.” Difficulties are murdered our history. with Union of India. The for a part of the Naga people surmountable through diaNSCN values the Naga Framework Agreement is nor for a part of their ter- logue; confrontation is not national principle above the meeting point of the ritories. It has never given the right option. all things and upholds it two peoples on the one up the issue of integration Everything comes from dearly with tears and blood Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

through thick and thin. In spite of persecutions and oppressions perpetrated against them by the aggressors for decades, the Nagas are still alive because they are deeply rooted in their national principle. Time and situation may change, but principle does not change.

Policy and strategy may change, but principle does not change. Principle and truth are not subject to change by majority votes.

Any kind of agreement that betrays the principle is no solution to the Indo-Naga political problem.

NSCN upholds the principle of interdependent relationship among all peoples and nations. We know the Nagas and the Indians are also interrelated and interdependent. As different kinds of species live together in the same planet, so the Indians and the Nagas will also coexist as two entities.

They must live together. But, merger of one identity with the other is an abominable sin of transsexual politics.

The Indo-Naga politi-

cal problem must be solved.

But how?

It is an issue wherein the sovereign right and future of the Nagas and the security of India are involved.

It will be solved through bilateral talks based on the recognized Naga history.

The Framework Agreement is a kind of honorable solution that serves purposes of both parties. It was officially signed by Mr. R. N. Ravi, the representative of the Government of India and Mr. Th. Muivah, the Chief negotiator of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim in the presence of Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Indian Army, Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag, National Security Advisor to Prime Minister, Mr. Ajit Doval and hosts of NSCN leaders in the eye of the Indian and the Naga people, and the whole world. Above all, God, the Creator of heaven and earth is the witness.

Issued by MIP, NSCN/ GPRN

Reader’s Post

Lockdown, migrant workers, and panic buying

Sir,

The current political regime at the centre has a penchant for declaring an immediate course of action of gigantic proportion and dealing with the consequences later on (Editorial, “Humanity locked out”, March 30). While the current lockdown is necessary to flatten the curve of the spread of the virus so that hospitals are not crowded beyond capacity, what was needed before the lockdown was a war room approach where cost-benefit analysis was done through discussions. The migrant workers cannot be faulted for walking long distances home since lacking any form of social security in their current work places, ties of kinship in their native place becomes their only hope. Panic buying at this time also cannot be faulted since the market is only an interface where interactions of sellers and buyers take place while real production is done behind the scene. With production activities coming to a halt, food riots, inflation, starvation and social unrest are not an impossibility where the country is marked by both abundance (in the fields due to good monsoon) and scarcity in the retail market due to lack of transportation.

The govt has to keep its act together at the earliest so that what was meant to be prevented i.e. spread of virus, does not happen while trying to prevent it.

Chothazo Nienu, Hyderabad newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

COVID-19: Tally increases across India Search begins for Nizamuddin-linked suspected cases

NEW DELHI, MAR 31 (PTI): Authorities launched a nationwide search on Tuesday for participants of a huge religious congregation held earlier this month in the national capital’s Nizamuddin area, which has become the new epicentre of the deadly virus pandemic amid fears that thousands present there could have carried the infection to the length and breadth of the country.

Thousands of participants of the Tablighi Jamaat held in mid-March in Nizamuddin, which also is home to a famous Dargah, are known to have returned to their homes in virtually every state including Telangana, West Bengal, Karnataka and Gujarat. Many of these states have reported COVID-19 cases linked to the Tablighi Jamaat.

Several fresh cases of infection were reported on Tuesday from Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and Bihar, among other places, taking the nationwide tally past 1,400 with at least 45 deaths, though a consolidated official tally was not announced in the Union Home Ministry’s

People who attended Tabligh-e-Jamaat congregation wait to board a bus in New Delhi. (PTI)

daily press briefing.

The government separately told the Supreme Court it has taken “proactive and preemptive timely steps” to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, but termed fake news as the biggest hindrance and sought a direction for the media not to publish any COVID-19 information without ascertaining facts with authorities. The apex court asked the Centre to prevent migration of people due to coronavirus and to set up within 24 hours a portal for disseminating real time information on the pandemic to counter the panic being spread through fake news.

It also said “panic will destroy more lives than the virus” and asked the Centre to get trained counsellors

and community leaders of all faiths to calm down the migrants, rather than the police to avoid use of force and intimidation.

The Union Health Ministry lamented that the number of hotspots has risen due to “lack of people’s support and delay in timely detection” of the cases.

Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said the government is using cluster containment strategies and doing rigorous contact tracing in these hotspots to check the virus from further spreading. Within the national capital, more than 1,000 people who attended the congregation have been quarantined while more than 300 have been admitted to hospitals. The government is screening all

those who participated in the event, officials said.

Agarwal, however, said it was not the time to find faults but to take action.

In the national capital alone, at least 24 people who took part in the religious congregation, Tablighi Jamaat, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, as he slammed the organisers for being “highly irresponsible” on their part to hold such an event at a time when thousands have died in other countries due to the pandemic.

The Union Home Ministry said approximately 2,100 foreigners visited India for ‘tabligh’ activities this year, including those from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan. It also said that all state police have been asked to locate Indian Tabligh Jamaat workers from local coordinators, followed by their medical screening and quarantine.

So far, 2137 such people have been identified and are being medically examined and quarantined, while more would be located, the Ministry said.

Several state governments, including in West Bengal, Assam and Manipur, said they are taking steps to locate participants of the Nizamuddin event.

According to officials, other states from where the attendees had come include Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, M a h a r a s h t r a , M a d hya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Andaman Nicobar Islands, Rajasthan, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab and Meghalaya.

The government, however, asserted that there is no shortage of medicines to combat the deadly virus outbreak and the Department of Pharmaceuticals is regularly monitoring distribution and addressing issues with the help of other departments, states and Union Territories.

Seeking cooperation from the public to fight the pandemic, the Union Health Ministry officials said there was no need to panic. They also said not everyone needs to wear masks and that following social distancing is more important to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Separately, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre and authorities concerned to provide free of cost testing facility for COVID-19 to all citizens in the country.

The plea has also sought a direction to the authorities for ramping up the testing facilities for COVID-19 at the earliest “given the escalating mortality and morbidity rate across the country”.

5

J&K Bank fraud case: CBI court rejects bail plea of Hilal Rather NEW DELHI, MAR 31 (PTI): A special CBI court in Jammu on Tuesday refused to grant interim bail to Hilal Rather, son of a former Jammu and Kashmir minister, in the Rs 177 crore bank fraud case rejecting his fears of contracting COVID-19 and noting that he is more at risk outside the prison.

While rejecting the application, the Special CBI Judge Rajesh Sekhri also noted that in the prevailing situation, he is more likely to contract the virus if he moves of the jail, and his release may frustrate the purpose behind the lockdown.

Rather had moved an application using WhatsApp on medical grounds before the Special CBI judge, Jammu seeking interim bail after the CBI filed a charge sheet against him in the Rs 177crore J&K Bank loan fraud case, citing the prevailing

threat of contracting coronavirus during incarceration, the officials said.

Terming the allegations of the CBI as “fallacious”, “concocted” and “imaginary”, Rather had sought release on bail citing his health condition which makes him “more susceptible to contract coronavirus infection in unhygienic conditions in jail.” “...health condition of the petitioner is being monitored, on a regular basis by courts and the jail authorities. Therefore, release of the convalescent petitioner in these pandemic situation may otherwise have deleterious effect on his health and frustrate the purpose behind the lockdown,” Special Judge Sekhri said.

He also directed the jail authorities to “ensure proper hygiene” in general, and in particular where

Rather has been lodged.

The CBI strongly countered his arguments submitting that Rather, son of former Jammu and Kashmir minister Abdul Rahim Rather, is more likely to be infected if he moves out of the jail.

The Government of India has announced a complete lockdown and restricted all forms of movement to prevent the spread of COVID19, the agency said.

The agency argued that releasing Rather on bail on health ground will be against the spirit of the lockdown, putting him and fellow citizens at risk, the officials said.

The CBI also said he was discharged by PGI, Chandigarh in a stable condition and there is nothing on record to suggest that he requires any special treatment or hospitalisation for any illness.

Gov extends Aoleang, Monyü greetings DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Nagaland governor, RN Ravi, has extended greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of Aoleang and Monyü festivals especially to the Konyak and Phom communities.

In his message, Ravi said Aoleang festival was an occasion for the Konyak people to pray for a bountiful harvest.

He further stated that the traditional Monyü festival was also an occasion for Phom community to show love and respect for one another realising the uncertainty of

the future.

Governor expressed appreciation to the Konyak and Phom communities for showing the true essence of the festivals by practising ‘social distancing’, and in turn containing the spread of the deadly virus in this time of pandemic as the celebration was being carried out from their respective homes.

He wished peace and good health to the people of Nagaland as the people observe the festivals in confinement.

Many continue to defy lockdown orders... COVID-19 hotspots increased due to ‘lack of people’s support’

(From p-1) While appreciating the role of volunteers, Thejawelie however reminded them to follow the government’s standing orders and not take law into their own hands.

Dimapur: After the near-fiasco on March 30 when vehicles jammed the roads and shoppers massed stores and markets, Dimapur police on March 31 took a more proactive role in enforcing regulation of movement of vehicles. Police set up barricades at entry and exit points near Hotel Tragopan junction, Deluxe Point (Bata Char Ali), Dhobinalla junction, New Market junction, G.S Road, MP Road, Nyamo Lotha Road and Eros Lane Road etc..

The lockdown created traffic snarl at

various junctions as commuters struggled to find the exit points. There were also reports that medical staff, media with passes, under exempted list of the lockdown, were also denied entry in some areas.

Some grocery shop owners in New Market area also claimed they were not allowed to open their shops. Many vegetable vendors from the same market were allotted space along foothpath at Holy Cross Junction, Circular Road, Kher Mahal Junction etc. Shoppers were only allowed to walk on foot to procure the essentials.

Many grocery dealers, who were not allowed to open their shops, urged the competent authority come out with a clear cut directive in this regard.

SC asks Centre to prevent migration Issues directive to set up portal within 24 hrs for real time info

NEW DELHI, MAR 31 (PTI): The Supreme Court asked the Centre on Tuesday to prevent migration of people due to coronavirus and set up within 24 hours a portal for disseminating real-time information on the pandemic to counter the panic being spread through fake news.

“Panic will destroy more lives than the virus”, the top court said and asked the Centre to get trained counsellors and community leaders of all faiths to calm down the

migrants, who are kept in shelter homes across the country.

It said these shelters should be run by volunteers and not the police, and there should be no use of force and intimidation.

The top court also asked the Centre to prevent the migration and take care of people’s needs of food, shelter, nourishment and medical aid.

The Centre through an affidavit informed the apex court that it has taken “proactive and preemptive

NSVDBA backs WSH Dmp lockdown demand

DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Describing the present policy of lockdown for a few hours as “entirely pointless”, the Nagaland State VDB Association (NSVDBA) Tuesday extended its support to Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) demand for imposing a total lockdown of Dimapur town.

In a press release, NSVDBA president Tohoshe Awomi and general secretary Manthungo Kikon stated that if Dimapur city could take preventive measures, it could protect the entire populace and1,285 villages of Nagaland. However, the association cautioned that if the virus reached Dimapur city, it has the potential of spreading to the entire State.

NSVDBA has, therefore, requested the state govern-

ment to totally lockdown Dimapur district for at least 15 days to break the chain of the spread of virus.

Meanwhile, the association has expressed gratitude to state government for releasing 50% of GIA (Grant in Aid) funds to the VDBs of Nagaland in this time of COVID-19 pandemic. It stated that fund has been released to the VDBs for taking necessary steps in the preparation of the fight against the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state. NSVDBA said the move showed the government concern for the rural populace of the State.

The association has therefore urged the VDBs of 1285 villages to strictly follow the guidelines for which the fund has been released.

H&FW deptt notifies price of surgical mask DIMAPUR, MAR 31 (NPN): Directorate of health and family welfare (H&FW) has directed all the retail pharmacy outlets within the Nagaland to adhere by the ceiling rate of Rs.16 for the 3 ply surgical mask. In an order, additional drugs controller WH Patton cautioned that failure to comply to the directive would invite stern administrative and legal action without further warning.

timely steps” to deal with the coronavirus pandemic due to which its spread is so far contained, but fake news was causing serious panic, and remained the “single most unmanageable hindrance” in the management of this challenge.

The Centre sought a direction from the Supreme Court that no media outlet print, publish or telecast anything on coronavirus without first ascertaining facts from the mechanism provided by the government.

NEW DELHI, MAR 31 (PTI): The number of coronavirus hotspots in the country has increased as a result of “lack of public support” at some places and failure to inform authorities in time about suspected cases, the Health Ministry said on Monday.

With over 1,200 COVID-19 cases reported in the country so far, Heath Ministry officials asserted that rigorous contact tracing and cluster containment strategies are being implemented strictly to check the virus from spreading further.

Addressing the daily press conference to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said 227 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours. He further said wherever even a single case of the pandemic is reported it is as good as a hotspot for the government.

The official said a group of Union ministers Tuesday took stock of the situation and stressed on the need for readying dedicated COVID-19 hospitals. “With over 1,200 cases of COVID19, the number of hotspots in the country has increased.

The reason for this sudden increase in cases has been due to lack of public support in some locations and failure to inform authorities in time,” Agarwal said while underlining the need for collective support to fight the battle against coronavirus.

“The entire society may have to bear the brunt for the lack of cooperation on the part of even one individual,” he said.

Agarwal also asserted that the government is making efforts towards increasing the availability of protective gear for medical professionals.

He said besides making efforts towards developing indigenous products, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has identified suppliers in South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam to improve the capacity of PPE, N-95 masks, ventilators and other equipment as well as to boost logistics in the country during the COVID19 crisis.

“We have told our procurement agencies and have discussed with Ministry of External Affairs that whichever country we plan to procure any of the items from, they should follow the required standards and tech-

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE NAGALAND : KOHIMA

No.H&FW-27/B-30/nCoV2020(Pt)/950-56

CIRCULAR

NB: a. The authorization letter shall be valid for one time fill and shall be retained at Reliance Retail Outlets. b. The authorized Government Authorities shall issue authorization letter in duplicate (original for Reliance Retail Outlets and duplicate copy as office record).

3. The fuel quantity capped at up to 50 (Fifty) litres maximum per vehicle per day or any quantity up to 50 (Fifty) litres maximum.

4. The Free Fuel gesture will be wef from 30th March 2020 till 14th April 2020.

Sample Copy of Authorization Letter: Name of Patient(s)

b. Individual earmarked for designated quarantine and dedicated COVID-19 Hospitals or Isolation facilities on board c.

suggest that strains circulating in India were any less virulent.

He further said so far 42,788 samples have been tested for coronavirus infection out of which 4,346 samples were tested on Monday.

“This represents 36 per cent of India’s capacity,” he said, adding, 49 private labs have been given permission for testing so far and 399 patients were tested in such laboratories on Monday.

He further said the ICMR will work with the Department of Bio-technology, Department of Science and Technology and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to further the agenda of developing a vaccine for the COVID-19 and diagnostic kits.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION Nagaland : Kohima - 797 004

NO. DTE/SCTE/6/20-21/1885

0370-2270409 0370-2271432

Dated Kohima, the 31st March 2020

NOTIFICATION NO.DTE/EXAM/6/20-21/: The last date of form submission for Diploma Entrance Examinations (DEE) 2020-21 has been extended to 30th April 2020.

Date of Entrance Examination of the same shall be communicated in due course of time.

(ER. ARJUN SINGH) Director

DC-362

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE NAGALAND : KOHIMA No. H&FW-27/B-30/nCoV2020(Pt)/957-63

(MENUKHOL JOHN) Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland

Dated Kohima, the 30th of March, 2020

APPEAL In this extraordinary time of COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health and Family Welfare Nagaland would like to appeal to all the retired personnel of the medical fraternity such as medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, radiographers, pharmacists, etc; and also the medical students in the final year as well as PG students who are at home; to consider to volunteer and lend a helping hand in service of the people of Nagaland.

Members of the above mentioned medical fraternity who would like to volunteer to deliver humanitarian services may submit their WILLINGNESS details in the under mentioned format through WhatsApp to 9402 24 5812 1. Name: 2. Age/ Gender: 3. Technical Qualification(s): 4. Present Address:

Registration Number of the vehicle

DC-359

masks are concerned, he said international bodies like WHO have not given any categorical opinion on their usage so far. He, however, said anticipating that a need may arise to make them available, the whole issue was being technically examined by the health ministry and suitable guidelines will soon be issued.

He also said not everyone needs to wear masks and stressed on social distancing being a more important measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Talking about the epidemiology of the virus which will impact research on vaccine development, Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, head of the Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the ICMR, said so far there was no evidence to

Dated Kohima, the 30th March, 2020

The Reliance Industries Ltd under its corporate responsibility has decided to offer Free Fuel to Emergency Service vehicles strictly for the following purpose (copy of email received enclosed): a. For carrying COVID-19 patients to and from designated quarantine and dedicated COVID-19 Hospitals or Isolation facilities. b. For carrying people who have been advised quarantine at designated quarantine or Isolation facilities.

2. Free Fuel will be issued by Reliance Retail Outlets only to emergency service vehicles driver/crew on production of authorization letter (Sample Copy given below) issued only by the following authorized Government Authorities: a. District Administration Officer identified by the Deputy Commissioner of the district. b. Chief Medical Officer of the district. c. District Police Administration identified by the Superintendent of Police of the district.

a.

nical guidelines,” he said.

While acknowledging that there have been cases in a few locations of healthcare workers getting infected and also infecting their colleagues, he clarified that it was “not due to any negligence”.

“With respect to infection associated with healthcare workers, it is a major area of concern for us and as part of our strategy to manage COVID-19 we have been taking up exhaustive training across the country to ensure that the healthcare staff is aware about what precautions need to be taken when it comes to COVID19 management,” he said.

Seeking cooperation from the public to fight the pandemic, Agarwal said there was no need to panic.

As far as home-made

DC-360

(MENUKHOL JOHN) Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department

6

international

pandemic far from China probes company for COVID-19 over in Asia-Pacific: WHO faulty COVID-19 test kits

Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology.

Beijing, March 31 ( IAN S ) : C h i n a h a s launched an investigation into Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology, a Chinese company that sold a batch of coronavirus test kits to Spain which authorities said were faulty, an official source said on Tuesday.

Despite the results of the ongoing investigation not detecting any irregularities in the tests yet, the Chinese government will not tolerate any practice that does not meet the authorized criteria, the source tolf Efe news.

The Spanish government bought 640,000 rapid test kits from the Chinese company, based in Guangzhou province, of which the first 58,000 arrived in the European country, one of the worst-hit by the pandemic, last week.

Last week, Spanish

Health Minister Salvador Illa said that the first batch of testing kits failed to pass quality control checks after several microbiology laboratories in the country’s major hospitals found that they were not working well.

“The manufacturer in China has agreed to their return and will replace them with a new test model,” the Health Ministry had said in a statement then.

Bioeasy did not feature in the list of authorized suppliers offered to Spain by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce although the Spanish Health Ministry said that the purchase “was initiated before the Chinese authorities provided new lists of suppliers” to the government.

The Chinese company’s tests, however, have been approved by the European Union (EU) for their

sale throughout the bloc.

The sources consulted

by Efe said products can be approved by the EU despite not yet being approved by the Chinese government as both follow different procedures.

They also stressed that so far no irregularities have been found in Bioeasy and added that, as there are two ways of using the rapid testing kits purchased by Spain, some misunderstanding over how to use the tests could have occurred.

Ever since the pandemic has subsided in China, the Asian country has been exporting large shipments of coronavirus tests as well as medical equipment to many countries around the world. The official Beijing Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday that 23 new detection reagents and seven types of new medical equipment including ventilators, protective clothing and masks, have been approved by the authorities.

Companies requesting the registration of new detection reagents must submit a series of documentation on clinical assessment, product risk analysis, inspection reports and research data of the components used, among many other aspects.

Manila, March 31 (IANS): The coronavirus pandemic was “far from over” in the Asia-Pacific region, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said on Tuesday, urging member countries to work together to halt the spread of the deadly disease.

“Let me be clear. The epidemic is far from over in Asia and the Pacific. This is going to be a long-term battle and we cannot let down our guard,” WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Takeshi Kasai told a virtual media briefing.

Kasai said the WHO was very much encouraged by the countries in the region that have pushed back the virus or managed to slow their outbreaks, reports Xinhua news agency.

“For countries that are seeing case taper off, this is not the time to let down your guard. If you do, the virus will come surging back. You must keep up your efforts and help other countries in whatever ways you can,” he said.

Kasai urged countries to keep preparing for largescale community transmission. He said that countries with limited resources and with fragile health systems such as Pacific Island nations are the priority, stressing the need to help these countries by shipping samples for diagnoses. As of Tuesday,

Takeshi Kasai WHO data showed that the Western Pacific region now has tallied a total of 104,869 COVID-19 cases, including 3,671 deaths.

WHO technical adviser Matthew Griffith said in the briefing that the global community can learn from the experiences of China on how to slow down the spread of the virus.

“This experience is also needed here in our region especially now that new countries and areas are reporting, including Laos, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands,” he said, adding that it means that “the risk of the epidemic remains high in all countries and areas”.

The Philippines on Tuesday recorded 538 new coronavirus cases, the biggest one-day jump in cases since the virus emerged , bringing the total number of infections to 2,084.

After Twitter, FB deletes Bolsonaro videos for ‘misinformation’

Brasilia, March 31 (IANS) : Following a similar move by the microblogging platform Twitter, social media giant Facebook hs also removed videos in which Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro challenged the isolation measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement on Monday, Facebook that it decided to delete the videos, which were also shared on Instagram, because its policy does not allow “misinformation that could lead to physical harm”, reports Efe news.

In the videos, the 65-

Jair Bolsonaro year-old Bolsonaro was seen talking to a street vendor in Taguatinga, one of the satellite cities of the capital Brasilia, despite

Crossword

Su doku

the restrictions imposed by various states to stop the spread of COVID-19, which has already left 159 dead and 4,579 others in-

fected “What I have been hearing from people is that they want to work. What I have said from the beginning is that ‘we are going to be careful, the over-65s stay at home’,” said Bolsonaro.

He also told people that chloroquine, a medicine used against malaria and other diseases, “is working everywhere”, even though its effectiveness against coronavirus has not yet been scientifically proven.

“We remove content on Facebook and Instagram that violates our Community Standards, which do

not allow misinformation that could lead to physical harm,” the company said in the statement.

Facebook, which owns Instagram, has announced various initiatives to contribute to the fight against the coronavirus, including measures to curb misinformation and “false news” and increase the dissemination of the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

The company made the decision to remove Bolsonaro’s video just a day after Twitter, which removed two because they “violated the Twitter Rules”,

No. 9540 Yesterday’s solution No. 9539

Across 4. Empty talk (3,3) 7. Great elation (8) 8. Casualty (6) 10. Woo (5) 13. Hollow (4) 14. Singing voice (4) 15. Tie fast (4) 16. Everything (3) 17. Send by post (4) 19. Man-eating giant (4) 21. Sugar pea (9) 23. Search for prey (4) 24. Additional (4) 26. A sack (3) 27. Small swelling (4) 29. Rotisserie (4) 32. Greek letter (4) 33. Willow (5) 34. Prance (6) 35. Swap (8) “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey Luke 11:28.

36.it!”

Newspaper boss (6)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

UNSC expresses concern over COVID-19’s impact on Syria U n i t e d Nat i o n s, M a rc h 3 1 ( IAN S ) : The UN Security Council (UNSC) has expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Syria and the potential devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the war-torn country.

On Monday, the Council held a briefing via video teleconference on the situation in Syria and was briefed on by UN UndersecretaryGeneral for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock and UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Council members stressed the need to ensure the necessary conditions to tackle the spread of COVID19 in Syria and called on all parties to ensure safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, including medical items, in all parts of the country and to all Syrians in need.

The members called on all parties to ensure a sustained period of calm throughout the country and reaffirmed the need for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254, which envisions a political settlement of the Syria conflict.

During the briefing on Monday, Lowcock warned that the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to

On Monday, the Council held a briefing via video teleconference on the situation in Syria. have a devastating impact with relevant authorities. on the vulnerable commuPreparedness and renities in conflict-affected sponse plans have also been Syria. developed and the pre-posi“As of this morning, tioning of equipment and 10 cases of COVID-19 have supplies, the rehabilitation been confirmed in Syria, in- of the Central Public Health cluding one death. Judging Laboratory, the upgrading from other places, that is the of available isolation units, tip of the iceberg. The virus and community engagement has the potential to have a programs are all underway. devastating impact on the “But all efforts to prevulnerable communities vent, detect and respond to across the country,” the UN COVID-19 are impeded by humanitarian chief said.

Syria’s fragile health system, “Syria’s health services by high levels of population are extremely fragile. Only movement, challenges to around half of its hospi- obtaining critical supplies, tals and primary healthcare including protective equipcenters were fully functional ment and ventilators, and at the end of last year,” he by the practical difficulties said. of implementing isolation Lowcock said that the and protective measures in UN-supported surveillance areas of displacement, with and early warning systems high population density and have been reinforced across low levels of sanitation serthe country, in joint efforts vices,” said Lowcock.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” Luke 11:28.

We, the bereaved family members of Late Shri. Vechopa Benedict Rhakho would like to convey our sincere gratitude to all those who stood by and supported us at his demise on 15.03.2020. We regret our inability to express our gratitude and acknowledgement to every individual and organization.

But we pray to God to bless all who have been a great support morally, physically and spiritually to our family.

We would like to specially thank: 1. Doctors, Nurses and staff of Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur.

2. Doctor, Nurses and Staff of PHC, Lozaphuhü.

BORN: 26.02.1948 3. Diocese of Kohima.

DIED: 15.03.2020 4. Holy Cross Parish, Dimapur.

5. St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumoukedima. 22. Fathers, Sisters and Lay Faithful of 6. Fathers and Sisters from Phek region.

St. Mary’s Parish, Lozaphuhü.

7. Lozaphuhü Krotho, Dimapur.

23. Phek Village Council.

8. Western Chizami Union, Dimapur.

24. Bishop Abraham Memorial High 9. Lozaphuhü Welfare Union, Kohima.

School, Phek Town.

10. Chakhesang Catholic Association.

25. Losami Village Council.

11. Chakhesang Catholic Women 26. NPF, Losami Unit.

Association.

27. Sümi Village Baptist Church.

12. St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire.

28. Officers & Staff, DC Office, Phek.

13. Loyola Hr. Sec. School, Kiphire.

29. St. Peter’s Church, Kikruma.

14. St. Ignatius Parish, Razeba.

30. St. Paul’s Church, North Kikruma.

15. Lozaphuhü Village Council.

31. SDO (Elect) No.-II and Staff, 16. Lozaphuhü Students’ Union.

Dimapur.

17. Lozaphuhü Baptist Church.

32. Shri. Yitachu, Hon’ble MLA. 18. Rhakho & Khamo Clan, Lozaphuhü. 33. Mrs. Keduzulou Wetsah & Family, 19. NPF, Lozaphuhü Unit.

Diphupar, Dimapur.

20. Lanezho Village Council.

34. Lt. Z. Katiry’s Family.

21. St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Lanezho. 35. In-laws and Well Wishers.

Loving wife, children, grand children and relatives.

DP-2215

20th Death Anniversary

H. Vihokhu Yeptho

No. 4159 Yesterday’s solution No. 4158

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

K

Y M C

No. 3185 Yesterday’s solution No. 3184

01.04.2000 -01.04.2020 What we learned from our father was that life is short and often brutal and the best way to combat all that is with a good laugh and the ability to appreciate the small moments of joy, despite any circumstances.

Father, you are fondly remembered today.

DP-2213

KAKURO

We, the bereaved family members of Late Shri. Vechopa Benedict Rhakho would like to convey our sincere gratitude Down to all those who stood by and supported us at his demise on 1. Holy city (5) 15.03.2020. We regret our inability to express our gratitude 2. Nozzle (5) and acknowledgement to every individual and organization.

But we pray to God to bless all who have been a great support 3. Twelve inches (4) morally, physically and spiritually to our family.

4. Place of safety (5) We would like to specially thank: 5. Discretion (4) 1. Doctors, Nurses and staff of Eden 6. Frozen spike (6) Medical Centre, Dimapur.

9. Opposite of outdoor (6) 2. Doctor, Nurses and Staff of PHC, 11. Aged26.02.1948 (3) Lozaphuhü.

BORN: 3. Diocese of Kohima.

DIED: 15.03.2020 12.

Ancient Italian 4. Holy Cross Parish, Dimapur. inhabitant (5) 5. St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumoukedima. 22. Fathers, Sisters and Lay Faithful of Predicament (7) 6. Fathers and Sisters from Phek region.

St. Mary’s Parish, 13.

Lozaphuhü.

7. Lozaphuhü Krotho, Dimapur.

23. Phek Village Council.

15. Large (3) 8. Western Chizami Union, Dimapur.

24. Bishop Abraham Memorial High 16. Skill (3) 9. Lozaphuhü Welfare Union, Kohima.

School, Phek Town.

18. Branched horn (6) 10. Chakhesang Catholic Association.

25. Losami Village Council.

11. Chakhesang Catholic Women 26. NPF, Losami Unit.20. Estimate (5) Association.

27. Sümi Village Baptist Church.

21.Drinking vessel (3) 12. St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire.

28. Officers & Staff, DC Office, Phek.

Summit (3) 13. Loyola Hr. Sec. School, Kiphire.

29. St. Peter’s Church,22.

Kikruma.

14. St. Ignatius Parish, Razeba.

30. St. Paul’s Church,23.

North Kikruma.

Expose to danger (6) 15. Lozaphuhü Village Council.

31. SDO (Elect) No.-II and Staff, 25.

Cease living (3) 16. Lozaphuhü Students’ Union.

Dimapur.

28.

Complete (5) 17. Lozaphuhü Baptist Church.

32. Shri. Yitachu, Hon’ble MLA. 18. Rhakho & Khamo Clan, Lozaphuhü. 33. Mrs. Keduzulou Wetsah & Family, 30. Apron, informally (5) 19. NPF, Lozaphuhü Unit.

Diphupar, Dimapur.

31. Attempts (5) 20. Lanezho Village Council.

34. Lt. Z. Katiry’s Family.

32. Rush away (4) 21. St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Lanezho. 35. In-laws and Well Wishers.

33. Line in darts (4) Loving wife, children, grand children and relatives.

DP-2215

Loving wife, children, grandchildren & in-laws K

Y M C

‘Convert Goalpara detention camp into COVID-19 hospital’

A view of Goalpara detention camp.

Guwahati, Mar 31 (PTI): A prominent rights body has demanded that an under-construction detention centre in Goalpara of western Assam be converted into a hospital for treatment of COVID-19 patients.

State coordinator of Mumbai-based NGO Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) Zamser Ali said that the upcoming Goalpara detention centre, where approximately 10,000 people can be treated, should be converted into a hospital.

Currently, Assam has six detention centres within jail premises where persons declared as foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals are lodged.

Another detention cen-

tre is being constructed outside jail premises at Matia in Goalpara.

“The Assam government is loking for places far away from densely populated areas as isolation is important to check the spread of the virus.

“Turning this facility into a COVID-19 quarantine and treatment centre will reduce the amount of time, money or energy required for construction of a temporary or a permanent hospital as construction of boundary wall and cottages for inmates is almost complete.

Therefore, we urge the government to convert the under-construction Goalpara detention centre into a

COVID-19 quarantine and treatment facility with immediate effect, Ali said.

Justifying his logic that a detention centre should not come up at Matia, he said “If we go through the government database as submitted in Parliament and the Assam Assembly from time to time, almost 98 per cent of the people living in the six detention centres in Assam have no link with foreign countries.”

The remains of 29 people who have so far died in various detention centres of Assam, could not be sent to any foreign country but handed over to their Indian relatives, and their last rites were performed on Indian soil, he claimed.

7

NORTHEAST

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

COVID-19 : Meghalaya to home deliver liquor on health grounds

Correspondent

Shillong, Mar 31: The Meghalaya government will make home delivery of liquor on health grounds in the wake of the nationwide lockdown to combat COVID-19, an excise official said on Tuesday.

However, the home delivery of liquor will be made on health grounds strictly against medical prescriptions issued by the registered medical practitioner.

“Bonded warehouses may be allowed to sell and provide home delivery of liquor as a special case with immediate effect up to 14th April, 2020 (midnight) until further orders” to customers who are 21 years old and above, the Excise official said. In the order by the deputy secretary for excise, registration, taxation and stamps department, the customer can log in and upload the medical prescription for the delivery of liquor to his residence from the bonded warehouse, in the respective

district .The warehouse in turn obtains approval of the officer in the charge of excise and bonded warehouse then delivers the liquor to the customer on request upon payment of all dues.”

“The commissioner of excise has been requested to issue detailed instruction to the bonded warehouses and excise officials regarding the modalities of home delivery of liquor by the bonded warehouses to the customers upon request, strictly on health grounds,” the order said.

Fur ther, the order said extra service/delivery charge may be allowed to be levied by the bonded warehouses, subject to the maximum charge of Rs 100 within 15 km and Rs 200 beyond 15 kms.

“Since the excise Rules do not permit retail sale of liquor by the bonded warehouses, it may be treated as a temporary measure only to cater to the essential health needs of genuine customers,” the order stated.

COVID-19: Mnp receives 2nd consignment of medical equipments Imphal, Mar 30 (PTI): The Manipur government on Monday received the second consignment of essential medical equipment including screening kits, sanitiser, masks, gloves and other personal protective gears, which will help the state health workers to combat the coronavirus outbreak, an official said. The consignment of medical equipment weighing more than 5 tonne was brought by an cargo aircraft of the Indian Air Force, he said.

COVID-19: NE states ask attendees of Nizamuddin event to report

IMPHAL/Shillong, Mar 31: Manipur police on Tuesday joined the search for people who attended a religious event in the national capital that has set off several COVID-19 clusters.

The religious congregation was organized by Tablighi Jamaat at Delhi’s Nizamuddin between March 13 and March 15 and over 2,000 people, including delegates from Indonesia and Malaysia, had attended the congregation, a global Islamic missionary movement set up in 1926.

At least 6 persons from Telangana who took part in the prayer reportedly died of COVID-19 and 24 people testing positive while nearly 200 others showing symptoms till on Monday.

This report sparked massive search for Covid-19 cases across the country and joining the search, Manipur police on Tuesday ordered all persons who attended the congregation to report and get tested at government hospitals nearest to their residence or contact the helpline numbers for COVID-19 in the state.

The state police do not have the exact figure of the individuals from the state who attended the congregation, but from various sources, it is believed that over 80 individuals from the state attended the congregation.

Manipur chief minister, in a post in his facebook account today, appealed the people from the state who attended the congregation to come forward and get tested

for the COVID-19.

“Please call helpline number- 1800-345-3818.

This message is not aimed at spreading panic, it’s a call to act responsibly,” the chief minister posted.

Following the report of some people from the state taking part in the congregation, police have also started searching for them, a highly reliable source said.

State DGP LM Khoute also called upon the individuals who attended the congregation to report to their nearest government healthcare centre or to contact COVID-19 helpline numbers opened in the state.

Those who stayed near the venue of the congregation and who had visited Delhi’s Nizamuddin must also come forward for the same health check up, he ordered. They can also contact the helpline numbers of COVID-19 opening at state health directorate or chief minister secretariat, he added.

The DGP warned of legal action if anyone fails to do so.

Meghalaya: Meghalaya government on Tuesday appealed to those people from the State who attended the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat at Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi to report voluntarily to the nearest government hospital or by calling help-

WANTED

HELPER FOR HOME Salary - Rs 4000/Free Food+Lodging #9077513194

DP-2212

Correspondents

line number 108.

CM Conrad Sangma asked people from the state who attended the religious congregation at Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi from March 13 to 15 to immediately call the Helpline No 108 and give details about their travel history and current whereabouts.

According to one Anwar Ali of Shillong Markaz,

at least seven people from Meghalaya had attended the Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi. Of the seven people, Ali said five of them – Md. Nabil, Md. Akhtar, Md. Ziyad, Md. Fayaz and Minaz Uddin are still stuck in Delhi while Md. Sakid and Ataur Rehman are camping in Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow.

“I am in touch with

those camping in Delhi.

They have completed their medical examination and tested negative for COVID19,” Ali told this journalist.

On Tuesday, Ali also submitted a letter of intimation to Meghalaya police informing that few members of Shillong Markaz had visited Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi before the lockdown was announced.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (Nagaland State Drugs Control Administration) Nagaland Kohima NoDHFW-13/DC/26n-COV-19/2020-2021/2761

Dated Kohima the 27th March 2020

ORDER In pursuance of the Order issued by Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution, Government of India Vide No.S.O.1207(E) New Delhi the 24th March 2020 in regard to fixation of ceiling price of 3 (Three) ply surgical mask to the rate of Rs.16/-, the temporary ceiling rate for sale of the aforesaid product issued in order by this authority vide No. No.DH&FW-13/DC/26n-COV19/2020-21/1095-1102 / Dated Kohima the 18th March 2020 is hereby stand cancelled.

Therefore, all retail pharmacy outlets within the state of Nagaland are hereby directed to adhere by the ceiling rate of Rs.16/for the aforesaid product (3 ply surgical mask) and not otherwise, failure to comply to this directive shall invite stern administrative and legal action without further warning.

This Order shall come into effect immediately till further order.

Sd/(W.H. Patton) Additional Drugs Controller Controlling & Licensing Authority Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Nagaland : Kohima DC-363

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND HOME DEPARTMENT GENERAL ADMINISTRATION BRANCH-I NO.GAB-1/COM/GEN-1/2020

Dated Kohima, the 31st of March 2020

Sub: Curbs on Religious congregations during the lockdown period 1.

OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION OF SAINIK SCHOOL IMPHAL (OBASSI) NAGALAND CHAPTER Registration No. HOME/SRC-7411

CONDEMNATION

(Cadet C Lima Imsong) President

(Cadet Leyant N) General Secretary

DP-2214

The Old Boys Association of Sainik School Imphal Nagaland Chapter vehemently condemn the murder of one of it’s active member Cadet Late Er. Kevinguto Khate, S/o Late Mr. Rokozhasie Khate, Adm No. 2186, 2000-2007 batch, Tagore House who was serving as an Assistant Professor-NIT, Dimapur, Nagaland on 16th March 2020. He was an upcoming and bright officer, a caring brother, a loving son and a good friend. We are deeply shocked, grieved and appalled at the heinous crime and urge the concerned authority to leave no stone unturned and investigate the matter and book the culprits as per the law of the land at the earliest.

We also extend our heartfelt condolence and share the sorrow of his bereaved family members, friends and near and dear ones.

The State presently is under lockdown for 21 days with effect from the midnight of 24th March 2020, along with the rest of the country for preventing the spread of the dreaded Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). During this period, all kinds of gatherings are barred, including religious congregations as such mass gatherings have the potential of easily allowing the spread of the virus, thereby putting the lives of many people in serious danger.

2. Reports have however, been received of some Churches holding services on Sundays, which have seen congregation of a big number of people. Such religious congregations as mentioned above are a very serious threat to Public Health and Safety.

3. All the churches are hence once again strongly advised in the interest of Public Health and Safety to completely refrain from holding any religious congregation of any kind which may see gatherings of large number of people during the lockdown period.

Enclosed : Copy of order date 24th March 2020.

(Abhijit Sinha) IAS Principal Secretary, Home Government of Nagaland DC-361

DC-

8

sports

Indian footballers to fight COVID-19

Several Indian footballers have come forward to lend a helping hand.

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS): With COVID19 creating havoc, several members of the Indian football team have come forward to lend a helping hand by contributing for the cause.

“As an Indian it’s my responsibility to lend a hand to the cause in whatever possible manner I can,” defender Pritam Kotal, who contributed Rs 50,000 to the West Bengal Chief Minister’s fund stated.

But there are others who are trying to help in a different manner -- midfield-

er Pronoy Halder for example. Halder who wore the captain’s armband against Bahrain in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 has taken up the responsibility of providing food to some underprivileged kids who earn their bread on daily basis.

“There are a lot of underprivileged kids at the Barrackpore Mangal Pandey Football Coaching Camp who earn on a daily basis. The situation is a bit difficult now. So I am helping procure food, or food items for them to come out of the crisis,” Halder said.

Yuvraj stands with Afidi in fight against COVID-19

Shahid Afridi and Yuvraj Singh

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS): With the world coming to a standstill due to the coronavirus outbreak, sportspersons are trying their best to donate and help the needy as much as they can in these trying times. And former India all-rounder has joined hands with former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi to help those in need.

Taking to Twitter, Yuvraj wrote: “These are testing times, it’s time to lookout for each other specially the ones who are lesser fortunate. Lets do our bit, I am supporting @SAfridiOfficial & @SAFoundationN in this

noble initiative of covid19.

Pls donate on donatekarona. com #StayHome @harbhajan_singh” Harbhajan Singh had earlier praised Afridi for the valuable social work he was doing in these trying circumstances. Afridi donated disinfectant soap, material and food to the needy.

Harbhajan praised Afridi’s gesture and said: “Great work for humanity Shahid Afridi. May god bless us all... more power to you... praying for world’s wellbeing -- Nanak naam chardikala tere bhaane sarbat da bhala.”

“I know that there are also many who stay around the Barrackpore Railway Station and they are struggling for food. So me along with some of my friends are distributing basic food items to the station-dwellers, and others who stay outside.”

In addition, the midfielder has also donated Rs 20,000 to the CM relief fund.

Fellow clubmate, Prabir Das, who was summoned by India head coach Igor Stimac for the preparatory camp before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and

AFC Asian Cup China 2023 joint qualifiers round 2 match against Qatar on March 26, 2020 has also joined hands.

“We understand that we need to stand together to fight against this. We have tried to make small contributions to the fund initiated by our Chief Minister.

Hope we see the light at the end of the tunnel soon,” Das, who has contributed Rs 50,000 expressed.

Arindam Bhattacharjee, the seasoned goalkeeper, whose standout performance in the Indian Super League 2019-20 helped ATK win the coveted trophy recently has also donated Rs 25,000 to the fund.

Meanwhile, ‘Players for Humanity’ - the philanthropic organisation formed by the former players like Mehtab Hossain, Rahim Nabi, Denson Devadas, Sandip Nandy, Debabrata Roy and others along with current players like Pritam Kotal, Pronay Halder, Arindam Bhattacharjee, Prabir Das, Souvik Chakraborty, Debjit Majumder and many more have also initiated talks to stand together and help during this challenging phase.

COVID-19: BWF freezes rankings New Delhi, March 31 (IANS): The Badminton World Federation on Tuesday froze the world rankings, saying standings as on March 17 will be the basis for entry and seedings when it begins as the international calendar has been thrown in choppy waters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Badminton World Federation (BWF) can announce it will freeze World Rankings and World Junior Rankings until further notice. The freezing of rankings will be backdated to Week 12, which is the week following the last international tournament that was played – the YONEX All England Open 2020," BWF said in a release.

"The ranking lists issued on 17 March 2020 will serve as a basis for entry and seeding into the next international tournaments – although it is difficult to say at this stage when this may be."

The BWF had called off all tournaments post the All England Championships until April 12 due to the pandemic.

BWF further said due to the current scenario the next tournaments will also be suspended.

Social distancing in snow: Federer practises ‘trick shots’ New Delhi, March 31 (IANS): Amid the coronavirus pandemic which has brought the sporting calendar to a grinding halt, tennis star Roger Federer is trying whatever he can to remain in touch with the sport and hone his skills.

The Swiss legend on Monday posted a video in which he is playing tennis in the snow while social distancing. While it might be a very difficult task for many, he made it look like a piece of cake which he captioned: “Making sure I still remember how to hit trick shots.”

In the video, the 20time Grand Slam champion hit a series of tweeners and behind-the-back shots with perfect precision against a wall.

Just last week, Federer and his wife, Mirka, revealed that they donated one million Swiss Francs ($1.02 million) to vulnerable families in Switzerland to contribute towards the global fight against coronavirus.

Roger Federer practicing trick shots.

“These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind.

Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss Francs for the most vulnerable families in Switzerland,” said Federer in an Instagram post.

“Our contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can

overcome this crisis! Stay healthy!”

The 38-year-old last competed in the semi-finals of the Australian Open before undergoing right knee surgery in February.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, French Open has already postponed this year’s Roland Garros to September while the Wimbledon Championships are in line to get cancelled.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

IPL can happen in Oct-Nov if T20 WC is postponed: BCCI official New Delhi, March 31 (IANS): With the coronavirus outbreak bringing the world to a standstill, sporting events across the world have either been postponed or cancelled and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now looking at the OctoberNovember window to host the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

But the move can only be possible if the ICC decides to postpone the mens T20 World Cup that is to be held later in the year.

Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said that while there have been talks with regards to hosting the IPL in the October-November window, it will only be possible if the World T20 to be played in Australia from October 18 to November 15 is postponed.

“At present, there is a lockdown of borders and while Australia has said it is a potential six-month lockdown, things can change with an improvement in the scenario. UK could follow the same pattern considering the spread of the pandemic. We are still to understand what the

Indian government will decide with regards to closing the international borders.

In such a scenario, the only window that looks safe is the October-November one. But again, that collides with the T20 World Cup. “So, if the ICC does go ahead and decides to postpone the T20 World Cup due to the current scenario, only then we can look at the October-November window because even if a sixmonth border closedown is ordered by every country from say now, it ends by the start of October. But again, for that, the spread of the coronavirus needs to be stopped and things must come under human control. In short, there will have to be a lot of maths,” the official said.

“Again, it would be the last step for the ICC to push the T20 World Cup from 2020 to 2022 because there is no window in 2021.

So, at the moment, it is all a bit too far-fetched to be honest. But yes, the October-November window has been spoken about for the IPL, but a lot of external factors need to fall into place for that to become a reality.”

When contacted, an ICC official made it clear that the T20 World Cup is still on as planned and there have been no talks of a postponement. “There have been no talks of any postponement to the World T20 that is to be held in October and November this year,” the official told IANS.

COC supports The car door was open and IOC on new dates the wallet’s gone: Tim Paine

Beijing, March 31 ( IA N S ) : T h e C h i n e s e Olympic Committee (COC) released a statement on Tuesday to express its firm support to the International Olympic Committee’s decision on the new dates for Tokyo 2020.

The IOC, together with the 32nd Olympic Games organising committee, announced on Monday that Tokyo 2020 will be staged from July 23 to August 8, 2021 as Japan and IOC earlier agreed to postpone the Games amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Chinese Olympic Committee supports this decision of the International Olympic Committee, and believes that the IOC and the Tokyo Olympic organising committee will well handle the relevant issues and successfully host the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,” read the COC statement, reports Xinhua news agency.

It added that the COC will continue to maintain its communications with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 organisers and each of the sports’ world governing bodies.

Sydney, March 31 (IANS): The coronavirus outbreak has seen the world come to a standstill and even though sporting events across the globe have either been cancelled or suspended, sportspersons are trying to stay in shape by training indoors and that has seen Australia’s Test skipper Tim Paine’s car being broken into and wallet stolen.

“I’ve actually just turned the garage into a bit of a home gym and I want to hang the (stocking) off the bit where the garage door opens,” Tim Paine told SEN Breakfast.

“I went outside and the car door was open and the wallet’s gone. I figured if I can, I can work on my cover drive while I’m at it, but I’ve actually hit a bit of a snag today because I moved the car out onto the street only to wake up this morning to a text from NAB saying my credit card has been used.”

With the Indian government calling for a lockdown to fight the coronavirus outbreak, the Indian players are also home and spending time with their families. But

Tim Paine

strength and conditioning coach Nick Webb in consultation with physio Nitin Patel has customised routines for Virat Kohli and boys to ensure they stay in top shape despite the pandemic induced break.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the country to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

This has put the fate of the Indian Premier League also hanging in the balance.

While the BCCI is confident that they can pull off the league even if it starts from the first week of May, an important area of concern will be the entry of the foreign players as visa restrictions need to be removed first.

Kumble joins fight against David Warner shaves head in COVID-19: Lord’s opens up for support of COVID-19 workers COVID-19, contributes to funds NHS & local community in UK

Warner with a shaven head.

Melbourne, March 31 (IANS): Australia opener David Warner has shaved his head in support of those working on the frontline for COVID-19.

“Been nominated to shave my head in support of those working on the frontline #Covid-19 here is a time lapse. I think my debut was the last time I recall I’ve done this. Like it or not??” Warner said in an Instagram post with a video of the dashing lefthander trimming his hair in time-lapse mode.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Australia’s death toll stands at 19, as per the Sydney Morning

Herald.

Earlier, Australia Test skipper Tim Paine had said that the team’s upcoming tour to Bangladesh slated to be held in June is unlikely, conceding that one doesnt need to be an “Einstein” for that amid the global crisis due to coronavirus pandemic.

Australia are slated to play a two-Test series against Bangladesh beginning June 11 in Chattogram, followed by the second match starting June 19 in Dhaka. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship and 120 points will be at stake for both the teams.

“You don’t have to be Einstein to realise (the Bangladesh tour) is probably unlikely to go ahead, p a r t i c u l a r ly i n Ju n e.

Whether it’s cancelled or pushed back, we’re not quite sure at the moment,” Paine was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

The Inter national Cricket Council (ICC) currently has the WTC final marked down for June 2021, and Paine has suggested there could be scope to rearrange cancelled Test series before then.

“I hope they don’t push it back too far for my sake, that’s for sure,” said Paine.

If Australia manage a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh when the series does take place, it would see the secondplaced Aussies (currently on 296 points on the WTC standings) take all 120 points on offer, meaning they would overtake India (360 points) ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia at the end of the year.

Bengaluru, March 31 (IANS): Former India captain Anil Kumble on Tuesday joined the bandwagon to help India fight the coronavirus pandemic as the legendary leg-spinner made his contributions to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund as well Karnataka Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

“To bowl out #Covid19India we all need to come together and fight this battle. I have made my humble contributions to #PMCaresFund #PMNRF and #CMReliefFund. Please do #StaySafeStayHome,” Kumble said in a tweet, wihout wanting to disclose the amount.

Earlier in the day, Rohit Sharma donated Rs 80 lakh in support of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Rohit said he has donated Rs 45 lakh to Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund), Rs 25 lakh to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Maharashtra, Rs 5 lakh to Zomato Feeding India and Rs 5 lakh towards welfare of stray dogs.

The 32-year-old also said that we need our country back on feet and the onus is on us. “Let’s get behind our leaders and support them,” he tweeted while tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Captain Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma have also pledged to support the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and Chief Minister’s (Maharashtra) Relief Fund in the ongoing battle.

A source in the industry had told IANS that Virat and Anushka have jointly donated Rs 3 crore towards the cause.

Indian women’s team ODI captain and veteran Mithali Raj also pledged to donate Rs 10 lakh for the fight against coronavirus.

Mithali has decided to give Rs 5 lakh to the Prime Ministers Fund and Rs 5 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund of the Telangana government.

More than 1,400 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported so far in India and 48 people have already lost their lives.

London, March 31 (IANS): In light of the current situation regarding the outbreak of Covid-19, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has decided to help the medical staff by providing them parking space available at the Lords Cricket Ground. In a statement, the MCC said it has also decided to provide storage areas for the Wellington Hospital in the UK. “MCC has currently provided 75 parking space at Lord’s for staff at Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.

We are also providing stor-

age areas for the Wellington Hospital – which is situated very close to the ground,” said MCC. “MCC has provided food to City Harvest London, who help put fresh surplus food to good use in a sustainable way, redistributing to organisations that feed the hungry.”

Earlier, England Test captain Joe Root, in an open letter addressed to the British public, stressed on the importance of team work as a society in their fight to defeat the coronavirus pandemic which has swept the world off its feet.

“Social distancing may

mean that we can’t come together in a physical sense, but our strength lies in our communities coming together to help one another,” he said.

England women’s team captain Heather Knight has said that she has joined National Health Service’s (NHS) volunteer scheme and will be helping in transpor ting medicines and spreading awareness about the pandemic in the UK. British media reports state that over 170,000 people have signed up for the NHS volunteer scheme since the outbreak of the pandemic.

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