April 20, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 133

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020 Pages 6 (Online Edition)

Trump warns China of COVID-19 consequences INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 6

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Selective relaxation in non-containment areas

NEW DELHI, APR 19 (PTI): Selective relaxation will be given in non-containment areas from April 20, but strict restrictions will continue in districts declared COVID-19 hotspots, the government said on Sunday.

Addressing a daily media briefing to give updates on the novel coronavirus situation in the country, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said some activities in agricultural sector and rural economy would be permitted as part of ensuring “Jaan bhi hai jahan bhi hai (life and wellbeing)�. He also said a highlevel task force to work on frontiers of science related to vaccines and drug testing was formed on Sunday.

Union Ministr y of Home Affairs (MHA) has readied a standard operating procedure (SOP) to be followed– from April 20 onwards– for partial lifting of the nationwide lockdown– with a stress on augmenting rural economy, and opening those industrial units which don’t come within the COVID-19 affected hotspots and containment areas.

Agarwal said that containment areas in coronavi-

NTC demands WHOstandard equipment

DIMAPUR, APR 19 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has demanded World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for frontline health workers and security personnel engaged in combating COVID-19 pandemic, besides Isolation wards and treatment facilities for patients as per WHO standards. The council in a release issued by its president Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary Nribemo Ngullie also sought emergency response teams, services like ambulance, sufficient stock of medicines, WHO-approved gadgets and essential commodities.

Seeking distribution of food and other essential items for poor and downtrodden, especially in rural areas, NTC also demanded COVID-19 rapid test kits in all sensitive areas, community-based health policing and isolation as per procedure, urgent BSL-3 lab and rapid test kits in Dimapur and tie-up between competent State government agencies and international groups for ensuring smooth and continuous supply of essential items and WHO-approved medical materials, besides demanding transparency and accountability in utilization of workforce, fund and resources. (Cont’d on p-3)

This is it!

“Yes wearing mask is strictly advised but we’re looking silly with them inside our home.�

K Y M C

WHAT IS ALLOWED FROM APRIL 20 ď Ź All health services, including AYUSH ď Ź Select commercial and private establishments ď Ź Supply of essential goods ď Ź IT and IT enabled Services, with up to 50% strength ď Ź Industries operating in rural areas ď Ź Shops such as kirana stores without restrictions on time ď Ź Print and electronic media including broadcasting, DTH and cable services. ď Ź Services provided by self-employed people such as electricians, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics. and carpenters ď Ź All agricultural and horticultural activities ď Ź Operations of the fishing (marine/inland), aquaculture industry ď Ź Plantation activities (Max 50% of workers allowed) ď Ź Animal husbandry ď Ź Financial sector such as banks ď Ź Social sector ď Ź MNREGA works ď Ź Public utilities ď Ź Movement of loading and unloading of goods/cargo (inter and intra) state ď Ź Select industries/industrial establishments (both government and private) ď Ź Select construction activities ď Ź Private vehicles for emergency services, including medical and veterinary care and for procuring essential commodities

rus hotspots will not get the relaxations.

States and Union Territories may impose measures which are even more stringent than Centre’s guidelines, according to local requirements, he said.

Hotspots or red zones are those areas where either there are large numbers of COVID-19 cases or the doubling rate of infection is less than four days, Agarwal explained. “In these hotspots, local administrations delineate containment zones

and buffer zones to control spread of the disease. No relaxations are permitted in these containment zones,� he said, adding strict perimeter control will be continued and nothing except essential services will be allowed there. “Activities to be prohibited till May 3, even in cases of relaxation, are primarily passenger traffic movement by air, rail and road, educational institutions, industrial commercial activities and hospitality services unless they are specifi-

ď Ź People travelling to place of work in exempted categories ď Ź Offices of the Govt of India, offices of the State and the UT governments WHAT WILL REMAIN PROHIBITED ď Ź All passenger movement by trains, except for security purposes ď Ź Buses for public transport ď Ź Delivery of non-essential items by e-commerce companies ď Ź Metro rail services ď Ź Inter-district and inter-State movement of individuals except for medical reasons or for activities permitted under guidelines ď Ź All educational, training, coaching institutions etc ď Ź All industrial and commercial activities other than those permitted ď Ź Hospitality services other than those specifically permitted under guidelines. ď Ź Taxis (including auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws) and services of cab aggregators. ď Ź Cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places ď Ź All social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/cultural/religious/functions and other gatherings. ď Ź All religious places ď Ź In case of funerals, congregation of more than twenty people will not be permitted

cally exempted,� the health ministry official said.

Along with these, cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, entertainment parks will be closed while social, political, cultural, religious or academic and sports gatherings continue to remain prohibited, he said.

Relaxation will be there for agricultural activities, dailywage earners and employment opportunities for some to be monitored, health services to be functional and supply of essential goods to continue, Agarwal said.

‘Keep record of people seeking flu medicines’

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As per the SOP issued on April 19, migrant labourers who have been staying in various camps in towns and cities can be facilitated to reach those industrial units which have been given permission to operate within certain restrictions for their employment. She said even in such circumstances, restrictions such as social distancing must be strictly followed. Preference would be given to those units where there is a facility to provide lodging to the labourers.

(See table for details)

NATIONAL, PAGE 3

Nagaland gets 3840 units of Rapid Diagnostic test kits DIMAPUR, APR 19 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday received 3840 units of Rapid Diagnostic test kits for COVID-19 from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi.

The consignment was flown in to Dimapur by an India Air Force Dronier-228 light utility multipurpose aircraft.

Informing this in his daily briefing on status of COVID-19, principal secretary home, Abhijit Sinha said as per ICMR, the gold standard of COVID-19 test is RT-PCR and Rapid test is only a supplementary test for assessing prevalence of the disease within specific parameter. The ICMR advisory on use of the rapid test is for hotspot areas and surveillance tool for epidemiological purposes, Sinha stated.

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio in his tweet said: “The muchawaited critical consignment of rapid diagnostic test kit for #COVID-19 issued by the Government of India, for #Nagaland, through @ ICMRDELHI has arrived

Air Force ofďŹ cials handing over the kits to district nodal ofďŹ cer for COVID-19, Dr. Tia Pongener at Dimapur airport on April 19. (DIPR)

by special Dornier flight of the @IAF_MCC. The kits will be used in hot spots identified in the state.�

Health & Family Welfare department deputy director and nodal officer for Dimapur, Dr. Tiasunup Pongener, who had received the consignment at the airport, was optimistic that with the availability of kits now, the department will soon start screening of suspects in hotspot areas.

He said it will be a tremendous boost to enhance the capabilities to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,

especially for the front line workers.

Dr. Tia said he was satisfied with the preparedness of COVID-19 facilities in the district and that all medical equipments were of national standards, which were also being used in other states.

He further reassured t h a t i m p r o ve m e n t o f COVID-19 facility will be an ongoing and continuous process and all dedicated efforts were being made in this regard by the directorate and respective line departments of the state government.

Any inferior PPEs will be replaced: Govt India’s Covid-19 cases cross 16000 mark; 519 dead DIMAPUR, APR 19 (NPN): Taking note of several reports about some doctors and health workers raising objections on the quality of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and medical accessories being issued to them, the state government Sunday decided to replace such inferiro/defective items upon bringing it to their notice.

Informing this during the daily briefing, principal secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha said that the state government has asked doctors and health workers-- raising apprehensions about the quality of PPEs and medial accessories-- to submit in writing to the concerned controlling officers citing reasons for replacement.

Accordingly, Abhijit Sinha stated that the Health department will issue new personal protective equipments and other medical accessories as replacement of all such purported inferior

quality materials.

In this regard, he said that the state government has directed the all the deputy commissioners (DCs)

to collect all such returned PPEs and medical items and to keep under them under safe custody until further orders.

345 samples test -ve; results of 59 awaited STATUS REPORT AS ON APRIL 19, 2020 NORTH EAST CONFIRMED RECOVERED Nagaland Nil Nil Assam 35 12 Manipur 2 1 Meghalaya 11 Nil Mizoram 1 Nil Arunachal Pradesh 1 Nil Tripura 2 1 Health & Family Welfare department has sent 404 COVID suspected samples as on April 19, 6 p.m., out of which 345 samples tested negative, Principal Secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha said on Sunday. Sinha said that the results of 59 samples were awaited.

He further sought the

DEATH Nil 1 Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil

cooperation of all to follow the lockdown measures put in place and to maintaining social distancing at all times.

Meanwhile, Health department has informed that 675 persons have been screened as on April 19 and 156 persons were currently under facility quarantine.

NEW DELHI, APR 19 (AGENCIES): With 1,324 fresh cases registered in the last 24 hours, the total number of novel coronavirus count in India crossed the 16,000 mark, according to the latest Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

Along with that, the country’s death toll has increased to 519, it said.

According to Health ministry, at least 2,231 people have recovered from the infection, showing that the recovery rate has gone up to over 14.2%, an improvement over 13.85% on Saturday and 13% on Friday. There are currently 13,295 active patients in the country.

There are also 77 foreign nationals who are affected by the virus. The mortality rate for COVID19 cases in India is around 3.2%. It also said that there are 755 dedicated COVID19 hospitals and 1,389 dedicated healthcare centres set up in country.

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During the press briefing on Sunday evening, Lav Aggrawal, joint secretary of Health Ministry said: “Historical data across the

519

world show that there is not a big percentage of asymptomatic persons testing Covid-19 positive. High risk asymptomatic persons are

part of sampling criteria.

We need to test and monitor them.�

Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, ICMR said, “We have done 3,86,791 tests so far. Yesterday 37,173 tests were done, out of these 29,287 tests were done in labs of ICMR network.

7,886 tested in private sector labs.� In a positive note, all coronavirus positive cases in Goa are now negative, informed state’s Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane.

2.3 million cases worldwide: Globally, the novel coronavirus cases have shot past 2.3 million with US reporting 7.34 lakh cases, according to latest data from Johns Hopkins University. Spain (194,416 cases), Italy (175,925), France (152,9780, Germany (143,724) and United Kingdom (115,314) are among the badly hit countries.

Over 1.6 lakh people across the world have lost their lives to the virus.

Several organizations warn against misuse of social media VVC clariďŹ es on Apr 14 incident DIMAPUR, APR 19 (NPN): Drawing attention on misuse of social media (such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.) several apex organisations have come down hard against such activities and cautioned their respective community members to desist from such activities.

ASTD: Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) president L. Wati Jamir and general secretary K. Mar Lemtur expressed concern that individuals, particularly citizens of Dimapur could get into legal trouble for spreading fake news during the current pandemic.

ASTD also said the video clips of recent “unfortunate but palpable incident of inhuman treatment� posted on social media at Vidima and Nihoto villages had sent “very wrong message of racial discrimination in the minds of the people�.

Reacting to reports that some faith-based organisations/groups defied government directives by organising mass gatherings and religious services in the state recently, ASTD urged all to refrain from such actions. It also urged upon all to refrain from spreading rumours and to strictly adhere to lockdown guidelines to prevent any untoward incident and also urged all to maintain a hygienic atmosphere, social distancing and not to venture out unless for emergency purposes.

DAYO: Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) has slammed posting of fake news and uploading pictures and videos showing people indulging in “morally abhorrent behaviours on social media. In a statement, DAYO president Aotemsu Aier and general secretary S. Pangertoshi said while the need of the hour was to

point out irregularities in the fight against COVID-19 and sharing factual information, the offensive activities of a few have brought shame on Nagaland.

It cautioned that such “thoughtless and insensible actions by a few� could help project the entire State in a poor light and stressed that this needed to be stopped.

Further, DAYO also cautioned that it would not take too kindly of any individual posting any material that brought bad name upon the Ao community in general and DAYO in particular by ignoring the gravity of the materials being uploaded or shared on different social media platforms. Therefore the youth body, urged upon DAYO members and the Ao community in general against indulging in “any criminal activity or spreading fake news� in the present grave situation and in

future. DAYO urged upon its members to be benevolent towards all as it was a moral obligation not only in the eyes of God but also of mankind. DAYO has also said anyone found indulging in such irresponsible acts could endanger lives and properties of others and warned that they would be made answerable and that it would also be compelled to pursue legal action against such individuals.

C YO : C h a k h r o m a Youth Organization (CYO) has also issued directives on use of social media platforms to all Chakhroma members including any individual member or group under its jurisdiction.

CYO president Seyieneilhou Keyho and general secretary Noseho Peter have advised all not to circulate/ forward news, pictures, videos or any documents from unverified sources until ap-

proved by authorised organisation.

While advising use of social media platforms responsibly, CYO also asked members to avoid using languages that would hurt sentiments of other communities and also to refrain from posting comments/ videos/voice notes which target other religions.

CYO also advised its members to report posts, videos or documents containing inappropriate or false contents harmful to society to authorities instead of forwarding them.

It also reminded all members to maintain strict hygiene, social distancing and to remain at home unless for emergency during the lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CYO has directed all its units to follow its above directives within their respective jurisdiction.

DIMAPUR, APR 19 (NPN): Reacting to the April 14, 2020 incident involving certain youth from Vidima village, who were seen assaulting some non-locals in a video clip that had gone viral on social media, the Vidima Village Council (VVC) Sunday sought to “bring out the facts and circumstances that led to the drastic steps taken by the youth.�

In a press release VVC chairman Pelezo ZumvĂź and secretary Keduvi Richa stated that following the outbreak of the coronavirus and subsequent imposition of lock down by the government, the village at a general meeting on March 22, 2020 resolved to impose complete lockdown within the village jurisdiction.

VVC said the meet decided that no one from the village would leave the village without prior consent from the council and no per-

son from outside would be allowed to enter the village jurisdiction. Accordingly, VVC said it notified all the villagers working in other places to return to the village before March 25, 2020 after which the village would be placed under complete lockdown.

VVC said the step taken was appreciated by all the villagers and everyone readily complied with the directives of the council.

After the village lockdown, VVC said everything was going well in the village until the evening of April 13, 2020 when a report was received that a certain person from Assam had entered the village.

However, VVC said that since the report came in late in the evening, the youth volunteers decided to conduct the search on April 14, 2020 morning.

(Cont’d on p-3) K Y M C

state

2

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020

Lockdown: Appeals, orders, preventive measures continue in Nagaland

DIMAPUR: Preventive measures, orders and appeals continue in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown across the state. Some agencies are conducting sanitisation drives in various places for safety of the public, while some continue to help the needy and poor people with relief rations. Respective district administrations are continuously keeping vigil, especially around the border areas and ensuring that public safety comes first. Moreover, civil organisations have been carrying out responsible duty by reminding public to adhere to government directives and also cautioning them to maintain peace during such uncertain times. The eleven districts of Nagaland are working in tune with the state government towards preventing outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Dimapur district

Church leaders with DPRO at DC office premises before leaving for God’s ministry in Dimapur city on April 19. (DIPR)

Battalion personnel assisting district administration in distributing food packets at DC office complex Chümoukedima.

Dimapur church leaders’ minister in the city: In view of the present COVID-19 pandemic, most of the churches remain closed and usual Sunday devotional services are not observed as a preventive measure. According to DIPR report, during such a situation, in Dimapur likeminded Church leaders spread the message of love and peace relating to COVID-19 to the people on Sunday through public address system throughout the length and breadth of Dimapur city. Church leaders also prayed for the citizens. They also extended appreciation to the district administration Dimapur for granting them permission and also the DPRO Dimapur for facilitating them with the logistics. The church leaders included Yanbemo Lotha associate pastor Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Toshi Ao associate pastor DABA, Longshi Kikon pastor UBC, sub-jail Dimapur, Benlanthung Yanthan youth director Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur and Limha Odyou former pastor ministered the word of God to the citizens.

173 CRPF Battalion assists district administration:173 CRPF Battalion,

Airfield Dimapur as part of continuous assistance under civic action programme with the theme “Helping Hands” and in collaboration with Dimapur district administration distributed food packets at DC office complex Chümoukedima to poor, needy people on April 19. A press release from the battalion stated that, disinfectant with jet spray equipments were used in and around camp areas. Hand sanitiser, mask, soap, medicines were also distributed. The unit also assisted Dimapur administration by providing trucks for transportation of essential medical items from Dimapur to Kohima.

GSUD and DGU extend helping hand: Gorkha Students Union Dimapur (GSUD) in collaboration with Dimapur Gorkha Union (DGU) conducted charity programme at Khira village, DGU unit.

A press release from GSUD advisor Sunil Limbu stated that, ration and essential commodities were distributed to more than 35 families including non-Gorkhas.

The beneficiaries mostly belong to underprivileged background and immensely affected by the lockdown.

Mon district

Mobile ATM service in Mon town: In order to reduce long queue of customers in banks and ATM booths for withdrawing and depositing cash, Abraham representative common service point/8974337358 will be operating mobile ATM service to facilitate withdrawal and deposit of cash in all the wards of Mon town. According to DIPR report, the schedule is: April 20, ward Zuklom from 7 a.m to 11 a.m, ward Tanlao from 12 noon to 4 p.m; April 21, ward Shamnyu from 7 a.m to 11 a.m, ward Wagiem from 12 noon to 4 p.m; April 22, ward Thamnan from 7 a.m to 11 a.m, ward Walo from 12 noon to 4 p.m; April 23, ward Chingai from 7 a.m to 11 a.m, ward Techahan from 12 noon to 4 p.m; April 24, ward Jahjon from 7 a.m to 11 a.m, ward Tompang from 12 noon to 4 p.m; April 25, ward Shantam from 7 a.m to 4 p.m; No fees will be charged for the above mentioned service.

Likewise, A. Epha business correspondent of IndusInd Bank (Spice Money Ltd) will be operating mobile ATM service in all the wards of Mon town as per the schedule given: April 20, ward Shantham from 8 a.m to 12 noon, ward Tompang from 1 p.m to 4 p.m; April 21. Ward Techahan from 8 a.m to 12 noon, ward Jahjon from 1 p.m to 4 p.m; April 22, ward Chingai from 8 a.m to 12 noon, ward Thamnan from 1 p.m to 4 p.m; April 23, ward Walo from 8 a.m to 12 noon, ward Wagiem from 1 p.m to 4 p.m; April 24, ward Zuklom from 8 a.m to 12 noon, ward Shamnyu from 1 p.m to 4 p.m; April 25, ward Tanlao from 8 a.m to 12 noon, ward Papong from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. The service charge per transaction will be: Amount upto Rs.10000/service charge Rs.20/-; Between Rs.10,000 - Rs.20,000 service charge Rs.30; Between Rs.20,000 - Rs.30,000 service charge Rs.60; More than Rs.30,000 service charge Rs. 90.

The service delivery point at every ward will be at a place designated by COVID-19 Ward Task Force, who will also be responsible for maintaining social distancing norms and other preventive measures notified by the government. This service is for withdrawals only and not deposits. For any complaints, please call 8837358017/8974246573.

Kohima district

Neiba Kronu along with wife Lanula and caretaker of KDOH, Neibanuo Angami on April 19.

Neiba pays a visit to children of KDOH: Minister of Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu along with his wife Lanula visited Kohima Destitute & Orphanage Home (KDOH) on April 19.

Kronu, who is also spokesperson of the Nagaland state government on COVID19, handed over food items, personal hygiene materials and cash to the caretaker Neibanuo Angami for the children of the Home. Minister interacted with the children on how to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19 pandemic.

DC Kohima issues guidelines: Deputy commissioner (DC) of Kohima has issued the following directives and guidelines for strict compliance by all concerned: All grocery shops/bakeries/ vegetable shops/pharmacies/shops and wholesale shops selling baby foods/ shops selling essential commodities are re-directed to open to the general public from 7 a.m to 2 p.m from April 20 and will be operational only on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays during the lockdown period as notified earlier. Further the general public are directed to visit only the nearest shops/stores within their respective wards/colonies to ensure social DC Peren, Sentiwapang Aier and ADC Jalukie, Dr. distancing and public safety; It is re-iteratTinojongshi Chang interacting with executives of Zeliang ed that only one member of each family Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) on COVID-19 pandemic shall be permitted to come out of their

Peren district

issue on April 18 at GA Rest House, Jalukie. (DIPR)

homes only on production of sanitation card or authorization issued from the respective wards/colonies for procurement and distribution of essential commodities, availing essential services, medical facilities. Further, all the general public are to ensure social distancing while shopping for essential commodities, apart from that the shopkeepers will ensure that proper markings are drawn outside their respective shops/stores in such a manner that the buyers are distanced by at least l (one) metre from each other, only after which the essential commodities will be sold to the buyers; The movement of all vehicles shall be totally restricted except those vehicles which have the explicit permission of this office; Parking of vehicles for public in the following locations within Kohima town are hereby restricted with immediate effect: Stretch from PHQ Junction till Bethel Hospital, P.R. Hill Junction, Razhu Point Junction, Census Office Junction, High School Junction; All the outlets selling firewood will remain open to cater to the need of the general public for fuel purposes from 7 a.m to 2 p.m on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Kohima Battalion: Kohima Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) provided basic essentials for children of Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home.

Tuensang district

ADC Tening notifies: Additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Rhosietho Nguori has issued order for Tening sub-division: Shops selling essential commodities shall Tuensang Battalion remain open from 7 a.m to 10 a.m, pharmacies may open mass sanitisation drive: beyond that time only on need basis; Movement of people Tuensang Battalion of in groups, private vehicle(s) and loitering in Tening town Assam Rifles carried out is prohibited except those coming out of their homes for a mass sanitisation drive procurement of essential commodities, availing essential in collaboration with services, medical facilities and other basic needs; Only one Tuensang Police and civil person for household shall be permitted for procurement of volunteers in Tuensang essential items; Sale of fuel (petrol and diesel to public for town and surrounding all non-essential purpose is banned. For all emergency fuel areas. According to PRO needs, permission shall be granted on need basis through HQ IGAR (N), hygiene ADC office only; Sale of rice in Tening town shall be done and sanitation chemical under the supervision of Police and administration only. wa s s p r aye d t h r o u g h Medical department briefing DMC sanitary workers for clearing garbage and waste Any person/group acting in violation of this order shall be at containment area, quarantine centers and the rotting vegetables at Murgipatti in deemed to have committed an offence punishable under Tuensang Battalion personnel spraying hygiene and modified vehicle from the Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. battalion. sanitation chemical during the drive.

Dimapur on April 17. (DIPR)

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should all MLAs be given charge of their constituencies to combat COVID-19?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t say.

C

89% 11% 0%

Next poll

Q: Should the govt do

more to COVID-19 in Nagaland?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t say.

WEATHER FORECAST april 20

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A strong afternoon t-storm

33 23

Aizawl

A few afternoon showers

Guwahati A strong afternoon t-storm Imphal

Mainly cloudy and very warm

Itanagar A morning t-storm or two

30 18 29 20 33 16 24 18

Shillong

A morning t-storm in spots

23 13

Kohima

A strong afternoon t-storm

24 14

Dimapur A strong afternoon t-storm

29 18

A morning t-storm in spots

25 14

Mkg

Tuensang A thunderstorm in spots

19 12

Cloudy most of the time

23 18

Wokha

DLSAs conduct UTRC meeting in different districts

Zunheboto A morning t-storm in spots

K Y M C

22 13

committee has been directed to meet every week and take such decision in consultation with the concerned authority in view of the direction of Apex Court.

Earlier, in compliance to the direction, the state government constituted a High Power Committee (HPC) on March 30 headed by justice S. Serto, & executive chairman, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, with Abhijit Sinha, principal secretary (Home), Nagaland and Renchamo P. Kikon, ADG (Prison), Nagaland as members. Committee comprises of the chairperson or district & sessions judge, superintendent of Police, superintendent of Jail and a panel lawyer.

Mokokchung district

Army officers and doctors during the visit to CHC Resource person highlighting various protocols to be Changtongya on April 19. observed by the hospitality staff.

IG IGAR (N) visits CHC Chantongya: Under the initiative of advisor for Industries & Commerce, Labour & Employment, Skill DIMAPUR: District Legal assistant stated that, as per Development & Entrepreneurship Legal Services Authorities the direction of the state Imnatiba, IG IGAR (N) Maj Gen. V. (DLSAs) conducted Under- government High Power P. S Kaushik SM visited Community trial Review Committee Committee (HPC) to review Health Center (CHC) Chantongya on (UTRC) meeting in differ- cases of Under Trial PrisonApril 19. According to DIPR report, ent districts during the last ers (UTPs) and release them he reviewed the preparedness of few days. on parole, 109 UTPs and 8 CHC, CTN fight against the COVIDA press release from juvenile have currently been 19 pandemic. He also visited the NSLSA public relations released on parole. UTRC isolation ward and interacted with the doctors, nurses, OC Police and SDO (C). He encouraged all to be prepared and stay ready. He also donated some essential goods comprising of cooking utensils, linen, hygiene chemicals, toilet items, wash basin, N95 mask, surgical mask, towels and CGI sheet etc which can help in setting up of a quarantine facility towards the CHC, CTN. He further assured for the construction of public toilet at CHC, CTN. CDR 7, Sec Brig. S. K Sheron SM YSM, CO 23 AR Mokokchung BN Col Raj Kumar Bishnoi and OC Tuli Post Capt. Jephin Jose accompanied him.

COVID-19 orientation training Volunteers serve refreshment to Police and Traffic personnel on duty at High School for hospitality staff: Chief medical Junction and Pezielietsie (Tinpatti) Kohima on April 18. (DIPR) Committee members during the UTRC meeting held in Tuensang.

office (CMO) Mokokchung conducted one-day orientation training for hospitality staff employed in different hotels, guest houses and lodgings in Mokokchung town on April 18.

A press release from CMO office stated that, the training focused on COVID-19 pandemic and on housekeeping protocols to be followed. Training was held at the CMO conference hall, wherein resource persons were Dr Aonungdok, Dr Tsipongchem, Watisenla and Rongsenkala.

Dr Aonungdok spoke on the symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and control measures, potential transmission via food etc. He also highlighted about the survival on COVID-19, precautions, physical distancing, stringent hygiene and sanitation measures. Dr Tsipongchem spoke on environmental decontamination, cleaning protocols like disinfection of medical equipments, transport, toilet, cleaning soiled bedding, towels and clothes from patients with COVID-19 and bio medical waste management.

Trainees were also briefed on proper use of mask, glove and disposal. A short video on proper hand

washing and bio medical waste management was also shown.

Meanwhile, orientation training was also held the same day among the catering committee, housekeeping staff in the quarantine centres. Representatives from district administration, Watsu, AKM and drug inspector attended the training.

Mokokchung Battalion: Mokokchung Battalion in collaboration with self help group, Mokokchung provided masks for frontline health workers with locally available resources and handed them over to the civil administration to ensure safety of health workers. Best practises between Assam Rifles and the civil administration were also shared.

COVID-19 Helpline Changtongya: Changtongya Sub-Division Task Force COVID-19 Helpline No. 24x7: Administration - SDO (C) Moakumzuk Tzudir 9612960148; Medical - SMO Dr. Imti Jungshi 9366441556, MO Dr. Wapang. 9612098012, MO Dr. Imti. 9402988871, CHC, CTN 8974700446; Police - O/C Sietuo Kiri 8730848906, 2nd O/C Imkong 8974208320; IPR - APRO Meyisusu Jamir 8787467295.

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national/State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020

Govt makes a U-turn, stops e-commerce ‘Keep record of people seeking flu medicines’ platforms from selling non-essential items

NEW DELHI, APR 19 (PTI): In the wake of rising coronavirus cases, authorities in several states have asked medical shops and pharmacists to keep a record of phone number and address of customers who buy medicines for fever, cough and cold -symptoms similar to COVID-19.

Advisories have been issued in this regard to chemists in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and parts of Bihar. While in some states the officials have been clear that the information will be shared with authorities to ensure that people are not hiding symptoms of coronavirus, others said it was just a precautionary measure.

In a memo to all municipal commissioners and additional collectors of districts, Telangana’s Principal Secretary (Municipal Administration and Urban Development) Arvind Kumar said it has been observed that due to “hesitation and perceived social stigma”, people suffering from fever or cold symptoms which might be similar to coronavirus are approaching the medical shops directly on their own and asking for fever medicines.

“It is imperative that in a proactive manner we follow up on these cases

Representational image which are having fever and asked the pharmacists to other such symptoms which keep detailed records of might be similar to those of medicines, including Hycoronavirus. droxychloroquine, used for “We should be able to treating various types of contact these patients and fevers and coughs. get a test conducted dependThe pharmacists are ing upon the symptoms,” it also asked to report to state said. Kumar instructed the authorities if any patient officials to convene a meet- demands such medicine freing with all medical shops quently so as to track down and pharmacists including such people who might be respective associations and trying to suppress symptoms instruct them to necessarily of the infection. take the contact address and Several people were phone numbers of custom- buying medicines without ers who approach them to prescriptions from doctors buy these medicines. and a record of those who He asked the officials have been doing so for coroto get the list from the phar- navirus symptoms will help macies and maintain a direc- authorities combat the outtory of all such cases and break better, an official said get the tests done if the in Pune. symptoms are similar to Health advisories have COVID-19. In Maharash- been issued to medicine tra, which has reported the shops in Odisha to keep a highest coronavirus cases, record of people purchasing the state Food and Drug flu medicines as authorities Administration (FDA) has suspect they could be used

to suppress symptoms of coronavirus with an intent to skip testing.

The Drug Controller Administration under the Health and Family Welfare department of Odisha has asked pharmacists to note the address or at least telephone number of the persons buying medicines for cold, cough and sneezing.

“We have been collecting data in order to ascertain the ratio of population vulnerable to cold and fever.

There is no reason to be worried about. The data may be used in extreme case in future,” M Patnaik, the Drugs Controller of Odisha, told PTI. In Bihar, though the health department denied issuing any such directive, but district administration of Bhojpur and Rohtas have sent a note to the chemists to this effect.Reports suggest that a large number of people are buying medicines like paracetamol.

In Bihar, Rohtas and Bhojpur, district administrations have issued a directive to pharmacies to submit records of people buying medicines for fever, cough and cold, probably to keep track of those having symptoms akin to COVID-19.

According to the order, the medicine shops have been told to submit information to the authorities

concerned in their respective areas.

Assistant Drug Inspector, Rohtas in a notice asked medical shops to maintain personal details of people buying medicines for fever, cough and cold in a proper format and the same (details of buyers) should be sent to the Drug Inspector on their whatsapp numbers on a daily basis for perusal of the District Magistrate.

In Bhojpur, the district administration has directed the medical shops to write down name and mobile phone numbers of people buying crocin and other paracetamol tablets.

They have been instructed to furnish the details to the concerned government hospitals incharge or Medical Officer.

It also said that even private clinics and hospitals will provide information about such patients coming to them with symptoms of fever, cold and cough to the concerned government hospital. Odisha Drug Controller said chemists outlets are sending the required data to different area Drug Inspectors. “We know fever, cold and cough are seasonal disease. The people should cooperate and open up,” she said adding urban local bodies’ help is also taken to make medicine shops aware about coronavirus.

NEW DELHI, APR 19 (PTI): The government on Sunday prohibited e-commerce platforms from selling non-essential items during the lockdown, four days after allowing the companies to sell mobile phones, refrigerators and ready-made garments.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued an order excluding the nonessential items from the cart of e-commerce companies.

The order said the following clause -- “E-commerce companies. Vehicles used by e-commerce operators will be allowed to ply with necessary permissions” -- is excluded from the guidelines. The April 15 order had said e-commerce platforms were allowed to sell such items from April 20.

The reason for reversing the order is not known immediately. But there was a talk of some retail traders mounting pressure on

the government that local shops be also allowed to sell non-essentials items, like e-commerce giants.

E-commerce platforms are allowed to sell essential commodities such as food, pharmaceutical and medical devices.

The previous order said, “Supply of essential goods is allowed, as under: All facilities in the supply chain of essential goods, whether involved in manufacturing, wholesale or retail of such goods through local stores, large brick and mortar stores or e-Commerce companies should be allowed to operate, ensuring strict social distancing

Congress thanks Centre after it reverses decision The Congress on Sunday thanked the central government for “vindicating” its demand to prohibit e-commerce companies from selling non-essential items during lockdown as it was “injustice” to retailers and said it is “better late than never”.

“Dear PM, Better late then never.

Yesterday, Congress Party pointed out the injustice to nearly 7 Crore shopkeepers and traders who have shut shops and busi-

COVID- NTC demands WHO-standard equipment Stranded labourers to be allowed to Recovered 19 patient tests move within state with conditions +ve again in HP NEW DELHI, APR 19 (PTI): Labourers, who are stranded in different parts of the country due to the ongoing lockdown, will be allowed to go to their respective places of work within a state with certain conditions, the Union Home Ministry said.

Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, however, made it clear that there will be no inter-state movement of workers during the lockdown, which has been extended till May 3.

The order issued by Bhalla said that due to the spread of coronavirus, workers employed in industry, agriculture, construction and other sectors have moved from their respective places of work and are housed in relief and shelter camps being run by state and UT governments.

Since additional activities, outside the containment zones, have been permitted in the consolidated revised guidelines with effect from April 20, these workers could be engaged

Ajay Bhalla in industrial, manufacturing, construction, farming and MNREGA works.

To facilitate their movement within the state or UT, the following guidelines may be followed: The migrant labourers currently residing in relief and shelter camps in states and UTs should be registered with the concerned local authority and their skill mapping be carried out to find out their suitability for various kinds of works.

The SoP said in the event that a group of migrants wish to return to their places of work within the

state where they are presently located, they would be screened and those who are asymptomatic would be transported to their respective places of work.

It may be noted that there shall be no movement of labour outside the state and UT from where they are currently located.

During the journey by bus, it would be ensured that safe social-distancing norms are followed and the buses used for transport are sanitized as per the guidelines of the health authorities.

The local authorities shall also provide for food and water etc., for the duration of their journey, the SOP said.

The lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to combat the coronavirus endemic. While extending the lockdown till May 3, the prime minister declared that select activities will open up from April 20 in identified areas.

SHIMLA, APR 19 (PTI): A man, who had recovered from the novel coronavirus, was again found suffering from the infection in Himachal Pradesh, officials said. The man, a Tablighi Jamaat member, tested positive for the infection on Saturday within a week of his two reports coming out negative, they said.

Residents of different places in Mandi district, the man along with two other Jamaatis had been staying in a mosque of Nakroh village in Una’a Amb tehsil and all tested positive on April 2.

They were admitted to Tanda’s Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Kangra district on April 3.

As per the available information, they had tested negative for the first time on April 10 and they were declared as cured as per protocol after they tested negative for the second time on April 12.

Subsequently they had been discharged from the RPGMC and were kept in institutional quarantine.

without any restriction on their timing of opening and closure”. A day later, Home Ministry officials said electronic items like mobile phones, TVs, refrigerators, laptop computers, readymade garments, stationery items for schoolchildren would be available on the e-commerce platforms from April 20.

Following that directive, a few e-commerce companies stated accepting online orders. The government also allowed movement of all trucks and other goods vehicles with two drivers and one helper, subject to the driver carrying a valid driving license.

(From p-1) NTC lamented that Nagaland, despite being the “second-oldest” State in the Northeast having achieved statehood in 1963, was way behind other North-eastern States that came into existence much later like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, etc, in terms of medical infrastructure. To buttress its point, the council pointed that Assam alone had seven medical colleges, while Manipur and Tripura had two each and Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Sikkim one each, even as Nagaland was yet to have one even now. It also mentioned how Nagaland still lacked a laboratory even to test COVID-19 samples and had to depend on its neighbouring States.

Referring to the various statements issued by the State government on lockdown and pointing to the apparent lack of preparedness, the council accused the government of lacking transparency and humanity. It asked whether the substandard and poor quality safety gears like PPE kits, as alleged by the frontline workers, were donated by the Union health ministry, including ventilators and other medical devices meant for COVID-19 patients.

If not, the organisation wanted to know, who were the middlemen responsible for supplying poor

safety gears to frontline workers and thereby putting their lives at risk. Also, seeking to know whether the isolation wards and treatment facilities were funded by the Centre and who were handling construction or renovation and management of such poor facilities.

Admitting that the current pandemic was a humanitarian crisis, the council asked the government whether it had taken into confidence the medical professionals who are at the frontline. If yes, then it asked why was substandard equipment supplied to them.

Meanwhile, NTC also appealed to everyone not to stigmatise frontline health workers belonging to both government and private sectors. It also expressed the hope that the current crisis would be won as the whole world was tirelessly working on a war-footing to get rid of it.

Mentioning that medical professionals knew how to handle patients with protective gears, the council said even after the current COVID-19 crisis was over, the health centres would remain as everyone would require health service one day. Therefore, it called for put heads together, observe all protocols and safety measures and lend “our support in whatever way we can” so as to restore confidence among the health workers and the masses.

nesses during lockdown as Government permitted E-Commerce companies to sell products. Thank you for vindicating our demand,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted.On Saturday, the Congress highlighted the plight of retail traders during the lockdown, alleging the government is doing “injustice” to them by allowing only e-commerce companies to sell non-essential items.

VVC clarifies on Apr 14 incident (From p-1) It said that the next day when the village youth volunteers had gone to conduct search, they found a particular house where a highly suspected person was allegedly being put up.

On enquiry by the youth, VVC said a woman in that house strongly denied the presence of any person from outside and even dared the youth to conduct search of the house.

On searching, VVC said the suspected person was found hiding inside the house and therefore the youth asked as to when the person had entered the village. According to VVC, the woman claimed that it had been weeks since the person had arrived.

However, VVC said that on interrogating the suspected person he confessed to have entered the village on March 13, 2020. VVC said the “lies and the adamant attitude” of the woman highly provoked the youth who resorted to “drastic measure in the spur of the moment.”

Expressing concern over the incident and subsequent events that unfurled, the VVC admitted that the incident as depicted in the viral video was serious and the action taken by the youth was “extreme”.

It, however, requested all concerned to “look at the incident after fully considering the events and circumstances leading to the ugly episode before passing any judgement.”

Stating that it had been putting all efforts for the welfare of people, VVC said it was never its intention to harass anyone, saying it was “equally concerned” about the hardship and inconvenience faced by all due to the present pandemic.

Army takes over management of India’s largest quarantine centre LH condemns police atrocity at Wokha CHANDIGARH, APR 19 (AGENCIES): The Indian Army has taken over the responsibility of managing the Narela Quarantine Center in Delhi during the daytime.

The centre is among the largest in India for housing those suspected of having COVID-19.

“The army has taken the initiative to manage the facility completely under its arrangement from morning 8 AM to evening 8 PM pm and relieving the civil doctors and medical staff who are now required to manage the facility only during the night,” a senior official from the Army’s Western Command, Chandimandir, said here on Sunday.

An Army team, comprising of 40 personnel, including six medical officers and 18 para-medical staff, have volunteered to stay within the centre’s premises. A small team of army doctors and nursing staff have been assisting the civil administration at the centre since April 1.

Presently, 932 members of Markaz Jamaat are being housed in the facility and 367 have tested COVID-19 K Y M C

positive, the official said.

The Army had received a request from the Home Ministry to take over the medical screening at the Narela quarantine camp.

The Narela Quarantine Center was established by the Delhi Government in mid-March. Initially, 250 foreign nationals, returning from foreign countries, were kept in this centre. Between

Representational image March 31 and April 1, an additional strength of approximately 1,000 members of Tablighi Jamaat were brought here from Nizamuddin Markaz.

A n A r my m e d i c a l team, including two doctors and two nursing assistants, was deployed at the Narela camp earlier. This was the first instance of Army doctors being deployed to

help civil administration to help tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.

Narela, incidentally, happens to be the site of a battle that took place in January 1757 between the Maratha Army, led by Antaji Mankeshwar, and an advance column of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s army, in which the Maratha Army had won.

Apart from providing medical cover with the civilian centre at Narela, the Army is also running its quarantine centres for civilians at Jodhpur, Jaiselmer and Manesar. This is in addition to quarantine centres set up at military stations for defence personnel. The other two services are also running their camps.

To cater for isolation and treatment (Including ICU-based care) for COVID19 cases, orders notifying 50 Armed Forces hospitals as dedicated COVID hospitals and mixed COVID hospitals have been issued.

These hospitals have a combined bed capacity of 9,038 patients. Also, 100 medical officers from recruiting organisations are being detailed to work in hospitals where COVID wards are being established.

A list of retired AMC officers and paramedical staff has been readied who may be requested to volunteer for working in military hospitals at their current home stations in case the need arises. Forty-three officers and 990 paramedics have volunteered till date.

DIMAPUR, APR 19 (NPN): Lotha Hoho (LH) has strongly condemned the incident of highhandedness of Nagaland Police at Wokha town on April 17 while enforcing the ongoing lockdown in which Dr Mungshithung Murry was beaten up mercilessly.

The hoho said witnesses and onlookers were convinced that the errant policemen were intoxicated and even the video of the incident proved that they had behaved like animals. If the doctor had violated any Lockdown, he should have been arrested and tried as per rules, but definitely not beaten up on the spot by the policemen, it stressed.

Demanding to know if the controlling authority had empowered the policemen on duty to use force and violence to enforce lockdown, LH said the present crisis was a human/social calamity and not a law and order issue, and hence the policemen and everyone was together fighting a common enemy. Hence, it was stupid to fight among “ourselves behind the battlefront”, it stressed.

The apex Lotha body

said the policemen were expected to assist, guide, protect and cooperate with the public and together achieve the target of social distancing, which was the main purpose of the lockdown.

Under such a circumstance, it emphasised that the policemen could not use their stick to beat as though they were enforcing prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC. The organisation wondered as to whether the policemen were even trained and whether they knew that they were being paid for performing their duty and that they were public servants, not dictators.

Immediately after the incident, LH claimed it had been mobilising public support, which was overwhelmingly, for action against the errant policemen. However, as the victim and his parents had amicably settled the issue, it had to honour the settlement.

Nonetheless, the organisation demanded that the authorities concerned should identify the policemen involved in the incident and take disciplinary action against them so that they did not malign the police

profession. Also sternly warning policemen against such unruly behaviours, the hoho asked them to maintain discipline as they were public servants and cautioned that any repeat of such conduct would not be tolerated by Lotha public.

LH said during a consultative meeting with Wokha district administration on April 15 it had urged policemen to maintain discipline while enforcing lockdown and had pointed out that they had chosen their profession on their own volition, none had forced them, and they were performing their bounden duty for which they were paid salary. Hence, it reasoned that the policemen could not claim extra credit for performing duty.

Reminding them of their oath to serve, the apex Lotha body said the policemen were not doing any favour to anyone, adding people in other professions too were performing their duties as per the calling of their respective professions. This was stated in a press release

by LH chairman Mhondamo Ovung and general secretary Aben Ngullie.

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 133 Dimapur, MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020

As deadly as the disease

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ith the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to spread across the globe there is also a noticeable rise of stigma attached to those who have tested positive. It reminds the world about the same trauma which those tested positive for HIV&AIDS had found themselves. Stigmatisation of COVID-19 carries the same danger as the stigma against HIV&AIDS. Stigmatisation of COVID-19 patients would only drive many underground and that would be a very dangerous situation. Stigmatisation will defeat the very purpose of lockdown and other measures for containing COVID-19. Even till today, the government has not done enough to assuage fears about COVID-19 and also on how to deal with those who die of the deadly disease. World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued advisories on how to deal with the bodies of COVID-19. These have to be widely circulated to all state governments for full adherence. Till some years back, there used to be opposition against burial of HIV&AIDS victims in public places or cemeteries but today this has almost disappeared. That is because of intense awareness launched by civil society groups and individuals. If the stigma attached to COVID-19 is not countered the it would be an official endorsement for discrimination.

This is seen in how it has led to racism against north east people in several parts of India. COVID-19 patients and their family members are also treated like pariahs in many parts of the country. In many places, even landlords are asking them to vacate their flats or homes. Such discrimination has led to intense trauma among many COVID-19 patients to feel guilty and some have even committed suicide. There is also a need to look at one of the measures against COVID-19, called social distancing (keeping at least one metre distance between individuals). Researchers have identified social distancing as one prominent result of stigma. Invariably, when governments issue official directives on social distancing, it is meant for one purpose- protection. However, it also promotes a stigmatizing label on the victims or the risk of associating with them. Though social distancing is a preventive measure, yet it does not ensure one hundred per cent guarantee. What is needed, is to intensify tracking sources in order to halt the spread and to remain at home. Although the concerns over the coronavirus are understandable, such stereotype labelling and exclusions are not. Instead of the principle of exclusion of COVID-19 patients, there should be an attempt to try and support them as a form of solidarity. The present COVID-19 scare has also exposed how it is being used to target a particular religion.This is seen in the regular media briefing by government officials in India. They have hardly failed to hide their religious bias by accusing the Tablighi Jamaat (TJ) congregation of contributing to the spike in COVID-19 cases.

Though the conference took place in Delhi prior to the announcement of a nationwide lockdown, the government unfailingly accuses the Tablighi Jamaat of breaking rules on social distancing and thereby contributing to a spike in COVID-19 cases across different states.The government’s repeated focus on the Tablighi Jamaat flies in the face of the home ministry’s own guidelines, on April 8, that said: “Do not label any community or area for spread of COVID-19.” If stigmatisation is not removed, then the fight will be longer than expected with disastrous consequences.

DailyDevotion Beware of the Least Likely Temptation

Joab had defected to Adonijah, though he had not defected to Absalom. —1 Kings 2:28 Joab withstood the greatest test of his life, remaining absolutely loyal to David by not turning to follow after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom.

Yet toward the end of his life he turned to follow after the weak and cowardly Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one person has turned back is exactly where anyone may be tempted to turn back (see 1 Corinthians 10:11-13). You may have just victoriously gone through a great crisis, but now be alert about the things that may appear to be the least likely to tempt you. Beware of thinking that the areas of your life where you have experienced victory in the past are now the least likely to cause you to stumble and fall.

We are apt to say, “It is not at all likely that having been through the greatest crisis of my life I would now turn back to the things of the world.” Do not try to predict where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the real danger. It is in the aftermath of a great spiritual event that the least likely things begin to have an effect. They may not be forceful and dominant, but they are there. And if you are not careful to be forewarned, they will trip you. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials— now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be abnormally examining your inner self, looking forward with dread, but stay alert; keep your memory sharp before God. Unguarded strength is actually a double weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength. The Bible characters stumbled over their strong points, never their weak ones. “…kept by the power of God…”— that is the only safety. (1 Peter 1:5).

Quotes

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. ~ Robin Williams

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020

Post-mortem

US shoots down WHO, UN, WTO multilaterism

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orona has sought some targets. World bodies are crumbling. Poor migrant labourers are suffering. Middle class lives in fear. Opposition parties ruling about half the states are in a quandary.

The world economy is getting into minus three percent ‘growth’in a year, according to IMF. It is to lose $ 9 trillion. Indian economy like the world is getting into the level of 1991 growth of 1.6 percent.

Growth is now projected around 1.9 percent.

People sinking into poverty are to phenomenally rise. India’s geriatric and the weaker sections remain most vulnerable without social security and pension, a gift of the market non-economy.

RBI Governor S Das announces Rs 1 lakh crore infusion in banks. It is expected to make lending available for industry, housing sector, farmers and micro-lenders.

The RBI step will not infuse desired cash. It will not address the poor labourers or informal sector.

Micro-economic scenario is grim, it says The economy is draining out every day. The lockdown (LD) has halted Indian economy, says Das.

It is impoverishing every Indian, not businesses alone. One wonders why 726 districts are in LD while 62 are hit and 325 remain unouched?

Indian economy, according to Care Ratings, during the LD is losing 80 percent production, taking a hit of Rs 35,000-40,000 crore daily, a cumulative of Rs 6.3 to 7.2 lakh crore (lc)in LD 1. Together in 40 days it is likely to lose Rs 13 to 15 lc – huge hit for a poor nation aspiring to be developed.

Different sectors are losing at their level like the tourism sector by at least Rs 5 lakh crore and hit about 4 crore people.

Actual national losses may be more than estimated.

Would it fulfill the dream of $ 5 trillion economy? Instead it might even in rupee (slips to Rs 76.86 to dollar) terms be a lesser economy than it is in 201920. Government revenues are tottering. People are getting into distress. Farmers are losing billions. Floriculturists and vegetable growers have already lost crores.

There is brouhaha about US President Donald Trump denying funds to World Health Organisation. The US leaders

including former president Barack Obama condemns it. They forget that during the last at least six US presidencies they have been c losing the tap of various Shivaji world bodies, the UN included. The UN chief Antonio Gueterre says that it has funds enough to pay a month’s salary.

The WTO’s dispute resolution system has been paralysed by the US tactics.

The US wants it to succumb to its dictat.

Bilateralism is being pressed by the US, EU and China at the cost of multilateralism. Bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), which have many shackles are being forced on poor nations. India is no exception. Somehow India has been resisting in its bid to reenergize multilateralism.

Its BRICS initiative has yet to stabilize. China’s belt and road initiative (BRI) has emerged as parallel.

S i m u l t a n e o u s l y, Trump has made entry of Indian goods to his empire expensive as he imposed severe duties on steel and aluminium to textiles and other simpler items. Instead of any concession, he ushered threats for getting cholroquine covid 19 drugs. Trump is treating

India and China with the same stick and also pressurizes India to maintain a distance from China.

It is not a kind world.

Corona is Sarkar more a political syndrome than health issue. Has Indian LD been forced by it? Or simply put is the LD a bigger conspiracy to keep India unstable and poor? May be or not it has certainly unnerved the entire domestic political moves.

The ruling and the opposition appear to be in the same quandary. Both see conspiracies in helpless migrants’ movement.

The language used by both surprisingly is the same.

UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath sees conspiracy in Bareilly, and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thakre sees it in Bandra, Mumbai.

In Delhi, On April 15, thousands of poor gather at the Yamuna pushta wondering if they can go back home or get some support. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s gruel kitchen is good propaganda and less reality.

There is little empathy for the poor, helpless, hungry migrants locked out of jobs, wages, food or shelter.

The elite middle class blames the migrants for bringing bad name to their masters. It’s shocking.

Ever ybody forgets that across the country – Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Kochi, Surat, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, Bareilly - the migrants, and they would number over five crore at the minimum, are in distress. They had been demanding nothing but a train to their home or some wages.

The railways played truant with them. Even China gave eight hours before Wuhan (not whole of China) LD. The railways booked tickets till April 13. It issues circulars for running Jansadharan unreserved trains to clear the migrant crowd before suddenly canceling all.

The poor, small and medium businesses, the largest employers, need cash support for their survival and revival of the economy. Activity of any sort would need lubricant.

The lowest class is the largest buyer. May be Rs 5,000 cash to each of them would be life-saver for not only small but even larger industries. But an “incentive” to large sector has often drained banks and

cost the economy.

The migrant labourers, cheapest input, socially and politically are being treated as non-entities. Had these people not toiled at less than minimum wages, the real estate and many industries would never have been there.

Informal sector suffered the most in 2016 note-ban, and now corona is hitting them hard. The package has to be worked out to help them and save small retailers.

As the US and EU are taking the poor nations for granted, the poor are being treated so in their homes.

This is despite Prime Minister Narendra giving a call to all to empathise with the poor in his April 14 address.

The factories - legal, illegal, small or big; transport – taxi or truck drivers, rickshaw pullers, coolies, loaders or semi-skilled have added to the GDP. Postcovid 19, India has to treat the – labour - with care and respect. The reverse migration to villages may change Indian economy.

It would take over three months to normalize operations after LD. The nation must not wait any longer and open up with health caution or selected LD.

Urgent need for official NPCC rejoinder to ‘clarification COVID-19-dedicated website from a concerned citizen’

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T

ive days ago (on Call for volunteers that have Instagram:https://nagahe attention of NPCC is drawn also mentions, ‘Home Quarantine for 14 14 April 2020), the demonstrable proficiency health.nagaland.gov.in/) to a clarification issued by one days more.’

World Health Or- in English, for translation for the awareness materials, Basu Damani that appeared in Mr Damani should not feign ignoand does not clearly direct local dailies on 19th April regarding his rance of medical advice written in plain ganisation released a new, to local languages. comprehensive document 2. Launch a new of- the citizens to the NSDMA Quarantine status. simple English. titled COVID-19: Strategy ficial website dedicated website.

While we have generally refrained He has deliberately broken his quarS u g ge s t i o n : A s a from targeting individuals, the person in Update“to help guide the to COVID-19; also highantine period by stepping out on 11th public health response to lighting that “...State HEALTH issue, generally a question has not only insulted the intelApril where he was seen feeding needy COVID-19 at national and gover nment mandated person wanting to find any ligence of the people of Nagaland by his public in the august company of a minister information on COVID-19 subnational levels”. The websites (Department of contradictory clarification but has also and an MLA at a function organized by document was based on Health and Family Wel- will go to the websiteof Naendangered countless lives by flouting one political party. “...the evidence the world fare, DHFW;and Nagaland galand’s DHFW. The GON medical advice on quarantine period.

With Mr Damani’s clarification, it must clearly inform the pubhas accumulated in the State Disaster ManageMr Damani by his own admission is amply clear that he is making his own past three months about ment Authority, NSDMA) lic which department is in how COVID-19 spreads, are far too cluttered with charge of all public aware- puts his arrival at Dimapur on 23rd interpretation of quarantine period disrethe severity of the disease, non-essential information ness on COVID-19. Other March and reported to health authori- garding medical advice and also blaming howto treat it, and how for the general public to departments that might be ties on 2nd April. He got discharged on govt health officials for the lapses. searched should not have 4th April on receiving negative report as to stop it.” One of the six navigate efficiently.

It is also a fact to be noted that citimandatory conditions, the The GON has just any additional information, well as completing 14 days according to zens making their own interpretations of WHO identified, if any launched https://covid19. but should only provide a his interpretation. rules cannot override the duly established Unless the month of March has 33 rules notified by the government. government wants to start nagaland.gov.in/, but it is link to a single platform days, counting 14 days from 23rd Mar to lifting restrictions, is that currently a dashboard for (COVID-19 website).

Since these are extraordinary time Issue 2. Duplication 4th April is ridiculous. Govt rules say, 14 when the very existence of mankind is “Communities are fully basic COVID-19 statistics. educated, engaged and em- There is an appreciable of Effort: Several GON- days quarantine from the date of arrival under grave threat, NPCC strongly depowered to live under a new amount of vital informa- s p o n s o r e d C OV I D - 1 9 and here the person concerned is making mands that the concerned government normal”. tion for public awareness awareness materials (texts, his own calculation to save his skin. authorities take cognizance of this serious I have been away from about COVID-19, but effec- graphics, audios, videos) According to papers available in Nagaland (my birthplace tive communication from are available. The All India public domain, both the ‘Release Report’ lapse that has occurred and take necessary and residence) for educa- the GON still seems to Radio, Kohima (Air Ko- and ‘Post Test Advice’ signed on 4th action as per the relevant sections of law tion and work all my adult be lacking thus far. I wish hima”) has made audios in April clearly mentions, ‘Home Quaran- without fear or favour.

Communication Dept, NPCC life. When news came of the to highlight the following multiple languages on sev- tine for another 14 days’ while the other COVID-19 precautionary major issues that I think eral topics (health advisory lockdown in Nagaland, I can be addressed through for elderly, dos & don’ts to learnedthere was no reliable improving and expanding prevent coronavirus, social single source of informa- the GON COVID-19 dedi- distancing etc.). The North East Initiative Development tion available. More wor- cated website: ryingly, any information I Issue 1: Which depart- Agency (NEIDA) in partcould find on the Nagaland ment? COVID-19 is a health nership with DHFW, and government website/s was issue which is why at the na- several other institutions in the English language tional level all official com- have made awareness videos only. This led me to peti- munications and guidelines (how coronavirus spreads, tion to the Government of including Awareness Ma- hand washingguidelines, Sir, Nagaland (GON) on April terials related to COVID- etc.). I can only assume Despite Nagaland being a Christian state, we see that there are so many negative 5, 2020 that “mass commu- 19 are made available on that the Health Communi- incidents taking place in our land. The inhumane treatment of certain authorities nication is a critical weapon the official website of the cations Department of the exercising dominant power in certain areas is affecting the image of Nagaland as a against COVID-19”. To be Ministry of Health and DHFW will have made or Christian state. During this pandemic, the people should support and exercise love clear, I speak mainly for my Family Welfare (MoHFW: are making several such and unity among us as this is the need of the hour, however, the incidents where some people are using their power in the name of authority being discharged to constituency of the voice- https://www.mohfw.gov. awareness materials.

Suggestion: Collabo- them is disheartening. less common people in the in/). Quite logically, one At this juncture of such incidents happening in our land, it is very sad to see far-flung remote areas of would think that at the ration between all key deNagaland, and for those State level, the mandated partments and institutions that the public are controlled in a wrong way.

Because of the constant prayers and fasting taking place in our land, we see people who are not English- department for all Covid- will avoid duplication of literate, or cannot read.

19 awareness materials will effort and do justice to all of that God is taking care of this land. But we never know what the future holds for My petition letter be the DHFW (https:// the awareness materials that us; as this virus can affect anyone irrespective of religion or race. So let us continue provided two major sug- nagahealth.nagaland.gov. are being produced, if the to hold on to our faith and keep praying for one another in this time of distress gestions: in/) under the concerned GON officially directs the and chaos.

The Bible clearly tells in the book of Proverbs that “the fear of the Lord is the 1. Produce a script- central government min- public through the single ed audio communication istry, the MoHFW. When platform (COVID-19 web- beginning of wisdom”. So taking this platform I urge my fellow brothers and sisters translated into all major I was searching for Na- site). Nagaland should be to be God-centered and work accordingly. Let God lead us and in the wisdom that and minor languages and galand information, the last proud of the commendable the Spirit gives us let us work in unity. As we are in lockdown and the government dialects in the State. The place I thought to look for efforts that have been made issuing certain orders to curb this pandemic, let us keep aside our differences and translated script would in- “health” information was by the Government, inde- work together. I urge the public to obey the orders of the government since they clude all of the vital and on Nagaland State Disaster pendent parties, and indi- are working for the public interest.

However, on the other side, those who are given the powers of authority please approved information for Management Authority viduals in spreading awareness about COVID-19, but see to it that no inhumane treatment are done to the violators. Instead of using the general public on how which primarily provides to protect themselves, and the GON COVID-19 re- the most efficient way for violence, I urge the authorities to deal with it in a legal way that will teach the those around them, from lated information (https:// mass educationwould be violators a lesson.

As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”; catching and spreading nsdma.nagaland.gov.in/ to present these materials COVID-19. That the GON covid19), whereas the on the single dedicated let us unite our hearts and fight this pandemic irrespective of beliefs, religion, race or culture. Let us work hand in hand and comply everything that is proven to be recruit volunteers (from DHFW website appears COVID-19 website.

(To be concluded) effective and good for everyone. each language/dialect to only havea link to soN. Neilo Koza, Kohima group) through an Official cial media (Facebook and Dr. Rachunliu G Kamei Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Reader’s Post Expressing Thoughts!

Bring back stranded citizens: Mukul Sangma

Correspondent

SHILLONG, APR 19: Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya Assembly, Dr Mukul Sangma on Saturday asked the State government to bring back stranded citizens of Meghalaya trapped in different parts of the Country following the nation-wide lockdown to stem COVID-19.

In a letter to Chief Secretary, M. S. Rao, Sangma said that there are many distress calls coming to relatives, civil society organisations and the elected representatives from the stranded citizens of the state.

“A comprehensive plan for bringing back stranded students and migrant workers should be prepared immediately and submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs for smooth co-ordination with the counterpart states,” he said.

“This plan include advance and immediate action to be taken for identifying and creation of dedicated accommodation in every district to house the stranded students and migrant workers upon arrival into their respective districts,” Sangma added.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020

Mukul Sangma (File)

In his letter, the former Chief Minister advised the government to have a dedicated train service to evacuate stranded citizens from respective states till the nearest train station/ rail head including Mendipathar railway station in North Garo Hills district, with proper food arrangement and stringent social and physical distancing norms during the time of travel. “… the unavoidable and foreseeable development after the nationwide lockdown measures are withdrawn; the expected rush to return by the stranded students/migrant workers to their respective states of origin is likely to expose people to other

possible asymptomatic COVID-19 infected people should they travel in common overcrowded trains,” he stated.

“This should be supported by proper arrangement of road transportation from the respective place of their present stay into the designated train station and from the final destination train station to the dedicated place of accommodation arranged in the respective districts,” he said.

Upon arrival into the respective districts, he said the frontlines team should compile history of each stranded students and migrant workers relating to work and movement of each of them to ascertain

the vulnerability, if any, of contracting the virus, so as to house them in specially segregated accommodation and for necessary observation and follow up.

He suggested a mock drill of all the officers/ employees in the frontlines be conducted to ensure smooth operation of the Standard Operation Procedure which can be specifically prepared by the state for the same in a very comprehensive manner.

Sangma said many stranded citizens and their parents are anxious and suffering from depression and being pre-disposed to psychological stress due to loss of jobs, extreme hardships, sense of low esteem, uncertainty.

In his letter, the Congress legislator also highlighted a slew of measures for bringing back stranded citizens by collecting details of all the stranded citizens immediately, and constitute a dedicated team with contact numbers under respective District Disaster Management Authority be created for the parents and relatives or NGOs to provide details of the stranded students, migrant workers.

“The parents, rela-

tives or NGOs be requested/urged upon to share the details through aggressive and appropriate information dissemination measures adopted by district authorities using all available means keeping in mind the psychological stress of the affected people,” Sangma said.

He said a similar arrangement should be made for students, migrant workers and patients who are stranded in the State capital and other parts of the state to ensure that they reach their respective districts besides providing separate accommodations so as not to mix them up with trapped citizens when brought back from other states.

“The arrangement for this group should be done keeping in mind the COVID-19 positive cases in Shillong,” he said.

Moreover, the former Chief Minister said, if one waits for the current nationwide lockdown to be over, the return and arrival of the stranded students and migrant workers from other parts of the country, will invariably be required to be kept in separate accommodation and in quarantine for further observation and testing.

Manipur’s 2nd COVID-19 cured; no positive case in state Correspondent IMPHAL, Apr 19: With the latest test on the second COVID-19 patients showing negative on Sunday, Manipur is free from the contagion.

An official source from RIMS hospital where the 65-year-old second patient of the state was treated said that the patient’s latest swab sample was tested for the second time on Sunday and the result showed negative.

Earlier, on Saturday, the hospital authority and COVID-19 Common Control Room of the Manipur government had informed that the patient was tested negative during the latest test conducted at VRDLs at

RIMS and JNIMS. Both the biggest government hospital in Imphal have the facilities of testing for the pandemic.

Today’s test was conducted 24 hours after the last test for reconfirmation which is also mandatory as per the COVID-19 treatment guidelines of the Union ministry of health and family welfare, the source said.

To confirm the recovery of the second patient, state chief minister N Biren Singh tweeted “Good news : the second #COVID19 patient who is undergoing treatment at RIMS, Imphal has reported negative of Novel Corona Virus disease.”

“Manipur now has zero positive case of COVID-19 as of date as the two cases of Manipur have reported negative,” he added.

Manipur was on the map of COVUD-19 hit states of the country after a 23-year-old girl with a travel history in UK tested positive on March 24 last.

She was discharged from JNIMS hospital where she was treated a week ago after completely recovering from the virus.

Later, a 65-year-old man contracted the disease following his return from Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi's Nizamudddin on April 1 to become the second COVID-19 patient in the state.

Students from Class 1 to 9 and 11 to be promoted

Agartala, Apr 19 (PTI): Tripura Education minister Ratan Lal Nath on Sunday said all students of Class 1 to 9 and 11 have been promoted to the next class and virtual classes started for state school students in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Virtual classes for all students of the state schools up to higher secondary level started from Sunday in 14 local cable channels as all schools are closed due to COVID-19 pandemic, Nath said. He said pre-recorded classes are already available in the ‘Youtube’ under the title of ‘Tripura

Shiksha Bandhu’. “All examinations were conducted before announcement of the lockdown. Unless classes are started, the students would face problem, so we have decided to impart education through apps and local TV channels. Regular classes in the schools would be start from May 4 after lockdown period”, he told reporters at the civil secretariat. District Education Officers (DEOs) and Inspector of Schools (IS) were asked to instruct the Headmasters and teachers to upload the result sheets through EmpowerU app by April 25 next, he added.

Manipur launches control room to manage home delivery supplies

Correspondent

Assam Rifles troops of Agartala Battalion interacted with children of Anvesha Orphanage and Sree Ma Roti foundation in Agartala educating them on measures for combating COVID-19 pandemic on April 18. Assam Rifles also provided basic essentials and reusable masks made by jawans of Assam Rifles to children and staff of the orphanage.

Assam Rifles Troops join civil administration to overcome the shortage of drinking water, transportation of material and distribution of face masks to locals in parts of Manipur and Assam.

IMPHAL, Apr 19: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh launched Home Delivery Supplies Management Control Room in Imphal’s Thangal Bazar on Sunday.

The opening of the control room aimed at addressing grievances and hardships faced by people of the state in procuring essential items owing to the nationwide lockdown, officials said.

Any individual or groups can contact the tollfree number 1800-313-8171 between 9 am to 3 pm daily, they added.

The chief minister hoped that such initiative would definitely reduce the crowd and help in maintaining social distancing in the state.

The launch of control room will strengthen home delivery services offered by various agencies in the state.

Initially, the control room will be operational for the Imphal East and Imphal West after which the remaining districts would

Manipur CM N Biren Singh launching launched Home Delivery Supplies Management Control Room in ImphalÆs Thangal Bazar on Sunday.

be covered shortly, he informed.

Officials of different government departments and Chamber of Commerce have been deputed to attend to grievances of the people, he added.

Singh maintained that the state government has received the directives of the Union government on relaxation of the lockdown restrictions in some parts of the state.

He said that a decision will be taken at the cabinet

meeting which is scheduled to be held on Monday. The government would then issue a notification on the sectors or areas where the lockdown would be continued or be relaxed, he added.

Talking about natives of the state stranded in various parts of the country, the chief minister said that the government has extended one-time financial assistance of Rs 2000 each to 12,561 individuals till now.

Out of 16,172 indi-

MGU distributes food to poor in campus Milk cooperatives, dairy farms in Assam facing problem due to lockdown restrictions

Food distribution inside MGU campus in Ri-bhoi.

RI-BHOI, APR 19: Dr. Rajan Chopra Chancellor Mahatma Gandhi University ( MGU) along with staff of the University provided food to daily wagers, homeless people and other people affected by the curfew imposed in North East A press release by MGU stated the Corona Virus pandemic has given Mahatma Gandhi University a another chance to show their social responsibility and volunteer to help K Y M C

the most needy section of the society by contributing in the form of food distribution to the people who are completely dependent on the daily earning and this lockdown has put a fall back in their lives The press release stated volunteers reached out to people affected by the lockdown, especially daily wagers, and provided them food. Food packets were provided at the Mahatma Gandhi University Campus to daily wages workers

or the poor people who were working in the city and did not have lunch or dinner to have.

Volunteers have been taking necessary hygiene precautions by wearing face masks and using hand sanitizers during food distribution. Social Distancing was being strictly followed while food distribution to all. People were instructed to maintain a distance and sanitize their hand while receiving the food packets, the release added.

GUWAHATI, APR 19 (PTI): Problems in procuring and selling milk have impacted milk cooperatives, farms and individual producers severely across Assam during the ongoing 40-day lockdown period, though distribution and sale of milk are exempted from restrictions during this period, sources in the dairy sector said.

It has also become difficult to arrange fodder as most of the trucks carrying feed for livestock have stopped plying since the 21-day lockdown was announced on March 24, and then extended till May 3 to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Organised cooperatives and individual dairy farmers have laid off employees to cut the cost due to drastic fall in sales and at times threw away milk on roads and rivers as they could not sell it due to lack of transportation and closure of markets.

Sitajakhala Milk Cooperative Society chairman Ranjib Sarma told PTI, “The lockdown has affected the operations of the cooperative in multiple ways. Our daily procurement at this time of the year is between 17,000 litres and 18,000 litres. But now, we are procuring around 10,000 litres of milk per day.” The Sitajakhala Milk Cooperative Sciety, one of the oldest and largest dairy cooperatives of Assam located in Morigaon district, is able to process and market an average of 7,000 litres of milk daily out of the procured raw material now, he said.

Initially there was confusion about the services exempted from lockdown restrictions with the information from the Centre not percolating to the local level, thereby affecting procurement and sale of milk, Sarma said.

“Another problem we are facing is the fear psychosis among villagers, who are trying to restrict entry of people from the cooperative or other villages. This is creating difficulty in movement of traffic which has affected distribution of fodder and milk,” he said.

Since most of the fodder comes from outside the state, its supply has completely stopped after the lockdown came into force, though efforts are being made to get the necessary permission for movement of vehicles carrying such goods, he said.

“Usually our inventory of such raw materials is for about 15 days. It has already gone down and may lead to closure of our operations till the lockdown is lifted, if the feed does not arrive,” Sarma said.

The price of milk has been reduced to Rs 50 a litre from Rs 54 for disposal of its daily production, he said.

“We have also entered into a joint venture with the Directorate of Dairy Development, Government of Assam for uninterrupted supply of milk to Guwahati. The cooperative has also undertaken door-to-door distribution of its products on request from consumers,” he added.

Partner of Kamrup-based small dairy initiative, East Valley Agro Ventures, Anjan Phukan, said that the firm’s daily milk production has gone down to 50 litres from 120 litres on a normal day, mostly due to lack of feed. “As milk distribution has become a major problem in the lockdown, we are making paneer from the milk and selling it in nearby villages. However, villagers do not prefer buying paneer as fish and poultry are abundant,” he added.

viduals who have registered through https://www. tengbang.in/, the amount has been transferred to the respective bank accounts, he claimed.

The government will further extend financial assistance to the remaining individuals shortly, he added.

The chief minister reiterated his government’s commitment to extend every possible help to stranded Manipuris.

He said that the gov-

ernment was in constant touch with chief ministers, chief secretaries and DGPs of different states to make sure every stranded Manipuri will be taken care of in their respective states.

He thanked the people for their co-operation and support to the government in fighting against COVID19 in the state and appreciated the selfless sacrifices of doctors, nurses, paramedical staffs and those working at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 in the state.

He also updated on the recovery of the second COVID-19 patient of the state who tested negative for the disease on Saturday adding that the patient will undergo another round of test today and if the test turns out negative then Manipur will become free of COVID-19 cases.

Some MLAs of ruling BJP, top officials of the state government, DCs of Imphal West and Imphal East districts were amongst others who attended the launch of the Home Delivery Supplies Management Control Room.

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY IN TREASURED MEMORY OF Mr. Hekato N.Chishi Died on 20/04/2019

Our Beloved, Seem like yesterday but a year already has passed, yet your presence remain afresh and our thoughts still rests in your loving arms. Nothing echoes as we arrive home rather than your sweet voice waiting for me and your daughters.

Now, we live in a different world yet we cant drop a single day without writing your name in our hearts and prayers.

Your life that ended too early made our world shattered, gone too soon but we put on a brave face for others and strong will amongst friends. So close in our hearts though another year passed. We crave for your physical presence, we mourn when we see your picture, we mourn when we miss you yet thankful to you for this opportunity to miss You since you led a life worth to be treasured. We face the life’s storms and keep your memory warm and anew. We thank God that we knew someone as beautiful as you (a man with a golden heart) Living in your memory Your beloved wife, Your beloved daughters (Ovi and Ona) K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020

Global coronavirus Nobel winning scientist claims Trump warns China of COVID-19 consequences death toll tops COVID-19 virus originated in lab 160,000 WASHINGTON, APR 19 (PTI): US President Donald Trump has warned China that it should face consequences if it was “knowingly responsible” for the spread of the novel coronavirus, upping the ante on Beijing over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump, who has expressed disappointment over China’s handling of the coronavirus disease, alleged non-transparency and initial non-cooperation from Beijing with Washington on dealing with the crisis.

“If they were knowingly responsible, yeah, then there should be consequences. You’re talking about, you know, potentially lives like nobody’s seen since 1917,” he told reporters at a White House news conference on Saturday. Trump said his relationship with China was very good till the time the deadly COVID-19 swept across the world.

“The relationship was good when we were signing that, but then, all of a sudden, you hear about this.

So, it’s a big difference.

You know, the question was asked would you be angry at China. Well, the answer very well might be a very resounding yes, but it depends,” Trump said.

Donald Trump

The president underlined that there was a big difference between a mistake that got out of control and something done deliberately.

“In either event, they should have let us go in.

You know, we asked to go in very early and they didn’t want us in. I think they knew it was something bad and I think they were embarrassed,” Trump said.

He claimed that China was pitching for former vice president Joe Biden, who is the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for the presidential election.

“If sleepy Joe Biden wins, China will own the United States,” Trump

Wuhan classified as COVID-19 low-risk area

W u han, A pril 1 9 (IANS): Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province where the global coronavirus pandemic originated last December, has now been classified as a low-risk area as the city has not reported a new COVID-19 case in the last 14 days, authorities said.

By the end of Friday, Hubei province had 76 lowrisk cities and counties and none with high risk or medium risk, Xinhua news agency quoted the provincial COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control headquarters as saying on Saturday.

Wuhan saw its last medium-risk district of Qiaokou classified as low-risk compared with the assessment on Thursday.

It had its coronavirus risk evaluation downgraded from high-risk to mediumrisk on March 27. According to the risk criteria defined in

a guideline issued by China’s State Council, cities, counties, and districts with no new confirmed cases in the last 14 days are categorized as low-risk areas, those with fewer than 50 cases or those with over 50 but without a concentrated outbreak are classified as mid-risk areas, and those with over 50 cases as well as a concentrated outbreak are classified as high-risk areas.

T h i s d eve l o p m e n t comes after Wuhan on Friday had revised the number of deaths caused by the disease in the city, leading to some 50 per cent increase in the figures. In an announcement, the Wuhan municipal headquarters for the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control said the revisions were made as per the laws and regulations concerned, and out of the principle of being responsible for history, the people and the deceased.

said, adding that his administration had gained billions of dollars from China due to his assertive trade policies.

The president said the coronavirus crisis had hurt everybody. “We had the greatest economy in the world by far. China isn’t even close. Go back two months. And we’re going to keep it that way,” he said.

Trump also asserted that Iran was now a much different country than it was before.

“When I first came in, Iran was going to take over the entire Middle East,” he said. “Right now, they just want to survive.” The United States has slammed China for the “delay” in

Italy death toll 23,227

Rome, April 19 (IANS): The coronavirus pandemic has claimed over 23,000 lives in locked-down Italy, bringing the total number of infections, fatalities and recoveries so far to 175,925, according to the latest data released by the country’s Civil Protection Department on Saturday. The death toll in the past 24 hours was 482, bringing the total to 23,227 since the pandemic first broke out in the northern Lombardy region on February 21, Xinhua reported.

There were 809 new active coronavirus infections and 2,200 additional recoveries, bringing the total active infections to 107,771 and recoveries to 44,927, respectively. Of those infected, some 2,733 patients are in intensive care, down by 79 compared to the previous day; another 25,007 are hospitalized in normal wards, down by 779; and 80,031 (or 74 per cent) are isolated at home because of asymptomatic or light symptoms.

sharing information with its technical experts on the deadly coronavirus.

China’s ruling Communist Party poses a “substantial threat” to Americans’ health and their way of life, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month, blasting Beijing for engaging in the intentional “disinformation campaign” and trying to deflect from its handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday denied any cover up and accused the US of attempting to divert public attention.

“There has never been any concealment, and we’ll never allow any concealment,” Zhao Lijian told a media briefing.

According to data m a i n t a i n e d b y Jo h n s Hopkins University, over 35,000 people have died in the US and the country has 734,969 infections, the highest in the world.

The death toll in China is 4,632 with no fatalities reported on Saturday, according to China’s National Health Commission.

Globally, 160,721 people have died and over 2.3 million people have been infected by the coronavirus, according to data maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

Lon d on, A pr 1 9 (IANS): French Nobel prize winning scientist Luc Montagnier has sparked a fresh controversy by claiming that the SARS-CoV-2 virus came from a lab, and is the result of an attempt to manufacture a vaccine against the AIDS virus.

In an interview given to French CNews channel and during a podcast by Pourquoi Docteur, professor Montagnier who codiscovered HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) claimed the presence of elements of HIV in the genome of the coronavirus and even elements of the “germ of malaria” are highly suspect, according to a report in Asia Times.

“The Wuhan city laboratory has specialized in these coronaviruses since the early 2000s. They have expertise in this area,” he was quoted as saying.

The theory that Covid-19 virus originated in the lab is making rounds for quite some time.

US President Donald Trump last week acknowledged Fox News report that the novel coronavirus may have been accidentally leaked by an intern working at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.

Representational image

The Fox News, in an exclusive report, based on unnamed sources has claimed that though the virus is a naturally occurring strain among bats and not a bioweapon, but it was being studied in Wuhan laboratory.

The initial transmission of the virus was batto-human, the news channel said, adding that the “patient zero” worked at the laboratory. The lab employee was accidentally infected before spreading the disease among the common people outside the lab in Wuhan city.

Professor Montagnier was awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Medicine for the identification of AIDS virus, with his colleague professor Franeoise Barre-

Sinoussi.

His fresh claim on coronavirus, however, received criticism from scientists, including his colleagues.

“Just in case you don’t know. Dr Montagnier has been rolling downhill incredibly fast in the last few years. From baselessly defending homeopathy to becoming an antivaxxer.

Whatever he says, just don’t believe him,” tweeted Juan Carlos Gabaldon.

As per a recent Washington Post, two years ago, the US embassy officials in China raised concerns about the insufficient biosafety at the Chinese government’s Wuhan Institute of Virology where deadly viruses and infectious diseases are studied.

Paris, Apr 19 (AFP) :The worldwide death toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 160,685 on Sunday, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP. More than 2,334,130 declared cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. Of these cases, at least 518,900 are now considered recovered.

The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.

Many countries are testing only the most serious cases. In the United States, now the worst-hit country, the death toll stood at 39,090 with 735,287 infections. At least 66,819 patients have recovered.

Italy is the next mostaffected country with 23,227 deaths and 175,925 confirmed infections. It is followed by Spain with 20,453 fatalities and 195,944 confirmed infections, France with 19,323 deaths and 151,793 infections and Britain with 15,464 deaths and 114,217 cases.

Nicola Sturgeon rejects COVID-19 cases in Pak expected to increase around mid-May: Imran claims of lockdown lift in May Islamabad, April 19 (IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the country may face increased coronavirus cases from mid-May and the healthcare system could come under significant pressure. “Coronavirus cases are expected to increase from May 15 to May 20,” The Express Tribune quoted Khan as saying on Saturday as the number of cases in the country has reached 7,918, with 148 deaths.

The premier said Pakistan has less COVID-19 cases than compared to the rest of the world as the federal government took the timely decision of imposing a lockdown.

“Fifty thousand cases were expected by April 25, but we were saved from the disaster as we implemented a lockdown in March when there were only 25 cases in the country,” Khan said.

He further said the big-

Imran Khan

ger challenge being faced by the country is of unemployment of poor people, who are mostly daily wagers.

“The biggest problem is that the labour workforce is not registered in our country. The government opened the construction industry to protect people from unemployment and hunger.”

The premier added that the government has decided to gradually ease the lockdown as immediately lifting it would defeat its purpose, The Express Tribune reported. While addressing the

police, the premier directed the law enforcers to not take ‘strict measures’.

“I want them (police) to understand that people will not follow the lockdown with force. The lockdown will only work if people understand that it is for their own benefit.”

He also advised the people to take precautionary measures while going to mosques in Ramazan and heed to procedures discussed by President Arif Alvi and various religious scholars.

Edinburgh, April 19 (IANS): Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Sunday denied claims that lockdown restrictions could be lifted next month.

Several Sunday papers have reported that lockdown measures could be relaxed from May 11, including the re-opening of schools and some retailers, the BBC reported.

Taking to Twitter, she said: “Decisions need to be solidly based & not premature. We don’t yet know what will be possible and when.”

She added that the Scotland goverment will soon set out “the factors that will guide decisions, but as/when we lift restrictions, we must be able to suppress virus in different ways”.

Three days ago, Sturgeon announced that Scot-

land’s coronavirus lockdown would continue for “at least another three weeks”.

She said that while there was “positive” news that lockdown was slowing the spread of the virus, it was not yet time to ease social distancing.

The First Minister further said she would begin to set out the basic principles of an “exit strategy” from the lockdown in the coming week.

The number of people who have died from coronavirus in Scotland’s hospitals yesterday rose to 893.

T h e d eve l o p m e n t comes as the entire UK continues to be under a lockdown due to the pandemic.

The number of coronavirus cases as of Sunday increased to 115,314, with 15,498 deaths.

‘Olympics in 2021 unrealistic Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Pele, Maradona among icons unless COVID-19 vaccine found’ Mouratoglou launches tournament pay tribute to medical workers

A woman wearing a protective face mask walks past the Olympic rings in front of the Japan Olympics Museum in Tokyo, Japan. (Reuters)

L O N D O N, A pr 1 9 (IANS): Holding the Tokyo Olympics any time before a vaccine is found will be “very unrealistic,” according to a leading global health expert. Professor Devi Sridhar said that the development of the vaccine will be key to when the Olympics can be held.

Sridhar, however, said that the vaccine could be found earlier than what was expected. “We’re hearing from the scientists that this could be possible. I had

thought it would be a year or a year and a half away but we’re hearing possibly this could come sooner,” she told BBC Sport. “If we do get a vaccine within the next year then actually I think that (Olympics) is realistic. The vaccine will be the gamechanger -- an effective, affordable, available vaccine.

“If we don’t get a scientific breakthrough, then I think that looks very unrealistic.” Sridhar, however, said that the International Olympic Committee

(IOC) and the Tokyo 2020 organisers made the right decision in postponing the Games by a year.

“I think they’ve made the right decision in saying ‘we are going to put it back a year and re-evaluate’,” she said. Originally supposed to be held from July 24 to August 9, 2020 the Olympics had to be postponed to July 23 to August 8, 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and rising pressure on the IOC from a number of quarters.

NEW DELHI, APR 19 (AGENCIES): Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou says his tennis academy will host a fiveweek tournament starting in May that will give players the chance to get back on court during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The inaugural edition of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) - which aims to fill the gap in the tennis calendar created by the health crisis - will take place without fans at the facility in the south of France, and be broadcast live, organisers said in a statement on Saturday.

The event will comply with local physical distancing requirements to ensure the safety of players, coaches and a limited number of UTS staff onsite, the statement added.

The tennis season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected more than 2.26 million people g l o b a l ly c a u s i n g ove r 154,000 deaths.

“The UTS is simply meant to be an alternative to what already exists,” tournament co-founder Mouratoglou, who coaches 23-times Grand Slam singles champi-

on Williams among others, said in the statement.

“It’s a platform created to showcase the incredible talent, athleticism and personalities of the wide range of players.

“It offers a new and innovative approach, targeting a younger tennis audience and proposes a different way to distribute the money among the players.”

The tournament will begin on May 16-17 and 10 matches will be held every weekend for five weeks, accounting for a total 50 matches throughout May and June.

Au s t r a l i a n A l exe i Popyrin will take on world number 10 David Goffin in the opening match. The full list of players will be announced shortly, the organisers said.

Fans will be able to listen to conversations between players and coaches and the code of conduct for players will be light to encourage them to express emotions more freely.

“Fans watching at home will feel closer than ever before to the stars of tennis through our engaging format,” co-founder Alex Popyrin, the father of world number 103 Alexei, said.

Maradona and Pele

Rio de Janeiro, April 19 (IANS): Pele, Maradona and Ronaldo were among the 50 global football icons to pay tribute to workers striving to combat the coronavirus pandemic in a video posted by FIFA. The video released on Saturday lasts almost one-and-a-half minute and shows the past and present stars applauding “humanity’s heroes” from their respective homes. “Across the globe, staff and volunteers at medical facilities have been risking their lives on a daily basis to support human-

kind,” the world football governing body said in an accompanying statement, Xinhua news reports.

“Some have, sadly, paid the ultimate price.

People working or volunteering in law enforcement, pharmacies, shops, warehouses, delivery services, public transport, and safety and security have also been playing a key role in protecting our way of life. To all of these heroic people: football thanks you, football remembers you and football supports you.”

Others who participate

in the video include David Beckham, Gianluigi Buffon, Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Iker Casillas, Zinedine Zidane, Carli Lloyd and Marta, among others.

“As footballers, we are used to receiving applause, but this time, we have the opportunity to show our appreciation for the many people who are risking their lives to protect ours,” Beckham said in the statement.

“You are humanity’s heroes and we want to show that all of football supports you and everything that you do to defend all of us.”

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