April 23, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 136

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 Pages 6 (Online Edition)

States asked to ensure security of health workers national, Page 3

State Govt bans all fresh appointments DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Nagaland government has banned all fresh appointments including vacancies arising against sanctioned posts in all government departments until further orders.

However, this order will not apply to medical staff (Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, Para-medics) of Health & Family Welfare department who have been given special dispensation vide the department’s notification dated April 1, 2020.

The instruction was issued in pursuance to the state cabinet’s decision on April 21 and in the interest of public service in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and also to maintain various austerity measures in the state for savings in all departments.

Centre to conduct telephonic survey

DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): In order to map out the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, Centre announced that it will be conducting a telephonic survey of the citizens. The survey will be a feedback system to understand the real-time status of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The survey will be conducted through the number 1921 of the NIC. “Govt of India will be conducting a Telephonic Survey. Citizens will get calls on their mobile phones by NIC and number 1921,” the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had tweeted from their official account. In a circular, principal director Health & Family Welfare, Vizolie Z. Suokhrie said it was a genuine survey and therefore appealed all to participate.

Follow us on @Nagaland_Post

This is it!

“I think this will keep away not only robber but visitors.”

K Y M C

nagalandpostofficial

international, Page 6

Ordn. on violence against health workers Centre for returnees ready; relief

NEW DELHI, APR 22 (AGENCIES): The Central government will bring an ordinance that will make acts of violence against healthcare workers a cognisable and imprisonable offence. Following reports of several incidents where nurses and doctors on COVID-19 duty had been discriminated against and physically attacked, the Indian Medical Association had amped up pressure on the government to act on behalf of medical practitioners.

The Cabinet, on April 22, approved the promulgation of the ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the government’s principle spokesperson K.S. Dhatwalia wrote on Twitter. Such acts of violence will now be cognisable and non-bailable.

Those found guilty will be given sentences ranging between six months and seven years.

Asserting that the government has “zero tolerance” for violence and harassment against doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare personnel, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said a person

IMA calls off stirs

CABINET DECISION: 22 April, 2020

Protecting Our Frontline Corona Warriors Ordinance Promulgated to Amend Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 Approved

Acts of violence against healthcare workers made cognizable & non-bailable offences

Investigation to be completed within 30 days & judgment within 1 year Imprisonment upto 7 years & fine upto Rs 5 lakh in case of grievous injuries Accused to pay compensation twice the market value of damaged property

can be sentenced to terms between three months and five years, and fined between Rs 50,000 and two lakh, for such crimes under the new provision.

In cases where injuries are serious, the punishment will range from six months to seven years, and carry fine between Rs 1-5 lakhs, the minister told reporters.

The law will also be invoked if healthcare personnel face harassment from their landlords or neighbours over suspicion that they may carry the

coronavirus infection due to the nature of their work, he said. “ O u r g ove r n m e n t has zero tolerance against violence and harassment targeting doctors, nurses, paramedics and ASHA workers when they are doing their best to fight the pandemic,” he said.

People responsible for violence will also be liable to pay damages, which will be double the market value of the property vandalised, the Information and Broadcasting minister said.

Work started for BSL-3 at NHAK: Pangnyu

HC resumes limited functioning of court

KOHIMA, APR 22 (NPN): In view of the nationwide lockdown extension and direction of the principal seat, Gauhati High Court, the limited court functioning of Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench resumed on April 20. Deputy registrar (judicial) EL Watty, systems officer Francis Sote and programmer Arnento Asumi have been appointed nodal officers for the purpose.

Further, GHC Kohima Bench, registrar Neiko Akami in a notification stated that email id- recnahckohinia09mail.com has been created for the purpose of sending and receiving requests for urgent hearing of matters.

“The learned counsels are required to give intimation to the Computer Cell, 3 working days prior to the proposed hearing to anyone of the Nodal Officers,” it (Cont’d on p-3) added.

N Korea media silent on Kim’s whereabouts

nagalandpostofficial

(L) Work in progress for BSL-3 at NHAK (R) Equipment for Haemodialysis solution arrive at Dimapur airport on Wednesday. (@pangnyu on Twitter)

DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Health and Family Welfare minister, S. Pangnyu Phom on Wednesday stated that work to install the Bio-Safety Laboratory-3 at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) was in full progress.

In his tweet, Pangnyu informed that the Lab technicians were tirelessly

engaged in completing the work.

“We assure people of the State that the Testing Laboratory will be operational at the earliest,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, an Air India flight on Wednesday delivered consignment containing equipments for Haemodialysis solution.

“A batch of equipments for Haemodialysis Solution has reached the state today (Wednesday).

The Govt. & the Dept. is doing all efforts to ensure that our citizens avail the good health care system during this pandemic. Grateful to @MHFW for the continuous support,” Pangnyu said in his tweet.

HCQ no benefit against COVID-19 patients NEW YORK, APR 22 (IANS): Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-malarial drug termed potential “game changer” for COVID19 by US President Donald Trump, showed no benefit in treating patients with the disease in Veterans Health Administration medical centres in the US, says a study.

In fact, the risk of death was found to be higher in those treated with hydroxychloroquine than in the group that included patients not treated with the drug, according to the findings published in the preprint repository medRxiv.

For the study, the researchers performed a retrospective analysis of data from patients hospitalised with confirmed SARSCoV-2 infection in all US Veterans Health Administration medical centres until April 11.

Patients were categorised based on their expo-

sure to HCQ alone or with the antibiotic azithromycin (HC+AZ) as treatments in addition to standard supportive management for Covid19. A total of 368 patients were evaluated. Rates of death in the hydroxychloroquine alone group was 27.8 per cent. The rate of death in the hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin group was 22.1 per cent and in the no hydroxychloroquine, it was even lower, 11.4 per cent, the results showed.

The researchers found that the risk of ventilation was similar in the HC group

and in the HC+AZ group, compared to the no HC group. “In this study, we found no evidence that use of hydroxychloroquine, either with or without azithromycin, reduced the risk of mechanical ventilation in patients hospitalised with Covid-19,” said the study carried out by Joseph Magagnoli from Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System and colleagues. “An association of increased overall mortality was identified in patients treated with hydroxychloroquine alone.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called off its proposed ‘White alert’ and ‘Black day’ protests scheduled on April 22 and 23 following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah through video conference on Wednesday. has been demanding that the Centre bring a law to protect healthcare workers from rising attacks at a time when they are battling COVID-19.

According to a statement by the IMA, the Home Minister lauded the medical community for their work.

He said the safety and security of doctors and other health care workers was his great concern, the doctors’ body said. “He (Union Home Minister) also assured IMA of a Central Law against violence.

He appealed on behalf of the Prime Minister to defer the symbolic protest.

In view of the assurances given from the highest authorities of the government, the IMA said it has called off the protest.

(States asked to provide security; appoint nodal officers, see page-3)

NMC partners with Health deptt for OPD services DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): For the convenience of general public, Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) has partnered with the health & family welfare (H&FW) department for providing OPD services at Kohima and Dimapur in the backdrop of the district hospitals being converted into COVID-19 hospitals.

Depending on the availability of volunteers, similar arrangements will be expanded to other locations and districts. This service is in addition to the arrangement of specialist consultations in urban primary health centres being provided by the government doctors. Further, routine services will continue in all other nonCOVID health Centres and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana services at empanelled private hospitals.

camp setup at new DC complex

Stranded people being housed at the new DC Complex, Chümoukedima. (NP)

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR, 22 (NPN): The State Institute of Health & Family Welfare (SIHFW) Centre at Chümoukedima has been converted into an ‘observation centre’ to house Naga students and citizens of Nagaland who are currently stranded in other states whose return was expected soon.

Head of Special Committee COVID-19, Dimapur, Y Kikheto Sema, on April 22, inspected State Institute of Health and Family Welfare (SIHFW), talked addressed mediapersons in presence of government officials, medical team and officials of Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT).

Kikheto informed that SIHFW would be able to provide shelter to around 150 people, and if needed, provisions for 50 more could be added.

Kikheto said many Naga youths outside have lost their jobs and were stranded due to the ongoing lockdown for COVID-19 and faced severe difficulties.

He said most of them were students including those who had gone for medical treatment and so it was the responsibility of the state government and the community as a whole to take care of them instead of ignoring their plight.

Kikheto said those who are to be housed in the observation centre have been under lockdown for

over 30 days so colony residents near the centre need not be apprehensive about infection from COVID-19.

If at all there were any who showed symptoms, then such persons would be shifted to another secure location.

Also speaking on the occasion, President, NTUCT, Lhousito, felt that it was a time when all sections of society came together and help one another.

He also urged upon the government to add as many as possible in the centre if needed.

Lhousito also said the government should act directly on such matters and need not seek any permission to provide such services in its own property.

(Cont’d on p-3)

India’s COVID-19 cases shoot past 20,000; deaths top 650 NEW DELHI, APR 22 (AGENCIES): Total number of novel coronavirus cases in India shot past 20,000 Wednesday. At least 1,486 fresh cases emerged in the last 24 hours, taking the COVID-19 count in the country to 20,471, according to the latest Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data. With 49 deaths recorded since yesterday, the toll now stands at 652, it said.

So far, India has 15,589 active cases. There are also 77 foreign nationals who are affected by the virus, the ministry said.

Apart from that, there are at least 3,959 patients who have been discharged or cured from the highly contagious disease and one has migrated from the country.

Head of epidemiology and communicable diseases at Indian Council of

Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar on Tuesday said that 4,49,810 tests for COVID-

19 have been conducted so far in India. Out of these, 35,852 samples were tested on Monday.

Global cases surpass 2.5 million

Globally, the novel coronavirus infections surpassed 2.5 million while the death toll has gone above 177,000, according to latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.

In US, coronavirus deaths topped 45,000 while the total number of cases went past 820,000.

Nagaland: Results of 62 samples awaited DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): State principal secretary Home, Abijit Sinha informed that of the 543 samples sent for testing till 3 p.m. as on April 22, results of 481 samples reported to be negative, while results of 62 samples were awaited.

He said 1,452 persons were screened on Wednesday, adding 120 persons were under facility quarantine currently.

Meanwhile, Sinha said that the surveillance teams covered 834 households and screened 4,755 persons till Tuesday as part of contact tracing and tracking in connection with the COVID-19 positive person from Dimapur detected in Guwahati. And all samples sent from Dimapur in connection with the positive case have tested negative

NSCN (I-M) flays assault on doctors

Wokha incident: Medical fraternity denies report of amicable settlement

DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Reacting to the physical assaults meted out on Dr. Nosezol Sezo on April 3, 2020 in Dimapur and Dr. Mongshithung Murry on April 17, 2020 at Wokha town by the police personnel, the health ministry of the NSCN(I-M) Wednesday said it was appalled at the “unpleasant situations” created by the state police personnel targeting the doctors in Nagaland and strongly condemned such “mindless violence” against the doctors.

In a Statement , NSCN (I-M) health kilonser Dr. A. Yanthan maintained that doctors, nurses and other medical staff were the frontline warriors in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.

culprits and trying to hush up the matter. The health bodies said they were aware of the pressure exerted on Dr Mongshithung and his family members to sign the settlement letter from some corners, adding that they found no justification in the silence of the government on the issue. “We are waiting for the response of the State government as assured by the home commissioner that he will respond in one or two days’ time,” the rejoinder stated.

The State units of IDA and IMA, along with NADA reiterated their warning that if the State government failed to take a prompt and befitting action against all the erring police personnel regardless of their rank, they would take the next course of action in a demo-

DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB), Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nagaland State Branch and Nagaland Ayush Doctors’ Association (NADA) have clarified that Dr Mongshithung Murry and his family did not sign any agreement with any organisation to amicably settle the issue of assault at any point of time.

Reacting to a claim made by IGP Limasunep that appeared in Nagaland Post (“Police force ordered to maintain restraint”) on Wednesday, the associations in a joint rejoinder observed that despite their demand for punitive actions against the erring police personnel, the State government seemed to (Cont’d on p-3) be working in favour of the

cratic manner for which the government would be held solely responsible. The associations also called on all dental surgeons, MBBS doctors and AYUSH doctors to be ready for any appropriate action plans to be followed.

Mentioning that acts of brutality by Nagaland Police personnel on doctors at Dimapur on April 3 and then at Wokha on April 17 were beyond tolerance in a civilised world, they warned that the medical fraternity could not and would not take the unfair treatment meted out to any of their members silently.

Meanwhile, the associations said that they had also come across a WhatsApp circulated press release, purportedly by DC Wokha, mentioning about a compro(Cont’d on p-3) mise.

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state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

District-wise reports on COVID-19 pandemic preparedness

DIMAPUR: Nationwide COVID-19 pandemic lockdown completed 29 days on Wednesday, and along with the rest of the country Nagaland state government and its agencies are keeping vigil to enforce the lockdown. All preventive measures are also been taken to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have also issued various directives for the interest and safety of the public.

Kohima District

ZUNHEBOTO District

Wokha District

Tongpang Ozükum and others inspecting the market areas at Kohima town.

Dr. Nicky Kire interacting with officials of KCCI, KMC and G. Kaito Aye and Khehovi Yepthomi interacting with Dr. Kuokholie Savino demonstrating the use of PPE to housekeeping staff. others at Kohima Wednesday. (NP) officials at DC Zunheboto office.

Ozükum, Kire visit market places in Kohima: To ensure maintaining of social distancing in market places in the state capital, the legislators in charge of Kohima district for COVID-19—Minister Tongpang Ozükum and advisor Dr. Nicky Kire—Wednesday visited various places designated for purchase and sale of perishable goods.

Their visit comes two days after DC Kohima issued an order disallowing street vending and allotting time and place for wholesale shops for selling perishable goods along with all other exempted categories.

Ozukum along with Kohima district Task Force inspected the shopping hotspots starting from 8am. The minister noted that the scene of market place has totally transformed for the better and expressed appreciation to the public for realising the importance of social distancing. “We cannot totally stop people from coming out to buy essential commodities, so the only way is to strictly following social distancing in the shopping place as it is the only weapon in the arsenal to fight this pandemic,” Ozukum said. The minister thanked the various committees for strict implementation of the directives.

He also expressed gratitude to the Angami Students’ Union for their noble initiative of assisting the stranded students residing in Kohima. After the inspection at BOC area, Razhu Point and High School areas, the team visited KMC toll gate where KMC is initiating sanitisation of vehicles.

Advisor Dr. Nicky Kire also inspected the main areas of Kohima town to ensure that directives were strictly followed.

Kire interacted with KCCI, KMC and officials of district administration monitoring the implementation of DC’s order.

Advisor opined that citizens should develop social responsibility and strictly follow the order. Speaking to Nagaland Post, KCCI president Medozhatuo Rutsa said since it was the first day the order came into force, things would improve in the coming days. Reiterating that street vending would not be allowed, KCCI president called upon the colony leaders to procure the perishable goods form the designated wholesale areas and retail in their own colonies. (Correspondent)

NAYO issues guidelines for affiliated units: Taking into account the extraordinary trying time due to the deadly pestilence of COVID-19 and the many unsolicited outcomes and apprehensions, Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) has issued certain guidelines in the “best interest” of its community and has asked its affiliated units to adhere the same.

In a press release, NAYO president, Roko Angami said COVID-19 knows no boundaries or affiliations, race or creed and called upon the people to defend each and every human race setting aside all differences and misconceptions.

NAYO has issued the following guidelines for all affiliated units to follow: 1. Engage in social media responsibly.

Do not circulate or forward any news, pictures, videos or any other documents from unverified sources or for that matter please do not circulate any materials that will directly or indirectly hurt the sentiments of other communities or infringe the rights of other people.

2. NAYO appeal all its affiliated units to safeguard their respective villages and set up a COVID-19 Task force or a monitoring and surveillance mechanism to monitor any symptomatic signs in their respective villages and subsequently report it to the concerned authority if any symptom arises.

3. Encourage and sensitize the village people on various measures set by the government during this lockdown and post lockdown.

4. With Agriculture based activities relaxed by the Government, sensitize the people to follow social distancing strictly and other norms applicable to the safety of the people.

5. NAYO also requests all its members to look into the well-being and welfare of the poor and needy village people, the destitute (s), the elderly and village people requiring assistances in various forms. NAYO is ready to extend any help if it requires of us, therefore all its affiliated units may get in-touch with us if any help arises.

Dimapur District

Phek District

DC directs strict implementation of revised guidelines: In exercise of the powers, conferred under section 30(1), (2) of Disaster Management Act 2005, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has issued an order for strict implementation of the consolidated revised guidelines throughout Dimapur district with immediate effect up to May 3.

According to DIPR report, in order to implement the containment measures, the DC has deputed the executive magistrates as incident commanders in the respective local jurisdiction.

The order stated that the incident commanders will be responsible for the overall implementation of the measures in their respective jurisdictions strictly as per directives. All other line department officials in the specified area will work under the directions of such incident commanders. The DC has ordered that all industrial and commercial establishments, workplaces, offices etc., shall put in place arrangements for implementation of SOP. However, the consolidated revised guidelines will not apply in containment zones.

Any person violating the lockdown measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act,2005, besides legal action under Sec 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable, stated the order.

Training on housekeeping protocols: Training on housekeeping protocols was conducted on Wednesday for personnel working in guest house, hostels and lodges designated as COVID-19 quarantine centres at the Conference Hall of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Phek.

A press release from CMO Phek office stated that the training was held to sensitize the workers on the proper maintenance of housekeeping protocols for prevention and control of infections etc. at the designated quarantine centres.

Surveillance Officer (SO) for COVID-19, Dr. Lanuakum highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene and cleanliness at the centres.

Impor tance of social distancing, hand washing, cough etiquette, the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and demonstration on proper hand washing were also imparted.

Altogether personnel from the eight quarantine centres under Phek block attended the training.

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should the govt further extend the lockdown?

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

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

A

B

C

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

64%

MOKOKCHUNG District

Free medical consultation: Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has informed that Impur Christian Hospital (ICH) and Impur Clinic Mokokchung will be rendering free medical consultation during COVID-19 pandemic.

Any patient requiring medical services have been asked to avail the same from April 23 onwards.

ABAM informed that the service would be made available for a limited period.

Kaito, Khehovi assess COVID-19 preparedness: COVID-19 district in-charge for Zunheboto, minister for agriculture & cooperation, G. Kaito Aye and advisor tourism, art & culture, Khehovi Yepthomi Wednesday visited Zunheboto district headquarters to assess the preparedness of the district to tackle COVID-19 pandemic.

A press release by PS to minister for agriculture & cooperation stated that a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zunheboto COVID-19 “war room” with the District Task Force wherein district preparedness on COVID-19, micro plan and containment strategy was deliberated.

At the meeting, the legislators appreciated and thanked the frontline workers of the district which include district administration, medical department, police, DTF, Town and village leaders, volunteers and all involved in the war against the deadly virus.

The legislators also appealed the public to extend cooperation to the government to contain the virus by staying safe at home, maintaining social distancing and by adhering to the rules of safety laid down by the government.

The district in-charge assured that the government was doing everything possible to address the needs of the people below poverty line, daily wagers, students and stranded persons both inter-district and inter-sate.

The two legislators along with the district administration and the task force assured that there will be no shortage in supply of essential commodities and therefore requested the public not to panic, stated the release.

The legislators also assisted the district to procure preventive equipments, ventilator, cardiac monitor and other medical equipment along with beds for the proposed quarantine centre from the Directorate of H&FW, Kohima.

Re-sensitization programme on COVID-19: Re-sensitization programme on COVID-19 was conducted Wednesday at Kelonger village under Chessore block Tuensang District.

A press release from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) office stated that during the training, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Neojila spoke on the importance of personal hygiene, social distancing and home quarantine. She also demonstrated hand washing technique to the elderly and children.

The Block Programme Manager (BPM) Chessore block, Shitopong and GNM (PHC Chessore) Lujim visited Shiponger, Huker and Y. Anner villages under Chessore block and conducted awareness meeting on COVID-19 with the ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.

During the visit, the BPM requested the frontline workers to educate and create awareness to the community on the preventive measures against COVID-19. The BPM and GNM also met two persons placed under home quarantine at Shiponger village.

Re-sensitization on COVID-19 for health workers, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers were also conducted at PHC Chessore.

Guidelines on construction activities: In pursuance to letter received from Home Department Government of Nagaland regarding consolidated revised guidelines of lock down, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant has order resumption of construction activities.

According to DIPR report, the DC has exempted the following construction under Tuensang district: 1. Construction of roads, irrigation projects, building and all kinds of industrial projects, including MSMEs in rural areas.

Next poll

Q: Will easing lockdown

increase risk spread of COVID-19 ?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST April 23

Max Min 32 22

An afternoon thunderstorm

28 17

Guwahati A morning t-storm in spots

29 18

Imphal

A t-storm around in the a.m.

29 14

Itanagar

A shower and t-storm around

22 16

Shillong

Some sun with a thunderstorm 20 12

Kohima

A shower and t-storm around

20 12

Dimapur

Couple of thunderstorms

27 17

Mkg

Couple of thunderstorms

22 13

Aizawl

Tuensang Clouds and sun with a t-storm Wokha

Couple of thunderstorms

Zunheboto A shower or t-storm in spots

15 10 21 15 19 11

More state news on Page 5 K Y M C

Domestic violence victims urged to reach out: Deputy Commissioner, Mon Thavaseelan K in a circular has notified that there may be instances of violence against women and children especially girl children at home during the lockdown period. According to DIPR report, the DC Mon has asked the victims to contact the State Helpline Number –181/ 9485239098 or Sakhi- One Stop Centre, Mon (6009150274) for assistance and rehabilitation Paiwang, DC hold meeting at Tizit: Transport, civil aviation & railways and land resources minister Paiwang Konyak and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon Thavaseelan K held a meeting Wednesday at the Conference Hall of Additional DC Tizit sub-division. The meeting discussed the possibility for vehicles carrying essential and nonessential goods to pass through; measures to reach out to the stranded students within the state and to allow vehicles collecting tea leaves to start plying till May 3. The minister also thanked the frontline workers their endless and tireless effort. The DC also thanked the civil society organisations, police and administrative officers for their service.

ASHA demonstrating hand washing technique during the re-sensitization programme.

2. Construction of renewable energy projects.

3. Construction of works in construction projects within the limits of Town Councils where works are available on site and no workers are to be brought in from outside.

Further, the DC has informed that all such constructions works should get permission from respective area administrative officer by submitting the details of manpower/location of work/nature of work/vehicles involved in construction work.

The order stated that all locations where construction activities are proposed to be commenced, strict measures should be taken to ensure social/physical distancing and all other necessary health safety protocols.

The DC warned that any violation of the order will led to automatic cancellation of such permissions and attract penalty as per provisions of the Disaster Management Act.

Eastern Nagaland students stranded at Longwa ESH, KTDSSU visit health care centres

0%

Agartala An afternoon thunderstorm

Mon District

TUENSANG District

36%

(Temperature in ºC)

Awareness training for housekeeping staff: Awareness training was held Wednesday at Wokha Town for housekeeping staff working designated as COVID-19 quarantine centres. A press release from the office of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha stated that the resource person, medical officer Wokha, Dr. Kuokholie Savino highlighted the preparedness and containment of COVID-19. Dr. Savino also demonstrated donning and doffing of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as well as safe disposal of waste. District community mobilizer and media officer took sessions on hand washing techniques and stigmatization of COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, the release informed that the frontline workers across Wokha district are ceaselessly working to prevent and contain COVID-19 in the district.

Stranded students from Eastern Nagaland at Shalom School Longwa under Mon district relief camp.

DIMAPUR: Twenty six students from Eastern Nagaland have been stranded at a relief camp set up at Shalom School Longwa under Mon district.

Longwa village is located on the India-Myanmar international border, several kilometres away from Mon Town.

A press release by director of Nehemiah Vision Trust (NVT) Di-

mapur, Rev. Talimeren Longkumer informed that since the commencement of nationwide lockdown on March 24, the stranded students have been fed, sheltered and cared at the relief camp.

Rev. Talimeren said the expenses of the relief camp are borne by NVT and that it was run by six staff of Shalom School Longwa, who volunteered

to look after the stranded students.

As Longwa village is situated in a remote area, Rev. Talimeren said the staffs are unable to procure essential commodities due to transportation problem.

He expressed concern that they were running out of essential commodities as “so far no relief team from outside has reached the village”.

Rev. Talimeren said the camp would not be able to look after the stranded students if the nationwide lockdown is further extended.

Therefore, any agency or organisations wanting to participate, and help these children have been asked to contact head teacher, Wapang Lemtur at 08119822805 / 09862779572.

DIMAPUR: A team of Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH) and Kiphire Tuensang District Sumi Students’ Union (KTDSSU) on April 21 visited health care centres under additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Seyochung headquarters and extra assistant commissioner (EAC) Sitimi headquarters.

A joint press release

by ESH vice president, H Phutoi Sumi and KTDSSU, Grito Sumi stated that the team was “satisfied” of the preparedness to tackle COVID-19, in the event of any outbreak in the town.

ESH and KTDSSU said during the visit it learnt

that despite “poor infrastructure and no financial assistance” from the government, the Block Task Force Sitimi Town had managed to collect money and procure medicine and medical equipment for the people.

In this regard, the signatories have asked the deputy commissioner Kiphire to look into the matter and ensure that the need of Government High School (GHS) Sitimi quarantine centre was met.

ESH and KTDSSU have also expressed concern over irregular supply of power at Seyochung ADC Hq and urged the power

department to look into the matter.

Po i n t i n g o u t t h a t Seyochung and Sitimi headquarters have its own CPO centre, ESH and KTDSSU asked the concerned authority to allow the centres to separately stock its monthly allocation for the convenience of the public.

The administrations were also urged to monitor aids from government and ensure equal distribution to the beneficiaries.

Fur ther, ESH and KTDSSU have encouraged the public to continue to cooperate and follow preventive measures laid down by the government.

DAYO condemns wildlife crime

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) has condemned the “criminal activity” of killing wild animals and has appealed for thorough investigation and action against the al-

leged culprits.

In a press release, DAYO also appreciated the quick and timely action of the chief wildlife warden and staff in tracing and identifying the alleged culprits.

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national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

States asked to ensure security of health workers

NEW DELHI, APR 22 (PTI): The Centre on Wednesday asked all states and union territories to provide adequate security to doctors and frontline health workers who are facing attacks from unruly people.

In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also flagged a few heinous instances of unruly behaviour by people where the families and relatives of medical professionals, suspected to have died due to COVID-19 infection, were prevented from performing the last rites of the deceased.

“In such cases, adequate security should be provided; and stringent action should be taken against such offenders who obstruct the performance of last rites of medical professionals or frontline healthcare workers, who, unfortunately, succumb to the infection from COVID-19 while discharging their services, or otherwise,” the letter said.

Bhalla said the state governments and union territory administrations are also requested to appoint nodal officers at state or union territory level and at district level, who would be available 24x7 to redress any

A healthcare worker checks his colleague’s temperature in Mumbai. (Reuters)

safety issue on the functioning of medical professionals. The states and union territories should also take immediate and strict action in case any incident of violence takes place, he said.

Bhalla also said necessary police security should also be extended to doctors and other medical staff who visit places to conduct screening of people to find out symptoms of disease.

The home secretary’s letter came hours after a delegation of doctors and Indian Medical Association had an interaction with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who assured them security for healthcare workers.

The central government on Wednesday also

decided to promulgate an ordinance specifying penal provisions against those who attacks on healthcare workers. In his letter, Bhalla also highlighted his three earlier communications where he had requested chief secretaries and DGPs to ensure adequate protection to healthcare professionals, medical staff and frontline workers by augmenting their safety and security cover.

“In spite of these communications, some incidents of violence have been reported from different parts of the country against healthcare professionals and frontline workers,” he said.

Bhalla urged the states and union territories to invoke provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 or any other law in

NSCN (I-M) flays assault on doctors (From p-1) He also said doctors and other medical staff perform their professional duties with unwavering spirit notwithstanding many difficulties and risks involved.

Describing doctors as the “real forces of humanity”, Yanthan reminded that their main concern was to save the lives of their patients come what may. He therefore said, police personnel should, therefore, deal with the doctors and other medical staff with a sense of humanity and “not in brutish manner.”

Further, he reminded that state security machineries and personnel, represent the law and order implementing force and were to protect the people and not take law and order

into their hands as per their whims.

Yanthan said that assaulting frontline workers made a mockery of the fight against COVID-19 whereas it was a bounden duty of the police force to protect the health workers from all unseen forces.

The NSCN (I-M) health ministry has, therefore, appealed to the police personnel on duty to be more humane and professional.

It also expressed sympathy with Dr. Sezo and Dr. Murry besides the entire medical fraternity over the “unfortunate incidents.”

Meanwhile, the NSCN (I-M) health ministry has reminded all responsible that the pandemic was a global issue and that

everyone, rich or poor, stood equally vulnerable to COVID-19.

It reiterated that the fight against the virus demanded cooperation and understanding from all.

The health ministry also pointed out that the state government and its work forces were trying their best despite limited resources and logistics at their disposal.

Further,it called upon all to continue to adhere to the preventive measures.

The NSCN(I-M) health ministry also said that till a vaccine and scientific remedy against COVID-19was available, everything was unpredictable and therefore urged upon all toe follow the protocol laid down by World Health Organization (WHO) and government.

Wokha incident: Medical fraternity denies...

(From p-1) “We state that the above clarification covers the purported press release of the Wokha DC as well,” they added.

As per the clarification, deputy commissioner Wokha Orenthung Lotha had stated that the issue regarding the April 13 incident involving an employee of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority and police personnel on duty has been amicably settled between the police

team led by SP Wokha, SDPO Wokha, and Lotha Eloe Hoho in the presence of the DC and ADC Wokha.

It also stated that the matter would not be pursued further by any of the parties concerned.

Therefore, DC appealed to all not to revive the issue, circulate the video clip or make comments pertaining to this incident which had been amicably settled.

3 Centre for returnees ready; relief camp setup...

(From p-1) Secretary Food & Civil Supply, Hoje Konyak, in a brief address said those societies who depend wholly on government help cannot go against it. He also said it was also a time to find fault with each other but to help one another. The team also visited the relief camp set up at new DC complex, Chümoukedima where 286 inmates have been provided shelter and food since April 17.

CDPO, Bonathung Ngullie, informed that the inmates came from many parts of the country such as- Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Sikkim,

Bangalore, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, etc..

He said the majority were daily wage earners, labours, cooks, beggars, mechanics and farmers.

It was also learnt that since day one, group from the Bengali community have been taking care of cooking.

Some of the inmates told this Reporter that they were very happy and contented with the way the state government has been helping them during this lockdown.

A group of 14 people from Mariani, at the relief camp expressed deep gratitude for food and shelter provided to them. Around 11 people from Bihar, who

were also inmates, expressed their gratitude to state government.

They said that after reaching their home state, they will tell about the humanitarian works carried out

by Nagas.

CDPO said inmates are being provided two meals a day (lunch and dinner) including afternoon tea with biscuits everyday. . He also said the inmates were also given sports items to play football and volleyball.

Kikheto further urged the inmates to keep the surrounding clean and also to carry out physical exercise in order to keep them physically and mentally fit.

force, to take strict penal action against the offenders who obstruct government health officials or other health professionals or related persons, who are authorised under the said act in the discharge of their lawful services.

“You are aware that the whole-hearted and untiring services rendered by the entire medical fraternity, while even risking their lives, has enabled the country to resist the spread of the highly infectious COVID-19 virus, that has already been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).”

At this time, Bhalla said, any single incident of violence against healthcare professionals is likely to create a sense of insecurity amongst the entire healthcare community.

He drew attention of the chief secretaries to the April 8 direction of the Supreme Court where it had said, “The government of India, respective states and union territories and respective police authorities are directed to provide the necessary police security to the doctors and medical staff in hospitals and places where patients who have been diagnosed COVID-19

or patients suspected of COVID-19 or those quarantined are housed.”

This direction of the apex court was conveyed by the home ministry to all states and union territories on April 11.

“Therefore, it is the responsibility of all state governments and union territory administrations, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to take all necessary measures to ensure adequate protection to healthcare professionals and frontline workers, and to prevent any incident of violence against them,” the letter said.

The measures to be taken in this regard should be finalised in consultation with the local chapters of the Indian Medical Association and the members of the IMA should be kept apprised of the actions taken to create a sense of security and confidence among the health fraternity.

He also impressed upon the strict penalties provided under the Disaster Management Act against any person who obstructs any officer or employee of the central government or the state government, or any authorised person in the discharge of his duties.

HC resumes limited functioning of court

Consider appointment of nurses on merit-cum-seniority: UTNA

(From p-1) Cases are to be filed in the manner as already in vogue. The index of each case is required to clearly give the nature of document, page number etc; petition is required to be sequentially page numbered.

The counsels have also been asked to “submit cogent reasons for such urgent listing of matters via e-mail in the format Annexure I and the same shall be placed before the concerned Honourable Judge holding a particular roster on a given date.” If the honourable judge is of the view that the matter is of urgent nature, the same shall be listed before the court as per the process mentioned.

The district courts have also been directed to make necessary arrangements of video conferencing facility for taking up urgent matters.

The cases are being taken up through video conference facility wherein mention of causelist is convened from 10:30 am onwards. Altogether five cases were listed on Wednesday.

DIMAPUR, APR 22 ( N P N ) : U n e m p l o ye d Trained Nurses Association (UTNA) has appealed to the state health and family welfare (H&FW) department to consider appointment of nurses on merit-cum-seniority as per the norms practiced by the department till date failing which it would be “compelled to take legal recourse for dispensation of justice.”

In a representation to the principal secretary H&FW and principal director H&FW, the UTNA president Akhrole and general secretary Vikali Wotsa said that there was a vacancy of 28 existing

`15k cr for ‘India COVID-19 emergency response’ NEW DELHI, APR 22 (PTI): Cabinet on Wednesday okayed Rs 15,000 crore for ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’ to mount an urgent response for containing the spread of the virus in India through development of dedicated treatment facilities and setting up laboratories among others.

The fund will be utilized in three phases.

Rs 7,774 crore, has been provisioned for COVID-19 Emergency Response and the rest for medium-term support, ranging from one to four years to be provided under mission-mode approach.

“The key objectives of the package include mounting emergency response to slow and limit coronavirus infection in India through development of diagnostics

staff nurse posts under the H&FW department and the issue of overage has arisen while considering the appointment of the batch-wise merit list of the trained nurses who have undergone threeyear GNM training from the state government-run school of nursing.

UTNA pointed out that appointment of staff nurse was done through batch-wise merit list, which has been “customarily followed” by the department when it comes to the appointment of the staff nurse.

The association affirmed that the issue of overage should not come

and COV1D-dedicated treatment facilities, centralised procurement of essential medical equipment and drugs, strengthen and build resilient national and state health systems, setting up of laboratories and bolstering surveillance activities and pandemic research,” an official statement stated.

These interventions and initiatives would be implemented under the health ministry. In the first phase, the health ministry with the support of all the other line ministries has already undertaken several activities. An additional Rs 3,000 crore under the package has been released to states and UTs, for strengthening existing health facilities as COVID-19 dedicated hospitals, dedicated COVID-19 health centres and dedicated care centres for the disease.

into play when they have “faithfully” adhered to the rules and regulations laid by the department and have been waiting patiently for the appointment in accordance with the norms followed by the department.

Further, UTNA pointed out that then director of H&FW department had given a clear direction dated September 1, 2005 that the eligible age for appointment was relaxed for the trained nursing personnel and also P&AR vide OM dated September 9, 2005 condoned the overage of the trained nurses for appointment. Thus, UTNA said the department has been considering age re-

laxation when it comes to the appointment of trained staff nurses in the past.

Reminding that they have been “sincerely waiting” for the appointment since the last 16-17 years, the association said that most of them have crossed 35 years of age while waiting for appointment. However, it said that this should not be an issue in the case of appointment because they were qualified trained nurses eligible to be appointed.

UTNA has, therefore, appealed to the department to consider the appointment of the trained nurses as per the norms practiced till date by the department.

Improve service delivery mechanism: NNF DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) has appealed to the state government to improve service delivery mechanism to combat the COVIID-19 pandemic and listed 12-point suggestion for consideration.

In a letter addressed to the state chief secretary, NNF president Dr. Hesheto Y Chishi and general secretary Chenithung Humtsoe said the forum, during the present crisis in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, stood in solidarity with the state government and honoured policies

and guidelines issued for safety measures.

However, NNF sought to highlight certain underlining concerns that needed to be addressed and redress at the earliest.

Among other suggestions, the forum stressed that local authority bodies needed to be “oriented well” for better coordination and to refrain from issuing “self style orders” that created more panic amongst the people and disharmony.

NNF also suggested setting up of a public grievance cell through

which concerns and guidelines could be updated.

Further, the forum said there was a need of standard mechanism to assess relief matter. It stated that lists of needy beneficiaries and distribution must be maintained transparently, which would ensure identifying most needy and reaching them essential commodities.

Besides, NNF also emphasised the need to explore consistent support mechanism and put it in place, adding that manipulations and corruption at grassroots must be prevented.

Over 154 cr students hit by schools, colleges closure: UNSECO West Bengal says it will abide

by Centre’s orders on lockdown

NEW DELHI, APR 22 (PTI): Over 154 crore students are severely impacted by closure of educational institutions across the world amid the COVID19 outbreak due to which girls will be the worst hit as it will lead to increased drop-out rates and further entrench gender gaps in education, UNESCO said.

Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, told PTI in an interview that shutting down of schools due to the COVID19 pandemic comes with a warning of “potential for increased drop-out rates which will disproportionately affect adolescent girls, further entrench gender gaps in education and lead to increased risk of sexual exploitation, early pregnancy and early and forced marriage”.

“Out of the total population of students enrolled in education globally, we estimate that over 89 per cent are currently out of school because of COVID-19. This represents 154 crore students enrolled in school or university, K Y M C

Stefania Giannini

including nearly 74 crore girls. Over 11 crore of these girls are living in the world’s least developed countries where getting an education is already a struggle,” she told over phone from Paris.

According to Giannini, for girls living in refugee camps or who are internally displaced, shutting down of schools will be the most devastating as they are already at a disadvantage and education responses must prioritise the needs of adolescent girls’ at the risk of reversing 20 years of gains made for girls’ education.

“Refugee girls at secondary level are only half

as likely to enrol as their male peers. We are only beginning to understand the economic impacts of COVID-19, but they are expected to be widespread and devastating.

“Par ticularly for women and girls in countries where limited social protection measures are in place, economic hardships caused by the crisis will have spill-over effects as families consider the financial and opportunity costs of educating their daughters. While many girls will continue with their education once the school gates reopen, others will never return to school,” she said.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has called for policy-makers and practitioners to look into lessons from the past crises to address the challenges faced by girls as the governments of various counties prepare for “indefinite” school closures.

“As governments prepare for indefinite school closures, policy-makers

and practitioners can look to lessons from the past crises to address the specific challenges faced by girls. We, therefore, call on governments to protect progress made in favour of girls’ education through six gender-responsive, evidence-based and contextspecific actions,” Giannini said.

The six-point strategy suggested by UNESCO for the purpose includes leveraging teachers and communities, adopting appropriate distance learning practices, considering the digital divide, safeguarding vital services and engaging young people.

“Closure of educational institutions even if temporary is problematic for various reasons. Firstly, the reduction in instructional time impacts learning achievement. When schools close, educational performance suffers. Disr upting schooling also leads to other harder to measure losses, including inconveniences to families and decreased economic productivity as parents struggle to balance work

obligations with childcare,” she said.

“The closures also compound educational inequities as economically advantaged families tend to have higher levels of education and more resources to fill learning gaps and provide enrichment activities to children who cannot attend school,” Giannini added.

UNESCO has launched a global education coalition to support countries in scaling up their best distance learning practices and reaching children and youth who are most at risk.

More than 25 lakh people have been confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus worldwide, with 80 per cent of cases in Europe and the United States.

There have been 25,03,429 recorded cases and 1,72,551 deaths around the world. Europe, the most affected continent, has 12,30,522 official cases and 1,08,797 fatalities, while the US, where COVID-19 is spreading most rapidly, has 7,88,920 cases and 42,458 deaths.

NEW DELHI, APR 22 (PTI): The West Bengal government has said “it is not a fact” that there was no cooperation with the Central team deputed to assess the COVID-19 situation in the state and gave an assurance that it will abide by all Union government orders on lockdown.

The assurance came hours after the Centre accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of obstructing a Central team deputed to assess the coronavirus ground situation.

In a letter to Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said it was not a fact that the two Inter Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) have not been provided with any cooperation by the state government since he had two meetings with one team and also was in touch with the other.

“This is to convey my highest assurances for the implementation of the or-

ders of central government issued under the Disaster Management Act as well as the directions of the Honb’le Supreme Court,” the state chief secretary told the union home secretary.

A home ministry spokesperson welcomed the West Bengal government’s assurance of cooperation to the two visiting teams. The West Bengal chief secretary sent the letter Tuesday night, hours after the central government had directed the state government not to obstruct working of the two central teams.

The Centre had also accused the West Bengal government of not cooperating with the central teams and also said that the state government was specifically restraining the teams from interacting with health workers and touring the affected areas.

“In fact the teams had arrived without any prior consultation with us and, therefore, there was neither

such opportunity to provide any logistic support as envisaged in the order dated April 19 nor the team asked for any help,” he said.

Sinha also referred to his telephonic discussions with Bhalla on April 21 and highlighted “the pro-active steps taken by the state government for effective implementation of lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19”.

A total of six IMCTs have been deputed to Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal to review the implementation of the lockdown measures after making on-spot assessment of the situation prevailing in identified select districts.

Two of these teams have been sent to West Bengal -- one team to Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas and East Medinipur and the other team to Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

K Y M C

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 136 Dimapur, THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

Faulty kit pandemic

W

hile China has been blamed for “exporting” coronavirus across the world, the World Health Organisation(WHO) looked the other way by toeing the Chinese line that the Wuhan virus was containable and not an issue to be worried about. When the WHO finally took the call to sound the pandemic alert, it was too little and too late and by which time, the dreaded Wuhan virus, renamed ‘COVID-19’ by WHO, had crossed the shores and boundaries into over 200 countries. More than 25 lakhs have been infected and nearly 1.8 lakhs have died due to COVID-19.

The numbers are steadily rising and the world is helpless. An vital tool against spread of COVID19 are testing kits. As the country that mass produces every item on the globe, China restarted its mega factories to manufacture millions of kits needed within record time. However, the testing kits have proved to be duds and showed barely 15 % and at best 30% accuracy. Because of this, China today faces greater resentment not only for being the country from where the virus spread but selling COVID-19 testing kits to the helpless and needy countries even including economic super powers such as the USA, west and even India.

The EU Medicine Agency’s guidelines, on par with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC), require that tests be 80 percent accurate on an average. Many countries have complained about receiving faulty kits from China.

Spain, with one of the largest counts of positive cases returned around 6,00,000 faulty kits to its manufacturer, a Chinese company by the name of Shenzhen Bioeasy Technology. The British government is seeking a whopping $20 million refund from the two Chinese companies. The Philippines, Czech Republic, Slovak government, Italy, Netherlands, Canada, USA and Turkey are some of the countries which have to deal with the faulty testing kit pandemic from China since they have been found to be faulty. Faulty kits mean inaccurate readings and that could be same as the treatment being worse than the disease. India has also imported few lakh testing kits and now it will have to look elsewhere. The problem is that with lockdown in most countries, manufacturing units have also been hit hard. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the nation’s top biomedical research agency, has halted testing for COVID-19 cases because of massive variation in test results, compounding the challenge to contain the pandemic. In order to explain this massive scam and possibly to deflect blame, ICMR has clarified that the Rapid Test Kits approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are not meant for early diagnosis, but only to be used for surveillance and monitoring trends. However, when the accuracy rate is so low, it is nothing but a futile exercise in carrying out whatever surveillance.

The irony is that, reports said that more than 100 Chinese companies are selling coronavirus testing kits to Europe, but most are not licensed to sell in China. So even China itself does not trust most of those units manufacturing testing kits. The belief that fast testing kits could influence early end to lockdown will be delayed till other countries obtain kits that produce 80% accuracy.

DailyDevotion The Light That Never Fails

We all, with unveiled face, beholding…the glory of the Lord… —2 Corinthians 3:18 A servant of God must stand so very much alone that he never realizes he is alone. In the early stages of the Christian life, disappointments will come— people who used to be lights will flicker out, and those who used to stand with us will turn away. We have to get so used to it that we will not even realize we are standing alone. Paul said, “…no one stood with me, but all forsook me….But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…” (2 Timothy 4:1617). We must build our faith not on fading lights but on the Light that never fails. When “important” individuals go away we are sad, until we see that they are meant to go, so that only one thing is left for us to do— to look into the face of God for ourselves.

Allow nothing to keep you from looking with strong determination into the face of God regarding yourself and your doctrine. And every time you preach make sure you look God in the face about the message first, then the glory will remain through all of it. A Christian servant is one who perpetually looks into the face of God and then goes forth to talk to others. The ministry of Christ is characterized by an abiding glory of which the servant is totally unaware— “…Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him” (Exodus 34:29).

We are never called on to display our doubts openly or to express the hidden joys and delights of our life with God. The secret of the servant’s life is that he stays in tune with God all the time.

Quotes

Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it. ~ Thomas Fuller

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

A

s the deadly Covid19, which has its origin in China, became global pandemic claiming many precious lives all around the globe, reports emerge of an interesting development making the global news headlines that could possibly reorder the exiting social norms and etiquettes that defined human relationship. And the news of that interesting development is about the world leaders, nay the general public, using Namaste, India’s styles of greeting people, as a new model for greeting each other as a result of the concern that the rapidly spreading of the Covid-19 virus, through human transmission, is attributed to physical contacts thereby departing from the traditional system of greetings like shaking hands, hugging, socializing etc…

But this development is more than just a change in a style of greetings among people. India’s Namaste going global, as the world began to adopt this non-physical contact way of greetings, reflect the emerging new social order in the world as humanity witness the dramatic changes in an

A new social order

attitude and feelings of a human being toward his own fellow being, and could eventually redefine the nature of human relationship. The most ideal, decent and polite ways of greeting each others i.e. Shaking Hands today tragically stands threaten, and could become a things of the past as this global pandemic further increase trust deficit among human kind as we now tends to see each other with fear and suspicion.

More than posing a threat to our physical health and claiming lives by the pandemic, what is emerging from the current crisis is the deep psychological effect that is causing more serious harm upon humanity. It is the fear of the unknown and uncertainty looming large that is making life worst for all at this time of trouble. This pandemic is in a sense creating more of a mental sickness/crisis than a physical one. The World Health Organization (WHO) issuing advisories to “general population” in March this year to “minimize watching, reading or listening to news about Covid-19 that [could] causes you to feel anxious or distressed”

and “not refer to people with the disease as Covid19 cases, victims etc…” speaks volumes of the devastating consequences that is already inflicted on the overall mental health of the world. It’s hard to comprehend the enormous traumatic experience that the world is going through and will have to endure even in the post Covid-19 world.

Rude daily experiences we face in form of first hand as well as through news and media of counting of number of deaths, hospitals and health care centers flooding with helpless patients and dozen of rumors on the crisis floating ever time will bound to haunt humanity forever. This traumatic experience will forever change the mental attitude of mankind – the way he see and think about the world, his ability to trust others and how he related himself to the world. The grave concern confronting the world visà-vis the present crisis is the reports of some of the patients who had declared cured and discharge earlier are once again testing positive in different parts of the world, relapsing to the same problem, rais-

The purchase of inferior PPE is murky

T

he world is overpowered by COVID-19 and the richest and the most powerful nations are helplessly struggling against the pandemic during the last 3 months. Despite using the best protective medical suits being used by the Doctors and nurses, hundreds of them had to sacrifice their lives as those equipments are not prophylactic enough. Many countries purchased such medical equipments from China, and yetfew countries like Spain, Ukraine, etc. returned the consignments branding those to be substandard as learnt from the news.

India has also found the testing kit of Chinese made to be less effective. To the best possible extent, the security and safety of the medical staff has to be ensured by providing what equipments and kits are internationally specified medically.

Contrary to the above backdrop, the local media is donned during the last few weeks by the controversy over the quality of PPEs purchased by the Health and Family Welfare Department (HFWD) of Nagaland and which are issued to District Hospitals. A week ago, the HFWD issued the directive restricting its employees from going to social media or to press as for the pandemic and its related matters are concerned except through the nodal mouth piece.

Nevertheless, out of anonymity, the field Doctors and Nurses in particular are divulging their lack of faith in the PPEs so far made available to them already by raising these few questions according to local media dated 20.4.2020: a) How ‘large quantity’ of PPE is supplied to District Hospitals disproportionately against very limited staff ? b) How the sub-standard quality of PPEs meant for mock-drill and practice only are issued to the field officers and staff ? One officer complained that ‘the PPE received were very poor quality especially the mask which was worse than a market carry bag’.

Reacting to complaints, the Govt. of Nagaland has decided to replace those defective and unusable equipments on the condition that the concerned field officers write to the controlling authorities for replacement with new equipments as per the decision taken on the last Sunday, the 19th April, 2020. This decision of the State Govt. to allow the District hospitals to get the first batch of PPEs replaced with the new PPEs implies that the PPEs purchased earlier were defective and thus the complaints so raised were justified. The old adage goes that history repeats itself. Similarly, the HFWD is repeating its history.

Now, the rat is out of its burrow.

The local media dated 22.4.2020 has disclosed that those defective and unusable PPEs were purchased by HFWD under the circumstance of ‘panic’ purchase as admitted by no other than the Medical Minister himself. The world came to know about the pandemic that occurred in Wuhan, China in January, 2020 and we are in the fourth month since. The Govt. of Nagaland had

sufficient time to get itself prepared especially for procurement of such equipment as certified by competent authority. Am I wrong to say that the greed of HFWD had surpassed the transparency and benevolence of the decision makers whereby the avoidable wastage of so much money on the double procurements of the two categories of PPEs-the first is outdated and the latter is useable. No matter what may be or will be the explanations of the HFWD, the purchase of the inferior quality PPEs was not accidental but definitely intentional.

The procurement of the substandard quality PPE and providing it to physicians across the State of Nagaland is not as simple as those authorities who ordered for the purchase of useless equipments thought it to be.

It tantamount to deploying soldiers to the war front with guns without ammunitions. No sensible and responsible authority would have resorted to such murky dealings by which the lives of his citizens are placed in jeopardy.

Whoever is/are responsible for providing the defective PPEs has/have definitely undervalued humanity. Sooner or later, the concerned authority has to answer to the people of the State as to why the HFWD has undermined both the lives of the medical staff and of the disease. Are the frontline medical officers and nurses in Nagaland considered to be guinea pig? Had it not been the love and compassion of the Living God alone for the people of Nagaland, how many frontline medical officers and staff in Nagaland would have been forced to face perilous risk by the HFWD? The fact is that had there been COVID-19 patients in Nagaland beside one, the medical teams had to nurture those patients wearing the defective PPEs under compulsions endangering their lives.

In the light of above, it does not suffice for the HFWD to give a single sentence justification to the people of the State as to why such inferior PPEs were purchased at the expense of the lives of the people. Rather, it is imperative that the procurement of the sub-standard consignments of PPE is inquired into by the constituted competent authority so as to find out: a) What is the quantum of PPE of that inferior quality in question was procured? b) What is the total investment of money on the same? c) When the purchase orders were placed and when the consignment was delivered to Nagaland? d) Who was/were the nodal authority/authorities by whose approval such equipments were procured?

It is unimaginable that the concerned authorities in Nagaland are indulging in such business of mismanagement while 210 or more countries are fighting to save their citizens from this pandemic. May the sensible citizens of Nagaland realize what a pathetic situation we have built for ourselves?

Z. Lohe

ing a disturbing question whether there can be a complete cure from the disease. The worst case scenario that could emerge from this tragedy is that those recovered Covid-19 patients have the prospect of being look upon by the society as potential carriers of the virus which will bring untold miseries and sufferings for the patients as well as his family members. Stigmatization can be a new phase of problem and pressure that any recovered Covid-19 patient and family members of those who died because of the disease can suffer at the hand of the society. Fear and suspicion will rule the world unless the world chooses to collectively act to combat this human catastrophe that is in the making.

Restoring trust would be major challenges ahead in the world already infested with hostile social and political environment.

Sadly nations of the world still refuse to share the truth on the nature of the problem, and instead resorting to blame game among themselves which only reflect a deeply rooted mistrust in the world.

The outbreak of this deadly pandemic, where

the world is fighting so hard to contain, had taught humanity a hard lesson.

That it is futile on the part of mankind to trust the so called progress and advancement, as define by human being, for surviving in this world. Human ability and strength appeared meaningless as the world become powerless against this pandemic. The Covid19 pandemic is a perfect reminder that in spite of all the might of technological and scientific achievement, the pride and the tall claim of conquering the entire universe, there is still something in life that is beyond the control of human being. This should provide enough reasoning space to people to acknowledge the limitation of human potentials and consider the existence of a greater power controlling and operating the universe.

Nevertheless, humanity still has the chance to overcome this challenge, and emerge stronger through collective effort.

The ver y fact that the world is fighting a common invisible enemy, an enemy that is violently attacking and tormenting people irrespective of their national identity,

race, religion, political and ideological affiliations, is a powerful reminder that we all share and inhabit one planet earth and are bound by same fate, and that we all share equal responsibility in combating this crisis and saving the world. And all these concerns can be a unifying force for all of us to act together. It’s time for the universal messages of humanity i.e. love, brotherhood, kindness and service to mankind to hit the chord of human conscience, setting aside differences. And acting based upon these universal principles governing human relationship will humanity not only experience triumph over the Covid-19 pandemic but bring ultimate healing to the traumatic mental suffering inflicted in the world by the same, and that a day will come when we, human being, once again start freely shaking hands and embracing each other without any fear.

The deadly Covid-19 virus will not last forever; the world will definitely find a way to put an end to it SOON. Nevertheless, in post Covid-19 the world will never be the same again.

Dr. Nsungbemo Ezung, Wokha Town

Coronavirus and corroded communal mind-sets: Tale of two Indias

I

ndian society by and large is communal. Communal mind-sets would look out for any opportunity to grab and capitalize upon. We tend to think that at least during the pandemic of this magnitude such as COVID-19, there would be some etiquette, observance of minimal decency and civility. But, a few incidents that happened in recent times prove contrary to our comprehension implying that we should not take anything for granted such as the minimal decency required even during coronavirus.

An incident happened a few days ago in Chennai had shaken the belief and confidence of many that civility, rationality, and humanity shall at least prevail over narrow parochial and communal considerations. Shattering such assumptions, Dr. Simon Hercules, 55-year old neurosurgeon, the managing director of New Hope Hospital, Chennai, known for having served hundreds and thousands of patients infected by the deadly pandemic was on ventilator before he breathed his last on the 19th of April, 2020.

The same evening his mortal body was taken in a hearse to Kilpauk Cemetery, Chennai, where a mob allegedly the locals pelted stones at the hearse and attacked the mourners and others with sticks, so that burial would not take place at the cemetery. On the advice of the Chennai Corporation staff the hearse and the mourners along with the corporation officials went to another cemetery in Anna Nagar (Velangadu).

When they reached the burial ground, the earth mover was engaged in digging a pit. All of a sudden and to their surprise a mob of disruptors appeared with stones and sticks started attacking the ambulance and those assembled for the last rites. Those who were present including the hearse driver, its staff, doctors and family members had to flee from the spot as the situation was looming dangerous. Dr. Bhagyaraj, a colleague of late Dr. Simon said that they had to abandon the body to save their own lives as the mob was increasingly becoming aggressive.

Dr. Pradeep along with two others dressed in PPE kits went back to the cemetery during midnight buried Dr. Simon with bare hands as there was only one shovel to use. While narrating the

horrific ordeal, Dr. Pradeep said even as the body was being lowered into the grave, they feared for their lives as the mob was present, but at a distance the police force was present. This incident brings to the fore many things to light.

Chennai is cosmopolitan in its character, known for its inclusivity, progressive thinking and secular orientation. Many keep wondering and totally taken aback by this chilling incident and keep asking how this could ever happen, that too in Chennai.

Many progressive thinkers, radical minds, reformers and organic intellectuals lived through the centuries who have contributed immensely to politics, literature, culture, religion philosophy and education. Rationality should and ought to prevail over emotions.

Living with plurality of faith, encouraging and respecting contrarian views used to be the hallmark of Chennai.

Chennai in particular has never allowed parochial and communal elements to reign over. In times of catastrophe Chennai has always been the in the forefront of caring, nurturing, sharing liberal thinking, mutual co-existence and accommodation.

In such a progressive cosmopolitan city like Chennai, known for tolerance and mutuality, not allowing a decent burial to Dr. Simon who while saving those who were affected by coronavirus became its victim. To such a person, a burial based on Christian rites with due respect and decency should have been given, while on the other has been negated by the corroded mind-sets and communal elements. So, it is a blot to all the Indians and we should be ashamed of the

dastardly act by the corroded mindset. Yesterday Dr. Simon was denied decent burial, today probably either you or me, and tomorrow, it is going to be someone else.

Chennai, the place I was born and brought up, spent decades in such beautiful atmosphere living in harmony and in plural settings has now become a place of hatred and communal divide, spewing venom. There are a few who generously allowed their lands to bury those who die of corronavirus, whose gesture should be appreciated and credited with. . But, it is not the solution. Those corroded mind-sets want precisely this type of gesture, which we should not cave in. There are cemeteries designated for diverse faith communities and those who want to be buried should be buried and be given decent burial and no one has the right to take away this right.

The incident that we recently witnessed should not deter those who believe in plural ethos, secular principles and harmonious living.

As right thinking people, we should go all out with grit and determination to protecting those warriors who take risks at the cost of their lives.

Tamil Nadu is also a hotspot for coronavirus. In the days to come the curves would surge both in terms of death and affected. As against the background, it is the responsibility of all to protect the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other auxiliary staff in their fight against COVID-19 and also share our solidarity and offer our respects in their death as well.

Dr. John Mohan Razu

Reader’s Post

Let’s continue social distancing even if lockdown is eased

Sir,

I fear that if there is a phased wise relaxation of lockdown after May 3, there could be a mad rush of people onto the streets and this could further endanger us. I hope the district administration and the police department has a contingency plan in view of such a scenario.

It is also my humble appeal to every citizen to continue social distancing as easing of the lockdown does not necessarily mean that we are out of dangers.

Amenla , Dimapur.

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.

Northeast/state

5 COVID-19: Assam suspends COVID-19: Community assistance in Nagaland

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

‘Aadhaar’ reprieve for rapid test after ICMR advisory Assam, Meghalaya & others

New Delhi, Apr 22 (IANS): The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to relax the mandatory requirement of Aadhaar seeding of data beneficiaries of Assam, Meghalaya, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for release of benefits to them under PM-Kisan Scheme up to March 31, 2021.

The government says the decision was taken to ensure the eligible beneficiaries do not fail to get the benefits for want of noncompliance of Aadhaar seeding of data.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme was launched by Modi on February 24 last year.

The scheme aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions.

Under the scheme, an amount of Rs 6,000 annually is released in three 4-monthly installments of Rs 2,000 each, directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

The scheme is effective from December 1, 2018. “From 1st December, 2019, release of benefits is done only through Aadhaar seeded data of beneficiaries uploaded by the State /UT Governments on the PMKISAN portal, except in case of the states of Assam and Meghalaya and the UTs of J&K and Ladakh, which have been given exemption from this requirement till 31st March, 2020, as Aadhaar penetration there has been miniscule,” said a government statement.

The assessment says that it would take much more time for the two states

and two Union territories to complete the work of Aadhaar seeding of data of beneficiaries resulting in beneficiaries of these states or UTs possibly failing to avail the benefits of the scheme from April 1 this year, if the relaxation from mandatory requirement of Aadhaar seeding of data is not extended.

The total number of beneficiary farmers in these states and UTs who have been paid at least one instalment as on April 8 this year, are 27,09,586 beneficiaries in Assam, 98,915 beneficiaries in Meghalaya and 10,01,668 beneficiaries in J&K and Ladakh.

GUWAHATI, APR 22 (AGENCIES): Assam government has suspended the rapid antibody tests for the next two days in view of the advisory issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research, reports ANI. Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted “In view of the advisory issued by ICMR, the state government has suspended Rapid Anti Body tests, for the next two days.”

Earlier, he had tweeted, “From April 22, we shall begin Rapid Antibody tests, from Spanish Garden – a containment zone. The government of India has given 9,600 Rapid Antibody test kits for IgM/IgG to coronavirus.

The test is non-confirmatory yet useful for mass surveillance in containment areas as it gives results in 15 mnts.

The ICMR on Tuesday advised the states to stop using COVID-19 rapid testing kits for the time being owing to big variations in their results and said that it would issue an advisory in this regard in the next two days.

During a press briefing in Delhi, ICMR head

Confusion over lockdown relaxation in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 22 (NPN): “Who said farmers were free to move? Do you have curfew pass? Show me. Otherwise you have to be panelised,” a policeman on duty asked a farmer who came to buy farm equipments in Imphal on Wednesday.

Ibobi, a farmer from Nachou village of Bishnupur district, who came all the way to collect tractor accessories and farm equipment from a dealer in Imphal on a hired van was stunted by this volley of questions.

He had ordered accessories and farm equipments more than a month ago but could not collect them due to the sudden imposition of the lockdown to check spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Ibobi said he came to collect the items on learning that agriculture related activities have been relaxed from the purview of the lockdown and the dealer informed him that he can collect the items from his godown in Imphal’s Man-

tripukhri.

However, he was confused by the series of questions raised by the policeman.

It was only after the intervention by this correspondent who briefed the policeman through the officer on duty, that the policeman freed the farmer.

Agricultural and related activities were among 15 sectors Manipur government relaxed from the purview of the lockdown.

The order issued by state home department issued on April 20 on relaxation to 15 sectors stated that agricultural and related activities like farming operations by farmers and farm workers in field in rural areas.

It added that agencies engaged in procurement of agricultural produce including farmer producers companies are also relaxed from the lockdown.

Ibobi was not the only individual who faced such situation when he came out to buy essential items caused due to lack of briefing to police personnel on

duty regarding the lockdown relaxation.

When government declared relaxation to 15 sectors, it was announced that local based retails shops dealing with essential commodities like groceries for daily use, vegetables, fruits, poultry meat and fish will be opened from 6 am to 2 pm on all days except Sundays.

Even though shops were opened following the announcement, people were reluctant to come out and buy goods as there was no relaxation on public curfew which has been in force in the state since March 24, 8 am.

Whenever people came out of their houses, police personnel on duty would enquire on their purpose of work and to produce curfew pass.

Those who could not produce the curfew pass were detained by the police for coming out without any specific purpose.

The state police have been strictly enforcing curfew , which according to government, was necessitated for stringent imple-

mentation of lockdown since March 24, the day first phase of the nationwide lockdown commenced.

In its continuing crackdown, a total of 738 violators were detained along with 484 vehicles. They were produced before the concern magistrates and a fine of Rs 74,820 was imposed, a press note of the additional DGP (L/O) L Kailun stated. The police crackdown also included those not wearing face masks in public which the state home department has ordered to prevent spread of COVID-19. So far, there are no reports of community transmission of corona virus in the state even though the state has recorded two positive cases of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the two patients had also been discharged from the hospitals they were treated after they recovered from the disease.

The first COVID-patient was discharged in the first week of April while the second one was discharged on Tuesday after his latest swab sample tested negative.

scientist Dr. R Gangakhedkar said, “The states have been advised to not use the COVID-19 rapid testing kits for two days. A lot of variations are being reported in the results of rapid test kits.

The kits will be tested and validated by on-ground teams and we will give advisory in the next two days.”

Gangakhedkar said the step has been taken after receiving a complaint from a state.

“The rapid test kits have been distributed to states. Yesterday, we got a complaint from a state that these kits’ results are not satisfactory.

Today, we asked three more states and got to know that positive samples are showing a lot of variation — from 6 percent to 71 percent. This is not a good thing,” he said.

“We cannot ignore these findings. We have decided to send members from our eight institutes to the field in the next two days.

The kits will be tested and validated by on-ground teams and we will give advisory in the next two days,” he further said.

DIMAPUR: As the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic lockdown entered 29 days, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), political leaders, political parties and individuals have come forward and offered assistance to those in need.

Advisor Kazheto: Advisor NSDMA & CAWD, Kazheto Kinimi on April 20 visited Akuluto Primary Heath Centre (PHC) to oversee the preparedness against COVID-19 pandemic. The advisor also donated personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and thermal scanners during his visit.

NAYO : N o r t h e r n Angami Youth Organization (NAYO) Tuesday visited Kohima Orphanage Home, Bright Morning Star Children Home and Kohima Old Age Home and extended essential commodities. The organization also encouraged them to stick to the precautionary measures and to stay home and stay safe.

Chieswema Bn: Chieswema Battalion of Assam Rifles distributed basic essentials to ESM and widows of Chizami, Zeizou and Chakabama villages, with an aim to mitigate their hardship amid the lockdown.

The beneficiaries while being assisted with the basic rations and sanitation items were also advised to abide by the advisories issued by the state government on COVID-19.

Zunheboto Bn: Zunheboto Battalion of Assam Rifles (North) distributed essential items to ex- servicemen of Lumami village, Zunheboto to assist amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.

BJP Mokokchung: BJP Mokokchung district through its “District COVID-19 Control Centre” undertook a massive relief work during the first phase of the nationwide lockdown by giving relief to the needy people. The unit also distributed refreshments to

the frontline workers and the minority Morcha of the party also offered free meal to the stranded migrants in Mokokchung town.

NNF Mon unit: Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) Mon unit donated cash to Mon District Task Force for COVID-19 through the deputy commissioner (DC) Mon, Thavaseelan. NNF also pledged to stand by the district administration in the fight against the pandemic.

DDADU: Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers Union (DDADU) distributed essential commodities, donated by well wisher, to auto-rickshaw drivers on April 22 at the residence of its president, Tito Yeptho.

The union informed that it has been providing free ambulance service to those in need.

DBSU: Dimapur Bengali Students’ Union (DBSU) in collaboration with Dimapur district administration undertook food distribution drive in Dimapur district.

GPRN / NSCN condoles

DIMAPUR: GPRN/NSCN has expressed profound grief at the sudden demise of ‘capt.’ Atoyi Chophi son of Tohokhe of Akuluto village, Sumi Region on April 20. In a condolence mes-

sage, GPRN/NSCN said late Atoyi served the nation wholeheartedly and that his contributions towards the nation will be ever remembered by the Nagas.

GPRN/ NSCN has

conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort at this grief time. It also prayed for the departed soul to rest eternal peace.

Couple names Tuensang police raids ZAPO extends newborn DIMAPUR: Tuensang po- amba son of B. Mazung greetings on receiving “reliable Chang at Sector 1, 3rd NAP DIMAPUR: Zuketsa Lockdown lice information” conducted Sector, Tuensang.

Area Public OrganisaAGARTALA, APR 22 (IANS): A stranded Rajasthan couple in Tripura on Wednesday named their newborn Lockdown. The baby boy was born at the Tripura government-run Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) State Hospital here in the capital city last week.

After observing the customary rituals at a shelter camp on Wednesday they named the baby as Lockdown. Around 105 people, including 25 children, all nomads and hailing from Rajasthan’s Alwar district, came to Tripura to take part in various fairs last month, but could not return as the countrywide lockdown came into enforcement from March 25.

These people were lodged at a government school and other homes on the outskirts of the capital city. A pregnant 38-year-old woman Manju Devi had to be admitted in the IGM hospital where she delivered the baby boy on Saturday.

raids in and around Tuensang town and seized large quantity of restricted drugs.

In a press release, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tuensang informed that during a raid on April 16 at Home Guard Colony, Tuensang, the police seized three bottles of codeine cough syrup, 16 SP capsules, 35 tablets of 0.5 alprazolem from the possession of Imtinukshi (37) son of Longkhai of Yangpi village and present resident of Home Guard Colony Tuensang.

Basing on the statement of Imtinukshi, the SP said police personnel conducted a search of a private residence of Yimlongchesh-

ITANAGAR, APR 22 (PTI): The Ar unachal Pradesh Public Ser vice Commission (APPSC) has decided to postpone the preliminary and mains examinations of the Combined Competitive Examination

which were scheduled for May and October. An APPSC statement said that the examinations have been postponed until further notice. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of

Parents in catch-22 situation on Assam govt directs private school fees, e-learning in Meghalaya schools to waive 50% fees

Sikkim: At least 80 samples tested -ve, 12 awaited

Thunder strike kills 2, injures 3 at West Khasi Hills

Correspondent

SHILLONG, APRIL 22: For Mathew Nongrum, a cab driver in Shillong, who has been forced to give his source of income and sit idle at home amid the COVID19 lockdown, is hoping that the Meghalaya government will provide some respite by waiving school fees.

“People like me who live hand-to-mouth are in very bad shape at the moment. There are many unforeseen expenditures and paying school fees of my children,” he said.

Though, the Meghalaya government has announced a monetary grant of Rs 1000 per week to beneficiary workers registered with the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Nongrum did not apply for it.

“I did not avail the government grant since I thought it was meant only for construction workers. I don’t have a bank account. I opened a bank account only on April 13 and if the government announces another fresh monetary grant, I will surely apply for it,” he said.

Education Minister

Lahkmen Rymbui said that the government is examining whether to waive off school fees during the lockdown to combat COVID-19.

“We are still examining all the pros and cons to waive off school fees. We will take a final decision on the matter once we analysed it,” Rymbui said.

Not only Nongrum, but S Saibon, a native of Nohron village, about 70 kms from Shillong, said, “Everybody is facing hardship at this point of time. We are surviving from garden to kitchen but for how long we can survive like this. I am more worried now on how to pay school fees of my children studying in a private school in Shillong.”

“If we don’t pay the school fees, the question that arises is how the teachers will meet their daily requirements. We only hope that the government will look into these matters so that no one should be financially affected by it,” he said.

On the other hand, students in rural areas cannot access the slew of education apps due to lack of mobile internet connectivity and smart phones.

“We have heard of

the government’s initiative on e-learning to ensure that students keep abreast with education. However, mobile internet connectivity is still a major issue for us in the rural areas, and my children along with so many school children are not to going benefit from e-learning,” M Kharphuli, a mother of four children, said.

Echoing Kharpuli, a government school teacher under Mawsynram assembly constituency, said, “As a concerned teacher, I am deeply saddened for my students who are unable to use online courses through smartphones as all the student’s parent do not have smartphones and are mostly uneducated.”

“In rural areas, most village have no network service. It is unfortunate for us as teachers to see our students are unable to complete the half yearly syllabus due to the pandemic,” the teacher, who wished not to be quoted. However, the school teacher said his request to his students is to stay at home and maintain hygiene until the government gives us an alternative methods to continue teaching students in the school.

Himanta Biswa Sarma

GUWAHATI, APR 22 (AGENCIES): The Assam Education Department has directed private schools to waive 50 per cent of fees for the month of April that will provide a relief to parents.

The schools have also been directed not to increase fees during lockdown and to pay teaching and non-teaching staff without a pay cut, reports The Indian Express.

“Education Dept has directed all pvt schools to waive 50% of their one month school fees for April to give relief to parents.

It is also directed that during pandemic there will be no increase in fee and no curtailment of salary of teaching & non teaching staff of pvt schools,” tweet-

ed Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

To provide relief to parents/ guardians whose wards are studying in schools up to senior secondary level, a discussion was carried out with the selected representatives of the schools established by an association of individuals or society or trusts etc. so that delivery of educational services is not impacted, the circular mentioned.

The Assam board has decided to promote class 11 students without examination. Meanwhile, the results of class 10, 12 examinations are likely to be declared

by June first week, and the evaluation process will begin after May 3, 2020.

Police said it recovered 8,064 SP capsules, 2,940 tablets of 0.5 alprazolem, 40 bottles of codeine cough syrup and 4000 “spasmon (dicyclomine hydroctoride and paracetamol” during the search. SP Tuensang informed that two persons were arrested in this connection and a case was registered at Tuensang Police Station under the appropriate section of law for further investigation.

The SP informed that restricted drugs are “Schedule H” drugs under Drugs & Cosmetics Act and needs proper record maintenance by proprietors under the Act.

tion (ZAPO) has extended warm Tsükhenye Festival to Chakhesang community in general and Kuzhami in particular.

In a message, ZAPO said during Tsükhenye, wrestling and beauty contest are held for men folk and women folk respectively but due to COVID-19 pandemic, the festival will not be celebrated. ZAPO has asked all to celebrate Tsükhenye festival at their homes with family and loved ones and maintain social distancing.

Further, ZAPO has urged everyone to continue to pray to the Almighty God for his healing.

COVID-19: APPSC postpones exam

GANGTOK, APR 22 (AGENCIES): A total number of eighty samples of coronavirus suspects have been tested in Sikkim and the reports of all the samples are negative, reports The Northeast Today.

An official said that all the samples were sent to North Bengal Medical College Hospital in West Bengal’s Siliguri.

Director General cum Secretary Health of Sikkim said 12 new samples were sent today for testing to Siliguri.

The official informed that the test reports of 12 samples are awaited. Out of these, four have been sent from Gangtok, seven from Singtam East and one from Gayzing West Sikkim. This post was last modified on April 22, 2020 10:53 am

S HILL O N G A p r 2 2 (AGENCIES): In an unfortunate incident, two people were killed and three others were injured after being struck by a lightning at Mawkadiang village in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya on Tuesday, reports The Northeast Today.

The deceased have been identified as Phuldaris Marwein (40 yrs) and Horbius Jyrwa (20 yrs) of Mawkadiang village under West Khasi Hills and the three injured are Halman Marwein, Thalian Marwein and Riantiful Kharsyiemlieh of the same village.

Source informed that the incident took place on Tuesday morning at around 11.45 AM while they were working in the paddy field.

After the incident, the Headman of the locality rush to the spot and imme-

COVID-19 pandemic, the statement from APPSC secretary A R Talwade said here. While the preliminary examination was scheduled for May 17, the mains were to be held between October 9 and October 17.

diately informed the police.

All the five were taken to the hospital where two of them succumbed to their injuries and the three others have been admitted at Nongstoin Civil Hospital and are under medical treatment.

Meanwhile, a Hial storm accompanied by a heavy rain hit several villages in Maweit area under West Khasi Hills. The Hailstorm damaged around 65 houses in different villages and also destroyed agricultural crops.. The incident occurred on 20th April at around 2.00 AM at the area under Nongstoin Block of West Khasi Hills District.

Several villages that were affected include Maweit, Nongpathar, Nongtraw, Umthli, Mawlait, Mawriat, Mawlangriang, Nongsiengsning, Nongkyllan and Tiehsaw.

Assam govt to get scribes tested for COVID-19 GUWAHATI, APR 22 (PTI): The Assam government will conduct COVID19 tests for journalists in the state on April 25, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday. Journalists are facing professional hazards and,

therefore, “we have decided to carry out tests for them free of cost”, Sarma told a press conference here.

“Those who want to get themselves tested can come to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital on April 25”, the minister

said. All protocols related to COVID-19 will be maintained, he added. Scribes in Assam had appealed to the state government to conduct coronavirus tests, after many mediapersons recently tested positive in Mumbai and Chennai.

6

international/sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

dismisses US lawsuit against it on N Korea media silent on Kim’s whereabouts China COVID-19 as ‘nothing short of absurdity’

SEOUL, APR 22 (AGENCIES): North Korean state media on Wednesday made no mention of leader Kim Jong Un’s health or whereabouts, a day after intense international speculation over his health was sparked by media reports he was gravely ill after a cardiovascular procedure.

North Korean media presented a business as usual image, carrying routine reporting of Kim’s achievements and publishing some of his older, or undated, comments on issues like the economy. South Korean and Chinese officials and sources familiar with U.S. intelligence have cast doubt on South Korean and U.S. media reports that he was seriously sick, while the White House said it was closely monitoring the matter.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who held unprecedented summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019 in an attempt to persuade him to give up his nuclear weapons, said the reports had not been confirmed and he did not put much credence in them. “We’ll see how he

Germany approves 1st trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate BERLIN, APR 22 (AGENCIES): Germany’s vaccines regulator approved live human testing of a potential vaccine against the Covid-19 virus developed by German biotech company BioNTech, the regulator said in a statement on Wednesday.

The trial, only the fourth worldwide of a preventive agent targeting the virus behind the global pandemic, will be conducted on 200 healthy people aged between 18 and 55 in the first stage, and on further people, including those at higher risk from the disease, in a second stage.

BioNTech said it was developing the vaccine candidate, named BNT162, together with its partner, pharma giant Pfizer. Tests of the vaccine were also planned in the United States, once regulatory approval for testing on humans had been secured there.

Kim Jong Un speaks in a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK on April 11.

does,” Trump told a White House news conference on Tuesday. “We don’t know if the reports are true.”

Speculation about Kim’s health first arose due to his absence from the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15.

On Wednesday, the main headlines from the North’s state news agency, KCNA, included pieces on sports equipment, mulberry picking, and a meeting in Bangladesh to study North Korea’s “juche” or selfreliance ideology.

The official Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried older or undated remarks attributed to Kim in articles about the economy, the textile industry, city development, and other topics. As usual Kim’s name was plastered all over the newspaper, but there were no reports on his whereabouts. A spokesman for South Korea’s presidential Blue House said they could not confirm Kim’s whereabouts, or whether he had undergone surgery.

South Korea had detected no unusual activity in North Korea, the spokesman said.

Daily NK, a Seoul-

based website, reported late on Monday that Kim, who is believed to be about 36, was hospitalised on April 12, hours before the cardiovascular procedure. The report’s English-language version carried a correction on Tuesday to say the report was based on a single unnamed source in North Korea, not multiple as it earlier stated.

It said his health had deteriorated since August due to heavy smoking, obesity and overwork, and he was now receiving treatment at a villa in the Mount Myohyang resort north of the capital Pyongyang. “It does look like something is going on, based on the repeated absences of last week,” said Chad O’Carroll, CEO of the Korea Risk Group, which monitors North Korea. “A health issue seems to be the most logical explanation for all this, but whether or not it’s cardiac-related seems to be too early to tell.”

On Tuesday, CNN reported an unidentified U.S. official saying the United States was “monitoring intelligence” that Kim was in

grave danger after surgery.

However, two South Korean government officials rejected the CNN report. China, North Korea’s only major ally, also dismissed the reports. Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, told Fox News the White House was monitoring the reports “very closely”. “There’s lots of conjecture going around,” a senior Trump administration official said on condition of anonymity late on Tuesday when asked if there was confirmation of the reports.

North Korea experts have cautioned that hard facts about Kim’s condition are elusive but said his unprecedented absence from major celebrations for his grandfather’s birthday last week signals that something may have gone awry. Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean deputy ambassador to Britain who defected to South Korea in 2016, said state media’s extended silence is unusual because it had in the past been quick to dispel questions about the status of its leadership.

Geng Shuang

exposed to the virus, and even hoarded Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable. The lawsuit seeks relief on one count of public nuisance, one count of abnormally dangerous activities, and two counts of breach of duty.

Remedies could include civil penalties and restitution, abatement of the public nuisance, cessation of abnormally dangerous activities, punitive damages and more, it said.

Reacting to the lawsuit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang

said: “this so-called accusation has no factual and legal basis. It is nothing short of absurdity”.

He reiterated that since the outbreak, the Chinese government has been acting in open, transparent and responsible manner to report the information to the US and other countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) besides issuing general sequence of the virus.

Geng said China is in communication with the US on this issue since January 3, ensuring updates. “This is part of China’s important contribution and recognised by the international community. This so-called litigation is a malicious abuse of litigation. It violates the basic law and principle of equal sovereignty in international law.

“The Chinese government’s response in the pandemic is not under the jurisdiction of US courts,” he said.

Geng said that such abuse of ligation is not conducive to epidemic response at home in the US and also runs counter to international cooperation.

Political wrangling, controversy Iran launches 1st military satellite into orbit mark re-opening of U.S. states

AT L A N T A , A P R 2 2 (AGENCIES): Governors of about half a dozen U.S. states pushed ahead on Tuesday with plans to partially reopen for business despite warnings by some health officials that doing so could trigger a new surge in coronavirus cases.

The easing of sweeping restrictions in Georgia, South Carolina and other mostly Southern U.S. states follows protests against rules imposed during the pandemic that shut down businesses and largely confined residents to their homes.

A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll showed a majority of Americans believed stay-at-home orders should remain in place until public health officials determine lifting them is safe, despite the damage to the U.S. economy. “It’s a matter of concern, this whole idea of opening up. It’s based on non-science generated parameters,” Dr. Boris Lushniak, dean of the University

of Maryland School of Public Health, told Reuters in an interview. Deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus, topped 45,150 nationwide as cases climbed to over 810,000, according to a Reuters tally. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan each reported their highest single-day coronavirusrelated death tolls - over 800 between the three states.

New York state, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, reported 481 new deaths.

Governors are under pressure from businesses and some constituents to relax stay-at-home orders that have thrown over 20 million people out of work in the past month alone.

In Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers who filed a lawsuit against Democratic Governor Tony Evers, challenging his stay-at-home order that runs until May 26.

Tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, and local of-

ficials have risen over the U.S. government’s role in ramping up testing, which infectious disease experts say is key to enable a safe reopening.

Those experts say the United States, with a population of nearly 330 million people, should test 3 million per week to get an accurate sense of the virus’s reach.

States have tested only a third of that number in the past seven days, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

Even as states move ahead with plans to reopen, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned a second wave of the coronavirus could be worse if it coincides with the start of seasonal flu season. “There’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said in an interview with The Washington Post.

DUBAI, APR 22 (AGENCIES): Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps said on Wednesday it had successfully launched the country’s first military satellite into orbit, at a time of heightened tensions with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

U.S. officials have said they fear long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads. Tehran denies U.S. assertions that such activity is a cover for ballistic missile development and says it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons.

“Iran’s first military satellite, Noor, was launched this morning from the central desert of Iran. The launch was successful and the satellite reached orbit,” state TV said. The satellite, which the Guards said was named Noor, or “Light”, was orbiting 425 km (264 miles) above the earth’s surface, they said in a statement on their website.

The force said it used

Ryder Cup without fans Work begins on 100,000 capacity stadium in Guangzhou is no Ryder Cup: McIlroy

A rendering Guangzhou Evergrade’s new 100,000-seat soccer stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China. (Reuters)

GUANGZHOU (AGENCIES): Evergrande Group has begun work on what will be the world’s largest purpose-built soccer stadium, with a capacity of 100,000 seats, in the southern city of Guangzhou, the Chinese real estate company has said.

Construction of the Guangzhou Evergrande Soccer Stadium, also dubbed “Lotus Flower Stadium” for its design, started on April 16 and would cost around 12 billion yuan ($1.69 billion) to complete, the group said.

It will be home to Chi-

BEIJING, APR 22 (PTI): China on Wednesday dismissed as “nothing short of absurdity” and violation of sovereignty the lawsuit filed by the US state of Missouri which alleges that Beijing suppressed COVID-19 information, arrested whistleblowers and denied its contagious nature, leading to the loss of life and causing “irreparable damage” to the world.

Filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the lawsuit was submitted by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt against the Chinese government, the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), and other Chinese officials and institutions.

It alleges that during the critical weeks of the initial outbreak, the Chinese authorities deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, arrested whistle-blowers, denied human-to-human transmission in the face of mounting evidence, destroyed critical medical research, permitted millions of people to be

nese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande and surpass Barcelona’s Camp Nou as the largest purposebuilt soccer venue by capacity, it added.

North Korea’s multipurpose Rungrado 1st of May Stadium would remain the largest sports stadium in the world with around 114,000 seats.

The lotus design was chosen as it is a traditional Chinese flower, the group said, adding that it was conceptualised by Shanghaibased designer Hasan A. Syed.

The stadium would

also include entertainment, commercial and dining areas and is likely to be completed by the end of 2022.

The company said it was building the venue as China did not have enough professional, purpose-built soccer stadiums and that it hoped the facility would help boost Chinese soccer.

China is 76th in the FIFA world rankings.

Evergrande said it also planned to build two more stadiums of around 80,000 seats each in China, adding that designs for those facilities were currently under review.

BENGALURU, APR 22 (AGENCIES): World number one Rory McIlroy says he would prefer this year’s Ryder Cup to be postponed until 2021 rather than stage the event with no fans present due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The golf calendar has been ravaged by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, with three of the sport’s four majors — the Masters, United States Open and PGA Championship — postponed and the British Open cancelled altogether.

The 2020 Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place from September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin but there are doubts that it can go ahead as planned.

Rory McIlroy said the absence of spectators would ruin the spectacle of the biennial Europe versus United States event, which the Europeans won in Paris in 2018.

“I get the financial implications for everyone involved,” Rory McIlroy said during an Instagram live talk with equipment company TaylorMade.

“There’s a lot that goes into putting on the Ryder Cup that people don’t appreciate, but having a Ryder Cup without fans is not a Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy

“It wouldn’t be a great spectacle, there’d be no atmosphere, so if it came to whether they had to choose between not playing the event or playing it without fans, I would say just delay it a year and play it in 2021.

“Obviously it would be better for the Europeans to play without fans because we wouldn’t have to deal with some of the stuff you have to put up with, but at the same time it’s not a Ryder Cup,” Rory McIlroy added.

“If they do delay it until 2021, the next Ryder Cup is in Italy, and we know how badly Italy was affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), so it gives them an extra year to prepare for the event in 2023.”

Iranian rocket carrying a satellite is launched from an undisclosed site believed to be in Semnan province. (PTI)

“Glory to Him who has subjected this to us, as we could never have done it by our own efforts”.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Iran following Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from a 2015 international accord designed to put curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Trump said the nuclear deal did not go far enough and also did not include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile programme and support for its proxies in the Middle East. Wednesday’s launch comes months after top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad on Jan. 3.

The United States argues that such launches by Iran breach United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which calls upon Tehran not to undertake activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such technology.

the Qased, or “Messenger”, satellite carrier to launch Noor, without giving details of the technology. “The three-stage Qased satellite launcher uses a combina-

tion of solid and liquid fuels,” it said. TV footage showed the satellite carrier was inscribed with a verse of the Koran that Muslims often recite when travelling:

Tokyo 2020 organising member contracts COVID-19

Returned hungrier from doping ‘mistake’: Shaw

TOKYO, APR 22 (AGENCIES): The Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics Organising Committee said on Wednesday a member of the organisation has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

A man in his 30s who works at the committee’s headquarters had tested positive on Tuesday and had been placed in quarantine at his home, it added.

“The organizing committee has identified those who have had close contact with the patient and entered them in home isolation from today, while the floor where the individual worked will be closed off and disinfected,” the committee said in a statement.

The vast majority of Tokyo 2020’s approximately 3,800 staff have been working from home since the Japanese government announced a state of emergency earlier this month.

Members of the organising committee are working on plans for the rescheduled Olympics following the decision to postpone the Games last month because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Games, originally due to start in July, have been pushed back until 2021. Over 2.5 million have been infected globally and 172,927 people have died of the coronavirus.

NEW DELHI, APR 22 (AGENCIES): The time spent away from cricket felt like a “torture” but India opener Prithvi Shaw believes he returned hungrier after serving a doping ban last year.

Shaw was handed a back-dated eight-month suspension by the Indian cricket board for the doping violation after the opener said he had inadvertently ingested a prohibited substance.

The 20-year-old, who smashed a century on his test debut against West Indies in 2018, returned to international cricket during the tour of New Zealand earlier this year.

“It was a mistake. And the period away from cricket was a torture,” the Delhi Capitals player told fans of his Indian Premier League (IPL) team in an Instagram Live chat.

“Doubts and questions arise, but I kept the faith and belief... When the ban got over, and I returned to domestic cricket, I was hungrier than before.

“I picked up my bat and realised I hadn’t lost my touch at all. If anything, that time off made me a more determined person.”

Shaw made his one-day debut in New Zealand even though India were white-

Prithvi Shaw

washed in the three-match series.

Like any professional cricketer, Shaw is cooling his heels at home after this year’s IPL was indefinitely postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shaw stressed that patience was key in coping with the lull in the cricket world.

“Mental strength is very important at this time, given that we are all restricted indoors,” he said.

“A lot of us don’t have patience for things in life, so now is a great time to work on it.

“I’ve been working out a bit indoors and shadow practising to maintain my fitness levels.

“I’ve also been helping my father in the kitchen. I can cook eggs quite well, and I’m trying to learn a few new things.”

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