April 24, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 137

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 Pages 6 (Online Edition)

‘Lockdown in India impacted 40 mn migrants’

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NATIONAL, PAGE 3

US was ‘attacked’: Trump on coronavirus

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 6

Lockdown helping minimise virus spread BSL-3 lab to be functional within 20 days Correspondent

But much more tests needed for a decisive battle against pandemic NEW DELHI, APR 23 (PTI): Asserting that the ongoing lockdown has helped minimise the spread of coronavirus, the government on Thursday said the recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has almost doubled in the last ten days but testing needs to be ramped up continuously for a decisive battle against the pandemic.

The rate of recovery has improved to 19.89 per cent, from 9.99 per cent ten days ago on April 14, while 12 districts have reported not a single case in the last 28 days, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said. The number of districts with no cases in last 14 days has also increased to 78.

Government officials said it has been able to “cut coronavirus transmission�, minimise its spread and increase the doubling time of COVID-19 cases in the

Medicine wholesale stores to open in Dmu

DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): The chief medical officer (CMO) Dimapur has informed all the medicine wholesale dealers with Dimapur district except Marwaripatti containment area were permitted to open their stores from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on alternate days with effect from April 24, 2020 by strictly following the medical protocols till further notice.

All the activities would be monitored by assistant drug controller, Dimapur.

`10 lakh ex-gratia for journalists

DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): State government Thursday announced ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh for working journalist in the eventuality of fatality due to COVID-19 while performing duties in Nagaland.

Panel for relief packages in Dmu

DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Following the state home department directive for distribution of relief to daily wage earners and labourers in the district, the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur has set up a committee for identification of beneficiaries and distribution of relief packages.

country during the 30-day period of the nationwide lockdown.

While asserting that the growth of coronavirus cases in the country has been more or less linear and not exponential, it also said testing has been ramped up consistently.

Addressing a daily press conference on the COVID-19 situation in the country, CK Mishra, the chairman of Empowered Group Two, said testing has been a “crucial weapon� during the 30-day lockdown period, which began on March 24, to ascertain if one has contracted the disease or not.

As on March 23, nearly 15,000 tests were done across the country and by April 22 more than 5 lakh tests were conducted, which is about “33 times in 30 days�, he said, adding, “But we are conscious of the fact that this is not enough and we have to continuously ramp up testing in the country and we will do that.�

Of the empowered groups formed to suggest measures to ramp up healthcare, put the economy back on track and reduce misery

State govt informs on permissible activities DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): In pursuance to Ministry of Home Affairs order, the state government has permitted the following activities with immediate effect: Food processing industries in rural areas i.e., outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities. Industries operating in rural areas, including stone crushers, saw mills, brick kilns in rural areas i.e., outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities.

Collection, harvesting and processing of minor forest produce (MFP)/non timber forest produce (NTFP) by scheduled tribes and other forest dwellers in forest areas. Bamboo, Coconut, Areca nut, Cocoa, spices plantation and their harvesting, processing, packaging, sale and marketing.

Construction activities in rural areas, to include, water supply and sanitation;

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laying/erection of power transmission lines and laying of telecom optical fibre and cable along with related activities. Functioning of research establishments dealing with agriculture and horticulture activities.

Inter and intra State movement of planting materials and honeybee colonies, honey and other bee hive products. Shops of educational books for students; shops of electric fans; recharge facilities for prepaid mobile connection.

Functioning of food processing units such as bread factories, milk processing plants, flourmills, dal mills etc. located in urban areas. However, as specified in the lock down measures, National COVID19 directives and standard operating procedure for social distancing for offices, workshops, factories, establishments and farms must be ensured.

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COVID-19 death toll rises to 686 in India

The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 686 and the number of cases climbed to 21,700 in the country on Thursday, with 34 more deaths and 1,229 fresh cases being reported since Wednesday evening, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 16,689 as 4,324 people were cured and discharged, and one patient migrated, the ministry said.

Thus, about 19.93 per cent of the cases have recovered so far, a Health Ministry official said.

DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Amidst the COVID19 pandemic which has affected every sector across the globe, the Private College Association Nagaland (PCAN) Thursday urged upon the state government to address some of its concerns highlighted in the field of higher education.

In a representation addressed to the state chief secretary, the PCAN president Dr. PS Lorin and general secretary Vezuhu Keyho maintained that the private colleges besides providing quality education also form an important part of the state’s economic chain.

PCAN pointed out that some 44 private colleges in the state employ about 1,090 teachers and 640 staff.

PCAN expressed apprehension that continued shutdown of schools and colleges would affect the financial sustainability of the

The first injections as part of a coronavirus trial by the University of Oxford have been administered.

(Sh2.7 billion) to imperial college where another vaccine is also being developed.

The money to imperial college is meant to support the phase two of the trial and also begin a third phase of the same.

According to Hancock both of the institutions working on the vaccine “are making rapid progress,� and “they’ll do everything in their power to support.�

How does the trial vaccine work?

According to research-

KOHIMA, APR 23 (NPN): Work on setting up the State’s first bio safety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) was in full swing and is expected to be functional within the next 20 days.

Informing this to media at directorate of health and family welfare (H&FW) here on Thursday evening, H&FW secretary Kesonyu Yhome said the department was working hard to ensure that the laboratory could begin testing samples for COVID-19, adding that the workers were on the job too to get it up and running at the earliest. He said more consignments for BSL-2 and 3 were expected to reach the State in the next few days.

To a query on strategies post the lockdown, he replied that the empowered committee headed by additional secretary and finance commissioner were working on them.

Tie-up with Times Group: Yhome announced that the department was collaborating with Times Group on a project called “Project Step one� to reach out to citizens who require

PCAN seeks state government consideration for reopening colleges private institutions, which in turn, would adversely impact the pay and salary of teachers and staff. It has therefore, urged upon the state government to look into it.

PCAN also said private colleges were also trying their best to keep students updated with studies and through online platforms and other ICT means. It however, pointed out that many students were outside the online loop on account of poor internet connectivity or because some could not afford a smart phone.

It, therefore stated that reopening of educational institutions at the earliest was of great importance.

PCAN, however, said the government could permit it if and when deemed safe and expressed full cooperation in this regard, in whatever way possible.

Further, PCAN re-

Coronavirus vaccine trials begin in Britain

LO N D O N, A P R 2 3 (AGENCIES): A coronavirus vaccine being developed by scientists from Oxford commences its first human trials on Thursday (April 23) (Cont’d on p-3) according to UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock.

Hancock says study will take in 510 healthy volunteers between 18 and 55 years of age from varied locations in the United Kingdom. Half the volunteers will receive the vaccine while the other half will get a ‘control’ vaccine which guards against sepsis and meningitis. The trial will take around six months but volunteers have the option of checking in after a year from the time of vaccination. “He claims he’s been The UK government talking with ex perts will be pumping in $24 milaround the world on lion (Sh2.5 billion) to the COVID-19. But he’s talking about Modi only.� team working on the vaccine and additional $27 million

This is it!

of people once the lockdown is lifted, Mishra is the chairman of Empowered Group Two tasked with coordinating availability of hospitals, isolation and quarantine facilities, disease surveillance, testing and critical care training. “The growth of COVID-19 cases has been more or less linear, not exponential; this indicates that the strategies we adopted have succeeded in containing the infection to a particular level. Post imposition of lockdown, while the number of new positive cases has increased by 16 times, testing increased by 24 times,� Mishra said. “Despite a 24-fold increase in testing, percentage of positive cases is not rising. The percentage of positive cases as a ratio of testing is more or less the same as that a month ago,� he said.

Mishra also claimed that India has done better than a majority of developed countries with respect to the percentage of test cases yielding positive results. He said South Korea is among the countries that have done better than India.

ers at Southampton University, the vaccine which will be known as ChAdox1 CoV-19 is developed form a weakened version of the common cold virus from chimpanzees and genetically altered to prevent it from growing in humans. Then it is combined with genes that make proteins from covid-19. The main attacking strategy of the vaccine according to scientists will be to turn the virus’ most potent weapon, its spikes against it. The vaccine will

increase antibodies that stick on the spikes allowing a person’s immunity to lock onto and destroy the virus.

Vaccines are trial and error, with other leading institutions like the Bill and Melinda Gates foundations being at the forefront in the vaccine development race and pumping in about $250 million (sh. 26 billion), vaccine trials are yet to begin. “Vaccine development is a process of trial and error and trial again,� said Hancock.

Earlier this year, it was widely agreed by experts that a viable vaccine would take about 18 months to develop. According to the chief executive of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Mark Suzman, once the world finds a vaccine, there will be need to produce billions of does to meet the needs of the 7.8 billion people.

STATUS REPORT AS ON APRIL 23, 2020

NORTH EAST Nagaland Assam Manipur Meghalaya Mizoram Arunachal Pradesh Tripura

CONFIRMED RECOVERED Nil Nil 35 19 2 2 12 Nil 1 Nil 1 1 2 1

DEATH Nil 1 Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil

Nagaland: Results of 64 samples awaited DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Out of 607 COVID-19 suspected samples sent for testing from Nagaland as on April 23, 543 samples have reported negative, state government spokesperson and minister planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs, Neiba Kronu informed on Thursday. Kronu further stated that the results of 64 samples were awaited.

On April 23, he said 1423 persons were screened and 106 persons were under facility quarantine. With regard to the surveillance activities in the containment zone in Dimapur in connection with the COVID-19 positive person of Dimapur detected in Guwahati, Kronu said that 5164 persons were interviewed, covering 909 households as on April 23, 2020. He said that 382 samples sent from Dimapur district had tested negative. medical consultation over phone. He said citizens requiring such assistance could call the State’s tollfree helpline number 1800 345 0001, and they would be guided to the appropriate consultant from a pool of doctors from across India depending upon the caller’s query. This facility would be available to citizens of the

State in the next few days for which a separate notice would be issued.

Apolog y to health workers: Yhome also apologised to health workers over the issue of restricting hospital-based health workers from visiting various offices and said a message that they were being stigmatised (Cont’d on p-2)

COVID-19 stigma more serious challenge than disease: Dr. Guleria

quested that the conduct of university semester examinations, scheduled by first week of April 2020, may first be considered before reopening regular classes.

It said if classes reopen and exams conducted, the government should announce strict safety protocol guidelines for the institutions to follow. PCAN also requested assistance for equipment and health workers for daily/regular screening of students, faculty and staff. PCAN also said that there were many students stranded in different locations due to lockdown and requested the government not neglect the plight of stranded students till normalcy returned.

PCAN also requested the government for financial assistance to colleges for upgradation to ICT facilities post COVID-19.

NEW DELHI, APR 23 (AGENCIES): All India Institute of Medical Science Director Dr Randeep Guleria on Thursday said that stigma attached with COVID-19 treatment was far more dangerous than the disease. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Dr. Randeep Guleria that while 90-95 per cent patients of Covid-19 recover, the mortality rate from the disease is rising due to the stigma attached to the disease. “We have to remember that this is a disease which is not that serious... it (stigma) is actually causing an increase in morbidity and mortality. Because of the stigma that is happening many patients who have COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms are not coming to health care facilities,� Dr. Randeep Guleria said.

Dr. Randeep Guleria (Cont’d on p-3) said that a lot of patients

were facing undue stigma linked to the disease and its treatment, which needs to end. “If we have that stigma and we don’t come forward we may land up in a situation where because of our delay in treatment we have higher mortality,� he said.

The AIIMS director said that the majority of the COVID-19 patients only require supportive treatment. “Only around 15 per cent patients require oxygen therapy along with drugs,� he said.

Earlier, at a press conference senior ICMR official Dr R Gangakhedkar had said that around 80 per cent COVID-19 patients exhibit no or mild symptoms, while 15 per cent turn severe and five per cent critical. During Thursday’s presser, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria said that the hospitals in India are trying various drugs and new vaccines and medicines are being tracked.

KSU advisory to Konyak students wanting to return

PIB reacts to social media post

DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) has advised students from theKonyak community not to return to Mon since they would have to undergo 28 days of mandatory quarantine as per the District Task Force’s decision. The Union therefore asked them to stay safe and carry on with their studies wherever they are.

Appreciating the initiative of Eastern Nagaland Legislature Union (ENLU) to bring back stranded people from Dimapur and Kohima to their respective places in Eastern Nagaland, KSU president Bumang Phaiba and general secretary Phoe Konyak observed that there are more than 2,000 people registered at both the places wanting to return to Mon, including students, patients, businessmen and those on

DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, has reacted to what it described as “misleading social media post on problem of migrant labourers in Nagaland� by a local daily on April 23, 2020.

According to PIB, the local daily tweeted “#Nagaland Far from home, migrant workers facing daily challenges� and also gave the link to the story with the same headline.

In the news story, PIB said the thrust was on the assistance that the migrant workers in the state were getting from the government.

However, it said that the caption of the tweet and the headline of the story suggested the exact (Cont’d on p-3) opposite. (Cont’d on p-3)

emergency trip.

KSU said it would be practically impossible to accommodate such a huge number due to lack of quarantine and accommodation facilities in Mon. In addition, it said no one knew when regular classes would resume for regular students.

KSU said it had suspended it anti-drugs operation drive just before the nationwide lockdown, but came to learn that taking the advantage of the present situation, some miscreants were rampantly involved in drug peddling in Mon district, especially on Assam border. It urged upon those involved to abstain from such activities and warned that it would initiate severe action if anyone ignored its directive.

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state

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

COVID-19 preparedness and preventive measures in the state

DIMAPUR: Ever since the nationwide lockdown started, the government of Nagaland has been actively monitoring and carrying out preventive measures in the state. State level and district officials in all eleven districts has been conducting trainings, sanitisation of town and border areas as well as visiting COVID-19 hospitals and quarantine health centres. Apart from these measures, the welfare of the underprivileged during such a crisis is well monitored and supply of essential commodities being distributed on a daily basis. Concerned authorities have also been purchasing farm produces from the farmers directly to sustain their livelihood. Civil organisations have also been ceaselessly reaching out to the needy people in collaboration with respective district administrations. Various orders, appeals and reminders to public to stay home and be safe are reinforced constantly.

Mokokchung District

Tongpang Ozukum at Kangtsung yimsen inter state check post interacting with police personnel.

Legislators inspect border areas in Mokokchung: Minister of Housing and Mechanical Tongpang Ozukum and advisor, Industries & Commerce, Lab & Emp, Skill Dev & Entrepreneurship Imbatiba visited Watiyongpang check gate, under Tuli subdivision, Mokokchung on April 23 to interact with the medical professionals, security and administrative

officers stationed at the interstate border areas.

A press release from Imliyanger Aier press secretary to Tongpang Ozukum stated that, Tongpang Ozukum and Imnatiba started the first leg of inspection of Public Health Centres and interstate border areas at Tuli subdivision.

Tongpang after inspection said that the state

government was doing their best with whatever resources and man power available at their disposal in preparation to fight the global pandemic. He said, during the inspection, certain grievances were heard and observed which needed to be addressed and will be highlighted to the appropriate authorities at the earliest.

He said the Lang-

Longleng District

Kohima District pongkong range share a very porous border with Assam but the main concern was of areas which has no check gates.

He also added that impor tance should be given to the entire border areas in Nagaland in order to contain the deadly vir us. The honourable minister also shared his appreciation to the state home department for deploying two platoon of 13 NAP as requested by Langpangkong Citizens’ Organization to man the interstate border.

Imnatiba maintained that there should be certain relaxation, while small and medium scale industries should be allowed to run in districts like Dimapur and Tuli as normal life has been badly affected.

The team visited Watiyongpang interstate check gate, Kangtsung yimsen interstate check gate and also inspected CHC Tuli, CHC Changtongya, PHC Chuchuyimlang and PHC Mongsenyimti. Addl SP, Mokokchung, ADC Tuli, EAC Tuli and a host of other officials were also part of the entourage.

Kiphire District

Dr Asünü Sakhrie imparting training at Jakhama block ASHA worker teaching a young girl how to wash hands on April 23. at Lukhami village, in Kiphire.

COVID-19 training held in three blocks under Kohima district: COVID-19 training was conducted at Jakhama, Tseminyu and Chiephobozou blocks by CMO office Kohima along with District Health Society (DHS) and NHM on April 23.

A press release from Chief Medical Office, Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo stated that, participants were trained on the origin, transmission, prevention, control measures, medical care, supportive environment, safe practices like frequent hand-washing, social distancing, use of mask, avoiding of public places etc. Participants were also shown demonstration of Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) with management and proper disposal of used mask and gloves. Jakhama block had participants of 40. The same chain of training was also carried out at Tseminyu block where DPO (RCH/UIP) Dr. Rupert Peseyie was the resource person with 35 participants, while Chiephobozou block training was disseminated under Mobile Medical Unit, Kohima (MO) Dr. Ruyangulie Paphino with 30 participants.

COVID-19 sensitisation in Kiphire: Frontline workers in Kiphire, comprising of ASHAs and Anganwadi workers have been carrying out awareness activities to sensitise villagers about COVID-19 infection under Kiphire district.

A press release from CMO office, district media officer Haichikambe Pame stated that, ASHAs have been playing active role in their villages and have been visiting 25 households per day, monitoring their wellbeing, wherein, if any suspected cases are detected they refer them to the nearest health units.

Anganwadi workers have also been carrying out sensitisation drive in their villages with focus on disseminating the importance of hand washing, cleanliness, social distancing, hygiene, and also emphasising on the etiquette of spitting, coughing, and sneezing. At the district level, the medical team have been visiting people in quarantine homes everyday to assess their wellbeing and to monitor if they were following the guidelines of home quarantine protocol.

Tuensang District

Dimapur District

Mon District

School mid day meal scheme to resume in Dimapur: DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi has directed School Education department in the district to resume school mid day meal scheme with immediate effect and to ensure strict social distancing for parents coming to school for collection of food grains as per government directive. According to DIPR report, DC further directed principal/headmaster of respective schools to prepare lesson plan and home plan for students and to handover to the parents who come to school to collect food grains so that the studies of students may continue from home.

Wokha District Volunteers along with district administrative officials at the training session held on April 23.

Fogging was undertaken at Tamlu village on April 23.

Fogging has been underway at Tamlu sub-division since April 22. So far it has covered Tamlu town, Tamlu and Kangching villages. The fogging machine was donated by minister of Higher & Technical Education, Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along. (DIPR)

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will easing lockdown increase risk spread of COVID-19 ?

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

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

86% 0% 14%

Next poll

Q: Is the govt right in not

reducing oil prices in view of reduction in global price of crude oil?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST April 24

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A heavy t-storm in the p.m.

30 21

Aizawl

A morning thunderstorm

24 17

Guwahati A thunderstorm in the morning 24 18 Imphal

A p.m. t-storm in spots

25 13

Itanagar

Cloudy with a heavy t-storm

20 17

Shillong

Mainly cloudy with a t-storm

16 12

Kohima

A thunderstorm in spots

19 12

Dimapur

Cloudy and a stray t-storm

24 17

Mkg

A thunderstorm in spots

21 13

Tuensang A stray thundershower

14 10

A thunderstorm in spots

19 12

Zunheboto A thunderstorm in spots

18 11

Wokha

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Training for COVID-19 volunteers in Mon: COVID-19 volunteers for Mon district were trained in two batches at DC conference hall on April 23. A press release from DC office stated that, volunteers were trained on the role of distributing essential commodities in the eventuality of COVID-19 outbreak in the district. They were also briefed on contact listing and tracing, crucial role played by the district and sub-divisional war rooms and the various Task Forces and committees set up in the district. The first batch comprised of Red Cross, Youth Club and Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), while second batch comprised of grade-IV government servants requisitioned for COVID19 duty. Altogether 88 volunteers attended the training.

Sample Collection Booth (SCB) installed at District Hospital Tuensang.

SCB installed at DH Tuensang: COVID-19 Sample Collection Booth (SCB) was installed at District Hospital (DH) Tuensang on April 22.

A press release from Tuensang district media officer Apheang stated that, this project was initiated and donated by the district administration Tuensang. The Frontline workers sewing masks for elderly people at kiosk has been constructed in the district for the safety Merapani Health and Wellness Center in Wokha district of health workers. on April 23.

Financial assistance, distribution of food grains across Nagaland Tuensang legislators donate to NFSA beneficiaries: Tuensang district legislators have contributed a combined sum of Rs. 19, 16000 from the LADP 2019-20 fund. A press release from DC Tuensang office stated that, the amount was deposited on behalf of National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries against the regular NFSA schemes for one month, that is, May 2020 to enable beneficiaries to avail food grains for the said month without payment cost. The legislators are CM Chang, Toshi Wungtung, L. Khumo, Haiying, Kejong Chang, Toyang Changkong Chang and Muthingnyuba Sangtam.

KBA extends humanitarian relief service: Kohima Bar Association (KBA) organized a programme to provide humanitarian relief service by distributing essential commodities to the legal fraternity, needy staff of the court and to a few families in difficult circumstances on Thursday. The distribution was done in the presence of judicial magistrate first class Jullian, prosecuting inspector and members of the Bar. The programme was chaired by V. Ashu Theyo, advocate and a short speech was delivered by Khriedi Theunuo, president, KBA. (Correspondent) DAPCU Zunheboto dis-

tributes free rice to PLHIV patients: Zunheboto District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) distributed 10 kgs of free rice to PLHIV patients under Zunheboto district and also those who were accessing the ART from different ART Centres of the district on April 22.

The deputy commissioner (DC) Zunheboto Peter Lichamo issued 16 bags of 50 kgs rice to DAPCU as requested by district programme officer Hokishe Chophy. Later the same was issued to 79 patients. Altogether 43 households were benefitted.

Fogging machine donated to Tamlu sub-division: Fogging was undertaken at Tamlu town on April 22 led by ADC Tamlu Chingak Konyak.

According to a DIPR report, minister of Higher & Technical Education, Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along and Henok Buchem donated fogging machine, medical equipments and essential commodities consisting of 5000 masks, 300 litres of hand sanitizer and 2500 kgs of rice to Tamlu sub-division.

Accordingly fogging was done at Tamlu town with the machine provided.

The donated medical equipments and essential commodities were also distributed to the villages under Tamlu, Yongnyah and Namsang areas

through the district administration.

Tuensang and Zunheboto Battalions provide essential rations: Tuensang and Zunheboto Battalions of Assam Rifles reached out to needy residents of Tuensang and Atoizu villages on April 22. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the residents were provided with essential rations towards alleviating their hardships amid COVID-19 lockdown. Tuensang Battalion also distributed 100 masks.

Food grains distribution for PHH ration card holders: First phase of distribution of food grains (1month) under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme for Priority Households (PHH) ration card holders has begun from April 23 in the respective fair price shops or through village councils.

According to DIPR report, DC Dimapur has informed that the distribution of the food grains would be done on the basis of 5 kgs per beneficiary per month free of cost under PMGKAY scheme.

Meanwhile, DCs of Kohima and Wokha have also informed that in Kohima the scheme was launched at Naga Hospital Colony on April 23 and in Wokha at town hall on the same day.

BSL-3 lab to be functional within 20 days (From p-1) should not go to them when they were struggling in such trying times.

Meanwhile, Yhome rejected allegation by family members of state’s first COVID-19 positive patient that the Health department was not in touch with them by claiming that health officials were in touch with them from day one.

He claimed that the State government was in touch with Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) authorities regarding the health status.

He said as per reports received from GMCH superintendent, the patient had initially tested positive for COVID-19 upon admission at the hospital, but the second test was negative, while the third test was positive again. He said the patient was currently stable and he had been shifted from ICU to isolation ward for further observation, adding a fourth test was due in a few days.

On allegation of poor quality equipments being provided to districts, Yhome asserted that the H&FW department could not afford to risk lives of healthcare workers who were the “frontline warriors” in the battle against COVID-19.

He claimed that all district authorities were informed to come to the directorate to choose and select the equipments themselves.

Admitting that the pandemic had brought to light gaps in the healthcare delivery system in the State, including infrastructural and human resource constraints, Yhome however claimed that the State was making all-out efforts to meet the various challenges to ensure the safety of citizens with support from all sections of the society.

On shortage of medicines in pharmacies and hospitals, Yhome said stocks were available in Dimapur but in view of the containment zone in Dimapur where medicines are supplied, logistics could not be worked out as planned.

However, he said they have taken note of it.

On behalf of the H&FW department, he also appreciated both print and electronic media for exhibiting high degree of professionalism in reporting and covering the pandemic, besides acknowledging the cooperation of all citizens of the State during this period of the lockdown.

Emphasising that the lockdown measures were very crucial in breaking the chain of transmission of the virus, Yhome said he understood the hardships being faced by the people without easy access, especially to healthcare units, physicians and pharmacies etc. In this regard, he said the department had partnered with Nagaland Medical Council for providing OPD services.

He appealed to the citizens to allow healthcare workers to discharge their duties without any obstruction or hindrance either within the premises of clinical establishments or on the road.

On the other hand, appreciating Assam government for taking good care of the patient from Dimapur, nodal officer for COVID-19 Dr. Nyan Kikon claimed the samples sent for testing were being pursued with all seriousness for which the results were received on time.

On reports that the patient had tested positive twice and negative once, Kikon explained that there was no guarantee that all tests would be positive or negative. He said the fourth test was likely to be conducted on April 26 depending upon his health condition.

H&FW principal director (PD) Vizolie Z Süokhrie, who too was present, asserted that the patient did not initially show symptoms of the virus and claimed that he had left for Guwahati by making his own arrangement. He said this case should serve as a lesson for all.

Süokhrie also remarked that it was unfortunate that the ambulance booked for Mon district could not be delivered on time because of the lockdown. He however said the department was expecting to receive an ambulance this week that would be sent to Mon. K Y M C

‘Lockdown in India impacted 40 mn migrants’ Washington, Apr 23 (PTI): The nationwide lockdown in India which started about a month ago has impacted nearly 40 million internal migrants, the World Bank has said.

“The lockdown in India has impacted the livelihoods of a large proportion of the country’s nearly 40 million internal migrants. Around 50,000–60,000 moved from urban centers to rural areas of origin in the span of a few days,” the bank said in a report released on Wednesday.

According to the report -- ‘COVID-19 Crisis Through a Migration Lens’ -- the magnitude of internal migration is about two-anda-half times that of international migration.

“Lockdowns, loss of employment, and social distancing prompted a chaotic and painful process of mass return for internal migrants in India and many countries in Latin America,” it said.

Thus, the COVID19 containment measures might have contributed to spreading the epidemic, the report said. Governments need to address the challenges facing internal migrants by including them in health services and cash transfer and other social programmes, and protecting them from discrimination, it said. World Bank said

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NATIONAL/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

Labourers unload sacks of cement from a railway goods wagon and load them on trucks for transporting them to different cities in Patna on Thursday. (PTI)

crease the risk of contagion among migrant workers.

“Many migrants have been stranded due to the suspension of transport services. Some host countries have granted visa extensions and temporary amnesty to migrant workers, and some have suspended the involuntary return of migrants,” it said.

Observing that government policy responses to the COVID-19 crisis have largely excluded migrants and their families back home, the World Bank said there is a strong case for including migrants in the near-term health strategies of all countries, given the externalities associated with the health status of an entire population in the face of a highly contagious pandemic.

The Bank said governments would do well to consider short, medium and long-term interventions to support stranded migrants, remittance infrastructure, loss of subsistence income for families back home, and access to health, housing, education, and jobs for migrant workers in host/transit countries and their families back home. The pandemic has also highlighted the global shortage of health professionals and an urgent need for global cooperation and long-term investments in medical training, it said.

Arnab’s car attacked in Mumbai; 2 held

Mumbai/Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI): Two motorcycleborne persons allegedly attacked journalist Arnab Goswami’s car in Mumbai and tried to break its glass window while he and his wife were on their way home in the early hours of Thursday, police said.

The incident took place on the Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, while Goswami was returning from a studio located in Bombay Dyeing Complex in Lower Parel area, a police official said.

The attackers overtook Goswami’s car, stopped it and one of them allegedly tried to break the vehicle’s glass window by repeatedly hitting it with his hands, the official said.

The attackers were carrying a bottle of ink which they threw on his car, the official said. Goswami’s security guards, who were behind in another car, caught hold of the two persons and handed them over to the N M Joshi Marg Police, he added. Both the attackers have been arrested, he added.

In a video posted after the alleged attack, Goswami said he was told by his security guards that the attackers were allegedly Youth Congress workers. However, there was no confirmation of the same by either police or the youth outfit.

Goswami has faced flak over his remarks aimed

Arnab Goswami at Sonia Gandhi during a discussion on the Palghar incident in which three persons, including two sadhus, were lynched.

In Delhi, BJP leaders, including party president J P Nadda, condemned the alleged attack on Goswami and targeted the Congress over the incident.

“Shocking to see Arnab Goswami attacked after Congress CMs publicly threatened him. Sad to see such public hounding of a journalist for his freedom of speech. Congress shows it is the party that brought Emergency and continues its rich tradition of trampling free speech,” Nadda tweeted.

Law Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad sought action against those involved in the incident.

“Deeply condemn the violent physical attack on senior journalist #ArnabGoswami and his wife. State Police must take lawful action against the attackers, “ he tweeted.

Objecting to Goswami’s remarks on Sonia Gan-

that coronavirus crisis has affected both international and internal migration in the South Asia region.

As the early phases of the crisis unfolded, many international migrants, especially from the Gulf countries, returned to countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh – until travel restrictions halted these flows.

Some migrants had to be evacuated by governments, such as those of China and Iran, it said.

Before the coronavirus crisis, migrant outflows from the region were robust, the report said.

The number of recorded, primarily low-skilled emigrants from India and

Pakistan rose in 2019 relative to the prior year but is expected to decline in 2020 due to the pandemic and oil price declines impacting the Gulf countries.

In India, the number of low-skilled emigrants seeking mandatory clearance for emigration rose slightly by eight percent to 368,048 in 2019.

In Pakistan, the number of emigrants jumped 63 per cent to 6,25,203 in 2019, largely due to a doubling of emigration to Saudi Arabia, it said. According to the bank, migration flows are likely to fall, but the stock of international migrants may not decrease immediately, since migrants cannot return

to their countries due to travel bans and disruption to transportation services.

In 2019, there were around 272 million international migrants.

The rate of voluntary return migration is likely to fall, except in the case of a few cross-border migration corridors in the South (such as VenezuelaColombia, Nepal-India, Zimbabwe–South Africa, Myanmar-Thailand), it said.

Migrant workers tend to be vulnerable to the loss of employment and wages during an economic crisis in their host country, more so than native-born workers.

Lockdowns in labour camps and dormitories can also in-

No DA for Central employees, pensioners till mid 2021: Govt

EPFO introduces special provision for EPF Scheme

Govt plans supply of around 15.40 cr HCQ in April

NEW DELHI, APR 23 (AGENCIES): Central government on Thursday informed that its decision not to pay the additional installment of dearness allowance (DA) payable to Central government employees and pensioners due from January 1, 2020 to July 2021.

However they will continue to get DA at current rates, said the government.

The decision to curtail DA will affect 48 lakh Central government employees, 65 lakh pensioners along with railway employees and pensioners.

The government of India revises DA of Central government employees and pensioners twice in a year based on the consumer price index.

But due to the current global crisis of coronavirus pandemic, the additional installments due from January 1 2020 till July 2021 won’t be distributed.

However, the government announced that when the decision to release the future installments of DA, due from July 2021, will be made, the rate of DA and dearness relief paid to pensioners as effective from January 1, 2020 to July 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be included in the increased revised rate effective from July 1 2021.

This simply means that no arrears for the period from January 1, 2020 till June 30 2021 shall be paid to the Central government employees and pensioners.

Dimapur, Apr 23 (NPN): The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a provision for special withdrawal from the EPF Scheme to tide over the COVID -19 pandemic on March 28.

Under the provision nonrefundable withdrawal to the extent of the basic wages and dearness allowances for three months or upto 75% of the amount standing to the member’s credit in the EPF account. The member can apply for lesser amount also, informed M Newmei, Assistant PF Commissioner, SSO, Dimapur in a press release.

He also informed that Rs.17 481.63 crore have been disbursed to 40,826 PF members as advance under the exempted PF Trusts as of April 17.

Can’t blame entire community: Naqvi New Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI): The entire Muslim community cannot be held responsible for one group’s “crime”, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Thursday while reacting to instances of Muslims being blamed for the spurt in COVID-19 cases after Tablighi Jamaat congregation here, and asserted that most of the minority community members have condemned the group’s action.

In an interview to PTI, Naqvi also expressed confidence that Muslims will abide by lockdown guidelines during the holy month of Ramzan. He said across the India, imams, Ulema and Muslim organizations have unanimously decided that during Ramzan (the Islamic holy month), Muslims will not congregate in mosques, religious places and perform all rituals like ‘Iftaar’ (breaking of fast) and ‘taraweeh’ (special prayers) at home keeping in mind social distancing norms.

Naqvi said he has spoken with state waqf board officials, social and religious leaders, imams on adherence to the lockdown and social distancing guidelines during the Ramzan month starting Friday or Saturday evening and they have begun creating awareness among the people.

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New Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI): The government plans to ensure supply of around 15.40 crore Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets, used in treating coronavirus infections, in the domestic market in April, an official said on Thursday.

The government also plans to export HCQ medicine to 62 countries after ensuring strategic storage of the medicine for domestic use.

“In normal conditions, the monthly requirement for HCQ medicine is around 2 to 2.5 crore tablets in the country. However, in the month of April, 2020 we have planned to supply around 7.5 crore tablets for retail pharmacies/ trade,” an official told PTI. Further, 6.75 crore tablets would be provided to the Centre against a requirement of 1.5 crore

tablets this month. Besides, 80 lakh tablets to different state governments and 45 lakh tablets to various government institutes like ESIC and BPPI would be provided, according to the official. “Thus, (around) 15.40 crore HCQ tables will be provided in the domestic market in April, 2020,” the official said.

The official also said that for rationalisation of HCQ, it has prepared a weekly supply plan and the surplus medicine, after

procurement by domestic market and strategic storage, is only being exported.

India has started export of two very critical drugs required during the treatment of coronavirus disease -- HCQ and Paracetamol.

These drugs are being provided to other countries through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) Diplomatic Route.

The official said India has plans to provide HCQ medicine to 62 countries and paracetamol to around

90 countries. Around 125 countries would get supplies of these medicines from India, the official added.

On Wednesday, the government asked all state drug controllers to ensure availability of essential medicines and medical devices required in the treatment of COVID-19. In a meeting with the state drug controllers, Union Pharma Secretary P D Vaghela had asked them “to provide all support to manufacturing units with the help of local administration and concerned authorities by regular interaction so that there is no shortage of medicines and medical devices”.

They were also requested to ensure the utilisation of manufacturing capacity to full extent so that sufficient stocks without any hindrance can be made available at all levels.

PCAN seeks state government consideration for...

dhi, the Congress asked the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to take action against the journalist and his TV channel, alleging that they violated broadcasting rules during a show.

In a letter to Javadekar, Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev claimed that the content of a show broadcast on Republic Bharat on Tuesday with Goswami as the anchor was “vile, misleading and hateful in nature”. “The broadcast in its entirety is a violation of the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994,” Dev alleged in her letter dated April 22.

Delhi Congress president Anil Chaudhary on Thursday lodged a complaint with the police for registration of an FIR against Goswami.

Nagpur police on Wednesday night registered an FIR against Goswami after a complaint filed by Maharashtra Power Minister Nitin Raut.

The charges include giving provocation with intent to cause riot, promoting enmity between two groups on grounds of religion or race, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs and defamation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, police said.

Cong demands lockdown exit strategy New Delhi, Apr 23 (IANS): Stating that extension of lockdown is not a solution, the Congress, after a meeting of its working committee (CWC), here on Thursday, demanded an exit strategy. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “Rahul Gandhi has said the nation couldn’t go with the lockdown and economic activity should start in green zone and wherever possible.” “The CWC demands utilisation of the remaining lockdown period for preparation and publication of a detailed ‘exit strategy’ and a comprehensive ‘roadmap’ for the future,” it said. The party demanded substantial increase in health infrastructure capacity to deal with the pandemic, revival of economy and protection for employment and wages.

Health professionals volunteer to provide OPD services

(From p-1) In order to contain COVID-19, PCAN also suggested to the government to urgently step up its at the group’s headquarters preparations for testing, tracing, isolation and treatment standards including availability of adequate here following which some safety equipment. Meanwhile, PCAN reiterated support for the measures that the government was DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Nagaland Medical Council has informed that the sections of the society se- taking and could take in the future to contain the virus. health professionals who have volunteered verely criticised Muslims, recently, would be providing OPD services and blamed them for the in four districts. spread of the pandemic in (From p-1) The volunteers include doctors includthe country.

“In this time of crisis, when each section of the society is playing its part in fighting the Covid19 Naqvi’s comments also pandemic, it is requested that such misleading headlines and social media captions are avoided and ing retired doctors, nurses and other health assume significance in view the focus should be to better inform the public of the various schemes are in operation and ways professionals. NMC stated the Services may be extended to other areas as per need and of the 57-member prominent in which they can avail themselves of the benefits,” PIB stated. international Mulim groupPIB stated that all 11 districts of the state have camps for migrant labourers and their needs availability of volunteered health profesing, Organisation of Islamic for food and essential items was being fully taken care of. PIB said the story itself suggested that sionals.

1. Kohima- 2 Centres Cooperation (OIC), asking the migrant workers and BPL families were aware of the facilities and were benefiting from it.

Agri Forest Sub Centre India to take “urgent steps” District-wise state COVID help dashboard has updated details of the assistance being provided to Para Medical Training Institute to protect the rights of its each category of beneficiaries, PIB said. It also said that distribution of rice and other PDS items minority Muslim commu- and essential goods was being done proactively in all the districts and in the remotest regions of (PMTI) 2. Dimapur- 2 Centres nity and stop the incidents the state as a result of PMGKY package of the Central government.

DiphubarSC of “Islamophobia” in the Kachari Gaon SC country. Hitting out at the 3. Mokokchung- 1 OIC, the minister had said (From p-1) Town SC/ Aongza SC KSU pointed out that entire Mon district is most vulnerable since it is surrounded by interthe country is “heaven for 4. Wokha-1 Muslims” and those trying national, inter-State and inter-district borders.Taking this into consideration, KSU said some 1200 Wokha Town SC to vitiate the atmosphere of volunteers were organised to protect the people and their land from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also NMC informed that the following prosperity cannot be friends in collaboration with police and village guards,KSU said the volunteers were assigned duties at of Indian Muslims. Naqvi various locations on the borders, even inside thick forests as there were some seeking to infiltrate members/volunteers will be working as said those targeting Muslims into the district through forests despite complete lockdown. KSU said its volunteers were on day coordinator for the project: State coordinator: are few isolated people who and night look out without any help and therefore, it had written to the chief minister Neiphiu Rio Dr. Joyce Angami, president NMC are trying to spread “misin- seeking special assistance for the volunteers to procure protective gears. KSU alsoappealed to the Dr. Sashimeren Aier Vice President formation” and “we should State government and ENLU to look into the issue of inadequate quarantine facilities and protecbe united and isolate such tive gears in the district, besides the grievances of students and citizens of Eastern Nagaland stuck NMC in other parts of the State and country. b. Kohima district- Dr. P. Ngully elements”. c. Dimapur- Dr. Tia Naga On the COVID-19 d. Mokokchung- Dr. Yangerla lockdown restrictions during Ramzan, Naqvi said no (From p-1) e. Wokha- Dr. M. Kithan The committee consists of executive magistrates as convener and sector commanders, GB, Muslim wants to stay away Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Officers from mosques during the chairman of village/colony, women representative of village/colony, youth representative of vil- have been requested to extend all necessary holy month, but everyone lage/colony, one NGO representative of village/colony as members. The committee would identify support and services to the volunteered has resolved to win this the beneficiaries and submit the list within two days from the date of issue of order. In view of the medical personnel and the identified Health battle against coronavirus. lockdown, DC stated that all economic and commercial activities have come to a standstill. DC centres. The district coordinators will coorDuring this month, every- said a relief pack of essential commodities like rice, dal, m oil, sugar etc would be given to 11,000 dinate with the respective CMOs and the one should pray to God that beneficiaries under Dimapur district to mitigate the hardships being faced by the daily wage earners volunteered health personnel for successful not only India but also the and labourers. Beneficiaries would have to produce their Aadhaar or voter ID card or any other implementation. entire world is freed from government ID with photo, sign with receipt as per format and their photographs along with the NMC said it was committed to extend this COVID-19 pandemic, supplied packet would be taken in a mobile phone or digital camera and the collected photos would all support to the government in this fight he said. be transferred into a pendrive and kept for record to be submitted to NSDMA. against the COVID-19 pandemic.

PIB reacts to ‘misleading’ social media post

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Asked about some people blaming Muslims for the spread of the pandemic after a large number of cases were found linked to the Tablighi Jamaat event at Nizamudddin here, Naqvi said the whole community cannot be held responsible for the “crime” of one organisation or one person.

“Whatever that organisation did, criminal negligence or crime…most Muslims have strongly reacted to it, condemned it and called for action against it. Entire community cannot be held responsible for one person or one organisation’s crime,” he asserted, adding that this has always been India’s culture.

Last week, the Union Health Ministry had said 29.8 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases –4,291 out of 14,378 COVID-19 infections– in the country were linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in March

KSU advisory to Konyak students wanting to return

Panel set up for relief packages in Dmu

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 137 Dimapur, FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

COVID-19 War Room

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fter the 21 day-day nationwide lockdown was declared by prime minister Narendra Modi, the government of Nagaland, plunged headlong to combat COVID-19 albeit in a hurried way.

No state was prepared to manage and enforce the lockdown since it was like a national emergency declared to fight an unseen and powerful enemy.

The lockdown virtually brought all normal life and its activities to a grinding halt. The lockdown has to permit emergency activities such as movement of essentials goods including groceries, milk, food items, fruit, vegetables and transport of agri products and allowing farmers to sell their products directly. There were other measures all of which were aimed at preventing infection or spread of COVID19.Most states went to war against COVID-19 and formed their warriors and strategies but without any commander-in-chief to steer coordination. On April 14, state Governor R.N.Ravi convened a meeting with all the top administrative and security officials to mainstream the entire command and control structure. This resulted in the establishment of a ‘war room’ headed by the chief secretary as the commander-in-chief. A war room may be replicating the command and control structure of an army going to war so it is but appropriate in order to delineate responsibility and accountability. Earlier to formation of the state’s war room, all crucial decisions depended on the clearance from politicians in power. That is not a bad thing but it becomes a problem when there is no accountability. There is nothing wrong with politicians at the helm provided they have the required knowledge about fighting a war against such a deadly virus like COVID-19.

Even at the national level, the union health minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan is the key person monitoring the battle plans and execution. It is quite evident that most states even till today, are still grappling with how to effectively manage the entire strategy. It is the first time in the history of the world that a pandemic of such a magnitude has forced every nation into taking adequate containment measures. The meeting on April 14 held at Raj Bhavan , identified the gaps and weaknesses in the existing preventive protocols and procedures to fight the virus, and took appropriate measures to further strengthen the existing mechanism. To put in place an effective holistic response to this unprecedented global crisis, the Governor suggested immediate setting up of a multi-department – “COVID-19 WAR ROOM” under the chief secretary. The Governor suggested the “War Room” to have integrated verticals on health logistics, health services, availability of essential commodities, law & order enforcement relating to COVID-19, status of our people stranded and stuck up in various parts of the country besides close monitoring and analysis of day to day unfolding COVID- 19 situation in the state .It will closely monitor aggressive tracing, tracking and testing of suspect cases and also do the real time stock taking of medical inventories. The objective of the lockdown will be meaningless unless the entire efforts focus on the 4 ‘T’s -Tracing, Tracking , Testing and Treating. Kerala leads the nation in setting up a war room to tackle COVID-19. It also has taken initiatives to find treatment solutions and at the same time ensuring that people do not starve.

DailyDevotion Do You Worship The Work?

We are God’s fellow workers… —1 Corinthians 3:9 Beware of any work for God that causes or allows you to avoid concentrating on Him. A great number of Christian workers worship their work. The only concern of Christian workers should be their concentration on God. This will mean that all the other boundaries of life, whether they are mental, moral, or spiritual limits, are completely free with the freedom God gives His child; that is, a worshiping child, not a wayward one. A worker who lacks this serious controlling emphasis of concentration on God is apt to become overly burdened by his work.

He is a slave to his own limits, having no freedom of his body, mind, or spirit. Consequently, he becomes burned out and defeated. There is no freedom and no delight in life at all. His nerves, mind, and heart are so overwhelmed that God’s blessing cannot rest on him.

But the opposite case is equally true– once our concentration is on God, all the limits of our life are free and under the control and mastery of God alone.

There is no longer any responsibility on you for the work. The only responsibility you have is to stay in living constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your cooperation with Him. The freedom that comes after sanctification is the freedom of a child, and the things that used to hold your life down are gone. But be careful to remember that you have been freed for only one thing– to be absolutely devoted to your co-Worker.

We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do. God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Quotes

It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. ~ James Thurber

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

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ntil the COVID-19 outbreak reached India, the overwhelming Nagas believed that Nagaland is the best State ever among the other neighboring States. This pride had been prevailing among the haves Nagas, who believed that festivals, ceremonies, building personal resorts, bungalows and few individuals’ properties could compare the strength of other states that have numerous Government and private factories and industries. Yet, the history of not having faith in each other, moreover, Government and leaders, had been created for so long. Neither any Geographical asset, State wealth, health care, natural resources military etc in the State proves the greatness of the Naga people and the Government.

COVID-19 outbreak invincibly uncovered the concealed poorest status of the State in the country as ‘Together Failed’ state.

As the citizens of Nagaland since the creation of Statehood in 1963, who live under one religion, one land, two governments and few other mono umbrellas, let us humbly admit that we failed together today because we have failed to build the home (Nagaland) for the past 57 years when the rest of the world had grown beyond our catch. With no distinction among any individuals, poor or rich, each citizen had failed to build our home. Voiceless have remained silent even when they see wrong

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Together we failed today

doings, voice-able were too audible with criticism with less alternative input and good suggestions.

Intellectuals were exercising the intelligence competitively without contributing any good strategies, political leaders and pleasing followers have brought the worst damaged to the State through tyranny corrupt political strategy; Church leaders have brought exclusive groupism congregations and competitions in building biggest church through taking than giving, NGOs had brought enormous damages through indulging in every problem without solution, underground had brought double damage to both over and underground people and the land through taxation without giving any hope to the nation lovers, most importantly, young men and women have damaged our home without any innovative contributions to build it; ‘Together We Failed’.

We have become selfish to identify and acknowledge the competency of one another that would utilize for building home in different disciplines and fields.

Lack of identifying and acknowledging competency had grown more as a result of nepotism, favoritism, exclusivism and political and family-centered culture and strategy which repercussions in creating more lazy people at office, institution, association and so on who always consume the State without contributions. We are

Faith in times of fate

t is not uncommon that in a society such as ours and especially during a pandemic such as this the spread of rumours, conspiracy theories and end time prophecy is keeping us alert, engaged and awake like never before. However, the good news is that susceptibility to conspiracy and end time prophecy is not exclusively our weakness but is a worldwide phenomenon observed in humans across culture, religion and countries. Therefore it may not be entirely fair to think that my/our/your community is the most gullible of all but we can take solace in the universality of gullibility no matter how undesirable that may sound. Of course this calls for no celebration but to act responsibly so that we do not fall victim to panic rather than the virus- that would be a shame. Panic killed more people than radiation during the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 attributed mostly to misinformation about radiation. No one is immune to misinformation and panic precipitated by misinformation during a pandemic would be a deadly force to reckon with.

The coronavirus, in this case SARSCoV-2, like other virus such as HIV, is a piece of microscopic genetic material which has no purpose and does not have a conscious desire to infect humans and end humanity. Humanity have been ravaged by pandemic throughout human history dating back as early as 430 BC while epidemic have threatened our very existence since humans evolved on earth. Sadly this pandemic won’t be the last one. We have been no less threatened by human imagined doomsday scenario with the latest one being the 2012 Nibiru phenomenon. Doomsday scenarios are nothing new in our society where believers are kept on their toes with our abundant end time prophecies and revelations; therefore it would be only surprising if people thought otherwise in the current pandemic. However, it does no good other than causing anxiety and panic.

Imagining the coronavirus pandemic as having an evil design and agenda driven crisis has only put different groups of people in confrontation with one another. Moreover, reading biblical end time prophecy into the pandemic only fuels our anxiety and is unnecessary.Therefore it is not only unfortunate but reckless to read the pandemic from prophetic lens and it should be discouraged if not condemn by all. One thing we can be sure is that no one or nothing is testing our faith in God. It gives a sense of relief that Nagaland is one of the only three states in India so far without a single confirmed case, however, how much of that is due to inadequate testing or successful prevention is yet to be known. Nonetheless time has not yet come to let our guard down but to orient our priorities straight in fighting the pandemic and to reduce suffering as much as possible to the most vulnerable section in our society.

Here I would like to draw ourattention to the churches in Nagaland. Church exists because of believers and believers make up our society. No private associations are well endowed financially as churches are in Nagaland though it varies from church to church. The financial and material resource that they possess and the resources that they can mobilize in times of need can be enormous. It is commendable to see Churches and other organizations in our state putting themselves in public service. Such initiative needs to be replicated, especially by churches, in villages and towns across Nagaland where

rich and the richest and poor and the poorest like any other people in the world, however, they build their home despite who they are but we have destroyed our home.

We fight over a piece of bone and share, and make it into pieces than joining hands to make use of it for common good. When the rest of the world collects drops of water to drink it together, we splash it and live thirsty and now this is where we belong.

Government of this day justifies that Naga people do not contribute to the Chief Minister’s fund and to the Government, like citizens of neighboring states had contributed up to crores and more to manage the pandemic outbreak. To make such statement, the Government of this day must retrospect the entire political carriers of the entire Naga political leaders how poor they have built the state unlike the rich neighboring States. Citizen’s contributions to Government in the neighboring States are made by big businessmen/women and registered contractors who are the rich-insiders who became rich with the help of the government. However, in Nagaland, it is undeniable that the government had failed to produce rich Naga businessmen/ women and Naga rich contractors. Maximum political leaders have produced maximum nonNagas rich business people and contractors who have today failed

food rations can be provided according to their capabilities to people in need such as farmers, daily wage labourers, elderly and people who lost their jobs.

Among the Nagas there is no lack of spirit of commitment towards the need of our society and religion and there is absolutely no reason that such spirit cannot be channelled during such dire time to help the people in need. With the lockdown many family saw their only source of income disappear while many are stranded away from home in different parts of Nagaland both Nagas and non-Nagas. With no income and dwindling resource the uncertainty faced by these people cannot be overlooked, and Churches stepping in with better and efficient outreach capacity than even government agencies would be of enormous help. Certainly it does not mean freeing government of their responsibility but an extra kilogram of rice or dal could be all a person need in this time.

The pandemic we are facing now only exposes the vulnerability of people and brings out more vividly the challenges that people face in their day to day lives, that they live on the edge and any crisis could tip them off the cliff at any moment.

While it is true that many people have always lived in the social and economic margin with or without pandemic, the effort of our religious pursuit heavily endowed by believers through the churches has been almost entirely directed towards purpose that has little to do with the upliftment of these people. Well, it may not be wrong to argue that churches exist for spiritual upliftment and not economic upliftment but the point that churches taking up such role does not go against the spiritual wellbeing of the believers could help repurpose our action and make such role a permanent feature of the churches across Nagaland.

There is a single minded focus on religiosity, spirituality, elegant church buildings and spectacular gatherings and sermons in our society. But there is not much point in having all of that when poor families in our villages and towns who also graciously contributed to such cause had to live in uncertainty without assurance of what to eat the next day and days after that. Many religious places around the world, such as Gurudwaras, are not only places of worship but also a place of refuge for those who need it.

There is no reason churches in Nagaland cannot adopt such good practice.

Historically, institutions changes and adapt to the need of the age which not only keeps it meaningful and purposeful but also ensures its smooth existence.

An institution that turns rigid and formulaic in its intend and purpose cannot effectively serve a dynamic society with growing and diverse needs.

Perhaps it is time we examine where our commitment should truly lie. Church buildings in Nagaland are constructed with unbridled dedication costing crores of rupees even in villages while mission works and missionaries are religiously supported inside and outside Nagaland.

Such unbridled dedication is what the situation demands now that could help hundreds if not thousands of people. It is not enough for Churches to commit just on successfully conducting chain-ofprayer or successfully transmitting sermon over the internet but making tangible contribution to the needs of our own should be pursuit as a mission in itself. It was not said for no reason that “Service to humanity is service to God”.

Imti Ozukum, New Delhi

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to contribute to the Government in such time. Maximum Naga political leaders have made first class registered contractors from own family circle, relatives, wives and in-laws, who are prospering incredibly for their own, but not contribute anything to the Government in such time like today.

Government had failed to produce not even a single industry, factory and other institutions that would have been the major contributions to the Government today, like the big business people who have contributed to Assam Government to purchase thousands of PPE from China worth Rs. 15 crores. Neighboring states like Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya Governments have received crores of contributions from the people because these Governments had sowed seeds of producing numerous rich business people and companies to remain as industrialized State. Nagaland Government had failed to make numerous possible growths; as a result, in a situation like today, the global pandemic outbreak, the State remains as the poorest and incapable state to handle it. Only in God’s mercy, the Naga people are safe until now.

Nagaland Government is failed not just today; it has permanently failed since its creation. The state is failed not by itself; it is failed by the leaders who own the State for certain period of times that led to chain of failure. Government had

created poor people and poor land that are incapable to contribute anything when Government suffers like today. The only achievement that may come in Nagaland is only when God in His mercy replaces with everything new. The government is so weak that there is not a single Government leader who can justify its strength or falsify the accusation and complaints from people in the country. The word shame has vanished among the leaders of the Government followed by us, the people.

Perhaps, even the current failed situation is not the right time for the Naga people and the leaders to rethink and transform, to build the State. If not, today, there is always a bigger and heavier day to make it possible. We must thank God for sending the teacher who taught us today about our weaknesses who live as weak people and the weak State. Let us imagine if more dangerous day awaits us, will we remain the same or remain as well prepared people and the State to handle it?

May the Government produce more industries, factories, health infrastructures, institutions, businessmen and women and employments to help, support and contribute the Government to sustain the state and the people together for a better and capable home.

Dr. Lemwang Chuhwanglim, Researcher, Mon

Abraham’s faith – A lifetsyle

couple of months ago, we heard the news of Covid-19 as a phenomenon of a distant land, but now it has become our own story.

Criticisms and sarcasms were hurled at one another because we all were new to it and didn’t know its gravity then. Not that we are at the end of the world, but no time is better than now to pause and examine the true condition of our faith. The Welsh Protestant minister and medical doctor Martyn LloydJones says, “Faith is the refusal to panic.” Can we truly have a “peaceful” faith? Perhaps, there may be a lesson worth considering from the life of Abraham.

Abraham had an unusual night. At what time of the day God told him to sacrifice his son Isaac is not clear, but at least he spent a night with that heartrending news at home, for the Bible says, “So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey . . .”

(Gen. 22:3). Again, whether Abraham disclosed God’s command to his wife Sarah or not, we cannot know. Either Sarah took coolly the sacrifice of her only son with great faith like Abraham or she was totally ignorant about it. It’s true that ignorance is bliss! For once, permit me to imagine that Sarah was not told about it, which only made Abraham’s struggle all the more difficult because he had to carry the news through the night all by himself. Also, it was too risky to share the news with Isaac.

Abraham for sure would not say, “Son, we’ve got to go for a trip because I need to sacrifice you!”

So it all came down to Abraham how he managed to spend that one night. Perhaps, he questioned the wisdom of God! Perhaps, he tried to ascertain whether he got the news accurately! What if it

was just an imagination! But it all became too clear in his mind that God did spell out Isaac’s name. Perhaps, Abraham heard how soundly Isaac slept and secretly wept through the night. The longest, sleepless, and torturous night for Abraham finally ended as a new day broke, only to realize that more such days and nights still remained because it was a long journey to Mount Moriah. Knowing that it would be the last home-made breakfast for Isaac, Abraham perhaps asked Sarah to prepare Isaac’s “favorite” one more time, which parents do when kids are leaving for their schools and colleges. The difference, of course, is that Isaac was not coming back home.

Perhaps, Sarah, in her blissful ignorance, attended to household chores as any other day. When the time came for the final departure, perhaps Abraham cued Sarah to give a loving hug to Isaac, and silently watching the pain of the last motherly embrace. As they went on, perhaps Abraham tried to keep things normal by asking Isaac to share his favorite jokes in order to hide his pain underneath. Perhaps, he told Isaac to do well in life, although knowing fully that Isaac was already a dead man walking. Perhaps, he picked up any and every topic just to keep the conversation going.

Suddenly, Abraham heard the most piercing question, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Gen. 22:7).

All these hours Abraham was successfully evading that question. But now, he heard it and he had to say something back to his son. Perhaps, Abraham turned aside to hide his tears, composed himself, took a deep breath and replied, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offer-

ing.” While in the heart of hearts he knew, “It’s going to be you, son!”

The rest is history. God provided for the sacrifice and spared Isaac. Every time I read this story I am amazed by the faith of Abraham. C. H. Spurgeon notes, “Faith and obedience are bound up in the same bundle.” Abraham cannot claim to have faith in God and refuses to obey Him. For his incredible faith and unquestionable obedience, Abraham has become a “super” model for our faith in God. Indeed, he deserved that recognition but we need to remember that it did not come cheap from a single test. For Abraham, faith in God and resultant obedience was his LIFESTYLE. Abraham knew God enough to trust Him even when he was told to do the craziest of things.

He had a peaceful faith, which ensued from his consistent intimacy with God. There are many testimonial episodes in Abraham’s life for he lived a life of habitual conversation with God. The Bible describes those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as children of Abraham in the faith (Rom. 4:16; Gal. 3:7). Then, do we have any resemblance to our father Abraham? Can we remain composed like Abraham in the face of deadly coronavirus pandemic? Can we have faith in God even in the absence of any seeable outward encouragement? Whatever may be the circumstances, let us emulate Abraham’s faith and make ours a lifestyle too – not circumstantial faith! This pandemic may subside from our shore or it may engulf us. We do not know the future, except the One who holds the future! May we all have an enduring “peaceful” faith in the Almighty!

V. Atsi Dolie, ABCC Mission Compound, Kohima

Reader’s Post Sir,

Social distancing

While addressing the nation our PM Narendra Modi has urged every Indian to resolve to fight against the COVID-19 and exhibit restraint by practicing social distancing and avoiding hoarding. COVID-19 has been labelled as a pandemic, a global outbreak of the disease. Social distancing practices are changes in behaviour that can help stop the spread of Coronavirus infections. Social distancing is practicing putting physical distance between yourself and others at least 6 feet and staying home when you can. As an individual, one can lower the risk of infection by reducing the rate of contact with other people. Avoiding public spaces and unnecessary social gatherings, especially events with large numbers of people or crowds, will lower the chance that a person will be exposed to the new coronavirus as well as to other infectious diseases like flu.

Social distancing is a societal effort to contain transmission. Governments around the world are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and social distancing is a central aspect of plans to limit the spread of the virus. Public health experts believe social distancing is the best way to prevent a Coronavirus. There is no doubt that the spread can be slowed down, if people practice social distancing by avoiding public spaces and generally limiting their movement. Let us remember that to stop the spread of the coronavirus, social distancing is becoming the new normal, at least for a few weeks. Less contact with others outside of household unit is the best option to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Vinod C. Dixit, Ahmedabad

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.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

NORTHEAST/state

5

Wokha incident of April 17 amicably settled

Protest against reduction of PMGKAY rice quantity in Manipur

DIMAPUR: In connection to the unfortunate incident that happened at Wokha on April 17 involving a dental doctor and police personnel on duty, it has been clarified that on the same day of the incident, the matter was amicably settled after mutual understanding by all the parties concerned.

According to Department of Information & Public Relations report, the matter was resolved in the presence of police team led by the SP Wokha, SDPO Wokha, OC Wokha Police Station, the doctor and his family members and some members of the Wokha Medical fraternity, in the presence of ADC Wokha & SDO (C) Wokha.

It was further decided that the matter would not be pursued further by any of the parties concerned and appealed to all not to revive the issue which has been amicably settled.

Since the beginning, all frontline workers including the Police and Medical fraternity with support from the public have been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and work will be continued with all the stakeholders as partners with a relentless commitment to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Wokha district.

Correspondent

Five ULFA (I) cadres held

Recruitment racket busted GUWAHATI, APR 23 (IANS): Five hardcore militants of anti-talks faction of ULFA (Independent) have been arrested and a huge cache of arms and ammunition were seized from their possession in eastern Assam, police said on Thursday.

In a separate development, a Defence spokesman said that the troops of Indian Army in a joint operation with Assam police busted a recruitment racket of ULFA (I) and rescued seven minors, nabbed four militants and six ‘over ground’ workers from six districts of eastern Assam on April 21-22.

According to an official of Assam police, based on secret information, led by Charaideo District Superintendent of Police Anand Mishra, a joint Operation was launched by Police and an Army unit from Sapekhati on Wednesday evening. Five hardcore cadres of ULFA (I) have been apprehended from the house of one Bhuvan Gogoi, police said.

The police said that before the arrest of the terrorists, the police and the Army troopers had cordoned the Tairai village along the Assam-Arunachal

Assam Rifles with the arrested ULFA (Independent) cadres.

ahead of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s scheduled visit to the district on Thursday.

The arrested rebels include militants Apurba Gogoi alias Arohan Asom, Simanta Gogoi alias Maina Biraj Asom alias Yogen Gogoi, all are self-styled major and were wanted in connection with cases of killing, kidnapping and extortion, police said.

The police said all the six arrested persons, including houseowner Bhuvan Gogoi would be tested for COVID-19.

The ULFA (Independent) is currently led by its ‘Chairman’ Abhijit Barman and Paresh Baruah, who is the ‘vice-chairman’ and also ‘commander-in-chief ’.

According to intelligence officials, the ULFA (Independent) continues to maintain linkages with

most other militant outfits of the northeastern region with which the undivided ULFA had established its relations.

Meanwhile, a Defence statement said that in a major breakthrough, the troops of Indian Army in a joint operation with Assam police busted a recruitment racket of ULFA (Independent) and rescued seven minors from six districts of Upper Assam on April 21-22.

The release said that acting on a specific intelligence input, the joint teams launched a wellcoordinated and intensive operation spread over Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of eastern Assam and apprehended four cadres and six over ground workers belonging to the proscribed group.

Mizoram unlikely to face economic crisis due to COVID-19: CM

AR provides assistance to war widows in Mizoram

Aizawl, Apr 23 (PTI): Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said that the state would not face any economic crisis in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, if the natural resources are used effectively.

In a video message, the chief minister said the state government, churches and NGOs are making collective efforts to combat the COVID-19 crisis.

“We have vast fallow land and an abundant supply of natural resources. If these resources are used effectively, the state is unlikely to face economic crisis,” he said.

There is an uncertainty in the world economy and no one knows what will happen in future, the chief minister said.

People have donated nearly Rs 5 crore so far to

Pradesh-Nagaland border areas. The owner of the house, where the militants had taken shelter, was also arrested.

The five militants were unarmed when apprehended, but following their lead the security forces recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition dumped near the house of Gogoi on Thursday morning.

The arms and ammunition include three assault rifles along with eight magazines and 323 rounds of ammunition, a Russianmade 7.65 mm pistol with one magazine and two bullets, a 0.22 mm pistol with one magazine and two bullets, two kg of a “gelatinlike” explosives material, seven pieces of cordtex wire (detonating cord) and 16 pieces of detonators.

The arrests of the ULFA (I) guerillas come

Zoramthanga

the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to aid the government’s effort to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

He said the health department was given more than Rs 100 core so far from the state’s fund to fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

Around Rs 2.5 crore was disbursed to rehabilitation centres, NGOs and village task forces to help people from other states,

who are now stranded in Mizoram due to the lockdown, Zoramthanga said in his message on Wednesday.

He also said the state government is providing shelter and food to migrant workers who are now stuck in the state.

Over Rs 1.56 crore was given to various Mizo welfare associations to assist the residents of Mizoram, who are currently stranded outside the state due to the nationwide lockdown.

He called for more collective efforts from the people and urged them to contribute to the CMRF. “We should refrain from blaming each other in our fight against the dreaded virus. We continue with our collective efforts with renewed vigour and will overcome some day,” he added.

KOHIMA, APR 23: The Lunglei Battalion of Assam Rifles extended assistance to war widows of Lunglei, Saiha & Lawngtlai district on April 17 and in Lunglei district on April 9 respectively .

A release by the PRO ( Defence) stated that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, ration and essential commodities were distributed to forty-five war widow families. It stated that the assistance provided during this difficult time was appreciated by the village authorities and NGOs functional in the area. War widows assured their wholehearted support toward the fight against COVID-19 and pledged to take all the precautionary measures issued by the government from time to time, the release by PRO (Defence) added.

‘No mask, no vegetables’ in Tripura Agartala, Apr 23 (PTI): Stepping up efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19, traders in Agartala have insisted they would not sell items to customers who flout social distancing norms or visit their shops without putting on masks.

At Maharaj Ganja market, a whole sale mart for vegetables in the city, a display board has been put up outside the entry point stating that customers without masks would not be entertained.

Nakul Das, a member of ‘Maharajganj Bazaar Sabzee Byabsayi Samiti’

(vegetable vendors’ association) said, “Wholesalers and retailers, during a meeting, have decided that they will strictly abide by the norms laid down by the government. No exceptions will be made.”

Gouranga Pal, a vegetable vendor at the market, said he has turned down requests of several customers over the past few days as they “refused to follow social distancing norms”.

“We have decided to sell our products only to those who maintain safe distance and wait for their turns patiently. It makes our

work easier,” he said.

Similar measures have also been taken by vendors in Battala and Lake Chowmuhani market.

Police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel have been deployed at all marketplaces to prevent crowding.

Petrol pumps across the city have also adopted the ‘no mask, no fuel’ policy.

Debabrata Ghosh, the manager of Radhanagar Petrol Pump here, said, “We are just adhering to the decision taken by the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA), which has 84

per cent of all fuel dealers in the country registered with them. Accordingly, we also have launched a campaign on and asked the dealers to sensitise people about the importance of wearing masks.”

A customer at the pump said the move will benefit the sellers as well as the buyers.

“Just moments ago, a man who had waited for almost 15 minutes outside the pump for his turn was told to go home as he was not wearing a mask,” he said.

Mnp intensifies fencing work No Ambubachi Mela at along India-Myanmar border Kamakhya due to covid-19 Imphal, Apr 23 (PTI): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said his government has intensified fencing work and upped vigil along the India-Myanmar border in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. More than 100 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the neighbouring country, several of which are in the areas bordering India, officials said.

“The situation in neighbouring Myanmar has become alarming. Accordingly, more material has been dispatched for fencing the border along the Pakmual-Behiang sector in Churachandpur district. “Additional police personnel have been deployed in the border areas,” the chief minister said on Wednesday. Myanmar shares more than 300-km border with Manipur. The chief minister lauded the “tireless efforts” of the state police department for increasing their vigil in the border areas, accelerating fencing work and setting up more checkpoints to regulate the movement of people between India and Myanmar amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Guwahati, Apr 23 (PTI): The four-day annual Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple from June 22 will not be open for devotees this year due to coronavirus outbreak. A statement issued by the Maa Kamakhya Devalaya said on Thursday that a decision has been taken by the ‘Dolois’ (priests) that only the rituals and prayers associated with the festival would be performed by them. It has been also decided that devotees, sadhus or tourists will

not be allowed to enter or stay in the premises of the Shakti peeth atop the Nilachal Hills here. The temple authorities announced that no arrangements for fooding and lodging for the pilgrims will be made this year. The priests also appealed to all to cooperate with the temple authorities in this regard.

Every year, the temple remains closed for four days in the belief that the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya falls during the period.

IMPHAL, APR 23: In the absent of fair implementation of relief measures owing to the lockdown, people continued to defy social distancing protocol and protested against distribution of less quantity of rice under PMGKAY. Re s i d e n t s o f To p Khongnangkhong under Khurai Assembly A/C in Imphal East district today staged a protest against not receiving the actual quantity of rice under the national food scheme.

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) promised provision of five kgs of rice/ wheat free of cost to each individual among others as part of relief measure for people during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.

In Manipur, distribution of the same items started few days ago by allocating rice quota for each Assembly constituency through the concerned deputy commissioners.

However, complaints

poured in regarding distribution of less quantity of rice from nooks and corners of the state.

When no one was ready to address their complaints, residents of Top Khongnangkhong today staged a protest defying curfew and social distancing protocol.

The residents alleged they were receiving only two kg each against the government promised five kg of rice. They staged the protest at a local playground placing the rice in front of them,.

Police who rushed to the spot however attempted to disperse the protestors, alleging that they were not maintaining social distancing protocol.

The residents engaged in a heated argument with the police following which they were allowed to stage the protest strictly adhering the social distancing.

The police further arranged a responsible officer of the Imphal East DC office so that the protesting residents could express their grievances.

According to complaints by protestors, NFSA

card holders received the exact quantity of rice, five kg per member of the family of the card holders, however, those non-card holders were given only two kgs of rice.

They urged officers not to take advantage of the restriction of people’ gathering but to be sincere enough to address people’s grievances at such a crucial and tough situation.

Mention may be made that few days ago, residents of the area had also defied curfew and lockdown to register a strong protest against non-distribution of NSFA rice for months.

The protest staged by the residents of the locality was amid complaints of distribution of lesser quantity of rice under the food scheme arising different parts of the state.

Most of the complaints were received through social media networks like Whatsapp and Facebook.

Some villages in the hill district of Kamjong alleged that they received lesser quantity of food allocated under the food scheme of the Centre.

KPC condolence

DIMAPUR: The members of Kohima Press Club (KPC) members have expressed deep sorrow at the demise of Duolhouviü Tungoe,

mother of former colleague Neithonuo Tungoe, on April 23 at Guwahati following a brief illness. In a condolence note, KPC general secretary

Atono Tsükrü has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and also prays that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Frontline health workers ill-equipped : Hek Correspondent

Shillong, Apr 23: Even as Meghalaya has 11 active COVID-19 positive cases and one has succumbed to the deadly virus, the Health and Family Welfare Minister Alexander Laloo Hek on Thursday revealed that the State has much more to do to equipped its frontline health workers in their fight against the Novel Coronavirus. Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong however begged to differ with Hek’s revelation and said; “The government is ready (to face the challenge) and is trying to do the best that it can (to contain the disease).”

“Most of our frontline workers in the Community Health Centres (CHC) and Primary Health Centres (PHC) across the State are not fully equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) kits,” Hek said.

“I have toured almost all districts to get firsthand information on the health department preparedness but I was awestruck to find out that there are not enough PPE kits and hand sanitisers in health centres,” the minister said, citing Sohra CHC have only 15 PPE kits.

After seeing that frontline health workers dangerously ill-equipped, Hek said he had issued an order to the

Director of National Health Mission to make available 100 PPE kits and hand sanitizers to all CHCs and PHCs. “Imagine, if there is an outbreak of Coronavirus in Sohra or any place, Can doctors and nurses protect themselves with mere number 15 PPEs kits. I have taken strong note of this and have directed health officers to immediately distribute a minimum of100 PPE kits each to CHC and PHCs,” the Health minister said, expressing surprise as to

why “PPE kits are lying in godowns” in Shillong.

While rubbishing the Health and Family Welfare Minister’s claims, Tynsong informed that the state has received a total of 64,468 personal protection equipments (PPEs). “So far, 20,905 PPEs have been distributed to the district medical & health officers (DM&HOs) of the eleven districts in the state,” he said. Of these, 9,121 PPEs have been distributed in East Khasi Hills, 1,185 – West

Khasi Hills, 725 – South West Khasi HIlls, 1,660 – Ri Bhoi, 1,212 – West Jaintia Hills, 762 – East Jaintia Hills, 600 – North Garo Hills, 900 – South Garo Hills, 1055 – South West Garo Hills, and 895 – East Garo Hills.

Tynsong also informed that 200 PPEs were also distributed to each of the private hospitals which include Supercare, H Gordon Robert hospital, Woodland hosptial, Nazareth hospital and Children’s hospital.

6

international/sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

Merkel calls for international US was ‘attacked’: Trump on coronavirus cooperation against coronavirus

Washington, Apr 23 (PTI): Struggling to restore normalcy in the US where the coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than 47,000 people and infected over 8,52,000, President Donald Trump has said that the country was “attacked”. “We were attacked. This was an attack.

This wasn’t just the flu by the way. Nobody has ever seen anything like this, 1917 was the last time,” Trump told reporters at his daily White House news conference on Wednesday.

He was responding to a question about the growing US national debt as a result of the multi-trillion dollars stimulus packages that his administration has come up with to help people and businesses in distress as a direct fallout of the pandemic. “We have no choice.

Do we have a choice? I’m always concerned about everything. We had to fix this problem,” he said. “We had the greatest economy in the history of the world... Better than China, better than any place,” he said.

“We built it in the last

three years and then one day, they came and they said you have to close it. Now, we’re going to open it again and we’re going to be just as strong or stronger but you have to spend some money to get it back open,” he said.

“We saved our airlines. We saved numerous companies that are great companies that two months ago were having the best year they’ve ever had. Now all of a sudden, they’re totally shut out of markets,” he added.

Trump said the number of new positive cases continue to decline nationwide.

“Recent hotspots appear to be stabilising. They are going in the right direction. Cases in the Boston area are now declining.

The Chicago curve appears to have flattened, which is terrific... Detroit has passed its peak,” he said. “These trends demonstrate that our aggressive strategy to battle the virus is working and that more states will soon be in a position to gradually and safely reopen. That’s very exciting,” he asserted.

Trump said his administration is working closely

WHO chief brushes off resignation calls Geneva, Apr 23 (AP): The World Health Organization chief said Wednesday he hopes the United States will reconsider its freeze in funding for his agency and vowed to keep working on “saving lives” despite calls from some U.S. lawmakers for his resignation. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he hopes the U.S. believes the agency is “an important investment, not just to help others, but for the U.S. to stay safe” amid the pandemic. President Donald Trump last week announced a temporary halt to U.S. funding for the U.N. agency, alleging a WHO cover-up and missteps handling the outbreak. The U.S. is the Geneva-based agency’s biggest donor, providing hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of support each year.

In Washington, officials said Wednesday the halt involved new funding for the WHO, and was expected to continue for 60 to 90 days.

A group of Republican lawmakers in the House of

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Representatives last week suggested that Trump should condition any voluntary U.S. contributions to the WHO this year on Tedros’ resignation. Asked about whether he was considering that, Tedros said: “I will continue to work day and night because this is a blessed work, actually, and responsibility saving lives, and I will focus on that.” Dr. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies chief, said the U.S. pause would impact core agency activities like child immunizations, efforts to eradicate polio, and “essential health services and trauma management in some of the most vulnerable populations in the world.”

far has directed more than USD 7 billion in federal funding to support the development of treatments, diagnostics, and therapies.

The FDA, the NIH, and industry leaders are establishing master clinical trial protocols to test mul-

Donald Trump

with governors to ensure that they have the testing infrastructure in place to reduce further spread of the virus if they’re so inclined to use the testing apparatus, including strategies for older individuals, low income Americans, minorities, and Native Americans. “I’ll not rest until that prosperity has been fully restored. I really believe that we’re going to lift those numbers higher than ever before, and it will be as long as people might think,” he said. “A lot of very smart people are looking at that and they’re betting. You just have to look at what’s going on with the stock market,” he added.

The administration so

UK economy crumbles under coronavirus strain

LONDON , A p r 2 3 (Agencies): The UK’s economy is crumbling under the strain of the coronavirus lockdown and government borrowing is soaring to the highest levels in peacetime history, increasing pressure on the government to set out an exit strategy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, recuperating at his country residence after being seriously ill with COVID19, is facing criticism from opposition politicians and some epidemiologists for reacting too slowly to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

“We are experiencing an economic contraction that is faster and deeper than anything we have seen in the past century, or possibly several centuries,” Bank of England interest-rate setter Jan Vlieghe said.

The United Kingdom will issue 180 billion pounds ($222 billion) of government debt between May and July, more than it had previously planned for the entire financial year.

Cancelling LaLiga not an option: Tebas Madrid, Apr 23 (IANS): Spanish League LaLiga President Javier Tebas has made it clear that cancelling the 2019/20 season is not an option and they are exploring various options and scenarios as the situation develops amid the ongoing outbreak of novel coronavirus.

Spain’s football industry is one of many-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and like any other sector, next steps will depend on the advice of health authorities.

“Nulling and voiding the season is not an option on the table. But we are reviewing multiple scenarios, such as what happens if we play behind closed doors and what happens if we play with crowds and what happens if games aren’t played,” Tebas told reporters on videocall.

“We have to look at all possibilities, but we’re not working towards a situation where we don’t complete the season. “We’re looking to ensure the best health conditions for players for when they resume training and we’re looking to reduce the economic risk. This is a health pandemic, but also an economic pandemic,” he added.

The league President provided figures for each of these situations, outlining that the estimated total economic impact for not

Javier Tebas

resuming the season would be 1bn euros. Completing the season behind closed doors would lead to losses of 300m euros and it would be 150m euros for resuming it with fans after this delay.

On the likelihood of matches being resumed behind closed doors, Tebas said: “We will not have fans until the health authorities allow it. The decision does not depend on LaLiga or the clubs. We know it can affect future seasons so we are calculating the potential impact.”

Tebas explained that LaLiga is considering all of the finer details that various scenarios could entail, such as whether or not matches can be held at the usual stadiums due to planned renovation works, the need to extend player contracts, pending fees due to clubs from past transfers, maintaining Financial Fair Play rules, payments from broadcasters and the knock-on effects for

the 2020/21 season.

Tebas also mentioned that the last weekend of May is the first possible date for LaLiga to resume, with European competitions playing in July.

A later option would be for LaLiga and European competitions to start on June 6 and play an alternating schedule. Finally, LaLiga and other domestic leagues could start on June 28 with European competitions starting again in August after the domestic leagues finish. “We can’t put an exact date on when we’ll return as the Spanish government’s health authorities have to set that,” he said.

“There are two options for organising the schedules, one with domestic leagues at the weekends and European matches midweek or another option is to work towards finishing the domestic leagues first.”

The league President also underlined that the football industry plays a major role in Spain’s economy.

It accounts for 1.37 percent of Spain’s GDP and an estimated 185,000 jobs, meaning that any losses suffered could have a domino effect elsewhere.

“The most important aspect of this is that we protect our future,” Tebas noted. “What we’re working towards here is to save the future of football.

tiple promising new drugs at the same time.

More than 1600 locations across the country have signed up to administer convalescent plasma to patients, infusing them with antibodies of those who have recovered, he added.

Pompeo presses China to allow lab inspections

Washington, Apr 23 (AFP): US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday pressed China to allow inspectors into sensitive laboratories, voicing concern about their security amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Pompeo has refused to rule out that the deadly virus leaked out of a laboratory in the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan, a scenario strenuously denied

by Beijing.

“You have to remember -- these labs are still open inside of China these labs that contain complex pathogens that were being studied. It’s not just

the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Pompeo told reporters.

“It’s important that those materials are being handled in a safe and secure way such that there isn’t accidental release,” Pompeo told reporters.

He renewed concerns that China has not shared a sample of the initially detected virus, known scientifically as SARS-CoV-2.

“We still do not have a sample of the virus, nor has the world had access to the facilities or other locations where this virus may have originally originated inside of Wuhan,” Pompeo said.

Berlin, Apr 23 (AP): German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Thursday for international cooperation on the development of a vaccination for the new coronavirus, saying that the pandemic transcends borders and can only be countered jointly.

Speaking to parliament in a session where lawmakers sat at a careful distance from one another in line with the country’s social-distancing regulations, Merkel said German scientists were busily researching the virus at home, but that “international cooperation against the virus is extremely important.” “Science is never national, science serves mankind,” she said. “Thus it goes without saying that when medication or a vaccination is found, tested, released and is ready for use, it must be available all around the world and affordable for the whole world.”

US President Donald Trump has announced he is halting funding for the World Health Organization

Angela Merkel

to review how it has handled the outbreak, but Merkel lauded the agency’s work in the fight against the coronavirus. “For the German government, I emphasize the WHO is an indispensable partner and we support them in their mandate,” she said.

Germany this week began slowly easing restrictions after being on lockdown for weeks, allowing small shops to start opening while keeping social distancing in place. All states are also moving ahead with regulations requiring protective masks in public transport, shops or both. Merkel

chastised some states for moving too quickly to relax measures, however, saying they’re risking setting back what the country has achieved.

Germany has reported more than 150,000 infections but a relatively low death toll of about 5,000, while more than 100,000 people have recovered, according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The rate of new infections has been slowing, but Merkel cautioned “we’re still walking on thin ice, one could also say the thinnest ice.” “We’re not living in the final phase of the pandemic, but still at the beginning. We will be living with this virus for a long time.”

Merkel told parliament that in her time as chancellor the decision to “restrict personal freedoms” in the fight against the virus was one of hardest she has made, and urged people to proceed carefully now as steps were being taken to reduce restrictions so as not to give up hard-won gains.

‘Impossible to delay Olympics again’ Australia urges G20 action

Tokyo, Apr 23 (AFP): The Tokyo 2020 Olympics cannot be delayed beyond the year-long postponement already forced by the coronavirus outbreak, the organising committee’s president has warned in comments published Thursday.

Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said there is “absolutely no” chance of postponing the Games beyond their rescheduled July 23, 2021 opening, according to Kyodo News agency.

“Also thinking about athletes and issues over Games management, it is technically difficult to delay it by two years,” Mori was quoted as saying. Mori said he had earlier asked Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whether Japan should consider a twoyear postponement but “the prime minister decided that one year is the way to go”.

Under heavy pressure from athletes and sports associations, Japanese organisers and the International Olympic Committee in March agreed to a yearlong postponement of the Games.

Organisers and Japa-

on wildlife wet markets

Yoshiro Mori

nese officials have said the delayed Olympics will be a chance to showcase the world’s triumph over the coronavirus, but questions have arisen about whether even a year’s postponement is sufficient.

Earlier this week, a Japanese expert who has criticised the country’s response to the coronavirus warned he is “very pessimistic” that the postponed Olympics can be held in 2021. “To be honest with you, I don’t think the Olympics is likely to be held next year,” said Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University. He said holding the Games would require not only Japan but also the

Federer proposes ATP-WTA merger

Roger Federer

London, Apr 23 (IANS): 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer came up with a radical proposal regarding the future of international tennis. The Swiss superstar suggested a merger between men’s tennis body ATP and women’s governing body WTA. Federer believes this could be the right time for a merger between ATP and WTA for the betterment of the sport. Federer also explained that he isn’t asking for competitions being merged but only the governing bodies.

“Am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come

together as one?” Federer wrote on his Twitter handle.

“I am not talking about merging competition on the court, but merging the two governing bodies (ATP & WTA) that oversee the men’s and women’s professional tours.” “It’s too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories,” he wrote further.

The entire sporting calender of the world is reeling due to Covid-19 pandemic and tennis is not different.

The season has been put on hold with multiple tournaments being postponed or cancelled.

rest of the world to have the virus under control.

The organising committee itself has been hit the virus, saying Wednesday that a staff member in his 30s working at its Tokyo headquarters had tested positive for the disease.

Postponing the Games is a massive logistical undertaking, and expected to incur significant additional costs.

Kyodo News quoted Mori as saying the opening and closing ceremonies would need to undergo “drastic reviews” in order to cut costs, adding that organisers would ask the ceremonies’ directors to consider including a message about the coronavirus crisis.

Canberra, Apr 23 (IANS): The Australian government on Thursday called on the G20 countries to take action on wildlife wet markets, calling them a “biosecurity and human health risk”.

However, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said he was not targeting all food markets. “A wet market, like the Sydney fish market, is perfectly safe,” the BBC quoted the Minister as saying to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday morning. “But when you add wildlife, live wildlife, exotic wildlife - that opens up human risk and biosecurity risk to the extent we have seen. “And in fact, China themselves reported this to the World Organisation for Animal Health, that that was the cause of COVID-19.”

Littleproud said he wanted to “get the science” first, but said: “Even our chief veterinary officer is telling us that he believes they (wildlife wet markets) may need to be phased out.”

“Wet markets” are marketplaces that sell fresh food such as meat and fish, the BBC reported. But some also sell wildlife - and it’s thought the coronavirus may have emerged at the Huanan wet market in Wuhan, the chinese city where the coronavirus pandemic originated, that sold live, “exotic” animals, including foxes, wolf cubs, civets, turtles and snakes. The exact origin of the COVID-19 is not known, but the evidence suggests it came from an animal.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, COVID-19 is a “close relative” of other viruses found in horseshoe bats.

In January, China issued a temporary ban in the trade in wild animals, as it did during the Sars outbreak. A month later, the government “thoroughly banned the illegal trading of wildlife” and “eliminated the consumption of wild animals to safeguard people’s lives and health”.

Finch prepared for T20 WC postponement Melbourne, Apr 23 (PTI): Australia’s limitedovers captain Aaron Finch feels the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic might lead to a postponement of this year’s T20 World Cup by up to three months.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled in Australia from October 18 to November 15. Finch doesn’t see that holding up given the current health crises affecting lakhs of people worldwide.

“I think we might have to get our heads around a T20 World Cup that might be postponed for a month, two months, three months, whatever it has to be,” Finch told ‘SEN Radio’.

Finch said he wouldn’t mind seeing the game resuming without fans once the pandemic is brought under control.

“But as long as we can get live sport up and running. Whether that’s with crowds or not, I don’t think that makes any difference to the players.

“We played one ODI against New Zealand with no crowd (and it) was really strange for first four or five overs, but then you got into your work,” he said.

Apart from the T20 World Cup, Australia is also set to host India for a bilateral series which includes a four-Test rubber.

The ICC’s Chief Executives Committee (CEC)

Aaron Finch

is meeting on Thursday to discuss the financial implications of COVID-19 and also the contingency planning for all ICC global events, including the T20 World Cup, over a conference call.

Finch feels authorities will need to be “creative” while rejigging the international schedule.

“I think we might have to get a little bit creative with how we do that (as part of a new-look schedule). Whether that’s setting up and play-

ing two Test matches in one hub or something like that,” he said.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood had suggested that the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy be held at one venue -- the Adelaide Oval -- to ensure that the rubber does go ahead.

Cricket Australia is exploring options to save the series in the wake of the pandemic which has led to global travel restrictions as well.

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