19 minute read
PWD Central Division (H) E.E & Staff
from August 14, 2020
Battle with viruses
While the world is grappling with the rampaging COVID-19 which emerged in Wuhan, China, another shocking discovery of a new virus, also first reported in China, is spreading alarm among medical authorities. The outbreak of the new virus was reported by the Chinese daily ‘Global Times’. Fever, coughing, a decline in leucocyte are the common symptoms of this virus, known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Bunyavirus (SFTS). The virus is not new as China isolated the pathogen of the virus in 2011 which belongs to the Bunyavirus category. The report stated that, the new type of virus was likely to be passed through tick-bites, is emerging in China. The unheard of virus has already killed at least seven people and more than 60 people have been infected in early August,this year. A study on the virus was conducted by the US health body, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) which is of Chinese origin. The initial findings of NCBI stated that since the past ten years, there has been marked increase of severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome in East Asia. This tick-borne hemorrhagic fever presents along with clinical signs including high fever and leukopenia. The newly discovered virus was also detected with shared genetic homology in farm animals including goats, cattle, horses, and pigs. The virus is also believed to be carried by migratory wild birds that are involved with transmitting infectious diseases including influenza, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. According to NCBI, the virus, is reported to have high mortality rate of 6% and higher than 30% in immunocompromised patients. Earlier, the world experienced the 1998 outbreak of Nipah, a henipavirus with a 40–75% fatality rate. The virus was spread by flying foxes, which are among the largest bats in the world. The foxes moved close to industrial pig farms in Thailand, set in fruit orchards, when they were deprived of their usual food. The pigs that consumed the bats’ half-eaten, disease-ridden fruit showed few symptoms but passed the virus on to humans. Millions of pigs were destroyed, over 200 people died, and the disease travelled to Bangladesh and India. Another virus, H1N1 causing ‘swine flu’ led to the 2009-10 pandemic which swept around the world, killing an estimated 1,51,000–5,75,000 people in a single year. Such occurrences also indicate that the world is moving to a slow-motion pandemic caused by different and deadly viruses. Veterinarians and epidemiologists argue that an important way to reduce the risk of future pandemics is to farm more sustainably. Deadly diseases are also increasingly likely to spread from animals to humans in fast-growing cities where animals and humans are crowded together. Urbanization is likely to lead to greater populations of urban wildlife like rats, foxes, skunks and possums. MERS and COVID-19 are but two of many “zoonotic” diseases - diseases that can cross from nonhuman animals to humans - that have emerged in the past 50-odd years. And experts say it’s just a portent of what’s to come. If there is a lesson that needs to be learnt from the current COVID19 pandemic; it is to invest more for creating better and stronger health care system which would make the difference on the lives of people.
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Daily Devotion
Do not quench the Spirit. —1 Thessalonians 5:19
The voice of the Spirit of God is as gentle as a summer breeze— so gentle that unless you are living in complete fellowship and oneness with God, you will never hear it. The sense of warning and restraint that the Spirit gives comes to us in the most amazingly gentle ways. And if you are not sensitive enough to detect His voice, you will quench it, and your spiritual life will be impaired. This sense of restraint will always come as a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), so faint that no one except a saint of God will notice it.
Beware if in sharing your personal testimony you continually have to look back, saying, “Once, a number of years ago, I was saved.” If you have put your “hand to the plow” and are walking in the light, there is no “looking back”— the past is instilled into the present wonder of fellowship and oneness with God (Luke 9:62 ; also see 1 John 1:6-7). If you get out of the light, you become a sentimental Christian, and live only on your memories, and your testimony will have a hard metallic ring to it. Beware of trying to cover up your present refusal to “walk in the light” by recalling your past experiences when you did “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7). When-ever the Spirit gives you that sense of restraint, call a halt and make things right, or else you will go on quenching and grieving Him without even knowing it.
Suppose God brings you to a crisis and you almost endure it, but not completely. He will engineer the crisis again, but this time some of the intensity will be lost. You will have less discernment and more humiliation at having disobeyed. If you continue to grieve His Spirit, there will come a time when that crisis cannot be repeated, because you have totally quenched Him. But if you will go on through the crisis, your life will become a hymn of praise to God. Never become attached to anything that continues to hurt God. For you to be free of it, God must be allowed to hurt whatever it may be.
Quotes
74th Naga Independence Day speeches
Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland Gen (Retd) Thinoselie M Keyho, President NNC
My dear Countrymen, It is a great privilege and a big honour to address you as the Kedahge of the NNC/FGN on this historic day, the 14th of August 2020. I greet from the representatives of the GoI, a letter signed by Bordoloi and Hydari themselves, the agreement never saw the light of day. After exhausting all options and with death threat, the NNC had no option thought, the NNC/FGN decided and an entity of the NNPGs has been participating in the political dialogues with GoI since 2017, in order arrive at a political solution which is honourable and mutually M y Dear Fellow Nagas, This is Oking calling! On this auspicious occasion of attaining 73 stupendous years of official Naga Independence, I offer unqualified abled us to cling on most perilously yet tenaciously from surrendering our profound eternal rights to the monstrous nation of India; for the magnificent deed of which I bestow all glory and you on behalf of all the ranks and but to go underground following acceptable. We took the decision gratitude to God, Jehovahhonour to the miracle workfile of the NNC/FGN. On this day the boycott of Nehru and U Nu at because we believed that violence Nissi, the One who fights ing Omnipotent God of in 1947, our pioneers proclaimed our historical and political rights and took the giant step to declare our freedom and independence to Kohima in 1953. Nagas did not choose the path of violence but having not other options took up arms to defend the should end and that we should pave the way for peace to prevail in our beautiful homeland which though not of our making or design, has for us. I also most solemnly salute all the patriots of this righteous struggle, both the living and more so the martyrs and related deaths. History. Yours faithfully, the NNC President also extend my most sincere gratitude to all the numberless children of the Soil who have had the world. Today, we are grateful honour and rights of the Nation. experienced so much violence and All of 73 matured years given their very best to and to our Almighty God for the guidA nation is a Dream. Without a bloodshed. With the passage of time ago; on 14 August, 1947, for this Cause: both the ance, protection and sustenance throughout our struggle. Our ancestors lived with pride and in full freedom knowing that dream, a nation has no soul. Everybody dreams but only the brave and the courageous dare to pursue their dreams. There is no sacrifice greater the NNC/FGN hopes that GoI is sincere in its desire and commitment to resolve the more than seven decades old political conflict, though one day ahead of India, the Nagas under the farsighted able leadership of the NNC,officially declared our eternal Independent death as well as the living. We have triumphedover India most convincingly in the peaceful chapter and even more so in the physical they are free, free as a people and or nobler than to selflessly give ones we have not forgotten the bitter status for all the World to warfare arena. This is our as a nation. In its memorandum live in believing in a dream. We are experiences with India in the past. know, note and reckon with, greatest achievement. submitted to the British Simon Commission in 1929, the Naga Club, the first Naga organization stated its request “…to leave us alone to Nagas, not by choice but by birth and destiny and Naga Nationalism in essence are a movement for restoration of our political and historical To cite few instances, India never honoured the Hydari Agreement of 1947; India betrayed the Ceasefire Agreement of 1964; India divided most overtly evident. Dear fellow Nagas, I most earnestly entreat you to lend me your undivided attention yet again at Unleashing her exceedingly great might and power, India is apparently most effective in rendering us not being able to move on determine ourselves as in ancient rights and not a secessionist movethe Nagas even after her promise to this sacred moment. That nor able to raise our voices; times.” When the status of the ment as termed by our detractors. bring the Nagas under one political there absolutely is no logic giving the false outward imCrown colony was offered to the NaThree popular slogans inspired and umbrella; India is not even serious whatsoever, to be asking for pression of being madehapgas, the Nagas expressed the desire to remain free but since the British Government remained silent on the instilled the spirit of Naga Nationalism. Firstly, Tax or March. There is no middle path to escape the call about her commitments to the 16 point agreement in all important matters. Moreover, successive In“independence” from India whom we had overtaken in the race by officially declaring ours ahead by one full lesslyhelpless, fast-fettered and soundly silenced. But belying all such delusional speculations, Nagas have Nagas’ right to self-determination of the nation without becoming dian leaders fail to uphold even day of 24 hours, not to speak had actually won the moral at the time of its departure from a traitor. It means participation in the promises made to the Nagas of those nanoseconds in and ethical victories in all the Indian sub-continent, Nagas, terms of either providing support or by their most venerated leaders like such hotly contested races. their totality. under the banner of Naga National Council (NNC), declared our Independence on 14th August 1947, a be recruited in the national service. Secondly, Ten for One, meaning ten households should support one Gandhi and Rajagopalachari. It is most unfortunate that even today, even after ceasefires and holding The biological (read political) fact of “birthing” can never be denied then, now or any other time under There is no telling as to how much longer the stalemate would drag on. If it is to be much more delayed, day ahead of India’s declaration of national worker. They do not only dialogues with various Naga Poheaven; here, there or anythe Nagas would continue independence which was also made provide cash and kinds but also do litical Groups, harsh and unjust where else for that matter. to suffer indignation and deknown to the UN. To augment this the cultivation and other related laws like the Disturbed Area Act Why, then the proprivation that much longer. decision, the NNC organized the Plebiscite in 1951 wherein 99.9% voted for Naga independence. In agricultural works for the one who represents the households or clan. Thirdly, Our Land is ours, the founand the AFSPA of 1958 continue to be extended and imposed in the Naga inhabited areas; and under the tracted confrontation with India, armed and otherwise? Well, RECOGNITION is the crux of the matter. We But her political stand and credibility would improve and increase exponentially; whereas India’s fate would keeping with this general will to dation of Naga nationalism. We do protection of these Draconian laws had all these times been continue to weaken and be free, Nagas refused to take part not covet the land of others but we unlawful raids, atrocities and killceaselessly striving to prevail deteriorate at alarming rates, in the first and second general would keep what is rightfully ours ing of civilians and Naga National upon India to please lucidly actual downward spiral; elections of free India which were held respectively in 1952 and 1957. Human arguments and wisdom can at all cost. Today, we have reached a very crucial juncture where our decisions workers continue to be perpetrated by the Indian Army. However, the Naga experiences of betrayal and acknowledge the inalienable rights of the Nagas and live peacefully as respectable neighbours. But instead, she mark my word. Nagas have become an obstinate stumbling block, a yawning pitfall and a fanever alter the fact that Nagas never and actions can either make or break treachery by the Indian leaders are chose to most atrociously do tal snare for India both in wished at any point of time to be our history. The making of history educative. And as empowered as Inher demoniac best in opposthe proverbial as well as in part of India. needs wisdom and concerted effort dia is today, with the desire to share ing our God-given rights to actual physical setting, in Our ancestors were honourable people and their words used to be their law. It is shameful and and should not be ruled by emotion. We cannot afford to make any mistakes. We should not be dictated responsibility along with the world powers, we hope that India has become a self-respecting, trustworthy the evil intent of nullifying them altogether. So the bitter confrontation continues well into the enlightened (?) all likelihood. Until, but more so, unless India acknowledges and admits the truth, the conflict would disgraceful to dishonour their words. by what people think is good for us and honourable country. World of the 21st century; never be amicably resolved. The British recognized this custom but we need wisdom from God to be As we celebrate the 74th Naga what a crying shame. What then is that truth? and treated the Nagas as honourable able to formulate what will be best Independence Day, we also celebrate To refresh everybody’s That Nagas are not Indians people. Despite several conflicts and agreements between the two, no written document was necesfor us. Our past and present must lead us to a future that is secure, prestigious and honourable. If we with pride and fondly remember the contributions and sacrifices of the patriots who selflessly gave memory: From 1946 – 1956 the Nagas pursued the righteous “non-violence, noncooperation; democratic and could never become so, God forbid. Nagas are different and she would most surely continue to be sitated. And so we respected each fail to do so, “we will all perish their lives for the Nation. I extend and peaceful” path in putan Independent, Sovereign other for what each was. But when as fools”. The sacrifices made by my appreciations to all the Naga ting across the Naga Rights Nation – that’s the gospel the Indian leaders made the first those who had given their lives for National Workers for standing true to her. truth divine. The sooner agreement with the Nagas, they neither honoured our customs nor their promises. what they believe to be true and honourable should also not go in vain. We must conduct our struggle and committed to the National Call. I warmly congratulate all the recipients of the awards and special But since India had (has!) absolutely no rights and grounds to argue and negotiate with us; she most India concedes to this truth the more bearable her fate. Would she set the Nagas free and save her Nation or
We had to make a written on the high plane of dignity and commendations for their dedication maliciously resorted to the continue in her parochial agreement, the 9 Point Agreement discipline. and commitment. God bless you all barbaric policy of ‘might is arrogance and reap the in(Hydari Agreement) in 1947. But After many rounds of deliband KUKNALIM. right’; deploying and emevitable ignominious loss even after getting written assurance eration, consultation and much Federal Government of Nagaland ploying her brute bestial armed might on us with the for her Nation? Look at the weird moss-covered ball in Kiumukam Yimchunger, President, NNC/GDRN (Non-Accord) sinister aim to savagely bully us into submission; furtherher court!! One profound truth for
Ming her nefarious intent all fellow Nagas: The Eternal y fellow Nagas, As we commemorooted in self-dependen(N-A) under the banner the more by actualisingthe God Jehovah in ages past rate this day to honour cy, self-sufficiency and of the WC, NNPGs is a most draconianact of invahad once pronounced unto
I g i v e and remember the sachonesty. The spirit of party to the successfully sion. Being thus irrevocably His confidant Zerubbabel, thanks to our Almighty rifices of our first naself-dependency inherent concluded political necompelled, the Nagas were “Not by might , nor by powGod for this opportunity tionalist leaders, let us in our people forms the gotiations with the Govt. necessitated to set up, on er, but by my spirit”, saith and the promises He has made to the Nagas. Our future is in His hands and it will be fulfilled in accordance with his plan, for His words are also remind ourselves of the responsibility to acquaint with the life and work of our forefathers; their spirit of patriotism, enthusiasm and energy, crux of our movement for self-determination and we are committed to carry on the task to our best possible extent; and God willing, till the deof India and awaits the formal signing of the final agreement. We must therefore, not relax this effort, rather, all Nagas must join hands in amity March 22, 1956, the Federal Republic Government of Nagaland (FGN) and started and never stopped to confront her till date, 2020. Who in his right senses the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6); this same axiom is being repeated to the Nagas of today. Therefore my beloved brethren, let us truthfully confess our sins and shortcomings to God both faithful and trusttheir buoyant youth, sired goal is achieved. to facilitate the logical would have even imagined, the Merciful; repent from worthy. their honesty, talent and The course of Naconclusion of the Naga much less believed that such our wicked ways and turn
I pay homage to all workmanship, their selfgas’ struggle against our Peace Talks. an insignificant Nation, to Him, seeking His Face for freedom lovers who have laid down their lives for the sake of our homeland. Their names will forever be etched in the annals of Nagas’ struggle against the occupational forces. We salute and honour them today and reliance, their unwavering desire for peace and co-operation with all peace-loving people, and most of all their hospitality and cordiality, all of these qualities are the sincere expressions of our unique identity which mighty neighbour and her occupational forces is a history written with the blood of thousands of martyrs and tears of the bereaved. Endless conflict without victory on either side for decades proved to be a futile I am confident that the final outcome of the Agreement will not only ensure the peaceful coexistence of the two entities, but also usher in a new dawn of enduring peace, progress and security in the region even more negligible than “a statistical error”(cfNation of Israel); would be able to prevail in battle against the giant of a Nation, India, mighty both in power and number, for all of these many years?! God Almighty alone in His great love, engrace without delay. Nagas shall most certainly emerge victorious eventually. Let ustherefore not lose heart but instead be most eagerly awaiting the blessed Day – oh dawn on us even as we pray! Thank you all. KUKNALIM always will. we must try to emulate exercise. When Megawhich our people have It was on this historic day, the 14th of August, 1947, that our pioneering patriots capat all costs. We must keep renewing the spirit of nationalism and have complete tons can be converted to Megawatts, rationality demands that confrontation should be the least persevered and longed for, against all adversities. At this juncture, I Reader’s Post tured the best moment to make known to the world that British connection with Naga people did not faith that we will achieve our goal as a free Nation in the comity of nations. Nation building lies in preferred recourse for the Nagas and Indians if we are to co-exist as good neighbours. beseech our Naga people across the world for your continuous prayer support, that, permanent Sir, Nature, a prime teacher Coronavirus was present in the world for a long involve with the British our own diligence. Each There is no conflict peace and tranquility time. COVID-19 is the new peril. Whatever the theories Raj in India and Burma (Myanmar). And thus it became a red letter day in the history of our Naga Nation. The day is observed every year since 1947, though in continued search for one of us in our own personal and sovereign rights should work and contribute towards progress and welfare of our nationhood. It is possible for us because we are the descendants of those in the world that is beyond redemption if two opposing sides concur to sit across the table for deliberations. Today, with the mandate of the Nagas and as desired by our prevail in our homeland; where finally we would be proud to announce that we have, … beaten our swords into plowshares….. as foretold by the Prophets in the Bible. Kuknalim. are, what stays constant is the unbeatable force of nature. Man is battling with an enemy he can’t even see with naked eyes. The absolute power in the world is nature, and every time that power is challenged or endangered, it will find a way to get back in control. Have you ever heard of a battle between two species of animals causing pollution in nature? No. But the disastrous weapons used by humans led to major ecological downfall. peace. people who were deeply people, NNC/GDRN NNC/GDRN (Non-Accord) Alemla Kichu, Kohima
