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Manipur CM N Biren Singh paying floral tributes to war heroes of Last War of Manipur’s independence on Partiots’ Day in Imphal on Thursday. Correspondent

IMPHAL, AUG 13: Manipur’s territorial integrity will not be affected in any way because of the IndoNaga peace talks, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said on Thursday.

“Manipur will not be disintegrated and will not be able disintegrate by any force so long as we remain united.There were assurances from the Centre that stakeholders of Manipur will be consulted if any agenda affecting interest of Manipur is included in the peace talks.”

On the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur, Singh who spoke to the media on the sideline of observance of Patriots’ Day said, “There is no need for panic about the territorial integrity of Manipur. The Centre had assured that the opinions of the people of Manipur will be heard before inking the final agreement between Government of India and NSCN (IM).The Naga peace talks won’t affect the integrity of the state. ”

He reminded the latest assurance given by Central leaders including Union home minister Amit Shah during a talk with state leaders, including him, and CSO leaders.

Manipur on Thursday observed Patriots’ Day in memory of heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891, the last war of Manipur’s independence.

On the occasion, the chief minister led in paying floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated, Thangal General Temple Complex, Palace Compound, Kangla Uttra and Bir Tikendrajit Park.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to the martyrs.

State deputy chief minister Y Joykumar Singh, cabinet ministers, MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, top civil and police officials and others attended the observance held strictly adhering to the COVID-19 protocols.

Singh said, “This day reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by our forefathers for freedom and sovereignty of our motherland and this sense of patriotism should not be forgotten by the present generation.”

On the occasion, the Manipur government also announced a list of 20 personnel and officers of the state police department who will be awarded the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry and Manipur Chief Minister for Outstanding Devotion to Duty.

The list includes 13 personnel of different ranks who will be awarded the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for gallantry and seven for ‘Manipur Chief Minister for outstanding Devotion to Duty.’

Manipur has been August 13 every year as Patriot Day in remembrance of heroes of Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, the last war of independence fought between the warriors of the then kingdom of Manipur and the invading mighty British soldiers.

Apart from state level function, the government also organized district level functions at district levels to mark the occasion.

Many civil organizations and schools observed the day by paying floral tributes to known and unknown patriots who sacrificed their lives in safeguarding the freedom of the then kingdom.

The functions were however held on a low scale while adhering to COVID-19 protocols enforced in the state amidst increasing COVID cases.

Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, who also spoke on the occasion stated, “The day also reminds us that we only succeed when we work together as starkly evident from British ‘divide and rule’ which they used effectively for their benefit.”

She called upon people to pledge to stand as one against all challenges to freedom and integrity of our country and rising above caste, creed or religion.

Gu wah a ti, Aug 13

(PTI): Singer Zubeen Garg was allegedly abused and threatened by some drunk men in the early hours of Thursday in Guwahati, police said.

A case has been filed in connection with the incident that happened near the Ganesh Mandir area, just 50 metres away from the assembly building, around 12.40 am, they said, adding that officials will also look into whether the artiste was violating the night curfew by travelling at that time.

Police Commissioner Munna Prasad Gupta said that an FIR has been registered at the Dispur police station under relevant sections of the IPC, and a hunt is on to nab those behind the incident.

“Garg has stated in his complaint that six persons came in a car and abused, insulted and threatened him after blocking his vehicle. We have launched an operation to arrest the six persons and they will be punished as per the law,” Gupta said.

The six persons were in an inebriated condition and they also “manhandled” Garg with beer bottles, he added.

As per the complaint filed with the police, Garg was returning from a studio at Zoo Road to his home in Kahilipara when the

Zubeen Garg incident took place. July 25. On August 8, the

When asked if the singer even met Agriculsinger violated COVID-19 ture Minister Atul Bora protocol by travelling durand agreed to become the ing the curfew hours, Gupta brand ambassador of the told PTI: “We will look into agriculture and allied secthat also. We will see if he tors of the state. Garg had had any permission to travel travelled extensively across during curfew hours.” the length-and- breadth of

Curfew from 6 pm to 6 the state earlier this year, am is imposed across Assam participating in anti-CAA along with full lockdown demonstrations and tried to on Saturday and Sunday motivate people by singing to prevent the spread of the his famous number ‘Politics COVID-19. Commenting Nokoriba Bondhu’ (Don’t on the incident, minister do politics, friend). Himanta Biswa Sarma said, He had even said the “We condemned the attack. government was trying to We have instructed the podivide the artiste communilice commissioner to take ty by offering various grants, necessary action.” but this would not help in

Garg, who was at the controlling the movement forefront of the artiste comand people would continue munity during the intense to oppose the law. protests against the Citizen“Congress, AGP and ship (Amendment) Act last BJP all betrayed us. We have year, has been facing severe to think of something new. criticism after he and his If necessary, we will have wife met Chief Minister our own party and contest,” Sarbananda Sonowal on he had said.

Health minister updates Assembly on...

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Phom informed that state has tested 38,634 persons so far. He said that the testing per million population was 21,170 per million which was higher testing rate than the national average of 18,770 per million.

“The total no of samples tested positive is 3031 and the test positivity rate is at 6.55 % which is lower than the national average of 8.97%, indicating that, the infection rate in the State is comparatively lower than other States”, Phom said.

The minister maintained that there has been spike in number of positive cases in the recent days particularly in Kohima and Dimapur and majority of the confirmed case were among Armed Forces personnel.

He claimed that vigorous contact tracing was carried out. He said that in all positive cases the source of infection has been traced. Since history of contacts was established in all cases, he said there was no community transmission in the State.

Phom also informed that COVID Hospitals was setup in all districts for management of severe COVID-19 cases and COVID Care Centres for asymptomatic and mild cases and today isolation beds was increased from 66 to 624 (including isolation beds and 57 ICU beds) with 51 ventilators which was further expanded.

Till date, he said a total of 258 suspected cases were admitted in isolation wards of COVID Hospitals, out of which 29 were tested positive and 227 have been discharged.

Further, he said that 1090 confirmed cases were admitted in COVID Care Centres out of which 782 have been discharged. A total of 1296 confirmed cases were admitted to various COVID Hospitals, out of which 507 were transferred to COVID Care centres and 168 were discharged, Phom added.

In addition to Rs. 50 lakh ex-gratia payment under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, he said state government also accorded ex-gratia amount of Rs. 10 lakh to frontline health worker including working journalists and non government functionaries drafted for COVID-19 duty in case of any unfortunate casualty due to COVID-19.

Further, he mentioned that state government has created a total of 390 new posts under the department of H&FW to strengthen its human resource in the fight against COVID and to reduce the shortage of technical manpower in the health sector. He said the new posts include 120 Allopathic doctors, 3 junior dental surgeons, 11 AYUSH medical officers, 221 staff nurses, 6 research scientists for BSL Lab, 6 lab technicians for BSL Lab, 10 ECG technicians and 13 OT technicians. He said the recruitment for the newly created posts are under process. The minister also informed that about 542 doctors, 2065 nurses and various supporting staff manpower under the department were involved in the fight against COVID19 pandemic.

He said delivery of essential health services covering 13 COVID-19 hospitals, 17 Covid Care Centre, 264 Quarantine Centre, 21 CHCs, 127 PHC, 396 SCs, 1 mental health hospital, 2 TB&CD Hospitals.

He informed that state has a total of 75,501 PPEs and a total of 1,31,050 N95 masks have been made available till date. State government has also procured 2,16,650 triple layer masks and various other items like body bags, goggles, sodium hypochlorite, gloves, thermal scanners, hand sanitizers etc, he added. Further, he said state government has procured 90 ventilators while Tata Trusts donated 50 and Government of India issued 45, thereby enhancing the capacity ventilators to 185 since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.

Phom also informed that sufficient quantity of essential medicines worth Rs. 8.35 crore have been procured and distributed. He said that a total of 75,000 tablets of Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg, and 10,000 tablets of Azithromycin 500 mg were received from Centre while state government has procured 10 new ambulances and distributed. He said the State has a total of 108 department ambulances.

State spent `139 cr for COVID activities: CM

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He said the State’s COVID positive tally till August 12 stood at 3,118 cases, out of which 1,427 are from the armed forces, 1,115 are returnees, 319 from contacts and 203 are frontline workers.

As there had been no instance where the source of a case could not be traced, he said the health department was of the view that there was no community transmission in Nagaland so far.

Though preventive and preparatory measures were started from January onwards, the chief minister said the State went into a full disaster management mode from March 18 when provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 were invoked.

Since then, he claimed that the frontline workers, doctors and nurses, district administration and police, National State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), municipal authorities and other essential services departments were working 24x7 to deal with multiple challenges brought on by the pandemic.

He added that they are working in close coordination with tribal hohos, mass-based civil society organisations, church bodies and countless volunteers, all of whom are giving their invaluable services to handle the crisis.

Lauding their involvement, Rio observed that the robust response to the challenge by the people once again proved the effectiveness of Naga community’s spirit and strength, giving hope that no challenge was big enough when the people resolve to act with unity of purpose.

He said the focus was on improving and upgrading health infrastructure, besides setting up and running quarantine centres, COVID hospitals and COVID care centres.

Further, he claimed that the State government had not only created sufficient testing capacities within Nagaland in record time, but had also substantially augmented the number of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, besides roping in private hospitals to complement the government efforts in dealing with the crisis.

Asserting that the government had taken all possible measures to deal with this unprecedented health crisis in living memory, he claimed that the response had been much better than many other more resourceful States, adding many initiatives had become a model for other States to emulate.

Barring a few unfortunate incidents, he maintained that the State had succeeded to a great extent in its endeavour and exuded confidence that with the support of the people, Team Nagaland would overcome the crisis.

He appealed the people not to panic or stigmatise those who might unfortunately get infected like the frontline workers who are selflessly working day and night to keep everyone safe from the disease.

Earlier, the house observed obituary reference for five former legislators that included Khakheho Sukhalu, Noklem Konyak, Dr T.M. Lotha, Rev Lhousuohie Mhasi and Er Sualemba with a two-minute silence in respect for the departed souls.

Other highlights of the NLA session include laying of the Annual Administrative reports of Justice & Law department and Soil & Water Conservation department for 2019-2020 by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and V. Kashiho Sangtam respectively.

Rio also introduced and moved ‘The Nagaland Goods and Service Tax (amendment) bill 2020 which was considered and passed during the assembly session. The chief minister also minister in charge of NSDMA laid the reports/ rules of State Disaster Management plan, incidents response system, state disaster management rules and minimum standards of relief.

A total of 27 starred and unstarred questions were placed of which most were related to COVID -19 and Health & Family Welfare department related matters.

Assembly committee reports were presented by K. Tokugha Sukhalu chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, N. Bongkhao Konyak member of the committee of Public Undertakings and Toshi Wungtung member of the Estimate Committee. Committee of Subordinate Legislation and Committee on Government Assurance could not present their reports, a DIPR report stated. `7.42 cr received for COIVD: Rio Correspondent that the admitted cess for the month of July 2020 shall be KOHIMA, AUG 13 (NPN): payable by August 21, 2020. Nagaland chief minister Responding to another unsNeiphiu Rio said the State tarred question by Chotisuh government had received Rs Sazo on the total amount 7.42 crore from the Union drawn against COVID-19 Ministry of Health & Famcess till July, Rio said the cess ily Welfare for combating collected would be deposited COVID-19. into the Consolidated Fund

Responding to an unsof the State and the amount tarred question by Chotisuh would defray the expenditure Sazo on the total fund reon COVID-19, which was ceived for the pandemic. Rio, not budgeted for. He said the who holds the finance portfototal additional fund spent lio, informed the Nagaland for fighting the pandemic in Legislative Assembly (NLA) 2020-21 was Rs 53.41 crore here on Thursday that Rs 3 till date, adding the additional crore was also received from funds provided were under North Eastern Council, which civil supplies – Rs 359.52 lakh had been directly credited to released for procurement and the health & family welfare distribution of rice for June department’s account. 2020 to tide over allocation of

Further, he said Rs 45.56 3872.72 MT to utilise during crore was sanctioned by the the pandemic. Centre under State Disaster Under the civil secretariResponse Fund (SDRF) for at, a total amount of Rs 1,000 2020-21 to Nagaland State lakh was spent for operational Disaster Management Aucost of quarantine centres and thority (NSDMA), out of payment of stranded citizens which 35% and amounting to outside State, while an addiRs 15.94 crore could be used tional Rs 2,812.00 lakh was for COVID-19. spent for COVID-19 related

The first instalment of activities like financial asRs 22.78 crore was received, sistance, quarantine centres, out of which an amount of etc. Rs.15.94 crore (which is 35% Under medical, public of the total sanctioned amount health & family welfare, Rs for 2020-21) had been spent on 878 lakh was released for COVID-19 pandemic-related purchase of 20 Truelab testactivities, he added. ing machines and setting up

On queries about fund of BSL-2 Labs at Tuensang received from National Disasand Dimapur. Another Rs ter Response Fund (NDRF), 278 lakh was released for Rio said Rs 130.73 crore was purchase of 20 Truenat testreceived for the year 2018-19, ing machines and Truenat while Rs 176.52 crore was rebeta COV chips. Under civil ceived from NDRF for 2019- police, Rs 13.31 was released 20. Rs 6.89 crore collected for COVID-19-related exthrough COVID cess penditure for hiring private

The leader of the House vehicles and petroleum, oil and chief minister Neiphiu and lubricants from April 6, Rio said that Rs 6.89 crore 2020 to May18, 2020, whose was collected till July 2020 total amount stood at 5340.83 through COVID cess, adding lakh, he added.

NGBF president refutes NSCN (I-M) KR claims

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Ravi, but “we Nagas are seeking for an early solution and the solution should come under his initiative as Interlocutor.”

NGBF president claimed that they also asked him to issue a press release as per their directive, but he denied.

Konyak said above mentioned were the only two valid points that they discussed besides that “no such discussions claimed by NSCN (IM) KR took place.”

NGPF president said he had neither met any officials of NSCN (I-M) Konyak region nor had any telephonic conversation with them.”

He, therefore, stated that whatever was published was “based on hearsays of their colleagues.”

Responding to their allegations and claimed, Konyak said that since he is the NGBF president whatever official documentations including all the press releases were “officially executing through my knowledge and consent.” Therefore, he said the Konyak region’s claim that “some people taking the name of the whole organization” was a wild allegation and should be “treated as an insult to the ageold GBs institution.”

Further, asserting that he was the president of the entire GBs of Nagaland, irrespective of tribes or regions, Konyak therefore said that branding him as an ignorant leader and been manipulated was an insult to his leadership. “Why on earth should I apologize to anybody? Speaking for the welfare of the Nagas is not a crime that needs to be apologized. The roles of Gaunburas in the villages need not be explained to seek attention,” Konyak said.

He also took exception to a part of the statement that said he was “illiterate and failed to understand the purpose of signing the papers for press release during the meeting”.

Asserting that NGBF stood for early Naga political solution, but GBs were not negotiating groups, Konyak said that the demands, therefore, were to be made by the Naga political groups (NPGs).

NGBF president said the federation had been appreciating to all NPGs for successful break-through “whether it was framework-Agreement or Signing of Preamble.”

3-day-old baby dies after COVID sample collection

AGARTALA, AUG 13 (PTI): A three-dayold boy died shortly after a swab was inserted into his nostril for a COVID-19 test at a staterun hospital here and he started bleeding, prompting the Tripura government to order an enquiry into the incident on Thursday. The baby was born to a coronavirus positive woman in Agartala Government Medical College Hospital and doctors decided to test him for COVID-19.

Director of Tripura Health Services, Subhashish Debbarma, said, “A departmental enquiry was ordered. A three- member team formed to probe the matter was asked to submit its report within three days.”

The deceased’s mother Papiya Pal Saha said that her son was healthy till swab samples were collected from his nose on Wednesday and he died shortly after that. “I told the doctors that he was bleeding profusely. They assured me that he would be alright but my child died before my eyes,” she said.