August 24, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 259

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

‘Dawood’s name in sanctions list international, Page 7

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Cong implodes over leadership issue

Some of the Congress leaders like Kapil Sibal, Sashi Tharoor, Anand Sharma, Manish Tewari, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Prithviraj Chavan who wrote to Sonia Gandhi.

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): Six years after the party’s electoral rout pushed it into a continuing downward spiral, 23 senior leaders of the Congress, including five former Chief Ministers, many Congress Working Committee members, sitting MPs, and several former Union Ministers, have, in an unprecedented pushback, sent a letter to party chief Sonia Gandhi calling for sweeping changes, from top to bottom.

Acknowledging the rise of the BJP and admitting that the youth decisively voted for Narendra Modi, the letter points out that the erosion of the support base and losing the confidence of the youth are matters of serious concern.

The letter, learnt to

Petrol prices hiked again D I M A P U R , AU G 2 3 (NPN): State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased the price of petrol for the fourth day in a row on Sunday while diesel rates were left unchanged at existing levels. In Delhi, the price of petrol was raised by 12-14 paise per litre After Sunday’s rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur stood at Rs. 86.80 per litre while in the state capital Kohima a litre of petrol was retailing at Rs. 87.70.

Currently, fuel prices vary in different parts of the country due to factors such as price of crude oil, foreign exchange rate and local taxes. State-run oil corporations, account for the majority of fuel outlets in the country, and review the rates of petrol and diesel on a daily basis. Any changes are implemented at fuel stations with effect from 6 a.m.

Transport dept informs D I M A P U R , AU G 2 3 (NPN): Transport department has informed that the temporary suspension of services (registration of vehicles and driving licenses) has been lifted. The department shall resume all services with immediate effect with strict adherence to the Covid-19 safety protocols, a DIPR report stated.

This is it!

“From dirtiest city, we can become most innovative and richest city if we can dispose tons of these garbage” K Y M C

have been sent a fortnight ago, details a reforms agenda that is, in effect, a stinging indictment of the current leadership. It calls for a “full time and effective leadership” which is both “visible” and “active” in the field; elections to the CWC; and the urgent establishment of an “institutional leadership mechanism” to “collectively” guide the party’s revival.

The signatories to the letter include Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad; party MPs and former Union Ministers Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Manish Tewari, Shashi Tharoor; MP Vivek Tankha; AICC office bearers and CWC members including Mukul Wasnik and Jitin Prasada and former

chief ministers and union ministers including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Rajender Kaur Bhattal, M Veerappa Moily, Prithviraj Chavan, P J Kurian, Ajay Singh, Renuka Chaudhary, and Milind Deora among others.

Arguing that the revival of the Congress is “a national imperative” fundamental to the health of democracy, the letter, sources said, underlines how the party’s steady decline comes when the country faces its “gravest political, social and economic challenges since Independence.”

Their letter calls for a sweeping range of reforms, decentralisation of power, empowerment of state units, elections to the Congress organisation at all levels, from the block to the CWC

and the urgent constitution of a Central parliamentary board.

The leaders, it is learnt, have pointed out that the “uncertainty” over the leadership and the “drift” in the party had demoralised workers and weakened the party.

Importantly, they are learnt to have said that the CWC is not “effectively guiding” the party anymore in mobilising public opinion against the BJP government.

While CWC meetings, they felt, are “episodic” and convened in reaction to political developments, the meetings of Congress Parliamentary Party have been reduced to the customary address of CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi and obituary references. There are no discussions in CPP anymore, they are learnt to have argued. The CWC, they are learnt to have said, should be a deliberative body for setting the national agenda and for policy initiatives.

The leaders, it is learnt, said that even over a year after the Lok Sabha election defeat, the party has not undertaken any “honest introspection” to find out reasons for its continued “de(Cont’d on p-5) cline”.

BJP aims 3/4th seats for NDA in Bihar polls

nagalandpostofficial

Get together and find a new chief: Sonia’s reply

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has responded to a letter written by a group of party leaders, who sought a complete overhaul of the organisation, saying that all of them should get together and find a new chief as she does not want to carry out the responsibilities any further, HT report quoted people familiar with the development.

In her response, Gandhi had told them that she was not interested in leading the party once again when the Congress Working Committee on August 10 requested her to assume the reins of the party again, a senior functionary said on condition of anonymity. Sonia accepted the post of the interim chief after much persuasion only on one condition that the party will find her replacement soon.

The leaders made desperate pleas to her after Rahul Gandhi rejected their calls to withdraw his resignation that he had put in on May 25 in the wake of party’s rout in the national elections.

national, Page 6

State government’s move against Lokayukta unwarranted: Imkong Correspondent

KO H I M A , AU G 2 3 (NPN): Spokesperson of the NPF legislature party Imkong L. Imchen said the reasons cited by the PDA coalition government in its petition to the Supreme Court, seeking “cessation of powers and functions” of Nagaland Lokayukta Justice (Retd) Uma Nath Singh were too insufficient to warrant any action against him.

Like alluding to the saying ‘marry in haste and repent at leisure’, Imchen said the PDA government which had extracted mileage for establishing the Lokayukta was now rueing its decision. Imchen opined that the PDA now realises that the Lokayukta was not content to play ball since he wanted to assert his independence of functioning by being free from any government interference.

The PDA government was therefore regretting its own decision and complaining now, he added.

Imchen claimed that the Lokayukta was doing his job well and hence there

was no justification on the part of the government to make complaints based on trivial issues to justify demand for his removal.

Further, Imchen said the state government should have applied its mind properly before initiating such a process so that the public interest was not affected.

Asked about the NPF legislators’ decision to withdraw membership from the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) and response to appeals from the PDA to reconsider its decision, Imchen explained that the party had taken the decision after a five-and-a-half-hour meeting and therefore expressed the hope that Central Working Committee of the party would not reverse the decision.

He alleged that the opposition legislators were not given the liberty to express their views nor were their suggestions taken seriously.

These resulted in the party being compelled to boycott the one-day sixth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly held on August 13.

Echoing the views of

NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang, Imchen alleged that chief minister Neiphiu Rio has never revealed the outcome of his meetings with Central leaders till date. He said the only meeting that the Core Committee formed by JLF has was with the governor and no other central leaders.

Imchen said it was regrettable that though NPF MLAs had suggested that a JLF delegation meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Naga political issue , nothing materialised.

He said since JLF comprised of ruling and opposition MLAs, after NPF has withdrawn, the forum has lost all credibility for all practical purposes.

Commenting on the Governor RN Ravi’s remark during his Independence Day speech which caused lot of heartburn among sections, the NPFLP spokesperson asserted that the governor had every right to advice the State cabinet and in response the latter should take such advisories in proper perspective instead of taking a confrontation.

Nagaland COVID-19 tally 3686 3-member panel to probe Demand for change of minister inCOVID-19 STATUS AS ON august 23, 2020 District

Asymptomatic

Dimapur 734 Kiphire 1 Kohima 470 Longleng 1 Mokokchung 3 Mon 74 Peren 1 Phek 0 Tuensang 7 Wokha 4 Zunheboto 60 Total 1355

ACTIVE CASES RecovMiTotal Symptomatic Death ered grated Cases Mild Moderate 20 1 1093 1860 9* 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 580 1052 0 2 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 17 20 0 0 0 0 194 270 0 2 0 0 265 266 0 0 0 0 31 31 0 0 0 0 45 52 0 0 0 0 17 21 0 0 0 0 49 109 0 0 20 1 2294 3686 9 7

*1 death is Covid-19 positive but not due to Covid-19

D I M A P U R , AU G 2 3 ( N P N ) : Wi t h 5 1 n ew COVID-19 cases being reported from across the state, the tally on Sunday rose to 3,686 cases-- 1376 active, 2294 recovered, 9 deaths and 7 migrated.

According to Health minister, S. Pangnyu Phom said that 31 cases were de-

tected in Kohima, 10 in Dimapur, 5 in Mon, 2 each in Tuensang and Zunheboto and 1 in Mokokchung.

As per the severity of symptoms, 1,355 active cases were asymptomatic, 20 mild and 1 moderate case.

Further, out of the 3,686 positive cases, the distribution across various

into August 21 incident charge for COVID activities in Peren

categories of people include 1,607 cases from the Armed Forces, 1,207 returnees, 246 DIMAPUR, AUG 23 (NPN): The state govfrontline workers and 626 ernment has instituted an inquiry committee to traced contacts. probe into the alleged assault on a doctor, Dr. Atoka Wotsa by police personnel on August 21 night.

In an order issued through principal secretary (Home), Abhijit Sinha, the government IANS adds: India re- constituted a 3-member inquiry committee corded single-day jump of headed by commissioner & secretary Rural 69,239 coronavirus cases in Development, Neposo Theluo and two others the last 24 hours, taking the as members-- secretary Law and Justice Khantally to 30,44,940 cases, the rinla Koza and ADC Niuland, Rosy Margaret Union Health Ministry said Athrila.

The government has said that the 3-member on Sunday morning.

According to the minis- panel, in supersession to the independent inquiry try there are 7,07,668 active instituted by deputy commissioner Dimapur, has cases, 22,80,567 cured or now been empowered to summon and examine discharged or migrated pa- all those involved in the incident, as well as witnesses, take statements, and also call for any tients, and 56,706 deaths.

India took over 200 documents, records as may be deemed necessary days to hit the 30-lakh mark during the course of the inquiry.

The committee has been directed to submit since the first coronavirus case was reported in the its report within seven days of the date of issue of this notification. country on January 30.

After taking into consideration all aspects According to the data, the fatality rate has dropped of the matter, the government was satisfied to down to 1.86% while the conduct a detailed inquiry into the facts and rate of recovery has climbed circumstances of the case and fix responsibilito 74.90%. ties, Sinha stated.

India records 69,000 COVID cases in 24 hrs

DIMAPUR, AUG 23 (NPN): Accusing that the ministerin charge of Peren district for COVID-19 management of being indifferent and neglecting his responsibility, the civil society organisations (CSOs) of the district have demanded his immediate removal.

In a joint statement by Lamhai People Youth Organisation (LPYO) president Kuhia and Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation (RNYO) president KG Philip claimed that the Peren CSOs, after wide consultations with the public, have endorsed them to apprise the state government of the Covid-19 pandemic related issues and situation in the district.

While appreciating the government’s move to delegate one minister for each district to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, they alleged that the minister in charge-- higher & technical education and tribal affairs minister Temjen Imna

Along, remained indifferent since the beginning when a COVID positive person was first sent to the district along with those that tested negative.

Following public anger over the blunder and careless attitude on the part of the minister incharge, the organisations recalled that the deputy commissioner came under pressure to address the issue but to no avail as Along remained indifferent on the matter. The CSOs also accused the minister in-charge of not only neglecting his responsibility but also of failing to keep his promise made to the people during his visit to Peren of immediately repairing Tening primary health centre and upgrading Jalukie community health centre to 100beded COVID Hospital.

They alleged that when lives of people were at risk, he was absent from the scene and had escaped from his responsibility as minister in charge of the dis(Cont’d on p-5) trict.

GST registration can be now obtained in 3 days NH-29 opens for single lane traffic NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): The Finance Ministry said that Aadhaarbased authentication will enable GST registration in just three days. This mechanism was made operational from August 21. The GST laws stipulate a business dealing in goods is required to obtain GST registration, if its annual turnover is more than Rs. 20 lakh in case its original place of business is located in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura and Uttarakhand.

For, businesses in the other parts of the country, the limit is Rs. 40 lakh. Similarly, suppliers of services need to register, if their turnover is more than Rs. 10 lakh in the States of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura and more than Rs. 20 lakh in remaining parts of the country.

In order to expand the base,

the GST Council approved operationalisation of Aadhaar authentication for new taxpayers. Its implementation was postponed due to the lockdown.

GST registration can be obtained in just three working days if one opts for the Aadhaar authentication route and no physical verification is required.

Those not opting for Aadhaar authentication would get GST registration only after physical verification of the place of business

or documentary verification is done which may take up to 21 working days or more if notice is issued.

Keeping the pandemic in view, it has been provided that the officer may, if the circumstances so warrant, opt for asking for additional documents in lieu of the pre-registration for physical verification of the premises.

This measure is expected to facilitate genuine and honest taxpayers while keeping the fake and fraudulent entities away from GST, the official

added.

At the time of applying for GST registration, the applicant is given an option to select if he wishes to authenticate Aadhaar. In case of YES, an authentication link will be shared on the registered mobile number and e-mail IDs of the Promoters/ Partners and Authorized Signatories.

Upon clicking the authentication link, a screen will appear with declaration where the applicant needs to enter Aadhaar number and click on ‘validate’. On successful matching of the details in registration form with the UAIDI, an OTP will be sent on their email and mobile registered with the Aadhaar that has been entered by the applicant.

On entering the OTP in the box provided on the screen validation will be complete and a message of successful e-KYC authentication will be shown.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, AUG 23 (NPN): Days after national highway (NH)-29, near old Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) dumping site, was closed for vehicular movement, Kohima Police has informed that the road for single lane traffic was opened on Saturday evening.

As part of precautionary measures due to sinking in the area, traffic on the crucial Kohima-Dimapur road was diverted by Kohima Police on August 18.

Kohima Police took to twitter on Saturday evening to inform that a single lane at the landslide-affected portion of NH-29 (old KMC dumping site) has been restored for vehicular movement.

PWD (NH) Kohima executive engineer Neilabeizo Angami told Nagaland Post that heavy vehicles have also started plying from Sunday.

Vehicles crossing the sinking area near Old KMC dumping site. (NP)

Despite best efforts from PWD (NH) division, he said depending on weather conditions, the road would be made motorable.

“If the weather condition improves, I don’t think we will have any more problems. However, if it rains again, we cannot assure anything,” the official remarked. He said the sinking area was not stable as

landslide continued.

While assuring that the department would continue to work and maintain the road as far as possible, Neilabeizo pointed out that sinking of the road was unpredictable. He said the department might have to work at the site for the entire monsoon season to ensure smooth passage of vehicles at the site.

K Y M C

state

2 nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is it time for the state govt to withdraw C OV I D - 1 9 c e s s o n petrol and diesel?

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

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ATMA Dimapur inaugurates farm school at Jharnapani

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

71% 29% 0%

Next poll

Q: Despite the hiccups will

the Naga political issue be resolved soon?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST

Resource person, ATMA Officials and farmers at the farm school inaugural programme.

Inaugural programme was chaired by ATM, Medziphema block, Keneisano Krose and the concept of farm school was delivered by BTM, Medziphema block, Chubanaro Jamir and Tane Yhoshu was appointed as the farm school teacher.

In the technical session, training cum demonstration on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on paddy and use of insect net(sweep net) was deliv-

ered by Mrs Rosemary Ezung, SDAO Medziphema.

A hands on demonstration on the application of trichocards (Trichogramma japonicum and Trichogrammachilonis) was demonstrated by E. Lireni Kikon, ACTO (plant protection), KVK (ICAR) Jharnapani and BTT Convenor (ATMA Medziphema block). Altogether 10 farmers attended the inaugural programme.

DTCC Tuensang organise poster campaign at District Hospital

CAN Youth celebrates 10th foundation day

august 24

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A thunderstorm in spots

33 25

Aizawl

A shower and t-storm around 29 21

Guwahati A p.m. t-storm in spots Imphal

34 26

Overcast with a stray t-storm 29 21

Itanagar Some sun with a stray t-storm 31 24 Shillong

A thunderstorm around

25 19

Kohima

A heavy thunderstorm

25 18

Dimapur Some rain and a thunderstorm 33 24 Mkg

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

Tuensang T-storms in the afternoon Wokha

A p.m. t-storm in spots

Zunheboto A shower and t-storm around

27 20 21 16 27 21 25 18

DIMAPUR: Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Dimapur, Medziphema block in collaboration with the department of Agriculture, SDAO Medziphema inaugurated a paddy farm school on August 21 at Jharnapani village.

A press release by the block stated that the farm school was inaugurated with a motive to disseminate farmer-farmer technology transfer.

DIMAPUR: CAN Youth celebrated its 10th foundation day on August 21 by distributing sanitary pads to the adolescent girls and women in and around Dimapur. A press release by CAN Youth stated that the sanitary pads were distributed keeping in mind that the pandemic has impacted lives and the initiative was to support women and young girls to maintain genital hygiene. The release stated that the sanitary pads were donated by Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin and Suhani Mohan founder and team of Saral Design.

Dr. I. Moatemjen along with the doctors at District Hospital Tuensang.

DIMAPUR: In continuation of free tobacco drive, District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Tuensang organised poster campaign on August 21 across Tuensang district.

A press release by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Tuensang office stated that during a brief programme at District Hospital Tuensang, CMO Tuensang, Dr. Moatemjen emphasized

on the effects of tobacco consumption. He also highlighted the dangers of spitting in public places as it could increase the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Moatemjen also encouraged the staff to make the hospital a tobacco free zone. The programme was also attended by Dr. Victor, Dr. Chenithung and Dr.Imlong along with the DTCC Officials Tuensang.

PC, NEISSR host webinar on meaning & purpose of life binar were Niketu Iralu, Peace Activist; Mohamed Ghabris, a humanitarian worker and Wangyal Damko, full time initiatives of change as a volunteer.

In an opening remark, director of Peace Channel and principal of NEISSR, Fr. Dr. C.P. Anto spoke on the purpose of life specially building leaders for peace.

The session was moderated by trainer and consultant of Peace Channel, Vitono Haralu by leading the quiet time and introduction of the programme.

of our beloved

Lt. Pukhato Chophy (02/08/1959 ‒ 24/08/2019)

Forever in our hearts and thoughts, Forever by our side and in our midst.

We love you and miss you so much.

K Y M C

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner Phek, Sachin Jaiswal has informed that the District Level Verification Committee (DLVC) will carry out the verification/survey and assess all the properties within the Right of Way (ROW) for payment of damage compensation with respect to the 2-lane Kohima-Jessami road construction project under Phek district. According to DIPR report, the DC has informed that no properties/structures constructed or developed with effect from June 16, 2020 will be considered for payment of damage compensation under any circumstances.

Following are the tentative dates for verification: North Kikruma – September 1-5, 2020; Kikruma Village – September 7-9 2020; Pfutseromi Village – September 10-11, 2020; Pfutsero Town – September 14-19, 2020; Mesulumi Village – September 21-23, 2020; Enhulumi Village – September 24-25, 2020; Chizami Village/Sumi Village – September 28-30, 2020; Chizami Town/Sumi Village – October 5-7, 2020; Losatephe Village – October 8-10, 2020; Losami Village – October 11-13, 2020; Lanyezho Village – October 14-16, 2020and Lozaphuhu Village – October 17-19, 2020.

AKIDA lauds Kohima police DIMAPUR: All Kohima Indane Distributors Association (AKIDA) has lauded Kohima police for apprehending all those involved in July 4 and July 9 assault cases of the LPG truck drivers.

In a press note, AIDA president, Kuolachalie Seyie and general secretary Tseibou Dzüvichü said

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) conducted various activities across the state.

Kiphire Bn: Kiphire Battalion of Assam Rifles assisted in restoring PokhpurThongsonyu border road link, disrupted by occurrence of two major landslides on August 20, due to heavy and incessant rainfall.

Tuensang Bn: Tuensang Battalion of Assam Rifles assisted civil authorities in recovery of concrete loaded lorry that

DIMAPUR: Access to Rights and Knowledge (ARK) Foundation conducted workshop on “Treatment Literacy on Hepatitis C” for drug users and staff of IDS Tuensang and RAF Dimapur on August 17 and August 21 respectively.

A press release by ARK Foundation stated that the programme was organised

DIMAPUR: Following detection COVID-19 positive person residing at certain locations, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kohima, LithronglaTongpi Rutsa has notified sealing of areas in order to contain the spread of the disease/

infection and for necessary contact tracing.

According to DIPR report, the following have been demarcated as sealed area: House No. 156, Forest colony; House No 298, Lower P. R. Hill Colony; House No. CO 97 New Minister’s Hill; House No

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We extend our profound gratitude to all who supported us physically, financially and through prayers during the brief illness and sad demise of our beloved Lt. Imlitenzuk Ozukum (Waromung) on 13th August 2020. Indeed, we are unable to thank each one of you individually but its our fervent prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Of Our Beloved

Late Mrs. Khelito Thakro

Died on : 24-08-2019

A year has passed since you left us but your memories are still felt deep in our heart. Rest in peace dearest, till we meet again.

DP-3559

Loving husband, children & relatives

with support from the Social Welfare department in collaboration with IDS and RAF. ARK stated that the workshops were conducted with the objective to create more literacy about treatment aspect in regard to the new treatment drugs for Hepatitis C. Resource person of the workshop, ARK Foundation

president, Ketho Angami discussed subject matters on various issues reading HCV, test and diagnostics.

He also shared the objectives of the workshop and stressed on the need to emphasise for the drug using community to take ownership of the HCV issue since it is preventable and curable.

“ You have gone with the wind to an unseen abode, though your memories will lingers in our hearts forever “ We miss you so much.

DP-3570

NBS/E6 (a) Upper Nagabazaar Colony; House No. 240 New Market Colony; House No. 2, Upper Lerie; House No. P/915 Middle Bayavü colony and House No D/135, Officers Hill

ADC Kohima has also notified that all movement of person/vehicles within the defined sealed area is strictly restricted/ prohibited and under active surveillance with effect from the date of sealing.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away” –Job 1:21

14-10-1981---13-08-2020

Wife, son ,daughter & family members.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Died on : 24th Aug. 1995

1 ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

had blocked down on August 20, which has blocked the only road link between Tuensang and Mon. Sector 6: Assam Rifles battalions of 6 Sector organised tree plantation drive at various locations of Dimapur and Peren from August 10-16.

A press release by Assam Rifles stated said the plantation was organised to reduce impact of global warming and to maintain ecological balance. It informed that approximately 16,933 saplings were planted by all ranks.

COVID-19: More areas sealed in Kohima

of Late Ghotoi Yeptho

Loving children & grand children

LPG Truck drivers assault cases.”

AKIDA also conveyed sincere appreciation to all those who had rendered their committed courageous valuable services in defence of the society by arresting the dangerous criminals to restore public peace, tranquillity, security and justice in the land.

Workshop on Hepatitis C treatment literacy

25 th Death Anniversary The word "father" that reminds us love, respect, care, shelter, support and sacrifies.

Remembering Dad on his death anniversary is August agony and this family can't describe it in words.

On this day 24 th Aug. 1995. Our beloved Dad (IPU) completing your earthly journey, you went with the Lord. 25 years, but memories of our happy days are fresh. You are fondly cherished dad.

that the Kohima Police, District Executive Force (DEF), District Intelligence Branch (DIB) headed by SP Kohima along with colony youth leaders of Merhülietsa, and Paramedical Colony, have “arrested each and every member of the whole gang of highway robbers involved in the two interlink incidents of

AR conduct various activities

Loving wife and children

Kohima police nab two DIMAPUR: Kohima Police on August 21 at around 11 p.m. arrested two “highway extortionists” at NH-29 near Old KMC dumping site.

In a press release, PRO (Def Kohima) identified the accused as Zhoviho Hibo (32) son of Noketo Hibo of Khuzama presently residing at Lower Lerie Colony, Kohima and Joseph Konyak (29) son of Noktak Konyak of Tanyu, currently residing at A.G colony, Kohima.

PRO said the duo were “extorting” from one truck (AP-16/3498) and forcefully snatched away the driver’s wallet containing Rs. 2000 along with two mobile phones.

In this connection, PRO said a case has been registered at Sechü (Zübza) police station for further investigation.

ROW survey to be carried out in Phek

DP-3566

DP-3553

DIMAPUR: Peace Channel (PC) and North East Institute of Social Sciences & Research (NEISSR) hosted a webinar on the topic, “meaning & purpose of life in building leadership for peace” on August 22.

A press release by Peace Channel stated that the webinar was organised with an aim to “reach out to the young people to listen and understand the change needed in the world starting with themselves first”.

Speakers of the we-

1 ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

Born on : 15-03-1985 Died on : 18-08-2020

We the family of Late. Hokugha Tsuqu wishes to acknowledge our utmost gratitude to Friends, Neighbours and well-wishers for your expression of sympathy and gesture of kindness shown to us in our moment of grief.

We convey our gratitude to: 1. Shri. G. Kaito Aye, Hon’ble Minister Department of Agriculture & Co-Operation, Nagaland 2. Dr. Vikato Kinnimi (Project Director NSACS) 3. Dr Kheshika Yepthomi (CMO Dimapur) 4. Mr Tito Yepthomi (President Dimapur District Auto rickshaw Driver Union) 5. Shri Zheito Chophy 6. Er Ghukhuyi Zhimo 7. Executive Secretary and Staff SBAK Nitomount Zunheboto 8. Shri N. Vihokhu Swu 9. Satakha Welfare Society Kohima 10. Khukiye Lukhai Service Kupokushukulu Dimapur 11. Khukiye Lukhai Service Union 12. Elder’s Committee Admn. Hill Satakha 13. Admn. Hill Youth Organisation 14. Admn. Hill Youth Department Satakha 15. Satakha Town Baptist Church SBAK Nito Mount 16. Satakha Union Dimapur 17. Union Baptist Church Satakha 18. Khukiye Lukhai Baptist Church We deeply regret our inability to mention each one of you personally, nevertheless, we convey our utmost gratitude towards all. Thank you for your prayers and for being there.

Loving wife, Parents, Siblings & In-Laws DP-3571

LATE IMTIKUMZUK IMCHEN Born: 06.08.1986 – Died: 15.08.2020 Through this column, we the bereaved family of LATE IMTIKUMZUK IMCHEN express our profound gratitude to all individuals, families, village councils, organizations, churches, and administration who stood by us physically, morally, financially and spiritually and shared our sorrow during our unprecedented grief at the sudden and untimely demise of our beloved Late Imtikumzuk Imchen. You all have been conspicuously our guide, strength and comfort during our dark hours for which we owe a lot to you.

We specially thank the SDRF under the District Commandant, Home Guard and Civil Defence, Mokokchung, Nagaland, for the boundless effort put into action in recovering the body from river Dikhu on 17th August 2020.

Nevertheless we would like to express our special thanks to: 1. Artang Ward Council.

2. Artang Baptist Church.

3. Kupza Village Council.

4. Kupza Senso telongjem Mokokchung 5. Anakiyimsen Village council 6. Anaki Senso telongjem Mokokchung 7. Ungma Village Council 8. Tongpang Mepu- Ungma 9. Ungma senso telongjem Mokokchung 10. Longsa Village Council 11. Longsa Senso telongjem Mokokchung 12. Moalenden Village Council 13. Chubayimkum Village Council 14. Meyilong Village Council 15. Chari town Council 16. Alisopur Village council 17. Mokokchung Village Council 18. Chuchuyimpang Village Council 19. Longmisa Village Council 20. Chakpa Village Council 21. Salulamang Village Council 22. Ongpangkong Block DB 23. Police station II Mokokchung 24. The District Commandant, Home Guard and Civil Defence, Mokokchung, Nagaland/ SDRF 26. Ao Baptist Church Association (ABAM) and Impur dwellers 27. BDO, Ongpangkong North Staff.

28. Mokokchung Town Baptist Church.

29. Mokokchung Town Area Asso. Pastor Youth 30. World Aid Mission Mokokchung.

31. Shri. Limawapang Jamir. Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung.

32. Shri. Sha Shanak Pratap Singh, ADC Mokokchung.

33. Shri. Sangpangchang Longkumer, EAC Ongpangkong 34. Shri. Pholosing Sangtam DSP (Reserve) DEF Mkg. 35. Shri. Lanutemjen SI 36. Shri. Kitska Achumi Arm Branch Inspector 37. Shri. C. Patton ASI PS II. 38. Shri. Imtikumzuk Kichu Mokokchung 39. Shri. Limaakum Kichu Mokokchung 40. Shri. Lanumeren Longsa (All ward union secretary) 41. Shri. Temjensashi 23 A/R We feel a great remorse for not being able to mention every individual’s name but trusting that our Almighty God will undeniably bless you all.

Loving wife, Son & Beloved Family members.

MKC-183 K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

Assam BJP refutes Tarun Gogoi’s statement on ex-CJI Gogoi claimed ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi could be BJP’s CM candidate

Ranjeet Kumar Dass GUWAHATI, AUG 23 Gogoi’s statement in that (IANS): The Assam BJP on category”.

Sunday rubbished Congress “There is not an iota of leader and former Chief truth in what Tarun Gogoi Minister Tarun Gogoi’s told the media,” Dass told claim that former Supreme reporters.

Court Chief Justice Ranjan Ranjan Gogoi retired as Gogoi could be the BJP’s CJI on November 17, 2019. chief ministerial candidate He took oath as a nominated in the next year’s Assembly member of the Rajya Sabha polls, and instead praised in March this year. Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal. BJP spokesperson Dewan Tarun Gogoi, the Chief Dhrubajyoti Moral said he Minister for 15 years until has no inclination to even the BJP came to power in react to “anything like build2016, told the media in ing castles in the air”.

Guwahati on Saturday that “The BJP has no reathe former CJI could be son to look beyond incumthe BJP’s chief ministerial bent Chief Minister Sarcandidate in the polls, likely bananda Sonowal who has to be held in April-May a clean image along with next year. good performance record Assam Bharatiya Ja- and is acceptable to all tribnata Party (BJP) President als, non-tribals and other Ranjeet Kumar Dass said indigenous groups,” the BJP that “some people utter a leader said. lot of hollow matter when Tarun Gogoi, who they grow very old, and represents the Titabor we will like to put Tarun seat in Assam Assembly,

on Saturday said that he would contest the next elections, but neither he nor his parliamentarian son Gaurav would be the Congress’ prospective CM candidate.

The Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) headed by perfume baron Badruddin Ajmal recently formed an alliance against the ruling BJP for the elections.

Tarun Gogoi had announced that the Congress is working for a ‘Grand Alliance’ of non-BJP parties, including the AIUDF, Left and Anchalik Gana Morcha (AGM), to oust the BJP in the crucial polls and kept the doors open for any new parties.

Meanwhile, influential Peasant body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti announced on Saturday that it would launch a political party to fight the Assembly elections and its jailed leader Akhil Gogoi would be its chief ministerial candidate.

The elections to the 126-member Assembly in 2016 threw up a fractured mandate and no party got an absolute majority. The BJP is ruling with the support of Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) along with one Independent MLA.

Three nabbed with brown sugar worth Rs 1.73 crore in Manipur Correspondent IMPHAL, Aug 23: Troops of Assam Rifles in Manipur apprehended three alleged drug peddlers and recovered brown sugar worth over Rs 1.73 crore in the international market in three separate incidents.

Official sources said that troops of 20 Assam Rifles recovered the contraband drugs during routine checks in check posts along the Imphal-Moreh section of NH-102 on Saturday.

While two of the alleged drug peddlers were apprehended at its vehicle check post at Tengnoupal, one was arrested at its Khudengthabi check post along the NH-102.

Source said that during the routine vehicle checking, a team of Assam Rifles stopped a white Eeco van bearing Registration no ML 02 G 0376 travelling towards Imphal, around 9.30 am on Saturday.

On thorough checking, suspicious items were found hidden inside the vehicle. Suspected brown sugar worth Rs 48 lakh concealed in 23 soap cases and 152 packets of medicines illegally smuggled from Myanmar side were found after the vehicle was stripped and checked thoroughly. The troops detained the driver of the vehicle identified as Letkhohao Haokip (35) of S Molcham village of Churachandpur

Office of English daily in M’laya Tripura’s COVID-19 tally rises to 8,720 declared containment area Agartala, Aug 23 (PTI): The

Shillong, Aug 23 (PTI): Health authorities in Meghalaya have declared the office of an English daily here as containment area, days after some of its staff tested positive for COVID-19, a senior state goverment official said on Sunday.

The move would facilitate testing, isolation and quarantine of primary and secondary contacts of the positive cases, he said.

“It is necessary to declare the office building and staff quarters of The

Shillong Times as a containment area so as to restrict unregulated entry and exit movement on site,” East Khasi Hills District Magistrate Matsiewdor War Nongbri said.

Health Services Director Aman War said a machine operator, a driver and a helper in the newspaper’s office have tested positive for COVID-19.

As per the latest update, Meghalaya’s coronavirus tallystood at 1,917. A total of 776 people have recovered from the disease.

3

Northeast/State

number of COVID-19 cases in Tripura rose to 8,720 on Sunday as 331 more people tested positive for the infection, while two fresh fatalities pushed the state’s coronavirus death toll to 72, a health official said.

The two patients died at the Agartala Government Medical College on Saturday, he said.

The fresh infections have pushed the number of active COVID-19 cases in the northeastern state to 2,448, while 6,182 people have recovered from the disease so far and 18 patients have migrated to other states, the official said.

The state has tested 2,41,104 samples for COVID-19 so far, he added.

district.

The troops at the same post also recovered 18 packets of brown sugar worth around Rs 45.2 lakh in the international market from another vehicle Alto car (WB 20 Z 0716) around 2 pm on Saturday. The items were found hidden inside the bonnet of the vehicle driven by one Lamkam Baite (49) of Tuibong village of Churachandpur district.

The contraband items were being transported to Churachandpur, the Assam Rifles said.

The arrested individuals along with the recovered items have been handed over to the Tengnopal police station of Tengnoupal district late Saturday evening for further investigations, the Assam Rifles source added 20 Assam Rifles at Khudengthabi vehicle check post further recovered 34 packets of brown sugar from a Maruti Eeco Van (WB 02 AD 1637) around 9 am on Saturday. The recovered items are estimated at Rs 80 lakh in the international market, the source said.

The driver of the vehicle identified as Nurul Hasan (30) of Lilong Chingkham Makha in Thoubal district was detained.

The detained individuals and the recovered items have been handed over to Moreh police station of Tengnoupal district for further investigation, the source added.

One more COVID-19 fatality in Meghalaya as cases surge Correspondent Shillong, Aug 23: One more COVID-19 patient died in Meghalaya on Sunday, even as the state witnessed yet another massive spike in COVID-19 with 106 persons testing positive for the infection.

The death toll due to COVID-19 disease in Meghalaya rose to eight after an 84-year-old Maheshwar Pratap Choubey succumbed to the infection at Civil Hospital, Tura in West Garo Hills district in the wee hours of Sunday.

This is the first COVID19 death reported from Garo Hills in western part of Meghalaya.

“The cause of death is due to acute respiratory distress syndrome with COVID-19. He also had co-morbidities like heart disease, hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes and asthma,” Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said.

Earlier, residents of Lower Hawakhana area at Tura blocked the road at Nakham Bazar leading to the Shamsan ghat cremation ground after reports began to surface that the COVID-19 fatality would be cremated there.

The bereaved family members of the victim experienced difficulty in obtaining a hearse to ferry the mortal remains of Choubey to his native place in Tikrikilla

Local residents in WGH block the road to prevent the body of a COVID-19 victim for cremation on Sunday. (NP)

for the last rites.

Tikrikilla is about 115 Km from Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills.

The State-owned 108 emergency ambulance service refused to transport the dead body citing health rules to only ferry patients to hospitals.

“There was an issue as some people had objected but it was sorted out. Initially, we had thought of cremating the body in Tura because the family was not getting a vehicle” District Magistrate, Ram Singh said, adding that a vehicle was finally arranged and the body was taken to Tikrikilla for cremation.

He said the body was finally cremated at Tikrikilla by adhering to the SOPs issued by the Health and Family Welfare department.

Earlier in April this year, hundreds of people in two areas on the outskirts of Shillong blocked the streets to disallow the body of Dr. John L Sailo Ryntathiang

from getting cremated, fearing the spread of the viral infection.

Following the obstruction of cremation of Sailo, the Meghalaya High Court had directed the state authorities to register cases against any person, local body/Durbar Shnong or organization which obstructs them in the control of COVID19 pandemic.

Out of the 106 new COVID 19 cases reported on Sunday, War said, , 64 were from East Khasi Hills district which included 26 armed forces and paramilitary personnel and 38 civilians.

“Three each from East Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi district, 16 from West Khasi Hills district, 9 from West Garo Hills district, which includes three armed forces personnel and six civilians, ten armed forces personnel from South Garo Hills district and one from North Garo Hills district also tested positive for COVID 19,” he informed.

Imphal West emerging as COVID-19 hotspot Correspondent IMPHAL, Aug 23: Imphal West, one of the twin capital districts of Manipur is fast emerging as COVID19 hotspot of the state.

Of the 114 new positive cases detected in the state during the past 24 hours, 49 were from Imphal West district, taking the tally in district to 1140 out of 3865 infections among the general population. This is 29.50% of the total infections among the general population of the state.

Considering the alarming surge in the positive cases among the residents of the district, the health authority has expanded sample collection teams for Imphal West district

by deputing 25 more doctors.

The district surveillance teams have also been expanded and the surveillance officer has been to regularly monitor the COVID-19 situation in the district.

Meanwhile, with the detection of 114 new positive cases during the past 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state including civilians and security forces rose to 5,246 on Sunday. 1381 comprised personnel of Central security force.

The 114 new cases were detected from 3,241 samples. The cumulative number of samples tested so far in the state is 1,31,709.

Of these new cases, 47 were

personnel of the Central security forces and of the remaining 67 were from the general populace. 60 have no recent significant travel history.

Forty-nine among the general populace were from Imphal West district, 17 from Imphal West, 14 from Chandel district, 11 from Senapati district and the rest from other districts of the state.

Dear Pitoka, Happy Birthday, our Princess, we celebrate your new age today, and look forward to more beautiful and happy years in your life.

From your Loved ones

State

More organisations condemn August 21 assault on doctor DIMAPUR: Several organisations have condemned the alleged assault of Dr. Atoka Wotsa, pathologist of COVID-19 sample collection centre Chumukedima by IRB personnel on August 21 night. Following the incident, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur had also ordered an independent inquiry into the alleged assault.

DDCF: Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) has expressed sadness over the “unfortunate, unwarranted incident of the assault” on Dr. Atoka Wotsa, in charge of Chumoukedima Trunate lab Centre, allegedly by IRB personnel on August 21 evening at Dhobinala in Dimapur.

In a press note, DDCF president Y. Kikon and general secretary Richard Haolai said it was most unfortunate to hear of such incidences between police personnel and medical fraternity, when there was a need for frontline workers to work in coordination at this hour.

While condemning the incident, DDCF appealed to the concerned authority to take appropriate action against those erring personnel as per the law, adding that no one was above the law.

DDCF also urged all frontline workers to set aside their differences and work hand in hand in this fight against COVID-19.

CVC: Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC) has K Y M C

expressed its utmost displeasure on the highhandedness of police personnel resulting in the assault of Dr. Atoka Wotsa.

In a condemnations note, CVC chairman, Razouvotuo Chatsu said it was most unfortunate that such “brutalities of police personnel are becoming a regular affair and even doctors are not being spared from the barbarism”.

CVC has also appreciated that the concerned department has set up an independent enquiry committee to probe the unfortunate incident and hoped that justice would be delivered at the earliest and the erring personnel be penalised as per the law.

Further, CVC has extended its sympathy to Dr. Atoka Wotsa and wished him a speedy recovery.

SAKD: Sumi Aphuyemi Kuqhakulu Dimapur (SAKD) has strongly condemned an assault on one of its members, Dr. Atoka Sukhato Wotsa by the uniformed personnel.

In a condemnation note, SAKD president, Shikato Shohe, vice president, Kiyevi Achumi and general secretary, Azhevi Sumi expressed shock as to how uniformed personnel, who are supposed to maintain law and order in the society could instead violate the law and physically assault an innocent man.

SAKD said doctors are working selflessly to save the lives of people during

COVID-19 crises.

Strongly denouncing such act of erring personnel, SAKD said no force or authority can stand against the law and appealed to the competent authority to take stern action against the erring.

Further, SAKD has extended support to Nagaland In Service Doctors Association, Dimapur Unit charter of demand and cautioned that the union would take “its own course of action” in case the demand was not met.

KUK: Kitami Union Kohima has condemned the recent incident of violence against Dr. Atoka Wotsa by IRB patrol party.

Condemning the act, KUK chairman, Hokheto Kiho and secretary, K Benjamin Swu said any form of violence against medical profession would be counterproductive, demoralise health providers and take away the confidence and courage of medical profession especially in a pandemic situation. KUK has called upon every citizen to condemn such act committed by the IRB, who themselves are the front line workers.

Further, the union has demanded the concerned authorities for transparent investigation at the earliest without any bias. KUK said justice should be delivered to the victim by punishing the culprit as per the law so that no such incident repeats in future.

ASKK: Aphuyemi

Sumi Kuqhakulu Kohima (ASKK) has condemned the unwarranted act of IRB personals meted on Dr. Atoka S. Wotsa while on COVID-19 official duty.

In a condemnation note, ASKK president, Ngukato K Tsuipu and secretary publicity, Lovili Swu said it was extremely unfortunate to witness “this kind of brutality” upon frontline worker at critical times like this when they are sacrificing so much to fight the pandemic.

The union has also expressed concern over the “actions of armed personals, particularly IRB who have been physically assaulting law abiding citizens on several occasions”.

ASKK has strongly appealed the concerned authority to punish the culprits as per the law so that no such incident was repeated in future.

MKD: Mishilimi Kuqhakulu Dimapur has expressed deep shock and pain over the brutal assault of Dr. Atoka Wotsa.

In a condemnation note, MKD president, H. Kihoto Wotsa and general secretary, Shiyeto Wotsa said that while medical fraternity are risking their lives on the call of duty it was very disturbing to see brutality behaviour from law keepers who are supposed to protect the citizens.

MKD has also appealed to the responsible authority to take immediate action and award exemplary punishment to the

erring personal so that such incident does not occur in future.

KUD: Kitami Union Dimapur has strongly condemned the recent act of violence against Dr.Atoka Wotsa, who was brutally assaulted by IRB personal.

In a condemnation note, KUD president, Isak Swu and general secretary, John Sumi condemned the cowardly assault on a healthcare worker who is sacrificing their life for the society.

Strongly condemning the act, KUD has appealed the law defaulters to be booked immediately and punished. It said the innocent should be safeguarded and justice to prevail.

KOGSON: Nagaland Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology also known as Kohima Obstetrics & Gynecology Society of Nagaland has strongly condemned the assault on Dr. Atoka Wotsa by IRB personnel.

KOGSON has implored the counsel of the government high office to reprimand the uniformed personnel and deliver justice to Dr. Atoka.

NPDA: Nagaland Private Doctors Association has expressed utter dismay and strongly condemned the assault on Dr.Atoka Wotsa. NPDA said it cannot make allowances for the repeated high handedness of police personnel adding that “due action will be taken by the society”. NPDA further stated that in times of inexplicable crisis, such

behavior on doctors who serve the community was most deplorable and in no way would be condoned.

AAJC: Asukiqa Area Joint Council has strongly condemned the brutality of IRB personnel against Dr. Atoka S. Wotsa, who was on pandemic duty.

In a condemnation note, AAJC chairman, Khuwuto Swu and secretary, Asheto Achumi said, “IRB should understand their nature of work and learn to understand to deal with the frontline health workers”.

AAJC has also appealed to the concern authority to punish the culprit as per law so that no such incident was repeated in future again.

KSU: Kitami Students Union (KSU) has expressed deep shock and pain over the “brutal act” meted out to one of its member, Dr. Atoka Wotsa.

Condemning the act, KSU president Kakiye Y Swu, general Secretary Er. Lovito N Kiho said the act committed by jawan on duty was highly objectionable.

KSU said the degree of assault and the damage on the vehicle not only showed the terror intent of the uniform jawan but has also created fear psycho and trauma in the minds and hearts of the COVID 19 front line workers.

While strongly condemning the act, the union appealed to the concerned authority to award exem-

plary punishment to the erring jawan as per the law.

SAKK: Sümi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SAKK) has vehemently condemned the barbaric and bogus act of the IRB jawans towards Dr. Atoka S Wotsa.

In a condemnation note, SAKK president, Itova Shohe and general secretary, Kahoshe Wotsa Has termed the incident as totally unacceptable and can never be compromised at any cost in this civilised society.

“Such cases has often been happening in Nagaland since the birth of

Covid-19, things has been going totally opposite of what it should actually be, the medical workers are being targeted and abused during this worst time of pandemic, where they needed the most love and respect from the citizens”, stated SAKK. SAKK urged all the right thinking citizens to openly come forward and condemn such barbaric acts of uniformed personnel. It also appealed the authority to take a serious look into the matter and give a befitting punishment to those blundering personnel so as to save the future from such incidents.

K Y M C

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 259 Dimapur, MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

I

For a better place

t was a mix of good and bad news for Nagaland, after the results of the Swachh Surveksan 2020 were announced on August 20 by union minister of state for housing & urban affairs Hardip Puri. Mokokchung town was adjudged as the ‘Cleanest City’ of the north east under 25,000 to 50,000 population category; Chümoukedima was adjudged as the ‘Best Self-Sustainable City’ in the north east under 25,000 to 50,000 population category and Pfutsero town in Phek district, adjudged as the ‘Best City’ in innovation and pest practices in the north east under 25,000 to 50,000 population category. The bad news is that Dimapur, the commercial capital of Nagaland was ranked 8th among ten dirtiest cities under 10 lakh population category. Of cities in the north east, Shillong (Meghalaya) was ranked 6th and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) was ranked 7th, fared slightly better. A word or two about the motivation being inspired by the Swachh Surveksan, which is a renamed and reshaped project after its forerunners-a formal sanitation programme first launched in 1954, followed by Central Rural Sanitation Programme in 1986, Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in 1999 and Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan in 2012. The Swachh Bharat programme was launched with much fanfare in 2014 and also had funds tied through Swachh cess. Swachh Survekshan 2020 is the fifth edition of the annual cleanliness urban survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India. Swachh Survekshan 2020 surveyed a total of 4242 cities, 62 Cantonment Boards and 97 Ganga Towns and saw an unprecedented participation of 1.87 crore citizens. Swachh Survekshan is a ranking exercise taken up by the Government of India to assess rural and urban areas for their levels of cleanliness and active implementation of Swachhata mission initiatives in a timely and innovative manner.

The objective of the survey is to encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness amongst all sections of society about the importance of working together towards making towns and cities a better place to live in. Additionally, the survey also intends to foster a spirit of healthy competition among towns and cities to improve their service delivery to citizens, towards creating cleaner cities and towns. For many in Nagaland, it was somewhat of a disappointment that Dimapur was ranked way down among the ten top dirtiest cities under 10 lakh population category. Perhaps, this is a wake up call on the civic authorities to renew their efforts for improvement of amenities. Waste disposal and management, poor drainage, besides dust pollution are some of the problems felt most in Dimapur. It may be also be added, that keeping a clean and hygienic environment requires total involvement of the public. It is the bounden duty of every person to not litter and dispose off rubbish and garbage in wrappings.

On the other hand, the laurels earned for the state by Mokokchung, Chümoukedima and Pfutsero towns is laudable. In a way, these three towns not only brought laurels but also offset the negative achievement of Dimapur. Though there have been some criticisms against the methodology used in the Swachh surveys, overall, the positive aspect is that today, urban towns and cities are awakening to the need of effecting a clean and sustainable environment.

DailyDevotion Prayer—Battle in “The Secret Place”

When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. —Matthew 6:6 Jesus did not say, “Dream about your Father who is in the secret place,” but He said, “…pray to your Father who is in the secret place….” Prayer is an effort of the will. After we have entered our secret place and shut the door, the most difficult thing to do is to pray.

We cannot seem to get our minds into good working order, and the first thing we have to fight is wandering thoughts. The great battle in private prayer is overcoming this problem of our idle and wandering thinking. We have to learn to discipline our minds and concentrate on willful, deliberate prayer.

We must have a specially selected place for prayer, but once we get there this plague of wandering thoughts begins, as we begin to think to ourselves, “This needs to be done, and I have to do that today.”

Jesus says to “shut your door.” Having a secret stillness before God means deliberately shutting the door on our emotions and remembering Him. God is in secret, and He sees us from “the secret place”— He does not see us as other people do, or as we see ourselves. When we truly live in “the secret place,” it becomes impossible for us to doubt God. We become more sure of Him than of anyone or anything else. Enter into “the secret place,” and you will find that God was right in the middle of your everyday circumstances all the time. Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless you learn to open the door of your life completely and let God in from your first waking moment of each new day, you will be working on the wrong level throughout the day. But if you will swing the door of your life fully open and “pray to your Father who is in the secret place,” every public thing in your life will be marked with the lasting imprint of the presence of God.

Quotes

People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them. ~ Epictetus

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

Nation awaits instant solutions, tax relief, normality for fast revival

Indian economy is on life-saving policies like incentives, special packages and lending. Even the daily wage workers and small farmers are being planned to be brought under bankfunded credit schemes. The RBI hints at severe inflation risk and the IIP shrinks by 36 percent in the first quarter, 16.6 percent in June alone.

The World Bank (WB), which a year back had exuded confidence in India’s progress, in its latest report on August 19 indicated lowering its growth projections. In May, the WB had said that economy was to contract by 3.2 percent in 2020-21. Now it says the contraction would be steeper and fiscal deficit to rise to 6.6 percent.

Consumer durables, electronic, fashion and lifestyle are amid steep demand slump. Apparel vendors see about 30 percent fall in orders. In some other items the demand crash by about 50 percent.

The Narendra Modi government needs to take bold steps to open up the economy to the village paith – weekly haat – level. The lockdown (LD) has devastated crores of tiny traders moving from one paith to the other every day to eke

E

out a living. Even the nats – folk dancers, magicians and entertainers – sustaining on these paiths and festival markets are fighting to survive as they have no income.

T h e e c o n o my h a s never been at such a nadir since World War II. While various packages announced since April and being mulled are welcome, the nation has to review capacity for giving enormous doles.

The shutdown has crippled the economy.

Statistically the disease is sprinting to touch 2.9 million mark though fatality is at below 2 percent negligible. The export market is dull as the destinations are either in LD or in abysmal economic situation with their own demands plummeting.

The Economic Advisor y Council to PM chairman Bibek Debroy, commerce minister Piyush Goyal and finance Minister N Sitharaman met to find out how free trade agreements (FTA) with Australia, EU, UK and US, Asean, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and some friendly countries could boost exports. The finance ministry, however, fears revenue loss.

Though the government is working on various strategies, most of these plans are time consuming.

The nation is in need for immediate relief at the grass root level. Depressing income of farmers, small businesses, white collar and tiny workers are hitting hard. It has to find out a two-minute noodle solution.

The divestment in BPCL and privatization of Air India has virtually been stalled due to the pandemic.

The disinvest plans in 18 strategic sectors are being reworked.

T h e government Shivaji is apparently in a dilemma. On the one hand Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is banning imports of over 100 defence items to boost indigenised production on the other sickness of Steel Authority and various other public sector units is causing concern. Banning Chinese apps is a good move but indigenous manufacturing is yet to pick up.

Concern is being expressed over apathy to revive railways and “privatization” of prime trains that is likely to add to its woes.

Indian railways is one of the finest organisations. Private

trains or its privatization cannot be a solution.

The higher recovery rate in covid19, in some areas up to 90 percent or more, calls for resumption of railways, metro, public transport, tourism and hotel industry employing about ten crore people.

Similarly normal air traffic too should be restored. Local passenger air traffic in July falls 82.3 percent in a year. It is neither good for the airlines nor for the people. Strained finances can risk the safety of aircraft as well.

The fear of the disease should Sarkar not lead to create a nonproductive nation. The government has a bit of anxiety but it would have support of the people if normality is restored.

According to filings of 40 leading BSE 100 companies’ results till June 2020, every sector is under severe stress. It has hit aviation to automobiles, capital goods, consumer items including alcoholic beverages. The deepest impact is seen on non-essential manufacturing and services. Even the education sector is hit. These have reduced aggregate employee expenditures – United Spirits 12.7 percent;

Bajaj Finserv 14.8 percent; Suzuki India 15 percent; HDFC Life 21 percent; tata Motors 26 percent; Havells India 27 percent and Mahindra 36.7 percent.

The hi-tech firms of Bengaluru have sacked, reduced wages or not paid for the last many months.

The rural sector is equally hit. Despite direct benefit transfers, cash is in short supply and rural workers are without jobs.

Distressed people are hit by rising retail inflation.

It shot to 6 percent in April and almost 7 (6.93) percent in July against 3.15 percent last year. The CPI data in June was 6.23 percent due to rising food, personal care and transportation costs owing to high fuel prices.

The National Statistical Office notes 9.62 percent inflation in vegetables, pulses, spices, meat, fish, fruits and other food items.

In June food inflation was 8.72 percent.

Higher inflation is due to supply side disruptions.

It is abetted by higher transportation costs. Disruptions in economic activities and lcoalised LDs has affected free movement of goods leading to spurt in prices.

Amid such situation increasing cost of petrol and diesel is being described

as penny wise. For small revenue realizations entire economy is hit. The RBI has taken a prudent decision of not reducing repo rate. In fact, in situation like this the interest rates should move up.

The government also has to exempt the bank deposits of up to Rs 5 crore from income-tax. The taxes on interest accrual is hitting the average people, senior citizens and depressing demand. Interest payment must not be treated as earning. It is mere hedging against inflation. Average interest accrual is around 6 percent or less in an inflationary environ of around 10 percent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi must intervene to correct this anomaly. If people pay high taxes, they are forced to compromise on their demands. Modi has done well in ensuring transparent tax environment. Exempting interest accrual from I-T would go a long way in fast revival of the economy as well as the banking sector.

Economy needs novel steps. People across the nation now want normal functioning to resume as they are in severe stress and starvation or death lurking at them.

Post-mortem New Delhi’s changing Fading originality dynamics vis-a-vis geopolitics amidst advancements

ver since we grow up, join College and step into a fast growing competitive generation, secularly and academically we experience exceptional growth and progress. However, similarly the fading and erosion of indigenous ethos is also swift either.

The chief focuses of the world happen to be advancement with new development, bringing new methods and running after newest research theories and productions. We all busy running after this fast growing competitive world. In the mean time indigenous cultural and traditional ethoses are also severely sinking.

Looking through the way of life particularly our young Nagas generation today, knowing his origin and accepting his existing lineage is been often despised and ignored. Inclusive advancement of human standard, cross culture adaptation and particularly the western thoughts and its way of education has made our way of thinking global and liberalized our approaches. When we look into post modern social scenario ours may not be exceptional but not less than any other existing society in the world. However in the process the knowledge of our own unique identity is been compromised and neglected but praised and press on to adapt foreign culture and even excels in many fields.

Not intended to discourage about excelling in other cultures and studies, but embedding the concern of resurging our valuable culture and tradition amidst advancing because it is our identity. Many young people considered indigenous tradition and culture as primitive and unexciting.

Learning and preserving of folklores seems irrelevant to many smart and intelligent people. Various contemporary philosophical thoughts and concept, advancement of science and technology has already preoccupied many minds. However no matter how advance we become with foreign cultures and traditional ethos we will be a Naga and to keep our Naga identity we must not confused or ignorant about our basic cultural evidences such as our own tribal dialect, historical

account, costumes and its implication, folklores etc, which gives a good account of our origin. Ignorant or clueless about Naga history, culture and traditional ethos is a great shame to claim oneself as a Naga or belong to Naga. Likewise claiming or consider oneself belongs to a particular tribe without having the basic etiquette of tribe such as dialect, cultural and traditional beliefs is a lost person.

Our society is a kind of society formed and shaped by moral philosophy and traditional beliefs. Though as Christian we may not strictly adhered and practice yet we should acknowledge and cultivate the good of our own tribal taboos and gennas which is the principal guidelines of our ancient morality. Comparatively today’s morality and ancient morality has a very different outlook. We all heard and know ancient morality has a very high and respectable value where every citizen is disciplined and accountable for the secured and peaceful society whereas today it is contrary. Having a good building, doors with hard lockers and fortified compound walls and yet still live insecure. Thus this single situational phenomenon absolutely explained the moral value between us and our ancient. Indeed it will be wise to inculcate those ancient moral principles.

Today Nagas are struggling for national identity; however many young Nagas are still ignorant, some confused, some wrongly brained washed about the history, identity and lineage of the Naga ethnic group.

Early study of foreign history and education might also be the cause. Nevertheless midway historical propaganda should not propagate less we lost our genuine identity in the process. To keep our identity alive and to form our substantial nation as unique and original; truth must be accept and told. We young generations have the right to know a clear undisputed historical account of our origin and existing lineage.

Real patriotism and nationalism spirit of any person for a given nation should come from one’s original sense of belongingness and bear responsible towards that particular

unique identity formed by its blood relation, culture and tradition. Any other given argument or claims of patriotism and nationalism outside of culture and traditional relation is a mere emotional expression or a conditional set of role to be played under political situation. Individual, group or regional interest can be a dangerous element to the spirit of nationalism and that is what it’s slowly crept into the mind of young Naga generation today.

While excelling and prospering in life, losing of one’s own intrinsic cultural knowledge in fact is a great lost. Losing of one’s originality may also lead to identity crisis. Had we failed to contain and preserve our cultural and traditional identity within ourselves today, our rich culture and tradition may be sparingly found only in the museum and library tomorrow. Had we failed to retain the originality of our identity with honesty and sincerity, our future generation may probably have a fake and deficient historical account and may face identity crisis.

Educational department has introduced and integrated our folklores and histories in the school syllabus to learn about our own.

However unless an individual posses a knowledge and acquired a trait personally it may at last inscribe into a degree certificates alone.

Likewise every young people know at least a church choruses and hymns, a folk song of our own tribe can also be learned. Simple yet foremost initiation can be diligently start speaking mother tongue or native language with families in the home and to homogeny tribal folks. Tribal Hohos and other tribal organization can emphasis more on promoting and preserving indigenous culture and practices, they are amiable and have better opportunity to organized and promote indigenous ethos than the government organization has. Lest we mastered and pass on our cultural identity in person, our descendant will study it like purely foreign culture, than our culture is a lost culture only to be talk about.

Lohrü Soruna, Kuda B village, Dimapur

(From Previous issue) The two faces masquerading as political and executive in engaging dialogues, i.e., deemed political groups in political parleys vs armed gangs in state executive, which are a term of recent invention, possess tendency in furthering divisions at the state level. The very definition of the ‘armed gang’ itself is ambiguous considering the fact that New Delhi did not ascribe the ‘term’ to any of the political groups active in the state. Thus, such unguided definition which is open to diverse interpretation may risk more armed conflicts in the region. ‘Rule of law’, back by force, if necessary, against the ideologies straying from that of mainstream appear to be the new vision in rebalancing Northeast India.

However, while repelling the forces inimical to their historical rights, the Nagas must exercise their utmost wisdom on the ‘definition’ of proximity and friendship, whom in the course of time they choose to look up to. The pros and cons and the aftershocks of the borrowed version of Chinese communism that had been experimented by certain political groups in Nagaland had been laid wide open for all to judge. ‘China factor’ during the early stages of Naga national Movement might have helped reap few political dividends considering the then ‘desperation’ of early political leaders and required logistic supports.

As time has changed, our understanding on diverse ideologies as well as the terms of reference to fall in friendship with nation-states for support has also undergone paradigm shift. Reported ethnic de-population of Uyghurs in Xingiang province (Al Jazeera), the supposed reeducation of ethnic Uyghurs as part of persuasive acculturation with the mainstream and forced content moderation by targeted crusade against protestors along with suppression of dissent in Hong Kong portrays China’s harsh stance in dispensing its domestic affairs.

Ian Storey and Malcolm commented that “Chinese dominance risks diminishing the sovereignty of many states in the Indo-Pacific”. China has adopted its form of predatory economics by leveraging its modernised military strength and growing influence in the third world countries.

China has undoubtedly grown increasingly assertive in both Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, and has challenged the authority of the US and India in the regions referred to. Beijing’s intention is clear that it is keen to establish its sphere

of influence in the Indo-Pacific and might openly come to the rescue of any discontent nation-states, or in the present instance, ethnic groups at loggerheads with the mainstream.

Now, the actions supposedly contemplated by New Delhi – exertion of more force in its relationship with the Nagas on the established understanding that its allies would pledge support in the event of any fallout – and by the Naga Political Groups – turning to China in return for political allegiance or resorting to violence under the continued pressured from New Delhi – will only bring about premature truncation of expected results.

New Delhi’s high stake in Southeast Asia evident in its participation/observation status in regional forums including BIMSTEC, ASEAN, ARF could only be meaningfully pursued by creating trust and space in its Northeastern region, dubbed as gateway to Southeast Asia. Use of force and consequent enmity could end up upsetting the entire Northeast community and further diminish needed coordination in accessing Southeast Asia.

It is worth noting that the Kashmir model – withdrawal of substances that constitute a specially created state, territorial re-alignment, brutal suppression of voice of dissent following the abrogation of Article 370 – is unlikely to work in Nagaland.

What mark the variation between the two is their politics, ethnicity and culture, and their economy as well.

On the other hand, the Naga Political Groups and the Nagas in general must leverage the unfolding geopolitical play to their advantage. Providing security to the fragile Northeast frontier which the Naga Political groups have an edge over other regional armed groups could be factored in on the negotiating table in exchange of a more concrete action from New Delhi. But such must be preceded by mutual trust, and the present endeavour by both the parties – New Delhi and Naga Political Groups – only undermines the all important role of trust in building peace. Nagas must realise that geography may be destiny yet proximity and friendship are a matter of definition where geographically aloof entities can draw closer through diplomacy. Correspondingly, New Delhi has to appreciate the foundational equation that a powerful nation is established by ensuring its constituents fully developed by equipping the constituent units with a fair amount of autonomy, and not by curtailment of civil liberties.

(Concluded) Nukhosa Chüzho, Kohima

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Does prohibiting entry help?

With Covid pandemic affecting everyone in the entire world, Nagas like any others were alarmed with the deadly virus. However, the stigmas attached to some of us are beyond and must be erased not forgetting the effective practise of precautionary measures. Landlords prohibiting entry of visitors and allowing tenants to go out has no logical difference according to me. Do prohibiting entry into our buildings really helping in combating the spread of virus?

Rajesh Das, Dimapur

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national/state

‘Small cities can be new Covid-19 hubs’

New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS): After exploding in most populous cities like Delhi and Mumbai, Covid-19 is now rearing up in large and small cities, which experienced migration from these megapolises. The concern rises, as the concentration of health personnel and infrastructure is only limited to large urban centres, and this is apparent in Delhi’s next-door neighbour Uttar Pradesh, where many cities continue to struggle in tackling Covid-19.

Doctors suggest since the epicentre of the viral infection is likely to shift, it would be appropriate to replicate successful largescale testing and contact tracing models in small cities.

For example in Agra, the state Health Department will conduct an extensive sero-survey to find the percentage of population with antibodies against Covid-19. In the region, Agra has reported 36 new cases in the past 24 hours, Mathura reported 100, Firozabad 42, Mainpuri 31, Etah 31 and Kasganj 21. In Agra, the total number of cases so far is 2,481, and it has 152 containment zones.

Speaking to IANS, Jyoti Goyal, Head of In-

In Agra, the total number of cases so far is 2,481, and it has 152 containment zones. ternal Medicine, Nayati against the backdrop of lives have been claimed by Medicity in Mathura, not- the ongoing rainy season, the infection. ed: “Big cities like Delhi healthcare workers in small Professor K. Srinath controlled Covid-19 very cities may get confused Reddy, President of the well through robust test- whether an illness is Covid- Public Health Foundaing. Be it RT-PCR, anti- 19 or any other form of tion of India, said as the gen, antibody tests, Delhi tropical illness, as he insist- large cities where the virus has done testing widely. ed on upgrading healthcare entered and spread first On the contrary, in Agra infrastructure. are recovering from the and Mathura, testing is Uttar Pradesh, with epidemic, smaller cities and extremely restricted. The 182,453 cases, is also towns are becoming the authorities concerned have amongst the five most- zones of active infection. not evolved their strategy, affected states by total tally, “If the initial experias Covid-19 has evolved. accounting for 7.2 per cent ence of being relatively They need to replicate fresh Covid-19 cases. The free from the virus leads Delhi’s testing and contact total number of cases in to complacency and caretracing in small cities.”

UP is 6.1 percent of the less behaviour, the virus Jyo t i a d d e d t h a t national burden and 2,867 will spread rapidly even

Cong implodes over ‘leadership issue (From p-1) The leaders argued that it was time to establish an “institutional leadership mechanism” to collectively guide the party’s revival. While calling for collective leadership, the letter interestingly said the NehruGandhi family will always remain an “integral part” of it. The leaders wrote the letter to Sonia earlier this month. However, she reportedly received the letter on August 12, two days after completing a year as interim chief and overseeing the end of Sachin Pilot’s rebellion against Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Congress sources say among the key “architects of the rebellion for reform” was Ghulam Nabi Azad, the party’s most visible Muslim face, leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He is the same person who, over two decades ago, had played a key role in effecting the transition from Kesri to Sonia. The signatories also include Jitin Prasad, son of the late Jitendra Prasad. The other leaders who took the initiative to reach out to their party colleagues urging them to sign the letter, say Congress sources, were Anand Sharma and Kapil Sibal.

Pranab still critical: Hospital New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI): There is no change in the health of former President Pranab Mukherjee and he continues to remain on ventilator support, the Army’s Research and Referral hospital said on Sunday. Doctors attending on the 84-year-old Mukherjee said his vital parameters are stable. Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated for removal of a clot in the brain. He had also tested positive for COVID-19. Thereafter, he developed lung infection and is being treated for the same, doctors have said. “There is no change in the condition of Shri Pranab Mukherjee this morning. He remains in a deep coma and on ventilator support.

Demand for change of minister incharge for COVID activities in Peren (From p-1) When there was public demand for immediate action and intervention, they said he shared no concern or took any responsibility as district in-charge.

Mentioning that some State government officials and CSOs members risked their lives to contain spread of the virus in the district, the statement claimed that organisations provided all possible help to the returnees for their safe and healthy stay in their respective allotted quarantined centres.

Noting that government efforts had not been enough, the CSOs appealed to all political parties to cooperate and jointly focus on fighting the pandemic by putting aside their political interests and biases. They said all must work together in the interest of general public. The organisations urged the High Powered Committee to immediately replace Along as Peren district in-charge with someone more efficient for combating COVID-19 in the district. They warned that if their demand was not complied with, they would be compelled to take action as deemed fit, including non-cooperation against the government, adding the government would be held solely responsible for any consequential occurrence.

PM posts video of him feeding peacocks

PM Modi is seen feeding a peacock as he performs his morning routine exercise, inside his official residence in New Delhi. (PTI) New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday posted a video on his social media accounts in which he is seen feeding peacocks at his residence during his morning exercise routine.

The 1.47-minute video also has a few glimpses of the prime minister’s daily walk from his home to his office within the Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

Peacocks are often a regular companion of the prime minister during his exercise, sources said, noting that he has long shared an “unbreakable bond” with the environment and has also written two books on the matter.

A t h i s r e s i d e n c e, Modi has placed elevated

structures, often found in rural India, where birds can make their nests, they said.

Modi also posted a Hindi poem, an ode to nature, with the video. He first put the video on his Instagram account and shared on Twitter later.

The two books written by the prime minister to highlight his vision for the environment are ‘Convenient Action: Gujarat’s Response to Challenges of Climate Change’ and ‘Convenient Action- Continuity for Change’, the sources noted.

His other book, ‘Aankh Aa Dhanya Che’, has poems on nature. It was originally written in Gujarati and then trans-

lated to several other languages.

When the world spoke of climate change, Modi talked about “climate justice” and linked human value systems with the fight against climate change, they said.

“The prime minister pioneered the launch of International Solar Alliance to harness solar energy for a better future. He appeared on the show ‘Man Versus Wild’ where he highlighted India’s ethos of living in harmony with nature,” the sources added.

As chief minister of Gujarat, Modi ensured that it was among the first states in India and the world to have a climate change department, they said.

400 families evacuated in Howrah district Howrah/Kolkata, Aug 23 (PTI): Around 400 families of Aima and Alipore villages of Shyampur block in West Bengal’s Howrah district have been evacuated due to floods trigerred by heavy rains during the past three days and high tide, a district official said on Saturday.

These families have been put up in a local primary school building, the official said. The situation has been aggravated in the absence of a concrete guardwall on the embankment of the two villages which are located on the mouth of Hooghly and Damodar rivers, local panchayat official Lutfar Rahman Khan said.

Around 60 water bodies in the area have inundated the roads and the entire stretch remained flooded, he said. Meanwhile, the ferry service between Gadiara in Howrah district and Nurpur in South 24 Parganas was suspended on Saturday and Sunday due to high tides and rain, a spokesman of Hooghly River Waterway Transport Samity said.

High tidal waves owing to new moon and incessant raincaused the water level to rise in the Sunderbans area, the officials said.

Officials of the state irrigation department said a watch is being kept on the situation in South 24 Parganas and Howrah districts.

in these areas. We need to step up public health measures and motivate people to adopt safe practices like physical distancing, avoiding crowded events, using masks outside home and frequent hand washing.

Engaging local community networks and influencers will help in promoting safe behaviours,” he added.

On testing, Reddy said wide-scale testing may pose challenges, however, clinical assessment as well as history of close contact with a Covid-19 affected person or history of recent travel from a highly infected region will help to assign high, medium or low probabilities of the infection.

“Because of false negatives and false positives associated with test results, even laboratories advise that the diagnosis should not depend on testing alone but take into account clinical and contact information,” he added.

While 769 cases were reported from state capital Lucknow, there were 363 cases in Gorakhpur and 300 cases in Prayagraj, as the state recorded 5,375 infections on Saturday. As many as 1,24,274 samples were tested on Friday, which took the total number of Covid-19 tests done to over 44 lakh.

Deepak Dewan, Director, Renal Sciences at Regency Superspeciality Hospital in Lucknow, said the number of Covid-19 cases in Lucknow, as compared to its close to 30 lakh population, is extremely alarming, and it is apparent that migration from big cities to small cities has contributed towards the spread of the infection.

“In small cities, people are not following infection prevention measures, and social distancing guidelines. If this continues, then chances are very high that infection will like a wildfire in small cities. A combination of large-scale testing and contact tracing is the need of the hour,” he added.

Neeraj Nischal, Assistant Professor at Department of Medicine, AIIMS added that diagnostic modality for Covid-19 is RT-PCR and antigen tests, and as the testing capacity in the country is being upgraded, it may be possible to replicate successful models of testing in small cities too.

“It is essential to continue to diagnose as early as possible. Test, treat and trace all contact, this will help in breaking the chain of infection transmission,” he added.

5 NSCN (I-M) flays AR raid DIMAPUR, AUG 23 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) through its MIP has flayed Assam Rifles (AR) for conducting raids targeting its cadres and accused the paramilitary force of spreading COVID-19 as its personnel had a high infection rate.

In a statement, NSCN (I-M) alleged that personnel of 5th AR led by a major raided the house of Naga Army’s ‘major’ at Diphupar here around 2 a.m. on Saturday. As the family resisted their entry at such an odd hour, the AR personnel forced themselves in by claiming that they were empowered under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA. Though they found nothing incriminating and left by saying “wrong input”, NSCN (I-M) feared that the AR personnel might have “unwittingly left behind the deadly coronavirus”.

NSCN (I-M) said it was wrong on the part of AR to leave without tendering apology to the house owner, saying they just cannot enter anybody’s house to harass and leave without owning accountability, adding “decency also matters”.

Stating that the raid was a serious breach of

tr ust, MIP asked how could the Indo-Naga peace process and war-like situation created by AR go simultaneously?

Reminding that the ceasefire ground rules (CFGR) did not give free hands to AR in the name of AFSPA, it asked AR to note that the rules were agreed upon between two entities to put a check on ceasefire violations.

Stating that the security forces had no special authority beyond the specified ground rules as agreed, NSCN (I-M) said this was another violation of CFGR by the 5th AR that would be entered in records for future reference.

It further accused AR of not heeding to the call of World Health Organisation (WHO) to fight COVID-19 pandemic by not following COVID protocols and asked its personnel to stop playing with the lives of innocent citizens by roaming freely in the name of performing their duties.

Mentioning that many AR personnel were carriers of the deadly virus, NSCN (I-M) said it was high time their authority confined them within the barracks in the interest of containing the fastspreading virus.

2 hurt in flyover collapse on Gurugram’s Sohna road Chandigarh, Aug 22 (PTI): Two persons were injured when a huge concrete slab of an underconstruction flyover fell on Gurugram’s Sohna road on Saturday night, police said.

The injured, said to be labourers, were hospitalised, they added.

The area was cordoned off, a police official told PTI. Har yana De puty Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala said a team of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the sub-divisional magistrate of the area and a civil defence team were at the site.

“Slab of elevated corridor Sohna rd (road) Gurugram collapsed. There have been 2 injuries and both have been admitted and (are) under treatment,”

NHAI officials inspect the under-construction flyover after its section collapsed yesterday, at Sohna road in Gurugram. (PTI) he said in a tweet.

Locals told the police that they heard a loud sound when the concrete slab fell on the road.

They said a major accident was averted as there were not too many people at the site when the incident occurred.

Preliminary reports suggested that a few girders installed between two pillars fell all of a sudden, leading to the incident.

Explosives, suicide vests seized from ISIS suspect’s house

Explosives recovered from alleged ISIS operative Abu Yusuf’s residence, in Balrampur. (PTI) New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS): A Delhi Police Special Cell team seized around 8 to 9 kgs of explosives apart from suicide jackets and vests following a search at arrested ISIS operative Mohammad Mustakim Khan alias Abu Yusuf Khan’s house in Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh, a senior police officer said on Sunday.

“Khan was taken to his native village by the Special Cell team on Saturday for the search operation at his house. A jacket fitted with 3 packets of explosives and another jacket with 4 packets of explosives were among the seized items,” said Special Cell DCP P.S. Kushwah.

According to police, each of the packets removed from the seized jackets was wrapped in transparent tape and contained explosive material and cardboard sheets on which ball bearings were glued.

“A leather belt fitted with around 3 kgs of explosives was also seized along with a total of 8 to 9 kgs of explosive material,” the

officer said. Three cylindrical metal boxes containing explosives along with taped electricity wires and two other cylindrical boxes containing ball bearings were also seized.

“A wooden box used for target practice by firearms and an ISIS flag were also seized from the house, apart from two mobile chargers, a table clock attached with electric wires, ball bearings, two lithium batteries of 4V each, one lithium battery of 9V along with one-ampere meter,” Kushwah said.

The officer said the ISIS operative was arrested along with two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) after an exchange of fire in central Delhi’s Ridge Road area on Friday night. Two pressure cookers fitted with IEDs, a pistol with four cartridges and one Apache motorcycle were seized from him. The ISIS operative was allegedly handled by Pakistani Abu Huzaifa through social media before Huzaifa was killed in a drone strike in Khorasan in Afghanistan last year.

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DC-491

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

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national

BJP aims 3/4th seats for NDA in Bihar polls Patna, Aug 23 (PTI): Bihar BJP on Saturday set a target to win three-fourth of seats for the NDA in the assembly elections due in October-November.

Stating the target in presence of BJP national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav and others, state party president Sanjay Jaiswal made an appeal to 76 lakh party workers upto Panchayat level to ensure that the coalition achieves the mark.

“We have set a target of winning three-fourth seats for NDA in Bihar. We will ensure that the coalition achieves the mark,” Jaiswal said while addressing the two-day state executive committee meeting that started Saturday.

National Democratic Alliance in Bihar comprises of BJP, Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswans LJP. Bihar has 243member assembly.

Precautions have been taken for conduct of the meet inthe midst of raging Covid-19 pandemic in the state with only ahandful of leaders including Bhupendra Yadav, Jaiswal and state ministers-Nand Kishore Yadav and Prem Kumarsitting on dais in the state headquarters.

BJP National President JP Nadda addresses virtual Bihar BJP Karyasamiti meeting, in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI) Former Maharashtra chief minister and party’s election in-charge for Bihar Devendra Fadnavis joined them virtually.

BJP’s national president J P Nadda will give hisvaledictory speech Sunday.

The caution in organising the event comes in the backdrop of its over two dozen leaders and workers testing positive at the state headquarters in July in course of conducting

regional meetings as part of election preparations.

Jaiswal praised both the central and state governments for working together for the victims of floods and coronavirus especially migrant workers, who returned to their home during pandemic from different parts of the country.

He also lauded the party workers for feeding poor and migrant labourers during lockdown apart from

distributing essentials such as medicines, masks, besides organising blood donation camp among them.

Abolition of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, paving way for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya through a court verdict, annuling triple talaq for muslim women and providing citizenship to non-muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were among some of

the major decisions of the Narendra Modi government, he underscored.

Assambly elections are due in the state in OctoberNovember and the Election Commission has indicated it would go ahead with organising the polls on time notwithstanding concerns expressed by opposition parties and also by NDA partner LJP that it could lead to further spread of the coronavirus disease.

Bihar will be the first state where election would be held amid pandemic that is raging in the state as well in the country.

The BJP meet shows that the saffron party is going ahead with its poll preparation in the politically crucial state that sends 40 MPs to Lok Sabha.

The executive committee of the state was formed on March 20 last, but it could not hold any meeting till date dueto Covidinduced lockdown enforced in Bihar on March 22 and subsequent nationwide shutdowns. Addrressing the meet, Fadnavis exhorted party leaders and workers to take developmental works done by both thecentral and state governments to the people.

“We need to tell people

about various works done by both governments- be it Atmanirbhar economic package, Garib KalyanYojana or the work done by the state government- as people forget them easily,” Fadnavis said.

He, however, did not touch the issue of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case which had triggered a bitter faceoff between his home state Maharashtra and Bihar, and instead kept his speech focused on political issues and elections. Criticising 15 years of Lalu Prasadled RJD rule in the state which pushed Bihar 25-30 years back into backwardness, Fadnavis said, “people need to be reminded about the time when the state witnessed rampant corruption and nepotism and was ruined economically.”

“The NDA government has brought change in Bihar in past15 years and put development back on rails and now the state will move faster in next five years and thats why it needs a government which can work in tandem with the Narendra Modi government, said Fadnavis, who began his speech with his reverential salutation “Pranam” to people of Bihar.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

VP urges parties for consensus on women’s reservation New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS): Calling for a national movement for women’s empowerment and to ensure that no girl child is left out of school, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday urged all political parties to reach a consensus on providing reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures.

Observing that the flagship scheme ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ has undoubtedly created a positive impact, Naidu said that much more needs to be done to change the societal mindset.

In a Facebook Post titled “End Discrimination, Empower Women”, Naidu pointed out that women constituted about 50 per cent of India’s population and thus progress cannot be achieved unless they are given equal opportunities in all spheres, including the political arena.

“We need to show in action and in deeds that gender discrimination no longer exists. That should be our goal,” the Vice President stressed.

Urging all political parties to arrive at a consensus at the earliest on the longpending proposal to provide adequate reservation to

women in legislative bodies, Naidu also emphasised the need to give equal property rights to women for their economic emancipation.

The Vice-President recently released a report ‘Status of Sex Ratio at Birth in India’ which mentioned that there has not been any change in the sex ratio at birth in India from 20012017 -- the number of girls born is much less than what is the general or natural norm. It was brought out by the Indian Association of Parliamentarians for Population and Development.

Referring to the report, Naidu said it is an alarming issue that needs to be addressed on a warfooting by all the stakeholders “from the society at large to parliamentarians, government, policy-makers, opinion leaders, media organisations and various bodies working to empower women.

Urging elected representatives at all levels to draw the attention of people in their respective areas to the alarming aspect of skewed sex ratio, Naidu called upon every citizen to act as a warrior in completely eradicating social evils like dowry system and in eliminating ‘son preference’ mindset.

Telangana needs to increase Centre releases SOPs for resumption of shooting of films, TV serials COVID-19 tests: Union Minister

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

K Y M C

Ministers of various states recently, has stressed on not compromising on testing, he pointed out.

Referring to Modi’s reported statement that testing needs to be enhanced in five states, Reddy said Telanagana was among them.

The Union Minister claimed that though the population ofIndia was more than 11 developed countries, it was doing well in terms of positive cases and deaths.

While the number of positive cases per one million population in the US was 17,498, it was 2,156 in India.

No. 9664 Yesterday’s solution No. 9663

No. 4283 Yesterday’s solution No. 4282

No. 3307 Yesterday’s solution No. 3306

Across 1. American state (6) 7. French policeman (8) 8. Animal (4) 10. Counting frame (6) 11. Humiliating failure (6) 14. Falsehood (3) 16. Mature (5) 17. Couch (4) 19. Thin biscuit (5) 21. Picture puzzle (5) 22. Very strong person (5) 23. Cummerbund (4) 26. Planet (5) 28. Floor covering (3) 29. Primary source (6) 30. Lounge (6) 31. Snare (4) 32. Eland, for example (8) 33. Toxic substance (6) Down 1. Wanderers (6) 2. Shrub or small tree (6) 3. Relatively long time (4) 4. Respects highly (7) 5. Grip firmly (5) 6. Wading bird (5) 8. Fifty per cent (4) 9. Regret (3) 12. Ventilate (3) 13. Prison rooms (5) 15. Conspiracy (5) 18. Propose (5) 19. Rainy (3) 20. Merriment (3) 21. Ludicrous (7) 22. Yank (3) 23. Highly-spiced sausage (6) 24. At the summit (4) 25. Wait, remain (4,2) 26. Of the voice (5) 27. Quick, agile (5) 28. Spoil (3) 30. Pace (4)

istry, we have issued these SOPs,” he said.

“This is an important aspect of the economy and it employs millions of people, therefore, we have issued this to facilitate now the production activity to resume. I am sure everyone will welcome this and all states will implement this,” Javadekar said.

The I&B document also emphasised on the health and family welfare ministry’s guiding principles which state that nonessential activities will not be allowed in COVID-19 containment zones.

The guiding principles also said that employees who are at higher risk, such

as older employees, pregnant employees, employees who have underlying medical conditions, should take extra precautions.

They should preferably not be exposed to any frontline work requiring direct contact with the public, according to the health ministry guiding principles.

The I&B ministry SOPs state that physical distancing of at least six feet to be followed as far as feasible at all locations at all times, while sitting, standing in queues, among others.

These include places such as shoot locations, sound recording studios and editing rooms. Aspects such as scenes, sequences,

set-ups, camera locations, positions of various crew members, seating arrangements, food and catering arrangements, staggered meal timings should be planned while giving due consideration to physical distancing norms, according to the I&B ministry document. Measures should be taken by the production team to involve a minimum number of cast and crew members during the shoot, the SOPs said.

Visitors and audience should not be allowed on sets and for outdoor shooting, necessary coordination with the local authorities should be ensured to minimise and manage the spectators, they said.

Govt should consider students’ ‘Mann ki baat’ and defer NEET, JEE: Congress NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday requested the government to defer the all-India medical and engineering entrance examinations taking into consideration the concerns raised by a section of students and parents amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rahul Gandhi said the government must listen to the ‘mann ki baat’ of students and arrive at “an acceptable solution”, while party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sought the postponement of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) till the coronavirus situation improves in the country.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting that the exams be deferred, while Kapil Sibal said these needed to be postponed.

“GOI must listen to the #StudentsKeMannKiBaat about NEET, JEE exams

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and arrive at an acceptable solution,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

In a tweet in Hindi, Priyanka Gandhi said, “The COVID-19 situation in the country is yet to normalise.

In such a situation, if students who are taking NEET and JEE, and their parents have raised concerns, then these should be taken into consideration by the government and those conducting these exams.”

Chowdhury requested PM Modi to intervene and postpone the exams.

“The aspirants of national examination are under tremendous mental pressure as to how they could be remain immune to the infection while attending the examination physically.

Right at this pandemic situation their concerns should be given due consideration.

The spectre of corona will be haunting the students during the examination period stretching from September 1 to 6,” he said in his letter.

Chowdhury said when

the country is witnessing a spike of COVID-19 infection with single-day rise of 70,000 cases, “I think it is absolutely necessary to review the date of exam because approximately 25 lakh students are supposed to participate in the exam, hence I thought it prudent to knock the door of wisdom of Prime Minister of India.”

“Your sagacious intervention may bring about the relief of those anxious aspirants. My suggestion to you Prime Minister is that the examination could be deferred for a certain period till the situation is stable,” he said.

Former HRD Minister Kapil Sibal also tweeted, “Stop this injustice. NEETJEE Entrance Exams. Elitist approach. The poor discriminated. Digital divide.

Jeopardising lives. Reaching exam sites hazardous. Poor connectivity and more. Only just , fair and sensible solution is to postpone: NEET, JEE.”

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ing after inaugurating the Rotary Blood Plasma Bank here, said he spoke to state Health Minister Eatala Rajender on the matter and that the state government was also making efforts to step up testing.

The Centre has provided about 14 lakh N-95 masks, about 2,40,000 PPE kits and 1,400 ventilators, among others, to Telangana, the Minister of State for Home said adding it was even ready to provide more ventilators to Telangana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held a video conference with Chief

provide employment to scores of people impacted due to the film industry being hit in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These SOPs have been finalised after consulting the health and home ministries, Javadekar said. Shooting of films and TV serials can be started using these SOPs issued in the wake of the pandemic, the minister said.

Sharing details of the SOPs, Javadekar said barring those who are in front of cameras all others will have to wear masks.

“We are laying down SOPs as per international experience, and with the consultation of the health ministry and the home min-

K-1319

Hyderabad, Aug 23 (PTI): Telangana needs to ramp up COVID-19 testing though the recovery rate in the state has improved, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “Recovery rate is good in Telangana also.

But, I feel the number of tests need to increase.”

Noting that Telangana was at seventh place from the bottom, among all states, in testing, Reddy wished the state to move up in the list as it was “rich and developed.”

Reddy, who was speak-

New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI): The Centre on Sunday announced standard operating procedures (SOPs) for resuming shooting of films and TV programmes, and these include measures such as social distancing and mandatory use of face cover or masks for cast and crew, except for actors in front of camera.

The guiding principles and SOPs on preventive measures for media production to contain the spread of COVID-19 were announced

by Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar.

He asserted that these measures will facilitate resumption of shooting and

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7

‘Dawood’s name in sanctions list’ Global Covid deaths exceed 800,000

Islamabad, Aug 23 (PTI): Days after including India’s most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim on its new sanctions list, Pakistan on Sunday tried to wriggle out of its admission on his presence in the country by claiming that its notifications about the 88 banned terror groups and their leaders were based on the details provided by the UN. Seeking to escape from getting blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, Pakistan on Friday imposed tough financial sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders, including Ibrahim, 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-eMohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar.

The Pakistan government ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable properties of these outfits and individuals, and freezing of their bank accounts.

Underworld don Ibrahim, who heads a vast and multifaceted illegal business, has emerged as

Dawood Ibrahim

India’s most wanted terrorist after the 1993 Mumbai bombings.

In 2003, the US declared Ibrahim as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. India has repeatedly asked the Government of Pakistan to hand over Ibrahim to India so that he can be prosecuted for the crimes committed by him.

It is reported that Ibrahim is based in the southern port city of Karachi.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a midnight statement in response to the media reports that Islamabad had admitted in the two new notifications issued on August 18 that

Ibrahim was residing in the country.

It said that the SROs (Statutory Regulatory Orders) issued reflect the information contained in the list entry of UN designated individuals/entities.

It said the reports in certain sections of the media about Pakistan imposing new sanctions measures, through these SROs, were not factual.

The assertions made by some sections of the media, as to Pakistan admitting to the “presence of certain listed individuals on its territory, based on the information contained in the SRO, are

Wildfires continue to rage across California

baseless and misleading”, it claimed.

“It is once again reiterated that the information contained in the SRO is reproduced as per the details in the list entry of the individuals/entities designated under the two sanctions regime, which is publicly available, and contains names of individuals who despite their confirmed deceased status still continue to be on the sanctions list,” it said.

The Foreign Office said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued two consolidated SROs on August 18, reflecting the current status of the UN Taliban and ISIL (Da’esh) and AQ Sanctions list.

These lists contain names of individuals and entities designated under the two sanction regimes established pursuant to the UN Security Council resolutions, it said, adding that the consolidated SROs are issued periodically as a routine matter.

Similar SROs have been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the past, as per statutory requirements to meet our international obligations.

Four dead as flooding hits Turkey

The last such SROs were issued in 2019, the Foreign Office said.

The Paris-based FATF put Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019, but the deadline was extended later due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Though various sanctions were in place against almost all of those listed by the UNSC, the Pakistan government through the new notifications on Friday consolidated and documented the previously announced measures, Pakistani media reports said on Saturday.

The UNSC Sanctions Committee deals with sanctions on entities and individuals declared as terrorists. All states, including Pakistan, are bound to implement the sanctions which include assets freeze, an arms embargo, and travel ban.

It is believed that the latest move by the Pakistan government is part of its efforts to wriggle out of the grey list of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog FATF.

600,000 to 700,000.

The U.S. death toll surpassed 170,000 on Sunday, the highest in the world.

While the number of new cases is down from a peak in July, the country is still seeing over 360,000 new cases a week.

Many public schools and universities reopened classrooms to students despite positive test rates of nearly 20% in some parts of the country. Less than a week after welcoming students, some schools are switching to online-only learning due to a spike in infections.

In India, the world’s second-most populous country, COVID-19 deaths topped 50,000 on Monday,

five months after the country reported its first coronavirus fatality.

India is only the third country, behind Brazil and the United States, to record more than 2 million infections. It has a relatively low case fatality rate of 1.9%, compared to the world average of 3.5%, but that may be due to underreporting.

Case fatality rates are about 3% in the United States and Brazil.

Health experts have raised the alarm that Brazil and the United States still have no coordinated plan to fight the pandemic, as many officials focus on reopening schools and businesses, which is likely to worsen the outbreak.

TikTok’s parent company to launch legal action against US over ban

At least 13 dead in stampede in Peru

A n k a r a , Au g 2 3 (Agencies): Four people have died in floods caused by heavy rain along Turkey’s Black Sea coastline, the interior minister said Sunday.

A further 11 people were missing after flooding around the mountain town of Dereli in Giresun province.

“So far, 127 of our citizens have been rescued in search and rescue (efforts),” Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said while visiting the town.

One of the dead was a police officer whose vehicle was swept away by the floods.

Television footage showed vehicles and debris being carried by floodwater along the main road of Dereli, which lies around 12 miles (20 kilometers) inland. Soylu said 118 villages in the region had been cut off.

Heavy rain along the Black Sea coast on Saturday evening also saw apartment buildings evacuated after landslides in Rize province, 110 miles east of Giresun.

Beijing, Aug 23 (PTI): Chinese firm ByteDance, which owns video-sharing platform TikTok, said on Sunday it will file a lawsuit against the US government over President Donald Trump’s executive order banning American transactions with the popular app while preparing plan to shut down its business in the country.

Trump signed executive orders on August 6 that would prevent TikTok and WeChat from operating in the US as they threatened America’s national security and economy.

Under the executive order, any transactions with ByteDance subject to US jurisdiction will face prohibition in 45 days or by midSeptember.

US officials are concerned that the company could pass data on American users to the Chinese government. But ByteDance has denied this.

A separate order issued by the Trump administration on August 14 gave ByteDance 90 days to divest the US operations of TikTok. ByteDance is in talks with potential acquirers like Microsoft and Oracle.

Children above 12 yrs should wear masks: WHO

We don’t have to do business with China, says Trump

A firefighter walks along Highway 9 while monitoring flames from the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire in Boulder Creek, Calif.

Los Angeles, Aug 23 (IANS): Massive wildfires have continued to wreak havoc across the US state of California, with more than 1 million acres of land set ablaze and tens of thousands residents forced to evacuate.

The latest flare-ups were caused by several thousand lightning strikes in recent days, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Saturday, CalFire, the state’s fire department, said that people should brace for more lightning till Tuesday and make further evacuation plans.

According to local authorities, at least five deaths were linked to the wildfires that are believed to be the “largest ever”.

So far, nearly 14,000 firefighters were battling to contain the blazes.

However, officials warned that their efforts could be hindered by warm, dry weather and more anticipated lightning.

On Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for much of the northern half of the state.

East of Silicon Valley, the S.C.U. Lightning

Complex group of about 20 fires has increased to 339,968 acres and is now the second-largest in California’s history. It is 10 per cent contained.

The group of fires known as the L.N.U. Lightning Complex in Napa Valley - the third-largest in California history - has burned through 325,128 acres and consumed 845 buildings.

By Saturday, it was 15 per cent contained.

The largest fire recorded in the state was the Mendocino Complex blaze in 2018, according to Cal Fire.

Travelers wear face masks at Beijing West Railway Station in Beijing.

Zurich, Aug 23 (Agencies): The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and K Y M C

11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a onemetre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area,

the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated August 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including

the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

The potential impact on learning and psychosocial development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The WHO first advised people to wear masks in public on June 5 to help reduce the spread of the disease, but had previously not issued specific guidance for children.

Workers lower a casket of a Covid victim at the Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paulo.

Washington, Aug 23 (Agencies): U.S. President Donald Trump, in a Fox News interview airing Sunday, raised the possibility of decoupling the U.S. economy from China, a major purchaser of U.S. goods.

In a video excerpt, Trump initially told interviewer Steve Hilton “we don’t have to” do business with China, and then later said about decoupling: “Well it’s something that if they don’t treat us right I would certainly, I would certainly do that.”

Trump entered into a high-stakes trade war with China before reaching a partial Phase 1 trade deal in January. Trump has since shut the door on Phase 2 negotiations, saying he was unhappy with Beijing’s handling of the pandemic.

In June U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said a decoupling of the U.S. and Chinese economies will result if U.S. companies are not allowed to compete on a fair and level basis in China’s economy.

Washington, Aug 23 (Agencies): The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 800,000 on Saturday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil and India leading the rise in fatalities.

Nearly 5,900 people are dying every 24 hours from COVID-19 on average, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the past two weeks that ended on Friday.

That equates to 246 people per hour, or one person every 15 seconds.

The rate of deaths is holding steady with it taking 17 days to go from 700,000 to 800,000 deaths — the same time it took to go from

“Over the past year, we have earnestly sought to communicate with the US government, and provided solutions regarding its concerns,” ByteDance said in a statement.

“But the US administration disregarded facts, disobeyed necessary legal procedures, and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses,” it said.

“To ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and users are treated fairly, we announce that we will officially file a lawsuit to safeguard our interests,” state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

Besides the lawsuit, the company is also preparing for the worst -- a shutdown

plan to keep its employees in the United States on the payroll, even if the app is shut down in the country.

TikTok has more than 100 million users, over 1,500 employees and thousands of business partners in the US, according to ByteDance.

ByteDance worries that due to the extremely wide scope and highly uncertain content of the US executive order against it, the company is unable to ensure that a solution acceptable to all parties can be reached within the time limit set by the US government, the Xinhua report said.

Besides the company’s lawsuit, its US employees are also planning to take the Trump administration to court over the executive order, it said.

Lima, Aug 23 (Agencies): At least 13 people were crushed to death or asphyxiated as playgoers tried to flee a Lima nightclub raided by police because it was open in violation of restrictions imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.

At least six were injured, including three police officers, as around 120 people tried to escape the Thomas Restobar club on Saturday night as police arrived to break up a party on its second floor, national police and government officials said.

Neighbours had alerted police about the raucous event at the club in the Los Olivos district of the Peruvian capital. “In these circumstances when people begin to fight to get out, it’s tumultuous, everyone goes against each other,” said Orlando Velasco of the National Police.

An Interior Ministry statement said the revellers tried to squeeze en masse through the only entrance door and became trapped between the door and a staircase leading to the street. Police detained at least 23 partygoers, the ministry said.

UN chief urges termination of hate and discrimination U n it e d Nati o n s, Aug 23 (IANS): Marking the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Violence Based on Religious Belief, UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to make efforts to put an end to hate and discrimination.

While warning of a rise in racism since the coronavirus spread across the world, the UN chief in his message on Saturday noted that the pandemic has been accompanied by “a surge in stigma and racist discourse vilifying communities, spreading vile stereotypes and assigning blame”, Xinhua news agency reported.

Guterres listed some of the disturbing examples of discrimination against religious minorities, such as attacks on people and religious sites, and hate crimes and atrocity crimes targeting populations because of their religion or belief.

In order to counter this discrimination, he called for more action to address the root causes of intoler-

Antonio Guterres

ance and discrimination by promoting inclusion and respect for diversity, as well as for the perpetrators of crimes of this nature to be held accountable.

“The right to freedom of religion or belief is firmly entrenched in international human rights law,” said the Secretary-General, adding “and is a cornerstone for inclusive, prosperous and peaceful societies.”

Marked annually on August 22, the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Violence Based on Religious Belief was created by a UN resolu-

tion adopted in May 2019.

It came as response to a rise of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief against individuals, which are often of a criminal nature.

Launching his Strategy on Hate Speech in June 2019, Guterres said that “a groundswell of xenophobia, racism and intolerance, violent misogyny, anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred” are being seen around the world, and noted that, in some places, Christian communities were also being systematically attacked.

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8

sports

Kallis, Abbas and Sthalekar inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Jaques Kallis

Zaheer Abbas

Dubai, Aug 23 (PTI): Legendary South African all-rounder Jaques Kallis, Pakistan batting great Zaheer Abbas and Pune-born former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar were on Sunday inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame.

Among the finest allrounders to ever play the game, Kallis represented South Africa in 166 Tests, 328 ODIs and 25 T20s between 1995 and 2014.

The 44-year-old is Proteas’ highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs with 13289 and 11579 runs respectively. He also picked up 292 and 273 wickets in Tests and ODIs as a fast bowler.

The ICC conducted the ceremony virtually amid the COVID-19 pan-

demic. It was attended by, among others, Kallis’ longtime teammate Shaun Pollock and Indian great Sunil Gavaskar.

“He is a colossus. The word fits him like a glove.

No praise is too high for this colossus. Very well deserved to be in this ICC Hall of Fame,” said Gavaskar, who was inducted into the elite club in 2009.

Gavaskar was also all praise for women’s cricket great Sthalekar.

“It is good to have another ‘Kar’ in the ICC Hall of Fame. Well done. You are an inspiration, not just in Australia also in India (as she was born there).

“You have interacted with many cricketers in India including the junior cricketers. You have shown with your feistiness that

Arsenal set to sign Magalhaes from Lille

L o nd o n , A u g 2 3 (Agencies): Arsenal are finally set to complete a deal for Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Gunners have been locked in talks with the 22year-old defender having agreed a fee, believed to be around £25 million ($33m), with Lille last week.

Napoli and Everton have also been pushing hard for the Brazilian and also had bids accepted by the Ligue 1 side.

Lisa Sthalekar But Arsenal have alwomen can play at the ways remained confident of highest level.” Sthalekar getting a deal for their top represented Australia in eight Tests, 125 ODIs and 54 T20s. The third cricketer to be feted in the ceremony was Abbas, hailed as the ‘Asian Bradman’.

“Absolutely delighted.

No one deserves it more than him. Don’t know why it took so long but better late than ever. When you saw him bat, even when it was your team’s expense, you enjoyed his batting.

“His class made you enjoy. His hunger for big runs stood out. I am very happy to call him a friend,” said Gavaskar.

Abbas played 78 Tests and 62 ODIs for Pakistan, accumulating 5062 and 2572 runs respectively. He averaged over 40 in both the formats.

defensive target over the line and now expect to finalise the transfer in the coming days.

Once signed, the centre-back will become the north London club’s second capture of the summer window, following on from the addition of fellow Brazilian Willian, who joined on a free transfer from Chelsea.

Gabriel’s arrival will be a major boost to Mikel Arteta, who has viewed the singing of a left-footed centre-back as a priority this summer.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

Western & Southern Open: Murray wins round 1

New York, Aug 23 (Agencies): Andy Murray claimed a hard fought 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-1 first-round win over American Frances Tiafoe at the Western and Southern Open on Saturday, as the ATP Tour made a jarring return from a fivemonth COVID-19 hiatus.

From a tournament normally played in Cincinnati but moved to New York because of the coronavirus pandemic to masked ball boys and girls, there was very little normal about the return of professional men’s tennis.

Working his way back

Andy Murray

to match fitness after undergoing a second hip surgery in January, Murray got his first tournament of 2020 off to a positive start by

surviving a near two-hour, 30-minute challenge from Tiafoe to reach the second round. If Murray’s game showed rust, his battling instincts remained sharp, particularly in the first set tiebreak when he trailed 5-2 before fighting back to take control.

Tiafoe secured his only break to go up 5-4 in the second on the way to leveling the match but Murray, twice Western and Southern champion, broke the young American at the first opportunity in the third and closed out victory.

New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS): Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik has expressed her displeasure at missing out on the Arjuna awards, in a tweet addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju.

“I am proud to have been conferred the Khel Ratna.

Every sportsperson dreams of winning all the awards.

A sportsperson puts her life at risk for it. I also dream of seeing Arjuna award winner against my name,” the wrestler wrote in a message.

“Which other medal should I get for the country to be honoured with the Arjuna award? Or in this wrestling life, I would never have the good luck of winning this award?”

Sakshi said. She has in the

past bagged Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India.

The selection committee had recommended 29 names for the Arjuna awards to the Sports Ministry. The list also included Sakshi and 2017 weightlifting world champion Mirabai Chanu, but the final decision was left to the discretion of the Ministry.

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Sakshi unhappy after Arjuna award snub

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