August 31, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 266

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Arsenal lift FA Community Shield

Follow us on

sports, Page 8

@Nagaland_Post

Delimitation panel to visit 4 NE states

NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (PTI): Delimitation Commission, set up to redraw the constituencies of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, will visit the North Eastern states and the Union Territory after preparing a “broad framework” of the delimitation exercise, officials said.

The commission will also seek views and inputs of its “associate members” -- a group of Lok Sabha members and MLAs -- after drawing up the broad framework.

“First the broad framework has to be developed on carving out constituencies based on the 2011 Census.

Only then would the Delimitation Commission visit the states to meet locals. Once the framework is drawn, it would also interact with associate members to seek their views and inputs,” said an official aware of the developments.

The delimitation panel will redraw the Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies of the four North Eastern states and, work on increasing the assembly seats of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as per the

Won’t let students’ academic year be wasted: Minister NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (IANS): Amid the furore over the holding of JEE and NEET exams next month, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said that his Ministry is fully prepared for safe conduct of both these exams and is committed to ensuring the safety of the students.

The gover nment doesn’t want a zero academic session as the students will have to bear a huge loss, he said. “We are committed to a bright future of our students.”

The JEE Main and NEET examinations were scheduled to be held in April-May but due to the Covid-19 outbreak, they were postponed to July, and finally it was announced that the examinations will be conducted in September.

Nishank told IANS that many parents, students and teachers across the country have written to him, requesting that the exams be conducted as the aspirants have been preparing from last year.

He appealed to the students to give the exams diligently and not to worry about the safety of the examination centres.

This is it!

“Our strategy on tackling the virus? Well, man proposes and government disposes.”

K Y M C

Commission to deliberate on ‘broad framework’ of the delimitation exercise with states provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. The Delimitation Commission for the four north-eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir was set up in March.

It is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai (retd). Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra is the representative of the Election Commission in the delimitation panel while state election commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir and the four states are its ex-officio members.

In May, the Lok Sabha Speaker had nominated 15 MPs from Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh as “associate members” of the Commission to assist the panel in redrawing parliamentary and assembly constituencies of the NE states and J&K. It may be mentioned that the Centre has moved a proposal to amend the Representation of the Peo-

ple (RP) Act 1950 to give legality to its March 6 order setting up a Delimitation Commission for Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. The Law Ministry had notified the Delimitation Commission for the four North East states and J&K on March 6.

The move to make suitable amendments to the R.P. Act follows after a former legal advisor to EC S K Mendiratta pointed out the conflict between the law ministry notification setting up the Delimitation Commission for delimitation in J&K and the four North Eastern states, and Section 8 of the Act that only empowers EC to take up this task.

Mendiratta, in a letter to EC, said any delimitation by the Delimitation Commission in the said states would not withstand judicial scrutiny and is set to be declared as “null and void” by the courts. The letter was immediately forwarded to

the law ministry for action.

According to reports, the Law Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), agreed to amend the RP Act 1950 to permit the Delimitation Commission to conduct the exercise in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. The amendment would provide a legal basis for the March 6 order.

The Law Ministry had also reached out to the EC this month for comments, and the latter is learned to have okayed the proposal.

The last delimitation exercise, that started in 2002 and ended in 2008, had kept out Arunachal, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland as the use of the 2001 Census for it had been challenged by several organisations before the Gauhati High Court, on the ground that it was riddled with defects.

2020 Census unlikely: The first phase of the Census and the exercise to update the National Population Register (NPR), scheduled for this year but deferred due to the coronavirus outbreak, may be delayed by a year as there is no sign of slowdown of the pandemic.

(Full report on p-5)

State to go ahead with JEE-NEET exams JEE mains from Sep 1-6 NEET exams on Sep 13 1851 JEE candidates 2542 NEET candidates Correspondent KO H I M A , AU G 3 0 (NPN): Despite stiff opposition by certain States allowing holding of Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET 2020) in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, National Testing Agency (NTA) is all set to conduct the exams across the country, including Nagaland.

The exams centres will be in Dimapur and Kohima.

In a letter to the deputy commissioners of Dimapur and Kohima, the Home department informed that the JEE mains and NEET

exams to be conducted by the NTA is scheduled to be held from September 1 to 6 (JEE) and on September 13 (NEET).

Altogether 1851 candidates will be appearing for the JEE exams in two shifts.

In Dimapur, four centres have been marked-NIT Chümoukedima, Patkai Christian College, Delhi Public School and Unity College and in Kohima one centre at ION Digital Zone Idz Pezielietsie.

For NEET, 2542 candidates have registered for the exams, which will be held across four centres in Dimapur-- Delhi Public School, Kendriya Vidyalaya (CRPF), SD Jain HSS, Livingstone Foundation HS and in Kohima-- G. Rio school, NIE&ILT Meriema, Modern College.

When contacted, National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) deputy

director and JEE/NEET coordinator for Kohima Morimenba informed Nagaland Post also confirmed that the exams will be held as scheduled in Nagaland.

He said that there was no new directive and hence the directive of NTA would be followed to make necessary arrangements for conduct of the tests.

Mentioning that some forms that were required to be submitted were done on Sunday, he added that “NTA is looking forward to conduct the exams.”

It may be mentioned that a review petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against the August 17 order dismissing the petition seeking postponement of NEET-JEE Main 2020 exams.

The review petition was filed in individual capacity by the non-BJPruled States of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab and Chattisgarh.

nagalandpostofficial

WSH takes bold step towards combating crimes D I M A P U R , AU G 3 0 (NPN): Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has taken a bold step towards fighting crimes and promoting security especially within its jurisdiction.

This was revealed in a letter from WSH president Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi to the Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur. In the letter, the WSH president appraised the CP that the hoho has resolved to deal with any Sumi criminal, be it from any faction of NPG or any individual as per Sumi customary laws and practices.

Further, Dr. Zhimomi stated that besides the law of the land, the WSH was compelled to “clean the menace of criminal activities, which has been plaguing our society and our land” by dealing with criminals through Sumi customary laws and practices and as safeguarded by the Indian constitution.

In the light of the WSH resolution, Dr. Zhimomi requested the CP to furnish to the WSH office, the name and details of any Sumi individual involved in criminal activities that leads to arrest.

about involvement of Naga Labour Corps during WWI, formation of Naga Club in 1918 and historic memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 and Naga contribution to allied forces during WWII, declaration of Naga Independence on August 14,1947 and Naga Plebiscite on May 16,1951. Drawing attention on the Framework Agreement (FA) signed between NSCN (I-M) and government of India on August 3,2015 and in contrast to the above chronology of Naga political history , WC said the opening lines of the FA read“ the political conflict is about six decades old.”

WC asked about whose political conflict was the FA signed and which leader or group had the “audacity to sign on a document that states, political conflict started around 1955-56?”.

On “Nagalim” instead

of “Nagaland” in the FA, the WC said it was compelled to state its point.

It said NSCN (I-M) had discarded “Nagaland” and coined “Nagalim” in its political lexicon to propagate a different narrative. However, on the eve of signing of FA, the name “Nagaland” and not “Nagalim” was mentioned, it said.

Drawing attention to NSCN (I-M) statement on August 18, through Hutovi Chishi, Convenor Steering Committee, WC said it was a clear threat against the rest of Naga revolutionary groups, all tribes, sub-tribes in Nagaland and affiliated organisations, NGBF and village chiefs.

Instead, WC said it was the NSCN (I-M) which fell in line with R.N. Ravi when it signed the Framework Agreement on August 3,2015 “without consulting the Naga tribes.” There-

international, Page 7

State COVID tally nears 4000-mark COVID-19 STATUS AS ON august 30, 2020 District

Asymptomatic

Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang Wokha Zunheboto Total

356 1 416 1 9 40 3 1 21 5 21 874

DIMAPUR, AUG 30 (NPN): Nagaland COVID-19 tally inched towards the 4000-mark after 71 fresh cases were reported from across the state on Sunday. With this, the tally as on August 30 stood at 3922 cases-- 887 active, 3017 recovered, 9 deaths and 9 migrated.

According to Health minister, S. Pangnyu Phom 49 new cases were detected in Kohima, 13 in Tuensang, 5 in Mokokchung, 2 each in Zunheboto and Dimapur.

As per the severity of symptoms, 874 cases are asymptomatic,11 mild and 2 moderate cases.

Further, out of the 3,922 positive cases, the distribution across various categories of people include 1,673 cases from the Armed Forces, 1255 returnees, 283 frontline workers and 711 traced contacts.

NEW YORK, AUG 30 (IANS): After Russia and China, the US drug regulator is now willing to consider giving emergency authorisation to a Covid-19 vaccine even before the end of crucial Phase-3 trials, according to the head of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In an interview with the Financial Times published on Sunday, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said emergency authorisation of Covid-19 could be the right decision if the benefits outweigh the risks. The development comes barely a week after US President Donald Trump lashed out at the FDA for its approach to giving drug makers the approvals for testing vaccines and medicines.

Trump accused the FDA of trying to delay the approval process in a bid to harm his prospects in the November elections.

The FDA Commissioner, however, denied that such a move would be influenced by political consideration. “It is up to the (vaccine developer) to apply for authorisation or approval, and we make an adjudication of their application,” Hahn told The Financial Times. “If they do that before the end of phase three, we may find that appropriate. We may find that inappropriate, we will make a determination,” he was quoted as saying.

fore, WC said Naga tribes have “every reason to label NSCN (I-M) as anti-Naga for mishandling the Nagas for twenty three years.”

WC alleged that as part of its “socialist pattern” under the name of Christ, NSCN (I-M) seeks to enforce government ownership, nationalising ancestral tribal lands and resources. In this, WC the NSCN (I-M)’s request to the government of India to make present Intangki National Park and surrounding areas of camp Hebron as “their resettlement and rehabilitation areas as part of the Indo-Naga political solution.”

WC reiterated that Intangki National Park is the common property of Naga people and that neither the Indian parliament nor constitution “can infringe on the land of Nagas, particularly in Nagaland.”

ACTIVE CASES RecovMiTotal Symptomatic Death ered grated Cases Mild Moderate 8 2 1501 1879 9* 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 809 1230 0 3 0 0 3 5 0 1 0 0 18 27 0 0 1 0 232 275 0 2 0 0 265 268 0 0 0 0 31 32 0 0 0 0 46 67 0 0 0 0 19 24 0 0 0 0 93 114 0 0 11 2 3017 3922 9 9

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

US may fast track Covid vax before phase-3 trials

WC responds to NSCN (I-M) over Naga political history D I M A P U R , AU G 3 0 (NPN): Working Committee (WC) of the seven-member Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has issued a press statement expounding on “Who is an anti Naga” in response to the NSCN (I-M). WC maintained that Naga political issue is not six decades-old but over a century beginning with the British expedition to unconquered Naga hills in 1932 under Captain Jenkins and Lieutenant Pemberton .

It said the British force first encountered the Angami Nagas and Kuccha Nagas WC said Angamis offered stiff resistance against the British till they were subdued by superior forces and weaponry. WC said the genesis of military conflict between the British expeditionary forces and Nagas is clearly and meticulously documented by historian.

Further, WC reminded

Sweden’s right warns of ‘2nd pandemic’

nagalandpostofficial

3542733

India records world’s biggest single-day jump in virus cases Agencies: India on Sunday set a new COVID-19 record when it reported 78,761 new infections in 24 hours, according to health ministry figures, passing the United States for the world’s highest single-day rise. The COVID-19 tally also zoomed past 35 lakh, just a week after it crossed the 30-lakh mark.

The total coronavirus cases rose to 35,42,733, while the death toll climbed to 63,498 with 948 people succumbing to the diseases in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The recovery rate has increased to 76.61 per cent while the COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.79 per cent.

There are 7,65,302 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 21.60 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India’s COVID-19 cases rose from 20 lakh to 30 lakh in 16 days and 10 lakh to 20 lakh in 21 days.

Aug 26 case: Khango-led NSCN (K) clarifies to DAYO statement DIMAPUR, AUG 30 (NPN): Khango-led NSCN/GPRN (K) has issued a clarification on the refutation issued by Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) that fabricated allegation was levelled against DAYO by NSCN of taking away a lady employee of SymBios Creation Pvt Ltd and also forcibly filing FIR with regard to August 26 incident.

Stating that DAYO must stand corrected, NSCN/GPRN(K) through its MIP said that nowhere in its entirety indicated or implicated DAYO of its involvement in the episode at West PS. Rather, MIP said it was without doubt that the Ao youths, who came in large number to the PS, were from Dimapur and not from any other place as such it was mentioned as Dimapur Ao youths and not as DAYO in any manner.

It further said that the entire episode, that took place inside the West PS on August 26, as narrated in the earlier press statement was also witnessed by the arresting officer Vikishe and staffs of the station and contains no discrepancies as such.

MIP explained that as there was

no clarity on the issue and allegations were being hurled through media, it invited organisations in goodwill to resolve the matter without any malice and was not summoned as assumed.

It further stated that DAYO, Aoyimti Lanur Telongjem (ALT) and SymBios Creation Pvt Ltd were being dragged unnecessarily into the issue as the case of duping/forgery was entirely between Rohit Chaudhury and its cadres for which the meeting was initiated to put to rest the misunderstanding and not for parallel deliberation of the case.

As the case was sub judice, MIP observed that it was an act of perjury on the part of the organisations to have given one-sided condemnation as a kidnapping case instead of allowing the police and judiciary to do their duties as has been expressed by the organisations themselves.

Now, having left with no choice, NSCN/GPRN(K) said that it would also initiate an investigation to ensure that the culprits are punished, irrespective of the affiliations of the accused or suspects.

Governor extends Organizations flay alleged rape of Onam greetings minor in Dmu; accused arrested

D I M A P U R , AU G 3 0 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, R.N. Ravi has extended Onam greetings to the people of Nagaland, especially the Malayalis living in the State.

In his message, Ravi said Onam, harvest festival, is celebrated enthusiastically by the people of Kerala, irrespective of faith or creed, with numerous activities including traditional games, music, dances and feasts. He said the rituals and festivities are vividly captured through the celebrations of Onam by the Malayali diaspora all around the world, transcending all barriers and uniting all in a common brotherhood.

As the festival will be observed in this pandemic situation, Ravi hoped that it ushers unity, safety and (Full text on p-4) prosperity to all.

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, AUG 30 (NPN): Zangkham village council, Mothers ‘ Association (KNSK), Students’ Union and College Students’ Forum of Zangkham village under Tizit sub-division, Mon; Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) and Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) Kohima unit have vehemently condemned the alleged rape of a minor girl in Dimapur.

In a joint statement, Zangkham village council chairman, Wangbat; president KNSK Zangkham village, Ngapkhao; president ZCSU Z. Paiwang and president ZCSF Thingkap Z expressed shock at the inhumane act of the alleged accused-- Nungsang Lemtur alias Nungsangoba 43 years, currently residing at Diphupar ‘B’. They said that the

victim, a bonafide citizen of Zangkham village, was working living as a domestic help in house of the accused.

They said that the victim had alleged that she was sexually harassed and rape four times in several occasions. While condemning the “inhumane and barbaric act”, the organizations urged the concern authority to deliver justice and punish the guilty as per the law.

DENSU: Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union also condemned the alleged rape of the minor by one “Nungsang Lemtur @ Nungsangoba”, a resident of Diphupar B, Dimapur on multiple occasions. DENSU expressed concern over the incident and urged the investigating agency to leave no stone unturned so that justice was delivered in the court of (Cont’d on p-6) law.

K Y M C

state

2 nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: U l t i m a t e l y , d o Online classes lead to acceptance that a complete change in syllabus is needed?

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

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

67% 33% 0%

Next poll

Q: With NPF forming its

own peace mission for getting all on board, will it succeed?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST august 31

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy with a stray t-storm

33 26

Aizawl

A p.m. t-storm in spots

27 21

Guwahati Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.

32 26

A stray a.m. t-storm; cloudy

28 22

Itanagar Cloudy with thunderstorms

29 23

Shillong

Cloudy with thunderstorms

24 19

Kohima

Cloudy with heavy t-storms

25 19

Imphal

Dimapur A stray afternoon t-storm Mkg

A shower and t-storm around

Tuensang Cloudy with thunderstorms

32 24 26 19 20 16

Cloudy with a t-storm or two

26 21

Zunheboto A shower and t-storm around

23 18

Wokha

TWUD condolence D I M A P U R : Te n y i m i Women Union Dimapur (TWUD) has condoled the demise of late Dietho Pfukha, husband of Kerilhouvie Pfukha, vice president of TWUD on August 29. In a condolence note

by TWUD president Neivi Khusoh and general secretary, Tenyele Rengma conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and pray that the departed soul rest in peace.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

ATMAs conduct trainings and demonstrations across Nagaland

DIMAPUR: Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) have been conducting various trainings and demonstrations for farming community across Nagaland, towards boosting their individual as well as economy of the state.

AT M A L o n g l e n g block: ATMA Longleng block organized within district farmers training at KVK training hall on August 29. A press release by PD ATMA & DSO Longleng, T. Mhao Humtsoe stated that, training was organized for piggery farmers with the objective of improving the production of pigs with proper nutrition and diet. Resource person Dr. Lily ACTO (animal science) KVK Longleng spoke on the balanced feeding of pigs with locally available feed resources for profitable rearing. She also advised the farmers on the prevention of common diseases in pigs.

Programme concluded with distribution of anthelmintic bolus and mineral mixture bolus to the farmer participants. Altogether 18 farmers from the block participated in the training programme.

ATMA Ahthibung block: ATMA, Ahthibung block, Peren, conducted trainings, demonstration and field day for two consecutive days on August 25 and 26, at New Chalkot and Saijang villages respectively.

A press release by ATMA Ahthibung block, stated that ATM Lireni Lotha, trained farmers on pest and disease management in king chilly, further suggesting farmers to practice integrated approach of pest disease management to sustain natural resources for future.

Step by step demonstration on preparation of “neem leaf extract” from fresh neem leaves available in the village was also carried out.

Fur thermore, field day-cum-training and dem-

Farmers with ATMA functionaries at the KVK training hall on August 29.

ATMA functionaries with farmer participants at the field day programme.

Farmers with ATMA functionaries during the inauguration of farm school at Aghunaqa block.

Farmer participants at Tseminyu town during the training conducted on August 25.

Participants at the training and demonstration held at Aotsakili village on August 26.

ATMA functionaries with farmers at paddy farm school on August 24 at Ganeshnagar village.

onstration programmes was organised at Saijang village, wherein farmers were trained on benefits of implementing integrated approach towards pest and disease management in ginger cultivation.

Another demonstration on preparation of fungicide Bordeaux mixture

by BTM, Lhaihoichong Singson, was carried out.

She also briefed farmers on necessary recantations and procedure during applications of fungicide. Altogether, 30 farmers attended the programme and seed money was given to Molhoi SHG of New Chalkot and Chunnoum FSG of Saijang village.

AT M A A g h u n a q a block: ATMA, Dimapur, Aghunaqa block inaugurated farm school on mixed farming on August 29, by Waty Jamir AFA, Aghunaqa block, department of Agriculture as a resource person.

A press release by

ATMA Dimapur stated that, during the inauguration progamme the resource person urged the farmers to coordinate and work together to increase their income.

Chuba Yimchunger was appointed as a farm school teacher and the concept of farm school and the role of farm teacher were explained

by Vinatoli BTM. In the afternoon, demonstration on chilli and radish was conducted at Hukai village with Dr. Rovizelhou Kuotsu, ATM as resource person. He showed practical demonstration on nursery raising of chilli and radish.

He also explained the methods of proper spacing, application of farm manures, irrigation and management of pest and disease.

AT M A Ts e m i n y u block: ATMA Tseminyu block conducted training on piggery farming at Tseminyu town on August 25, with BTM Tseminyu block, Dr. Vibeilie Joseph Keretsu as resource person.

A press release by ATMA Tseminyu block stated that, resource person highlighted the importance of piggery farming, especially for meat demand in a place like Nagaland where majority of the pork meat consumed is imported from other states.

Demonstration on pig housing at pig farm run was also demonstrated by progressive farmer Loguseng Tsela. Farmers also visited a piggery farm school as an exposure trip run by local progressive farmer Hisinlo Tep. Farmers were taught how to feed the pig with balance ration, housing with proper drainage, ventilation and roofing.

AT M A A k u h a i t o block: ATMA Akuhaito block under Zunheboto district conducted one day training and demonstration on August 26 at Aotsakili and Lokobomi villages on the topic “Training on agriculture investment during the COVID-19 crisis to meet

the local needs”. Kaiho Achumi ATM Akuhaito block as resource person encouraged farmers as a financial opportunity to identify the sector assets that can be selectively invested, such as on particular groups of vegetables, fruits and even livestock in which the village and district was dependent on neighboring states. Azungla Longchar BTM Akuhaito block was resource person for the demonstration with the topic “Cultivation practices of pea to ensure food security in the area during COVID19”. A total of 18 farmers attended the programme.

ATMA Dhansiripar block: ATMA Dhansiripar block in collaboration with department of Agriculture, Dimapur inaugurated paddy farm school at Ganeshnagar village on August 24.

A press release by ATMA Dhansiripar block stated that, Moainla, BTM Dhansiripar block at the inaugural programme high-

NUVC and LCD initiate cleanliness drives

lighted that the setting up of farm school would promote opportunity for dissemination of farmer to farmer technology. Keynote address was delivered

by Lipok, AFA, Dimapur motivated the participants by saying that adoption of proper cultivation techniques will serve as a great potential. Parmenas, a pioneer in paddy farming in his village was appointed as farm school teacher. Hands on demonstration on application of bio-pesticide were demonstrated by Moainla, BTM. Altogether 10 farmers attended the inaugural programme.

ATMA Zubza Block: Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Sechu Zubza block conducted a field day, training and demonstration programme on August 24 at Dzulerudi, Khonoma.

A press release by the block stated that during the training and demonstration programme, farmer

friend of Khonoma village, Methaheto Chase, who is a seasoned farmer, spoke on “alder based cultivation”.

He said alder cultivation was a model of sustainable land-use because it does not require high soil fertility.

Chase said conversion of wasteland into agricultural land through this system was very efficient.

In a demonstration on “cultivation practices and pest disease management of winter crops”, ATM, Ketsivino Nakhro highlighted the importance of management practices to prevent and protect crops from pests and diseases. On-site demonstration using cultural methods to mitigate pests and diseases using sticky traps and using botanicals such as garlic and neem were done. Field day on nursery bed preparation of carrot, coriander and broccoli was also conducted where the importance and need of raising a nursery bed was highlighted by ATM, Ketsivino.

1 ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved Father Lt. Khehoto Chishi

One year has passed since you keft us for Heaven, yet we miss you each and everyday with silent tears remembering your teachings and humbleness.

NUVC chairman along with GBs, VDBs, women and youth societies, church leaders during the drive.

DIMAPUR: Naga United Village Council along with GBs, VDBs, women society, youth society, students union, churches’ office bearers and Leo Club of Dimapur (LCD) carried out cleanliness drives at their respective jurisdictions.

Naga United Village: Naga United Village Council, GBs, VDBs, women society, youth society, students union and churches office bearers conducted the cleanliness drive at the Chathe river side area on August 29.

A press release by Naga United Village stated

that, in a short meeting held at the village entry gate, the village council chairman challenged all to take a stand for the good of the community. He also encouraged the churches to come together to support through prayer. On the same note, he further warned all the people who come to drink alcohol, abuse drugs, indulge in immoral activities and throw garbage in the village area would be fined Rs 5000.

Strict discipline will be initiated as per the village resolution, he added.

LCD: Leo Club of Dimapur (LCD) cleaned

the Flyover Bridge near Railway Station, an area allotted to them by Dimapur Municipal Council.

A press release by LCD PRO Sneha Jain stated that, the initiative was supported and witnessed by the executive members of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU).

LCD also felicitated the sanitary workers for their social services rendered. Cleanliness drive was conducted under the chairmanship of Ankit Paharia and leadership of Vishal Patni.

Shamator lockdown for 48 hours DIMAPUR: Five positive cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Shamator town, which has so far been a safe zone. The cases detected are 3 males and 2 females asymptomatic on August 28.

According to DIPR report, the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Shamator and chairman Task Force for COVID-19, Lankonsen Tsanglao in this regard has imposed 48 hours total lockdown on August 30 and 31.

All movements have been prohibited except medical emergency/services, administration, police, security forces, COVID-l9 duty, funeral. All business K Y M C

We still think of you

LCD members along with sanitary workers during the cleanliness drive at Flyover Bridge, Dimapur.

establishments shall be strictly closed except pharmacies. Gathering of people, all places of worship, banks, Aadhar enrollment centre, etc shall remain closed until further order.

Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) also reported that due to self isolation of nurses and health workers, there has been acute shortage of medical staff.

However, team of medical workers from Tuensang, consisting of 2 doctors and 3 surveillance workers have reportedly reached Shamator for further contact tracing.

forever in our Hearts.

1 ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Lt. YEVIHE ACHUMI

Born on : 01/01/1942 Died on : 31/08/2019

Loving Wife, Children, In-laws & Grandchildren.

DP-3661

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches..."

Proverbs 22:1

Dated :- 31/08/2019

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day, No longer in our life to share but in our hearts, you are always there.

DP-3636

Loving Wife, Children & relatives.

1 ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of LT. IMYANGERBA AO

One year has passed since you left us. We can’t touch you anymore, can’t hear your sweet voice, and can’t see your loving smile. But we can feel you all the time because you are alive in our hearts. Dad, we miss you.

Loving wife, Children and Grandchildren.

DP-3667

The family of the LATE WOREMO HUMTSOE who peacefully went home to be with his Creator on the 23rd Aug 2020, would like to express deep appreciation and sincere thanks to all our friends, relatives, neighbours and churches, who stood by us and supported us in our moment of grief and loss. Your kind expression of sympathy and friendship will always remain in our memories.

God bless you.

Children, in-laws, grandchildren and great grand children DP-3669

K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

Northeast/State

3

Cannabis seized from truck in KA

Man arrested for cruelty to animal in Mnp

Covid takes toll on Assam, Tripura Assam likely to face oxygen crisis; Tripura’s situation critical

G u wahati / Agar tala, Aug 30 (IANS): Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Assam government is apprehending a crisis of oxygen and is trying to import it from neighbouring West Bengal and Jharkhand, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

On the other hand, in Tripura, with a positivity rate of 21 per cent, the Covid-19 situation under the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) areas is very alarming. Sarma said that consumption of oxygen by Covid and noncovid patients is gradually increasing in Assam since last month and currently per day oxygen requirement is 33 MT against the state’s production capacity of 37.86 MT per day.

“As on Saturday 433 patients are on oxygen support. If the number of Covid and non-covid patients increased, it would be a serious challenge for the health department to manage the oxygen. If we at all manage oxygen from West Bengal and Jharkhand, it would also be a tough task to carry the oxygen in time,” he told

Himanta Biswa Sarma (File)

the media.

According to the Minister, Assam’s Covid-19 positive cases increased to 1,01,367 with 81,070 patients recovered from the disease and 286 people succumbed to the disease.

There are 20,008 Covid-19 infected people under treatment on Saturday across the state. Of the total of 286 deaths took place due to Covid-19 so far in Assam, 183 people died in six of the state’s 33 districts -- Kamrup (Metro 64), Dibrugarh (39), Cachar (25), Tinsuikia (20), Karimganj (18) and Kamrup (Rural 17).

With the mortality rate due to coronavirus 0.28 per cent, Sarma claimed that

the fatality rate of Assam is lowest in the country though it was earlier this month 0.24 per cent. “Assam so far completed testing of 21.47 Lakh samples. With 62,606 per million tests, Assam climbed to third position in the category in India after Delhi and Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

After Assam, Tripura with 10,879 Covid-19 positive cases becomes the second most affected state among the eight northeastern states. With 96 deaths due to the coronavirus, Tripura’s mortality rate is 0.88 per cent against Assam’s 0.28 per cent.

In Tripura, 7,232 people have recovered from the

disease while 3,529 active cases were reported on Saturday night.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who also holds the Health Department, said that Covid-19 crisis in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) areas is extremely alarming with the positivity rate of 21 per cent against the alarming ratio of 10 per cent.

Around five lakh people reside in the AMC areas.

“Of the 49 wards in the AMC, 753 coronavirus positive cases found in nine wards. To avoid the gatherings in the government offices, 50 per cent employees of group “C” and “D” employees would be allowed to attend the office per day,” Deb said in locally televised speech through the television channels.

With the rise in Covid19 cases, the Tripura government from Saturday suspended the “Neighbourhood Classes”, which was started by the education department on August 20 in open spaces (outside the class rooms) with five students in each group to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the school students.

BOKAJAN, AUGUST 30 (AGENCIES): In a major development, Khatkhati police seized a huge consignment of banned Ganja from a 12-wheeler truck along the Assam-Nagaland border here on Sunday.

As per reports, based on a specific information, the khatkhati police searched the cabin of a truck bearing Registration number NL 01 AD 7670 and recovered approximately 400 Kilograms of cannabis concealed under secret compartments inside the cabin. The approximate face value of the seized cannabis is estimated to be Rs 40 Lakh in the black market.

There has been a recent spike in smuggling of banned psychopathic drugs including cannabis into Assam through Karbi Anglong.

Most of the drugs from the infamous Golden triangle also enter Assam through Karbi Anglong. Recently, the Manza police intercepted a truck and seized 4000 banned ‘WY’ tablets worth 4 Crore in the black market. Earlier in May, the khatkhati police seized a truck carrying 210 Kilogram Ganza concealed under secret compartment attached to the cabin of the truck.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Aug 30: A man who tied a dog to his motorcycle and dragged it along the road before killing it for consumption was arrested by police along with his friends on Sunday.

The police arrested the man a video showing him dragging the live dog on the road in a video went viral on social media on Sunday.

The complaint was jointly lodged by animal activists; Yening Animal Foundation (YAF), Imphal and Manipur Dog Lovers’ Club (MDLC) at Lamphel police station of Imphal West district.

Motilal Thiyam, a resident of Lairikyengbam Leikai in Imphal East district was arrested by the police along with his friends at Nagaram locality this afternoon. They were picked up by the police while cooking the dog in the locality around 2 pm on Sunday.

A member of YAF who strongly condemned the cruelty meted out to the dog said, “We are very shocked to see the video clip and

A man seen dragging a dog tied to his motorcycle before killing it for consumption in Imphal on Sunday. (NP)

would like to appeal to stop cruelty against the animal.”

She demanded befitting action against the arrested man as per law as a lesson to those who inflict cruelty on animals, particularly pets.

Informing that they had raised the matter with the state chief minister, she drew the attention of the higher authorities of the

state government.

“Please kindly do the needful to the dog meat eaters as per the law of the land. Slaughtering of dogs has increased and become a regular habit or rather behaviour during the last few months, especially during this crucial time -lockdown,” YAF and MDLC stated in a memorandum submitted to the chief minister.

Assam frees 25 B’deshis for visa violations Two incidents of mob violence in Assam in 48 hours

Dhaka, Aug 30 (IANS): A court in India’s Assam state has ordered release of 25 Bangladeshi nationals who have been languishing in jail since May for breaching terms and conditions of their visas, an activist said.

S.M. Abraham Lingkon, convener of the Bangladesh-India Border Victim Rescue Committee, said the development came following a request from Bangladesh.

A Dhubri court on Saturday dropped the charges against the 25 Bangladeshi nationals and ordered them to be released, Lingkon said quoting Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commissioner in Guwahati, Tanvir Mansur.

Hailing from Kurigram’s Chilmari upazila, they went to India on tourist visas but had been working as fishermen and farm workers.

On May 3, Indian po-

lice had arrested 26 Bangladeshi nationals from Dhubri when they were on their way home. They intended to enter Bangladesh through the Changrabandha check post.

Police filed a case against them alleging that they flouted visa conditions, by working though their visas do not allow them to do so. Since then, they have been in jail, and one of them also died there on July 1.

Condolences for passing away of former principal DGC

DIMAPUR: Dimapur G ove r n m e n t C o l l e g e Alumni (DGCA), MB Foundation Dimapur, Pranab Vidyapith Hr. Sec. School (PVHSS) faculty have condoled the demise of late professor N. Imsen Ao, former principal of Dimapur Government College on August 30 morning at Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur.

DGCA: Dimapur G ove r n m e n t C o l l e g e Alumni (DGCA) in a condolence note by president, K. Temjen Jamir described late Imsen at a humble, calm, righteous man who had served the college selflessly and with total dedication towards the cause of education during the formative period of Nagaland state.

DGCA stated that late Imsen had worked tirelessly along with his team

in the college everyday and the present Dimapur Government College was the fruit of such sacrifices and laborious efforts made by few pioneers like professor N. Imsen Ao. DGCA added that, physically he may be gone but his works and contributions will live forever with as his legacy and an inspiration for all.

DGCA conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray that God grant solace to them and the departed teacher to rest in peace.

M B Fo u n d a t i o n Dimapur: Manik Bhattacharjee Foundation (MB Foundation) Dimapur organizer, Monoj Bhattarcharjee on behalf of the foundation stated that, late Imsen will always be remembered as a dedicated teacher, educationist and

a man with a wonderful personality. Monoj also stated that, his late father Manik Bhattarcharjee and late Imsen had known each other since 1966 when the latter was lecturer at DGC and Manik was in the governing body. Monoj further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

PVHSS: The secretary, principal, the teaching a nd non-tea c hing staff of Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), Dimapur in a condolence note, described late Imsen as a perfect gentleman and an educationist who had dedicated his whole life towards the field of education. PVHSS faculty shares in the grief of the bereaved family members and prays that his soul rest in heavenly abode.

Books released during CFD general meet

Members of CFD along with author, Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo during release of the books.

DIMAPUR: Two books on “Learning life values from living heroes” and “Total healing the power of love” was released by Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo evangelist, pastor, writer, educator, theologian and former general secretary NBCC on August 25.

K Y M C

A press release from, CFD secretary, Fr. C.P. Anto stated that the two books were released during the Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) general body meeting which was held on August 25. CFD adviser, Rev. R.P. Murry pronounced the blessing over the books and

Rev. Moses Murry, chairman congratulated the work of Rev. Dr. P. Dozo who has been a source of inspiration for all the pastors. Rev. Dozo has also authored eleven other books and his goal is to raise generation of integrity through Bible based education.

GUWAHATI,AUG 30 ( AGENCIES): Two incidents of mob attacks within the period of 48 hours have rocked northeast India’s Assam. While Sabin Gour was killed after a family feud turned violent in central Assam’s Biswanath, Majen Nath is recovering from a brutal beating by locals in Western Assam’s Bongaigaon who thought they caught him trying to steal from a

home, reports NDTV. According to eyewitnesses, Sabin, a daily wage labourer in Pratapgarh tea estate, about 9 km from Biswanath Chariali, the district headquarters, was tied to a tree and was beaten by his brother Nabin Gour’s friends after he allegedly attacked him.

“Sabin and Nabin, both daily wage labourers got into a fight on Thursday during which Sabin beat

Nabin with a sharp object.

Nabin was immediately taken to the nearby hospital where he is undergoing treatment. On Friday, Nabin’s friends, on getting the information came looking for Sabin, tied him to a tree nearby and beat him,” the police said.

By the time Biswanath police took Sabin to the hospital, he had already died.

“We have picked up Lepa Nayak, Bhaya Nayak,

Lala Nayak and Mahesh Gor in this connection,” the police said.

The police, however, managed to rescue Majen Nath in time on Saturday when locals were still beating him in Devangaon about 18 km from the district headquarters, Bongaigaon town.

“Majen, a habitual addict, had silently snuck up in the wee hours of Saturday inside Kamleshwar Nath’s

house and slept there. A woman, found him lying on the floor and on not recognising, locked him inside and called locals. They came and started beating him,” the police said.

“Nath has been taken to the nearest, Boitamari police station where it was found that he was not a thief but an addict who found the doors ajar and went into sleep in his fit of high,” the police said.

State

PC organises CBTP for peace animators behaviour, thoughts as well as manage stress, one would be fit to accomplish the other vows of life.

Sr. Theresa, in her speech, delivered an insight on “Spirituality of inner peace” on how every nation practices peace and motivated everyone on becoming aware of one’s life and how one could contribute in creating peaceful space within

Participants at the CBTP for district animators organised by PC and held for three days at Dimapur.

DIMAPUR: Peace Channel (PC) Dimapur, organized 3-day capacity building training programme (CBTP) for district animators on August 26, 27 and 29, under the topics, inner peace, self-management, heart of listening and skill development for a team of Peace Channel animators

who were spread across various districts of Nagaland, involved in upbringing of achieving Nagaland a peaceful state by 2030.

A press release by Peace Channel media desk, stated that, resource persons for the training programme included director, PC, Fr. Dr. C.P Anto, and Sr. Theresa. Fr.

Dr. C.P Anto spoke on the topics, “Strengthening inner strength in peace building” and “Self-management” in which, he stated that in order to accept oneself, one has to defeat fear to receive inner strength. He also emphasised on self-management as a goal setting, as he believed that if one is able to control

ASUD, USTD condemn August 26 kidnapping case

DIMAPUR: While extending its support to DAYO for carrying out its resolution to safeguard the lives and livelihood of its bonafide members, the Ao Students Union Dimapur (ASUD) has also condemned the “cowardice crime” committed by some Khango-led NSCN (K) cadres.

In a condemnation note by ASUD president, Moayanger Jamir and general secretary, Aoneken Walling stated that, “these political group, who are supposed to safeguard our land from all kind of external forces have instead become a threat to our lives and livelihood” and was a matter of big concern for each and every Naga.

In this regard, while urging the law enforcing agencies to give befitting punishment to the culprit(s), the ASUD also called upon every right thinking denizens of Nagaland to come forward and condemn such act.

ASUD further condemned the “allegations and summoned letter” issued to

the self, group and society as people.

Trainer and consultant, PC, Vitono Haralu, moderated the 3-day capacity training on “Ethics and Values”, “Heart of Listening”, “Doors of your thoughts”, “Life Graph” with the purpose to have a check and balance in one’s personal and professional space in life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RÜKUZO!!!

You are a huge blessing to me. Life is so much beautiful with you, thanking the Almighty for your beautiful existence.

Wishing you many more years of happiness and prosperity.

Yours Aye Atolü Happy Birthday Bro, Hope you receive everything you wish for this year. You deserve the best!

Thanks for being such a great brother and a good friend.

Many Many Happy Returns of the day

the DAYO, and stated that it would not tolerate any injustice done nor bent under any pressure to safeguard its citizens and the community.

USTD: Ungma Senso Telongjem Dimapur (USTD) in a condemnation note by president Tekanungba Lkr and general secretary, Lipokmeren Lkr stated that such kind of “shameless and dastardly act” only exposes the level of moral degradation of the perpetrators.

Union also lauded the swift action taken by the West PS Dimapur led by ASI Vikishe Chophy in apprehending the culprits. Union reiterated that if any “untoward incident, wrongful or disingenuous eventualities that might ensue to on the bonafide member and promoter of the company and his staff ”, the union cautioned that it would leave no stone unturned to get justice. USTD appealed the authorities concerned to book the perpetrators as per the fundamental law of the land and award befitting justice to the accused.

K Y M C

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 266 Dimapur, MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

Second transmission wave

A

midst relaxation of lockdown through Unlock 4:0, the coronavirus continues to show spike each day. Lockdown is easing and people are returning to work and shops are lifting their shutters. However, there is yet no vaccine and still a long way from achieving herd immunity. This has put the new-found freedom tainted with fear that a second wave of transmission is in the offing. Hence, after lockdown is relaxed, there is possibility that the virus will return with a bang. This is known as the ‘second wave’. Such a likely scenario was predicted recently based on data of daily COVID-19 cases. The reports said that not only at the all-India level, but 10 of the 20 bigger states in India are showing signs of a second surge. Medical experts around the world have been predicting a second wave of coronavirus infection. Though there was no official study and research that suggest the prevalence of the second wave in India, several countries in Asia are already experiencing the second wave of Coronavirus. Australia is the latest country that is battling the second wave. Medical authorities have pointed out a similarity with the Spanish Flu in 1918-19 that killed between two to five crore people. The virus first appeared in the spring of 1918 but then mutated when it resurged in a more deadlier second wave. Epidemiologists say there is no formal definition of a second wave but they know it when they see it. Adding to the worry, recently there were reports of three persons from Belgium,Netherlands and Hongkong, who had recovered from COVID-19 being re-infected by the same virus. According to Mark Dybul, a professor of global health at Georgetown University Medical Center and former head of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, if testing is slow then there is a much larger base number of infections and that’s much more difficult to control. He said even if countries put really severe restrictions in place, the spread of the virus is happening at a level that’s very difficult to contain. One aspect of quashing the exponential growth of COVID is to flatten the ‘curve’ through lockdowns, intensive tracking and large-scale testing. However in the absence of a vaccine, there is no way of quashing the virus completely. The government’s Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) has another take about the issue of ‘second wave’. This was argued by ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava who said has said that it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of COVID-19 infections. However, another epidemiologist Dr Giridhar Babu and member of the national task force of coronavirus in India said it will take quite sometime for the second wave since India is currently having a prolonged plateau, rather than dipping to the bottom to re-emerge as a second wave. India may also see a jump in the novel coronavirus cases in December 2020 when the winter remains at its peak in the country, according to AIIMS Director, Dr Randeep Guleria. He said that India is also vulnerable to the second wave of coronavirus. Many statements in the past indicated that the number of cases could peak by July 2020. Then, several experts said the peak could come by mid-September.

However, a lot depends on government's efforts and public behaviour.

DailyDevotion Usefulness or Relationship?

Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. —Luke 10:20 Jesus Christ is saying here, “Don’t rejoice in your successful service for Me, but rejoice because of your right relationship with Me.” The trap you may fall into in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service— rejoicing in the fact that God has used you.

Yet you will never be able to measure fully what God will do through you if you do not have a rightstanding relationship with Jesus Christ. If you keep your relationship right with Him, then regardless of your circumstances or whoever you encounter each day, He will continue to pour “rivers of living water” through you (John 7:38). And it is actually by His mercy that He does not let you know it. Once you have the right relationship with God through salvation and sanctification, remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose, as long as you continue to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7).

Our tendency today is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make their request for help on the basis of someone’s usefulness. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure who ever lived. For the saint, direction and guidance come from God Himself, not some measure of that saint’s usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that our Lord gives His attention to in a person’s life is that person’s relationship with God— something of great value to His Father. Jesus is “bringing many sons to glory…” (Hebrews 2:10).

Quotes

Good questions outrank easy answers. ~ Paul Samuelson

RBI income slumps 29 percent. Gives Rs 57.128 crore bonus he pandemic is devastating world economy. Consumption shock is severe. Like the World Bank, RBI is less hopeful of coming out of contraction and even with higher government spending recovery may be delayed.

The RBI annual report 2019-20 indicates negative growth this fiscal. It is critical of stricter sporadic localised lockdowns (LD) disrupting economic activities. Fall in its income leads to bonus payment of Rs 57.128 crore to central government, lower by 67.5 percent from Rs 1.76 lakh crore last year.

Overall the world economy is marked by fall in stock prices, galloping inflation – 15 percent in developed OECD countries. The virus is aggravating conditions. The US is witnessing many demonstrations as cost of living spirals.

The RBI repor t is concerned about firming up of inflation caused by disruption of supplies. It says that heightened volatility in financial markets could also have a bearing on inflation and may affect households. It wants the monetary policy to keep a constant vigil on price

T

Private consumption hit

movements. Official data say retail inflation touched 6.93 percent in July.

India is having difficult situations and is likely to take time to regain pre-covid19 levels despite a small recovery in May and June, the report says. The re-imposition of partial and localized lockdowns is regressive.

It is prolonging growth contraction as investments remain anaemic and dents consumer confidence. The RBI expects government’s rural-focused employment schemes to provide a fillip to rural incomes. In short, the rural sector is supposed to give a push to the growth as wages contract.

Even the state governments squeezed by covid19 and delayed release of GST payments since April, amounting to about Rs 2.35 lakh crore, according to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have put on hold payment of employees’ salaries. Many other government organisations are also in a similar situation. A number of states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Telangana have delayed salary payments. The private sector has either cut up to 70 percent of wages or sacked lakhs.

The farmers are not getting prices for their pro-

duce, markets are agog. recently demonstrated.

Wheat is being sold at The contraction is up to 20 around Rs 1600-1700 a percent or more in GDP in quintal against MSP of the first quarter of 2020-21 Rs 1725. They are getting due to corona lockdown. half the price of last year “Private consumption for corn and millet. has lost its discretionary The RBI contention elements across the board, that despite contracting particularly transport serwages and falling grain vices, hospitality, recreation prices mere government and cultural activities”, the job schemes can raise rural RBI says. The central bank incomes lacks clarity. warns that the situation is The report possibly re- unprecedented as it sees an alizes it and calls for man- overall thaw – ‘retrenchaging food grains output ment in activity’. at 296.65 million tonnes, The RBI says that the a surplus. Horticulture also recovery will happen when reached an all-time high the non-discretionar y of 320.48 million tonnes. spending – expenses that However, these have not people cannot do without increased farmers’ income. like food or essential items Owing to -lead the way covid19 reShivaji Sarkar till a durable strictions it increase in caused supply side problem disposable incomes enand depressed prices for ables discretionary spendfarmers as they could not ing like vacation, and enreach far-off markets. The tertainment. In short, it is annual report has enumer- waiting for people to have ated EC Act and Farmers’ larger disposable or spare Produce Trade and Com- money with them. merce (Promotion and The RBI survey for Facilitation) Ordinance July indicates that consum2020 and Farmers (Em- er confidence has fallen powerment and Protection) to an all-time low, with a Agreement on Price Assur- majority of respondents ance and farm Services Or- reporting pessimism about dinance 2020 to better the the economic situation, conditions of the famers in employment, inflation and an effective and transparent income. manner.

Some new equities This is affecting de- have also come to the fore. mand. The consequence White collar employees is being noticed in produc- can work from home while tion fall as the IIP numbers essential workers have to

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

work on site, exposed to risks of infection. In areas like hospitality, hotels, restaurants, airlines and tourism, employment losses are severe. “The poorest have been hit the hardest”, the report says.

The report is not buoyant about urban consumption either. It has suffered a bigger blow with drop in vehicle and consumer durable sales dropping to one-fifth and one-third of a level a year ago and air traffic grounding to a halt.

Marginally the rural sector is doing better, it says.

The LDs are thawing activities. The total e-way bills issuance till the first ‘unlock’ in June, an indicator of domestic, increased by 70.3 percent in June on a month on month (mo-m) basis. In July, it rose by 11.4 percent m-o-m, 7.4 percent lower than a year ago.

Having said that private consumption is not boosting demand, the report wants government to increase consumption. It may be a good suggestion but is fraught with many risks as government income is hit. If it increases borrowing, taxes would rise further and so would inflation. It’s a doubleedged sword.

The RBI income itself declines by 29 percent. Its gross total income falls to

Rs 149.672 crore as compared to Rs 194,036 crore in 2018-19. Its total expenses are Rs 92,450 crore, including risk provision of Rs 73,615 crore. Its liabilities have also increased.

The central bank has underlined the challenges for the central and state governments with limited headroom. It results in major squeeze, cuts in capital expenditure and consequently hits growth.

Large gover nment debts and contingent liabilities incurred during pandemic are challenges for fiscal roadmap. It calls for credible consolidation plan for debt reduction and deficit over a medium term.

Its solutions aim at more centralization of authority like the GST Council in respect of land, labour and power to drive structural reforms and spreading development widely. The statement is a contradiction in itself as of late the GST payment delays have thrown states in to severe problems.

The RBI needs to rethink about monetization of assets in steel, coal, power, railways and privatization of ports. These would not boost demand, a prerequisite for the turnover in economy. Finally, mini LDs have to end for fast recovery.

Post-mortem

N

aga political struggle is not six decades old: The treaty of Yandaboo took place on 24th February 1826 and soon the British Indian government decided to create a corridor to the east in their newly acquired territories of Assam, Cachar and Manipur for their political and administrative convenience and to keep an eye on the Burmese.

From Fort William in Bengal, the authorities assigned Captain Jenkins and Lieutenant Pemberton, in January 1832, to lead the expedition and gain information on “TERRA INCOGNITA” the unknown and unconquered Naga country. They first came in contact with Angami Nagas and the Kuccha Nagas in the Naga hills.

The fierce, unyielding and stealthy nature of the Nagas terrorised both the British expeditionary force and neighbours in the plains.

The Angami Nagas were the first to encounter and resist British expansionists and the same spirit of resistance lit up in all Naga villages as the Britishers forayed into Naga homeland. In the decades that followed, the British, primarily with their superior firearms against spears and machetes of the Naga tribes, managed to subdue and administer a portion of Naga territory. The genesis of military and political conflict between Nagas and British expeditionary forces is clearly documented meticulously by historians.

From the first British expedition in the Naga Hills in 1832 up till 2015, so many historical events have taken place in Naga homeland. The simmering conflict went on as Naga villages resisted British power by raiding British subjects and assets very often and equally followed by harshest retaliations from the expeditionary forces, often killing inhabitants and burning down entire villages. The enrolment of Naga Labour corps during WWI, the formation of Naga Club in 1918, the historic memorandum submitted to Simon Commission in 1929, the Naga contribution to Allied forces during WWII, the Declaration of Naga independence on 14th August 1947, the Naga plebiscite on 16th May 1951, are all historical and political activism, a smouldering political conflict.

“The political conflict is about six decades old,” says the opening line in the Framework Agreement signed between GoI and NSCN (IM) on 3rd August 2015. The pertinent question is, will the Naga people, those living in Indian states and in Myanmar, accept a political document that reduces the Naga struggle to

WC, NNPGs: Who is an anti-Naga?

just six decades? Can any Naga worth his salt agree to logic that political conflict started only in the mid 1950s?

The Indo-Naga political conflict has two stages. The British period and the post Indian Independence period. History is clear that Nagas never welcomed Captain Jenkins, Lieutenant Pemberton and seven hundred British soldiers and seven hundred porters with grand feast and merrymaking in the winter of 1832. Instead they were harassed, opposed and resisted with great valour by the natives at every corner. It is now one hundred and eighty eight years in 2020! Naga club was a politically inspired institution borne out of a great conflict which gave the enlightened Nagas a political vision. It is hundred and two years in 2020! Simon Commission is ninety one years in 2020.

The Naga Independence Day is seventy four years. The Naga plebiscite is seventy one years.

Review of Framework Agreement important: The question is, about whose political conflict was the Framework Agreement signed? Which leader or group has the audacity to sign on a document that states Political conflict started around 1955-56? On this issue, NSCN (IM) leadership must seek a review with GoI on the text of Framework Agreement. We hope the GoI will accept the fact that six decades is just a fraction of Indo-Naga political conflict and necessary correction be initiated on FA. A people’s political journey cannot be dismissed in such an abject manner. It clearly reflects lack of Naga people’s consultation and participation prior to signing of FA. After five years and much secrecy, it appeared in public domain only recently showing excluding greater part of Naga history and struggle. Although the Framework Agreement has erased the golden years of Naga struggle, the Naga people must retrieve every page and chapter and GoI, as per Agreed Position between GoI and WC, NNPGs, must restore Naga identity by correcting Naga chronology of political conflict.

Nagaland and Nagalim: The usage of “NAGALAND” instead of “NAGALIM” in the Framework Agreement has forced the WC, NNPGs to issue this statement. If the Framework Agreement was signed under ‘Nagalim’, no response would have been necessary due to the fact that the usage of ‘Nagalim’ is confined to NSCN (IM) members alone and their interpretation would have been irrelevant. To

them “Nagaland” denotes the present geographical area of the Indian state of Nagaland. They discarded Nagaland and coined “Nagalim” in their political vocabulary to propagate a different narrative. However, suddenly on the eve of signing the Framework Agreement in 2015, they found the beautiful, blissful God given ‘Nagaland’ more profound and document worthy in place of the discomforting ‘Nagalim’. The leadership might simply justify and defend the use of ‘Nagaland’ in the FA citing ceasefire agreement or any excuse to defend the non feasibility of ‘Nagalim’.

The sweet name of our nation ‘NAGALAND’ is a powerful name. No other name can replace ‘Nagaland’. It is inclusive of all Naga tribes and lands in Indian states and in Myanmar. It is wise to use ‘Nagaland’ Who is Anti-Naga: In a recent statement issued in the name of Hutovi Chishi, Convener, steering Committee, NSCN (IM) on 18th August, 2020, there was a clear threat perception against the rest of Naga revolutionary groups, all tribes and sub tribes in Nagaland and affiliated organisations, NGBF and entire village chiefs. It was the NSCN (IM) who fell in line first with R.N Ravi when they signed FA on 3rd Aug. 2015 without consulting the Naga tribes. The Naga people, the Naga tribes have every reason to label NSCN (IM) as anti Naga for misleading the Nagas for twenty three years. The Naga tribes have given up hope on NSCN (IM) leadership to bring home a solution and therefore the tribal leaders and village headmen, in one voice, with WC, NNPGs as people’s mandated representatives, are demanding GoI interlocutor Mr. R.N Ravi to announce honourable and acceptable solution to the Indo-Naga talks. Which leader, then, has the authority to declare an individual or an organisation anti-Naga? The group desirous of an enduring peaceful co-existence or the group which is working very hard to sabotage and prolong the issue at any cost? WC believes it is for the Naga people to judge and decide which leader is anti-Naga.

On shared sovereignty: On the issue of shared sovereignty narrative, that India is a federal state with each state sharing sovereign powers in the form of central list, state list and concurrent list is amply clear. The states are given space to exercise sovereign powers sourced from the constitution. In a nutshell this is shared sovereignty. If there is anything

more the GoI has agreed on, NSCN (IM) must declare to the Naga people. As per the contents of the Framework Agreement, the talks had concluded by 2015, yet, the NSCN (IM) has not shared any written document nor held proper consultation with the stakeholders, i.e the Naga tribes on so many intricate matters that are going to affect each Naga individual and tribe every day. The secrecy will have to be revealed and Naga people will take the call on the idea of shared sovereignty, whether it will serve the purpose of all Nagas or few. On the other hand, the WC, NNPGs had invited and consulted Naga stakeholders at all levels from the day one. Neighbouring communities have been made aware as well.

Every word in the ‘Agreed Position’ signed on 17th Nov. 2017 was meticulously chosen and inserted in the historic document in order to entrench the vision and aspiration of the pioneering Naga nationalists.

Intangki National Reserve Forest: While crying foul at Interlocutor R.N Ravi and robust Naga Tribal bodies, the main objective of NSCN (IM) political solution is one that looks to create a socialist pattern, holding on to the name of Christ, and remove the idea of private ownership and tribal jurisdictions of Naga tribes, dreaming of enforcing government ownership, nationalising of ancestral tribal lands and resources in the name of inclusive progress. The architects of this utopian political design on Nagaland sit silently at the back while incapacitated loose cannons and semi illiterate members from Nagaland are used as authors in their tirade against

Nagas. This philosophy of borrowed legitimacy is very visible.

This has led them to seeking from the GoI the permission to make Intangki National Reserve Forest and surrounding areas of Hebron camp as their resettlement and rehabilitation area as part of the Indo-Naga political solution. The only National Reserve Forest that Naga people have as a common property is the Intangki National Reserve forest. Neither Indian parliament nor the constitution can infringe on the land of the Nagas, particularly in Nagaland.

Whether constitutionally, historically, legally or otherwise, Intangki Reserve forest is a sacred national property of the tribes of Nagaland. GoI is informed that the WC, NNPGs, along with fourteen tribes of Nagaland, NGBF, NTC, ENPO, CNTC and other Naga civil societies, reaffirm that integration of all Naga inhabited areas is a legitimate political and historical right and while the Naga people engage in democratic political process towards this objective and till such time, any agreement that disturb the status quo of pre-Hebron camp establishment at Intangki reserve Forest, and any consideration of any part of the reserve forest as a bargaining chip for rehabilitation shall not be acceptable at any cost. The traditional ownership of every Naga tribe over their ancestral land, whether Nagas in Myanmar (Burma), Nagas in Nagaland, Nagas in Manipur, Nagas in Arunachal or Nagas in Assam, on the ground, the spirit and flesh of each indigenous person inhabiting his own land settles the matter.

Media Cell, WC, NNPGs

Reader’s Post

Pandemic: A Blessing and Curse Sir,

The ongoing pandemic has been a blessing for some, as well as a curse for many.

Many youths have started utilizing the pandemic as a means to cultivate their hobbies and talents into a profession, or ways and means to earn their livelihood.

We have seen many youths who came up with their own online business, venturing into online marketing with their baking, knitting, tailoring, carpentry, handicraft etc., whilst many have also started their career in the YouTube world.

However for some, the pandemic has turned out to be fatal for them, with many start-ups and business failing to set foot in the market world. As such, there is need on the part of the government to streamline these young people so their fledgling businesses are boosted.

Shikato Awomi, Zunheboto 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

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

5

We are not anyone’s puppets: India can become world’s toy hub: PM Modi Farooq Abdullah’s retort to Pak Says time to be vocal for local toys

NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon startups and entrepreneurs to “team up for toys”, as he noted India’s miniscule share in the global toy market of over Rs 7 lakh crore and asserted that the country has talent and ability to become a hub for the industry.

In his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ address, he said it was time for startups to be “vocal for local toys” and also asked them to develop computer games in and based on India, citing the nation’s rich heritage and traditions that can drive innovations in the toy and gaming industry.

“Our country has so many ideas, so many concepts; our history has been very rich. Can we make games based on that? I call upon the young talent of the country - make games in India and make games based on India too. It is said that let the game begin! So, let us start the game,” he said.

The prime minister had also recently chaired a meeting aimed at boosting India’s share in the global toy trade in which China is

Narendra Modi one of the largest manufacturers and exporters.

Modi touched on a number of issues in the broadcast and lauded people for maintaining unprecedented restraint and simplicity in celebrating festivals during the COVID pandemic and praised farmers for an increase in the sowing area for crops.

He also asked teachers to work to apprise students of local events and heroes of the freedom struggle as India approaches 75 years of Independence in 2022, saying it will bring to the fore stories of lakhs of “unsung heroes”, who lived and died for the country but had faded into “oblivion”.

Touching on his government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar

Bharat’ campaign, he said in his address that the country has to be self-reliant in every area and added that a big opportunity lies in the toy and gaming sector.

“You will be surprised to know that the global toy Industry is of more than Rs 7 lakh crore. Such a big business but India’s share is very little in this. Now, just spare a thought for a nation which has so much of heritage, tradition, variety, young population, will it feel good to have such little share in the toy market?” he asked.

The prime minister said India has had a rich tradition of local toys and has talented and skilled artisans with expertise in making good toys, noting that some parts of the country are developing as toy clusters.

“We can do two things through toys – bring back the glorious past in our lives and also spruce up our golden future. To my start-up friends, to our new entrepreneurs I say team up for toys. For everybody it is the time to get vocal for local toys,” he said.

Modi asked entrepreneurs to develop computer games based on Indian con-

cepts and history.

In this context, he also urged people to raise dogs of Indian breeds at their homes if they consider keeping a pet dog. Indian breed dogs are being inducted by security forces as well, he said.

In this regard, he also highlighted the contributions of canines in general in thwarting numerous bomb blasts and terror conspiracies while mentioning a few incidents. Even in relief operations, dogs play a crucial role in finding out people buried under rubble.

“At a time when Aatmanirbhar Bharat is becoming a mantra of the people, how can any domain be left untouched by its influence,” he said.

Modi also spoke about an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ app innovation challenge organised earlier this month and noted that nearly two thirds of the around seven thousand entries were from tier two and three cities.

“This is a very auspicious indication for selfreliant India, for future,” he said.

Underscoring a deep connection between Indian festivals and environment,

he noted that eco-friendly Ganesha idols were installed at most places recently.

‘Ganeshotsav’ was also celebrated at certain places, he said, praising people’s discipline.

Lauding farmers, Modi said they have proven their mettle during the pandemic.

He said the area for the sowing of kharif crops increased by seven per cent compared to last year, paddy by nearly 10 per cent, pulses close to five per cent, oilseeds around 13 per cent and cotton by about three per cent.

He said September will be observed as “Nutrition Month” and added that the need for having a good nutrition is being converted into a “mass movement”, especially in villages.

“An Agricultural Fund of India is being created and it will have complete information about the crops grown in each district and their related nutritional value. This fund can be of great use for all of you,” he said in his address.

The prime minister also urged people to follow the coronavirus guidelines regarding keeping social distance and wearing masks.

NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (PTI): Reacting sharply to Pakistan hailing the recent Gupkar Declaration in which six political parties of Jammu and Kashmir vowed to fight collectively against the abrogation of Article 370, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday asserted that “we are not anyone’s puppets”.

“Pakistan has always abused mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir but now suddenly they like us”, the former chief minister said when asked about Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s statement that the declaration issued by the NC, PDP, Congress and three other parties was “not an ordinary occurrence but an important development”.

“Let me make it clear that we are not anyone’s puppets, neither New Delhi’s nor of anyone across the border. We are answerable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will work for them,” he told PTI from Srinagar.

In response to a question on cross-border terrorism, Abdullah said, “I

Farooq Abdullah would urge Pakistan to stop sending armed men into Kashmir. We want an end to the bloodshed in our state. All political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are committed to fight for our rights peacefully, including for what was unconstitutionally snatched away from us on August 5 last year”.

At the same time, the NC leader urged both India and Pakistan to resume their dialogue “for everyone’s greater good”.

“Our people are being killed on both sides of the Line of Control every time there are ceasefire violations. For God’s sake bring a halt to that”, he said.

In a declaration issued on August 22, six prominent

mainstream political parties came together for restoration of Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir after describing as “unconstitutional” steps approved by Parliament last year to end the erstwhile state’s special status and slice it into two union territories.

The joint statement is known as “Gupkar Declaration-2”, being second declaration on Article 370 issued after meetings held at the Gupkar Road residence of Abdullah which clearly asks the Centre that “there can be nothing about us without us”, an indication that the Centre has to take into confidence the people before implementing any constitutional change.

MP rains: 8 dead, efforts on to Indian Navy sent warship to South China Sea after Ladakh clash evacuate 1,200 people, says CM

BHOPAL, AUG 30 (PTI): Eight people have been killed in rain-related incidents in Madhya Pradesh and efforts are currently underway to evacuate nearly 1,200 people stranded in 40 flooded villages of the state, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Sunday.

In the last two days, over 7,000 people stranded in 454 villages of 12 districts were evacuated as heavy rains hit large parts of the state, Chouhan told reporters.

“Eight people have died in wall collapses and swollen nullahs so far,” Chouhan said after calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inform him about the situation in the state. Efforts were underway on a warfooting to evacuate 1,200 people stranded in

ment of the Indian Navy warship in the South China Sea had a desired effect on the Chinese Navy and security establishment as they complained to the Indian side about the Indian warship’s presence there during the diplomatic level talks with the Indian side, the sources said.

During the deployment in the South China Sea, where the American Navy had also deployed its destroyers and frigates, the Indian warship was continuously maintaining contact with their American counterparts over secure communication systems, the sources informed.

As part of the routine drills, the Indian warship was being constantly updated about the status of the movement of military vessels of other countries there, they said adding that the entire mission was carried out in a very hush-hush manner to avoid any public glare on Navy’s activities.

Around the same time,

the Indian Navy had deployed its frontline vessels along the Malacca Straits near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the route from where the Chinese Navy enters the Indian Ocean Region to keep a check on any activity of the Chinese Navy. A number of Chinese vessels also pass through the Malacca Straits

while returning with oil or taking merchant shipments towards other continents.

The sources said the Indian Navy is fully capable of checking any misadventure by the adversaries on either the eastern or the western front and the mission-based deployments have helped it to control the emerging situations effectively in and

around the Indian Ocean Region.

The Navy also has plans to urgently acquire and deploy autonomous underwater vessels and other unmanned systems and sensors to keep a close eye on the movement of PLAN from Malacca Straits towards the Indian Ocean Region, the sources said.

DC-506

Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducts an aerial survey of flood-affected areas. (PTI)

40 villages of the state, he said. As of now, 9,300 people are staying in 170 relief camps in the state, the chief minister said.

“I informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the flood situation this morning. I spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last night for help,” he said. Three helicopters of the Indian Air Force have been pressed into service to airlift stranded people, he said, adding that they have asked for two more choppers. The Army (a column of 70 personnel) is already working and has evacuated people from flood-affected areas in Hoshangabad. More columns of the military have been requisitioned, he said.

Chouhan said there was some let up in the rainfall on Sunday, and the system causing showers has moved to western Madhya Pradesh. Heavy rainfall is expected in Indore, Ujjain, Shajapur, Ratlam, Dewas, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Mandsaur and Neemuch in next 24 hours. Authorities in these districts have been alerted, the chief minister said. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal centre’s senior meteorologist P K Saha said a well marked low pressure area causing rains in the state has advanced over west Madhya Pradesh and (adjoining) eastern Rajasthan.

It is likely to shift to Rajasthan by 7 pm or 8 pm, he added.

NEW DELHI, AUG 30 ( AG E N C I E S ) : A c t i n g swiftly after the Galwan valley clash on June 15 in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Navy sailed out its frontline warship for deployment in the South China Sea much to the displeasure of the Chinese who raised objections over the move during the talks between the two sides.

The Chinese have been objecting to the presence of Indian Navy ships in the region where it has significantly expanded its presence since 2009 through artificial islands and military presence. “Soon after the Galwan clash broke out in which 20 of our soldiers were killed, the Indian Navy deployed one of its frontline warship to the South China Sea where the People’s Liberation Army’s Navy objects to the presence of any other force claiming the majority of the waters as part of its territory,” government sources ANI. The immediate deploy-

Census, NPR unlikely in 2020 every 10 years, including on the rich diversity of the people, and has become one of the tools to understand and study India. The objective of the NPR is to create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country. The database would contain demographic as well as biometric particulars.

The NPR is a register of the usual residents of the country. It is prepared at the local (village and sub-town), subdistrict, district, state and national levels under provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.

The data for NPR was last collected in 2010 along with the house listing phase of the Census 2011. Updating of this data was done during 2015 by conducting a door-to-door survey.

While updating the register in 2015, the government had asked details like Aadhaar and the mobile number of people.

This time, the information related to their driving licence and voter ID card may also be gathered, the officials said.

Though information regarding the place of birth of parents will be sought, it is up to the residents whether to respond to the question as it is voluntary.

K-1345

DP-3647

each family, we can’t undermine the health risk involved in it,” the official said.

With a record singleday spike of 78,761 cases, the total coronavirus cases in India rose to 35,42,733, while the death toll climbed to 63,498 as on Sunday.

According to the earlier schedule, the census would have its reference date as March 1, 2021, and in the snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it would be October 1, 2020.

“The COVID-19 threat is still looming large. The Census and NPR are not in the priority list of the government as of now,” another official said. In March, when the coronavirus-induced lockdown was announced, the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India was all set for the first phase of the census and updation of the NPR that was scheduled to begin from April 1.

Even though some state governments opposed the NPR update, all offered full support to the census exercise. The census is the largest single source of a variety of statistical information on people of India which helps the State to chalk out various policies. With a history of more than 130 years, this reliable, time-tested exercise has been bringing out a veritable wealth of statistics

ADMISSION NOTICE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) NORTH EAST INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES & RESEARCH (NEISSR)

DP-3668

NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (PTI): The first phase of the Census and the exercise to update the National Population Register (NPR), scheduled for this year but deferred due to the coronavirus outbreak, may be delayed by a year as there is no sign of slowdown of the pandemic.

The Indian census is one of the largest administrative and statistical exercises in the world, with the involvement of more than 30 lakh officials who would visit each household across the length and breadth of the country.

“Census is not an essential exercise for now. Even if it is delayed by a year, there would be no harm,” a senior official told PTI. The official said no final decision has been taken on when the first phase of the Census 2021 and NPR update would take place, but it is almost certain that it would not be held in 2020 due to the rising cases of the coronavirus.

The house-listing phase of the Census and the exercise to update NPR were scheduled to be carried out across the country from April 1 to September 30, 2020, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“As the entire exercise needs the involvement of lakhs of officials and visit to

COURSES OFFERED: Master of Social Work (MSW) in Youth Development (YD), Pe a c e & C o n f l i c t Transformation Studies (PCTS), Community Development (CD).

E L I G I B I L I T Y: Graduation in any stream (50 % marks for General and 45 % for ST/SC candidates).

Application forms are available at NEISSR, P.B. No. 03, Bishop’s House, Circular Road, Dimapur, Nagaland, India —797112 from 9:00 am to 4.00 pm.

DP-499

Contact Nos.:03862-233435, +91-6909617895.

Website: www.neissr.com. Email: contact.neissr@gmail.com.

Online entrance test and interview date will be intimated.

6

national/state

India to procure 6 submarines costing Rs 55k cr

NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (PTI): India is all set to launch the bidding process by next month for a Rs 55,000-crore mega project to build six conventional submarines for the Indian Navy to narrow the gap with China’s growing naval prowess, government sources said on Sunday.

The submarines will be built in India under the much-talked-about strategic partnership model that allows domestic companies to join hands with leading foreign defence majors to produce high-end military platforms in the country and reduce import dependence.

The sources said the groundwork like specifications of the submarines and other critical requirements for issuance of the RFP (request for proposal) for the mega project, named as P-75 I, has been completed by separate teams of the defence ministry and the Indian Navy.

The RFP will be issued

by October, they added.

The defence ministry has already shortlisted two Indian shipyards and five foreign defence majors for the project, being billed as one of biggest “Make in India” ventures.

The shortlisted Indian entities were L&T group and state-owned Mazagaon

Photo of submarine for representation.

Docks Ltd (MDL) while the select foreign entities included ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany), Navantia (Spain) and Naval Group (France).

Initially, the defence ministry will issue RFPs to MDL and L&T and the two firms will have to submit their detailed bid after receiving the document.

Subsequently, the L&T and MDL will have to select a foreign partner out of the five shortlisted entities, the sources said.

The Indian Navy plans to acquire 24 new submarines, including six nuclear attack submarines, to bolster its underwater fighting capability. It currently has 15 conventional submarines

and two nuclear submarines.

The Navy has been focusing on significantly bolstering its overall capabilities in view of China’s growing efforts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Ocean, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy, is critical to the country’s strategic interests.

According to global naval analysts, Chinese navy currently has over 50 submarines and about 350 ships.

The total number of ships and submarines is projected to go past 500 in next 8-10 years.

The Indian Navy is also in the process of procur-

ing 57 carrier-borne fighter jets, 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) and 123 multi-role helicopters under the strategic partnership model.

The policy envisages the establishment of longterm strategic partnerships with Indian defence majors through a transparent and competitive process wherein they would tie up with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers.

Initially, the strategic partners will be selected in four segments - fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and armoured fighting vehicles/main battle tanks.

It is expected to be expanded to other segments.

In the last few months, the government has unveiled a series of reform measures and initiatives to make India a hub of defence manufacturing.

On August 9, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India will stop the import of 101 weapons and military platforms like transport aircraft, light combat helicopters, conventional submarines, cruise missiles and sonar systems by 2024.

In May, the government announced increasing the FDI limit from 49 per cent to 74 per cent under the automatic route in the defence sector.

India is one the largest importers of arms globally.

According to estimates, the Indian armed forces are projected to spend around USD 130 billion in capital procurement in the next five years.

The government now wants to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support the domestic defence manufacturing.

The defence ministry has set a goal of a turnover of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing in the next five years that included an export target of USD 5 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) worth of military hardware.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

3 LeT militants, ASI killed in J-K encounter SRINAGAR, AUG 30 (PTI): Three Lashkar-eToiba (LeT) militants and an assistant sub-inspector of Jammu and Kashmir Police were killed in a gunfight on the outskirts of the city here on Sunday, police said.

Militants fired on a joint ‘naka’ of police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Pantha Chowk area late on Saturday night, a police official said. He said the joint parties of the forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation there.

During the searches in the area, the militants again fired on the search party of the forces, who retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said. A tight cordon was maintained throughout the night and the firing resumed this morning, he said. He said three militants were killed in the gunfight.

An assistant sub-inspector of J&K Police, Babu Ram, was also killed in the operation, the official added. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath laying ceremony of the slain ASI, Director General of J&K Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said the three militants came on a bike and fired at the joint party of the security forces. “After firing upon the forces, they (militants) tried to snatch weapons, but it was foiled by

Security personnel stands guard during an encounter with militants at Pantha Chowk area, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Sunday, Aug. 30. (PTI) alert troops, forcing the militants to flee, leaving behind their bike. The forces chased them and they took shelter in a nearby area known as Dhobi Mohalla, Pantha Chowk,” he said.

“The operation lasted for the entire night. In the initial exchange, one militant was killed and we lost a brave ASI Babu Ram. He was well-trained and an

experienced counter-insurgency cop. As the operation progressed, we killed two more militants,” he said.

A wreath laying ceremony was held at District Police Lines here where floral tributes were paid to the ASI, a police spokesman said. The slain ASI’s body was later handed over to his family for last rites, he said.

Army JCO killed in Pak firing along LoC in J-K

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Army was killed on Sunday in firing by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said. The firing from across the border in the Nowshera sector was unprovoked and responded strongly by the Indian Army, the spokesman said. He said Naib Subedar Rajwinder Singh was critically injured in the “unprovoked ceasefire violation” by the Pakistan army. Singh later succumbed to injuries, the spokesman said. “Naib Subedar Singh was a brave, highly motivated and a sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” the spokesman said.

No urgency to have an elected Cong president: Salman Khurshid Organizations flay alleged rape of

Su doku

KAKURO

K Y M C

No. 9671 Yesterday’s solution No. 9670

No. 4290 Yesterday’s solution No. 4289

No. 3314 Yesterday’s solution No. 3313

Across 8. Related (7) 9. Repugnant (9) 13. Stringed instrument (5) 14. European nobleman (5) 15. Body of citizen soldiers (7) 16. Antiquated (7) 17. Clergyman (5) 18. Wanderer (5) 20. Female relative (5) 22. Reward (6) 23. Murderer (6) 25. Firearm (7) 27. Pub employee (7) 30. Seasoned sausage (6) 31. Thin on the ground (6) 32. Stratum (5) 35. Wireless (5) 36. Restraints (5) 37. Dirt and filth (7) 39. Endanger (7) 41. Planet (5) 42. Blacksmith’s block (5) 43. Abundant (9) 44. Turn down (7) Down 1. Open-air meal (6) 2. Recommend (8) 3. Colour (7,4) 4. Stubborn (9) 5. Sleeping (7) 6. Period of 1000 years (10) 7. Flat-bottomed boat (4) 10. Acquire (6) 11. Relief (7) 12. Pantry (6) 19. Soothe (7) 21. Breathed out (7) 24. Thirteen (6,5) 26. Percussion instrument (10) 28. Car engine part (5,4) 29. Abrupt (7) 30. Vile (6) 32. Praiseworthy (8) 33. Seldom (6) 34. Applaud (7) 38. Alive (6) 40. Tablet (4)

minor in Dmu; accused arrested

(From p-1) It said crimes, especially rape, dehumanize societies and letting the perpetrators of such crimes go unpunished was a threat to the society. DENSU also said that the perverted mindset of the perpetrator of such heinous crime should be condemned by all.

K NS K K o h i m a : KNSK Kohima unit president Lemnon Wangsha and general secretary C.N. Moe Konyak condemned the “unbecoming and shameless act” of the alleged accused-- Nungsang Lemtur.

KNSK unit demanded befitting punishment against the culprit and urged all right thinking citizens to speak up and rescue such children in need and build a support system for a crime free state-- a safe and secure environment for all children.

KNSK unit said it was disheartening to note that despite raising such issues against increasing child abuse, particularly against domestic helpers, such atrocities/crimes were still continuing unabated. The unit further lauded the prompt action taken by the leaders from Tizit area residents in Dimapur.

LAND FOR SALE 1. Aoyimti Village 7300 sq. ft.

2. Diphupar B 3. Purana Bazaar @Rs. 300/- Per sq. ft.

4. Deziphe 100×100 - Rs. 8.30 Lakhs # 9862954673 9436865033

LAND FOR SALE 1. Khushiabill Dimapur Price : Rs. 300/- Per sq. ft.

Four lane Touched (Area available as per budget) 2. Land with Building Near Govt. College, Dimapur Contact No. : 8732002080 8787470411 DP-3474

LAND FOR SALE

Dry Land no fill-up required at Seitheke Basa, Behind Hope Academy School, Any size available 100×100, 80×80, 60×60 as per your own capacity; Slightly Negotiable, No Broker Contact : +91 9862586625 +91 9383312471 DP-3384

URGENT LAND FOR SALE LOCATION : KUSHIABILL 20 meters away from four-lane highway Area : 3 bighas Price : 190 per sq. ft.

Ph. : 8014861617 No Borker

Staff Reporter adds: Dimapur police on August 29, arrested the 43 year old accused. Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo informed Nagaland Post, that the accused was arrested after an FIR was lodged by the minor’s guardians at Women police station.

He said that investigation was on and medical examination under process.

According to the FIR, the complainants alleged

that the minor girl was raped on several occasion by the accused.

On August 24, they claimed that the minor girl had met them and complained about sexual harassment and also stated that she was raped on four occasions.

They said that the minor’s parents and guardians, upon the request of the accused four years back, had sent her in good faith for domestic assistance.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE ADDITIONAL DEPUTY COMMISSIONER TSEMINYU : NAGALAND NO.ADCT/JUD/SC-1/2009/PT-IV/510 Tseminyu, Dated the 6th July, 2019 OBJECTION- NOTICE Whereas Smti. Hiyale Tsela, D/o Late Asathong Tsela of Tseminyu town who expired on 08/03/2020 has applied for issuance of Succession Certificate to Draw/ Operate / Transfer her late father SBI Account No. 20080635801 (Tseminyu Branch) NSCB Ltd. Account No. 102010006002049 under section 375 of the Indian Succession Act 1925.

Public are hereby asked to file any claims/ objection within 30 (thirty) days from the date of issue of the notice failing which no claims/ objection will be entertained after the stipulated time.

(NOKCHASASHI) Additional Deputy Commissioner K-1356

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR SADAR SUMI KUKAMI KUQHAKULU DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION Dimapur Sadar Sümi Kukami Kuqhakulu (DSSKK) takes pride to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri Ghokheto Chophy on being elected as the President of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD). We believe that the newly elected NCD team under your leadership will bring forth many positive changes & you'd be an exemplary wise leader for the upcoming generation.

We extend our full cooperation to your team & wishes you good health, wisdom & success in your future endeavours.

HOKUTO JIMO H.DANIEL SWU Chairman of DSSKK General Secy. of DSSKK

DP-3665

Crossword

ing for far-reaching reforms within the party such as having a “full time, active and visible” leadership, devolution of powers to state units and revamping the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in line with the party constitution.

Asked about the suggestions made in the letter, Khurshid said the discussion seems to be about electing a leader and the Congress president has indicated that it can be done at an appropriate time when physically it is possible.

OFFICE OF THE

ZHEKISHE VILLAGE COUNCIL NIULAND SUB-DIVISION DIST. DIMAPUR-797112, NAGALAND

APPRECIATION Through this column, we the Village Council Chairman/GBs/WATSAN Committee of Zhekishe Village under Aghunaqa Block would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Minister, PHED Govt. of Nagaland, Shri Jacob Zhimomi and also to the PHED Rural Division, Dimapur for the successful implementation and completion of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Scheme during 2019-20 through providing water supply to individual household tap connection in the village.

It was a long felt need of the village since the village have been facing water supply problem for many years.

We further extend our co-operation and success to the concerned Department in the near future endeavor.

Sd/Kiyeto Kiba Haed GB Zhekishe Village

Sd/Khekye Kiba Watsan Chairman Zhekishe Village

Sd/Atol Kiba Village Council Chairman Zhekishe Village

DP-3666

proached by the group that wrote to Gandhi seeking urgent organisational overhaul, including an active and full-time leadership.

On Ghulam Nabi Azad,

senior leader Khurshid said the leaders who have written to Sonia Gandhi always had access to her and could have approached her rather than writing to her. “It is very clear that the important persons in this letter do belong to the top echelons of our party and therefore Mrs Gandhi has indicated that it was best that they could have discussed it within the confines of the party,” he said. Khurshid’s remarks assume significance as they come days after the ‘group of 23’ wrote to Gandhi call-

DP-3584

Salman Khurshid

the most vocal among the 23 letter writers, seeking organisational elections to ensure that the Congress does not remain out of power for decades, Khurshid said the senior leader from J&K had been part of the top echelons of the party for years when there has been no such elections and still the party prospered. He said probably Azad wanted a change now in what the party has been doing over the years and expressed confidence that the leadership will give a thought to what he is saying as he is a

DP-3641

NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (pti): Asserting that there was no urgency to have an elected Congress president, senior leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday said he “can’t see the heavens falling” for the need of a party chief as Sonia Gandhi was still at the helm and should be the one to decide on the leadership issue.

Khurshid, a former Union minister and among the leaders considered close to the Gandhi family, told PTI in an interview that he would not have signed the letter even if he was ap-

K Y M C

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

7

1 killed in Portland as Trump Sweden’s right warns of ‘2nd pandemic’ supporters clash with protesters

STOCKHOLM, AUG 30 (AGENCIES): Criminals setting up their own roadblocks in Gothenburg; a 12-year-old girl shot dead in gang crossfire; and beatings involving potential torture — a wave of violent crimes this month in Sweden has led rightwing opposition politicians to warn of a “second pandemic” sweeping the Scandinavian country, reports The Financial Times.

In recent weeks, daily incidents of shootings, bombs and car fires across Sweden have knocked its lighter-touch approach to coronavirus out of the headlines, offering the rightwing parties a new opportunity to accuse the centre-left government of inaction over both Covid-19 and crime.

“There is a big frustration and anger at the developments,” Mattias Karlsson, parliamentary leader of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, the country’s third-largest political party, told the Financial Times.

“Our laws are too soft, the police don’t have the means to investigate this very serious crime.” On Friday night, a large riot broke out in an immigrant suburb of Sweden’s third city Malmo after far-right sympathisers burnt a Koran.

Ulf Kristersson, head

On Friday night, a large riot broke out in an immigrant suburb of Sweden’s third city Malmo after far-right sympathisers burnt a Koran. (TT NEWS AGENCY)

of the main centre-right opposition party, the Moderates, used his summer speech on August 24 to accuse the government of failing to act after more than 200 shootings and 24 deaths this year. “The deadly violence is Sweden’s second pandemic,” he added.

The governing Social Democrats had until recently enjoyed a boost in the polls from their handling of the coronavirus pandemic where they have largely followed the recommendations of state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell while ploughing billions of krona into the economy.

But a nascent conser-

vative bloc — involving Mr Kristersson’s Moderates and the Christian Democrats from the mainstream centre-right, plus the previously shunned Sweden Democrats — is increasingly attacking the government on law and order and migration as many of the suspected criminals are immigrants.

Nicholas Aylott, senior lecturer in political science at Sodertorn University, said the Swedish right had been “discombobulated” by the country’s Covid-19 strategy where the centre-left suddenly rallied around a “libertarian” approach of not having a formal lockdown.

But he argued the re-

Activists topple statue of 1st Canadian PM

Video captured the moment the statue’s head flew off and bounced on the pavement nearby.

O ttawa , A ug 3 0 (IANS): Activists in Montreal have toppled a statue of Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald, who was linked to policies that killed many indigenous people in the late 19th Century, the media reported on Sunday.

Video captured the moment the statue’s head flew off and bounced on the pavement nearby, the BBC reported.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault condemned the incident as “unacceptable”.

“Destroying parts of our history is not the solution,” he said in a tweet on Saturday.

“We must fight racism, but destroying parts of our history is not the solution.

Vandalism has no place in our democracy and the statue must be restored,” the premier added.

Earlier on Saturday, a peaceful demonstration calling for defunding the police took place in central Montreal.

A leaflet distributed at the protest described MacDonald as “a white supremacist who orchestrated the genocide of Indigenous peoples with the creation of the brutal residential schools system”, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC. MacDonald was Prime Minister for 19 years in the 1860s-1890s and is remembered for his nation-building policies but he also created the residential schools system, said the BBC report.

For more than a century, the system forcibly removed at least 150,000 indigenous children from their homes and sent them to state-funded boarding schools.

Many children were abused and some died, and they were were forbidden from speaking their own language or practising their culture.

A government report in 2015 called the practice “cultural genocide”.

He was also accused of allowing famine and disease to kill many indigenous people and his government forced some First Nation communities to leave their traditional territories, withholding food until they did so.

surgence in violence had dented the centre-left hopes that coronavirus could tilt the debate more towards the economy and big government. “The violence is becoming so grotesque it is bound to displace pretty much everything else,” he added. Police in Gothenburg reported this week that criminal gangs in the suburb of Angered, which has a large immigrant population, had put up their own roadblocks to control who enters certain areas. “It is completely unacceptable,” said interior minister Mikael Damberg. He similarly condemned the killing at the start of August of a 12-year-

old girl, hit by a stray bullet fired as part of a gangland conflict. And a wave of socalled humiliation crimes culminated last weekend in what Swedish media have described on a “torture-like” attack and kidnapping on two teenagers in a Stockholm graveyard.

A conservative bloc consisting either of the three parties or the Moderates and Christian Democrats with the Sweden Democrats as a support party in parliament was likely by the next elections in 2022, he said.

Mr Kristersson of the Moderates opened up to ending the cordon sanitaire around the Sweden Democrats in December — in place due to their roots in the neo-Nazi movement — saying he could envisage working with them on immigration, law and order, and energy policies.

This week, he used some of his toughest language yet, saying that “gangs are like Sweden’s domestic terrorists” and criticising the Social Democrats’ immigration policy as “irresponsible in a dangerous way”.

Mr Aylott said the warming up to the hitherto untouchable Sweden Democrats was mostly a result of electoral arithmetic as the populist party scored 17 per cent in 2018.

A caravan of supporters of President Donald Trump drive in downtown Portland, Ore., Saturday.(AP)

Washington, Aug 30 (IANS): One person was shot and killed in Portland, the largest city in the US state of Oregon, after supporters of President Donald Trump’s clashed with antiracism protesters, according to police.

The incident took place on Saturday at 8,46 p.m. as police officers “heard sounds of gunfire from the area of Southeast 3rd Avenue and Southwest Alder Street”, Xinhua news agency quoted the Portland Police Bureau

Universal Covid testing Top French military to help HK return to normal officer arrested; Hong Kong, Aug 30 (IANS): Officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government called on residents to actively participate in the upcoming universal community testing of Covid-19 and expected that it will help Hong Kong return normal at an early date.

“With more people participating in the testing, the faster will Hong Kong contain the epidemic, Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung said Sunday in an online article.

Cheung said the testing programme is aimed at screening asymptomatic patients and cutting the transmission chains of the virus as soon as possible.

The massive testing due to start on Tuesday will be launched for free and on a voluntary basis, and the government has reiterated the personal data of participants will be well protected.

As far, more than 400,000 residents have registered for the testing, Xinhua news agency reported.

Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government Paul Chan also appealed to businesses and commerce chambers to encourage their employees to take the coro-

navirus tests in his online blog on Sunday.

Only after the invisible transmission chains are stopped, the HKSAR government will be able to focus on reviving the economy and helping improve people’s incomes, as well as resuming normal travels of Hong Kong residents to the mainland and Macao, Chan said.

In the face of the Covid-19 challenges, economic stimulus and relief measures of the HKSAR government has boosted the deficit by nearly 290 billion Hong Kong dollars (37.41 billion US dollars) and the fiscal reserves have dropped to about 800 billion Hong Kong dollars.

Chan said the deficit increase is unsustainable and the HKSAR government has to save energy for economic and financial uncertainties ahead, as well as possible another round of epidemic outbreak in the future.

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection reported 15 new cases on Sunday, bringing the total confirmed cases to 4,801.

So far, Covid-19 has caused 88 deaths in Hong Kong, and 351 patients are still hospitalized.

reported Russia ties

Paris, Aug 30 (AP): A senior French army officer based abroad has been arrested and handed preliminary treason charges for sharing highly sensitive intelligence with a foreign power, authorities said Sunday.

Europe-1 radio reported that the lieutenant colonel is accused of passing “ultrasensitive” information to Russian secret services. It reported that the officer served on a NATO base in Italy, and was arrested while on vacation in France.

French authorities would not confirm which foreign power the senior officer is suspected of spying for.

Defence Minister Florence Parly said the officer is under investigation for “serious security breaches.” Speaking on Europe-1 on Sunday, Parly said the French military has taken “necessary protective measures” as a result.

A treason investigation was opened in late July after the Defense Ministry alerted the Paris prosecutor’s office to suspect activity, according to a judicial official.

as saying in a statement.

It said police officers have secured the entire block at the crime scene and are investigating the shooting as a homicide, adding “no suspect information is being released at this time”.

“There have been some instances of violence between demonstrators and counter-demonstrators. Officers have intervened and in some cases made arrests,” it tweeted.

The US has witnessed massive protests against rac-

ism and police brutality after George Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed African-American man, died in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

In his acceptance speech of the Republican Par ty’s nomination on Thursday night, Trump did not address the issue of racism, but instead touted job numbers for African-Americans and doubled down his support of law enforcement agencies.

29 killed as restaurant collapses in China

A total of 57 people were pulled out of the debris of the collapsed two-story building.

BEIJING, AUG 30 (PTI): Twenty-nine people were killed and 28 others injured after a village restaurant collapsed during an 80th birthday celebration for a resident in north China’s Shanxi province, local authorities said Sunday.

The accident happened at around 9.40 am on Saturday when relatives and fellow villagers were attending the birthday party at Juxian restaurant in Chenzhuang village in Xiangfen county, according to the rescue team.

The rescue work was completed in the early hours of Sunday. A total of 57

people were pulled out of the debris of the collapsed two-story building.

Twenty-nine of them were confirmed dead, seven were severely injured and 21 others suffered minor injuries, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The Work Safety Committee of China’s State Council will supervise the investigation into the collapse, the committee said in a statement.

Though China has seen major improvements in industrial safety, building standards are sometimes ignored, particularly in rural areas.

Former SL cricketer Ranatunga enters UNP fray Khaleda Zia’s family seeks extension C olombo, Aug 3 0 (PTI): Arjuna Ranatunga, the captain of Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup winning team, on Sunday joined the race to lead the Opposition United National Party (UNP) after former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to resign from the party leadership after 26 years at the helm following its crushing defeat in the parliamentary elections.

UNP general secretary and Wickremesinghe’s cousin Ruwan Wijewardena and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya have also offered to lead and revive the party after its humiliating defeat in the parliamentary elections.

The UNP, the oldest party in the country, suffered its worst electoral defeat since it was formed in 1946 by failing to win a single seat from any of the 22 electoral districts in the August 5 election won by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP).

K Y M C

Arjuna Ranatunga

The party polled only 2 per cent of the total votes and failed to win a seat in the 225-member Parliament from any of the 22 electoral districts.

UNP chief and former prime minister Wickremesinghe also failed to become a member of parliament for the first time since 1977.

Earlier this month, Wickremesinghe announced his decision to resign from the UNP leadership following his party’s defeat.

Wickremesinghe since 2001 resisted calls to resign as the party leader even in the face of repeated electoral defeats.

On Sunday, former Sri

Lankan cricket team captain Ranatunga told reporters, “At the party working committee meeting held recently there were four names which came up as possible leaders. My name was also proposed. Given the opportunity, I would be happy to take over the party and revive it.”

Ranatunga, 57, was among the top UNP members who lost their seats in their bid to enter parliament at the August 5 parliamentary elections.

“I am not a rich man or I am not the one to go after the rich businessmen to do politics, but I know I have the capability to go to people and do justice to the UNP members who are dejected right now,” Ranatunga said.

Ranatunga’s family has been traditionally supporting the UNP’s rival Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). His father Reggie was a minister in SLFP governments since 1994 and his brother Prasanna is the cur-

rent Tourism Minister in the SLPP government led by the Rajapaksa brothers.

Ranatunga is a relative newcomer to the UNP having entered politics in 2001 from the SLFP. In the 2015 reformist movement which toppled Mahinda Rajapaksa from the presidency after a decade, the former cricketer was a frontline campaigner.

On Saturday, Wickremesinghe’s 45-year-old cousin Wijewardena said, “Following demands from many, I have decided to step in to lead UNP with the blessings of the party leader Wickremesinghe.”

Wickremesinghe, 71, has been leading UNP since December 1994. During his 26-year tenure, Wickremesinghe was blamed for repeated election losses. He was accused of being aloof with the common man and being too West oriented in his policies.

UNP’s political fortunes further nosedived after its deputy leader Sajith

Premadasa formed his own party to contest the August parliamentary polls. His Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party won 54 seats in the election and emerged as the largest Opposition party, relegating the UNP to fifth position.

Wijewardena said though several party members have already staked a claim for UNP leadership, he is ready to take over the party leadership.

“I am confident that we can lead the UNP to victory by restructuring and strengthening the party,” he said, adding that UNP’s election defeat is an opportunity to identify the loopholes in the party and to restore confidence in party supporters.

Wijewardena is the son of Lankan media mogul Ranjith Wijewardena who owned the English dailies -- Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Financial Times -- as well as the largest Sinhala language daily ‘Lankadeepa’.

on her suspended prison sentence

Dhaka, Aug 30 (PTI): The family of Bangladesh’s main opposition leader Khaleda Zia has sought an extension of six more months on her suspended prison sentence for the former prime minister’s treatment, according to a media report. The government in March released the 74-yearold leader for six months on condition that she would stay at home amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country, receive treatment and not travel abroad.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that Zia was freed on humanitarian grounds after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s approval.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief is serving a 17-year prison term in two graft cases since February 8, 2018. Zia’s family filed a plea with the government for an extension of the suspended prison

Khaleda Zia

sentence as the six months allotted to her in March will end on September 24, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

A M Ehsanur Rahman, one of Zia’s counsels, said that an application, signed by the BNP chief ’s younger brother Shamim Eskander, was sent to the home ministry on August 25.

The BNP chairperson did not receive proper treatment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, her family said. They also want another extension for her treatment, the counsel was

quoted as saying in the report. Home Minister Kamal confirmed that they have received an application which was sent to the law ministry for its consideration. Zia served thrice as the premier since 1991. Her party was routed in the 2018 election, bagging only six seats in 300-seat Parliament.

Her conviction on “moral turpitude” charges barred her from contesting the polls. She was sent to jail in February 2018 by a local court on charges of embezzling foreign donations meant for an orphanage, named after her slain husband and president Ziaur Rehman, during her premiership between 2001 and 2006. Rehman, a military ruler-turned-politician, was the founder of the BNP. She was convicted in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both cases are politically motivated.

K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

Arsenal lift FA Community Shield Serena in pursuit of slam no 24

Arsenal players with the Community Shield trophy after defeating Liverpool.

L O N D O N, Au g 3 0 (Agencies): Arsenal beat Liverpool 5-4 on penalties on Saturday to lift the FA Community Shield, the curtain-raiser for the English domestic season, after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw on a chilly afternoon at Wembley.

Gunners captain and match goal-scorer PierreEmerick Aubameyang fired in the final penalty of the afternoon to complete the north London side’s second win over the league champions in the space

of six weeks following a shortened summer break.

“We are improving.

There is still work to do but I’m really happy and it’s an exciting time to be an Arsenal player,” Aubameyang told BT Sport after the match. It was the Gunners’ second trophy within a month following the side’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea on August 1.

The game, played each summer between the league and FA Cup winner of the season just finished, was a very even and at

times rather slow affair.

Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk had an early strike ruled out offside before Arsenal’s opener, a wellworked move to break out of the champions’ high press.

Bukayo Saka took the ball up the field on the right, crossed all the way over to Aubameyang on the far left, and the Gabon striker skipped forward and curled an inch-perfect shot beyond the reach of Liverpool keeper Alisson into the opposite corner.

The Liverpool attack appeared disjointed by contrast. While they pushed Arsenal right back up the field for long stretches, they were unable to put together a single shot on goal in the first half.

Liverpool’s Japanese substitute Takumi Minamino eventually levelled the tie in the 73rd minute with a shot from close range, picking up his first goal in 15 appearances since arriving on Merseyside in January from Red Bull Salzburg.

“If we’d scored earlier that would have helped ...

We had our big moments, which we didn’t finish off, so that’s the result,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp told reporters.

Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, Minamino and substitute Curtis Jones all scored for Liverpool in the shootout, but fellow late substitute Rhian Brewster blasted his shot - his first touch of the ball - onto the bar.

Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Cedric Soares and David Luiz all scored for the Gunners before Aubameyang stroked his shot past Alisson to seal the victory for the Londoners.

When asked about whether he will renew his contract with Arsenal which currently expires next summer, Aubameyang - their leading scorer for the last two seasons - remained enigmatic: “We’re going to see in these days. Today we take the trophy, that’s it.”

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta sounded more positive about both Aubameyang’s contract and the team as a whole, saying: “I try to do my job which is convince him he’s at the right place. I’m very positive he is going to sign.”

“It’s not a one-off when we beat the teams we have in the last two months consistently,” he said, though he added: “We have aspects in our game we have to improve.”

NEW YORK, Aug 30 (Agencies): Serena Williams declared she is ready - yet again - to fight it out for a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title when the U.S. Open beings on Monday in a COVID19 secure bubble.

The 38-year-old American has been stuck on 23 slams since triumphing at the Australian Open in January 2017.

Since then she has come tantalisingly close to tying Margaret Court’s singles record, losing in the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals in both 2018 and 2019, and is determined not to give up the chase.

“Obviously I’m never satisfied. That’s been the story of my career,” Williams told reporters on Saturday at Flushing Meadows, where she claimed her first Grand Slam singles title 21 years ago.

“It’s like I’ll never be satisfied until I retire,” she added. “I’m never going to stop until I retire. It’s just my personality.”

Williams’s build-up has been rather laboured as she has been stretched to three sets in each of the five matches she has contested since action on the WTA-Tour resumed following the five-month COVID-19 hiatus.

She was knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Top Seed Open before suffering a last-16 exit at the Western & Southern Open earlier this week.

Despite those long

Serena Williams

tussles, she said was not fatigued “in the sense of match play”.

Due to lockdowns caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the U.S. Open will not be the final Grand Slam of 2020. The French Open, which traditionally begins in late May, has

been pushed back to start in late September.

“Normally you feel a little more worn in, ready to get this final slam over,” said Williams. “But it’s not even the final slam any more, at least for this year.

I don’t really know how to feel.”

Messi contract is valid: La Liga Djokovic clinches Western & Southern Open title

BARCELONA, Aug 30 (Agencies): La Liga on Sunday released a statement saying Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract was still valid, days after his shock announcement that he wants to leave the club and hours after he failed to attend a pre-season medical.

Messi’s failure to show for his medical underlined the 33-year-old’s determination to leave the club he has been with throughout his career.

The six-times world player of the year insists he has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave on a free transfer — a claim disputed by Barcelona and now by La Liga.

The ruling body said the only way a club can sign the Argentine forward is if he triggers a release clause of 700-million euros ($833 million). “In compliance with the applicable rule, La Liga will not approve a

Lionel Messi

request to be de-registered as a player with the Spanish football federation, unless the amount in the release clause has been paid,” La Liga said.

Reuters footage showed players arriving for coronavirus tests on Sunday morning and Messi did not appear. He had been due at Barcelona’s training ground but a club source confirmed he had not arrived.

La Liga’s stance is a blow to Messi’s hopes of a quick departure and to those

clubs wishing to sign him.

Premier League Manchester City are the favourites which would allow Messi to link up with his former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola but even the Abu Dhabi-owned club might find a 700 million-euro fee, plus Messi’s huge salary, a deal-breaker.

Messi, who has won more than 30 major trophies with the Spanish club and scored more than 600 goals, earns around one million euros per week.

NEW YORK, Aug 30 (Agencies): Novak Djokovic kept his unbeaten streak in 2020 alive as he survived a terrible start to defeat Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the Western & Southern Open on Saturday.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner fended off Raonic’s mighty serve to extend his 2020 winning run to 23-0, clinching his 80th career title and equalling Rafael Nadal’s record of 35 Masters 1000 wins.

Battling through a neck injury, Djokovic struggled early in the match as he produced four double faults in the first set. Raonic took advantage of the world number one’s misfiring serve to close out the set in just 30 minutes.

“Was a bit slow at the beginning, but I thought I did well, considering the form that Milos is in,” the

33-year-old Serbian told reporters.

“He’s serving rockets on the court, and it’s really hard to return. You need all the freshness mentally and all the focus that you can possibly have.”

Djokovic, who had beaten the 29-year-old Canadian in all 10 of their previous match-ups, came roaring back, unleashing his powerful forehand and winning four straight games in the final set.

The tournament, a final tune-up ahead of the U.S. Open, which begins on Monday, was staged in front of empty stands at Flushing Meadows instead of its usual venue in Mason near Cincinnati, Ohio. The tournament formed part of a secure bubble that was created due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Djokovic faces Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur on

NBA: LA Lakers down Trail Blazers 131-122

Los Angeles, Aug 30 (Agencies): Anthony Davis scored 43 points and LeBron James added 36 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-122 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night to win the Western Conference firstround series in five games.

Davis was 14-of-18 shooting and collected nine rebounds, while James made 14-of-19 shots and recorded 10 rebounds and 10 assists to increase his NBA playoffs 30-point triple-doubles record to 13.

Los Angeles won a playoff series for the first time since beating the Denver Nuggets in the first round in 2012 during Kobe Bryant’s tenure. The Lakers will face the winner of the series between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semi-finals.

CJ McCollum recorded 36 points and seven assists and Carmelo Anthony added 27 points for the Trail Blazers, who were without Damian Lillard.

The five-time All-Star re-

The NBA basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers in progress.

turned to Portland to have his sprained right knee examined.

Kentavious CaldwellPope added 14 points and Dwight Howard had 11 for the Lakers, who shot 54.5 per cent from the field, including 14-of-36 from three-point range.

Jusuf Nurkic registered

16 points, 10 rebounds and five steals, Gary Trent Jr also scored 16 points and Anfernee Simons had 13 for Portland.

Portland trailed 100-92 entering the fourth quarter before scoring the first eight points, tying the score on a three-pointer by Simons with 9:46 remaining. The

score was knotted again at 109 after a three-pointer by Trent with 6:52 left.

But Caldwell-Pope answered with a 3-pointer 17 seconds later and Davis made a 20-footer to make it 114-109 with 5:11 to play.

Trent connected on another three-pointer to pull Portland within two before

Davis scored the next nine points, including back-toback dunks to make it 123112 with 3:39 left. James added a basket 38 seconds later to end the decisive 11-0 spurt.

BUCKS 118-104 MAGIC: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton recorded double-doubles as Milwaukee returned to the court and made short work of Orlando to finish off a 4-1 win in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando.

Three days after walking out to protest the recent shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., the Bucks led by as many as 21 points in coasting to a fourth straight win that vaults the top seed into an Eastern semifinal matchup with the fifth-seeded Miami Heat.

Antetokounmpo put up game-highs in points (28) and rebounds (17) in leading the Bucks to their second straight first-round series win after they had been eliminated there in eight consecutive trips to the postseason.

Novak Djokovic with the Western & Southern Open trophy after defeating Milos Raonic in the final.

claim her 21st WTA tour title.

The Japanese player said: “I’m sorry to have to withdraw today with an injury. I pulled my left hamstring yesterday in the second set tiebreak and it has not recovered overnight as I had hoped. This has been an emotional week and I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support.”

Osaka defeated Elise Mertens of Belgium in the previous matchday.

In women’s doubles, Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic and Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands got past Xu Yifan from China and American Nicole Melichar 6-1, 4-6, 10-4 to claim the title while Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Australian Alex De Minaur overcame British team of Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski 6-2, 7-5 to win the men’s doubles title.

Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday in the first round of the Grand Slam, which is being staged without any fans in attendance this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“There is a certain tension,” said Djokovic, who was heavily criticised earlier this year after he and three other players contracted COVID-19 during an exhibition event he had organised

in the Balkan region.

“Everyone is obviously being careful, but at the same time everyone needs to pay attention and follow the protocols and restrictions that are in place.”

In women’s singles final, Azarenka won the title even without swinging her racket as her Japanese opponent Naomi Osaka withdrew citing a left hamstring injury, leaving Azarenka to

Franchises urge BCCI to announce IPL schedule

Nagaland Online Freestyle Football competition held

New Delhi, Aug 30 (IANS): It has been more than a week since all IPL teams landed in UAE. However, BCCI is yet to announce the schedule for the upcoming season.

According to sources, some of the franchises have ‘requested’ the Indian Cricket Board to announce the schedule ‘quickly’. “God knows, when will they (BCCI) share the schedule with us. We have requested the BCCI to make it quick as we have to plan accordingly,” a team source told IANS from UAE. “Someone said by Monday or Tuesday, we will get it, but can’t confirm it.”

The BCCI recently met Emirates Cricket Board officials and most of the issues concerning the schedule and inter-city travel protocols have been resolved.

The reason behind the delay could be the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in Abu Dhabi, which is one of the main venues of the tournament apart from Sharjah and Dubai, sources said.

Correspondent

KO H I M A , Au g 3 0 : Awang Konyak from Mon district was declared as the winner of the first Nagaland Online Freestyle Football competition 2020.

The competition was organised by Naga Manu Production.

Ruokuokholie Medom (Gr. Naga) from Kohima district was adjudged as the runners-up of the competition. The result was declared on August 30 after two rounds of selection process by state footballers, veterans and coaches.

The initiative was taken for footballers to overcome the pandemic lockdown boredom while also exploring the untapped talent in the state.

The online competition was judged by jury panel based on five main criteria (difficulty of tricks, all round abilities, originality and flow, execution and control).

Altogether 37 participants from Mon, Peren,

Phek, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Kohima, Wokha and Dimapur took part in the competition.

The winner of the competition, Awang Konyak received a cash prize of Rs. 5,000 sponsored by Kohima Town Club while the runners-up, GR Naga received Rs 3,000 sponsored by Vanguard FC Tseminyu.

Thungcheva Ngullie with more than 50,000 views received the highest viewed video on YouTube and pocketed a cash award of Rs. 1000 sponsored by Naga Manu Production.

The emerging youngster award was given to 14 year-old Zachenth Ngullie and received a cash of Rs. 1000 sponsored by Life Sports, Nagaland.

The other top six players from the online competition were Chuncham Zeliang, Thungcheva Ngullie, Neikethozo Yhome and Wisilubou. Meanwhile, the three youngest participate in the online competition were Atou Sumi, Taiwang and Nzangthung Ezung.

Printed, Published and Edited by Geoffrey Yaden at G.M. Printers, Circular Rd. Dimapur-797112. Ph: Desk 248489, Fax: 225366, e-mail-npdesk@gmail.com. Adm.& Advertisement  :248267 Fax: 248500 e-mail-npostadvt@gmail.com Kohima: 2290567, R.N. 40978/90 RN/NE 707 K Y M C

K Y M C