August 6, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 241

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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PM lays first brick for Ram temple

‘Fight for temple to freedom struggle; Ram belongs to all’

AYODHYA, AUG 5 (PTI): In a highly-anticipated event watched by millions on television, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday laid the foundation here of a Ram temple, the culmination of a campaign that fuelled the rise of the BJP and marked the fulfilment of one of its core poll promises.

Amid the chanting of shlokas, Modi consecrated the very first bricks for the temple at the spot where many devout Hindus believe Lord Ram was born.

The wait of centuries has ended, he said after performing the groundbreaking ceremony, made possible by a Supreme Court verdict last year that allowed the construction of the temple at the site where the Babri mosque was demolished by kar sevaks in 1992.

The day also coincided with the first anniversary of the abrogation of provisions of Article 370, scrapping the special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Narendra Modi along with RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwatand others performs ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ Wednesday. (PIB/PTI Photo)

The prime minister drew a parallel between the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram temple and Independence Day saying that “Ram Janmabhoomi has got freedom today”.

“Ram Janmabhoomi has got freedom today. Like 15 August is Independence Day for the country, today holds a similar significance for crores of those who devoted their lives for cause of Ram temple,” said Modi.

“We have to join stones for the construction of the Ram temple with mutual love, brotherhood,” he said.

Modi started and ended his speech with chants of “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai” and “Jai Siya Ram”.

Lord Ram’s goddess wife

Sita is also known as Siya.

“We have to bring development to everyone with everyone’s trust and help. It should be kept in mind that progress has taken place when humanity believed in Ram but destruction has happened when we strayed from his path,” he added.

He told the gathering that a grand temple will now be built for “Ram Lalla”, the infant Ram, who had been living in a temporary tent for years.

“Many people made sacrifices for the Ram temple. I pay my respects to all of them,” he said.

Some Ram Janmabhoomi movement leaders, including former deputy prime minister L K Advani, were not at the venue where

KU Tobu branch, Man shot dead in Peren distt I M A P U R , A U G 5 pui have jointly condemned TASU flay killing D(NPN): A man in his 40s the “most heinous and bru-

DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): Affirming the December 12, 2007 ENPO declaration of “peace zone” under its jurisdiction, the Konyak Union (KU) Branch Tobu and Tobu Area Students’ Union (TASU) have condemned the killing of Mulong Chang, region secretary of Khango-led NSCN (K), allegedly by cadre of the same group in Tuensang on August 4, 2020.

In a press release, KU(B) Tobu president SA Ngamlao and TASU president Sangti Konyak appealed to the Naga political groups to “intensify and respect the effort of organization in maintaining peace in the jurisdiction.”

At a time when the communities across the state were in panic due to COVID-19 pandemic, the two organisations said that “such act of anti-peace movement by any individual/political groups” would only worsen the situation.

KU Branch Tobu and TASU have demanded the law enforcement agency to immediately bring the perpetrators to book under relevant sections of the law. They also expressed condolences to the bereaved family members and loved ones.

This is it!

“No need to worry about our COVID-19 cases.

We’re way below other states. It’s an achievement.”

K Y M C

was allegedly shot dead by two unknown assailants at New Beisumpui Village under Peren district on the night of August 4, 2020 at around 8 p.m.

According to a DIPR report, the incident took place when the deceased identified as Dichungbe Newme was alone at his place. The deceased was serving as “jugali” in power department posted in the village and hails from Nzauna village. An FIR has been lodged with Ahthibung police station and the body was taken to Dimapur by police team headed by Ahthibung OC for post mortem examination. Meanwhile, Nzauna Lui Baudi has submitted a representation to SDO (C) Ahthibung for further investigation into the killing.

Condemnations: New Beisumpui Village council, New Beisumpui Women Organisation and Youth Organisation New Beisum-

tal killing” of Dichungbe Newme by unknown criminal.

In a joint statement, the three organisations have urged the police to probe the incident and punish the perpetrators appropriately as per the law of the land to deter recurrence of such inhuman crime in the future.

They said that late Dichungbe was one of the most humble men in the village with no known enmity within or outside the village.

ZSU (N): Zeme Students’ Union, Nagaland strongly condemned the “dastardly cold-blooded murder” of late Dichungbe Newme, father of its information & publicity secretary. ZSU(N) through its president Aakam Pame and executive secretary Rampisinang Newme described late Dichungbe Newme as “a quiet, tranquil and a just man” working under power department.

(Cont’d on p-5)

the organisers had invited only 175 people.

The guest list was short because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the invitees sat on chairs placed apart to maintain social distancing.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust head Nritya Gopal Das were on the dais along with the PM. Sending out the message that “Ram is everywhere, Ram belongs to all”, Modi said the temple symbolises India’s rich heritage and will be an inspiration to all of humanity.

He said the more powerful India gets, the more it will be loved and remain peaceful.

“Social harmony was the core principle of Lord Ram’s governance,” the prime minister said.

The construction of the Ram temple is an instrument to unite the country, he said, adding that it will lift the economy of the entire region.

He also released a postage stamp to commemorate the event.

DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): The XV General Assembly (GA) of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) held in Washington DC from July 31 to August 2, 2020 has resolved to “Support a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga issue which is just, long lasting, honorable and acceptable to both the sides” and called on “the international community to appeal to India to fulfil its commitments in the Framework Agreement on the Indo-Naga issue, and urges India to repeal acts such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Area Act which overly militarize the situation facing the Naga people”.

Informing this through a p r e s s c o m mu n i q u é , NSCN(I-M)through its MIP said the resolution on the “Indo-Naga” political issue was moved by NSCN(I-M) leaders representing the Na-

Staff Reporter

witnessed 37 degrees. As per the weather forecast for the next week, temperature here would hover around the mid 30 degrees with intermittent spells of rain (40 to 80 percent precipitation) and no signs of respite from the prevailing heat wave.

Meanwhile, the hottest cities in the Northeast on Wednesday were Guwahati

nagalandpostofficial

India’s COVID-19 tally crosses 19L NEW DELHI, AUG 5 (PTI): India’s COVID-19 infection tally raced past 19 lakh on Wednesday, two days after it crossed the 18-lakh mark, with 52,509 people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in a day, while the recoveries have mounted to 12,82,215, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The total coronavirus cases in the country surged to 19,08,254 while the death toll climbed to 39,795 with 857 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The recover y rate among COVID-19 patients has risen to 67.19 per cent while the fatality rate has further dropped to 2.09 per cent, the data stated.

There are 5,86,244 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently which contribute 30.72 per cent of the total caseload.

The total number of confirmed cases also includes foreigners.

This is the seventh consecutive day that COVID19 cases have increased by more than 50,000.

Lebanese confront devastation after Beirut explosion international, Page 7

Nagaland COVID-19 tally 2498 2 more deaths in Dimapur district DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): Nagaland on Wednesday registered 93 fresh COVID19 positive cases, taking the total tally to 2498 cases-- 1 804 active, 685 recovered, 7 deaths and 2 migrated.

According to Health department’s data, 6 deaths were due to COVID-19 and 1 COVID positive, but death not due to COVID-19.

Out of 93 fresh cases, 89 (1 retest positive) were reported from Dimapur and 5 from Kohima. As per the severity of symptoms, all 1804 active cases were asymptomatic.

As per the ‘status update’ of the Health department on August 5, 59 cases were reported from among the armed forces (Dimapur58 and Kohima-1), returnees- 14, traced contacts- 19 and others- 1.

Further, out of the 2,498 positive cases, the distribution across various categories of people include-- 1,078 cases from Armed Forces/ Para Military, Returnees1045, Frontline workers167, Traced Contacts- 174 and Others- 34.

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON august 5, 2020 ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic RecovMiTotal District Death grated Cases Critical ICU ered Mild With Oxygen Dimapur 1119 0 0 167 1294 7* 1 Kiphire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 0 0 150 539 388 0 1 Longleng 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 Mokokchung 0 0 9 18 9 0 0 Mon 0 0 39 238 199 0 0 Peren 0 0 249 252 3 0 0 Phek 0 0 17 29 12 0 0 Tuensang 0 0 42 46 4 0 0 Wokha 0 0 1 13 12 0 0 Zunheboto 0 0 8 66 58 0 0 Total 0 0 685 2498 1804 7 2 *1 death is Covid-19 positive but not due to Covid-19 Asymptomatic

details of COVID-19 cases detected on Aug 5, 2020 District

Armed Forces

Returnees

Frontline workers

Traced contacts

Total

Dimapur Kohima Total

58 1 59

11 3 14

18 1 19

1 0 1

88 5 93

2 more deaths: Two more COVID-19 related deaths were reported from Dimapur on August 4 and 5. According to official sources, a 69-year old man who had health issues, died at the COVID-19 hospital Dimapur on August 4.

The deceased had tested positive for COVID through TrueNat and RT-PCR report awaited.

Another person, a

woman (around 40 years) died on August 5 morning in Dimapur. According to sources, the woman had tested positive through TrueNat and RT-PCR report awaited.

With this, the number of deaths (all from Dimapur) rose to 12.

Raj Bhavan staff test positive: Two Raj Bhavan staff were tested positive for COVID 19 and were shifted to the Covid Care Centre.

UNPO backs resolution of Naga issue NDPP ridicules NPF claim on NSSB

Heatwave forecast for Dimapur D I M A P U R , AU G 5 (NPN): Along with increasing COVID-19 cases, rise in temperature in the last few days here has also forced people to keep indoors.

Nagaland’s commercial hub on Wednesday sizzled at 36 degree Celsius with a high humidity of 89 percent even as national capital New Delhi recorded 34 degree Celsius and 76 percent humidity in comparison.

Besides erratic power supply, Dimapur has been experiencing soaring temperatures and humidity for the past few days with sporadic and scanty rainfall, prompting fears of hotter months ahead.

While on Monday it recorded its highest temperature of the year at 38 degree Celsius, Tuesday

nagalandpostofficial

and Itanagar recording 37 degree Celsius. Agartala was a tad lower than Dimapur at 34 degree Celsius while Imphal and Aizawl enjoyed relatively better weather at 28 and 29 degree Celsius respectively during the day.

The Capital of Himalayan State Sikkim enjoyed the best weather at 25 degree Celsius.

gas at the UNPO GA held for the first time through virtual conference due to COVID-19 pandemic. MIP said the Naga delegates included- “lt. gen. (Retd.)” VS Atem (member of collective leadership, NSCN) along with V Horam (executive member of steering committee), Kihoyi Swu (kilonser), Ninghor Raikham (kilonser) and Asing Shimrah (additional secretary). It said they spoke on three different sessions and the GA culminated in adoption of the resolution after passing of votes in the plenary session on the last day.

Further, MIP said the GA also adopted resolution on the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which it maintained, was no less important for Nagalim.

MIP said the resolution on sustainable development highlights positive instances within the past six years where self-determination

Govt issues SOP for home isolation D I M A P U R , AU G 5 (NPN): State government Wednesday issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for home isolation of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, which would come into force with immediate effect.

During daily briefing on COVID-19, principal secretary home Abhijit Sinha said that any patient, who is clinically assigned as an asymptomatic case by the treating medical officer and is not an immunocompromised patient, could apply for home isolation.

He informed that a single bedroom with proper ventilation was mandatory for home isolation and there should preferably be an attached bathroom, adding that appropriate disinfectants should also be avail(Details on p-6) able.

issues have been freely put to vote. MIP said Nagalim represented by NSCN was admitted to UNPO on January 23, 1993 and since then NSCN has been persistently involved in UNPO activities.

Meanwhile, NSCN (I-M) has appreciated the UNPO for its consistent support extended to the Naga people.

Affirming to continue to extend “unflinching support” to the leadership of UNPO, the NSCN (I-M) said that the Naga people would strive to adhere to the principle of UNPO to resolve its political issues through peaceful and nonviolent means.

NSCN (I-M) has also congratulated the newly inducted members into Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization fold including Catalonia, Guam, Yoruba, the Movement for the river races of Zambesia and Biafra.

D I M A P U R , AU G 5 (NPN): The war of words between NDPP and NPF is showing no sign of ceasing.

After the opposition party claimed that the process for setting up Nagaland State Selection Board (NSSB) was set into motion when it had led the DAN III government with TR Zeliang as chief minister, the ruling party ridiculed the claim and termed it absurd.

A statement by NDPP alleged that the NPF-led DAN III government had only paid lip service and did nothing in this regard for the welfare of the qualified and deserving youth of the State.

It added that the setting up of NSSB by the PDA government was a fulfilment of long-cherished dreams and aspirations of the people, especially the youth.

The ruling party further denied allegation that

its leaders had orchestrated chaos and instability in the past and instead accused NPF of forgetting how to play the role of a constructive and responsible opposition.

NDPP also ridiculed NPF’s claims of being the main opposition party and oldest regional party as the latter failed to even put up its own candidate in the Lok Sabha election and contradicted all its principles and regional ideology by partnering and supporting a candidate from the Congress, which does not have even a single MLA in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Accusing NPF of deriving sadistic pleasure by pointing out that there was no opposition during its reign, the ruling party alleged that the situation was arrived at by engineering defections to ensure the party’s “unholy loot” of the State’s coffers.

(Cont’d on p-5)

Khinchi accorded official farewell

Anoop Khinchi speaking at the farewell programme. (DIPR)

D I M A P U R , AU G 5 (NPN): Anoop Khinchi IAS, outgoing Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur was accorded an official farewell here on Wednesday attended by incoming DC Rajesh Soundararajan IAS, Commissioner of Police Rothihu Tetseo IPS, district administration officials and representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) and others.

In his speech, Khinchi credited teamwork as the main driving force for the successful activities taken

up in Dimapur during his tenure, especially in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic.

He thanked and also lauded police, medical team, administrative officials, sanitary workers, Red Cross, conveners of various committees, media, CSOs, NGOs, churches and citizens of Dimapur for extending their full support and cooperation to him.

Khinchi said he was touched by their response and also urged upon them to render the same cooperation with

his successor. He described the new incumbent as an efficient young officer and felt that the State government had taken the right decision to post him to Dimapur.

In his brief speech, Soundararajan remarked that his predecessor had set a strong foundation in place for handling the COVID 19 pandemic.

He assured that together with the district administration officials, police, medical department, CSOs and citizens of Dimapur he would continue to work and guided by the benchmark set by his predecessor.

Soundararajan sought the same support and cooperation from the people which they had given to the outgoing DC and hoped that Dimapur would march towards a better future with their support and coopera(Cont’d on p-5) tion.

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state

2

Citizens asked to demand KMC rates

KOHIMA: Various organisations from Kohima have urged the citizens to demand the sale of goods at a price fixed by KMC as a matter of right.

A joint press release by Kohima Municipal Council, district administration Kohima, district executive force (DEF), Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP), Angami Youth Organisation (AYO and Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) on Wednesday, stated that this was discussed at the meeting held on August 5 at KMC office.

While being mindful of total lockdown and brunt of common man due to price rise, and with KMC revising the price of goods (retail), the associations requested the business community and the public to adhere to it. KMC assured of their efforts in the service of the public and urged the citizens to demand the sale of goods at the price fixed

by KMC. On receipt of information that certain par-

AKMWP, AYO, KMC, administration, police and others at the meeting held at KMC office on August 5.

ties were supplying goods wholesale at a higher rate than the price fixed for retail, the release stated that KMC field staff led by the chief inspector K Pienyu apprehended six persons on Wednesday with vegetables from Murgi Pati Dimapur, intended for sale as “local” in Kohima at a rate higher than the price fixed for

retail.

It stated that the persons involved were let off with an undertaking not to repeat such practice and that they would refrain from importing any goods whose price may violate prices fixed for Kohima. Goods seized will be handed over to charity and a receipt of the same shall be obtained.

CNC national fasting and prayer from August 7 DIMAPUR: Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) has declared three-day national fasting and prayer from August 7 to 9.

CNC general secretary, Ikato Chishi Swu in a press release has appealed to all the denomination, churches and prayer groups in Nagalim and informs all the regions, units, battalions, brigades and

churches under CNC to conduct threeday fasting and prayer on the said dates in respective churches and places.

The release stated that, considering perilous situation confronting the Nagas and difficult times ahead for Naga nation, the CNC called for earnestly praying to God to save the nation from the impending judgement and danger.

While welfare of citizens remains supreme, the release also issued warning to those inclined to profiteering at other’s expense to refrain from such.

KMC clarifies: Kohima Municipal Council has clarified that the retail rate of local tomato shall be Rs. 60/- per kg not as published earlier.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

Recruitment Incomplete school building: Patton felicitates for women ESSU serves ultimatum on SSN Yanthan Dy. CM and military police DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): Eastern Sumi Stu- DIMAPUR: BLP leader of Nagaland, Y.

DIMAPUR: Eligible female candidates of Manipur and Nagaland are invited to send in applications for recruitment of soldier general duty (women military police) in Indian Army, where online application has already started from July 27 and will go on till August 31.

According to PRO (Defence) Lt. Col. Sumit K Sharma, for registration online login to www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Candidates who have registered in the previous rally can login directly and check eligibility and apply fresh.

Admit cards for the rally will be sent through registered e-mail. Candidate should reach the venue on given date and time as mentioned in the admit card.

Candidate will be allotted venue based on their home districts. Final location and date of the recruitment rally will be given on the admit card. For any other query, one may contact at 03862249012/8974958673 from 8:30 a.m to 2 p.m on working days for the entire duration. Last date of registration is on August 31.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

dents’ Union (ESSU) has served an ultimatum on the Samagra Shiksha Nagaland to resume incomplete and abandoned school building constructions in four villages namely government middle school (GMS) Viyilho, GMS Kelto, GMS Shevishe and GMS Ngozubomi under Sub-divisional Education Officer (SDEO) Aghunato on before August 20, 2020.

In the ultimatum addressed to the state mission director (SMD) SSN, the ESSU president Hokato V Yepthomi also demanded that the construction of the school buildings should be done strictly as per the work order specification.

Further, ESSU demanded that the “offenders” be penalised on or before August 20, 2020 and intimate its office in written regarding the action taken.

Failure to take steps as demanded, the union cautioned that it would take its own course of action.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Philippines 1:21-For me to live is Christ and die is gain.

We the family members of Late Z. YEHOLI AYEMI remain profoundly grateful to DSBC (Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church), Nikos Hospital doctors & nurses, Eden Hospital nurses, friends, relatives and neighbors, Notun Bosti/ RBC Fellowship Sumi Khel & Council, Sapotimi Kughuko Union Dimapur (SKUD) and all well wishers for sharing our loss and pain during these difficult times. We immensely acknowledge and appreciate your love, prayers, comfort and generosity.

of Late M. Orenthung Ennio “A year has passed yet you are deeply missed in every single day of our lives, for you are so special; who meant a lot to us that nothing can express”.

WC-190

Loving Parents, Sisters & Relatives

Loving Husband, Children, Grand Children and Great Grand Children

DP-3369

nagalandpost.com Poll

OF OUR BELOVED MOTHER

LATE LIMASANGLA PONGENER

Died on 6 Aug 2019 th

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

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. - Rom. 14:8

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

55% 9% 36%

Next poll

Q: Will Mandir politics

rise further with construction of the mandir in Ayodhya?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST August 6

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A p.m. t-storm in spots

31 26

Aizawl

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm 26 22

Guwahati Mostly cloudy and not as hot 34 26 Imphal

A thunderstorm

30 22

Itanagar A stray morning thunderstorm 32 25 Shillong A thunderstorm in the area Kohima

25 20

Clouds and sun with a t-storm 27 20

Dimapur A stray morning thunderstorm 34 25

An afternoon t-storm or two

29 21

Tuensang A morning t-storm in spots

22 17

A stray t-storm; not as hot

28 22

Wokha

Zunheboto Partly sunny, a heavy t-storm 26 19

K Y M C

DP-3367

Mkg

We the bereaved family would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us physically, financially and spiritually at the sudden demise of Lt. Rosenti Patton on 21st July 2020.

We would like to convey our special thanks to: 1. Commandant and all ranks and files of 7th NAP Battalion Bhandari.

2. Senjum Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur.

3. Friends, relatives and well wishers.

We deeply regret our inability to mention each and everyone individually but please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, sons, daughter and family members.

DP-3364

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Q.: W ill COVID cases in Nagaland reach 10,000 cas e s by Januar y 1,2021?

Born on 24th November 1934 – Died on 1st August 2020

Ist DEATH ANNIVERSARY 06/08/2019 to 06/08/2020

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Shamator citizens and various SHGs participated in a mass social work on account of Medumneo Festival from colonies to roadside around Shamator. (DIPR)

Patton has congratulated Richard Yanthan EAC, Nagaland House, New Delhi for his achievement in the recent UPSC civil service 2019 exams, ranking at 133.

Patton stated that, Richard Yanthan through persistent hard work could achieve such a great milestone and urged upon the upcoming Naga youngsters to emulate the young achiever.

Patton send hearty congratulations to Richard while wishing him all the very best for the future, as he joins the elite group of luminaries in the service of the people and the nation.

We, the bereaved family of LATE ATSO ANTHONY GWIZAN, would like to convey our sincere gratitude to every individual, priests, nuns, churches, unions, associations, organizations, village councils, prayer groups, SHGs, fellowships, societies, doctors & nurses (Zion Hospital & Research Centre, CIHSR –Referral and HRHC -Chümoukedima) friends and well-wishers who stood by us physically, morally and spiritually in prayers from the beginning of his prolonged illness till his sad demise on 3rd August 2020.

Special thanks to: 1. The Diocese of Kohima – Most Rev Dr. James Thoppil (Bishop of Kohima) 2. St. Anthony Church – Tenyiphe 3. CAN, NCWA, NCYM, ACU, ACYA, CACU, CACYA, CACWA 4. The Parish Priest and community members of St. Joseph Parish– Chümoukedima 5. Khonoma Catholic Union & St. Andrew’s Jotsoma 6. Angami GB Association, Chakroma Public Organization, Chakroma GB Union, the Goan Boras (GBs) 7. Tenyiphe Village Council 8. Khonoma Rüffüno Dimapur 9. People’s Foundation Group 10.ARÜ Kikra To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

May God continue to bless your act of charity.

Loving wife, children and family members

In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved.

Today marks the 1st Death Anniversary of the day when we lost a piece of our hearts. Not a single day goes by without remembering you, your legacy of good deeds, caring, kindness, love and “SMILE” shall always be an inspiration to all of us, you have been a great role model and a loving mother to all of us.

Your love and prayer is still our “guide”. Mom…. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure….. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure…..

“From sunrise to sunset, every moment would have been more wonderful if you were with us today. Your memories will never be forgotten.”

DP-3362

Loving Husband, Children, Grand children & Relatives.

DP-3366

K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

Effort to douse fire in Baghjan well in final stages

Baghjan gas well (File photo)

GUWAHATI, AUG 5 (PTI): PSU major Oil India on Wednesday said its effort to douse the blaze at the damaged gas well at Baghjan in Assam, which is spewing gas for 71 days, is in its final stages.

As part of its final preparation to cap the well the repair of the 90-ft ‘athey wagon’, the equipment for fighting oil-field fires, is on like fabrication of alternate axle and modification of the secondary section of the boom, Oil India Ltd (OIL) said in a statement.

“The civil works for strengthening of the pathway to the cellar at the well site is completed. All efforts are being taken to control the well at the earliest,” it added.

On July 31 an attempt to shut the damaged gas well number 5 at Baghjan in Tinsukia district faced

a setback when the wagon or hydraulic lift used to put a lid on the mouth gave in and toppled over. The company said that all the six high discharge water pumps are operational at the site for spraying water to the well head.

The well has been spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 71 days since May 27. It caught fire on June 9 killing two of OIL’s firefighters at the site.

On July 22, three foreign experts from Singaporean firm Alert Disaster Control, which was invited to assist OIL and ONGC experts for putting out the blaze, received burn injuries while they were removing a spool from the well head.

OIL said it continues to face protests and blockades across many of its wells and field locations, leading to heavy produc-

tion loss in the last few months.

It said that due to blockades there was a production loss of 652 MT of crude oil and 1.53 MMSCM of natural gas on Tuesday because of disruptions in several oil and gas wells.

“Cumulative production loss since May 27, 2020 due to bandh s and blockades: 22,112 MT crude oil, 52.53 MMSCM of natural gas,” the release said.

OIL said that various assessments and impact studies of the blowout as well as the blaze in villages and nearby forest areas by multiple agencies such as TERI, CSIR-NEIST and IIT- Guwahati are on at present.

Talking about the relief and rehabilitation process, OIL informed that the surveys for assessment of damage for compensation by the district administration are in progress in both Tinsukia and Doomdooma circles.

Total number of families surveyed till August 4 in both Tinsukia and Doomdooma circles is 2,736, it added. Over 9,000 people were initially shifted to 13 relief camps after the well suffered a blowout in May and subsequently caught fire last month.

3

northeast

Doctors protest in Agartala over suspension of colleague

AGA RTALA , AUG 5 (PTI): A large number of doctors demonstrated at the Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital campus here on Wednesday over the suspension their colleague who was posted at a COVID Care Centre.

Dr Uttam Bhattacharjee, posted at a COVID Care Centre set up at the Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, was suspended and asked not to leave Agartala without prior permission of the competent authority, as per an order issued on Tuesday evening.

A disciplinary proceeding is contemplated against Dr Bhattacharjee, an Assistant Professor of the Department of Ophthalmology of Agartala Government Medical College, the order stated.

The protesters claimed that he was suspended in connection with the visit of BJP MLA Sudip Roy Barman to the COVID Care Centre on Sunday, which has sparked a row.

Doctors belonging to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Agartala Government Medical College Teachers Forum and All Tripura Government Doctors Association (ATGDA) joined the protest, demanding immediate withdrawal of the suspension order.

ATGDA General Secretary Dr Rajesh Choudhury said the suspension order cited no reason for the action.

“No government decision can be arbitrary. Moreover, Dr Bhattacharjee was doing his duty very sincerely by way of treatment and providing medical care.

He did nothing wrong or illegal,” he said.

“There were officers of the civil administration in charge of security and other duties, so why was Dr Bhattacharjee picked on for suspension. If the suspension order is not withdrawn within 24 hours we will have to think of other actions,” he told reporters.

Dr Choudhury alleged that a section of the administration was trying to harass doctors.

We are hearing that a public representative who visited the COVID Care Centre was not stopped and due to this Dr Bhattacharjee was suspended. We dont know if this is true, but if it is correct then the suspension is highly unjustified,” he said.

Dr Ranjit Kumar Das, former medical superintendent of the G B Pant Hospital, said that they demand immediate withdrawal of the suspension order.

Barman, who was removed as the health minister in May last year, has been booked under the Epidemic Diseases Act for visiting the COVID Care Centre allegedly without authorisation.

The government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry against him.

Manipur CM inaugurates two fast track courts

Manipur CM inaugurated two Fast Track Courts through video conferencing in Imphal on Wednesday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, AUG 5: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday inaugurated two Fast Track Courts (FTCs) through video conferencing from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Imphal. The FTCs are located at Uripok and Lamphelpat in Imphal West district.

The state government has appointed two retired district and sessions judges Salam Imocha Singh and Chandam Brajachand Singh as judges of the two newly inaugurated FTCs, he added.

Addressing the occasion, the chief minister said that such FTCs have been set up to tackle cases related to crime against

women in the state.

During the last three and half years, around 951 cases of crime against women have been registered, he added.

He mentioned that with the establishment of these FTCs, women will get faster access to justice while it also serves as a deterrent to criminals.

The chief minister maintained that there was an urgent need to dispose of all major cases of crime against women such as rape, torture etc.

“These FTCs will dispose pending POSCO and rape cases in the state,” he hoped.

He opined that there is a long felt need that the judiciary and executive should go hand in hand for

M’laya warns strict action 22 more test positive for COVID-19 in M’laya Two arrested for killing against providing false details Sambar deer in M’laya Correspondent

Correspondent Shillong, Aug 5: The Meghalaya government has warned of strict action against people furnishing false details to authorities regarding contact tracing and others entering the State.

“Few persons while furnishing their details, names, addresses, even mobile number submitted fake details.

Today, we discussed and noted this attitude very seriously. Why should people furnish wrong information to the concerned authority, especially while fighting the COVID-19,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters after a review meeting on Wednesday.

“Therefore, from now on, the government will not spare any person who furnishes wrong statement or false statement to the authority and stern action will be taken,” he cautioned, even as he pointed out that the fight

was also on the “individual level”.

“The incident of wrong information took place at entry points to hide their identity and addresses.

Therefore, those who failed to submit details, we will take action against them as per law. We have issued strict directions to the concerned authority on this matter so that it does not happen,” Tynsoong said, even as he informed that 25,588 persons have returned to the state from outside till date.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister announced that Meghalaya will soon have a plasma bank at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) and the process to set it up is in full swing.

He said that the plasma bank will help in fighting COVID -19 in Meghalaya and the entire North East.

Shillong, Aug 5: Twenty-two more persons, mostly civilians and one Border Security Force (BSF) trooper, tested positive for COVID as on Wednesday morning in Meghalaya, taking the total number of active cases in the State to 595.

Director of Health Services, Dr Aman War said that out of the 22 new cases, 19 were from East Khasi Hills district and all were civilians, including high-risk contacts of positive patients in Shillong besides three returnees.

One BSF personnel in West Garo Hills district and two civilians in South West Garo Hills district also tested positive for the viral infection, he informed.

Out of the 595 active COVID19 cases in the state as of now, War said East Khasi Hills district has 487, which include 188 BSF troopers, 241 civilians and 58 Armed Force personnel.

In other districts, West Khasi Hills has 5, Ri-Bhoi-

51, West Jaintia Hills-16, East Jaintia Hills-17, West Garo Hills-15 while South West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills have 2 cases each. So far 39,553 samples have been sent for testing out of which 38,062 results were negative while the outcomes of 552 were awaited.

War informed that nine patients, including two civilians, two from Armed Force and one BSF trooper from East Khasi Hills and four civilians from Ri-Bhoi district have recovered from the viral infection, taking the overall recoveries to 339 as on Wednesday evening.

On the other hand, the Meghalaya government has issued a new set of standard operating procedure for micro-management of containment area of any particular locality or street following detection of COVID-19 positive case in the area.

The micro containment zone could be declared when there is more than one case emerging from an urban locality/village or no traveI or contact

reasons attributable to the cases that are emerging from the areas and there is a medical opinion on the need for declaring a containment zone to prevent any further spread of the disease.

“The strategy would be to contain COVID-19 within a defined geographical area by early detection breaking the chain of transmission and thus preventing spread to new areas,” Commissioner and Secretary for Health and Family Welfare, P. Sampath Kumar stated in his order.

“This would include geographical quarantine, social distancing measures enhanced active surveillance, testing all suspected cases, isolation of cases/ home quarantine, social mobilization to follow preventive public health measures,” he said, adding that the District Rapid Response Teams/Surveillance Units would undertake mapping long with the active surveillance by ASHA workers Anganwadi workers/community management teams.

Photo courtesy: The Northeast Today.

Correspondent Shillong, Aug 5: Wildlife officials have arrested two persons allegedly for killing an endangered Sambar deer in Baladinggre village near Nokrek Biosphere in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, forest officials said on Tuesday.

The two accused identified as Nilbin T Sangma and Appel T Sangma were arrested on Monday night, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), P. R. Marak, said, adding that two shotguns were seized from their possession.

The duo, who are the son-in-law of Sakalgre village nokma (village chief) had killed the full-grown male Sambar deer on August 1 and soon went into hiding soon after their pictures went viral in the social media.

Marak said the duo has been remanded to 15 days judicial custody and investigation is still on to find out if there are any other conspirators.

Sambar is a protected animal under Schedule-III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, hunting of which is a punishable offence.

justice and development.

In his address, chief justice of Manipur High Court Ramalingam Sudhakar said that the objective of such FTCs was to provide speedy and effective trials to cases related to women and children.

He mentioned that women and children need to be protected from abuse and violence.

State deputy chief minister Y Joykumar, minister for law and legislative affairs L Jayantakumar Singh, minister for CAF&PD Karam Shyam, judges of High Court of Manipur, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, secretary (law) Athokpam Nungsitombi, and others were present during the function.

Village council polls announced in Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 5 (PTI): The village and local council elections will be held in Mizoram on August 27, the state election commission announced on Wednesday.

The elections to 558 village councils, barring three Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas in two districts, and 83 local councils in Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) area will be held on the same day, state election commissioner Laima Chozah said. Though the term of the village councils was due to expire on May 7 it was extended twice till September 7 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, he said.

Polling for the village council seats will be held in nine districts - Aizawl, Lunglei, Serchhip, Champhai, Mamit, Kolasib, Saitual, Khawzawl and Hnahthial.

Bypoll to Siaha North-1 seat in Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) will be held on August 26, Chozah said.

2 arrested with brown sugar worth Rs 20 Lakh 32 fresh COVID-19 Covid patients protest for better facilities in Mnp

Police personnel with the accused and seized drug.

Bokajan, Aug 5: In a major development, Karbi Anglong police have seized a huge quantity of suspected brown sugar from a Bolero Pick Up at the interstate Dillai gate along NH 36 in East Karbi Anglong on Tuesday.

As reported, based on a specific information about movement of contraband drugs, the police personnel manning the

interstate Dillai gate set up a naka check over NH 36 near Lahorijan BOP and intercepted bolero pick up. On frisking, the police found 649 grams of brown sugar concealed under 52 soap cases inside the vehicle.

The approximate face value of the seized drugs is above 20 Lakh in the black market.

Briefing the media,

Bokajan SDPO John Das said, “We have arrested the driver Moinul Haque and helper Ali Hussain.

Both are resident of Jamunamukh in Hojai district.

As per the preliminary interrogation, we learnt that the arrested duo had received the drugs at Dimapur and were suppose to deliver it someone at Doboka bypass. Further investigations are on.”

It may mentioned that smuggling of drugs and contrabands including ‘Ganza’ have shot up with over a dozen such cases of drug haul in recent times along the Assam-Nagaland interstate border.

Recently, the Khatkhati police seized a truck trying to smuggle 210 kilo cannabis into Assam through the NH 39. The Khatkhati police had also seized a huge consignment of sedative SP capsules worth 3 lakh from a slum adjacent to Assam-Nagaland border in May.

cases reported in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, Aug 5 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday reported 32 fresh COVID-19 cases including 13 security personnel, taking the northeastern state’s tally to 1,790, a senior health official said.

Of the 32 new cases, eight were reported from Lohit district, Lower Siang (7), East Siang (4), West Kameng and Capital Complex three each, Changlang, Tirap and Papumpare reported two cases each and one from East Kameng district, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said.

“Thirteen security personnel of various central paramilitary forces - eight in Lohit, three in West Kameng and two in Papumpare districts - are among the fresh patients,” he said.

Barring six, all are asymptomatic and have been shifted to Covid Care Centres, he said.

COVID-19 patients at JNIMS hopsital agitating against sub-standard food in Imphal on Wednesday.

Correspondent I M P HAL , A u g 5 : COVID-19 patients at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) hospital, Imphal walked out of their wards and staged a snap protest on Wednesday for food not being served to them on time.

Reports said that the patients came out of their Covid care centre (CCC) wards by breaking the padlock at the main entrance to the centre and protested in front of the administrative block of the hospital campus. Apart from alleg-

ing that breakfast and food were not served on time, the patients further alleged sub-standard foods served to them.

In a video footage of the protest, the patients displayed the food served to them before the officials of the hospital who rushed to take stock of the situation.

A protestor was seen complaining that breakfast was served around 9.30 am on the day consisting of just two pieces of bread and a boiled egg.

Another agitating patient alleged that the kind of food being served to

them was only to survive and not to strengthening the immune system as part of treatment of the disease.

The brief protest caused employees, visitors and non-COVID-19 patients to panic but was calmed by the hospital authorities who convinced the COVID-19 patients.

The patients agreed to return to their wards after the authorities assured them that they will look into the matters without any delay.

A hospital source said that the agitating patients were from the CCC wards where asymptomatic COVID-19 patients were lodged for medical treatment. Around 20 asymptomatic COVID-19 positive people were undergoing treatment at JNIMS CCC A source in the JNIMS hospital authority disclosed that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients were provided the same catering service for non-COVID-19 patients treaed at different wards of the hospital.

There was no special food provided for them. The matter has been settled and agitating patients had a talk with a team of officials led by additional director of JNIMS, the source said.

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 241 Dimapur, THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

Adapting to change

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or the record, the year 2019 had among the coldest winter and which spilled over to January 2020. As the weeks went by, it appeared that the usual weather pattern would follow in throwing up the unusual weather conditions that has been experienced in the past few years. However, the unusual phenomenon was not the weather but a virus said to have been released from a laboratory in Wuhan China. The Wuhan virus, which a pro-China WHO chose to instead call COVID-19, has permeated every aspect of life. The virus has also impacted the natural world in a most unusual manner. The virus brought the world on its knees as millions got infected but had no clue about how to fight it. Even the ‘silver bullet’ in the form of vaccine is yet to appear on the horizon.

However, the virus turned the negative impact into positive when nations after nations imposed lockdowns. This had led to bringing all modes of travel and movement of people, functioning of institutions or public functions, sporting or all form of normal activities to a grinding halt. With over a billion vehicles and millions of other forms of land transport off roads and over 40,000 passenger planes off the skies, the impact on the earth’s ozone layer and air have definitely showed quantum improvement. What lockdown has done is made the sky clearer each day, rivers clearer and endangered flora and fauna showing promising progress. In fact, in many places even in India, wild life species are coming out more in the open after their human predators have been confined indoors. With absolutely limited movement of vehicles on the roads, most of the metro cities in India are breathing in much cleaner air with relatively safer levels of pollutants to deal with, as compared to the time before the lockdown. However, one cycle that has not totally gone lockdown has been the heat and humidity. During the first few days of August 2020, high temperature hovering nearly 39ºC was recorded in places like Dimapur and nearby valleys in Assam. The humidity recorded was also as high as 80º. Heat and humidity are part and parcel of Indian summer monsoon. Every year, most of the Indian states suffer by severe heat waves during summer months. The heat wave in India occur during the dry season, and typically lasts from March to July with peak temperatures in April and May. This year the heat spell has been contained(and not Coronavirus) but from August, it has remerged. According to the Indian Meteorological Department(IMD), a heat wave is considered when the maximum temperature is at least 40°C and between 4.5°C and 6.4°C higher than the normal or when the maximum temperature is over 45°C for two stations in a sub-division for two consecutive days. The weather pattern has changed and the rise in global temperatures have brought a huge impact on global climate. Ironically, virologists have said people will have to learn to live with the virus and perhaps climatologists could also say that people will have to learn to live with the climate change.

DailyDevotion The Bewildering Call of God

“…and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.”…But they understood none of these things… —Luke 18:31, 34 God called Jesus Christ to what seemed absolute disaster. And Jesus Christ called His disciples to see Him put to death, leading every one of them to the place where their hearts were broken. His life was an absolute failure from every standpoint except God’s.

But what seemed to be failure from man’s standpoint was a triumph from God’s standpoint, because God’s purpose is never the same as man’s purpose.

This bewildering call of God comes into our lives as well. The call of God can never be understood absolutely or explained externally; it is a call that can only be perceived and understood internally by our true inner-nature. The call of God is like the call of the sea— no one hears it except the person who has the nature of the sea in him. What God calls us to cannot be definitely stated, because His call is simply to be His friend to accomplish His own purposes. Our real test is in truly believing that God knows what He desires. The things that happen do not happen by chance— they happen entirely by the decree of God. God is sovereignly working out His own purposes.

If we are in fellowship and oneness with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purposes, then we will no longer strive to find out what His purposes are. As we grow in the Christian life, it becomes simpler to us, because we are less inclined to say, “I wonder why God allowed this or that?” And we begin to see that the compelling purpose of God lies behind everything in life, and that God is divinely shaping us into oneness with that purpose. A Christian is someone who trusts in the knowledge and the wisdom of God, not in his own abilities. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and the calm, relaxed pace which should be characteristic of the children of God.

Quotes

Blessed are the hearts that can bend; they shall never be broken. ~ Albert Camus

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

Post-mortem Environmental impact assessment – bane or boon? Covid and Currency

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orests have been a life line to mankind from the ver y beginning of civilization – providing land, energy, water, fuel, livelihoods and medicines for billions across the globe.

Forests are also the only answer towards any climate action that needs to be taken now and in the coming years.

They have been a buffer between generating clean air and absorbing human-caused pollution. Thus, forests could do a lot more significantly for a resilient society and mitigating impacts of climate change.

EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) is an important process to evaluate the environmental impact of a proposed project.

It is an essential decisionmaking tool for the approval of any initiative taken up by the Government or private sector entity. The EIA is important as a legal framework for putting forth basic responsibilities of citizens and authorities, keeping a check on quality of projects and its impact by assessing risks at all costs whether it includes people, ecology or economy. However, the recent EIA that was drafted has many matters leading to a violation of the sole motive and basic principle of the 1986 Environment Protection Act. The three most debated contentions put forth are: 1) Post-facto approval – loss of identity, increase in global warming transitions, increase in invasive species

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disbalance in atmospheric nitrogen and displacement of indigenous livelihoods 2) Public consultations: prohibition from any “public hearing”, for example: linear projects like road making or pipelines 3) Compliance report issues. However, the Government has clearly mentioned that the new draft is being brought forth to make the process more transparent and expedient with rationalization and standardization of the process.

Currently, the Eastern Himalayan region has (Indian Northeastern States along with Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal) raised its voice against projects that have violated the statutory framework of carrying out an EIA along with displacing communities, overlooking “precautionary principles” leading to multiple tremors, dismantling the crux of traditional socio-economic cultures, diminishing the chances of sustainable alternate sources of livelihoods and finally over-ruling the fundamentals of ecology as the onlyeconomy - disrupting the overarching moralities of globally set standards of nature-based solutions.

The Eastern Himalayan region has the origin of agrobased solutions bringing in the element of large-scale food supply chains along with a sense of commune inclusive of food security.

The indigenous community members are farmers and depend on their land for a

source of income and in some cases – a complete hand to mouth existence.

If we consider the Eastern Himalayan businesses to be green in nature and continue to do the same, unlike other conventional industrial practices, the following could be the results: 1) Transformation within the food, land and marine use system acquisitioning the potential to create business opportunities worth almost $3.6 trillion and 191 million new jobs over the next 10 years.

2) Five transitions across infrastructure and the built environment could generate $3 trillion and 117 million jobs by 2030.

3) About $3.5 trillion and 87 million jobs could be generated by 2030. (Source: WEF 2020 report: The Future of Nature and Business) In a recent book by Professor Klaus Schwab – The Great Reset, the constant displacement of communities and natural resources have historically led to alteration of the demography, thus losing out on age old practices, vast tracts of forests and “creating a new existential threat”.

The presence of the current drat EIA 2020, is one such anomaly whose implementation would lead to wiping out of the lungs of the Eastern Himalayan landscape. Eventually, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal set by the United Nations, the EIA Draft has to be based

on scientific analytical assessments keeping synergy between people and planet – which the World Bank has been insisting on due to the funding of solar projects in India for over many years.

India has been a part of the Rio declaration enunciating a catalogue of environmental principles along with the Paris agreement “ratifying” the preservation of 33% of land under forest cover, but currently touching the mark of 21% only.

With that being said, the matter of the Draft EIA 2020 needs to be taken as a serious implication on our future generations with higher levels of climate change effects, lowering of intergenerational equity, loss of natural resources as endowments and biodiversity risks of the highest order.

Through Naturenomics TM and Rural Futures, we must envision both ecology and economy as brothers in arms paving the way for long term plans to mitigate changes through climatic disturbances, land use patterns, carbon sequestration and trade, empowerment of forest communities, protecting biodiversity and creating 100% green jobs by building our already existing sustainable cultures and communities. The Draft EIA needs to have a stronghold to safeguard our forests and ensure a more prosperous sustainable future.

Ranjit Barthakur, Founder and President Balipara Foundation

“B

anknotes may be spreading the new c o r o n av i r u s s o people should try to use contactless payments instead, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said” The Telegraph (UK), March 2, 2020.

Following this report, the WHO, in an e-mail to fullfact. org, clarified that this was not a warning against using currency and went on to list the usual ‘Wash hands regularly, avoid touching face, disinfect surfaces…” etc. Readers may note that this is not a denial of the virus’ ability to travel on banknotes and coins.

When the COVID-19 virus emerged, South Korea was once the second country within which the virus was spreading fastest. China was the first.

South Korea quickly brought it under control with sweeping lockdown measures and a generally co-operative public.

One interesting process South Korean banks adopted was burning and quarantining cash as a precaution against the coronavirus (Reuters, March 6, 2020). In the report, a Bank of Korea official is quoted as saying “For all cash coming to the central bank from local banks, the Bank of Korea will keep it in a safe for two weeks, given that the virus usually dies out after nine days”. China also told lenders to disinfect and store banknotes in a dry place for seven days as part of the battle against the virus.

Any official (Peer reviewed and issued by the WHO or the CDC) report on how long the virus can last on surfaces tends to be vague. This

is understandable. The virus is fairly new and its survival on surfaces depends on many factors like temperature, humidity, dampness, the actual surface, the material etc.

Given this, locally, there seems to be not much concern about handling cash. This puts at risk business people who handle the most number of banknotes and coins. Banknotes and coins exchange hands the most among all the physical things we handle.

Maybe we have to be a little bit more careful about this.

Maybe it will be ideal to make sure we have exact change when we purchase things so that no new currency comes into our hands. Of course this is not possible indefinitely so we may sanitize our money and also wash our hands thoroughly after handling them. The internet has some good ideas on disinfecting banknotes which may be worth looking up. One is to iron them.

Besides these, for larger transactions, some may want to go cashless. For example to pay the person who fixed your refrigerator, ask for their account number and transfer the cash online.

While I am extremely wary of discussing the current pandemic in fears of wrong information disseminating, this was one subject that needed discussing. During this time, while we have to be careful, we should also be careful not to become paranoid because fear causes people to do stupid things.

Phyobemo Odyuo, Duncan Basti, Dimapur

Naga political movement do not start with arms

he Naga movement for self-determination, whether the method adopted is brutal or friendly, open or subversive, armed or civil, individual or collective, inside or outside Nagalim, the objective still remains the same, i.e., sovereignty. Even after two decades of IndoNaga political negotiations, the government of India has not shown any sincerity to resolve the protracted imbroglio. Perhaps, India has not learned anything from their freedom struggle history.

Lately, the Indian interlocutor-cum-governor is desperately twisting the narration according to his convenience. No matter how hard he or anyone tries, Nagas will not accept for something which they are not. The illusive peace talk and foul play of Indian agencies has made the younger nationalist restless and frustrated, thereby considering arms as the only means to ‘liberation’ from the yoke of colonial imperialism.

The Nagas will not repeat the same mistake com-

mitted by Indians against fellow Indians, even if Indian colonial government uses British tactics. The Jalian Wala Bagh massacre, executions of revolutionary leaders like Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Ram Prasad Bismil et al. were all carried out

by Indians. Lala Lajpat Rai died due to serious injuries inflicted by fellow Indians.

Indians committed untold criminal activities against their own Indian National Army who were fighting for Free India. And the list goes on. All these might have been avoided if the British government were wise enough like the present Indian government in conducting survey to expose who is who in the British India administration.

Almost every Naga; young, old, rich and poor, carries the torch of the movement. May it be a centre or state government employee, activist, businessman, housewife, farmer, any Naga individual is a member of the movement.

Naga National Council conducted a plebiscite on 16th May, 1951 where 99.9% of the Nagas wanted independence from India. If RN Ravi and his machineries are going to categorise who is underground and who is not by means of projecting Naga freedom fighters as underground, then the answer is loud and clear.

YES, all Nagas are underground.

Many Naga nationalist working under India are surreptitiously appreciating the proxy move of Mr. RN Ravi in profiling the government employees. Many are ready to give full co-operation as this would uncover true colour before the world that Naga national movement is very dear to all. Almost all of the Nagas serving in the India’s central or state government have immediate or close relatives in the movement. Most of them are keeping silent for the sake of their square meals.

However, this survey would expose their true selves. Acting and hiding their loyalty

would not be a necessary game thereon. Hence, the mutiny and the civil disobedience will be much easier for the Nagas, if need be.

Indian ridiculing and undermining Naga armed movement is an indication of ignorance of their history. Chandra Shekar Azad, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mohan Singh, Rash Behari Bose, Jaganath Rao Bhonsle, Ram Prasad Bismil, Aurobindo Ghose, Udham Singh et al. were the few notable examples among the thousands who took up arms against the British Empire. If Indians considers them as their national Heroes then the Naga freedom fighter are nothing lesser for the Nagas. Any individual or government trying to nullify the Nagas armed struggle as ‘armed gangs’ or ‘law and order issue’ or ‘extortionist’ is as good as mocking India’s freedom fighters.

Millions of Indians, labourers, merchants, roy-

als, etc., contributed immensely towards Azad Hind Fauj and other political and revolutionary parties so that they may sustain economically. Material resources were donated in plenty and millions of cash poured into coffers of the political revolutionary parties. The individual contributions of Hajee Osman Sait, Memon Abdul Habeeb Yusuf Marfani, K.M. Ameer Hamza, Mother Beevimma et al., to name a few, were enormous.

Almost all the thinking Indian of the time have voluntarily placed their body, mind and wealth at the altar of freedom.

There is no difference for the Nagas as well. Naga movement has sustained thus far with free-will donation and certain taxation levied from Naga public and well wishers.

Today, India talks about the evil of the British empire. Tomorrow, it will be Nagas talking about India’s treacherous deeds. Sensible and responsible Indian intellectuals are expected to

Misinterpretation of the Naga political settlement (From previous issue) It is fair to assume that the President thought all the unreconciled Nagas, irrespective of state boundaries, would soon reconcile, but fourteen years later, the rising tide of Naga nationalism forced GoI to impose another accord, the Shillong Accord of 1975, hoping that would be the final settlement. However, the GoI was proven wrong again, leading to the present tense situations, even after the signing of the Framework Agreement (in August 2015) and 17th November 2017 Agreed Position.

Fast forward from the catastrophic days of post-creation of Nagaland statehood and the Shillong Accord, we now face similar situation where misinterpretation of the impending final settlement, to be made between central govt. and NPGs, is likely to occur again. Not long after the signing of the framework agreement, each of the signatories to the framework agreement involved has created its own versions or interpretations of what the framework is, which are often contradictory even though the parties are referring to the same accord. Not surprisingly, Nagaland’s leading intellectuals and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) had only questioned the framework agreement signed between GoI and NSCN IM by asking its contents to be made public. While the agreed position signed between GoI and NNPGs did not receive the same treatment of attention the framework agreement received for the reasons best known

to those (CSOs) demanding the details of framework agreement.

Seeing such unhealthy political environment where even CSOs are involved in taking sides only shows the days ahead won’t be so pleasant. Taking sides, because of group’s hidden interests will not only create political turbulence but also create chaotic atmosphere just as it happened in the past. CSOs, therefore, need to seriously study if taking/choosing sides would help bring permanent peace and reduce collateral damage once the ongoing peace talks breaks down (which by the way appears inevitable).

It is essential for us to realize that the GoI have a long term plan to gradually bring an end to Naga national movement, since ending a nearly hundred year old issue won’t be possible with a single accord (as demonstrated by the two past agreements/accords, i.e. sixteen point agreement and the Shillong Accord, that greatly reduced the spirit of Naga Nationalism).

Remarkably lots have happened since the incidents of political drama of statehood and Shillong Accord.

Back in those days, we saw as the aftermath of these two watershed events, thousand of frustrated Nagas joined the Naga militants groups to fulfill its political goals of establishing Naga Nation. However, going by the present scenario in Nagaland context, it is highly unlikely to see the repeat of the past events, where youths joined the movement with the object to achieve the aims of Naga Nationalism. The

sentiments of nationalism, especially among the Nagas of Nagaland, have reached a point of exhaustion due to the repeated failures to achieve any substantial breakthrough. This is made worse when we include the problems and growing issues of multiple parallel-governments, tribal rivalries, and regionalism. In case similar arrangement (similar to the creation of statehood and the Shillong Accord) is made between Central Gov’t and NNPGs, disagreement among Nagas is bound to emerge given some sections of Nagas within Nagaland and Nagas outside Nagaland will continue with the struggle even if the framework is signed, which will be viewed as a “sell-out.” And in such scenario, as the saying goes that a man is at his worst when betrayed by his own kind, it will be difficult to find a middle ground and to start anew.

The pressing question now is how to bring different armed factions to a comprehensive agreement for the sake of creating a safe future for all the Nagas. To restart the work of bringing different armed factions to an agreement, CSOs and the mass public have to be honest in their approach.

In conclusion, the Naga Nationalism runs the risk of becoming one of the greatest farces of the 21st century if it continues to be on the same page following the existing degenerating method.

(Concluded) Pakinrichapbo, Advocate, Samziuram Village Peren

respect the sentiments and the aspirations of the Nagas.

While dealing with the issue, one has to be very clear that Naga political movement do not start with arms. It was a political movement and it is still very much political.

The arms in the hands of the Naga warriors are not to kill but to defend from the reign of terror unleashed in the hills and valleys of Nagalim

by India and Burma.

It is an unmistakable fact that Nagas are not Indians. Nagalim may be a small nation before the mighty India and Myanmar. But that will not be a hindrance too big for the Nagas from achieving their desired goal.

Nagalim anticipate India to retrospect and logically deal with the issue before it gets irrevocable from both side. Any sort of betrayal by government of India without learning from the history of her freedom struggle could be a catastrophe for the present and future.

L.B.P. Duomai, Viola Colony, Dimapur

Reader’s Post Allow liberal timing for shopping Sir,

The practical evidence of lock down has made us see the irony of its very purpose. Complete or non-complete lockdown is making shoppers desperate. Limited window of shopping time drives the buyers crazy as they rush to add to the clamouring show of the fittest in the queue.

Let us take a simple example of a dam: when a dam breaks, the entire volume of its content is let loose in a matter of few minutes. The natural result is - uncontrolable destruction across its way down the stream. As it is, market closure for a week will cause panic buying. When it is opened people tend to stockpile for fear of next lockdown. Simply said, social distancing does not find its desired meaning. The only effective regime is to keep the market of every kind open as usual and allow liberal timing for shopping to ensure loose crowd and ease of movement. Other restrictions and SOPs and continuing with odd - even dictat should do well.

K. Nishena Nekha, Padum Pukhuri, Dimapur

Sir,

Unity in times of COVID-19

This extremely small piece of organic material that we can’t even see with the naked eye called coronavirus (COVID-19) has taught us to be unified more than ever. The phrase, “It takes a village,” has never been timelier. The COVID-19 pandemic is a call to action for everyone to work together by staying apart and flattening the curve. Each of us has a role to play, whether through innovation or altruism, and so many people are stepping up and scaling up for the good of humanity. Now is the time for unity, for the communities to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences.

Ilivi Awomi, Kohima

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

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

Centre okays CBI to probe into Sushant’s death SC says truth behind Sushant Singh’s death should come out

NEW DELHI, AUG 5 (PTI): The Supreme Court Wednesday said the truth behind the death of “gifted and talented artist” Sushant Singh Rajput should come out, even as the Centre informed that it has accepted the recommendation of Bihar government for a CBI probe in the matter.

A bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy directed Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajput’s father Krishna Kishore Singh to file their replies within three days on a plea

by Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty who is seeking transfer of an FIR, accusing her of abetting suicide of Rajput, from Patna to Mumbai.

The apex court, which posted the matter for hearing next week, also directed Mumbai Police to place before it the status report of the probe conducted so far in Rajput’s death case.

Rajput, aged 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14 and since then Mumbai police has been probing the case keeping in mind various angles.

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the Bihar government’s recommendation has been accepted and the case has been transferred

to the CBI. “Let the Maharashta government respond to the plea of Rhea Chakraborty and so far as the death of the artist is concerned, that truth should come out,” the bench said during the hearing conducted through video-conferencing.

“A gifted and talented artist has passed away in this case,” the bench observed, adding that the fundamental issue raised before it is the jurisdiction as to which police would probe it.

During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Rajput’s father, said he has no difficulty if the apex court examines the case but no protective order should be passed in favour of Chakraborty.

Singh alleged that Maharashtra Police is “destroying the evidence” in the case and for the time being, they should be directed to cooperate with Bihar Police in the ongoing probe.

Ex-Maha CM Shivajirao Patil-Nilangekar dies at 90

Shivajirao Patil-Nilangekar

PUNE, AUG 5 (IANS): Veteran Congressman and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shivajirao Patil-Nilangekar, died due to old-age related problems in Pune on Wednesday, family sources said here. He was 90. Last month, PatilNilangekar tested Covid-19 positive and fully recovered from it. He is survived by four sons Dilip, Ashok, Vijay, Sharad, and a daughter Chandrakala Dawle, besides grandchildren including two who are Bharatiya Janata Party politicians.

Born in Nilanga village in the erstwhile Hyderabad State, Patil-Nilangekar took part in the Indian Freedom struggle and later served as the 10th Chief Minister of Maharashtra between June 1985-March 1986.

However, he was forced

to resign following Bombay High Court strictures in the MD exams marks scandal involving his daughter.

A voracious reader, classical music lover and sport enthusiast, in 1968, he had founded the Maharashtra Education Trust which runs over two dozen schools, colleges and specialized education institutions CM Uddhav Thackeray expressed his condolences, describing Patil-Nilangekar as “a leader who connected and guided two generations” making immense contributions to the development of the state.

Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar said PatilNilangekar’s life symbolized the struggle through which he came up and the state has lost a stalwart who helped build up the state with his strong political and intellectual leadership.

Congress state President and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat, BJP LoP Devendra Fadnavis and NCP President Sharad Pawar also mourned the demise of Shivajirao PatilNilangekar

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR :: NAGALAND NOTICE

S/C. No. 207/20

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late James Rongmei has been applied by Smti. Jacinta Rongmei, W/o Lt. James Rongmei, R/o H.No. Zeliangrong Village, Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of: 1. P.F. - 3020657, 2. SBI A/c - 32717362109 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/ he so desire appear in this Court on or before the said day of 7th Sept' 2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 5th August 2020.

Principal District & Sessions Judge Dimapur :: Nagaland DP-3365

FAITH THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE (Affiliated to Martin Luther Christian University) Ura Villa Colony, Circuit House Area, Dimapur (Recognised by Government of Nagaland & UGC)

ADMISSION NOTICE (RESIDENTIAL COURSE) COURSES

ELIGIBILITY

DIP.TH

Matriculate / 10th Pass

B.TH

XII pass or equivalent

M.DIV

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CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

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Contact No. : 9856319201 / 7005091090 / 8837099195

rape and death threats.

“It is pertinent to mention that the deceased and petitioner were in live-in relationship since a year up till June 8, 2020 when the petitioner had temporarily shifted to her own residence in Mumbai,” she has said in her plea.

Chakraborty has also said, “Deceased (Rajput) was suffering from depression for some time and was also on anti-depressants and he committed suicide on the morning of June 14, 2020 at his Bandra residence by hanging himself.”

Centre directs CBI probe in Sushant’s death case

The Centre on Wednesday issued a notification asking the CBI to probe the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, that occurred in June at his Mumbai residence, officials said. A copy of the notification has been sent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) asking it to probe the case, they said.

“A notification has been issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) paving way for the CBI probe in Rajput’s death case,” a senior official said.

The move comes after the Bihar government on Tuesday recommended a CBI probe to the Centre in the sensational case at the request of Rajput’s father.

Khinchi accorded official farewell

Man shot dead in Peren distt (From p-1) The union expressed anguish that such a harmless man is killed “in the cruelest of heinous and despicable act.”

The union has demanded that timely justice be delivered at the earliest possible time by bring the perpetrators to book and awarding befitting punishment.

ZSU(N) has conveyed condolences to family members on the loss of the father and prayed that the departed soul rest in peace.

KAPO, BDC: Kebai Area Public Organization (KAPO) and Beisumpui Deulung Council (BDC) have expressed shock over the “cold blooded murder” of late Dichung Newme and said that “this unusual and unprecedented incident” has shocked the entire area.

In a joint statement, KAPO president Bailang and BDC chairman Ikiak said that people have lost a sense of security as their own brother had been murdered in his own kitchen.

The two organisations have demand that the district administration and the police department ensure taking necessary steps so the perpetrators were apprehended and awarded befitting punishment and justice be delivered at the earliest. They said that delay in delivering justice would “escalate insecurities and fears in the Area.”

(From p-1) Tetseo, who spoke on the occasion, observed that although Khinchi worked for a short stint of nine months and one week, yet had worked more than other officers.

He said the outgoing DC was always accessible, dedicated.

He said Khinchi had focused his energy for Dimapur district without even going home for more than six months.

Tetseo conveyed his appreciation to Kinchi and sought his guidance even in future. He also welcomed Soundararajan and assured his of full cooperation for the betterment of Dimapur district.

ADC (Hq) V Lovitoly Sema, ADC Niuland Athrila, chief medical officer Dimapur, MS Dimapur, representatives from Red cross, NCD and others spoke on the occasion. The program was chaired by Revenue officer Dimapur, Mhalo Humtsoe while SDO (C) Sadar, Zubenthung Ngullie proposed the vote of thanks.

NDPP ridicules NPF claim on NSSB (From p-1) The statement said NPF also brought shame and infamy to NLA when crucial Assembly sessions were conducted and concluded in a matter of few minutes, thereby making the then ruling dispensation a laughing stock both within the State and outside.

Rejecting the opposition party’s demand to resign, NDPP asserted that constitutionally-installed governments the world over did not function or cease to function at the whims and fancies of a few who wish to take over the helms of affairs so that they could perpetuate their looting and plundering spree.

“Perhaps the opposition feels that the present PDA government is like the DAN-III government wherein NPF took it upon itself to overthrow its own government and chief minister on its whims and fancies, not once but twice!” the statement added. The ruling party advised NPF to first look at its past before pointing its fingers at others.

NDPP said the opposition party had fallen into the habit of pointing fingers at others for all its failures.

Be it the chaos in running the affairs of the State under two chief ministers, the public fiasco over the urban local body elections, few minutes of Assembly sessions, lack of any semblance of development, perpetual instability, etc, NPF should realise that these were all its failures and it cannot blame others for its incapability, the statement pointed out.

HC seeks police, Zee News reply on TMC MP Moitra’s plea in defamation case

NEW DELHI, AUG 5 (PTI): The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked Delhi Police and Zee News to respond to a plea by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra challenging the summons and framing of charges against her in a defamation case filed by the news channel and its editor.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru, who was conducting the hearing through video conferencing, issued notice to Delhi Police and Zee Media Corporation Ltd on Moitra’s petition.

Moitra has challenged the trial court’s orders of September 25, 2019 and January 10 this year by which she was summoned as accused and charges were framed against her in

the defamation case respectively.

Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Moitra, also sought a stay on the trial of the case before the subordinate court.

The high court recorded the statement of advocate Vijay Aggarwal, representing the media house, that in the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation, evidence is not being recorded by the lower court so the trial cannot commence on the next date of hearing.

On January 10, the trial court had framed charges against the politician for the alleged offence of criminal defamation under the IPC. Pahwa along with advocate Adit S Pujari submitted before the high court that no opportunity was

No.SAMN/ACD-1-95(Vol-III) 2019- 422

Advocates Aggarwal, Mudit Jain and Yugant Sharma said Moitra has approached the high court instead of moving the Sessions court and there was a delay in filing the petition.

The offence of defamation provides a simple

Mohua Moitra

given to Moitra by the trial court to seek discharge and to advance her arguments that no case was made out and she was summoned without considering that the remarks were made by her without requisite intention.

The politician said these proceedings were a counterblast to the defamation complaint filed by her against the Zee news editorin-chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

Date: 5th August 2020

NU: SASRD ADMISSION NOTICE

It is hereby notified to the aspiring students seeking admission to various disciplines of M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D Programme in Agriculture in the school of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development, Medziphema Campus of Nagaland University for the Academic session 2020-21 to fill-in the online form available in the university website, www.nagalanduniversity.ac.in. Application forms and information brochures can be obtained from Nagaland University website on payment (online) of an application fee of Rs. 150/- (Rupees One Hundred Fifty) only for SC/ST and Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred) only for general category candidates.

Eligibility for M.Sc.(Ag.) Candidates must possess a B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons./B.Sc. (Hons) Ag./B.Sc. (Hort.)

Degree from any ICAR recognized Institution/University with minimum 6.5 OGPA for General candidates and 6.0 OGPA for SC/ST candidates.

Candidates with B.Sc. (Hort.) are eligible for admission in all M.Sc. (Ag.) programmes (except Agronomy & Live Stock Production & Management).

Deficiency courses if any should be completed in the concerned discipline from B. Sc (Ag.) program.

Eligibility for Ph.D. (Ag.) Candidate must possess both Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Agriculture from any ICAR recognized Institution/University in the concerned subject with 7.5 OGPA for General Candidates and 7.0 OGPA for SC/ST Candidates.

Important dates for M.Sc. (Ag.) & Ph.D admission for the Academic session 2020-21 Opening date of online application form : 8th August, 2020 Last date of online application form submission : 7th September, 2020  Entrance test and counseling dates will be notified in due course of time.

DP-2677

G.TH / B.TH / M.DIV / M.TH (Housewife / Govt. / Mission / Private employees can apply) Wanted Lecturers : M.Th (Serampore /ATA)

Senior advocate R Basant, appearing for Maharashtra, told the bench that Patna Police has no jurisdiction to either lodge an FIR or investigate the matter and this has been made a “political case”.

“The incident of quarantining a police officer (of Bihar) has not sent a good message,” the bench observed, adding that the Mumbai Police has “good professional reputation”.

“Kindly ensure that everything is done in accordance with law,” the bench said. The Maharashtra government told the bench, “We are doing quite a professional job” and it is inappropriate that Mumbai Police is being accused like this.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Chakraborty, told the bench that no coercive action be taken against her till the pendency of the matter.

“We want all parties to

hold their hands. Lawyers are here and I am sure they have all heard you”, the bench observed.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Tuesday recommended CBI probe to the Centre in the sensational case at the request of Rajput’s father.

Maharashtra has been opposed to transferring the probe to CBI. Rhea, who had once allegedly tweeted to the Union Home Minister seeking CBI probe into the matter, had on Tuesday opposed the Bihar government’s move through her lawyer Satish Maneshinde by saying that the decision has “no legal sanctity”.

On July 25, Rajput’s father had lodged an FIR at Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna against Chakraborty and six others, including her family members, accusing them of abetting the actor’s suicide.

In her plea filed in the apex court, Chakraborty has alleged that Rajput’s father has used his “influence” in roping her in FIR lodged at Patna in Bihar accusing her of abetment of suicide of his son.

The actress has said in her plea that she was in a live-in relationship with Rajput and has been in deep trauma due the death of the actor and moreover getting

5

DC-478

Sd/Dean NU: SASRD

imprisonment which may extent up to two years.

The trial court had on December 17 last year granted bail to the politician on a personal bond of Rs 20,000, after she appeared before it after summons were issued against her.

It had earlier sought to know whether there was a possibility of settlement between the parties.

The suggestion was, however, denied by Moitra who said they had a “substantive” case separately going on in another court.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION NAGALAND: KOHIMA

NO.DTE/ESTT-2/12/2018-19(Pt)/

Dated, Kohima the 4th August 2020

PRESS NOTE

This is for general information and in particular the candidates for Nagaland State Entrance Examination (NSEE) 2020 for selection of candidates to undergo courses in Agri & Allied and Para-Medical against the State allotted seats that the conduct of NSEE 2020 was not considered to be held due to the Pandemic conditions and restrictions thereof. In lieu, the recommendations of the constituted Committee on the Methodology for determining the Merit List 2020 was approved.

Accordingly, the Common Selection Board (CSB) of 4th August 2020, has accorded the Merit List 2020 determined as per the approved Methodology of Normalization of Marks based on NBSE marks as BASE for selection of the candidates.

It may be noted that the Department had sought relaxation for the State nominees for admission beyond the notified dates specified by the concerned Colleges / Universities. However, the request was not considered and therefore it is imperative that the selected candidates as per Merit 2020 vide notification NO.DTE/ESTT-2/12/2018-1999(Pt) Dated, 4th August 2020, adhere to the terms and timeline specified.

(Er. Arjun Singh) Director

DC-479

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE NAGALAND : KOHIMA Dated Kohima, the …… Aug 2020.

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2. The Terms & Conditions and Prescribed Format of Application can be downloaded from the department web site: nagahealth.nagaland.gov.in 3. Last Date of Submission of Application shall be 16th August 2020. Duly filled in application in PDF format along with requisite supporting documents should be submitted through email to:- hfw.recruitment2020@gmail.com NB: • No Application Forms will be issued from the office.

• Incomplete application, if submitted will be rejected summarily. List of rejected application will be published in the office Notice Board.

• Those 28 MOs engaged against regular sanctioned posts on fixed pay may also apply.

(DR. VIZOLIE Z SUOKHRIE) Principal Director Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Nagaland :: Kohima Issued by DIPR DC-477

NEW DELHI, AUG 5 (PTI): Terming the foundation laying of Ram temple in Ayodhya as a “historic and proud day” for India, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said it heralds the beginning of a new era.

He said by starting the construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a golden chapter in the history of the great Indian civilisation, and asserted that the government remains committed to the preservation of Indian culture and its values.

“Today is a historic and proud day for India.

The consecration of the grand Ram temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lord Ram’s birthplace has written a golden chapter in the history of great Indian culture and civilisation and heralded the beginning of a new era,” Shah, who is recuperating at a private hospital in Gurgaon after contracting COVID-19, said.

He said the construction of the temple is the result of centuries long sacrifice, struggle and penance

Amit Shah

of the innumerable devotees of Lord Ram. “On this day, I salute all those ascetics who fought for this priceless heritage of them who struggled for years to preserve this precious heritage of Sanatan civilization. Jai Shree Ram,” he tweeted in Hindi.

“The construction of the grand Ram temple demonstrates the strong and decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“My heartiest congratulations to all Indians on this unforgettable day.

The Modi government will always remain committed to the preservation of Indian culture and its values,” he also said.

Shah said the ideals

and thoughts of Lord Ram reside in the soul of India.

“His character and philosophy are the foundation of Indian culture.”

With the construction of the Ram temple, this sacred land of Ayodhya will once again rise to its pristine glory in the world, he said, adding that the amalgamation of religion and development will also generate employment opportunities. “The construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya has been a symbol of faith of Hindus across the world for centuries. By consecrating the Ram temple in Ram Janmabhoomi today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honoured the faith of crores of people for which I express my heartfelt gratitude to him,” he said.

“Today is a historic and proud day for India.

The consecration of the grand Ram temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lord Ram’s birthplace has written a golden chapter in the history of great Indian culture and civilization and heralded the beginning of a new era,” Shah said.

Nun rape case: SC dismisses plea of Bishop Mulakkal

NEW DELHI, AUG 5 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed Bishop Franco Mulakkal to face trial as it dismissed his plea seeking discharge in the rape case lodged against him by a nun, saying that there is no merit in his petition.

A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde, A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian told the counsel for Bishop that the court is not saying anything on merit but is dismissing the plea on the issue of discharge from the case.

Mulakkal, in his plea has challenged the Kerala High Court order of July 7, dismissing his discharge plea in the rape case filed by the nun.

The Kerala High Court on July 7 rejected his petition seeking discharge in the case.

The High Court had asked the deposed Bishop of Jalandhar diocese to stand for trial in the rape case, which was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by a nun of same diocese in Kerala.

The high court had dismissed the plea by the bishop, admitting the prosecution argument that there

ZYON reacts to NDPP Peren region

DIMAPUR: Zeme Youth Organization Nagaland (ZYON) has reacted to the NDPP Peren region and NDPP Tening town unit statement which “insinuated” at the peaceful protest rallies conducted by various student bodies as “politically motivated” and also “asking the JAC not to go beyond boundary.”

A press release by Zeme Youth Organization Nagaland (ZYON) president, R. John Zeliang reminded the NDPP party of Peren that there was “a time and place to put the community first before their political party interest.”

It stated that peaceful

protest rallies were conducted under the aegis of the Zeliangrong Students Union Nagaland (ZSUN), Zeme Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON) and the Kuki Students Organisation (KSON).

The release stated that, the JAC comprising of CSOs and church organisations have taken strong exception to the baseless accusations of the NDPP party as executives of various churches under Peren district were core members of JAC, whereby it was an affront to the many churches to be accused of being political in their actions.

While stating that JAC

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

is a mass based committee, the release added that “we welcome everyone who can spare their time and energy to help our own people rather than sitting on the other side of the fence and slinging mud for no apparent reasons.”

It further stated that, JAC is genuinely concerned for the welfare of the people “without any ulterior motives or for personal gains”, whereby it reiterated that the “NDPP party as a responsible political party should restrain themselves from making such statements which is aimed at demoralising the leaders who are sincerely working for the people.”

was prima facie evidence against Mulakkal in the rape case, which was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by a nun of Jalandhar diocese.

The senior priest of the Roman Catholic Church had filed the revision petition following the dismissal of his discharge plea by a trial court in March this year. The rape case against the Bishop was registered by police in Kottayam district.

In his plea filed before the High Court, the accused priest argued that he was implicated after he questioned the financial dealings of the victim nun.

The bishop had filed the discharge plea in the trial court just ahead of commencement of the preliminary hearing on charges against him.

In her complaint to the police in June, 2018, the nun had alleged that she was subjected to sexual abuse by the bishop during the period between 2014 and 2016.

The bishop, who was arrested by the Special Investigation team, which probed the case, charged him with wrongful confinement, rape, unnatural sex and criminal intimidation.

state

VKAPO condemns murder of wife

DIMAPUR: VK Area People’s Organisation (VKAPO) has vehemently condemned the heinous crime committed by one Phutovi Sema, of Mukhami village, who murdered his wife on July 30. A condemnation note by president, VKAPO, Mughato Kinimi and general secretary, VKAPO, Bokato Assumi, stated that the organisation strongly condemn the barbaric incident under its jurisdiction and further requested law agency to punish the culprit with appropriate gravity of judgement.

No. 9590 Yesterday’s solution No. 9589

No. 4209

Yesterday’s solution No. 4208

No. 3234 Yesterday’s solution No. 3233

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

SOP for home isolation of asymptomatic COVID-19 Cases

twice daily will be done until discharge from home isolation. For any assistance on the App or on development of any symptom, the patient should call the Toll Free State Helpline 1800 345 0019. Aarogya Setu App should also be downloaded and kept activated at all times.

• Community Surveillance: The Village Council/ Town Council/ Municipal Council will immediately report any violation of home isolation to the District Task Force. On receiving such report, the medical surveillance team and District Task Force will be alerted for appropriate contact tracing, isolation/quarantine, testing, and containment measures.

• Medical surveillance: Each patient in home isolation will be linked to a designated COVID Hospital. Ambulance service and relevant mobile numbers should be made available to the patient at the start of home B. Eligibility: isolation. Telephonic monitoring of symptoms by the medical team will • The patient should be clinically assigned as an asymptomatic case continue in addition to the digital surveillance. by the treating medical officer.

F. Penalty: • The patients with very mild symptoms who do not have any other co-morbid conditions also may be considered for home isolation by • The violator(s) of this SOP will be penalized as per the relevant section the medical officer. of the Disaster Management Act 2005, and the Nagaland Epidemic • Immuno compromised patients (HIV, Transplant recipients, Cancer Disease (COVID-19) Regulations 2020. therapy etc) are not eligible.

• Elderly patients and people with Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart G. Safety precautions: disease, Chronic lung/liver/ kidney disease etc shall only be allowed • The patient should not move out of the isolation room during the entire after proper evaluation by the treating medical officer. duration of isolation except in circumstances where the bathroom is • There should be appropriate facility & logistics for home isolation located away from the room. as defined below.

• The dedicated caregiver should be a young and healthy person without any other chronic diseases. The care giver will avoid physical C. Required Facility & Logistics: contact and maintain physical distancing when providing care. The • It is mandatory that there should be a single bedroom with proper patient and the caregiver will wear mask, maintain social distancing, and wash hands frequently. ventilation.

• A separate or attached bathroom is desirable. However, sharing of • Food may be served in disposable containers preferably made of bathroom will be allowed subject to strict adherence to the infection biodegradable material. All essential items should be delivered at the door without entering the room. control measures mentioned below.

• Appropriate disinfectants (e.g. hand sanitizers, sodium hypochlorite, • Only on medical recommendation, Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis phenyl, phenolic disinfectant like dettol, detergent/soap) should be will be taken by the care giver and close contacts. available.

• If bathroom is shared, it should be disinfected after each use with ap• Sufficient quantities of masks and gloves should be available. propriate disinfectant: sodium hypochlorite, phenyl, detergent / soap.

• Fingertip pulse oximeter and thermometer may preferably be kept • Elderly, pregnant women, or family members with other co-morbid ready. conditions should stay away from the isolation room and not share • If more than one member in a family are tested positive and are eligible the bathroom. for home isolation, room sharing may be allowed.

• Frequently touched surfaces will be disinfected regularly with I% sodium hypochlorite solution or other available disinfectants.

D. Procedure of approval for home isolation: • Clothes and linen used by the person should be washed separately • After being tested positive, the patient may apply for home isolation using common household detergent and dried. to the district surveillance officer with a copy to the Village Council/ • Used masks can be disinfected using ordinary bleach solution (5%) Town Council/ Municipal Council requesting for inspection of the or sodium hypochlorite solution (I%) or appropriate concentration of isolation room/facility. household disinfectant (e.g. dettol, detergent) and then disposed off • A medical doctor will examine and certify that the patient is asymp- either by burning or deep burial. tomatic and/or fit to be kept in home isolation. Appropriate medical • The cleaning works such as washing of utensils, used linen / clothes, advice, including medications if any, and instruction on how to use disinfection of frequently touched surfaces etc should be done by the patient in isolation to avoid contact with caregivers. fingertip pulse oximeter and thermometer will be given.

• The medical team will inspect the house and certify that the required H. Duration of Home isolation: facility as specified is available. The medical team may associate the Village Council/ Town Council/ Municipal Council while carrying out • The total duration of home isolation will be for 14 days, if there is no symptom throughout the period; which will be followed by 14 days the inspection.

• The inspection team should wear mask and avoid any physical home quarantine. contact during the visit. A checklist as enclosed will be used by the • If symptoms develop during the isolation period, patient will be shifted to COVID Hospital. But if the symptom is very mild and medical officer inspection team.

• On receiving the approval from medical team, the patient may advises continued home isolation, the patient will continue isolation for 10 more days from the onset of symptom and the patient should proceed to home isolation. not have had fever at least for the last 3 days. This will be followed by E. Surveillance: 14 days home quarantine.

• Digital surveillance: It is mandatory for the patient in home isolation • After home isolation, testing is not recommended by GOI. But the to download the nCOVID Nagaland App and select ‘Mark Yourself in State testing policy for discharge of confirmed cases will be followed, Quarantine’. Self monitoring of symptoms and entering into the App as revised from time to time.

A. Rationale:

• Majority of the COVID-19 positive cases are asymptomatic which does not require hospitalized care.

• District Hospitals which are designated as COVID hospitals need to be decongested to provide care to more serious cases and resumption of essential health services.

• The home provides a conducive environment for better psychosocial support and mental wellbeing.

• There is a robust social structure and network in each locality/village which can be leveraged for monitoring and surveillance.

NEWS IN BRIEF

EE, Electrical Division Dimapur informs: EE, Electrical Division, Dimapur, Er. Imsenkaba has informed all electricity consumers that normal functioning of the offices have been hampered due to COVID-19 pandemic as the offices need to be sanitized from time to time. EE also informed that in order to avoid crowding, the man power have been reduced to minimum affecting the normal office functioning. Public have been requested to bear with the inconvenience and continue to pay the electricity bills online. The village/colony leaders are also requested not to restrict the movement of staff from performing their duties for the welfare of the public.

ADC Pughoboto informs: Additional deputy commissioner Pughoboto, Thungchanbemo Tungoe has informed that a meeting of Pughoboto SubDivisional Task Force for COVID-19 with Sumi Aphuyemi Hoho in connection with the installation of Truenat Machine at CHC Pughoboto has been

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convened on August 10, 12 noon at DB hall, ADC Office Pughoboto. All the members have been requested to attend the meeting including contractor Nitovi Aye. SMO Noklak informs: Senior medical officer (SMO), CHC Noklak, Dr. Victor N. C in an notification informed that Medical department Noklak will be carrying out disinfection of Noklak town area including market places, DC office and official residence on August 6, from 6 a.m onwards and installation of hand sanitizing corner at the main entrance to DC office complex. All the general public has been informed to remain indoor during the disinfection procedures to avoid unwanted sideeffects of disinfection.

WSKH emergency meeting: Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) has conveyed an emergency meeting on August 7, 10 a.m at East Dimapur Sumi council hall, Purana Bazaar. All executive members have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

Menstrual hygiene awareness programme held in Dimapur

DC Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi interacting with school and college students during the programme on August 4.

DIMAPUR: Menstrual hygiene awareness programme and distribution of free sanitary napkins was held at the DC's office in Dimapur on August 4, initiated by the Dimapur deputy commissioner, Anoop Khinchi in collaboration with the Community Health Initiative (CHI).

A press release by CHI stated that, DC highlighted

the importance of good hygiene practices and the role of educated girls in contributing to the country's development. He later distributed around 3000 sanitary napkins to all the school and college students attending the programme. Later, director of CHI Loreni Sophia had an interaction and awareness session with the students

Security forces apprehend cadre of banned NSCN (K-YA)

DIMAPUR: In a major breakthrough against extortion activities by undergrounds in Nagaland, the security forces apprehended one cadre of the banned outfit NSCN (K-YA) near Dhobinala in Dimapur on August 2.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), based on specific intelligence regarding presence of UG cadre in the area, the security forces along with Police representative launched an operation and apprehended the individual. Troops also recovered four fired cases of ammunition, extortion slips, letter pads of NSCN/GPRN (K-YA) and other incriminating material. The apprehended person along with recovered items has been handed over to West Police Station, Dimapur for further investigations.

and teachers on menstrual hygiene management.

Programme was attended by students and teachers from the Dimapur Government College, Government High School Sarpura, Government Higher Secondary School Nagarjan, Government High School Lenrijan, Government High School Burma Camp.

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Lebanese confront devastation after Beirut explosion Beirut, Aug 5 (AP): Residents of Beirut confronted a scene of utter devastation Wednesday, a day after a massive explosion at the port rippled across the Lebanese capital, killing at least 100 people, wounding thousands and leaving entire city blocks blanketed with glass and rubble.

Smoke still rose from the port, where a towering building of silos was half destroyed, spilling out grain.

Hangars around it were completely toppled. The blast knocked out a crater some 200 meters (yards) across that filled with seawater — it was as if the sea had taken a bite out of the port, swallowing buildings with it.

Much of downtown was littered with damaged vehicles and debris that had rained down from the shattered facades of buildings.

An official with the Lebanese Red Cross said at least 100 people were killed and more than 4,000 were wounded. George Kettaneh said the toll could rise further. The blast appeared to have been triggered by a fire that touched off a cargo of ammonium nitrate that had been stored at the port for years, though it was unclear what sparked the fire. Hitting with the force of an earthquake, it was the most powerful explosion ever seen in the city, which was split in half by the 1975-1990 civil war and has endured

An army helicopter drops water at the scene of Tuesday’s massive explosion that hit the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday. (AP/PTI)

conflicts with neighbouring Israel and periodic bombings and terror attacks.

Scores of people were missing, with relatives pleading on social media for help locating loved ones.

An Instagram page called “Locating Victims Beirut” sprang up with photos of missing, and radio presenters read names of missing or wounded people throughout the night.

Many residents moved in with friends or relatives after their apartments were damaged and treated their own injuries because hospitals were overwhelmed.

Lebanon was already on the brink of collapse amid a severe economic cri-

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

sis, and its capacity to deal with the disaster is crippled.

With buildings severely damaged, potentially large numbers are now homeless at a time when many have lost their jobs and seen their savings evaporate because of a currency crisis. Food security is a worry, since Lebanon imports nearly all its vital goods and its main port is devastated.

The health system is confronting a coronavirus surge, and there were concerns the virus could spread further as people flooded into hospitals.

Even as politicians vowed to help Lebanese recover, the government is strapped for cash, and the

disaster threatens to further stoke public fury in a country that saw mass protests in recent months.

There was no evidence the explosion was an attack.

Instead, many Lebanese blamed it on decades of corruption and poor governance by the entrenched political class that has ruled the tiny Mediterranean country since the civil war.

Saint George University Hospital, one of the major private hospitals in Beirut which had been receiving COVID-19 patients, was out of commission Wednesday after suffering major damage.

Patients were evacuated to a nearby field for

primary care while staff worked on sending them to other facilities, Dr. Kamal Haddad said. Another doctor, Emile, said 16 staff and patients, including four nurses, were killed in the blast. He declined to give his last name out of privacy concerns.

The blast also wounded a number of U.N. peacekeepers at the port, including 21 Bangladeshis and one Italian. Two Egyptians and an Australian citizen were known to be among the dead.

Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi told a local TV station that it appeared the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse ever since it was confiscated from a cargo ship impounded in 2013.

Explosives experts and video footage suggested the ammonium nitrate may have been ignited by a fire at what appeared to be a nearby warehouse containing fireworks. Ammonium nitrate is a common ingredient in fertilizer as well as explosives. Security forces cordoned off the port area Wednesday as a bulldozer helped clear away debris.

In Beirut’s hard-hit Achrafieh district, civil defense workers and soldiers worked on locating missing people and clearing rubble.

At least one man was still pinned under stones from

an old building that had collapsed. Volunteers hooked him up to an oxygen tank to help him breathe. “ T h e r e are no words to describe the catastrophe that hit Beirut last night,” President Michel Aoun said at a Cabinet meeting Wednesday.

He vowed an investigation and that those responsible will be punished.

Aoun and Prime Minister Hassan Diab said the government will help find shelter for those who lost their homes and compensate others whose property was damaged.

Diab, in a short televised speech, appealed for international aid, saying: “We are witnessing a real catastrophe.” There were signs of public anger already brewing.

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited the grave of his late father who was killed in a suicide truck bomb in February 2005, telling reporters, “They killed Beirut yesterday.” After he left, protesters chanted slogans against Lebanon’s entire political class, including Hariri, and fistfights broke out between his supporters and protesters.

French President Emmanuel Macron was to traveling to Beirut on Thursday to offer support and meet with Lebanese leaders. Lebanon is a former French protectorate and the countries retain close political and economic ties.

America’s attitude towards China ‘changed greatly’: Trump WASHINGTON, AUG 5 (PTI): America’s attitude towards China has “changed greatly” since the coronavirus pandemic hit the country, US President Donald Trump has said, asserting that the Chinese government should have stopped the deadly contagion in Wuhan.

Trump, who has in the past upped the ante against Beijing over its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that the coronavirus should not have hit the world.

“I think our attitude on China has changed greatly since the China virus hit us.

I think it changed greatly.

They should have been able to stop it. So, we feel differently…,” he said.

Last month, Trump said that China must be held fully accountable for its “secrecy, deception and cover-up” that allowed the coronavirus to spread all over the world. China has denied the allegations.

According to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the contagion has infected over 18 million people and killed more than 700,000 across the world.

The US is the worst affected country with over 4.7 million cases and more than 1,56,000 deaths.

The COVID-19, which originated in China’s Wuhan city in December last

Donald Trump

year, has also battered the world economy with the International Monetary Fund saying that the global economy is bound to suffer a “severe recession”.

Trump told reporters that cases are declining in 70 per cent of the jurisdictions, compared to 36 per cent last Monday.

“That’s a big, big number. Eleven out of 13 states with the positive rate above 10 per cent have seen a decline in daily cases since mid-July.

“In other states, the data suggests that the need for continuing vigilance always is strong, even though the numbers are getting very good -- states that have a test positivity rate between five and 10 per cent. In the states with the lowest positivity rates, we also see slight increases in daily cases in a couple of them,” he said.

Trump said that fatalities nationwide are at roughly half the level of the April peak.

Massive fire breaks out at UAE’s Ajman market US looking to ramp up arms sales to India: Report border clashes with China, opening a new front of tensions between Washington and Beijing,” the Foreign Policy magazine reported based on interviews with US officials and Congressional aides.

Quoting the officials, the magazine said the US in recent months has laid the groundwork for new arms sales to India that “go above and beyond what previous administrations considered, including longer-term weapon systems with higher levels of technology and sophistication, such as armed drones”. President Donald Trump has officially amended rules that restrict the sale of military-grade drones to foreign partners like India, it said, adding that prominent among them being the recent announcement by the Trump administration changing its interpretation

of the Missile Technology Control Regime.

This will allow the US to consider the sale of armed drones, which had previously been restricted because of their speeds and payloads, to allow them to be considered alongside surveillance drones, the news report said.

“They are going to want to provide India with armed [category-1] Predators,” a Congressional aide familiar with the matter told Foreign Policy, while referring to MQ-1 Predator drones that can carry more than 1,000 pounds of bombs and missiles.

The aide, according to the magazine, said the State and Defence Departments had been pushing for a transaction.

“Part of the calculation behind the policy change was to free themselves up

Sri Lanka’s general election sees high voter turnout

7 dead, 60 infected by new infectious disease in China

The fire engulfed a fruits and vegetable market.

NEW DELHI, AUG 5 (AGENCIES): A day after a catastrophic explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut, reports of a major fire are now coming to light from Ajman in the United

Arab Emirates (UAE), reports India Today.

According to Khaleej Times, a massive fire engulfed the fruits and vegetable market in Ajman’s new industrial area. Fire engines

have been rushed to the spot and civil defence teams have diverted traffic until the blaze can be brought under control. The fire reportedly broke out at around 6.30 pm, said Gulf News.

Rajapaksa clan expected to win COLOMBO, AUG 5 (PTI): Sri Lankans, wearing face masks and carrying their own pens, turned out in large numbers to vote on Wednesday in the twicepostponed parliamentary election which is expected to be won by the powerful Rajapaksa family-run Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP).

According to Chairman of the National Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya, the election, conducted amidst COVID19 pandemic fears, concluded in a peaceful manner, with the voter turnout being 70 per cent.

Ampara (72.8 per cent), Killinochchi (71.52 per cent), Mannar (79.49 per cent ), Vavuniya (74 per cent), Mullaithivu (76.25 per cent), Trincomalee (73.5 per cent), Batticaloa (76.15 per cent) and Nuwara Eliya (75 per cent) recorded high voter turnout.

The polls closed at 5 pm local time and the ballot boxes were transported to counting centers. The counting would take place only on Thursday - a departure from K Y M C

Mahinda Rajapaksa and family members arrive to cast their votes in their home village Madamulana, Aug. 5. (PTI)

the practice of counting the ballots from 8 PM on the election night.

The results would be announced by Thursday evening, Deshapriya said.

“We have to be grateful to the voting public for recording such a high turnout despite corona fears,” he said.

He said considering that the election was delayed by more than three months and various conflicts among some political groups, the voters should be praised for turning up in large numbers and recording a 70 per cent turn out. Long queues of voters were seen at polling centres in some districts from the time polling began at 7 am.

The election monitoring groups said despite a few complaints of illegal

activities by certain groups the election was held peacefully.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa voted in his Colombo suburb polling station while his brother and the prime ministerial aspirant Mahinda Rajapaksa voted in his home constituency in the southern district of Hambantota.

“We are hopeful of winning two-thirds support,” Mahinda Rajapaksa, 74, told reporters after voting. He said his younger brother Gotabaya’s election as president was endorsed by 6.9 million voters last December and that he was hopeful of securing the same support.

Former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who voted in Colombo, said that only his party, UNP, was ca-

WASHINGTON, AUG 5 (PTI): The US is looking to ramp up arms sales to India, including those of armed drones that can carry over 1,000 pounds of bombs and missiles, said a media report, noting the “new push” comes following the violent clashes in June between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh.

Twenty Indian army personnel were killed during the clashes with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan Valley on June 15. The Chinese side also suffered casualties in the clashes but it is yet to give out details.

The number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35, according to a US intelligence report.

“The Trump administration is looking to ramp up arms sales to India in the wake of the country’s deadly

pable of turning around the economy which is currently in poor state due to COVID19 and mishandling by the current government.

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s SLPP is expected to win control of the 225-member assembly by a comfortable margin, according to analysts.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hopes for a twothirds majority for the SLPP in the general election so that he can amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers curbed by a 2015 constitutional change.

The president is not a candidate while Mahinda is running from the north western capital district of Kurunegala. The country’s election monitoring body -- the People’s Action for a Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) -- has deployed 5,000 observers across the nation to monitor the election process.

“We have to congratulate the election commission for holding an exemplary election while strictly applying health guidelines”, Manjula Gajanayake from one of the polls observer groups said.

Poll stations were manned by over 8,000 health officials who supervised the maintenance of health

guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The election, which was postponed twice due to the coronavirus, is to elect a 225-member Parliament for a 5-year term.

Over 16 million people were eligible to vote to elect 196 out of a total of 225 lawmakers for the next five years. Twenty-nine others will be named from a national list according to the number of votes received by each party.

The election, originally scheduled for April 25, was put off until June 20 as the COVID-19 outbreak hampered the preparations.

The August 5 date was later fixed as the health authorities issued guidelines on holding the poll.

“No one can bring corona to the polling station, there is no corona at the polling station so no one could carry corona outside.

I can guarantee that voting will be 100 per cent corona free,” Deshapriya said.

Under the guidelines, every voter’s hands were cleaned before and after voting as special arrangements were made to transfer the indelible ink to the index finger, with no physical contact with any surface at the polling station, election officials said.

BEIJING, AUG 5 (PTI): A new infectious disease caused by a tick-borne virus has killed seven people and infected 60 others in China, official media here reported on Wednesday, warning about the possibility of its human-to-human transmission.

More than 37 people in East China’s Jiangsu Province contracted with the SFTS Virus in the first half of the year. Later, 23 people were found to have been infected in East China’s Anhui province, state-run Global Times quoted media reports.

A woman from Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu, who suffered from the virus showed onset of symptoms such as fever, coughing.

Doctors found a decline of leukocyte, blood platelet inside of her body.

After a month of treatment, she was discharged from the hospital.

At least seven people have died in Anhui and East China’s Zhejiang province due to the virus, the report said. SFTS Virus is not a new virus. China has isolated pathogen of the virus in 2011, and it belongs to the Bunyavirus category.

from the international and multilateral constraints so they could increase the sales pitch to India on [drones],” the aide told the magazine.

Simultaneously, a legislative move has been made to bring India on par with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies when it comes to sale of arms by the US, it reported.

Friends of India in the Congress hope that their efforts go through the National Defence Authorisation Act this year. One of them being by senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner, who are co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, according to Foreign Policy.

US’ defence sales to India has jumped from near zero in 2008 to over USD 20 billion this year. Some of the recent and significant prior defence sales are to include the MH-60R Sea-

hawk helicopters (USD 2.8 billion), the Apache helicopters (USD 796 million), and the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (USD 189 million).

India was the first non-treaty partner to be offered a Missile Technology Control Regime Category-1 Unmanned Aerial System – the Sea Guardian UAS manufactured by General Atomics.

The US is advocating for the Lockheed Martin’s F-21 and Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15EX Eagle as part of India’s future fighter aircraft acquisitions.

The potential selection of any of these platforms would enhance India’s military capabilities, increase US-India military interoperability, and protect shared security interests in the IndoPacific region.

DC-465

K Y M C

8

sports

Fulham win Championship play-off

LO N D O N, AU G 5 (AGENCIES): Fulham beat Brentford in the Championship play-off final to secure an immediate return to the Premier League thanks to two extra-time goals from Joe Bryan.

The left-back caught Bees goalkeeper David Raya off guard with a freekick from 40 yards in the 105th minute of the game at Wembley, with the Spaniard expecting a cross and then unable to scamper back and save Bryan’s skidding low effort.

With the Bees pouring forward in search of an equaliser, Bryan burst forward and combined with Aleksandar Mitrovic before stabbing past Raya to make the game safe with three minutes remaining.

Henrik Dalsgaard pulled a goal back with a header from eight yards out in the fourth minute of added time, but it was too late for the Bees to spark a comeback.

The goals from Bryan were two rare moments of quality and quick-thinking in an otherwise cagey encounter between the two west London rivals, which finished goalless after 90 minutes.

Scott Parker celebrated wildly at full-time having led Fulham to promo-

Fulham’s captain Tom Cairney lifts the trophy after the team wins the English Championship Play Off soccer final between Fulham and Brentford, at Wembley Stadium, in London. (PTI) tion in his first full season as manager.

The 39-year-old was unable to save them from top-flight relegation after replacing Claudio Ranieri in February 2019, but can now prepare them for a 15th campaign in the Premier League.

Parker was unable to call on top scorer Mitrovic, returning from injury, from the start - but the Serbia international showed composure to tee-up Bryan for the crucial second goal with a slick one-two inside the

box. Ivan Cavaleiro almost made it 3-0 for Fulham in the closing stages when he was denied by Raya, and Dalsgaard’s header came far too late to set up a Bees comeback.

Bryan had only scored once this season for the Whites heading into the game, but the 26-year-old ended up being the hero as his goals secured a promotion which could be worth £135m over the next three years.

Pa r k e r h a s t r a n s formed Fulham’s fortunes

following their relegation last summer - as the Whites suffered 26 defeats and conceded 81 goals over the course of the 2018-19 league campaign.

They were among the favourites to go straight back up pre-season, but were unable to overhaul Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion as they stuttered at certain points of a campaign halted for three months by the coronavirus crisis.

Mitrovic missed both legs of their semi-final win

against Cardiff through injury, and the Championship’s golden boot winner was only fit enough for a place on the bench.

Despite the 25-yearold’s absence, Parker’s side had the better chances in a low-key first 90 minutes, with Raya twice saving from Josh Onomah in the first half.

However, midfielder Harrison Reed was fortunate to only see yellow for a crunching challenge on Christian Norgaard before the break.

Neeskens Kebano sent a free-kick into the side-netting soon after the restart and Bobby DecordovaReid stabbed an effort wide from 12 yards out.

Meanwhile, Marek Rodak’s only save of note came in the second half when the Slovakian tipped over a fierce effort from Brentford’s Ollie Watkins.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank will be left wondering where things went wrong, as his side spurned another chance to win promotion to the top flight.

Brentford needed four points from their final two games of the season against Stoke and Barnsley to go up automatically but lost both matches to finish third.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

UEFA warns against protocol breaches Nyon, Aug 5 (IANS): European football governing body UEFA has warned clubs against protocol breaches when Champions League (UCL) and Europa League (UEL) returns this week.

The two tournaments will resume after they were halted abruptly in March due to coronavirus pandemic. The revamped schedule sees teams participating in the two different competitions this month and UEFA has sent out an advisory ahead of the matches.

The clubs have been directed to follow the protocols put in place by UEFA and in case of breaches, future of the venue to host international matches will be in jeopardy. “UEFA expects all parties to adhere to hygiene best practices both in the controlled match environments, as well as in their private day-to-day lives,” the protocols read as per BBC Sport. “It is imperative that all precautions set out in this document, as well as the standard hygiene best practices, will be strictly adhered to by all members of these various groups.

“Non-respect of such social norms could have serious consequences for the staging of international matches.”

Aiming for a ‘simple but inspiring’ Olympics: Muto Tokyo, Aug 5 (IANS): Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Toshiro Muto has said that the organisers are looking to hold a Games that will be “simple but inspiring”. Muto admitted that holding the Olympics next year in the extravagant fashion that was earlier planned is no longer something that the organisers are aiming for amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At a time of COVID19 infections, to have all of the pomp and revelry of the Olympics wouldn’t get much sympathy from people worldwide who have experienced this virus,” Muto told Financial Times (ft.com). “Rather, we want something simple but inspiring.”

Originally scheduled to be held from July 24 to August 9 this year, the Tokyo Olympics became the first ever Games to be postponed. Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Inter national Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach took the decision in mid-March as the pandemic started taking global proportions and disrupted travel between countries.

Muto said that the organisers will have to face the reality of holding while amid the pandemic.

Toshiro Muto “I don’t know what the state of coronavirus infections will be next summer, but the chances it is a thing of the past are not high,” said Muto. “Rather, the important thing is to deliver an Olympics for people who must live with COVID-19.”

While the contract to hold the games is between the city of Tokyo and the IOC, Muto is reassured that the national government has taken a higher level of responsibility.

“It was the national government that decided to delay by a year. With that, the situation has changed a little,” said Muto, acknowledging that Abe’s government would take a larger role. “Furthermore, to hold an Olympics during corona means the antivirus strategy is crucial. The COVID19 strategy has to be set at the national level.”

IPL 2020 will be full of challenges, Bundesliga willing to help Sumit Nagal gets direct entry into need to have clarity of thought: Raina revive football in Delhi singles main draw of US Open Mumbai, Aug 5 (PTI): Chennai Super Kings’ star all-rounder Suresh Raina believes the upcoming Indian Premier League, to be played in the UAE amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will pose a lot of new challenges for the players, and clarity of thought would be key for a player to succeed.

The IPL this year has been shifted to the UAE because of the pandemic and will be held in three venues -- Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah -- from September 19 to November 10 amid COVID-19 protocols laid down by the ICC and BCCI. “This IPL would be very interesting to see how the players are thinking,” Raina said in a webinar after being named as the global brand ambassador for WTF Sports app.

“You are playing in different circumstances and you have a lot of protocol from ICC and at the same time you are going to go through (COVID-19) tests every two-three weeks.”

According to BCCI’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Indian play-

Suresh Raina ers and support staff will have to return negative for COVID-19 at least five times before they start training in the UAE and subsequently will be tested every fifth day during the IPL. “So, I would say coming out from all those tests you need to be clear with your head on what you are going to do on the field because at the end of the day when you are playing a sport, you need to enjoy the game,” Raina said. Insisting that fitness would be key to success after being struck at home since March due to the pandemic, Raina said he was eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin.

“In this pandemic, a lot of challenges have happened (for the players) and fitness is the key. Luckily, we are going early to the UAE. “I believe, this all tests will be done before the IPL and we will be in a good frame of mind because we all are sitting at home from last five months and it will be interesting to see how we fare on the field,” he said.

“Everyone is going to enjoy the game and when you will enjoy the game you will have the best sporting event. I’m looking forward to it.”

Raina feels the good thing about conducting the tournament in UAE is hassle-free logistics between venues.

“The best thing in Dubai is that you don’t have logistical problems. It is 45 minutes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. You go from there (Dubai) to Sharjah, it’s 40 mins. “In a way, we will have more rest and more time to plan our things and we know how to overcome the challenge,” said Raina, who has played 193 IPL games and amassed 5386 runs.

New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS): Football Delhi’s endeavour to bring back the golden days of the game in the national capital got a boost when a top official from the German Bundesliga extended a helping hand to the officials who run the game here.

Speaking recently at an e-summit organised by Football Delhi, Peer Naubert, the head of global marketing for Bundesliga international, said: “We can extend our expertise and support to football in the capital city to assist the development of football. By engaging with the local football fans, we will have the opportunity to increase the fan following of Bundesliga in Delhi.

“Clubs must have some social responsibilities to connect with the society. Top tier football must be connected with local football.”

The state association has been trying to engage at every level of the football pyramid and its activities have increased 10-fold in the last 30 months. Bundesliga’s promise, which comes at the back of the Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju’s pan-

India scheme to scout talent, thus comes at an appropriate time. Shaji Prabhakaran, President of Football Delhi, said: “It is vital to have a collaborative approach not only at the local level but at the national and global levels.

This approach would bring the best out of our local clubs and then Delhi would lead by example.”

Delhi once hosted two of India’s most prestigious football tournaments – the Durand Cup and the DCM Trophy. Top corporates speaking at the e-summit wanted a “good product” that would attract sponsors and the media.

Siddhant Narayan, head of marketing, OnePlus, said: “If you have a good mix of players then it would be better to bring the corporates for investment.”

“Football Delhi should build a good package for brands to be part of football in the capital city which would be a win-win situation as cities like Delhi are the target markets for the brands and data indicates that football following among youths are significant from metro cities.”

New York, Aug 5 (PTI): Young Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal is set to compete in his second Grand Slam main draw after receiving a direct entry into the US Open, which several top players will miss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world number 127 is the last man to receive a direct entry, according to the tournament website.

It will be Nagal’s second appearance at the US Open, starting August 31, and he is the only Indian in the men’s field with Prajnesh Gunneswaran, ranked 132, missing out.

“It feels good to make a main draw of a Slam again since I have only made one main draw yet. I understand the situation is not the same this year. I am looking to fly to USA after my challengers in Czech Republic,” Nagal told PTI from Germany before a training session.

L a s t ye a r, N a g a l reached his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open after winning all his qualifying round matches to set up a

Sumit Nagal dream encounter with the legendary Roger Federer.

In the much-anticipated clash, the 22-year old from Jhajjar took a set off Federer before going down 6-4 1-6 2-6 4-6.

Talking about this year, Nagal said,” I don’t have much expectations, I just want to go and do what I enjoy which is playing tennis.”

Nagal said he won’t have to serve a quarantine period after he reaches New York.

“We are supposed to stay in a bubble area and can only go to the hotel and

back to the courts. We will have COVID-19 tests every second day.”

Three-time US Open champion and world no. 1 Novak Djokovic headlines the field with the likes of Federer and Rafael Nadal giving the tournament a miss.

While Federer has withdrawn from all competitions this year owing to a knee injury, defending champion Nadal pulled out due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For mer champion Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Fabio Fognini and Gael Monfils are the other top players missing from the men’s field.

“I can’t speak for the people who chose not to play. It’s their own decision and you have to respect that,” said Nagal when asked about a depleted field this year.

Professional tennis tours have been on a hiatus since March because of the coronavirus outbreak, with play resuming for women at Palermo Ladies Open this week in Italy.

I am in my best form since I arrived in Paris: Neymar Paris, Aug 5 (IANS): Paris St. Germain forward Neymar issued a warning ahead of the return of UEFA Champions League as the Brazilian claimed he is currently in his best form since joining the Ligue 1 side from Barcelona in 2017.

Neymar’s stint in Paris has been marred with injuries and controversies since his 200 million pound deal. Speculations around his future at the club hasn’t helped his cause either as he has been linked with a move back to Camp Nou for a while now.

But with Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu saying the climate is not right to spend multi-million pounds on Neymar, it seems the Brazilian is looking to mend relationship with his current employers and fans.

“During these three years I have acquired a lot of knowledge,” Neymar Neymar told PSG’s official website. overcome them and focus “I have lived through happy didn’t allow me to play.

“With the help of my on what really matters, our moments and difficult ones, especially when the injuries teammates, I was able to performances on the field

which translate into titles,” he added.

Neymar also said his and the club’s goal is to end their Champions League drought. They face Italian side Atalanta in the quarterfinals and are touted as one of the teams to win the competition this season.

“Our fans, the club and all fans can see the fight of our team in any game. I am in my best form since I arrived in Paris, the team is like a family,” he said.

“We want to win the Champions League title. We will fight because we have never been so close.”

UEFA had earlier announced that remaining second leg Round of 16 matches will be played in Turin, Manchester, Munich and Barcelona respectively on August 7 and 8.

The quarter-finals will be played in Lisbon between August 12-15 followed by semi-finals on August 1819. The final will be played at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon on August 23.

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