December 19, 2020 by Nagaland Post

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 17

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

NE United suffers first defeat in ISL-7

sports, Page 12

nagalandpostofficial

New farm laws not brought overnight: PM government’s efforts....If anyone has any concerns, then with our heads bowed, our hands folded, with humility, we are willing to allay their fears,” Modi added.

Says ready to talk with ‘heads bowed, hands folded’ NEW DELHI, DEC 18 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the farm laws were not brought overnight and even opposition parties advocated such laws but are criticising these reforms now as they are upset because Modi has done it, and said the government was ready “with our heads bowed, our hands folded, with humility” to allay any concerns over the issue. The Prime Minister’s fresh overtures came during an address to farmers of Madhya Pradesh. Thousands of farmers, especially from Punjab and Haryana, continued to protest at Delhi borders for more than three weeks as formal talks between the government and representatives of farmers’ unions remained deadlocked with protesting agriculturalists refusing to accept anything less than a repeal of the newly enacted laws.

Narendra Modi addresses the ‘Kisan Sammelan’, via video conferencing, in Delhi, Friday. (PTI)

“In the last 20-22 years, the Center and the state governments have deliberated on these agriculture reforms in detail. The new agriculture laws have not been drafted overnight but political parties, agriculture experts and progressive farmers have demanded it for a long time,” Modi said in his nearly an hour-long address through video conferencing. He stepped up his attack against the opposition parties, saying “their problem is how Modi has done it and why Modi should get credit for it...I request all political parties with folded hands, please keep all the credit. I’m giving credit to

“Strangely, I’m very happy that your shop is almost empty. Of course my wife here is unhappy.” K Y M C

Welcome Centre’s positive approach NPF acknowledges Oct 15 resolution The main point that Amit Shah had focussed on was– to have all political parties and legislators come together so as to endorse the October 15 resolutions. This according to political observers was a clear indication that Government of India was serious about bringing an early political solution to the vexed Naga issue. N ow a f t e r ove r a month, the two leaders said that they have issued the joint press statement “for clarity and general understanding in the greater interests of peace and unity.” The chief minister and the leader of opposition acknowledged the sevenpoint resolution adopted during the October 15 consultative meeting held at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential complex, Kohima. The two leaders further appreciated and welcome the positive approach of the Government of India under the leadership of

all your old election manifestos. I just want ease in the life of farmers, I want their progress and want modernity in agriculture.” During his address, Modi also talked in detail about various provisions of the new farm laws, including minimum support price (MSP), and said the talk that the new laws will lead to its scrapping is the “biggest lie ever”. “No sane person will accept that MSP will be scrapped. Nothing will be a bigger lie and conspiracy than this”, he said and assured that MSP for crops will continue. “Even after all these

‘Govt needs to resolve farmers’ issue, not SC’

person for HPC, said that the School Education department has been asked to work out measures for resumption of physical class in a staggered manner for students of Class 6 onwards for all schools in the state from February, 2021. It said that detailed SOP, in consultation with the Health and Home departments, for re-opening of schools for prevention of spread of COVID-19 will be prepared for guidance and compliance of all stakeholders. NU on old semester exam: HPC further directed Nagaland University to take steps to conduct old semester examination from January 28, preferably offline and to explore possibilities of resuming classes from second week of February, subject to adherence of all SOPs for prevention and spread of COVID. Institutes to open from Feb 25: With regard to technical institutes, set to being the new academic session from February 25, HPC said that step may taken to start offline /physical classes, subject to adherence of SOPs. Gathering limit enhanced:

In line with the Home ministry’s directive, HPC decided to increase the limit on the gathering of people from 100 to 200 or 50% of the hall capacity for enclosed space, whichever is lower, subject to adherence of SOPs. For open spaces, HPC has directed the Home department to issue necessary orders keeping in mind the space available and the requirements for social distancing, Kronu said. Opening of cinema, parks etc.: Further, in line with MHA’s directive and guidelines, the Home department has been asked to issue necessary orders for opening of cinemas/entertainment parks and other similar places and also business to business exhibitions in the state, subject to adherence of SOPs. ILP to for tourists: The committee further decided to lift the ban on issuance of Inner Line Permit (ILP) for tourists and allow entry into the State subjected to providing COVID-19 negative test report and adherence to all SOPs. The Home department has been asked to issue orders for the same.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the Union Home minister, Amit Shah towards expediting the ongoing peace talks. They maintained that under the initiative of the State government, the October 15 consultative meeting was held in the presence of Naga hohos, mass based organisations, civil societies, Church organisations, political parties, NGOs and prominent individuals to discuss the Naga issue as well as the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and the participating Naga organisations. The leaders also acknowledged that NPF party, under the banner of the Political Affairs Mission, took the initiative to organise a consultative meeting on September 14 at Rhododendron hall NAPTC, Chumukedima. Meanwhile, the statement asserted that the opposition NPF party acknowledged the content and spirit of the resolutions adopted at the October 15 consultative meeting and was “committed to actively support all initiatives towards resolution of the Naga issue.”

Use of flex banners in Ready to pave the way for Naga unity: NH I M A P U R , D E C 1 8 respective ethnic and tribal cally constitutes “our nongovt offices banned D(NPN): Asserting that it communities.” negotiable position” for an DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): State government has banned the use of flex banners, boards, posters by departments, institutions, government agencies in government offices during functions with immediate effect. In a notification, Urban Development department stated that the ban was in pursuance to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India order dated February 13, 2020. Flex banners/boards/posters are made up of Poly-Vinyl-Chlorides (PVC), a plastic polymer, which is a nonbiodegradable material and, if burnt, it releases harmful toxins and gets bio-accumulated in the food chain of ecosystem causing serious hazards to human health and environment. The government has instead encouraged use of eco-friendly materials such as cloth banners, light weight textile fabrics, wrinkle resistant wrap knit, natural-fibre based sandwich boards, resin-infused papers, particle boards, etc. to combat plastic pollution in the state. The state government has informed all AHoDs/ HoDs to disseminate its directive to all the district offices/institutions/agencies for strict compliance.

Despite tall proclamation that Nagas were a separate entity, a nation that merits to be left to itself as a sovereign nation-state, the Hoho said Nagas have not been able to transcend those boundaries and the associated world views especially that of “our respective ethnic/tribal groups.” NH said that the penchant for nurturing an overriding loyalty to “our respective tribes/ethnic groups” based on administrative units, different Naga political groups and organisations has led to the iron caging of the Naga society. Stating Nagas cannot afford to forget the past blunders and repeat it again, NH said that the choice before the Nagas clearly was to talk to each other and find a common ground to lend support to a position that realisti-

inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution. The Nagas as an entity, NH said was like one body with many parts and each part was equally important for the well-being of all other parts. “If one part suffers, the whole body will be affected,” NH added. It, therefore, said that piecemeal political solutions in the guise of securing constitutional rights without securing a common political future would not heal the land and its people. Further, NH said that unity was “unquestionably” the desire of every Naga soul, but expressed regret that Nagas have “hypocritically” taken ‘unity’ as synonymous with ‘uniformity’. NH said it was a body that stood firmly on the foundation of Naga unity, fraternity and historical (Cont’d on p-8) right.

WC flays destabilising propaganda behind Naga flag Nagaland COVID tally 11832

Conduct fire audit of COVID hospitals: SC directs states

KOHIMA, DEC 18 (NPN): State Cabinet on Friday decided to keep in abeyance the appointment of Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) chairman and other members of the board till the cabinet sub-committee submits its report after examining the various demands and grievances regarding NSSB. Informing this to Nagaland Post, planning and coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs, minister, Neiba Kronu said that the cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister, after thorough deliberation decided to keep on hold al appointments of the NSSB. H&FW asked to issue fresh advisory: Kronu informed that the High Powered Committee on COVID-19 has directed the Health & Family Welfare department to issue fresh general advisory on ‘COVID-19 appropriate behaviour’ to prevent spread of COVID infection and to ensure safe a Christmas and New Year celebration. Re-opening of Schools: Kronu, who is also one of the spokes-

This is it!

Rio, Zeliang call for early solution

Agri minister hopeful of resolving impasse

Correspondent

DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) has declared the result of NCS, NPS, NSS & Allied Services (Preliminary) exam 2019. Details are made available at www.npsc.co.in and NPSC office notice board.

international, Page 9

Fa r m i n g i n I n d i a should get modernized in the changed global situation and should not lag behind now as “time cannot wait”, DIMAPUR, DEC 18 Modi said. (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and leader of opposition, T.R. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Zeliang have issued a joint has expressed hope of resolving the issue of protesting statement calling upon the Government of India and farmers before the new year. In an interview with PTI, Tomar -- who is leading Naga organisations particithe negotiation with about 40 farmer unions along with pating in the peace talks to Food Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for arrive at an early solution, Commerce Som Parkash -- asserted that the three new which will bring lasting farm laws are beneficial for farmers and the government is peace and prosperity to the ready to give a written assurance that the MSP and mandi people of the region. The joint statement system will continue. He put the blame on opposition parties for misleading comes after over a month the farmers and accused them of changing their stance on when both the PDA and the NPF, during the November the reform process and politicising the issue. 5 joint press conference, failed to agree on coming together under one platform As the farmers’ protest continued for the fourth for Naga political issue. week, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said the issue As reported, Union of the ongoing farmers’ protests against three new farm Home minister Amit Shah laws needs to be resolved by the government and not the had advised both PDA and Supreme Court. NPF to hold a joint press The AIKS, a key member of the “Samyukta Kisan conference and to endorse Morcha” that is spearheading the “Dilli Chalo” agita- the October 15 consultative tion against the three farm laws, asserted that no farmer meeting resolution. organisation approached the court in the first place and Political obser vers asked for its intervention in the matter. were of the opinion that Another farmer organisation, the All India Kisan Centre also desired that Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), accused both Rio and Zeliang issue the government of making “fictitious claims”. In a state- a joint statement after the ment, the AIKSCC alleged that Prime Minister Narendra joint press meet, which did Modi is not addressing farmers’ problems. not happen.

Cabinet put on hold appointments for NSSB

NPSC prelims result out

Post-Brexit deal in serious situation: Boris

nagalandpostofficial

DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): Working Committee (WC) of NNPGs reiterated that the issue of flag remained within the ambit of the ‘Agreed Position’ it signed with the government of India which had been brought out in the open. In this regard WC, NNPGs said Naga tribes and GBs, customary guardians and all peace loving Nagas have understood and appreciated the clarity of the political structure in process. WC said the “destabilising propaganda at play behind Naga flag and constitution is a greater mischief against Naga tribes and general public.” It reiterated that Naga flag has a cultural and spiritual significance and a Naga identity . Also Naga flag was a covenant between God and the Naga people which will remain an integral part of “Indo-Naga political

solution,” it said. Further, it urged Nagas not to be confused on the issue of flag since even the government of India “respects and honours Naga sentiment, spiritual orientation and cultural identity” which the flag denotes. WC said the Agreed Position reaffirmed and entrenched Naga political milestones such as: 1. 1918 formation of Naga Club; 2.1929 submission of memorandum to Simon Commission; 3. 1947, 14th August declaration of independence from British rule and 4. 1951 Naga Plebiscite. On the other hand, WC,NNPGs said the Framework Agreement claimed that the “political conflict is about six decades old”, meaning that the “IndoNaga conflict began only after or around 1955.” WC demanded that an

entity which claimed that Naga political conflict was about six decades -old “must explain to the people as to who and why the pre-1955 decades became inconsequential and erased”. It termed the FA as a political document with no real substantial ground on the issue of “Naga self determination, flag, constitution or integration.” WC said “thousands of innocent Naga patriots, leaders, followers and sympathisers were accused of treachery and killed on the pretext of defending Naga freedom and self-determination”. It said the FA neither answers “the aspirations of the living nor comforts the martyrs in their cold nameless graves.” It also called on the Naga Hoho, NMA, NSF, NPMHR and newly formed Global Naga Forum (GNF) and “self proclaimed Naga

intellectual forums, scholar clubs and social media proponents of FA” as to why they are silent on the glaring omission of historical milestones in the FA? WC also said Nagas are currently witnessing “some frantic, dubious ambassadorial activities by a group of de-recognised, self-appointed civil society leaders” who, it said were “ill motivated” and “further disintegrating and severing the fabric of Naga unity with their sponsored views and motives.” WC, N N P G s s a i d Naga traditional institutions such as 14 Naga tribes and other sub tribes, including NGBF,NTC,ENPO and CNTC, “ are the real representatives of the people” and are not remote-controlled since they “act on common sense and logic and not on the whims and fancies of anyone.” (Full text on p-6)

strongly believed in unity for an inclusive and honourable Naga political solution, the Naga Hoho (NH) Friday said that its current leadership was even ready to pave the way if the Nagaland tribes were willing to come back under the banner of Naga Hoho to rebuild and restore the Hoho. In a press release, NH has fervently appealed to all Naga people, the Naga political groups and leaders to come together for a journey of common hope for “one Nation, and one solution”. Calling for peace and tranquillity in the Naga homeland this festive season, the NH maintained currently the Nagas seemed to be living in the ‘caged societies’ planted and nurtured by the ideological, organisational, and territorial politico-administrative divides compounded by an overriding loyalty to “our

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON december 18, 2020 ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsympCritical-ICU District tomMod- Se- With- With On Mild atic erate vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator Dimapur 128 19 5 3 0 0 1 Kiphire 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 290 5 4 0 0 0 0 Longleng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mokokchung 35 3 1 1 0 0 0 Mon 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 Peren 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phek 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuensang 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wokha

Zunheboto Total

0 512

0 27

0 10

0 4

0 0

0 1

Death MiRecovunder Total Death gratered InvestiCases ed gation 6087 24 3333 9 116 579 479 44 234

46 1 21 0 1 2 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

139 0 11076 73

0 0

72 0 27 9 6 9 0 0 0

6362 39 3679 18 163 603 498 45 244

3 142 129 11832

*10 deaths not due to Covid-19 *0 deaths under investigation

DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): Nagaland on Friday recorded 12 new COVID-19 positive cases-- 10 in Kohima and 2 in Mokokchung, taking the tally to 11832. Further, the distribution across various categories include 4641 cases from the

armed forces/police, 1829 returnees, 4798 traced contacts and 564 frontline workers. P T I a d d s : I n d i a ’s COVID-19 caseload rose to 99,79,447 with 22,890 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll reached 1,44,789.

NEW DELHI, DEC 18 (PTI): Supreme Court Friday directed all states to constitute a committee in each district to conduct fire audit of COVID-19 hospitals at least once a month, inform the management of medical establishment about any deficiency and report to the government for taking follow up action. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said that COVID hospitals, which have not obtained NOC from the fire department, should be asked to immediately apply for NOC and after carrying necessary inspection, decision shall be taken in this regard. “..In event, COVID hospital is found not having NOC or not having obtained renewal, appropriate action be taken by the state,” said the bench. K Y M C

DIMAPUR: Newly constructed building of Khulazu Basa Baptist Church was dedicated on December 18 by executive secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, Rev. Khrotso Mero at K Basa village under Phek district. Speaking at the dedicatory programme, Rev. Mero expressed hoped that people would come and experience the love of God in the church and stressed on the importance of having fellowship with one another as Christian. A church, he said, must be a place of soul saving and a place where the weak find strength, weary find rest as well as a house of forgiveness and love. He challenged the people to make the Church a loving place and continue to grow in Christ. Further, he called upon the people to lead an honest life in their respective profession. Chairman of Chokri Area Baptist Church Council, Rev. Vovotso Theluo in his greetings called upon the

(L to R) Deacon Meshutsu Rhakho, Rev. Khrotso Mero and KBCC pastor, Kehuve Chuzho at the new church dedication programme.

people to build their foundation based on the word of God. Further, he asked the people to shine for Christ in everything they do.

Further, chairman of new church building, Pora Keyho informed that the new building cost around Rs. 1.51 crore.

NSLSA visits Old Age Home at Meriema

DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) led by member secretary N. Longshithung Ezung, NJS and project coordinators advocate Temsu Walling and advocate Kezhosano Kikhi and staff visited the Old Age Home at Meriema, Kohima on December 17. During the visit, legal pamphlets and various basic essential items were donated to the home. An interaction was also held with the Superintendent of the Old Age Home. According to PRO of NSLSA, Ketholeno Neihu, one of the grievances of the home was lack of health facilities. Member secretar y also appraised the home that legal services authority was a bridge to connect the weaker sector with various stakeholders, to reach the unreached sections of the society. NSLSA also carried out drive in receipt of a voluntary donation in cash.

SNUNS celebrates pre-Christmas

Rev. Dr. Wati Aier with members of SNUNS and others on Friday.

DIMAPUR: Souther n Nagas’ Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS) organised pre-Christmas get-together with all tribal leaders of Nagaland based in Dimapur at Poumai Baptist Church on December 18.

According to SNUNS, convenor, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, who spoke at the programme dwelt on the present context of the Naga situation and expressed concern

over the lack of trust for one another and every community living in their own cocoon. “Today we are so divided. This is our own creation. The warring culture is still in our minds.

We must do away this in the name of Christmas as Christians. We must become one and live as one,” he said. Meanwhile, president, Eastern Nagas Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD), L Shahoto Yimchungru urged leaders to retrospect and introspect where Nagas had gone wrong. Earlier, general secretary SNUNS, Kashungnao Worshim chaired the programme, president, Sanii Putukho delivered welcome address, invocation by director, Transforming Life Mission Dimapur, S Angrung Tarao and benediction by pastor, TBC Diphupar, Rev Candid Sareo. Veshu Vero, treasurer, Tenyimia Union Dimapur and NA Kasar, a senior citizen also exhorted at the occasion. Altogether, 60 leaders from various communities attended the programme which was conducted observing strict SOPs.

OHYO vigilance team uniform launched

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Ukha Baptist Church dedicated Correspondent KO H I M A , D E C 1 8 (NPN): After seven years of construction, Ukha Baptist Church under Mon district was dedicated by executive secretary (ES), Rev. M. Chemyuh KBBB on Friday. The church was constructed at the cost of Rs. 2.63 crore. In his sermon, ES congratulated the construction committee, villagers of Ukha and all involved in the successful completion of the church. He reminded that building big church without unity in the village/community would not help the church grow and therefore urged the congregations to build church in their hearts as visible church alone was just temporary. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Mon district hospital chaplin, YP David, construction chairman N. Shuhuh welcomed the guest invitees from neighboring villages while ES pronounced dedicatory prayer and unveiled the new church monolith. The event was held with strict ad- View of Ukha Baptist Church, which was dedicated on herence on COVID’s SOPs. Friday. (NP)

AR organise veterinary camp at New Puilwa

DIMAPUR: Jalukie Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) conducted medical and veterinary camp in collaboration with Veterinary College, Jalukie at New Puilwa, on December 16. Tr o o p s o f A s s a m Riles along with a team of doctors from Veterinary College, Jalukie conducted medical check up of all the villagers. They were also briefed about various health and hygiene methods to be implemented during the Corona crisis. The veterinary team provided necessary treatment to the livestocks of the villagers. A total of 124villagers and 360 livestock benefitted from the camp. The GBs and chairman along with the villagers acknowledged the efforts and thanked the forces for this selfless service for the people.

SABS Integrated Development Society (SIDS) organised pre-Christmas celebration at SABS provincial house, Chumukedima on December 18 where CMO Dimapur, Antholi Swu delivered Christmas message.

FPA India Nagaland Branch conducted sensitisation programme on “women’s reproductive health and rights” at RHFPC Daklane on December 18. (FPA India, Nagaland Branch)

DP-5617

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

KO H I M A , D E C 1 8 (NPN): Officers’ Hill (Thegakhaba) Youth Organization (OHYO) launched a uniform for its vigilance team at 5 Point Junction here on Friday. Speaking at the launching programme, Officers’ Hill Colony Council (OHCC) chairman, Khrielakuo Sekhose said that with the induction and launching of the uniform the youths would diligently provide security to the colony like in the olden times where youths were an integral part of the society. K Y M C

He added that under the guidance of the colony panchayat, installation of the team was done with recommendation of South Police Station Kohima wherein the former would assist the force within the colony. In this, he instructed youths to avoid taking law into their own hands. He exhorted the team to resolve issues through peaceful means and in coordination with the police. The newly constituted team would be led by convenor Kezhachülie Ngusanyü and member secretary Kelengol Thore. OHYO president Ke-

zhalezo Solo said that the team was formed to assist OHYO in providing safety and security to the residents of the colony. While the team would be an independent body, all judicial cases would be jointly taken up along with colony executives, he added. During the programme, Khrielakuo Sekhose acknowledged the induction of new office bearers of OHYO for the tenure 2020-2023. The new OHYO team would be headed by Kezhalezo Solo as president, Imoliba Jamir as vice-president and Avilie Linyu as general secretary.

REMEMBERING

Rev Wai & Mrs Tsuknungla

The bereaved family of Lt. Yanphanrhoni Ovung of Lotsu Village, Wokha, extend their sincere gratitude to every individual, churches, and organizations who supported the family physically, financially, materially, and through prayers at her sudden demise.

(CHUCHUYIMLANG)

The family is indebted by the acts of generosity and kindness and humbly pray that the Almighty God bless them all in return. K-2084

Correspondent

DIMAPUR: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Wokha in collaboration with KVK Wokha organised six days’ training programme on mushroom production techniques for rural youths under STRY from December 7 to 12. The training was organised in association with State Agricultural Management & Extension Training institute (SAMETI) & National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). A press release by ATMA Wokha stated that resource person, ACTO KVK, Dr. Mhalo Tungoe Lungalung covered topics such as mushroom cultivation for entrepreneurship development, different species of mushroom, oyster mushroom cultivation, etc. Practical demonstration on oyster mushroom cultivation was also carried out with active participation from the participating youths. A field visit to poultry unit, piggery unit, fish and duck farming etc were also carried out.

NPGN/NNC condoles

DIMAPUR: National people’s gover nment of Nagaland/Naga National Council (NPGN/NNC) has expressed grief over the untimely demise of leacy, NPGN/NNC, Vikheto from Nguvehe village under Aghunaqa Area on December 17. In a condolence note MIP of NPGN/NNC stated that late leacy Vikheto will be recorded in the pages of the Naga nation history and his sacrifice will be cherished. NPGN/NNC further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and friends and prayed the departed soul rest in peace.

Members of OHYO and others at the launching of uniform on Friday. (NP)

ATMA Wokha organises skill training

DP-5622

New church building of Khulaza Basa dedicated

state

Loving husband, children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren

1938 – 13/12/2020

K-2080

15 years and 6 years is past but the memories are fresh, As fresh as the morning dew, All things beautiful, Evokes memories of your goodness. In our solitude, we are comforted, That you both have served the Lord ever faithfully And have not been found wanting, We strive to follow your indelible footprint. Loving Children & Grand Children K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is the Centre open to demands for repeal of the three farm laws ? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

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

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

19% 68% 13%

Next poll

Q: Is it right for political

parties in using farmers stir against the Modi govt?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST December 19

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sunshine

25 10

Aizawl

Plenty of sunshine

22 6

Guwahati Hazy sunshine

24 9

Hazy sunshine

23 4

Itanagar Delightful with some sun

22 10

Imphal Shillong

Sunshine

16 2

Kohima

Plenty of sun

19 4

Dimapur Mostly sunny and nice

23 10

Sunshine

20 7

Mkg

Tuensang Brilliant sunshine and cooler Wokha

Imkonglenden colony awarded by DMC ZVC burial ground in Phek

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Partly to mostly sunny

Zunheboto Sunshine

15 3 18 9 18 5

ADC Dimapur V. Lovitoly Sema and others at the award ceremony. (NP)

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): Imkonglenden Colony bagged the first rank in big colony category and in small colony category Rainbow Colony emerged as the winner in the “Cleanest Colony in Dimapur Competition 2020” that was announced on Friday. The competition was part of “A Better Dimapur” an initiative of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) for a better, cleaner and healthier Dimapur. Duncan and Oriental Colonies secured the second and third positions respectively. Under small colony category, Kyong and Ragailong Colonies bagged the second and third positions. The winners in both categories received Rs. 1 lakh while the runners-up received Rs.

30,000 and Rs.10,000 each with a citations. The panel judges of the competition were EAC, Khiuzan Kaurinta as convenor, Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) vice president Sentimeren Pongen as member secretary, Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF) president Tsenthungo Nyamo, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) vice president, Vimeno Angami, NWHD general secretary, T Onen

Jamir and Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) member, Gangangpo as members. Speaking at the award ceremony held at Rasoi restaurant, ADC Dimapur, V. Lovitoly Sema congratulated the winners and said that it was an extraordinary year for all because of the pandemic as life had not been normal. Despite of that, it was impressive that the colonies took active participation in the competition, she added.

KMC cleanliness competition

Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has announced winners of “annual inter-ward & shops” cleanliness competition. The winners are as follows; cleanest award went to Midland ward no 9 followed by Kitsubozou ward no.5 and Daklane ward no 7 in second and third. Under cleanest shops award, Choice Blossom, old taxi stand bagged the first prize while Sote Electronics Centre, old taxi stand and Aman Grocery Shop, Upper AG bagged the second and third prizes. Winners have been requested to collect their trophies and certificates from the office during working hours.

UGC directive on refund of fees

DIMAPUR: University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, Government of India has directed universities/ institution to refund fees for first year of under-graduate and post- graduate students of the Universities for the session 2020- 21 in view of COVID-19. The guidelines are available on UGC website www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/1019576Guideline.pdf. According to DIPR report, UGC guidelines were to be followed mandatorily by all the universities in letter and spirit. Any institution/ university found violating guidelines and refusing to refund the fee by giving its own interpretation of guidelines shall be liable for punitive actions as notified in clause 5 of UGC notification refund of fees and non-retention of original certificate www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/5437737UGC-Notice-regFees-refund-Eng.pdf. The order further instructed to ensure compliance of UGC directions in respect of refund of fee in accordance with UGC guidelines on academic calendar.

K Y M C

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Power department informs consumers

Dimapur: Department of Power has informed all electricity consumers of Sovima village, Unity village, Model village, Sodzulhou village and 7th mile village that their consumer service has been transferred from Dimapur electrical division to Chümoukedima electrical division with immediate effect. Consumers falling under the villages have been requested to approach Chümoukedima electrical division for work related for billing or any other issues.

In regard to cleanliness, Sema encouraged all to inculcate civic sense, sense of belongings and ownership of the city for all were responsible to keep the city clean. Despite of being rank as the dirtiest, we should take such remark as a challenge and strive to bring the fame of city to a higher level, she added. She appreciated the efforts of DMC for providing platform for the colonies to come together for a healthy competition for a good purpose. She further encouraged them to continue such initiatives in the years to come. DMC administrator, Albert Ezung while appreciating the efforts of the colonies was optimistic to see active participation on cleanliness. He stressed on the need to strengthen the collaboration for a clean and healthy Dimapur. NCD vice president (admn) GK Rengma also spoke at the programme where he suggested colonies to conduct social works and not only during competitions. A one minute silence was also observed in honour of former NCD president, late Ghokheto Chophy, who was among the panel judges of the competition.

Keyirangding Hegui and others at the inauguration of Zapami village community burial ground on December 18.

DIMAPUR: Zapami Village Community (ZVC) burial ground was inaugurated on December 18 by project director, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Phek, Keyirangding Hegui. Addressing the gathering at Zapami heritage hall, Hegui expressed joy on the successful execution of the project, which was constructed under Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee act (MGNREGA). He called upon vil-

lagers to continue to put concerted efforts for all round development of the community and maintained that every village in Nagaland had its own charm. He said Zapami village with its scenic beauty, valley type paddy cultivation and its traditional practices had the potential as a tourist village. In this, he called upon the people to capitalise its rich resources to become a tourist hotpot in the coming days. Zapami village devel-

opment board (VDB) secretary, Kedoutsolhi Wetsah stated that the project was constructed at total cost of Rs. 29 lakh. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Lhiwepe Khutsoh, Zapami Baptist Church pastor, Chikhro Khutso pronounced dedicatory prayer, Zapami Village Community chairman, Zewekha Wetsah delivered welcome address, vote of thanks by GB Wekhazii Kreo while BDO, Vekhrolo Koza also spoke on the occasion.

T.R. Zeliang extends Christmas greetings DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): Leader of Opposition (LoP) TR Zeliang has wished all the citizens of Nagaland a blessed and meaningful Christmas and a prosperous happy New Year 2021. In his message, Zeliang called upon all to forgive each other this Christmas season and let love, reconciliation and brotherhood be the symbol of “our Christmas celebration.” As Nagas prepare to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and to enter a new year, the former chief minister expressed hope that great peace, prosperity and

victory would be upon “all of us” in every sphere of life. He also prayed that this Christmas would be an occasion for the Naga people to unite. “As Christians, we all take profound pleasure in celebrating the birth and glory of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas season is a nostalgic time of joy, peace and happiness as it reminds us of the great love of our Lord,” he said As Nagas wait for conclusion of the “Indo-Naga” political issue, Zeliang called upon the Nagas to continue to

pray for the Lord’s sanction to work out everything in the best way possible. Pointing out that the year 2020 had witnessed unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, he said this year’s Christmas celebration “may be unlike any we have ever experienced”. Zeliang, however, maintained that hard times have a way of bringing out the best in people. “And this Christmas season, I earnestly hope and pray that the promise of peace and hope for the future that comes with Christmas be ignited in everyone,” he said.

K Y M C

36 named in chargesheet in Assam Police exam scam

Dibon Deka Guwahati, Dec 18 (PTI): The Assam Police on Friday filed a chargesheet before a special court here against 36 people for their alleged involvement in the state police exam paper leak scam. The 2621-page chargesheet included names of former Karimganj SP Kumar Sanjit Krishna, expelled BJP leader Dibon Deka and retired DIG P K Dutta. The chargesheet was submitted in 87 days since the first arrest in the case, Criminal Investigation Department IGP Surendra Kumar told reporters here. He said the case diary of 1,217 pages has also been filed and names of 183 people have been mentioned as prosecution witnesses, he said.

DIG P K Dutta The confessional statements of five arrested persons were recorded by the Judicial Magistrate in connection with the case, Kumar said. The state police had seized Rs 6.27 crore in cash, 32 mobile phones, 11 digital video recorder, five laptops and ten vehicles, including a two wheeler. Altogether 40 people, including former Karimganj SP Kumar Sanjit Krishna, retired DIG P K Dutta and expelled BJP leader Dibon Deka, have been arrested, Kumar said. The case was registered after a complaint was lodged by Pradeep Kumar, then chairman of the State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB), Assam. He had resigned from the post, taking moral responsibility

PMO ‘positive reply’ to demand of M’laya teachers unpaid salaries

Correspondent

released its share of the fund and so 12,541 elementary teachers employed in lower primary and upper primary schools across the state have not received their salaries. “The Ministry of Finance has cleared the file for release of the funds of 1st instalment’ for Meghalaya after our postcard campaign information was received by the Prime Minister’s Office,” Meghalaya SSA Association, President Aristotle Rymbai said. Informing that the file is now with the Ministry of Education, Rymbai urged the Ministry to expedite the process to clear the file so that the fund is sanctioned to the State. “Yesterday, we contacted officials of the Ministry of Education and requested the Ministry to expedite the process and released the funds at the earliest possible to the State of Meghalaya,” Rymbai said.

Kumar Sanjit Krishna for the scam. On Se ptember 20, the question paper of the written examination for 597 posts of unarmed subinspectors in Assam Police was leaked, and the SLPRB cancelled the test minutes after it had commenced. Around 66,000 candidates had downloaded their admit cards for appearing in the written tests across 154 centres in all the districts. After Kumar’s resignation, the government had reconstituted the SLPRB with the state DGP as its chairman, and a fresh examination was held on November 22 and the results were declared on December 12. Altogether 3,162 candidates have qualified for the next round of tests for the posts.

northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Cong slams Mizo govt for Mnp lady cop returns gallantry failing to pay salaries medal after former ADC acquitted

AIZAWL, DEC 18 (PTI): Opposition Congress in Mizoram on Friday slammed the Mizo National Front (MNF) gover nment of Zoramthanga for allegedly putting over 4000 of its employees in trouble by failing to pay their salaries. Congress demanded that the state government pay salaries to the employees before Christmas. Congress spokesperson Lallianchhunga said that the state government failed to pay salaries and pensions to thousands of employees for five to eight months owing to which they face hardship before Christmas. Over 4,000 employees of Samagra Mission, who work as teachers in high, middle and primary schools and as administrative and non-teaching staff, have not been paid since August,

sources said. About 69 assistant professors working under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan programme have not been paid since May, Lallianchhunga claimed adding the state government also failed to pay pensions to many people. Many employees working under the centrally sponsored scheme specially in the health and education departments could not draw their salaries as the state failed to meet its matching share, he said. The Congress leader accused the Mizoram government of neglecting health, education and other departments when sports and tourism departments were able to get the matching share from the state and launched projects worth crores of rupees recently.

9 new COVID-19 cases in Mizoram; tally rises to 4,094

Aizawl, Dec 18 (PTI): Nine more people including three Border Security Force (BSF) jawans have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, pushing the state’s tally to 4,094, an official said on Friday. Of the nine fresh cases, three were reported from Lawngtlai district, two each from Aizawl and Lunglei and one case each from Kolasib and Serchhip districts, the official said. While five patients have travel history, the rest four were diagnosed during contact tracing, he said.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Dec 18: Former additional SP of NAB (Narcotic Affairs of Border), Thounaojam Brinda Devi on Friday returned Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry conferred on her in recognition of her service on Manipur government’s “War against Drugs”. She returned the medal taking moral responsibility for the failure of the multicrore drug seizure case in which former ADC Chandel chairman was acquitted. In its verdict on a high profile drug seizure case, special court (ND&PS) Manipur on Thursday acquitted the former ADC chairman and a BJP member Lhukhosei Zou and six others from the case. Brinda was the police officer who led the police team that raided the government allotted quarter of Zou and seized drugs worth over Rs 28 crore in the international market on June 20, 2018. She was also the investigating officer (IO) of the case until she was transferred while the trial was in progress in the special court. Recognising her service in the drug seizure case,

Thounaojam Brinda Devi

the state government conferred Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry on Patriots’ Day (13th August) of the same year (2018). The lady officer returned the medal today with a letter addressed to chief minister N Biren Singh today. In the letter, she wrote that the investigation and prosecution were deemed unsatisfactory by the court. “I feel morally inclined that I have not conducted my duty as ‘per the wishes’ of the Criminal Justice Delivery System of the land.” “…………I do not consider myself deserving of the honour bestowed upon me by your good self. I, therefore, return the same to the state home department so that it may be given to a more deserving and loyal police officer,” Brinda wrote.

Active COVID-19 cases Assam to upgrade 50 border outposts with Rs 100 cr outlay marginally down in Meghalaya Shillong, Dec 18 : The number of active COVID-19 cases dropped down marginally to 586 in Meghalaya, even as it reported 48 new cases and 148 recoveries, surging the number of persons who have recovered from the viral infection to 12,470 as on Friday. Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said the new COVID19 cases detected on Friday were 47, including four from among the armed forces in East Khasi Hills district and one in Ri-Bhoi district. The number of active COVID-19 cases in the most affected district of East Khasi Hills, including Shillong has also comparatively come down to 355, followed by 108 active cases in West Jaintia Hills district. Of the new recoveries recorded on Friday, the senior medical official

said 127, including 27 from among the armed forces in East Khasi Hills district, 7 in West Garo Hills district and 4 each in South West Garo Hills district and West Jaintia Hills district. Wa r f u r t h e r m o r e, informed that 2,75,934 people have been tested for Covid-19 in the State, of whom 2,62,745 persons have tested negative for the virus as of Friday. Till date, 73,498 persons from outside entered the State, even as 179 persons have been kept in institutional quarantine and 367 persons are in home isolation while there are 22 containment zones, where COVID-19 positive cases have been detected. So far, Meghalaya has registered 13,189 COVID19 cases, which includes 133 deaths with one percent case fatality rate, 586 active cases and 12,470 of recovery from the viral disease.

After returning the medal, the then additional SP of NAB told reporters that “as the case turned out to be a failure, I remorse and have moral right not to keep the medal.” She blamed herself for the failure of the case and said “It was because of my inefficiency as a police officer, the case failed.” The officer currently with no specific assignment after she was transferred as additional SP of NAB stressed the need for reinvestigation of the case from the very beginning. To mention here, Th Brinda Devi, in an affidavit she submitted in the High Court of Manipur, alleged that politicians, including a close acquaintance of the chief minister, and top police officers were involved in the case. The lady officer is facing a suo motu contempt case for her “offensive” remarks on Facebook allegedly undermining and criticising the judiciary after the alleged drug kingpin Lhukhosei Zhou was granted a three-week bail by the court of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the 2018 drug smuggling case.

UNLF cadre arrested in Mnp Kohima, Dec 18: Security Forces in a joint operation with police apprehended a hardcore insurgent of proscribed insurgent group UNLF on December 17 near Yaralpat area andImphal East. A press release by PRO (Defence) stated that based on specific inputs, security forces along with police launched an operation and apprehended a self-styled captain, who is the Area Commander of Imphal East of proscribed group UNLF. The recovery included two AK-56 Rifles, one 9mm Pistol Beretta, one point 38 Pistol, 143 rounds of AK56, 10 rounds of 9mm Pistol and nine rounds of 38 Pistol. In addition, bomb making materials consisting of three electronic circuits, two dry cell batteries, one remote control device and a fourmeter-long wire were also recovered. The apprehended insurgent along with the recovered items was handed over to Porompat police station for further investigation, the release added.

Guwahati, Dec 18 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said the state government will upgrade 50 border outposts (BOPs) with an outlay of Rs 100 crore in the first phase of an infrastructure development scheme. Addressing a meeting of the departments of Home and Border Protection and Development, the chief minister said, roads leading to the BOPs should be made motorable for efficient management of inter-state boundary areas and successful implementation of development programmes, an official release said. Mentioning that he was aware of the hardships faced by people while manning BOPs in remote areas, the chief minister said, personnel entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring security and peace in the inter-state boundary areas deserve good facilities.

Sonowal directed the Border Protection and Development Department to chalk out an action plan on an urgent basis for construction of good quality roads and bridges for providing connectivity even to remote areas. After receiving a request from the department, the government has decided to provide four motor cycles along with fuel and eight bicycles to each of the 100 BOPs, the chief minister said. The officials were asked to amicably solve all outstanding boundary issues with neighbouring states through dialogue and hold regular talks with their counterparts. Sonowal also took stock of the situation prevailing along the Indo-Bangla border that Assam shares with the neighbouring country. The chief minister directed officials of the Labour department to take immediate steps to release

medical assistance of Rs 5,000 each for 3.22 lakh registered construction workers in the state. Reviewing the various schemes of the department, Sonowal said that the state government has taken various steps for the uplift of the downtrodden and underprivileged. Schemes like ‘Swahid Dayal Das Panika Swaniyojan Achoni’ which provides Rs 25,000 to unemployed youths in tea garden areas for self-employment ventures should be extended to more beneficiaries, the chief minister said. He asked the Labour department to take steps for bringing registered small shop owners and keepers under ambit of the pension scheme for the unorganised sector and expedite implementation of schemes like ‘Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana’ which provides monetary benefit in case of accidental deaths and disability.

Rejecting Oppn demand, Tripura govt to defer urban local body polls

Arunachal records 29 new covid cases

Despite pandemic, BSF M’laya Frontier ‘stands strong’

Shillong, Dec 18: The Prime Minister’s Office has responded favourably to a ‘post card’ campaign of Samagra Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) school teachers in Meghalaya who had requested to release their unpaid salaries. The agitating teachers had sent postcards in thousands to the PMO’s office recently requesting that the first instalment of their five month pending salaries is released. Over 12 thousand teachers were recruited by the Centre under SSA for 2,907 lower primary and 2,232 upper primary schools across the State. Under SSA, the State and the Central government has a share in running the mission. The share between the centre and the State is 90:10 in case of northeastern states. However, the centre has not

AGARTALA, DEC 18 (IANS): Rejecting the demand of the Opposition parties, the BJP-led government in Tripura has decided to defer the elections to the 20 urban local bodies including the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and has appointed administrators, officials said on Friday. A senior official of the Urban Development Department said that West Tripura’s District Magistrate and Collector Shailesh Kumar Yadav would be the administrator of AMC while the concerned SubDivisional Magistrates would be the administrators of other municipal bodies and Nagar Panchayats. Opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Congress have strongly criticised the BJP-led government for not conducting the elections to these urban local bodies and appointing administrators instead. Both the Opposition parties demanded early elections to the 20 urban local bodies in Tripura. Former Urban Development Minister in the previous Left Front government Manik Dey termed

the postponement of the elections to the urban local bodies as “undemocratic” and said that the ruling BJP would govern these important urban bodies through the “administrators”. “The BJP government has undertaken the delimitation work inappropriately in these urban bodies and purposely delayed the task to defer the elections,” said Dey, a veteran CPI-M leader. Terming the BJP government’s steps as “most undemocratic”, Congress leader Tapas Dey said that due to the “growing internal feud”, the BJP is afraid of facing the electorate as they felt that the people would not vote in its favour. “Despite Covid-19 pandemic, elections were held in many states including Bihar, Jammu and

Kashmir and Assam, then why elections in the Tripura tribal autonomous body and in the urban local bodies have been deferred ? We are considering going to the Court soon to get legal intervention to hold the elections in these bodies at the earliest,” Dey said. Rejecting the Opposition parties’ accusations, the BJP said that elections to the Tripura tribal autonomous body and in the 20 urban local bodies would be conducted soon. “Besides the Covid-19 pandemic, the elections could not be held in the midst of the ongoing delimitation exercise. Developmental work was also halted when the CPI-M was running many of the urban bodies,” BJP spokesman Nabendu Bhattacharjee said. The AMC and two other urban local bodies are governed by the CPI-M while the 17 local government bodies are under the control of the BJP. The CPI-M leaders alleged that the BJP after coming to power in March 2018, “forcibly occupied” most of the urban local bodies, which were under the Left parties control.

Itanagar, Dec 18 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh’s COVID-19 tally rose to 16,603 as 29 more people, including four security personnel, tested positive for the infection, a health department official said on Friday. Of the fresh cases, 11 were reported from Tawang, four each from the Capital Complex region and East Siang and three from Lohit, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said. Two cases each were also recorded in Changlang, Lower Siang and Tirap, while one case was also detected in Lepa Rada, the official said. Three Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel and one Assam Rifles jawan are among the fresh cases, while a health care worker also contracted the disease, Dr Jampa said. Twenty-seven fresh infections were detected through rapid antigen tests, while two were found through the RT-PCR method, the SSO said. Barring four, all the new patients are asymptomatic, he said.

Correspondent

Shillong, Dec 18: The Border Security Force (BSF), entrusted with guarding the international border that Meghalaya shares with Bangladesh has said that it has been carrying out its duty with utmost dedication despite the ongoing pandemic. “The BSF Meghalaya strongly stands to shield 443 kilometers of international border with Bangladesh which is full of challenges owing to existing tough terrain and extreme hard climatic conditions,” BSF Meghalaya Frontier, Spokeperson, U K Nayal, said on Friday. He said the BSF troopers deployed on international border of Khasi, Jaintia as well as Garo Hills face different problems pertaining to different regions. “As far as the border areas of Khasi and Jaintia Hills are concerned, one has to bear with moist warm weather, heavy rain, dense wood, thunderstorms, ferric drinking water, fungal infection and hundreds of other problems which make living condition pathetic,” he narrated. Apart from these, Nayal said, “Life threat from the miscreants, smugglers and insurgents is a separate

issue to tackle with. Despite all these odds and amidst COVID-19 pandemic, BSF Meghalaya stands tall in serving the nation.” During the year 2020, BSF Meghalaya had effected seizures worth Rs 39 crores, which includes 10,000 cattle worth more than Rs 16 crores, psychotropic substances of Rs 87 lakhs and miscellaneous items worth more than Rs 22 crore. Apart from these, Nayal said, BSF Meghalaya apprehended 179 Indian nationals and 19 Bangladesh nationals,” the BSF informed. “As winter is reaching its climax and it is getting difficult for people to remain outside of their abode for long, the BSF troops are braving the bone chilling cold, standing vigilant day and night at the international border. The fog all around deteriorates the condition even more,” the BSF Meghalaya Frontier, Spokesperson said. Nayal added : “Despite all these hardships, BSF troops are looking after the border with utmost sincerity and determination as we are expected to do”. Meanwhile, the BSF troopers in a joint operation with Meghalaya Police, carried out by a team led

by Barun Kumar Singh, Deputy Commandant BSF on Thursday intercepted one Indian national namely Anowar Islam (21), of Jordanga Village, Mankachar, Assam with 3499 Yaba tablets worth Rs 17,50,000 in his possession. I s l a m wa s n a b b e d while heading towards the border area to deliver the consignment to Bangladesh accomplice. The apprehended person and seized items

were handed over to the police for further disposal. “During the year 2020, BSF Meghalaya seized more than 15 thousand Yaba tablets worth Rs 72 lakh. The Yaba tablet is consumed in Bangladesh in huge quantity despite continuous special drives against this psychotropic substance and apprehensions of involved persons by BSF and Bangladesh law enforcement agencies,” Nayal said.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE To,

LONGLENG, NAGALAND NO.DEF/LLG/RO(E)-32/2020-21/366 Dated, Longleng the 17th Dec’2020.

Regt.No. 2004187 L/Naik. Yanpong Konyak DEF Longleng S/O. Lemphong Konyak Village – Lapalampong PO/ PS – Tizit, District – Mon, Nagaland. You are found absent from Govt. bonafide duty w.e.f01/05/2018 till date, and whereas you have been served 3 (three) times Calling Notices Vide this office letter :1. NO.DEF/LLG/RO-32/2020-21/690 Dated 23rd October’ 2020. 2. NO.DEF/LLG/RO-32/2020-21/777 Dated,11 th November’ 2020 and 3. NO.DEF/LLG/RO-32/2020-21/917 Dated, 04 th December’2020; directing you to report for duty immediately but had failed to do so. Now therefore, you are hereby informed through this press release to report for duty immediately within 7 (Seven) days from the date of Publication of this notice, failing which you will be declared deserter and dismissed from the service without serving any further notice and legal action will be initiated against you in exparte. Sd/Sr. Superintendent of Police, Longleng, Nagaland. DC-854

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Court notice to Kunal Kamra, Vaccination for COVID will be voluntary: Govt Supreme Rachita Taneja in contempt cases

NEW DELHI, DEC 18 (PTI): Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 will be voluntary, the Union Health Ministry has said while underlining that the vaccine introduced in India will be as effective as any vaccine developed by other countries. The ministry further stated that it was advisable to receive a complete schedule of the anti-coronavirus vaccine irrespective of past history of infection with COVID-19 as this will help in developing a strong immune response against the disease. It also said that protective level of antibodies generally develop two weeks after receiving the second dose. The ministry listed a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday night and responded to questions like if taking a vaccine was mandatory, how long does it take for the antibodies to develop and if it was necessary for a COVID recovered person to take the vaccine. “ Va c c i n a t i o n f o r COVID-19 is voluntary. However, it is advisable to receive the complete schedule of the vaccine for protecting one-self against this disease and also to limit the spread of this disease to the close contacts including family members, friends,

relatives and co-workers,” the ministry said in response to a question on if it is mandatory to take the shot. The ministry said that vaccine trials are under different stages of finalisation. The government is geared to launch a vaccine for COVID19 soon, it said. Six vaccines- one developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR, second one developed by Zydus Cadila, third one by Gennova, Oxford vaccine, trial of which is conducted by Serum Institute of India, Sputnik V vaccine which is being manufactured by Dr Reddy’s Lab, Hyderabad, in collaboration with Russia’s Gamaleya National Centre and the sixth one manufactured by Biological E Ltd, Hyderabad, in collaboration with MIT, USA are undergoing clinical trials in India. On whether a vaccine will be safe as it is being tested and introduced in a short span of time and what can

be the possible side-effects, the ministry said vaccines will be introduced in the country only after the regulatory bodies clear it based on its safety and efficacy. “COVID-19 vaccine will be introduced only when the safety is proven. As is true for other vaccines, the common side effects in some individuals could be mild fever, pain, etc. at the site of injection,” the ministry said in the FAQs. It said states have been asked to start making arrangements to deal with any vaccine-related side-effects as one of the measures towards safe vaccine delivery. Two doses of vaccine, 28 days apart, need to be taken by an individual to complete the vaccination schedule, it stated. The ministry said anyone taking medicines for illnesses like cancer, diabetes, hypertension etc, can take the COVID-19 vaccine as persons with one or more of these comorbid conditions

are considered high-risk category and they need to get vaccination. In response to a question on whether the vaccine will be given to everyone simultaneously, the ministry said that based on the potential availability of vaccines, the government has selected priority groups to be vaccinated as they are at higher risk. In the initial phase, COVID 19 vaccine will be provided to the priority group- health care and front-line workers. The 50 plus age group may also begin early based on vaccine availability. The eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile number regarding the health facility where the vaccination will be provided and the scheduled time. This will be done to avoid any inconvenience in registration and vaccination of beneficiaries, the ministry said in the FAQs. On why healthcare providers and frontline workers are being chosen for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, the ministry said the government has prioritised the most at risk/high risk groups which will get the vaccine first. Healthcare providers have led the battle against COVID-19 from the front. The government wants them

to be able to continue your work, without the fear of risk associated with the virus. “Therefore, healthcare and frontline workers are among the first group of people to be vaccinated,”’ it said. The ministry said registration of a beneficiary is mandatory for vaccination for COVID-19. Only after registration the information on the session site to visit and time will be shared. Following online registration, beneficiary will receive SMS on their registered mobile number on the due date, place and time of vaccination. ID with Photo such as driving license, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) job card, PAN Card, passbooks issued by Bank/Post Office, passport • Pension Document , service identity card issued to employees by Central/ State Govt./ Public Limited Companies and voter ID may be produced at the time of registration. On getting due dose of vaccine, the beneficiary will receive SMS on their registered mobile number. After all doses of vaccine are administered, a QR code based certificate will also be sent to the registered mobile number of the beneficiary, the ministry said.

Hathras victim was gangraped and killed: CBI in chargesheet against all 4 accused

Cong ‘instigating’ protests over farm laws: Puri

Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, where the victim was treated after the alleged gangrape on September 14. The CBI had registered the case on October 11, following a request from the Uttar Pradesh government, which was under immense public pressure over its handling of the case. The chargesheet against the four accused was filed based on the last statement given by the victim on September 22. In an official statement, the CBI said, “CBI has today filed a chargesheet against four accused in the competent court in Hathras. The case was registered by CBI on October 11 on a request from Uttar Pradesh government and further notification from Government of India.” During its investigation, the CBI found out that one of the four accused is a minor according to his school marksheet. Making the claims, CBI pointed at the lapses in the investigation conducted by UP Police. The mother of the minor accused told India Today TV that a CBI team had visited their residence and taken the marksheet from her. She also claimed that her son is a minor. “They also took some of my elder son’s clothes along with the marksheet. He is a minor,” said the mother.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI): Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri accused the Congress on Friday of spreading “canards” over the recent farm laws and “instigating” protests, while taking a swipe at the party on the absence of many of its members in the Rajya Sabha when these bills were passed. “Even their senior leader, Rahul Gandhi, was vacationing abroad when the voting took place. The party is clearly imploding. It should rather bother about holding its remnants together than stoking fire in the country,” Puri said in tweets. Citing a Hindi idiom, the Union civil aviation minister alleged that the Congress is warming its hands while setting the houses of others on fire. “Congress is doing precisely that. It points out non-existent flaws in Farm Bills, spreads canards & instigates protests. If it wanted to block the bills why were the party MPs not present in full force during RS voting?” he asked. “Our farmers have played a positive role in putting food on our table and in making the green revolution,” Puri said while reiterating the Centre’s stand that if they have any concerns about the farm laws, it will sit across the table and resolve those.

NEW DELHI, DEC 18 (AGENCIES): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against the four accused in the Hathras gangrape and murder case on Friday. In the chargesheet, the CBI has invoked charges of gangrape (sections 376, 376-A and 376-D IPC) and murder (section 302 IPC), against all four, besides also invoking sections of the SC/ ST Act. The CBI chargesheet was filed at a local court in Hathras. A 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gangraped and murdered by four upper caste men in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh on September 14. She succumbed to her injuries a fortnight later at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. The victim was cremated in the dead of the night near her home on September 30. Her family had alleged

they were forced by the local police to hurriedly conduct her last rites. Local police officers, however, claimed that the cremation was carried out “as per the wishes of the family”. The “insensitive attitude” of the administration had invited some sharp remarks from the Allahabad High Court, which said, “The victim was at least entitled to a decent cremation in accordance with her religious customs and rituals which essentially are to be performed by her family.” The four accused are currently in judicial custody. In its investigation, the CBI has looked into the role of the four accused who were also put through different forensic tests at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar. The CBI investigators had also met doctors at the

Gehlot heads to Delhi for meeting between Sonia, ‘letter-writers’ Jaipur, Dec 18 (PTI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday left for Delhi to attend a meeting on December 19 between Congress president Sonia Gandhi and some of the 23 senior leaders who had written a letter to her seeking an overhaul of the organisational structure, state party unit sources said. Gandhi has fixed a series of meetings on December 19 and 20 with Congress leaders to decide on key issues concerning the party. During these deliberations over the weekend, she will also meet some of the prominent members of the “letter-writers’ group”. Among them are Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and the deputy leader of the party in the Upper House, Anand Sharma. K

Y M C

Gehlot left Jaipur for Delhi on Friday evening, the sources said. “The chief minister is scheduled to attend a meeting with the (Congress) party president and other leaders in which discussions on organisational issues will be held on Saturday,” they said. Twenty-three senior leaders of the party had written to Gandhi in August. This is the first time that Gandhi will be meeting Congress leaders face-to-face, months after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been holding virtual meetings ever since, including the crucial Congress Working Committee meet in which party leaders discussed the letter which demanded a change in the leadership and an overhaul of the party’s organisational structure.

Kunal Kamra

Rachita Taneja

contempt of the Supreme Court is punishable with a fine of up to Rs 2,000 and imprisonment of up to six months. The top court had reserved its order on Thursday on a batch of pleas seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Kamra and Taneja. During the hearing on Thursday, advocate Nishant R Katneshwarkar, who appeared for one of the petitioners, claimed that Kamra had posted several tweets scandalous to the judiciary. In the plea against Taneja, senior advocate P S Narasimha and advocate Namit Saxena appeared for law student Aditya Kashyap seeking contempt action against the cartoonist. Kashyap had said the petition highlighted three particularly outrageous and contemptuous posts that were crafted, posted and shared by Taneja through

her social media handles (@ sanitarypanels) on various platforms with the malicious intent of scandalising and lowering the authority of the apex court and to prejudice and interfere with the due course of judicial proceedings. The plea has sought direction that Taneja be restrained from publishing contemptuous posts on social media that scandalise and undermine the authority of the top court. One of petitions in the Kamra case has been filed by law student Shrirang Katneshwarkar and others. They have claimed that the stand-up comedian had started publishing tweets on November 11 when the top court was hearing the appeal of Arnab Goswami against the Bombay High Court’s order rejecting the journalist’s plea seeking interim bail in a 2018 abetment-tosuicide case.

MCD scam bigger than CWG scam: Arvind Kejriwal New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the alleged scam of Rs 2,500 crore in the BJP-ruled municipal corporations was even bigger than the Commonwealth Games scam. Addressing a special session of the Delhi Assembly, he claimed that scams of Rs 5,000-10,000 crore happen every year in municipal corporations while giving required permissions for buildings. “It’s a

very painful day as we are discussing the biggest scam in MCD. Rs 2,500 crore scam is bigger than the Commonwealth Games scam. Even people on the street say there is corruption in MCD and the same people say the Delhi government is honest,” he said. “Rs 2,500 crore could have been used to pay salaries of sanitation workers, doctors and other employees of corporations. It could have

been used to make 12,500 hospital beds or 7,500 Mohalla Clinics,” Kejriwal added. The AAP national convenor asked Leader of Opposition in the assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri to push for a CBI probe into the alleged scam. “The black era of the BJP’s 15-year rule in municipal corporations is about to end now. The MCDs even went to the courts over funds but they have said all dues have been paid,” he said.

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Cremation of Hathras gangrape victim. (File)

New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI): The Supreme Court issued show-cause notices to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and cartoonist Rachita Taneja on Friday for their alleged scandalous tweets against the apex court. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R S Reddy and M R Shah sought response from both in six weeks on the notices issued in two separate cases. It, however, exempted them from personal appearances in the cases. Attorney General K K Venugopal had granted consent for initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against Kamra, saying the comedian’s tweets were in “bad taste” and it was time that people understand that attacking the apex court brazenly would attract punishment. The attorney general had also given consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Taneja, stating that the caricatures posted by her on social media were intended to denigrate the Supreme Court and lower its authority in the eyes of the public. The consent of either the attorney general or the solicitor general is necessary under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act for initiating contempt proceedings against a person. Criminal

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 17 Dimapur, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Doctoring facts

hile COVID-19 continues to be transmitted to more people throughout the globe, places like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad etc have shown that the curve is yet to flatten to the expected level. The total number of cases as on December 18 is nearly one crore and which indicates that community transmission had already taken place even as early as April. However, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) including the government agency- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are both in denial mode by insisting that community spread has not taken place. Presently, India’s nose diving Covid-19 numbers may have come as a relief but till November, the country had missed about 90 infections for every detected case. While states like Delhi and Kerala had missed just about 25 infections for every case, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are estimated to have missed about 300 infections for every case detected. A case in medical terms refers to an infection that has been medically diagnosed. Manindra Agrawal, a member of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and professor at the Department of Computer Science at IIT Kanpur, predicted that the pandemic will taper off by February 2021 in India. An analysis in September had shown that India had missed about 60-65 infections for every detected case. DST , had developed the India-specific supermodel for COVID-19.The under reporting of COVID-19 cases in India may stem from the government’s political interest to suggest that its strategy on COVID-19 has paid off. On May 15, the government disclosed that there were 86,000 COVID-19 cases in India whereas, as per the sero survey report by a panel formed by ICMR but which was not revealed, indicated that there were in fact 60 lakh COVID-19 cases during the same period. Even when eminent virologists and epidemiologists had said that based on their studies, the virus was spreading through community transmission, the government refused to admit it. Delhi the national capital is back at its worst over COVID-19. Earlier, the Delhi government admitted that community transmission had already taken place but this was rejected by the MoHFW including ICMR. Delhi is currently battling a winter surge in Covid-19 cases as temperatures plummet and air pollution rises to dangerous levels. The number of cases which had come down to 2,000 from 4,000, are now shooting upwards of 7,000 and up to 8,000 in a day. Though epidemiologists said the recent decline in cases and deaths was a promising signal, yet it was far too early to say that the pandemic is receding. For one, just high testing and declining case counts may not be enough to come to a conclusion. Half of the total tests India is conducting are the rapid antigen one, that are not accurate. According to scientists at Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru, by January 1, 2021, India would have possibly reached close to 3 crore infected cases (over 60 lakh ‘active’ cases and 10 lakh fatalities). They also predicted that the pandemic is not expected to ‘peak’ before March 2021. Strategy against COVID-19 has somehow fallen prey to government’s spin doctors and that itself, along with COVID-19 is of great concern.

DailyDevotion Test of Faithfulness

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God… —Romans 8:28

It is only a faithful person who truly believes that God sovereignly controls his circumstances. We take our circumstances for granted, saying God is in control, but not really believing it. We act as if the things that happen were completely controlled by people. To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, or object of our faith— the Lord Jesus Christ. God may cause our circumstances to suddenly fall apart, which may bring the realization of our unfaithfulness to Him for not recognizing that He had ordained the situation. We never saw what He was trying to accomplish, and that exact event will never be repeated in our life. This is where the test of our faithfulness comes. If we will just learn to worship God even during the difficult circumstances, He will change them for the better very quickly if He so chooses. Being faithful to Jesus Christ is the most difficult thing we try to do today. We will be faithful to our work, to serving others, or to anything else; just don’t ask us to be faithful to Jesus Christ. Many Christians become very impatient when we talk about faithfulness to Jesus. Our Lord is dethroned more deliberately by Christian workers than by the world. We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us, and we think of Jesus as just another one of the workers. The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us. God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as He used His own Son.

Quotes

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. ~ George Washington

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Post-mortem

Rethinking Reservation in Nagaland

n 2017, when the NPF g ove r n m e n t i n N a galand, compelled by Supreme Court’s order, decides to conduct the municipal elections with 33 percent reservations for women, most of the Naga civil bodies including the Naga Hoho, ENPO and the CNTC objected vociferously. The opposition to the women’s reservations were mainly based on two contentions. One, in Naga society there are no differences between men and women and that women are treated equally. Two, reservation infringes the Nagas customary practices as enshrined under Article 371A. Should these arguments have logical consistency, empirical adequacy and experiential relevance as Ravi Zacharias would put it, the same arguments could be used against the Nagaland backward tribe’s reservation policy. Several countries in the world implement reservation policy that gives preferential treatment to certain sections of the society in terms of education, employment or political representation. India is one such country that has implemented one of the most aggressive affirmative action backed by constitutional provisions. However, despite the fact that reservation policies are being considered as a powerful redistributive tool, the efficacy of these policies in terms of socio-economic and educational outcomes

has been extremely controversial. To start with, reservation policies are discriminatory in nature. That is, it favors a particular community or person at the cost of the other. A redistributive policy is not ideal if it make someone worse-off while making another better-off. For this very reason there is no theoretical or policy consensus on this matter. Another prominent defect of reservation policy is that merit, efficiency and hard work is often superseded by birth, social and economic class. This breed animosity and conflict between social and economic classes. The current feud on reservation policy has been stirred by the demand of 45 percent reservation in the Nagaland Staff Selection Board for the six tribes for a period of 20 years. Currently, 37 percent of jobs in government sector in Nagaland are reserved for certain tribes while 4 percent are reserved for differently abled persons, making it to 41 percent. On top of this, candidates from backward tribes can also compete in the unreserved categories. If this formula does not satisfy us, nothing would. Should the demand of the ENSF be granted, the total reserved seats would rise to 61 percent. Such a scenario would attract undesirable chaos and imbalances in our society. The Supreme Court in A.K. Thakur vs. Union of India, 2008, underlined

that “When more and more people aspire for backwardness instead of forwardness the country itself stagnates”. It further adds that “While affirmative discrimination is a road to equality, care should be taken that the road does not become a rut in which the vehicle of progress gets entrenched and stuck. Any provision for reservation is a temporary crutch. Such crutch by unnecessary prolonged use should not become a permanent liability.” The demand for increase in job quota comes at a time when many people from the unreserved community are of the opinion that it’s time to review or even do away with this reservation policy in the state. Four and half decades is a long period for any policy prescription to have its desired effect. If on the contrary, the reservation policy is not having its desired effect in uplifting the social, economic or educational standards of the reserved communities, the solution to these problems may not be reservation itself. In that case, the government may replace this effete policy with other effective measures. There is this constant pestering by some members of the reserved communities that their share and entitlements have been wrongly appropriated by others making them impoverished and backward. Well, that be the case, some

people can also say that they have not tasted even a single penny belonging to others, and that they have their own share of poverty, illiteracy, inequalities and economic backwardness, despite being members of the unreserved tribe. Nagas must understand that social and economic backwardness are not exclusive but are prevalent in every nook and corner of our state, and that we cannot solve them by simply shifting the blame to others. To categorize an entire tribe as backward or advanced is again a misnomer. This is also one of the major drawbacks of the reservation system. In every society or community there are rich and poor, educated and illiterate, employed and unemployed, cultured and otherwise. Therefore, to pack them in one single basket with the tag of backward or non-backward and afford them a uniform policy measures basing on their tribe or caste is a poor choice of action. Because of this classification, it is the dominant and advanced class within the reserved tribes that continues to appropriate the benefits of reservations, thereby, marginalizing the deserving people within those communities. The objective of reservation should be such that it identifies the most deprived and deserving individuals and afford them the benefits to enhance their standard of

living. From this perspective, families of high-ranking officials, high income earning professionals and those above certain income thresholds, fixed by the government as deemed fit, should not get the benefits of reservation. Conversely, the weak and marginalized members from the currently unreserved tribes should also be included and entitled to avail such benefits under reservation. After all, poverty, unemployment or economic backwardness is an individual and a household problem and therefore, cannot be segregated by tribe or caste alone. The entire Naga tribes has been categorized as scheduled tribes because of their socio, economic and cultural similarities and are thus eligible for various benefits under the reservation policy enacted by the government of India. We are aware that many societies in India are ahead of us in terms of civilization, knowledge and education, technology, wealth and economic development. But that does not make us inferior, because life is not just about competition or comparisons. Every society matures and advances in their own pace and time. We may not have the best roads or the biggest industries. But we have each other, our culture and history, our traditional knowledge and skills, our lands and forest and the enormous possibilities of the future.

Likewise, within our Naga family, there are some who are ahead of others while some are lagging behind in one or another way. Yet, it would only weaken our society if we see each other as this tribe or that tribe. In a country of 1.35 billion people, Nagaland population accounts for less than 0.15 percent of the total population. Within this, already 10 tribes fall under state’s reservation policy, including the Sumi’s of Kiphire district. In that case, only four Naga tribes are left out of the reservation system. Within these four tribes, there are also many families who struggles every single day to put food at their table. Just because the chief minister or the chief secretary belong to a particular tribe has nothing to do with how ordinary citizens struggles every day for survival. All of us must endeavor to eat through the sweat of one’s brow. The state must also play its role effectively, especially, in providing basic necessities for decent livelihood. If at all some sections within our society needs preferential treatment, it should not be based on one’s tribe but should be based on one’s standard of living conditions. For, we cannot discriminate the poor and the marginalized on the basis of their tribe, color or creed. Dr. N Janbemo Humtsoe janbemolotha@gmail.com

‘agreed position’ has clear scope for naga flag: wc, nnpgs on rising number of road accidents

“T

he government of India recognises the political and historical rights of the Nagas to self determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity...” -GOI & WC NNPGs Agreed Position Dated: 17/11/2017. This paragraph echo the very soul, spirit, essence and aspiration of the Naga people. The Naga flag thus, remain within the ambit of the GOI and WC, NNPGs ‘Agreed Position’. The Status paper has been brought out in the open. The Naga tribes and GBs, the customary guardians and all peace loving Nagas have understood and appreciated the clarity of political structure in process. The contents of the status paper are practical, honourable and acceptable to the Naga people. It fulfils the will and desire of the people at a present time. Every sovereign, independent Nation in the world is identified and recognised by its Flag and Constitution. However, since Nagas and Indians will co-exist, the Naga Flag will be honoured and given due respect and space it deserves. The flag has a cultural and spiritual significance. It is Naga identity. Above all it is a covenant between God and the Naga people and so it will be an integral part of Indo-Naga solution. This, the GOI has clearly been told and reminded on the negotiation table. Therefore, on the eve of political solution, WC, NNPGs has encouraged all Naga tribal bodies and GBs in towns and villages to place Naga Flags in cultural and traditional institutions such as in Morungs and village customary courts or in the residences of Village chiefs. WC, NNPGs urge the Naga people not to be confused on the issue of flag. GOI respects and honours Naga sentiment, spiritual orientation and cultural identity the flag denotes. It is wrong to seek GOI’s permission on its usage. The destabilizing propaganda at play behind Naga flag and constitution is a greater mischief against Naga tribes and general public. ‘Agreed position’ reaffirm and entrench Naga political milestones particularly; 1. 1918 Formation of Naga Club. 2. 1929 submission of memorandum to Simon Commission. 3. 1947, 14th August Declaration of Independence from British rule. 4. 1951 Naga plebiscite. Comparatively, Framework Agreement says, “The political conflict is about six decades old... “, meaning, the Indo-Naga political conflict began only after or around 1955. An entity that Reader’s note: Articles

describes Naga political conflict and procedures as with land and “Good roads do not necessarily ensure and junctions. 4. Proper and easily visible as being about six decades old resources of the Nagas. A new safe travel but good roads should must explain to the people as to political structure shall be extended actually lead to safety and all-round sign posts and reflectors and signal who and why the pre 1955 conflict to our land and people living in development!” – Dr. Andrew Ahoto lights should also be installed at all stretches of roads especially at all decades became inconsequential Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh Sema lobalization has brought the bends. and erased. The cardinal error in in the manner of Regional Terabout increased usage of 5. Proper and sufficient the political document must be cor- ritorial Councils, in the interest vehicles which has in turn CCTV cameras should be installed rected. Analytically, the signatories of Nagas as well as neighbours of the FA imply they understood while similar reforms shall be increased the level of hazards at major intersections as well as and appreciated the intricacies undertaken for Nagas in Assam. posing a threat to road safety. vantage points of all important of Indian constitution, based on This will ensure enduring peaceful Needless to say, a well-metalled roads. 6. Government should prowhich the talks, in their own words, co-existence between Nagas and road in itself does not ensure safety to commuters but there are many vide adequate Emergency AmIndians and also between Nagas ‘successfully concluded’. FA as a political document has no real and neighbouring communities. aspects of road safety. It is a mat- bulances especially dedicated for substantial ground on the issue The proposed settlement is inclu- ter of grave concern that the rate accident victims. Accident Trauma of Naga self determination, Flag, sive of all Nagas. The interest of of road accidents have increased Centres should also be set up in Constitution or Integration. Every Nagas in Myanmar too has been manifold, especially in Dimapur. all district headquarters for the state in India is unique and so shar- outlined and boldly expressed. The These accidents are occurring accident victims. 7. The vehicles parking ing of sovereign powers between status paper presented to the Naga despite the fact that road develcentre and state is enshrined in the tribes, elected representatives, opment works are in full swing along roadsides especially on the especially the four-lane highway highways during the night time Indian constitution. Thousands of present and past parliamentar- which raises numerous doubts as should ensure that their parking or innocent Naga patriots, leaders, ians and genuine social reformers, to the credibility about the safety hazard lights are kept compulsorily followers and sympathizers were intellectuals etc., shows that WC, of these roads. Who is going to on as many accidents have been accused of treachery and killed on NNPGs has not deviated from the take the responsibility of the loss caused wherein the vehicles ram the pretext of defending Naga free- core Naga aspiration. This is the of innocent lives caused due to the on the parked vehicles. A serious dom and self determination. FA difference between those who live sheer negligence about the safety note should be taken on this by neither answers the aspiration of in illusion and those who work on standards of our State’s roads? In all. the living nor comforts the martyrs reality. We nurture our dreams but the context of Dimapur which is 8. During festive seasons we realise we must start from the the busiest city in Nagaland, it is like Christmas and New Year, we in their cold nameless graves. Currently, Nagas are witness- first brick. Naga tribes cannot be all the more necessary that proper request the Village Councils, Coloing some frantic, dubious ambas- misled anymore. and adequate safety measures are nies and local bodies to assist the The traditional Naga tribal put in place. NPP Nagaland State administration in vehicular movesadorial activities by a group of de-recognised, self appointed civil institutions like the colossal 14 would like to suggest the following ments to minimize road accidents. society leaders. These ill motivated Naga tribes and other sub-tribes, measures that the State Govern- We feel that such interventions if Naga civil societies are further Nagaland Gaon Burah Federation ment, authorities concerned and brought about by the government disintegrating and severing the (NGBF), NTC, ENPO and CNTC individuals can take up so that and authorities concerned will go a fabric of Naga unity with their etc., are the real representatives of road accidents can be mitigated. long way in ensuring safety of the sponsored views and motives. They the people. They act on common The road safety measures should hundreds of commuters and save are very good at mimicry on stage. sense and logic and not on the begin even before the road projects precious lives. However, even the The GOI too must be aware of the whims and fancies of anyone. materialize or the roads are under general public must also cooperate narrative of these members but the They are not remote controlled. upgradation. with the law enforcement agencies truth unmasks them. The sooner Their wisdom, patriotism and 1. There should be proper to ensure safety on the roads. They this travelling circus drama ends, leadership shines through on any manning of vulnerable stretches must educate themselves about the given issue. the better for Nagas. of the Highways which can hapNagas are fiercely loyal to pen only if the Home Department traffic rules and regulations while WC, NNPGs calls out to also avoiding any kind of willful the NAGA HOHO, NMA, NSF, their own soil. It is true that occu- increases the manpower of the offences like overspeeding, driving NPMHR, newly formed GNF and pational forces redrew boundaries Traffic Department by appointing under the influence of intoxicants self proclaimed Naga intellectual without Naga consent as Myan- new personnel as there is an acute like alcohol, overtaking from the forums, scholar clubs and social mar, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh shortage of manpower in the Traf- wrong side, jumping lanes, using media proponents of FA etc., on and Assam. In order to regain fic Department. high beam lights at night, not us2. There should be proper ing dippers, using mobile phones why there is pindrop silence on the trust of neighbours, one must learn to respect them, be rational barricading of roads especially in the glaring omissions of historical while driving, etc. We should keep milestones in the FA. Uncanny in approach and exhibit patience accident prone areas. Lanes should in mind that as enlightened and resemblance in the press state- and acceptance. These are essential be clearly demarcated and strict resourceful citizens our duties ments of these organizations is a components if Naga integration is rules should be imposed for lane are as important as our demands driving. confirmation that they attend same to materialize tomorrow. All Nagas know that there is 3. Speed breakers should for rights. Let us all educate and tutorial classes, swallowing the narland demarcation within, imply- be constructed on the highways change ourselves so that not only rative hook, line and sinker. our roads but our society also In truth, one dimensional ing each Naga tribe occupy its passing through commercial areas remains safe at all times. organisations are the real impedi- own ancestral, inherited land. especially near educational instituIPR & Media Cell ment to Naga society’s growth. It is Nagas must still respect and actions, hospitals and other vulnerNPP Nagaland State time for the learned and educated cept the indigenous character of able locations like intersections civil society leaders to go home, each other and domiciles therein, walk among the common folks and in order to build a robust future. listen rather than lecture. A true There are certain social, political social activist is one who, without and historical truths in the Naga trumpeting and marketing his or tribal spectrum and characteristics her intellectual pedigree or PhD which cannot be altered neither by Sir, The recent renovation of NH-29 has been a remarkable progress prefixed names, points out societal political solution nor by intervenflaws instead of becoming a pro- tion of UN, UNPO or friendly in the history of Nagaland. However, potholes, especially, in the third country. A time has come town area such as Dhobinala- Thahekhu road, Marwari patti areas moter of the flawed system. The status paper of WC, for all Nagas to be practical and etc needs fill-up. Regardless of the massive developments around NNPGs states that the Naga Ta- not emotional. We shall dream but town, ignorance of what we perceive as ‘small’ will scrap off the good deeds. Therefore, I’d like to request the authorities’ to do the tar Hoho shall be the apex body work with reason. needful in order to make Dimapur a better place. to legislate on sovereign matMedia Cell, ters concerning culture, customs, Tono Awomi, Dimapur Wc, Nnpgs. or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Reader’s Post

Appeal to fill-up potholes

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Union Home secy may hold video Farm laws was long-due; MSP will continue: PM conference with WB’s chief secy, DGP Bhopal, Dec 18 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that political parties, experts and even farmers had been demanding new farm laws for long, and assured that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism for crops will continue. Addressing farmers of Madhya Pradesh through virtual mode, he alleged that opposition parties themselves advocated such laws, but now they were protesting because they did not want him to get credit for the reforms. The government was ready 24 hours to talk with farmers, the prime minister said, as the agitation against the new agri laws at Delhi borders entered its 23rd day. “The new agriculture laws have not come overnight but political parties, agriculture experts and progressive farmers have demanded it for a long time. “In the last 20-22 years, the Center and the state governments have deliberated on these agriculture reforms in detail. Farmer bodies, agriculture scientists and farmers too were continu-

Narendra Modi (PTI)

ously demanding them,” he said. “In fact, farmers should seek answers from those opposing them now as to why they advocated these farm laws in their manifestos for getting their votes, but never fulfilled the promise. It was not their priority,” Modi said. “Their problem is how Modi has done it. Why Modi should get credit for it. Give credit to your manifesto and not to me. I just want the progress of farmers, but stop misleading them on the issue,” he added. “If you see their manifestos, you will find that today’s reforms are not different from what they had promised,” the prime min-

ister said. “You are using farmers’ shoulders to fire at the government,” he said, hitting out at the opposition. “We are asking them again and again to point out problems in the new farm laws, but they don’t have any answer. Those who have lost their political space in the country are misleading farmers that they will lose their lands,” he said. “I wish to expose these political parties now. The report of the Swaminathan committee is an example. When the report came, they sat on it for eight years. “Farmers were agitating for it, but they were not bothered. As they didn’t want to pay farmers more,

they sat on the report,” Modi alleged. “ O u r g o ve r n m e n t treated farmers as “annadata” (one who provides food) and implemented the Swaminathan committee report. We have given 1.5 times more MSP than the cost of production,” the prime minister added. “Two years ago it was promised that loans will be waived, but farmers of Madhya Pradesh know better than me how many farmers got benefit in reality. In Rajasthan, farmers are still waiting for the loan waiver,” he said, attacking the Congress which rules in Rajasthan and was in power in MP until March this year. As to the fear that MSP for crops will be done away with, the prime minister said, “Our government is so serious about MSP that it announces it for crops even before sowing. “Over six months have passed since the implementation of the new agriculture laws, and crops were purchased at MSP even during the coronavirus pandemic and in the same mandis (APMC markets)

where farmers used to sell (earlier). “No sane person will accept that MSP will be scrapped. Nothing will be a bigger lie and conspiracy than this,” Modi said, assuring that MSP for crops will continue. Those opposing the farm laws were also spreading lies about Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), the prime minister said. Under the new law farmers are free to sell the produce in the existing APMC mandis if they get more price, he said. “Not a single mandi was closed in the last six months. In fact, the government is spending Rs 500 crore on their modernization,” the prime minister said. Referring to the new law on contracts between private entities and farmers, he said such agreements existed earlier too. The new law makes such agreements more binding on private entities, and they can not run away from their commitment to the farmer even if they suffer a loss, Modi said.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI): Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla may have a video conference with West Bengal’s Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay and Director General of Police Virendra on Friday evening after they conveyed their inability to travel to the national capital, officials said. On Thursday, the Home Ministry sent a fresh letter to the state’s two top officials asking them to come to New Delhi for a meeting with the home secretary at 5 pm on Friday. However, they conveyed they were not in a position to travel to the capital in the present circumstances and offered to attend the meeting through video conference. The Home Ministry is deliberating on the offer and the video conference may take place this evening, an official said. If the meeting does take place, the two officials may be asked to explain the law and order situation in West Bengal as well as the steps taken to prevent political violence and other crimes in the state, another official said. The chief sec-

Cong over Trinamool loses 3 MLAs in a row: Gujarat man, 59, beats COVID- Lauding 1971 war, Sena 19 after 113-day hospital stay Now Silbhadra Dutta resigns takes dig at BJP

Silbhadra Dutta, Suvendu Adhikari and Jitendra Tiwari.

Ko l k ata , D e c 1 8 (IANS): A day after Trinamool Congress heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari resigned just hours before Jitendra Tiwari from the party, the trend continued on Friday as another legislator from Mamata Banerjee’s party from Barrackpore assembly constituency, Silbhadra Dutta, too called it quits. According to sources, Dutta also replaced Banerjee’s photo, hung on the wall of his office, with Swami Vivekananda. He surrendered the car given by the state government. He said if the government wants it can withdraw his security cover as well.

Dutta sent his resignation letter to Trinamool supremo Banerjee. “I am tendering my resignation as a member of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), as well as from all other positions held by me in the party and its associate organisations with immediate effect,” he write in the letter. The Barrackpore MLA was the third lawmaker to resign from the party in past 24 hours. Dutta said that he is thankful for all the opportunities that have been afforded to him. “I will always value my time spent spent as member of the party. Thus I request you to accept my resignation

PM’s Varanasi office listed on OLX for ‘sale’; 4 arrested

The accused had taken a picture of the “Jansampark Kaaryalay (public relations office)” of Modi

VARANASI (UP), DEC 18 (PTI): Four people have been arrested for allegedly posting an online advertisement listing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi office for “sale”, police said on Friday. The accused had taken a picture of the “Jansampark Kaaryalay (public relations office)” of Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, and put it “up for sale” on OLX website, they said. The office is located in the Jawahar Nagar locality of the city, and it falls under the Bhelupur police station limits, Varanasi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amit Pathak said. “Yesterday, it came to our notice that the prime

minister’s office here has been put up on sale on OLX website. An FIR was immediately lodged at the Bhelupur police station, and the matter is being investigated,” Pathak said. “Four people involved in the case have been taken in custody,” the SSP said, adding that the person who took the picture and put it on the website is among them. The accused are being questioned, and further legal proceedings are being carried out, he said. Prime Minister Modi, a four-time chief minister of Gujarat, was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Varanasi in 2014 and then re-elected from the constituency in 2019.

and oblige,” he said. Earlier in a twin blow to the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress, former Nandigram lawmaker Suvendu Adhikari and Pandabeswar MLA Jitendra Tiwari resigned from the party’s primary membership on Thursday. Tiwari also resigned from the post of chairman of the administrative board of the Asansol Municipal Corporation. He resigned from the post of Trinamool Congress’ district president in West Burdwan on the same day. He had sent his resignation to Trinamool Congress state president Subrata Bakshi.

AHMEDABAD, DEC 18 (PTI): A 59-year-old man was on Friday discharged after a stay of 113 days in a city hospital for COVID19 treatment with Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel claiming this is to be possibly the longest spell of hospitalisation for a coronavirus patient in India. Ravindra Parmar tested positive for coronavirus on August 26 and was admitted in a private hospital in the Dholka area of Ahmedabad. However, he had to be shifted to the state-run Sola civil hospital on August 28 after his condition deteriorated. “Ravindra Parmar’s is a rare case of recovery as he was brought to Sola civil hospital in critical condition. Out of the 113 days here, he was in ICU for 90 days. “At one point of time, he had to be given 75 litres of oxygen per minute for survival,” Patel, who was present when Parmar was discharged, said. “This is the longest hospital stay for any COVID-19 patient in Gujarat, and, perhaps, even in the country. Doctors have given him the finest treatment. “He was given 75 litres of oxygen per minute but only some amount of that was being used as his lungs

were not functioning properly. But his recovery started soon after and today he has defeated the virus,” said Patel, who holds the health portfolio. Parmar (59) still requires oxygen support but the amount is such that it can be managed at home, the minister added. Pa t e l p o i n t e d o u t that Parmar, who was not charged anything for medical care in the state-run facility, could have ended up spending at least Rs 30 lakh if he took treatment in any private hospital. Sola civil hospital superintendent Pina Soni said Parmar’s case was a very tough and his successful recovery had boosted the morale of the staff who have been fighting very hard to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Parmar’s wife Indumatiben thanked the medical team under pulmonologist Kiran Rami, anesthetic Ila Patel and head of general medicine department Parul Bhatt, saying their exemplary treatment saved her husband’s life. Earlier, former Union minister and state Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki recovered from the infection after staying in hospital for 102 days.

99.9% Cong workers want Rahul to be party chief, says Surjewala New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS): The Congress President will be chosen as per the electoral college of the party and 99.9 per cent of the members want Rahul Gandhi to lead the party as he is one of the rare brand of leaders who fearlessly take on the Narendra Modi government, says Congress national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala. Addressing a press conference here, Surjewala, who is also the General Secretary of the party, said: “Congress workers, including AICC leaders, will choose a person who is best suited for the post of party chief. It is my belief and many of many 99.9 per cent of Congress leaders and workers feel that Rahul Gandhi is the right person to lead the party and take on the Modi government,” Surjewala said. The Congress leader said that Rahul Gandhi is perhaps one among the rare brand of leaders, who’ve fearlessly questioned the

Randeep Singh Surjewala

anti-people policies of the government. Responding to a question about the meeting of several party leaders, including those who had written to Sonia demanding an active President, Surjewala said that Sonia Gandhi had been unable to physically meet them on account of Covid-19 protocol for a considerable amount of time. “Now she has decided that from tomorrow she is going to meet and decide various organisational issues. So this is not a meet of any specific group of leaders. This is not a meet of dissenters or rebels because we consider each leader and worker as part of our

family,” Surjewala said. He said that the party has addressed the issues raised by some of the senior members of the party and it has already been decided to hold the election to the post of president. “That process is underway, all the issues should be resolved with the announcement of the next election. There are no internal issues of dissent that are pending in the party of any nature,” he said. Surjewala said the BJP sometimes continues to propagate such insinuations which Congress leaders do not believe in, including those who have written the letter. “We are one family and we will work together and we will work to strengthen the party,” he added. Sonia Gandhi is all set to meet Ghulam Nabi Azad, Shashi Tharoor, A.K. Antony, P. Chidambaram and several other leaders at her residence on Saturday morning.

Mumbai, Dec 18 (PTI): The Shiv Sena on Friday took a veiled dig at the BJP,saying those constantly questioning contribution of the Congress to the nation building should go through historic events of the 1971 war which saw the break- up of Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh. An editorial in Sena mouthpiece “Saamana” said in present times Chinese and Pakistani forces are creating disturbances on borders with India. “China is not withdrawing from Ladakh, while Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Fifty years ago, Pakistan was taught a lesson. “What about today? It is now more than a year since Article 370 was repealed, but there is no peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” said the Marathi daily. The editorial said the 1971 war a thrilling and inspirational event. “This year is the golden jubilee (of India’s win over Pakistan) and time to remember the historic events of Indira Gandhi’s diplomacy and her strategic decisions that led to defeat of Pakistanbefore America’s fleet reached for its help,” said the party, an ally of the Congress in Maharashtra. “The Indian Army, under the leadership of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw,attacked Pakistan forces and made them to surrender in 13 days,” the editorial said. “What has the Congress done in 70 years is a childish question asked on WhatsApp University. These people should go through the history of the 1971 war,” said the publication, taking a veiled dig at the BJP, a former Sena ally.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla

retary and the DGP were called by the Home Ministry on December 14 after receiving a report on December 11 from West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on the law and order situation in the state. Dhankhar was asked to submit a report after BJP president J P Nadda’s convoy was attacked with stones and bricks in Diamond Harbour on December 10 during his twoday visit to the state. The Centre and the West Bengal government have been at loggerheads since the attack in that took place in the Lok Sabha constituency of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee. After the attack, the Home Ministry summoned

three IPS officers -- Bholanath Pandey (SP, Diamond Harbour), Praveen Tripathi (DIG, Presidency Range) and Rajeev Mishra (ADG, South Bengal) – for deputations at the Centre. The three were responsible for Nadda’s security. However, the state government refused to relieve them citing shortage of senior police officers. On Thursday, the Home Ministry sent a fresh missive to the West Bengal government asking it to immediately relieve the three IPS officers, saying they had already been given new assignments. The ministry said Pandey has been appointed superintendent of police (SP) in the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Tripathi deputy inspector general (DIG) in the Sashastra Seema Bal and Mishra inspector general (IG) in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. “This move, particularly before the elections is against the basic tenets of the federal structure. It’s unconstitutional & completely unacceptable!” the chief minister said in her response.

HC seeks police stand on AAP plea to protest outside HM, L-G’s homes

AAP MLA Raghav Chadha detained outside Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence in New Delhi on December 13.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI): The Delhi High Court on Friday sought responses from the Delhi government and police on AAP MLAs Raghav Chadha and Atishi Marlena’s pleas challenging the denial of their request for permission to hold protests outside the residences of Home Minister Amit Shah and Lt Governor Anil Baijal. Justice Navin Chawla issued notices to the Delhi government and police, and sought their stand on the petitions by the two AAP leaders by January 14. The Delhi Police, represented by Additional Standing Counsel Gautam Narayan, told the court that permissions were denied to the two AAP MLAs on the basis of orders passed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) prohibiting large gatherings in the

city in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. The police also told the court that in accordance with a Supreme Court order, it has issued a standing order prohibiting protests and dharnas in residential areas in the national capital. The court asked the police to indicate its stand on the affidavits. Both AAP MLAs wanted to stage ‘dharnas’ outside the residences of the home minister and the L-G on December 13 to protest against the alleged misappropriation of funds by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, but they were denied permission. Both were detained by police on December 13, along with some other AAP leaders, for attempting to protest at the two sites without the necessary permission.

IMMEDIATE VACANCY SITE MANAGER – 2 Posts

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M/s. Jordan Construction SB-40, 41 Naga Shopping Arcade, Super Market, Dimapur. Email: jordanconstruction@live.com Contact: +91 9436832430, 03862-235319 (Contact between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) DP-5639

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT NAGALAND: KOHIMA

NOTIFICATION Date Kohima, the 6th December, 2020

NO.UDD/7-GEN/07/PWM/2018 : In pursuance to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India D.O letter No.17/1/2017-HSMD dated 13th February 2020, using of Flex Banner/Boards/Posters by Departments/ Institutions/Govt. Agencies in Government Offices during functions/ programmes etc. is hereby totally banned with immediate effect. 2. The Flex Banner/Boards/Posters are made up of Poly-Vinyl-Chlorides (PVC), a plastic polymer, is a non-bio degradable materials and if burned releases harmful toxins and gets bio-accumulated in the food chain of ecosystems causing a serious hazards to human health and environment. 3. Use of eco-friendly such as cloth banners, light weight textile fabrics, wrinkle resistant wrap knit, natural-fibre based sandwich boards, resin-infused paper, particle boards etc. may be encouraged to combat plastic pollution in the state. 4. All AHoDs/HoDs are to disseminate this directive to all the district Offices/ Institutions/Agencies as well for strict compliance. Sd/- J.ALAM, IAS Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland Issued by DIPR DC-

Su doku

KAKURO

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No. 9780 Yesterday’s solution No. 9779

No. 4399 Yesterday’s solution No. 4398

No. 3423 Yesterday’s solution No. 3422

Across 3. Grinding tooth (5) 8. Ravens, say (5) 10. Prepared (5) 11. Badly illuminated (3) 12. Sorcery (5) 13. In name only (7) 15. Stain, tarnish (5) 18. Rodent (3) 19. Study (6) 21. Nullifies (7) 22. Eye membrane (4) 23. Beak (4) 24. Riding horses (7) 26. Intelligent (6) 29. Help, assist (3) 31. Warning device (5) 32. Plunge into liquid (7) 34. Wash out (5) 35. Large container (3) 36. Light wood (5) 37. Mature (5) 38. Young eel (5) Down 1. Bereaved wife (5) 2. Respects highly (7) 4. Egg-shaped (4) 5. Comes about (6) 6. Happen again (5) 7. Objects of worship (5) 9. Raised edge (3) 12. Bullfighter (7) 14. Horse (3) 16. Sensational (5) 17. Screams (5) 19. Author’s pseudonym (3,4) 20. Flat circular plates (5) 21. African river (5) 23. Harass, torment (7) 24. Servile (6) 25. Boy’s name (3) 27. Light purple (5) 28. Poetry (5) 30. Garden flower (5) 32. Skye, say (4) 33. Knock (3)

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cent respectively, according to the DGCA. India resumed domestic passenger flights on May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Indian airlines are allowed to operate a maximum of 80 per cent of their pre-COVID-19 domestic flights. The DGCA data mentioned that in November, IndiGo had the best on-time performance of 97.5 per cent at four metro airports -- Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. In a statement, IndiGo said, “As we chart a recovery path, we are pleased to be the leader in On Time Performance, one of our core service values. We hope to continue this lead and provide the best OTP to our customers.”

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sengers respectively in November, the data showed. The occupancy rate or load factor of six major Indian airlines was between 66.3 and 77.7 per cent in November, it stated. “The passenger load factor in the month of Nov 2020 has shown some recovery due to increased demand after the opening of Lockdown and onset of festive season” the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said. The occupancy rate at SpiceJet was 77.7 per cent in November, the regulator noted. Meanwhile, the occupancy rate for other major airlines IndiGo, Vistara, GoAir, Air India and AirAsia India was 74 per cent, 70.8 per cent, 70.8 per cent, 69.6 per cent and 66.3 per

He said “The Indian railways estimates passenger earnings of Rs 15,000 crore in the current fiscal compared to Rs 53,000 crore in the last financial year.” “So far, passenger train revenue in the current fiscal stands at Rs 4,600 crore.” Giving details of the freight train earnings, Yadav said, “Freight revenue and loading is expected to go up by 10 per cent.” According to Yadav, freight loading in December is expected to be higher at 120 million tonnes compared to 110 million tonnes in November with major growth in loading of food grains, fertilizers and other goods. Yadav said, “We will be able to meet operating expenses with our revenue in the current fiscal. We will be self reliant despite Covid pandemic on the back of an estimated increase in freight earnings and substantial cut in expenditure cost.”

IN DIMAPUR 1. Model Colony - 2 Bighas 2. Thilixu - Area available 3. Kuda -B- 4½ Bighas 4. Kushiabill - 2 Bighas 5. Mon Bosti - 4 Bighas At Reasonable Price Contact No. : 7005424879

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Crossword

New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI): A total of 63.54 lakh domestic passengers travelled by air in November, 51 per cent lower than the corresponding period last year, the country’s aviation regulator DGCA said on Friday. As per the DGCA, 39.43 lakh and 52.71 lakh people travelled by air domestically in September and October, respectively. While IndiGo carried 34.23 lakh passengers in November, a 53.9 per cent share of the total domestic market, SpiceJet flew 8.4 lakh passengers, which is 13.2 per cent share of the market, according to data shared by the DGCA. Air India, GoAir, AirAsia India and Vistara carried 6.56 lakh, 5.77 lakh, 4.21 lakh and 3.97 lakh pas-

multi tracking of others will be done wherever required,” he said. The Chairman added that railways have also focused on reducing the operational costs. Sharing the plans of the national transporter, the CEO said, “We have planned to increase the speed of the freight trains from 22 kmph to 50 kmph.” He said that during the nationwide lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, railways took up maintenance work of the tracks on a mass scale. He said the national transporter has commissioned 600 km of the Dedicated Freight Corridor and the entire project will be completed by June 2022. The Chairman said that a capital expenditure of Rs 2.9 lakh crore is required for the 2024 vision document. He said that beyond 2024, we have planned three DFC corridors, we have started preparing for the DPR of these projects. We are working on the new high speed rail corridors besides the 508 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor. When asked about the loss due to the Covid pandemic in the passenger and freight train segments, Yadav said substantial revenue loss has been seen in passenger train revenue as operations were suspended for several months.

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Bajaj Finserv were among the laggards. Domestic equities recovered from the day’s low in tandem with recovery in banking stocks, said Binod Modi, Head- Strategy at Reliance Securities. “Record foreign fund flows remain as a key driving force for the market. Strong prospects of earnings recovery, satisfactory progress on vaccination along with consistent improvement in recovery rate from COVID-19 cases, weak dollar and depressed interest rate scenario continue to act as key tailwinds for Indian equities to attract FPI flows,” he added. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) purchased shares worth a net Rs 2,355.25 crore on Thursday, according to provisional exchange data.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS): Preparing for the demand in future as part of its National Rail Plan, the Indian railways is planning to increase its share in freight movement from 27 per cent now to 45 per cent by 2030, officials said on Friday. The railways also plans to introduce demand based passenger trains and doing away with the wait list tickets by 2024. Addressing a press conference here, Railway Board Chairman and CEO V. K. Yadav said, “We have been working to prepare the National Rail Plan for last two years and we are ready with our plan that will be shared with everyone. Based on the suggestions and comments we will finalise it within a month.” He said that in 2019 Indian railways transported 1,210 million tonnes through freight which is 27 per cent. “By 2026 we plan to carry 6,400 million tonnes. We are trying to work on the infrastructure so that we can reach 2,400 million tonnes by 2024. We have also prepared a document named Vision 2024,” the official said. Yadav said that the railways plans to increase freight train share to 45 per cent by 2030. According to Yadav, the national transporter has tied up funding for all important projects to be completed by 2024. “The plan is to double the tracks whereas

LAND FOR SALE

1. Padumpukhuri (70x80) Rs. 450/ sq. ft., near Monday Bazaar (Commercial) 2. Ekrani Pathar (11000 sq. ft.) Rs. 345/ sq. ft. (Commercial) Contact : 8787702327

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Mumbai, Dec 18 (PTI): Extending its winning run to the sixth session, equity benchmark Sensex advanced 70 points to end at a new record on Friday following gains in Infosys, ICICI Bank, TCS and Reliance Industries. After opening at its lifetime intra-day high of 47,026.02, the 30-share BSE index pared some gains to finish at 46,960.69, up 70.35 points or 0.15 per cent. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty rose 19.85 points or 0.14 per cent to 13,760.55 -- its new closing record. Infosys was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 3 per cent, followed by Bajaj Auto, SBI, ICICI Bank, HCL Tech, Titan and Asian Paints. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, ONGC, HDFC Bank, Maruti and

63.54 lakh domestic air passengers in Nov, 51% lower than last year: DGCA

‘Railways aim to increase freight share to 45% by 2030’

LAND FOR SALE

1. Kushiabill Four Lane Touched @ Rs. 150 per sq. ft. 2. Diphupar near Green Park 3. Pagala Phar (Paddy field) @ Rs. 40 per sq. ft. 4. Diezephe @ Rs. 8.20 Lacs 100/100 Price Negotiable, No Brokers please Contact No. : 9862954673/9436865033

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Markets extend winning run to 6th session; Sensex ends at record high

New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI): Gold prices rose marginally by Rs 21 to Rs 49,644 per 10 gram in the national capital on Friday, reflecting overnight gains in the international market, according to HDFC Securities. The precious metal had closed at Rs 49,623 per 10 gram in the previous trade. Silver prices, on the other hand, declined Rs 259 to Rs 66,784 per kilogram from its previous close of Rs 67,043 per kilogram. “Spot gold prices for 24 karat in Delhi were trading marginally up by Rs 21, reflecting overnight gains in COMEX (US-based commodity exchange) gold prices,” HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said. He added that gold prices kept a firm trading range on US stimulus expectations by this week as lawmakers are in final negotiations for the relief package.

2021. As year 2020 was coming to an end and Christmas approaching, the NH has appealed to every Naga leader to forgive one another and embrace together with renewed vision so as to face the new challenges with the dawn of New Year. “May God grant us wisdom and understanding and celebrate the best Christmas in our lives,” NH prayed.

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beneficial in promoting ties between the two countries. He very well deserves this honour,” Raviv Byron, President of Israel-India Chamber of Commerce, told PTI. The 82-year-old industrialist and philanthropist is the recipient of two of India’s highest civilian awards - Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan . The opening of the Federation of Indo-Israel Chamber of Commerce’s international chapter in Dubai is the first such initiative aiming at tapping business opportunities together in other countries, and developing trilateral

Tech (I-CAT) that would facilitate bringing Israeli know-how and innovation to the farmers of the state of Andhra Pradesh, initially, and was to be later extended to all the other parts of India. The initiative, supported by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, includes creating an advanced R&D centre, as well as promoting activities of agricultural experts in villages and farms — aiming to overcome various technological, agronomic and economic barriers, and promote sustainable agriculture and food security. During his visit to Israel in 2013, Tata had signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI) to jointly develop, manufacture and support a wide range of defence and aerospace products including missiles, UAVs, radars, electronic warfare systems and homeland security systems.

NH asserted that Naga struggle for freedom as a collective birth right was “binding on all of us” and it should be revered as sacrosanct, bigger and above all the Naga organisations and their leaders. “The time for self-imposed imprisonment from within and without is over,” it said. Meanwhile, the Hoho has wished everyone a blessed Christmas season and a prosperous New Year

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Ratan Tata

collaborations. This is expected to pave the way for several other such international chapters for the bilateral Chamber in other parts of the world, Byron noted. “There is a large presence of Indian diaspora in the UAE and Bahrain which includes top professionals who are well established and respected. Given the close ties between Israel and India, we can definitely work together to develop a framework for trilateral cooperation in the Gulf ”, he added. The Tata Group has invested millions of dollars in Tel Aviv University’s (TAU) Technology Innovation Momentum Fund. As the lead investor in the fund, Tatas have the right of first opportunity to negotiate licence agreement on areas that have been defined as start-up fields like automotive, point of care for medical devices, cleantech, etc. In 2018, TAU and Tata Trusts announced the

(From p-1) The Hoho expressed belief that Nagas were ‘one’ and the only way forward was “to settle our differences through dialogue within the Naga family and to be unified in purpose by agreeing to converge at a non-negotiable position for recognition of the identity of the Nagas as embodied in the flag, constitution and integration of the Naga ancestral homeland.”

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Jerusalem, Dec 18 (PTI): Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata will be honoured by the Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce for promoting innovation that supports sustainability and peace in the region, including with the Palestinians. The chairman emeritus of the Tata group will be honoured with ‘Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace’ award during the launch of the Federation of Indo-Israel Chamber of Commerce’s international chapter in Dubai on December 21. The virtual ceremony will be attended by senior officials from Israel, India and UAE. “Tata has done a lot for India-Israel ties. He has generously contributed towards promoting innovation that supports sustainability and has been a promoter of peace in the region, including with the Palestinians. He has visited Israel a few times which has been extremely

Ready to pave the way for Naga unity: NH

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Israel to honour Ratan Tata with award

Nagaland Post, Dimapur saturDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

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business/state Gold rises marginally, silver launching of the Indian down by Rs 259 Centre for Agri & Allied

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at Naga United Village Bordering Aoyim Village, Dimapur.

1. Dry Land 4 Bighas Rs. 180/- sq. ft. (Any Size) 2) Land 100 X 350 (Any Size) with Modern House - Rs. 1.2 Cr. Negotiable Phone Number : 7005224768 8974463704 DP-5599 K

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Post-Brexit deal in serious situation: Boris

LONDON, DEC 18 (PTI): UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that a no-deal Brexit is now a “very likely” outcome as a trade agreement with the European Union (EU) remained in a “serious situation” just under two weeks before the December 31 deadline for the end of the transition period. The negotiators on both sides resumed discussions on Friday but after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday night, Johnson declared that a deal remains out of reach unless the EU is willing to change its stance significantly. The extent of fishing rights in each other’s waters and the levels of state aid permitted in domestic industries in order to prevent unfair competition remain the main stumbling blocks to an agreement. “The prime minister underlined that the negotiations were now in a serious situation. Time was very short and it now looked very likely that agreement would not be reached unless the EU position changed substantially,” a Downing Street spokesperson said after the two leaders’ stocktake phone call. The UK claims it has been making every effort to accommodate reason-

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Boris Johnson

able EU requests on the level playing field, but even though the gap had narrowed some fundamental areas remained difficult. “On fisheries he stressed that the UK could not accept a situation where it was the only sovereign country in the world not to be able to control access to its own waters for an extended period and to be faced with fisheries quotas which hugely disadvantaged its own industry. The EU’s position in this area was simply not reasonable and if there was to be an agreement it needed to shift significantly,” the spokesperson said. “The prime minister repeated that little time was left. He said that, if no agreement could be reached, the UK and the EU would

part as friends, with the UK trading with the EU on Australian-style terms. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact,” the spokesperson added. An Australian-style exit from the 27-member economic bloc would effectively mean no deal, with both sides trading on World Trade Organisation (WTO) norms and without the considerable quota-free, tarifffree regime that could be in place with a deal. In her statement after the phone call, Von Der Leyen welcomed “substantial progress” on many issues. “Yet big differences remain to be bridged, in particular on fisheries. Bridging them will be very challenging,” she said. The European Parliament has set a weekend deadline for

a post-Brexit trade deal to be agreed, as it warned that members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will not have time to ratify an agreement this year unless it is ready by Sunday night. EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier told the Parliament on Friday morning that just hours remain and that the moment of truth was fast approaching. Back in the UK, members of Parliament (MPs) are now on official Christmas break, expected back only in the New Year. They could be recalled in the event of a deal to get the requisite parliamentary go-ahead as an agreement needs ratification on both sides by December 31 unless a compromise is reached over the legality of the final text. The UK and EU are now in a so-called “extra mile” deadline phase after repeated timelines have been missed amid significant divergences on key areas. The UK had voted to leave the EU in a referendum in 2016 and under the Withdrawal Agreement, or the so-called divorce pact, they have until December 31 to define their future trading arrangements or part with no deal and start trading on WTO terms with tariffs in many sectors of the economy from January 1, 2021.

Bombs kill three security forces in Sinai EL-ARISH (EGYPT), DEC 18 (AP): Two roadside bombs exploded in restive northern Sinai Peninsula killing three members of Egypt’s security forces and wounding 10 others, officials said Friday. The bombs went off near separate checkpoints in the town of Sheikh Zuweid late Thursday, said two security officials and a medical official, who asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to brief the media. The officials didn’t say who was responsible for the attacks and no one immediately claimed responsibility. But Egypt has been battling an Islamic State-led insurgency in the Sinai that intensified after the military overthrew an Islamist president in 2013. The militants have carried out scores of attacks, mainly targeting security forces and minority Christians. The first explosion Thursday night left one dead and seven wounded, while the second killed two and wounded three, the officials said. The casualties were transferred to El-Arish military hospital. Also on Thursday, the Egyptian military carried out a series of raids in the same town killing four militants, officials said.

Singapore PM Lee thanks migrant workers for their trust and support

Lee Hsien Loong

SINGAPORE, DEC 18 (PTI): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday thanked migrant workers for their trust and support despite having gone through a difficult period since Singapore detected its first COVID-19 cases among them almost a year ago and reiterated that they will be cared for just as other Singaporeans. It took a “tremendous effort” to reach the stabilised situation and migrant workers are now healthy and safe from the virus, Lee said in a video message on the International Migrants Day. Lee assured the migrant workers, mostly from South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, that they will be cared for just as other Singaporeans. “You are welcomed members of our society. If

you fall ill, we will make sure you get medical care, stay in touch with your families, and can return to work as soon as possible,” he assured. Migrant workers are the main source of labour in the marine and construction sectors in the country. Lee thanked migrant workers here for their trust, patience and support despite having gone through a difficult period and the COVID19 pandemic. Singapore’s first coronavirus cases were registered in January but a meticulous contact tracing programme managed to keep the infections in check initially. But when the virus began spreading among migrant workers, authorities struggled to trace and isolate all of the infected and numbers began to skyrocket in that community.

Out of Singapore’s 58,341 total positive PCR tests to date, 93 per cent have been among that migrant worker community. In response to the high infection rate, many of the dormitories - often housing thousands of workers - were placed under quarantine in April, essentially locking the workers inside. “We could not have done this without your cooperation and sacrifices,” The Straits Times quoted Lee as saying. He pointed out that the rules put in place to keep COVID-19 spread in check are gradually being eased in migrant worker dormitories and the wider community. Besides being able to visit recreational centres, migrant workers can now also take part in communal activities like cooking and sports. “With some luck, if the number of cases stays very low, we can ease up further. Please stay vigilant, and cooperate with the government and with your employers to keep everyone safe,” Lee said. “On behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank you once again for all your contributions and support, and I wish you a very happy International Migrants Day!”

Freed Nigerian schoolboys Iran builds underground nuclear facility amid US tensions welcomed after week of captivity

KATSINA, DEC 18 (AP): More than 300 schoolboys kidnapped last week in an attack on their school in northwest Nigeria have arrived in the capital of Katsina state in celebration of their release. The boys were abducted one week ago from the all-boys Government Science Secondary School in Kankara in Katsina state village. Nigeria’s Boko Haram

jihadist rebels claimed responsibility for the abduction, saying they attacked the school because it believes Western education is un-Islamic, factional leader Abubakar Shekau said in a video earlier this week. More than 800 students were at the school at the time of the attack. Hundreds escaped, but it was believed that more than 330 were abducted by the attackers.

The boys met Friday with Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who said late Thursday that the kidnappers had released 344 students and turned them over to security officials. The government had said it was negotiating with the attackers. The governor told The Associated Press that no money was paid for the boys’ release, though it wasn’t clear if other negotiations were made.

This December 11, 2020 photo Maxar Technologies shows of Iran Fordo nuclear facility. (AP)

Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies who studies Iran. Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The International Atomic Energy Agency, whose inspectors are in Iran as part of the nuclear deal, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The IAEA as of yet has not publicly disclosed if Iran informed it of any construction at Fordo. Construction on the Fordo site began in late September. Satellite images obtained from Maxar Tech-

UN head stresses need of virus vaccine for all nations

ensure that vaccines are treated as a public good — accessible and affordable to everyone, everywhere,” he said according to his prepared remarks. “A people’s vaccine.” He said the U.N. was also committed to providing

Airtstrikes kill 30 militants in Afghanistan KABUL, DEC 18 (IANS): At least 30 militants were killed in an airstrike targeting a gathering of Taliban fighters Afghanistan’s Ghazni province on Friday, a government official said. “A group of Taliban insurgents had gathered in Qarsi area of Qarabagh district to storm security checkpoints but the security forces’ planes attacked the gathering in the wee hours of Friday, killing 30 on the

spot,” provincial government spokesman Wahidullah Jumazada told Xinhua. Ten more insurgents were injured in the raid, the official added. No security personnel or civilians were harmed in the attack, Jumazada said. There have so far been no comments made by the Taliban militants who are active in parts of the Ghazni province with the Ghazni city as its capital, 125 km south of Kabul.

is Iran’s National Vacuum Technology Center. Vacuum technology is a crucial component of Iran’s uraniumgas centrifuges, which enrich uranium. A Twitter account called Observer IL earlier this week published an image of Fordo showing the construction, citing it as coming from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Research Institute. The AP later reached the Twitter user, who identified himself as a retired Israeli Defense Forces soldier with a civil engineering background.

OFFICE OF THE

CHANGKILARI TELONGJEM KOHIMA : NAGALAND

FELICITATION We, the Changkilari Telongjem Kohima are filled with joy and happiness to learnt the news of a happy couple Mr. Kevithuto Sophie and Mrs. Narola Sophie, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Lanuteka Longkumer, who have both been inducted into the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS). We therefore take the honour of felicitating our daughter Mrs. Narola Sophie, IPS and her husband, an esteemed son-in-law of CHANGKI, Mr. Kevithuto Sophie IPS, for their distinguished accomplishment for the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS). We heartily congratulate and pray to God to guide and bless them with good health and grace for a great career ahead. We also take this opportunity to congratulate and extend our warm welcome to Mr. I.K. Zhimomi, IRS a worthy in-law of Changki who has been posted on deputation from the Government of India as Commissioner Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Planning and Co-ordination and Tourism. We would like to assure our co-operation to him and pray to God to bestow on him grace and wisdom from above for glorious tenure in Nagaland. God Bless. Mrs. Imtilemla President Changkilari Telongjem, Kohima

Mrs. Bendangmenla General Secretary Changkilari Telongjem Kohima

HIYAM

SHENA (OLD ALHOU QEMI KUPOSHUKULU ZUNHEBOTO : 798620 : NAGALAND Motto : "Labourers in His Vineyard"

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Antonio Guterres

news and advice people can trust and working to build confidence in the vaccine “guided by science, grounded in facts” to combat what he called the “virus of misinformation.” “Across the globe we have seen how populist approaches that ignore science have misled the public,” Guterres said. “Coupled with false news and wild conspiracies, things have become manifestly worse.” He also heaped praise on Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying her “no-nonsense, steady, compassionate and wise guiding hand” had helped steer Germany through the pandemic.

OFFICE OF THE

YEHEMI COMMUNITY DIMAPUR Dimapur-797112 : Nagaland Motto : Unity and Progress

FELICITATION

The Yehemi Community Dimapur (YCD) extends its heartiest congratulations to the following individuals, members of the Yehemi Community on being alleviated/promoted to higher positions in their respective departments: 1. Shri. Ahozhe Sema, promoted from DPO to the post of Deputy Director in the Department of Land Resources, Nagaland. 2. Shri. Y. Hokiye Shikhu, promoted from Asst. Head Master to the post of Head Master in the Department of School Education. The Yehemi Community Dimapur is overjoyed at your achievements and we wish you the best in all your future endeavors. (Er. Ahoto Aye) (V. Shikiho Ayemi) Chairman Secretary YCD YCD

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BERLIN, DEC 18 (AP): The secretary general of the United Nations on Friday stressed that as wealthy nations roll out the coronavirus vaccine for their citizens, the world also needs to ensure it is available for “everyone, everywhere.” In an address to Germany’s parliament, Antonio Guterres praised the researchers from Germany’s BioNTech who teamed up with U.S. giant Pfizer and beat rivals in the race to put the first thoroughly vetted vaccine on the market. He said that every German should be “very proud of their achievements.” “Our challenge now is to

nologies by the AP show the construction taking place at a northwest corner of the site, near the holy Shiite city

of Qom some 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Tehran. A December 11 satellite photo shows what appears to be a dug foundation for a building with dozens of pillars. Such pillars can be used in construction to support buildings in earthquake zones. The construction site sits northwest of Fordo’s underground facility, built deep inside a mountain to protect it from potential airstrikes. The site is near other support and researchand-development buildings at Fordo. Among those buildings

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Freed Nigerian schoolboys walk after they were rescued by security forces in Katsina, Nigeria, December 18. (Reuters)

DUBAI, DEC 18 (AP): Iran has begun construction on a site at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the US over its atomic programme, satellite photos obtained Friday by The Associated Press show. Iran has not publicly acknowledged any new construction at Fordo, whose discovery by the West in 2009 came in an earlier round of brinkmanship before world powers struck the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. While the purpose of the building remains unclear, any work at Fordo likely will trigger new concern in the waning days of the Trump administration before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Already, Iran is building at its Natanz nuclear facility after a mysterious explosion in July there that Tehran described as a sabotage attack. “Any changes at this site will be carefully watched as a sign of where Iran’s nuclear programme is headed,” said Jeffrey Lewis, an expert at the James Martin

FELICITATION

The Alhou Qami Kuposhukulu office bearers in particular and the Theologians of Shena (Old) in general, bearing the witness of the Lord, with whole heartedly along with our prayer, felicitating the following officers of Shena (Old) who are recently promoted to the various post of the Government of Nagaland. 1. Er. Kahuli Sema promoted to Chief Engineer NPWD and posted to PEP Kohima, Nagaland. 2. Shri SK Hekishe Sema promoted to Additional Director/Project Director, Soil and Water Conservation Department. 3. Er. Jacob B Sema promoted to Chief Engineer, ONGC Jorhat, Assam. 4. Er. Kasheto K Achumi promoted to EE(C) Power Department, Nagaland. 5. Smt. Alice Z Yepthomi promoted to CDPO Social Welfare Department. 6. Shri Khezhekhu Sema promoted to Development Officer, Industry & Commerce Department. 7. Shri P. Hotoshe Sema, SDO, Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government mmof Nagaland. 8. Smti. Kughali A, School of Nursing Home Tutor to Vice Principle, Medical Department, Government of Nagaland. We pray that the Lord will abide you all and use you to carry the banner of Light to the World. Sd/Sd/SUKHATO ACHUMI NGUKAHO ACHUMI President, SOAQK Secretary, SOAQK DP-5640

Infotainment

World’s ugliest orchid among new species named in 2020

rchids are not often called ugly, but that is how the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, described a new species of the normally vibrant and delicate flower discovered in the forests of Madagascar. Gastrodia agnicellus, one of 156 plants and fungal species named by Kew scientists and their partners around the world in 2020, has been crowned “the ugliest orchid in the world”. “The 11 mm flowers of this orchid are small, brown and rather ugly,” Kew said in its list of the top 10 discoveries of the year. The orchid depends on fungi for

nutrition and has no leaves or any other photosynthetic tissue. Although assessed as a threatened species, the plants have some protection because they are located in a national park. Among the other discoveries officially named this year were six new species of webcap toadstool mushrooms in the United Kingdom and a strange shrub encountered in southern Namibia in 2010. B o t a n i s t We s s e l Swanepoel could not place the shrub in any known genus and neither could anyone else, and so Swanepoel called Kew’s molecular expert Felix Forest and his

Jennifer Lopez to star in film adaptation of ‘The Cipher’

inger-actress Jennifer Lopez will star in a film adaptation of the bestselling book, The Cipher. Lopez will produce and star in the film based on the book written by Isabella Maldonado. The actress will be seen in the role of an FBI agent named Nina Guerrera, who finds herself drawn into a serial killer’s case after he posts codes and riddles online. The codes are connected to the recent murders, which make her take up the mission of cracking the case, reports variety. com. The film will stream

on Netflix. Meanwhile, Lopez has a packed lineup. She will star in Marry Me, which is the tale of a pop star who spontaneously get married to a fan during an arena performance. Also coming up is The Godmother, which takes a look at the rise and fall of the late drug lord Griselda Blanco. from director Reed Morano and Then there is Shotgun Wedding, about a couple whose destination wedding is ‘highjacked’ by criminals. The film costars Armie Hammer. (IANS)

Good Charlotte drop first Eminem drops surprise deluxe new music in two years version of ‘Music To Be Murdered By’

ood Charlotte have surprised fans with the release of their first new music in two years. The punk rock veterans have dropped the emotional track, ‘Last December’, to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of their selftitled debut album. Benji Madden - who is joined by his twin Joel Madden, Paul Thomas, Billy Martin and Dean Butterworth in the ‘I Just Wanna Live’ group - says the song channels both the “joy and melancholy” of the holiday season. He said: “2020 being the 20th anniversary of our self-titled debut album really made us feel like we wanted to release something for those fans who’ve gone on this journey with us. “The

holidays can be a rough time of year - thinking of the ones we’ve lost and longing for moments that have passed us by is definitely a part of the joy and melancholy. For us, this song speaks to both sides of those holiday feelings and we hope it brings some solace to anyone who needs it.” Good Charlotte’s last studio album was 2018’s ‘Generation Rx’. Meanwhile, Benji previously compared the band to an “extremely valuable vintage care” that he takes “meticulous care of ”. He said: “Good Charlotte is an extremely beautiful, extremely valuable vintage car that I take meticulous care of, that I like driving on the weekends and that I’m very proud of. Old cars run forever if you take care of them.”

minem has released the deluxe edition of his latest record, ‘Music To Be Murdered By’, including a full ‘B Side’ of new material. Punters began to suspect that Eminem would release the record’s deluxe edition this week, after an unverified press release was leaked to social media on Tuesday (December 15). Today (December 18), the 16-track record has arrived, with Dr. Dre, Ty Dolla $ign and DJ Premier among the artists featured on it. The deluxe edition also includes a second disc which features the original album in its entirety. Listen to ‘Side B’ in full below: “Uncle Alfred [Hitchcock] heard you screaming for more…enjoy Side B,” Eminem said upon releasing ‘Side B’ today. The rapper also dropped a video for ‘GNAT’. It was directed by Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade, who previously helmed his video for ‘Godzilla’. Eminem plays multiple characters in the clip, including a patient still

MERANGKONG STUDENTS’ UNION KOHIMA GOLDEN JUBILEE

Shri. Amenba Yaden, MLA releasing the Golden Jubilee Magazine

banged up after a stint in the hospital and an essential worker in a hazmat suit. “These bars are like COVID / You get ’em right off the bat,” he raps. NME gave ‘Music To Be Murdered By’ a threestar review upon its surprise release in January. “This one veers between maturity and adolescent outbursts, between clumsy pop commercialism and something close to outsider art,” the review read. “If he sometimes

sounds stuck in the past, Eminem also proves himself capable of growth”. Earlier this week, it was revealed that the music video for Eminem’s ‘Godzilla (feat. Juice WRLD)’ was one of the UK’s 10 most-watched music videos of the year. Hip hop dominated the list, accounting for eight entries. The lyrics for ‘Godzilla’ were also among the most-Googled for the year as well. (NME)

Happy 50th Marriage Anniversary

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An orchid (Gastrodia agnicellus) is seen in Madagascar on September 20, 2019. (Reuters)

team for analysis. The result was that it was not just a new species, but a new genus and a new family, called Tiganophyton karasense. While around 2,000 plants are named new to science annually, new families are only published around once a year. The shrub has bizarre scaly leaves and grows in extremely hot natural salt pans, hence its name Tiganophyton, derived from the Latin ‘Tigani’, or ‘frying pan’, and ‘Phyton’, or ‘plant’. Martin Cheek, senior research leader at Kew, welcomed the latest natural discoveries. “Some could provide vital income to communities while others may have the potential to be developed into a future food or medicine,” he said. But he warned: “The bleak reality facing us cannot be underplayed. With two in five plants threatened with extinction, it is a race against time to find, identify, name, and conserve plants before they disappear.” (Reuters)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

MKTK Ofﬁce bearers

The Merangkong Students’ Union Kohima held a prayer service on 17 December 2020 to commemorate Fifty years of its institution (1970 – 2020). On the occasion, Shri. Amenba Yaden, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of Nagaland, released the Golden Jubilee magazine, remembering the journey of the past ﬁfty years. The service was graced by the presence of a few invitees, ofﬁcials of the Merangkong Senso Telongjem Kohima, Merangkongtsür Telongjem Kohima, and the Merangkong Students’ Union Kohima.

MR & MRS TIAMONGBA LKR Artang Ward: Mokokchung 1970 -2020 Beloved Mom and Dad, As you celebrate fifty (50) years of your marriage today, we thank God for blessing you both with good health and good life. From being successful in every walk of life to leading an exemplary life, we appreciate your efforts and your children and grandchildren look up to you with utmost respect. For guiding us, for taking care of us and protecting us beneath your wings, you are our guiding light. We are what we are because of you and we pray that God bless you both with longer lives. Happy Anniversary. MKC-291 Loving children and grandchildren.

Mr. I. Bendang Jamir and

Mrs. K. Alemla Walling

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High School Bayavü Sepfüzou Sümi Community Kohima celebrates 25th Anniversary on 17th December 2020 at the residence of their Banker Mrs & Er. Z. Tokishe Sema Director, IPR at Bayavü with Rev. Kiyeto G. Sema Sr. Pastor SABCK unveiling the Souvenir. K-2086

19th December 2020 From, Children, Grand Children and All Loved Ones

HAPPY 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Mrs. Keweputso-u Swuro & Mr. Kerengulo Swuro (19-12-1970 to 19-12-2020)

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. Lamentation 3:22-23

Happy Golden Anniversary, Dearest Mom and Dad. Your long life has been the greatest blessing to us all and whatever we are today is because of you both. May the good Lord continue to bless your life with more joy and happiness as you continue to be a blessing to us all. K-2072

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Loving children, in-laws and grand children

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sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Man United fight back again to sink Sheffield

SHEFFIELD/ BIRMINGHAM, DEC 18 (AGENCIES): Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United extended their 100 percent record on the road, coming from behind again to win 3-2 at the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United on Thursday. United have now won all six away league games this season -- conceding first on each occasion -- and the latest comeback victory moved them up to sixth place, on 23 points, five behind leaders Liverpool but with a game in hand. Sheffield United’s solitary point from 13 matches is the worst start by a team in any top-flight campaign and the Blades have now lost eight matches in a row and 15 of their last 16 going back to last season. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to play keeper Dean Henderson ahead of David De Gea for the trip to Bramall Lane where the English keeper played and impressed on loan last season. But Henderson made

ing in a corner from close mistake with a reflex save range before Henderson to keep out a Lys Mousset made amends for his early drive.

11 Russia claim four freestyle wrestling golds at Individual WC

Villa frustrated in goalless draw with Burnley

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford in action with Sheffield United’s Ethan Ampadu during the Premier League in Sheffield, December 17. (Reuters)

a nightmare start, getting caught in possession by Oliver Burke who slid the ball to David McGoldrick who fired the Blades into a fifth-minute lead. John Fleck failed to take a great chance to make it 2-0 for Chris Wilder’s team and that let-off sparked Manchester United into life. After wasting a good op-

portunity with a wild shot, Rashford made no mistake in the 26th minute as he collected a long ball from Victor Lindelof with a deft first touch and deadly first-time strike. Paul Pogba set up the second with a one-touch pass on the turn, over the top of the Sheffield defence to Anthony Martial, who rounded Aaron Ramsdale

before slotting home. FINE MOVE Six minutes after the break, Rashford added his second to make it 3-1, finishing off a fine passing move started by Pogba, with a shot that squeezed under Ramsdale’s body. McGoldrick pulled one back for the Yorkshire strugglers three minutes from the end, head-

Aston Villa were left to rue the woodwork and missed chances as they were held to a goalless draw in an entertaining Premier League game at home to Burnley on Thursday. Dean Smith’s Villa side created enough opportunities to win the match and had 27 shots but only got seven of them on target and Burnley keeper Nick Pope dealt comfortably with most. The game was surprisingly open with Villa’s Jack Grealish and Burnley’s Dwight McNeil both able to show off their dribbling skills, but the Clarets will feel fortunate to have headed North with a point. Villa hit the woodwork twice in the first half with Anwar El Ghazi’s free kick superbly tipped on to the bar by Burnley keeper Nick Pope before Ahmed Elmohamady headed against the post from a corner. After the break, the influential Grealish created plenty of openings for Villa but El Ghazi wasted two good chances, weakly shooting straight at Pope on both occasions. Villa defender Tyrone Mings had a good chance late in the game but headed wide after he was left unmarked in the box at a free kick. Burnley’s best chance had fallen to Chris Wood in the 22nd minute with a header from a Josh Brownhill cross which Emiliano Martinez did well to keep out. The result left Villa in 11th place on 19 points while Burnley move out of the bottom three into 17th spot on 10 points. Burnley are unbeaten in their last three games including Sunday’s win at Arsenal and manager Sean Dyche was relieved to keep that run going.

Razambek Zhamalov

BELGRADE, DEC 18 (IANS): Russian wrestlers claimed four freestyle gold medals on the penultimate day of the Individual World Cup being held in Serbia, according to United World Wrestling. Russia’s Razambek Zhamalov, 2019 U23 world champion, on Thursday came from behind to stun two-time world champion Frank Chamizo of Italy 4-2 and earn the 74kg freestyle gold medal, reports Xinhua news agency. Zhamalov secured his

victory with only two seconds remaining by scoring a two-point action after slipping behind Chamizo. Russia’s other gold medals on Thursday came from Zavur Uguev in the 57kg category, Alikhan Zhabrailov in the 92kg category and Shamil Sharipov in the 125kg cateogry. Magomedmurad Gadzhiev won a gold for Poland as he came through to win the title at 70kg by injury default over 2020 European bronze medalist Haydar Yavuz of Turkey.

New Zealand team players celebrate wicket against Pakistan during the T20I match.

PDSA selects new team of office bearers DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): Phek District Sports Association (PDSA) has selected a new team of office bearers for the tenure 2020-2024. The new team will be headed by Nezosa Tetseo as president, Anaki Pfithu as vice president, Verhayi Swüro as vice president (hosting area), Solomon Ritse as general secretary, Mhetshelo Kapfo as treasurer, Chotha Soho as athletics secretary and Punürü Nienu as games secretary. All the presidents of affiliated associations under PDSA will be ex-officio members while the advisors are Colo Mero, Vekhozo, Nyuvitho Nyuthe, Tsibu Khesoh, and Vesüpra Kezo.

MKYO’s 47th sports meet underway DIMAPUR, DEC 18 (NPN): A two-day long 47th sports meet of Middle Khomi Youth Organisation (MKYO) got underway on Friday at Middle Khomi under Phek district. The inaugural function was graced by Middle Khomi village council chairman, Vekhotso Lohe, while the programme was chaired by MKYO general secretary, Veku Tenenu. Various khels and individuals will compete to qualify for the forthcoming area and district level meets. The meet will culminate on December 19. K Y M C

restricted Pakistan to 153/9 and then chased down the target with seven balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Earlier, opting to bat, the Shadab Khan-led side had a horrible start as they lost five wickets for 39 within the first nine overs. However, Shadab’s 42 off

32 and a 31-run inning by Faheem Ashraf helped Pakistan breach the 150run mark. Imad Wasim (19), wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (17) and Khushdil Shah (16) made other notable contributions. For the hosts, Duffy returned with figures of

OFFICE OF THE

CHOKRI AREA PUBLIC ORGANISATION HQ Chokriba, Phek; Nagaland.

Shri. Neposo Thelü-o (IAS) Shri. Wezope Kenye (IAS) With immense joy & pride, the Chokri Area Public Organisation extends its heartiest congratulations to the duo NCS officers namely Shri Neposo Thelü-o and Shri Wezope Kenye for being inducted into the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the first among the Community to be conferred with the coveted IAS title. The CAPO wishes both of them good health, long life and successful career in the service of the people and the State. (VEZOHU TUNYI) (VESULI THELUO) President, General Secretary, Chokri Area Public Organisation Chokri Area Public Organisation

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AUCKLAND, DEC 18 (IANS): A four-wicket haul by pacer Jacob Duffy followed by a half century from wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert helped New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets in the first T20I at the Eden Park on Friday. The Black Caps first

4/33 in his four overs while Scott Kuggeleijn picked three wickets conceding 27 runs. The hosts also did not have a great start to their chase as they lost Martin Guptill (6) and Devon Conway (5) within the first four overs. However, Seifert, who opened the innings, kept scoring runs and stitched a 44-run partnership with Glenn Phillips (23) before the latter got out. Mark Chapman (34) then contributed with 45 runs with Seifert. Seifert, after reaching his 50-run mark, got out with New Zealand still needing 44 runs in 32 balls. James Neesham (15*) and captain Mitchell Santner (12*) then took the team home in the penultimate over of the match. The two teams will now face each other in the second match at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Sunday. Brief scores: Pakistan 153/9 (Shadab Khan 42; Jacob Duffy 4/33) lose to New Zealand 156/5 (Tim Seifert 57; Haris Rauf 3/29)

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Seifert, Duffy star as NZ beat Pakistan in 1st T20I

GROWTH CENTRE MOKOKCHUNG EDEN ACADEMY COACHING CLASSES KUMLONG WARD, MOKOKCHUNG

Eden Academy Coaching Classes would like to wish our heartiest congratulations to our student Mr. Purjungba Walling, son of Yashitemsu Walling Sungratsu who have successfully cleared the NEET Competitive Exam 2020 and got his placement MBBS in M.G.M Medical College Indore, Madhya Pradesh. We wish you all the best for your future career and as bright a future as your present. MKC-290

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sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Ashwin helps India take first NE United suffers first defeat in ISL-7 innings lead on Day 2 of first Test

Match in progress between NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC during the ISL season-7 match on Friday at Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco Da Gama, Goa.

VASCO, DEC 18 (AGENCIES): NorthEast United FC slumped to their first defeat in their Indian Super League campaign as they went down 0-1 to Jamshedpur FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, here on Friday. Aniket Jadhav’s strike (53’) was the difference between the two sides in what was the 500th game of the ISL. TP Rehnesh

also pulled off a terrific penalty save in the secondhalf to keep Jamshedpur’s unbeaten streak against NorthEast intact. Kwesi Appiah and Rochharzela were among the two changes made by NorthEast while Jamshedpur made three changes to their line-up. Both sides were unable to break the deadlock in the first half as they managed

to cancel out each other’s threat. As a result, no shots on target were registered. NorthEast nearly had the chance to go ahead in the 18th minute when Idrissa Sylla and Appiah combined well at the edge of the box. However, the Ghanaian striker placed his effort wide. Jamshedpur, too, had their chance to grab the lead and it arrived just be-

fore the break. Alexander Lima found Stephen Eze in the box with a long ball but the towering defender failed to get his header on target. NorthEast started the second half with great intensity in pursuit of the opening goal. But a quick counter-attack from Jamshedpur saw them concede first. Isaac Vanmalsanwma

and Jackichand Singh linked up well in the opposition box. The latter then swung in a cross for an unmarked Jadhav, who found the back of the net with ease. But despite conceding first, the Highlanders too had their chance to make amends soon after the hour mark through a penalty. The referee pointed to the spot when Eze brought down Benjamin Lambot in the box. Sylla stepped up to take the spot-kick but Rehnesh dived the right way and produced a fine save to ensure his side remained in the driver’s seat. The Red Miners almost doubled their advantage in the 79th minute but were unlucky. Jackichand received the ball on the right and whipped in a cross that was intended to find Nerijus Valskis but only managed to rattle the woodwork. Jamshedpur defended with resilience in the dying minutes to ensure they bagged their second win of the season. Saturday’s Match FC Goa Vs Chennayin FC Time: 7:30 PM

India’s players celebrate the wicket of Australia’s Matthew Wade on the second day of their cricket test match at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia, Friday. (AP/PTI)

ADELAIDE, DEC 18 (IANS): Off-spinner R Ashwin took four for 55 while pace bowler Umesh Yadav took three for 40 as India took a handy 53-run lead as Australia were bowled out for 191 in their first innings on the second day of the first Test match here at the Adelaide Oval on Friday. India had made 244 in their first innings. Ashwin got the prized wicket of Steve Smith in the

second session for just one as India wrested initiative early. Aussie skipper Tim Paine scored an unbeaten 73 to take the fight to the Indians while Marnus Labuschagne made 47 as the hosts were reduced to 111 for seven at one point in time. Earlier at the end of second session, Australia were placed in a precarious situation at 92/5 and trailed

by 152 runs. Australia’s condition could have been much worse had the Indian fielders not dropped Marnus Labuschagne twice -- one by Jasprit Bumrah in the morning session while other by Prithvi Shaw in the second session. Brief scores: India 244 vs Australia 191 (T Paine 73 not out, M Labuschagne 47, R Ashwin 4/55, U Yadav 3/40)

Khabib Nurmagomedov named BBC Lewandowski beats Ronaldo, Messi to FIFA Best Player award Sports Personality’s World Sport Star

Khabib Nurmagomedov

LO N D O N, D E C 1 8 (AGENCIES): UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov has been voted BBC Sports Personality’s World Sport Star of the Year. The Russian, 32, extended his perfect professional record to 29 wins with an emotional victory

2021 U-17 Euros cancelled due to COVID pandemic

L O N D O N, D E C 1 8 (AGENCIES): The 2021 men’s and women’s U-17 European Championships have been cancelled due to the impact of the COVID19 pandemic, UEFA said on Friday. “Based on a constant monitoring of the development of the pandemic ... the UEFA Executive Committee decided after consultation with all 55 member associations to cancel and/or postpone some of the 2020/21 youth national team competitions,” European soccer’s governing body said in a statement. UEFA also said the men’s U-19 Euros would go ahead in July in Romania, with the women’s event set to take place in July-August in Belarus. Euro 2020, UEFA’s flagship tournament which was due to take place this June, was postponed by a year and will run from June 11–July 11, 2021.

over interim champion Justin Gaethje in October. The UFC lightweight champion fought just months after the death of his father, coach and mentor Abdulmanap. Considered by some to be the greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all time, he retired straight

after his victory. Nurmagomedov’s 29-0 record in MMA included 13 straight victories under the UFC banner. He successfully defended his lightweight title on three occasions, and was seen as one of the most dominant athletes in MMA history. Topping an online public vote, Nurmagomedov beat off competition from Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, American basketball great LeBron James, American golfer Dustin Johnson, French footballer Wendie Renard, and Irish boxer Katie Taylor. Last year’s winner was marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, who won the London Marathon for a fourth time and became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours in October 2019. BBC Sports Personality of the Year takes place on Sunday at 20:00 GMT, live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

ZURICH, DEC 18 (IANS): Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski on Thursday beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win The Best FIFA Men’s Player award. Manchester City and England defender Lucy Bronze, meanwhile won the The Best FIFA Women’s player award. The award ceremony was a virtual event due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both players are winning the award for the first time in their careers. While Bronze is the fifth player to win the award that has been won by a different player each year in the women’s category since it was conferred to USA’s Carli Lloyd, Lewandowski is the third to win the award after Ronaldo, Messi and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric. Both Lewandowski and Bronze were also included in the men’s and women’s World 11 respectively. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp won the Best Men’s Coach award while Netherlands women’s national-team boss Sarina Wiegman won the Best

Sindhu to return at Yonex Thailand Open

PV Sindhu

NEW DELHI, DEC 18 (IANS): Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu will return to competitive action in January 2021 where she will be taking part in at least three tournaments. Sindhu, who is a part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group, will be seen in action at the Yonex Thailand Open (January 12-17), Toyota Thailand Open (January 19-24) and the World Tour Finals in Bangkok,

subject to qualification (January 27-31). The sports ministry has sanctioned Sindhu’s request to have her physio and fitness trainer accompany her at the tournaments. “The services of her physio and trainer for these three tournaments has been sanctioned at an approx cost of Rs. 8.25 lakhs,” a Sports Authority of India (SAI) statement read. She last played com-

petitively at the All England Championships in March this year before the Covid-19 pandemic brought sport to a halt. In September, the reigning world champion had pulled out of Denmark Open. After that, she had agreed to play in the Uber Cup, which was eventually postponed. In November, the Rio Olympic silver medallist had said she is totally fit, not just health-wise but also on the badminton court and her preparations for the Tokyo Olympics are in full swing. The Olympics, which were slated to be held in July-August this year, had to be postponed to summer of 2021 due to the Covid19 pandemic. “I have been preparing myself mentally and physically to compete in 2021. We are not too far away and this is a worldwide scenario, hence every athlete is going through the same and we will all have to adapt, train, and give our best in Tokyo,” Sindhu had told IANS.

Robert Lewandowski

Women’s Coach award for the second time in her career. Lewandowski’s Bayern team mate and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was chosen as The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, while France and Olympique Lyonnais’s Sarah Bouhaddi capped her amazing career with The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award. Bouhaddi

Perez to replace Albon at Red Bull L ondon , D E C 1 8 (AGENCIES): Mexican Sergio Perez will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team said on Friday. The 30-year-old Perez, a winner for Racing Point in Bahrain this month, will race alongside Max Verstappen, with British-born Thai Albon serving as the team’s test and reserve driver. Perez had lost his seat at Racing Point (Aston Martin) to four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel. He had indicated he would take a sabbatical next year if he failed to find another F1 seat. Perez, who finished fourth in the overall standings behind Verstappen despite missing two races due to COVID-19, becomes the first driver from outside Red Bull’s development programme to race for the team since Mark Webber retired at the end of 2013. He is F1’s only Latin American driver and the first Mexican to win a race for 50 years. Red Bull finished second behind dominant Mercedes in the overall standings.

had earlier lobbied for the creation of the award. Categories and Winners: Men’s Player: Robert Lewandowski (Poland/ Bayern Munich) Women’s Player: Lucy Bronze (England/Lyon) Women’s Coach: Sarina Wiegman (The Netherlands) Men’s Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Women’s Goalkeeper: Sarah Bouhaddi (France/ Lyon) Men’s Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany/ Bayern Munich) FIFPRO Women’s World11: Christiane Endler (Chile) (GK); Lucy Bronze (England), Wendie Renard (France), Millie Bright (England), Delphine Cascarino (France); Barbara

Bonansea(Italy), Veronica Boquete (Italy), Megan Rapinoe (USA); Pernille Harder(Denmark), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands), Tobin Heath (USA). F I F P RO M e n’s World11: Alisson Becker (Brazil) (GK); Trent-Alexander Arnold (England), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), Alphoso Davies (Canada); Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium), Thiago Alcantara (Spain), Joshua Kimmich (Germany); Lionel Messi (Argentina), Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) FIFA Puskas Award: Son Heung-Min (Tottenham vs Burnley) FIFA Fair Play Award: Italy’s Mattia Agnese, 17, who helped an opponent who lost consciousness during a game. FIFA Fan Award: Marivaldo Francisco da Silva, a super fan of Brazilian club Sport Club do Recife, who has never missed a home game and takes a 60km walk to reach the club’s stadium for every game.

Wayne Rooney’s 11-year-old son signs for Man Utd academy

11-year-old Kai with his parents Wayne Rooney and Coleen.

MANCHESTER, DEC 18 (IANS): Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney’s son has followed in his father’s footsteps by signing a youthteam contract at Old Trafford. Rooney posted a picture on social media of the 11-year-old Kai, the oldest

of his four sons, signing a contract to join the Premier League club’s youth academy. “Proud day,” Rooney posted on Instagram. “Kai signing for Manchester United. Keep up the hard work son.” Rooney, 38, is currently serving as the interim

manager of Derby in the second division. The former England striker had an illustrious 13-year career with Manchester United, scoring 253 goals in 559 appearances. Rooney and his partner Coleen have three more sons: Klay (7), Kit (4) and Cass (2).

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