December 30, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 25

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

India turn tables on Aus to level series

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sports, Page 8

China resumes talks with Nepal leaders

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international, Page 7

farmer unions to resume talks India reports 6 cases of UK Covid-19 strain Centre, Farmers stick to

Samples of all positive/symptomatic passengers who arrived inDIA from Dec 9 to 22 to be checked for variant NEW DELHI, DEC 29 (PTI): India on Tuesday reported at least six cases of the new coronavirus strain detected in the UK, prompting the government to direct genome sequencing of samples from all passengers who arrived in India from December 9 to 22 and tested positive for COVID19 or were symptomatic as it ramped up the surveillance and containment strategy. Among the UK-returnees found infected by the new strain is a 47-year-old woman who had managed to give the slip to authorities in New Delhi after returning to India on December 21 and had reached Andhra Pradesh by train before being picked up, but the state Health Commissioner stressed that none of her contacts have been found infected. A temporary ban on the flights connecting to the United Kingdom could be extended beyond December 31, Union Minister Hardeep Puri indicated as authorities

stressed the need to remain vigilant, noting that though the cases have been declining in India, they are on the rise globally and the new strain detected in the UK had spread to several countries. At the same time, Principal Scientific Advisor K Vijay Raghavan as well as other experts maintained that so far it has not been found that the new variant increases the severity of the disease. As it announced the successful completion of the two-day dry-run of vaccination exercise in four states, the government also dismissed apprehensions that the current vaccines may prove ineffective against the new strain. “There is no evidence that current vaccines will fail to protect against COVID 19 variants reported from the UK or South Africa. Most vaccines do target the Spike protein, in which there are changes in the variants but vaccines stimulate our im-

NTC welcomes Niki group’s truce offer

Wildfire breaks out in Dzükou range

DIMAPUR, DEC 29 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has appreciated and welcomed the decision of the breakaway faction of NSCN (K) led by its newly elected president “gen. (retd)” Niki Sümi, to revive the ceasefire with the government of India in order to facilitate the peace process. In a press release, NTC president Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary Nribemo Ngullie appreciated the government of India for “showing concern and favourable signs in response to the new development.” With all major Naga political groups now taking part in the negotiations to “solve the long drawn Naga political issue”, the NTC has urged upon the government of India to exhibit its sincerity in its effort to find an honourable and acceptable solution to the vexed Naga political issue without further delay.

H&FW clarifies

DIMAPUR, DEC 29 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare department has clarified that the circular issued for “compulsory testing” of all who entered Nagaland-- both Indian and foreign nationals-- after December 20, is meant only for those who have arrived from the United Kingdom and not as interpreted.

This is it!

“There go the fireworks. How do we enforce ban on crackers that explode in the air?” K Y M C

mune system to produce a wide range of protective antibodies,” Raghavan said. The union ministry had directed that about 33,000 passengers who disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK from November 25 to December 23 midnight be subjected to RT-PCR tests and samples of those found positive be sent for genome sequencing to check for the presence of the variant coronavirus. The Health Ministry said out of 114 samples of UK returnees who tested positive, the variant genome of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in six--three samples in the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Hospital (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, two in the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and one in the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune. Separate reports from states said that one person who returned to Tamil

Nadu from the UK tested positive for the new strain. He has been isolated in a separate room in the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said. Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said that according to the preliminary information the three who tested positive in Bengaluru include a mother and child. In Hyderabad, a top official of CMB said three people who returned from the UK had the new strain. Of the 12 UK-returned p a s s e n ge r s i n A n d h r a Pradesh who tested positive for COVID-19, only the 47-year-old woman had the new strain, state Health Commissioner Katamaneni Bhaskar said, citing a report of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad. Eight passengers who travelled by the same coach on AP Express as the UKreturned woman, from New Delhi to Visakhapatnam had tested negative for COVID-19. The Union Health Ministry has now said that samples of all international

A view of the raging wildfire near Dzükou valley. (SAYO)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 29 (NPN): A wildfire has reportedly broken out along a trekking route leading to the scenic Dzükou valley Tuesday afternoon creating panic in the Southern Angami villages. While the exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained, sources disclosed that preliminary investigation has been initiated to find out whether the fire was man-made or a natural disaster. Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) vice president Khesie Sale told Nagaland Post that the wildfire was raging mostly

in Viswema village areas and moving towards Jakhama village as of Tuesday evening. The fire was reportedly noticed at around 2 p.m. some 1 km away from the Dzükou valley. Sale said SAYO had engaged some of its volunteers to monitor the fire and to ensure that necessary precautionary measures were put into place if the need arises. SAYO officials and Khuzama police station personnel were reportedly stationed at Dzükou valley making preparations for Nagaland governor RN Ravi’s scheduled visit to the valley

on December 30, 2020. Sale informed that SAYO volunteers were trying to tame the fire with everything at their disposal. He said they would, if necessary, avail the assistance from various government agencies like in the past when similar incidents occurred. He said officials from the forest department had also been deployed after receiving news of the incident. However, he said they were unable to visit the site since night had fallen. SAYO vice president also said that the extent of damage caused by the fire could not be estimated. Till late night, volunteers were reportedly stationed at various locations along the route to take stock of the situation and keep officials posted with live updates. According to reports, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has already requisitioned IAF choppers to douse the fire.

passengers who arrived in India from December 9 to 22 and tested positive for COVID-19 will be subjected to genome sequencing. Others will be followed up by the state and district surveillance officers and will be tested as per ICMR guidelines, even if asymptomatic, between the fifth and 10th day of arrival, according to the Ministry’s guidance document on genomic sequencing. All the persons who have been found infected with the new strain have been kept in single room isolation at designated health care facilities by respective state governments and their close contacts have also been put under quarantine, the union health ministry said. NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul said there has been a consistent decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths which is reassuring given the current scenario across the world, but added that the UK variant has travelled to several other countries and also to India. “This variant may have its own run and we have to very careful,” Paul said.

demand for repeal of new farm laws

NEW DELHI, DEC 29 (PTI): The Centre and the protesting farmer unions will resume stalled talks on Wednesday with the latter sticking to their hardline position that the parleys will only be on the modalities of repealing the three new agri laws and giving a legal guarantee on the MSP among other issues. Ahead of the crucial sixth round of talks after a three-week hiatus, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Piyush Goyal on Tuesday met senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah. Sources said they discussed and finalised the government’s position for the meeting. Tomar, the minister for Agriculture, and Goyal, the minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, and MoS Commerce and Industry Som Parkash have been representing the Centre at the talks with the farmers. Tomar on Monday said he is hopeful of an early solution to the impasse. The Centre on Monday

5.31L posts in state police forces, 1.27L in CAPFs vacant NEW DELHI, DEC 29 (PTI): Over 5.31 lakh posts in police forces of different states and 1.27 lakh posts in Central Armed Police Forces like CRPF and BSF have been lying vacant, the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) said Tuesday. Releasing different aspects of policing in the country as on January 1, 2020, the BPR&D also said a total of 1,19,069 police personnel were recruited in 2019 in various police forces across India. According to the data, the total sanctioned police forces in states and union territories is 26,23,225, while there are 20,91,488 police personnel actually in service. Therefore, 5,31,737 posts in police forces are lying vacant as on January 1, 2020. The figures include civil police, district armed police, special armed police and India Reserve Battalions. The BPR&D, a wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the strength of women in police forces is 2,15,504, which is 10.30 per cent of the total police force in India. There has been a 16.05 per cent increase of women police over the previous year, it added. The data said the total sanctioned strength of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is 11,09,511 but the actual strength of the CAPFs as on January 1, 2020, is 9,82,391 — a gap of 1,27,120 (Cont’d on p-6) personnel.

Farmers burn copies of farm reform bills during their ongoing agitation at Delhi-Noida border, in Noida, Tuesday, (PTI)

invited the 40 protesting farmer unions for the next round of talks on December 30 on all relevant issues to find a “logical solution” with “open mind” to the prolonged impasse over the three new agri laws that was enacted in September. But in its letter on Tuesday, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the umbrella organisation which represents the farmer unions, said the modalities for repealing the three contentious laws and a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) must be part of the agenda. The Morcha further said the agenda should also include amendments to be made and notified in the Commission for the Air

Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020 to exclude farmers from its penal provisions. Through the letter, the Morcha also formally accepted the government’s invitation for the dialogue. The letter also stated that withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 to protect the interests of farmers should also be part of the agenda. The fifth round of talks was held on December 5, while the sixth round originally scheduled for December 9 was called off after an informal meeting of Home Minister Shah with some union leaders failed to reach any breakthrough.

Nagaland COVID tally 11917 COVID-19 STATUS AS ON december 29, 2020 ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsympDeath under Total Critical-ICU District Recovered Death Migrated tomatic Investigation Cases WithWith On Mild Moderate Severe out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator Dimapur 82 9 1 0 0 0 4 6175 51 0 72 6394 Kiphire 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 1 0 0 41 Kohima 79 2 1 0 0 0 0 3579 21 0 29 3710 Longleng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 18 Mokokchung 38 5 1 1 0 0 0 124 2 0 6 177 Mon 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 589 2 0 9 603 Peren 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 493 0 0 1 502 Phek 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 0 47 Tuensang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 243 1 0 0 244 Wokha

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

35

1

0

2

39

Zunheboto Total

0 219

0 16

0 3

0 1

0 0

0 0

0 4

139 11464

0 79

0 0

3 131

142 11917

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

DIMAPUR, DEC 29 (NPN): Sate COVID-19 tally rose to 11917 after six positive cases were reported on Tuesday-- 5 in Dimapur and 1 in Kohima Further, the distribution across various categories include 4653 cases from the armed forces/ police, 1836 returnees, 4862 traced contacts and 566 frontline workers. PTI adds: The daily new coronavirus infections in India dipped

below 20,000 for the third time this month taking the COVID-19 caseload to 1,02,24,303, while the recoveries crossed 98 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. A total of 16,432 new infections were reported in a span of 24 hours, the lowest in little over six months, while the death toll increased to 1,48,153 with 252 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed

Citizens take initiative to build bridge over Dikhu NIA files chargesheet against NSCN (I-M) functionaries, others

Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 29 (NPN): As the permanent bridge over Dikhu River in Longleng district has failed to materialise despite its foundation stone having been laid eight years back, citizens have come together to build a semi-permanent structure. Villagers of Pongching, Montikang, Chuchuyimlang and Salulamang will build the bridge. Informing this, Temporary Bridge Construction Joint Committee convener Kongba Chungphang told Nagaland Post that every year villagers and village councils of Pongching and Montikang together construct temporary bridges, to which villagers from neighbouring Chuchuyimlang and Salulamang provide assistance too. Now, he said well-wishers too have joined the initiative by donating cash towards constructing the new bridge. Chungphang explained

A vehicle crossing the Dikhu river. (NP)

that temporary structure of Gabion cage metal rod and 20 feet 6 inches MSH beam for horizontal structure and timber would be used for the 160-feet long and 8-feet wide bridge. He said the bridge would be 50% metal and 50% wooden. According to him, the initiative was taken to make the State government realise the plight of the people, who are suffering for not constructing a proper bridge, which also leads to Mon and Tuensang districts.

Chungphang said local legislator and minister Pangnyu Phom donated Rs. 1 lakh for the bridge construction and assured more donations, while DUDA adviser N. Bongkhao Konyak also assured to assist. He admitted that the bridge might not withstand the fury of monsoon, but maintained that all possible efforts would be made to ensure that the structure lasts till early monsoon. So far, the committee has collected about Rs 1,80,000 from differ-

ent individuals and continues its appeal to all, especially travellers passing through the temporary bridge from various districts, for generous donation. It may be recalled that then PWD (R&B) minister and current Agriculture minister, G Kaito Aye laid the foundation stone for a 40-metre RCC bridge over Dikhu river in 2012 in the presence of then parliamentary secretary and current Health minister S Pangnyu Phom. Chungphang claimed that work order for constructing the bridge was issued to a non-Naga contractor in 2012. However, due to some differences between the State government and the contractor, construction of the bridge never took off. However, even after lapse of eight years, there is no indication that construction of the bridge would take off in the near future, thereby making lives of the citizens of Longleng district very miserable, especially in times of medical emergency.

DIMAPUR, DEC 29 (NPN): National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed chargesheet before the NIA Special Court, Dimapur, against five accused persons in connection with an alleged extortion case. In a press release, the NIA said that the case was related to the recovery of Rs. 1,58,72,800 along with illegal arms, ammunition, explosives, and incriminating documents, from the residential premises of “col.” Rayilung Nsarangbe of NSCN (I-M) and his wife Ruth Chawang. The premier anti-terror investigation agency stated that the investigation of the case revealed “well organized extortion racket by NSCN (I-M) involving criminal intimidation of various companies undertaking road construction projects in Manipur.” It stated that the developmental funds of the government have been illegally diverted in an organised manner and collected by NSCN(I-M) operatives through extortion by com-

mitting a terrorist act punishable under UA(P) Act. NIA said that the investigation has further revealed that NSCN (I-M) has also laundered the proceeds of terrorism into various financial instruments and real estate investments in the process of layering of the extorted fund. The five accused have been identified as “col.” Rayilung Nsarangbe @ Pela @ Pela Nsa Zeme; “pvt” Lamci Iralu @ Keyilamcilung Iralu @ Lamci @ Lamcilung; Zingshongam Muinao @ Zingsho; Ruth Chawang @ Ruth Zeliang @ Rago Chawang and Ramningle Pame @ Ramning. NIA said that the accused Ramningle Pame was an elected member of autonomous council of district Taemnglong, Manipur and has been assisting NSCN (I-M) in collection of the extortion amount demanded by them. The agency disclosed that further investigation in the case was continuing. K Y M C

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state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Jharnapani renamed as New Medziphema

Zhaleo Rio with village leaders after unveiling the monolith on change of nomenclature to New Medziphema on December 29.

DIMAPUR: Advisor of Sericulture, Excise & Minority Affairs, Zhaleo Rio inaugurated a monolith, in recognition of nomenclature change from Jharna-

pani to New Medziphema village, a playground rostrum, youth office hall and New Medziphema village council hall as special guest on December 29.

A press release by NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C media secretary, Thejangukho Yalietsu stated that, Zhaleo expressed appreciation to the people whose

united efforts have brought about positive change through coordinated, mutual understanding with Medziphema village and urged everyone to continue the legacy for a brighter future. On the change of nomenclature, he noted that “the change from Jharnapani to New Medziphema may be over traditionally according to customary practices” and leaders should expedite and pursue official procedures so that it was recognised by the government in letter and spirit. Rio challenged the youths to utilise the newly constructed rostrum and youth office to the optimum and maintain the properties with dedication so that the village can be role model for all to see. Zhaleo stated that he had sanctioned some amount for construction of council hall and rostrum under LADP scheme but added that, “all credit goes to the villagers and espe-

cially, Rokolhu Angami, director, Naagaamii Infratech Pvt. Ltd., for bearing the brunt of expenses. He also reminded about strict adherence to given guidelines and SOPs in regard to COVID-19. CPO former president Dosau Kuotsu and head GB, Medziphema village, Sier Kuotsu also delivered speeches on the formation of Jharnapani and its consequent years of foundation. Inaugural ceremony was chaired by R.D. Angami, secretary, Khanakhurü (Jharnapani) Village Council, while Kevilhoukho Kehie, pastor, Baptist Church, Khanakhurü offered invocation and vote of thanks was delivered by Mesehol Kweho. Others who attended included Medziphema Village Council chairman, Nikhonyü Kuotsu, representatives from neighbouring villages including Chakhroma public leaders and other party leaders.

Priestly ordination news in Brief held at Chümoukedima KTKK bans transport of pigs: In view of the outbreak of swine disease, the Khaghaboto Area GBs Association (Khaghaboto Tokukujo Kukami Kuqhakulu) has banned the transport of pigs from Assam through Khaghaboto area with effect from December 30, 2020. KTKK warned that a fine of Rs.10,000 would be imposed on any individual found violating the ban order. NFHRCC meeting: Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) has convened a meeting on January 2, 10 a.m at its base office, Kher Mahal, Dimapur to follow up the last meeting appeal with the Dy. CM, Y Patton and the 11 Ao legislators recent meeting with CM Neiphiu Rio. All members have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

DIMAPUR: Reverend deacon, Mathew Neni Koso was ordained a priest for the diocese of Kohima on December 29 at St. Joseph’s Parish, Chümoukedima, by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. The motto of the new Priest was “you have the words of eternal life” (Luke 6:68) A press release by the bishop’s secretary, Kohima, Fr. Victor Renthungo stated that Bishop in his introduction said that it was a red letter day for Catholic community of St. Joseph’s Parish, Chümoukedima to the diocese of Kohima and also for deacon Mathew Neni as he would be ordained a priest. Bishop also explained the prophetic, pastoral and priestly role of a priest and exhorted deacon Mathew to remember that it was to his life’s work to lift up Jesus Christ before men so that He may draw them

unto Him. Bishop thanked, particularly, the family and relatives of Fr. Mathew for offering him to God and to the Church. E a r l i e r, d e a c o n Mathew Neni came in procession to the church with Bishop James, priests and family members. Assistant priest, St. Joseph’s Church, Rev. Fr. Peter Enni anchored the ceremony while parish priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Dukru accorded the words of welcome to Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, invited guests, CAN, NCWA, NCYM and village chairman, dignitaries, priests and sisters from different parishes and other participants. Fe l i c i t a t i o n w a s chaired by Emilo Ezung, congratulation song by St. Joseph parish youth, exhortation by bishop and president, Catholic Association of Nagaland, Johny Raungmei.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Lower P.R. Hill Kohima Prayer Fellowship would like to express our profound gratitude to all well wishers, neighbours, friends and relatives who extended their invaluable help financially, morally and spiritually during the brief illness and demise of Late Moyithung Kikon on 07-12-2020. Though we are unable to thank each and every individual but it is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly. K-2127

When the angels came to take you away on Christmas day, we couldn't help but smile through the tears. Though the pain you left behind may feel like thousand needles piercing our hearts, a sense of gentle bliss will always heal it, for your prayers, guidance, care and love had always sheltered us to overcome every raging storm in our lives. As your golden heart and hands come to rest, we believe that you are with the Lord, singing along with the angels. We will love and will always miss you in our hearts.

God is light, in Him there is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5

We, the family members of Late Imzangluba Kichu (1930 – 25th December, 2020) of Chungtia would like to thank each and every individual, family and society who helped us, physically, financially and in prayers at his sudden demise. We would not be able to repay all but it is our prayer that the Almighty God bless you abundantly for your kind actions. Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren and In-laws

Born : 16/06/1968 – Died : 26/12/2020

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DP-5777

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT His hands became a source of our family’s blessing, his constant prayers sheltered us from high and low tides, his kindness and compassion won many hearts, his enthusiastic and tireless service for the Lord harvested many souls.

LT. MHATHUNG MURRY

We, the bereaved family of Late Z. Botoi Swu would like to express our profound gratitude to each and every individual and well-wishers who stood by us physically, financially, morally and spiritually throughout the brief illness and untimely demise of our beloved father and a brother on 26th Dec. 2020. We would like to convey our thankfulness to :1. Shri. Zhaleo Rio, (Advisor - Sericulture, Excise and Minority Affairs, Govt. of Nagaland) 2. Er. Picto Shohe (MLA 32/Atoizu) 3. Doctors and nurses (CIHSR) 4. Xelhozhe Village Council 5. Xelhozhe Baptist Chruch 6. Xelhozhe Women Deptt. 7. Xelhozhe Youth Ministry 8. Shena New Community Dimapur 9. Living Bread Prayer Home Dimapur "God Bless" DP-5775

MKC-301

Loved Ones Mother, Wife, Children, Brothers, Sisters & Relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The pillar of our family has left us for his heavenly abode but his prayers will continue to light our way. ADIEU

October 29, 1926 – December 26, 2020

Romans 14:8 “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” LATE R. ZANABENI LOTHA August 3, 1980 – April 5, 2020 We, the family of Late R. Zanabeni Lotha wish to express our deep appreciation and sincerely thank each and every individuals and groups for the love and support, kind gestures of sympathy during her brief illness and sad demise. We are grateful to the many friends and relatives, staff of Panacea Nursing Home Wokha and KOHIMAS Hospital Kohima, blood donors, Wokha Town Baptist Church, Humtso Villagers of Kohima and Wokha, residents of Etsutchukha Colony Wokha Town, Staff of CHC Sanis and CMO Wokha. We regret our inability to thank each and every one individually, but the Lord Almighty bless you abundantly. Loving Family, Husband, Children, In-laws and Relatives. WC-300 K Y M C

We are deeply moved by the support and solidarity shown to our family at the demise of our beloved Lt. Mhathung Murry. We want to render our heartfelt gratitude to the families, relatives, friends, neighbours and well wishers who visited our home, attended his funeral and burial service, prayed along with us, sent floral tributes and messages of condolence, and also provided us with emotional and financial support in our time of mourning. All your prayers and gestures of love will forever be appreciated. What we could never repay, may God give you manifold.

DP-5784

Loving wife, children, in-laws, grand children and great grand children

Through this column, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us with immeasurable love, support and prayers for our beloved father Lt. Neilao Suohu who departed for his heavenly abode on 21-12-2020. It is humanely impossible to repay your deeds of unconditional love, but it is our earnest and humble prayer that the Almighty God showers His blessings abundantly upon each and everyone of you. Special thanks to:(1) Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima. (2) Christ King Church, Kohima. (3) Ezekiel Prayer Group. (4) Dr. Neikhrielie and staff. (5) Dr. Tseilhoutuo and staff. (6) Dr. Atseio Whuorie. Loving wife, children and grandchildren K-2131 K Y M C

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northeast/state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will protesting farmers drop demand for repeal of the three laws? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

32% 60% 8%

Next poll

Q: Despite formation of

police SIT, has illegal collections stopped?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST December 30

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sunshine

26 11

Hazy sunshine

25 7

Guwahati Hazy sunshine

26 11

Hazy sunshine

25 7

Aizawl Imphal

Itanagar Sunny and pleasant

24 11

Shillong

Pleasant with plenty of sun

19 5

Kohima

Sunny and comfortable

22 6

Dimapur Hazy sun

25 9

Plenty of sun

24 7

Tuensang Sunny and not as warm

18 5

Mkg

Hazy sunshine

21 10

Zunheboto Hazy sunshine

21 6

Wokha

COVID vaccine dry run in Assam

The dry runs are being conducted to assess the preparedness of health authorities. (Photo-India Today) NALBARI/TEZPUR, DEC 29 (PTI): COVID19 vaccine dry run programme was held for the second day on Tuesday in Nalbari and Sonitpur, two select districts of Assam, health officials said. Assam is one of the four states chosen by the Central government to conduct the two-day COVID19 vaccine dry run. In Nalbari district, 125 health workers were administered dummy Coronavirus vaccine in a mock drill held at five hospitals and health centres. The dry run for the vaccine was conducted at Nalbari Swahid Mukunda Kakati Civil Hospital, Balitara Public Health Centre

(PHC), Ghograpar block PHC, Urban health centre and the private Sarathi nursing home. It was conducted in the presence of WHO officials who are extending support to persons affected by COVID-19 pandemic, District Immunization Officer Dr Hemanta Kumar Das said. In Nalbari district, names of 5,671 frontline health workers have already been identified and registered for the actual drive of vaccination to be commenced soon, he said. Deputy Commissioner Purabi Konwar, Joint Director of Health Services Dr Umesh Phangshu

and senior WHO official Dr Dhiren Gogoi also attended and monitored the dry run programme. In Sonitpur district, 25 frontline workers participated in the dry run of the vaccine at the Tezpur Urban Health Centre on Tuesday. Sonitpur Deputy Commissioner Manavendra Pratap Singh monitored the exercise and the health workers explained to the beneficiaries that after taking the vaccine they need to maintain social distancing for one week and wearing mask is mandatory. Six thousand frontline beneficiaries have been registered so far for vaccination, the official said.

Tripura bags ‘best state’ in NE under central scheme AGARTALA, DEC 29 (PTI): Tripura has been adjudged the ‘Best Performing State’ in the north-eastern region and hilly states category under the Centre’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) scheme, officials said. The awards were announced by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and communicated through a letter to Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, they said. In more accolades for the state, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) was selected as the ‘Best Performing Municipal Corporation’, and the Belonia Municipal Council in South Tripura district the ‘Best Performing Municipal Council’, under the scheme. The awards will be bestowed upon Tripura by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video conference on January 1, the officials said. Modi, along with Deb, will also lay the foundation stone for the Light House Project, which comprises 1,000 ready-tostay flats. The ministry has introduced a Technology Innovation Grant of Rs 4 lakh per house, which is over and above the existing grant of Rs 1.5 lakh per flat under the scheme, they added.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

2 Cong MLAs, BPF leader join BJP in Assam

Former Assam minister and Golaghat MLA Ajanta Neog joins Bharatiya Janata Party at BJP office in Guwahati, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. (PTI Photo)( GUWAHATI, DEC 29 (IANS): Two Congress MLAs and a Bodo outfit’s senior leader on Tuesday joined the BJP in Assam, months ahead of the Assembly elections. Former Assam PWD Minister and Congress MLA from Golaghat Ajanta Neog, Congress’ Lakhipur MLA Rajdeep Gowala, and senior Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) Bolendra Mushahary joined the ruling party in the presence of its state President Ranjeet Kumar Dass and Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Mushahary is a former MLA of the BPF, an ally of the BJP since 2016. Gowala was also Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the Assembly. With the exit of these

two MLAs and the deaths of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and ex-Speaker Pranab Gogoi, both Congress legislators, the strength of the Congress in the Assembly has come down to 20. Neog and Gowala had met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his two-day visit to Guwahati on Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had expelled Neog for alleged anti-party activities. Political observers felt that the exit of two senior Congress leaders was a major setback for the Congress ahead of the Assembly polls likely to be held in AprilMay next year. After joining the BJP, Neog said the Congress

was a “leaderless and directionless organisation that works as a private limited party”. She even condemned the Congress’ association with All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), a Muslim-dominated party in Assam. Welcoming the new BJP members, Sarma said that Assam’s two famous and skilled politicians had joined the BJP and “we warmly welcome them. From now on, we expect that they will keep in mind the party’s welfare, and be driven to work for the people”. Sarma is convener of the BJP-led anti-Congress alliance, the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

Assam: New SOP issued by Education Villagers storm AR camp over arrest of two in Manipur Min for reopening schools in New Year Correspondent

GUWAHATI, DEC 29 (AGENCIES): A comprehensive set of Standard Oper a ting P roc edures (SOPs) has been issued by the Assam government as schools in the state prepare to reopen from January 1, reports The Sentinel Assam. The SOP dated December 28 contains detailed guidelines on the measures to be taken by educational institutions, students and guardians while going back to schools and colleges in the new year. According to the SOP, lower primary schools will open for classes on alternate days for all classes from I to V. The SOP further mandates the issued guidelines for government and private institutions equally. It states that schools will open at 9 AM and end at

Students will attend classes on alternate days. 1.45 PM. Mid-day meals in government schools is also mentioned to be provided between 12.15 to 12.45 PM. All school premises will be sanitised once every week. Classes of IV and V will be held on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and classes of I, II, and III will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It is further mentioned

in the SOP that the academic year for schools and colleges has been extended until 31st March, 2021 to recover the loss in academic days and also to bring state’s educational session at par with the all-India level. Notably, provisions have also been made for students so that they can continue attending classes online instead of attending physically.

IMPHAL, Dec 29: A large number of villagers on Tuesday stormed an Assam Rifles camp in Manipur’s Churachandpur district to protest against picking up two villagers. Troops of 25 Assam Rifles posting at its P Sejol post in Churachandpur’s Henglep subdivision reportedly picked up two brothers - Onkholun (37) son of Thangneh of Tuilaphai village and his younger brother Khawmkhogin (35) - on December 27 afternoon. The duo was allegedly picked by the troops led by one major, allegedly in connection with a murder case. Alleging that the troops of Assam Rifles failed to hand over the siblings to the local police station, a large number of villagers stormed the

Assam Rifles post on Tuesday. The protestors alleged that as per law any person arrested by the security forces should be handed over to the local police station within 24 hours. While storming the Assam Rifles post, the protestors demanded release of the duo and demanded the reason behind the nonhanding over of them to the police. Re por ts said that villagers were backed by Tuila and Songpi Village Areas Chief Association and Kuki Women Union (KWU) and villagers of around 40 villages participated in the protest. The protest started blocking the Tipaimukh Road that passes through their villages after they converged at Tuilaphai village market areas early today morning. The protesters lit debris and logs

Villagers protesting against arrest of two brothers by Assam Rifles block a road in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Tuesday. on the road. They marched towards the Assam Rifles camp at P Sejol around 11.30 am and knocked at the gate to release the siblings who were picked up. The angry villagers tried to break the gate while engaging in scuffle

with the personnel on duty at the gate. Demanding release of the duo, the protestors insisted the Assam Rifles authorities to give reasons behind non-handing over the detained individuals to the nearest police station within 24 hours of arrest. The protesters re-

mained seated near the camp till the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, a highly reliable source said that the Assam Rifles have transported the two individuals to Imphal by helicopter and handed over to Imphal police station late Tuesday afternoon.

state

Jubilee celebrations held in different places across state

Dr. Chumben Murry with members of silver jubilee NPWD, engineer-in-chief, Er. Limatongdang (8th from Left) Rev. Y. Pankathung along with VSU office bearers Dr. Neisatuo Mero addressing at the programme magazine committee releasing the magazine. (NP) along with MSM office bearers and planning committee. (NP) at the monolith on December 29 at Vankhosung. held on December 29 at Reku Colony, Pfutsero. DIMAPUR: Wokha Village Government Employees’ Union (WVGEU), Mopungchuket Senso Mungdang (MSM), Vankhosung Students’ Union (VSU), Wokha and Reku Colony Pfutsero (RCP) observed respective jubilees on December 29. WVGEU: Dr. Chumben Murry, MLA, asked government employees’ union to focus more on human resources as present generation was moving ahead and required employment generation. He said this as special invitee at the 25th anniversary of Wokha Village Government Employees’ Union (WVGEU) held K Y M C

at Wokha Village Baptist Church multipurpose building under the theme, “progress with technology” on December 29. Dr. Chumben told the union to be practical in all aspects by setting a vision to bring reformation in the society. He was also optimistic that 2021 would be a year of blessings to the people of Wokha village. Reminiscing on his tenure as president of WVGEU when he was still in government service, Murry expressed how diligently he had acquired computer knowledge and even purchased a computer set. Speaking enthusiastically on the theme, Murry said in the era of technol-

ogy advancement, every individual needed to be acquainted with latest development in technology by updating oneself. Citing the pandemic as the best example, he said that students were compelled to attend online classes through use of technology. Pointing out that in future all official paper works in government establishments would become paperless due to advancement and to help save the environment, Murry reminded everyone to keep updated with technology and to learn through practical efforts. Earlier, Murry unveiled the jubilee monolith, unfurled the union flag and

released the union silver jubilee magazine. Monolith dedication prayer was done by Rev. O. Thungben Kikon pastor, WVBC. Welcome address was delivered by WVGEU president, Yanrenthung Kikon, while B. Longtsu Tungoe, former president WVGEU shared a brief history of WVGEU and S. Yanphamo Tungoe chairman Wokha Village Council delivered word of greetings. (Correspondent) MSM: Mopungchuket Senso Mungdang (MSM) celebrated platinum jubilee, under the theme, “Nukmensen” at Mopungchuket village on December 29. A unique stone monolith to mark the special anniver-

sary was inaugurated by NPWD engineer-in-chief, Er. Limatongdang. Later, a function was held to commemorate the jubilee, at the Mopungchuket Baptist Church with associate professor, CTC, Rev. A Tali Ao as the key speaker, where he elaborated that “nukmensen” (nukmen-aso tasen) meant “the base, the starting point.” Jubilee feast was accorded by Nungsangwapang Jamir and family. (Correspondent) VSU: Vankhosung Students’ Union (VSU) in a brief programme, dedicated and unveiled its golden jubilee monolith on December 29 at Vankhosung,Wokha with Rev. Y Pankathung Ts-

opoe, pastor, Vankhosung Baptist Church as the officiating minister dedicated and unveiled the monolith. During the programme, Rev. M. Tsanglao, home evangelist, Wokha invoked God’s blessings for the students, in the programme chaired by VSU president Subenthung P. Tsopoe, assistant professor Science College, Kohima. RCP: Reku Colony Pfutsero (RCP) celebrated 25th anniversary under the theme, “Celebrating the achievement with honour” on December 29 with laying of foundation stone for community hall. A press release by Reku Youth Organisation

president, Kote Chiero stated that, foundation stone was laid and blessed by Rev. Dr. N. Chiero, senior pastor PTBC while the anniversary monolith stones of the parent body and Reku Youth Organisation were unveiled by the guest speaker, Dr. Neisatuo Mero, medical officer, Chozuba. Dr. Mero, in his speech challenged the congregation to do good things in their capacity for the society instead of looking upon the leaders and the government for benefits. Programme was chaired by Senupelo K. Lasuh, welcome address by colony chairman Thupuchiyo Yhobu, general

secretary Lhouveko Doulo shared brief history of the colony and youth president Kote Chiero a brief report of the Reku Youth Organisation. Benediction pronounced by Vecusuyi Curhah.

K Y M C

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 25 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Pandemic economy

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s the world makes an attempt to limp back to normal after the onslaught of Coronavirus; a mutated virus has appeared on the scene and according to epidemiologists, it transmits 70% faster than its predecessor virus. That it s terrible news for the world that is grappling with overcoming the deadly COVID-19 virus. The world’s economy has been shattered and according to economists, there has been nearly 6% contraction in the global economy due to coronavirus. The pandemic caused the largest global recession in history, with more than a third of the global population at the time being placed on lockdown. Supply shortages are expected to affect a number of sectors due to panic buying, increased usage of goods to fight the pandemic, and disruption to factories and logistics in mainland China. While the monetary impact on the travel and trade industry is yet to be estimated, it is likely to be in the billions and increasing. Global stock markets experienced their worst crash since 1987 and in the first three months of 2020 the G20 economies fell 3.4% year-on-year. In food crisis countries, up to 80 percent of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. The economic impact of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in India has been largely disruptive. India's growth in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2020 went down to 3.1% according to the Ministry of Statistics. The Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India said that this drop is mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic effect on the Indian economy. India's GDP estimates were downgraded even more to negative figures, signalling a deep recession. (The ratings of over 30 countries have been downgraded during this period.) On May 26, CRISIL announced that this will perhaps be India's worst recession since independence. State Bank of India research estimates a contraction of over 40% in the GDP in Q1.Compelled to face realities, the government of India announced a slew of economic packages but these did not address short term demand concerns, which may in turn pull down the economy even more; with most of the announcements being related to supply. In December 2020, a Right to Information petition revealed that less than 10% of the package had been actually disbursed, chiefly in the form of emergency credit. In India up to 53% of businesses have specified a certain amount of impact of shutdowns caused due to corona virus on operations, as per a FICCI survey in March. By April 24 the unemployment rate had increased nearly 19% within a month, reaching 26% unemployment across India, according to the 'Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy'. Around 140,000,000 (14 crores) Indians lost employment during the lockdown. More than 45% households across the nation reported an income drop as compared to the previous year. Various business such as hotels and airlines cut salaries and laid off employees. Electricity consumption has declined strongly after the national lockdown was enacted. It was nearly 30 percent below normal levels at the end of march and remained a quarter below normal levels in April. The financial health of most States is worrying but the Centre is also cash-strapped and has also not paid the bulk of taxes from GST. However, with the Modi government focussed more on winning elections, the economy may not be the prime concern and that is not good news. It was also reported by economists that "long pending politically sensitive reforms" have been pushed through during this time and with this package. In May it was on an average 14 percent below normal and in June it was still 8 percent below normal. Lower electricity consumption implies lower economic activity. In the past, a unit of additional economic activity in India has been associated with 1.3 units additional electricity consumption. A study during the first two weeks of May month by the Public Health Foundation of India, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health and the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture found that "10% of farmers could not harvest their crop in the past month and 60% of those who did harvest reported a yield loss" and that a majority of farmers are facing difficulty for the next season. State governments incurred huge losses to the extent of having to cut capital expenses as well as government plans in the near future and finding alternate ways to pay salaries.

DailyDevotion Deserter or Disciple?

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. —John 6:66 When God, by His Spirit through His Word, gives you a clear vision of His will, you must “walk in the light” of that vision (1 John 1:7). Even though your mind and soul may be thrilled by it, if you don’t “walk in the light” of it you will sink to a level of bondage never envisioned by our Lord. Mentally disobeying the “heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19) will make you a slave to ideas and views that are completely foreign to Jesus Christ. Don’t look at someone else and say, “Well, if he can have those views and prosper, why can’t I?” You have to “walk in the light” of the vision that has been given to you. Don’t compare yourself with others or judge them— that is between God and them. When you find that one of your favorite and strongly held views clashes with the “heavenly vision,” do not begin to debate it. If you do, a sense of property and personal right will emerge in you— things on which Jesus placed no value. He was against these things as being the root of everything foreign to Himself— “…for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). If we don’t see and understand this, it is because we are ignoring the underlying principles of our Lord’s teaching. Our tendency is to lie back and bask in the memory of the wonderful experience we had when God revealed His will to us. But if a New Testament standard is revealed to us by the light of God, and we don’t try to measure up, or even feel inclined to do so, then we begin to backslide. It means your conscience does not respond to the truth. You can never be the same after the unveiling of a truth. That moment marks you as one who either continues on with even more devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ, or as one who turns to go back as a deserter.

Quotes The less you talk, the more you're listened to. ~ Pauline Phillips

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Post-mortem

Year 2020: Turnaround point in human beings

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he Year 2020 to be known as a year of discontent, isolation and strange apprehensions, began with the discordant notes of the Shaheen Bagh protest and it is going to be almost over with scars. India started the calendar year by recording the slowest GDP growth rate in six years. The growth of real GDP in 2019-20 is estimated at 5.0 percent. The consumer price inflation stood at 7.6 percent in January 2020. Growth of M3 (Year on Year (YoY) basis) as on 31st January 2020 stood at 10.2 percent. The value of merchandise exports and imports(in US$ terms) declined by 1.7 percent and 0.7 percent respectively in January 2020. Foreign exchange reserves stood at US$ 476.1 billion as on 21st February 2020. In the month of March of 2020, COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a key risk to human health and is causing significant and rising human costs and economic turmoil. The adverse impact of COVID-

19 has started to severely halt the growth momentum due to the imposition of the complete 68-day lockdown. Merchandise exports, subsequent to witnessing positive growth in February (y-on-y), showed negative growth in March 2020 (y-ony) of (-)34.6 per cent. Imports, also, reported negative growth of (-)28.7 per cent (y-on-y) in March 2020 after a positive growth of 2.5 per cent in February 2020). Consumer price inflation eased to 5.9 per cent (y-on-y) in March 2020. As the lockdown continued, manufacturing and services activity came to a standstill in April 2020 resulting in supply side disruptions and demand falling to unprecedented lows that fed into PMI indices going into a free fall. A huge decline in railways freight traffic for April 2020 gave clear evidence that economic inactivity was indeed widespread both across regions and sectors. India imposed a strict lock-down from 25

th March, 2020. April, 2020 was the month of economic standstill with restrictions on various activities eased in May, 2020 as Government of India made a courageous choice of supporting livelihoods that in turn made the containment of the pandemic more challenging. As restrictions were further eased, the country entered the unlock phase in June, 2020. The loss of economic output from more than two months of lock-down was first triggered from the supply side as labour stayed away from work. The demand side caused further loss of output as consumption of goods and services dependent on customer mobility fell. This twin supply-demand shock on output subsequently led to loss of income, which caused further decline in consumption resulting in further loss of output. With India unlocking, the worst seems to be over as high-frequency indicators show an improvement from the unprecedented

Many challenges lie ahead

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y and large, 2021 is expected to be a mixed bag with some good and some bad news, not only for India but also for the world. The famous French astrologer, physician and prophet Nostradamus had predicted that 2021 would be catastrophic, as the pandemic would rage on, though many optimists expect it to be better than 2020. When the contagion hit the world, it was most unexpected and many countries, even in the developed world, were unprepared to face the pandemic. One year down the line, governments around the world and the people, too, are much better prepared to face the continued onslaught of the Covid19 outbreak. Fortunately, some countries, including India, have come up with vaccines to combat the virus. Nostradamus had predicted that the world economy would collapse and “the rich would die many times.” Importantly, the work from home culture will continue in the new year too. It will be a year of challenges, particularly for governments. The biggest challenge for the Narendra Modi Government would be dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak. It will not be easy to ensure that the 1.3 billion people of the country get the vaccine in time. Particularly as India lacks the cold chain infrastructure to keep the vaccine effective and safe for users. This gap has to be bridged urgently. Even though the Covid warriors have done an excellent job till now despite many constraints, they will face many more challenges in the times to come. The second challenge is to find more money to deal with the Coronavirus in the 2021 Budget as there is an urgent need to improve healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. The third challenge is the sliding economy. Many economists predict that 2021 will be a bad year not only for India but also for the entire world. The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts that fiscal conditions are likely to be weak in India in 2021 owing to the strains faced by the banking sector. This will lead the economy to register a double-dip recession. The Reserve Bank of India had also projected that the Gross Domestic Product would contract by 9.5 per cent in the current financial year amid disruptions caused by the pandemic and it may turn positive in the last quarter (January to March). Even though credit rating agency Moody’s had said that “India’s credit profile is increasingly constrained by low growth, a high debt burden and a weak financial system”, it expects India’s economic growth to rebound to 10.6 per cent in the fiscal year 2021-22 on a strong base effect. The fourth challenge is to find jobs for the millions who lost their livelihoods due to the extended lockdown. Added to that is the migrant labour issue as many of those who walked back home after the lockdown are yet to come back

to the cities. The fifth challenge is to tackle the growing farmers’ unrest. Thousands of farmers from about 11 States have marched to Delhi and are protesting since November 26. Modi is facing his biggest challenge from the farmers’ lobby that wants the Centre to repeal the three farm laws passed by Parliament. Politically, the BJP-led NDA will be in a much stronger position in Parliament. It will provide the BJP the leeway to further its political agenda with greater manoeuvrability and attempt more reforms. However, while such reforms will support medium-to-long-term growth, in the short term weak economic conditions and tensions might continue. A major political challenge will be the Assembly polls scheduled in five States amid the pandemic. The poll-bound States include Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Essentially it is the fight between the BJP and the regional satraps. The stakes are high for both, the regional satraps and the BJP which wants to capture West Bengal and expand in the South by improving its position in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Naturally, there will be political regroupings. The polls will decide the fate of the new entrant superstar Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu. It will decide the fate of the Congress too, whether it will improve or slide down even further in political relevance in the country. As for foreign policy, Nostradamus predicted that in 2021 there would be a possibility of creating a union between India, China, Britain and Russia. As it is, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India as the Republic Day chief guest in January. But most visits of foreign dignitaries have been stopped as the new norm is virtual meetings. Despite that, the new year might see fresh strategic tie-ups and trade challenges emerging. New Delhi will continue its diplomatic engagements with more vigour. Engagement with big and small powers will continue in 2021 despite Covid. Indo-US relations will continue to be warm as the new Joe Biden Administration is expected to be friendly to India. The US Presidentelect might ease visa regulations as he had promised that before the presidential elections. Biden might also address trade-related issues. The diplomatic strength at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations is being enhanced as India readies to sit in the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member this year. India will launch year-long celebrations from August 2021 to commemorate 75 years of Independence with a slew of programmes to showcase development, governance, technology, reform, progress and policy over the years. By and large, 2021 is expected to be a mixed bag with some good and some bad news, not only for India but also for the world. Kalyani Shankar (The writer is a senior journalist. The views expressed are personal.)

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trough the economy had hit in April 2020. These include Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), power generation, production of steel and cement, railway freight, traffic at major ports, air cargo and passenger traffic, e-way bill generation capturing inter-state movement of goods, consumption of petroleum products and motor vehicle registration among others. India’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI), at 52.2, has moved into expansionary zone in August for the first time since the lockdown, presenting much required recovery prospects for the manufacturing sector. The V-shaped pattern of recovery is seen in the following high-frequency indicators: auto sales, tractor sales, fertilizer sales, railway freight traffic, steel consumption and production, cement production, power consumption, e-way bills, GST revenue collection, daily toll collections on highways, retail financial

transactions, manufacturing PMI, performance of core industries, capital inflows and exports. Movement of high frequency indicators in October clearly point towards broad based resurgence of economic activity, notably in healthy Kharif output, power consumption, rail freight, auto sales, vehicle registrations, highway toll collections, e-way bills, rebound in GST collections and record digital transactions. Rural consumption has stayed strong, in part helped by sustained MSP procurement of food grains by government at higher prices. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index rose from 56.8 in September to 58.9 in October, pointing to the strongest improvement in the health of the sector in over a decade. PMI Services index also rose to 54.1 in October, ending the seven-month sequence of contraction, signalling improved market conditions. With the onset of the festive season, overall consumption is expected

to see further uptick in the coming months enhancing prospects of faster economic normalisation. The year-on-year GDP contraction of 7.5 per cent in Q2 of 2020-21 underlies a quarter-on-quarter surge in GDP growth of 23 per cent. Growth in fixed investment along with a gradual increase in private consumption and sizeable contribution from net exports has led the recovery of the Indian economy in Q2. The growth drivers have obtained largest support from agriculture followed by construction and manufacturing. Manufacturing PMI moderated to 56.3 in November against the decade high level of 58.9 in October. With PMI Services index also ending the seven-month sequence of contraction to rise to 54.1 in October, growth of output in the second half of 2020-21 is poised to replicate the performance of Q2. Prof. M. K. Sinha, Nagaland University, Lumami

Don’t ignore the kids

s vaccinations begin in one corner of the world, marking the beginning of recovery from the COVID pandemic, we cannot forget that the majority is fighting increasing hunger, poverty and exploitation. This blatant and brazen inequality of the world we live in has been exposed by the grossly unequal response of the world to the pandemic. Of the initial $8 trillion that have been released as global COVID relief, only 0.13 per cent has been allocated to the poorest communities. The rest has been used to bail out big businesses that have multiplied their profits in the midst of a global recession. The most grievous casualties of this injustice are our children. We witnessed that the Government, in partnership with citizens, came forward to mitigate the immediate crisis of dry rations, medical aid and essential needs in the most affected communities on an unprecedented scale, which is truly admirable. I am proud of my children, the survivors of child labour and trafficking living in Bal Ashram, came forth to make masks for law enforcement, frontline workers and communities in Rajasthan. Several individuals and organisations stepped up at the time of crisis, risking their safety to provide life-saving relief and care. But with extremely limited access to digital education, overnight loss of household income and no food on the plate for millions of children, we have only barely touched the tip of the iceberg. While the pandemic did not create these inequalities, our response to it has exposed and exacerbated them to the extent that we risk losing an entire generation to child labour, trafficking, child marriage and other forms of exploitation. This will be an utter and complete breakdown of our moral, socio-economic and democratic systems. Now that we are looking towards recovery, it is important to understand that central to finding the solution is the understanding that the children who are forced to work are the same children who are denied education, and the same children who are undernourished and starving. We cannot leave our children to fend for themselves in this time of crisis. The need of the hour is that our children receive their fair share — a fair share in policies, in budgets and in protection. A fair share for children is based on fundamental principles of justice that our children deserve. In 2015, when the world came together and committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, the countries did so with the promise to “leave no child behind”. But we are failing in this. The same communities that have been discriminated against for decades, including minorities, mi-

grants and farmers, are the same communities where children are denied education, nutrition and safety. They have historically and structurally been alienated from global wealth and development, and we will look back at this unprecedented period as the time when the vulnerable were pushed over the edge into unending cycles of disenfranchisement. To be able to break this chain of intergenerational exploitation, governments must make a tangible and radical shift to a culture of fair share for the most marginalised children and their families. That is the only way we can end child labour and exploitation, and build a world where our children learn and thrive. The truest judge of how the world has responded to the pandemic is the trafficked child who collapsed dead on the road because she walked a 100 km to get home; the child who was made to drop out of school and was forced to get married because of lack of access to digital education and the child labourer who was trapped in factories as the employer deserted her/him during lockdown. Our children are the mirrors to the world we are building. The year 2021 provides us with the opportunity to come together to commit a fair share for children in the global wealth allocation for their development and wellbeing. The new year has been declared the United Nations Year for the Elimination of Child Labour, with the objective to revitalise and accelerate the global promise to end child labour by 2025 under Sustainable Development Goal 8.7. This was an ambitious target from the start but the devastating effects of the pandemic have brought the world to its knees and we are now facing the risk of the first ever increase in child labour in decades. We are at the precipice of losing the progress achieved over decades to reduce child labour and to ensure access to education for all children. This cannot be allowed to happen and each one of us has a role to play, including governments, international agencies, businesses, faith leaders, media, schools and colleges and the civil society.

Governments must realign their policies, politics, legislations and budgetary allocations and accountability measures towards creating a safety net for the most vulnerable communities through accessible and adequate social protection. International agencies must uphold and enforce multilateral efforts to bridge the wealth gap between nations and set global benchmarks for child protection measures. Businesses must ensure transparency, due diligence and compliance to create child labour-free supply chains. Faith leaders must unite to prioritise children within their communities as a moral responsibility. The media must highlight and question the state of our children and hold all stakeholders accountable for the protection of our children’s rights. Schools, colleges and civil society, especially the survivors and youth, must lead from the front in demanding change and accountability, to give voice to the voiceless and forgotten children of the world. This year has taught us many lessons that we have so far learnt, sometimes unwillingly. It has placed in front of our eyes the true and bare state of our world, to show us what we have long ignored or forgotten. We have recognised our inherent interconnectedness and interdependence with each other. But most importantly, 2020 has proven that until each one of us is safe, nobody is safe. If the people of the world are moving in diametrically opposite directions of development, the world will be too stretched to sustain itself. We can only truly move forward if we do it together. Whenever the world was in peril, the inherent goodness of humanity of individuals has shone forth and we have come out stronger. We have to reclaim our humanity and globalise compassion. And we must begin with our children, because they are all our children. Kailash Satyarthi (The writer is a Nobel Peace laureate and founder of Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation. The views expressed are personal.)

Reader’s Post Sir,

New Year wishes

The first day of each New Year is a time to reflect on the year that has passed and make plans for the future. It’s a special new chapter with promises of exciting opportunities and the possibilities to change our lives for the better. I know this year has been difficult and has affected the lives of the entire world but I wish that 2021 would be a great one. Happy New Year to all Dimew, Lieutenant Colonel, NPGN/NNC (NA) MK

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

Farmers defer proposed tractor march

Farmers shout slogans during their protest against the new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI)

December 30), we have decided to defer our tractor march. The farmers will hold a march with their tractors on December 31,” Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Morcha, told

Kanpur post office issues stamps featuring gangsters

Postage stamp featuring underworld don Chhota Rajan and slain gangster Munna Bajrangi.

Kanpur (UP) Dec 29 (PTI): The Kanpur postal department has ordered an inquiry after stamps featuring underworld don Chhota Rajan and slain gangster Munna Bajrangi were issued by the main post office in the city, officials said on Tuesday. Twelve stamps each of Rajan and Bajrangi were printed under the ‘My Stamp’ scheme, which was launched by the department a few years back, an official added. Calling it was a lapse by the person manning the ‘My Stamp’ desk, Postmaster General V K Varma said, “A probe has been launched.” It has been found that the request for these stamps having face value of Rs 5 was made anonymously by a person who paid Rs 600 for them, he added. Without asking for identification papers, which is essential, the person man-

ning the ‘My Stamp’ desk released 12 stamps each with the pictures, Varma said. Philately department in-charge Rajneesh Kumar, who was prima facie found guilty, has been placed under suspension, he said. “We have also issued show-cause notices to some other employees in this regard,” the postmaster general said. “Efforts are on to zero in on the person who got the photographs of the criminals printed under the ‘My stamp’ scheme,” he added. It has been decided to take strict measures in the future to ensure such errors are not repeated, Varma said. Under the ‘My Stamp’ scheme, anyone paying Rs 300 can get stamps with their photos or that of their family members printed and released. Rajan is currently in a Mumbai prison, and Bajrangi was murdered in UP’s Baghpat prison in 2018.

Mamata Banerjee

Bolpur (WB), Dec 29 (PTI): Iterating that the BJP is a “party of outsiders”, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that the land of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore will never allow hate politics to triumph over secularism. Banerjee, during a rally in Bolpur, branded VisvaBharati Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty as a “BJP man”, and said that he plans to destroy the rich heritage of the hallowed institution by “importing divisive and communal politics inside its campus”. “Those who don’t respect Mahatma Gandhi and other icons of the country are talking of building ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal). Rabindranath Tagore has already created ‘Sonar Bangla’ several decades

Chandigarh, Dec 29 (IANS): With more than 1,500 mobile phone towers having been vandalised in Punjab amid protests over the three farm laws, farmer leaders at the agitation site on the Delhi border on Tuesday appealed that these vital infrastructure should not be damaged. Denying any role in the damaging the telecom towers, farmer leaders, in their appeal from the Singhu border where their agitation entered 34th day, said the mobile tower and infrastructure of any company should not be damaged as their call was only on boycotting a company. Reports say the protesting villagers have cut power supplies and fibre cables and damaged generators. Krantikari Kisan Union President Dharampal said their focus of struggle was only on boycotting and

nothing else. Of the 1,561 mobile towers affected over the past few days owing to farmers’ agitations, 146 were impacted in Monday due to disruption of power supply to 32 towers that led to the disconnection of services of the remaining 114. So far, 433 towers have been repaired, a state government spokesperson said. The state has a total of 21,306 mobile towers spread across its 22 districts. Issuing a stern warning, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said the vandalisation of mobile towers and disruption of telecom services won’t be allowed and directed the police to take strict action against all those resorting to such unlawful activities. Making it clear that he will not tolerate destruction of any private or public property in Punjab, he said

he was forced to toughen his stance as his repeated appeals to perpetrators of such acts had been ignored. The Chief Minister’s warning came as the total number of mobile towers impacted in the state went up to 1,561, of which 25 had been physically damaged, allegedly by some farmers and their supporters in violation of the directions of the farmer unions to keep their protests against the farm laws peaceful. Calling upon farmers and their supporters to put an immediate stop to such destructive activities, which were being disowned by farmer leaders themselves, the Chief Minister said disruption of telecom services could lead to a communications blackout in the state, causing its people, especially students and working professionals, to suffer serious consequences.

PTI.

He said that as farmer leaders would have a meeting with Central ministers on Wednesday, the protesting unions have decided to defer their proposed tractor

march. Thousands of protesting farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at three Delhi border points -- Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri --- for

Govt sanctions land for ITBP Hq in Delhi

Hemant Soren completes 1-yr in Gujarat MP Mansukh Vasava office; inaugurates various schemes quits BJP, to quit Lok Sabha too

New Delhi, Dec 29 (PTI): About four acres of land in south Delhi has been sanctioned by the government for building the new headquarters of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force that guards the LAC with China, officials said on Tuesday. The Union housing and urban affairs ministry has recently sanctioned the land, situated near the Delhi Public School on Mathura Road, to the border guarding force that operates out of the CGO complex at Lodhi Road at present. “The ITBP has been given a 3.83 acre land on a permanent basis and an adjacent 4.85 acre land on a temporary basis in south Delhi. The first plot will be used to construct the ITBP headquarters while the adjoining parcel of land will be used for plantation and keeping the area green,” a senior officer of the paramilitary force said. T h e I T B P, a b o u t 90,000-personnel strong and tasked with the primary duty of guarding the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control with China, is the second central armed police force after the CRPF to get independent land in the national capital for creation of its headquarters.

‘Tagore’s land will never allow hate politics to overpower secularism’ ago, all we need to do is to protect the place from the communal onslaught of the BJP,” Banerjee said during her address, following a four-kilometre roadshow here. Hitting out at Visva-Bharati VC, the feisty TMC boss said “attempts to destroy Tagore’s cultural abode have to be resisted with all might”. “I feel bad when I see

the last 31 days, demanding a repeal of three farm laws and legal guarantee for minimum support price. On Monday, farmer leaders agreed to a government proposal for holding the next round of talks on the new agricultural laws on December 30, but remained firm on their agenda of scrapping the laws. Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country. However, the protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of the MSP and do away with the “mandi” (wholesale market) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

Don’t vandalise telecom towers, farmers’ leaders appeal from Delhi

efforts are on to pursue communal politics at VisvaBharati. The VC there is a BJP man, he is trying to tarnish the heritage of this institution by practising communal politics,” the chief minister claimed. Talking about the recent defections from the TMC, Banerjee said saffron camp may have bought a few MLAs, but it can never buy her party.

Hemant Soren along with Shibu Soren, launches ‘Jharkhand Yojana’ on the 1-year completion of Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government in Ranchi, Tuesday. (PTI)

RANCHI, DEC 29 (IANS): Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren completed one year in office on Tuesday. On the occasion, a grand programme was organised at Morabadi ground in Ranchi where the Chief Minister inaugurated 171 schemes worth Rs 1,710.26 crore and laid the foundation stone of 59 schemes costing Rs 1,529.06 crore. Addressing the people he said,”When I took charge of the state, the coffers of the state were empty. Each department was reeling under debt. There was an issue about paying salaries to the government employees. I

promise that the state will not have to seek help from anyone in the next five years. There will be no need to beg from the Central government and the World Bank.” Soren said, “It is a matter of serious thinking that a surplus state became a deficit one and no serious thought was given to make the state self-sufficient in the last 20 years.” “There are many states where there is no coal, bauxite, mines which are in abundance in our state. Despite all these resources, we are a backward state. There is a plethora of players in the state who are earning name and fame at the national and

international level. There are lots of opportunities in the art and culture sector, but no work has been done,” said Soren. The Chief Minister added, “When we took charge of the government, state coffers were empty amid the coronavirus pandemic. The condition of the government hospitals was worse during the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. There was not a single ventilator in the government hospitals. We fought coronavirus bravely and occupy second or third position in the country while handling the coronavirus situation.”

For more details visit http://www.apsrangapahar.org.in Contact No. – 9436066777 / 9774698374

DC-857

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT 12th NAP BN (INDIA RESERVE)

Korean Uncle's Café

CHINGTOK : LONGLENG

NO.12BN(IR)/RO-10/2020-21/

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To,

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party does not suffer due to my mistakes, I resign from the party, whose forgiveness I seek,” Vasava said in the letter to Paatil. In the letter, Vasava also thanked the BJP and its central leadership for giving him “many things” and asked Paatil to inform the party leadership about his decision. Paatil said Vasava is a sensitive person who fights for his people, and expressed confidence that he will change his plan to quit. “In the letter sent to me, Vasava only mentioned that he will quit as an MP during the budget session. He is unhappy over some issues and I discussed them with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani this morning,” Paatil told reporters. He said Vasava is particularly unhappy about the declaration of the eco sensitive zone in his constituency. Vasava had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20 seeking withdrawal of a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notification declaring 121 villages of Narmada district as eco sensitive zone.

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B h a ru c h , D e c 2 9 (PTI): Gujarat BJP MP and former Union minister Mansukh Vasava on Tuesday quit the party and said he would also resign from Lok Sabha in the budget session of Parliament. In his resignation letter, Vasava (63) did not specify any reason for quitting the party, but sources said the six- term MP, who is vocal on tribal issues, has been critical of BJP’s policies after he was dropped as Union minister in 2016. Vasava in his letter to Gujarat BJP President C R Paatil said, “I am resigning so that the image of the party is not damaged because of my mistakes. I have been a loyal worker of the party, so please forgive me.” In the letter dated December 28, Vasava said he will resign as Bharuch MP after meeting the Lok Sabha Speaker during the budget session of Parliament. Vasava said he tried his best to be loyal to the party and assimilate its values in life, but is human and prone to mistakes. “I am a human and humans tend to commit mistakes. To ensure that the

ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL RANGAPAHAR, DIMAPUR, NAGALAND

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New Delhi, Dec 29 (PTI): Protesting farmer unions have deferred to Thursday their proposed tractor march against the contentious agriculture laws, so that the rally does not clash with their talks with the government on Wednesday. The unions have agreed to hold the next round of talks with the Central government on Wednesday, but insist the agenda of the meeting should include discussing modalities for repealing the three legislations. Earlier this week, Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- an umbrella body of 40 unions leading protests at Delhi border points --- had announced a tractor march from the Singhu and the Tikri borders to the KundliManesar-Palwal (KMP) Highway on December 30. “In view of our talks with the government (on

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Dt. Chingtok, the Dec’ 2020

SHOW CAUSE NOTICE

Regt. No 12346 Rank : Constable Name : ANIREN AO Son of Shri SUPONGMETONG AO Village : Changki P.O. : Mokokchung P.S.: Mokokchung II Dist: Mokokchung, Nagaland. Whereas, you have been found absent from bonafide Govt. duty with effect from 15-11-2020 without any leave or permission from the competent authority till date. And whereas, Calling Notices was issued to you through concern P.S vide order No.12BN(IR)/RO-10/2020-21/692 Dt. 17/12/2020. Regt. No 12346 Rank : Constable Name : ANIREN AO, is hereby directed to report to the undersigned within 7 (seven) days from the date of publication of this notice, failing which he will be declared as deserter without further notice. Commandant, 12th NAP Bn (India Reserve) Chingtok, Longleng. DC-858

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Jammu, Dec 29 (PTI): There were 5,100 instances of ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in 2020 in Jammu and Kashmir, the highest in nearly 18 years, that claimed 36 lives and left more than 130 people injured, according to security officials. They said the “very heavy” shelling and firing by Pakistani troops virtually made the 2003 IndiaPakistan border truce “redundant”. “Pakistani troops repeatedly targeted forwards posts and villages along the LoC and the International Border (IB) to create fear among the people and destabilise the peace along the borderline,” a senior police officer said. “Pakistani forces have

violated the ceasefire 5,100 times in 2020 with an average of 14 cases daily,” an official source said. In these ceasefire violations, 36 people including 24 security personnel were killed and 130 injured, according to the compiled data. Fifteen of the soldiers died along the LoC in the Jammu region. T h e r e we r e 3 , 2 8 9 ceasefire violations by the Pakistan army along the Indo-Pak border in 2019, they said. Of these, 1,565 ceasefire violations took place since August 2019, after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into union territories. In 2018, Jammu and

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

Kashmir had recorded 2,936 instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan with an average of eight cases daily, in which 61 people were killed and over 250 injured. The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in 2020 was over five times that of 2017 when 971 cases were reported in which 31 people -- 12 civilians and 19 security forces personnel -- were killed and 151 suffered injures. Before the ceasefire agreement, as many as 8,376 incidents of shelling and firing by Pakistani troops were reported in 2002. For three years - 2004, 2005 and 2006 - there was not a single such violation on the border. However, there had been a gradual increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan since 2009.

5.31L posts in state police forces, 1.27L in CAPFs vacant (From p-1) The total number of women police personnel in CAPF is 29,249, which is 2.98 per cent of the total strength. The CAPFs are CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles. Sanctioned Population Per Police Person (PPP) is 511.81 and the sanctioned Police Population Ratio (PPR), police personnel per lakh of population, is 195.39. The sanctioned Police Area Ratio (PAR) per 100 sq km is 79.80. According to the data, there are 800 police districts in the country and the number of sanctioned police stations is 16,955. The total State Armed Police Battalions is 318 and the total police com-

missionerates is 63. A total of 2,02,925 police vehicles are available with the states and U Ts p o l i c e, b e s i d e s 4,60,220 CCTV cameras, the BPR&D said. The government has spent Rs 1,566.85 crore in 2019-20 for expenditure and police training. The BPR&D said it has been publishing the data on police organisations since 1986 and the data as on January 1, 2019, was released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 29, 2020. This is for the first time in the history of BPR&D that the annual data for a particular year has been released during the year itself, the BPR&D said in a statement, adding that much effort has gone into verifying the data.

No. 9788 Yesterday’s solution No. 9787

No. 4407 Yesterday’s solution No. 4406

No. 3431 Yesterday’s solution No. 3430

Across 4. Bellowed (6) 7. Flower (5,3) 8. Garment (1-5) 10. Tolerate (5) 13. Sting (4) 14. Govern (4) 15. Having little money (4) 16. Young fox (3) 17. Lord (4) 19. Object of worship (4) 21. Absent-minded (9) 23. Greek letter (4) 24. Far down (4) 26. Anger (3) 27. Anon (4) 29. Discharge (4) 32. Thick piece of timber (4) 33. Willow (5) 34. Discourages (6) 35. Notorious (8) 36. Against (6) Down 1. Academy Award (5) 2. Satan (5) 3. Eyelid inflammation (4) 4. Proportion (5) 5. Nagging pain (4) 6. Rebuke or scolding (6) 9. Conflict (6) 11. Unopened flower (3) 12. Warehouse (5) 13. Tedium (7) 15. Dowel (3) 16. Mountain pass (3) 18. Rubber (6) 20. Hoodwinks (5) 21. Charge (3) 22. Number (3) 23. Light wind (6) 25. Perish (3) 28. Fertile spot (5) 30. Less, inferior (5) 31. Faith (5) 32. Beseeches (4) 33. Spoken, verbal (4)

C h e n na i , D e c 2 9 (PTI): Making a U-turn on his political plunge, superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday announced that he will not join politics and start a party as announced earlier, citing his frail health. He had first announced in 2017, after years of speculation, that he would indeed enter politics ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and field candidates from all 234 seats in the state. The veteran announced earlier this month that he will launch his political party in January and disclose the specifics by December 31. The top star, promising his brand of spiritual politics, had then dramatically asserted that he was even ready to risk his life for the sake of people’s welfare by making a foray into politics. Discharged from a Hyderabad hospital on Sunday after being treated for blood pressure fluctuations, the top actor expressed fears over those accompanying him in his possible political journey facing “mental and economic” problems in the due course over his possible health issues. After earlier acknowledging reports of him undergoing renal transplant in 2016, he recalled the hospitalisation for blood pressure fluctuation and said it could affect his kidney. He indicated that he did not want to sound chiv-

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Rajinikanth

alrous by saying he will join politics despite his severe health concerns and that he did not want to “make a victim” of his supporters now. “Therefore, I inform with great regret I am unable to come to politics by floating a political party. Only I know the pain behind making this announcement,” the 70 year-old actor said in a statement, days after declaring he will float his own outfit in January and face the polls. He, however said he will serve people in whatever ways he can without entering electoral politics. In the detailed statement, he recalled four of the crew members of his current venture ‘Annatthe’ testing positive for coronavirus despite safety measures put in place and

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pointed out he had tested negative for the contagion. He had participated in the shoot, involving about 120 people, despite doctors advising him against it, he said adding, later he suffered from blood pressure fluctuations. “ C l i n i c a l ly, t h e r e should not be any fluctuation in my blood pressure as it would severely affect my alternate kidney and therefore I was under medical observation for three days,” he said. “I see this as a warning given by God to me,” he said and pointed out that the movie’s producer, Kalanidhi Maran of Sun Pictures, had postponed the shoot. He said he cannot confine his election campaign to media and social media and that it would not give the desired public ‘resurgence’ he had mentioned in March this year. In physical meetings, he would have to meet lakhs of people, he said, adding “I had to be hospitalised for three days after being in a group of 120 and now a new strain of coronavirus has also emerged.” Though there may be a vaccine, he was, however, consuming “immuno suppressant”, the actor said.

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LOST NOTICE A Dark Brown Handbag consisting of a wallet containing ATM cards. Aadhar Card, ID Card, PAN Card, with Keys, Mobile Phone and other articles was lost while travelling from City Tower Junction to Mao Colony via Khermahal, Burma Camp, Walford and Imkonglenden Road on the 22nd December 2020 at around 1:20 pm in an Auto Rickshaw. Any person found the Handbag may kindly return it to this contact no. 7628947306, 9862695601 DP-5764

OFFICE OF THE PUGHOBOTO PHUGHI KIPHIMI KÜQHAKULU (PPKK) CORRIGENDUM With reference to the felicitation published in the local dailies on Monday the 28th of December, 2020 by the PPKK, the Union would like to render our heartfelt apology to Shri. Vikishe Sema and all the concerned and rectify the error regarding the designation of Shri. Vikishe Sema which should read as 'Shri. Vikishe Sema, Joint Commissioner on being promoted to Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland' and not as published earlier. The error is deeply regretted. (MUGHASHE ACHUMI) (HUKASHE CHISHI) President, PPKK General Secretary, PPKK

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Highest number of ceasefire violations by Pak in 2020 since 2003 truce: Officials

onstrations. “I also want to stress on another mentality which we often see during protests and demonstrations. This mentality is of harming infrastructure of the country and its property. We should remember that this infrastructure does not belong to any leader, political party or government but is that of the country and its citizens,” he said. The sweat and money of the poor and middle class taxpayers is harmed by this. While discharging our democratic rights we should also remember our national duty, he stressed. The prime minister noted that how the railways, which is often targeted, has helped in times of crisis was seen during the coronavirus pandemic. It brought labourers back to their homes, ferried foodgrains and medicines to the corners of the country besides functioning as corona hospitals and it will always be remembered, he said

OFFICE OF THE

THÜVOPISÜ VILLAGE COUNCIL P.O/P.S-CHOZUBA, PHEK DISTRICT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Thüvopisümi Village Council express our deep profound gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us prayerfully, spiritually, financially and materially during the unfortunate tragic vehicle incident near Zapami Village, Phek District on the fateful night on 23rd Dec. 2020 which has taken away the lives of a young couple (Late Anüzo Shijoh & his lady wife Late Cheneipe-ü Shijoh), resident of Bathany-II of Phek Town. Indeed words are inadequate to thank each and every one of you individually. But it is our sincere prayer that the Almightily God bless you abundantly in return for your good deeds. May God continue to bless you. Sd/Sd/Sd/VESWUNYI P TETSEO VETSÜTA VENYO BESUHKROYI DOZO Chairman, TVC Secretary, TVC Head G.B, TVC

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Attacking previous government on the pace of carrying out projects, Modi said the freight project was given permission in 2006 but it was only on paper as the then government lacked the “seriousness and urgency” with which it had to take it up with the states. Till 2014 not a single km track of the project was laid and the funds sanctioned could not be spent properly. After 2014 ,it was restarted and officials asked to take it forward and by then the budget had gone up by 11 times, he noted. The prime minister said that on coming to pow-

ness towards modernisation of the rail network, trains were being run on slow speed and the entire network was full of dangerous unmanned crossings, he said. “We changed this work culture and thinking after 2014 and ended the separate Railway budget, invested in rail tracks, ended unmanned crossings, focussed on broadening and electrification of the network”, he said. In the past few years, reforms have been carried out at all levels and can be seen. Be it cleanliness, better food and other facilities, the changes can be seen, he said. “Past experience tell us that politics should be kept away from infrastructure as it is the path to development of the nation and not means of five years of politics,” he said, adding that if political parties need to compete, they should compete on quality, speed, scale of infrastructure. Modi also slammed the tendency of targeting infrastructure during dem-

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Narendra Modi

er, he personally monitored the project and held a dialogue with stakeholders and got new technology as a result of which about 1100 km work got completed in the next few months. “Imagine not a single km in eight years and 1100 km in 6 years,” he said. The 351-km section has been built at a cost of Rs 5,750 crore. The EDFC is 1,840-km-long and extends from Ludhiana in Punjab to Kolkata in West Bengal. Modi also inaugurated the EDFC’s operation centre at Prayagraj and flagged off the first 1.5 km long goods trains. The prime minister said political apathy not just hampered the freight corridor project but also had a bearing on the entire railways system. Earlier the focus was on increasing number of trains for political benefit in elections but not on the tracks on which the trains were run as there was no investment on it, he said. There was no serious-

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Lu c k n ow D e c 2 9 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused previous governments of delaying the dedicated freight corridor project and ignoring modernisation of railways, and said politics should be kept away from infrastructure development. Inaugurating the New Bhaupur-New Khurja section of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) via video conferencing, he said the “roar” of Bharat and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) were clearly heard as the first freight train operated on the Khurja-Bhaupur freight section, and asserted that the corridor will also help farmers transport their harvest on time. The prime minister also deprecated the tendency of people to target infrastructure during protests and demonstrations, saying infrastructure does not belong to any leader, political party or government but is that of the country and its citizens.

Rajini does a U-turn; says he is not going to take the political plunge

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PM inaugurates freight corridor project

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Regd. No. 1985/2020

AFFIDAVIT

Date : 19/12/2020

I, Shri Banchanidhi Gouda, son of Late Kirtan Gouda, permanent resident of Atraipalli Village in the district of Ganjam (Odisha) and presently residing at 50 Coy ASC (Sup) Type 'C', C/O 99 APO, in Dimapur (Nagaland) do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows :1. That I am a law abiding citizen of India by birth and a resident of the aforesaid locality. 2. That my wife's name prior to marriage was Smt KUNNI DEVI, and the same has been changed after marriage as Smt KUNNI GOUDA. 3. That, in my service book record my wife's name was recorded as Smt KUNNI DEVI. 4. That this affidavit is being made to declare the change of my wife's name "Smt KUNNI GOUDA" by renouncing the former name "Smt KUNNI DEVI" by virtue of our marriage and to make rectification in my Service Record. VERIFICATION I, hereby verify that the contents made in paragraph No 1 to 4 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing material is concealed therein. DEPONENT Solemnly sworn before me by the Deponent this 19th day of December 2020. NOTARY PUBLIC DIMAPUR : NAGALAND DP-5756(B) K

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Hospitals being overwhelmed by China resumes talks with Nepal leaders new COVID peak: UK health chiefs

KATHMANDU, DEC 29 (PTI): Guo Yezhou, a viceminister of the Communist Party of China, on Tuesday met the main opposition Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba and discussed the latest political developments in the country following the dissolution of Parliament by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The meeting between the four-member delegation led by Guo, the Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC, and former prime minister Deuba also focused on relations between Nepal and China, The Kathmandu Post quoted shadow foreign minister Narayan Khadka as saying. They discussed the latest political developments in Kathmandu, the paper said. Guo conveyed an invitation to Deuba from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit China on the 100th anniversary of the CPC next year, said Dinesh Bhattarai, former foreign relations adviser to Deuba when he was prime minister. On his part, Deuba congratulated President Xi, the CPC and the people of

Chinese delegation during a talk with Nepal leaders on Tuesday in Kathmandu.

China on the occasion, said Bhattarai. The CPC will organise a grand function to mark the occasion in Beijing next year. They discussed matters of bilateral interest and concern, said Bhattarai. Both Khadka and Bhattarai were present during the meeting between the Chinese delegation and Deuba. Guo also lauded the contribution made by Nepali Congress’ founding president and the first elected prime minister B P Koirala in improving relations between the two countries. Deuba said that the

friendship between the NC and the CPC goes back decades and nurtured since the premiership of Koirala. In 1960, when Koirala was the prime minister, Nepal and China signed a peace and friendship treaty, the first boundary protocol, resolved the dispute over Mount Everest and gave a new direction to the NepalChina ties, Bhattarai said. Guo, who personally knows many Nepali leaders, met Deuba after holding talks with President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Nepal Communist Party (NCP)

chairs Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Madhav Nepal, former prime minister Jhananath Khanal and leader of the Janata Samajbadi Party Baburam Bhattarai. Besides assessing the ground situation, the Chinese side also discussed possible political ramifications of house dissolution, whether it will have an impact on stability and development of Nepal, status of Nepal-China ties, progress made in China-funded projects, implementation of past accords and agreements among others, according to leaders who met the CPC

delegation. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Prime Minister Oli, known for his pro-Beijing leanings, in a surprise move, recommended dissolving the 275-member House, amidst a tussle for power with Prachanda. Acting on the prime minister’s recommendation, President Bhandari dissolved the House the same day and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10, sparking protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. A wary China rushed Vice Minister Guo to Kathmandu after its high-profile ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi failed to sort out differences between Oli and Prachanda. China is not happy with the split in the largest communist party of Nepal, according to sources. Guo is trying to patch up differences between the two warring factions of the ruling party - one led by Oli and the other led by Prachanda - during his four day stay in Nepal, the media reports said.

LONDON, DEC 29 (PTI): The UK is “back in the eye of the storm”, the head of the NHS said on Tuesday as the country’s health chiefs warned that hospitals were being overwhelmed by a surge in the COVID-19 pandemic, largely driven by a new highly transmissible variant of coronavirus, which has seen clinic admissions surpass the first peak. According to the figures from National Health Service (NHS) England, 20,426 patients were being treated in hospitals on Monday, compared to 18,974 recorded on April 12 during the first peak of the pandemic this year. The surge is largely driven by a new highly transmissible variant of coronavirus, which had led to most of the country being plunged into complete lockdown earlier this month and also several countries cutting transport links with the UK in an effort to try and curb its rapid transmission. The UK is “back in the eye of the storm,” said Sir Simon Stevens, the head of the state-funded NHS. “Now again we are

Magnitude 6.3 earthquake hits Croatia; 1 death reported Wuhan begins emergencyZAGREB (CROATIA), DEC 29 (AP): A strong earthquake hit central Croatia on Tuesday, causing major damage to homes and other buildings in a town southeast of the capital. A girl was killed in the quake and a man and a boy were pulled out alive from a car buried in rubble and sent to a hospital. The European Mediterranean Seismological Center said a magnitude 6.3

earthquake hit 46 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Zagreb. Initial reports said the earthquake caused wide damage, collapsing roofs, building facades and even some entire buildings. The same area was struck by a 5.2 quake on Monday and several smaller aftershocks were felt Tuesday. Croatian state broadcaster HRT said a girl died in the earthquake in Petrinja, a town southeast of the

capital that was hit hardest by the earthquake. Other Croatian media also reported the death, quoting the towns mayor. The childs age or other details were not immediately available. “The center of Petrinja as it used to be no longer exists,” HRT said in its report. “One girl died and there are injuries and people inside collapsed buildings.” “My town has been completely

destroyed, we have dead children,” Petrinja Mayor Darinko Dumbovic said in a statement broadcast by HRT TV. “This is like Hiroshima - half of the city no longer exists.” “The city has been demolished, the city is no longer livable,” he said. “We need help.” Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and other government ministers arrived in Petrinja after the earthquake.

5 TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

use Covid-19 vaccination

WUHAN, DEC 29 (IANS): The Chinese city of Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus originated in December 2019, has started the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccine candidates on certain key groups of people, the municipal government said. The vaccination, available at 48 designated clinics in 15 districts, began on December 24, targeting some

back in the eye of the storm with a second wave of coronavirus sweeping Europe and, indeed, this country. Many of us have lost family, friends, colleagues and – at a time of year when we would normally be celebrating – a lot of people are understandably feeling anxious, frustrated and tired,” he said during a visit to NHS vaccination centre. However, the NHS chief tried to strike a note of optimism as he said that with vaccine supplies continuing to come on stream, things should start turning around by late spring in the New Year. “That perhaps provides the biggest chink of hope for the year ahead,” he said. It comes as the patients who received the first vaccinations three weeks ago will receive their second booster jab of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on Tuesday. The Oxford/AstraZen-

eca vaccine, which also has a tie-up with the Serum Institute of India, is believed to be on the brink of regulatory approval as well with hopes of a rollout by next week. But, meanwhile, people are being urged to stick to social distancing rules as the deadly virus continues to cause havoc. “Today we learnt that we have more patients with Covid in hospital than ever before in England. This is not a drill. Please believe us,” Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden, president of the Doctors’ Association UK, said on Twitter in a widely shared social media post about the severity of the new pandemic peak and the pressures it is piling on the over-stretched NHS. Medical director of Public Health England (PHE) Dr Yvonne Doyle said the “very high level of infection is of growing concern at a time when our hospitals are at their most vulnerable”. “We have all made huge sacrifices this year but we must all continue to play our part in stopping the spread of the virus which is still replicating fast,” she urged.

1st Death Anniversary of Late L. Imlisunep Jamir

key groups of people aged between 18 and 59, Xinhua news agency quoted He Zhenyu, deputy director of the centre for disease control and prevention in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, as saying on Monday. Those receiving the vaccine need to take two shots with an interval of four weeks, said He at a press briefing. Died on 30th December 2019

25TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

A year passed, you are gone from our sight but you are not gone from our hearts. You are always remembered. ~ Loving Wife and Children DP-5781

of our beloved father

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others”. 2 Corinthians 1:4

Born on : 1929 – Died on : 2020

Through this column, we would like to acknowledge our profound gratitude to all the individuals, churches, organizations, neighbours, denizens, relatives and loved ones who stood by us through moral and prayer support, financial and material assistance as well as medical support throughout the prolonged illness of our father LATE KUOMIA KROSE until his last breath who went to be with the Lord on the 13th of December 2020. Your unceasing love and support shown to us had been our encouragement and we are deeply indebted to you all. Though we are unable to repay you, it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless each of you abundantly. DP-5774

Loving wife and family members

LATE I. PIHOTO AWOMI 20.04.1954 – 30.12.2015

Five years have passed since you left us for a better place. Not a day passes by without something or someone reminding us of you. Your death has left us bereft and this void can never be filled. We miss you greatly. DP-5772

Loving wife, children and family members

Late PAUKHOLAM HANGSING 30.12.1995 – 30.12.2020 Nothing can ever take away the love a hearth holds dear. Fond memories linger everyday and remembrance keeps them near. In remembrance of your life and work on your 25th Death Anniversary. Loving Wife, Children, Grand children & Great Grand Children K-2121

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT After a life dedicated to the service of the Lord, Lt Rev. N.T. Murry left for his heavenly abode on December 20, 2020. A man of principles and selfless dedication, with a passion for the Word of God, he served with humility, in various capacities in church and social organizations. A devoted husband and a father, a loyal friend to all, he will be remembered with great love and affection.

07.08.1947- 20.12.2020 In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore… K Y M C

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LT M. MHONYANI MURRY

DP-5776

Late Rev. N.T Murry

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all relatives, friends, well-wishers, individuals and organizations from far and near, who have blessed us with their generosity, prayers and the outpouring of love and respect. We are deeply moved and comforted by your overwhelming kindness and support. May the Lord bless you abundantly. -Loving family

We, the bereave family of LT. SELHUTO (TUTU) DOZO would like to convey our profound gratitude to each and every individual, friends, neighbours, sympathizers and well wishers who stood by us physically, materially, financially and spiritually during his illness till his last breath. We also render our gratefulness to all those who escorted during the earthly journey of our beloved Tutu. We express our special thanks to: 1. Little Star Hr. Sec. School (Midland P.W.D Road, Dimapur, Nagaland) 2. LSHSS Teachers & Office Staff 3. Sunday Faith Youth Fellowship (Little Star Hr. Sec. School) 4. Referral Hospital (Diphupar 4th Mile, Dimapur) 5. I Watch Staff (Private Security Dimapur) 6. Kezha Khro (P.W.D Colony, Kohima) 7. Chetheba Town Baptist Church 8. Thüvopisü Baptist Church, Village 9. Phek Town Baptist Church, Phek 10. Phek Town Youth Society, Phek 11. Bethany – I Colony, Phek 12. Thuvopisu Welfare Union, Phek – Loving parents, brothers & sisters K-2130

(Born on: 15-04-1976, Died on: 28-12-2020) With profound grief, we, the family members of Lt M. Mhonyani Murry, would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us and shared our grief, sorrow and supported us physically, emotionally, financially, materially and spiritually at the sad demise of my beloved wife. It is with deep regret that we are unable to mention all names individually. However, it is our earnest prayer that our Good Lord bless you all abundantly. Loving husband, children and relatives WC-299 K Y M C

8

sports

India turn tables on Aus to level series er Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with three wickets in the test, with 2-28 in the second innings, after contributing 57 with the bat in India’s first innings 326. Completing the selectors’ triumph, recalled wicketkee per Rishabh Pant, the fourth change to the 11, scored a valuable 29. Australia’s selectors will be hoping regular opener David Warner is fit to play after Joe Burns’s (0 and 4) twin failures with the bat. Tailenders Starc (14 not out), Pat Cummins (22) and Hazlewood (10) showed stiffer resistance Indian players walk from the field after dismissing Australia for 200 runs in their second than a number of their innings during play of the second cricket test in Melbourne on Tuesday. (AP/PTI)

MELBOURNE, DEC 29 (AGENCIES): A rejuvenated India shorn of Virat Kohli turned the tables on Australia to claim the second test in Melbourne with a rousing eight-wicket victory within four days and breathe life into the series. Needing only 70 runs for victory after bowling Australia out for 200 by lunch, opener Shubman Gill (35 not out) and standin captain Ajinkya Rahane (27 not out) guided India home to square the series at 1-1 ahead of the third test. Having bowled India out for 36 in the crushing eight-wicket win in Adelaide, Australia’s pacemen

steamed in with their usual vigour but were repelled by a belligerent Gill, who enjoyed a fine debut as test opener. The match belonged to Rahane, however, who took over the captaincy after Adelaide when regular skipper Kohli returned to India for the birth of his first child. Named man of the match, Rahane marshalled a rejigged side superbly, and fittingly struck the winning run off spinner Nathan Lyon before tea, sending Indian fans into raptures in the crowd of 13,000. Two years after smashing a depleted Australia by

137 runs in the Boxing Day test, India’s bowlers again had the measure of their opponents on the MCG’s drop-in wicket. The tourists rattled through Australia for 195 in the first innings and restricted them to 200 in the second, despite the loss of paceman Umesh Yadav, who managed only a handful of overs before hobbling off with a calf strain early on day three. Seamer Mohammed Siraj filled the breach superbly, taking 3-37 in the second innings and five wickets overall in a stellar test debut. Recalled all-round-

batting team mates to push Australia to 200 for the first time in the series. Reduced to 99 for six on day three, however, Australia’s faint hopes of setting India a proper chase were snuffed out when young all-rounder Cameron Green heaved at a Siraj short ball and was caught by a leaping Jadeja for 45. Brief scores: Australia 195 and 200 (C Green 45, M Wade 40, M Labuschagne 28, M Siraj 3/37, J Bumrah 2/54, R Jadeja 2/28, R Ashwin 2/71, U Yadav 1/5) vs India 326 and 70/2 (S Gill 35 not out, A Rahane 27 not out)

One of the greatest comebacks in Test history: Ravi Shastri

India coach Ravi Shastri termed the win over Australia in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday as one of the greatest comebacks ‘in the history of the game’. Asked where he would place this week’s MCG win which has come in the absence of regular India skipper Virat Kohli and injury to key India fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma as well as Umesh Yadav (in the second innings), the India coach said this win deserves a place in the annals of cricket history. “I think this will go down in the annals of Indian cricket, world cricket as one of the ‘Great Comebacks’ in the history of the game. “To be rolled over for 36 and three days later to get up and be ready to punch back was outstanding. “I think the boys showed real character,” Shastri said while speaking to the media after the end of the second Test match that ended in the second session on the fourth day.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Chennaiyin and ATK Mohun Bagan settle for goalless draw BAMBOLIM, DEC 29 (AGENCIES): Both Chennaiyin FC and ATK Mohun Bagan were left frustrated as they played out a goalless draw in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the GMC Stadium, here on Tuesday. Chennaiyin, in particular, had multiple chances to put the game to bed, but a brilliant display from ATKMB goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja prevented them from finding a goal. It was Chennaiyin who were on the attack early on, with Arindam called into action as early as in the fifth minute. Chennaiyin captain Rafael Crivellaro, after receiving the ball from Jakub Sylvestr, fired a shot at goal only for Arindam to block it. Minutes later, Lallianzuala Chhangte found himself in a good position but fired wide. ATKMB grew into the game as it progressed, with their main attacking outlet Roy Krishna often finding himself in the thick of things. In the 19th minute, he supplied Manvir on the right and got into position to receive the ball back, only for the latter to lose it. A minute later, he chased down a deflected ball and nearly scored but was flagged for offside. Chennaiyin arguably had the best chance of

Carl Gerard McHugh of ATKMB and Anirudh Thapa of Chennaiyin FC in action during ISL match on Tuesday.

the half just as it was coming to a close. Memo Moura diverted Crivellaro’s freekick into the path of Enes Sipovic, who had a wide target to aim at. However, he only managed to shoot straight at Arindam. Soon after the restart, Chennaiyin were denied again by the ATKMB goalkeeper. In the 50th minute, Chhangte got on the end of a long ball from Chennaiyin goalkeeper Vishal Kaith and bore down on goal. His shot looked to be going in but Arindam got a fingertip to it. Chennaiyin suffered a blow in the 69th minute when the influential Crivellaro went off with an injury. However, that did not stop them from having the better of the game. In the 80th minute, Arindam had to pull off two saves in quick succession to keep his team level. The

first, acrobatically diverting Reagan Singh’s shot behind, was his best of the match. Then, off the ensuing corner, he was there to prevent Eli Sabia from heading in. Antonio Lopez Habas’ team has a reputation of scoring late goals and they tried to stay true to that, laying repeated sieges to the Chennaiyin box in the final ten minutes. However, a mixture of their own wastefulness and some solid defending from Chennaiyin meant that they ended up drawing a blank. Chennaiyin had one final chance in injury time, with a free-kick on the edge of the box. However, substitute Fatkhulo Fatkhulloev blazed it over the bar. Wednesday’s Match Hyderabad FC Vs FC Goa Time: 7:30 PM

Paris St Germain Portland Trail Blazers beat Los Angeles Lakers SA take 1-0 lead as SL crumble sack head coach to innings defeat in 1st Test Thomas Tuchel

South Africa Cricket team players.

CENTURION, DEC 29 (IANS): South Africa beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 45 runs in the first Test to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series here on Tuesday. Chasing South Africa’s lead of 225 runs, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 180 on Day 4 with the hosts’ pacers taking two wickets each. The second Test starts on January 3 in Johannesburg. Sri Lanka started the day on an overnight total of 65/2 in 12 overs with Kusal

Perera on 33 and Dinesh Chandimal on 21. Wiaan Mulder provided the first wicket of the day seven overs into the day, bowling through the gates of Chandimal. The visitors, whose progress in the match was hampered by injuries to Dhananjaya de Silva and fast bowler Kasun Rajitha could hardly hold their own against South Africa’s rejuvenated pace attack. Lungi Ngidi dismissed Kusal Mendis for a duck

and had dismissed captain Dimuth Karunaratne towards the end of the third day. Mulder, meanwhile, dismissed wicketkeeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella after which Anrich Nortje sent back opener Kusal Perera. With 64 runs, Perera was Sri Lanka’s highest scorer above Wanindu Hasaranga, who made 59 runs before falling to Lutho Sipamla. Sipamla also got the wicket of first innings half centurion Dasun Shanaka.

PARIS, DEC 29 (AGENCIES): French champions Paris St Germain have sacked coach Thomas Tuchel, with the side sitting third in the league standings, the Ligue 1 club said in a statement on Tuesday. German Tuchel, who led PSG to the Champions League final in August which they lost to Bayern Munich, was dismissed on Christmas eve following a 4-0 win over Racing Strasbourg. “I would like to thank Thomas Tuchel and his staff for everything they brought to the club,” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. “Thomas has put a lot of energy and passion into his work and of course we’ll remember the good times we shared together. I wish him the best for his future.” PSG have 35 points from 17 games, one point behind lea g ue lea ders Olympique Lyonnais and Lille, and are through to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they face Spanish side Barcelona.

Match in action between Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers.

NEW YORK, DEC 29 ( AG E N C I E S ) : N BA champions the Los Angeles Lakers lost for the second time in their opening four games of the new season as Damian Lillard inspired the Portland Trail Blazers to a 115-107 victory. The Lakers, playing for the second time in as many nights, led 85-84 going into the final quarter at Staples Center.

But Lillard’s 31 points were supported by 28 from Gary Trent Jr as Portland made it two wins from three matches. “I thought we came out with great energy,” said Lakers coach Frank Vogel. “When they made their runs we weren’t able to sustain the energy we began the game with.” Elsewhere, the Detroit Pistons fell to a third

successive defeat as the Atlanta Hawks made it three wins from three with a 128-120 victory. Jerami Grant and Josh Jackson both hit 27 points for Atlanta as Pistons coach Dwane Casey chose to rest key players in Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose early in the campaign. “We didn’t want to run them to the ground because of the back-to-back.

That’s the reason,” said Casey. “I don’t want to say this is going to be the plan throughout the year. Their bodies and how they feel will lend a lot to how we want to do it.” Donovan Mitchell sank the winning basket with seven seconds left, lifting Utah Jazz to a 110-109 win at Oklahoma City, while Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds in Denver Nuggets’ 124-111 win over Houston Rockets. The Memphis Grizzlies’ first win of the season came at a cost as Rookie of the Year Ja Morant limped out with a sprained ankle in the first half of a 116111 overtime success over Brooklyn Nets. Morant - who averaged 36 points in the first two games of the season was taken from the court in a wheelchair and watched the closing stages in a protective boot as Kyle Anderson drained three of four free throws late in overtime to amass 28 points in all.

Chelsea, stung by Arsenal defeat, held 1-1 by Villa 7th CYAA football trophy underway the 50th minute when El Ghazi sidefooted a volley at the far post through the legs of Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after a cross by Matty Cash. Chelsea protested in vain that their defender

Andreas Christensen had been fouled in the build-up by Jack Grealish. The result means Villa and Chelsea sit in fifth and sixth place in the table respectively ahead of Tuesday’s matches.

Leicester move up to second after 1-1 draw at Palace

Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud in action with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz during the Premier in London, December 28. (Reuters)

L O N D O N, D E C 2 9 (AGENCIES): Chelsea, overhauled by coach Frank Lampard after a weekend loss to Arsenal, drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa on Monday as Oliver Giroud’s first-half header was cancelled out shortly after the break by Anwar El Ghazi.

Lampard made six changes to the team that began Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to their London neighbours and his gamble on Giroud paid off when the France striker stooped to head in a cross by Ben Chilwell in the 34th minute. It was Giroud’s third

goal in four league starts this season, a contrast to a poor run for Timo Werner who has failed to score in the league since Nov. 7. The German, signed from RB Leipzig in the summer, appeared only as a substitute on Monday. Villa drew level in

Leicester City moved up to second in the Premier League after a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace when Harvey Barnes cancelled a Wilfried Zaha goal at Selhurst Park on Monday. Leicester will remain second overnight with Everton, level on points with them, not playing later on Monday after their home match against Manchester City was postponed following more positive COVID-19 cases at City. Leicester dominated the bulk of the game but failed to take their chances and missed a first half penalty while striker Jamie Vardy only came on as a second half substitute. “We’re disappointed not to get three points and we weren’t as clinical as we have been, but it’s onto the next game,” Barnes told Amazon Prime. Leicester could have taken an early lead after Luke Thomas was fouled in the box by James Tomkins but Kelechi Iheanacho’s weak effort from the spot after a stuttering run-up was swatted away by goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. Palace made it 1-0 just before the hour mark when Andros Townsend floated a cross to the far post for Zaha to volley home from an acute angle. However, Barnes equalised when he scored his second goal in as many games, driving a low effort from the edge of the box past the outstretched arm of Guaita in the 83rd minute.

Z Lanu kicking off the 7th edition of CYAA football trophy on Tuesday. (NP) Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 29 (NPN): In honour of its first educationist Lt Horise, the seventh edition of Chimonger Yangdong Akhuru Amulong (CYAA) commenced on Tuesday at Chimonger playground. Speaking at the programme as chief guest, Sangram Students Union Dimapur (SSUD) executive chairman Z Lanu encouraged the gathering to inculcate discipline saying

it is the first and foremost thing in life. Citing the importance of the five fingers in a hand, he said we need to be united, grip together as one in-order to carry out whatever possible work. He also encouraged the players to be discipline, infuse mutual co-operation, unity and compliance of rules as those are some of the characteristics which form the total character of the youth. Short speech was also delivered by CYAA executive mem-

ber LD Thsatsa. Highlights of the event included flag hosting and oath taking ceremony. In the first match, Friends outclassed Unity FC 2-1. Altogether, seven teams will compete for the trophy which will continue till January 2. The programme was chaired by CYAA general secretary Lirikhum, invocation prayer was pronounced by CBL deacon Lordson and special number was presented by Lanutemsu J Khel.

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