February 9, 2021

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 64

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

FC Goa hold Mumbai City FC to 3-3 draw sports, Page 12

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End agitation, hold talks: Modi to farmers

NEW DELHI, FEB 8 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the farmers to end their agitation and initiate talks to resolve the issue while assuring that the MSP will continue. He also appealed to the farmers to give the new farm laws a chance and see if these laws bring a positive change to their lives. “The farmers should end their agitation and sit and talk to resolve the issue,” he said. Modi while replying to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, said that the MSP will continue and so will the monthly ration

‘‘

MSP was there, it is there and it is going to be there in future. If there is any drawback in the laws, these would be corrected

scheme to 80 crore people. Appealing to the agitating farmers to end their protest, he said talks should be held to resolve the issue. “If there is any drawback in the laws, these would be corrected. If there is a loose end somewhere, it will be tightened. Our doors are open for suggestions,” Modi said.

Narendra Modi (PTI)

“MSP was there, it is there and it is going to be there in future”, Modi said. He also assured that there was no question of the abolition of distribution of ration through the PDS. He said 82 crore people availed ration from the PDS. Mandis would be modernized, Modi said and added that a provision had

been made in the current budget for this purpose. He implored the farmers camping at the outskirts of Delhi demanding the repeal of the three farm laws to return home. “It does not feel nice. There are also old people in the gathering,” he said. Modi also appealed to the MPs to request the agitating farmers to leave. “If the laws produce an adverse impact, pass the blame to me–if the laws work, take all the credit,” he told the opposition MPs and sought their cooperation. “We should not spread misinformation. We have been entrusted with serious responsibility by people,” Modi said.

Farmers ask govt to choose date for talks Won’t allow business over hunger: Tikait Farmer unions agitating against the three agri laws on Monday asked the government to fix a date for the next round of talks, soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged them to end their stir and invited them to resume the dialogue. They, however, objected to Prime Minister Modi’s remarks in Rajya Sabha that a new “breed” of agitators called “andolan jivi” has emerged in the country, and said that agitation has an important role in a democracy. “We have never refused to hold talks with the government. Whenever it has called us for dialogue, we held discussions with Union ministers. We are ready for talks with them (government),” farmer leader Shiv Kumar Kakka told PTI.

Responding to Narendra Modi’s address, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait Monday said that farmers will not allow business over hunger and reiterated the demand for a law on minimum support price (MSP). Tikait countered the PM’s statement and said that farmers will not allow the price of crops to fluctuate “like the price of a flight ticket changes three to four times a day”. “There will not be business over hunger in the country. If hunger goes up, price of crops will be decided accordingly. Those wanting business over hunger will be driven out of the country),” he told reporters. He also said that a law stipulating the provision of MSP will be beneficial to all farmers, and added that due to the absence of such a law, traders “loot” farmers by buying crops at lower prices.

Anti-coup protests swell in Myanmar

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PM slams Oppn for U-turn on farm laws

Amid the ongoing farmers’ protest against the Centre’s newly enacted farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the opposition of taking a U-turn on the farm laws. He said that former Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, Congress party had favoured agri reforms. Stating he was happy that Manmohan Singh was present in the House, Modi said the idea of a “one large common market” for agricultural produce was also envisaged by the former Prime Minister. To substantiate his claim, Modi quoted Manmohan Singh as having said that the existing marketing regime prevented farmers from selling their produce where they could get the highest rate of return. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha said “Manmohan Singh Ji had made his intentions clear to give farmers the freedom to sell their produce, and have just one market. (Cont’d on p-8)

international, Page 9

U’khand flood: 18 bodies recovered, 202 missing as rescue efforts intensify D E H R A D U N, F E B 8 (PTI): Eighteen bodies have been recovered and 202 are still missing after the glacier burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, officials said on Monday, as multiple agencies joined hands to rescue at least 30 workers trapped in a tunnel at a power project site. With more bodies being recovered, the death toll touched 18 and could go higher, officials in the State Emergency Operation Centre here said, a day after a portion of the Nanda Devi glacier possibly burst through its banks at Joshimath. It triggered an avalanche and a deluge that rippled through the Alaknanda river system in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas. The 202 still missing include those working at hydel power project sites as well as villagers nearby whose homes were washed away with the force of the raging waters, the officials said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said saving lives and extending all help to the families of the deceased

BAC agrees for one PAM, Niki-led NSCN holds consultative meet Schools reopen for Classes 6 to 12 full-day discussion (I-M), WC NNPGs DIMAPUR, FEB 8 (NPN): on Naga pol. issue Niki ‘agrees in principle’ to talk with NSCNmission Most schools across Naof PAM was for unified

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 8 (NPN): After NPF legislators had boycotted the sixth session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in August last year for declining their proposal, Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Assembly has now reportedly agreed for one full-day discussion on Naga political issue during the ensuing Assembly session scheduled from February 12. Confirming this to Nagaland Post, NPF legislator, Imkong L Imchen said BAC has agreed to allocate one full day for deliberation on Naga political issue, adding “there is no reason they should track back their word later”. He said NPF would put across their opinions transcending political party lines, stressing that a consensus would have to be build on the issue and the Assembly must adopt a resolution as it had nothing to do with party politics. It may be mentioned here that NPF in August last year had proposed allocation of one day each for discussion on Naga political issue, COVID-19 and SARFAESI Act, 2002.

This is it!

“Just a phone away, indeed. A nice way to invite us for talks.” K Y M C

PAM delegation along with Niki Sumi on Monday. (PAM)

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, FEB 8 (NPN): Niki Sumi-led faction of NSCN (K) has “agreed in principle” to sit across the table with the other two Naga negotiating groups as and when required. This was conveyed to a delegation of Political Affairs Mission (PAM) of the NPF, which held a consultative meeting with the group on the outskirts of Molvom village Monday. PAM delegation was led by NPF legislator, Imkong L. Imchen. During the meeting,

PAM reiterated the party’s stand for honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the Naga political issue and urged Niki group to build an understanding with other Naga nationalist groups. Welcoming the renewal of the ceasefire with Niki Sumi-led NSCN, PAM appreciated both Centre and the group for their endeavour to find a solution through peaceful means. Correspondent adds: Meanwhile, talking to Nagaland Post, Imkong L Imchen said that the

Nagas by all entities. Imchen said that Niki Sumi, during the two-hour long meeting, agreed to have common discussion with the NSCN (I-M) and the Working Committee of NNPGs comprising of seven groups, “if invited”. Niki had also agreed for an inclusive solution, which was a positive indication, Imchen said. The meeting was cordial and both sides were satisfied with the discussion, Imchen said. Niki-led NSCN appreciates: Meanwhile, with the common Naga theme of peace and inclusiveness, Niki Sumi-led NSCN (K) welcomed the initiative of PAM towards one political solution, inclusive of all Nagas. In a statement, Nikato Pilot Sumi, MIP kilonser said the organisation was grateful to PAM for its valuable inputs and asserted that it stood for an inclusive Naga political solution with the intrinsic character of inclusiveness.

galand reopened on Monday for classes 6 to 12 after nearly one year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, the School Education department has asked all schools to strictly follow COVID-19 safety protocols. Besides other safety protocols, the department has asked schools to frame alternate day routine as per the enrolment in each class and the infrastructure facilities available. According to reports, principal director School Education, Shanavas C had said that the present arrangement would continue for about a month. Once the department is confident that schools are strictly following all SOPs and also no COVID cases detected in schools, only then it would take a call on resumption of classes for students of Class 5 and below.

Rescue operations underway at Tapovan Tunnel, Monday. (PTI)

is the state government’s priority. Two power projects – NTPC’s 480 MW Tapovan-Vishnugad project and the 13.2 MW Rishi Ganga Hydel Project – were extensively damaged with scores of labourers caught in tunnels as the waters came rushing in. Rescue efforts in the affected areas near Joshimath, about 295 km from here, gained momentum with teams of the Army, ITBP, NDRF and SDRF coordinating to rescue 3035 people feared trapped in a tunnel at the TapovanVishnugad project. Sniffer

dogs and heavy mechanical equipment, including bulldozers and JCBs, were deployed in the areas to aid the rescue workers. While Indian Air Force teams left for the affected areas to ramp up relief efforts, personnel from multiple forces worked through the night. The State Emergency Operation Centre said 27 people were rescued alive. Of these, 12 were saved from the smaller of the two tunnels at the TapovanVishnugad project site and 15 from the Rishi Ganga site.

Will not allow taxation on dev activities: USSC

Infant succumbs to COVID in M’laya

DIMAPUR, FEB 8 (NPN): United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has declared that it will not allow any undue taxation by any individual, agent or faction on developmental activities under education and medical departments, roads & bridges construction and on Aspirational funds meant for development activities under Sangtam jurisdiction with immediate effect. Conference’s president Samuel B Sangtam and general secretary Selichot Thonger stated in a release that a decision to this effect was taken at a joint meeting of the apex Sangtam student body with its 78 village units at Charc town on January 15. Further, USSC directed all contractors and departments to shared work orders and detailed project reports (DPR) with its office and warned that quality of workmanship should not be compromised by any contractor within its jurisdiction. Clarifying that the directive was being issued after witnessing poor workmanship by a few contractors and departments within its jurisdiction, the conference cautioned that its violation would force it to initiate its own course of action. The student body therefore appealed to all concerned to cooperate, adding that its directive would remain in force till further notice.

China beetles infesting gooseberry plants in NE NFHRCC urges hohos, CSOs to AGARTALA/ITANAGAR, FEB 8 (AGENCIES): Scientists have for the first time found evidence of China beetles infesting gooseberry or amla plants in Arunachal Pradesh and few other North Eastern states. According to The Tribune, the scientists also anticipated that these China beetles may spread to major litchi and gooseberry growing states like Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, if sufficient measures are not taken. A study conducted by noted entomologist M.M. Kumawat and other scientists from the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF) in Arunachal Pradesh has found severe infestation of Chinese stem borer beetle Aristobia Reticulator (Voet) on gooseberry plants in East Siang district of the state. The study was carried

(Representational image) out in 15 orchards in the plain areas. This has been reported in the latest issue of Indian Journal of Entomology published by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in an article titled “First record of Aristobia Reticulator (Voet) on Aonla Emblica Officinalis Gaertn”. Kumawat said the concerned state and central authorities are yet to take appropriate and sufficient quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the China

beetles in the northeastrn states. “The occurrence of China beetles on amla trees in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh was observed with varying levels of infestations. This beetle is a regular pest of litchi and longan trees in China and Myanmar and it was first detected in India in 1997 as a stem borer on guava trees in Meghalaya. Later on, it extended its host range and became the major pests of litchi in Arunachal Pradesh.

Now, it has also become the pest of aonla,” Kumawat told IANS over phone from Jodhpur. Kumawat, who earlier worked in the CHF under the Imphal-based Central Agricultural University and is now serving in Jodhpur’s Agriculture University, said the China beetle may invade neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Tripura and even spread to major litchi and amla growing states in other parts of the country. Beetles prefer to lay eggs on litchi, followed by aonla, whereas guava is the least preferred host for egg laying, as reported by the scientists. Kumawat said that further study on the China beetles is important as they may damage forest trees in Arunachal Pradesh and in other states, posing threat to the ecosystem.

be part of joint inspection team

DIMAPUR, FEB 8 (NPN): Nagaland Foothills Road Co-ordination Committee (NFHRCC) has appealed to all Dimapur-based tribal hohos, apex hohos and local civil society organisations (CSOs) to be part of a joint inspection team scheduled to visit the Foothills Road on February 10 to ascertain its progress and latest status along with officials of the department concerned and contractor. The team will meet at 11 am at Doyang bridge construction site, Governor’s Camp, Liphanyan. NFHRCC also acknowledged the generous contribution of Rs 40,000 from senior associate pastor of Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Yanbemo Lotha and his family towards the road construction-- the amount contributed from selling two (Cont’d on p-8) books– “Empirical Evidence

of COVID-19 challenge” and “Unveil the Truth” written by him. NFHRCC convener Supu Jamir, general secretary W Lemba Chang and asst. general secretary Chenithung Humtsoe said the pastor also gave a small note which read “the Trans Nagaland Expressway will be like a second road to Heaven on Earth”. He also clarified in his note that the contribution was not aimed to gain name “but to acknowledge the almighty God for granting the family the opportunity to serve God by helping our society during the COVID19 pandemic crisis”. It also thanked Health minister Pangnyu Phom for providing food and venue expenses during the joint meeting of 11 tribal apex hohos and MLAs held at Hotel Japfu on February 5.

SHILLONG, FEB 8: A one-month-old baby (female) has died of COVID19 in Meghalaya, taking the total number of fatalities in the state to 148, health officials said. Director Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War informed that the baby was admitted to Ganesh Das Government Maternal and Child Health Hospital on February 5. Both the mother and the baby had tested positive for COVID19, War said. However, the infant succumbed to the viral infection with febrile convulsion and neonatal seizures on February 7. (Correspondent)

State COVID-19 tally now 12160

DIMAPUR, FEB 8 (NPN): Two new COVID-19 cases were reported on Monday, one each in Kohima and Dimapur, taking the tally to 12160. According to Health department bulletin, the state currently has 84 active cases while a total of 11837 patients have recovered from the infection. PTI adds: India’s tally rose to 1,08,38,194, with 11,831 new infections, while the daily deaths fell below 100 for the fourth time this month, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. 6,771 inoculated till date: Altogether 102 healthcare workers and 336 frontline workers were vaccinated across the State on Monday, taking the number of total vaccinated beneficiaries to 6,771, of which 6,391 are healthcare workers and 380 frontline workers. Further, the 380 frontline workers, apart from healthcare workers, have been vaccinated without any adverse events requiring medical intervention till date, Dr Ritu Thurr, State immunization officer (UIP), Health & family Welfare directorate stated. K Y M C


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