January 29, 2021

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 53

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Late drama sees Hyderabad FC hold B’luru to 2-2

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Pak SC orders release of Pearl murder accused international, Page 9

Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy passes away

Nagaland Governor, CM, Cabinet and others condole Closure in Ao and

State funeral to be at 12 noon today at CS residence All Govt. offices to remain closed in Kohima today DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): Nagaland chief secretary, Temjen Toy (Tali Temjen Toy) passed away at his Kohima residence Thursday evening after a brief battle against cancer. He was 57 and leaves behind his wife and two sons and two daughters including his parents and two sisters. Temjen Toy, son of Er. Lanu Toy, retired Chief Engineer (Power department) and Temsumongla, was recruited to the Indian Administrative Service in 1989 through UPSC and allotted the Nagaland cadre. State Funeral: A State Funeral will be accorded to late Temjen Toy who died in service, as decided by the state cabinet at an emergency meeting Thursday evening. According cabinet secretary J. Alam the State Funeral will be held on Friday at 12 noon at late Temjen Toy’s official residence, Officers Hill, Kohima. All government offices in Kohima will remain closed on Friday to enable government employees to pay their last respects to the departed

CNTC seeks speedy completion of old Dhansiri bridge DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has urged the state government, the department in-charge and the contractor to complete the construction of Old Dhansiri bridge without any further delay. In a press release, CNTC president T Lanu Imchen said that it was now four years since construction of the bridge began, but some bridges that started much later have all been completed. Once completed, it said that the bridge would bring a great relief to citizens as it was “a vital linkage of releasing the congested traffic in the commercial hub of Dimapur”-- traffic problem from Zion Hospital junction till up to Khermahal police point and clock tower. CNTC has, therefore, urged the authorities to heed to the plight of the commuters and complete the bridge.

COVID tally 12084

DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): Nagaland on Thursday reported only one COVID-19 positive case from Peren district, taking the State’s COVID caseload to 12084. As on January 28, the state recorded 52 active cases, while 11, 801 have recovered from the infection, 88 died due to the virus and 143 patients migrated.

This is it!

“I know what I’m suffering from. But I’m worried you’ll ask me to take various tests.” K Y M C

Late Temjen Toy

soul, a press release by cabinet secretary J Alam stated. The body of late Temjen will be laid to rest the residence premises of his father, Er. Lanu Toy, retired chief engineer (Power) at A.G. Colony, Kohima. Temjen graduated from Bombay University in 1985 and pursued his MBA in Marketing at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta in 1986 but discontinued in the third semester to prepare for UPSC exams. He also served in three districts at various capacity and as DC of Mokokchuung and also headed various important departments. He was also Team Leader of Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPED) from 2006 till 2011. He was actively involved with various frontal organizations especially in the field of sports and health related issues and was also the chair of various State apex sports organisations including Muay Thai, Softball and Rifle Association.

Governor of Nagaland RN Ravi has expressed grief and shock over at the untimely demise of Temjen Toy and said thatthe state has lost an able administrator and one of the finest human beings. In a condolence message to Mrs. Ruovi Toy, Ravi said that Toy as an administrator was always willing to take on difficult responsibilities and made his mark as a conscientious public servant. He said that Toy’s contribution to the people of Nagaland in various assignments would be remembered for ever. Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, the governor prayed that the Almighty God give them strength and fortitude to bear “this devastating loss and eternal peace to the departed soul.” CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed deep sadness at the passing away of chief secretary Temjen Joy and said that his death was a huge loss for the government of Nagaland and for the Nagas as a whole. Rio described late Toy as “a humble, upright and dedicated government servant”. The chief minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to be-

reaved family. Cabinet: The State cabinet has expressed shock at the sudden demise of chief secretary T Temjen Toy on Thursday evening. The cabinet placed on record its sincere appreciation of the exceptional services rendered by Temjen during his 32 years of illustrious service career. The cabinet recalled that while at the helm of affairs in all major departments of the State, he provided outstanding leadership and left an indelible mark in every department he worked. He displayed splendid administrative acumen while serving as Commissioner Nagaland as well as the principal secretary to two chief ministers. The cabinet noted that his leadership to the entire government machinery, his matured and measured advices, counselling and the tremendous goodwill enjoyed by him across the length and breadth of the State was a source of immense strength to the cabinet and government officials. He made tremendous contributions and galvanised the entire government machinery to fight COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that the people of the State were least affected, it added. Acknowledging

that the void created by Temjen’s demise would be difficult to fill, the cabinet conveyed its deepest condolences to members of the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty God to grant them strength and solace during this time of grief. Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed deep pain over the sudden and untimely demise of chief secretary Temjen Toy, and said that in his death the state has lost an outstanding officer and to the Ao community, one of its finest sons. In a condolence message, Longkumer said Toy was a very dynamic, hardworking and an upright officer totally committed to the State and its administration throughout his more than 30 years long service in the State. He said Toy had striven tirelessly for the overall development of the state, adding that his contributions as chief secretary to streamline the administration of the state have indeed been remarkable. The speaker, on behalf of the Members of the Thirteenth NLA, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Temjen Toy, their children and the other

family members. Dy. CM: State deputy chief minister and BLP leader, Y Patton has expressed deep pain and shock over the untimely demise of Temjen Toy and said that the state in his deathhas lost one of the finest breeds of an administrator, adding that it would be very difficult to fill the vacuum created. Patton said that Toy was also responsible in bringing about many administrative reforms in the state for which the state government would remain indebted. Patton said that Toy served the state government in various capacities as an efficient administrator and ultimately rose to the rank of chief secretary. Patton, on behalf of his family and the state BJP legislature, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for departed to rest in eternal peace. Imna Along: Minister Higher Education, Tribal Affairs and state BJP president Temjen Imna Along has expressed deep sadness over the sudden demise ofchief secretary Temjen Toy and said that his demise has left an irreplaceable void in the state governance. (Cont’d on p-5)

ENPO areas today

As a mark of respect and to mourn the demise of Nagaland chief secretary Temjen Toy (IAS), the Ao Senden and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation have called for closure of all establishments including government offices in their respective jurisdictions on January 29. The Ao Senden president Chubawati Ao and general secretary Imtipokyim Thursday informed that all government offices, educational institutions and business establishments under Ao jurisdiction will remain closed on January 29, 2021. Meanwhile, Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) has declared half day mourning on January 29 from 6 a.m. to 12 noon in all Eastern Nagaland areas. According to ENPO president, Kekongchim all government offices, school institutions and business establishments throughout Eastern Nagaland will remain closed during the mourning period.

Rio stresses on improving food production India has flattened its COVID graph: Vardhan

Rio and others after inaugurating the village council hall. (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 28 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has called on Nagas to become “more than self-sufficient” in food production so that they could sell the surplus. Speaking at the inauguration of the newlyconstructed Sechü (Zubza) Village Council hall on Thursday, Rio remarked that while COVID-19 pandemic had been very challenging for the people, it also taught “us” the need to get back to “our roots and work for our sustenance”. He recalled

that many people residing in urban areas and having faced scarcity of essential commodities had migrated back to their native villages and started cultivating lands. “We may be able to produce sufficient for ourselves. However, there is a need for us to produce in greater quantities and make our produces commercially viable,” he stressed. Rio said Nagas enjoy numerous privileges like not paying income tax or wealth tax which, he guessed, could be one of the reasons why the people had little sense of responsibility.

He observed that majority of the population avoided work and simply moved around asking from others, thus destroying the work culture of “our forefathers”. He mentioned that even the Bible taught man to make a living out of the sweat of his brow and stressed starting social reformation from the church in order to propagate the need for every person to work for his own livelihood and not simply rely on others. Rio lauded Sechü Village Council for being exemplary by not asking donations from others but collectively building the new hall with its own funds. Observing that Sechü was at a very strategic location envied by many, he said there was ample room for the village to change itself by upgrading to a town. “Many villages refuse to upgrade as they eye financial assistance that comes in

the form of village development board (VDB) funds. However, when there were more than 2,000 residents, a village can be upgraded into a town and with that even more funds will be made available to them,” he explained. He urged the village to have an open mind and think forward as, besides the four-lane road that already passed through the area, even a railway station would come up very soon. Therefore, necessary developmental activities have to be put in place in order to accommodate the change, he added. Earlier, the inaugural programme was chaired by organising committee convener Neidilhoutuo Sechü. Short speeches were given by Western Angami Public Organisation president Kevisekho Chücha and 8th Western Angami constituency MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro.

NEW DELHI, JAN 28 (PTI): India has flattened its COVID-19 graph and 146 districts have reported no new case of the viral disease in the last seven days, 18 in 14 days, six in 21 days and 21 districts in the last 28 days, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Thursday. This has been achieved due to pro-active testing with more than 19.5 crore COVID-19 tests conducted in the country so far, Vardhan, who chaired the 23rd meeting of the high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) on COVID-19 through a video-conference, said, according to a statement issued by the health ministry. The current testing capacity is 12 lakh tests per day, the minister added. Of the over 700 districts in the country, around 20 per cent have not reported any COVID-19 case in the last one week. “Less than 12,000 cases were reported

Harsh Vardhan (File)

in the last 24 hours and the active caseload has reduced to just 1.73 lakh,” he said. Vardhan informed that a meagre 0.46 per cent of the 1.73 lakh active COVID-19 cases is on ventilators, 2.20 per cent is in the ICU and 3.02 per cent is on oxygen support. The minister stated that 165 cases of a new UK variant of the virus have so far been reported in the country and the patients are kept under supervised quarantine and surveillance.India has flattened its COVID-19 graph, he said. A total of 146 districts across the country have

no new cases for the last seven days, 18 for the last 14 days, six for 21 days and 21 districts have not reported fresh cases of the coronavirus infection in the last 28 days, Vardhan said. The health minister proudly mentioned that India has supported other countries with the supply of the COVID-19 vaccines during this global public health crisis and trained the personnel of several nations in vaccine administration. Dr Sujeet K Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), presented a detailed report on the current and future scenario of COVID-19 in India, drawing a comparison with the trajectory of the confirmed cases and growth rates of the viral disease in other countries. India has repor ted a seven-day growth rate of 0.90 per cent, amongst the lowest in the world, he stated.

Over 70,000 have registered for COVID vaccine in State Budget session set to be stormy; Opp DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): Altogether 70,274 people have registered for COVID-19 vaccine in the State till Thursday, of which 20,692 are healthcare workers, a DIPR report stared. Disclosing this at a meeting of State Task Force held at the health & family welfare (H&FW) directorate in Kohima on Thursday to review COVID vaccination and upcoming National Immunization Day (NID) for polio, State immunisation officer (SIO) Dr Ritu Thurr further stated that 5,773 healthcare workers have been administered the first dose of Covishield vaccine in the State. He said the first dose of vaccination would continue till February 24. Held under the chairmanship of H&FW principal secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia and attended by officials from H&FW and social welfare departments and State-level development partners from WHO, UNICEF and UNDP, the meeting was informed by WHO

senior medical officer Dr Sheilla Longkumer that the State was ready to start a three-day polio campaign to target 1,51,000 children and ensure coverage of 80% children below 5 years. She said that the state level campaign will be launched at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima. During the 3 days campaign-- Monday and Tuesday will be house to house, while Sunday will be open for those who could not get vaccinated on those two days.

State to launch IPP on Jan 31

State Health department has informed that Intensive Pulse Polio would be launched on January 31, 2021along with the rest of country. The department stated that polio drops would be administered to all eligible children from 0-5 years throughout the state in 2206 Polio Booths to be manned by 9096 health personnel and 441 supervisors along with vaccines and other logistics. It stated that special focus would be given

to migrant population with an aim to prevent importation of Polio cases. The department has appealed to all sections of the society, agencies (government, and non-government including the security forces and police), organizations, churches and community leaders and especially parents of children below 5 years of age to come forward and ensure that all eligible children receive the “Two Drops of Life” (Polio Drops) on January 31, 2021. India has remained free of wild polio cases since January 2011 and India’s unprecedented progress against polio has led to certification of south east region including India by WHO in March 2014. India remains at high risk of importation till the whole world is free of wild polio virus. As per the recommendations of the India Expert Advisory Group (IEAG) on Polio NIDs are to be conducted covering all the children in the age group 0-5 years of age using bOPV. Meanwhile, the STF meet-

ing discussed the following action points-- from the revenue department only Kiphire and Mon have registrar in the Co-WIN portal. As the health department was overburdened with COVID-19 and other parallel activities, it was decided that other departments will roped in for COVID vaccine registration. The meeting was of the view that next STF would need representation from commissioner’s office for better coordination with all DCs, while the district task forces (DTFs) should focus on beneficiary registration of frontline workers (FLWs) as specified in Health ministry operational guidelines. Among other decision taken at the meeting, the house decided that sensitisation of anganwadi workers and ASHAs for COVID vaccination would be done urgently through VC with CHOs to motivate all of them, including AWWs, even as a parallel sensitisation will be done through CMOs and social welfare department.

parties to boycott Pres joint address

NEW DELHI, JAN 28 (PTI): The Budget session of Parliament beginning Friday is poised to be stormy with the Opposition set to attack the government over the three new farm legislations, amid an ongoing agitation by farmers. The session will begin with the address of the President to the joint sitting of the two Houses on Friday morning followed by the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1. A total of 16 Opposition parties have announced a boycott of the President’s address in solidarity with the farmers protesting the new farm laws, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday. 16 Opposition parties have also demanded a probe into the violence on Republic Day in Delhi. With a view to have a paperless Budget, all the documents and the Economic Survey would be made available online soon after

the authenticated copies are laid on the Table of the House, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has said. Like the last time, in this session too COVID-19 protocols will be in place and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will meet in shifts of five hours each -- with the upper house meeting in the morning and the lower house in the evening. Due to the pandemic, the Winter session was not held. Question Hour also makes a comeback in this session. Due to paucity of time, there was no Question Hour in the previous session. Monsoon session also saw the two Houses working on Saturdays and Sundays. But this time, Parliament will not sit on weekends. The session would conclude on April 8. In order to enable the standing committees to consider the Demands for Grants of ministries and prepare their reports, the Houses will adjourn on February 15 and meet again on March 8. K Y M C


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January 29, 2021 by Nagaland Post - Issuu